bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of intermittent fasting on lipid biokinetics in obese and overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: prospective observational study
Authors: Mohamed Yasmin Atwa , Abouelmagd Megahed , Elbialy Aya , Elwassefy Mona , Kyrillos Fady 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a commonly used dietary practice that alternates between periods of unrestricted dietary consumption and abstinence from caloric intake. IF reduces caloric intake along with metabolic switch from utilization of glucose to fatty acids and ketones and resulting in reduction in adiposity and subsequently insulin resistance. Thus, it has been hypothesized that IF regimens can improve body composition in obese and overweight individuals.

Aim
To assess the effect of IF on lipid biokinetics in obese and overweight patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Patients and methods
Thirty overweight or obese T2D patients were recruited from the diabetes outpatient clinics at the Specialized Medical Hospital, Mansoura University. Patients were subjected to time restricted fasting for 16 h (from dawn to sunset) during Ramadan. Anthropometric data were measured for participants before and 3 weeks after Ramadan fasting. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, lipid profile, leptin, beta hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and high sensitive CRP levels were measured 1 week before and 3 weeks after Ramadan fasting.

Results
30 diabetic patients were recruited with a mean age of 54.3 ± 7.2 years. 24 (80%) were females. Obesity was diagnosed in 27 cases (90%). The median diabetes duration was 10 years. The study showed a statistically significant decrease in post-fasting body weight (BW), Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) & hip circumference (HC). There was a statistically significant decrease of post-fasting low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), Total cholesterol (TC), and leptin. The study also showed a statistically significant increase of post-fasting high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and βHB. No significant change was found in post-fasting levels of HbA1c, FPG, triglycerides (TG) or high sensitive CRP. Post-fasting leptin was positively correlated with post-fasting BW, BMI, WC, and HC. Post-fasting βHB was positively correlated with post-fasting TG, HbA1c, and LDL-C. Leptin levels change (pre vs post fasting) was positively correlated with the change in LDL-C levels.

Conclusion
IF reduced leptin and increased β-hydroxybutyrate levels. IF is an effective tool for losing weight and visceral fat and improving lipid profile in obese and overweight patients with T2D.
Methylation of serotonin regulating genes in cord blood cells: association with maternal metabolic parameters and correlation with methylation in peripheral blood cells during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Bečeheli Ivona , Horvatiček Marina , Perić Maja , Nikolić Barbara , Holuka Cyrielle , Klasić Marija , Ivanišević Marina , Starčević Mirta , Desoye Gernot , Hranilović Dubravka , Turner Jonathan D. , Štefulj Jasminka 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling is involved in neurodevelopment, mood regulation, energy metabolism, and other physiological processes. DNA methylation plays a significant role in modulating the expression of genes responsible for maintaining 5-HT balance, such as 5-HT transporter (SLC6A4), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and 5-HT receptor type 2A (HTR2A). Maternal metabolic health can influence long-term outcomes in offspring, with DNA methylation mediating these effects. We investigated associations between maternal metabolic parameters—pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and glucose tolerance status (GTS), i.e., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) versus normal glucose tolerance (NGT)—and cord blood methylation of SLC6A4, MAOA, and HTR2A in participants from our PlaNS birth cohort. CpG sites (15, 9, and 2 in each gene, respectively) were selected based on literature and in silico data. Methylation levels were quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing. We also examined the stability of methylation patterns in these genes in circulating blood cells from birth to adolescence using longitudinal DNA methylation data from the ARIES database.

Results
None of the 203 PlaNS mothers included in this study had preexisting diabetes, 99 were diagnosed with GDM, and 104 had NGT; all neonates were born at full term by planned Cesarean section. Methylation at most CpG sites differed between male and female newborns. SLC6A4 methylation correlated inversely with maternal pBMI and GWG, while methylation at HTR2A site -1665 correlated positively with GWG. None of the maternal metabolic parameters statistically associated with MAOA methylation. DNA methylation data in cord blood and peripheral blood at ages 7 and 15 years were available for 808 participants from the ARIES database; 4 CpG sites (2 in SLC6A4 and 2 in HTR2A) overlapped between the PlaNS and ARIES cohorts. A positive correlation between methylation levels in cord blood and peripheral blood at 7 and 15 years of age was observed for both SLC6A4 and HTR2A CpG sites.

Conclusions
Methylation of 5-HT regulating genes in cord blood cells is influenced by neonatal sex, with maternal metabolism playing an additional role. Inter-individual variations present in circulating blood cells at birth are still pronounced in childhood and adolescence.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of Sirt6-enriched adipose stem cell-derived exosomes in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury: unfolding new epigenetic frontiers
Authors: Liu Kun , Wang Hecheng , Wang Yiou , Zhang Xiaoxu , Wang Ruihu , Zhang Zhaoxuan , Wang Jian , Lu Xinran , Wu Xiaoyu , Han Yanshuo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The management of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) presents continuous therapeutic challenges. NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) plays distinct roles in various disease contexts and is hence investigated for potential therapeutic applications for MIRI. This study aimed to examine the impact of Sirt6-overexpressing exosomes derived from adipose stem cells (S-ASC-Exo) on MIRI, focusing on their influence on AIM2-pyroptosis and mitophagy processes. The sirtuin family of proteins, particularly Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6), play a pivotal role in these processes. This study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of Sirt6-enriched exosomes derived from adipose stem cells (S-ASC-Exo) on regulating MIRI.

Results
Bioinformatic analysis revealed a significant downregulation of Sirt6 in MIRI subjected to control group, causing a consequential increase in mitophagy and pyroptosis regulator expressions. Therefore, our study revealed that Sirt6-enriched exosomes influenced the progression of MIRI through the regulation of target proteins AIM2 and GSDMD, associated with pyroptosis, and p62 and Beclin-1, related to mitophagy. The introduction of S-ASC-Exo inhibited AIM2-pyroptosis while enhancing mitophagy. Consequently, this led to a significant reduction of GSDMD cleavage and pyroptosis in endothelial cells, catalyzing a deceleration in the progression of atherosclerosis. Extensive in vivo and in vitro assays were performed to validate the expressions of these specific genes and proteins, which affirmed the dynamic modulation by Sirt6-enriched exosomes. Furthermore, treatment with S-ASC-Exo drastically ameliorated cardiac functions and limited infarct size, underlining their cardioprotective attributes.

Conclusions
Our study underscores the potential therapeutic role of Sirt6-enriched exosomes in managing MIRI. We demonstrated their profound cardioprotective effect, evident in the enhanced cardiac function and attenuated tissue damage, through the strategic modulation of AIM2-pyroptosis and mitophagy. Given the intricate interplay between Sirt6 and the aforementioned processes, a comprehensive understanding of these pathways is essential to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of Sirt6. Altogether, our findings indicate the promise of Sirt6-enriched exosomes as a novel therapeutic strategy in treating ischemia–reperfusion injuries and cardiovascular diseases at large. Future research needs to underscore optimizing the balance of mitophagy during myocardial ischemia to avoid potential loss of normal myocytes.
Thoracic spinous process nonunion as an unusual cause of back pain: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dietrich Gilles , Richard Raphaël , Akiki Alain , Levy Sebastien , Maeder Benoit 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Purely isolated spinous processes fractures are rare and are usually treated conservatively, although a few authors have reported cases of nonunion that ultimately required surgical resection.

Case presentation
We present a case of an isolated T6 spinous process pseudoarthrosis that was treated by surgical resection of the tip of the spinous process. A 34-year-old Caucasian male patient was complaining of mid-thoracic back pain without neurologic impairment more than 2 years after an isolated spinous process fracture. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) revealed a nonunion. We performed a resection without further complication.

Conclusion
Although spinous process nonunions may in some cases be well tolerated, surgical resection appears to be a reliable option in case of persistent symptoms. This illustrated case shows the description of an isolated thoracic spinous process nonunion and its surgical treatment.
Characteristics of the a sequence of the duck Plague virus genome and specific cleavage of the viral genome based on the a sequence
Authors: Yang Qiao , Feng Yaya , Zhang Yuanxin , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Chen Shun , Liu Mafeng , Zhao Xinxin , Wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Tian Bin , Ou Xumin , Mao Sai , Huang Juan , Gao Qun , Sun Di , Wu Zhen , He Yu , Zhang Ling , Yu Yanling , Cheng Anchun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDuring the replication process, the herpesvirus genome forms the head-to-tail linked concatemeric genome, which is then cleaved and packaged into the capsid. The cleavage and packing process is carried out by the terminase complex, which specifically recognizes and cleaves the concatemeric genome. This process is governed by a cis-acting sequence in the genome, named the a sequence. The a sequence and genome cleavage have been described in some herpesviruses, but it remains unclear in duck plague virus. In this study, we analysed the location, composition, and conservation of a sequence in the duck plague virus genome. The structure of the DPV genome has an a sequence of (DR4)m-(DR2)n-pac1-S termini (32 bp)-L termini (32 bp)-pac2, and the length is 841 bp. Direct repeat (DR) sequences are conserved in different DPV strains, but the number of DR copies is inconsistent. Additionally, the typical DR1 sequence was not found in the DPV a sequence. The Pac1 and pac2 motifs are relatively conserved between DPV and other herpesviruses. Cleavage of the DPV concatemeric genome was detected, and the results showed that the DPV genome can form a concatemer and is cleaved into a monomer at a specific site. We also established a sensitive method, TaqMan dual qRT‒PCR, to analyse genome cleavage. The ratio of concatemer to total viral genome was decreased during the replication process. These results will be critical for understanding the process of DPV genome cleavage, and the application of TaqMan dual qRT‒PCR will greatly facilitate more in-depth research.
The role of PB1-F2 in adaptation of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H7N7 in chickens
Authors: Hohensee Luise , Scheibner David , Schäfer Alexander , Shelton Holly , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Breithaupt Angele , Dorhoi Anca , Abdelwhab Elsayed M. , Blohm Ulrike 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAvian influenza viruses (AIV) of the H7N7 subtype are enzootic in the wild bird reservoir in Europe, cause infections in poultry, and have sporadically infected humans. The non-structural protein PB1-F2 is encoded in a second open frame in the polymerase segment PB1 and its sequence varies with the host of origin. While mammalian isolates predominantly carry truncated forms, avian isolates typically express full-length PB1-F2. PB1-F2 is a virulence factor of influenza viruses in mammals. It modulates the host immune response, causing immunopathology and increases pro-inflammatory responses. The role of full-length PB1-F2 in IAV pathogenesis as well as its impact on virus adaptation and virulence in poultry remains enigmatic. Here, we characterised recombinant high pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV) H7N7 expressing or lacking PB1-F2 in vitro and in vivo in chickens. In vitro, full-length PB1-F2 modulated viability of infected chicken fibroblasts by limiting apoptosis. In chickens, PB1-F2 promoted gastrointestinal tropism, as demonstrated by enhanced viral replication in the gut and increased cloacal shedding. PB1-F2’s effects on cellular immunity however were marginal. Overall, chickens infected with full-length PB1-F2 virus survived for shorter periods, indicating that PB1-F2 is also a virulence factor in bird-adapted viruses.
Quantitative label-free proteomic analysis of excretory-secretory proteins in different developmental stages of Trichinella spiralis
Authors: Liu Yadong , Liu Juncheng , Wang Nan , You Xihuo , Yang Yaming , Ding Jing , Liu Xiaolei , Liu Mingyuan , Li Chen , Xu Ning 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTrichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) is a zoonotic parasitic nematode with a unique life cycle, as all developmental stages are contained within a single host. Excretory-secretory (ES) proteins are the main targets of the interactions between T. spiralis and the host at different stages of development and are essential for parasite survival. However, the ES protein profiles of T. spiralis at different developmental stages have not been characterized. The proteomes of ES proteins from different developmental stages, namely, muscle larvae (ML), intestinal infective larvae (IIL), preadult (PA) 6 h, PA 30 h, adult (Ad) 3 days post-infection (dpi) and Ad 6 dpi, were characterized via label-free mass spectrometry analysis in combination with bioinformatics. A total of 1217 proteins were identified from 9341 unique peptides in all developmental stages, 590 of which were quantified and differentially expressed. GO classification and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that these proteins were important for the growth of the larvae and involved in energy metabolism. Moreover, the heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein was the centre of protein interactions at different developmental stages. The results of this study provide comprehensive proteomic data on ES proteins and reveal that these ES proteins were differentially expressed at different developmental stages. Differential proteins are associated with parasite survival and the host immune response and may be potential early diagnostic antigen or antiparasitic vaccine candidates.
Galectin from Trichinella spiralis alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating the intestinal microbiota
Authors: Li Jianqing , Wang Xiangjiang , Wang Qiuhui , Hu Yishen , Wang Shouan , Xu Jia , Ye Jianbin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAccording to numerous reports, Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) and its antigens can reduce intestinal inflammation by modulating regulatory immunological responses in the host to maintain immune homeostasis. Galectin has been identified as a protein that is produced by T. spiralis, and its characterization revealed this protein has possible immune regulatory activity. However, whether recombinant T. spiralis galectin (rTs-gal) can cure dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis remains unknown. Here, the ability of rTs-gal to ameliorate experimental colitis in mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as the potential underlying mechanism were investigated. The disease activity index (DAI), colon shortening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and histological damage were used as indicators to monitor clinical symptoms of colitis. The results revealed that the administration of rTs-gal ameliorated these symptoms. According to Western blotting and ELISA results, rTs-gal may suppress the excessive inflammatory response-mediated induction of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB expression in the colon. Mice with colitis exhibit disruptions in the gut flora, including an increase in gram-negative bacteria, which in turn can result in increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production. However, injection of rTs-gal may inhibit changes in the gut microbiota, for example, by reducing the prevalence of Helicobacter and Bacteroides, which produce LPS. The findings of the present study revealed that rTs-gal may inhibit signalling pathways that involve enteric bacteria-derived LPS, TLR4, and NF-κB in mice with DSS-induced colitis and attenuate DSS-induced colitis in animals by modulating the gut microbiota. These findings shed additional light on the immunological processes underlying the beneficial effects of helminth-derived proteins in medicine.
Anti-leishmanial effects of Eryngium planum and Ecbilliun elaterum methanolic extract against Leishmania major
Authors: Ghaderian Erfan , Esboei Bahman Rahimi , Mousavi Parisa , Pourhajibagher Maryam , Homayouni Mohammad Mohsen , Zeinali Mohammad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLeishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. Existing anti-leishmanial treatments are not effective for a long time and associated with toxic side effects so searching for a new, effective and safe alternative treatments against infectious diseases is greatly needed. This study is aimed to assess the leishmaniacidal effects of methanolic extracts of Eryngium planum (E. planum) and Ecbilliun elaterum (E. elaterum) on Leishmania major (L. major), In vitro. The selected plants were collected from northern areas of Iran. The methanolic extract from the aerial parts of plants were prepared using maceration methods. GC- Mass analysis was used to determine the compounds of the plants. Promastigotes of L. major was cultured in RPMI-1640 medium and the anti-leishmanial and cytotoxicity effects of extracts at concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml were assessed using MTT assay. The data obtained from gas chromatography revealed that α-Pinene, Caryophyllene oxide, β‐Caryophyllene, Bicyclogermacrene and α‐Bisabolol are the main compounds extracted from E. planum and α‐Pinene, Germacrene D, Caryophyllene oxide, γ‐Eudesmol and α‐Bisabolol are the main components of E. elaterum. The results of MTT Assay revealed that E. planum at concentrations of 800 µg/ml after 24 h at 400 µg/ml after 48 h and the E. elaterium at concentrations of 800 µg/ml after 48 h at 400 µg/ml after 72 h had similar anti-leishmanial effects to the positive control. These results indicated that E. planum and E. elaterum are the potential sources for the discovery of novel anti-leishmanial treatments.
Blind CFO estimation based on weighted subspace fitting criterion with fuzzy adaptive gravitational search algorithm
Authors: Shen Chih-Chang , Zhang Ming-Hua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper deals with the blind carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation based on weighted subspace fitting (WSF) criterion with fuzzy adaptive gravitational search algorithm (GSA) for the interleaved orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing access (OFDMA) uplink system. For the CFO estimation problem, it is well known that the WSF has superior statistical characteristics and better estimation performance. However, the type of CFO estimation must pass through the high-dimensional space problem. Optimizing complex nonlinear multimodal functions requires a large computational load, which is difficult and not easy to maximize or minimize nonlinear cost functions in large parameter spaces. This paper firstly presents swarm intelligence (SI) optimization algorithms such as GSA, particle swarm optimization (PSO), and hybrid PSO and GSA (PSOGSA) to improve estimation accuracy and reduce the computational load of search. At the same time, this paper also integrates a fuzzy inference system to WSF-GSA to dynamically adjust the gravitational constant, which can not only reduce the searching computational load, but also improve the performance of GSA in the global optimization and solution accuracy. Finally, several simulation results are provided for illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed estimator.
Monitoring of soil EC for the prediction of soil nutrient regime under different soil water and organic matter contents
Authors: Kim Han Na , Park Jin Hee 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSmart farms and precision agriculture require automatic monitoring and supply of water and nutrients for crops, but sensors to monitor plant available nutrients in soil are not available. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is related to nutrients in soil solution, which can be affected by soil organic matter, soil texture, temperature, and water content. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate factors influencing soil EC sensor values by monitoring EC under different soil organic matter and water contents. Ten soil samples with various sand and clay contents, EC, pH, and organic matter contents were selected and saturated with water. Volumetric water content and EC of the soil were monitored while drying the soil. Humic acid and manure were added to soils in order to evaluate the effect of organic matter on soil EC. Soil EC values linearly increased with increasing water content at 10–25% which is favorable water content for plant growth. The EC increased when organic matter was added to soils, which was related to ions released from the organic matter. Soil EC calibration factor for soil water content increased when EC of the soil was high and organic matter was added. The sensor EC values in sandy loam and loam soils was related to the ion contents in pore water, and exchangeable ions in soil, respectively. Sensor EC values were highly correlated with organic matter and K contents in soil and can be used as an indicator for plant available nutrients in soil. Therefore, the sensor EC at optimal soil water content for plant growth can be used to monitor changes in plant available nutrients in soil.
Multiple and large simple renal cysts are associated with glomerular filtration rate decline: a cross-sectional study of Chinese population
Authors: Jin Cheng , Wei Lu , Yong Zhenzhu , Ma Yao , Zhu Bei , Pei Xiaohua , Zhu Canhong , Zhao Weihong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Although simple renal cyst (SRC) is a kind of structural alterations of kidney with age, the relationship between SRC and renal function is still obscure. We investigated the relationship between SRC and renal function in Chinese population.

Methods
The medical records of 41,842 individuals who underwent physical examinations at the Health Check-up Center at our institution in 2018 were reviewed. According to whether with SRC, they were divided into no-SRC and SRC groups. SRCs were classified into subgroups based on number (< 2 vs. ≥ 2) and size (< 2 cm vs. ≥ 2 cm). Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between SRC and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results
Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for eGFR slight decline in subjects with SRC was 1.26(95% confidence interval (95% CI):1.17–1.35, p < 0.001), and the OR for eGFR severe decline was 1.35(95% CI: 1.16–1.56, p < 0.001) compared with no-SRC. The adjusted OR of SRC number ≥ 2 and ≥ 2 cm on the risk of eGFR severe decline was the highest (OR:1.68, 95% CI:1.25–2.23, p < 0.01) of four SRC subgroups.

Conclusions
SRC is related to eGFR decline, especially when the person with one more SRCs and the size of SRC is more than 2 cm. SRC could be a warning sign for clinicians to judge the decline of renal function.