bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolactin drives cortical neuron maturation and dendritic development during murine embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Martinez-Alarcon Omar , Colin-Lagos Daniela , Ramirez-Meza Ximena , Castilla Alejandra , Hernandez-Montes Georgina , Flores-Garza Eliezer , Lopez-Saavedra Alejandro , Avila-Gonzalez Daniela , Martinez-Juarez Alejandro , Molina-Hernández Anayansi , Diaz-Martinez Nestor Emmanuel , Portillo Wendy , Diaz Nestor Fabian 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionProlactin (PRL) is a pleiotropic hormone implicated in various physiological processes; however, its contribution to neurodevelopment, particularly early corticogenesis, remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, we investigate PRL’s regulatory influence on the initial stages of cortical development, with an emphasis on its effects on neuronal and astrocytic differentiation.MethodsWe employed a standardized in vitro differentiation protocol to generate cortical neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Prolactin receptor (PRLr) expression was evaluated in pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells (NSCs), immature neurons, and mature neurons using both PCR and immunofluorescence. These analyses revealed dynamic changes in PRLr expression throughout the differentiation process. Additionally, cells were treated with varying concentrations of PRL during early and late differentiation phases, enabling assessment of its impact on neuronal phenotypic distribution and morphological complexity.ResultsEarly PRL administration significantly enhanced the population of β-tubulin III + immature neurons, promoting neuronal survival without altering NSC proliferation. Furthermore, PRL treatment increased the abundance of Tbr1 + and NeuN + neurons, augmented dendritic complexity, and accelerated neuronal maturation. In contrast, PRL exposure at later stages of neural differentiation did not yield comparable effects. Notably, PRL delayed the maturation of protoplasmic astrocytes, although the total astrocyte population was not affected.DiscussionThese findings highlight PRL’s pivotal role as a regulator of early corticogenesis by modulating neuronal survival, dendritic development, and astrocyte maturation. PRL thus emerges as a potential key factor in neurodevelopment, underscoring its importance in the hormonal regulation of neural differentiation and maturation. These insights may have broader implications for understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying normal and pathological neurodevelopment.
Non-destructive analysis of Ganoderma lucidum composition using hyperspectral imaging and machine learning
Authors: Ran Jing , Xu Hui , Wang Zhilong , Zhang Wei , Bai Xueyuan 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundGanoderma lucidum is a widely used medicinal fungus whose quality is influenced by various factors, making traditional chemical detection methods complex and economically challenging. This study addresses the need for fast, noninvasive testing methods by combining hyperspectral imaging with machine learning to predict polysaccharide and ergosterol levels in Ganoderma lucidum cap and powder.MethodsHyperspectral images in the visible near-infrared (385–1009 nm) and short-wave infrared (899–1695 nm) ranges were collected, with ergosterol measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and polysaccharides assessed via the phenol-sulfuric acid method. Three machine learning models—a feedforward neural network, an extreme learning machine, and a decision tree—were tested.ResultsNotably, the extreme learning machine model, optimized by a genetic algorithm with voting, provided superior predictions, achieving R2 values of 0.96 and 0.97 for polysaccharides and ergosterol, respectively.ConclusionThis integration of hyperspectral imaging and machine learning offers a novel, nondestructive approach to assessing Ganoderma lucidum quality.
Student wellbeing during COVID-19—Impact of individual characteristics, learning behavior, teaching quality, school system-related aspects and home learning environment
Authors: Brauchle Julian , Unger Valentin , Hochweber Jan 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the lives of young people. Studies indicate a decrease in wellbeing and an increase in mental health problems among adolescents. However, the influence of individual or contextual factors on student wellbeing has hardly been investigated to date.MethodsIn the present study, we used a cross-sectional survey design to examine the impact of individual student characteristics and learning behavior, teaching quality, school system-related aspects and home learning environment on the wellbeing of N = 1,212 secondary school students from Germany and Switzerland (grade level: 5–13; age: 10–20) during the pandemic. Most students completed the survey retrospectively, while some students were in quarantine at the time of the survey.ResultsIn stepwise multivariate regression models, higher student socioeconomic status and perceived teacher support were found to be positive predictors of wellbeing, while more frequent procrastination was found to be a negative predictor. Lower levels of wellbeing were found for female and older students, and German (compared to Swiss) students.DiscussionOur study contributes to the assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student wellbeing, specifically to the identification of particularly affected or vulnerable groups. This may help to better prepare education systems for future, comparable situations and to mitigate negative outcomes for students.
Evaluation of gut microbiota alterations following orlistat administration in obese mice
Authors: Xue Chang , Wang Tianying , Chen Yang , Zhang He , Wang Hongjie , Li Qiang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in various metabolic disorders. Orlistat has shown beneficial effects on weight loss and metabolism, but its direct impact on the gut microbiota has not been extensively reported. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effects of orlistat on the gut microbiota in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity.MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (fed a standard diet, N), and a model group (fed a 60% fat diet). A body weight exceeding the basal body weight by 130% defined a successfully established obesity model. The model group was further divided into a positive control group (fed a 60% fat diet, F), and an orlistat group (fed a 60% fat diet and treated with orlistat at 30 mg/kg, bid, A), with 10 mice in each group. The parameters assessed included weight loss, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, and intestinal hormones. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing.ResultsOrlistat treatment significantly reduced body weight and FPG levels, and increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) levels in obese mice. High-fat diet-fed mice exhibited increased microbial diversity and richness, which were significantly diminished by orlistat administration. Additionally, orlistat treatment led to a significant decrease in the proportion of Bacteroidetes and an increase in the proportion of Helicobacter and Allobaculum. Notable shifts in the abundances of Bacteroidetes were observed, correlating with changes in several functional metabolic pathways, including “cell motility” and “neurodegenerative diseases.” Co-occurrence network analysis suggested a more complex bacterial network in orlistat-treated mice, alongside a reduction in the density of bacterial correlation networks.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that orlistat’s beneficial effects on body weight, FPG, GLP-1, and GIP are likely mediated through modifications in the gut microbiota composition.
Differential expression of plasma extracellular vesicles microRNAs and exploration of their association with bone metabolism in childhood trauma participants treated in a psychosomatic clinic
Authors: He Yangyang , Wuertz-Kozak Karin , Cazzanelli Petra , Houtenbos Sanne , Garcia-Carrizo Francisco , Schulz Tim J. , Wippert Pia-Maria 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionEarly life stress (ELS) impacts neurotransmitters and cell communication, potentially disrupting neurological and physiological processes. Recently, ELS has been implicated in impaired bone metabolism, with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo, microRNAs (miRNAs), might affecting this process. This research aimed to elucidate the association between childhood trauma, a specific form of ELS, and bone metabolism through studying miRNA in EVs within three steps: firstly, examining alterations of EV miRNAs between ELS and controls, secondly analyzing associations between altered EV miRNAs and bone markers, and thirdly exploring the target gene prediction and enrichment pathways of altered EV miRNAs.MethodsThis study included a subgroup of the DEPREHA project (total n=208) from a psychosomatic clinic. Firstly, real-time quantitative PCR was performed on plasma EVs isolated from childhood trauma participants with depression (n=6) and matched healthy controls (n=9) to detect the differentially expressed EV miRNAs. Secondly, general linear regression models were employed to investigate the associations between specific EV miRNAs and circulating bone turnover markers (procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), osteocalcin, and β-CrossLaps (CTx)), adjusting for depression as a potential confounder. Thirdly, the miRNA target gene networks and enriched pathways were explored based on altered EV miRNAs.ResultsThese analyses could be conducted on n=19 participants from the entire group (11 [57.9%] female; median [IQR] age, 35.00 [26.00] years), but finally n=15 participants were included for analyses. 22 out 380 EV miRNAs were differentially expressed between childhood trauma participants (6 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated) and healthy controls. Among these, miR-25-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-451a, and miR-421 were associated with P1NP (bone formation marker) and CTx (bone resorption marker). MiR-26b-5p, miR-330-3p, and miR-542-5p were associated with osteocalcin (bone turnover marker). MiRNA target gene network prediction revealed highly associated target genes of dysregulated miRNAs, such as Trinucleotide Repeat Containing Adaptor 6B (TNRC6B), and enrichment analysis highlighted pathways including the forkhead box protein O (FoxO) signaling pathway.DiscussionsThis study explored the potential associations between childhood trauma and bone metabolism, due to the sample size and experimental group limitations, these associations should be validated in future experiments with larger sample sizes and different control group settings.
Clinical spectrum and uncommon features of McCune-Albright syndrome in children: a cohort study from a National Referral Center
Authors: Bergignat Solène , Chapurlat Roland , Nicolino Marc , Perge Kevin 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMcCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare disease caused by somatic gain-of-function variants in the GNAS gene that lead to constitutive activation of the G protein alpha subunit (Gsα). Pathologic consequences can involve several tissues. Fibrous dysplasia (FD), café-au-lait skin macules and hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies are classic manifestations. However, the phenotypic spectrum of MAS is considerably wider and more complex.MethodsWe performed a pediatric retrospective study from our National Referral Center between 2007 and 2021 to describe the clinical spectrum of MAS in children, with a focus on unusual or severe manifestations.Results and discussionA total of 33 children were included. Peripheral precocious puberty was the most frequent endocrinopathy, affecting 84,6% of girls and was the presenting feature for 57,6% of them. Thyroid involvement was also common, consisting in morphological abnormalities with or without slight hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules were typically benign, but one patient presented a follicular thyroid carcinoma. Cushing syndrome typically occurs in the neonatal period, but we observed an unusual case of hypercortisolism revealed in early infancy. FD was very common and manifested along a wide range of severity, from monostotic and asymptomatic lesion to polyostotic FD with pain, fractures, and compressive optic neuropathy. We described a locally aggressive FD involving sphenoid and maxillary bones which leaded a young female patient to death. Finally, we reported hepatic disorders, including a case of hepatocellular adenoma. In conclusion, MAS is a multisystemic disorder, with a variable combination of symptoms, and a broad range of severity. These uncommon abnormalities mostly occurred in patients with significant involvement of multiple other tissues.
Investigation of the role of miRNA variants in neurodegenerative brain diseases
Authors: Frydas Alexandros , Cacace Rita , van der Zee Julie , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Wauters Eline 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionmiRNAs are small noncoding elements known to regulate different molecular processes, including developmental and executive functions in the brain. Dysregulation of miRNAs could contribute to brain neurodegeneration, as suggested by miRNA profiling studies of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative brain diseases (NBDs). Here, we report rare miRNA variants in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).MethodsWe initially used whole exome sequencing data in a subset of FTD patients (n = 209) from Flanders-Belgium. We then performed targeted resequencing of variant-harboring miRNAs in an additional subset of FTD patients (n = 126) and control individuals (n = 426). Lastly, we sequenced the MIR885 locus in a Flanders-Belgian AD cohort (n = 947) and a total number of n = 755 controls.ResultsWES identified rare seed variants in MIR656, MIR423, MIR122 and MIR885 in FTD patients. Most of these miRNAs bind to FTD-associated genes, implicated in different biological pathways. Additionally, some miRNA variants create novel binding sites for genes associated with FTD. Sequencing of the MIR885 locus in the AD cohort initially showed a significant enrichment of MIR885 variants in AD patients compared to controls (SKAT-O, p-value = 0.026). Genetic association was not maintained when we included sex and APOE status as covariates. Using the miRVaS prediction tool, variants rs897551430 and rs993255773 appeared to evoke significant structural changes in the primary miRNA. These variants are also predicted to strongly downregulate mature miR885 levels, in line with what is reported for MIR885 in the context of AD.DiscussionFunctional investigation of miRNAs/variants described in this study could propose novel miRNA-mediated molecular cascades in FTD and AD pathogenicity. Furthermore, we believe that the genetic evidence presented here suggests a role for MIR885 in molecular mechanisms involved in AD and warrants genetic follow-up in larger cohorts to explore this hypothesis.
Maternal and fetal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus: a narrative review of dietary interventions
Authors: Phalle Anuja , Gokhale Devaki 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a myriad of maternal and fetal complications that severely compromise the mother and child's future health. Dietary interventions are effective in reducing the risk of GDM. However, when diagnosed with GDM in 2nd and 3rd the effectiveness of these interventions on maternal and fetal health remains unexplored. Therefore, this review critically examines existing literature for short- and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes of dietary interventions followed after GDM diagnosis.MethodologyAn extensive literature search through Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted to include original, full-text articles published in English between 2013 and April 2024. All randomized controlled trials, case-control, prospective cohort studies, and longitudinal follow-up trials that recruited GDM mothers following dietary interventions upon diagnosis were included. However, pre-pregnancy interventional, retrospective, and prospective studies reporting maternal and fetal outcomes in healthy pregnant women were excluded. This review followed the Narrative Review Checklist by the Academy of Nutrition &amp; Dietetics, Elsevier.ResultsWe reviewed the effects of eight popular dietary interventions on various short and long-term materno-fetal outcomes in women recently diagnosed with GDM. Dietary interventions such as Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and low-GI positively affected both short and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes. In contrast, fasting during Ramadan negatively affected maternal and fetal outcomes. Studies with low-carb, high-protein, and calorie restriction reported mixed findings for materno-fetal outcomes. Although certain dietary interventions have shown beneficial effects in the past literature, their findings were limited by small sample size, short intervention duration, and inconsistencies in the outcomes and population studied, compromising the quality of evidence. Further, we observed a scarcity of studies exploring the effect of dietary interventions followed during 2nd and 3rd trimesters after being diagnosed with GDM on long-term materno-fetal outcomes.ConclusionDietary interventions followed during 2nd and 3rd trimesters after the diagnosis of GDM may be crucial for preventing short and long-term materno-fetal complications; however, there is a lack of strong evidence to support this notion. Future studies are recommended to monitor the long-term materno-fetal outcomes of GDM.
Efficacy of Kegan Liyan oral liquid vs. Lianhuaqingwen capsules for patients with mild COVID-19: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Li Yuewei , Chi Yihe , Zhu Mengting , Fan Feiting , Deng Zhongyang , Xiao Jingmin , Jin Shaohan , Lin Luoqi , Chen Xiaochun , Xu Ruhong , Fan Long , Yu Xuhua , Liang Ziyao , Quan Jingyu , Li Shangzhao , Peng Xinying , Chen Yuanbin , Lin Lin , Wu Lei 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundTraditional Chinese medicine has been used for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a therapeutic option. Lianhuaqingwen capsules (LHQW) are well-recognized for their efficacy, while Kegan Liyan oral liquid (KGLY), widely used for influenza treatment, has emerged as a promising candidate for COVID-19 therapy. This trial aims to assess whether KGLY is non-inferior to LHQW in treating mild COVID-19.MethodsA total of 127 participants (63 in KGLY group and 64 in LHQW group) were randomly allocated to receive either KGLY therapy or LHQW therapy in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment was given for 7 days, and the follow-up period was 3 days.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was symptom remission at day 10. Secondary outcomes included symptom recovery, time to symptom remission, recovery rates and time to recovery of selected symptoms, change in visual analog scale score for selected symptoms, area under the curve of the visual analog scale score for sore throat, negative conversion of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, having a positive test result after negative conversion, and incidence of pneumonia.ResultsFull analysis set analysis showed that the symptom remission rate at day 10 was 60.7% with KGLY and 58.3% in LHQW (difference + 2.3 p.p., lower limit of 95% confidence interval − 14.8 p.p.), indicating non-inferiority. There were no significant differences between the groups for any secondary outcome. The occurrence of adverse events did not differ between the groups and no severe adverse events were documented in either group.ConclusionBased on the study results, this trial proved that KGLY was non-inferior to LHQW for mild COVID-19, providing a promising option for COVID-19 treatment.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=166372, Identifier, [ChiCTR2200059105].
Efficacy and safety of therapeutic exercise for primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Yi , Li Qinhai , Lu Zengao , Yu Zemin , Ma Guanglin , Liu Siqi , Li Yingkui 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveA growing number of research papers have looked at the influence of exercise on pain severity in people with primary dysmenorrhea, but the findings have been inconsistent. The purpose of this research was to thoroughly evaluate the impact of exercise on pain severity in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea and to find the best exercise regimen for these patients.MethodsAll randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise for patients with primary dysmenorrhea were searched in the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, EBSCO, and CINAHL databases. The search time limit was set from the establishment of each database to 28 January 2025. Control groups included those receiving usual care, only providing health education, or no intervention at all. The outcome measure was pain intensity. The effect size was aggregated using the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Stata 15 software was used for meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of potential publication bias. R 4.4.1 software was used for network meta-analysis, area under curve ranking (SUCRA), league plot, and meta-regression.ResultsThe analysis included a total of 29 studies that satisfied the criteria. Exercise decreased the visual analog scale (VAS, WMD = −2.62, 95% CI [−3.29, −1.95], p &lt; 0.001) score in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea. Strength training (WMD = −1.76, 95% CI [−2.03, −1.48], p &lt; 0.001), exercise duration of ≥8 weeks (WMD = −1.77, 95% CI [−1.87, −1.66], p &lt; 0.001), frequency of &gt;3 times per week (WMD = −1.60, 95% CI [−1.75, −1.45], p &lt; 0.001), session length of &gt;30 min (WMD = −2.20, 95% CI [−2.38, −2.02], p &lt; 0.001), and a total of ≥90 min per week (WMD = −2.04, 95% CI [−2.19, −1.89], p &lt; 0.001) showed superior efficacy in enhancing VAS (subgroup analyses).ConclusionEngaging in physical activity may reduce the intensity of discomfort encountered by individuals afflicted with primary dysmenorrhea, with strength training potentially emerging as the most efficacious alternative. The meta-analysis presents evidence that supports clinicians’ advice to patients with primary dysmenorrhea, recommending that they exercise for a minimum of 8 weeks, with sessions occurring more than three times weekly and lasting longer than 30 min each. The goal is to achieve a minimum weekly total of 90 min by increasing the frequency of workouts.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024581879, CRD42024581879.