bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory effects and molecular docking studies of natural compounds isolated from Sarcocephalus pobeguinii (Hua ex Pobég)
Authors: Mfotie Njoya Emmanuel , Ndemangou Brigitte , Akinyelu Jude , Munvera Aristide M. , Chukwuma Chika. I. , Mkounga Pierre , Mashele Samson S. , Makhafola Tshepiso J. , McGaw Lyndy J. 
Published: June 2023

Background:Sarcocephalus pobeguinii (Hua ex Pobég) is used in folk medicine to treat oxidative-stress related diseases, thereby warranting the investigation of its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In our previous study, the leaf extract of S. pobeguinii induced significant cytotoxic effect against several cancerous cells with high selectivity indexes towards non-cancerous cells.Aim: The current study aims to isolate natural compounds from S. pobeguinii, and to evaluate their cytotoxicity, selectivity and anti-inflammatory effects as well as searching for potential target proteins of bioactive compounds.Methods: Natural compounds were isolated from leaf, fruit and bark extracts of S. pobeguinii and their chemical structures were elucidated using appropriate spectroscopic methods. The antiproliferative effect of isolated compounds was determined on four human cancerous cells (MCF-7, HepG2, Caco-2 and A549 cells) and non-cancerous Vero cells. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was determined by evaluating the nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory potential and the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory activity. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were carried out on six putative target proteins found in common signaling pathways of inflammation and cancer.Results: Hederagenin (2), quinovic acid 3-O-[α-D-quinovopyranoside] (6) and quinovic acid 3-O-[β-D-quinovopyranoside] (9) exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against all cancerous cells, and they induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by increasing caspase-3/-7 activity. (6) showed the highest efficacy against all cancerous cells with poor selectivity (except for A549 cells) towards non-cancerous Vero cells; while (2) showed the highest selectivity warranting its potential safety as a chemotherapeutic agent. Moreover, (6) and (9) significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells which could mainly be attributed to their high cytotoxic effect. Besides, the mixture nauclealatifoline G and naucleofficine D (1), hederagenin (2) and chletric acid (3) were active against 15-LOX as compared to quercetin. Docking results showed that JAK2 and COX-2, with the highest binding scores, are the potential molecular targets involved in the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of bioactive compounds.Conclusion: Overall, hederagenin (2), which selectively killed cancer cells with additional anti-inflammatory effect, is the most prominent lead compound which may be further investigated as a drug candidate to tackle cancer progression.
Roles of GFAT and PFK genes in energy metabolism of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Si Hui-Ru , Sun Si-Si , Liu Yong-Kang , Qiu Ling-Yu , Tang Bin , Liu Fang , Fu Qiang , Xu Cai-Di , Wan Pin-Jun 
Published: June 2023

Glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferases (GFATs) and phosphofructokinase (PFKs) are the principal rate-limiting enzymes involved in hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) and glycolysis pathway, respectively. In this study, the NlGFAT and NlPFK were knocked down through RNA interference (RNAi) in Nilaparvata lugens, the notorious brown planthopper (BPH), and the changes in energy metabolism were determined. Knockdown of either NlGFAT or NlPFK substantially reduced gene expression related to trehalose, glucose, and glycogen metabolism pathways. Moreover, trehalose content rose significantly at 72 h after dsGFAT injection, and glycogen content increased significantly at 48 h after injection. Glucose content remained unchanged throughout the experiment. Conversely, dsPFK injection did not significantly alter trehalose, but caused an extreme increase in glucose and glycogen content at 72 h after injection. The Knockdown of NlGFAT or NlPFK significantly downregulated the genes in the glycolytic pathway, as well as caused a considerable and significant decrease in pyruvate kinase (PK) activity after 48 h and 72 h of inhibition. After dsGFAT injection, most of genes in TCA cycle pathway were upregulated, but after dsNlPFK injection, they were downregulated. Correspondingly, ATP content substantially increased at 48 h after NlGFAT knockdown but decreased to an extreme extent by 72 h. In contrast, ATP content decreased significantly after NlPFK was knocked down and returned. The results have suggested the knockdown of either NlGFAT or NlPFK resulted in metabolism disorders in BPHs, highlighting the difference in the impact of those two enzyme genes on energy metabolism. Given their influence on BPHs energy metabolism, developing enzyme inhibitors or activators may provide a biological control for BPHs.
SbWRKY75- and SbWRKY41-mediated jasmonic acid signaling regulates baicalin biosynthesis
Authors: Fang Shiyuan , Zhang Chen , Qiu Shi , Xiao Ying , Chen Kaixian , Lv Zongyou , Chen Wansheng 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionScutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with broad pharmacological activities whose main active ingredient is the flavonoid baicalin. Given its medicinal value and increasing market demand, it is essential to improve the plant’s baicalin content. Flavonoid biosynthesis is regulated by several phytohormones, primarily jasmonic acid (JA).MethodsIn this study, we conducted transcriptome deep sequencing analysis of S. baicalensis roots treated with methyl jasmonate for different durations (1, 3, or 7 hours). Leveraging weighted gene co-expression network analysis and transcriptome data, we identified candidate transcription factor genes involved in the regulation of baicalin biosynthesis. To validate the regulatory interactions, we performed functional assays such as yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and dual-luciferase assays.ResultsOur findings demonstrated that SbWRKY75 directly regulates the expression of the flavonoid biosynthetic gene SbCLL-7, whereas SbWRKY41 directly regulates the expression of two other flavonoid biosynthetic genes, SbF6H and SbUGT, thus regulating baicalin biosynthesis. We also obtained transgenic S.baicalensis plants by somatic embryo induction and determined that overexpressing SbWRKY75 increased baicalin content by 14%, while RNAi reduced it by 22%. Notably, SbWRKY41 indirectly regulated baicalin biosynthesis by modulating the expression of SbMYC2.1, SbJAZ3 and SbWRKY75.DiscussionThis study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying JA-mediated baicalin biosynthesis in S. baicalensis. Our results highlight the specific roles of transcription factors, namely SbWRKY75 and SbWRKY41, in the regulation of key biosynthetic genes. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms holds significant potential for developing targeted strategies to enhance baicalin content in S. baicalensis through genetic interventions.
The moderating role of hair cortisol in the association of early and recent stress with stress-related phenotypes
Authors: Torrecilla Pilar , Barrantes-Vidal Neus 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundIncreased hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) have been found in clinical samples of schizophrenia, first episode psychosis and clinical risk for psychosis, but evidence of such is scarce in schizotypy. High HCC are supposed to reflect elevated chronic stress. However, HCC were not directly associated with adversity measures and stress-related phenotypes in previous research. This study tested whether HCC moderated the association between a comprehensive range of psychosocial stressors with several stress-related phenotypes in a sample of nonclinical young adults. It was expected that stressors, either distal (i.e., early-life) or recent, would be associated with subclinical features, particularly for those with elevated HCC, reflecting the effects of a potential biological sensitization to stress.MethodsThe sample comprised 132 nonclinical young adults belonging to the Barcelona Longitudinal Investigation of Schizotypy Study (BLISS). Participants completed a questionnaire of childhood adversity and two complementary measures of recent life events, tapping threatening vs. more general life events. Both the frequency and subjective impact (positive vs. negative) of general life events were also assessed. Psychotic (i.e., schizotypy, suspiciousness) and non-psychotic (i.e., depression, anxiety) subclinical features as well as appraisals of perceived stress were examined. Hierarchical linear regressions and simple slope analyses were computed.ResultsHCC moderated the effects of both early and recent stress on suspiciousness as well as the effects of recent life events on perceived stress, such that those with higher HCC presented increased suspiciousness and perceived stress at higher levels of stress exposure. Positive, but not negative, recent life events were associated with decreased perceived stress and depression, and these associations were moderated by low HCC, indicating a buffering effect for those with a non-impaired HPA axis.ConclusionIn line with the neural diathesis-stress model, results highlight the role of the interplay between the HPA axis and exposure to stressful experiences in exacerbating psychosis features and extend evidence to the nonclinical expression of the psychosis continuum. In addition, findings support the protective effect of positive experiences in decreasing stress appraisals and affective disturbances, which is consistent with emerging research about the relevance of positive factors in reducing the likelihood of psychopathological outcomes.
Depressive symptoms and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: an institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Takelle Girmaw Medfu , Nakie Girum , Rtbey Gidey , Melkam Mamaru 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundDepression during pregnancy has a significant impact on public health as it can adversely affect both the mother's and the child's health. These can have devastating effects on the mother, the unborn child, and the entire family.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.MethodAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care services at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from May to June 2022.MeasurementThe desired data were collected through face-to-face interview techniques by using validated questionnaires such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Oslo-3 social support scale, and the Abuse Assessment Screen tools. The data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 25. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with antenatal depressive symptoms. Variables having a p-value of &lt;0.2 in the bivariate analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant, at 95% CI.ResultsThis study revealed that 91 (19.2%) pregnant women screened positive for depressive symptoms. According to multivariable logistic regression, living in rural areas (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.267, 5.256), being in the second or third trimesters of gestational phase (AOR = 4.40, 95% CI: 1.949, 9.966 and AOR = 5.42, 95% CI: 2.438, 12.028, respectively), having a history of alcohol use (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.099, 5.260), having moderate or poor social support (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.220, 5.338 and AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.106, 5.268), and having a history of intimate partner violence (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.416, 5.016) were the factors significantly associated with depressive symptoms at a p-value of ≤ 0.05.Conclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among pregnant women was high. Living in rural areas, second and third trimesters, use of alcohol, having moderate to poor social support, and having a history of intimate partner violence were variables significantly associated with depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
Social robotics to support older people with dementia: a study protocol with Paro seal robot in an Italian Alzheimer’s day center
Authors: Bevilacqua Roberta , Maranesi Elvira , Felici Elisa , Margaritini Arianna , Amabili Giulio , Barbarossa Federico , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Pelliccioni Giuseppe , Paciaroni Lucia 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe aging of the population and the high incidence of those over 80 lead to an inevitable increase in chronic degenerative diseases, such as dementia, resulting in increased morbidity and disability. Treatment of people with dementia involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. In particular, robot-assisted therapy is a potentially useful treatment for dementia as it has the advantage of improving mood, encouraging social interaction and communication. The overall objective of the study is to evaluate the improvement in patient-perceived quality of life following the use of the Paro robot integrated with usual care in the older people with dementia.Methods and analysisFor this study, 20 patients with dementia are recruited and divided into Experimental Group (EG) and Control Group (CG). Twenty-four session of intervention are conducted, divided into 2 sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The therapy sessions last 20 min. The Experimental Group will receive a social robotic intervention with Paro combined with usual care; the Control Group will receive only the traditional therapy, consisting of cognitive stimulation (reality orientation therapy, cognitive training) and occupational activities (painting workshops, cooking workshops, garden therapy, music therapy, etc.). Paro is a seal-shaped robot designed to have a calming effect and elicit emotional responses in patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement homes. Assessment will be performed at the baseline, at the end of intervention and 3 months after the end of intervention. During these phases, several scales will be administered to the patients, such as Quality of Life—Alzheimer’s Disease, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination, the Rating Anxiety In Dementia scale and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, the Technology Acceptance Model.DiscussionsThe final goals of the present study are to evaluate the improvement in patient-perceived quality of life following the use of the Paro robot integrated with usual care in the older people with dementia.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethic Committee of the Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS INRCA) during the session of 12 April 2022. It was recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov on 23 November 2022 on the number NCT05626205. The study findings will be used for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations in scientific meetings.
The genetic network underlying the evolution of pathogenicity in avian Escherichia coli
Authors: Palmieri Nicola , Apostolakos Ilias , Paudel Surya , Hess Michael 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionColibacillosis is a worldwide prevalent disease in poultry production linked to Escherichia coli strains that belong to the avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) pathotype. While many virulence factors have been linked to APEC isolates, no single gene or set of genes has been found to be exclusively associated with the pathotype. Moreover, a comprehensive description of the biological processes linked to APEC pathogenicity is currently lacking.MethodsIn this study, we compiled a dataset of 2015 high-quality avian E. coli genomes from pathogenic and commensal isolates, based on publications from 2000 to 2021. We then conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and integrated candidate gene identification with available protein-protein interaction data to decipher the genetic network underlying the biological processes connected to APEC pathogenicity.ResultsOur GWAS identified variations in gene content for 13 genes and SNPs in 3 different genes associated with APEC isolates, suggesting both gene-level and SNP-level variations contribute to APEC pathogenicity. Integrating protein-protein interaction data, we found that 15 of these genes clustered in the same genetic network, suggesting the pathogenicity of APEC might be due to the interplay of different regulated pathways. We also found novel candidate genes including an uncharacterized multi-pass membrane protein (yciC) and the outer membrane porin (ompD) as linked to APEC isolates.DiscussionOur findings suggest that convergent pathways related to nutrient uptake from host cells and defense from host immune system play a major role in APEC pathogenicity. In addition, the dataset curated in this study represents a comprehensive historical genomic collection of avian E. coli isolates and constitutes a valuable resource for their comparative genomics investigations.
Factors Associated With Delayed and Late Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy Among Patients With HIV in Beijing, China, 2010–2020
Authors: Mi Yuanqi , Zhou Mengge , Zeng Yuhong , Wang Peicheng , Gao Liangmin , Cheng Feng 
Published: June 2023

Objectives: To determine factors associated with late and delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in China and provide evidence for HIV prevention.Methods: Logistics regression model was used to determine factors associated with three outcomes: late (CD4 cell count &lt;200 cells/µL or clinical AIDS diagnosis prior to ART initiation), delayed (more than 1 month between HIV diagnosis date and ART initiation) and either late or delayed ART initiation.Results: Multivariable analysis revealed that male, heterosexual, HIV diagnosis before 2014, HBV/HCV seropositive, and tuberculosis were associated with increased odds of all three outcomes. Conversely, married or cohabiting patients were less likely to have delayed ART initiation and either late or delayed ART initiation, while people who inject drugs were more likely to have these two outcomes. Additionally, older age was associated with an increased risk of having either late or delayed ART initiation, but a decreased risk of delayed ART initiation.Conclusion: The proportion of late and delayed ART initiation decreased significantly after the release of the 2016 guidelines in China. To further improve late diagnosis and early treatment, precise interventions for key populations are required.
Premier et Second Mésolithique des massifs subalpins du Vercors et de la Chartreuse. Approche diachronique à travers l’étude des industries lithiques
Authors: Angelin Alexandre , Perrin Thomas , Nicod Pierre-Yves 
Published: June 2023

Au cours des 50 dernières années, les recherches archéologiques sur le Mésolithique dans les Alpes françaises du Nord ont connu
un essor considérable : un premier cadre chronoculturel a été établi sur la base de séquences stratifiées de gisements en grotte ou abri et de nombreuses stations de plein air ont été découvertes dans les zones d’altitude. La réflexion sur les modalités et les schémas d’occupation des secteurs de montagnes a ainsi pu être amorcée, mais elle a été freinée par l’imprécision des contextes stratigraphiques de découverte et par le manque d’études abouties sur les industries lithiques. Depuis quelques années, la reprise des fouilles sur le gisement de la Grande Rivoire (Sassenage, Isère) permet d’aborder la question sous un angle nouveau. Situé dans le nord du massif du Vercors, à 580 m d’altitude, cet abri-sous-roche livre une nouvelle séquence chronoculturelle de référence pour le Premier et le Second Mésolithique. L’analyse spatiale de la répartition des vestiges anthropiques a conduit à individualiser en stratigraphie huit ensembles mésolithiques distincts. Sur la base de nouvelles datations radiocarbones et de
l’étude typotechnologique de 12 500 artéfacts lithiques, ces ensembles définissent aujourd’hui cinq phases chronologiques (entre
8450 et 6050 Cal. BC), trois pour le Premier Mésolithique et deux pour le Second Mésolithique. Ces résultats permettent de renouveler le cadre évolutif du Mésolithique régional et en particulier de cerner au demi-siècle près la phase de rupture entre les dernières industries à microlithes sur lamelles étroites et les premières pièces géométriques à bitroncatures sur lamelles larges.
Frequency and Outcomes of Nosocomial Infectious Complications in Patients with Acute Leukemia
Authors: Волынков И.О. , Кузин А.А. , Рукавицын О.А. , Давыдов Д.В. , Куликов П.В. 
Published: June 2023

В исследовании представлены данные анализа 74 пациентов гематологического стационара, специализирующегося на лечении острых лейкозов. Установлены инфекционные осложнения у 17 (23,0%) пациентов, в том числе в группе пациентов с лимфобластным лейкозом – 10 (13,5%) человек, с миелобластным лейкозом – 7 (9,5%) человек. В этиологической структуре инфекционных осложнений доля грамположительных микроорганизмов составила 58,8%, грамотрицательных бактерий – 35,3%, а грибов – 5,9%. Грамположительные кокки были представлены стафилококками и стрептококками, в группу грамотрицательных микроорганизмов входили энтеробактерии, неферментирующиеграмотрицательные бактерии и синегнойная палочка (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). В ходе исследования были изучены этиологическая структура инфекционных осложнений у пациентов с острыми лейкозами, видовой состав микробиологического пейзажа гематологического стационара, случаи летальных исходов, которые были связаны с развившимисяу пациентов нозокомиальными инфекционными осложнениями.
The study presents data from the analysis of 74 patients of a hematological hospital specializing in the treatment of acute leukemia. Infectious complications were found in 17 (23.0%) patients, including in the group of patients with lymphoblastic leukemia – in 10 (13.5%) people, and with myeloid leukemia – in 7 (9.5%) people. In the etiological structure of infectious complications, the proportion of gram-positive microorganisms was 58.8%, gram-negative bacteria – 35.3%, and fungi – 5.9%. Gram- positive cocci were represented by staphylococci and streptococci, the group of gram- negative microorganisms included enterobacteria, non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the course of the study, the etiological structure of infectious complications in patients with acute leukemia, the species composition of the microbiological landscape of the hematological hospital, cases of deaths that were associated with nosocomial infectious complications developed in patients were studied.