bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision trees to evaluate the risk of developing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pasella Manuela , Pisano Fabio , Cannas Barbara , Fanni Alessandra , Cocco Eleonora , Frau Jessica , Lai Francesco , Mocci Stefano , Littera Roberto , Giglio Sabrina Rita 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent neurological condition impacting the central nervous system (CNS). The precise cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain; however, it is thought to arise from a blend of genetic and environmental factors. MS diagnosis includes assessing medical history, conducting neurological exams, performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. While there is currently no cure for MS, numerous treatments exist to address symptoms, decelerate disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with MS.MethodsThis paper introduces a novel machine learning (ML) algorithm utilizing decision trees to address a key objective: creating a predictive tool for assessing the likelihood of MS development. It achieves this by combining prevalent demographic risk factors, specifically gender, with crucial immunogenetic risk markers, such as the alleles responsible for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes responsible for natural killer lymphocyte receptors.ResultsThe study included 619 healthy controls and 299 patients affected by MS, all of whom originated from Sardinia. The gender feature has been disregarded due to its substantial bias in influencing the classification outcomes. By solely considering immunogenetic risk markers, the algorithm demonstrates an ability to accurately identify 73.24% of MS patients and 66.07% of individuals without the disease.DiscussionGiven its notable performance, this system has the potential to support clinicians in monitoring the relatives of MS patients and identifying individuals who are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Non-invasive stimulation reveals ventromedial prefrontal cortex function in reward prediction and reward processing
Authors: Rehbein Maimu Alissa , Kroker Thomas , Winker Constantin , Ziehfreund Lena , Reschke Anna , Bölte Jens , Wyczesany Miroslaw , Roesmann Kati , Wessing Ida , Junghöfer Markus 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionStudies suggest an involvement of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in reward prediction and processing, with reward-based learning relying on neural activity in response to unpredicted rewards or non-rewards (reward prediction error, RPE). Here, we investigated the causal role of the vmPFC in reward prediction, processing, and RPE signaling by transiently modulating vmPFC excitability using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).MethodsParticipants received excitatory or inhibitory tDCS of the vmPFC before completing a gambling task, in which cues signaled varying reward probabilities and symbols provided feedback on monetary gain or loss. We collected self-reported and evaluative data on reward prediction and processing. In addition, cue-locked and feedback-locked neural activity via magnetoencephalography (MEG) and pupil diameter using eye-tracking were recorded.ResultsRegarding reward prediction (cue-locked analysis), vmPFC excitation (versus inhibition) resulted in increased prefrontal activation preceding loss predictions, increased pupil dilations, and tentatively more optimistic reward predictions. Regarding reward processing (feedback-locked analysis), vmPFC excitation (versus inhibition) resulted in increased pleasantness, increased vmPFC activation, especially for unpredicted gains (i.e., gain RPEs), decreased perseveration in choice behavior after negative feedback, and increased pupil dilations.DiscussionOur results support the pivotal role of the vmPFC in reward prediction and processing. Furthermore, they suggest that transient vmPFC excitation via tDCS induces a positive bias into the reward system that leads to enhanced anticipation and appraisal of positive outcomes and improves reward-based learning, as indicated by greater behavioral flexibility after losses and unpredicted outcomes, which can be seen as an improved reaction to the received feedback.
Effects of anthocyanin supplementation on blood lipid levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jang Hwan-Hee , Hwang In-Guk , Lee Young-Min 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionDyslipidemia is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor associated with increased mortality. The intake of plant food-derived bioactive compounds is associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects, including decreased blood lipid levels and cardiovascular risk. We aimed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin intake on blood lipid levels by analyzing relevant randomized controlled trials.MethodsWe searched the PubMed and Embase databases using the “Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes” format to determine whether anthocyanin supplementation intervention affected blood lipid levels compared with placebo supplementation in human participants.ResultsA total of 41 studies with 2,788 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Anthocyanin supplementation significantly reduced triglyceride [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.18, −0.01) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (SMD = −0.16; 95% CI −0.26, −0.07) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI 0.20, 0.65).DiscussionAnthocyanin supplementation significantly improved blood lipid component levels in the included studies. Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to further investigate the effects of anthocyanin intake on blood lipid levels and the safety of anthocyanin supplementation for treating dyslipidemia.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021257087, identifier: CRD42021257087.
Priorities, barriers, and facilitators for nutrition-related care for autistic children: a qualitative study comparing interdisciplinary health professional and parent perspectives
Authors: Blaine Rachel E. , Blaine Kevin P. , Cheng Katie , Banuelos Cynthia , Leal Aaron 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionChildren with autism spectrum disorder often face nutrition-related challenges, such as food selectivity, gastrointestinal issues, overweight and obesity, and inadequate nutrient intake. However, the role of routine nutrition-related screening or care by interdisciplinary health professionals is not well understood. This study aimed to compare the beliefs of health professionals with those of parents of autistic children regarding high-priority nutrition-related challenges, barriers and facilitators to care, and desired education and resources related to nutrition for autistic children.ParticipantsInterdisciplinary health professionals (n = 25) (i.e., pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, board certified behavior analysts, registered dietitians) and parents of autistic children (n = 22).MethodsThe study used semi-structured phone interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, verified, and double-coded using the Framework Method.ResultsThematic analysis of transcripts revealed that while health professionals and parents of autistic children shared some perspectives on nutrition-related challenges and care, they also had distinct viewpoints. Parents emphasized the importance of addressing food selectivity, behavioral eating challenges, sensory issues, and sleep disturbances affecting appetite. Both groups acknowledged the need for tailored support, access to an interdisciplinary care team, and reasonable expectations. Some health professionals perceived parents as lacking motivation or the ability to make changes. In contrast, many parents felt that health professionals lacked the knowledge and motivation to take nutrition or growth concerns seriously. Health professionals acknowledged that their lack of knowledge or capacity to provide nutrition education or referrals was a common barrier to care, particularly given limited community resources.DiscussionHealth professionals who serve autistic children are motivated to address nutrition-related challenges but lack resources related to nutrition. To promote better health outcomes for autistic children, professionals should identify and support parent motivations around nutrition-related care. Both groups expressed interest in accessing autism-specific resources for education, referral, and screening guidance. Future research could explore the development of healthcare training models that improve the competency of health professionals in providing nutrition care and referral for autistic children.
Aminooxy acetic acid suppresses Th17-mediated psoriasis-like skin inflammation by inhibiting serine metabolism
Authors: Lee Jong Yeong , Lee Ji-Hyun , Lim Hyo Jung , Kim Eonho , Kim Dae-Ki , Choi Jin Kyeong 
Published: August 2023

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by an external red rash that is caused by abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and immune T cells. This study aimed to elucidate the role of aminooxy acetic acid (AOA) in alleviating psoriasis from the perspective of immunology and metabolomics. Therefore, contributing to the development of new drugs as candidates for psoriasis treatment.Methods: To investigate the symptom-alleviating effects and the related mechanisms of AOA on the treatment of psoriasis, we used a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced psoriasis-like skin mouse model and interleukin (IL)-17-stimulated human keratinocytes.Results: The results showed that AOA ameliorated psoriasis-related symptoms and decreased inflammation-associated antimicrobial peptides and T-helper 17 (Th17)-associated cytokines in a mouse model of psoriasis. Furthermore, AOA inhibited the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) by suppressing serine metabolism-related genes. Importantly, mTOR inhibition ameliorated psoriatic disease by affecting the differentiation of various T cells and normalizing the Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance. In addition, IL-17-stimulated human keratinocytes showed the same results as in the in vivo experiments.Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that targeting the serine metabolism pathway in the treatment of psoriasis is a novel strategy, and that AOA could be utilized as a novel biologic to treat psoriasis.
Integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the mechanisms of light-induced pigmentation in purple waxy maize
Authors: Lu Yuan , Yu Yao , Xuan Yanfang , Kari Ayiguli , Yang Caixia , Wang Chenyu , Zhang Chao , Gu Wei , Wang Hui , Hu Yingxiong , Sun Pingdong , Guan Yuan , Si Wenshuai , Bai Bing , Zhang Xuecai , Xu Yunbi , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Shi Biao , Zheng Hongjian 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionWaxy maize, mainly consumed at the immature stage, is a staple and vegetable food in Asia. The pigmentation in the kernel of purple waxy maize enhances its nutritional and market values. Light, a critical environmental factor, affects anthocyanin biosynthesis and results in pigmentation in different parts of plants, including in the kernel. SWL502 is a light-sensitive waxy maize inbred line with purple kernel color, but the regulatory mechanism of pigmentation in the kernel resulting in purple color is still unknown.MethodsIn this study, cyanidin, peonidin, and pelargonidin were identified as the main anthocyanin components in SWL502, evaluated by the ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method. Investigation of pigment accumulation in the kernel of SWL502 was performed at 12, 17, and 22 days after pollination (DAP) under both dark and light treatment conditions via transcriptome and metabolome analyses.ResultsDark treatment affected genes and metabolites associated with metabolic pathways of amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, and galactose, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid and terpenoid backbone, and ABC transporters. The expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, such as 4CL2, CHS, F3H, and UGT, was reduced under dark treatment. Dynamic changes were identified in genes and metabolites by time-series analysis. The genes and metabolites involved in photosynthesis and purine metabolism were altered in light treatment, and the expression of genes and metabolites associated with carotenoid biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway, and plant hormone signal transduction pathway were induced by dark treatment. Light treatment increased the expression level of major transcription factors such as LRL1, myc7, bHLH125, PIF1, BH093, PIL5, MYBS1, and BH074 in purple waxy maize kernels, while dark treatment greatly promoted the expression level of transcription factors RVE6, MYB4, MY1R1, and MYB145.DiscussionThis study is the first report to investigate the effects of light on waxy maize kernel pigmentation and the underlying mechanism at both transcriptome and metabolome levels, and the results from this study are valuable for future research to better understand the effects of light on the regulation of plant growth.
Identification of a diagnostic model and molecular subtypes of major depressive disorder based on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes
Authors: Huang Shuwen , Li Yong , Shen Jianying , Liang Wenna , Li Candong 
Published: August 2023

SubjectMajor depressive disorder (MDD) negatively affects patients’ behaviours and daily lives. Due to the high heterogeneity and complex pathological features of MDD, its diagnosis remains challenging. Evidence suggests that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is involved in the pathogenesis of MDD; however, relevant diagnostic markers have not been well studied. This study aimed to screen for ERS genes with potential diagnostic value in MDD.MethodsGene expression data on MDD samples were downloaded from the GEO database, and ERS-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards and MSigDB databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MDD patients and healthy subjects were identified and then integrated with ERS genes. ERS diagnostic model and nomogram were developed based on biomarkers screened using the LASSO method. The diagnostic performance of this model was evaluated. ERS-associated subtypes were identified. CIBERSORT and GSEA were used to explore the differences between the different subtypes. Finally, WGCNA was performed to identify hub genes related to the subtypes.ResultsA diagnostic model was developed based on seven ERS genes: KCNE1, PDIA4, STAU1, TMED4, MGST1, RCN1, and SHC1. The validation analysis showed that this model had a good diagnostic performance. KCNE1 expression was positively correlated with M0 macrophages and negatively correlated with resting CD4+ memory T cells. Two subtypes (SubA and SubB) were identified, and these two subtypes showed different ER score. The SubB group showed higher immune infiltration than the SubA group. Finally, NCF4, NCF2, CSF3R, and FPR2 were identified as hub genes associated with ERS molecular subtypes.ConclusionOur current study provides novel diagnostic biomarkers for MDD from an ERS perspective, and these findings further facilitate the use of precision medicine in MDD.
A neural model of modified excitation/inhibition and feedback levels in schizophrenia
Authors: Zhu Jiating , Zikopoulos Basilis , Yazdanbakhsh Arash 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe strength of certain visual illusions, including contrast-contrast and apparent motion, is weakened in individuals with schizophrenia. Such phenomena have been interpreted as the impaired integration of inhibitory and excitatory neural responses, and impaired top–down feedback mechanisms.MethodsTo investigate whether and how these factors influence the perceived contrast-contrast and apparent motion illusions in individuals with schizophrenia, we propose a two-layer network, with top-down feedback from layer 2 to layer 1 that can model visual receptive fields (RFs) and their inhibitory and excitatory subfields.ResultsOur neural model suggests that illusion perception changes in individuals with schizophrenia can be influenced by altered top-down mechanisms and the organization of the on-center off-surround receptive fields. Alteration of the RF inhibitory surround and/or the excitatory center can replicate the difference of illusion precepts between individuals with schizophrenia within certain clinical states and normal controls. The results show that the simulated top-down feedback modulation enlarges the difference of the model illusion representations, replicating the difference between the two groups.DiscussionWe propose that the heterogeneity of visual and in general sensory processing in certain clinical states of schizophrenia can be largely explained by the degree of top-down feedback reduction, emphasizing the critical role of top-down feedback in illusion perception, and to a lesser extent on the imbalance of excitation/inhibition. Our neural model provides a mechanistic explanation for the modulated visual percepts of contrast-contrast and apparent motion in schizophrenia with findings that can explain a broad range of visual perceptual observations in previous studies. The two-layer motif of the current model provides a general framework that can be tailored to investigate subcortico-cortical (such as thalamocortical) and cortico-cortical networks, bridging neurobiological changes in schizophrenia and perceptual processing.
Differences in selected blood parameters between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs
Authors: Kämpf Sandra , Fenk Simone , Van Cromvoirt Ankie , Bogdanov Nikolay , Hartnack Sonja , Stirn Martina , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Reichler Iris Margaret , Bogdanova Anna 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionCranial and upper-airway anatomy of short-nosed, flat-faced brachycephalic dogs predisposes them to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Periodic apnoea increased inspiratory resistance, and an inability to thermoregulate effectively are characteristic of BOAS, but internationally accepted objective markers of BOAS severity are missing. The objective of this study was to compare the selected blood parameters between non-brachycephalic (NC) and brachycephalic (BC) dogs, exploring the possibility of developing a blood test for BOAS severity grading in the future.MethodsWe evaluated blood biochemistry, complete blood cell counts, red blood cell (RBC) indices, reticulocyte counts, a blood-born marker of intermittent hypoxia (glutathione, NO production), RBC hydration, deformability, and blood markers of metabolic changes and stress between BC (n= 18) and NC (meso- and dolichocephalic,n= 22) dogs.ResultsReticulocyte counts and the abundance of middle-fluorescence immature reticulocytes were significantly (p&lt; 0.05) higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. BC dogs had significantly more NO-derived NO2-/NO3-in plasma than NC dogs. RBCs of BC dogs were shedding significantly more membrane, as follows from the intensity of eosin maleimide staining, and had a significantly higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration than NC dogs. Intracellular reduced glutathione content in RBCs of BC dogs was significantly lower, while plasma lactate was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly lower, and cortisol was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Eosinophil counts were significantly lower and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs.DiscussionTaken together, our findings suggest that the brachycephalic phenotype in dogs is associated with alterations at the level of blood cells and, systemically, with oxidation and metabolic changes. The parameters identified within this study should be further investigated for their potential as objective indicators for BOAS.
Risk assessment of oral leukoplakia malignant transformation based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system indicators
Authors: Mikhalev D. E. , Baydik O. D. , Kondakova I. V. , Mukhamedov M. R. 
Published: August 2023

Relevance. The ubiquitin-proteasome system controls the activity and stability of various cellular proteins that affect cellular homeostasis by the regulation of signalling cascades. The system activity is associated with the onset and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma, as the system participates in the specific proteolysis of most intracellular proteins involved in cancer pathogenesis.Material and methods. The study included 61 patients (28 men and 33 women) aged 21 to 75 y.o. The study determined chymotrypsin-like (CTL) and caspase-like (CL) activities of circulating and intracellular proteasomes in blood serum and biopsy specimens taken from the oral mucosa by hydrolysis of the corresponding fluorogenic oligopeptide on a «Cytation1» multi-mode microplate reader-imager at an excitation wavelength of 360 nm and an emission of 460 nm, the specific activity of the proteasomes was expressed in units of activity.Results. The value of the specific chymotrypsin-like activity of circulating proteasomes in non-homogeneous leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma was 1.76 (p < 0.001) times and 2.27 (p < 0.001) times higher relative to the comparison group. Pairwise comparison of signs showed a statistically significant difference in chymotrypsinlike activity between the groups of non-homogeneous and homogeneous leukoplakia (p < 0.001), non-homogeneous leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.04). The values of specific chymotrypsin-like and caspase-like activities of intracellular proteasomes in biopsy specimens taken from the pathological focus in the groups of homogeneous, non-homogeneous leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were 1.6, 2.38, 3 (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, p = 0.03) and 1.5, 2.8 and 3.3 (p = 0.003, p = 0.012, p < 0.001) times higher compared to the control group.Conclusion. The proposed logit model for risk assessment of oral leukoplakia malignant transformation, based on the indicators of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, can improve the quality of diagnosis.
PEMANFAATAN SERBUK GERGAJI SEBAGAI ADSORBEN DALAM MENYISIHKAN KANDUNGAN PB (TIMBAL) LIMBAH OLI
Authors: Slamet Mulyati Sri , Irmawartini Irmawartini , Kamaludini Ade , Fatimah Fatimah 
Published: August 2023

Oli merupakan salah satu polutan hidrokarbon. Secara umum limbah oli terdiri atas air, crude oil, dan solid particulate matter. Substansi bahaya dan bahan toksik lainnya yang terkandung dalam limbah oli, menjadikan limbah tersebut harus diolah untuk mengurangi toksisitasnya. Pb atau timbal merupakan salah satu substansi toksik yang dihasilkan dari kegiatan industri yang menggunakan oli, painting, agrokimia, dan lain-lain. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kemampuan adsorben serbuk gergaji dalam menyisihkan logam berat timbal (Pb) dalam limbah oli. Metode penelitian ini adalah eksperimen semu skala laboratorium untuk aplikasi lapangan. Populasi adalah seluruh limbah oli yang diambil dengan metode grab sample, sedangkan sampel adalah sebagian limbah oli yang diberikan perlakuan dan kontrol. Hasil uji non parametrik menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan rata-rata kandungan Pb dalam limbah oli setelah diberi perlakuan berbagai dosis adsorben serbuk gergaji (p-value=0,008). Besar penyisihan kandungan Pb dalam limbah oli pada kisaran 66,55-91,24%. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa adsorben serbuk gergaji mempunyai kemampuan untuk menyisihkan Pb dalam limbah oli.