bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation analysis between foot deformity and diabetic foot with radiographic measurement
Authors: Luo Xu , Zhang Chun , Huang Qiuhong , Du Zhipeng , Ni Xia , Zeng Qinglian , Cheng Qingfeng 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundFoot deformity is a risk factor for diabetic foot ulcer. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between hallux valgus (HV) and diabetic foot through the radiographic measurement.MethodsThe patients with diabetic foot hospitalizing in the Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from September 2016 to June 2020 were selected. Then the foot plain X-ray radiographs were completed, and the size of HV angle (HVA) was measured. Their clinical data were collected, and the ulcer recurrence rate, amputation rate and mortality rate of the patients were followed up.ResultsA total of 370 patients were included. According to HVA, patients were divided into non-HV group (HVA&lt;15°), and mild (15°≤HVA ≤ 20°), moderate (20°&lt;HVA ≤ 40°) and severe (HVA&gt;40°) HV groups. The age, height, BMI, smoking history and glycosylated hemoglobin level among the non-HVA, mild, moderate, and severe HV group (P&lt;0.05), while smoking history, HbA1c, eGFR and autonomic neuropathy were significantly lower in HV group than those in non-HV group (P&lt;0.05). The ulcer area in patients with moderate HV was larger than that in non-HV patients, and the severity of infection in patients with severe HV was significantly higher than that the other three groups (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe occurrence of HV is not only related to age and BMI, but also to the creatinine and eGFR level, autonomic neuropathy, lower limb arteriosclerosis occlusion, coronary heart disease and hypertension. Therefore, more attention should be paid to renal function screening, neuropathy screening and evaluation of lower extremity vascular lesions in patients with diabetes, especially those with moderate or higher HV.
Integration failure of regenerated limb tissue is associated with incongruencies in positional information in the Mexican axolotl
Authors: Vieira Warren A. , Raymond Michael , Kelley Kristina , Cherubino Matthew A. , Sahin Hande , McCusker Catherine D. 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Little is known about how the newly regenerated limb tissues in the Mexican axolotl seamlessly integrate with the remaining stump tissues to form a functional structure, and why this doesn't occur in some regenerative scenarios. In this study, we evaluate the phenomenological and transcriptional characteristics associated with integration failure in ectopic limb structures generated by treating anterior-located ectopic blastemas with Retinoic Acid (RA) and focusing on the “bulbus mass” tissue that forms between the ectopic limb and the host site. We additionally test the hypothesis that the posterior portion of the limb base contains anterior positional identities.Methods: The positional identity of the bulbus mass was evaluated by assaying regenerative competency, the ability to induce new pattern in the Accessory Limb Model (ALM) assay, and by using qRTPCR to quantify the relative expression of patterning genes as the bulbus mass deintegrates from the host site. We additionally use the ALM and qRTPCR to analyze the distribution of anterior and posterior positional identities along the proximal/distal limb axis of uninjured and regenerating limbs.Results: The bulbus mass regenerates limb structures with decreased complexity when amputated and is able to induce complex ectopic limb structure only when grafted into posterior-located ALMs. Expressional analysis shows significant differences in FGF8, BMP2, TBX5, Chrdl1, HoxA9, and HoxA11 expression between the bulbus mass and the host site when deintegration is occuring. Grafts of posterior skin from the distal limb regions into posterior ALMs at the base of the limb induce ectopic limb structures. Proximally-located blastemas express significantly less HoxA13 and Ptch1, and significantly more Alx4 and Grem1 than distally located blastemas.Discussion: These findings show that the bulbus mass has an anterior-limb identity and that the expression of limb patterning genes is mismatched between the bulbus mass and the host limb. Our findings additionally show that anterior positional information is more abundant at the limb base, and that anterior patterning genes are more abundantly expressed in proximally located blastemas compared to blastemas in the more distal regions of the limb. These experiments provide valuable insight into the underlying causes of integration failure and further map the distribution of positional identities in the mature limb.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment contributing to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Jiamin , Li Zhijian , Lu Qinchen , Zhong Jialing , Pan Lixin , Feng Chao , Tang Shaomei , Wang Xi , Tao Yuting , Lin Jianyan , Wang Qiuyan 
Published: June 2023

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, and advanced HCC is difficult to treat. Identifying specific cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment and exploring interactions between the cells and their environment are crucial for understanding the development, prognosis, and treatment of tumors.Methods: In this study, we constructed a tumor ecological landscape of 14 patients with HCC from 43 tumor tissue samples and 14 adjacent control samples. We used bioinformatics analysis to reveal cell subpopulations with potentially specific functions in the tumor microenvironment and to explore the interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.Results: Immune cell infiltration was evident in the tumor tissues, and BTG1+RGS1+ central memory T cells (Tcms) interact with tumor cells through CCL5-SDC4/1 axis. HSPA1B may be associated with remodeling of the tumor ecological niche in HCC. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and macrophages (TAMs) were closely associated with tumor cells. APOC1+SPP1+ TAM secretes SPP1, which binds to ITGF1 secreted by CAFs to remodel the tumor microenvironment. More interestingly, FAP+ CAF interacts with naïve T cells via the CXCL12–CXCR4 axis, which may lead to resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.Conclusion: Our study suggests the presence of tumor cells with drug-resistant potential in the HCC microenvironment. Among non-tumor cells, high NDUFA4L2 expression in fibroblasts may promote tumor progression, while high HSPA1B expression in central memory T cells may exert anti-tumor effects. In addition, the CCL5–SDC4/1 interaction between BTG1+RGS1+ Tcms and tumor cells may promote tumor progression. Focusing on the roles of CAFs and TAMs, which are closely related to tumor cells, in tumors would be beneficial to the progress of systemic therapy research.
Discovery of a heat-generated compound DHD derived from Patrinia villosa water extract with inhibitory effects on colon cancer cells viability and migration
Authors: Yang Huihai , Zheng Tao , Ku Chuen-Fai , Ngai Cheuk Kit , Yue Grace Gar-Lee , Lee Hung Kay , Lau Clara Bik-San 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The plant Patrinia villosa Juss. (PV) has long been used as a medicinal herb for treating intestinal disorders. Pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer effects of compounds isolated from PV have been reported, but these bioactive compounds were not derived from PV water extract (PVW). Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to identify the active component(s) of PVW which exhibit inhibitory activities in colon cancer cells viability and migration.Methods: Human colon cancer HCT116 cells were treated with the isolated compounds of PVW and then subjected to MTT and transwell migration assays.Results: Our results showed that an active compound in PVW, 8,9-didehydro-7-hydroxydolichodial (DHD) inhibited cell viability of HCT116 cells, with IC50 value at 6.1 ± 2.2 μM. Interestingly, DHD was not detected in the herbal material of PV. Further investigation revealed that DHD is in fact a heat-generated compound derived from a natural compound present in PV, namely valerosidate. Valerosidate also reduced cell viability in HCT116 cells, with IC50 value at 22.2 ± 1.1 μM. Moreover, both DHD (2.75 μM) and valerosidate (10.81 μM) suppressed cell migration in HCT116 cells, with inhibitory rates at 74.8% and 74.6%, respectively. In addition, western blot results showed that DHD (5.5 μM) could significantly increase p53 expression by 34.8% and PTEN expression by 13.9%, while valerosidate (21.6 μM) could increase expressions of p53 and PTEN by 26.1% and 34.6%, respectively in HCT116 cells after 48 h treatment.Discussion: Taken together, this is the first report that a naturally-occurring valerosidate present in PV could actually transform to DHD by thermal hydrolysis, and both compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on cell viability and migration in HCT116 cells via increasing the expressions of tumor suppressors (p53 and PTEN). Our findings demonstrated that valerosidate is present in raw herb PV but not in PVW, while DHD is present in PVW rather than in raw herb PV. This difference in chemical profiles of raw herb and boiled water extract of PV may affect the anti-cancer activity, and hence further investigations are warranted.
Lactonase-mediated inhibition of quorum sensing largely alters phenotypes, proteome, and antimicrobial activities in Burkholderia thailandensis E264
Authors: Gonzales Mélanie , Plener Laure , Armengaud Jean , Armstrong Nicholas , Chabrière Éric , Daudé David 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionBurkholderia thailandensis is a study model for Burkholderia pseudomallei, a highly virulent pathogen, known to be the causative agent of melioidosis and a potential bioterrorism agent. These two bacteria use an (acyl-homoserine lactone) AHL-mediated quorum sensing (QS) system to regulate different behaviors including biofilm formation, secondary metabolite productions, and motility.MethodsUsing an enzyme-based quorum quenching (QQ) strategy, with the lactonase SsoPox having the best activity on B. thailandensis AHLs, we evaluated the importance of QS in B. thailandensis by combining proteomic and phenotypic analyses.ResultsWe demonstrated that QS disruption largely affects overall bacterial behavior including motility, proteolytic activity, and antimicrobial molecule production. We further showed that QQ treatment drastically decreases B. thailandensis bactericidal activity against two bacteria (Chromobacterium violaceum and Staphylococcus aureus), while a spectacular increase in antifungal activity was observed against fungi and yeast (Aspergillus niger, Fusarium graminearum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae).DiscussionThis study provides evidence that QS is of prime interest when it comes to understanding the virulence of Burkholderia species and developing alternative treatments.
Risk factors for heart, cerebrovascular, and kidney diseases: evaluation of potential side effects of medications to control hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Nawata Kazumitsu 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundHeart disease (HD), cerebrovascular disease (CBD), and kidney disease (KD) are serious diseases worldwide. These diseases constitute the leading causes of death worldwide and are costly to treat. An analysis of risk factors is necessary to prevent these diseases.Data and MethodsRisk factors were analyzed using data from 2,837,334, 2,864,874, and 2,870,262 medical checkups obtained from the JMDC Claims Database. The side effects of medications used to control hypertension (antihypertensive medications), hyperglycemia (antihyperglycemic medications), and hypercholesterolemia (cholesterol medications), including their interactions, were also evaluated. Logit models were used to calculate the odds ratios and confidence intervals. The sample period was from January 2005 to September 2019.ResultsAge and history of diseases were found to be very important factors, and the risk of having diseases could be almost doubled. Urine protein levels and recent large weight changes were also important factors for all three diseases and made the risks 10%–30% higher, except for KD. For KD, the risk was more than double for individuals with high urine protein levels. Negative side effects were observed with antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, and cholesterol medications. In particular, when antihypertensive medications were used, the risks were almost doubled for HD and CBD. The risk would be triple for KD when individuals were taking antihypertensive medications. If they did not take antihypertensive medications and took other medications, these values were lower (20%–40% for HD, 50%–70% for CBD, and 60%–90% for KD). The interactions between the different types of medications were not very large. When antihypertensive and cholesterol medications were used simultaneously, the risk increased significantly in cases of HD and KD.ConclusionIt is very important for individuals with risk factors to improve their physical condition for the prevention of these diseases. Taking antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, and cholesterol medications, especially antihypertensive medications, may be serious risk factors. Special care and additional studies are necessary to prescribe these medications, particularly antihypertensive medications.LimitationsNo experimental interventions were performed. As the dataset was comprised of the results of health checkups of workers in Japan, individuals aged 76 and above were not included. Since the dataset only contained information obtained in Japan and the Japanese are ethnically homogeneous, potential ethnic effects on the diseases were not evaluated.
Supporting and measuring current and future educators' preparedness to facilitate wellbeing of displaced children in schools
Authors: Sklad Marcin 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionImmigrant and refugee children face multiple challenges in accessing education. To help facilitate the educational success and wellbeing of these children, teachers need to have self-efficacy in creating a supportive learning environment for them.MethodsBased on a set of highly interconnected competences identified through a literature review and empirical research, the study developed a measurement instrument to assess teachers' generalized perceived self-efficacy in the domain of working with refugee children: the Newcomer's Teacher's Self-Efficacy (NTSE) scale. The scale was tested for validity and internal consistency with 154 practicing and prospective teachers enrolled at three different teacher education institutions in Belgium and the Netherlands, 42 of whom also underwent newcomer education courses.ResultsThe study examined the factorability, reliability, and validity of the NTSE scale and showed that the scale is reliable (a = 0.97) and has good convergent and criterion validity. The results also demonstrated that participation in a study module for newcomer educators corresponded with an increase in partakers' NTSE scores, and the extent of the module was related to the degree of increase.DiscussionThe proposed scale performed well in the context where it was tested, but further international research is needed to determine its generalizability to different countries and time frames.
Changes and related factors of blood CCN1 levels in diabetic patients
Authors: Xiang Zhao-Yu , Chen Shu-Li , Qin Xin-Ran , Lin Sen-Lin , Xu Yi , Lu Li-Na , Zou Hai-Dong 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveTo study the differences in blood cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) levels between patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy individuals and to explore the relationship between CCN1 and diabetic retinopathy (DR).MethodsPlasma CCN1 levels were detected using ELISA in 50 healthy controls, 74 patients with diabetes without diabetic retinopathy (DM group), and 69 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR group). Correlations between CCN1 levels and age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and other factors were analyzed. The relationship between CCN1 expression and DR was explored using logistic regression after adjusting for confounding factors. Blood mRNA sequencing analysis was performed for all subjects, and the molecular changes that may be related to CCN1 were explored. The retinal vasculature of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was examined using fundus fluorescein angiography; in addition, retinal protein expression was examined using western blotting.ResultsPlasma CCN1 levels in patients with DR were significantly higher than in the control and DM groups; however, no significant differences were observed between healthy controls and patients with DM. CCN1 levels negatively correlated with body mass index and positively correlated with the duration of diabetes and urea levels. It was observed that high (OR 4.72, 95% CI: 1.10–20.25) and very high (OR 8.54, 95% CI: 2.00–36.51) levels of CCN1 were risk factors for DR. Blood mRNA sequencing analysis revealed that CCN1-related pathways were significantly altered in the DR group. The expression of hypoxia-, oxidative stress-, and dephosphorylation-related proteins were elevated, while that of tight junction proteins were reduced in the retinas of diabetic rats.ConclusionBlood CCN1 levels are significantly elevated in patients with DR. High and very high levels of plasma CCN1 are risk factors for DR. Blood CCN1 level may be a potential biomarker for diagnosis of DR. The effects of CCN1 on DR may be related to hypoxia, oxidative stress, and dephosphorylation.
Single-cell multi-omics analysis reveals dysfunctional Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Zeng Shengjie , Chen Liuxun , Liu Xvdong , Tang Haibin , Wu Hao , Liu Chuan 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundNon-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe type that leads to 1% of male infertility. Wnt signaling governs normal sperm maturation. However, the role of Wnt signaling in spermatogonia in NOA has incompletely been uncovered, and upstream molecules regulating Wnt signaling remain unclear.MethodsBulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of NOA was used to identify the hub gene module in NOA utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNAs). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of NOA was employed to explore dysfunctional signaling pathways in the specific cell type with gene sets of signaling pathways. Single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (pySCENIC) for Python analysis was applied to speculate putative transcription factors in spermatogonia. Moreover, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) determined the regulated genes of these transcription factors. Finally, spatial transcriptomic data were used to analyze cell type and Wnt signaling spatial distribution.ResultsThe Wnt signaling pathway was demonstrated to be enriched in the hub gene module of NOA by bulk RNA-seq. Then, scRNA-seq data revealed the downregulated activity and dysfunction of Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA samples. Conjoint analyses of the pySCENIC algorithm and scATAC-seq data indicated that three transcription factors (CTCF, AR, and ARNTL) were related to the activities of Wnt signaling in NOA. Eventually, spatial expression localization of Wnt signaling was identified to be in accordance with the distribution patterns of spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells.ConclusionIn conclusion, we identified that downregulated Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA and three transcription factors (CTCF, AR, and ARNTL) may be involved in this dysfunctional Wnt signaling. These findings provide new mechanisms for NOA and new therapeutic targets for NOA patients.
Construction of a telomere-related gene signature to predict prognosis and immune landscape for glioma
Authors: Xie Qin , Liu Tingting , Zhang Xiaole , Ding Yanli , Fan Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundGlioma is one of the commonest malignant tumors of the brain. However, glioma present with a poor clinical prognosis. Therefore, specific detection markers and therapeutic targets need to be explored as a way to promote the survival rate of BC patients. Therefore, we need to search for quality immune checkpoints to support the efficacy of immunotherapy for glioma.MethodsWe first recognized differentially expressed telomere-related genes (TRGs) and accordingly developed a risk model by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. The accuracy of the model is then verified. We evaluated the variations in immune function and looked at the expression levels of immune checkpoint genes. Finally, to assess the anti-tumor medications often used in the clinical treatment of glioma, we computed the half inhibitory concentration of pharmaceuticals.ResultsWe finally identified nine TRGs and built a risk model. Through the validation of the model, we found good agreement between the predicted and observed values. Then, we found 633 differentially expressed genes between various risk groups to identify the various molecular pathways between different groups. The enrichment of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, macrophages M0, M1, and M2, mast cells, myeloid dendritic cells, and neutrophils was favorably correlated with the risk score, but the enrichment of B cells and NK cells was negatively correlated with the risk score. The expression of several immune checkpoint-related genes differed significantly across the risk groups. Finally, in order to create individualized treatment plans for diverse individuals, we searched for numerous chemotherapeutic medications for patients in various groups.ConclusionThe findings of this research provide evidence that TRGs may predict a patient’s prognosis for glioma, assist in identifying efficient targets for glioma immunotherapy, and provide a foundation for an efficient, customized approach to treating glioma patients.
Transmission prevention behaviors in US households with SARS-CoV-2 cases in 2020
Authors: Rubinstein Rebecca J. , Mei Wenwen , Cassidy Caitlin A. , Streeter Gabrielle , Basham Christopher , Cerami Carla , Lin Feng-Chang , Lin Jessica T. , Mollan Katie R. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission frequently occurs within households, yet few studies describe which household contacts and household units are most likely to engage in transmission-interrupting behaviors.MethodsWe analyzed a COVID-19 prospective household transmission cohort in North Carolina (April to October 2020) to quantify changes in physical distancing behaviors among household contacts over 14 days. We evaluated which household contacts were most likely to ever mask at home and to ever share a bedroom with the index case between days 7–14.ResultsIn the presence of a household COVID-19 infection, 24% of household contacts reported ever masking at home during the week before study entry. Masking in the home between days 7–14 was reported by 26% of household contacts and was more likely for participants who observed their household index case wearing a mask. Participants of color and participants in high-density households were more likely to mask at home. After adjusting for race/ethnicity, living density was not as clearly associated with masking. Symptomatic household contacts were more likely to share a bedroom with the index case. Working individuals and those with comorbidities avoided sharing a bedroom with the index case.DiscussionIn-home masking during household exposure to COVID-19 was infrequent in 2020. In light of the ongoing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, these findings underscore a need for health campaigns to increase the feasibility and social desirability of in-home masking among exposed household members. Joint messaging on social responsibility and prevention of breakthrough infections, reinfections, and long COVID-19 may help motivate transmission-interruption behaviors.