bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SMAD genes are up‐regulated in brain and blood samples of individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Wolf Ammie , Yitzhaky Assif , Hertzberg Libi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSchizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder, with heritability around 80%, but a not fully understood pathophysiology. Signal transduction through the mothers against decapentaplegic (SMADs) are eight different proteins involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes, cell cycle, and tissue patterning. The literature is not consistent regarding the differential expression of SMAD genes among subjects with schizophrenia. In this article, we performed a systematic meta‐analysis of the expression of SMAD genes in 423 brain samples (211 schizophrenia vs. 212 healthy controls), integrating 10 datasets from two public repositories, following the PRISMA guidelines. We found a statistically significant up‐regulation of SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5, and SMAD7, and a tendency for up‐regulation of SMAD3 and SMAD9 in brain samples of patients with schizophrenia. Overall, six of the eight genes showed a tendency for up‐regulation, and none of them was found to have a tendency for down‐regulation. SMAD1 and SMAD4 were up‐regulated also in blood samples of 13 individuals with schizophrenia versus eight healthy controls, suggesting the SMAD genes' potential role as biomarkers of schizophrenia. Furthermore, SMAD genes' expression levels were significantly correlated with those of Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor‐1 (S1PR1), which is known to regulate inflammatory processes. Our meta‐analysis supports the involvement of SMAD genes in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia through their role in inflammatory processes, as well as demonstrates the importance of gene expression meta‐analysis for improving our understanding of psychiatric diseases.
Antioxidants attenuate mitochondrial oxidative damage through the Nrf2 pathway: A promising therapeutic strategy for stroke
Authors: Chen Ling , Chen Su , Yang Xiao‐Fei , Min Jia‐Wei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStroke represents one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Reactive oxygen species overproduction‐induced oxidative stress in mitochondria results in mitochondrial DNA damage, mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy), inflammation, and apoptosis during the pathologic progression of stroke. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator that induces the transcription of a wide range of antioxidant genes to attenuate mitochondrial oxidative stress. Different antioxidative compounds, including polyphenols, mitochondrial antioxidants, triterpenoids, and others, have been shown to be able to activate Nrf2 and, thus, exert neuroprotective effects on stroke by ameliorating mitochondrial oxidative damage. In this review, we briefly discussed the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of stroke and focused on the protective effects of antioxidative compounds through attenuating mitochondrial oxidative damage by activating Nrf2 in stroke. In conclusion, these antioxidants may represent novel therapeutic strategies against stroke.
Effect of fiber‐bound polyphenols from highland barley on lipid oxidation products of cooked pork during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Li Jinxin , Zhang Hao , Yang Xijuan , Zhu Ling , Wu Gangcheng , Qi Xiguang , Zhang Hui , Wang Yongjin , Chen Xiaoyu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a major site of lipid oxidation, and the lipid oxidation products are related to an increased risk of various chronic diseases. In this study, the inhibition capacity of bound‐polyphenol rich insoluble dietary fiber (BP‐IDF) from highland barley (HB) to lipid oxidation was evaluated during simulated GI digestion.RESULTSWe found that the level of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and aldehydes were significantly inhibited when highland barley bound‐polyphenol rich insoluble dietary fiber (HBBP‐IDF) co‐digestion with cooked pork. The lipid oxidation products were more effectively scavenged during simulated gastric digestion, with inhibition of 77.4% for LOOH, 52.3% for malondialdehyde, 46.5% for 4‐hydroxy‐2‐hexenal and 48.7% for 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenel, respectively. The fiber‐bound polyphenols are the principal scavengers of lipid oxidation products.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that HBBP‐IDF could be used as a functional ingredient able to scavenge lipid oxidation products across the GI tract. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fructo‐oligofructose ameliorates 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene‐induced atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions and psychiatric comorbidities in mice
Authors: Chen Shaoze , Tang Liu , Nie Tingting , Fang Mingyu , Cao Xiaoqin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus and eczema lesions and psychiatric comorbidities. The gut–brain–skin axis plays a pivotal role during AD development, which might suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for AD. The present study aims to uncover the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of fructo‐oligofructose (FOS), a type of prebiotic, on AD‐like skin manifestations and comorbid anxiety and depression in AD mice.RESULTSFemale Kunming mice were treated topically with 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to induce AD‐like symptoms and FOS was administered daily for 14 days. The results showed that FOS could alleviate AD‐like skin lesions markedly as evidenced by dramatic decreases in severity score, scratching bouts, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and T helper 1(Th1)/Th2‐related cytokines, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells to the dermal tissues. The comorbid anxiety and depressive‐like behaviors, estimated by the forced swimming test (FST), the tail‐suspension test (TST), the open‐field test (OFT), and the zero maze test (ZMT) in AD mice, were significantly attenuated by FOS. Fructo‐oligofructose significantly upregulated brain neurotransmitters levels of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine (DA). Furthermore, FOS treatment increased the relative abundance of gut microbiota, such as Prevotella and Lactobacillus and the concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially acetate and iso‐butyrate in the feces of AD mice. The correlation analysis indicated that the reshaped gut microbiome composition and enhanced SCFAs formation are associated with skin inflammation and behavioral alteration.CONCLUSIONCollectively, these data identify FOS as a promising microbiota‐targeted treatment for AD‐like skin inflammation and comorbid anxiety and depressive‐like behaviors. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structural properties of Phoenix oolong tea polysaccharide conjugates and the interfacial stability in nanoemulsions
Authors: Lin Jiayi , Lin Qiaoyi , Zhu Linjia , Xie Xinan , Li Yan , Li Lu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDTea polysaccharide conjugate (TPC) is a naturally occurring active substance that is extracted from tea. Owing to its benefits in enhancing human immunity and antioxidant effects, TPC is widely used in culinary products. The binding mode of polysaccharides and proteins in TPC, however, has not been well studied; it may be closely related to their functional properties, especially emulsification.RESULTSThe molecular weights and monosaccharide compositions of TPC were determined by ion chromatography and high‐performance gel permeation chromatography. Although the functional groups of polysaccharides and proteins were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, the presence of proteins could not be detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and ultraviolet spectroscopy. It was hypothesized that the hydrophobic groups of the proteins in TPC were wrapped by polysaccharide chains, thus making the proteins undetectable. The rheology and interfacial protein adsorption results show that TPC forms a viscoelastic film at the oil–water interface to prevent the aggregation of oil droplets, thereby enhancing the stability of the emulsion. Based on these structural and emulsifying properties of TPC, the binding mode of polysaccharides and proteins along with their phase behavior at the oil–water interface of the emulsion was speculated.CONCLUSIONIn TPC, the hydrophilic groups of the proteins are linked to polysaccharides by covalent interactions, where the hydrophobic groups are wrapped with the polysaccharide chains with the help of hydrophobic forces to form a hydrophobic core. The unique binding of polysaccharides and proteins in TPC enhances its amphiphilic properties, which can be effectively distributed at the oil–water interface and form stable emulsions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dietary Intervention with the Gut Microbial Metabolite Urolithin A Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Deficits via the Sirt1/acetyl‐NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Yiran , Yuan Quan , Ma Yilu , Zhou Xiang , Wang Gang , Wang Shanshan , Li Sanqiang , Shi Jian , Wang Dongmei 
Published: March 2023

ScopeThe gut microbial metabolite Urolithin A (UA) exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties in vivo and in vitro. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is present in abundance in the gut, induces chronic neuroinflammation and triggers behavioral abnormalities. However, the neuroprotective effects of UA and the underlying mechanisms implicate in an LPS‐elicited neuroinflammation mouse model remain elusive.Methods and resultsDaily administration of UA (200 mg kg−1 d−1; i.g.) for 21 days significantly mitigates cognitive deficits following LPS exposure. UA prevents LPS‐induced neural loss and synaptic injury in the hippocampus. UA administration substantially represses LPS‐triggered glial cell activation and the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6). Further study reveals that UA promotes Sirt1 expression and NF‐κB p65 deacetylation. Importantly, all the beneficial effects of UA, including biochemical and neuropathological changes and cognitive function, are abrogated by 6‐chloro‐2,3,4,9‐tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazole‐1‐carboxamide (EX‐527), a specific Sirt1 inhibitor.ConclusionThe findings indicate that UA ameliorates LPS‐triggered neural/synaptic damage and cognitive deficits, which potentially contributes to the inhibition of neuroinflammation by promoting the Sirt1/acetyl‐NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Farnesol Exerts Protective Effects against Chronic Sleep Deprivation‐Induced Cognitive Impairment via Activation SIRT1/Nrf2 Pathway in the Hippocampi of Adult Mice
Authors: Li Yujuan , Xie Zheng , Luo Xiaoxiao , Wang Xuan , Wang Yue , Guo Mingke , Zhou Zhiqiang , Sun Rao , Hua Dongyu , Luo Ailin , Li Shiyong 
Published: March 2023

ScopeSleep deprivation (SD) negatively affects all aspects of health, with one serious consequence being impaired cognition. Farnesol (FOL) is a sesquiterpene synthesized by plants and mammals that has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study investigates the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of FOL on SD‐induced cognitive impairment.Methods and resultsAdministration of FOL dramatically ameliorates chronic sleep deprivation (CSD)‐induced cognitive impairment. In addition, FOL notably attenuates oxidative stress damage, pro‐inflammatory cytokines activation, and microglial activation in the hippocampi of the CSD‐exposed mice. Further examination indicates that administration of FOL after the CSD significantly increases the protein expressions of silent information regulator factor 2‐related enzyme 1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) in the hippocampi. Sirt1 agonist resveratrol (RES) has a similar neuroprotective effect, indicating that FOL could exert neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.ConclusionThe results reveal that FOL could protect against CSD‐induced cognitive impairment by activating the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Fully‐automated detection of small bowel carcinoid tumors in CT scans using deep learning
Authors: Shin Seung Yeon , Shen Thomas C. , Wank Stephen A. , Summers Ronald M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundSmall bowel carcinoid tumor is a rare neoplasm and increasing in incidence. Patients with small bowel carcinoid tumors often experience long delays in diagnosis due to the vague symptoms, slow growth of tumors, and lack of clinician awareness. Computed tomography (CT) is the most common imaging study for diagnosis of small bowel carcinoid tumor. It is often used with positron emission tomography (PET) to capture anatomical and functional aspects of carcinoid tumors and thus to increase the sensitivity.PurposeWe compared three different kinds of methods for the automatic detection of small bowel carcinoid tumors on CT scans, which is the first to the best of our knowledge.MethodsThirty‐three preoperative CT scans of 33 unique patients with surgically‐proven carcinoid tumors within the small bowel were collected. Ground‐truth segmentation of tumors was drawn on CT scans by referring to available 18F‐DOPA PET scans and the corresponding radiology report. These scans were split into the trainval set (n = 24) and the test positive set (n= 9). Additionally, 22 CT scans of 22 unique patients who had no evidence of the tumor were collected to comprise the test negative set. We compared three different kinds of detection methods, which are detection network, patch‐based classification, and segmentation‐based methods. We also investigated the usefulness of small bowel segmentation for reduction of false positives (FPs) for each method. Free‐response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for lesion‐ and patient‐level evaluations, respectively. Statistical analyses comparing the FROC and ROC curves were also performed.ResultsThe detection network method performed the best among the compared methods. For lesion‐level detection, the detection network method, without the small bowel segmentation‐based filtering, achieved sensitivity values of (60.8%, 81.1%, 82.4%, 86.5%) at per‐scan FP rates of (1, 2, 4 ,8), respectively. The use of the small bowel segmentation did not improve the performance (). For patient‐level detection, again the detection network method, but with the small bowel segmentation‐based filtering, achieved the highest AUC of 0.86 with a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 82% at the Youden point.ConclusionsThe carcinoid tumors in this patient population were very small and potentially difficult to diagnose. The presented method showed reasonable sensitivity at small numbers of FPs for lesion‐level detection. It also achieved a promising AUC for patient‐level detection. The method may have clinical application in patients with this rare and difficult to detect disease.
Measuring media‐related health and mental health information acquisition among Latino adults in the United States
Authors: DuPont‐Reyes Melissa J. , Villatoro Alice , Gama Giovanni , Tang Lu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe developed and evaluated new media‐related health information acquisition measures for U.S.‐based Latino populations.MethodsIn 2021, a sample of U.S.‐based Latino adults (N = 1574) self‐completed a 20‐min survey of health information acquisition measures across three language/cultural dimensions: Spanish media, Latino‐tailored media in English, and general media in English. Socio‐demographics were also ascertained. Means and standard deviations for the health acquisition measures were adjusted for age and sex and reported across nativity status.ResultsThe sample was diverse across age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, migration, and language competency. Internal consistency reliability of developed scales was excellent overall and within age, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic subgroups (Cronbach's alphas = 0.86–0.94). English media scales had higher means overall indicating higher prolonged quantity (i.e., dosage) than Spanish media scales. In contrast, standard deviations for Spanish media scales were higher overall indicating broader reach at lower doses than English media scales.ConclusionsFindings suggest English‐language media is popular among Latino populations overall. However, Spanish‐language media retains broad reach through both passive and active exposure. Our findings demonstrate the value of including more nuanced measurement of health information acquisition such as the scales developed in this study to improve health promotion among Latino populations.
B1 and magnetization decay correction for hyperpolarized 129Xe lung imaging using sequential 2D spiral acquisitions
Authors: Bdaiwi Abdullah S. , Costa Mariah L. , Plummer Joseph W. , Willmering Matthew M. , Walkup Laura L. , Cleveland Zackary I. 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo mitigate signal variations caused by inhomogeneous RF and magnetization decay in hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation images using flip‐angle maps generated from sequential 2D spiral ventilation images acquired in a breath‐hold. Images and correction maps were compared with those obtained using conventional, 2D gradient‐recalled echo.Theory and MethodsAnalytical expressions to predict signal intensity and uncertainty in flip‐angle measurements were derived from the Bloch equations and validated by simulations and phantom experiments. Imaging in 129Xe phantoms and human subjects (1 healthy, 1 cystic fibrosis) was performed using 2D gradient‐recalled echo and spiral. For both sequences, consecutive images were acquired with the same slice position during a breath‐hold (Cartesian scan time = 15 s; spiral scan time = 5 s). The ratio of these images was used to calculate flip‐angle maps and correct intensity inhomogeneities in ventilation images.ResultsMean measured flip angle showed excellent agreement with the applied flip angle in simulations (R2 = 0.99) for both sequences. Mean measured flip angle agreed well with the globally applied flip angle (∼15% difference) in 129Xe phantoms and in vivo imaging using both sequences. Corrected images displayed reduced coil‐dependent signal nonuniformity relative to uncorrected images.ConclusionsFlip‐angle maps were obtained using sequentially acquired, 2D spiral, 129Xe ventilation images. Signal intensity variations caused by RF‐coil inhomogeneity can be corrected by acquiring sequential single‐breath ventilation images in less than 5‐s scan time. Thus, this method can be used to remove undesirable heterogeneity while preserving physiological effects on the signal distribution.
How durable are the effects of cognitive‐behavioural therapy‎ in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zabihiyeganeh Mozhdeh , Afshar Sedigheh Vafaee , Kadijani Azade Amini , Janbozorgi Masoud , Akbari Abolfazl , Yahyazadeh Hooman , Mirzaei Alireza 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPurposeCognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, there is no consensus on the durability of its effects on these patients. In this study, we evaluated how durable are the effects of CBT in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms.MethodsForty‐eight fibromyalgia patients treated with traditional face‐to‐face CBT were included. CBT was performed in 20 consecutive group sessions. To evaluate the durability of treatment, the effects of CBT on fibromyalgia symptoms were checked at five time‐points: before the CBT, immediately after the CBT, 3 months after the CBT, 6 months after the CBT, and 12 months after the CBT. Outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and widespread pain index (WPI).ResultsThe mean FIQ score of the patients was 68.3 ± 18.8 before the CBT and 50.5 ± 14.1 1 week after the CBT (p < 0.001). The mean post‐CBT FIQ score did not significantly change three and 6 months after the CBT (p = 0.11 and p = 0.09, respectively) while the positive effects of CBT significantly diminished after 12 months (p < 0.001). The mean WPI was 10.4 ± 3.6 before the CBT and 8.6 ± 3.1 1 week after the end of CBT (p < 0.001). The mean WPI of three and 6 months was not statistically different from that immediately after the CBT (p = 0.18 and p = 0.15, respectively), while after 12 months, it significantly worsened (p < 0.001).ConclusionCBT's beneficial effects for fibromyalgia patients are durable for 6 months. Complementary CBT sessions could be implemented to boost the CBT effect after this period.
Resource allocation in two‐layered cyber‐defense
Authors: Atkinson Michael P. , Kress Moshe 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA common network security approach is to create a De‐Militarized Zone (DMZ) comprising two layers of network defense. The DMZ structure provides an extra layer of security between the sensitive information in a network (e.g., research and development files) and the component of the network that must interface with the general internet (e.g., the mail server). We consider a cyber‐attack on a DMZ network where both attacker and defender have limited resources and capabilities to attack and defend, respectively. We study two optimization problems and one game‐theoretic problem. Given that the attacker (defender) knows the potential capabilities of the defender (attacker) in the two layers, we obtain the optimal allocation of resources for the attacker (defender). The two‐optimization problems are not symmetrical. Absent any knowledge regarding the allocation of the adversary's resources, we solve a game‐theoretic problem and obtain some operational insights regarding the effect of combat (e.g., cyber) capabilities and their optimal allocation.
Price or quantity? An analysis of strategies in the presence of gray markets
Authors: Chen Jingxian , Liang Liang , Mukhopadhyay Samar , Yao Dong‐qing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGray markets, a double‐edged sword for the multinational firms' profitability, can boost the sales revenues of low‐end subsidiaries while cannibalizing the demands of high‐end arms. To counter the adverse effects of the gray market, firms can flexibly adjust between the two strategies of setting prices (the price strategy) and choosing quantity (the quantity strategy) for its products. This paper investigates the best strategy for responding to gray markets. We consider a firm that produces two substitute products, each sold in an independent market (country). A gray marketer purchases the product sold in the low‐priced market and resells it in the high‐priced market, thereby starting a gray market. By studying the conditions of determining when and which strategy is more profitable, we establish several findings that are absent in the current literature. For instance, we find that it is likely that the quantity strategy could also be the best one in the presence of the gray competition. Moreover, implementing the quantity strategy can even automatically eliminate the gray market, which will not happen if the price strategy is employed. In addition, we identify special cases in which implementing one of the two strategies can lead to profit improvements while employing the other will cause the firm to suffer in case a gray market exists. We also examine the robustness of these findings in several cases of extensions of our model.