bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parkinson’s disease is associated with an imbalance in circular RNA expression
Authors: Hudson Gavin , Whittle Ben , Izuogu Osagie , Lowes Hannah , Deen Dasha , Pyle Angela , Coxhead Jonathon , Lawson Rachel , Yarnall Alison , Jackson Michael , Santibanez-Koref Mauro 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) precedes diagnosis by years. Early neurodegeneration may be reflected in RNA levels and measurable as a biomarker. Here, we present the largest quantification of whole blood linear and circular RNAs (circRNA) in early-stage PD, using RNA sequencing data from two cohorts (PPMI = 259 PD, 161 Controls; ICICLE-PD = 48 PD, 48 Controls). We identified a replicable increase inTMEM252andLMNB1gene expression in PD. We identified novel differences in the expression of circRNAs fromESYT2,BMS1P1andCCDC9, and replicated trends of previously reported circRNAs. Overall, using circRNA as a diagnostic biomarker in Parkinson’s did not show any clear improvement over linear RNA. More interestingly, we observed a general reduction in circRNA expression in both PD cohorts, accompanied by an increase inRNASELexpression. This imbalance implicates the activation of an innate antiviral immune response and suggests a previously unknown aspect of circRNA regulation in PD.
Treatment goal achievement and association with 10-year and 30-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risks in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan: The Taiwan Diabetes Registry
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Wei , Yeh Yun-Kai , Wu Tsung-Hui , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Lo Su-Huey , Yeh Yen-Po , Huang Chien-Ning , Hsieh Chang-Hsun , Hwu Chii-Min 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background.
Guidelines for diabetes care recommend specific treatment goals for blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid control to prevent long-term complications of diabetes. However, there are few reports on the achievement of goals and its association with cardiovascular risks in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).
Methods.
We analyzed data for patients with T1D from the Taiwan Diabetes Registry to examine the status of goal attainments and 10- and 30-year risk estimates for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Univariable and multivariable linear regression were performed to evaluate factors associated with ASCVD risk estimates. Treatment goals were defined as A1C < 7.0%, blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg, and LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dl or total cholesterol < 160 mg/dl.
Results.
The percentage of subjects fulfilling all targets was 9.9%. Meeting more treatment goals was associated with decreased ASCVD risk estimates (geometric means [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 10-year risk estimate with none to all three goal attainments: 4.6% [3.2-6.5], 3.4% [2.7-4.2], 2.1% [1.7-2.6], and 1.7% [1.1-2.6]). Association was found between waist circumference and higher 10-year ASCVD risk in the multivariable regression analysis (β-coefficient 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.40; P=0.002).
Conclusions.
Attainment of two or more treatment goals is associated with lower short- and longer-term risk estimates for ASCVD in patients with T1D.
Human cases of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infections in Hungary
Authors: Pankovics Peter , Nagy Arnold , Nyul Zoltán , Juhász Annamária , Takáts Károly , Boros Ákos , Reuter Gábor 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a “neglected” rodent-borne viral zoonotic disease caused by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) (family Arenaviridae). The aim of this retrospective clinical and laboratory study was to detect LCMV viral RNA using RT-PCR method from cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from patients with central nervous system (CNS) infections of unknown aetiology from over the past 12 years in Hungary. Between 2009 and 2020, a total of 74 blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were tested using HHV1/2 serological (blood) and “in-house” HHV1/2-specific and LCMV-specific (RT)-PCR-based (cerebrospinal fluid) methods in Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs. The mean age of the 74 patients included in our study was 24 years [min. 5 - max. 74], with a predominance of men [44 (59.5%); women: 30 (40.5%)]. Two-two (2.7%-2.7%) cerebrospinal fluid samples were revealed to be positive for HHV1/2 DNA and LCMV RNA by (RT)-PCR and sequencing. The first LCMV case was a 5-year-old preschool boy who had a hamster bite on his left-hand finger and the second LCMV case was a 74-year-old man who was living in a village had incipient dementia and a previous permanent functional CNS impairment. The two detected LCMV strains (MW558451 and OM648933) from year 2020 belonged to two different genetic lineages (I and II). A “neglected” LCM was reported from two cases with a CNS inflammation of unknown origin representing the first human LCMV infections confirmed by molecular methods in Hungary.
Deubiquitinase OTUD5 Promotes Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Removing K48-linked Ubiquitination of HBV core/precore and Up-regulating HNF4ɑ Expressions through Inhibiting the ERK1/2 /Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Lou Bin , Ma Guanghua , Yu Xiaopeng , Lv feifei , Xu fanjie , Sun chengdi , Chen Yu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide, causing nearly one million deaths annually. OTUD5 is a deubiquitinase associated with cancer development and innate immunity response. However, the regulatory mechanisms of OTUD5 underlying HBV replication need to be deeply elucidated. In the present investigation, we found that HBV induced significant up-regulation of OTUD5 protein in HBV-infected cells. Further study showed that OTUD5 displayed interaction with HBV core/precore, removing their K48-linked ubiquitination chains, and protecting their stability. Meanwhile, overexpression of OTUD5 could inhibit the MAPK pathway, and then increase the expression of HNF4ɑ, and ERK1/2 signaling was required for OTUD5-mediated activation of HNF4α, resulting in the promotion of HBV replication. Together, these data indicate that OTUD5 could inhibit HBV core protein degradation by its deubiquitinase function and promote HBV activity by up-regulating HNF4α expression via inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway. These results might present as a novel therapeutic strategy against HBV infection.
Pathogenic Variants in SHROOM3 Associated with Hemifacial Microsomia
Authors: wang bingqing , Li Qin , Zhang Bing-Hua , Chen Qi , Fu Yaoyao , Zuo Xiang , Lu Peng , Zhang Weiwei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a rare congenital disorder that affects facial symmetry, ear development, and other congenital features. However, known causal genes only account for approximately 3% of patients, indicating the need to discover more pathogenic genes.
Methods: We performed target capture sequencing on SHROOM3 in 320 Chinese HFM patients and evaluated the expression pattern of SHROOM3 and the consequences of deleterious mutations.
Results: Our study identified 9 deleterious mutations in SHROOM3 in 320 Chinese HFM patients. These mutations were predicted to significantly impact SHROOM3 function. Furthermore, the gene expression pattern of SHROOM3 in pharyngeal arches and the presence of facial abnormalities in gene-edited mice suggest important roles of SHROOM3in facial development.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SHROOM3 is a likely pathogenic gene for HFM.
Development of handheld optical coherence tomography based on commercial intra-oral scanner for extended clinical utility in dentistry
Authors: Kim Hayoung , Cho Hoseong , Lee Weonjoon , Son Keunbada , Lee Kyubok , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to develop a handheld dental optical coherence tomography (OCT) system capable of imaging the target area of the teeth in the oral cavity and demonstrate the applicability of the developed system to in vivo dental disease diagnosis based on a user-friendly scanner form. The design of the developed system is based on mimicking the shape of a commonly used commercial intra-oral scanner (IOS) so that the system users do not feel awkward when using it. A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning unit was used to optimize the overall size of the system, and the optical axis was designed in a Z-shape to maximize the beam size reflected by the MEMS mirror. A pre-study of in vivo oral scanning was performed to demonstrate the enhanced clinical feasibility of the developed system. Furthermore, the main experiment classified teeth with worn cervical regions into two groups according to the cervical abrasion shape. The developed dental OCT system produced a three-dimensional image of the scanning area and quantitatively analyzed the margin gap through an A-scan profile based on cross-sectional images. This study confirms the effectiveness of the developed handheld dental OCT system in actual dental clinical practice, and we expect our system to be utilized for various dental diseases, not only for diagnosing and cervical abrasions.
Potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as a biological agent in control of Bemisiatabaci under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Shafiei Fateme , Shahidi-Noghabi Shahnaz , Sedaghati Ebrahim , Smagghe Guy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are one of the environment-friendly organisms that increase soil fertility. Hence, AMF affect the herbivorous insect community by indirectly modifying host plant nutrient uptake, growth and defense, also known as priming. Here in the current study, we investigated under greenhouse conditions the effect of inoculation of tomato seedlings with four species of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, Rhizophagus irregularisandGlomus iranicus) on tomato plant growth parameters, plant defense enzymes, total phenol content, and the life table parameters of whiteflies,Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), that are important phloem-feeding pest insects. The results indicated that the growth parameters of tomato plants (including plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root volume, leaf surface area and weight root and aerial organs) were greater and larger in the mycorrhizal plants compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. Twenty days after exposing the plant toB. tabacithe largest amounts of defense enzymes comprising of peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase and total phenol contents were measured in the mycorrhizal plants compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. Furthermore, the life table parameters of the whitefly pest insects (net reproduction rate, R0; intrinsic rate of natural increase in insect population, r; finite rate of population increase, λ; and the mean generation time, T) were decreased in the mycorrhizal plants compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. Altogether, we believe that our plant-based results obtained here under greenhouse conditions are indications that AMF colonization enhanced tomato resistance toB. tabaciby improving plant growth parameters and increasing defense enzymes.
Brown sugar as a carbon source can make agricultural organic waste compost enter the secondary thermophilic stage and promote compost decomposition
Authors: Xu Peng , Li Xue , Zhao Shiwen , Shu Luolin , Zhang Guanzhi , Wu Yongjun , Yang Zhenchao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The utilization of microbial agents can enhance the composting process of agricultural organic waste and enhance the quality of compost products. However, several challenges persist in the composting of such waste, including the limited degradation capacity of the introduced microbial agents and the short duration of the high-temperature phase during composting. To enhance the composting efficiency of agro-organic waste, this study investigated the impact of inoculating tomato straw compost with two microbial agents: ZZ, a complex microbial agent, and EM, a commercial microbial agent. Additionally, 10% brown sugar was added as a carbon source to the compost after the initial high-temperature phase, aiming to assess its effect on the composting process. The findings revealed that compared to the control (CK) group, the ZZ and EM treatments extended the first high-temperature phase by 2 and 1 day, respectively. Furthermore, with the addition of 10% brown sugar, the ZZ and EM treatments remained in the second high-temperature phase for 8 and 7 days, respectively, while the CK treatment had already entered the cooling stage by then. Notably, the inoculation of microbial agents and the addition of brown sugar substantially augmented the activity of lignocellulose-related hydrolases, thereby promoting the degradation of lignocellulose in the ZZ and EM treatment groups. This was confirmed by FTIR analysis, which demonstrated that the addition of microbial agents facilitated the degradation of specific substances, leading to reduced absorbance in the corresponding spectra. XRD analysis further indicated a notable reduction in cellulose crystallinity for both the ZZ (8.00%) and EM (7.73%) treatments. Hence, the incorporation of microbial agents and brown sugar in tomato straw compost effectively enhances the composting process and improves the quality of compost products.
Chemical Modification and Characterization of Cotton Pulp as Cationic Material for Protiens Separation
Authors: abbas Shuja , Aasim Muhammad , Bibi NowShad , Bibi Noor Shad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The present study aims to chemically modify low-cost polymer to value-added products and to
test the newly synthesized material efficacy for protein purification. Different procedures were used for the introduction of anionic and cationic exchangers to the un-modified materials. The study focus on
modification of cellulose present in cotton pulp. The material was chemically modified by with
glycidyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpipiridine 1-oxyl radical
(TEMPO) to enhance their binding capacities with different proteins. The physical and chemical
properties of unmodified biopolymers and modified biopolymers were characterized by degree of
swelling, extent of modification, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-
Ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Molecular interaction studies were done in MOE using triangle matcher and refinement approaches. To see the binding capacity of the modified materials sorption experiments were performed using spectrometer. Lysozyme and Bovine
serum albumin were used to check the binding properties of the modified substances. Very reasonable
binding capability for proteins for found.
Antidiabetic Activity, Molecular Identification and In silico Docking of Compounds in Chromatographic Fractions of Tephrosia bracteolata Guill. &amp; Perr. (Fabaceae) Leaves
Authors: Idakwoji Precious Adejoh , Oniemola Joan Mayowa , Onoyima Samson Chinekwu , Onoja Andrew Omachoko , Oniwon Wisdom Otaru , Zakari David Adeiza , Momoh Theophilus Boniface , Iliya Rahamatu Shamsiyyah 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Recent efforts for the complementary treatment of diabetes have focused on medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds. Tephrosia bracteolata is one of such plants used in the management of diabetes but its anti-diabetic principles are yet to be identified. This study was aimed at identifying the compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity of the ethylacetate fraction of Tephrosia bracteolata leaves and subsequently, carryout an in silico molecular docking of these compounds against key targets in the pathophysiology of diabetes.
Methods
The ethylacetate fraction (EAF) of T. bracteolata leaves was fractionated using Silica gel column chromatography to yield 100 fractions. Pooling together of fractions with similar thin layer chromatographic (TLC) mobility profile afforded seven major fractions (SF1- SF7). Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out on the fractions using standard methods. The antidiabetic activity of the fractions was subsequently evaluated (at a dose of 200 mg/kg) against alloxan- induced diabetes in adult mice. GC-MS analysis was carried out on the fraction with the highest activity. Subsequently, some of the identified active compounds were docked against key targets in the pathology of diabetes using Auto Dock tool.
Results
Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids in varying proportions in the fractions. The sub-fractions produced varying degrees of significant (p < 0.05) decrease in FBS at 12h and 24h- post-treatment. GC-MS analysis of the most active fraction (SF5) revealed the presence of thirty- six compounds among which are some that have been reported to possess direct or indirect antidiabetic properties. These are Mome-inositol, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 1-D-thio-glucitol, 4-Piperidinone, Hexadecanoic acid, 9- octadecanoic acid, n- hexadecanoic acid and D- allose. Molecular docking studies (Auto Dock tool) between Mome inositol, 1-D-thio-glucitol and alpha-glucosidase showed that Mome inositol (− 6.7 kcal/mol) had a stronger affinity to the enzyme. Similarly, for sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2), Mome inositol (− 6.5 kcal/mol) had a stronger affinity than 1-D-thio-glucitol.
Conclusions
The identified compounds in the fraction could be responsible for the observed antidiabetic properties of the fraction of T. bracteolata.
Are financial regulations impairing the transition to net zero carbon emissions?
Authors: Gasparini Matteo , Ives Matthew , Carr Ben , Fry Sophie , Beinhocker Eric 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The debate around what role the financial system should play in fostering the green transition has been steadily growing. Companies are increasingly being required to quantify and disclose climate risks. However, the influential role played by existing accounting and financial reporting requirements, and broader financial regulation, has not been broached as issues of concern in this debate. Analyzing data and classifications from the European Banking Authority, we test whether existing frameworks might inadvertently be disincentivizing divestments from brown assets. We find that a significant bias exists – differences in the provision coverage ratio (PCR) reveal that banks must account for nearly double loan loss provisions for lending to non-brown sectors as compared to brown. We argue that this bias could be present in other model-based regulations, such as capital requirements, and possibly impact the ability of banks to fund green investments. Finally, we analyze the evidence and possible underlying mechanisms of this bias in risk-based regulations and present some avenues for further research.
Design and synthesis of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids as anticonvulsants
Authors: Abd-Allah Walaa , El-Maksoud Mohamed Samir Abd , Elbaset Marawan A. , Hessin Alyaa F. , Hassan Rasha Mohamed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Aiming to develop novel anticonvulsant agents a new series of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids series 8, 9 and 10 possessing the essential structure requirements for anticonvulsant activity was synthesized starting from cycloalkanones. All final target compounds were primary screened for chemically and electrically induced seizures using pentylenetetrazole “scPTZ” and maximal electroshock seizure “MES” models. In phase I anticonvulsant evaluation compounds 8b and 10b exhibited the highest potency among all the target compounds with 100% protection towards chemically induced seizures. Results of phase II anticonvulsant screening showed that compounds 8b and 10b are more potent than standard drug ethosuximide by about 11 and 9 fold, respectively. Regarding MES test, compounds 8b and 9a-d exhibited 100% protection with ED50 values ranged between 0.107–0.177 mmol/Kg. All final compounds did not display any signs of motor impairment in the neurotoxicity screening test. Also, compounds 8a, 9a-d and 10b were devoid of hepatotoxicity as shown by measurement of serum levels of liver enzymes, albumin as well as total protein. Moreover, the cyclohexyl derivative 10b produced a significant increase of Gamma-aminobutyric acid “GABA” brain’s content of mice compared to control group confirmed its GABAergic modulating activity. Molecular docking, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were carried out for all compounds as well. These outcomes support that cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrid is a promising scaffold to pave the way towards further development of novel class of antiepileptic drugs.
Food consumption patterns and sedentary behaviours among the university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akter Mst. Mahfuza , Hossain Md. Jubayer 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This cross-sectional study, conducted in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, aimed to examine the eating habits and physical inactivity levels of 444 randomly selected university students. Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Approximately 44% of the students had irregular breakfast consumption, with a slightly higher proportion of males (46%) than females (42%). Additionally, approximately 23% of the students exhibited irregular dinner habits, with a significant difference between males (9.6%) and females (31%) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of smoking was 13%, with a higher percentage of male smokers (22%) than of female smokers (7.6%) (p < 0.001). Only 19% of both male and female students consumed fruit daily. Rice and meat were the preferred food choices for 57% of students, with slightly higher among males (59%) than females (56%). The majority of students (70%) consumed their favourite food once or twice daily, with females (81%) showing a higher prevalence than males (70%) (p < 0.013). Junk was favoured by 55% of the students, with similar preferences among males (53%) and females (56%). Traditional cooking methods were preferred by 71% of the students. 66% of the students had a normal weight, with a slightly higher proportion of males (67%) than females (65%). Overweight and obesity were observed in 13% and 7.4% of the patients, respectively. Additionally, most females (87%) spent less than two hours watching television daily compared to 80% of males (p < 0.035). Furthermore, physical inactivity was more prevalent among female students (44%) than male students (p < 0.026). This study highlights unhealthy habits among Bangladeshi university students, stressing the need for intervention programs to promote healthier lifestyles.