bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide-mediated the therapeutic properties of induced pluripotent stem cell for paraquat-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Cui Anfeng , Li Shirui , Li Yijun , Yang Dawei , Huang Jiongwei , Wang Xuemeng , Song Nana , Chen Fuchen , Chen Sifeng , Xiang Meng 
Published: May 2023

The mortality rate associated with acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome, is high. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapy is a potential treatment method for ALI, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited in injured lungs. Nitric oxide (NO) has various physiological actions. The current study investigated the effect of iPSCs pretreated with NO donors in paraquat (PQ)-induced ALI mouse model. Male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with PQ, followed by infusion of phosphate-buffered saline, iPSCs, L-arginine pretreated iPSCs, or Nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) pretreated iPSCs through the tail veins. Histopathological changes, pulmonary microvascular permeability, and inflammatory cytokine levels were analyzed after 3 or 28 d. The effects on iPSC proliferation, migration, and adhesion were evaluated in vitro. More L-arginine-pretreated iPSCs were selectively trafficked into the injured pulmonary tissue of mice with LPS-induced ALI, drastically diminishing the histopathologic changes and inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-6). There was also markedly improved pulmonary microvascular permeability and pulmonary function. The NO inhibitor abolished the protective effects of iPSCs. In addition, the ability of L-arginine to promote the proliferation and migration of iPSCs was decreased by L-NAME pretreatment, suggesting that NO might mediate the therapeutic benefits of iPSC. The improvement of the iPSC physiological changes by the endogenous gaseous molecule NO reduces lung injury severity. L-Arginine represents a pharmacologically important strategy for enhancing the therapeutic potential of iPSCs.
Subliminal attentional bias modification training for itch
Authors: Becker Jennifer M. , Van Ryckeghem Dimitri M. L. , Van Damme Stefaan , Crombez Geert , Schoot Yalou , Wiers Reinout W. H. J. , Rippe Ralph C. A. , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionItch is unpleasant and induces the urge to scratch. This is adaptive to remove the itch-inducing stimulus from the skin. Accordingly, itch draws attention to protect our bodily integrity. Recent studies investigated whether attention is preferentially drawn towards its location, i.e., attentional bias (AB), and also whether this bias could be changed in healthy individuals. So far, results are mixed concerning the existance of an attentional bias towards itch stimuli in healthy individuals as well as the impact of modifications. However, available studies have typically focused on conscious processing and might miss preconscious aspects of attention and potential biases at these stages.MethodsThis study included 117 healthy individuals who underwent a subliminal Attentional Bias Modification (ABM)- training for itch based on a dot-probe paradigm with itch- related pictures. Participants were randomly assigned to a training towards itch group, a training away from itch group and a control group. This was done by manipulating the itch-target congruency of the dot-probe task during a training block. Pre- and post-training assessments were regular dot-probe tasks. Exploratorily, also attentional inhibition, cognitive flexibility and itch-related cognitions were assessed. Lastly, participants received an itchy stimulus on the inner forearm before and after the ABM-training to assess potential effects on itch sensitivity.ResultsResults showed no AB towards itch across groups at baseline, i.e., pre-training, but an AB away from itch, hence, avoidance of itch, post-training. Further analyses showed that this effect was driven by an attentional bias away from itch in the control group, while there were no significant effects in the experimental groups. There was no effect on itch sensitivity.ConclusionThese findings are in line with recent studies on conscious ABM-training for itch and pain that also did not find significant training effects. Therefore, it is suggested that the field of AB might need to reconsider the current assessment of AB. Moreover, AB is probably a dynamic process that is highly dependent on current itch-related goals and relevance of itch in a specific situation. This suggests that processes probably differ in patients with chronic itch and that also ABM-training might work differently in these populations.Clinical trial registrationhttps://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR7561, identifier NTR7561.
Understanding the factors that influence matriculation and persistence in Black medical students
Authors: Mincey Krista D. , Richardson Briana S. L. , Johnson Raymond O. , Heraut Mary L. 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Strategic Plan lists 10 action plans one of which is focused on understanding how systemic barriers, such as racism and access to quality education, may negatively impact diversity in academic medicine. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand the factors that impact the matriculation and persistence of Black medical students.MethodA qualitative phenomenological study using Tinto’s Model of Institutional Departure as an organizing framework was used for this study. Participants were asked a series of questions covering topics related to their goals, their medical school experience, their preparation for medical school, what could improve their medical school experience, and advice for future Black medical students.ResultsForty in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted during the fall 2022 term from October to December with Black medical students enrolled in over 16 US or Caribbean medical schools. Findings reported that two factors impacted matriculation for Black medical students (exposure to the medical field and resources, particularly financial resources). Findings also reported that three factors impacted the persistence of Black students once in medical school (diversity, support, and emotional resources).ConclusionThe five factors identified by participants that impact matriculation and persistence for Black medical students can be used by medical schools to increase their enrollment and graduation of Black students.
A ceRNA network-mediated over-expression of cuproptosis-related gene SLC31A1 correlates with poor prognosis and positive immune infiltration in breast cancer
Authors: Lian Weibin , Yang Peidong , Li Liangqiang , Chen Debo , Wang Chuan 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionSolute carrier family 31 member 1(SLC31A1) has been reported as the copper importer, and was identified to be involved in the process of “cuproptosis”. However, the mechanism of SLC31A1 in breast cancer remains unclear.MethodsWe examined the expression of SLC31A1 mRNA in breast cancer tissues and cell lines using Real-time PCR. The data for this study were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and analyzed via R 3.6.3. TIMER, UALCAN, GEPIA2, STRING, Metascape, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, starBase and miRNet websites were used for a comprehensive analysis of SLC31A1.ResultsOur study suggested that SLC31A1 mRNA was over-expressed in breast tumor tissue and breast cancer cell lines, and which was closely related to poor relapse-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). In addition, we constructed a co-expression network of SLC31A1. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that they were mainly involved in copper ion transport. Interestingly, SLC31A1 expression was positively associated with all m6A-related genes, especially with YTHDF3 (r = 0.479). Importantly, the LINC00511/miR-29c-3p/SLC31A1 axis was identified as the most potential pathway promoting breast cancer progress by affecting copper transport. Furthermore, the expression level of SLC31A1 in breast cancer was positively correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration, immune cell biomarkers and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF).ConclusionUp-regulation of SLC31A1 expression and regulation of copper ion transport mediated by LINC00511-miR-29-3p axis is related to poor prognosis and positively correlated with tumor immune infiltration in breast cancer.
Ralstonia solanacearum type III effector RipAA targets chloroplastic AtpB to modulate an incompatible interaction on Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Miao Yangchen , Wu Leilei , Xue Qi , Zhang Qiuyan , Zou Huasong 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe type III effector RipAA of Ralstonia solanacearum GMI1000 plays a critical role in the incompatible interaction on Nicotiana benthamiana.MethodsThe RipAA was transiently expressed in N. benthamiana by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Chemical staining with trypan blue and DAB were conducted to examine the cell death and the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), respectively. The expression of the marker genes for salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The proteins interacted with RipAA was identified from N. benthamiana by yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays. A TRV-mediated gene silencing was used to assess the role of host gene in response to RipAA expression and R. solanacearum infection.Results and discussionRipAA induced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and genome DNA degradation in N. benthamiana, which were accompanied by a hypersensitive reaction. Simultaneously, the marker genes for salicylic acid (SA) signaling were induced and those for jasmonic acid (JA) signaling were reduced. N. benthamiana chloroplastic AtpB, the ATPase β subunit, was identified as an interactor with RipAA. The silencing of atpB in N. benthamiana resulted in the inability of RipAA to induce a hypersensitive response, a compatible interaction with GMI1000, and an enhanced sensitivity to bacterial wilt. Our data support the concept that RipAA determines host-range specificity by targeting the host chloroplastic AtpB.
Case report: Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of pediatric erythromelalgia
Authors: Zuo Lei , Su Ai , Shi Ying , Li Nan , Chen Shiyu , Yang XiaoQiu 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionIn children, erythromelalgia is a rare chronic pain syndrome characterized by erythema, severe burning pain, and itching of affected feet. Unfortunately, there is no definitive therapy available currently.Case reportHere, we report a case of primary erythromelalgia and the treatment response in a 10-year-old boy, whose genetic findings for mutations in the SCN9A gene were positive and skin biopsy results were diagnosed as small fiber neuropathy, while he has suffered from excruciating burning pain, itching, erythema, and recurrent infections over the past 3 years. He did not respond well to conventional treatment, and the only way to receive minimal relief was to immerse his feet in ice water. After a successful trial of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), the implantable pulse generator (IPG) was successfully implanted without complications, and it proved partial response to therapy.ConclusionThere is no specific, efficient treatment for pediatric erythromelalgia currently, but this case demonstrates neuromodulation serves as part of the multimodal regimen to treat pediatric erythromelalgia.
Predictive value of prognostic nutritional and systemic immune-inflammation indices for patients with microsatellite instability-high metastatic colorectal cancer receiving immunotherapy
Authors: Yi Jiahong , Xue Ju , Yang Lin , Xia Liangping , He Wenzhuo 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundThe prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are indicators of nutritional immune status. They have been reported associated with clinical outcomes of various solid tumors. However, it is unclear whether they can serve as predictors for patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving immunotherapy. Our objective was to study the prognostic value of PNI and SII in these patients.MethodsSeventy-five MSI-H mCRC patients were enrolled in our study. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify features that influenced immunotherapy response. Survival differences between groups of mCRC patients were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. The independent risk parameters for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with MSI-H mCRC were established by Cox proportional risk regression analysis.ResultsThe optimal SII and PNI cutoff values were 409.6 and 51.35. Higher PNI (p = 0.012) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC, p = 0.012) were associated with a better immunotherapy response. SII (p = 0.031), cholesterol (CHO) (p = 0.007) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p = 0.031) were independent prognostic factors correlated with OS. Higher PNI (p = 0.012) and lower AST (p = 0.049) were negative predictors of PFS. In addition, patients suffered from immune-related adverse events (irAEs) had a lower SII level (p = 0.04).ConclusionHigher AST and SII, and lower PNI predict worse outcomes in MSI-H mCRC patients undergoing immunotherapy. Moreover, patients with lower SII before immunotherapy suffered from irAEs more often.
Nutrition, lifestyle, and cognitive performance in esport athletes
Authors: Goulart Jenna B. , Aitken Logan S. , Siddiqui Saman , Cuevas Marisa , Cardenas Jacqueline , Beathard Karen M. , Riechman Steven E. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionElectronic sports, termed esports, is a growing athletic activity in which high levels of attention and cognitive performance are required. With its increasing popularity and competitiveness, interest in strategies to improve performance have emerged. Improving esports athlete performance, namely cognitive endurance, and resilience, may lie in nutritional or lifestyle factors. The Nutrition, Vision, and Cognition in Sport Studies (IONSport) investigated nutritional and behavioral factors that can influence cognition via 3-dimensional multiple objects tracking test (3DMOT) via Neurotracker X (NTx) software. The purpose of this study was to characterize the lifestyle of high level esports athletes with detailed nutrition, sleep, and physical activity assessments, and their association to gaming related cognitive performance.Methods103 male and 16 elite female esports athletes aged 16 to 35 years old completed surveys, food records, and cognitive testing sessions over 10 days. Participants were instructed to maintain their normal dietary and lifestyle habits.ResultsThere were positive significant associations between average NTx scores and the following nutrients: magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, selenium, thiamin, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, folate, cholesterol, saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and choline. Majority of participants did not meet recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for these micronutrients nor the recommended intakes for dairy, fruit, and vegetables. There was a significant (p = 0.003) positive (r = 0.272) association between total vegetable intake and average NTx score. There was a significant negative association (p = 0.015) with our final sustain session, which measured cognitive resilience, and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale score. Repeated measures analysis was done with these groups over the 18 core NTx sessions. There were significant (p = 0.018) differences between the two groups with those who consumed the recommended amount of protein or more performing significantly better on NTx over the 18 sessions than those that did not consume enough protein. Those who consumed the recommended intakes for riboflavin, phosphorous, vitamin B12, and selenium performed significantly better over the 18 core NTx sessions than those that did not meet the recommended amounts.DiscussionThe need for a nutrition intervention that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is warranted in this population.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among middle-aged and older adults in the United States
Authors: Wang Ting-Yi , Wang Hung-Wei , Jiang Ming-Yan 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied among populations and regions worldwide. In addition, the association between vitamin D deficiency and health outcomes remained controversial. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with mortality risk among non-institutional middle-aged and older adults in the United States.MethodThe study population included 11,119 adult participants aged between 50 and 79 years in the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Vitamin D status was divided as ≤ 30 (severely deficient), 30.1–50 (moderately deficient), 50.1–75 (insufficient), 75.1–100 (sufficient), and &gt; 100 nmol/L (very sufficient). NHANES data were linked to National Death Index to ascertain the survival status and cause of death.ResultsThe population aged 61.5 years (survey-weighted) and 47.9% were men. Among them, 4.6% were severely vitamin D deficient, 15.2% moderately deficient, and 33.6% insufficient. Individuals with higher vitamin D levels tended to be female, older, white people, non-smoker, non-single, more educated, with higher family income, and lower body mass index. During a median follow-up of 97.0 months, a total of 1,585 participants died (15.9 per 10,000 person-months). The crude analysis showed that vitamin D deficiency, but not vitamin D insufficiency, correlated to higher all-cause mortality risk. The association remained similar after adjusting for potential confounders, showing that vitamin D deficiency (HR: 1.38, 95% CI 1.15–1.66), but not vitamin D insufficiency (HR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.88–1.20), correlated to higher all-cause mortality risk. In addition, we showed that vitamin D deficiency was an independent risk factor for death from pneumonia (HR: 3.82, 95% CI 1.14–12.86) but not from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, or cerebrovascular diseases.ConclusionIn summary, among middle-aged and older adults in the United States, nearly 20% were vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency, but not vitamin D insufficiency, correlated to increased mortality risk.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of drug resistance in ovarian cancer from 2013 to 2022
Authors: Liu Jiahua , Ma Junnan , Zhang Jiarong , Li Chengming , Yu Bowen , Choe Hyok Chol , Ding Kaiyue , Zhang Liu , Zhang Lin 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveAs one of the cancers that seriously threatens women’s health, ovarian cancer has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Surgery and chemotherapy are the basic treatment strategies for ovarian cancer, and chemotherapy resistance is a significant factor in affecting the prognosis, survival cycle, and recurrence of ovarian cancer. This article aims to analyze articles about ovarian cancer and drug resistance via bibliometric software, offering new ideas and directions for researchers in this field.MethodsBoth Citespace and Vosviewer are bibliometric software on the Java platform. Articles were collected on ovarian cancer and drug resistance in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2013 to 2022. The countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and references were analyzed, and the development status of this field was indicated from multiple perspectives.ResultsStudies on ovarian cancer and drug resistance generally showed an increasing trend from 2013 to 2022. The People’s Republic of China and Chinese institutions contributed more to this field. Gynecologic Oncology published the most articles, and the journal with the most citations was Cancer Research. Li Li was the author with the most publications, and Siegel RL was the author with the most citations. Through burst detection, it can be found that the research hotspots in this field mainly focused on the in-depth exploration of the drug resistance mechanism of ovarian cancer and the progress of PARP inhibitors and bevacizumab in the treatment of ovarian cancer.ConclusionsMany studies on the mechanism of drug resistance in ovarian cancer have been discovered; however, the deeper mechanism remains to be explored. Compared with traditional chemotherapy drugs, PARP inhibitors and bevacizumab have shown better efficacy, but PARP inhibitors have initially shown drug resistance. The future direction of this field should be to overcome the resistance of existing drugs and actively develop new ones.
Screening of immunotherapy-related genes in bladder cancer based on GEO datasets
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Li Xinxin , Kuang Qihui , Luo Hongbo 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundAs one of the most prevalent genitourinary cancers, bladder cancer (BLCA) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, limited indicators are available for early detection and diagnosis of bladder cancer, and there is a lack of specific biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis of BLCA patients. This study aims to identify critical genes that affect bladder cancer immunity to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer and to identify new biomarkers and targets for immunotherapy.MethodsTwo GEO datasets were used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network of DEGs, and plug-in APP CytoHubba in Cytoscape was used to identify critical genes in the network. GO and KEGG analyses explored the functions and pathways of differential gene enrichment. We used GEPIA to validate the expression of differential genes, their impact on patient survival, and their relationship to clinicopathological parameters. Additionally, hub genes were verified using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Immune infiltration analysis and multiple immunohistochemistry reveal the impact of Hub genes on the tumor microenvironment.ResultWe screened out 259 differential genes, and identified 10 key hub genes by the degree algorithm. Four genes (ACTA2, FLNA, TAGLN, and TPM1) were associated with overall or disease-free survival in BLCA patients and were significantly associated with clinical parameters. We experimentally confirmed that the mRNA and protein levels of these four genes were significantly decreased in bladder cancer cells. Immunoassays revealed that these four genes affect immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment; they increased the polarization of M2 macrophages.ConclusionThese four genes affect the tumor microenvironment of bladder cancer, provide a new direction for tumor immunotherapy, and have significant potential in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer.