bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of ursodeoxycholic acid on blood glucose, insulin and GLP-1 in rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation
Authors: Bai Xiu-Ping , Du Wen-Jin , Xing Hua-Bing , Yang Guo-Hua , Bai Rui 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes is much higher in people with cirrhosis than that in the general population. However, there are inadequate concrete guidelines for the management of diabetes in these patients, particularly in the early stage. Bile aids (BAs) have been found to exert hormone-like functions in the control of lipid and glucose metabolism. We studied the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on glucose levels in rats with cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL).

Methods
SD rats were divided into three groups: sham operation (Group A); BDL (Group B), and UDCA plus BDL (Group C). After 4 weeks, oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Serum biochemical parameters and the levels of glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) were measured. Histopathology of the liver and islet was observed. The gene expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroylase (CYP7A1), microsomal oxysterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) in the liver, and Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor-5 (TGR5) in the intestine was determined by real-time PCR.

Results
Compared with Group A, fasting glucose and 1-h and 2-h postprandial glucose levels increased slightly (all P > 0.05), 2-h postprandial insulin levels increased significantly (P < 0.05), 15 min postprandial GLP-1 levels decreased (P < 0.05) in Group B. Compared with Group B, fasting glucose and 1-h postprandial glucose levels decreased (all P < 0.05), 2-h postprandial insulin levels decreased (P < 0.01), and 15 min postprandial GLP-1 levels increased (P < 0.05) in Group C. After UDCA intervention, liver fibrosis induced by BDL was alleviated, and the islet areas were increased (P < 0.05). Compared with Group A, the mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and CYP7B1 in the liver increased, and the mRNA expression of TGR5 in the intestine decreased in Group B (all P < 0.05). Compared with Group B, the mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and CYP7B1 in the liver decreased, and TGR5 in the intestine increased in Group C (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
After 4 weeks of BDL, the rats developed liver fibrosis and abnormal glucose metabolism. UDCA administration improved liver fibrosis, increased islet area, decreased glucose levels, inhibited genes in BA synthesis, enhanced TGR5 gene expression in the intestine, and further improved islet function.
Overexpression of FoxM1 optimizes the therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Luo Yuling , Ge Shanhui , Chen Qingui , Lin Shan , He Wanmei , Zeng Mian 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Injury of alveolar epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells is crucial in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for ALI/ARDS treatment. Overexpression of Fork head box protein M1 (FoxM1) facilitates MSC differentiation into alveolar type II (AT II) cells in vitro. Moreover, FoxM1 has been shown to repair the endothelial barrier. Therefore, this study explored whether overexpression of FoxM1 promotes the therapeutic effect of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) on ARDS by differentiation of BMSCs into AT II cells or a paracrine mechanism.

Methods
A septic ALI model was established in mice by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide. The protective effect of BMSCs-FoxM1 on ALI was explored by detecting pathological variations in the lung, total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), wet/dry (W/D) lung weight ratio, oxidative stress levels, cytokine levels, and retention of BMSCs in the lung. In addition, we assessed whether FoxM1 overexpression promoted the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on ALI/ARDS by differentiating into AT II cells using SPC−/− mice. Furthermore, the protective effect of BMSCs-FoxM1 on lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial cell (EC) injury was explored by detecting EC proliferation, apoptosis, scratch wounds, tube formation, permeability, and oxidative stress, and analyzing whether the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to the regulatory mechanism in vitro using a pathway inhibitor.

Results
Compared with BMSCs-Vector, treatment with BMSCs-FoxM1 significantly decreased the W/D lung weight ratio, total BALF protein level, lung injury score, oxidative stress, and cytokine levels. With the detected track of BMSCs-FoxM1, we observed a low residency rate and short duration of residency in the lung. Notably, SPC was not expressed in SPC−/− mice injected with BMSCs-FoxM1. Furthermore, BMSCs-FoxM1 enhanced EC proliferation, migration, and tube formation; inhibited EC apoptosis and inflammation; and maintained vascular integrity through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which was partially reversed by XAV-939.

Conclusion
Overexpression of FoxM1 enhanced the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on ARDS, possibly through a paracrine mechanism rather than by promoting BMSC differentiation into AT II cells in vivo, and prevented LPS-induced EC barrier disruption partially through activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro.
Sirtuin 3 regulation: a target to alleviate β-hydroxybutyric acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in bovine granulosa cells
Authors: Zhao Shanjiang , Gong Jianfei , Wang Yi , Heng Nuo , Wang Huan , Hu Zhihui , Wang Haoyu , Zhang Haobo , Zhu Huabin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
During the transition period, the insufficient dry matter intake and a sharply increased in energy consumption to produce large quantities of milk, high yielding cows would enter a negative energy balance (NEB) that causes an increase in ketone bodies (KBs) and decrease in reproduction efficiency. The excess concentrations of circulating KBs, represented by β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), could lead to oxidative damage, which potentially cause injury to follicular granulosa cells (fGCs) and delayed follicular development. Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) regulates mitochondria reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) homeostasis in a beneficial manner; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its involvement in the BHBA-induced injury of fGCs is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the protection effects and underlying mechanisms of Sirt3 against BHBA overload-induced damage of fGCs.

Results
Our findings demonstrated that 2.4 mmol/L of BHBA stress increased the levels of mitoROS in bovine fGCs. Further investigations identified the subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction, including an increased abnormal rate of mitochondrial architecture, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, reductions in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and Ca2+ release; these dysfunctions then triggered the caspase cascade reaction of apoptosis in fGCs. Notably, the overexpression of Sirt3 prior to treatment enhanced mitochondrial autophagy by increasing the expression levels of Beclin-1, thus preventing BHBA-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in fGCs. Furthermore, our data suggested that the AMPK-mTOR-Beclin-1 pathway may be involved in the protective mechanism of Sirt3 against cellular injury triggered by BHBA stimulation.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that Sirt3 protects fGCs from BHBA-triggered injury by enhancing autophagy, attenuating oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. This study provides new strategies to mitigate the fGCs injury caused by excessive BHBA stress in dairy cows with ketosis.
Chemical constituents and biological activities of different extracts from ginger plant (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Shalaby Emad A. , Shanab Sanaa M. M. , Hafez Rehab M. , El-Ansary Abeer E. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundGinger is widely used in traditional food and folk medicine. It was known to contain monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds and its derivatives as well as aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters. The current work aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of different extracts from ginger peels and residues.MethodsGinger samples were collected from local market and extracted using water and ethanol solvent. Four different antioxidant assays were used (DPPH, ABTS, potassium permanganate and methylene blue), the anticancer activity was determined using HepG2 cell line and the active ingredients for the promising extract were identified using HPLC/UV.ResultsThe obtained results recorded that hot water extract of ginger peels was the promising extract exhibiting promising antioxidant activity. Fractionation of this promising extract was achieved by silica gel column chromatography with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate as mobile phase. Six fractions were produced. Thin layer chromatography (TLCF254) was used for separation of active compounds and bioautography confirmed their antioxidant efficiency. Higher antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line was recorded by fraction No. 4. Cold water extract of ginger peels exhibited comparatively higher antioxidant efficiency while both aqueous peel extracts showed antibacterial efficiency against four Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains using well diffusion assay.ConclusionGinger peels hot water extract is the promising extract as antioxidant, antiradical, antibacterial and anticancer.Graphical Abstract
Psychological distress 12 years following injury in New Zealand: findings from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study-10 years on (POIS-10)
Authors: Owen Helen E. , Samaranayaka Ari , Wyeth Emma H. , Derrett Sarah 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Injuries can have detrimental impacts on mental health, even after physical recovery. In our Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS), 25% of participants experienced psychological distress (assessed using the Kessler 6) three months after a sentinel injury event (SIE), declining to 16% at 24 months post-SIE. Internationally, studies of hospitalised patients found distress persisted beyond 24 months post-injury and remained higher than the general population. However, most studies only assessed distress at one timepoint, relied on long-term recall, or were limited to small samples or specific injury types. Therefore, we aim to describe the prevalence of psychological distress 12 years post-SIE and to investigate pre-injury, injury-related and early post-injury characteristics associated with long-term distress.

Methods
POIS is a longitudinal cohort study of 2856 New Zealanders injured between 2007 and 2009, who were on the national injury insurer, Accident Compensation Corporation entitlement claims’ register. Of these, 2068 POIS participants completed an interview at 24 months and agreed to further contact. They were invited to a follow-up interview 12 years post-SIE which included the Kessler-6 (K6), the psychological distress outcome of interest. Data about a range of pre-injury, injury-related and early (3 months) post-injury characteristics were collected via earlier interviews or administrative data sources (e.g. hospital discharge data).

Results
Twelve years post-SIE, 1543 (75%) people were re-interviewed and 1526 completed the K6; n = 177 (12%) reported psychological distress. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models found pre-injury characteristics were associated with an increased risk of clinically relevant distress at 12 years, i.e. having inadequate income, identifying as Māori, Pacific or Asian and having one mental health condition. Early post-injury psychological distress and dissatisfaction with social relationships also increased risk. However, being older was associated with a reduced risk of distress.

Conclusion
Clinically relevant distress persists long-term post-injury among adults with varying injury severity, types and causes, and at higher prevalence than in the general population. Early identification of injured people at risk of long-term psychological distress provides opportunities for timely interventions to reduce psychological distress.
Timing and delivery route effects of cecal microbiome transplants on Salmonella Typhimurium infections in chickens: potential for in-hatchery delivery of microbial interventions
Authors: Pottenger Sian , Watts Amyleigh , Wedley Amy , Jopson Sue , Darby Alistair C. , Wigley Paul 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Exposure to microbes early in life has long-lasting effects on microbial community structure and function of the microbiome. However, in commercial poultry settings chicks are reared as a single-age cohort with no exposure to adult birds which can have profound effects on microbiota development and subsequent pathogen challenge. Microbiota manipulation is a proven and promising strategy to help reduce pathogen load and transmission within broiler flocks. However, administration of microbiota transplant products in a hatchery setting may prove challenging. Effective administration strategies are dependent on key factors, such as; the age of chicks receiving interventions and mode of delivery. This study aimed to assess these two aspects to provide supporting evidence towards microbiome manipulation strategies for use in commercial hatcheries.

Results
Manipulation of the microbiota between 4 and 72 h of hatch markedly reduced faecal shedding and colonisation with the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST4/74). Administration of transplant material via spray or gel drop delivery systems had minimal effect on the protection conferred with fewer birds in transplant groups shown to shed ST4/74 in the faeces compared to PBS-gavaged control birds. Analysis of the microbiome following transplantation demonstrated that all transplant groups had higher diversity and species richness than non-transplant groups during the first week of life and the early stages of infection with ST47/4.The relative abundance of the bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was significantly higher in CMT groups compared to PBS controls. The presence of F. prausnitzii was also shown to increase in PBS-challenged birds compared to unchallenged birds potentially indicating a role of this bacterium in limiting Salmonella infections.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that administration of microbiome transplants, using methods that would align with hatchery practices, effectively reduced colonisation and shedding of Salmonella in chickens. Age of chicks at microbiome administration had limited effect on the diversity and composition of the microbiome and conferred protection against Salmonella infections. Traditional hatchery delivery systems, such as spray or gel-drop, are sufficient to transfer donor material, alter the microbiome and confer protection against Salmonella. This study helps highlight the opportunity for use of microbiome modification methods within the hatchery.
Brain volumetric and white matter structural connectivity alterations in autistic children: case–control study
Authors: Shehata Laila A. O. , Ibrahim Omneya , El-Kammash Tarek H. , Gad Azza A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes a large heterogeneous constellation of disorders with overlapping symptoms and clinical features. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical symptoms meeting DSM-5 criteria with no radiologic or laboratory diagnostic investigations available yet. The specific neuropathologic aberrations occurring in ASD are still under investigation. This study aimed at providing a preliminary database for better understanding of the neuropathologic aspects of ASD, regarding both macrostructure and microstructure of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging. This case–control study included total of 40 children, 20 cases (diagnosed with ASD) and 20 control (Typically Developing Children, TDC) aged 2–18 years. 3D-T1 and Diffusion Tensor Images (DTI) were acquired. 3D-T1 images were uploaded to Volbrain and brain segmentation was done using Volbrain 2.0 pipeline. DTI data were analyzed using FSL where Tract-Based Spatial Statistics analysis was carried out and mean fractional anisotropy values obtained. Independent samples t test was used to compare means of both groups.ResultsASD group displayed statistically significant larger intracranial cavity, brain, white matter, grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid volumes (p < 0.001 for all except CSF volumep = 0.01) with the white matter occupying higher percentage of intracranial volume in ASD compared to TDC group (p < 0.001). The cortical thickness showed statistically significant larger volume in entorhinal cortex in ASD group compared to TDC group at both sides (p < 0.001 at right side,p = 0.003 at left side). Widespread statistically significant (p < 0.001) higher mean FA value was observed at multiple white matter tracts.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the main pathology of ASD is within the white matter. It also supports the hypothesis that autistic brain undergoes period of precocious growth in early years of life. Further studies with age and clinical severity stratification are needed to investigate temporal changes and severity related macrostructure and microstructure changes in autistic brains.
Influential nodes identification in complex networks: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Ait Rai Khaoula , Machkour Mustapha , Antari Jilali 
Published: February 2023

AbstractResearchers have paid a lot of attention to complex networks in recent decades. Due to their rapid evolution, they turn into a major scientific and innovative field. Several studies on complex networks are carried out, and other subjects are evolving every day such as the challenge of detecting influential nodes. In this study, we provide a brief overview of complex networks, as well as several concepts key related to measurements, the structure of complex network and social influence, an important state of the art on complex networks including basic metrics on complex networks, the evolution of their topology over the years as well as the dynamic of networks. A detailed literature about influential finding approaches is also provided to indicate their strength and shortcomings. We aim that our contribution of literature can be an interesting base of information for beginners’ scientists in this field. At the end of this paper, some conclusions are drawn and some future perspectives are mentioned to be studied as new directions in the future. More detailed references are provided to go further and deep in this area.
Clinicogenomic Landscape of Metastatic Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Ardeshir-Larijani Fatemeh , Schneider Bryan P. , Althouse Sandra K. , Radovich Milan , Masood Ashiq , Perna Fabiana , Salman Huda , Loehrer Patrick J. 
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND Despite favorable clinical outcomes, a subset of patients with thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) develop metastasis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provides genomic data on primary TETs (pTETs). This study assessed the molecular alterations and uncovered targetable pathways in metastatic TETs (mTETs). METHODS From 2015 to 2020, 49 patients with stage IV TETs underwent Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–based sequencing using whole-exome sequencing (n = 33), panel-based testing (n = 12), and/or liquid biopsy (n = 24). Specimens were obtained from a metastatic organ (n = 36) or relapsed primary mediastinal mass (n = 10), whereas four patients underwent a liquid biopsy only. Data on pTETs were derived from the TCGA. RESULTS Compared with the pTET data set, patients with mTETs were younger (54 years v 60.5 years, P = .009) and had more aggressive histologies, with the most common tumor type being thymic carcinoma (n = 22, 40.7%) and B3 thymoma (n = 15, 27.8%). GTF2I was the most altered gene in primary thymomas (48.80%, n = 60). In metastatic thymoma and thymic carcinoma, TP53 was the most common genetic alteration (31% and 36%, respectively). In mTETs, the genomic alteration occurred in the TP53/CDK, EGFR/RAS, and PI3K/mTOR pathways. Biopsies obtained from distant metastasis were more commonly found to contain targetable mutations. There was an overlap of 61% (22 of 36) between tissue and liquid biopsy genomic alterations. CONCLUSION Clinically actionable genomic alterations are frequently observed in mTETs, indicating a value of repeat biopsy (preferably from a metastatic site of TETs for sequencing at the time of recurrence (TCGA data).
Real Stiffness and Vividness Reproduction of Anatomic Structures Into the 3D Printed Models Contributes to Improved Simulation and Training in Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Watanabe Nobuyuki , Watanabe Kentaro , Fujimura Soichiro , Karagiozov Kostadin L. , Mori Ryosuke , Ishii Takuya , Murayama Yuichi , Akasaki Yasuharu 
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:
Despite the advancement of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology with medical application, its neurosurgical utility value has been limited to understanding the anatomy of bones, lesions, and their surroundings in the neurosurgical field.

OBJECTIVE:
To develop a 3D printed model simulating the surgical technique applied in skull base surgery (SBS), especially to reproduce visually the surgical field together with the mechanical properties of tissues as perceived by the surgeon through procedures performance on a model.

METHODS:
The Young modulus representing the degree of stiffness was measured for the tissues of anesthetized animals and printing materials. The stiffness and vividness of models were adjusted appropriately for each structure. Empty spaces were produced inside the models of brains, venous sinuses, and tumors. The 3D printed models were created in 7 cases of SBS planned patients and were used for surgical simulation.

RESULTS:
The Young modulus of pig's brain ranged from 5.56 to 11.01 kPa and goat's brain from 4.51 to 13.69 kPa, and the dura of pig and goat values were 14.00 and 24.62 kPa, respectively. Although the softest printing material had about 20 times of Young modulus compared with animal brain, the hollow structure of brain model gave a soft sensation resembling the real organ and was helpful for bridging the gap between Young moduli values. A dura/tentorium-containing model was practical to simulate the real maneuverability at surgery.

CONCLUSION:
The stiffness/vividness modulated 3D printed model provides an advanced realistic environment for training and simulation of a wide range of SBS procedures.