bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Echinacea on gut microbiota of immunosuppressed ducks
Authors: Lin Renzhao , Zhi Chanping , Su Yalin , Chen Jiaxin , Gao Debao , Li Sihan , Shi Dayou 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionImmunosuppression puts animals in a susceptible state and disrupts the balance of intestinal flora, which can increase the risk of disease and cause serious harm to the farm. Echinacea can exert its immunomodulatory effect in various ways, but its influence on intestinal flora is unclear.MethodsTherefore, we investigated the effect of Echinacea extract (EE) on gut microbiota in immunosuppressed ducks by 16s-RNA sequencing in this experiment.ResultsThe results showed that EE significantly improved the weight gain of immunosuppressed ducks (p&lt;0.001). It also increased the immune organ index (p&lt;0.01) and upregulated the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ (p&lt;0.05) as well as IL-2 in the serum. The lesions of the bursa were evident compared to the spleen and thymus. After treatment in the EE group, the lymphocyte count of the bursa returned to healthy levels and the lesions were significantly improved. The diversity analysis showed that neither of the alpha-diversity indices showed a significant difference (p&gt;0.05). However, the EE group had a trend closer to the healthy group compared to the M group. β-diversity analysis revealed a high degree of sample separation between the healthy and immunosuppressed groups. The sequencing result showed a significantly higher relative abundance of Prevotella and Prevotella_UCG_001 in the dexamethasone-treated group, which could be potential biomarkers of dexamethasone-induced immunosuppression. EE increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Alistipes and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Megamonas, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe results showed that Echinacea extract improves the development of immunosuppressed ducks and modulates intestinal immune function by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacterial genera in the intestine.
Biological control agents colonize litchi fruit during storage and stimulate physiological responses to delay pericarp browning
Authors: Zheng Li , Huang Shilian , Huang Jiehao , Deng Yizhen , Wu Zhenxian , Jiang Zide , Yu Guohui 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionLitchi is an economically important fruit in subtropical countries, but pericarp browning can limit its shelf life outside of controlled storage conditions. Effective and sustainable biological control strategies are needed to protect fruit against postharvest browning.Results and DiscussionIn this study, we show that the four bacterial strains Bacillus licheniformis HS10, B. amyloliquefaciens LI24 and PP19, and Exiguobacterium acetylicum SI17 can delay fruit browning in both laboratory trials (LTs) and field plus laboratory trials (FLTs). Strains HS10, LI24, PP19 and SI17 showed 47.74%, 35.39%, 33.58% and 32.53% browning-inhibitory efficacy respectively at 180 h in LT. Litchi sarcocarp interior sourced isolate SI17 showed 74.05% inhibit-brown efficacy at 216 h in FLTs, performing better in FLT than in LT. Furthermore, strains PP19 and SI17 colonized the fruit pericarp and increased total phenolic and anthocyanin contents but decreased peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity. This is the first report of E. acetylicum (SI17) and B. licheniformis (HS10) strains acting as biological control agents (BCAs) to delay postharvest browning in litchi fruit. We conclude that PP19 and SI17 are promising BCAs against fruit browning, and their application could be effective for prolonging the shelf life of harvested litchi fruit.
Cross-species high-resolution transcriptome profiling suggests biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yarani Reza , Palasca Oana , Doncheva Nadezhda T. , Anthon Christian , Pilecki Bartosz , Svane Cecilie A. S. , Mirza Aashiq H. , Litman Thomas , Holmskov Uffe , Bang-Berthelsen Claus H. , Vilien Mogens , Jensen Lars J. , Gorodkin Jan , Pociot Flemming 
Published: January 2023

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disorder with unknown etiology, and animal models play an essential role in studying its molecular pathophysiology. Here, we aim to identify common conserved pathological UC-related gene expression signatures between humans and mice that can be used as treatment targets and/or biomarker candidates.Methods: To identify differentially regulated protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs, we sequenced total RNA from the colon and blood of the most widely used dextran sodium sulfate Ulcerative colitis mouse. By combining this with public human Ulcerative colitis data, we investigated conserved gene expression signatures and pathways/biological processes through which these genes may contribute to disease development/progression.Results: Cross-species integration of human and mouse Ulcerative colitis data resulted in the identification of 1442 genes that were significantly differentially regulated in the same direction in the colon and 157 in blood. Of these, 51 genes showed consistent differential regulation in the colon and blood. Less known genes with importance in disease pathogenesis, including SPI1, FPR2, TYROBP, CKAP4, MCEMP1, ADGRG3, SLC11A1, and SELPLG, were identified through network centrality ranking and validated in independent human and mouse cohorts.Conclusion: The identified Ulcerative colitis conserved transcriptional signatures aid in the disease phenotyping and future treatment decisions, drug discovery, and clinical trial design.
The nutritional composition of the vegetable soybean (maodou) and its potential in combatting malnutrition
Authors: Agyenim-Boateng Kwadwo Gyapong , Zhang Shengrui , Zhang Shibi , Khattak Aimal Nawaz , Shaibu Abdulwahab , Abdelghany Ahmed M. , Qi Jie , Azam Muhammad , Ma Caiyou , Feng Yue , Feng Huoyi , Liu Yitian , Li Jing , Li Bin , Sun Junming 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionGlobal malnutrition continues to be a canker owing to poor eating habits and over-reliance on the major staple crops. Vegetable soybean (maodou) is gaining popularity globally as an affordable snack and vegetable.MethodsIn this study, we profiled the nutritional composition of 12 soybean cultivars at the vegetable (R6-R7) and mature (R8) stages. We also conducted an RNA-seq analysis during seed development, focusing on key biosynthesis enzymes for quality traits.ResultsThe results showed that 100 g of maodou contained 66.54% moisture, 13.49% protein, 7.81% fatty acids, 2.47% soluble sugar, abundant content of minerals, and micronutrients, including folate (462.27 μg FW) and carotenoids (3,935.41 μg FW). Also, the isoflavone content of maodou ranged between 129.26 and 2,359.35 μg/g FW. With regard to the recommended daily allowance, 100 g fresh weight of maodou can contribute 26.98, 115.57, and 11.60% of protein, folate, and zinc, respectively, and significant proportions of other nutrients including linoleic acid (21.16%), linolenic acid (42.96%), zinc (11.60%), and iron (18.01%). On a dry weight basis, maodou has two to six folds higher contents of folate, tocopherol, and carotenoid than the mature soybean. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that key biosynthesis enzymes of quality traits are differentially expressed during seed development and may contribute to variations in the content of quality traits at the vegetable and mature stages. Correlation analysis of quality traits at both stages revealed that protein only correlated positively with zinc at the vegetable stage but negatively correlated with total tocopherol and total fatty acid at the mature stage. Complex associations among folates, soluble sugar, and isoflavones were also identified.DiscussionThis study provides insight into the nutritional contents of vegetable soybean and demonstrates that maodou is essential for meeting the nutritional requirements of most countries.
Association between dietary inflammatory index and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease in U.S. adults
Authors: Zhang Jie , Jia Jundi , Lai Runmin , Wang Xinyi , Chen Xuanye , Tian Wende , Liu Qiyu , Li Jingen , Ju Jianqing , Xu Hao 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among U.S. adults.MethodsWe collected data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. Adults who reported complete information to diagnose ASCVD and calculate DII were included. We used three models to differentially adjust the covariates, including age, sex, race or ethnicity, education level, smoking status, poverty, insurance, body mass index, hyperlipemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Logistic regression was used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for ASCVD grouped by DII deciles. We additionally conducted spline smoothing with the generalized additive model (GAM) and the log-likelihood ratio to examine the non-linear relationship between DII and ASCVD. If exists, the segmented linear regression will be used to detect the cutoff point. The subgroup analyses were stratified by various atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (i.e., CHD, angina, heart attack, and stroke) and sex.ResultsA total of 48,733 participants (mean age, 47.13 ± 0.19 years) with 51.91% women were enrolled, of which 5,011 were diagnosed with ASCVD. In the crude model, participants in the five highest deciles (D6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) of DII score had a significantly higher risk of having ASCVD compared to those in the first decile. In the fully adjusted model, those in the tenth decile [OR = 1.47, 95% CI = (1.18,1.84)] of DII had a significantly increased risk of ASCVD compared to the first decile. Notably, when DII is above 3, the ASCVD risk increased by 41% for each one increase in DII [OR = 1.41, 95% CI = (1.15,1.73)]. This relationship was more pronounced in females.ConclusionOur study revealed a positive and non-linearly association between DII and ASCVD in U.S. adults. This relationship was more pronounced in females. The findings provide a reference for future research and diet recommendations.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Hao9 exerts antidiabetic effects by regulating gut microbiome, glucagon metabolism, and insulin levels in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Han Mei , Liao Wenyan , Dong Yao , Bai Chen , Gai Zhonghui 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease that has led to a significant global public health burden.MethodsIn this work, we investigated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Hao9 on T2DM in mice with high-fat diet- and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes (diabetic mice) and explored the underlying mechanisms.ResultsWe found that 109 colony forming units (CFUs) of Hao9 per day significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin levels (p &lt; 0.001) in diabetic mice. Moreover, Hao9 enhanced liver antioxidant capacity and significantly decreased glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression in the livers of diabetic mice (p &lt; 0.001). Hao9 also reduced the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL1β), and IL6 (p &lt; 0.05) and improved intestinal barrier function in diabetic mice. The composition of the gut microbiome was modulated by Hao9, with an increased abundance of Roseburia, Eubacterium, and Lacticaseibacillus, and decreased abundance of Escherichia/Shigella. Notably, Lacticaseibacillus was detected at both weeks 5 and 12 post-treatment, suggesting sustained colonization of the gut by Hao9.DiscussionThe supplementation of Hao9 improved gut microbiota, glucose metabolism, and insulin levels significantly in T2DM mice. That means Hao9 contributes to improving T2DM symptoms with its potential beneficial effects. Therefore, Hao9 is a promising dietary supplement for the treatment of T2DM.
Soybean Whey Bio-Processed Using Weissella hellenica D1501 Protects Neuronal PC12 Cells Against Oxidative Damage
Authors: Yin Liqing , Zhang Yongzhu , Azi Fidelis , Tekliye Mekonen , Zhou Jianzhong , Li Xiaonan , Xu Zhuang , Dong Mingsheng , Xia Xiudong 
Published: January 2023

Graphical AbstractSchematic diagram of the potential mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of FSBW in vitro.
A clinical prognostic model for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on circulating tumor DNA mutation features
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Mengxing , Cheng Wen , Yao Qianqian , Xue Yibo , Wang Xiaowei , Jin Hai 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundFew predictive models have included circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) indicators to predict prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Here, we aimed to explore whether ctDNA can be used as a predictive biomarker in nomogram models to predict the prognosis of patients with ESCC.MethodsWe included 57 patients who underwent surgery and completed a 5-year follow-up. With next-generation sequencing, a 61-gene panel was used to evaluate plasma cell-free DNA and white blood cell genomic DNA from patients with ESCC. We analyzed the relationship between the mutation features of ctDNA and the prognosis of patients with ESCC, identified candidate risk predictors by Cox analysis, and developed nomogram models to predict the 2- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, concordance index (C-index), calibration plot, and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram model. The model was compared with the traditional tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) staging system.ResultsThe ROC curve showed that the average mutant allele frequency (MAF) of ctDNA variants and the number of ctDNA variants were potential biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with ESCC. The predictors included in the models were common candidate predictors of ESCC, such as lymph node stage, angiolymphatic invasion, drinking history, and ctDNA characteristics. The calibration curve demonstrated consistency between the observed and predicted results. Moreover, our nomogram models showed clear prognostic superiority over the traditional TNM staging system (based on C-index, 2-year DFS: 0.82 vs. 0.64; 5-year DFS: 0.78 vs. 0.65; 2-year OS: 0.80 vs. 0.66; 5-year OS: 0.77 vs. 0.66; based on IDI, 2-year DFS: 0.33, p &lt;0.001; 5-year DFS: 0.18, p = 0.04; 2-year OS: 0.28, p &lt;0.001; 5-year OS: 0.15, p = 0.04). The comprehensive scores of the nomogram models could be used to stratify patients with ESCC.ConclusionsThe novel nomogram incorporating ctDNA features may help predict the prognosis of patients with resectable ESCC. This model can potentially be used to guide the postoperative management of ESCC patients in the future, such as adjuvant therapy and follow-up.
Polypodium leucotomos targets multiple aspects of oral carcinogenesis and it is a potential antitumor phytotherapy against tongue cancer growth
Authors: Lacerda Pammela A. , Oenning Luan C. , Bellato Guilherme Cuoghi , Lopes-Santos Lucilene , Antunes Natalícia de Jesus , Mariz Bruno Augusto Linhares Almeida , Teixeira Gabriela , Vasconcelos Rafael , Simões Gustavo Ferreira , de Souza Ivani Aparecida , Pinto Clóvis Antônio Lopes , Salo Tuula , Coletta Ricardo D. , Augusto Taize M. , de Oliveira Carine Ervolino , Cervigne Nilva K. 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Oral cancer refers to malignant tumors, of which 90% are squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). These malignancies exhibit rapid progression, poor prognosis, and often mutilating therapeutical approaches. The determination of a prophylactic and/or therapeutic antitumor role of the polyphenolic extract Polypodium leucotomos(PL) would be relevant in developing new tools for prevention and treatment.Methods: We aimed to determine the antitumor effect of PL by treating OSCC cell lines with PL metabolites and evaluating its action during OSCC progression in vivo.Results: PL treatment successfully impaired cell cycling and proliferation, migration, and invasion, enhanced apoptosis, and modulated macrophage polarization associated with the tumoral immune-inflammatory response of tongue cancer cell lines (TSCC). PL treatment significantly decreased the expression of MMP1 (p &lt; 0.01) and MMP2 (p &lt; 0.001), and increased the expression of TIMP1 (p &lt; 0.001) and TIMP2 (p &lt; 0.0001) in these cells. The mesenchymal-epithelial transition phenotype was promoted in cells treated with PL, through upregulation of E-CAD (p &lt; 0.001) and reduction of N-CAD (p &lt; 0.05). PL restrained OSCC progression in vivo by inhibiting tumor volume growth and decreasing the number of severe dysplasia lesions and squamous cell carcinomas. Ki-67 was significantly higher expressed in tongue tissues of animals not treated with PL(p &lt; 0.05), and a notable reduction in Bcl2 (p &lt; 0.05) and Pcna (p &lt; 0.05) cell proliferation-associated genes was found in dysplastic lesions and TSCCs of PL-treated mice. Finally, N-cad(Cdh2), Vim, and Twist were significantly reduced in tongue tissues treated with PL.Conclusion: PL significantly decreased OSCC carcinogenic processes in vitro and inhibited tumor progression in vivo. PL also appears to contribute to the modulation of immune-inflammatory oral tumor-associated responses. Taken together, these results suggest that PL plays an important antitumor role in processes associated with oral carcinogenesis and may be a potential phytotherapeutic target for the prevention and/or adjuvant treatment of TSCCs
Metabolic Diffusion in Neuropathologies: The Relevance of Brain-Liver Axis
Authors: Vegas-Suárez Sergio , Simón Jorge , Martínez-Chantar María Luz , Moratalla Rosario 
Published: January 2023

Graphical AbstractThe role of the liver in the metabolism of toxic compounds and in Aβ and α-synuclein clearance is related to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s Ddisease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) development, although the supplementation with certain compounds may exert a protective effect. The current Western diet and alterations in the BA profile, whose homeostasis is controlled by the liver, have been also related to both AD and PD.
Implementation of a routine outcome monitoring and feedback system for psychotherapy in Argentina: A pilot study
Authors: Gómez-Penedo Juan Martín , Manubens Rocio , Areas Malenka , Fernández-Álvarez Javier , Meglio Manuel , Babl Anna , Juan Santiago , Ronchi Agnese , Muiños Roberto , Roussos Andrés , Lutz Wolfgang , grosse Holtforth Martin 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionRoutine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) has emerged as a strong candidate to improve psychotherapy processes and outcome. However, its use and implementation are greatly understudied in Latin-America. Therefore, the aim of the present pilot study conducted in Argentina was to implement a ROM and feedback system grounded on a psychometrically sound instrument to measure session by session outcome in psychotherapy.MethodsThe sample consisted of 40 patients and 13 therapists. At baseline, the patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and they also completed the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-11 before each of the first five sessions. To estimate patient change during the first sessions, we conducted a quantitative analysis using Hierarchical Linear Models. Furthermore, we conducted a qualitative analysis using Consensual Qualitative Research to analyze therapist perception regarding the ROM and feedback system.ResultsResults showed a significant reduction in patients’ symptomatic severity during the first five sessions. Additionally, baseline depression significantly predicted the estimated severity at the end of the fifth session. Feedback was given to the therapists after the first four sessions based on these analyses. With regard to the perception of the feedback system, clinicians underlined its usefulness and user-friendly nature. They also mentioned that there was a match between the information provided and their clinical judgment. Furthermore, they provided suggestions to enhance the system that was incorporated in a new and improved version.DiscussionLimitations and clinical implications are discussed.
Gamification in EFL/ESL instruction: A systematic review of empirical research
Authors: Zhang Songcun , Hasim Zuwati 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThis systematic review aims to present the characteristics of the recent research in gamified EFL/ESL instruction, benefits and drawbacks of using gamification in EFL/ESL instruction, and gamification elements.MethodsThe researchers carried out database search in both Web of Science and the Scopus for relevant articles using 15 related key terms. Finally, forty journal articles aligned with the inclusion criteria.ResultsThe results found that gamification has been widely utilized in more than ten non-English-speaking countries and various English language skills, which indicated that gamification has gained popularity in facilitating EFL/ESL learning. The benefits of using gamification included improving students’ English language skills and abilities, positively affecting students’ attitudes and emotional responses, providing an authentic language learning environment and cultivating students’ comprehensive competence. The drawbacks of using gamification mainly included the technical problems, short-lived positive effect, and the negative influence caused by the gamified competition, and so forth. The most frequently used gamification elements were feedback, points, quiz, digital badges, leaderboard, and reward, followed by progress bar, story-telling, challenge, videos, time limit, and competition.DiscussionThe results provide a better understanding of the state of using gamification in EFL/ESL instruction in recent years. It will be useful for researchers seeking to understand and evaluate gamification as well as to practitioners interested in using gamification.
Exploring the generic skills required for the employability and professional wellbeing of Pakistani Millennials: The employers' perspective
Authors: Iqbal Jawad , Shaikh Aliya Ahmad , Jamal Warda Najeeb , Akhtar Kalsoom , Rahim Rabia , Kousar Shazia 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThis study aims to elucidate the employers' perspectives on the key generic employability skills which would enable them to seek graduate jobs and will ensure their professional wellbeing once they enter the job market after acquiring a University degree.MethodsIn order to pursue this objective, an exploratory qualitative inquiry was deployed which involved two panel-based discussions. The respondents of each panel discussion were invited through the platforms of the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and the Chamber of Commerce Rahim Yar Khan. These respondents represented Pharmaceuticals, Agrichemical manufacturers (fertilizers, pesticides), Livestock, Cotton, textiles, and apparel industry which are the main industries in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.Results and discussionFor the purpose of analysis, a thematic analysis was done in the context of grounded theory. Resultantly, the findings of the study reveal an employers' perspective on 10 key generic employability skills as must-have for a Pakistani Millennial graduate including various soft and hard skills, such as-Emotional Intelligence, Flexibility and Adaptability, Multitasking, Computer Literacy and Digital Skills, Information Literacy and Data Analytics, Oral and Written Communication in English and Urdu, Critical Thinking, Positive Politics, Work Ethics and Professionalism, and Commercial awareness. Hence, the study produces implications for the employability stakeholders, including government and academia for a much needed shift from a mere subject-based curriculum to a skill-oriented curriculum and training in the Universities, particularly in the region of Southern Punjab, and all across Pakistan as well.