bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid detection of Heterobasidion annosum using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Hong-min Zhou , Jian Yu , Ying Liu , Yuan Yuan , Cui-ping Wu , Yu-cheng Dai , Jia-jia Chen 
Published: April 2023

Heterobasidion annosum is one of the most aggressive pathogens of Pinus forests in Europe, causing considerable economic losses. To detect H. annosum for disease diagnosis and control, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction with a primer set designed from the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) DNA sequences of H. annosum. In our study, this LAMP assay was found to be capable of efficiently amplifying the target gene within 60 min at 63°C. In specificity tests, H. annosum was positively detected, and other species were negative. The detection limit of this assay was found to be 100 pg·μL-1, and the assay was also successfully tested for use with basidiospore suspensions and wood samples. This study provides a rapid method for diagnosing root and butt rot caused by H. annosum, which will be of use in port surveillance of logs imported from Europe.
Accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary time and cardiac biomarkers: The Maastricht Study
Authors: Vandercappellen E. J. , Koster A. , Savelberg H. H. C. M. , Eussen S. J. P. M. , Dagnelie P. C. , Schram M. T. , van Greevenbroek M. M. J. , Wesselius A. , Kooman J. P. , Kroon A. A. , Henry R. M. A. , Stehouwer C. D. A. 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundCardiac troponins and NT-proBNP are biomarkers of cardiac injury that are used clinically in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and heart failure. It is not known whether the amount, types and patterns of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour are associated with levels of cardiac biomarkers.MethodsIn the population-based Maastricht Study (n = 2,370, 51.3% male, 28.3% T2D) we determined cardiac biomarkers hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP. PA and sedentary time were measured by activPAL and divided into quartiles [quartile 1 (Q1) served as reference]. The weekly pattern of moderate-to-vigorous PA (insufficiently active; regularly actives; weekend warriors) and coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated. Linear regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsThere was no consistent pattern between physical activity (different intensities: total, light, moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous) and sedentary time on the one hand and hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT on the other. Those with the highest levels of vigorous intensity PA had significantly lower levels of NT-proBNP. With regard to PA patterns, weekend warriors and regularly actives had lower levels of NT-proBNP but not with hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT (reference:insufficiently actives). A higher weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA CV (indicating more irregular activity) was associated with lower levels of hs-cTnI and higher levels of NT-proBNP, but not with hs-cTnT.ConclusionsIn general, there was no consistent association between PA and sedentary time and cardiac troponins. In contrast, vigorous and possibly moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA, especially if done regularly, were associated with lower levels of NT-proBNP.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab for primary membranous nephropathy with different clinical presentations: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Shasha , Huang Jing , Dong Jianwei , Li Zhuo , Sun Mengyao , Sun Yujiao , Chen Bing 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundRituximab (RTX) is gaining increasing clinical acceptance in the treatment of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), with demonstrated efficacy and safety. However, there are few clinical studies on RTX for PMN in Asian populations, especially in China.MethodsTo observe and analyse the efficacy and safety of RTX treatment, 81 patients with PMN suffering from nephrotic syndrome (NS) were enrolled and divided into an initial therapy group, a conventional immunosuppressive therapy relapse group, and a conventional immunosuppressive therapy ineffective group according to their pre-RTX treatment background. Patients in each group were followed up for 12 months. The primary outcome was clinical remission at 12 months, and the secondary outcomes were safety and the occurrence of adverse events.ResultsAt 12 months, 65 of 81 (80.2%) patients achieved complete (n=21, 25.9%) or partial (n=44, 54.3%) remission after rituximab treatment. Thirty-two of 36 (88.9%) patients in the initial therapy group, 11 of 12 (91.7%) patients in the relapse group and 22 of 33 (66.7%) patients in the ineffective group achieved clinical remission. All 59 patients with positive anti-PLA2R antibodies showed a decreasing trend in antibody levels after RTX treatment, and 55 (93.2%) of them achieved antibody clearance (&lt;20 U/mL). Logistic regression analysis showed that a high anti-PLA2R antibody titer (OR=0.993, P=0.032) was an independent risk factor for nonremission. Adverse events occurred in 18 (22.2%) patients, of which 5 (6.2%) were serious adverse events, and none were malignant or otherwise fatal.ConclusionRTX alone can effectively induce remission PMN and maintain stable renal function. It is recommended as the first choice of treatment and is also effective in patients who relapse and have poor responses to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Anti-PLA2R antibodies can be used as a marker for RTX treatment monitoring, and antibody clearance is necessary to achieve and improve the rates of clinical remission.
Serotonin/GABA receptors modulate odor input to olfactory receptor neuron in locusts
Authors: Lv Mingyue , Xu Xiao , Zhang Xinyang , Yuwen Bo , Zhang Long 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionSerotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) are involved in the regulation of behaviors in the central nervous system. However, it remains unclear whether they modulate olfaction in the peripheral nervous system, and how they modulate olfaction.Methods and resultsOne 5-HT receptor sequence (Lmig5-HT2) and one GABA receptor sequence (LmigGABAb) were identified in locust antennae by transcriptome analysis and polymerase chain reaction experiments. In situ hybridization localized Lmig5-HT2 to accessory cells, while LmigGABAb was localized to olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in locust chemosensilla. Single-unit electrophysiological recordings combined with RNA interference (RNAi) experiments indicated ORNs of locusts with knockdown of Lmig5-HT2 (ds-Lmig5-HT2) and LmigGABAb (ds-LmigGABAb) to some odors had significantly higher responses than wild-type and control locusts in the dose-dependent responses. Moreover, the gaps between the responses of ORNs of RNAi ones and those of wild-type and ds-GFP enlarged with an increase in concentrations of odors.DiscussionTaken together, our findings suggest that 5-HT, GABA, and their receptors exist in the insect peripheral nervous system and that they may function as negative feedback to ORNs and contribute to a fine-tuning mechanism for olfaction in the peripheral nervous system.
mRNA and lncRNA co-expression network in mice of acute intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Yu Zhe , Hu En , Cai Yiqing , Zhu Wenxin , Chen Quan , Li Teng , Li Zhilin , Wang Yang , Tang Tao 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe subtype of stroke lacking effective pharmacological targets. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been confirmed to participate in the pathophysiological progress of various neurological disorders. However, how lncRNA affects ICH outcomes in the acute phase is not completely clear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the relationship of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA following ICH.MethodWe conducted the autologous blood injection ICH model and extracted total RNAs on day 7. Microarray scanning was used to obtain mRNA and lncRNA profiles, which were validated by RT-qPCR. GO/KEGG analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs was performed using the Metascape platform. We calculated the Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) of lncRNA-mRNA for co-expression network construction. A competitive endogenous (Ce-RNA) network was established based on DIANALncBase and miRDB database. Finally, the Ce-RNA network was visualized and analyzed by Cytoscape.ResultsIn total, 570 differentially expressed mRNAs and 313 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified (FC ≥ 2 and value of p &lt;0.05). The function of differentially expressed mRNAs was mainly enriched in immune response, inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and other typical pathways. The lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network contained 57 nodes (21 lncRNAs and 36 mRNAs) and 38 lncRNA-mRNA pairs. The ce-RNA network was generated with 303 nodes (29 lncRNAs, 163 mRNAs, and 111 miRNAs) and 906 edges. Three hub clusters were selected to indicate the most significant lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions.ConclusionOur study suggests that the top differentially expressed RNA molecules may be the biomarker of acute ICH. Furthermore, the hub lncRNA-mRNA pairs and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA correlations may provide new clues for ICH treatment.
Prediction of angiographic coronary disease and mortality with a cadmium-zinc-telluride camera: a comparison of upright and supine ejection fractions and left ventricular volumes
Authors: Walker Jackson , Christianson Annette , Athar Muhammad , Waqar Fahad , Gerson Myron 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionPerfusion imaging strongly predicts coronary artery disease (CAD), whereas cardiac volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) strongly predict mortality. Compared to conventional Anger single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cameras, cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) cameras provide higher resolution, resulting in different left ventricular volumes. The cadmium-zinc-telluride D-SPECT camera is commonly used to image in the upright position, which introduces changes in left ventricular loading conditions and potentially alters left ventricular volumes. However, little or no data exist on the predictive value of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction when acquired in the upright position. We investigated models for the prediction of CAD and mortality, comparing upright and supine imaging.MethodsA retrospective study of patients with upright/supine stress and rest imaging and coronary angiography within 3 months was performed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to predict abnormal angiograms and all-cause mortality.ResultsOf the 392 patients, 210 (53.6%) had significant angiographic CAD; 78 (19.9%) patients died over 75 months. The best multivariable model for CAD included the supine summed stress score and supine stress LVEF, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.862, a sensitivity of 76.7%, and a specificity of 82.4%, but this model was not statistically superior to the best upright model. The best multivariable models for mortality included age, diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease, and end-systolic volume, with the upright and supine models being equivalent.DiscussionAngiographic CAD was best predicted by the supine summed stress score and LVEF but was not statistically superior to the next-best upright model. Mortality was best predicted by end-systolic volume in combination with age, diabetes status, and cardiovascular disease status, with equivalent results from the upright and supine images.
Antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic properties of Chimonanthus salicifolius S. Y. Hu leaves in experimental animals: modulation of thioredoxin and glutathione systems, renal water reabsorption, and gut microbiota
Authors: Dong Ruixia , Pan Junjie , Zhao Guangshan , Zhao Qiuyan , Wang Shiqiong , Li Ning , Song Lianjun , Huang Xianqing , Miao Shuxing , Ying Junhui , Wu Fangying , Wang Dongxu , Cheng Kejun , Granato Daniel , Ban Qiuyan 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionExcessive calorie intake and physical inactivity have dramatically increased nutrient overload-associated disease, becoming a global public health issue. Chimonanthus salicifolius S. Y. Hu (CHI) is a homology plant of food and medicine in China and shows several health benefits.MethodsThis work investigated the antioxidant activity, the alleviating effects, and the mechanism of action on diabetes and hyperlipidemia of CHI leaves.Results and discussionResults showed that CHI leaves infusion displayed in vitro antioxidant activity measured by ABTS and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods. In wild-type Kunming mice, CHI leaves infusion consumption activated the hepatic antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase as well as thioredoxin reductase 1. In alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic mice, CHI leaves infusion ameliorated diabetic symptoms, including polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and hyperglycemia, in a dose-dependent and time-course manners. The mechanism involved CHI leaves up-regulating renal water reabsorption associated protein – urine transporter A1–and promoting the trafficking of urine transporter A1 and aquaporin 2 to the apical plasma membrane. Despite this, in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic golden hamsters, CHI leaves powder did not significantly effect on hyperlipidemia and body weight gain. This might be attributed to CHI leaves powder increasing the calorie intake. Interestingly, we found that CHI leaves extract containing a lower dose of total flavonoid than CHI leaves powder pronouncedly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum in golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, CHI leaves extract elevated the diversity of gut microbiota and the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014. It also decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level in golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet. Overall, CHI leaves benefit oxidative stress prevention and metabolic syndrome amelioration in vivo.
Feasibility and dosimetric evaluation of single- and multi-isocentre stereotactic body radiation therapy for multiple liver metastases
Authors: Tang Chunbo , Gong Changfei , Liu Biaoshui , Guo Hailiang , Dai Zhongyang , Yuan Jun , Wang Xiaoping , Zhang Yun 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesSingle-isocentre volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) improves treatment efficiency and patient compliance for patients with multiple liver metastases (MLM). However, the potential increase in dose spillage to normal liver tissue using a single-isocentre technique has not yet been studied. We comprehensively evaluated the quality of single- and multi-isocentre VMAT-SBRT for MLM and propose a RapidPlan-based automatic planning (AP) approach for MLM SBRT.MethodsA total of 30 patients with MLM (two or three lesions) were selected for this retrospective study. We manually replanned all patients treated with MLM SBRT by using the single-isocentre (MUS) and multi-isocentre (MUM) techniques. Then, we randomly selected 20 MUS and MUM plans for training to generate the single-isocentre RapidPlan model (RPS) and the multi-isocentre RapidPlan model (RPM). Finally, we used data from the remaining 10 patients to validate RPS and RPM.ResultsCompared with MUS, MUM reduced the mean dose delivered to the right kidney by 0.3 Gy. The mean liver dose (MLD) was 2.3 Gy higher for MUS compared with MUM. However, the monitor units, delivery time, and V20Gy of normal liver (liver-gross tumour volume) for MUM were significantly higher than for MUS. Based on validation, RPS and RPM slightly improved the MLD, V20Gy, normal tissue complications, and dose sparing to the right and left kidneys and spinal cord compared with manual plans (MUS vs RPS and MUM vs RPM), but RPS and RPM significantly increased monitor units and delivery time.ConclusionsThe single-isocentre VMAT-SBRT approach could be used for MLM to reduce treatment time and patient comfort at the cost of a small increase in the MLD. Compared with the manual plans, RapidPlan-based plans, especially RPS, have slightly improved quality.
Maternal risk factors for posterior urethral valves
Authors: van der Zanden Loes F. M. , Groen in ‘t Woud Sander , van Rooij Iris A. L. M. , Quaedackers Josine S. L. T. , Steffens Martijn , de Wall Liesbeth L. L. , Schreuder Michiel F. , Feitz Wout F. J. , Roeleveld Nel 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionPosterior urethral valves (PUV) is a congenital disorder causing an obstruction of the lower urinary tract that affects approximately 1 in 4,000 male live births. PUV is considered a multifactorial disorder, meaning that both genetic and environmental factors are involved in its development. We investigated maternal risk factors for PUV.MethodsWe included 407 PUV patients and 814 controls matched on year of birth from the AGORA data- and biobank and three participating hospitals. Information on potential risk factors (family history of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), season of conception, gravidity, subfertility, and conception using assisted reproductive techniques (ART), plus maternal age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and use of alcohol and folic acid) was derived from maternal questionnaires. After multiple imputation, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression corrected for minimally sufficient sets of confounders determined using directed acyclic graphs.ResultsA positive family history and low maternal age (&lt;25 years) were associated with PUV development [aORs: 3.3 and 1.7 with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 1.4–7.7 and 1.0–2.8, respectively], whereas higher maternal age (&gt;35 years) was associated with a lower risk (aOR: 0.7 95% CI: 0.4–1.0). Maternal preexisting hypertension seemed to increase PUV risk (aOR: 2.1 95% CI: 0.9–5.1), while gestational hypertension seemed to decrease this risk (aOR: 0.6 95% CI: 0.3–1.0). Concerning use of ART, the aORs for the different techniques were all above one, but with very wide 95% CIs including one. None of the other factors studied were associated with PUV development.ConclusionOur study showed that family history of CAKUT, low maternal age, and potentially preexisting hypertension were associated with PUV development, whereas higher maternal age and gestational hypertension seemed to be associated with a lower risk. Maternal age and hypertension as well as the possible role of ART in the development of PUV require further research.
Cord blood cardiovascular biomarkers in tetralogy of fallot and D-transposition of great arteries
Authors: Gómez Olga , Nogué Laura , Soveral Iris , Guirado Laura , Izquierdo Nora , Pérez-Cruz Miriam , Masoller Narcís , Escobar María Clara , Sanchez-de-Toledo Joan , Martínez-Crespo Josep Maria , Bennasar Mar , Crispi Fàtima 
Published: April 2023

Previous reports suggest that cord blood biomarkers could serve as a prognostic tool for conotruncal congenital heart defects (CHD). We aimed to describe the cord blood profile of different cardiovascular biomarkers in a prospective series of fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and D-transposition of great arteries (D-TGA) and to explore their correlation with fetal echocardiography and perinatal outcome.MethodsA prospective cohort study (2014–2019), including fetuses with isolated ToF and D-TGA and healthy controls, was conducted at two tertiary referral centers for CHD in Barcelona. Obstetric ultrasound and fetal echocardiography were performed in the third trimester and cord blood was obtained at delivery. Cord blood concentrations of N-terminal precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide, Troponin I, transforming growth factorβ (TGFβ), placental growth factor, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 were determined.ResultsThirty-four fetuses with conotruncal-CHD (22 ToF and 12 D-TGA) and 36 controls were included. ToF-fetuses showed markedly increased cord blood TGFβ (24.9 ng/ml (15.6–45.3) vs. normal heart 15.7 ng/ml (7.2–24.3) vs. D-TGA 12.6 ng/ml (8.7–37.9); P = 0.012). These results remained statistically significant even after adjusting for maternal body mass index, birth weight and mode of delivery. TGFß levels showed a negative correlation with the pulmonary valve diameter z-score at fetal echocardiography (r = −0.576, P = 0.039). No other differences were found in the rest of cord blood biomarkers among the study populations. Likewise, no other significant correlations were identified between cardiovascular biomarkers, fetal echocardiography and perinatal outcome.ConclusionsThis study newly describes increased cord blood TGFβ concentrations in ToF compared to D-TGA and normal fetuses. We also demonstrate that TGFβ levels correlate with the severity of right ventricle outflow obstruction. These novel findings open a window of research opportunities on new prognostic and potential preventive strategies.
L-Glutamine is better for treatment than prevention in exhaustive exercise
Authors: Lu Cheng-Chung , Ke Chun-Yen , Wu Wen-Tien , Lee Ru-Ping 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Glutamine is known as the richest nonessential amino acid in the human body. The intake of glutamine is not only beneficial to nutrition but also reported to enhance inflammation reducing bioactivity in exercise. Although studies have demonstrated that glutamine is beneficial for exercise, the optimal intake timing remains unclear. This study examined whether the effects of glutamine on tissue damage and physiology differ between intake timings.Methods: Rats were divided into without L-glutamine supplementation (vehicle), with L-glutamine before exhaustive exercise (prevention), and with L-glutamine after exhaustive exercise (treatment) groups. Exhaustive exercise was induced by treadmill running and L-glutamine was given by oral feeding. The exhaustive exercise began at a speed of 10 miles/min and increased in increments of 1 mile/min, to a maximum running speed of 15 miles/min with no incline. The blood samples were collected before exhaustive exercise, 12 h and 24 h after exercise to compare the creatine kinase isozyme MM (CK-MM), red blood cell count and platelet count. The animals were euthanized on 24 h after exercise, and tissue samples were collected for pathological examination and scored the severity of organ injury from 0 to 4.Results: The CK-MM was elevated gradually after exercise in the vehicle group; however, CK-MM was decreased after L-glutamine supplementation in the treatment group. The treatment group had higher red blood cell count and platelet count than the vehicle and prevention group after exercise. In addition, the treatment group had less tissue injury in the cardiac muscles, and kidneys than prevention group.Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of L-glutamine after exhaustive exercise was more effective than preventive before exercise.