bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A three-month physical training program improves cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes – a pilot study
Authors: Vágvölgyi Anna , Ábrahám Judit Erzsébet , Máthéné Köteles Éva , Korom Andrea , Barnai Mária , Szűcs Mónika , Orosz Andrea , Kempler Péter , Menyhárt Adrienn , Nemes Attila , Várkonyi Tamás , Baczkó István , Kósa István , Lengyel Csaba 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionVascular complications and neuropathy may develop in the presence of metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to measure the cardiovascular autonomic function following physical training in patients with metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes.Subjects and methods56 patients with metabolic syndrome (32 men/24 women, 40 non-diabetic patients (NDMetS)/16 diabetic patients (DMetS) [mean ± SD]: age: 50.35 ± 8.03 vs. 56.8 ± 9.30 years, p=0.023; baseline BMI: 32.2 ± 7.03 vs. 32.8 ± 5.94 kg/m2, p=0.739) were involved in our study. All tests and measurements were carried out before and following a 3-month physical training period. Autonomic function was assessed by means of five standard cardiovascular reflex tests. ECG repolarization parameters, including short-term QT variability and stress-ECG were also measured.ResultsIn the whole population, Valsalva-ratio (VR) and the autonomic score (AS) improved following training (VR: 1.49 ± 0.24 vs. 1.64 ± 0.34, p=0.001; AS: 2.05 ± 1.73 vs. 1.41 ± 1.36, p=0.015) accompanied by the significant decrease of the systolic (150.3 ± 16.12 vs. 134.1 ± 16.67 mmHg, p&lt;0.001) and diastolic (90.64 ± 12.8 vs. 82.79 ± 11.1 mmHg, p&lt;0.001) blood pressure. An improvement in VR was detected in NDMetS patients following training (1.51 ± 0.24 vs. 1.67 ± 0.31, p= 0.002). No significant changes could be detected in autonomic tests’ results in the DMetS patient group following training. The applied exercise training program did not lead to significant changes in ECG repolarization. The stress-ECG test in the whole study population yielded a significant increase in the test duration (12.9 ± 3.76 vs. 15.1 ± 2.96 min, p&lt;0.001) and in the test load (10.5 ± 2.78 vs. 11.6 ± 2.39 MET, p&lt;0.001). The load capability improved significantly in both subgroups: 11.1 ± 2.04 vs. 12.1 ± 1.82, (p&lt;0.001) and 9.0 ± 3.64 vs. 10.4 ± 3.05, (p=0.033) in subpopulations of NDMetS and DMetS, respectively. The DMetS patients achieved a significantly lower MET score at baseline (p=0.039) and following training (p=0.044) in comparison to the NDMetS patients.ConclusionThe three-month exercise program improved the Valsalva-ratio and the AN score in the MetS patients, that is potentially protective against cardiovascular events. The training had some beneficial effect on blood pressure and the results of the stress-ECG tests in both groups. The absence of significant change in the reflex tests in DMetS group reflects an impaired adaptation compared to the NDMestS group.
Hormonal and non-hormonal oral contraceptives given long-term to pubertal rats differently affect bone mass, quality and metabolism
Authors: Porwal Konica , Sharma Shivani , Kumar Saroj , Tomar Manendra Singh , Sadhukhan Sreyanko , Rajput Swati , Kulkarni Chirag , Shrivastava Ashutosh , Kumar Navin , Chattopadhyay Naibedya 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionWe investigated the effects of hormonal and non-hormonal oral contraceptives (OCs) on bone mass, mineralization, composition, mechanical properties, and metabolites in pubertal female SD rats.MethodsOCs were given for 3-, and 7 months at human equivalent doses. The combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) was ethinyl estradiol and progestin, whereas the non-hormonal contraceptive (NHC) was ormeloxifene. MicroCT was used to assess bone microarchitecture and BMD. Bone formation and mineralization were assessed by static and dynamic histomorphometry. The 3-point bending test, nanoindentation, FTIR, and cyclic reference point indentation (cRPI) measured the changes in bone strength and material composition. Bone and serum metabolomes were studied to identify potential biomarkers of drug efficacy and safety and gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of action of the OCs.ResultsNHC increased bone mass in the femur metaphysis after 3 months, but the gain was lost after 7 months. After 7 months, both OCs decreased bone mass and deteriorated trabecular microarchitecture in the femur metaphysis and lumbar spine. Also, both OCs decreased the mineral: matrix ratio and increased the unmineralized matrix after 7 months. After 3 months, the OCs increased carbonate: phosphate and carbonate: amide I ratios, indicating a disordered hydroxyapatite crystal structure susceptible to resorption, but these changes mostly reversed after 7 months, indicating that the early changes contributed to demineralization at the later time. In the femur 3-point bending test, CHC reduced energy storage, resilience, and ultimate stress, indicating increased susceptibility to micro-damage and fracture, while NHC only decreased energy storage. In the cyclic loading test, both OCs decreased creep indentation distance, but CHC increased the average unloading slope, implying decreased microdamage risk and improved deformation resistance by the OCs. Thus, reduced bone mineralization by the OCs appears to affect bone mechanical properties under static loading, but not its cyclic loading ability. When compared to an age-matched control, after 7 months, CHC affected 24 metabolic pathways in bone and 9 in serum, whereas NHC altered 17 in bone and none in serum. 6 metabolites were common between the serum and bone of CHC rats, suggesting their potential as biomarkers of bone health in women taking CHC.ConclusionBoth OCs have adverse effects on various skeletal parameters, with CHC having a greater negative impact on bone strength.
Multi-isotopic analysis reveals the early stem turtle Odontochelys as a nearshore herbivorous forager
Authors: Goedert Jean , Amiot Romain , Anquetin Jérémy , Séon Nicolas , Bourgeais Renaud , Bailly Gilles , Fourel François , Simon Laurent , Li Chun , Wang Wei , Lécuyer Christophe 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAfter decades of debate on the origin of turtles, it is now widely accepted that they are diapsid reptiles originating in the Permian from a terrestrial ancestor. It seems that the initial development of the structures that will later form the unique turtle bony shell took place as a response to a fossorial lifestyle. However, the earliest stem turtle with a fully complete plastron, Odontochelys semitestacea from the Late Triassic (lower Carnian) of China, is somewhat controversially interpreted as an aquatic or even a marine form, raising the question of the environment in which the completion of the plastron happened.MethodsHere, we analyzed the stable carbon, oxygen and sulfur isotope compositions (δ13C, δ18O and δ34S) of bones from two specimens of Odontochelys along with bones and teeth of two associated specimens of the marine ichthyosaur Guizhouichthyosaurus tangae.Results and discussionWe first show that δ18O values of Odontochelys are incompatible with a terrestrial lifestyle and imply a semi-aquatic to aquatic lifestyle. Isotopic results also demonstrate that the aquatic environment of Odontochelys was submitted to a strong marine influence, therefore excluding the possibility of a strict freshwater aquatic environment. Additionally, an unusual carbon isotope composition shows that O. semitestacea was herbivorous, probably consuming macrophytic algae in coastal zones like the extant green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) or the marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) do.
Landscape factors influencing bird nest site selection in urban green spaces
Authors: Ding Zhenhui , Guo Ao , Lian Meng , Wang Yan , Ying Wenjia , Jiang Hao , Zhou Xingyu , Qian Cheng , Lai Jiangshan , Cao Jiajie 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionUnderstanding the birds’ breeding strategies in urban habitats is vital for ensuring their continued existence. Therefore, more research must be conducted on bird breeding and urban adaptation strategies in urban green spaces. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the influence of landscape factors on the selection of bird nest sites. MethodsData on the presence and absence of magpie (Pica pica) and gray magpie (Cyanopica cyana) nests were collected through field surveys conducted in the campus of Nanjing Forestry University during the 2023 breeding season. Generalized additive models (GAMs) incorporating landscape variables were employed to assess the effects of these predictors on nest occurrence. The model with the lowest Akaike’s information criterion value was selected among the candidate GAMs.ResultsBelow is a summary of the main results. Nest tree height (TH), distance from the central lawn (D), and tree coverage (TC) within the sampled area were identified as the primary landscape factors influencing nest site choice. Conversely, factors such as the shortest distance to the water source, herb coverage, shrub coverage, percentage of buildings, and percentage of hard pavement did not significantly impact on nest site selection. Furthermore, the nesting potential of magpies and grey magpies initially increased with tree height, reaching a maximum at ca. TH=25 meters after which it began to decline. The nesting occurrence rate showed an initial decrease tendency with increasing distance from the central lawn, reaching a minimum at D=400 meters, and then increased with further distance. Additionally, nesting potential decreased initially with increasing of TC in the range of 0–20%, fluctuated evenly between 20–60% TC, and decreased rapidly when TC exceeded 60%.DiscussionThis study provides valuable insights into the selection of nest sites by birds in urban habitats, specifically with respect to landscape factors. The understanding of the impact of urban green spaces on urban birds and the underlying mechanisms of their behavior contributes to the conservation of wild birds and promotes the harmonious development of urban areas.
A novel cuproptosis pattern and tumor immune microenvironment characterization in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Feng Huan , Deng Zhiyao , Huang Yibao , Liu Zhuo , Ruan Yajun , Wang Tao , Liu Jihong 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundUrothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the urinary system worldwide, which has a significant recurrence rate despite multiple treatment options available. As a unique and novel copper-dependent programmed cell death mechanism, the comprehensive impact of cuproptosis on the tumor immune microenvironment, clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of patients remains largely unclear.MethodsA total of 568 UCB samples were thoroughly examined for cuproptosis patterns using data downloaded from TCGA and GEO, based on 10 cuproptosis-related genes reported previously. Then, the univariate COX regression analysis was performed on the genes that differed across the various patterns. To measure individual cuproptosis pattern, a cuproptosis score system was constructed using a principal component analysis algorithm. To validate the scoring system, immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor tissues with different pathological grades, and experiments in vitro were conducted about the differentially expressed genes related to prognosis. Finally, the capacity of scoring system to predict the response to immunotherapy was verified by using data from IMvigor 210 cohort.ResultsFour unique cuproptosis clusters and two gene clusters were finally found by the investigation. The clinical features and prognosis of patients, as well as the mRNA transcriptome, pathway enrichment, and immune cell infiltration in TME, varied dramatically between various cuproptosis clusters and gene clusters. To identify individual cuproptosis patterns in UCB patients, we also established a cuproptosis scoring system. After validation with multiple methods, it was indicated that the score system could predict the prognosis of UCB patients and was significantly connected to clinical features such TNM category, tumor grade, molecular type and ultimate survival status. The clinical outcomes of UCB patients were predicted effectively according to the tumor mutation burden in conjunction with the scoring system. Furthermore, we found that the cuproptosis score had a significant correlation with the response to immunotherapy and the sensitivity to chemotherapy.ConclusionThis study revealed the potential impact of cuproptosis on the UCB tumor immune microenvironment and clinical pathological characteristics. The cuproptosis score system could effectively predict the prognosis of patients and the response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Human T cells loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles retain antigen-specific TCR functionality
Authors: Pfister Felix , Dörrie Jan , Schaft Niels , Buchele Vera , Unterweger Harald , Carnell Lucas R. , Schreier Patrick , Stein Rene , Kubánková Markéta , Guck Jochen , Hackstein Holger , Alexiou Christoph , Janko Christina 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundImmunotherapy of cancer is an emerging field with the potential to improve long-term survival. Thus far, adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells represents an effective treatment option for tumors of the hematological system such as lymphoma, leukemia or myeloma. However, in solid tumors, treatment efficacy is low owing to the immunosuppressive microenvironment, on-target/off-tumor toxicity, limited extravasation out of the blood vessel, or ineffective trafficking of T cells into the tumor region. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can make cells magnetically controllable for the site-specific enrichment. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the influence of SPION-loading on primary human T cells for the magnetically targeted adoptive T cell therapy. For this, we analyzed cellular mechanics and the T cell response after stimulation via an exogenous T cell receptor (TCR) specific for the melanoma antigen MelanA or the endogenous TCR specific for the cytomegalovirus antigen pp65 and compared them to T cells that had not received SPIONs.ResultsSPION-loading of human T cells showed no influence on cellular mechanics, therefore retaining their ability to deform to external pressure. Additionally, SPION-loading did not impair the T cell proliferation, expression of activation markers, cytokine secretion, and tumor cell killing after antigen-specific activation mediated by the TCR. ConclusionIn summary, we demonstrated that SPION-loading of T cells did not affect cellular mechanics or the functionality of the endogenous or an exogenous TCR, which allows future approaches using SPIONs for the magnetically enrichment of T cells in solid tumors.
Ocean mixing during Hurricane Ida (2021): the impact of a freshwater barrier layer
Authors: Miles Travis N. , Coakley Samuel J. , Engdahl Julia M. , Rudzin Johna E. , Tsei Senam , Glenn Scott M. 
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclones are one of the costliest and deadliest natural disasters globally, and impacts are currently expected to worsen with a changing climate. Hurricane Ida (2021) made landfall as a category 4 storm on the US Gulf coast after intensifying over a Loop Current eddy and a freshwater barrier layer. This freshwater layer extended from the coast to the open ocean waters south of the shelf-break of the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM). An autonomous underwater glider sampled this ocean feature ahead of Hurricane Ida operated through a partnership between NOAA, Navy, and academic institutions. In this study we evaluate hurricane upper ocean metrics ahead of and during the storm as well as carry out 1-D shear driven mixed layer model simulations to investigate the sensitivity of the upper ocean mixing to a barrier layer during Ida’s intensification period. In our simulations we find that the freshwater barrier layer inhibited cooling by as much as 57% and resulted in enhanced enthalpy flux to the atmosphere by as much as 11% and an increase in dynamic potential intensity (DPI) of 5 m s-1 (~9.72 knots) in the 16 hours leading up to landfall. This highlights the utility of new ocean observing systems in identifying localized ocean features that may impact storm intensity ahead of landfall. It also emphasizes the northern Gulf of Mexico and the associated Mississippi River plume as a region and feature where the details of upper ocean metrics need to be carefully considered ahead of landfalling storms.
No causal association between plasma cystatin C and cardiovascular diseases: Mendelian randomization analyses in UK biobank
Authors: Tu Jingjing , Xu Ying , Guo Xu , Zhang Jiayu , Xu Duo , Han Liyuan , Wang Yue , Zhang Boya , Sun Hongpeng 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundWe aimed to determine whether the plasma cystatin C is a causal risk factor for cardiovascular events, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality by conducting Mendelian randomization (MR) designs.MethodsOur study included 277,057 individuals free of CVDs or cancer at baseline in the UK Biobank. The genetic scores of plasma cystatin C comprising 67 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were calculated on the basis of data from a large genome-wide association study. By stratifying the genetic score, we conducted cox regression to assess the relationship between plasma cystatin C and CVDs. In this study, linear MR analysis was used to estimate the causal association between plasma cystatin C and CVDs.ResultsObservational analyses showed that plasma cystatin C concentrations were associated with the risk of CVDs [hazard ratios (HR) per standard deviation (SD) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.07–1.10] and CVD mortality (1.14, 1.11–1.17). Among CVDs, plasma cystatin C were associated with stroke (1.10, 1.08–1.11) and MI (1.08, 1.07–1.10). Linear MR analysis did not provide evidence of a causal association between plasma cystatin C and the risk of CVDs [odds ratio (OR) per SD 0.96, 95% CI;0.90–1.03], stroke (0.96, 0.93–1.01), MI (0.97, 0.91–1.03), and CVD mortality (0.98, 0.96–1.01), with consistent estimates from sensitivity analyses.ConclusionObservational findings indicated that higher plasma cystatin C is associated with a higher risk of CVDs; According to MR studies, there is no causal association between plasma cystatin C and the risk of CVDs and CVD mortality.
Burden of disease and impact on quality of life in chronic back pain – a comparative cross-sectional study of 150 axial spondyloarthritis and 150 orthopedic back pain patients
Authors: Frede Natalie , Hiestand Sonja , Endres Dominique , van Elst Ludger Tebartz , Finzel Stephanie , Chevalier Nina , Schramm Markus A. , Rump Ina C. , Thiel Jens , Voll Reinhard , Herget Georg , Venhoff Nils 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveChronic back pain (CBP) constitutes one of the most common complaints in primary care and a leading cause of disability worldwide. CBP may be of mechanical or inflammatory character and may lead to functional impairment and reduced quality of life. In this study, we aimed to assess and compare burden of disease, functional capacity, quality of life and depressive symptoms in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients with orthopedic chronic back pain patients (OBP). We further aimed to identify factors associated with quality of life.MethodsCross-sectional survey of a cohort of 300 CBP patients including 150 patients from a University Hospital Orthopedic Back Pain Outpatient Clinic with OBP and 150 patients with confirmed axSpA from a University Hospital Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic. Questionnaire-based assessment of pain character (Inflammatory Back Pain, MAIL-Scale), functional status (FFbH, BASFI), quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref) and depressive symptoms (Phq9) and retrospective medical chart analysis.ResultsBoth, OBP and axSpA patients reported on average intermediate pain levels of mostly mixed pain character. Both groups demonstrated a reduced health-related quality of life and the presence of depressive symptoms. However, axSpA patients reported a significantly better subjective quality of life, more satisfaction with their health status and better functional capacity compared to OBP patients (all p &lt; 0.001). In a multivariate regression model, depressive symptoms, mechanical back pain, pain level and age were negative predictors of subjective quality of life, whereas functional capacity was a positive predictor.ConclusionChronic back pain was associated with a high morbidity and reduced quality of life regardless of pain character. We identified multiple factors associated with reduced quality of life. Awareness and addressing of these factors may help to overcome unmet needs and improve quality of life for these patients.
Identification of immune-related biomarkers co-occurring in acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Shan , Tan Shengjun , Chen Fangni , An Yihua 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) share several features on multiple levels. These two events may occur in conjunction or in rapid succession, and the occurrence of one event may increase the risk of the other. Owing to their similar pathophysiologies, we aimed to identify immune-related biomarkers common to AIS and AMI as potential therapeutic targets.MethodsWe identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AIS and control groups, as well as AMI and control groups using microarray data (GSE16561 and GSE123342). A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach was used to identify hub genes associated with AIS and/or AMI progression. The intersection of the four gene sets identified key genes, which were subjected to functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. We confirmed the expression levels of hub genes using two sets of gene expression profiles (GSE58294 and GSE66360), and the ability of the genes to distinguish patients with AIS and/or AMI from control patients was assessed by calculating the receiver operating characteristic values. Finally, the investigation of transcription factor (TF)-, miRNA-, and drug–gene interactions led to the discovery of therapeutic candidates.ResultsWe identified 477 and 440 DEGs between the AIS and control groups and between the AMI and control groups, respectively. Using WGCNA, 2,776 and 2,811 genes in the key modules were identified for AIS and AMI, respectively. Sixty key genes were obtained from the intersection of the four gene sets, which were used to identify the 10 hub genes with the highest connection scores through PPI network analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the key genes were primarily involved in immunity-related processes. Finally, the upregulation of five hub genes was confirmed using two other datasets, and immune infiltration analysis revealed their correlation with certain immune cells. Regulatory network analyses indicated that GATA2 and hsa-mir-27a-3p might be important regulators of these genes.ConclusionUsing comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, we identified five immune-related biomarkers that significantly contributed to the pathophysiological mechanisms of both AIS and AMI. These biomarkers can be used to monitor and prevent AIS after AMI, or vice versa.