bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and dynamics in mouse liver infected with Plasmodium berghei and the modulatory effects of a novel compound purified from Phyllanthus amarus
Authors: Olanlokun Oludele , Babarinde Cecilia Opeyemi , Olorunsogo Olufunso Olabode 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Mitochondria occupy prominent position in cell metabolism, however, infection of the host by Plasmodium species causes their dysfunction and imbalance in homeostasis. Antimalarial orthodox drugs affect oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dynamics in the host cell. In this study, we observed the influence of 1, 3, 16 trimethoxy-10 methyl-17-(pent-3-enyl)cyclopenta[α]phenanthrene (TMCP) purified from Phyllanthus amarus on oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dynamics in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice by assessing the extent of mRNA of mitochondrial complexes and proteins responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and fusion. P. berghei decreases the expressions of complexes I to V while TMCPT at both doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) increased them. The PGC-1α, prohibitins 1 and 2 that P. berghei infection decreased in the infected control was increased significantly by TMCP (5 mg/kg). Increase in DRP-1 mediates mitochondrial fission in the infected mice treated with TMCP while significant expressions of OPA1 and mitofusin1 in mice treated with TMCP (5 mg/kg) elicit significant mitochondrial fusion. The TMCP (5 mg/kg) initiated PINK 1-dependent mitophagy while maximum FUNDC1 expression signified full modulation of hypoxia-induced autophagy. Furthermore, TMCP initiated up-regulation of prohibitins 1 and 2 relative to the infected control. The results obtained in this study indicates that TMCP prevents bioenergetic stress and modulate mitochondrial dynamics for effective mitophagy.
The high dose rate sensing potential of a radiotherapy optical fiber dosimeter
Authors: Basaif A. , Oresegun Adebiyi , Tarif Zubair H. , Zin Hafiz , Choo K. Y. , Ibrahim S. A. , Lau Sian Lun , Abdul-Rashid H. A. , Alkhorayef M. , Lewis Elfed , Bradley D. A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A perceived need exists for real-time dosimeters offering pulse-by-pulse temporal resolution to validate the delivery of the prescribed dose from clinical electron linear accelerators (linacs). In the case of linacs working at conventional (100–600 cGy/min) dose rates and operating in the bremsstrahlung mode, radioluminescence-emitting Ge-doped silica optical fibers have been shown to satisfy such demand. Ge-doped silica optical fiber scintillators measurements are made for a linac operating in the electron mode, delivering at dose rates up to 600 cGy/min. The radioluminescence response of the material as a function of dose has been measured using a Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) with a photon-counting circuit capable of 1-200 µs gating time, demonstrating dose linearity (R2 = 0.99971). Time-resolved radiation dosimetry measurements for a wide range of electron beam energies (6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 MeV) are reported. Measurements using a Multi Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) connected to an oscilloscope shows the absence of saturation in the time resolved signal, freedom from performance limitations of residual memory or afterglow effects. Individual pulses at different energies have been analysed in terms of rise- and decay-times. While obtaining a qualitative assessment of the variation in pulse sub-structure, the variations likely arising from internal pulse manipulation for handling linac power delivery. The results point not only to the use of Ge-doped optical fiber scintillator in time-resolved dosimetry at conventional dose rates but also potential for use at the greater dose-rates of FLASH radiotherapy.
Structural properties and immunomodulatory activity of an α-glucan purified from the fruiting body of Stropharia rugosoannulata
Authors: Zuofa Zhang , Tingting Song , Guoying Lv , Jie Liu , Qunli Jin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A novel polysaccharide PSRa-2 was purified from Stropharia rugosoannulata fruiting bodies using high pressure homogenization-assisted dual enzyme method, ion exchange, and gel chromatography. The PSRa-2 was characterized via FT-IR, HPAEC, SEM, Congo red test, SEC-MALLS-RI, methylation analysis, and NMR analysis. Structural characterization revealed that PSRa-2 was an α-glucan with a Mw 455.6 kDa. The backbone of PSRa-2 was composed of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →3)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and branches of α-D-Glcp-(1→ at position O-6 of →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. PSRa-2 induced splenocyte proliferation and protected splenocytes against 5-Fu-induced immunosuppression by restoring the proliferation and secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-2) secretion levels. Thus, PSRa-2 exhibits obviously immunomodulatory activity and represents a potential natural immunomodulator.
Antifungal and physicochemical properties of polymerized acrylic resin containing strontium-modified phosphate-based glass
Authors: Jang Eun-Jee , Hong Ye-Ji , Jeong Yoon-Ha , Kim Kyoung-Eun , Jo Eun-Seo , Lee Myung-Jin , Yang Song-Yi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Acrylic resins are widely used as the main components in removable orthodontic appliances. However, poor oral hygiene and maintenance of orthodontic appliances provide a suitable environment for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, strontium-modified phosphate-based glass (Sr-PBG) was added to orthodontic acrylic resin at 0% (control), 3.75%, 7.5%, and 15% by weight to evaluate the surface and physicochemical properties of the novel material and its antifungal effect against Candida albicans. Surface microhardness and contact angle did not vary between the control and 3.75% Sr-PBG groups (p > 0.05), and the flexural strength was lower in the experimental groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), but no difference was found with Sr-PBG content (p > 0.05). All experimental groups showed an antifungal effect at 24 and 48 h compared to that in the control group (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that 3.75% Sr-PBG exhibits antifungal effects against C. albicans along with suitable physicochemical properties, which may help to minimize the risk of adverse effects associated with harmful microbial living on removable orthodontic appliances and promote the use of various materials.
Investigation into the prevalence of enterotoxin genes and genetic background of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from retain foods in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhao Gang , Yang Wei , Chen Fuhong , Qi Yan , Lou Zhengqing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Staphylococcus aureus expresses numerous toxins, many of which are strongly believed to be responsible for specific symptoms and even diseases, making it significant in the pathogenesis of human health. Enterotoxins, which are vital toxins, are associated with foodborne illnesses that manifest through symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. In the present study, 264 S. aureus isolates obtained from various retail foods in Hangzhou, China were further investigated the profiles of enterotoxin genes and genetic backgrounds.
Results
Approximately, 64.02% of the isolates from diverse sources contained at least one Staphylococcal Enterotoxin (SE) genes, displaying a total of 36 distinct combinations. Enterotoxin gene cluster (egc) encoded enterotoxin genes, normally designated by seg, sei, sem, sen, seo and selu, plus with sep were more frequently detected (33.73%, each). In contrast, see, ses and set were absent in any of the isolates tested. A total of 44 sequence types (STs), 20 clonal complexes (CCs) and 66 different staphylococcal protein A (spa) types (including six novel types) were identified among those 169 SE-positive isolates. Moreover, nineteen methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were identified. The majority of those isolates belonged to the CC59-Sccmec Ⅳa cluster and carried the seb-sek-seq gene cluster. The egc cluster, either coexisting with or without other enterotoxin genes, was observed in all isolates allocated into CC5, CC9, CC20, CC25, CC72 and ST672. Irrespective of the spa types and origins of the food, it appeared that seh was a distinct genetic element present in isolates belonging to the CC1 clonal lineage.
Conclusions
The results not only proposed a suspected relationship between distribution of enterotoxigenic strains and genetic backgrounds, but also attributed the presence of novel enterotoxins to potential hazards in food safety.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Unveils Lrg1's Role in Cerebral Ischemia‒Reperfusion Injury by Modulating Various Cells
Authors: Ruan Zhaohui , Cao Guosheng , Qian Yisong , Fu Longsheng , Hu Jinfang , Xu Tiantian , Wu Yaoqi , Lv Yanni 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background and purpose: Cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury causes significant harm to human health and is a major contributor to stroke-related deaths worldwide. Current treatments are limited, and new, more effective prevention and treatment strategies that target multiple cell components are urgently needed. Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein 1 (Lrg1) appears to be associated with the progression of cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury, but the exact mechanism of it is unknown.
Methods: Wild-type (WT) and Lrg1 knockout (Lrg1-/-) mice were used to investigate the role of Lrg1 after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury. The effects of Lrg1 knockout on brain infarct volume, blood‒brain barrier permeability, and neurological score (based on 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, evans blue dye, hematoxylin, and eosin staining) were assessed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), immunofluorescence, and microvascular albumin leakage tests were utilized to investigate alterations in various cell components in brain tissue after Lrg1 knockout.
Results: Lrg1 expression was increased in various cell types of brain tissue after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury. Lrg1 knockout reduced cerebral edema and infarct size and improved neurological function after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of WT and Lrg1-/- mouse brain tissues after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury revealed that Lrg1 knockout enhances blood‒brain barrier (BBB) permeability by upregulating claudin 11, integrin β5, protocadherin 9, and annexin A2. Lrg1 knockout also promoted an anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing phenotype in microglia and macrophages while reducing neuron and oligodendrocyte cell death.
Conclusions: Convincing evidence has shown that Lrg1 mediates numerous pathological processes involved in cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury by altering the functional states of various cell types, thereby rendering it a promising therapeutic target for cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury.
One-pot synthesis and in vitro bioactivity of novel 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives as potential antimicrobial compounds
Authors: Aggarwal Ranjana , Kumar Suresh , Sumran Garima , Sharma Deepansh 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The present paper describes an efficient synthesis of a series of 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives 11a-i in 69-81% yields by one-pot three-component domino reaction of phenylhydrazine and two different β-ketonitriles in DMSO. All the synthesized derivatives were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial potential against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical bacterial strains and one fungal strain. Most of the tested derivatives displayed promising antimicrobial potency and activity was found to be comparable to standard drugs (amoxicillin and fluconazole). Compounds 11a and 11d with the MIC value of 3.12 μg/mL were identified as broad spectrum antibacterial agents. Compounds 11b, f, h and 11i exhibited equivalent antifungal activity (MIC 6.25 μg/mL) against Candida albicans to fluconazole. Interestingly, all the compounds were found to be non-toxic to normal mammalian and plant cells at very high concentration of 1 mg/mL.
Treadmill exercise improves behavioral and molecular alterations in restraint-stressed rats
Authors: ERCAN ZUBEYDE , BULMUS OZGUR , KACAR EMINE , SERHATLIOGLU IHSAN , ZORLU GOKHAN , KELESTIMUR HALUK 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Stress is a state that is known to impact an organism's physiological and psychological balance as well as the morphology and functionality of certain brain areas. In the present work, chronic restraint stress (CRS) model rats treated with treadmill exercise were used to examine anomalies associated to emotion and mood as well as molecular changes in the brain. 40 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, stress, exercise, and stress+exercise groups. CRS were exposed to stress group rats and exercise group underwent a chronic treadmill exercise. Depressive-like behavior was evaluated with the forced swim test(FST) and tail suspension test(TST). For assessing anxiety-like behavior, the light-dark test(LDT) and the open field test(OFT) were used. Morris water maze test(MWMT) were used for testing memory and learning. Brain's monoamine level and the expression of genes related to stress were measured. It was discovered that CRS lengthens latency in the MWMT, increases immobility in the FST and TST, decreases time in the light compartment and causes hypoactivity in the OFT. CRS reduced the dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens(NAc). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamin receptors and serotonin receptor (HTR2A) gene expression in the prefrontal cortex, corpus striatum and hypothalamus were decreased by CRS. Exercise on a treadmill lead to increase NAc's dopamine and noradrenaline levels and prevented behavioral alterations. Exercise increased the alterations of BDNF expressions in the brain in addition to improving behavior. As a result, CRS-induced behavioral impairments were effectively reversed by chronic treadmill exercise with molecular alterations in the brain.
System analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in hexaploid wheat display tissue-specific regulatory role during Fe deficiency response
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Singh Dalwinder , Joon Riya , Shukla Vishnu , Singh Ajit Pal , Singh Palvinder , Mantri Shrikant , Pandey Ajay K 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral element, and its deficiency in soil largely affects crop productivity. In plants, the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic regulation of Fe deficiency responses have yet to be well understood. Specifically, microRNA (miRNA) mediated regulation of Fe deficiency response and its regulatory network is largely elusive. In the present study, we performed a small RNA-targeted whole genome transcriptome analysis to identify the involvement of sRNAs in Fe deficiency response. The analysis identified 105 differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to Fe deficiency response; 9 miRNAs were found to be novel in this study. Interestingly, tissue-specific regulation of Fe deficiency response also participates through miRNA-mediated regulation. We identified 17 shoot-specific miRNAs and 18 root-specific miRNAs with altered expression. We validated the tissue specificity of these miRNAs by stem-loop quantitative RT-PCR. Our analysis of selected miRNAs also confirmed a temporal regulation of the response. Further, an attempt was made to predict their targets to speculate their participation in Fe deficiency response. The miRNA target prediction analysis suggested a few major targe genes, such as multicopper oxidases, E3 ubiquitin ligases, GRAS family, and WRKY transcription factors, those are previously known to play key roles in Fe homeostasis. The first information generated here will classify the repository of wheat miRNAs (with few novel miRNAs) for their role in Fe deficiency response. Our work provides insights into miRNA-mediated regulatory pathways during Fe deficiency.
Correlation between Binocular Vision and CVSS-17 Questionnaire in Taiwan High-Tech Industry Engineers
Authors: Tsai Lung-Hui , Chen Bo-Yu , Su Kuo-Chen , Cheng Ching-Ying 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the relationship between binocular visual function and visual-related symptoms in the high-tech industry group.
Methods
The study sample was comprised of 33 participants aged between 20 and 40 years. After completing basic information and the CVSS-17 questionnaire, the participants underwent a comprehensive examination of binocular visual function. All data were statistically analyzed with SPSS V26.0 software.
Results
The value of the binocular vision function of the Taiwan high-tech industry group was significantly different compared with the Scheiman & Morgan standard value. Similar results were shown in the Taiwan binocular visual function standard study, which was conducted during 2020. Study subjects were generally found to exhibit larger exophoric at distance, which in turn might lead to a lower ability to maintain binocular fusion to a single image, or recover from fusional disruption at distance. Subjects also experienced accommodation and convergence problems at near at the same time. Only the daily computer use time had a significant impact on the CVSS17 scores, particularly for internal symptom factor (ISF) dimensions. The interaction between the ISF and external symptom factor (ESF) resulted in more severe visual symptoms in patients.
Conclusion
No research has demonstrated a relationship between dry eye and computer vision syndrome in high-tech industry professionals, specifically regarding binocular vision. This lack of evidence serves as the primary motivation for conducting this study.
The association between NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis with urinary heavy metal based on the NHANES 2013-2018
Authors: Cai Jiacheng , Jia Yangtao , Jiang Pan , Su Mingli , Chen Dahua , Wu Zhe , Luo Wenjing , Wang Jian , Ye Hua 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic liver disease poses an escalating health challenge on a global scale. It has been suggested that prolonged exposure to heavy metals could potentially contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our study aimed to assess the correlation between urinary levels of specific heavy metals, including Ba, Cd, Co, Cs, Hg, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, and Ur, and the occurrence of NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis within the general population of the United States.
Methods
In our study, we conducted a thorough analysis using data from the NHANES spanning from 2013 to 2018. To examine the correlation between urinary heavy metal concentration and the prevalence of NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis, we employed a multivariable analysis that accounted for various factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, hypertension, and T2DM. This allowed us to control for potential confounding variables and obtain reliable findings regarding the association between urinary heavy metal concentration and the occurrence of NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis.
Results
We employed multiple logistic regression models to examine the data, and the results revealed noteworthy findings. Higher levels of urinary Ba, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tu, and Ur exhibited a significant positive association with NAFLD. Additionally, as the concentration of Cd, Pb, Sb, and Sn increased in urine, the likelihood of advanced liver fibrosis also significantly increased. These findings underscore the significant positive associations between the levels of specific heavy metals in urine and both NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest a significant association between elevated urinary Ba, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tu, Ur concentration and NAFLD while a significant correlation was also found between higher urinary levels of Cd, Pb, Sb, Sn and advanced liver fibrosis.
Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is valuable in identifying the micropapillary component in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Cheng , Chen Zhi-Jun , Li Wu-Jun , Wen Yuan-Yuan , Deng Tao , Le Han-Bo , Zhang Yong-Kui , Zhang Bin-Jie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Biomarkers for identifying the solid or micropapillarycomponents in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma are urgently needed. Our study examined whether preoperative systemic inflammatory markers were valuable in identifying the solid or micropapillary components in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma and their association with prognosis.
Methods: Clinicopathological data of 640 patients with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Independent predictors of specific components were determined by logistic regression analysis. Correlations between systemic inflammatory markers and the cumulative incidence of recurrence were also assessed.
Results: The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio of the “micropapillary positive” group was significantly higher than that of the “micropapillary negative” group (P=0.006). None of the systemic inflammation markers showed significant differences between the groups with or without a solid component (P≥0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio [OR]=1.272; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.047–1.544; P=0.015), tumor size (OR=1.982; 95% CI, 1.480–2.652; P<0.001), and carcinoembryonic antigen level (OR=1.095; 95% CI, 1.035–1.159; P=0.002) were independent predictive factors for the micropapillary component in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma. None of the systemic inflammatory markers showed a significant correlation with thecumulative incidence of recurrence in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma.
Conclusions: The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio independently predicted the existence of a micropapillary component in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma. Future investigations should explore the use of this ratio in combination with other clinicopathological parameters to help clinicians develop optimal surgical strategies. Furthermore, none of the systemic inflammatory markers showed significant associations with the cumulative incidence of recurrence in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma, which warrants additional in-depth analyses in future studies.
Distinguishing features of postural instability in Parkinson’s disease identified through wireless insole plantar pressure monitoring during daily living activities
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Herbers Cara , Zhang Raymond , Erdman Arthur 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Postural instability (PI) is one of the most disabling motor signs of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and often underlies an increased likelihood of falling and loss of independence. Current clinical assessments of PD-related PI are based on a retropulsion test, which introduces human error and only evaluates reactive balance. There is an unmet need for objective, multi-dimensional assessments of PI that directly reflect activities of daily living in which individuals may experience PI. In this study, we trained machine learning models on insole plantar pressure data from 111 participants (44 with PD and 67 controls) as they performed static and active postural tasks of daily living. Models accurately classified PD from young controls (area under the curve (AUC) 0.99 +/- 0.00), PD from age-matched controls (AUC 0.99 +/- 0.01), and PD fallers from PD non-fallers (AUC 0.91 +/- 0.08). Utilizing features from both static and active postural tasks significantly improved classification performances, and all tasks were useful for separating PD from controls; however, tasks with higher postural threat were preferred for separating PD fallers from PD non-fallers.