bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture alleviates ulcerative colitis by targeting CXCL1: evidence from the transcriptome and validation
Authors: Zhang Rui-Bin , Dong Long-Cong , Shen Yuan , Li Hong-Ying , Huang Qin , Yu Shu-Guang , Wu Qiao-Feng 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundWe aimed to use transcriptomics, bioinformatics analysis, and core gene validation to identify the core gene and potential mechanisms for electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).Materials and methodsEA was performed in mice after induction of UC via dextran sodium sulfate. Body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and hematoxylin-eosin of the colon tissue were used to evaluate the effects of EA. Mice transcriptome samples were analyzed to identify the core genes, and further verified with human transcriptome database; the ImmuCellAI database was used to analyze the relationship between the core gene and immune infiltrating cells (IICs); and immunofluorescence was used to verify the results.ResultsEA could reduce DAI and histological colitis scores, increase bodyweight and colon length, and improve the expression of local and systemic proinflammatory factors in the serum and colon of UC mice. Eighteen co-differentially expressed genes were identified by joint bioinformatics analyses of mouse and human transcriptional data; Cxcl1 was the core gene. EA affected IICs by inhibiting Cxcl1 expression and regulated the polarization of macrophages by affecting the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ, inhibiting the expression of CXCL1.ConclusionsCXCL1 is the target of EA, which is associated with the underlying immune mechanism related to Th1 cytokine IFN-γ.
Changes in the autonomic cardiorespiratory activity in parturient women with severe and moderate features of preeclampsia
Authors: Pichardo-Carmona Elias Yojairi , Reyes-Lagos José Javier , Ceballos-Juárez Rosselin Gabriela , Ledesma-Ramírez Claudia Ivette , Mendieta-Zerón Hugo , Peña-Castillo Miguel Ángel , Nsugbe Ejay , Porta-García Miguel Ángel , Mina-Paz Yecid 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundCardiorespiratory coupling (CRC) is a physiological phenomenon that reflects the mutual interaction between the cardiac and respiratory control systems. It is mainly associated with efferent vagal activity from the central autonomic network. Few studies have explored the autonomic changes of CRC in preeclampsia, a critical obstetric complication related to possible autonomic dysfunctions and inflammatory disturbances. This study examined the autonomic mechanisms of CRC in women with severe and moderate preeclampsia and healthy controls by applying nonlinear methods based on information theory, such as mutual information (MI) and Renyi’s mutual information (RMI) and the linear and nonlinear analysis of the Pulse-Respiration Quotient (PRQ).MethodsWe studied three groups of parturient women in the third trimester of pregnancy with a clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia without severe symptoms (P, 38.5 ± 1.4 weeks of pregnancy, n=19), preeclampsia with severe symptoms (SP, 37.5 ± 0.9 weeks of pregnancy, n=22), and normotensive control women (C, 39.1 ± 1.3 weeks of pregnancy, n=20). 10-minutes of abdominal electrocardiograms (ECG) and respiratory signals (RESP) were recorded in all the participants. Subsequently, we obtained the maternal beat-to-beat (RR) and breath-to-breath (BB) time series from ECG and RESP, respectively. The CRC between RR and BB was quantified by nonlinear methods based on information theory, such as MI and RMI, along with the analysis of the novel index of PRQ. Subsequently, we computed the mean PRQ (mPRQ) and the normalized permutation entropy (nPermEn_PRQ) from the PRQ time series generated from BB and RR. In addition, we examined the vagal activity in the three groups by the logarithm of the median of the distribution of the absolute values of successive RR differences (logRSA). ResultsThe MI and RMI values were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in the preeclamptic groups compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were found between the preeclamptic groups. The logRSA and nPermEn_PRQ indices were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in SP compared to C and P.ConclusionOur data suggest that parturient women with severe and mild preeclampsia may manifest an altered cardiorespiratory coupling compared with normotensive control women. Disrupted CRC in severe preeclampsia could be associated with vagal withdrawal and less complex cardiorespiratory dynamics. The difference in vagal activity between the preeclamptic groups may suggest a further reduction in vagal activity associated with the severity of the disease.
Effect of domestic COVID-19 vaccine on the plasma D-dimer levels of early pregnant women in China
Authors: Liang Wenjuan , Fu Xin , Li Rui , Yang Liu , Liu Peng , Guo Xuan , Jia Qinliang , Wang Ziran , Xie Yun 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on plasma D-dimer levels in early pregnant women.MethodsA total of 834 early pregnant women(gestational age ≤ 13 weeks), who visited Northwest Women and Children’s Hospital between December 2020 and April 2022, were selected. There were 696 women in the healthy group (group A) and 138 in the group with a history of adverse pregnancy and childbirth (group B). The plasma D-dimer levels of all participants were tested, and the COVID-19 vaccine history of all participants was collected using a survey questionnaire.ResultsThe plasma D-dimer levels did not differ between group A and the group B (p = 0.1327). In the group A, 470 were vaccinated and 226 were unvaccinated. The D-dimer levels of vaccinated individuals were lower than those of unvaccinated individuals (p = 0.0047). In the group B, 84 were vaccinated and 54 were unvaccinated; no difference in D-dimer levels was found between the vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (p = 0.0542). In the group A, the D-dimer levels of the unvaccinated group were not different from those of women vaccinated with one dose (p = 0.208), but they were higher than those who received two doses (p = 0.019) or three doses (p = 0.003). And, no significant difference in D-dimer levels was found among women who received different vaccine brands and with different vaccination times.ConclusionThis study preliminarily indicates that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase D-dimer levels in early pregnant women.
Microbial communities inhabiting shallow hydrothermal vents as sentinels of acidification processes
Authors: Arcadi Erika , Rizzo Carmen , Calogero Rosario , Sciutteri Valentina , Fabiano Francesco , Consoli Pierpaolo , Andaloro Franco , Romeo Teresa 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionShallow hydrothermal vents are considered natural laboratories to study the effects of acidification on biota, due to the consistent CO2 emissions with a consequent decrease in the local pH.MethodsHere the microbial communities of water and sediment samples from Levante Bay (Vulcano Island) with different pH and redox conditions were explored by Next Generation Sequencing techniques. The taxonomic structure was elucidated and compared with previous studies from the same area in the last decades.Results and discussionThe results revealed substantial shifts in the taxonomic structure of both bacterial and archaeal communities, with special relevance in the sediment samples, where the effects of external parameters probably act for a long time. The study demonstrates that microbial communities could be used as indicators of acidification processes, by shaping the entire biogeochemical balance of the ecosystem in response to stress factors. The study contributes to understanding how much these communities can tell us about future changes in marine ecosystems.
Association of fertility diet score with endometriosis: a case–control study
Authors: Ghasemisedaghat Sakine , Eslamian Ghazaleh , Kazemi Seyyedeh Neda , Rashidkhani Bahram , Taheripanah Robabeh 
Published: September 2023

Background and aimsDifferent factors, such as environmental, epigenetic, genetic and immunological, have been identified as potential risks for developing endometriosis. However, the correlation between dietary patterns and endometriosis is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the potential link between fertility diet score and the odds of endometriosis.MethodsThis study was a hospital-based case–control study that took place in a gynecology clinic in Tehran, Iran, between February 2021 and January 2022. A total of 107 newly diagnosed endometriosis cases and 210 controls were included. The participants' habitual diets were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire, and their fertility diet score was estimated using a point system based on Chavarro et al.'s criteria. The logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe study found that women who adherence to fertility diet have a lower odds of endometriosis. This was observed in both the base model and the adjusted model, with a significant decrease in odds of endometriosis by 66% (OR = 0.44, 95%CI = 0.27–0.71, p = 0.001) and 54% (aOR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.23–0.90, p = 0.022), respectively. Additionally, consuming vegetable proteins and multivitamins were also associated with lower odds of endometriosis. On the other hand, consuming animal proteins, heme iron, and having a high glycemic load were associated with significantly higher odds of endometriosis.ConclusionOur research supports the hypothesis that following a fertility diet may decrease the odds of endometriosis in Iranian women. However, these findings should be verified through extensive, prospective studies.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Li , Gu Xiaolong , Wang Yaning , Deng Huiyan , Feng Hui , Zhang Ning , Wang Mingbo , Wang Qi , Shi Gaofeng 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundPulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) is a rare lung tumor that is mostly isolated and commonly reported among middle-aged East Asian women. Recently, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis has suggested that PSP is of primitive epithelial origin, most likely derived from type II alveolar air cells. Patients with PSP are generally asymptomatic and usually detected for other unrelated reasons during routine imaging. Several studies have already investigated the computed tomography (CT) features of PSP and their correlation with pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiation-free imaging technique with important diagnostic value for specific pulmonary nodules. However, very few case reports or studies focus on the MRI findings of PSP.Case reportWe reported a case of an asymptomatic 56-year-old female with a solitary, well-defined soft-tissue mass in the lower lobe of the left lung. The mass showed iso-to-high signal intensity (SI) than muscle on T1-weighted image (T1WI) and T2-weighted image (T2WI) and a much higher SI on fat-suppressed T2WI, diffusion-weighted image, and apparent diffusion coefficient image. Contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1WI revealed noticeable inhomogeneous progressive enhancement throughout the mass. The mass revealed early enhancement without a significant peak, followed by a plateau pattern on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI images. The patient underwent left basal segmentectomy via thoracoscopic surgery. Histopathology and IHC results of the surgical specimen confirmed that it was a PSP. We concluded that the MRI findings of PSP might adequately reflect the different components within the tumor and aid clinicians in preoperative diagnosis and assessment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive case report on the MRI findings of PSP.ConclusionThe MRI findings of PSP correspond to its histopathological features. Here, we present a case of PSP with the most comprehensive MRI findings, emphasizing the importance of multiple-sequence MRI in diagnosing PSP.
Prognostic significance of C-reactive protein in patients with cervical cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Sheng , Zhang Zongxin , Shen Linglong 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundNumerous studies have investigated the significance of pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for determining the prognosis of cervical cancer (CC). The results of these studies, however, have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis, therefore, focused on identifying the exact relationship of CRP levels with CC prognoses.MethodsWe searched the following databases from their inception until April 18, 2023: PubMed; Web of Science; Embase; and Cochrane Library. From the search results, we estimated the significance of CRP levels in determining the prognosis of CC, based on combined hazard ratios (HRs) and relevant 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe present meta-analysis included 12 studies, encompassing 2,204 patients. Based on combined data, an increased CRP level was significantly related to an unfavorable overall survival (OS) of patients with CC (HR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.36–1.95; P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, an increased CRP level was significantly associated with shortened progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with CC (HR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.39–2.03; P &lt; 0.001). According to the subgroup and sensitivity analyses, CRP level was a reliable factor in determining CC prognoses.ConclusionBased on the results of our present analyses, increased CRP levels were significant predictors of poor OS and PFS in patients with CC. CRP level, therefore, could be an independent and inexpensive factor for determining the prognosis of patients with CC in clinical settings.Systematic review registrationINPLASY, identifier INPLASY202360074.
Heterogeneity and potential therapeutic insights for triple-negative breast cancer based on metabolic‐associated molecular subtypes and genomic mutations
Authors: Li Lijuan , Wu Nan , Zhuang Gaojian , Geng Lin , Zeng Yu , Wang Xuan , Wang Shuang , Ruan Xianhui , Zheng Xiangqian , Liu Juntian , Gao Ming 
Published: September 2023

Objective: Due to a lack of effective therapy, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is extremely poor prognosis. Metabolic reprogramming is an important hallmark in tumorigenesis, cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Categorizing metabolic patterns in TNBC is critical to combat heterogeneity and targeted therapeutics.Methods: 115 TNBC patients from TCGA were combined into a virtual cohort and verified by other verification sets, discovering differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To identify reliable metabolic features, we applied the same procedures to five independent datasets to verify the identified TNBC subtypes, which differed in terms of prognosis, metabolic characteristics, immune infiltration, clinical features, somatic mutation, and drug sensitivity.Results: In general, TNBC could be classified into two metabolically distinct subtypes. C1 had high immune checkpoint genes expression and immune and stromal scores, demonstrating sensitivity to the treatment of PD-1 inhibitors. On the other hand, C2 displayed a high variation in metabolism pathways involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. More importantly, C2 was a lack of immune signatures, with late pathological stage, low immune infiltration and poor prognosis. Interestingly, C2 had a high mutation frequency in PIK3CA, KMT2D, and KMT2C and displayed significant activation of the PI3K and angiogenesis pathways. As a final output, we created a 100-gene classifier to reliably differentiate the TNBC subtypes and AKR1B10 was a potential biomarker for C2 subtypes.Conclusion: In conclusion, we identified two subtypes with distinct metabolic phenotypes, provided novel insights into TNBC heterogeneity, and provided a theoretical foundation for therapeutic strategies.
Relatively high light inhibits reserves degradation in the Coptis chinensis rhizome during the leaf expansion by changing the source-sink relationship
Authors: Ke Wenjia , Li Yirou , Zhong Furong , Pen Maoyao , Dong Jijing , Xu Binjie , Ma Yuntong , Zhou Tao 
Published: September 2023

The early spring is a seasonal high-light “window” for new leaf growth and photosynthetic carbon capture by the shade-tolerant evergreen understory plants. However, it remains unclear how light regulates the source–sink relationship between rhizome (RO), mature leaf (ML), and immature leaf (IL) during Coptis chinensis leaf expansion. Understanding this relationship is essential to reducing RO reserve degradation and ultimately promote RO biomass accumulation. The plants grew in an artificial climate chamber with low (50 μmol m−2 s−1) and relatively high (200 μmol m−2 s−1) light intensity treatments. Leaf fluorescence, foliar phosphorus (P) fractions, soluble sugars, starch, total P, and alkaloid concentrations in ILs, MLs, and RO were measured, and 13C labeling was used to indicate the direction of photosynthetic carbon flow between organs. The plants grown under high light intensity had higher levels of starch in RO and higher RO biomass at the end of the year compared to those grown under low light intensity. The photosystem II (PSII) operating efficiency [Y(II)], relative electron transport rate (rETR), and photochemical quenching (qP), as well as sucrose and glucose, in ILs and MLs under relatively high light, was higher than those under low light. The glucose and starch concentrations in ILs at 35 d was significantly higher than that at 15 d when plants were under 200 μmol m−2 s−1, while they were not significantly changed and remained low at 50 μmol m−2 s−1. The 13C was detected in the RO when plants were grown at 200 μmol m−2 s−1, regardless of ILs and MLs 13C labeling, while no 13C was detected in the RO when plants were under 50 μmol m−2 s−1. Additionally, the proportion of photosynthetic transport from ILs to MLs was significantly higher than that from MLs to ILs under the 50-μmol m−2 s−1 limit. Total P concentration in ILs was lower under relatively high light, but there was no difference in nucleic acid P concentration in ILs under the two light intensity treatments. The alkaloid concentration in RO was lower under 200 μmol m−2 s−1 than that under 50 μmol m−2 s−1. We propose that relatively high light reduces the need for carbohydrates and P stored in the RO to support IL growth by (1) accelerating the sink-to-source transition in ILs, which inhibits the use of reserves in the RO; (2) using energy from MLs to support IL growth, thereby reducing RO reserve consumption, and (3) reducing the demand for P by investing less in the development of photosynthetic machinery. Furthermore, under low light, MLs serve as a sink and rely on other organs for support, directly or indirectly exacerbating the reserves lost in the RO.
The impact of digital presence and use of information technology on business performance of veterinary practices: a case study of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Fejzić Nihad , Muftić Abdullah , Šerić-Haračić Sabina , Muftić Emina 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThe veterinary profession is facing various challenges in the 21st century, such as livestock production intensification, shifting distribution of infectious diseases, growing focus on food safety alongside growing demand for companion animals’ veterinary services. Information technologies and digitalization trends had driven changes in many business sectors, including providing veterinary services thus opening new avenues to overcome the existing challenges this profession is facing.MethodsA study was conducted among 244 veterinary practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The gathered information related to subjects involving digital presence, the utilization of information technologies, and the business performance. To obtain this information, a personalized questionnaire was utilized as the means for collecting data.ResultsThe study revealed that only 10.2% had a business-associated website, and 54.9% were present on at least one social media platform. The study suggests that a positive impact on annual profit can be achieved through the implementation of effective digital marketing strategies such as web presence, search engine optimization, Google business account existence, website Google advertisement, continuous administration of social media, and social media advertisement. The statistical analysis indicates that Google advertisements, website search engine optimization, and social media advertisements greatly affect annual profit.DiscussionImproving digital presence of veterinary businesses with professionally managed websites, use of social media platforms, investment in online marketing strategies, and adopting telehealth services and online access to patient records positively affects business performance and better fits the growing needs of clients and society.
Carboxymethyl Chitosan Microgels for Sustained Delivery of Vancomycin and Long-Lasting Antibacterial Effects
Authors: Sahiner Mehtap , Yilmaz Aynur S. , Ayyala Ramesh S. , Sahiner Nurettin 
Published: September 2023

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) is a unique polysaccharide with functional groups that can develop positive and negative charges due to the abundant numbers of amine and carboxylic acid groups. CMCh is widely used in different areas due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, water solubility, and chelating ability. CMCh microgels were synthesized in a microemulsion environment using divinyl sulfone (DVS) as a crosslinking agent. CMCh microgel with tailored size and zeta potential values were obtained in a single stem by crosslinking CMCh in a water-in-oil environment. The spherical microgel structure is confirmed by SEM analysis. The sizes of CMCh microgels varied from one micrometer to tens of micrometers. The isoelectric point of CMCh microgels was determined as pH 4.4. Biocompatibility of CMCh microgels was verified on L929 fibroblasts with 96.5 ± 1.5% cell viability at 1 mg/mL concentration. The drug-carrying abilities of CMCh microgels were evaluated by loading Vancomycin (Van) antibiotic as a model drug. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity efficiency of Van-loaded CMCh microgels (Van@CMCh) was investigated. The MIC values of the released drug from Van@CMCh microgels were found to be 68.6 and 7.95 µg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, at 24 h contact time. Disk diffusion tests confirmed that Van@CMCh microgels, especially for Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria, revealed long-lasting inhibitory effects on bacteria growth up to 72 h.
Reliability of piezoelectric films for MEMS
Authors: Trolier-McKinstry Susan , Zhu Wanlin , Akkopru-Akgun Betul , He Fan , Ko Song Won , Fragkiadakis Charalampos , Mardilovich Peter 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Thin films based on PbZr1−x
Ti
x
O3 and K1−x
Na
x
NbO3 are increasingly being commercialized in piezoelectric MEMS due to the comparatively low drive voltages required relative to bulk actuators, as well as the facile approach to making sensor or actuator arrays. As these materials are incorporated into devices, it is critically important that they operate reliably over the lifetime of the system. This paper discusses some of the factors controlling the electrical and electromechanical reliability of lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based piezoMEMS films. In particular, it will be shown the gradients in the Zr/Ti ratio through the depth of the films are useful in increasing the lifetime of the films under DC electrical stresses.