bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological shifts of salivary microbiota associated with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Min , Yan Li-Ya , Qiao Cai-Yun , Zheng Chu-Chu , Niu Chen-Guang , Huang Zheng-Wei , Pan Yi-Huai 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionMetabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease related to metabolic syndrome. However, ecological shifts in the saliva microbiome in patients with MAFLD remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the changes to the salivary microbial community in patients with MAFLD and explore the potential function of microbiota.MethodsSalivary microbiomes from ten MAFLD patients and ten healthy participants were analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Body composition, plasma enzymes, hormones, and blood lipid profiles were assessed with physical examinations and laboratory tests.ResultsThe salivary microbiome of MAFLD patients was characterized by increased α-diversity and distinct β-diversity clustering compared with control subjects. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis showed a total of 44 taxa significantly differed between the two groups. Genera Neisseria, Filifactor, and Capnocytophaga were identified as differentially enriched genera for comparison of the two groups. Co-occurrence networks suggested that the salivary microbiota from MAFLD patients exhibited more intricate and robust interrelationships. The diagnostic model based on the salivary microbiome achieved a good diagnostic power with an area under the curve of 0.82(95% CI: 0.61–1). Redundancy analysis and spearman correlation analysis revealed that clinical variables related to insulin resistance and obesity were strongly associated with the microbial community. Metagenomic predictions based on Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States revealed that pathways related to metabolism were more prevalent in the two groups.ConclusionsPatients with MAFLD manifested ecological shifts in the salivary microbiome, and the saliva microbiome-based diagnostic model provides a promising approach for auxiliary MAFLD diagnosis.
Time domain adaptation of left ventricular diastolic intraventricular pressure in elite female ice hockey athletes
Authors: Yang Ping , Zhang Jianmei , Xue Jun , Bai Yunfei , Yang Hui , Zhang Ruiping , He Benxiang 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundIce hockey is a high-intensity dynamic sport for which competitive athletes train for longer than 20 hours each week for several years. The cumulative time of myocardial exposure to hemodynamic stress affects cardiac remodeling. However, the intracardiac pressure distribution of the elite ice hockey athletes' heart during adaptation to long-term training remains to be explored. This study aimed to compare the diastolic intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) of the left ventricle (LV) between healthy volunteers and ice hockey athletes with different training times.MethodsFifty-three female ice hockey athletes (27 elite and 26 casual) and 24 healthy controls were included. The diastolic IVPD of the LV during diastole was measured by vector flow mapping. The peak amplitude of the IVPD during isovolumic relaxation (P0), diastolic rapid filling (P1), and atrial systole (P4); the difference in the peak amplitude between adjacent phases (DiffP01, DiffP14); the time interval between the peak amplitude of adjacent phases (P0P1, P1P4); and the maximum decrease rate in diastolic IVPD were calculated. Differences between groups, as well as correlations between hemodynamic parameters and training time, were analyzed.ResultsStructural parameters of the LV were significantly higher in elite athletes than in casual players and controls. No significant difference in the peak amplitude of the IVPD during the diastolic phase was found among the three groups. The analysis of covariance with heart rate as a covariate showed that P1P4 in the elite athlete and casual player groups was significantly longer than that in the healthy control group (p &lt; 0.001 for all). An increased P1P4 was significantly associated with an increased training year (β = 4.90, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThe diastolic cardiac hemodynamics of the LV in elite female ice hockey athletes could be characterized by a prolonged diastolic IVPD, and P1P4 prolonged with an increase in the training years, reflecting a time–domain adaptation in diastolic hemodynamics after long-term training.
Microcirculatory tissue oxygenation correlates with kidney function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation–Results from a prospective observational study
Authors: Dietrich Maximilian , Antonovici Ana , Hölle Tobias , Nusshag Christian , Kapp Anne-Christine , Studier-Fischer Alexander , Arif Rawa , Nickel Felix , Weigand Markus Alexander , Frey Norbert , Lichtenstern Christoph , Leuschner Florian , Fischer Dania 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionKidney dysfunction is common in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and correction of the aortic valve by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) often affects kidney function. This may be due to microcirculatory changes.MethodsWe evaluated skin microcirculation with a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system, and compared tissue oxygenation (StO2), near-infrared perfusion index (NIR), tissue hemoglobin index (THI) and tissue water index (TWI) in 40 patients undergoing TAVI versus 20 control patients. HSI parameters were measured before TAVI (t1), directly after TAVI (t2), and on postinterventional day 3 (t3). The primary outcome was the correlation of tissue oxygenation (StO2) to the creatinine level after TAVI.ResultsWe performed 116 HSI image recordings in patients undergoing TAVI for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis and 20 HSI image recordings in control patients. Patients with AS had a lower THI at the palm (p = 0.034) and a higher TWI at the fingertips (p = 0.003) in comparison to control patients. TAVI led to an increase of TWI, but had no uniform enduring effect on StO2 and THI. Tissue oxygenation StO2 at both measurement sites correlated negatively with creatinine levels after TAVI at t2 (palm: ρ = −0.415; p = 0.009; fingertip: ρ = −0.519; p &lt; 0.001) and t3 (palm: ρ = −0.427; p = 0.008; fingertip: ρ = −0.398; p = 0.013). Patients with higher THI at t3 reported higher physical capacity and general health scores 120 days after TAVI.ConclusionHSI is a promising technique for periinterventional monitoring of tissue oxygenation and microcirculatory perfusion quality, which are related to kidney function, physical capacity, and clinical outcomes after TAVI.Clinical trial registrationhttps://drks.de/search/de/trial, identifier DRKS00024765.
The underlying cause of the simple virilizing phenotype in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency harboring P31L variant
Authors: Zhao Zhiyuan , Gao Yinjie , Lu Lin , Tong Anli , Chen Shi , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xiaoxia , Sun Bang , Wu Xueyan , Mao Jiangfeng , Wang Xi , Nie Min 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between genotype and phenotype in 21-Hydroxylase deficiency patients harboring P31L variant and the underlying mechanism.MethodsA total of 29 Chinese patients with 21-OHD harboring P31L variant were recruited, and the detailed clinical features of the patients were extracted and analyzed retrospectively. The TA clone combined with sequencing of the region containing the promotor and exon1 of CYP21A2 was performed to determine whether the variants in promotor and P31L aligned in cis. We further compared the clinical characteristics of 21-OHD patients between the promoter variant group and no promoter variant group.ResultsAmong the 29 patients diagnosed with 21-OHD harboring P31L variant, the incidence of classical simple virilizing form was 62.1%. Thirteen patients owned promoter variants (1 homozygote and 12 heterozygote) and all exhibited SV form. The promoter variants and the P31L variant were located in the same mutant allele as validated by TA cloning and sequencing. There were statistically significant differences in clinical phenotype and 17-OHP level between the patients with and without promoter region variations (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThere exists high incidence (57.4%) of SV form among the 21-OHD patients harboring P31L variant, and the underlying mechanism is partially due to both the promoter variants and P31L aligning in cis on one allele. Further sequencing of promoter region will provide important hints for the explanation of phenotype in patients harboring P31L.
Network pharmacology and experimental validation to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of Bushen Huashi decoction against kidney stones
Authors: Liu Haizhao , Cao Min , Jin Yutong , Jia Beitian , Wang Liming , Dong Mengxue , Han Lu , Abankwah Joseph , Liu Jianwei , Zhou Tao , Chen Baogui , Wang Yiyang , Bian Yuhong 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionKidney stone disease (KS) is a complicated disease with an increasing global incidence. It was shown that Bushen Huashi decoction (BSHS) is a classic Chinese medicine formula that has therapeutic benefits for patients with KS. However, its pharmacological profile and mechanism of action are yet to be elucidated.MethodsThe present study used a network pharmacology approach to characterize the mechanism by which BSHS affects KS. Compounds were retrieved from corresponding databases, and active compounds were selected based on their oral bioavailability (≥30) and drug-likeness index (≥0.18). BSHS potential proteins were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, whereas KS potential genes were obtained from GeneCards and OMIM, TTD, and DisGeNET. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were used to determine potential pathways associated with genes. The ingredients of BSHS extract were identified by the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap MS). The network pharmacology analyses predicted the potential underlying action mechanisms of BSHS on KS, which were further validated experimentally in the rat model of calcium oxalate kidney stones.ResultsOur study found that BSHS reduced renal crystal deposition and improved renal function in ethylene glycol(EG)+ammonium chloride(AC)-induced rats, and also reversed oxidative stress levels and inhibited renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis in rats. BSHS upregulated protein and mRNA expression of E2, ESR1, ESR2, BCL2, NRF2, and HO-1 in EG+AC-induced rat kidney while downregulating BAX protein and mRNA expression, consistent with the network pharmacology results.DiscussionThis study provides evidence that BSHS plays a critical role in anti-KS via regulation of E2/ESR1/2, NRF2/HO-1, and BCL2/BAX signaling pathways, indicating that BSHS is a candidate herbal drug for further investigation in treating KS.
Do intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents lead to renal adverse events? A pharmacovigilance real-world study
Authors: Jiang Lin , Peng Liying , Zhou Yangzhong , Chen Gang , Zhao Bin , Li Mingxi , Li Xuemei 
Published: February 2023

PurposeIntravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockade is essential in many macular edema diseases treatment. However, intravitreal VEGF treatment has been reported to lead to deteriorated proteinuria and renal function. This study aimed to explore the relationship between renal adverse events (AEs) and the intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors.MethodIn the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, we searched for renal AEs of patients receiving various anti-VEGF drugs. We performed statistics on renal AEs in patients treated with Aflibercept, Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, and Brolucizumab (from January 2004 to September 2022) using disproportionate and Bayesian analysis. We also investigated the time to onset, fatality, and hospitalization rates of renal AEs.ResultsWe identified 80 reports. Renal AEs were most frequently associated with Ranibizumab (46.25%) and Aflibercept (42.50%). However, the association between intravitreal anti-VEGFs and renal AEs was insignificant since the reporting odds ratio of Aflibercept, Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, and Brolucizumab were 0.23 (0.16, 0.32), 0.24 (0.11, 0.49), 0.37 (0.27, 0.51) and 0.15 (0.04, 0.61), respectively. The median time to renal AEs onsets was 37.5 (interquartile range 11.0–107.3) days. The hospitalization and fatality rates in patients who developed renal AEs were 40.24 and 9.76%, respectively.ConclusionThere are no clear signals for the risk of renal AEs following various intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs based on FARES data.
Holistic profiling of the venom from the Brazilian wandering spider Phoneutria nigriventer by combining high-throughput ion channel screens with venomics
Authors: Cardoso F. C. , Walker A. A. , King G. F. , Gomez M. V. 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Spider venoms are a unique source of bioactive peptides, many of which display remarkable biological stability and neuroactivity. Phoneutria nigriventer, often referred to as the Brazilian wandering spider, banana spider or “armed” spider, is endemic to South America and amongst the most dangerous venomous spiders in the world. There are 4,000 envenomation accidents with P. nigriventer each year in Brazil, which can lead to symptoms including priapism, hypertension, blurred vision, sweating, and vomiting. In addition to its clinical relevance, P. nigriventer venom contains peptides that provide therapeutic effects in a range of disease models.Methods: In this study, we explored the neuroactivity and molecular diversity of P. nigriventer venom using fractionation-guided high-throughput cellular assays coupled to proteomics and multi-pharmacology activity to broaden the knowledge about this venom and its therapeutic potential and provide a proof-of-concept for an investigative pipeline to study spider-venom derived neuroactive peptides. We coupled proteomics with ion channel assays using a neuroblastoma cell line to identify venom compounds that modulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, as well as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.Results: Our data revealed that P. nigriventer venom is highly complex compared to other neurotoxin-rich venoms and contains potent modulators of voltage-gated ion channels which were classified into four families of neuroactive peptides based on their activity and structures. In addition to the reported P. nigriventer neuroactive peptides, we identified at least 27 novel cysteine-rich venom peptides for which their activity and molecular target remains to be determined.Discussion: Our findings provide a platform for studying the bioactivity of known and novel neuroactive components in the venom of P. nigriventer and other spiders and suggest that our discovery pipeline can be used to identify ion channel-targeting venom peptides with potential as pharmacological tools and to drug leads.
Psychological stress induces an increase in cholinergic enteric neuromuscular pathways mediated by glucocorticoid receptors
Authors: Blin Justine , Gautier Camille , Aubert Philippe , Durand Tony , Oullier Thibauld , Aymeric Laetitia , Naveilhan Philippe , Masson Damien , Neunlist Michel , Bach-Ngohou Kalyane 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionRepeated acute stress (RASt) is known to be associated with gastrointestinal dysfunctions. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not yet been fully understood. While glucocorticoids are clearly identified as stress hormones, their involvement in RASt-induced gut dysfunctions remains unclear, as does the function of glucocorticoid receptors (GR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the involvement of GR on RASt-induced changes in gut motility, particularly through the enteric nervous system (ENS).MethodsUsing a murine water avoidance stress (WAS) model, we characterized the impact of RASt upon the ENS phenotype and colonic motility. We then evaluated the expression of glucocorticoid receptors in the ENS and their functional impact upon RASt-induced changes in ENS phenotype and motor response.ResultsWe showed that GR were expressed in myenteric neurons in the distal colon under basal conditions, and that RASt enhanced their nuclear translocation. RASt increased the proportion of ChAT-immunoreactive neurons, the tissue concentration of acetylcholine and enhanced cholinergic neuromuscular transmission as compared to controls. Finally, we showed that a GR-specific antagonist (CORT108297) prevented the increase of acetylcholine colonic tissue level and in vivo colonic motility.DiscussionOur study suggests that RASt-induced functional changes in motility are, at least partly, due to a GR-dependent enhanced cholinergic component in the ENS.
Association between bilirubin levels with incidence and prognosis of stroke: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Kun , Wang Rui , Chen Rongrong , Liu Jialei , Ye Qing , Wang Kai , Li Juebao 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveBilirubin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, but the association between bilirubin and stroke remains contentious. A meta-analysis of extensive observational studies on the relationship was conducted.MethodsStudies published before August 2022 were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies that examined the association between circulating bilirubin and stroke were included. The primary outcome included the incidence of stroke and bilirubin quantitative expression level between stroke and control, and the secondary outcome was stroke severity. All pooled outcome measures were determined using random-effects models. The meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed using Stata 17.ResultsA total of 17 studies were included. Patients with stroke had a lower total bilirubin level (mean difference = −1.33 μmol/L, 95% CI: −2.12 to −0.53, P &lt; 0.001). Compared with the lowest bilirubin level, total odds ratio (OR) of the highest bilirubin for the occurrence of stroke was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61–0.82) and ischemic stroke was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.57–0.91), especially in cohort studies with accepted heterogeneity (I2 = 0). Serum total and direct bilirubin levels were significantly and positively associated with stroke severity. A stratified analysis based on gender showed that the total bilirubin level in males correlated with ischemic stroke or stroke, which was not noted in females.ConclusionWhile our findings suggest associations between bilirubin levels and stroke risk, existing evidence is insufficient to establish a definitive association. Better-designed prospective cohort studies should further clarify pertinent questions (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022374893).
BMI growth trajectory from birth to 5 years and its sex-specific association with prepregnant BMI and gestational weight gain
Authors: Xie Jinting , Han Yan , Peng Lei , Zhang Jingjing , Gong Xiangjun , Du Yan , Ren Xiangmei , Zhou Li , Li Yuanhong , Zeng Ping , Shao Jihong 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to identify the latent body mass index (BMI) z-score trajectories of children from birth to 5 years of age and evaluate their sex-specific association with prepregnant BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG).MethodsThis was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study performed in China. In total, three distinct BMI-z trajectories from birth to 5 years of age were determined for both genders using the latent class growth modeling. The logistic regression model was used to assess the associations of maternal prepregnant BMI and GWG with childhood BMI-z growth trajectories.ResultsExcessive GWG increased the risks of children falling into high-BMI-z trajectory relative to adequate GWG (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.20) in boys; girls born to mothers with prepregnancy underweight had a higher risk of low-BMI-z trajectory than girls born to mothers with prepregnancy adequate weight (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.79).ConclusionBMI-z growth trajectories of children from 0 to 5 years of age have population heterogeneity. Prepregnant BMI and GWG are associated with child BMI-z trajectories. It is necessary to monitor weight status before and during pregnancy to promote maternal and child health.
Undernutrition and associated factors among internally displaced lactating mothers in Sekota camps, northern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mengstie Misganaw Asmamaw , Worke Mulugeta Dile , Belay Yalemshet , Chekol Abebe Endeshaw , Asmamaw Dejenie Tadesse , Abdu Seid Mohammed , Azezew Muluken Teshome 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundUndernutrition is the term used to describe when a person consumes insufficient amounts of nutrients and energy to meet their needs for maintaining health. Despite substantial progress, undernutrition remains a serious public health concern in many low and middle-income nations, including Ethiopia. Women and children are, in reality, the most nutritionally vulnerable individuals, particularly in times of crisis. In Ethiopia, 27 percent of lactating women are thin or malnourished, and 38% of children are stunted. Although the issue of undernutrition may worsen in times of emergency, like war, there are limited studies available in Ethiopia that show the nutritional status of lactating mothers in humanitarian settings.ObjectivesThe main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and investigate the factors associated with undernutrition among internally displaced lactating mothers in Sekota camps, in northern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study through a simple random sampling technique was conducted among 420 randomly selected lactating mothers in Sekota Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent factors associated with maternal undernutrition.ResultsUsing a cut-off mid-upper arm circumference &lt;23 cm, the prevalence of undernutrition among internally displaced lactating mothers was 54.8%. Large family size [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.35; 95% CI: 1.32, 10.22], short birth interval (AOR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.24, 10.00), low maternal daily meal frequency (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.75), and low dietary diversity score (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.10) were all significantly associated with undernutrition.ConclusionThe prevalence of undernutrition among internally displaced lactating mothers is relatively high. Governments and other concerned organizations involved in providing care and support to Sekota IDP camps should increase their efforts to improve the nutritional status of lactating mothers