bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol‐induced increase in BMP levels promotes fatty liver disease in male prediabetic stage Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty rats
Authors: Hong Oak‐Kee , Kim Eun Sook , Son Jang‐Won , Kim Sung‐Rae , Yoo Soon Jib , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Lee Seong‐Su 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAlcohol consumption exacerbates liver abnormalities in animal models, but whether it increases the severity of liver disease in early diabetic or prediabetic rats is unclear. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol‐induced liver steatosis or hepatitis, we used a prediabetic animal model. Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) and Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (LETO) rats were pair‐fed with an ethanol‐containing liquid diet for 6 weeks. Compared with controls, OLETF and LETO rats displayed more pronounced liver steatosis and higher plasma levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SPGT), indicating liver injury. Ethanol‐fed LETO (Pd‐L‐E) rats showed mild liver steatosis and no inflammation compared with ethanol‐fed OLETF (Pd‐O‐E) rats. Although precursor and active SREBP‐1 levels in the liver of ethanol‐fed OLETF rats significantly increased compared with control diet‐fed OLETF rats (Pd‐O‐C), those of Pd‐L‐E rats did not. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and TGF‐β1 balance in Pd‐O‐E rats was significantly altered because BMP signaling was upregulated by inducing BMP2, BMP4, BMP7, BMP9, Smad1, and Smad4, whereas TGF‐β1, Smad3, and Erk were downregulated. Activation of TGF‐β/Smad signaling inhibited BMP2 and BMP9 expression and increased epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker levels (Hepcidin, Snail, and Twist) in the liver of LETO rats. Livers of ethanol‐fed OLETF rats showed increased levels of vimentin, FSP‐1, α‐SMA, MMP1, MMP13, and collagen III compared with rats of other groups, whereas EMT marker levels did not change. Thus, BMP exerted anti‐ and/or pro‐fibrotic effects in ethanol‐fed rats. Therefore, BMP and TGF‐β, two key members of the TGF‐β superfamily, play important but diverse roles in liver steatosis in young LETO and OLETF rats.
Exercise training restores weight gain and attenuates hepatic inflammation in a rat model of non‐celiac gluten sensitivity
Authors: Pauli José R. , Muñoz Vitor R. , Vieira Renan Fudoli Lins , Nakandakari Susana C. B. R. , Macêdo Ana Paula Azevêdo , de Lima Robson Damasceno , Antunes Gabriel Calheiros , Simabuco Fernando M. , da Silva Adelino Sanchez Ramos , de Moura Leandro P. , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Cintra Dennys E. , Mekary Rania A. , Zaghloul Iman 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGluten intolerance is associated with several disorders in the body. Although research has grown in recent years, the understanding of its impact on different tissues and the effects of physical exercise in mitigating health problems in the condition of gluten intolerance are still limited. Therefore, our objective was to test whether gliadin would affect metabolism and inflammation in liver tissue and whether aerobic physical exercise would mitigate the negative impacts of gliadin administration in rodents. Wistar rats were divided into exercised gliadin, gliadin, and control groups. Gliadin was administered by gavage from birth to 60 days of age. The rats in the exercised gliadin group performed an aerobic running exercise training protocol for 15 days. At the end of the experiments, physiological, histological, and molecular analyzes were performed in the study. Compared to the control group, the gliadin group had impaired weight gain and increased gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and inflammatory biomarkers in the liver. On the other hand, compared to the gliadin group, animals in the exercise‐gliadin group had a recovery in body weight, improved insulin sensitivity, and a reduction in some gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and inflammatory biomarkers in the liver. In conclusion, our results revealed that the administration of gliadin from birth impaired weight gain and induced an increase in hepatic inflammatory cytokines, which was associated with an impairment of glycemic homeostasis in the liver, all of which were attenuated by adding aerobic exercise training in the gliadin group.
The liver kinase B1 supports mammary epithelial morphogenesis by inhibiting critical factors that mediate epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Tzavlaki Kalliopi , Ohata Yae , Morén Anita , Watanabe Yukihide , Eriksson Jens , Tsuchiya Maiko , Kubo Yuki , Yamamoto Kouhei , Sellin Mikael E. , Kato Mitsuyasu , Caja Laia , Heldin Carl‐Henrik , Moustakas Aristidis 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe liver kinase B1 (LKB1) controls cellular metabolism and cell polarity across species. We previously established a mechanism for negative regulation of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling by LKB1. The impact of this mechanism in the context of epithelial polarity and morphogenesis remains unknown. After demonstrating that human mammary tissue expresses robust LKB1 protein levels, whereas invasive breast cancer exhibits significantly reduced LKB1 levels, we focused on mammary morphogenesis studies in three dimensional (3D) acinar organoids. CRISPR/Cas9‐introduced loss‐of‐function mutations of STK11 (LKB1) led to profound defects in the formation of 3D organoids, resulting in amorphous outgrowth and loss of rotation of young organoids embedded in matrigel. This defect was associated with an enhanced signaling by TGFβ, including TGFβ auto‐induction and induction of transcription factors that mediate epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Protein marker analysis confirmed a more efficient EMT response to TGFβ signaling in LKB1 knockout cells. Accordingly, chemical inhibition of the TGFβ type I receptor kinase largely restored the morphogenetic defect of LKB1 knockout cells. Similarly, chemical inhibition of the bone morphogenetic protein pathway or the TANK‐binding kinase 1, or genetic silencing of the EMT factor SNAI1, partially restored the LKB1 knockout defect. Thus, LKB1 sustains mammary epithelial morphogenesis by limiting pathways that promote EMT. The observed downregulation of LKB1 expression in breast cancer is therefore predicted to associate with enhanced EMT induced by SNAI1 and TGFβ family members.
Analysis of the results of hip ultrasonography in 48 666 infants and efficacy studies of conservative treatment
Authors: He Jingnan , Chen Tao , Lyu Xuemin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the detection rate of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) by ultrasound. To obtain the distribution characteristics of the different types (I–IV) and the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of infants with DDH (type IIc and above) receiving conservative treatment.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed. The chi‐square test was used for comparisons between count‐data groups. Two‐sided tests were used for all analyses. The results of ultrasound follow‐up after conservative treatment are described.ResultsAmong the 48 666 infants examined, the detection rates were as follows: type I, 95.42%; IIa, 3.18%; IIb, 0.91%; IIc, 0.22%; D, 0.01%; III, 0.14%; and IV, 0.12%. There were 4456 hips with IIa and above, more left (54.65%) than right (45.35%) hips, and more females (82.60%) than males (17.40%). The detection rate of type IIa and above was 4.58%, and that of type IIb and above was 1.40%. After the treatment, the α value increased, and β value decreased. The cure rate of the less‐than‐42‐days group was higher than that of the other groups.ConclusionThe ultrasound detection rate of DDH is high. DDH was more likely to occur on the left side and in females. It is recommended that the infants should be treated within 42 days.
Degradation of band3 and PRDX2 in erythrocytes during severe acute GVHD
Authors: Nagasawa Masayuki 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe investigated the proteins of erythrocytes from stem cell transplantation patients and found decreased expression of band3 and C‐terminal‐truncated peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) only during severe graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), using time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS) analysis and Western blotting. During the same period, PRDX2 dimerization and calpain‐1 activation were observed, indicating severe oxidative stress. We also found a putative cleavage site for calpain‐1 in the C‐terminal‐truncated site of PRDX2. Decreased band3 expression impairs the plasticity and stability of erythrocytes, and C‐terminal‐truncated PRDX2 induces irreversible dysfunction of antioxidant activity. These effects may exacerbate microcirculation disorders and the progression of organ dysfunction.
Rapid MRI Assessment of Long‐Axis Strain to Indicate Systolic Dysfunction in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Grützediek Katharina , Fischer Roland , Kurio Gregory , Böckelmann Lukas , Bleeke Matthias , Hagar Robert Ward , Tahir Enver , Grosse Regine , Weyhmiller Marcela , Adam Gerhard , Bannas Peter , Schoennagel Bjoern P. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundPatients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have a unique form of cardiomyopathy. However, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is often preserved. Monoplanar long‐axis strain (LAS) can be assessed from MRI four‐chamber views and may be better at detecting mild systolic dysfunction in these patients.PurposeTo compare LAS (monoplanar and biplanar) with LVEF as a marker of systolic dysfunction in SCD patients.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsA total of 20 patients with genetically proven SCD (35 MRI examinations), 39 healthy controls, and 124 patients with systemic iron overload (for validation purposes).Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T/3 T. Cine balanced steady‐state free‐precession.AssessmentRapidly assessed biplanar LAS from four‐ and two‐chamber views was correlated with age and compared to LVEF by two operators. For validation, biplanar LAS was compared to global longitudinal strain (GLS) using MRI feature‐tracking in 124 patients with systemic iron overload.Statistical TestsBland–Altman analysis. Wilcoxon‐Mann–Whitney test and Spearman‐rank correlation (correlation coefficient, rS). Receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (area under the curve, AUC). Bivariate discriminant analysis. Significance level: P < 0.01.ResultsThere was strong correlation between biplanar LAS and GLS using feature tracking (rS = 0.73). Interoperator agreement showed nonsignificant bias for biplanar LAS (−0.02%; ±95%‐agreement interval −2.2%/2.2%, P = 0.9). Biplanar LAS increased significantly with age in controls (rS = 0.70). In SCD patients, biplanar LAS was better correlated with age than monoplanar LAS (r2 = 0.53, standard error of estimate, SEE = 1.4% vs. r2 = 0.37;SEE = 2.0%). ROC analysis of LVEF, biplanar LAS, and age‐adjusted Z‐scores Z (LAS(age)) showed AUCs of 0.69, 0.75, and 0.86 for differentiation between SCD patients and controls. Bivariate discriminant analysis of biplanar Z (LAS(age)) and LVEF revealed a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 95%.Data ConclusionRapidly assessed biplanar LAS demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and was an indicator of mild systolic dysfunction in patients with SCD. Biplanar LAS provided more precise measurements than monoplanar, and normalization to age increased diagnostic accuracy.Evidence Level3.Technical EfficacyStage 2.
Brain network deficits in breast cancer patients after early neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A longitudinal MRI study
Authors: Yang Jing , Deng Yongchun , Liu Daihong , Tan Yong , Lin Meng , Zhou Xiaoyu , Zhang Jing , Yu Hong , Hu Yixin , Tang Yu , Jiang Shixi , Zhang Jiuquan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) patients who undergo chemotherapy are likely to develop chemotherapy‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Recent studies of BC patients after chemotherapy have used graph theory to investigate the topological properties of the brain functional connectome. However, little is known about structural morphological networks in BC patients after early neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Brain morphological network organization in 47 female participants with BC was investigated before and after NAC. Topological properties of brain networks were ascertained based on morphological similarities in regional gray matter using a graph theory approach based on 3D T1‐weighted MRI data. Nonparametric permutation testing was used to assess longitudinal‐group differences in topological metrics. Compared with BC patients before NAC, BC patients after early NAC showed significantly increased global efficiency (p = .048), decreased path length (p = .033), and abnormal nodal properties and connectivity, mainly located in the central executive network (CEN). The change in the network efficiency of the right caudate was negatively correlated with the change in the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale score (r = −.435, p = .008), and the change in the nodal degree of the left superior frontal gyrus (dorsolateral part) was positively correlated with the change in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy score (r = .547, p = .002). BC participants showed randomization in global properties and dysconnectivity in the CEN after early NAC. NAC may disrupt the cognitive balance of the brain morphological network in individuals with BC.
Structural change kinetics, drying characteristics, antioxidant properties, and the correlation between quality parameters of dried duckweed (Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Wimm) affected by different levels of microwave power
Authors: Suebsamran Isaret , Dachyong Ajirawadee , Tira‐Umphon Arak , Soubsub Kamolwan , Phahom Traiphop 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDDuckweed is considered as a future food material due to its fast growth, high yield, high nutritional value, and low impact on land use. However, in its fresh form, it has high moisture content (95% wet basis), resulting in a short shelf life. In this study, microwave drying (MWD) was conducted to produce a shelf‐stable duckweed with minimal loss of quality. Drying characteristics and quality aspects of dried duckweed were assessed. Reaction order kinetics, including zero and first order, was applied to describe structural changes during drying process. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to select the appropriate drying conditions.RESULTSOf five drying models, the Midilli–Kucuk model was the one that best described the drying process. Drying at high microwave power could reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency. Increasing both microwave power and drying time increased the structural shrinkage rate as described by first‐order reaction kinetics. High correlations among quality parameters were observed using Pearson's correlation. Drying treatments were differentiated into two main clusters by HCA and the results showed that MWD at 720 and 900 W provided samples that were closer in terms of quality to a freeze dried sample (the positive control) than samples that had been subjected to MWD at 450 W.CONCLUSIONDrying behaviors of duckweed were well‐described by the Midilli–Kucuk model. Microwave drying at 900 W gave the lowest energy consumption and displayed the most efficient use of energy. The first‐order equation could be used effectively to describe the structural changes in the duckweed. Microwave drying at 720 and 900 W was the appropriate drying condition according to the HCA classification. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Integrated microbiome and metabolomics analysis reveal a closer relationship between soil metabolites and bacterial community than fungal community in pecan plantations
Authors: Liu Junping , Tang Yujie , Bao Jiashu , Wang Hankun , Chen Mengyun , Peng Fangren , Tan Pengpeng 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUnderstanding soil metabolic diversity and the chemical signals that shape rhizosphere microbial activity is important for protecting plants and improving forest productivity. At present, little information is known about the metabolites in the rhizosphere soil of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) plantation. Based on technologies of untargeted metabolomics and high‐throughput sequencing, we investigated differences in the metabolic profiles of rhizosphere and bulk soils and the relationship between metabolites and microorganisms in pecan plantations. The results showed that the abundance of metabolites in rhizosphere soil was significantly higher than that in bulk soil (p < 0.05), especially reflected in plant secondary metabolites and lipids. Orientaloside and marmesin rutinoside were significantly enriched in rhizosphere soil metabolites of pecan at three pecan ages (VIP >1, p < 0.05). The linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid metabolic pathways were significantly enriched in the differential metabolic set (p < 0.01). In addition, tryptophan metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, and galactose metabolism were also important factors affecting the rhizosphere metabolic spectrum. Differential metabolites between bulk and rhizosphere soils were more closely associated with bacteria than with fungal communities, particularly in young pecans. With the increasing age of pecans, new significant enrichment of plant secondary metabolites such as cyanidin, 3‐trans‐caffeoyltormentic acid, N‐(1‐Deoxy‐1‐fructosyl) serine and piperdia emerged in the rhizosphere soil. 3‐trans‐caffeoyltormentic acid was positively related to Saitozyma and Protoglossum. Phenylacetaldehyde was positively correlated with Gaiellaceae, Tausonia, and Tuber. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of interaction between pecans and microorganisms.
Tillage with straw incorporation reduces the optimal nitrogen rate for maize production by affecting crop uptake, utility efficiency, and the soil balance of nitrogen
Authors: Wang Zhengyu , Sui Pengxiang , Lian Hongli , Li Yanan , Liu Xiyu , Xu Haoran , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Yingying , Gong Xiangwei , Qi Hua , Jiang Ying 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the combined effects of tillage and straw incorporation on grain yield and nitrogen (N) fertilizer utilization is vital for sustainable agriculture in northeastern China. How various tillage patterns with straw incorporation affect soil N balance and optimal N rate for crop production remains largely unknown. A four‐year (2015–2018) field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of rotary tillage with maize straw incorporation (RTS) and plough tillage with straw incorporation (PTS) combined with different N fertilizer rates (0, 112, 187, 262, and 337 kg N ha−1) on maize yield, N uptake, soil N balance, nitrogen use efficiency, and optimal N rate. In general, higher straw N uptake and lower N partial factor productivity, N use efficiency, and recovery of applied N in grains were obtained under PTS than under RTS. Moreover, grain yield and both straw and grain N uptake increased with the N application rate. However, no further increase in grain yield was observed when the applied N exceeded 187 kg N ha−1. PTS resulted in a higher level of unaccounted N from applied N fertilizer (38–81 kg N ha−1) than RTS. A high N fertilizer input (>262 kg N ha−1) combined with straw incorporation resulted in a high soil mineral N profit and substantially increased unaccounted N (614–715 kg N ha−1) over the four‐year field trial period. The optimal N input required for the highest maize yield could be reduced by 35.0%–44.6% using tillage with straw return. Nevertheless, PTS was more effective than RTS at lowering the optimal N application rate. Overall, the results of this short‐term maize field study conducted in northeastern China suggest that the amount of N fertilizer input required for maize production could be reduced by using tillage with continuous straw incorporation.
Plant α‐and β‐diversity, and soil microbial stoichiometry co‐regulate the alterations in ecosystem multifunctionality in response to grazing and N addition in a typical steppe
Authors: Li Lan , Wang Mengyuan , He Xiong Zhao , Wang Zhen , Zhang Xiumin , Hu Junqi , Huang Ling , Hou Fujiang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDespite their significance, how interactions of plant diversity at multiple spatial scales and soil microbial stoichiometry alter a series of ecosystem functions (multifunctionality, EMF) in response to anthropogenic nitrogen (N) input and herbivores are poorly known. We conducted a 17‐year sheep grazing experiment with 6‐year N addition to explore the impacts of grazing (0, 2.7, 5.3 and 8.7 sheep ha−1) and N addition (N0, N5, N10 and N20, i.e., 0, 5, 10 and 20 g N m−2 yr−1, respectively) on grassland functions and EMF via changes in plant α‐and β‐diversity, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) of soil microbes in a typical steppe. The results show that grazing or N addition alone significantly affected EMF with a treatment order of 2.7 and 8.7 sheep ha−1 > 0 and 5.3 sheep ha−1 for grazing intensity or N5 > N10 and N20 > N0 for N addition, which resulted in a significant higher EMF in the combination treatment of 2.7 sheep ha−1 and 5 g N m−2 yr−1. Plant α‐and β‐diversity, and soil microbial C:N were the predominant drivers of changes in EMF. Grazing reduced EMF indirectly by decreasing the plant β‐diversity. N addition promoted EMF indirectly by decreasing plant α‐diversity. In addition, lower plant α‐diversity enhanced EMF indirectly by increasing soil microbial C:N. Our results suggest that the negative effects of herbivore on EMF were stronger at larger spatial scales compared to the smaller local communities, while N addition could maintain a higher level of EMF at smaller scales rather than at the larger ones. Our results highlight that multiple spatial scales should be considered to fully unravel the effects of herbivore and eutrophication on ecosystem functions. Our results also demonstrate the important role of soil microbe in maintaining higher grassland multifunctionality, thus we should include the soil microbial functions (i.e., C and N transformation) in further studies. Our results suggest that grazing at a low grazing intensity of 2.7 sheep ha−1 with a low N supplementation of 5 g N m−2 yr−1 could maintain the most important ecosystem functions. Our work provides important insight into grassland conservation and management, aiming to maintain the capacity of grasslands to sustainably supply ecological and productive functions.
Effects of compound betamethasone on vocal fold wound healing in rabbit model: A preliminary study
Authors: Yu Pengcheng , Xue Chao , Kiehn Sebastian , Fang Rui , Jiang Jack J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe compound betamethasone is widely used to prevent scarring in dermatology. This study aims to explore the effects of compound betamethasone on vocal fold (VF) wound healing.Study designProspective animal study in rabbits.MethodsEighteen rabbits underwent bilateral VF stripping and three rabbits served as controls. 0.1 mL of compound betamethasone (1 mL: betamethasone sodium phosphate 5 mg and betamethasone dipropionate 2 mg) was injected into the right VF of each rabbit, and 0.1 mL 0.9% saline was injected into the contralateral VF. Endoscopy was performed for morphologic observation. Six larynges were harvested for histological analysis at 3 days, 7 days, and 1 month. The VFs were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Alcian blue, and Masson' trichrome staining.ResultsIn morphological analysis, there was no visible difference between betamethasone‐treated and saline‐treated VFs at 3 and 7 days. After 1 month, more VF scars appeared on the saline‐treated VFs than the VFs treated with betamethasone. Inflammatory cell number showed significant difference between both VFs at 3 days (p = .037) and 7 days (p = .045). No significant different was found in epithelial thickness at 1 month between the betamethasone and saline groups. The collagen in the saline‐treated VFs was significantly denser than that of the betamethasone‐treated group (p = .037). There was also a significant increase in the level of hyaluronic acid (HA) in betamethasone‐injected VFs in comparison to the saline‐injected VFs (p = .006).ConclusionsBased on this study, compound betamethasone can improve VF healing. Our findings suggest that VF injection with compound betamethasone helps to minimize scarring by increasing HA level and decreasing collagen density.