bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-mineral intervention to counter pro-inflammatory activity and to improve the barrier in human colon organoids
Authors: Varani James , McClintock Shannon D. , Nadeem Daniyal M. , Harber Isabelle , Zeidan Dania , Aslam Muhammad N. 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition, and continuous inflammatory stimulus may lead to barrier dysfunction. The goal of this study was to assess barrier proteomic expression by a red algae-derived multi-mineral intervention in the absence or presence of pro-inflammatory insult.Methods: Human colon organoids were maintained in a control culture medium alone or exposed to lipopolysaccharide with a combination of three pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ (LPS-cytokines)] to mimic the environment in the inflamed colon. Untreated organoids and those exposed to LPS-cytokines were concomitantly treated for 14 days with a multi-mineral product (Aquamin®) that has previously been shown to improve barrier structure/function. The colon organoids were subjected to proteomic analysis to obtain a broad view of the protein changes induced by the two interventions alone and in combination. In parallel, confocal fluorescence microscopy, tissue cohesion and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were used to assess barrier structure/function.Results: The LPS-cytokine mix altered the expression of multiple proteins that influence innate immunity and promote inflammation. Several of these were significantly decreased with Aquamin® alone but only a modest decrease in a subset of these proteins was detected by Aquamin® in the presence of LPS-cytokines. Among these, a subset of inflammation-related proteins including fibrinogen-β and -γ chains (FGB and FGG), phospholipase A2 (PLA2G2A) and SPARC was significantly downregulated in the presence of Aquamin® (alone and in combination with LPS-cytokines); another subset of proteins with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or anti-microbial activity was upregulated by Aquamin® treatment. When provided alone, Aquamin® strongly upregulated proteins that contribute to barrier formation and tissue strength. Concomitant treatment with LPS-cytokines did not inhibit barrier formation in response to Aquamin®. Confocal microscopy also displayed increased expression of desmoglein-2 (DSG2) and cadherin-17 (CDH17) with Aquamin®, either alone or in the presence of the pro-inflammatory stimulus. Increased cohesion and TEER with Aquamin® (alone or in the presence of LPS-cytokines) indicates improved barrier function.Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that multi-mineral intervention (Aquamin®) may provide a novel approach to combating inflammation in the colon by improving barrier structure/function as well as by directly altering the expression of certain pro-inflammatory proteins.
Infiltrated IL-17A-producing gamma delta T cells play a protective role in sepsis-induced liver injury and are regulated by CCR6 and gut commensal microbes
Authors: Wan Jian , Zhang Qian , Hao Yilong , Tao Zhang , Song Wei , Chen Song , Qin Long , Song Weidong , Shan Yi 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionSepsis is a common but serious disease in intensive care units, which may induce multiple organ dysfunctions such as liver injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that gamma delta (γδ) T cells play a protective role in sepsis. However, the function and mechanism of γδ T cells in sepsis-induced liver injury have not been fully elucidated. IL-17A-producing γδ T cells are a newly identified cell subtype.MethodsWe utilized IL-17A-deficient mice to investigate the role of IL-17A-producing γδ T cells in sepsis using the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) model.ResultsOur findings suggested that these cells were the major source of IL-17A and protected against sepsis-induced liver injury. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that these γδ T cells expressed Vγ4 TCR and migrated into liver from peripheral post CLP, in a CCR6-dependent manner. When CLP mice were treated with anti-CCR6 antibody to block CCR6-CCL20 axis, the recruitment of Vγ4+ γδ T cells was abolished, indicating a CCR6-dependent manner of migration. Interestingly, pseudo germ-free CLP mice treated with antibiotics showed that hepatic IL-17A+ γδ T cells were regulated by gut commensal microbes. E. coli alone were able to restore the protective effect in pseudo germ-free mice by rescuing hepatic IL-17A+ γδ T cell population.ConclusionOur research has shown that Vγ4+ IL-17A+ γδ T cells infiltrating into the liver play a crucial role in protecting against sepsis-induced liver injury. This protection was contingent upon the recruitment of CCR6 and regulated by gut commensal microbes.
Identification of 5 hub genes for diagnosis of coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhu Pengyuan , Huang Haitao , Xie Tian , Liang Huoqi , Li Xing , Li Xingyi , Dong Hao , Yu Xiaoqiang , Xia Chunqiu , Zhong Chongjun , Ming Zhibing 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a main cause leading to increasing mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. We aimed to discover marker genes and develop a diagnostic model for CAD.MethodsCAD-related target genes were searched from DisGeNET. Count expression data and clinical information were screened from the GSE202626 dataset. edgeR package identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using online STRING tool and Cytoscape, protein-protein reactions (PPI) were predicted. WebGestaltR package was employed to functional enrichment analysis. We used Metascape to conduct module-based network analysis. VarElect algorithm provided genes-phenotype correlation analysis. Immune infiltration was assessed by ESTIMATE package and ssGSEA analysis. mRNAsi was determined by one class logistic regression (OCLR). A diagnostic model was constructed by SVM algorithm.Results162 target genes were screened by intersection 1,714 DEGs and 1,708 CAD related target genes. 137 target genes of the 162 target genes were obtained using PPI analysis, in which those targets were enriched in inflammatory cytokine pathways, such as chemokine signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. From the above 137 target genes, four functional modules (MCODE1-4) were extracted. From the 162 potential targets, CAD phenotype were directly and indirectly associated with 161 genes and 22 genes, respectively. Finally, 5 hub genes (CCL2, PTGS2, NLRP3, VEGFA, LTA) were screened by intersections with the top 20, directly and indirectly, and genes in MCODE1. PTGS2, NLRP3 and VEGFA were positively, while LTA was negatively correlated with immune cells scores. PTGS2, NLRP3 and VEGFA were negatively, while LTA was positively correlated with mRNAsi. A diagnostic model was successfully established, evidenced by 92.59% sensitivity and AUC was 0.9230 in the GSE202625 dataset and 94.11% sensitivity and AUC was 0.9706 in GSE120774 dataset.ConclusionIn this work, we identified 5 hub genes, which may be associated with CAD development.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Qianhang , Chen Yuquan , Yu Zijing , Huang Zhongyue , Yang Yujie , Mao Ayan , Qiu Wuqi 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundResearchers have conducted a considerable number of epidemiological studies on dyslipidemia in China over recent years. Nevertheless, a representative study to comprehensively appraise for the epidemiological status of dyslipidemia is still lacked. This meta-analysis is intended to explore the pooled prevalence, rates of awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia among adults in Chinese Mainland.Materials and methodsA systematic review was performed on relevant cross-sectional studies published since January 2012 by searching six authoritative literature databases. Meta-analyses were conducted in included studies based on a random-effect model to summarize the epidemiological status of dyslipidemia in China. A potential source of heterogeneity was detected by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test and funnel plots. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the study quality's influence on the pooled estimate of prevalence and rates of awareness, treatment, and control.ResultsForty-one original researches with a total of 1,310,402 Chinese participants were finally included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence, rates of awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia were 42.1%, 18.2%, 11.6%, and 5.4%, respectively. With a pooled prevalence estimate at 24.5%, low HDL-C was the most prevalent among various dyslipidemia types, followed by hypertriglyceridemia (TG) (15.4%), hypercholesterolemia (TC) (8.3%), and high LDL-C (7.1%). The pooled prevalence of elevated serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] was 19.4%. By gender, the prevalence of dyslipidemia was 47.3% in males and 38.8% in females. Subgroup analyses revealed that the prevalence in southern and urban areas were higher than their counterparts. Females and population in urban areas tended to possess higher rates of awareness, treatment, and control. Meta-regression analyses suggested that the year of screening influenced prevalence estimates for dyslipidemia. The impact of the study's quality on the pooled estimates is insignificant.ConclusionOur study suggested a severe epidemic situation of dyslipidemia among adults in Chinese Mainland. More importantly, the awareness, treatment, and control rates were extremely low, revealing that dyslipidemia is a grave health issue. Consequently, we should attach more importance to the management of dyslipidemia, especially in economically underdeveloped areas.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO [CRD42022366456].
Carbon flux in supraglacial debris over two ablation seasons at Miage Glacier, Mont Blanc massif, European Alps
Authors: Brown Grace L. , Brock Ben W. 
Published: July 2023

The cryosphere plays an important role in the global carbon cycle, but few studies have examined carbon fluxes specifically on debris-covered glaciers. To improve understanding of the magnitude and variability of the atmospheric carbon flux in supraglacial debris, and its environmental controls, near-surface CO2 fluxes and meteorological variables were monitored over thick (0.23 m) and thin (0.04 m) debris at Miage Glacier, European Alps, over two ablation seasons, using an eddy covariance system. The CO2 flux alternates between downward and upward orientation in the day and night, respectively, and is dominated by uptake of CO2 in thick debris (mean flux = 1.58 g CO2 m−2 d−1), whereas flux magnitude is smaller and near net zero on thin debris (mean flux = −0.06 g CO2 m−2 d−1). These values infer a potential drawdown of &gt;150 t CO2 km−2 over an ablation season, and &gt;500 t CO2 (0.5 Gg CO2) for the whole debris-covered zone. The strong correlation of daytime CO2 flux magnitude with debris surface temperature suggests that atmospheric CO2 is consumed in hydrolysis and carbonation reactions at sediment-water interfaces in debris. Incoming shortwave radiation is key in heating debris, generating dilute meltwater, and providing energy for chemical reactions. CO2 drawdown on thin debris increases by an order of magnitude on days following frost events, implying that frost shattering generates fresh reactive sediment, which is rapidly chemically weathered with the onset of ice melting. Net CO2 release in the night, and in the daytime when debris surface temperature is below 7°C, is likely due to respiration by debris microorganisms. The combination of dilute meltwater, high temperature, and reactive mineral surfaces open to the atmosphere, makes supraglacial debris an ideal environment for rock chemical weathering. Debris-covered glaciers could be important to local and regional carbon cycling, and measurement of CO2 fluxes and controlling processes at other sites is warranted.
Non-linear dose-response relationship between body mass index and stroke risk in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men: a nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study from CHARLS
Authors: Wei Gang , Lin Feng , Cao Changchun , Hu Haofei , Han Yong 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveBody mass index (BMI) and stroke risk have been linked, but these findings are still debated. This study investigated the relationship between BMI and stroke risk in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.MethodsThis study used four waves of CHARLS data (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018), including 12,161 participants. The CHARLS sample was obtained by multi-stage probability sampling and all participants were assessed by one-to-one interviews using a standardized questionnaire. We used a Cox proportional-hazards regression model to examine the relationship between BMI and stroke risk. We used Cox proportional hazards regression with cubic spline functions and smooth curve fitting to identify the non-linear relationship between them. A series of sensitivity analyses were also conducted.ResultsThe multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model identified a positive association between BMI and stroke risk (HR=1.025, 95% CI: 1.010-1.040). We also found a non-linear relationship between BMI and stroke incidence, with an inflection point at 26.63 kg/m2 for BMI. Each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI to the left of the inflection point was related to a 4.4% increase in stroke risk (HR=1.044, 95% CI: 1.019-1.069). We stratified individuals by gender to further investigate their association and found a particular non-linear relationship and saturation effect between BMI and stroke risk in men, with the inflection point at 25.94 kg/m2. Each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI to the left of the inflection point was related to a 7.6% increase in stroke risk (HR=1.076, 95% CI 1.034-1.119). The association was linear in women, with each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI associated with a 2.1% increase in stroke risk (HR=1.021, 95% CI 1.002, 1.040).ConclusionIn men, there was a specific non-linear association and saturation effect of BMI with stroke (inflection point of 25.94 kg/m2), while in women, there was none. When males had a BMI below 25.94 kg/m2, the risk of stroke was significantly and positively associated with BMI. By controlling BMI below 25.94 kg/m2 in men, a further decrease in BMI may promote a significant reduction in stroke risk.
Natal environmental conditions modulate senescence of antler length in roe deer
Authors: Cambreling Solène , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Pellerin Maryline , Vanpé Cécile , Débias François , Delorme Daniel , Garcia Rébecca , Hewison A. J. Mark , Lemaître Jean-François 
Published: July 2023

It is now broadly admitted that female reproductive senescence – a decline in reproductive performance with increasing age – occurs in most species, at least among birds and mammals. Although information is more limited, male reproductive senescence has been regularly inferred from the decline in the size or performance of phenotypic traits that underly male reproductive success, particularly secondary sexual traits. However, the degree to which environmental conditions influence the pattern of senescence in sexual traits remains largely unknown. From the analysis of two long-term studies of populations of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) subjected to markedly different environmental contexts in the wild, we tested the hypothesis that harsh natal and/or current conditions should lead to earlier and/or stronger rates of senescence in the length of fully-grown antlers than good natal and/or current conditions. We found evidence of similar patterns of antler length senescence in both populations, with an onset of senescence around 7 years of age and a decrease of length by about 1–1.5 cm per additional year of life from 7 years of age onwards. We found that good early-life conditions delay senescence in antler length in roe deer. Our results also revealed that senescent males seem to be unable to allocate substantially to antler growth, confirming that antler size is, therefore, an honest signal of male individual quality. By modulating age-specific allocation to secondary sexual traits, natal and current conditions could influence female mate choice and male–male competition over mates, and as a result age-specific reproductive success, and should be accounted for when studying the dynamics of sexual selection.
T cell receptor β repertoires in patients with COVID-19 reveal disease severity signatures
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Xiao-xiao , Yuan Na , Li Chao , Yang Jin-gang , Cheng Li-ming , Lu Zhong-xin , Hou Hong-yan , Zhang Bo , Hu Hui , Qian Yu , Liu Xin-xuan , Li Guo-chao , Wang Yue-dan , Chu Ming , Dong Chao-ran , Liu Fan , Ge Qing-gang , Yang Yue-jin 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThe immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are crucial in maintaining a delicate balance between protective effects and harmful pathological reactions that drive the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). T cells play a significant role in adaptive antiviral immune responses, making it valuable to investigate the heterogeneity and diversity of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in COVID-19 patients with varying disease severity.MethodsIn this study, we employed high-throughput T cell receptor (TCR) β repertoire sequencing to analyze TCR profiles in the peripheral blood of 192 patients with COVID-19, including those with moderate, severe, or critical symptoms, and compared them with 81 healthy controls. We specifically focused on SARS-CoV-2-associated TCR clonotypes.ResultsWe observed a decrease in the diversity of TCR clonotypes in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. However, the overall abundance of dominant clones increased with disease severity. Additionally, we identified significant differences in the genomic rearrangement of variable (V), joining (J), and VJ pairings between the patient groups. Furthermore, the SARS-CoV-2-associated TCRs we identified enabled accurate differentiation between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls (AUC &gt; 0.98) and distinguished those with moderate symptoms from those with more severe forms of the disease (AUC &gt; 0.8). These findings suggest that TCR repertoires can serve as informative biomarkers for monitoring COVID-19 progression.ConclusionsOur study provides valuable insights into TCR repertoire signatures that can be utilized to assess host immunity to COVID-19. These findings have important implications for the use of TCR β repertoires in monitoring disease development and indicating disease severity.
Architecture of the motor and premotor cortex of the capuchin monkey
Authors: Magalhães-Junior Erli G. , Mayer Andrei , Nascimento-Silva Márcio L. , Bonfim Vânio , Lima Bruss , Gattass Ricardo , Soares Juliana G. M. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionOver the last 65 million years, primates have evolved hind- and forelimbs capable of skilled grasping (e.g., tree branches) and manipulation of tools and other objects. The New World capuchin monkey and the Old World macaque monkey stand out among other primates for their manual dexterity. The capuchin monkey is distributed throughout the Amazon and the Atlantic Forests and is the only New World monkey to have evolved an opposable thumb and to have developed the capability of using tools in the wild.MethodsThe present work analyzes the cyto-, myelo- and immunoarchitecture of the motor and premotor areas of the capuchin monkey using Nissl, Gallyas and SMI-32 immunolabeling techniques.ResultsThese different staining techniques allowed for the parcellation of Brodmann area 4 into the ventral (F1v), medial (F1m) and dorsal (F1d) areas. Additionally, lateral area 6 was subdivided into the dorsal (F2 and F7) and ventral (F4 and F5) areas. Area F5 was subsequently subdivided into the convexity (F5c), anterior (F5a) and posterior (F5p) areas. Medial area 6 was subdivided into F3 and F6 areas.DiscussionThese motor and premotor areas of the capuchin monkey are similar to those of macaque and humans, and different from those of other New World monkeys. We argue that this is due to differences in manual dexterity across New World monkeys: capuchin monkeys have evolved different types of precision grips, while most of the other New World monkeys exclusively perform whole-hand grips during object manipulation.
Influence of lactic-acid bacteria feed supplementation on free amino acid levels in serum and feces of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792)
Authors: Carneiro Gabriel R. A. , Opazo Constanza , Do Santos Gustavo Ramalho Cardoso , Pereira Henrique Marcelo Gualberto , Monnerat Gustavo , Opazo Rafael 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe influence of intestinal microbiota, particularly lactic-acid bacteria, on digestion and nutrient metabolic activities has been extensively studied. In this research, we investigated the effects of supplementing the feed of rainbow trout (O. mykiss) with P. acidilactici or L. lactis probiotics. A Control group without probiotic supplementation was also included. The study aimed to evaluate growth, feed conversion indices, free amino acid levels in serum and feces, and the relative gene expression of amino acid solute carrier transporters (SLC).MethodsRainbow trout weighing 73.9±10 g were fed with a basal commercial diet supplemented with mono-strains of P. acidilactici or L. lactis at a dosage of 5 x 108 CFU per gram of feed for 60 days. The trout were reared in 100-liter tanks with independent closed recirculation systems, with a water replacement rate of 80% of the total volume daily and a controlled temperature of 15 ± 0.3 °C. The proximate composition of the basal diet consisted of crude protein (49.8%), fat (32.1%), fiber (1.31%), ash (13%), and moisture (8.3%) on a dry matter basis. The diet was provided at a rate of 2% of bodyweight per day.ResultsNo significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were observed in growth and feed conversion indices between the experimental groups. However, significant differences in free amino acid levels in feces and serum samples (p ≤ 0.05) were observed. The P. acidilactici group exhibited significantly higher levels of glutamate, lysine, proline, and tyrosine in feces samples, and higher levels of arginine, iso/leucine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, and valine in serum samples compared to the Control group. Additionally, the supplemented probiotic groups showed significant downregulation (p ≤ 0.05) of theslc6a19 and slc7a9 genes, which encode transporters for neutral and cationic amino acids.DiscussionThe autochthonous rainbow trout strain, P. acidilactici, demonstrated more pronounced effects on amino acid levels in feces and serum compared to the non-autochthonous L. lactis strain. However, the increased amino acid levels, particularly in the serum, resulting from P. acidilactici supplementation, did not lead to improved trout growth or feed conversion. Nonetheless, lactic-acid bacteria supplementation induced measurable metabolic effects, as evidenced by elevated levels of specific amino acids in the serum and feces.Future research should focus on evaluating these probiotic effects using specialized diets and considering the observed metabolic effects in this study.