bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of key module and hub genes in pulpitis using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Zhang Denghui , Zheng Chen , Zhu Tianer , Yang Fan , Zhou Yiqun 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Pulpitis is a common disease mainly caused by bacteria. Conventional approaches of diagnosing the state of dental pulp are mainly based on clinical symptoms, thereby harbor deficiencies. The accurate and rapid diagnosis of pulpitis is important for choosing the suitable therapy. The study aimed to identify pulpits related key genes by integrating micro-array data analysis and systems biology network-based methods such as weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).

Methods
The micro-array data of 13 inflamed pulp and 11 normal pulp were acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). WGCNA was utilized to establish a genetic network and categorize genes into diverse modules. Hub genes in the most associated module to pulpitis were screened out using high module group members (MM) methods. Pulpitis model in rat was constructed and iRoot BP plus was applied to cap pulp. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used for validation of hub genes.

Results
WGCNA was established and genes were categorized into 22 modules. The darkgrey module had the highest correlation with pulpitis among them. A total of 5 hub genes (HMOX1, LOX, ACTG1, STAT3, GNB5) were identified. RT-qPCR proved the differences in expression levels of HMOX1, LOX, ACTG1, STAT3, GNB5 in inflamed dental pulp. Pulp capping reversed the expression level of HMOX1, LOX, ACTG1.

Conclusion
The study was the first to produce a holistic view of pulpitis, screen out and validate hub genes involved in pulpitis using WGCNA method. Pulp capping using iRoot BP plus could reverse partial hub genes.
Knowledge of the ovulatory cycle and its determinants among women of childbearing age in Haiti: a population-based study using the 2016/2017 Haitian Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Jean Simon David , Jamali Yasmeen , Olorunsaiye Comfort Z. , Théodat Jean-Marie 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The knowledge of ovulatory cycle (KOC) is the base for natural family planning methods, yet few studies have paid attention to women’s KOC. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of correct KOC and its determinants among women of childbearing age in Haiti.

Methods
Data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Haiti Demographic and Health Survey 2016/17 were used. STATA/SE version 14 was employed to analyse the data by computing descriptive statistics, Chi‑square, and binary logistic regression model to assess the socio-economic and demographic predictors of correct KOC. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as a significant association.

Results
Out of 14,371 women of childbearing age who constituted our sample study, 24.1% (95% CI 23.4–24.8) had correct KOC. In addition, the findings showed that place of residence, respondent’s education level, wealth index, currently working, husband/partner’s education level, contraceptive use, exposure to mass media FP messages, and fieldworker visit were significantly associated with correct KOC.

Conclusion
Policies should include increasing the literacy at community level as well as of individual women and their partners. Moreover, increasing awareness about family planning should be prioritized, especially for women from poor households and rural areas.
Design of a new electrochemical aptasensor based on screen printed carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles for the detection of fumonisin B1 in maize flour
Authors: Naghshbandi Behnaz , Adabi Mohsen , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran , Tavakolipour Hamid 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA new aptasensor for detecting fumonisin B1 (FB1) in the maize samples was developed based on DNA- aptamer recognition and electrochemical technique. A thiol-modified single-stranded DNA (ss-HSDNA) was immobilized on a screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) electrodeposited by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The morphology and structure of SPCE and AuNPs/SPCE were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The SEM results demonstrated that the SPCE had a flat sheet-like structure, and the AuNPs were homogeneously electrodeposited on the SPCE. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in the [Fe(CN)6]− 3/− 4 solution were conducted to investigate each step of electrode modification as well as aptasensor performance. Aptamer-FB1 interaction prevented the electron transfer permitting the determination of FB1 in the range of 0.5–500 ng/mL with a low detection limit (0.14 ng/mL). The designed aptasensor was also shown high selectivity, acceptable repeatability and reproducibility, good long-term stability, and excellent recovery. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the findings achieved via the designed aptasensor and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Therefore, a simple construction process and satisfactory electrochemical performance of the proposed aptasensor have a great potential for the detection of FB1 in maize samples.
Preference heterogeneity in health valuation: a latent class analysis of the Peru EQ-5D-5L values
Authors: Karim Suzana , Craig Benjamin Matthew , Tejada Romina Arely , Augustovski Federico 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Preference heterogeneity in health valuation has become a topic of greater discussion among health technology assessment agencies. To better understand heterogeneity within a national population, valuation studies may identify latent groups that place different absolute and relative importance (i.e., scale and taste parameters) on the attributes of health profiles.

Objective
Using discrete choice responses from a Peruvian valuation study, we estimated EQ-5D-5L values on a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) scale accounting for latent heterogeneity in scale and taste, as well as controlling heteroskedasticity at task level variation.

Method
We conducted a series of latent class analyses, each including the 20 main effects of the EQ-5D-5L and a power function that relaxes the constant proportionality assumption (i.e., discounting) between value and lifespan. Taste class membership was conditional on respondent-specific characteristics and their experience with the composite time trade-off (cTTO) tasks. Scale class membership was conditional on behavioral characteristics such as survey duration and self-stated difficulty level in understanding tasks. Each analysis allowed the scale factor to vary by task type and completion time (i.e., heteroskedasticity).

Results
The results indicated three taste classes: a quality-of-life oriented class (33.35%) that placed the highest value on levels of severity, a length-of-life oriented class (26.72%) that placed the highest value on lifespan, and a middle class (39.71%) with health attribute effects lower than the quality class and lifespan effect lower than the length-of-life oriented class. The EQ-5D-5L values ranged from − 2.11 to 0.86 (quality-of-life oriented class), from − 0.38 to 1.02 (middle class), and from 0.36 to 1.01 (length-of-life oriented class). The likelihood of being a member of the quality-of-life class was highly dependent on whether the respondent completed the cTTO tasks (p-value < 0.001), which indicated that the cTTO tasks might cause the Peru respondents to inflate the burden of health problems on a QALY scale compared to those who did not complete the cTTO tasks. The results also showed two scale classes as well as heteroskedasticity within each scale class.

Conclusion
Accounting for taste and scale classes simultaneously improveds understanding of preference heterogeneity in health valuation. Future studies may confirm the differences in taste between classes in terms of the effect of quality of life and lifespan attributes. Furthermore, confirmatory evidence is needed on how behavioral variables captured within a study protocol may enhance analyses of preference heterogeneity.
Angiotensin-(1–7) ameliorates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by alleviating inflammatory response and mitochondrial damage through the NF-κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Chen Xin-Sen , Cui Jing-Rui , Meng Xiang-Long , Wang Shu-Hang , Wei Wei , Gao Yu-Lei , Shou Song-Tao , Liu Yan-Cun , Chai Yan-Fen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
There is no available viable treatment for Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy (SIC), a common sepsis complication with a higher fatality risk. The septic patients showed an abnormal activation of the renin angiotensin (Ang) aldosterone system (RAAS). However, it is not known how the Ang II and Ang-(1–7) affect SIC.

Methods
Peripheral plasma was collected from the Healthy Control (HC) and septic patients and Ang II and Ang-(1–7) protein concentrations were measured. The in vitro and in vivo models of SIC were developed using Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to preliminarily explore the relationship between the SIC state, Ang II, and Ang-(1–7) levels, along with the protective function of exogenous Ang-(1–7) on SIC.

Results
Peripheral plasma Ang II and the Ang II/Ang-(1–7) levels in SIC-affected patients were elevated compared to the levels in HC and non-SIC patients, however, the HC showed higher Ang-(1–7) levels. Furthermore, peripheral plasma Ang II, Ang II/Ang-(1–7), and Ang-(1–7) levels in SIC patients were significantly correlated with the degree of myocardial injury. Additionally, exogenous Ang-(1–7) can attenuate inflammatory response, reduce oxidative stress, maintain mitochondrial dynamics homeostasis, and alleviate mitochondrial structural and functional damage by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, thus alleviating SIC.

Conclusions
Plasma Ang-(1–7), Ang II, and Ang II/Ang-(1–7) levels were regarded as significant SIC biomarkers. In SIC, therapeutic targeting of RAAS, for example with Ang-(1–7), may exert protective roles against myocardial damage.
Hydrolysis of lignocellulose to succinic acid: a review of treatment methods and succinic acid applications
Authors: Zhou Shuzhen , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhu Linying , Zhao Xiaoling , Chen Junying , Chen Wei , Chang Chun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSuccinic acid (SA) is an intermediate product of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and is one of the most significant platform chemicals for the production of various derivatives with high added value. Due to the depletion of fossil raw materials and the demand for eco-friendly energy sources, SA biosynthesis from renewable energy sources is gaining attention for its environmental friendliness. This review comprehensively analyzes strategies for the bioconversion of lignocellulose to SA based on the lignocellulose pretreatment processes and cellulose hydrolysis and fermentation principles and highlights the research progress on acid production and SA utilization under different microbial culture conditions. In addition, the fermentation efficiency of different microbial strains for the production of SA and the main challenges were analyzed. The future application directions of SA derivatives were pointed out. It is expected that this research will provide a reference for the optimization of SA production from lignocellulose.
Metabolic and cardiovascular responses to continuous and intermittent plank exercises
Authors: Huang Zihao , Wang Biru , Song Kangping , Wu Shaoping , Kong Huimin , Guo Lan , Liang Qi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Plank exercise (PE) is a whole-body isometric muscle training which is beneficial for physical health. However, none of the previous studies investigated the responses within a typical isometric muscle training or PE protocol consisting of multiple sets. The application of PE was restricted for the understudied metabolic and cardiovascular responses, especially for the patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study is to alleviate the safety concerns of PE by investigating the PE-induced metabolic and cardiovascular responses.

Methods
Eleven male recreational-level college students completed a baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test, continuous PE (CPE) and intermittent PE (IPE). Ratio of maximal oxygen uptake per kilogram of body mass (%VO2max/kg), ratio of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were continuously measured during PEs and divided into seven equal timepoints. Blood pressure (BP) was measured every minute during, before, and after PEs. A mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the interaction effect of exercise × phase.

Results
The %VO2max/kg (F6,69=11.25, P < 0.001), %HRmax (F6,65=7.74, P < 0.001), RER (F6,69=11.56, P < 0.001), and BP (systolic BP, F2,26=8.42, P = 0.002; diastolic BP, F2,24=22.63, P < 0.001) increased by safe magnitudes. Compared with the corresponding period in the IPE group, the %VO2max/kg (33.5 [2.2] vs. 27.7 [1.9], P = 0.043) and %HRmax (63.2 [3.9] vs. 53.3 [2.1], P = 0.019) increased more significantly from the 40% duration of CPE. Systolic BP increased by larger magnitudes during CPE than IPE (154.2 [3.8] vs. 142.3 [4.8] mmHg, P = 0.002). RERs were over 1 during PEs without cardiovascular and metabolic variables over the anaerobic threshold.

Conclusion
Energy was mainly supplied by anaerobic metabolism during PEs. CPE may be preferable for trainees aiming at anaerobic capacity enhancement. IPEs may be preferable to CPEs for youth patients with mild and borderline cardiovascular diseases due to their lower metabolic and cardiovascular responses.
Immunomodulatory effects of probiotic supplementation in patients with asthma: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sadrifar Sina , Abbasi-Dokht Tannaz , Forouzandeh Sarvenaz , Malek Farhad , Yousefi Bahman , Salek Farrokhi Amir , Karami Jafar , Baharlou Rasoul 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Asthma is considered to be a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Probiotics are living microorganisms that are found in the human gut and have protective effects against a wide range of diseases such as allergies. The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement of clinical asthma symptoms and changes in the expression pattern of selective microRNAs in patients with asthma and the changes in IL-4 and IFN-γ plasma levels after receiving probiotics.

Materials and methods
The present study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 40 asthmatic patients. They were treated with probiotics or placebo: 1 capsule/day for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function tests, IL-4 and IFN-γ levels, and expression of microRNAs were assessed at baseline and after treatment.

Results
The results showed that the expression of miR-16, miR146-a and IL-4 levels in patients with asthma after receiving probiotic supplementation was significantly reduced and miR-133b expression was increased. In addition, pulmonary function tests showed a significant improvement in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s and Forced Vital Capacity after receiving probiotics.

Conclusion
In our study, 8-week treatment with probiotic supplementation led to reduced Th2 cells-associated IL-4 and improved Forced Expiratory Volume and Forced Vital Capacity. It appears probiotics can be used in addition to common asthma treatments.
Rapid preparation of Candida genomic DNA: combined use of enzymatic digestion and thermal disruption
Authors: He Zhengxin , Huo Xiaosai , Piao Jingzi 
Published: January 2023

AbstractNucleic acid based molecular technologies are the most promising tools for the early diagnosis of Candida infection. A simple and effective DNA preparation method is of critical for standardizing and applying molecular diagnostics in clinic laboratories. The goal of this study was to develop a Candida DNA preparation method that was quick to do, easy to perform, and bio-safe. Snailase and lyticase were screened and combined in this work to enhance the lysis of Candida cells. The lysis solution composition and metal bath were optimized to boost amplification efficiency and biosafety. A duplex real-time PCR was established to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the preparation method. Using the supernatant from the rapid preparation method as templates, the duplex PCR sensitivities for five common Candida species were determined to be as low as 100 CFUs. When compared to conventional preparation methods, the samples prepared by our method showed higher PCR detection sensitivity. PCR identification and ITS sequencing were 100% consistent, which was better than biochemical identification. This study demonstrates a rapid method for Candida DNA preparation that has the potential to be used in clinical laboratories. Meanwhile, the practical application of the method for clinical samples needs to be proven in future investigations.
Neural function of Bmal1: an overview
Authors: Zheng Yuanjia , Pan Lingyun , Wang Feixue , Yan Jinglan , Wang Taiyi , Xia Yucen , Yao Lin , Deng Kelin , Zheng Yuqi , Xia Xiaoye , Su Zhikai , Chen Hongjie , Lin Jie , Ding Zhenwei , Zhang Kaitong , Zhang Meng , Chen Yongjun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBmal1 (Brain and muscle arnt-like, or Arntl) is a bHLH/PAS domain transcription factor central to the transcription/translation feedback loop of the biologic clock. Although Bmal1 is well-established as a major regulator of circadian rhythm, a growing number of studies in recent years have shown that dysfunction of Bmal1 underlies a variety of psychiatric, neurodegenerative-like, and endocrine metabolism-related disorders, as well as potential oncogenic roles. In this review, we systematically summarized Bmal1 expression in different brain regions, its neurological functions related or not to circadian rhythm and biological clock, and pathological phenotypes arising from Bmal1 knockout. This review also discusses oscillation and rhythmicity, especially in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and provides perspective on future progress in Bmal1 research.
Inheritance of wood properties and their radial variations in full-sib families of 36-year-old Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr.)
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Ishiguri Futoshi , Takashima Yuya , Hiraoka Yuichiro , Iki Taiichi , Miyashita Hisaya , Matsushita Michinari , Ohshima Jyunichi , Yokota Shinso 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Key message
Larger differences of maximum load among families were found in mature wood compared to juvenile wood, suggesting the possibility of improving mature wood with higher resistance to rupture and maintaining characteristics of material in Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. by selecting specific mating parents.

Context
Because the wood from L. kaempferi trees is used for construction lumber, wood properties and bending properties should be focused on as targeted traits of tree breeding programs.

Aims
We clarified the radial variation of inheritance for wood properties and bending properties and classified the features of bending properties among families in L. kaempferi.

Methods
Annual ring width, latewood percentage, air-dry density, microfibril angle, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and bending work at five radial positions were investigated for 15 full-sib families of 36-year-old L. kaempferi grown in two progeny test sites in Japan.

Results
Higher heritability at almost all radial positions was found in air-dry density. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between air-dry density and bending properties showed relatively higher values at almost all radial positions. Load-deflection curves in 15 families could be divided into three groups in juvenile and mature wood. Variation among groups for load-deflection curves in mature wood was relatively larger than that in juvenile wood.

Conclusion
Air-dry density can be used as a criterion to select trees with superior bending properties. Mature wood in L. kaempferi could be effectively improved by selecting individuals.
Technical opportunities and challenges in developing total-body PET scanners for mice and rats
Authors: Du Junwei , Jones Terry 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPositron emission tomography (PET) is the most sensitive in vivo molecular imaging technique available. Small animal PET has been widely used in studying pharmaceutical biodistribution and disease progression over time by imaging a wide range of biological processes. However, it remains true that almost all small animal PET studies using mouse or rat as preclinical models are either limited by the spatial resolution or the sensitivity (especially for dynamic studies), or both, reducing the quantitative accuracy and quantitative precision of the results. Total-body small animal PET scanners, which have axial lengths longer than the nose-to-anus length of the mouse/rat and can provide high sensitivity across the entire body of mouse/rat, can realize new opportunities for small animal PET. This article aims to discuss the technical opportunities and challenges in developing total-body small animal PET scanners for mice and rats.
STRA6 Promotes Thyroid Carcinoma Progression via Activation of the ILK/AKT/mTOR Axis in Cells and Female Nude Mice
Authors: He Weiman , Cheng Zhen , Huo Zijun , Lin Bo , Wang Xuejie , Sun Yijia , Yu Shuang , Cao Siting , Xue Junyu , Liu Rengyun , Lv Weiming , Li Yanbing , Hong Shubin , Xiao Haipeng 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Metastasis has emerged to be an important cause for poor prognosis of thyroid carcinoma (TC) and its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. STRA6 is a multifunctional membrane protein widely expressed in embryonic and adult tissues. The function and mechanism of STRA6 in TC remain elusive.

Objective
We aimed to explore the role of STRA6 in TC progression and provide a therapeutic target for TC.

Methods
The expression and clinicopathological relevance of STRA6 were explored in TC. Stable STRA6-knockdown TC cells were established and used to determine the biological function of STRA6 in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to unveil the molecular mechanism of STRA6 in TC progression. The potential of STRA6 as a therapeutic target was evaluated by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing siRNA.

Results
STRA6 was upregulated in TC and correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features, including extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis, which contributed to the poor prognosis of TC. STRA6 facilitated TC progression by enhancing proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, STRA6 could interact with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and subsequently activate the protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin (AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway. We further unveiled that STRA6 reprogrammed lipid metabolism through SREBP1, which was crucial for the metastasis of TC. Moreover, STRA6 siRNA delivered by LNPs significantly inhibited cell growth in xenograft tumor models.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates the critical roles of STRA6 contributing to TC progression via the ILK/AKT/mTOR axis, which may provide a novel prognostic marker as well as a promising therapeutic target for aggressive TC.