bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Tao Hong Decoction in the treatment of atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Li SiJin , Liu Ping , Feng Xiaoteng , Du Min , Zhang Yifan , Wang YiRu , Wang JiaRou 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundAtherosclerosis (AS) has long been recognized as a cardiovascular disease and stroke risk factor. A well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription, Tao Hong decoction (THD), has been proven effective in treating AS, but its mechanism of action is still unclear.ObjectiveTo assess the effects, explore THD’s primary mechanism for treating AS, and provide a basis for rational interpretation of its prescription compatibility.MethodsBased on network pharmacology, we evaluated the mechanism of THD on AS by data analysis, target prediction, the construction of PPI networks, and GO and KEGG analysis. AutoDockTools software to conduct Molecular docking. Then UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify significant constituents of THD. Furthermore, an AS mice model was constructed and intervened with THD. Immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were used to verify the critical targets in animal experiments.ResultsThe network pharmacology results indicate that eight core targets and seven core active ingredients play an essential role in this process. The GO and KEGG analysis results suggested that the mechanism is mainly involved in Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis and Lipid and atherosclerosis. The molecular docking results indicate a generally strong affinity. The animal experiment showed that THD reduced plaque area, increased plaque stability, and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β) in high-fat diet -induced ApoE-/-mice. Decreased levels of PTGS2, HIF-1α, VEGFA, VEGFC, FLT-4, and the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and p38 were detected in the THD-treated group.ConclusionTHD plays a vital role in treating AS with multiple targets and pathways. Angiogenesis regulation, oxidative stress regulation, and immunity regulation consist of the crucial regulation cores in the mechanism. This study identified essential genes and pathways associated with the prognosis and pathogenesis of AS from new insights, demonstrating a feasible method for researching THD’s chemical basis and pharmacology.
Evaluation and attribution of historical surface air temperature changes over China simulated by coupled and uncoupled models
Authors: Zuo Ling , Li Lijuan , Wang Bin , Feng Tao , Chang Youli 
Published: January 2023

The increase in the average surface air temperature anomaly (SATA) over China is higher than the global average. However, the accurate simulation and attribution of regional SATA evolution remain challenging for current global climate models. This study simulates historical SATA variations over China using the coupled (FGOALS-g3) and uncoupled (atmospheric component, GAMIL3) models and examines their possible causes. Results show that both models reproduce the historical SATA variation with higher correlation coefficients (0.735 and 0.782) than many global climate models (0.25–0.56), although they overestimate or underestimate the changes of SATA to some extent in different periods. The results show that the cooling trend during 1941–1970 is well simulated with the coupled model while poorly presented with the uncoupled model; the coupled simulations particularly produce stronger long-term trends than the uncoupled ones during 1870–2014 considering full interaction among the atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice. In contrast, the uncoupled simulations reproduce better decadal and multi-decadal SATA variations owing to the constraints of the observed sea surface temperature (SST), such as the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation, and sea ice cover. Using Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP) experiments, we found that the warming in the early 20th century and the recent 50 years is mainly driven by natural forcings and greenhouse gases (GHGs), whereas the cooling during 1941–1970 is caused by natural factors and anthropogenic aerosols. The cooling effects of anthropogenic aerosols are mainly attributed from the indirect SST-mediated responses through the atmosphere-ocean interactions in the coupled model.
The influence of the precipitation recycling process on the shift to heavy precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau in the summer
Authors: Zhang Boyuan , He Yongli , Ren Yu , Huang Bo , Peng Yangrui , Wang Shanshan , Guan Xiaodan 
Published: January 2023

On the Tibetan Plateau (TP), precipitation intensity has shifted to heavy precipitation due to global warming. However, the influence of the precipitation recycling process on this phenomenon remains unknown. Using the Water Accounting Model-2layers (WAM2layers) model and ERA5 reanalysis, this study investigates the contributions of the precipitation recycling process to precipitation shifts over the TP during 1979–2019. The precipitation shift rate was proposed to quantify this process, and the results reveal that the positive precipitation shift (1.384 mm/41 years) over the TP consists of a positive shift over the western TP (5.666 mm/41 years) and a negative shift (−3.485 mm/41 years) over the eastern TP. Considering the source of moisture, either a local source or a remote source, precipitation was decomposed into internal and external cycles of the precipitation recycling process based on the WAM2layers model. Further analysis indicates that the internal cycle (87.2%) contributes more to the shift than the external cycle (12.8%) over the TP. The contributions of the precipitation recycling ratio (PRR) and precipitation amount to the precipitation shift rate induced by the internal cycle were further investigated. The results indicate that PRR changes contribute more to heavy precipitation over the TP, while precipitation amount changes contribute more to light precipitation. The precipitation recycling process contributes to the shift by increasing atmospheric moisture and increasing (decreasing) the dependency on local evaporation in heavy (light) precipitation. Increased dependence of heavy precipitation on evaporation increases the risk of extreme precipitation, and the government should take preventative actions to mitigate these adverse effects.
The early impact of COVID-19 on the intellectual and developmental disabilities community in California
Authors: Salinas Giselle , Bolourian Yasamin , Burt Beth , Eichelberger Marcia , Blacher Jan 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionDuring the early beginnings of COVID-19, service providers were forced to close their doors and move their services online, causing significant disruptions for many families and communities, such as those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this study, we examined the extent to which COVID-19 disrupted services for the IDD community in California.MethodsSecondary data were analyzed from a survey (N = 1,082) disseminated by the Autism Society of California in May 2020. Respondents were placed into two categories: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) only (n = 794) and IDD other than ASD (n = 288).ResultsThere were significant differences in services between diagnostic groups (&lt;.05). There was a threefold difference in loss of respite services in the ASD (4.3%) versus the IDD group (12.9%). In the ASD group, 48.5% reported no change at all in respite services received, whereas in the IDD group, 71.5% reported no change. Before the pandemic, a higher mean number of medical and therapeutic services was reported as received in the ASD group (M = 1.38) than in the IDD group (M = 1.04). However, at the time of the survey, the IDD group reported a higher mean number of such services (M = 1.32) than the ASD group (M = 1.02). Differences were also seen by race/ethnicity. Before lockdown, there were no significant differences in the mean number of services reported by race/ethnicity among the full sample. However, at the time of the survey, a significantly higher mean number of services was reported by respondents who identified as White (M = 1.26) compared to people of color (M = .91), p &lt; .05.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this study is the first to compare services received by IDD diagnostic groups during COVID-19. Findings help elucidate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the IDD community in California, as well as inform strategies for the ongoing and post-pandemic periods.
Effect of thyroid dysfunction on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Hongling , Li Xiaotao , Zhang Nawen , Tian Limin 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThyroid hormones (THs) significantly affect the cardiovascular system. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a useful biomarker for diagnosing, evaluating, and predicting outcomes in heart failure (HF). This comprehensive review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism) on NT-proBNP levels.MethodsTwo investigators independently searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for studies published from inception to July 31, 2022, without any restrictions on language.Results21 studies were included. In participants without HF, NT-proBNP levels may be elevated in those with overt hyperthyroidism (standardized mean difference [SMD] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.0-3.76). Notably, among patients with preexisting HF, significantly higher NT-proBNP levels were found in patients with overt hyperthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, or subclinical hypothyroidism than in euthyroid subjects (SMD [95%CI] = 0.31[0.01, 0.62], 0.32[0.08, 0.56], and 0.33[0.21, 0.46], respectively). Seven trials compared NT-proBNP levels in patients with thyroid dysfunction before and after therapy, and significant drops in NT-proBNP levels were observed in patients with hyperthyroidism (SMD [95%CI] = -1.53[-2.50, -0.55]) upon achieving a euthyroid state. In contrast, increased NT-proBNP levels were observed in hypothyroid patients after treatment (SMD [95%CI] = 1.07[0.28, 1.85]).ConclusionThyroid dysfunction can significantly affect NT-proBNP levels, which may change upon achieving a euthyroid state. Notably, the effect of thyroid dysfunction on cardiac function may depend on the underlying cardiac status. Thus, timely recognition and effective treatment of cardiac symptoms in patients with thyroid dysfunction are mandatory because the prognosis of HF may be improved with appropriate treatment of thyroid dysfunction.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022353700.
One-year follow-up comparison of two hybrid closed-loop systems in Italian children and adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bassi Marta , Patti Luca , Silvestrini Irene , Strati Marina Francesca , Ponzano Marta , Minuto Nicola , Maggi Davide 
Published: January 2023

Background and aimsTandem Control-IQ and MiniMed 780G are the main Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL) systems currently available in pediatric and adult patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The aim of our study was to evaluate glycemic control after 1-year of follow-up extending our previous study of 1-month comparison between the two systems.MethodsWe retrospectively compared clinical and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data from the patients included in the previous study which have completed 1-year observation period. The study population consisted of 74 patients, 42 Minimed 780G users and 32 Tandem Control-IQ users. Linear mixed models with random intercept were performed to study the variations over time and the interaction between time and system; Mann-Whitney or T-test were used to compare systems at 1-year.ResultsBoth systems have been shown to be effective in maintaining the glycemic improvement achieved one month after starting AHCL. Significant changes over time were observed for TIR, TAR, TAR&gt;250mg/dl, average glucose levels and SD (p&lt;0.001). At 1-year follow-up Minimed 780G obtained better improvement in TIR (p&lt;0.001), TAR (p=0.002), TAR&gt;250mg/dl (p=0.001), average glucose levels (p&lt;0.001). The comparison of the glycemic parameters at 1-year showed a significant superiority of Minimed 780G in terms of TIR (71% vs 68%; p=0.001), TAR (p=0.001), TAR&gt;250 (p=0.009), average glucose levels(p=0.001) and SD (p=0.031).ConclusionsThe use of AHCL systems led to a significant improvement of glycemic control at 1-month, which is maintained at 1-year follow-up. MiniMed is more effective than Tandem in reaching the International recommended glycemic targets. Continuous training and education in the use of technology is essential to get the best out of the most advanced technological tools.
Optimization of activated carbon production from corn cob using response surface methodology
Authors: He Xiaoxue , Chen Xuexue , Wang Xinran , Jiang Li 
Published: January 2023

Waste management and valorization of waste is a major global issue. Low-cost and renewable adsorbent activated carbon (AC) from agriculture residues is a focus of worldwide concern. Microwave heating is an efficient technology for production of AC. CCAC was synthesized from corn cob via microwave vacuum pyrolysis under ambient vacuum, and the optimization process for maximized CCAC yield and its iodine number was developed using response surface methodology (RSM). These regression models have high Fisher test value and lower p-value, which ensure its reliability and applicability. The optimized parameters obtained are 550.62 W, 9.26 min, -0.05 Mpa, and 1.7 IR with responses of 37.57% yield and 933.38 mg/g iodine number. The predicted results were validated, and it was found that the experimental data varied only by 4.21% in yield and 4.02% in iodine number from the predicted values. The prepared adsorbent was characterized using instrumental techniques like FT-IR, BET, and SEM. The pyrolysis approach produced CCAC containing regular and homogeneous porous structure with a specific surface area of up to 995.05 m2/g and total volume of 0.708 cm3/g.
Sawfly egg deposition extends the insect life cycle and alters hormone and volatile emission profiles
Authors: Dávila Camila , Fiorenza Juan E. , Gershenzon Jonathan , Reichelt Michael , Zavala Jorge A. , Fernández Patricia C. 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionInsect oviposition can enhance plant defenses and decrease plant quality in response to future feeding damage by hatched larvae. Induced resistance triggered by egg deposition and its negative effect on insect herbivore performance is known for several annual plants but has been much less studied in woody perennials, such as species of the Salicaceae. Here we studied the response of the willow Salix babylonica to oviposition by the specialist willow sawfly Nematus oligospilus and its impact on insect performance.MethodsWe measured the effect of oviposition on larval feeding and pupa formation and evaluated its influence on plant phytohormones and volatile emission profile.ResultsWe showed that oviposition reduced neonate larval growth and increased the proportion of prepupae that delayed their transition to pupae, thus extending the length of the sawfly cocoon phase. Oviposited willows increased jasmonic acid levels and changed their volatile profile through enhanced concentrations of the terpenoids, (E/E)-α-farnesene, (Z)- and (E)-β-ocimene. Volatile profiles were characteristic for each type of insect damage (oviposition vs. feeding), but no priming effect was found.DiscussionWe demonstrated that willows could perceive sawfly oviposition per se as a primary factor activating defense signaling via the jasmonic acid pathway. This induced response ultimately determined changes in pupation dynamics that may affect the whole insect population cycle.
Detailed genetic and clinical analysis of a novel de novo variant in HPRT1: Case report of a female patient from Saudi Arabia with Lesch–Nyhan syndrome
Authors: AlBakheet Albandary , AlQudairy Hanan , Alkhalifah Joud , Almoaily Sheikhah , Kaya Namik , Rahbeeni Zuhair 
Published: January 2023

Background: Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT1) deficiency is an inborn error of purine metabolism responsible for Lesch–Nyhan syndrome (LNS). The disease is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner and predominantly affects male individuals. Female individuals can carry a mutation as heterozygotes, but typically, they are asymptomatic because of the random inactivation of the affected allele. Nevertheless, although rare, heterozygote female individuals may manifest LNS with full characteristics. Herein, we describe a female patient from Saudi Arabia with LNS.Results: The patient (a 4-year-old girl) presented with typical characteristics of the disease, which include global developmental delay, self-mutilation, hyperuricemia, hypotonia, speech delay, spasticity, and seizures. Her general biochemical laboratory results were normal except for high levels of uric acid. The abdominal MRI\MRS, mostly unremarkable, showed bilateral echogenic foci within the renal collecting system. Genetic testing (whole-exome sequencing, iterative variant filtering, segregation analysis, and Sanger sequencing) pointed a novel de novo frameshift variant in HPRT1. X-inactivation assay using HpaII showed the presence of a 100% skewed X chromosome carrying the affected allele. RT-PCR of the cDNA indicated complete loss of the expression of the normal allele.Conclusion: Our study presents a female patient who has a severe case of LNSand found to be the 15th female patient with the disease in the world. The study emphasizethe need for a streamlined protocol that will help an early and accurate diagnosis of female LNS patients to avoid unnecessary interventions that lead to costly patient care.
Aging augments obesity-induced thymic involution and peripheral T cell exhaustion altering the “obesity paradox”
Authors: Vick Logan V. , Collins Craig P. , Khuat Lam T. , Wang Ziming , Dunai Cordelia , Aguilar Ethan G. , Stoffel Kevin , Yendamuri Sai , Smith Randall , Mukherjee Sarbajit , Barbi Joseph , Canter Robert J. , Monjazeb Arta M. , Murphy William J. 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThe incidence of obesity, a condition characterized by systemic chronic inflammation, has reached pandemic proportions and is a poor prognostic factor in many pathologic states. However, its role on immune parameters has been diverse and at times contradictory. We have previously demonstrated that obesity can result in what has been called the “obesity paradox” which results in increased T cell exhaustion, but also greater efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment.MethodsThe role of obesity, particularly in the context of aging, has not been robustly explored using preclinical models. We therefore evaluated how age impacts the immune environment on T cell development and function using diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.ResultsWe observed that DIO mice initially displayed greater thymopoiesis but then developed greater thymic involution over time compared to their lean counterparts. Both aging and obesity resulted in increased T cell memory conversion combined with increased expression of T cell exhaustion markers and Treg expansion. This increased T cell immunosuppression with age then resulted in a loss of anti-tumor efficacy by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in older DIO mice compared to the younger DIO counterparts.DiscussionThese results suggest that both aging and obesity contribute to T cell dysfunction resulting in increased thymic involution. This combined with increased T cell exhaustion and immunosuppressive parameters affects immunotherapy efficacy reducing the advantage of obesity in cancer immunotherapy responses.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are associated with impaired Th1 and Th17 responses and severe pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis which is reversed by anti-Gr1 therapy
Authors: Preite Nycolas Willian , Kaminski Valéria de Lima , Borges Bruno Montanari , Calich Vera Lúcia Garcia , Loures Flávio Vieira 
Published: January 2023

Previous studies on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America, revealed that host immunity is tightly regulated by several suppressive mechanisms mediated by tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells, the enzyme 2,3 indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO-1), and regulatory T-cells (Tregs). IDO-1 orchestrates local and systemic immunosuppressive effects through the recruitment and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells possessing a potent ability to suppress T-cell responses. However, the involvement of MDSCs in PCM remains uninvestigated. The presence, phenotype, and immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs were evaluated at 96 h, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks of pulmonary infection in C57BL/6 mice. Disease severity and immune responses were assessed in MDSC-depleted and nondepleted mice using an anti-Gr1 antibody. Both monocytic-like MDSCs (M-MDSCs) and polymorphonuclear-like MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) massively infiltrated the lungs during Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. Partial reduction of MDSC frequency led to a robust Th1/Th17 lymphocyte response, resulting in regressive disease with a reduced fungal burden on target organs, diminishing lung pathology, and reducing mortality ratio compared with control IgG2b-treated mice. The suppressive activity of MDSCs on CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes and Th1/Th17 cells was also demonstrated in vitro using coculture experiments. Conversely, adoptive transfer of MDSCs to recipient P. brasiliensis-infected mice resulted in a more severe disease. Taken together, our data showed that the increased influx of MDSCs into the lungs was linked to more severe disease and impaired Th1 and Th17 protective responses. However, protective immunity was rescued by anti-Gr1 treatment, resulting in a less severe disease and controlled tissue pathology. In conclusion, MDSCs have emerged as potential target cells for the adjuvant therapy of PCM.
Efficacy of interferon alpha for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A meta-analysis
Authors: Buchynskyi Mykhailo , Kamyshna Iryna , Lyubomirskaya Katerina , Moshynets Olena , Kobyliak Nazarii , Oksenych Valentyn , Kamyshnyi Aleksandr 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionIFN-α intervention may block SARS-CoV-2 replication and normalize the deregulated innate immunity of COVID-19.AimThis meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of interferon IFN-α–containing regimens when treating patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19.Material and methodsPubMed, SCOPUS, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 15 January 2022. A systematic literature search was conducted by applying relevant terms for ‘COVID-19’ and ‘interferon-α’. The primary outcome enclosed the all-cause hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes constituted the length of hospital stay; hospital discharge; nucleic acid negative conversion.ResultsEleven studies are enclosed in the meta-analysis. No significant difference in the all-cause mortality rate was found between the study and control groups (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.05-1.2; I2 = 96%). The implementation of interferon did not influence such outcomes as the length of hospital stay (OR 0.9; 95% CІ, 0.3-2.6; I2 = 91%), nucleic acid negative conversion (OR 0.8; 95% CI, 0.04-17.2; I2 = 94%). Nevertheless, IFN-α treatment resulted in a higher number of patients discharged from the hospital (OR 26.6; 95% CІ, 2.7-254.3; I2 = 95%).ConclusionsThus, IFN-α does not benefit the survival of hospitalized COVID-19 patients but may increase the number of patients discharged from the hospital.Systematic review registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier (CRD42022374589).