bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-27 as a novel biomarker for pruritus in nodular prurigo and bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Wang Yifei , Zhang Xin , Teng Yun Te , Shen Chen 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionBullous pemphigoid (BP) and prurigo nodularis (PN) are chronic pruritic skin diseases that severely impact patients’ quality of life. Despite the widespread attention these two diseases have garnered within the dermatological field, the specific pathogenesis, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying the pruritus, remains largely unclear. Limited clinical sequencing studies focusing on BP and PN have hindered the identification of pathological mechanisms and the exploration of effective treatment strategies.MethodsTo address this gap, we collected a total of 23 peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from BP and PN patients, as well as healthy controls, and performed RNA sequencing analysis. By integrating bioinformatics and machine learning techniques, we aimed to uncover the shared immune regulatory networks and pruritus-related mechanisms between BP and PN.ResultsOur study identified 161 differentially expressed genes shared between BP and PN, which were primarily enriched in immune activation and neural pathways, providing crucial molecular insights into the pruritus-related mechanisms of both diseases. Furthermore, using the machine learning algorithms of support vector machines and random forest, we pinpoint 7 crucial genes shared between the BP and PN databases. Among these, IL-27 emerged as a potential pivotal gene, as its mRNA expression levels strongly correlated with clinical parameters including pruritus scores, immunoglobulin E levels, and eosinophil counts. Validation experiments conducted on clinical samples from an additional 22 participants confirmed the upregulation of IL-27 expression in both BP and PN lesions.DiscussionThis study is the first to unveil the shared inflammatory and immune pathways common to BP and PN, highlighting the critical role of IL-27 in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Our findings not only enhance the understanding of the intricate relationship between BP and PN, but also provide a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these two dermatological conditions.
In vivo programmed myeloid cells expressing novel chimeric antigen receptors show potent anti-tumor activity in preclinical solid tumor models
Authors: Argueta Shannon , Wang Yuxiao , Zhao Hongyun , Diwanji Neha , Gorgievski Michael , Cochran Edward , Grudzien-Nogalska Ewa , D’Alessandro Josephine , McCreedy Bruce , Prod’homme Thomas , Hofmeister Robert , Ding Jian , Getts Daniel 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe approval of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies for the treatment of B cell malignancies has fueled the development of numerous ex vivo cell therapies. However, these cell therapies are complex and costly, and unlike in hematological malignancies, outcomes with most T cell therapies in solid tumors have been disappointing. Here, we present a novel approach to directly program myeloid cells in vivo by administering novel TROP2 CAR mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).MethodsThe CAR comprises a TROP2 specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) fused to a truncated CD89 which requires association with the FcRγ signal adapter to trigger myeloid-specific cell activation. The mRNA encoding the TROP2 CAR was encapsulated in LNPs. Co-immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure CAR expression and functional activity in vitro. Anti-tumor efficacy of the TROP2 CAR mRNA/LNP was evaluated after intravenous administration in various murine tumor models.ResultsIn vitro, transient expression of the TROP2 CAR on monocytes triggers antigen-dependent cytotoxicity and cytokine release. In tumor bearing mice and cynomolgus monkeys, the TROP2 CAR mRNA/LNP are primarily expressed by myeloid cells. In a mouse xenograft model, intravenous administration of TROP2 CAR mRNA/LNP results in tumor growth inhibition and in a B16/F10-OVA immunocompetent melanoma mouse model, anti-tumor efficacy of a gp75-specific CAR correlates with increased number of activated T cells, activation of dendritic cells and a humoral response against B16/F10-OVA melanoma tumors.DiscussionsThese findings demonstrate that myeloid cells can be directly engineered in vivo to kill tumor cells and orchestrate an adaptive immune response and guide clinical studies for the treatment of solid tumors.
Research hotspots and trends on NF-κB in cognitive impairment: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Bai Lin , Xu Fangyuan , Hu Peijia , Shen Zhiqiang , Xingxing Su , Wang Qingqing , Cheng Hongliang 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCognitive impairment (CI) endangers the physical and mental health of patients in a significant manner, and it is expected that the number of people with CI in China will rise to 45.33 million by 2050. Therefore, CI has become a popular research topic. Inflammatory damage plays a key role in the pathogenesis of CI, and NF-κB is an important inflammatory signaling pathway. However, no bibliometric analysis regarding the relationship between CI and NF-κB has been reported.MethodsA bibliometric analysis regarding NF-κB and CI from 1 January 2008 to 12 December 2023 was conducted in the Science Citation Index-Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection. The frontiers, hotspots, and trends of research regarding the role of NF-κB in CI were identified. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the retrieved articles and identify the author, country, institution, and keywords, as well as co-cited authors, co-cited journals, and co-cited references.ResultsWe analyzed 1,468 original articles and reviews. Publications on NF-κB in CI began in 2010 and increased sharply in 2018. Hong Hao was the most represented author, having published 19 articles, and Chinese authors published more studies than those from other countries. China Pharmaceutical University published the most papers; however, the United States has a strong influence and demonstrates international cooperation. The keywords “apolipoprotein e” and “therapeutic target” demonstrated strong citation bursts, and this tendency may persist in the upcoming years. Neuroinflammation demonstrated a strong influence in research regarding NF-κB in CI. Gut microbiota and ketogenic diet also play an important role in NF-κB in CI.ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis and visualization using VOSviewer and CiteSpace revealed that the role of NF-κB in CI has become a research hotspot. The results of this study indicated that “neuroinflammation,” “microglial,” and “pathway” remain hotspots for future research. However, studies regarding NF-κB in CI have predominantly focussed on basic research; future research should include therapeutic targets, microbiota, and ketogenic diet.
The value of endocervical curettage for diagnosis of cervical precancers or worse at colposcopy of women with atypical glandular cells cytology
Authors: Chen Yusha , Wen Fanghong , Chen Jiancui , Xue Huifeng , Zheng Xiangqin , Pan Diling 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effectiveness of endocervical curettage (ECC) in identifying additional cervical cancer and its precursors in women with atypical glandular cells (AGC) cytology.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records for women referred to colposcopy with AGC cytology between January 2019 and December 2023. The study included 433 women with AGC cytology who underwent both biopsy and ECC. Clinical characteristics such as demographics, clinical history, cytology, HPV status, colposcopic findings, and pathology were analyzed. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to compare the characteristics of ECC-diagnosed cervical precancers or worse (HSIL+) and normal/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL).ResultsThe overall detection rate of HSIL+ in this population was 19.4% (86/443), with ECC alone identifying HSIL+ in 1.3% (6/443) of cases. However, ECC showed greater utility in certain subgroups. The highest additional HSIL+ detection from ECC was observed in women with HPV 16/18 infection (7.2%) and those with AGC-FN cytology (4.4%). ECC's additional yield of HSIL+ was higher in those with normal or LSIL colposcopic impressions compared to those with HSIL+ impressions. Conversely, no additional HSIL+ cases were identified by ECC alone in women under 30 years old, those with negative high-risk HPV results, or those with type 1/2 transformation zones.ConclusionFor women with AGC cytology, ECC should be performed in patients with AGC-FN cytology, HPV 16/18 infections, type 3 transformation zones, and normal or low-grade colposcopic impressions. This approach enhances the identification of HSIL+ cases by reducing false negatives. However, for women younger than 30 years old and those with type 1/2 transformation zones, ECC offers limited benefit.
Changes in retinal nerve fiber layer and vessel densities after scleral buckling in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment observed by OCTA
Authors: Zhang Cuiwen , Liu Linlin , Jiang Yiping 
Published: December 2024

PurposeTo observe the changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and peripapillary vessel densities (VD) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after scleral buckling (SB) by OCTA.MethodsA total of 40 patients (40 eyes) with monocular RRD who underwent SB were included in the study, with the operated eyes (40 eyes) as the study group and the contralateral healthy eyes (40 eyes) as the control to analyse the changes in peripapillary RNFL thickness and VD before and after surgery. Data were analysed by paired samples t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank sum test.ResultsComparison of the peripapillary RNFL thickness in the 8 areas between the two groups during the 6-month follow-up period: All 8 peripapillary areas of the optic disc were statistically different before surgery, except for the tempo superior and tempo inferior, which were statistically different at each postoperative follow-up point, and the remaining 6 areas in the operated eyes group were progressively closer to those in the healthy eyes group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Comparison of peripapillary VD in the 8 areas between the two groups during the 6-month follow-up: Peripapillary VD in the 8 areas in the two groups were all statistically different before surgery, and except for superior tempo, which was statistically different at each postoperative follow-up time point, the remaining seven areas in the operated eyes group became progressively closer to that in the healthy eyes group and there was no significant difference.ConclusionRRD negatively affects the peripapillary RNFL, but both peripapillary RNFL thickness and VD gradually improved in the operated eyes close to the contralateral eyes after SB.
Diversity and functional traits based indigenous rhizosphere associated phosphate solubilizing bacteria for sustainable production of rice
Authors: Rasul Maria , Yahya Mahreen , Suleman Muhammad , Hakim Sughra , Mirza Babur S. , Mirza Muhammad Sajjad , Reitz Thomas , Tarkka Mika Tapio , Yasmin Sumera 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionRice, particularly Basmati rice, holds significant global importance as a staple food. The indiscriminate use of phosphate-based fertilizers during rice production has led to high residual levels of these chemicals in soil, impacting soil health and fertility. This study aimed to address this challenge by investigating the potential of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in improving soil fertility and boosting the growth of Basmati rice.MethodsUsing amplicon-based 16S rDNA sequencing, bacterial isolation and cultivation, conducting greenhouse and field experiments, and PSB localization, we optimized the search for PSB inoculants to enhance Basmati rice growth.Results and discussionRice rhizosphere prokaryote communities showed significant differences in microbial diversity and composition between between basmati and non-basmati rice cultivated areas. Dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling. Isolation and optimization of PSB strains, including Acinetobacter sp. MR5 and Pseudomonas sp. R7, were carried out and soil microcosm studies confirmed their efficacy in increasing soil available phosphorus concentration. Response surface methodology revealed the relative importance of factors such as pH, inoculum density and incubation temperature in maximising phosphate solubilization. Microplot experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of optimized PSB inoculants in promoting Basmati rice growth, with significant increases in plant height, tiller number, biomass, and grain yield compared to uninoculated controls. A consortium of PSB proved superior to single-strain inoculants, even with reduced chemical fertilizer application. Field trials at several rice growing sites confirmed the positive impact of the PSB consortium on grain yield, soil phosphorus availability, and plant phosphorus uptake. The competence and persistence of the inoculated strains in the rhizosphere was confirmed by FISH and BOX Polymerase Chain Reaction (BOX-PCR). This work highlights the potential of PSB-based biofertilizers to improve soil fertility, promote sustainable rice production and reduce the negative environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers. Future research would focus on scaling up these findings for widespread adoption in agriculture and exploring their applicability to other crops and agroecosystems.
Great diverse rhizobial community nodulating Astragalus mongholicus in the northeastern region of China
Authors: Gao Mengzhe , Yuan Xiaoxia , Ji Zhaojun , Yang Bingjie , Li Hua , Zhang Bo 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAstragalus mongholicus Bunge is an important medicinal legume species widely cultivated in northeastern China (NEC) and northwestern China (NWC) and can establish a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing rhizobial strains. However, there are limited reports comparing the genetic diversity, differentiation, and gene flow of rhizobial strains associated with this plant in different geographic regions.MethodsWe used multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) to investigate the phylogeny and genetic diversity of rhizobia and to estimate their intra- and inter-regional gene flow and genetic differentiation based on the analysis of concatenated core genes (recA, atpD, and glnII) and the critical symbiotic gene nodC.ResultsWe isolated eight known and three novel genospecies representing four genera, among which Rhizobium yanglingense was the most predominant microsymbiont. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a highly diverse rhizobial community nodulating Astragalus mongholicus in NEC, consisting of the four genera Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Sinorhizobium, and Mesorhizobium. This community differed markedly from the rhizobial community found in NWC. Various rhizobial genospecies with different symbiotic gene nodC sequences were capable of nodulating A. mongholicus in NEC. Therefore, A. mongholicus exhibits promiscuity in its association with symbionts in the natural environment, showing no strong preference for either the species-defining core genes or the symbiotic genes of rhizobia. We also found that the Glyco_tranf_GTA_type superfamily (Glycosyltransferase family A) is the most highly conserved and essential domain in the NodC protein, which is encoded by the symbiotic nodC gene, across nodulating rhizobia. In addition, we found independent genetic differentiation among rhizobial communities geographically, and the frequency of gene flow among microsymbionts between NEC and NWC was low. We speculate that the formation of the highly diverse rhizobial community in NEC resulted from the independent evolution of each ancestral lineage. This diversity likely arose from intraregional genetic differentiation driven by mutations rather than recombination.ConclusionEcogeographical isolation between NEC and NWC restricted inter-regional genetic drift and gene flow. Therefore, intraregional genetic differentiation is the major evolutionary force underlying the genetic diversity of rhizobia.
Characteristics and direct causes of death in severely ill patients admitted to a neurology department
Authors: Lee Da Heui , Jeong Seok Young , Shin Byoung-Soo , Kang Hyun Goo 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe study aimed to analyze the characteristics of patients admitted to the neurology department of a tertiary hospital who subsequently died, focusing on those with high disease severity.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who died among those admitted to the neurology department of a regional tertiary hospital from 2013 to 2021. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory results of the included patients were collected, and their primary diagnoses, duration from time of admission to death, and direct causes of death were analyzed. Furthermore, the patients were categorized into subgroups based on sex (male and female), primary diagnosis (ischemic and non-ischemic stroke), and cancer diagnosis for comparative analysis.ResultsOf 187 deaths, the primary diagnoses were ischemic stroke (131 cases), seizures (19 cases), encephalitis and encephalopathy (18 cases), and other conditions (19 cases). The direct causes of death included ischemic stroke in 68 patients, sepsis in 33, cerebral hemorrhage in 19, pneumonia in 15, acute kidney injury in nine, status epilepticus in seven, and other causes in 36. Pneumonia, cerebral hemorrhage, acute kidney injury, and status epilepticus were the more prevalent direct causes of death in men, whereas ischemic stroke and sepsis were more prevalent in women. Additionally, sepsis, pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and status epilepticus, as direct causes of death, were significantly higher among patients with a primary diagnosis of non-ischemic stroke than among those with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, there were differences in some pre-existing diseases and laboratory findings when comparing between the cancer group and the non-cancer group.DiscussionIschemic stroke was the primary diagnosis and direct cause of death in a high proportion of patients. Other noteworthy direct causes of death were cerebral hemorrhage and infections such as sepsis and pneumonia. Based on these findings, the characteristics and prognoses of patients admitted to neurology departments can be predicted and used for management.
Design of upper limb muscle strength assessment system based on surface electromyography signals and joint motion
Authors: Wang Siqi , Lai Wei , Zhang Yipeng , Yao Junyu , Gou Xingyue , Ye Hui , Yi Jun , Cao Dong 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aims to develop a assessment system for evaluating shoulder joint muscle strength in patients with varying degrees of upper limb injuries post-stroke, using surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals and joint motion data.MethodsThe assessment system includes modules for acquiring muscle electromyography (EMG) signals and joint motion data. The EMG signals from the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid muscles were collected, filtered, and denoised to extract time-domain features. Concurrently, shoulder joint motion data were captured using the MPU6050 sensor and processed for feature extraction. The extracted features from the sEMG and joint motion data were analyzed using three algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), and Support Vector Machines (SVM), to predict muscle strength through regression models. Model performance was evaluated using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), R-Square (R2), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Bias Error (MBE), to identify the most accurate regression prediction algorithm.ResultsThe system effectively collected and analyzed the sEMG from the deltoid muscles and shoulder joint motion data. Among the models tested, the Support Vector Regression (SVR) model achieved the highest accuracy with an R2 of 0.8059, RMSE of 0.2873, MAE of 0.2155, and MBE of 0.0071. The Random Forest model achieved an R2 of 0.7997, RMSE of 0.3039, MAE of 0.2405, and MBE of 0.0090. The BPNN model achieved an R2 of 0.7542, RMSE of 0.3173, MAE of 0.2306, and MBE of 0.0783.ConclusionThe SVR model demonstrated superior accuracy in predicting muscle strength. The RF model, with its feature importance capabilities, provides valuable insights that can assist therapists in the muscle strength assessment process.
Deep learning-based multiclass segmentation in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Kiewitz Julia , Aydin Orhun Utku , Hilbert Adam , Gultom Marie , Nouri Anouar , Khalil Ahmed A. , Vajkoczy Peter , Tanioka Satoru , Ishida Fujimaro , Dengler Nora F. , Frey Dietmar 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionRadiological scores used to assess the extent of subarachnoid hemorrhage are limited by intrarater and interrater variability and do not utilize all available information from the imaging. Image segmentation enables precise identification and delineation of objects or regions of interest and offers the potential for automatization of score assessments using precise volumetric information. Our study aims to develop a deep learning model that enables automated multiclass segmentation of structures and pathologies relevant for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage outcome prediction.MethodsA set of 73 non-contrast CT scans of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were included. Six target classes were manually segmented to create a multiclass segmentation ground truth: subarachnoid, intraventricular, intracerebral and subdural hemorrhage, aneurysms and ventricles. We used the 2d and 3d configurations of the nnU-Net deep learning biomedical image segmentation framework. Additionally, we performed an interrater reliability analysis in our internal test set (n = 20) and an external validation on a set of primary intracerebral hemorrhage patients (n = 104). Segmentation performance was evaluated using the Dice coefficient, volumetric similarity and sensitivity.ResultsThe nnU-Net-based segmentation model demonstrated performance closely matching the interrater reliability between two senior raters for the subarachnoid hemorrhage, ventricles, intracerebral hemorrhage classes and overall hemorrhage segmentation. For the hemorrhage segmentation a median Dice coefficient of 0.664 was achieved by the 3d model (0.673 = 2d model). In the external test set a median Dice coefficient of 0.831 for the hemorrhage segmentation was achieved.ConclusionDeep learning enables automated multiclass segmentation of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related pathologies and achieves performance approaching that of a human rater. This enables automatized volumetries of pathologies identified on admission CTs in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage potentially leading to imaging biomarkers for improved outcome prediction.