bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The neutralizing antibody response post COVID-19 vaccination in patients with myeloma is highly dependent on the type of anti-myeloma treatment
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Briasoulis Alexandros , Gumeni Sentiljana , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Fotiou Despina , Papanagnou Eleni-Dimitra , Migkou Magdalini , Theodorakakou Foteini , Roussou Maria , Eleutherakis-Papaiakovou Evangelos , Kanellias Nikolaos , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Kastritis Efstathios , Dimopoulos Meletios A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecent data suggest a suboptimal antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with hematological malignancies. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated in 276 patients with plasma cell neoplasms after vaccination with either the BNT162b2 or the AZD1222 vaccine, on days 1 (before the first vaccine shot), 22, and 50. Patients with MM (n = 213), SMM (n = 38), and MGUS (n = 25) and 226 healthy controls were enrolled in the study (NCT04743388). Vaccination with either two doses of the BNT162b2 or one dose of the AZD1222 vaccine leads to lower production of NAbs in patients with MM compared with controls both on day 22 and on day 50 (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Furthermore, MM patients showed an inferior NAb response compared with MGUS on day 22 (p = 0.009) and on day 50 (p = 0.003). Importantly, active treatment with either anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) or belantamab mafodotin and lymphopenia at the time of vaccination were independent prognostic factors for suboptimal antibody response following vaccination. In conclusion, MM patients have low humoral response following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, especially under treatment with anti-CD38 or belamaf. This underlines the need for timely vaccination, possibly during a treatment-free period, and for continuous vigilance on infection control measures in non-responders.
Oncogene APOL1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis via activating NOTCH1 signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lin Jiewei , Xu Zhiwei , Xie Junjie , Deng Xiaxing , Jiang Lingxi , Chen Hao , Peng Chenghong , Li Hongwei , Zhang Jiaqiang , Shen Baiyong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAPOL1 encodes a secreted high-density lipoprotein, which has been considered as an aberrantly expressed gene in multiple cancers. Nevertheless, the role of APOL1 in the regulatory mechanisms of pancreatic cancer remains unknown and should be explored. We identified APOL1 was abnormally elevated in human pancreatic cancer tissues compared with that in adjacent tissues and was associated with poor prognosis. The effects of APOL1 in PC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis was verified via functional in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results showed that knockdown of APOL1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer. In addition, we identified APOL1 could be a regulator of NOTCH1 signaling pathway using bioinformatics tools, qRT-PCR, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and western blotting. In summary, APOL1 could function as an oncogene to promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis through activating NOTCH1 signaling pathway expression in pancreatic cancer; therefore, it may act as a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Malignant cerebral infarction after ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination: a catastrophic variant of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia
Authors: De Michele M. , Iacobucci M. , Chistolini A. , Nicolini E. , Pulcinelli F. , Cerbelli B. , Merenda E. , Schiavo O. G. , Sbardella E. , Berto I. , Petraglia L. , Caracciolo N. , Chiara M. , Truglia S. , Toni D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractVaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia with cerebral venous thrombosis is a syndrome recently described in young adults within two weeks from the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Here we report two cases of malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct and thrombocytopenia 9-10 days following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. The two cases arrived in our facility around the same time but from different geographical areas, potentially excluding epidemiological links; meanwhile, no abnormality was found in the respective vaccine batches. Patient 1 was a 57-year-old woman who underwent decompressive craniectomy despite two prior, successful mechanical thrombectomies. Patient 2 was a 55-year-old woman who developed a fatal bilateral malignant MCA infarct. Both patients manifested pulmonary and portal vein thrombosis and high level of antibodies to platelet factor 4-polyanion complexes. None of the patients had ever received heparin in the past before stroke onset. Our observations of rare arterial thrombosis may contribute to assessment of possible adverse effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination.
White button mushroom interrupts tissue AR-mediated TMPRSS2 expression and attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiang , Ha Desiree , Yoshitake Ryohei , Chen Shiuan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhite button mushroom (WBM) is a common edible mushroom consumed in the United States and many European and Asia-Pacific countries. We previously reported that dietary WBM antagonized dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced androgen receptor (AR) activation and reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in prostate cancer animal models and patients. Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), an androgen-induced protease in prostate cancer, has been implicated in influenza and coronavirus entry into the host cell, triggering host immune response. The present study on C57BL/6 mice revealed that WBM is a unique functional food that (A) interrupts AR-mediated TMPRSS2 expression in prostate, lungs, small intestine, and kidneys through its AR antagonistic activity and (B) attenuates serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces MDSC counts through its immunoregulatory activity. These findings provide a scientific basis for translational studies toward clinical applications of WBM in diseases related to TMPRSS2 expression and immune dysregulation.
Transcriptomic response of Campylobacter jejuni following exposure to acidified sodium chlorite
Authors: Weerasooriya Gayani , McWhorter Andrea R. , Khan Samiullah , Chousalkar Kapil K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChemical decontamination during processing is used in many countries to mitigate the Campylobacter load on chicken meat. Chlorine is a commonly used sanitizer in poultry processing to limit foodborne bacterial pathogens but its efficacy is limited by high bacterial loads and organic material. Acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) is a potential alternative for poultry meat sanitization but little is known about its effects on the cellular response of Campylobacter. In this study, the sensitivity of C. jejuni isolates to ASC was established. RNAseq was performed to characterize the transcriptomic response of C. jejuni following exposure to either chlorine or ASC. Following chlorine exposure, C. jejuni induced an adaptive stress response mechanism. In contrast, exposure to ASC induced higher oxidative damage and cellular death by inhibiting all vital metabolic pathways and upregulating the genes involved in DNA damage and repair. The transcriptional changes in C. jejuni in response to ASC exposure suggest its potential as an effective sanitizer for use in the chicken meat industry.
Behavioural nudges increase COVID-19 vaccinations
Authors: Dai Hengchen , Saccardo Silvia , Han Maria A. , Roh Lily , Raja Naveen , Vangala Sitaram , Modi Hardikkumar , Pandya Shital , Sloyan Michael , Croymans Daniel M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEnhancing vaccine uptake is a critical public health challenge1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy2,3 and failure to follow through on vaccination intentions3 requires effective communication strategies3,4. Here we present two sequential randomized controlled trials to test the effect of behavioural interventions on the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. We designed text-based reminders that make vaccination salient and easy, and delivered them to participants drawn from a healthcare system one day (first randomized controlled trial) (n = 93,354 participants; clinicaltrials number NCT04800965) and eight days (second randomized controlled trial) (n = 67,092 individuals; clinicaltrials number NCT04801524) after they received a notification of vaccine eligibility. The first reminder boosted appointment and vaccination rates within the healthcare system by 6.07 (84%) and 3.57 (26%) percentage points, respectively; the second reminder increased those outcomes by 1.65 and 1.06 percentage points, respectively. The first reminder had a greater effect when it was designed to make participants feel ownership of the vaccine dose. However, we found no evidence that combining the first reminder with a video-based information intervention designed to address vaccine hesitancy heightened its effect. We performed online studies (n = 3,181 participants) to examine vaccination intentions, which revealed patterns that diverged from those of the first randomized controlled trial; this underscores the importance of pilot-testing interventions in the field. Our findings inform the design of behavioural nudges for promoting health decisions5, and highlight the value of making vaccination easy and inducing feelings of ownership over vaccines.
Long-term outcomes of fully covered self-expandable metal stents versus plastic stents in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Kim Yeon Suk , Kim Eui Joo , Lee Hee Seung , Park Jeong Youp , Park Seung Woo , Song Si Young , Cho Jae Hee , Bang Seungmin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChronic pancreatitis (CP) related main pancreatic duct (MPD) stricture has been a challenge for endoscopists. Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FC-SEMS) has been tried in CP patients, but the efficacy and safety are still controversial. Thus, we aim to compare the long-term clinical efficacy of FC-SEMS vs. plastic stent placement in persistent MPD strictures secondary to CP. Between 2007 and 2018, 80 chronic pancreatitis patients (58 males, median age 49 years), who underwent endoscopic placement of FC-SEMS (n = 26) and plastic stent (n = 54) for persistent MPD strictures after at least 3 months of initial single plastic stenting, were retrospectively analyzed during a median follow-up duration of 33.7 months. As a result, MPD stricture resolution rate was statistically higher in FC-SEMS group (87.0% vs. 42.0%, p < 0.001). Although immediate complications occurred similarly (38.5% vs. 37.0%, p = 0.902), spontaneous migration (26.9%) and de novo strictures (23.1%) were pronounced delayed complications in FC-SEMS group. Pain relief during follow-up was significantly higher in FC-SEMS group (76.9% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.046). The total procedure cost was similar in both groups ($1,455.6 vs. $1,596.9, p = 0.486). In comparison with plastic stent, FC-SEMS placement for persistent MPD strictures had favorable long-term clinical efficacy, with its typical complications like spontaneous migration and de novo strictures.
Identification of non-classical hCA XII inhibitors using combination of computational approaches for drug design and discovery
Authors: Al-Sanea Mohammad M. , Chilingaryan Garri , Abelyan Narek , Arakelov Grigor , Sahakyan Harutyun , Arakelov Vahram G. , Nazaryan Karen , Hussein Shaimaa , Alazmi Gharam M. , Alsharari Haifa E. , Al-faraj Waad M. , Alruwaili Faten S. , Albilasi Nouf Q. , Alsharari Tahani S. , Alsaleh Abdulaziz A. S. , Alazmi Turki M. , Almalki Atiah H. , Alotaibi Nasser H. , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHuman carbonic anhydrase XII (hCA XII) isozyme is of high therapeutic value as a pharmacological target and biomarker for different types of cancer. The hCA XII is one of the crucial effectors that regulates extracellular and intracellular pH and affects cancer cell proliferation, invasion, growth and metastasis. Despite the fact that interaction features of hCAs inhibitors with the catalytic site of the enzyme are well described, lack in the selectivity of the traditional hCA inhibitors based on the sulfonamide group or related motifs is an urgent issue. Moreover, drugs containing sulfanomides can cause sulfa allergies. Thus, identification of novel non-classical inhibitors of hCA XII is of high priority and is currently the subject of a vast field of study. This study was devoted to the identification of novel potential hCA XII inhibitors using comprehensive set of computational approaches for drug design discovery: generation and validation of structure- and ligand-based pharmacophore models, molecular docking, re-scoring of virtual screening results with MMGBSA, molecular dynamics simulations, etc. As the results of the study several compounds with alternative to classical inhibitors chemical scaffolds, in particular one of coumarins derivative, have been identified and are of high interest as potential non-classical hCA XII inhibitors.
Nurse-based secondary preventive follow-up by telephone reduced recurrence of cardiovascular events: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Irewall Anna-Lotta , Ulvenstam Anders , Graipe Anna , Ögren Joachim , Mooe Thomas 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEnhanced follow-up is needed to improve the results of secondary preventive care in patients with established cardiovascular disease. We examined the effect of long-term, nurse-based, secondary preventive follow-up by telephone on the recurrence of cardiovascular events. Open, randomised, controlled trial with two parallel groups. Between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014, consecutive patients (n = 1890) admitted to hospital due to stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were included. Participants were randomised (1:1) to nurse-based telephone follow-up (intervention, n = 944) or usual care (control, n = 946) and followed until 31 December 2017. The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac revascularisation, and cardiovascular death. The individual components of the primary endpoint, TIA, and all-cause mortality were analysed as secondary endpoints. The assessment of outcome events was blinded to study group assignment. After a mean follow-up of 4.5 years, 22.7% (n = 214) of patients in the intervention group and 27.1% (n = 256) in the control group reached the primary composite endpoint (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.97; ARR 4.4%, 95% CI 0.5–8.3). Secondary endpoints did not differ significantly between groups. Nurse-based secondary preventive follow-up by telephone reduced the recurrence of cardiovascular events during long-term follow-up.
Confocal spectral microscopy, a non-destructive approach to follow contamination and biofilm formation of mCherry Staphylococcus aureus on solid surfaces
Authors: Munir Muhammad Tanveer , Maneewan Nattar , Pichon Julien , Gharbia Mohammed , Oumarou-Mahamane Ismael , Baude Jessica , Thorin Chantal , Lepelletier Didier , Le Pape Patrice , Eveillard Matthieu , Irle Mark , Pailhoriès Hélène , Aviat Florence , Belloncle Christophe , Federighi Michel , Dubreil Laurence 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMethods to test the safety of wood material for hygienically sensitive places are indirect, destructive and limited to incomplete microbial recovery via swabbing, brushing and elution-based techniques. Therefore, we chose mCherry Staphylococcus aureus as a model bacterium for solid and porous surface contamination. Confocal spectral laser microscope (CSLM) was employed to characterize and use the autofluorescence of Sessile oak (Quercus petraea), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and poplar (Populus euramericana alba L.) wood discs cut into transversal (RT) and tangential (LT) planes. The red fluorescent area occupied by bacteria was differentiated from that of wood, which represented the bacterial quantification, survival and bio-distribution on surfaces from one hour to one week after inoculation. More bacteria were present near the surface on LT face wood as compared to RT and they persisted throughout the study period. Furthermore, this innovative methodology identified that S. aureus formed a dense biofilm on melamine but not on oak wood in similar inoculation and growth conditions. Conclusively, the endogenous fluorescence of materials and the model bacterium permitted direct quantification of surface contamination by using CSLM and it is a promising tool for hygienic safety evaluation.
Magnitude integration in the Archerfish
Authors: Leibovich-Raveh Tali , Raveh Ashael , Vilker Dana , Gabay Shai 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe make magnitude-related decisions every day, for example, to choose the shortest queue at the grocery store. When making such decisions, which magnitudes do we consider? The dominant theory suggests that our focus is on numerical quantity, i.e., the number of items in a set. This theory leads to quantity-focused research suggesting that discriminating quantities is automatic, innate, and is the basis for mathematical abilities in humans. Another theory suggests, instead, that non-numerical magnitudes, such as the total area of the compared items, are usually what humans rely on, and numerical quantity is used only when required. Since wild animals must make quick magnitude-related decisions to eat, seek shelter, survive, and procreate, studying which magnitudes animals spontaneously use in magnitude-related decisions is a good way to study the relative primacy of numerical quantity versus non-numerical magnitudes. We asked whether, in an animal model, the influence of non-numerical magnitudes on performance in a spontaneous magnitude comparison task is modulated by the number of non-numerical magnitudes that positively correlate with numerical quantity. Our animal model was the Archerfish, a fish that, in the wild, hunts insects by shooting a jet of water at them. These fish were trained to shoot water at artificial targets presented on a computer screen above the water tank. We tested the Archerfish's performance in spontaneous, untrained two-choice magnitude decisions. We found that the fish tended to select the group containing larger non-numerical magnitudes and smaller quantities of dots. The fish selected the group containing more dots mostly when the quantity of the dots was positively correlated with all five different non-numerical magnitudes. The current study adds to the body of studies providing direct evidence that in some cases animals’ magnitude-related decisions are more affected by non-numerical magnitudes than by numerical quantity, putting doubt on the claims that numerical quantity perception is the most basic building block of mathematical abilities.
The role of epigenetic modifications, long-range contacts, enhancers and topologically associating domains in the regulation of glioma grade-specific genes
Authors: Grabowicz Ilona E. , Wilczyński Bartek , Kamińska Bożena , Roura Adria-Jaume , Wojtaś Bartosz , Dąbrowski Michał J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGenome-wide studies have uncovered specific genetic alterations, transcriptomic patterns and epigenetic profiles associated with different glioma types. We have recently created a unique atlas encompassing genome-wide profiles of open chromatin, histone H3K27ac and H3Kme3 modifications, DNA methylation and transcriptomes of 33 glioma samples of different grades. Here, we intersected genome-wide atlas data with topologically associating domains (TADs) and demonstrated that the chromatin organization and epigenetic landscape of enhancers have a strong impact on genes differentially expressed in WHO low grade versus high grade gliomas. We identified TADs enriched in glioma grade-specific genes and/or epigenetic marks. We found the set of transcription factors, including REST, E2F1 and NFKB1, that are most likely to regulate gene expression in multiple TADs, containing specific glioma-related genes. Moreover, many genes associated with the cell–matrix adhesion Gene Ontology group, in particular 14PROTOCADHERINs, were found to be regulated by long-range contacts with enhancers. Presented results demonstrate the existence of epigenetic differences associated with chromatin organization driving differential gene expression in gliomas of different malignancy.
Hidden pandemic: COVID-19-related stress, SLC6A4 methylation, and infants’ temperament at 3 months
Authors: Provenzi Livio , Mambretti Fabiana , Villa Marco , Grumi Serena , Citterio Andrea , Bertazzoli Emanuela , Biasucci Giacomo , Decembrino Lidia , Falcone Rossana , Gardella Barbara , Longo Maria Roberta , Nacinovich Renata , Pisoni Camilla , Prefumo Federico , Orcesi Simona , Scelsa Barbara , Giorda Roberto , Borgatti Renato 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic represents a collective trauma that may have enduring stress effects during sensitive periods, such as pregnancy. Prenatal stress may result in epigenetic signatures of stress-related genes (e.g., the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4) that may in turn influence infants’ behavioral development. In April 2020, we launched a longitudinal cohort study to assess the behavioral and epigenetic vestiges of COVID-19-related prenatal stress exposure in mothers and infants. COVID-19-related prenatal stress was retrospectively assessed at birth. SLC6A4 methylation was assessed in thirteen CpG sites in mothers and infants’ buccal cells. Infants’ temperament was assessed at 3-month-age. Complete data were available from 108 mother-infant dyads. Greater COVID-19-related prenatal stress was significantly associated with higher infants’ SLC6A4 methylation in seven CpG sites. SLC6A4 methylation at these sites predicted infants’ temperament at 3 months.
Reduction in GLP-1 secretory capacity may be a novel independent risk factor of coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Nagase Chihiro , Tanno Masaya , Kouzu Hidemichi , Miki Takayuki , Nishida Junichi , Murakami Naoto , Kokubu Nobuaki , Nagano Nobutaka , Nishikawa Ryo , Yoshioka Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Tohru , Kita Hiroyuki , Tsuchida Akihito , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Miura Tetsuji 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMultiple factors regulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, but a group of apparently healthy subjects showed blunted responses of GLP-1 secretion in our previous study. In this study, we examined whether the reduction in GLP-1 secretory capacity is associated with increased extent of coronary artery stenosis in non-diabetic patients. Non-diabetic patients who were admitted for coronary angiography without a history of coronary interventions were enrolled. Coronary artery stenosis was quantified by Gensini score (GS), and GS ≥ 10 was used as an outcome variable based on its predictive value for cardiovascular events. The patients (mean age, 66.5 ± 8.8 years; 71% males, n = 173) underwent oral 75 g-glucose tolerant tests for determination of glucose, insulin and active GLP-1 levels. The area under the curve of plasma active GLP-1 (AUC-GLP-1) was determined as an index of GLP-1 secretory capacity. AUC-GLP-1 was not correlated with fasting glucose, AUC-glucose, serum lipids or indices of insulin sensitivity. In multivariate logistic regression analysis for GS ≥ 10, AUC-GLP-1 < median, age and hypertension were selected as explanatory variables, though fasting GLP-1 level was not selected. The findings suggest that reduction in GLP-1 secretory capacity is a novel independent risk factor of coronary stenosis.