bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 replicates in the placenta after maternal infection during pregnancy
Authors: Radan Anda-Petronela , Renz Patricia , Raio Luigi , Villiger Anna-Sophie , Haesler Valérie , Trippel Mafalda , Surbek Daniel 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesPregnant women are at increased risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse neonatal outcome, primarily preterm birth and stillbirth. Our study aimed to investigate to which extent SARS-CoV-2 affects placental tissue and if viral replication within the placenta is evident, thus if there is a correlation between placental damage and adverse pregnancy outcome such as stillbirth.MethodsWe prospectively collected placentas from 61 SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women and 10 controls. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization studies were performed on all placentas with antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 proteins, ACE2, various immune cells, and inflammatory markers or probes for SARS-CoV-2 genes and an antisense strand.ResultsThe measured scores of SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein, nucleocapsid, and antisense strand indicating replication correlated with both the severity of maternal symptoms and presence of stillbirth. Specifically, 15/61 placentas exhibited replication, while the three cases with stillbirth had high or maximal replication scores. ACE2-H-score was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients, while the expression of various immune cells did not differ statistically. In multivariate analysis, presence of maternal comorbidities correlated with presence of severe COVID-19 infection.ConclusionWe report evidence of active in vivo SARS-CoV-2 replication in the placenta after maternal infection in pregnancy in a case–control setting in a large population. Intensity of placental viral replication as well as viral levels were higher in women with severe or critical COVID-19 disease, supporting the rationale that severity of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection could correlate with the severity of placentitis. Replication was maximal in cases of stillbirth, which suggests direct placental involvement in the pathophysiology of this dramatic outcome. Continuing to advocate for preventive measures against COVID-19 during pregnancy, including (re)vaccination, as well as appropriately counseling women with diagnosed infection, are of utter importance.
Association of EPA and DHA with age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional study from NHANES
Authors: Li Kewei , Liu Jialing , Li Xuhui , Liu Xiaozhu , Hu Pengcheng , He Ming 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis cross-sectional study conducted in the general US population investigated the association between dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the prevalence of AMD.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized, including 4,842 participants aged 40 years and older. Dietary EPA and DHA intake data were collected through two 24-h dietary recall interviews and adjusted for weight. AMD was determined by a standardized grading system based on the presence of key features of AMD in color photographs of the macula. Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models evaluated the associations between dietary EPA and DHA intake and AMD. Subgroup analysis and interaction analysis explored the influence of covariates.ResultsA total of 4,842 participants were included. In the multivariate-adjusted model 2, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AMD were 0.86 (0.75, 0.99) and 0.88 (0.80, 0.97) per unit increase in dietary EPA and DHA intake, respectively. Interaction testing revealed significant effect modification by age, education, and BMI on the EPA-AMD association, indicating these factors significantly impacted this inverse relationship (p-interaction &lt; 0.05). Similarly, age, education, BMI, and cataract surgery history modified the inverse DHA-AMD association (p-interaction &lt; 0.05). Dose-response analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between dietary EPA and DHA intake with AMD prevalence (p-nonlinearity = 0.184 and 0.548, respectively).ConclusionOur findings suggested that higher dietary EPA and DHA intake could be associated with lower AMD risk in older US adults. Age, education level, BMI, and history of cataract surgery may influence this inverse association.
Association between the systemic inflammation response index and mortality in the asthma population
Authors: Xu Feng , Jiang Hui , Li Fanglan , Wen Yan , Jiang Pan , Chen Feng , Feng Yongwen 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAs a novel indicator of inflammation, the relationship between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SIRI) and mortality in patients with asthma remains uncertain. Our study aimed to explore the association between SIRI and mortality in asthma patients.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for US adults from 2001 to 2018 were included in this study. Then, we divided all patients into three groups based on SIRI tertiles and used multivariable weighted Cox regression analysis, smoothing curve fitting, survival curve analysis, and subgroup analysis to investigate the relationship between SIRI and asthma.ResultsA total of 6,156 participants were included in the study, with each SIRI tertile consisting of 2052 individuals. Asthma patients with higher SIRI levels were older, had a higher level of education, were more likely to be married, and had a higher chance of being smokers. In Cox proportional-hazards models, the highest SIRI group showed higher hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality in individuals with asthma after adjusting for potential confounders. The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between SIRI and all-cause mortality. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients with higher SIRI levels had a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses revealed SIRI’s association with all-cause mortality across various demographics, including age, sex, race, education levels, smoking status, and marital status.ConclusionOur study provides evidence for the relationship between SIRI and mortality in asthma patients. SIRI may potentially serve as a predictive tool for evaluating asthma mortality rates.
Effects of developmental stages, sex difference, and diet types of the host marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) on symbiotic bacteria
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Huangfu Ningbo , Chen Lulu , Zhang Kaixin , Li Dongyang , Gao Xueke , Li Bingbing , Wang Li , Zhu Xiangzhen , Ji Jichao , Luo Junyu , Cui Jinjie 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionSymbiotic bacteria play key roles in a variety of important life processes of insects such as development, reproduction and environmental adaptation, and the elucidation of symbiont population structure and dynamics is crucial for revealing the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) is not only a remarkable aphid predator, but also a worldwide pollinator second to honeybees. However, its symbiont composition and dynamics remain unclear.MethodsHerein, we investigate the symbiotic bacterial dynamics in marmalade hoverfly throughout whole life cycle, across two sexes, and in its prey Megoura crassicauda by 16S rRNA sequencing.ResultsIn general, the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and the dominant genera were Serratia and Wolbachia. Serratia mainly existed in the larval stage of hoverfly with the highest relative abundance of 86.24% in the 1st instar larvae. Wolbachia was found in adults and eggs with the highest relative abundance of 62.80% in eggs. Significant difference in species diversity was observed between the adults feeding on pollen and larvae feeding on M. crassicauda, in which the dominant symbiotic bacteria were Asaia and Serratia, respectively. However, between two sexes, the symbionts exhibited high similarity in species composition. In addition, our results suggested that E. balteatus obtainded Serratia mainly through horizontal transmission by feeding on prey aphids, whereas it acquired Wolbachia mainly through intergeneration vertical transmission. Taken together, our study revealed the effects of development stages, diet types and genders of E. balteatus on symbionts, and explored transmission modes of dominant bacteria Serratia and Wolbachia.DiscussionOur findings lay a foundation for further studying the roles of symbiotic bacteria in E. balteatus life cycle, which will benefit for revealing the co-adaptation mechanisms of insects and symbiotic bacteria.
Geographic and environmental impacts on gut microbiome in Himalayan langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus) and Xizang macaques (Macaca mulatta vestita)
Authors: Wang Xueyu , Li Hong , Yang Yumin , Wu Zhijiu , Wang Zhixiang , Li Dayong , Xia Wancai , Zou Shuzhen , Liu Yujia , Wang Fan 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionGut microbiome plays a crucial role in the health of wild animals. Their structural and functional properties not only reflect the host’s dietary habits and habitat conditions but also provide essential support for ecological adaptation in various environments.MethodsThis study investigated the gut microbiome of Himalayan langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus) and Xizang macaques (Macaca mulatta vestita) across different geographic regions using 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing.ResultsResults showed distinct clustering patterns in gut microbiota based on geographic location. Soil had an insignificant impact on host gut microbiome. Himalayan langurs from mid-altitude regions exhibited higher levels of antibiotic resistance genes associated with multidrug resistance, while Xizang macaques from high-altitude regions showed a broader range of resistance genes. Variations in carbohydrate-active enzymes and KEGG pathways indicated unique metabolic adaptations to different environments.DiscussionThese findings provide valuable insights into the health and conservation of these primates and the broader implications of microbial ecology and functional adaptations in extreme conditions.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the selective control assessment of the lower extremity in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Zhou Chunming , Chen Yijing , Zeng Wenhui , Huang Wujie , Wu Xuefei , Wang Yating , Zhong Jiamin , Cao Jianguo , Huang Meihuan 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsForty-five children with spastic CP (mean age 7.29 years, SD 2.87 years, rang 4–16 years) were recruited. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, while test–retest and inter-rater reliability were evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was established through correlation and confirmatory factor analyses. Discriminative validity was assessed by comparing SCALE scores across varying GMFCS levels.ResultsThe Chinese version of SCALE demonstrates high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and good reliability with ICCs exceeding 0.76 for test–retest and inter-rater assessments. It shows significant correlations with GMFCS (r = −0.76, p &lt; 0.001) and Fugl-Meyer scales (r = 0.79, p &lt; 0.001), confirming its validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supports a well-fitting model (χ2/df = 1.58, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR &lt;0.001, GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98), with the latent variable’s AVE at 0.59 and CR at 0.88. Discriminative validity is evident in significant differences across GMFCS levels (p &lt; 0.001), notably between levels I and II, I and III, and I and IV (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe Chinese version of SCALE shows good reliability and validity for assessing lower limb selective movement control in children with spastic cerebral palsy in China.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=205380, identifier ChiCTR2400083880.
Safety and impact of the Mediterranean diet in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pilot randomized crossover trial
Authors: Kwon Yu-Jin , Joo Young Su , Yun Hae-Ryong , Lim Li Rang , Yang Juyeon , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Hyung-Mi , Lee Hyangkyu , Lee Jung Eun , Lee Ji-Won 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionEmerging evidence highlights the potential advantages of the Mediterranean diet (MD) in preserving kidney function and slowing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, interventional studies on the MD are scarce in East Asian populations.MethodsThis randomized crossover trial aimed to assess the safety and short-term impact of the Mediterranean Proper Optimal Balance (MEDi-POB) diet in Korean patients with stage 3–4 CKD. Kidney function was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate, which was calculated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Fifty patients with CKD were randomly assigned to two groups, each starting with a different 4-week intervention, followed by a 4-week washout period, followed by a switch to the other 4-week intervention. During the MEDi-POB intervention, patients received home delivery of meals twice daily, 5 days a week, while the control intervention comprised a conventional diet. Forty-six patients successfully completed the entire 12-week trial. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess mean differences between the two groups. A linear mixed model was used to adjust for sequence and period.ResultsDietary fat, fiber, and niacin intake were significantly higher following the MEDi-POB diet than following the control diet (p = 0.001 for fat, p &lt; 0.001 for fiber, and p = 0.007 for niacin). The MEDi-POB diet also yielded slightly increased total CO2 levels (p = 0.043), indicating effective management of metabolic acidosis. Conversely, sodium and copper intake were significantly lower with the MEDi-POB diet (p = 0.032 and p = 0.037, respectively). Caloric intake increased, but body mass index slightly decreased from baseline after consuming the MEDi-POB diet. Dietary potassium intake exhibited a non-significant increase (p = 0.053), and no significant changes in serum (p = 0.883) and urine potassium levels (p = 0.087) occurred. Kidney function remained well-preserved following the MEDi-POB diet.ConclusionThese results indicate that the MEDi-POB diet is safe even in patients with advanced CKD, as it does not adversely affect serum and urine potassium levels and helps maintain kidney function.
Case report: Successful therapy with azacitidine for acute myeloid leukemia with NUP98::RARG resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Wei Zhichen , Shao Linlin , Xu Shuqian , Zhang Xiaolin , Wang Lin , Qin Ping , Song Qiang , Hou Ming , Shi Yan 
Published: September 2024

We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARG) rearrangement, exhibiting clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypic features similar to classic acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). RNA sequencing analysis of the patient’s bone marrow samples revealed the presence of nucleoporin 98 (NUP98)-RARG caused by translocation. AML with RARG rearrangement is insensitive to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide. The patient received azacitidine therapy after failing ATRA and standard 3 + 7 therapy (idarubicin and cytarabine) and achieved complete remission. Conclusively, this acute myeloid leukemia subtype may benefit from azacitidine.
Laparoscopic anatomical partial splenectomy for extremely rare isolated splenic lymphangioma in an adult: a case report and literature review
Authors: Shi Ruizi , Yang Pei , Guo Yangjie , Tang Yiping , Luo Hua , Qin Chuan , Jiang Ting , Huang Yu , Gao Ziqing , Zeng Xintao , Wang Jianjun 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundBenign tumors of the spleen are rare compared to those of other parenchymal organs, accounting for less than 0.007% of all tumors, and are often found incidentally. Splenolymphangiomas are much rarer, commonly occur in children, and tend to have multiple foci. Splenic lymphangiomas are rare in adults, and fewer than 20 adult patients with isolated splenic lymphangiomas have been reported. In this article, we report the case of a middle-aged female patient with isolated splenic lymphangioma who underwent laparoscopic anatomical hypophysectomy of the lower pole of the spleen. We also summarize the existing literature on splenic lymphangioma diagnosis and available treatment options.Case presentationA 58-year-old middle-aged woman was found to have a mass approximately 60 mm in diameter at the lower pole of the spleen during a health checkup that was not accompanied by other symptoms or examination abnormalities. After completing a preoperative examination with no contraindications to surgery, the patient underwent laparoscopic anatomical splenectomy of the lower extremity of the spleen. The patient recovered well without complications and was discharged from the hospital on the 7th postoperative day. Histopathological and immunohistochemical results confirmed the diagnosis of splenic lymphangioma. Prompt surgical intervention is safe and necessary when splenic lymphangiomas are large or associated with a risk of bleeding.ConclusionSplenic lymphangiomas are rare and require early surgical intervention in patients with large tumor diameters or those at risk of rupture and bleeding. After rigorous preoperative evaluation and preparation, laparoscopic anatomical partial splenectomy is safe and feasible for surgeons with experience in laparoscopic surgery.
Assessment of the reliability of at-home caregiver-collected anthropometric measurements
Authors: Ly Jenny J. , Sosa Ana , Heidman Matthew , Dixon Matthew F. , Ostolaza Christian , Dallabrida Susan M. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAnthropometric measurements provide valuable information about infant growth patterns and can help identify nutrition, growth, and developmental concerns. With the increasing use of telehealth and decentralized clinical trial approaches, there is potential for caregivers to collect anthropometric measurements at home via teleconference with healthcare providers (HCPs) to monitor infant growth, which indirectly reflects health status. This study aimed to evaluate whether telehealth-guided caregivers can utilize standardized methods and home-use measurement equipment to collect reliable anthropometric measurements compared to HCPs and study nurses.MethodsThe study compared the weight, length, and head circumference measurements collected by caregivers (n = 8 pairs), pediatric HCPs (n = 7), and study nurses (n = 4), who served as the gold standard comparator group. Four silicone dolls with varied anthropometrics were used as surrogates for human infants.ResultsCaregiver inter- and intra-observer technical errors of measurement (TEMs) were all equal to or below the maximum allowed error (MAE). For HCPs, only intra-observer TEM for length and inter-observer TEM for HC and length were within the MAE. There was no evidence of bias for either caregiver or HCP measurements compared to the gold standard. Coefficients of reliability (R) were greater than 0.96 for all measurements.DiscussionPreliminary results from this study demonstrate that telehealth-guided caregivers can capture accurate and reliable anthropometric measurements compared to HCPs. The results suggest that remote measurement collection allows for more frequent monitoring while reducing the burden on patients and caregivers in primary care and clinical trials such as infant formula growth monitoring studies.
Association of SLCO1B1 gene variants with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced cough in a Pakistani hypertensive cohort
Authors: Sheikh Arooj Fatima , Munawar Nayla , Nawaz Rukhsana , Khan Hizbullah , Rafique Mehwish , Jahan Faryal , Ahmed Sagheer 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAngiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are prescribed for individuals with high cardiovascular (CV) risk; however, persistent cough limits the use of ACEIs in a large number of patients. The current study aimed to identify the genetic variants in the SLCO1B1 gene that might be associated with ACEI-related cough in a Pakistani hypertensive population.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. A total of 74 patients who had been treated with ACEIs were recruited through a convenient sampling method. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board &amp; Ethics Committee of the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. Patients provided 2 ml of blood for sequencing after signing informed consent. Partial gene sequencing of SLCO1B1 was carried out to find single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes.ResultsIt was found, through a structured questionnaire, that thirty-eight (38) patients experienced cough within 2 weeks of ACEI administration and were considered as a case group (cough), and thirty-six (36) patients were considered as a control group (no cough). The incidence of cough was 51%. We found six different SNPs and 9 haplotypes in the partial gene sequences of SLCO1B1. Haplotype H4 was associated significantly with cough after adjusting for sex and smoking status. Other SNPs and haplotypes were not significantly associated with ACE-Is-induced cough.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the significance of SLCO1B1 genetic variants, specifically H4, as a potential predictor of ACEI-induced cough. It could be included in clinical practice as a possible risk factor for ACEI-induced cough once confirmed in larger clinical trials with bigger sample sizes. The replication of these findings in larger and more diverse populations is likely to contribute to the therapeutic use of ACEIs by predicting ACEI-induced cough.
Mechanistic study of leukopenia treatment by Qijiao shengbai Capsule via the Bcl2/Bax/CASAPSE3 pathway
Authors: Jiang Siyue , Wang Pengjiao , Sun Xiaodong , Zhang Min , Zhang Shuo , Cao Yu , Wang Yuben , Liu Li , Gao Xiuli 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundLeukopenia can be caused by chemotherapy, which suppresses bone marrow function and can impact the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Qijiao Shengbai Capsule (QJSB) is commonly used to treat leukopenia, but the specific bioactive components and mechanisms of action are not well understood.Objectives and resultsThis study aimed to analyze the active ingredients of QJSB and its potential targets for treating leukopenia using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Through a combination of serum pharmacochemistry, multi-omics, network pharmacology, and validation experiments in a murine leukopenia model, the researchers sought to understand how QJSB improves leukopenia. The study identified 16 key components of QJSB that act in vivo to increase the number of white blood cells in leukopenic mice. Multi-omics analysis and network pharmacology revealed that the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways are important in the treatment of leukopenia with QJSB. Five specific targets (JUN, FOS, BCl-2, CASPAS-3) were identified as key targets.ConclusionValidation experiments confirmed that QJSB regulates genes related to cell growth and inhibits apoptosis, suggesting that apoptosis may play a crucial role in leukopenia development and that QJSB may improve immune function by regulating apoptotic proteins and increasing CD4+ T cell count in leukopenic mice.