bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peptides with immunomodulatory properties (Imuno TF®) increase the frequency of the CD8+ T cell population in vitro
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Rocha , Kaminski Valéria de Lima , Vieira Rodolfo de Paula , Ferreira Anderson , Olímpio Fabiana Regina da Silva , Loures Flávio Vieira , Aimbire Flavio , Polonini Hudson 
Published: September 2024

Imuno TF® is a food supplement composed of oligo- and polypeptides with roles in the immune system. It has been previously demonstrated that Imuno TF® positively regulated Th1 cytokines while decreasing Th2 cytokines (reduced secretion of IL-10 and increased secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α). Here we aimed to investigate the actions of Imuno TF® on the frequency of stimulated CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell populations and their cytokine productions. Human lymphocyte cultures were used for that, and IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-13, and IL-35 were quantified by ELISA and RT qPCR. The frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ populations was investigated through flow cytometry. We observed an increased frequency of CD8+ T-cells after the combined stimulation of cells with Imuno TF® and ConA compared to controls. No differences were observed regarding the frequency of CD4+ T-cells. In addition, a significant increase in IL-2, IL-7, and IFN-γ levels was observed, while IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 presented reduced levels. No alterations were observed in IL-35 levels. Our results suggest that the Imuno TF® can potentially increase the CD8+ T-cell population by positively regulating cytokines associated with Th1 response and increased IL-7 levels while reducing Th2 cytokine-mediated immune responses.
The effects of women's double working hours on professional nursing practice
Authors: Fernandes Mariana Freire , Bessa Iasmin Freitas , Oliveira Jonas Sami Albuquerque de , Menezes Rejane Maria Paiva de , Costa Isabelle Katherinne Fernandes , Araújo Rhayssa de Oliveira e 
Published: September 2024

Objective: Reflect on the double working day of female nurses and its consequences for professional practice. Methodology: This is a theoretical and reflective study based on the theoretical perspective of the sociology of work, together with the theoretical references of Simone de Beauvoir and Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. A narrative review of the literature was carried out in a non-systematic way in order to establish relationships between the theoretical framework selected and current issues in nursing, as well as women's experiences. Results: The logical-reflective exposition is anchored in three fundamental aspects: the working nurse; the double working day and the health of working nurses. It's not possible to look at women only as workers, since their biological reality is closely linked to their social representation. This implies the need to investigate how the social construction of women directly interferes with their lives in an integral way. Such reflection can contribute to valuing nursing work, as well as fostering discussion about the social role of women. Conclusion: This reflection needs to be present in society as a whole, not just in the context of nursing, so that women's demands, which have been evident throughout history, can be noted.
Distinctive features and prognostic utility of neutrophil in severe patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection
Authors: Du Chunjing , Lu Ming , Zheng Jiajia , Liu Chao , Yang Ping , Yi Juan , Zhu Liuluan , Shen Ning 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundNeutrophil plays a pivotal role in the management of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Delineate the clinical characteristics and prognostic utility of neutrophil in severe patients with K. pneumoniae infection are crucial for clinical management and prognostic assessment.MethodsK. pneumoniae patients with different infection sites were enrolled from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV and eICU Collaborative Research Database. Temporal variations of neutrophil counts within 30 days of clinical onset were examined using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing curves. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between neutrophil counts and hospital mortality.ResultsA total of 1,705 patients caused by K. pneumonia were included in the study. The non-survivor group exhibited a comparatively older age and a higher proportion of K. pneumoniae infections originating from respiratory and bloodstream sources compared to the survivor group (38.4% vs 21.1%, p&lt;0.0001, and 15.1% vs 10.3%, p=0.021). Patients combined with multiple drug resistance strains, respiratory infection, liver disease, and above 60 years exhibited a specific dynamic process of neutrophil levels. Neutrophils counts peaked at admission and 1-2 weeks later. There was a ‘U’-shaped relationship between neutrophil counts and hospital mortality.ConclusionsNeutrophils in K. pneumoniae infected patients have distinctive features and dynamic clinical trajectories. Close monitoring of severe patients infected with K. pneumoniae upon admission and during the first 1-2 weeks after admission is of utmost importance, particularly for patients with a neutrophil count exceeding 8.0×109/L.
Effect of the immune cells and plasma metabolites on rheumatoid arthritis: a mediated mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Qi-Pei , Du Hong-Cheng , Xie Ping-Jin , Chai Sheng-Ting 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIncreasing evidence indicates a close relationship between alterations in human immune cells and plasma metabolites with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, limited studies have left the causal relationships behind these links unclear.MethodsA bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) study was conducted, combined with mediation analysis, using data from genome-wide association study database covering 731 immune cell phenotypes and 1,400 plasma metabolite traits to explore their causal relationships with RA and potential mediating effects. The primary method used for MR analysis was inverse-variance weighted and False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction was applied to verify the robustness of our results.ResultsHLA DR on CD33- HLA DR+ (myeloid cell group) (OR, 1.422; 95% CI, 1.194–1.694; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR = 0.012) increased the risk of developing RA. CD19 on IgD+ CD38- naive (B cell group) (OR, 0.969; 95% CI, 0.954–0.985; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR = 0.021) reduced the risk of developing RA. RA was a risk factor for HLA DR on CD14- CD16+ monocytes (monocyte group) (OR, 1.242; 95% CI, 1.102–1.401; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR  = 0.047). RA was a protective factor for memory B cell %lymphocyte (B cell group) (OR, 0.861; 95% CI, 0.795–0.933; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR = 0.050), CD4+ CD8dim T cell %lymphocyte (TBNK group) (OR, 0.802; 95% CI, 0.711–0.904; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR  = 0.043), CD4+ CD8dim T cell %leukocyte (TBNK group) (OR, 0.814; 95% CI, 0.726–0.913; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR  = 0.046), CD24 on IgD+ CD24+ B cells (B cell group) (OR, 0.857; 95% CI, 0.793–0.927; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR  = 0.038), and CD24 on unswitched memory B cells (B cell group) (OR, 0.867; 95% CI, 0.797–0.942; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR  = 0.050). Increasing levels of docosatrienoate (22:3n3) (OR, 0.886; 95% CI, 0.838–0.936; P &lt; 0.001; PFDR = 0.023) significantly reduced the risk of developing RA. The mediating effect of plasma metabolites in this context was not established.ConclusionThis study provides genetic evidence for the intricate relationships between immune cells, plasma metabolites, and RA, highlighting the potential mechanisms involved. This will contribute to future directions in precision medicine and research.
Minimizing unnecessary brain magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric endocrinology: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Marin Maura , Murru Flora Maria , Baldo Francesco , Tamaro Gianluca , Faleschini Elena , Barbi Egidio , Tornese Gianluca 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundBrain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is mandatory or highly recommended in many pediatric endocrinological conditions to detect causative anatomic anomalies and rule out neoplastic lesions. However, MRI can also show findings associated with the underlying clinical condition, as well as unrelated “incidentalomas”. These latter findings are often abnormalities with a high incidence in the general population for which there is no clear literature regarding their management, especially in pediatric patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the number of unnecessary performed MRIs in pediatric endocrinology.MethodsRetrospective analysis on 584 MRI scans performed in 414 patients (254 growth hormone deficiency, 41 other causes of short stature, 116 central precocious puberty).ResultsThe MRI scans were completely normal in 67% of the individuals, and the prevalence of individuals who underwent more than one MRI was 18%, with no significant differences among the groups. The overall prevalence of incidentalomas was 17%. Among 170 repeated MRI scans, 147 (86%) were not required according to a dedicated protocol. Only five patients (four GHD, one Noonan) correctly repeated the MRI. All the repeated MRI scans did not reveal any progression in the findings. If we include the MRIs performed in cases of OCSS other than Noonan syndrome (n=32) and girls with CPP older than 6 years (n=89), an additional 121 MRIs could have been avoided, leading to a total number of unnecessary MRIs to 268 (46%).ConclusionsOnly a few specific neuroimaging findings in endocrinologic pediatric patients warrant further investigation, while too often repeated imaging is carried out unnecessarily. We advocate the importance of guidelines to reduce costs for both the healthcare system and patients’ families, as well as to alleviate physical and psychological distress for patients and caregivers.
Construction of circRNA-mediated ceRNA network and immunoassay for investigating pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: Yang Ting , Xu Wenya , Zhao Jie , Chen Jie , Li Siguang , Lin Lingsang , Zhong Yi , Yang Zehua , Xie Tian , Ding Yipeng 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe chronic respiratory condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was one of the main causes of death and disability worldwide. This study aimed to explore and elucidate new targets and molecular mechanisms of COPD by constructing competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks.MethodsGSE38974 and GSE106986 were used to select DEGs in COPD samples and normal samples. Cytoscape software was used to construct and present protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, mRNA-miRNA co-expression network and ceRNA network. The CIBERSORT algorithm and the Lasso model were used to screen the immune infiltrating cells and hub genes associated with COPD, and the correlation between them was analyzed. COPD cell models were constructed in vitro and the expression level of ceRNA network factors mediated by hub gene was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).ResultsIn this study, 852 differentially expressed genes were screened in the GSE38974 dataset, including 439 upregulated genes and 413 downregulated genes. Gene clustering analysis of PPI network results was performed using the Minimum Common Tumor Data Element (MCODE) in Cytoscape, and seven hub genes were screened using five algorithms in cytoHubba. CCL20 was verified as an important hub gene based on mRNA-miRNA co-expression network, GSE106986 database validation and the analysis of ROC curve results. Finally, we successfully constructed the circDTL-hsa-miR-330-3p-CCL20 network by Cytoscape. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that CCL20 can co-regulate immune cell migration and infiltration through chemokines CCL7 and CXCL3. In vitro experiments, the expression of circDTL and CCL20 was increased, while the expression of hsa-miR-330-3p was decreased in the COPD cell model.ConclusionBy constructing the circDTL-hsa-miR-330-3p-CCL20 network, this study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of COPD development, which also provides important clues for the development of new therapeutic strategies and drug targets.
Estimating the number of Canadians suffering from fecal incontinence using pooled prevalence data from meta-analysis
Authors: Oliaei Ava , Elterman Dean , Sadri Salar , Zimmerman Eric , Pezeshki Padina , Chughtai Bilal , Sadri Hamid 
Published: September 2024

Background and aimFecal incontinence (FI) is defined as the unintended loss of solid or liquid stool. FI adversely affects the patient’s quality of life. However, due to stigma, lack of awareness, and underdiagnosis, there is a notable gap in the knowledge regarding its prevalence. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature reporting on FI prevalence and estimate the number of people afflicted by FI.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using the Embase, MEDLINE, CINHAL, and PubMed databases to identify relevant publications in the English language. Two reviewers independently screened the articles and extracted data. The reference sections and content of the review papers were also evaluated. Thirty-two articles were selected and included. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using RStudio software. A sub-analysis was conducted to account for the variation between sample population age groups to minimize heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence was extrapolated to the Canadian population and a sample of ten densely populated countries to estimate the number of people affected by FI.ResultsThe Mean pooled FI prevalence in men and women was 7% (95% CI: 6-9%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12%), respectively. The sub-analysis mean pooled prevalence of FI in men and women was 8% (95% CI: 6-10%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12%), respectively. The authors estimate that between 1 and 1.5 million Canadians and 320 to 500 million people in the ten most populous countries suffer from FI.ConclusionFecal incontinence is a prevalent underdiagnosed condition requiring appropriate and timely treatment to improve a patient’s quality of life.
The dual role of glucocorticoid regeneration in inflammation at parturition
Authors: Ling Li-Jun , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Fan , Lei Wen-Jia , Li Meng-Die , Lu Jiang-Wen , Wang Wang-Sheng , Sun Kang , Ying Hao 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionFetal membrane inflammation is an integral event of parturition. However, excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines can impose threats to the fetus. Coincidentally, the fetal membranes express abundant 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), which generates biologically active cortisol to promote labor through induction of prostaglandin synthesis. Given the well-recognized anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids, we hypothesized that cortisol regenerated in the fetal membranes might be engaged in restraining fetus-hazardous pro-inflammatory cytokine production for the safety of the fetus, while reserving pro-labor effect on prostaglandin synthesis to ensure safe delivery of the fetus.MethodsThe hypothesis was examined in human amnion tissue and cultured primary human amnion fibroblasts as well as a mouse model.Results11β-HSD1 was significantly increased in the human amnion in infection-induced preterm birth. Studies in human amnion fibroblasts showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced 11β-HSD1 expression synergistically with cortisol. Cortisol completely blocked NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by LPS, but STAT3-mediated cyclooxygenase 2 expression, a crucial prostaglandin synthetic enzyme, remained. Further studies in pregnant mice showed that corticosterone did not delay LPS-induced preterm birth, but alleviated LPS-induced fetal organ damages, along with increased 11β-HSD1, cyclooxygenase 2, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine in the fetal membranes.DiscussionThere is a feed-forward cortisol regeneration in the fetal membranes in infection, and cortisol regenerated restrains pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, while reserves pro-labor effect on prostaglandin synthesis. This dual role of cortisol regeneration can prevent excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production, while ensure in-time delivery for the safety of the fetus.
Source-to-sink processes and genetic mechanism of progradational and lateral accretion submarine fans in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Feng Congjun , Fan Guozhang , Yang Zhili , Yao Xingzong , Song Xinglei , Li Weiqiang , Qu Hongjun , Zhang Qiang , Wang Xuefeng 
Published: September 2024

Submarine fan reservoirs are important accumulation zones for oil, gas, and natural gas hydrates, offering significant potential for hydrocarbon exploration. During the deposition period of the Sanya Formation in the southern part of the Changchang Sag of the Qiongdongnan Basin, a large submarine fan developed. However, the internal structure, source-sink system, and formation mechanism of this fan remain poorly understood, posing significant challenges to exploration in this area. This paper examines the source-to-sink sedimentary processes and deposition of submarine fans, using the Changchang Sag, in the Qiongdongnan Basin in the Northern South China Sea, as an example, which will provide valuable general guidance for deep water oil and gas exploration. Based on the theories of seismic stratigraphy and seismic sedimentology, this paper utilizes techniques such as seismic facies analysis, seismic attribute optimization, paleogeomorphology reconstruction, and source-to-sink sedimentary system analysis to analyze the 3D seismic data of the study area. Research indicates that the Sanya Formation in the Changchang Sag of the Qiongdongnan Basin comprises three depositional units: submarine fan, feeder channel, and Semi-deep marine to deep marine mudstone. The submarine fan is a fan formed by the coupling and convergence of submarine fans sourced from the southwest and southeast. Internally, it is divided into three sub-facies: the proximal fan of the sand-rich submarine fan, the main body of the sand-rich submarine fan lobes, and the distal lobes of the sand-rich submarine fan. The submarine fan sourced from the southwest extends nearly north-south and is primarily fed by sediment transported through three large, banded ancient valleys. The sedimentary filling is characterized by three-phase progradation. The submarine fan sourced from the southeast extends nearly east-west and is primarily fed by sediment transported through a single large, banded ancient valley. The sedimentary filling is characterized by two-phase lateral accumulation. During the deposition period of the Sanya Formation, certain areas of the southern uplift belt were exposed for extended periods and subjected to weathering and erosion. Sediments are transported to large ancient valleys through small supply channels. A large number of sediments were transported to the southern slope of the Changchang sag through the provenance channel system such as large ancient valleys and slope belts and deposited in the center of the sag. These make up a complete system of large ancient uplifts and submarine fan source-to-sink sedimentary systems.The sedimentary model is a lobed submarine fan controlled by semi-restricted ancient valleys and expansive basins.
Professional development is the key to securing a future rheumatology workforce. Long term evaluation of a summer school for medical students—a national scientific society’s educational initiative
Authors: Sautner Judith , Puchner Rudolf , Reisch Myriam , Alkin Alois , Duftner Christina , Dejaco Christian 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesA cumulative imbalance between rheumatologic need and an inadequate number of young colleagues entering the field leads to a dearth of rheumatologists in the near future. The Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR) has been organizing an annual Rheumatology Summer School (RSS) for medical students since 2017. The aim of this study was to analyze the annual RSS evaluations, the RSS’ overall effects on attracting new talent into the field and the lasting promotion of rheumatology.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed immediately after each RSS meeting. Additionally, we conducted an electronic survey among RSS participants (2017–2022) to assess their career development trajectories.ResultsFrom 2017–2023, a total of 220 students attended the RSS. They all completed the annual evaluation. Accordingly, students’ expectations were met in 80% (2017) to 97% (2023) of cases. The electronic survey was completed by 64/133 (48%) students; 49 (77%) indicated that the RSS had markedly increased their desire to specialize in rheumatology. Among the 36 graduates, 10 (28%) had already been working in the field of rheumatology and 6 (17%) were considering this specialty but had not decided yet. RSS attendees in their 6th study year were influenced to a greater extent by the RSS to choose rheumatology as their primary specialty than 4th or 5th year students. The participants indicated that they benefited most from the RSS in terms of knowledge gain, personal awareness of rheumatology, networking among fellow students as well as gaining access to RSS faculty.ConclusionThe RSS enhanced students’ intention to choose rheumatology, particularly in those close to graduation, and led to increased awareness and deeper knowledge about rheumatology.
Impact of ovalbumin allergy on oral and gut microbiome dynamics in 6-week-old BALB/c mice
Authors: Qiao Chuanyue , Bian Shuang , Huang Hao , Xiao Han , Ma Lei , Han Rui 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe gut microbiota is known to have a significant impact on the development of food allergy, and several recent studies have suggested that both oral microbiota, which first come into contact with allergenic foods, may have a profound influence on the development of food allergy.MethodsIn this study, we have established an ovalbumin-sensitive mice model by utilizing ovalbumin as a sensitizing agent. Subsequently, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the gut and oral microbiota in ovalbumin-sensitive mice and the control mice using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing analysis.ResultsInterestingly, both the gut and oral microbiota of ovalbumin-sensitized mice exhibited significant dysbiosis. The relative abundance of s__Lactobacillus_intestinalis in the gut microbiota of ovalbumin-sensitive mice exhibited a significant decrease, whereas the abundance of s__Agrobacterium_radiobacter and s__Acinetobacter_sp__CIP_56_2 displayed a significant increase. Furthermore, the relative abundance of s__unclassified_g__Staphylococcus, s__Streptococcus_hyointestinalis, and s__unclassified_g__Dechloromonas in the oral microbiota of ovalbumin-sensitive mice revealed a significant decrease. In contrast, the abundance of 63 other species, including s__Proteiniclasticum_ruminis, s__Guggenheimella_bovis, and s__Romboutsia_timonensis, demonstrated a significant increase. The random forest classifier achieved the best accuracy in predicting the outcome of food allergy using three gut and three oral biomarkers, with accuracies of 94.12 and 100%, respectively. Based on the predictions of the PICRUSt2 analysis, the only consistent finding observed across multiple samples from both the groups of mice was a significant up-regulation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway in the ovalbumin-sensitized mice.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that ovalbumin-sensitized mice experience substantial alterations in both gut and oral microbial composition and structure, and specific strains identified in this study may serve as potential biomarkers for food allergy screening. Moreover, our findings highlight that the oral environment, under the same experimental conditions, exhibited greater precision in detecting a larger number of species. Additionally, it is worth noting that the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of OVA (ovalbumin)-induced allergy. These findings will generate novel concepts and strategies in the realm of food allergy prevention and treatment.