bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echinococcus multilocularis
serpin regulates macrophage polarization and reduces gut dysbiosis in colitis
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Liu Yihui , Zou Yang , Zhang Jiayun , Wang Yugui , Ding Yingying , Shi Zhiqi , Guo Xiaola , Zhang Shaohua , Yin Hong , Guo Aijiang , Wang Shuai 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Helminths serve as principal regulators in modulating host immune responses, and their excretory-secretory proteins are recognized as potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory bowel disease. Nevertheless, our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying immunoregulation remains restricted. This investigation delves into the immunomodulatory role of a secretory protein serpin (
Emu
-serpin), within the larval stage of
Echinococcus multilocularis
. Our observations indicate that
Emu
-serpin effectively alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, yielding a substantial reduction in immunopathology and an augmentation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, this suppressive regulatory effect is concomitant with the reduction of gut microbiota dysbiosis linked to colitis, as evidenced by a marked impediment to the expansion of the pathobiont taxa Enterobacteriaceae.
In vivo
experiments demonstrate that
Emu
-serpin facilitates the expansion of M2 phenotype macrophages while concurrently diminishing M1 phenotype macrophages, alongside an elevation in anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. Subsequent
in vitro
investigations involving RAW264.7 and bone marrow macrophages reveal that
Emu
-serpin induces a conversion of M2 macrophage populations from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype through direct inhibition. Adoptive transfer experiments reveal the peritoneal macrophages induced by
Emu
-serpin alleviate colitis and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In summary, these findings propose that
Emu
-serpin holds the potential to regulate macrophage polarization and maintain gut microbiota homeostasis in colitis, establishing it as a promising candidate for developing helminth therapy for preventing inflammatory diseases.
Lipoteichoic acid biosynthesis by
Staphylococcus aureus
is controlled by the MspA protein
Authors: Bonini Dora , Duggan Seána , Alnahari Alaa , Brignoli Tarcisio , Strahl Henrik , Massey Ruth C. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
produces a plethora of virulence factors critical to its ability to establish an infection and cause disease. We have previously characterized a small membrane protein, MspA, which has pleiotropic effects on virulence and contributes to
S. aureus
pathogenicity
in vivo
. Here we report that
mspA
inactivation triggers overaccumulation of the essential cell wall component, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), which, in turn, decreases autolytic activity and leads to increased cell size due to a delay in cell separation. We show that MspA directly interacts with the enzymes involved in LTA biosynthesis (LtaA, LtaS, UgtP, and SpsB), interfering with their normal activities. MspA, in particular, interacts with the type I signal peptidase SpsB, limiting its cleavage of LtaS into its active form. These findings suggest that MspA contributes to maintaining a physiological level of LTA in the cell wall by interacting with and inhibiting the activity of SpsB, thereby uncovering a critical role for the MspA protein in regulating cell envelope biosynthesis and pathogenicity.

IMPORTANCE

The
S. aureus
cell envelope, comprising the cytoplasmic membrane, a thick peptidoglycan layer, and the anionic polymers lipoteichoic acid and wall teichoic acids, is fundamental for bacterial growth and division, as well as being the main interface between the pathogen and the host. It has become increasingly apparent that the synthesis and turnover of cell envelope components also affect the virulence of
S. aureus
. In this study, we show that MspA, an effector of
S. aureus
virulence, contributes to the maintenance of normal levels of lipoteichoic acid in the cell wall, with implications on cell cycle and size. These findings further our understanding of the connections between envelope synthesis and pathogenicity and suggest that MspA represents a promising target for the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Draft genome sequences of two
Gluconobacter
strains isolated from spoiled orange juice
Authors: Ariano Ky , Farrington Tayler , Schweiger Paul 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of two
Gluconobacter
strains that were isolated from spoiled orange juice.
Gluconobacter
are members of the acetic acid bacteria and are known for their unique metabolism and use in industry. Understanding acetic acid bacteria diversity is essential for engineering further optimized industrial strains.
Draft genome assemblies of one
Lactobacillus gasseri
strain and two
Lactobacillus jensenii
strains isolated from voided urine samples
Authors: Kula Alex , Stegman Natalie , Putonti Catherine 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

We present the draft genome for three
Lactobacillus
strains isolated from female urine specimens:
Lactobacillus gasseri
UMB1673,
Lactobacillus jensenii
UMB1855, and
Lactobacillus jensenii
UMB5069. Focusing on strains within the female urinary microbiome can provide a more well-rounded understanding of the microbial community and its influence on health and disease.
The construction of the Giza pyramids chronicled by human copper contamination
Authors: Younes Gamal , Kaniewski David , Marriner Nick , Morhange Christophe , Sheisha Hader , Odler Martin , Wang Yanna , Chen Zhongyuan , El-Qady Gad , Saleem Amr , Véron Alain 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Although the construction of the Giza necropolis necessitated the creation of an extensive array of metal tools, the significance of these early instances of metallurgy, and the contamination they left, has been overlooked in favor of understanding pyramid building techniques. We geochemically analyzed a sediment core from the Khufu harbor, on the Nile floodplain at Giza, Egypt, to track the construction of the necropolis, with a particular focus on copper contamination deriving from metallurgical activities. We found that significant local contamination occurred during the regnal years of Kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, consistent with metalworking during the preparation and construction of the edifices. While the pyramid complex led to the creation of an outstanding cultural legacy for humanity, it also marked the onset of significant human-caused metal contamination at Giza.
The Ionospheric Electric Field Perturbation with an Increase in Radon Emanation
Authors: Denisenko V. V. , Rozanov E. V. , Belyuchenko K. V. , Bessarab F. S. , Golubenko K. S. , Klimenko M. V. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Due to the increase in radon emanation, the conductivity in the surface layer of air increases, which causes variations in the electric fields in the low atmosphere and according to some hypotheses in the ionosphere. There are well-known proposals on the possibility of using such ionospheric disturbances as precursors of earthquakes. In this study, the ionospheric electric fields are calculated in the framework of a quasi-stationary model of the conductor consisting of the atmosphere, including the ionosphere. The consequences of the paradoxical point of view on the decrease in the conductivity of surface air with an increase in radon content are also considered. It is shown that even with extreme radon emanation, the obtained calculated perturbations of the ionospheric electric field are three to four orders of magnitude smaller than the supposed precursors of earthquakes.
Examining the availability and readiness of health facilities to provide cervical cancer screening services in Nepal: a cross-sectional study using data from the Nepal Health Facility Survey
Authors: Acharya Kiran , Bhattarai Navaraj , Dahal Rudra , Bhattarai Asmita , Paudel Yuba Raj , Dharel Dinesh , Aryal Kabita , Adhikari Kamala 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveWe assessed the availability and readiness of health facilities to provide cervical cancer screening services in Nepal.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWe used secondary data from a nationally representative 2021 Nepal Health Facility Survey, specifically focusing on the facilities offering cervical cancer screening services.Outcome measuresWe defined the readiness of health facilities to provide cervical cancer screening services using the standard WHO service availability and readiness assessment manual.ResultsThe overall readiness score was 59.1% (95% CI 55.4% to 62.8%), with more equipment and diagnostic tests available than staff and guidelines. Public hospitals (67.4%, 95% CI 63.0% to 71.7%) had the highest readiness levels. Compared with urban areas, health facilities in rural areas had lower readiness. The Sudurpashchim, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces had higher readiness levels (69.1%, 95% CI 57.7% to 80.5%; 60.1%, 95% CI 53.4% to 66.8%; and 62.5%, 95% CI 56.5% to 68.5%, respectively). Around 17% of facilities had trained providers and specific guidelines to follow while providing cervical cancer screening services. The basic healthcare centres (BHCCs) had lower readiness than private hospitals. Facility types, province and staff management meetings had heterogeneous associations with three conditional quantile scores.ConclusionThe availability of cervical cancer screening services is limited in Nepal, necessitating urgent action to expand coverage. Our findings suggest that efforts should focus on improving the readiness of existing facilities by providing training to healthcare workers and increasing access to guidelines. BHCCs and healthcare facilities in rural areas and Karnali province should be given priority to enhance their readiness.
Long-term cohort study of patients presenting with hypercapnic respiratory failure
Authors: Chung Yewon , Garden Frances L , Marks Guy B , Vedam Hima 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveWe sought to describe the long-term prognosis for a population-based cohort of people with hypercapnic respiratory failure (HRF) and the associations between underlying diagnoses and the risks of death and rehospitalisation.MethodsWe performed a historical cohort study of all persons with HRF in the Liverpool local government area in New South Wales, Australia, in the 3-year period from 2013 to 2015. Cohort members were identified using arterial blood gas results from Liverpool Hospital demonstrating pH ≤7.45 and PaCO2>45 mm Hg within 24 hours of presentation. Linked health data were obtained from statewide registries with a minimum follow-up period of 6 years. The primary outcomes were time to death from any cause and the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) which compares the observed to the expected number of deaths in the same population. Secondary outcomes were time to rehospitalisation and the associations between death and/or hospitalisation and underlying diagnoses.ResultsThe cohort comprised 590 adults aged between 15 and 101 years. Overall, 415 (70.3%) participants died in the follow-up period. Among those who survived the index admission, the probability of survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 81%, 59% and 45%, respectively. The overall SMR was 9.2 (95% CI 7.6 to 11.0), indicating a near 10-fold risk of death than otherwise expected for age. Most (91%) survivors experienced rehospitalisation, with median (IQR) time to readmission of 3.9 (1.2–10.6) months. Congestive cardiac failure and neuromuscular disease were associated with an increased risk of death, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep disordered breathing increased the risk of rehospitalisation.ConclusionsHRF is associated with poor survival and high risk of rehospitalisation in the 5 years following an index event. The underlying disease appears to have some influence on overall survival and subsequent hospitalisations.
Use of oral moist tobacco (snus) in puberty and its association with asthma in the population-based RHINESSA study
Authors: López-Cervantes Juan Pablo , Schlünssen Vivi , Senaratna Chamara , Accordini Simone , Callejas Francisco Javier , Franklin Karl A , Holm Mathias , Jogi Nils Oskar , Malinovschi Andrei , Oudin Anna , Sigsgaard Torben , Thorarinsdottir Elin Helga , Janson Christer , Bertelsen Randi Jacobsen , Svanes Cecilie 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the association of early snus use initiation (≤15 years of age) with asthma and asthma symptoms.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort.SettingStudy centres in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and Estonia, from 2016 to 2019.Participants9002 male and female participants above 15 years of age of the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe, Spain and Australia study.Main outcome measuresCurrent asthma and asthma symptoms.ResultsThe median age of study participants was 28 years (range 15–53) and 58% were women. 20% had used snus, 29% men and 14% women. Overall, 26% of males and 14% of females using snus started ≤15 years of age. Early snus use initiation was associated with having three or more asthma symptoms (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.46 to 5.00) and a higher asthma symptom score (β-coefficient (β) 0.35; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.63) in women. These associations were weak in men (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.94; β 0.16; 95% CI −0.06 to 0.38, respectively). There was evidence for an association of early snus initiation with current asthma (OR 1.72; 95% CI 0.88 to 3.37 in women; OR 1.31; 95% CI 0.84 to 2.06 in men). A sensitivity analysis among participants without smoking history showed stronger estimates for all three outcomes, in both men and women, statistically significant for three or more asthma symptoms in women (OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.18 to 9.10). Finally, no consistent associations with asthma outcomes were found for starting snus after age 15 years.ConclusionsSnus initiation in puberty was associated with higher likelihood of asthma and asthma symptoms, with the highest estimates in females and those without smoking history. These results raise concerns about the health adversities of early snus initiation and emphasise the need for public health initiatives to protect young people from this tobacco product.
HBcrAg values may predict virological and immunological responses to pegIFN-α in NUC-suppressed HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Vecchi Andrea , Rossi Marzia , Tiezzi Camilla , Fisicaro Paola , Doselli Sara , Gabor Elena Adelina , Penna Amalia , Montali Ilaria , Ceccatelli Berti Camilla , Reverberi Valentina , Montali Anna , Fletcher Simon P , Degasperi Elisabetta , Sambarino Dana , Laccabue Diletta , Facchetti Floriana , Schivazappa Simona , Loggi Elisabetta , Coco Barbara , Cavallone Daniela , Rosselli Del Turco Elena , Massari Marco , Pedrazzi Giuseppe , Missale Gabriele , Verucchi Gabriella , Andreone Pietro , Brunetto Maurizia Rossana , Lampertico Pietro , Ferrari Carlo , Boni Carolina 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveSelected populations of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may benefit from a combined use of pegylated interferon-alpha (pegIFN-α) and nucleos(t)ides (NUCs). The aim of our study was to assess the immunomodulatory effect of pegIFN-α on T and natural killer (NK) cell responses in NUC-suppressed patients to identify cellular and/or serological parameters to predict better T cell-restoring effect and better control of infection in response to pegIFN-α for a tailored application of IFN-α add-on.Design53 HBeAg-negative NUC-treated patients with CHB were randomised at a 1:1 ratio to receive pegIFN-α-2a for 48 weeks, or to continue NUC therapy and then followed up for at least 6 months maintaining NUCs. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) levels as well as peripheral blood NK cell phenotype and function and HBV-specific T cell responses upon in vitro stimulation with overlapping HBV peptides were measured longitudinally before, during and after pegIFN-α therapy.ResultsTwo cohorts of pegIFN-α treated patients were identified according to HBsAg decline greater or less than 0.5 log at week 24 post-treatment. PegIFN-α add-on did not significantly improve HBV-specific T cell responses during therapy but elicited a significant multispecific and polyfunctional T cell improvement at week 24 post-pegIFN-α treatment compared with baseline. This improvement was maximal in patients who had a higher drop in serum HBsAg levels and a lower basal HBcrAg values.ConclusionsPegIFN-α treatment can induce greater functional T cell improvement and HBsAg decline in patients with lower baseline HBcrAg levels. Thus, HBcrAg may represent an easily and reliably applicable parameter to select patients who are more likely to achieve better response to pegIFN-α add-on to virally suppressed patients.
Faecal proteomics links neutrophil degranulation with mortality in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis
Authors: Kreimeyer Henriette , Gonzalez Carlos G , Fondevila Marcos F , Hsu Cynthia L , Hartmann Phillipp , Zhang Xinlian , Stärkel Peter , Bosques-Padilla Francisco , Verna Elizabeth C , Abraldes Juan G , Brown Robert S , Vargas Victor , Altamirano Jose , Caballería Juan , Shawcross Debbie L , Louvet Alexandre , Lucey Michael R , Mathurin Philippe , Garcia-Tsao Guadalupe , Bataller Ramón , Investigators AlcHepNet , Gonzalez David J , Schnabl Bernd 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivePatients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) have a high mortality. Alcohol exacerbates liver damage by inducing gut dysbiosis, bacterial translocation and inflammation, which is characterised by increased numbers of circulating and hepatic neutrophils.DesignIn this study, we performed tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics to analyse proteins in the faeces of controls (n=19), patients with alcohol-use disorder (AUD; n=20) and AH (n=80) from a multicentre cohort (InTeam). To identify protein groups that are disproportionately represented, we conducted over-representation analysis using Reactome pathway analysis and Gene Ontology to determine the proteins with the most significant impact. A faecal biomarker and its prognostic effect were validated by ELISA in faecal samples from patients with AH (n=70), who were recruited in a second and independent multicentre cohort (AlcHepNet).ResultFaecal proteomic profiles were overall significantly different between controls, patients with AUD and AH (principal component analysis p=0.001, dissimilarity index calculated by the method of Bray-Curtis). Proteins that showed notable differences across all three groups and displayed a progressive increase in accordance with the severity of alcohol-associated liver disease were predominantly those located in neutrophil granules. Over-representation and Reactome analyses confirmed that differentially regulated proteins are part of granules in neutrophils and the neutrophil degranulation pathway. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), the marker protein of neutrophil granules, correlates with disease severity and predicts 60-day mortality. Using an independent validation cohort, we confirmed that faecal MPO levels can predict short-term survival at 60 days.ConclusionsWe found an increased abundance of faecal proteins linked to neutrophil degranulation in patients with AH, which is predictive of short-term survival and could serve as a prognostic non-invasive marker.
Epidemiology and association of neighbourhood marginalisation on violent knife assaults in Ontario: a population-based case-control study
Authors: Evans Christopher , Li Wenbin , Matskiv George , Brogly Susan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundViolent knife assaults (‘stabbings’) are underappreciated as a source of morbidity and mortality. The two objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology of stabbing injuries in the population of Ontario, Canada and to assess the associations between two measures of neighbourhood marginalisation—material deprivation and housing instability, and the risk of stabbing injury.MethodsWe conducted a population-based case-control study over 2004–18 using linked administrative data. Cases suffered a stabbing injury resulting in an emergency department visit, hospitalisation or death. Four age and sex-matched controls were matched to each case. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the associations between neighbourhood material deprivation as well as housing instability and the risk of injury. Mean annualised injury incidences were estimated using the number of cases identified divided by the total population of Ontario for that year.ResultsWe identified 26 657 individuals with a stabbing injury, of which 724 (2.7%) were fatal. The mean annualised incidence was 13.4 per 100 000 (95% CI: 12.7 to 15.9). Victims were disproportionately young (median age 25 years; IQR: 20–37 years) males (84.1%), from large urban centres (77.5%), and in the lowest income quintile (39.3%). In multivariate models, neighbourhood material deprivation (OR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.43 to 1.47) and housing instability (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.26) were associated with risk of injury.ConclusionsStabbing injuries are a substantial public health problem that affects individuals of all ages and demographics but disproportionately affects younger men in urban settings. There is a weak association between residence in marginalised neighbourhoods and the risk of stabbing injury. Future studies should aim to better understand the nature of this association and consider opportunities for public health interventions to reduce the burden of violent knife injuries.
Prediction of the mechanism of suicide among Minnesota residents using data from the Minnesota violent death reporting system (MNVDRS)
Authors: Waller Daniel C. , Wolfson Julian , Gingerich Stefan , Wright Nate , Ramirez Marizen R. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundSuicide remains a major public health problem, and firearms are used in approximately half of all such incidents. This study sought to predict the occurrence of suicide specifically by firearm, as opposed to any other means of suicide, in order to help inform possible life-saving interventions.MethodsThis study involved data from the Minnesota Violent Death Reporting System. Models evaluated whether data beyond basic demographics generated increased prediction accuracy. Models were built using random forests, logistic regression and data imputation. Models were evaluated for prediction accuracy using the area under the curve analysis and for proper calibration.ResultsResults showed that models constructed with social determinants and personal history data led to increased prediction accuracy in comparison to models constructed with basic demographic information only. The study identified an optimised ‘top 20’ variables model with a 73% chance of correctly discerning relative incident risk for a pair of individuals. Age, height/weight, employment industry/occupation, sex and education level were found to be most highly predictive of firearm suicide in the study’s ‘top 20’ model.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that the use of a firearm in a death by suicide, as opposed to any other means of suicide, can be reasonably well predicted when an individual’s social determinants and personal history are considered. These predictive models could help inform many prevention strategies, such as safe storage practices, background checks for firearm purchases or red flag laws.