bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tularemia: a case series from an endemic area in Hajnówka County, Norteast Poland
Authors: Maksimiuk Angelika , Grygorczuk Sambor 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundTularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It may manifest itself in various clinical forms, but in Poland the ulcerative-glandular or glandular forms of tularemia predominate. One of the routes of infection with F. tularensis is through a tick or insect bite. A patient may show no symptoms or report flu-like symptoms and painful lumps adjacent to the bite site. The differential diagnosis of localized lymphadenopathy accompanied by flu-like symptoms should include tularemia, especially in endemic areas. Lymphadenitis usually requires surgical intervention and is often unsuccessfully treated with beta-lactam antibiotics before the diagnosis of tularemia is established.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to analyze and present the epidemiology and clinical presentation of tularemia in a highly endemic area, in which ticks are an important vector of F. tularensis.Material and methodsWe have analyzed epidemiological and medical reports on the confirmed tularemia cases from Hajnówka County in 2014-2022. We describe three patients from the specific endemic area who were diagnosed with granular tularemia in 2022.ResultsWe have found high local exposition to Francisella tularensis infection in the Narewka community, generally consistent with the seasonality of tick activity and human activity outdoors.ConclusionsThe medical practitioner in such endemic areas must be aware that tularemia should be considered when diagnosing of flu-like symptoms accompanied by lymphadenopathy in patients bitten by ticks or insects in the summer and early autumn months. Early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy are the basis for effective treatment of tularemia.
Biological Characteristics of the Mycelium and Optimization of the Culture Medium for Phallus dongsun
Authors: Kang Chao , Zheng Xuan , Wang Wankun , Zeng Weijun , Wang Jing , Liu Zhongxuan , Yang Ling , Wang Fang , Zhu Yan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the influence of various culture medium components, including carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, suspension agents, and temperature, on the mycelial growth characteristics of Phallus dongsun. Employing single-factor experiments and response surface methodology within glass Petri dishes, the research identified that carrot powder, soybean powder, and ZnSO4 notably enhanced the proliferation of aerial mycelium, significantly augmenting the growth rate of P. dongsun mycelium. The resultant mycelium was observed to be dense, robust, and fluffy in texture. In particular, ZnSO4 markedly accelerated the mycelium growth rate. Furthermore, xanthan gum was found to effectively modulate the medium’s viscosity, ensuring a stable suspension and facilitating nutrient equilibrium. The optimal cultivation temperature was determined to be 25°C, with mycelial growth ceasing below 5°C and mycelium perishing at temperatures exceeding 35°C. The optimal medium composition was established as follows: wheat starch 5 g/l, carrot powder 5 g/l, soybean powder 7.50 g/l, glucose 10 g/l, ZnSO4 0.71 g/l, NH4Cl 0.68 g/l, xanthan gum 0.5 g/l, and agar 20 g/l. Under these optimized conditions, the mycelium of P. dongsun exhibited a rapid growth rate (1.04 ± 0.14 mm/day), characterized by a thick, dense, and well-developed structure. This investigation provides a theoretical foundation for the conservation, strain selection, and breeding of P. dongsun.
Assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic progression in Ecuador through seroprevalence analysis of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies in blood donors
Authors: Gaviria Aníbal , Tamayo-Trujillo Rafael , Paz-Cruz Elius , Cadena-Ullauri Santiago , Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Ruiz-Pozo Viviana A. , Cevallos Francisco , Aguirre-Tello Víctor , Risueño Karla , Yánez Martha Paulina , Cabrera-Andrade Alejandro , Zambrano Ana Karina 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe respiratory illness caused by the RNA virus SARS-CoV-2. Globally, there have been over 759.4 million cases and 6.74 million deaths, while Ecuador has reported more than 1.06 million cases and 35.9 thousand deaths. To describe the COVID-19 pandemic impact and the vaccinations effectiveness in a low-income country like Ecuador, we aim to assess the seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in a sample from healthy blood donors at the Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana.MethodsThe present seroprevalence study used a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies in months with the highest confirmed case rates (May 2020; January, April 2021; January, February, June, July 2022) and months with the highest vaccination rates (May, June, July, August, December 2021) in Quito, Ecuador. The IgG and IgM seroprevalence were also assessed based on sex, age range, blood type and RhD antigen type. The sample size was 8,159, and sampling was performed based on the availability of each blood type.ResultsThe results showed an overall IgG and IgM seroprevalence of 47.76% and 3.44%, respectively. There were no differences in IgG and IgM seroprevalences between blood groups and sex, whereas statistical differences were found based on months, age range groups, and RhD antigen type. For instance, the highest IgG seroprevalence was observed in February 2022 and within the 17-26 years age range group, while the highest IgM seroprevalence was in April 2021 and within the 47-56 years age range group. Lastly, only IgG seroprevalence was higher in RhD+ individuals while IgM seroprevalence was similar across RhD types.DiscussionThis project contributes to limited data on IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Ecuador. It suggests that herd immunity may have been achieved in the last evaluated months, and highlights a potential link between the RhD antigen type and COVID-19 susceptibility. These findings have implications for public health strategies and vaccine distribution not only in Ecuador but also in regions with similar characteristics.
Estimating the global prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Yichao , Liu Jiaye , Fang Yiqiao , Zhou Shengliang , Liu Xueting , Li Zhihui 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD)-related secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is associated with higher morbidity and death. The goal of this study was to mine the SHPT data already available to do a meta-analysis on the global prevalence of SHPT caused by CKD.MethodsEmbase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Databases, and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies on the prevalence of SHPT due to CKD from inception to November 2023. Pooled prevalence was calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model with a logit transformation.ResultsTwenty-one eligible studies involving 110977 patients were included. Our results revealed that the estimated global prevalence of SHPT due to CKD was 49.5% (95% CI 30.20–68.18), regardless of the diagnostic criteria. For subgroup analysis, Southern Asia (84.36%, 95% CI 79.35–88.34) had a significantly higher SHPT prevalence than other geographic regions. SHPT due to CKD was most prevalent in China (85.14%, 95% CI 81.74–88.00).ConclusionsSHPT due to CKD is highly prevalent. This necessitates awareness and therapeutic approaches from primary care physicians, medical professionals, and health strategy authorities.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024514007.
Leveraging genetics to investigate causal effects of immune cell phenotypes in periodontitis: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Bai Yingjie , Xie Pengxian , Jin Ziyu , Qin Shengao , Ma Guowu 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionImmune cells are dynamic in the inflammatory environment and play a key role in eradicating periodontal pathogens, modulating immune responses, and instigating tissue destruction. Identifying specific immune cell phenotypes associated with periodontitis risk is essential for targeted immunotherapeutic interventions. However, the role of certain specific immune cell phenotypes in the development of periodontitis is unknown. Mendelian randomization offers a novel approach to reveal causality and address potential confounding factors through genetic instruments.MethodsThis two-sample Mendelian randomization study assessed the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and periodontitis using the inverse variance weighting method with the GWAS catalog genetic database. Methodological robustness was ensured through Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO, and Leave-One-Out analysis.Results14 immune cell phenotypes showed potential positive causal associations with periodontitis risk (p &lt; 0.05), suggesting an increased risk, while 11 immune cell phenotypes exhibited potential negative causal associations (p &lt; 0.05), indicating a reduced risk. No significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy was observed.ConclusionThis study underscores certain immune cell types as potential periodontitis risk biomarkers, laying a theoretical foundation for future individualized treatment and precision medicine development.
Lrba participates in the differentiation of IgA+ B lymphocytes through TGFβR signaling
Authors: Flores-Hermenegildo José Mizael , Hernández-Cázares Felipe de Jesús , Pérez-Pérez Daniela , Romero-Ramírez Héctor , Rodríguez-Alba Juan Carlos , Licona-Limon Paula , Kilimann Manfred W. , Santos-Argumedo Leopoldo , López-Herrera Gabriela 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionLrba is a cytoplasmic protein involved in vesicular trafficking. Lrba-deficient (Lrba-/-) mice exhibit substantially higher levels of IgA in both serum and feces than wild-type (WT) mice. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and its receptors (TGFβR I and II) is essential for differentiating IgA+ B cells. Furthermore, increased IgA production suggests a potential connection between Lrba and the TGFβR signaling pathway in IgA production. However, the specific function of Lrba in B cell biology remains unknown.AimGiven the increased IgA levels in Lrba-/- mice, the goal in this work was to explore the lymph organs where the switch to IgA occurs, and if TGFβR function is affected.MethodsNon-immunized Lrba-/- mice were compared with Lrba+/+ mice. IgA levels in the serum and feces, as well as during peripheral B cell development, were determined. IgA+ B cells and plasma cells were assessed in the small intestine and secondary lymphoid organs, such as the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer’s patches. The TGFβR signaling pathway was evaluated by determining the expression of TGFβR on B cells. Additionally, SMAD2 phosphorylation was measured under basal conditions and in response to recombinant TGFβ. Finally, confocal microscopy was performed to investigate a possible interaction between Lrba and TGFβR in B cells.ResultsLrba-/- mice exhibited significantly higher levels of circulating IgA, IgA+ B, and plasma cells than in peripheral lymphoid organs those in WT mice. TGFβR expression on the membrane of B cells was similar in both Lrba-/- and Lrba+/+ mice. However, intracellular TGFβR expression was reduced in Lrba-/- mice. SMAD2 phosphorylation showed increased levels under basal conditions; stimulation with recombinant TGFβ elicited a poorer response than in that in Lrba+/+ B cells. Finally, we found that Lrba colocalizes with TGFβR in B cells.ConclusionLrba is essential in controlling TGFβR signaling, subsequently regulating SMAD2 phosphorylation on B cells. This mechanism may explain the increased differentiation of IgA+ B cells and production of IgA-producing plasma cells.
Real-world comprehensive genomic and immune profiling reveals distinct age- and sex-based genomic and immune landscapes in tumors of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wallen Zachary D. , Ko Heidi , Nesline Mary K. , Hastings Stephanie B. , Strickland Kyle C. , Previs Rebecca A. , Zhang Shengle , Pabla Sarabjot , Conroy Jeffrey , Jackson Jennifer B. , Saini Kamal S. , Jensen Taylor J. , Eisenberg Marcia , Caveney Brian , Sathyan Pratheesh , Severson Eric A. , Ramkissoon Shakti H. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionYounger patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (&lt;50 years) represent a significant patient population with distinct clinicopathological features and enriched targetable genomic alterations compared to older patients. However, previous studies of younger NSCLC suffer from inconsistent findings, few studies have incorporated sex into their analyses, and studies targeting age-related differences in the tumor immune microenvironment are lacking.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 8,230 patients with NSCLC, comparing genomic alterations and immunogenic markers of younger and older patients while also considering differences between male and female patients. We defined older patients as those ≥65 years and used a 5-year sliding threshold from &lt;45 to &lt;65 years to define various groups of younger patients. Additionally, in an independent cohort of patients with NSCLC, we use our observations to inform testing of the combinatorial effect of age and sex on survival of patients given immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy.ResultsWe observed distinct genomic and immune microenvironment profiles for tumors of younger patients compared to tumors of older patients. Younger patient tumors were enriched in clinically relevant genomic alterations and had gene expression patterns indicative of reduced immune system activation, which was most evident when analyzing male patients. Further, we found younger male patients treated with immunotherapy alone had significantly worse survival compared to male patients ≥65 years, while the addition of chemotherapy reduced this disparity. Contrarily, we found younger female patients had significantly better survival compared to female patients ≥65 years when treated with immunotherapy plus chemotherapy, while treatment with immunotherapy alone resulted in similar outcomes.DiscussionThese results show the value of comprehensive genomic and immune profiling (CGIP) for informing clinical treatment of younger patients with NSCLC and provides support for broader coverage of CGIP for younger patients with advanced NSCLC.
Impact of maternal Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and scGOS/lcFOS supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the maternal immune system and milk composition
Authors: Sáez-Fuertes Laura , Kapravelou Garyfallia , Grases-Pintó Blanca , Massot-Cladera Malen , Bernabeu Manuel , Knipping Karen , Garssen Johan , Bourdet-Sicard Raphaëlle , Castell Margarida , Rodríguez-Lagunas Maria José , Collado Maria Carmen , Pérez-Cano Francisco José 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionMaternal synbiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can significantly influence the immune system. Prebiotics and probiotics have a positive impact on the immune system by preventing or ameliorating among others intestinal disorders. This study focused on the immunomodulatory effects of B. breve M-16V and short chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS)/long chain fructo-oligosachairdes (lcFOS), including systemic and mucosal compartments and milk composition. MethodsLewis rats were orally administered with the synbiotic or vehicle during pregnancy (21 days) and lactation (21 days). At the weaning day, small intestine (SI), mammary gland (MG), adipose tissue, milk, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), salivary gland (SG), feces and cecal content were collected from the mothers.ResultsThe immunoglobulinome profile showed increased IgG2c in plasma and milk, as well as elevated sIgA in feces at weaning. The supplementation improved lipid metabolism through enhanced brown adipose tissue activity and reinforced the intestinal barrier by increasing the expression of Muc3, Cldn4, and Ocln. The higher production of short chain fatty acids in the cecum and increased Bifidobacterium counts suggest a potential positive impact on the gastrointestinal tract. DiscussionThese findings indicate that maternal synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation improves their immunological status and improved milk composition.
Golexanolone reduces glial activation in the striatum and improves non-motor and some motor alterations in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Izquierdo-Altarejos Paula , Arenas Yaiza M. , Martínez-García Mar , Vázquez Lola , Mincheva Gergana , Doverskog Magnus , Blackburn Thomas P. , Bohnen Nicolaas I. , Llansola Marta , Felipo Vicente 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) affects more than 6 million people worldwide. Along with motor impairments, patients and animal models exhibiting PD symptoms also experience cognitive impairment, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Currently, there are no drugs available for PD that alter the progression of the disease. A body of evidence suggests that increased GABA levels contribute to the reduced expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and accompanying behavioral deficits. TH expression may be restored by blocking GABAA receptors. We hypothesized that golexanolone (GR3027), a well-tolerated GABAA receptor-modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), may improve Parkinson's symptoms in a rat model of PD.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to assess whether golexanolone can ameliorate motor and non-motor symptoms in a rat model of PD and to identify some underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe used the unilateral 6-OHDA rat model of PD. The golexanolone treatment started 4 weeks after surgery. Motor symptoms were assessed using Motorater and CatWalk tests. We also analyzed fatigue (using a treadmill test), anhedonia (via the sucrose preference test), anxiety (with an open field test), and short-term memory (using a Y maze). Glial activation and key proteins involved in PD pathogenesis were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot.ResultsRats with PD showed motor incoordination and impaired locomotor gait, increased fatigue, anxiety, depression, and impaired short-term memory. Golexanolone treatment led to improvements in motor incoordination, certain aspects of locomotor gait, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and short-term memory. Notably, golexanolone reduced the activation of microglia and astrocytes, mitigated TH loss at 5 weeks after surgery, and prevented the increase of α-synuclein levels at 10 weeks.ConclusionsGolexanolone may be useful in improving both motor and non-motor symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life in PD patients, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, motor coordination, locomotor gait, and certain cognitive alterations.
Effectiveness and safety of brucea javanica oil assisted TACE versus TACE in the treatment of liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Zhi-Hai , Zhang Hai-Feng , Li Jun-Yan , Diao Yi-Rui , Huang Man-Jing , Gao Dong-Yang , Liang Chang-Hao , Luo Zhi-Qiang 
Published: June 2024

Background: The effectiveness and safety of using Brucea javanica oil (BJO) in combination with Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancer treatment are subjects of debate. This study aims to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of BJO-assisted TACE versus TACE alone and quantifies the differences between these two treatment methods.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases including PubMed, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang, until 1 July 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted, and the results were presented as mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: The search yielded 11 RCTs, with a combined sample size of 1054 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that BJO-assisted TACE exhibited superior outcomes compared to standalone TACE. Specific data revealed that BJO-assisted TACE improves clinical benefit rate by 22% [RR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.15, 1.30)], increases the number of people with improved quality of life by 32%, resulting in an average score improvement of 9.53 points [RR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.22, 1.43); MD = 9.53, 95% CI (6.95, 12.10)]. Furthermore, AFP improvement rate improved significantly by approximately 134% [RR = 2.34, 95% CI (1.58, 3.46)], accompanied by notable improvements in liver function indicators, with an average reduction of 27.19 U/L in AST [MD = −27.19, 95% CI (−40.36, −14.02)], 20.77 U/L in ALT [MD = −20.77, 95% CI (−39.46, −2.08)], 12.17 μmol/L in TBIL [MD = −12.17, 95% CI (−19.38, −4.97)], and a decrease of 43.72 pg/mL in VEGF [MD = −43.72, 95% CI (−63.29, −24.15)]. Most importantly, there was a 29% reduction in the occurrence of adverse reactions [RR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.60, 0.84)].Conclusion: These findings indicate that BJO-assisted TACE may be considered as a potentially beneficial treatment option for liver cancer patients when compared to standalone TACE. It appears to contribute to improved treatment outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and potentially reduced adverse reactions, suggesting it warrants further investigation as a promising approach for liver cancer treatment.Systematic Review Registration: identifier CRD42023428948
Pulsatilla decoction alleviates DSS-induced UC by activating FXR-ASBT pathways to ameliorate disordered bile acids homeostasis
Authors: Xiao Ying , Jia Ya-qian , Liu Wen-juan , Niu Chun , Mai Zhan-hai , Dong Jia-qi , Zhang Xiao-song , Yuan Zi-wen , Ji Peng , Wei Yan-ming , Hua Yong-li 
Published: June 2024

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pulsatilla decoction (PD) is a classical prescription for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic efficacy of PD is closely associated with the activation of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The activity of FXR is regulated by apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), and the FXR-ASBT cascade reaction, centered around bile acid receptor FXR, plays a pivotal role in maintaining bile acid metabolic homeostasis to prevent the occurrence and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC).Aim of the study: To elucidate the underlying mechanism by which PD exerts its proteactive effects against Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis, focusing on the modulation of FXR and ASBT.Materials and methods: To establish a model of acute ulcerative colitis, BALB/C mice were administered 3.5% DSS in their drinking water for consecutive 7 days. The disease activity index (DAI) was employed to evaluate the clinical symptoms exhibited by each group of mice. Goblet cell expression in colon tissue was assessed using glycogen schiff periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue staining techniques. Inflammatory cytokine expression in serum and colonic tissues was examined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A PCR Array chip was utilized to screen 88 differential genes associated with the FXR-ASBT pathway in UC treatment with PD. Western blotting (WB) analysis was performed to detect protein expression levels of differentially expressed genes in mouse colon tissue.Results: The PD treatment effectively reduced the Disease Activity Index (DAI) score and mitigated colon histopathological damage, while also restoring weight and colon length. Furthermore, it significantly alleviated the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC), regulated inflammation, modulated goblet cell numbers, and restored bile acid balance. Additionally, a PCR Array analysis identified 21 differentially expressed genes involved in the FXR-ASBT pathway. Western blot results demonstrated significant restoration of FXR, GPBAR1, CYP7A1, and FGF15 protein expression levels following PD treatment; moreover, there was an observed tendency towards increased expression levels of ABCB11 and RXRα.Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of PD in UC mice is notable, potentially attributed to its modulation of bile acid homeostasis, enhancement of gut barrier function, and attenuation of intestinal inflammation.