bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathological proliferation: a potential mechanism for poor CD4+ T cell recovery in people living with HIV
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ji Jiahao , Xie Kaidi , Cai Miaotian , Wang Rui , Zhang Xin , Chen Xue , Zhang Yulin , Wu Hao , Wang Wen , Li Zhen , Zhang Tong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) fail to achieve normalization of CD4+ T cell counts and function, especially in immunological non-responders (INRs). The frequencies of Ki67+CD4+ T cells were inversely associated with CD4+ T cell counts in HIV infected patients. Early ART did not normalize CD4+ T cell proliferation. However, the features of the abnormal proliferation CD4+ T cell in INRs are far from known.MethodPLWH were divided into INRs (n= 16) and immunological responders (IRs, n= 53) groups. Mass cytometry was applied to peripheral blood T cells to profile the immune cells and liquid chip technique was used to measure plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines. Correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between the degree of CD4+ T cell proliferation and immune function.ResultsThe percentage of Ki67+ CD4+ T cells were significant higher in INRs, and we defined these cells with significant higher level of Ki67, as over-proliferating cells. No significant difference of markers’ expression (HLA-DR, CD38, CD57, PD-1, PD-L1, CD107a, perforin) was found between INRs and IRs. Compared with naïve CD4+ T cells in INRs, Ki67+ CD4+ T cells exhibited lower levels of CD57 and CD38. Whereas Ki67+ T cells exhibited higher levels of CD38 and CD57 and activation compared with differentiated mature central memory CD4+ T cells and effector memory CD4+ T cells. Ki67+ cells did not show higher levels of senescence and activation compared to certain Ki67- CD4+ central memory T cells in IRs. Furthermore, Ki67+ CD4+ Tcm cells exhibited positive correlations with pro-inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionWe proposed and validated the hypothesis of “pathological proliferation” in INRs: excessive proliferation of CD4+ T cells in INRs may be accompanied by aberrant activation, senescence and loss of immune function. Eventually, such over-proliferating but poor-quality cells in INRs result in incomplete recovery of both CD4+ T cell counts and function. An intervention that enhancing the proliferative capacity or functional ability or both of CD4+ T cell in INRs might therefore be beneficial.
Disposition to critical thinking, anxiety due to COVID-19 and academic self-efficacy in university students
Authors: Abanto-Ramirez Carlos D. , Turpo-Chaparro Josué E. , Apaza Abel , López-Gonzales Javier Linkolk 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe present study aims to determine whether anxiety due to COVID-19 (AC) and disposition to critical thinking (DCT) predict academic self-efficacy (AS).MethodThe study is non-experimental, predictive, and cross-sectional. The sample was made up of 218 university students from northern Peru. The instruments used were the CAS, CTDS, and the EAPESA.ResultsThe results showed that the AS was negatively and positively related to AC and DCT, respectively. AS in university students was significantly predicted by DCT (p &lt; 0.01), while AC was not a significant predictor (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionDCT is a significant predictor of AS, while AC ins not. Strategies must be sought to improve and support this important aspect in each student to improve their disposition to critical thinking and academic self-efficacy. It is recommended for future studies to continue investigating variables associated with academic factors, such as those in this study, that lead to taking action for the effective development of university students.
Causal association of gastroesophageal reflux disease on irritable bowel syndrome: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Huihuan , Li Jingwei , Li FeiFei , Lun Weijian 
Published: March 2024

Background:Recently, observational studies have reported that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the causal relationship is unclear.Methods:We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study using summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to explore a causal relationship between GERD (N cases = 129,080) and IBS (N cases = 4,605) of European ancestry. Furthermore, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and a series of sensitivity analyses were used to assess the accuracy and confidence of our results.Results:We found a significant association of GERD with IBS (NSNP = 74; OR: 1.375; 95% CI: 1.164–1.624; p &lt; 0.001). Reverse MR analysis showed no evidence of a causal association for IBS with GERD (NSNP = 6; OR: 0.996; 95% CI: 0.960–1.034; p = 0.845).Conclusion:This study provides evidence that the presence of GERD increases the risk of developing IBS, and it is observed from the reverse MR results that IBS did not increase the risk of GERD.
Single cell and bulk RNA expression analyses identify enhanced hexosamine biosynthetic pathway and O-GlcNAcylation in acute myeloid leukemia blasts and stem cells
Authors: Schauner Robert , Cress Jordan , Hong Changjin , Wald David , Ramakrishnan Parameswaran 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults with an overall poor prognosis and high relapse rate. Multiple factors including genetic abnormalities, differentiation defects and altered cellular metabolism contribute to AML development and progression. Though the roles of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis are defined in AML, the role of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), which regulates the O-GlcNAcylation of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins, remains poorly defined.MethodsWe studied the expression of the key enzymes involved in the HBP in AML blasts and stem cells by RNA sequencing at the single-cell and bulk level. We performed flow cytometry to study OGT protein expression and global O-GlcNAcylation. We studied the functional effects of inhibiting O-GlcNAcylation on transcriptional activation in AML cells by Western blotting and real time PCR and on cell cycle by flow cytometry.ResultsWe found higher expression levels of the key enzymes in the HBP in AML as compared to healthy donors in whole blood. We observed elevated O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) expression in AML stem and bulk cells as compared to normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We also found that both AML bulk cells and stem cells show significantly enhanced OGT protein expression and global O-GlcNAcylation as compared to normal HSPCs, validating our in silico findings. Gene set analysis showed substantial enrichment of the NF-κB pathway in AML cells expressing high OGT levels. Inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation decreased NF-κB nuclear translocation and the expression of selected NF-κB-dependent genes controlling cell cycle. It also blocked cell cycle progression suggesting a link between enhanced O-GlcNAcylation and NF-κB activation in AML cell survival and proliferation.DiscussionOur study suggests the HBP may prove a potential target, alone or in combination with other therapeutic approaches, to impact both AML blasts and stem cells. Moreover, as insufficient targeting of AML stem cells by traditional chemotherapy is thought to lead to relapse, blocking HBP and O-GlcNAcylation in AML stem cells may represent a novel promising target to control relapse.
Nocebo effects in systemic therapies for adult plaque psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Bryan , Park Ye-Jean , Barber Kirk , Mydlarski P. Régine 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe nocebo effect is defined as adverse outcomes secondary to negative patient expectations rather than the pharmacologic activity of an intervention. Nocebo effects can reduce treatment adherence and/or persistence. Therefore, nocebo effects in psoriasis need to be defined.MethodsA Cochrane systematic review was updated with a search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials for phase II - IV RCTs comparing systemic therapy versus placebo for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Estimates were pooled using a random effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. The primary outcome was the pooled proportion of any adverse event (AE) and corresponding risk difference (RD) in patients randomized to placebo versus systemic therapy.ResultsA total of 103 unique trials were identified enrolling 43,189 patients. The overall pooled AE rate in patients randomized to systemic therapy was 57.1% [95% CI: 54.7–59.5%] compared to 49.8% [95% CI: 47.1–52.4%] for placebo [RD 6.7% (95% CI: 4.6–8.9%), p &lt; 0.00001, I2 = 75%]. Both biologic and non-biologic systemic therapy groups had a higher proportion of infectious AEs compared to placebo. No statistically significant RD in serious AEs or AEs leading to discontinuation was identified between systemic therapy and placebo groups.DiscussionHalf of patients exposed to inert placebo in clinical trials of systemic psoriasis therapies experienced AEs, which may be explained by nocebo effects. These findings have important implications when counseling patients and designing future studies.
Genetic diversity of endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia infecting two mosquito species of the genus Eretmapodites occurring in sympatry in the Comoros archipelago
Authors: Gomard Yann , Hafsia Sarah , Lebon Cyrille , Rabarison Patrick , Idaroussi Ambdoul-bar , Yssouf Amina , Boussès Philippe , Mavingui Patrick , Atyame Célestine 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe influence of Wolbachia on mosquito reproduction and vector competence has led to renewed interest in studying the genetic diversity of these bacteria and the phenotypes they induced in mosquito vectors. In this study, we focused on two species of Eretmapodites, namely Eretmapodites quinquevittatus and Eretmapodites subsimplicipes, from three islands in the Comoros archipelago (in the Southwestern Indian Ocean).MethodsUsing the COI gene, we examined the mitochondrial genetic diversity of 879 Eretmapodites individuals from 54 sites. Additionally, we investigated the presence and genetic diversity of Wolbachia using the wsp marker and the diversity of five housekeeping genes commonly used for genotyping through Multiple Locus Sequence Typing (MLST).Results and discussionOverall, Er. quinquevittatus was the most abundant species in the three surveyed islands and both mosquito species occurred in sympatry in most of the investigated sites. We detected a higher mitochondrial genetic diversity in Er. quinquevittatus with 35 reported haplotypes (N = 615 specimens, Hd = 0.481 and π = 0.002) while 13 haplotypes were found in Er. subsimplicipes (N = 205 specimens, Hd = 0.338 and π = 0.001), this difference is likely due to the bias in sampling size between the two species. We report for the first time the presence of Wolbachia in these two Eretmapodites species. The prevalence of Wolbachia infection varied significantly between species, with a low prevalence recorded in Er. quinquevittatus (0.8%, N = 5/627) while infection was close to fixation in Er. subsimplicipes (87.7%, N = 221/252). Both male and female individuals of the two mosquito species appeared to be infected. The analysis of MLST genes revealed the presence of two Wolbachia strains corresponding to two new strain types (STs) within the supergroups A and B, which have been named wEretA and wEretB. These strains were found as mono-infections and are closely related, phylogenetically, to Wolbachia strains previously reported in Drosophila species. Finally, we demonstrate that maternal transmission of Wolbachia is imperfect in Er. subsimplicipes, which could explain the presence of a minority of uninfected individuals in the field.
Relationships between irregular pulsation and variations in morphological characteristics during the cardiac cycle in unruptured intracranial aneurysms by 4D-CTA
Authors: Chen Shiyao , Lv Nan , Qian Yu , Zhang Mingwei , Zhang Tianyi , Cheng Yunzhang 
Published: March 2024

Background and purposeIrregular pulsation of the aneurysmal wall has been suggested as a novel predictor for aneurysm rupture. Aneurysm volume variations during the cardiac cycle and the association between irregular pulsation and morphological features have been discussed, but the clinical significance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in morphological characteristics over the cardiac cycle and examine their correlation with irregular pulsation to facilitate comprehension of aneurysm dynamics.Materials and methodsFourteen unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) from 11 patients were included in this study, and each of them underwent 4D-CTA after diagnosis by DSA. The R-R intervals were divided into 20-time phases at 5% intervals to determine whether an aneurysm had irregular pulsation throughout the cardiac cycle. CT images from the 20-time phases were used to reconstruct 3D aneurysm models, measure 14 morphological parameters, and quantify each parameter’s absolute change and relative rates of change during the cardiac cycle.ResultsSeven of 14 UIAs exhibited irregular pulsation over the cardiac cycle by 4D-CTA, 5 of which were small aneurysms (< 7 mm). The UIAs with irregular pulsation exhibited greater changes in morphological characteristics. As aneurysm size increased, the absolute change in aneurysm volume increased (p = 0.035), but the relative rates of change in aneurysm size (p = 0.013), height (p = 0.014), width (p = 0.008), height-to-width ratio (p = 0.009), dome-to-neck ratio (p = 0.019) and bottleneck factor (p = 0.012) decreased.ConclusionAlthough the larger the aneurysm, the greater the amplitude of its volumetric variation, small aneurysms are prone to irregular pulsation during the cardiac cycle and have more pronounced and dramatic morphological changes during the cardiac cycle that may increase the risk of rupture. This proof-of-concept study could help to explain the importance of dynamic changes using 4D-CTA in assessing the rupture risk of UIAs.
Strength of spatial correlation between gray matter connectivity and patterns of proto-oncogene and neural network construction gene expression is associated with diffuse glioma survival
Authors: Kesler Shelli R. , Harrison Rebecca A. , Schutz Alexa De La Torre , Michener Hayley , Bean Paris , Vallone Veronica , Prinsloo Sarah 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionLike other forms of neuropathology, gliomas appear to spread along neural pathways. Accordingly, our group and others have previously shown that brain network connectivity is highly predictive of glioma survival. In this study, we aimed to examine the molecular mechanisms of this relationship via imaging transcriptomics.MethodsWe retrospectively obtained presurgical, T1-weighted MRI datasets from 669 adult patients, newly diagnosed with diffuse glioma. We measured brain connectivity using gray matter networks and coregistered these data with a transcriptomic brain atlas to determine the spatial co-localization between brain connectivity and expression patterns for 14 proto-oncogenes and 3 neural network construction genes.ResultsWe found that all 17 genes were significantly co-localized with brain connectivity (p &lt; 0.03, corrected). The strength of co-localization was highly predictive of overall survival in a cross-validated Cox Proportional Hazards model (mean area under the curve, AUC = 0.68 +/− 0.01) and significantly (p &lt; 0.001) more so for a random forest survival model (mean AUC = 0.97 +/− 0.06). Bayesian network analysis demonstrated direct and indirect causal relationships among gene-brain co-localizations and survival. Gene ontology analysis showed that metabolic processes were overexpressed when spatial co-localization between brain connectivity and gene transcription was highest (p &lt; 0.001). Drug-gene interaction analysis identified 84 potential candidate therapies based on our findings.DiscussionOur findings provide novel insights regarding how gene-brain connectivity interactions may affect glioma survival.
Choosing the optimal target area for repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients: a comparative analysis
Authors: Jin Lihua , Wang Haonan , Dong Yifei , Chen Qian , Li Linrong , Li Yongmei 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe specific target area of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating neuropathic pain resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI-NP) remains uncertain.MethodsThirty-four participants with SCI-NP were allocated into three groups, namely, the motor cortex (M1, A) group, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC, B) group, and the control (sham stimulation, C) group. The intervention was administered totally 10 times. Outcome measures assessed pre-(T0) and post-(T1)intervention, including Numerical Rating scale (NRS), anxiety (SAS), depression (SDS), sleep quality (PSQI), brief pain inventory (BPI), and impression of change.ResultsAll outcomes in groups A and B significantly changed after intervention (p &lt; 0.05), and the delta value (T1–T0) also significantly changed than group C (p &lt; 0.05). The delta value of SDS in the group B was better than the group A, and the change of pain degree in the group B was moderately correlated with the change in PSQI (r = 0.575, p &lt; 0.05). Both patients in the groups A and B showed significant impression of change about their received therapy (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionBoth targets are effective, but LDLPFC is more effective in reducing depression in SCI-NP. Healthcare providers might select the suitable area according to the specific attributes of their patients.
Case report: The diagnostic dilemma of indeterminate biliary strictures: report on two cases with a literature review
Authors: Meng Chunyan , Wang Jing , Zhang Peipei , Wang Bo 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundIt is still a challenging problem for clinicians to explore the nature of the indeterminate biliary strictures (IBSs). Approximately 20% of biliary strictures remain undetermined after a thorough preoperative assessment.Case presentationHere, we present two cases of indeterminate biliary strictures patients, whose cross- sectional imaging and endoscopic examination were nondiagnostic. The patients underwent exploratory laparotomy finally and were confirmed as malignancy. We also reviewed the recent reports in literatures regarding the evaluation of IBSs.ConclusionsGiven the majority of the biliary strictures are malignancy, preoperative differentiation between benign and malignant is critical for choosing the best therapeutic regimen. Thus, close follow-up, multiple multidisciplinary discussion, and prompt surgical exploration are necessary for some difficult diagnostic cases.
Predictors of iatrogenic splenic injury in radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wei Ziran , Fu Hongbing , Hu Zunqi , Wang Weijun , Yan Ronglin 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundIatrogenic splenic injury (ISI) is a recognized complication in radical gastrectomy that may result in incidental splenectomy (IS). However, the predictors of such events remain largely unknown.MethodsMedical records of the patients who underwent radical gastrectomy at our institution between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Potential predictors of ISI and IS were collected and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results were reported as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsA total of 2916 patients were included, of whom 211 patients (7.2%) suffered from ISI and 75 patients (2.6%) underwent IS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that BMI≥25 (OR: 3.198 (2.356-4.326), p&lt;0.001), total gastrectomy (OR: 2.201 (1.601-3.025), p&lt;0.001), and the existence of “criminal fold” (OR: 13.899 (2.824-251.597), p=0.011) were independent predictive risk factors for ISI; whereas laparoscopic surgical approach (OR: 0.048 (0.007-0.172), p&lt;0.001) was a protective factor for ISI. Moreover, the existence of “criminal fold” (OR: 15.745 (3.106-288.470), p=0.008) and BMI≥25 (OR: 2.498 (1.002-6.046), p=0.044) were identified as independent risk factors of ISI under laparoscopic gastrectomy. There was no association between sex, age, previous abdominal surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, outlet obstruction, tumor stage, nodal stage, and total lymph node retrieved and ISI.ConclusionsBMI≥25 and total gastrectomy can predict high risk of ISI during radical gastrectomy. Laparoscopic surgery is superior to open gastrectomy in lowing the risk of ISI.
Incidence of encephalopathy and comorbidity in infants with perinatal asphyxia: a comparative prospective cohort study
Authors: Vega-del-Val Cristina , Arnaez Juan , Ochoa-Sangrador Carlos , Garrido-Barbero María , García-Alix Alfredo 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPrograms that aim to improve the detection hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) should establish which neonates suffering from perinatal asphyxia need to be monitored within the first 6 h of life.MethodAn observational prospective cohort study of infants with gestational age ≥35 weeks, and above 1,800g, were included according to their arterial cord pH value (ApH): ≤7.00 vs. 7.01–7.10. Data was collected including obstetrical history, as well as neonatal comorbidities, including the presence of HIE, that happened within 6 h of life. A standardized neurological exam was performed at discharge.ResultsThere were 9,537 births; 176 infants with ApH 7.01–7.10 and 117 infants with ApH ≤7.00. All 9 cases with moderate-to-severe HIE occurred among infants with ApH ≤7.00. The incidence of global and moderate-severe HIE was 3/1,000 and 1/1,000 births, respectively. Outcome at discharge (abnormal exam or death) showed an OR 12.03 (95% CI 1.53, 94.96) in infants with ApH ≤7.00 compared to ApH 7.01–7.10 cohort. Ventilation support was 5.1 times (95% CI 2.87, 9.03) more likely to be needed by those with cord ApH ≤7.00 compared to those with ApH 7.01–7.10, as well as hypoglycemia (37% vs. 25%; p = 0.026). In 55%, hypoglycemia occurred despite oral and/or intravenous glucose administration had been already initiated.ConclusionsCord pH 7.00 might be a safe pH cut-off point when developing protocols to monitor infants born with acidemia in order to identify infants with moderate or severe HIE early on. There is non-negligible comorbidity in the ApH ≤7.00 cohort, but also in the 7.01–7.10 cohort.