bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serological investigation and isolation of Salmonella abortus equi in horses in Xinjiang
Authors: Mai Zhanhai , Fu Han , Miao Ronghao , Lu Chong , Zhang Xiaosong , Yuan Ziwen , Ji Peng , Hua Yongli , Wang Chen , Ma Yuhui , Deng Haifeng , Wei Yanming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar abortus equi (S. abortus equi) is one of the main pathogens that causes abortion in pregnant horses and donkeys, which was highly infectious and greatly restricts the healthy development of the horse industry.

Objectives
In order to investigate the prevalence and biological characteristics of S. abortus equi in different regions and breeds of horses in Xinjiang.

Methods
This study conducted ELISA detection of S. abortus equi antibodies on serum samples of 971 horses collected from three large-scale horse farms and five free-range horse farms in Yili Prefecture and Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang from 2020 to 2023. On this basis, bacterial isolation, culture, identification, and drug sensitivity tests were conducted on 42 samples of aborted foal tissues and 23 mare vaginal swabs.

Results
The results showed that the positive rate of S. abortus equi antibody was as high as 20.91% in 971 horse serum samples. Among them, the positive rate in the Ili region (29.09%) was significantly higher than that in the Bayingole region (11.24%), and the positive rate in mares (22.45%) was higher than that in stallions (14.05%). In terms of horse breeds, the positive rates of self-propagating thoroughbred horses, half-bred horses, Ili horses and Yanqi horses were 43.22%, 28.81%, 14.72% and 11.24% respectively. In addition, S. abortus equi was more susceptible to juvenile and elderly horses, with positive rates of 70.00%and 41.86%, respectively, both of which were significantly higher than young (10.97%) and adult (19.79%) horses. Further, 9 strains of S. abortus equi were obtained through bacterial isolation, culture and identification, which were resistant to five antibiotics (Clarithromycin, Clindamycin, penicillin, Sulfamethoxazole and Rifampicin), and sensitive to 13 antimicrobial agents (Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin, et al.).

Conclusion
There was a high infection rate of S. abortus equi in Ili Prefecture and self-propagating thoroughbred horses, and juvenile or old mares were more susceptible, which will provide scientific basis for the prevention of S. abortus equi infection in different regions and breeds of horses in Xinjiang.
MCT4-dependent lactate transport: a novel mechanism for cardiac energy metabolism injury and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ma Xiu Mei , Geng Kang , Wang Peng , Jiang Zongzhe , Law Betty Yuen-Kwan , Xu Yong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major contributor to mortality in diabetic patients, characterized by a multifaceted pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. While lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis, is known to be significantly elevated in type 2 diabetes, its specific role in DCM remains uncertain. This study reveals an abnormal upregulation of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) on the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes in type 2 diabetes, leading to excessive lactate efflux from these cells. The disruption in lactate transport homeostasis perturbs the intracellular lactate-pyruvate balance in cardiomyocytes, resulting in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses that exacerbate myocardial damage. Additionally, our findings suggest increased lactate efflux augments histone H4K12 lactylation in macrophages, facilitating inflammatory infiltration within the microenvironment. In vivo experiments have demonstrated that inhibiting MCT4 effectively alleviates myocardial oxidative stress and pathological damage, reduces inflammatory macrophage infiltration, and enhances cardiac function in type 2 diabetic mice. Furthermore, a clinical prediction model has been established, demonstrating a notable association between peripheral blood lactate levels and diastolic dysfunction in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This underscores the potential of lactate as a prognostic biomarker for DCM. Ultimately, our findings highlight the pivotal involvement of MCT4 in the dysregulation of cardiac energy metabolism and macrophage-mediated inflammation in type 2 diabetes. These insights offer novel perspectives on the pathogenesis of DCM and pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies against this debilitating condition.
Beyond a spec: assessing heterogeneity in the unregulated opioid supply
Authors: Gozdzialski Lea , Louw Rebecca , Kielty Collin , Margolese Ava , Poarch Eric , Sherman Miriam , Cameron Fred , Gill Chris , Wallace Bruce , Hore Dennis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Drug checking services aim to provide compositional information for the illicit drug supply and are being employed in public health responses to extreme rates of overdose associated with fentanyl within street opioids. The technologies used within these services range from basic qualitative tests, such as immunoassay test strips, to comprehensive quantitative analyses, such as mass spectrometry. In general, there is concern that heterogeneity of a drug mixture adds significant uncertainty when using drug checking results based on a small subsamples. The presence of hot spots of active drug components in this context is often termed the ‘chocolate chip cookie effect’. Establishing the limitations of the service are essential for interpretation of the results.

Methods
This study assesses the consequence of drug heterogeneity and sampling of consumer level opioid purchased in Victoria, British Columbia ($$n=21$$

n
=
21

, 50–100 mg each) on quantitative fentanyl results determined from testing with paper spray mass spectrometry.

Results:
Using descriptive statistics, such as relative standard deviation and interquartile range, the results demonstrate varied distributions of fentanyl concentrations within a single drug batch. However, the presence of hot spots, defined as outliers, were relatively rare.

Conclusions
This study found that the variability in fentanyl concentration from drug heterogeneity and sampling is greater than that attributed to the analytical technique. On a practical level, this provides data to help guide communication of limitations of drug checking services, supporting the aim of trust and transparency between services and people who use drugs. However, if drug checking services continue to be restricted from fully engaging with the reality of manufacturing, buying, selling, mixing and dosing practices, the accuracy, usefulness, and impact will always be limited.
Pregnancy and obstetric outcomes of dichorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies with selective foetal reduction after assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Xu Qianhua , Liu Dehong , Li Qiuru , Qian Jingyu , Zhang Bin , Chen Xianxia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt is generally beneficial and recommended that dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplet pregnancies be reduced to monochorionic (MC) twin or singleton pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, some infertile couples still have a firm desire to retain twins. For this reason, the best foetal reduction strategies need to be available for infertile couples and clinicians. Given that data on the elective reduction of DCTA triplet pregnancies to twin pregnancies are scarce, we investigated the outcomes of elective reduction of DCTA triplet pregnancies through the retrospective analysis of previous data.MethodPatients with DCTA triplet pregnancies who underwent elective foetal reduction between January 2012 and June 2020 were recruited. A total of 67 eligible patients with DCTA triplet pregnancies were divided into two groups: a DCTA-to-dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin group (n = 38) and a DCTA-to-monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin group (n = 29); the basic clinical data of the two groups were collected for comparison.ResultsCompared with the DCDA-to-MCDA twin group, the DCTA-to-DCDA twin group had lower rates of complete miscarriage (7.89% versus 31.03%,p = 0.014), early complete miscarriage (5.26% versus 24.14%,p = 0.034), late preterm birth (25.71% versus 65.00%,p = 0.009) and very low birth weight (0 versus 11.11%,p = 0.025). In addition, the DCTA-to-DCDA twin group had higher rates of full-term delivery (65.71% versus 25.00%,p = 0.005), survival (92.11% versus 68.97%,p = 0.023), and taking the babies home (92.11% versus 68.97%,p = 0.023) than did the DCTA-to-MCDA twin group. In terms of neonatal outcomes, a significantly greater gestational age (38.06 ± 2.39 versus 36.28 ± 2.30,p = 0.009), average birth weight (3020.77 ± 497.33 versus 2401.39 ± 570.48,p < 0.001), weight of twins (2746.47 ± 339.64 versus 2251.56 ± 391.26,p < 0.001), weight of the larger neonate (2832.94 ± 320.58 versus 2376.25 ± 349.95,p < 0.001) and weight of the smaller neonate (2660.00 ± 345.34 versus 2126.88 ± 400.93,p < 0.001) was observed in the DCTA-to-DCDA twin group compared to the DCTA-to-MCDA twin group.ConclusionThe DCTA-to-DCDA twin group had better pregnancy and neonatal outcomes than the DCTA-to-MCDA twin group. This reduction approach may be beneficial for patients with dichorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies who have a strong desire to have DCDA twins.
Dual deficiency of melatonin and dihydrotestosterone promotes stromal cell damage and mediates prostatitis via the cGAS-STING pathway in sleep-deprived mice
Authors: Chen Jia , Ma Wenming , Yue Shaoyu , Li Dongsheng , Chen Lei , Zhang Cheng , Guan Yu , Li Chun , Jiang Changqin , Liao Guiyi , Liang Chaozhao , Wang Hui , Tai Sheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Prostatitis is a highly prevalent condition that seriously affects men’s physical and mental health. Although epidemiological investigations have provided evidence of a correlation between insufficient sleep and prostatitis, the pathogenesis of prostatitis remains unclear. We sought to identify the underlying mechanism involved and identify a promising therapeutic target.

Methods
Sleep deprivation (SD) was utilized to establish a mouse model of insufficient sleep in a special device. Prostatitis was observed at different time points post-SD. The degree of prostatitis was evaluated by pathological section and behavioural tests. Using immunofluorescence, western blot, and proteomic analyses, the underlying mechanism of SD-related prostatitis was investigated, and the development and therapeutic target of prostatitis were elucidated.

Results
SD, as an initial pathological trigger, resulted in a reduction in dihydrotestosterone and melatonin levels. Proteomic analysis revealed that the cGAS-STING pathway may play a significant role in inducing prostatitis. The subsequent results illustrated that the dual reduction in dihydrotestosterone and melatonin led to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the release of mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA). The accumulation of mt-DNA activated the cGAS-STING pathway, which recruited inflammatory cells into the prostatic stroma through the secretion of interferon-β. Consequently, an inflammatory microenvironment was formed, ultimately promoting the development of prostatitis. Notably, mice with SD-induced prostatitis gradually recovered to a normal state within 7 days of recovery sleep. However, after being subjected to SD again, these mice tended to have a more pronounced manifestation of prostatitis within a shorter timeframe, which suggested that prostatitis is prone to relapse.

Conclusions
The cGAS-STING pathway activated by dual deficiency of dihydrotestosterone and melatonin plays a comprehensive inflammatory role in SD-related prostatitis. This research provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis, therapeutic targets, and prevention strategies of prostatitis.
Endothelial β-catenin upregulation and Y142 phosphorylation drive diabetic angiogenesis via upregulating KDR/HDAC9
Authors: Chen Zhenfeng , Lin Bingqi , Yao Xiaodan , Weng Jie , Liu Jinlian , He Qi , Song Ke , Zhou Chuyu , Zuo Zirui , Huang Xiaoxia , Liu Zhuanhua , Huang Qiaobing , Xu Qiulin , Guo Xiaohua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic angiogenesis is closely associated with disabilities and death caused by diabetic microvascular complications. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are abnormally accumulated in diabetic patients and are a key pathogenic factor for diabetic angiogenesis. The present study focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying diabetic angiogenesis and identifying therapeutic targets based on these mechanisms.MethodsIn this study, AGE-induced angiogenesis serves as a model to investigate the mechanisms underlying diabetic angiogensis. Mouse aortic rings, matrigel plugs, and HUVECs or 293T cells were employed as research objects to explore this pathological process by using transcriptomics, gene promoter reporter assays, virtual screening and so on.ResultsHere, we found that AGEs activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and enhanced the β-catenin protein level by affecting the expression of β-catenin degradation-related genes, such as FZDs (Frizzled receptors), LRPs (LDL Receptor Related Proteins), and AXIN1. AGEs could also mediate β-catenin Y142 phosphorylation through VEGFR1 isoform5. These dual effects of AGEs elevated the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and sequentially induced the expression of KDR (Kinase Insert Domain Receptor) and HDAC9 (Histone Deacetylase 9) by POU5F1 and NANOG, respectively, thus mediating angiogenesis. Finally, through virtual screening, Bioymifi, an inhibitor that blocks VEGFR1 isoform5-β-catenin complex interaction and alleviates AGE-induced angiogenesis, was identified.ConclusionCollectively, this study offers insight into the pathophysiological functions of β-catenin in diabetic angiogenesis.
Abcg2a is the functional homolog of human ABCG2 expressed at the zebrafish blood–brain barrier
Authors: Thomas Joanna R. , Frye William J. E. , Robey Robert W. , Warner Andrew C. , Butcher Donna , Matta Jennifer L. , Morgan Tamara C. , Edmondson Elijah F. , Salazar Paula B. , Ambudkar Suresh V. , Gottesman Michael M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
A principal protective component of the mammalian blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the high expression of the multidrug efflux transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by ABCB1) and ABCG2 (encoded by ABCG2) on the lumenal surface of endothelial cells. The zebrafish P-gp homolog Abcb4 is expressed at the BBB and phenocopies human P-gp. Comparatively little is known about the four zebrafish homologs of the human ABCG2 gene: abcg2a, abcg2b, abcg2c, and abcg2d. Here we report the functional characterization and brain tissue distribution of zebrafish ABCG2 homologs.

Methods
To determine substrates of the transporters, we stably expressed each in HEK-293 cells and performed cytotoxicity and fluorescent efflux assays with known ABCG2 substrates. To assess the expression of transporter homologs, we used a combination of RNAscope in situ hybridization probes and immunohistochemistry to stain paraffin-embedded sections of adult and larval zebrafish.

Results
We found Abcg2a had the greatest substrate overlap with ABCG2, and Abcg2d appeared to be the least functionally similar. We identified abcg2a as the only homolog expressed at the adult and larval zebrafish BBB, based on its localization to claudin-5 positive brain vasculature.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate the conserved function of zebrafish Abcg2a and suggest that zebrafish may be an appropriate model organism for studying the role of ABCG2 at the BBB.
LysipheN: a gravimetric IoT device for near real-time high-frequency crop phenotyping: a case study on common beans
Authors: Pineda-Castro Duvan , Diaz Harold , Soto Jonatan , Urban Milan Oldřich 
Published: March 2024

AbstractClimate instability directly affects agro-environments. Water scarcity, high air temperature, and changes in soil biota are some factors caused by environmental changes. Verified and precise phenotypic traits are required for assessing the impact of various stress factors on crop performance while keeping phenotyping costs at a reasonable level. Experiments which use a lysimeter method to measure transpiration efficiency are often expensive and require complex infrastructures. This study presents the development and testing process of an automated, reliable, small, and low-cost prototype system using IoT with high-frequency potential in near-real time. Because of its waterproofness, our device—LysipheN—assesses each plant individually and can be deployed for experiments in different environmental conditions (farm, field, greenhouse, etc.). LysipheN integrates multiple sensors, automatic irrigation according to desired drought scenarios, and a remote, wireless connection to monitor each plant and device performance via a data platform. During testing, LysipheN proved to be sensitive enough to detect and measure plant transpiration, from early to ultimate plant developmental stages. Even though the results were generated on common beans, the LysipheN can be scaled up/adapted to other crops. This tool serves to screen transpiration, transpiration efficiency, and transpiration-related physiological traits. Because of its price, endurance, and waterproof design, LysipheN will be useful in screening populations in a realistic ecological and breeding context. It operates by phenotyping the most suitable parental lines, characterizing genebank accessions, and allowing breeders to make a target-specific selection using functional traits (related to the place where LysipheN units are located) in line with a realistic agronomic background.
Thoracoscopic McKeown esophagectomy in a patient with an azygos lobe
Authors: Nakashima Rie , Tajima Kohei , Koyanagi Kazuo , Kazuno Akihito , Yamamoto Miho , Shoji Yoshiaki , Yatabe Kentaro , Kanamori Kohei , Ogimi Mika , Nabeshima Kazuhito , Nakamura Kenji , Mori Masaki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The azygos lobe is a relatively rare anatomical variation, and there have been no reports, until date, of thoracoscopic McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in a patient with an azygos lobe. The azygos lobe can be diagnosed by chest X-ray or CT, and is usually not associated with any symptoms. However, surgeons should be aware that transthoracic surgical procedures in patients with an azygos lobe could be associated with a high risk of complications.

Case presentation
An 83-years-old man was brought to our emergency room with fever, severe headache, and difficulty in moving. MRI revealed a brain abscess, which was treated by abscess drainage and systemic antibiotic treatment. Further examinations to determine the cause of the brain abscess revealed esophageal cancer. In addition, CT revealed an azygos lobe in the right thoracic cavity. Although intrathoracic adhesions were anticipated on account of a previous history of bacterial pyothorax, we decided to perform esophagectomy via a thoracoscopic approach. Despite the difficulty in dissecting the intrathoracic adhesions, we were able to obtain the surgical field thoracoscopically. Then, we found the azygos lobe, as diagnosed preoperatively, and the azygos vein was supported by the mesentery draining into the superior vena cava. After dividing the mesentery, we clipped and cut the vessel, and both ends were further ligated. After these procedures, we safely performed esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 21st postoperative day.

Conclusions
Although there was a firm adhesion in the thoracic cavity, preoperative recognition of the azygos lobe could help in preventing intraoperative injury. Especially, esophageal surgeons are required to deal with the azygos lobe safely to avoid serious intraoperative injury.
Proteomic characterization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma response to immunotherapy reveals potential therapeutic strategy and predictive biomarkers
Authors: Ma Fahan , Li Yan , Xiang Chan , Wang Bing , Lv Jie , Wei Jinzhi , Qin Zhaoyu , Pu Yan , Li Kai , Teng Haohua , Tan Subei , Feng Jinwen , Shang Zhanxian , Wang Yunzhi , Tian Sha , Du Changsheng , Han Yuchen , Ding Chen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractImmunotherapy is the first-line therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), yet many patients do not respond due to drug resistance and the lack of reliable predictive markers. We collected 73 ESCC patients (including discovery cohort and validation cohort) without immune thrombocytopenia and undergoing anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of 73 ESCC treatment-naive samples by mass spectrometry-based label-free quantification were applied to explore the potential resistant and sensitive mechanisms, and identify predictive markers of ESCC immunotherapy. Comparative analysis found the pathways related to immune and mitochondrial functions were associated with ESCC immunotherapy sensitivity; while platelet activation bioprocess showed negative correlation with CD8+ T cells and related to ESCC immunotherapy non-sensitivity. Finally, we identified 10 ESCC immunotherapy predictive biomarkers with high accuracy (≥ 0.90) to predict the immunotherapeutic response, which was validated in the independent cohort.
Validation of a multiomic model of plasma extracellular vesicle PD-L1 and radiomics for prediction of response to immunotherapy in NSCLC
Authors: de Miguel‑Perez Diego , Ak Murat , Mamindla Priyadarshini , Russo Alessandro , Zenkin Serafettin , Ak Nursima , Peddagangireddy Vishal , Lara‑Mejia Luis , Gunasekaran Muthukumar , Cardona Andres F. , Naing Aung , Hirsch Fred R. , Arrieta Oscar , Colen Rivka R. , Rolfo Christian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have showed unprecedent efficacy in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, not all patients manifest clinical benefit due to the lack of reliable predictive biomarkers. We showed preliminary data on the predictive role of the combination of radiomics and plasma extracellular vesicle (EV) PD-L1 to predict durable response to ICIs.

Main body
Here, we validated this model in a prospective cohort of patients receiving ICIs plus chemotherapy and compared it with patients undergoing chemotherapy alone. This multiparametric model showed high sensitivity and specificity at identifying non-responders to ICIs and outperformed tissue PD-L1, being directly correlated with tumor change.

Short conclusion
These findings indicate that the combination of radiomics and EV PD-L1 dynamics is a minimally invasive and promising biomarker for the stratification of patients to receive ICIs.