bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the Epidemic Process of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Irkutsk Region in 2001–2021
Authors: Tolmacheva M. I. , Nikitin A. Ya. , Andaev E. I. , Chumachenko I. G. 
Published: October 2023

The aim of this work was to analyze the spatial and temporal features of the epidemic process dynamics of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Irkutsk Region in 2001–2021.Materials and methods. The data of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the Irkutsk Region, the Reference Center of the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute, the materials of the state statistical reporting form No. 2 “Information on infectious and parasitic diseases”, and scientific publications were analyzed. The chronological and chorological features of the change in the incidence of TVE have been traced. In the latter case, the administrative-territorial formations (ATF) of the subject were differentiated by epidemiological risk groups over two ten-year periods: 2001–2010 and 2011–2020. At each time interval, the grouping of areas according to the level of TBE incidence was carried out using the calculation of 95% confidence interval. Time sequences of observations were analyzed using the construction of regression equations. Standard methods of variation statistics in the Microsoft Excel were deployed.Results and discussion. Over the course of the 21st century, the incidence of TBE in Irkutsk Region has been declining. Based on 2001–2010 data, there were no cases of TBE in six ATF, and endemic areas were divided into three groups: with low (15 districts), medium (6) and high (8) incidence of TBE. A separate assessment of morbidity rates was conducted in the administrative center of the entity, the city of Irkutsk. In 2011–2020, the structure of ATF with varying epidemiological risk of TBE underwent a change. Six non-endemic areas, groups of low (12 ATFs), medium (9), high (6) and very high (2) epidemiological risk were identified. The spatial arrangement of high epidemiological risk zones changed, and their area increased. Each ATF cluster with different TBE incidence in 2011–2020 is characterized by the number of TBE cases and the volume of measures to prevent the infection. It is concluded that preventive measures were insufficient in ATF groups of high and very high epidemiological risk.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Immunodominant Peptides of Rabies Virus (<i>Rabies lyssavirus, Rhabdoviridae</i>)
Authors: Galeeva A. G. , Khammadov N. I. , Efimova M. A. 
Published: October 2023

There is a need to develop a new generation of anti-rabies vaccines that provide a protective level of antibodies after a single injection. Prospects for solving this problem are opened by the latest developments in the field of “reverse vaccinology”. The main parameter that determines the effectiveness of recombinant vaccines is the design of the antigen-coding sequence. In this regard, the aim of the work was to conduct a bioinformatic analysis of rabies virus (Rabies lyssavirus, Rhabdoviridae) peptides to identify immunogenic epitopes.Materials and methods. Analysis of 5 candidate protein sequences of more than 100 strains and epizootic isolates of the rabies virus was performed using standard in silico prediction methods using Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) (NIH, USA).Results and discussion. As a result of the analysis of primary amino acid sequences, carried out using the most commonly used bioinformatics tools, the number of immunogenic epitopes and the types of immune response detected (T- and B-cell epitopes, class I MHCbinding epitopes) were established for viral proteins: glycoprotein (G), nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). In the amino acid structure of these proteins, N- and O-glycosylation sites, signal peptides, and transmembrane domains were additionally identified. In order to predict the safety and efficacy of these proteins as components of recombinant vaccines, an in silico assessment of their physicochemical properties was carried out. Despite the fact that the predominant number of epitopes is concentrated in the structure of the glycoprotein, the epitopes of other proteins, ranging according to the level of antigenicity and conservatism, may also be of interest as components of preventive drugs or diagnostics. The presented data can be used in the design of the insert during the construction of a candidate virus-vector vaccine or control positive samples in diagnostic methods based on the indication of viral genome fragments.
Alkyl Sulfatase of Cholera Vibrios
Authors: Duvanova O. V. , Podoinitsyna O. A. , Pisanov R. V. , Vodop’yanov S. O. , Vodop’yanov A. S. , Shipko E. S. , Kruglikov V. D. , Chemisova O. S. , Noskov A. K. 
Published: October 2023

The aim of the work was to study the structure of the alkyl sulfatase (asu) gene in Vibrio cholerae strains of various serogroups, as well as to compare nucleotide and amino acid sequences of alkyl sulfatases using various methods of bioinformatic analysis.Materials and methods. 483 strains of V. cholerae O1, O139 and nonO1/nonO139 serogroups were employed in the work. The search for the gene, its recurrence, and localization was carried out applying the Blast software. The nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequences of the gene, as well as its structure, were studied using bioinformatic analysis. Sequencing was performed on the MiSeq (Illumina) platform. The enzymatic activity was detected using a medium, confirming the presence/absence of the gene by PCR in vitro and in silico.Results and discussion. Bioinformatic analysis of the nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequences of the asu gene has been carried out and its structure investigated. Four functional domains have been identified. In the beta-lactamase domain, a conservative amino acid sequence -HAHADH- has been found in all strains of cholera vibrios, which is part of the Zn2+ binding motif. It has been established that the alkyl sulfatase of cholera vibrios belongs to the family of Zn2+-dependent β-lactamases. Blast analysis has revealed the similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of alkyl sulfatases in representatives of V. cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups (ctxAB+tcpA+) and representatives of the genera Aeromonas and Pseudomonas, which is in the line with the data of 3D modeling of the amino acid sequence structures of the alkyl sulfatase enzyme in these microorganisms. The bioinformatic analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of alkyl sulfatases in cholera vibrios has showed the conservativeness of these sequences in toxigenic strains and the presence of a number of single mutations in the asu gene in atoxigenic ones. The presence or absence of the asu gene has been established by PCR in vitro and in silico and confirmed by the results obtained using the Blast program. It is demonstrated that the presence/absence of the asu gene correlates with the ability/inability of O139 strains to hydrolyze SDS on the medium. These results can be used in studying mechanisms of cholera vibrios adaptation, persistence and pathogenicity.
Volumetric Structure of the Bachat Earthquake (Kuzbass) Aftershock Area and Stress State of Rock Mass under Open-Pit Mine
Authors: Emanov A.A. , Emanov A.F. , Shevkunovа E.V. , Fateev A.V. , Rebetsky Yu.L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
—The Bachat earthquake (M = 6.1) with the epicenter coordinates of 54.29° N, 86.17° E occurred on June, 18 2013 near the Bachatsky coal strip mine, is the world’s largest earthquake induced while mining solid minerals. More than 5000 aftershocks were registered and the spatial volumetric structure of the aftershock area was investigated. The Bachat coal field is located in the Salair zone of the Kuznetsk Depression and is represented by a brachysynclinal fold of a very complex structure characterized by the damage and fracturing behaviors of rocks. The main event is confined to the coal-mine pit wall, with the greatest density of aftershocks observed in its middle portion. In the cross section, aftershocks form a wide area with its deepened portion shifted towards the Kuznetsk Depression, while large faults bounding the depression dip down under the Salair Ridge. In the exposed pit wall, at a depth of 4 km, the activated area resembles a rhombus whose horizontal diagonal line runs across the entire length of the mine pit and decreases both in upward and downward directions. The area is seismically activated to a depth of 6 km, with more intense activation of rock mass observed within the 1–3 km depth interval. Results of the study of the mechanisms of aftershock sources revealed a disagreement between the stress state of rock mass of the Bachatsky open-pit coal mine modeled from the mechanisms of aftershocks, and the mainshock mechanism of the Bachat earthquake.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure in National Hospital of Sri Lanka from Year 2005 to 2020 – A Retrospective Observational Study.
Authors: Don Sandun Prabath Iddagoda Hewage , Kuruppu Chamini , Dunuwille Asunga , Wijayawardena Asanka , Gunawardena Rohan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been a well-established treatment modality for moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with dyssynchrony. This is the pioneering study which has been conducted in Sri Lankan context to analyze the cohort which has undergone CRT implantation in National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo from 2005–2020.
Objectives
This study was carried out to describe socio demographic factors, improvement in clinical outcome (symptoms, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features) and post CRT complications in the study population and also to determine the efficacy of CRT in heart failure.
Method
A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who have undergone CRT implantation from 2005 to 2020. The data was gathered from all the consented patients who visited device programming clinic using a physician-administered questionnaire and clinical records. Data was analyzed using software SPSS 25 and significant statistics were assessed with McNemer test, Student T test and Chi-Squared test.
Results
Study included 50 patients with a mean age of 52.82+/-11.66 years and female predominance (56%, n = 28). Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (50%, n = 25) was the leading etiological factor followed by ischemic Cardiomyopathy (28%, n = 14). Clinical symptoms had been improved significantly with CRT implantation (p < 0.001). A significant improvement was found in NYHA functional class (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.072 to 0.284), QRS width (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.229 to 0.534), ejection fraction (p < 0.001, 95% CI = -16.437 to -8.504) and LV EDD (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 2.89 to 9.24). Post CRT complications included lead malfunction acute (6%, n = 3) and chronic (14%, n = 7), bleeding/ hematoma (2%, n = 1), pocket erosion/ infection (6%, n = 3), infective endocarditis (2%, n = 1).
Conclusion
The study has shown the efficacy of CRT in moderate to severe heart failure with significant clinical and functional improvement.
Caspase-4 promotes both metastasis and interferon-γ-induced cell death in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Endo Motoyoshi , Chiba Yosuke , Doi Tomomitsu , Obayashi Kunie , Sumida Kazuhiro , Nagasaka Shohei , Wang Ke-Yong , Yamasaki Kei , Masago Katsuhiro , Matsushita Hirokazu , Kuroda Hiroaki , Yatera Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Caspase-4 (CASP4) is a member of the inflammatory caspase subfamily and promotes inflammation. Here, we report that CASP4 in non-small cell lung cancer cells contributes to both tumor progression via angiogenesis and tumor hyperkinesis and tumor cell killing in response to high interferon (IFN)-γ levels. We revealed that elevated CASP4 expression within the primary tumor was associated with cancer progression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Further, CASP4 knockout attenuated tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in syngeneic mouse models. CASP4 enhanced the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis and cell migration through nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cell signaling without lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor in lung cancer cell lines. CASP4 was induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress or IFN-γ via signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. Most notably, lung cancer cells with high CASP4 expression were more prone to IFN-γ-induced cell death than those with low CASP4 expression. Our findings indicate that the CASP4 level in primary non-small cell lung cancer can predict metastasis and responsiveness to high-level IFN-γ therapy.
Thyroid gland: A rare site of metastasis
Authors: Orlandi Ana María , Alcaraz Graciela , Bielski Laila , Brenta Gabriela , Jozami Lorena Castro , Cavallo Andrea , Guerra Jorgelina , Zund Santiago 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Despite its rich vascularity, metastasis (MTS) to the thyroid tissue is unusual, ranging from 1 to 3%. This entity is not usually considered as differential diagnosis and is not included in the upfront approach in patients with thyroid nodules. Once diagnosed, treatment is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnosis, treatment and outcome at the end of follow-up in patients with a diagnosis of MTS to the thyroid.
Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was designed from 1985 to 2022; 29 patients with MTS to the thyroid gland were included in the analysis.
Results: Clinical presentation included the presence of a thyroid nodule (65.5%), compression symptoms (17.2%), diffuse goiter (10.3%), and suspicious lymph nodes in the neck (7%). Primary tumor sites were: kidney (44.8%), breast (24.1%), lung (13.8%), neuroendocrine system (6.9%), colon (3.4%), cervix (3.4%), and ovary (3.4%). In 18/23 patients, suspicious ultrasound criteria for malignancy were described. Preoperative diagnosis was made in 23/27 patients by FNA, and confirmed in 18 cases by immunohistochemistry. Seventeen patients underwent surgery. At the end of follow-up, 19 patients had died of oncological disease, and 6 were alive (2/6 disease-free with isolated intra-thyroidal MTS).
Conclusion: Renal carcinoma was the tumor that most frequently metastasized to the thyroid gland. Immunodiagnosis was a very useful tool for etiological confirmation. Patients with MTS to the thyroid gland as a unique site had a more favorable course compared to patients with multiple metastatic sites. Finally, outcomes and prognosis essentially depended on the biology of the primary tumor.
Platelet and Erythrocyte Membranes Coassembled Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Heart Failure Treatment
Authors: Wang Yuan , Li YuYu , Yu Jiaqi , chen Cheng , Cheng Weiyao , Cui Wei , Meng Jiali , Du Jie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a prevalent pathological process observed in the progression of numerous cardiovascular diseases and is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 has powerful anti-fibrosis properties, its clinical application is extremely limited due to its side effects. There is still an unmet need for effective, safe and low-cost treatment. Here, a multifunctional biomimetic nanoparticle drug delivery system (PM&EM nanoparticles) is presented, which is assembled by platelet membranes and red blood cell membranes to deliver JQ1 for treating cardiac fibrosis. The platelet membrane endows PM&EM nanoparticles with the ability to target cardiac myofibroblasts and collagen, while the participation of erythrocyte membrane can increase the long-term circulation ability of the nano drug-loaded system and can be further engineered to increase fluidity. In addition, PM&EM nanoparticles can deliver sufficient JQ1 with controllable release to achieve excellent anti-fibrosis effects. Based on these advantages, it is demonstrated in both pressures overloaded induced mouse cardiac fibrosis model and MI-induced mouse cardiac fibrosis that injection of novel fusion membrane biomimetic nanodrug carrier system can effectively reduce fibroblast activation, reduce collagen secretion, and improve cardiac fibrosis. In addition, it can greatly reduce the toxic and side effects of long-term JQ1 treatment on the liver, kidney and intestinal tract. These results suggest that the integration of native platelet and erythrocyte membranes as a multifunctional biomimetic drug delivery system has great potential value in the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and the prevention of drug side effects.
Noise-Resilient Single-Pixel Compressive Sensing with Single Photon Counting
Authors: Huang Yu-Ping , Li Lili , Kumar Santosh , Sua Yong Meng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The fast expansion of photon detection technology has fertilized the rapid growth of single-photon sensing and imaging techniques. While promising significant advantages over their classical counterparts, they suffer from ambient and quantum noises whose effects become more pronounced at low light levels and thus must be addressed to achieve high quality results.
Here we study how photon-counting noises degrade a single-pixel optical classifier via compressive sensing, and how its
performance can be restored by using quantum parametric mode sorting (QPMS). Using MNIST handwritten digits as an
example, we examine the effects of detector dark counts and in-band background noises, and demonstrate the effectiveness of
mode filtering and upconversion detection in addressing those issues. We achieve 94% classification accuracy in the presence of 500 times stronger in-band noise than the signal received. Our results suggest a robust and efficient approach to single photon sensing in noisy environment.
Unraveling the Relationship Between High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein and Frailty: Evidence from Longitudinal Cohort Study and Genetic Analysis
Authors: Luo Yu-Feng , Cheng Zi-Jian , Wang Yan-Fei , Jiang Xi-Yuan , Lei Shu-Feng , Deng Fei-Yan , Ren Wen-Yan , Wu Long-Fei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with incident frailty as well as its effects on pre-frailty progression and regression among middle-aged and older adults.
Methods
Based on the frailty index (FI) calculated with 41 items, 6,890 eligible participants without frailty at baseline from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were categorized into health, pre-frailty, and frailty groups. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the longitudinal association between baseline hs-CRP and incident frailty. Furthermore, a series of genetic approaches were conducted to confirm the causal relationship between CRP and frailty, including Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), pleiotropic analysis, and Mendelian randomization (MR). Finally, we evaluated the association of hs-CRP with pre-frailty progression and regression.
Results
The risk of developing frailty was 1.34 times (95% CI: 1.05–1.72) higher in participants with high levels of hs-CRP at baseline than low levels of hs-CRP participants during the 3-year follow-up. MR analysis suggested that genetically determined hs-CRP was potentially positively associated with the risk of frailty (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.08). Among 5,241 participants with pre-frailty at baseline, we found pre-frailty participants with high levels of hs-CRP exhibit increased odds of progression to frailty (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08–1.80) and decreased odds of regression to health (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70–0.95) when compared with participants with low levels of hs-CRP.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that reducing systemic inflammation is significant for developing strategies for frailty prevention and pre-frailty reversion in the middle-aged and elderly population.
Epicutaneous Immunotherapy for food allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Xiaohong , Hu Jingwei , Sachu Rangui , Gao Chonghua , Niu Hongyan , Gao YI , Chen Shiju , Cui Xiaotian , Li Xiang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
There is ongoing debate about the safety and efficacy of Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) in treating food allergies. With this in mind, the purpose of this study is to evalute the safety and efficacy of EPIT.
Methods
We conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (to June 2023) to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EPIT with non-EPIT for the treatment of food allergies, with no language restrictions.
Result
Ten studies involving 1970 participants were included. Ten high-quality RCTs focusing on peanut allergy and cow's milk allergy were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that EPIT promoted desensitization in patients with food allergy (RR2.11,95%CI 1.72–2.58; I2 = 0%, high certainty), particularly in aged ≤ 11 years (RR3.84,95%CI 2.39–6.26; I2 = 34%). Additionally, treatment duration ≥ 52 weeks was found to increase immune tolerance (RR 3.37, 95% CI 2.39–4.75; I2 = 13%). Patients who undergo EPIT treatment not only raised the local adverse reactions (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10–2.41; I2 = 82%, low certainty), but also raised systemic adverse reactions (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01–2.28; I2 = 0%, high certainty).
Conclusion
After EPIT treatment, patients with food allergy can effectively increase their immune tolerance to food. However, it also significantly increases mild to moderate anaphylaxis. There is limited data on the impact of EPIT on quality of life and other food allergic diseases, indicating a need for further research. PROSPERO ID: CRD42023438950
Long-Lasting Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lifestyle and Body Weight: Results of Representative Cross-Sectional Surveys in Adults in Germany
Authors: Hauner Hans , Blanken Carmen Pieta Susanna , Holzapfel Christina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected people’s daily lives and health. Few studies have looked into the persistence of these changes. In the current study, we investigated to what extent changes in lifestyle and body weight were sustained after two years of restrictions.
Methods
We performed two representative online surveys among adults living in Germany. The first survey (S1) was performed in April 2021; the second survey (S2) in June 2022. The questionnaire focused on changes in physical activity, dietary habits, body weight, and mental stress levels. Furthermore, demographic and socioeconomic data were collected. The data were weighted to optimally represent the general population of Germany and results were descriptively compared between the two surveys. Furthermore, Chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with weight gain.
Results
A total of 1,001 (S1) and 1,005 (S2) adults completed the survey, of which 50.4% were men and 49.6% were women in both surveys. Mean age was 45.4 ± 14.4 years in S1 and 45.7 ± 14.5 years in S2. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.4 ± 6.0 kg/m² (S1) and 27.1 ± 5.5 kg/m² (S2). Reduced physical activity was reported by 52% of the participants in S1 and by 40% in S2. Moderate to severe stress was reported by 71% of the participants in S1 and by 62% in S2. Both surveys indicated that approximately one-third of the participants changed their dietary habits. Weight gain was reported by 40% of the participants in S1 and by 35% in S2; weight loss by 11% (S1) and by 15% (S2). Weight gain was associated with higher BMI, reduced physical activity levels, less healthy nutrition and increased consumption of energy-dense food.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that two years and three months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects on health-related lifestyle factors and body weight still existed, albeit to a lesser degree than directly after the first year of the pandemic. Targeted strategies are needed to better support the population subgroups most likely to change their lifestyle when faced with disruptions of their everyday lives.