bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 85B modifies BCG-induced antituberculosis immunity and favors pathogen survival
Authors: Piccaro Giovanni , Aquino Gabriella , Gigantino Vincenzo , Tirelli Valentina , Sanchez Massimo , Iorio Egidio , Matarese Giuseppe , Cassone Antonio , Palma Carla 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has developed strategies not only to evade host immunity but also to manipulate it for its survival. We investigated whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis exploited the immunogenicity of Ag85B, one of its major secretory proteins, to redirect host antituberculosis immunity to its advantage. We found that administration of Ag85B protein to mice vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin impaired the protection elicited by vaccination, causing a more severe infection when mice were challenged with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Ag85B administration reduced Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-induced CD4 T-cell activation and IFN-γ, CCL-4, and IL-22 production in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected cells. On the other hand, it promoted robust Ag85B-responsive IFN-γ–producing CD4 T cells, expansion of a subset of IFN-γ/IL-10–producing CD4+FOXP3+Treg cells, differential activation of IL-17/IL-22 responses, and activation of regulatory and exhaustion pathways, including programmed death ligand 1 expression on macrophages. All this resulted in impaired intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth control by systemic immunity, both before and after the Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge. Interestingly, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection itself generated Ag85B-reactive inflammatory immune cells incapable of clearing Mycobacterium tuberculosis in both unvaccinated and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin–vaccinated mice. Our data suggest that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can exploit the strong immunogenicity of Ag85B to promote its own survival and spread. Since Ag85B is normally secreted by replicating bacteria and is commonly found in the lungs of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected host, our findings may advance the understanding on the mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis and immune evasion.
Concepts in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia pathogenesis
Authors: Garcia Clarissa , Miller-Awe Megan D , Witkowski Matthew T 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) arises from genetic alterations impacting B cell progenitors, ultimately leading to clinically overt disease. Extensive collaborative efforts in basic and clinical research have significantly improved patient prognoses. Nevertheless, a subset of patients demonstrate resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic approaches and emerging immunotherapeutic interventions. This review highlights the mechanistic underpinnings governing B-ALL transformation. Beginning with exploring normative B cell lymphopoiesis, we delineate the influence of recurrent germline and somatic genetic aberrations on the perturbation of B cell progenitor differentiation and protumorigenic signaling, thereby facilitating the neoplastic transformation underlying B-ALL progression. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in the multifaceted landscape of B-ALL, encompassing metabolic reprogramming, microbiome influences, inflammation, and the discernible impact of socioeconomic and racial disparities on B-ALL transformation and patient survival.
Fat mass and obesity-associated protein inhibit the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis through the NSUN2/SFRP1/Wnt/β-catenin signal axis
Authors: Huang Yurong , Xu Pengfei , Liao Faxue , Ca Huibo , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Xiao , Chang Jun , Miao Chenggui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and NOL1/NOP2/Sun domain family member 2 (NSUN2) mediated RNA methylation is associated with RA pathology.

Methods
We studied the anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mechanism mediated by FTO and NSUN2 in RA samples and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats using real time qPCR (RT-qPCR), western blot, immunofluorescence, and other methods.

Key findings
The expression of NSUN2 was significantly increased in both RA patients and CIA rats compared with normal controls. Knockdown of NSUN2 blocked the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibited RA pathological factors such as MMP3, fibronectin, and interleukins. FTO overexpression inhibited RA by inhibiting the expression of NSUN2, up-regulating the level of SFRP1 protein, and blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. NSUN2 overexpression interfered with the inhibitory effects of FTO on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and RA pathology, which further verified that FTO inhibited RA through the NSUN2/SFRP1/Wnt/β-catenin signal axis.

Conclusions
FTO and NSUN2 are important factors of RA, and this work provides new potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RA. We also reveal a gene expression regulation pattern of the interaction between m6A and m5C. revealing the pathogenesis of RA from the perspective of RNA methylation.
Oligo/polysaccharides from Cyathula officinalis and Achyranthes bidentata: a review of structures and bioactivities
Authors: Chai Jun-Hong , He Ting-Ting , Jiang Si-Liang , Zhu Xin-Hua , Zhang Qing-Yu , Ji Ming-Chi , Liang Jun , Xia Yong-Gang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Oligo-/polysaccharides from Cyathula officinalis Kuan (COPs) and Achyranthes bidentata Blume (ABPs) have attracted researchers’ attention in the fields of healthy food supplements and traditional Chinese medicine (Niúxī) due to their multiple bioactivities combined with their nontoxic and highly biocompatible nature. The purpose of this paper was to provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of the extraction, purification, and structural analysis methods, chemical characteristics, biological activities, and structure bioactivity relationship. Furthermore, the possible development trends and perspectives for future research, and traditional uses of Niúxī are also summarized.

Methods
All the information was gathered from a library search and scientific databases.

Key findings
Although COPs and ABPs are derived from different plants, they have similar structural features in type, structure, and glycosidic linkage patterns and biological activities in vivo and in vitro. However, there are differences in monosaccharide compositions, which can be used as an identification mark.

Conclusions
As traditional Chinese herbal medicine, C. officinalis and A. bidentata have similar pharmacological activities. The COPs and ABP possess wide pharmacological effects such as antitumor, antioxidant, anti-osteoporosis, and anti-inflammatory. Meanwhile, the biological activity and structure–activity relationship of purified COPs and ABPs are less studied, future research should focus on them.
Phloretin: a comprehensive review of its potential against diabetes and associated complications
Authors: Shelke Vishwadeep , Kale Ajinath , Kulkarni Yogesh A , Gaikwad Anil Bhanudas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Phloretin is ubiquitous in apples (Malus domestica) and other fruits and has potential antidiabetic properties. Considering the preclinical potential of phloretin, its transition to clinical observations has unintentionally been neglected, particularly within the diabetic population. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of its pharmacokinetics remains elusive. This review seeks to offer valuable insights into phloretin’s physical properties, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, aiming to unveil opportunities for additional research on its therapeutic potential in the context of diabetes.

Key findings
All pharmacokinetic reports of phloretin confirm that the utilization of phloretin gets enhanced during diabetic conditions. Phloretin targets pathomechanisms such as glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and peroxisome proliferator’s activity-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) to decrease insulin resistance in diabetic conditions. Moreover, phloretin targets inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic signaling to minimize the progression of diabetes-associated macro- and microvascular complications.

Summary
The pleiotropic antidiabetic action of phloretin is mainly dependent on its pharmacokinetics. Nevertheless, further investigation into the altered pharmacokinetics of phloretin during diabetic conditions is essential. Additionally, the results derived from clinical studies utilized apples, apple extract, and supplements containing phloretin. Greater emphasis should be placed on future clinical studies to assess the potential of phloretin as a standalone compound.
Modelling urban/rural fractions in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Wu Yunhan , Wakefield Jon 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In low- and middle-income countries, household surveys are the most reliable data source to examine health and demographic indicators at the subnational level, an exercise in small area estimation. Model-based unit-level models are favoured for producing the subnational estimates at fine scale, such as the admin-2 level. Typically, the surveys employ stratified 2-stage cluster sampling with strata consisting of an urban/rural designation crossed with administrative regions. To avoid bias and increase predictive precision, the stratification should be acknowledged in the analysis. To move from the cluster to the area requires an aggregation step in which the prevalence surface is averaged with respect to population density. This requires estimating a partition of the study area into its urban and rural components, and to do this we experiment with a variety of classification algorithms, including logistic regression, Bayesian additive regression trees, and gradient boosted trees. Pixel-level covariate surfaces are used to improve prediction. We estimate spatial HIV prevalence in women of age 15–49 in Malawi using the stratification/aggregation method we propose.
Augmenting predictive models in forensic psychiatry with Cultural Consensus Theory
Authors: van den Bergh Don , Schuringa Erwin , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Forensic psychiatric hospitals regularly monitor the mental health and forensic risk factors of their patients. As part of this monitoring, staff score patients on various items. Common practice is to aggregate these scores across staff members. However, this is suboptimal because it assumes that assessors are interchangeable and that patients are independent. An improvement over averaging scores is the use of Cultural Consensus Theory (CCT), which imposes a hierarchical model across patients, staff members, and items. While accounting for differences between patients and staff members, CCT estimates a ‘true’ score for each patient on each item based on the consensus among staff members. Here, we apply a CCT model to data from a Dutch maximum-security forensic psychiatric centre and use the inferences to predict violent behaviour in patients. The CCT model outpredicts several alternatives, such as random forest and boosted regression trees, albeit by a small margin. We discuss practical limitations and directions for how future monitoring of patients could be adapted to maximize the added value of a CCT-based approach.
Successful management strategy for giant primary hepatic rhabdomyosarcoma in 15-year-old male: a case report
Authors: Brimo Alsaman Muhamad Zakaria , Ghanem Roaa , Nahas Mohamad Ali , Chatty Eyad M , Hasan Hasan A , Othman Zeinab Nabil , Horoub Rafat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Primary hepatic rhabdomyosarcoma is an exceedingly rare type of sarcomas. A 15-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain. Serial investigation showed a giant heterogeneous mass, with a diameter of 15 cm, located in the right lobe of the liver (segment 4a, 4b, 5, 6, 7, 8), with clear margins, non-homogeneous density in computerized tomography and the Positron Emission Tomography Scan Multi Slice revealed a peripherally slightly metabolically active hepatic mass (205 × 134 × 208 mm). Histopathological examination and the Immunohistochemical showed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The management strategy involved multiple cycles of ifosfamide and doxorubicin and monitoring the tumor size, until the tumor size was suitable for the surgery. The management of hepatic rhabdomyosarcoma is a surgical challenge due to the late onset of symptoms, a limited number of reported cases, and poor prognosis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for primary hepatic rhabdomyosarcoma and combination between chemotherapy, surgery showed good results.
Nuss procedure for the treatment of pectus excavatum with dyspnea following oropharyngeal cancer surgery: a case report
Authors: Masai Kyohei , Nakai Taketo , Okubo Yu , Kaseda Kaoru , Hishida Tomoyuki , Asakura Keisuke 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pectus excavatum (PE) causes cardiopulmonary dysfunction depending on the degree and form of the depression. The patient was a 74-year-old woman with a history of PE. Fourteen years ago, a total glossolaryngectomy was performed for oropharyngeal cancer. Two years later, the patient gradually experienced difficulty in breathing. Computed tomography (CT) revealed severe PE and right main bronchial stenosis. We performed a Nuss procedure for PE repair to surgically release the stenosis of the right main bronchus. Postoperative chest CT showed improvement in the sternal depression and right main bronchial stenosis. Furthermore, shortness of breath was relieved postoperatively. Oropharyngeal cancer surgery may cause tracheal support disruption, leading to leftward shift and severe stenosis of the right main bronchus due to sternum depression. This is an important report regarding respiratory distress caused by a combination of PE and post-oropharyngeal cancer surgery.
Surgical resection of isolated portohepatic melanoma metastases—a case report
Authors: Sidhu Tejminder S , Jhamb Shaurya , Ben David Matan M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a significant public health issue in Australia and New Zealand. Although melanoma commonly metastasises to the liver, isolated hepatic metastases are rare, with isolated metastasis to portohepatic lymph nodes being scarce. As such, the optimal management strategy for this subset of patients remains unclear. Here, we present a case of a patient with isolated portohepatic metastases management with a combination neoadjuvant immunotherapy and surgical resection.
The ascorbate–glutathione cycle coming of age
Authors: Foyer Christine H , Kunert Karl 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Concepts regarding the operation of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle and the associated water/water cycle in the processing of metabolically generated hydrogen peroxide and other forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well established in the literature. However, our knowledge of the functions of these cycles and their component enzymes continues to grow and evolve. Recent insights include participation in the intrinsic environmental and developmental signalling pathways that regulate plant growth, development, and defence. In addition to ROS processing, the enzymes of the two cycles not only support the functions of ascorbate and glutathione, they also have ‘moonlighting’ functions. They are subject to post-translational modifications and have an extensive interactome, particularly with other signalling proteins. In this assessment of current knowledge, we highlight the central position of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle in the network of cellular redox systems that underpin the energy-sensitive communication within the different cellular compartments and integrate plant signalling pathways.
Competitiveness of reutericyclin producing and nonproducing Limosilactobacillus reuteri in food and intestinal ecosystems: a game of rock, paper, and scissors?
Authors: Lin Xiaoxi B , Liu Tingting , Schmaltz Robert , Ramer-Tait Amanda E , Walter Jens W , Gänzle Michael G 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The ecological relationships among antimicrobial producing, resistant, and sensitive strains have been proposed to follow rock-paper-scissors dynamics, but evidence is mainly based on Gram-negative bacteriocins in vitro. The ecological relevance of antimicrobials in vivo or in situ has not been systematically studied. This study therefore aimed to analyze binary and ternary competitions among reutericyclin-producing strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri TMW1.656, its reutericyclin-resistant, nonproducing isogenic derivative L. reuteri TMW1.656∆rtcN, and the reutericyclin-sensitive, nonproducing L. reuteri TMW1.656∆rtcN∆rtcT in vitro (liquid culture and static plate), in situ (sourdough fermentation), and in vivo (gut of germ-free mice). In liquid culture, L. reuteri TMW1.656 had a higher fitness than TMW1.656∆rtcN and TMW1.656∆rtcN∆rtcT. Limosilactobacillus reuteri TMW1.656∆rtcN∆rtcT had a higher fitness than TMW1.656∆rtcN. On agar plates, L. reuteri TMW1.656 had a higher fitness than TMW1.656∆rtcN∆rtcT. In situ, reutericyclin production and resistance had no influence on the fitness of the strains. In vivo, TMW1.656 had an advantage over TMW1.656∆rtcN and TMW1.656∆rtcN∆rtcT. Ternary competitions showed reutericyclin production was ecologically beneficial in all ecosystems. The findings support the ecological importance of reutericyclin in a variety of environments/niches, providing an explanation for the acquisition of the reutericyclin gene cluster in L. reuteri and its contribution to the ecological fitness of Streptococcus mutans.
Detection of Scedosporium spp.: Colonizer or pathogen? A retrospective analysis of clinical significance and management in a large tertiary center
Authors: Reinhold Ilana , Quiblier Chantal , Blaser Frank , Bögeholz Jan , Imkamp Frank , Schuurmans Macé M , Soyka Michael B , Zbinden Reinhard , Mueller Nicolas J 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Infections with Scedosporium spp. are emerging in the past two decades and are associated with a high mortality rate. Microbiological detection can be associated with either colonization or infection. Evolution from colonization into infection is difficult to predict and clinical management upon microbiological detection is complex. Microbiological samples from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed in a single tertiary care center. Classification into colonization or infection was performed upon first microbiological detection. Clinical evolution was observed until July 2023. Further diagnostic procedures after initial detection were analyzed. Among 38 patients with microbiological detection of Scedosporium spp., 10 were diagnosed with an infection at the initial detection and two progressed from colonization to infection during the observation time. The main sites of infection were lung (5/12; 41.6%) followed by ocular sites (4/12; 33.3%). Imaging, bronchoscopy or biopsies upon detection were performed in a minority of patients. Overall mortality rate was similar in both groups initially classified as colonization or infection [30.7% and 33.3%, respectively (P = 1.0)]. In all patients where surgical debridement of site of infection was performed (5/12; 42%); no death was observed. Although death occurred more often in the group without eradication (3/4; 75%) compared with the group with successful eradication (1/8; 12.5%), statistical significance could not be reached (P = 0.053). As therapeutic management directly impacts patients’ outcome, a multidisciplinary approach upon microbiological detection of Scedosporium spp. should be encouraged. Data from larger cohorts are warranted in order to analyze contributing factors favoring the evolution from colonization into infection.
Magnetic field amplification in cosmological zoom simulations from dwarf galaxies to galaxy groups
Authors: Pakmor Rüdiger , Bieri Rebekka , van de Voort Freeke , Werhahn Maria , Fattahi Azadeh , Guillet Thomas , Pfrommer Christoph , Springel Volker , Talbot Rosie Y 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Magnetic fields are ubiquitous in the Universe. Recently, cosmological simulations of galaxies have successfully begun to incorporate magnetic fields and their evolution in galaxies and their haloes. However, so far they have mostly focused on Milky Way-like galaxies. Here, we analyse a sample of high-resolution cosmological zoom simulations of disc galaxies in haloes with mass ${M}_\rm {200c}$ from $10^{10}$ to $10^{13}\, \rm {M}_\odot$, simulated with the Auriga galaxy formation model. We show that with sufficient numerical resolution the magnetic field amplification and saturation is converged. The magnetic field strength reaches equipartition with turbulent energy density for galaxies in haloes with ${M}_\rm {200c}\gtrsim 10^{11.5}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }$. For galaxies in less massive haloes, the magnetic field strength saturates at a fraction of equipartition that decreases with decreasing halo mass. For our lowest mass haloes, the magnetic field saturates significantly below 10 per cent of equipartition. We quantify the resolution we need to obtain converged magnetic field strengths and discuss our resolution requirements also in the context of the IllustrisTNG cosmological box simulations. We show that, at z = 0, rotation-dominated galaxies in our sample exhibit for the most part an ordered large-scale magnetic field, with fewer field reversals in more massive galaxies. Finally, we compare the magnetic fields in our cosmological galaxies at z = 0 with simulations of isolated galaxies in a collapsing halo set-up. Our results pave the way for detailed studies of cosmic rays and other physical processes in similar cosmological galaxy simulations that crucially depend on the strength and structure of magnetic fields.
Modeling quasar proximity zones in a realistic cosmological environment with a self-consistent light curve
Authors: Zhou Yihao , Chen Huanqing , Matteo Tiziana Di , Ni Yueying , Croft Rupert A C , Bird Simeon 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
We study quasar proximity zones in a simulation that includes a self-consistent quasar formation model and realistic intergalactic medium (IGM) environments. The quasar host halo is 1013 M⊙ at z = 6, more massive than typical halos studied in previous work. Between 6 &lt; z &lt; 7.5, the quasar luminosity varies rapidly, with a mean magnitude of MUV, mean = −24.8 and the fluctuation reaching up to two orders of magnitude. Using this light curve to post-process the dense environment around the quasar, we find that the proximity zone size (Rp) ranges between 0.5 and 5 pMpc. We show that the light curve variability causes a similar degree of scatter in Rp as does the density fluctuation, both of which result in a standard deviation of ∼0.3 pMpc. The Rp traces the light curve fluctuations closely but with a time delay of ∼104 yr, breaking the correspondence between the Rp and the contemporaneous MUV. This also indicates that we can only infer quasar activity within the past ∼104 yr instead of the integrated lifetime from Rp in the later part of cosmic reionization. Compared with the variable light curve, a constant light curve underestimates the Rp by 13 per cent at the dim end (MUV ∼ −23.5), and overestimates the Rp by 30 per cent at the bright end (MUV ∼ −26). By calculating the Rp generated by a number of quasars, we show that variable light curves predict a wider Rp distribution than lightbulb models, and readily explain the extremely small Rp values that have been observed.