bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammation and autoimmunity are interrelated in patients with sickle cell disease at a steady-state condition: implications for vaso-occlusive crisis, pain, and sensory sensitivity
Authors: Li Wei , Pucka Andrew Q. , Debats Candice , Reyes Brandon A. , Syed Fahim , O’Brien Andrew R.W. , Mehta Rakesh , Manchanda Naveen , Jacob Seethal A. , Hardesty Brandon M. , Greist Anne , Harte Steven E. , Harris Richard E. , Yu Qigui , Wang Ying 
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to comprehensively analyze inflammatory and autoimmune characteristics of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) at a steady-state condition (StSt) compared to healthy controls (HCs) to explore the pathogenesis of StSt and its impact on patients’ well-being. The study cohort consisted of 40 StSt participants and 23 HCs enrolled between July 2021 and April 2023. StSt participants showed elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts and altered hematological measurements when compared to HCs. A multiplex immunoassay was used to profile 80 inflammatory cytokines/chemokines/growth factors in plasma samples from these SCD participants and HCs. Significantly higher plasma levels of 35 analytes were observed in SCD participants, with HGF, IL-18, IP-10, and MCP-2 being among the most significantly affected analytes. Additionally, autoantibody profiles were also altered, with elevated levels of anti-SSA/Ro60, anti-Ribosomal P, anti-Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and anti-PM/Scl-100 observed in SCD participants. Flow cytometric analysis revealed higher rates of red blood cell (RBC)/reticulocyte-leukocyte aggregation in SCD participants, predominantly involving monocytes. Notably, correlation analysis identified associations between inflammatory mediator levels, autoantibodies, RBC/reticulocyte-leukocyte aggregation, clinical lab test results, and pain crisis/sensitivity, shedding light on the intricate interactions between these factors. The findings underscore the potential significance of specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets that may hold promise for future investigations and clinical interventions tailored to the unique challenges posed by SCD. In addition, the correlations between vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC)/pain/sensory sensitivity and inflammation/immune dysregulation offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of SCD and may lead to more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05045820.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with chronic granulomatous disease: the Spanish experience
Authors: Alonso García Laura , Bueno Sánchez David , Fernández Navarro Jose Maria , Regueiro Garcia Alexandra , Blanquer Blanquer Miguel , Benitez Carabante Maria Isabel , Mozo del Castillo Yasmina , Fuster Soler Jose Luis , Uria Oficialdegui Maria Luz , Sisinni Luisa , Perez Martinez Antonio , Diaz de Heredia Rubio Cristina 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionHematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) can cure chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). However, transplant-associated morbidity or mortality may occur, and it is still controversial which patients benefit from this procedure. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of pediatric patients who received HCT in one of the Spanish pediatric transplant units. ResultsThirty children with a median age of 6.9 years (range 0.6–12.7) were evaluated: 8 patients received a transplant from a sibling donor (MSD), 21 received a transplant from an unrelated donor (UD), and 1 received a haploidentical transplant. The majority of the patients received reduced-intensity conditioning regimens based on either busulfan plus fludarabine or treosulfan. Relevant post-HCT complications were as follows: i) graft failure (GF), with a global incidence of 28.26% (CI: 15.15–48.88), 11.1% in patients with MSD (1.64–56.70) and 37.08% in unrelated donors (19.33–63.17); and ii) chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), with an incidence of 20.5% (8.9–43.2), 11.1% in patients with MSD (1.64–56.70) and 26.7% in unrelated donors (10.42–58.44). Post-HCT infections were usually manageable, but two episodes of pulmonary aspergillosis were diagnosed in the context of graft rejection. The 2-year OS was 77.3% (55.92–89.23). There were no statistically significant differences among donor types.DiscussionHCT in patients with CGD is a complex procedure with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in patients who receive grafts from unrelated donors. These factors need to be considered in the decision-making process and when discussing conditioning and GVHD prophylaxis.
Infrapatellar fat pad adipose tissue-derived macrophages display a predominant CD11c+CD206+ phenotype and express genotypes attributable to key features of OA pathogenesis
Authors: Hengtrakool Patchanika , Leearamwat Nitigorn , Sengprasert Panjana , Wongphoom Jutamas , Chaichana Thiamjit , Taweevisit Mana , Ngarmukos Srihatach , Tanavalee Aree , Palaga Tanapat , Reantragoon Rangsima 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesIn knee osteoarthritis (OA), macrophages are the most predominant immune cells that infiltrate synovial tissues and infrapatellar fat pads (IPFPs). Both M1 and M2 macrophages have been described, but their role in OA has not been fully investigated. Therefore, we investigated macrophage subpopulations in IPFPs and synovial tissues of knee OA patients and their correlation with disease severity, examined their transcriptomics, and tested for factors that influenced their polarization.MethodsSynovial tissues and IPFPs were obtained from knee OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Macrophages isolated from these joint tissues were characterized via flow cytometry. Transcriptomic profiling of each macrophage subpopulations was performed using NanoString technology. Peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were treated with synovial fluid and synovial tissue- and IPFP-conditioned media. Synovial fluid-treated MDMs were treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its effects on macrophage polarization were observed.ResultsOur findings show that CD11c+CD206+ macrophages were predominant in IPFPs and synovial tissues compared to other macrophage subpopulations (CD11c+CD206-, CD11c-CD206+, and CD11c-CD206- macrophages) of knee OA patients. The abundance of macrophages in IPFPs reflected those in synovial tissues but did not correlate with disease severity as determined from Mankin scoring of cartilage destruction. Our transcriptomics data demonstrated highly expressed genes that were related to OA pathogenesis in CD11c+CD206+ macrophages than CD11c+CD206-, CD11c-CD206+, and CD11c-CD206- macrophages. In addition, MDMs treated with synovial fluid, synovial tissue-conditioned media, or IPFP-conditioned media resulted in different polarization profiles of MDMs. IPFP-conditioned media induced increases in CD86+CD206+ MDMs, whereas synovial tissue-conditioned media induced increases in CD86+CD206- MDMs. Synovial fluid treatment (at 1:8 dilution) induced a very subtle polarization in each macrophage subpopulation. PRP was able to shift macrophage subpopulations and partially reverse the profiles of synovial fluid-treated MDMs.ConclusionOur study provides an insight on the phenotypes and genotypes of macrophages found in IPFPs and synovial tissues of knee OA patients. We also show that the microenvironment plays a role in driving macrophages to polarize differently and shifting macrophage profiles can be reversed by PRP.
Determination of glomerular filtration rate “en passant” after high doses of iohexol for computed tomography in intensive care medicine—a proof of concept
Authors: Dejaco Alexander , Dorn Christoph , Paal Michael , Gruber Michael , Graf Bernhard M. , Kees Martin G. 
Published: February 2024

Accurate assessment of renal function is of great clinical and scientific importance, as it is an important pharmacokinetic covariate of pivotal drugs. The iohexol clearance is nearly identical to the glomerular filtration rate, but its determination usually requires an intravenous injection and therefore bears intrinsic risks. This motivates to showcase an “en passant” approach to quantification of renal function without additional risk or blood sampling beyond routine care using real-world data. We enrolled 37 intensive care patients who received high doses of iohexol for computed tomography imaging, and quantified series of iohexol plasma concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV). Iohexol clearance was derived by both log-linear regression and nonlinear least squares fitting and compared to glomerular filtration rate estimated by the CKD-EPI-2021 formulas. Nonlinear fitting not only turned out to be more accurate but also more robust in handling the irregularly timed data points. Concordance of iohexol clearance against estimations based on both creatinine and cystatin C showed a slightly higher bias (−3.44 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared to estimations based on creatinine alone (−0.76 mL/min/1.73 m2), but considerably narrower limits of agreement (±42.8 vs. 56 mL/min/1.73 m2) and higher Lin’s correlation (0.84 vs. 0.72). In summary, we have demonstrated the feasibility and performance of the “en passant” variant of the iohexol method in intensive care medicine and described a working protocol for its application in clinical practice and pharmacologic studies.
Annona Muricata L. extract restores renal function, oxidative stress, immunohistochemical structure, and gene expression of TNF-α, IL-β1, and CYP2E1 in the kidney of DMBA-intoxicated rats
Authors: Zeweil Mohamed M. , Khafaga Asmaa F. , Mahmoud Sahar F. , Wasef Lamiaa , Saleh Hamida , Elrehim Attaa. M. Abd , Bassuoni Naglaa F. , Alwaili Maha Abdullah , Saeedi Nizar H. , Ghoneim Hanan A. 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) is a harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivative known for its cytotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects in mammals and other species. Annona muricata, L. (Graviola; GRV) is a tropical fruit tree traditionally well-documented for its various medicinal benefits. This investigation is the first report on the potential antioxidant and antinfammatory reno-protective impact of GRV against DMBA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.Methods: Forty male albino rats were allocated into four equal groups (n = 10). The 1st group served as the control, the 2nd group (GRV) was gastro-gavaged with GRV (200 mg/kg b.wt), the 3rd group (DMBA) was treated with a single dose of DMBA (15 mg/kg body weight), and the 4th group (DMBA + GRV) was gastro-gavaged with a single dose of DMBA, followed by GRV (200 mg/kg b.wt). The GRV administration was continued for 8 weeks.Results and Discussion: Results revealed a significant improvement in renal function, represented by a decrease in urea, creatinine, and uric acid (UA) in the DMBA + GRV group. The antioxidant potential of GRV was confirmed in the DMBA + GRV group by a significant decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant increase in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) compared to DMBA-intoxicated rats; however, it was not identical to the control. Additionally, the antiinflammatory role of GRV was suggested by a significant decline in mRNA expression of cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily e, polypeptide 1 (CYP2E1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) in the DMBA + GRV group. Moreover, GRV improved the histopathologic and immunohistochemical expression of TNF-α, CYP450, and IL1β in DMBA-intoxicated kidney tissue. Conclusively, GRV is a natural medicinal product that can alleviate the renal injury resulting from environmental exposure to DMBA. The reno-protective effects of GRV may involve its anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant properties, which are based on the presence of phytochemical compounds such as acetogenins, alkaloids, and flavonoids.
Women’s and men’s experiences with participative decision-making at workplace and organizational levels
Authors: Plückelmann Clara , Gustafsson Sendén Marie , Bernhard-Oettel Claudia , Leineweber Constanze , Sczesny Sabine 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe concept of participative decision-making (PDM) has been well established as a positive organizational factor, and has recently gained attention as a measure of gender inclusivity in the workplace. However, findings regarding gender differences in the experiences of PDM are inconclusive. This study hypothesized that women perceive themselves as less influential than men at the organizational level rather than at the workplace level. Furthermore, the study explored whether these assumed gender differences depend on the gender typicality of occupational positions and professions. We expected gender differences to be more pronounced for male-typed positions and professions (e.g., leadership, engineer) compared to non-male-typed occupational positions and professions (e.g., non-leadership, nurse).MethodsData on experiences with participative decision-making at the workplace and organizational levels were drawn from a large representative Swedish survey (N = 10,500; 60% women).ResultsResults showed that women experienced being less influential than men at the organizational level, whereas the experiences of women and men did not differ at the workplace level. The gender difference at the organizational level was not related to the gender typicality of position and profession.DiscussionThe findings highlight the importance of the inclusion of both women and men in strategic, large-scale decisions for achieving gender equality at work.
Gambling and virtual reality: unraveling the illusion of near-misses effect
Authors: Quaglieri Alessandro , Pizzo Alessandra , Cricenti Clarissa , Tagliaferri Ginevra , Frisari Francesca Valeria , Burrai Jessica , Mari Emanuela , Lausi Giulia , Giannini Anna Maria , Zivi Pierpaolo 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionStudying gambling behavior is a crucial element in reducing the impact of problem gambling. Nevertheless, most current research is carried out in controlled laboratory settings rather than real-life situations, which raises concerns about how applicable the findings are in the broader context. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be a valuable tool and has been utilized in various experimental scenarios. A limited number of studies have employed VR to investigate gambling behaviors, and few have explored them in an older adolescent context.MethodsThis study examined the behavioral and physiological effects of gambling behavior, including problem gambling, gaming addiction, and risk-taking decision-making in a sample of 36 high-school students aged between 18 to 20 years using an ad-hoc constructed VR scenario designed to simulate a slot-machine platform.ResultsThe behavioral results highlighted that participants reporting more problem gambling were sensitive to near-misses: i.e., they bet more after near-misses than after losses. This result may reflect the false belief that gamblers, after near-misses, are closer to winning. Physiological data showed that participants exhibited heart rate deceleration during the anticipation of the outcome, which has been suggested to represent a marker of feedback anticipation processing and hyposensitivity to losses.DiscussionOverall, this study provides evidence for a new VR tool to assess gambling behaviors and new insights into gambling-related behavioral and physiological factors. Implications for the treatment of problem gambling are discussed.
Challenges in adapting a stroke unit in a middle-income country: warning about costs and underfunding to achieve the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s benchmark
Authors: Ferreira Natalia Cristina , Luvizutto Gustavo José , Bazan Silméia Garcia Zanati , Bonome Luana Aparecida Miranda , Winckler Fernanda Cristina , dos Santos Daniel Fabiano Barbosa , Chiloff Cristiane Lara Mendes , Modolo Gabriel Pinheiro , de Freitas Carlos Clayton Macedo , Barretti Pasqual , Lange Marcos Christiano , Minicucci Marcos Ferreira , de Souza Juli Thomaz , Bazan Rodrigo 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundSince the implementation of the stroke care line in Brazil, the relationship (adequacy) of costs spent during hospitalization with the Brazilian Ministry of Health indicators for a stroke unit have not yet been analyzed.AimsThis study aimed to assess the adequacy of a comprehensive stroke center for key performance indicators and analyze the costs involved in hospitalization. We verified the association between stroke severity at admission and care costs during hospitalization.MethodsA retrospective medical chart review of 451 patients was performed using semiautomatic electronic data from a single comprehensive stroke center in Brazil between July 2018 and January 2020. Clinical and resource utilization data were collected, and the mean acute treatment cost per person was calculated. The Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s post-test was used to compare the total costs between stroke types and reperfusion therapies. A robust linear regression test was used to verify the association between stroke severity at hospital admission and the total hospitalization costs. Good adequacy rates were observed for several indicators.ResultsData from 451 patients were analyzed. The stroke unit had good adaptation to key performance indicators, but some critical points needed revision and improvement to adapt to the requirements of the Ministry of Health. The average total cost of the patient’s stay was the USD 2,637.3, with the daily hospitalization, procedure, operating room, and materials/medication costs equating to USD 2,011.1, USD 220.7, USD 234.1, and USD 98.8, respectively. There was a positive association between the total cost and length of hospital stay (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe stroke unit complied with most of the main performance indicators proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Underfunding of the costs involved in the hospitalization of patients was verified, and high costs were associated with the length of stay, stroke severity, and mechanical thrombectomy.
Prognostic factors in gastric cancer patients: a 10-year mono-institutional experience
Authors: De Ruvo N. , Fenocchi S. , Veronesi L. , Missori G. , Ricciardolo A. A. , Rossi E. G. , Sorrentino L. , Cautero N. , Serra F. , Gelmini R. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionGastric cancer (GC) is one of the main causes of death from cancer globally. Long-term survival, especially in Western countries, remains dismal, with no significant improvements in recent years. Therefore, precise identification of clinical and pathological risk factors is crucial for prognosis, as it allows a better selection of patients suitable for oncologically radical treatments and contributes to longer survivals.MethodsWe devised a retrospective observational longitudinal study over 10 years of experience with GC patients operated with curative intent.ResultsSeveral factors were thoroughly investigated in a multivariate analysis to look for significance as independent risk factors for disease-free survival. Our results showed that only BMI, pTNM, and lymph node ratio expressed hazard ratios with implications for survival in our series of patients.DiscussionAlthough limited by the retrospective nature of the study, this is one of the few cancer reports from Northern Italy showing results over 10 years, which may in our view, have an impact on decision-making processes for multidisciplinary teams dedicated to the care of gastric cancer patients.
Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of herpesviruses in endangered free-ranging cervids of Chile: ovine gammaherpesvirus-2—A novel threat to wild and domestic animal health in Chilean Patagonia
Authors: Hidalgo-Hermoso Ezequiel , Cabello Javier , Lopez Rodrigo , Vergara-Wilson Vicente , Vera Frank , Valencia Carola , Sanchez Carlos , Celis Sebastian , Silva Alejandra , Cariñanos Aintzane , Barria Ismael , Vicencio Rocio , Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Aravena Paula , Lagos Rocio , Toro-Letelier Juan , Verasay-Caviedes Sebastián , Garnham Antonio , Peña Irene , Sánchez Fernando , Moreira-Arce Dario , Vergara Pablo M. , Alegria-Moran Raul , Cortés-Hinojosa Galaxia 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionHerpesvirus infections have been highlighted as emerging diseases affecting wildlife health and the conservation of several taxa. Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) and infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) are two viruses that infect wild ruminants. Nevertheless, epidemiological data on herpesviruses in South American wild ruminants are limited. An outbreak of caprine gammaherpesvirus-2 (CpHV-2) that recently was suspected as the cause of MCF in southern pudus (Pudu puda) prompted the need to conduct molecular screenings in Chilean cervids to understand the epidemiology of herpesviruses. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of herpesviruses in free-ranging cervids from Chile.MethodsHerpesvirus infection was assessed in antemortem blood samples (n = 86) from pudus (n = 81) and huemuls (Hippocamelus bisulcus) (n = 5), as well as postmortem samples of spleen (n = 24) and lung (n = 3) from pudus, using a nested pan-herpesvirus PCR assay.ResultsCombining all suitable sample types, DNA of pudu gammaherpesvirus-1 was detected in five pudues and five huemuls, with an overall prevalence of 9.90% (n = 10/101; 95% CI = 5.11–17.87%). One pudu tested positive for ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (n = 1/96; 1.04%; 95% CI = 0.05–6.49%), and one pudu tested positive for a Macavirus sequence with 98.63 similarity to ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (n = 96; 1.04%; 95% CI = 0.05–6.49%).DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a herpesvirus in huemul and of ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 in Chile. Our results also confirm the active circulation of herpesvirus in free-ranging cervids in Chilean Patagonia, and as such, MCF should be considered as a possible cause of disease in free-ranging Chilean pudus and livestock species. Further research is necessary to develop a plan of systematic monitoring (serological and pathological screening) of herpesviruses in Chilean wild and domestic ruminants to understand their diversity and impact on animal health and conservation.
Natural Products Biosynthesis by Streptomyces netropsis IMV Ac-5025 under Exogenous Sterol Action
Authors: Loboda Mariia , Biliavska Liudmyla , Iutynska Galyna , Newitt Jake , Mariychuk Ruslan 
Published: February 2024

Streptomycetes are known as producers of bioactive substances, particularly antibiotics. Streptomyces netropsis IMV Ac-5025 simultaneously produces different classes of antibiotics, including polyene compounds, phytohormones, and sterols, but the metabolic pathways involved in their biosynthesis are largely understudied. The aim of this work was to explore the biosynthesis of polyene antibiotics, sterols, and phytohormones when the producer is cultivated in a nutrient medium supplemented with exogenous β-sitosterol. Gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography were applied to analyze the spectrum of bioactive compounds. The obtained results demonstrated not only an increase in the accumulation of biomass but also polyene antibiotics, intracellular sterols, auxins, and cytokinins, when cultivating S. netropsis IMV Ac-5025 in a liquid medium with the addition of β-sitosterol. The amount of biomass raised 1.5–2-fold, whilst the sum of polyene antibiotics increased 4.5-fold, sterols’ sum (ergosterol, cholesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and 24-epibrassinolide) by 2.9-fold, auxins’ sum (indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-acetic acid hydrazide, indole-3-carbinol, indole-3-butyric acid, indole-3-carboxaldehyde, and indole-3-carboxylic acid) by 6-fold, and cytokinins’ sum (zeatin, isopentyladenine, zeatin riboside, and isopentenyladenosine) by 11-fold. Thus, we put forward the hypothesis that β-sitosterol plays a regulatory role in the network of biosynthetic reactions of S. netropsis IMV Ac-5025.