bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are we ready to face the next wave of RSV surge after the COVID-19 Omicron pandemic in China?
Authors: Jiang Wujun , Chen Sainan , Lv Meng , Zhang Zhen , Wang Zhihui , Shao Xuejun , Hua Shenghao , Hao Chuangli , Wang Yuqing 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundChina had its first wave of COVID-19 in 2020 and second wave of COVID-19 Omicron in 2022. The number of RSV cases decreased sharply in 2020 and 2022. Investigation of the resurge of RSV infections after the first wave of COVID-19 will guide us to take preventive actions before the resurge of RSV infections after the second wave of COVID-19 Omicron.MethodsWe analysed epidemiological and clinical data of 59934 patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) from a prospective long-term cohort surveillance programme in Suzhou, China, collected from February 2016 to January 2022. The annual incidence of RSV infection in children aged&lt;16 years in 2020 and 2021 was compared with the pre-pandemic years 2016 to 2019. We also compared the clinical characteristics, and RSV-related ICU admissions between pre-pandemic years and 2021.ResultsAmong children with LRTI, the positive rate of RSV increased by 70.7% in 2021 compared to the average level in the pre-pandemic years. The RSV resurge in 2021 was most prominently in children aged 2-4 years (a significant rise compared with the expected value 149.1%; 95%CI, 67.7% to 378%, P&lt;.01). The percentage of RSV-related ICU admissions decreased in 2021 (3.2% vs 6.7%, P&lt;0.01). The death rate of RSV infections in 2021 was 0.2%, while that in pre-pandemic years was only 0.02%. RSV-associated death in immunocompetent children (complicated by necrotizing encephalitis) was firstly occurred in 2021.ConclusionsOur findings raise concerns for RSV control in Southeast China after the COVID-19 pandemic especially for children aged 2-4 years. Although ICU admissions were significantly reduced in this resurgence, we could not ignore the increase of RSV-associated death.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with impaired antibody response to influenza vaccination in older male adults
Authors: Quach Huy Quang , Warner Nathaniel D. , Ovsyannikova Inna G. , Covassin Naima , Poland Gregory A. , Somers Virend K. , Kennedy Richard B. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe reduced effectiveness of standard-dose influenza vaccines in persons ≥65 years of age led to the preferential recommendation to use high-dose (HDFlu) or MF59-adjuvanted (MF59Flu) vaccines for this age group. Sleep is an important modulator of immune responses to vaccines and poor sleep health is common in older adults. However, potential effects of poor sleep health on immune responses to influenza vaccination in older adults remain largely unknown.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of 210 healthy participants age ≥65 years, who received either seasonal high-dose (HDFlu) or MF59-adjuvanted (MF59Flu) influenza vaccine. We assessed sleep characteristics in this cohort by standardized questionnaires and measured the antibody titer against influenza A/H3N2 virus in serum of study participants by hemagglutination inhibition assay on the day of immunization and 28 days thereafter. We then assessed the association between sleep characteristics and antibody titers.ResultsOur results demonstrated that male, but not female, study participants with excessive daytime sleepiness had an impaired influenza A/H3N2-specific antibody response at Day 28 post-vaccination. No other associations were found between antibody titer and other sleep characteristics, including sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea.ConclusionOur results provide an additional and easily measured variable explaining poor vaccine effectiveness in older adults. Our results support that gaining sufficient sleep is a simple non-vaccine interventional approach to improve influenza immune responses in older adults. Our findings extend the literature on the negative influence of excessive daytime sleepiness on immune responses to influenza vaccination in older male adults.
Gut microbiota composition is associated with disease severity and host immune responses in COVID-19
Authors: Fan Ruyue , Liu Shuai , Sun Na , Yang Ying , Deng Xia , Hu Bin , Sun Changhua , Wen Chengli , Li Hui , Cheng Dong , Huang Chuanjun , Hou Peibin , Zhang Tianliang 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundHuman gut microbiota play a crucial role in the immune response of the host to respiratory viral infection. However, evidence regarding the association between the gut microbiome, host immune responses, and disease severity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains insufficient.MethodsTo better comprehend the interactions between the host and gut microbiota in COVID-19, we conducted 16S rRNA sequencing and characterized the gut microbiome compositions in stool samples from 40 COVID-19 patients and 33 non-pneumonia controls. We assessed several hematological parameters to determine the immune status.ResultsWe found that the gut microbial composition was significantly changed in COVID-19 patients, which was characterized by increased opportunistic pathogens and decreased commensal bacteria. The frequency of prevalent opportunistic pathogens Enterococcus and Lactobacillus increased, especially in severe patients; yet the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Anaerostipes, decreased significantly, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii might help discriminate severe patients from moderate patients and non-pneumonia people. Furthermore, we then obtained a correlation map between the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and severity-related gut microbiota. We observed a notable correlation between the abundance of Enterococcus faecium and abnormal neutrophil or lymphocyte percentage in all COVID-19 patients. Faecalibacterium was positively correlated with lymphocyte counts, while negatively correlated with neutrophil percentage.ConclusionThese results suggested that the gut microbiome could have a potential function in regulating host immune responses and impacting the severity or consequences of diseases.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals common and unique gene expression profiles in primary CD4+ T cells latently infected with HIV under different conditions
Authors: Zhang Xinlian , Qazi Andrew A. , Deshmukh Savitha , Lobato Ventura Roni , Mukim Amey , Beliakova-Bethell Nadejda 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe latent HIV reservoir represents the major barrier to a cure. One curative strategy is targeting diseased cells for elimination based on biomarkers that uniquely define these cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled the identification of gene expression profiles associated with disease at the single-cell level. Because HIV provirus in many cells during latency is not entirely silent, it became possible to determine gene expression patterns in a subset of cells latently infected with HIV.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was the identification of the gene expression profiles of single latently infected CD4+ T cells using scRNA-seq. Different conditions of latency establishment were considered. The identified profiles were then explored to prioritize the identified genes for future experimental validation.MethodsTo facilitate gene prioritization, three approaches were used. First, we characterized and compared the gene expression profiles of HIV latency established in different environments: in cells that encountered an activation stimulus and then returned to quiescence, and in resting cells that were infected directly via cell-to-cell viral transmission from autologous activated, productively infected cells. Second, we characterized and compared the gene expression profiles of HIV latency established with viruses of different tropisms, using an isogenic pair of CXCR4- and CCR5-tropic viruses. Lastly, we used proviral expression patterns in cells from people with HIV to more accurately define the latently infected cells in vitro.ResultsOur analyses demonstrated that a subset of genes is expressed differentially between latently infected and uninfected cells consistently under most conditions tested, including cells from people with HIV. Our second important observation was the presence of latency signatures, associated with variable conditions when latency was established, including cellular exposure and responsiveness to a T cell receptor stimulus and the tropism of the infecting virus.ConclusionCommon signatures, specifically genes that encode proteins localized to the cell surface, should be prioritized for further testing at the protein level as biomarkers for the ability to enrich or target latently infected cells. Cell- and tropism-dependent biomarkers may need to be considered in developing targeting strategies to ensure that all the different reservoir subsets are eliminated.
New medical schools in Sub-Saharan Africa –a cross-sectional survey of educational structures, operations, and policies
Authors: Shah Krish , Rose Elizabeth S. , Rees Andrew , Falayi Seun , Eichbaum Quentin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAfrica does not have enough doctors despite having the highest continental burden of disease. Encouragingly, many new medical schools are opening and have begun to graduate doctors. However, the educational structures, operations, and policies of these schools remain poorly understood. This study aimed to better understand these dimensions of new medical schools on the continent.MethodologyWe developed and implemented an online survey covering topics that included admissions policies, curricular design, assessment, accreditation, faculty development, research capacity, postgraduate training, and COVID-19-specific challenges. The survey was sent to 130 schools of which 52 represented individually identifiable email addresses (the remainder being schools’ websites or generic addresses).ResultsResponses represented 10 countries (response rate ~ 56%). Curricula were mostly lecture-based (n = 18, 75%). Electronic platforms and information technologies were used by over 75% (n = 18) of schools. More than half have not implemented postgraduate training programs (n = 13, 57%). Most schools had a formal accreditation process (n = 16, 70%), but the source of accreditation varied. The biggest challenge facing schools was financial (n = 20, 87%) followed by faculty/staff recruitment, training, and retention (each n = 15, 65%).ConclusionNew medical schools in Sub-Saharan Africa are a gateway to the next generation of medical doctors in a region where medical professionals are desperately needed. This survey of new schools is an important step in better understanding their status and needs, especially with the onset of the pandemic.
Restoration performance of Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides at Gaolong bay and Xincun lagoon, Hainan Island, China
Authors: Shen Jie , Yin Lei , Zhang Jian , Jia Shuwen , Wang Yi , Wang Daoru , Cai Zefu , Chen Shiquan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSeagrasses play a key role in biodiversity maintenance, sediment stabilization, and carbon reduction. Due to the significant decline of seagrass populations worldwide, many projects to restore seagrass by transplantation have been undertaken in recent decades. However, effective restoration technologies required to rapidly restore seagrass on Hainan Island are yet to be developed.MethodsIn this study, an experiment was carried out to investigate methods for alleviating continuous degradation of seagrass beds on Hainan Island. Seagrass were transplanted by “single-plant-fixed-distance transplantation” method, survival rate, shoot formation rate, coverage and shoot density of transplanting plants were monitored for 23 months.ResultsOver 67% of T. hemprichii and 90% of E. acoroides were still alive, shoot density were over 11 shoots/m2 and 15 shoots/m2 respectively after almost two years, E. acoroides was more likely to survive than T. hemprichii both in Gaolong Bay and Xincun lagoon. Because of the damage to below-ground tissues, the survival rate, shoot formation rate, coverage and shoot density decreased during the first one year after transplantation, then increased gradually.DiscussionWe considered transplantation established successfully of T. hemprichii and E. acoroides in the new site was about 12 months. In addition, T. hemprichii was suitable for transplanted in Xincun lagoon, and E. acoroides was suitable for transplanted in Gaolong bay. The results demonstrated that the growth of transplanted seagrass was greatly affected by suspend solids and DIN. The results of this study may provide data support and scientific basis for seagrass transplantation in South China.
Ciliary phenotyping in renal epithelial cells in a cranioectodermal dysplasia patient with WDR35 variants
Authors: Walczak-Sztulpa Joanna , Wawrocka Anna , Kuszel Łukasz , Pietras Paulina , Leśniczak-Staszak Marta , Andrusiewicz Mirosław , Krawczyński Maciej R. , Latos-Bieleńska Anna , Pawlak Marta , Grenda Ryszard , Materna-Kiryluk Anna , Oud Machteld M. , Szaflarski Witold 
Published: December 2023

Background: Cranioectodermal dysplasia (CED) is a skeletal autosomal recessive ciliopathy. The characteristic clinical features of CED are facial dysmorphisms, short limbs, narrow thorax, brachydactyly, ectodermal abnormalities, and renal insufficiency. Thus far, variants in six genes are known to be associated with this disorder: WDR35, IFT122, IFT140, IFT144, IFT52, and IFT43.Objective: The goal of this study was to perform cilium phenotyping in human urine-derived renal epithelial cells (hURECs) from a CED patient diagnosed with second-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and three unrelated and unaffected pediatric controls.Methods: Genetic analysis by WDR35 screening was performed in the affected individual. Cilium frequency and morphology, including cilium length, height, and width, were evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) experiments in hURECs using two markers visualizing the ciliary axoneme (Acet-Tub and ARL13B) and the base of the cilium (PCNT). The IF results were analyzed using a confocal microscope and IMARIS software.Results:WDR35 analysis revealed the presence of a known nonsense p. (Leu641*) variant and a novel missense variant p. (Ala1027Thr). Moreover, comparative genomic hybridization analysis showed that the patient carries a microdeletion on chromosome 7q31.1. Ciliary phenotyping performed on hURECs showed morphological differences in the patient’s cilia as compared to the three controls. The cilia of the CED patient were significantly wider and longer.Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that CED-related second-stage CKD might be associated with cilia abnormalities, as identified in renal epithelial cells from a CED patient harboring variants in WDR35. This study points out the added value of hURECs in functional testing for ciliopathies.
Atrophy of hippocampal subfields relates to memory decline during the pathological progression of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xiao Yaqiong , Hu Yubin , Huang Kaiyu ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2023

BackgroundIt has been well documented that atrophy of hippocampus and hippocampal subfields is closely linked to cognitive decline in normal aging and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, evidence is still sparce regarding the atrophy of hippocampus and hippocampal subfields in normal aging adults who later developed MCI or AD.ObjectiveTo examine whether atrophy of hippocampus and hippocampal subfields has occurred in normal aging before a diagnosis of MCI or AD.MethodsWe analyzed structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of cognitively normal (CN, n = 144), MCI (n = 90), and AD (n = 145) participants obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. The CN participants were categorized into early dementia converters (CN-C) and non-converters (CN-NC) based on their scores of clinical dementia rating after an average of 36.2 months (range: 6–105 months). We extracted the whole hippocampus and hippocampal subfields for each participant using FreeSurfer, and analyzed the differences in volumes of hippocampus and hippocampal subfields between groups. We then examined the associations between volume of hippocampal subfields and delayed recall scores in each group separately.ResultsHippocampus and most of the hippocampal subfields demonstrated significant atrophy during the progression of AD. The CN-C and CN-NC groups differed in the left hippocampus–amygdala transition area (HATA). Furthermore, the volume of presubiculum was significantly correlated with delayed recall scores in the CN-NC and AD groups, but not in the CN-C and MCI groups.ConclusionHippocampal subfield atrophy (i.e., left HATA) had occurred in cognitively normal elderly individuals before clinical symptoms were recognized. Significant associations of presubiculum with delayed recall scores in the CN-NC and AD groups highlight the essential role of the hippocampal subfields in both early dementia detection and AD progression.
Skin epidermal keratinocyte p53 induces food uptake upon UV exposure
Authors: Parikh Shivang , Parikh Roma , Harari Marco , Weller Aron , Bikovski Lior , Levy Carmit 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe first cells affected by UVB exposure are epidermal keratinocytes, and p53, the genome guardian, is activated in these cells when skin is exposed to UVB. UVB exposure induces appetite, but it remains unclear whether p53 in epidermal keratinocytes plays a role in this appetite stimulation.ResultsHere we found that food intake was increased following chronic daily UVB exposure in a manner that depends on p53 expression in epidermal keratinocytes. p53 conditional knockout in epidermal keratinocytes reduced food intake in mice upon UVB exposure.MethodsTo investigate the effects of p53 activation following UVB exposure, mice behavior was assessed using the staircase, open-field, elevated-plus maze, and conditioned-place preference tests. In addition to effects on appetite, loss of p53 resulted in anxiety-related behaviors with no effect on activity level.DiscussionSince skin p53 induces production of β-endorphin, our data suggest that UVB-mediated activation of p53 results in an increase in β-endorphin levels which in turn influences appetite. Our study positions UVB as a central environmental factor in systemic behavior and has implications for the treatment of eating and anxiety-related disorders.
Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the formation of nonvolatile flavor qualities during oolong tea manufacturing: a case study of Jinguanyin
Authors: Hu Qingcai , Zheng Yucheng , Yang Yun , Ni Zi-Xin , Chen Bin , Wu Zongjie , Huang Huiqing , Wu Qingyang , Zhou Zi-wei , Gao Shuilian , Lai Zhongxiong , Lin Hongzheng , Sun Yun 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe manufacturing processes of oolong tea significantly impact its nonvolatile components, leading to the emergence of distinct flavor attributes. Understanding the dynamic changes in nonvolatile components during the manufacturing stages of the Jinguanyin (JGY) cultivar is crucial for unraveling the potential mechanism behind flavor formation.MethodsComprehensive metabolomics and sensomics analyses were conducted to investigate the dynamic changes in nonvolatile components throughout various phases of oolong tea processing, focusing on the JGY cultivar.ResultsA total of 1,005 nonvolatile metabolites were detected, with 562 recognized as significant differential metabolites during various phases of oolong tea processing. Notably, the third turning-over, third setting, and high-temperature treatments exhibited the most significant effects on the nonvolatile metabolites of oolong tea. JGY finished tea demonstrated a characteristic flavor profile, marked by mellowness, sweetness in aftertaste, and a significant Yin rhyme. This flavor profile was collectively promoted by the accumulation of amino acids and organic acids, the decrease in flavonols (3-O-glycosides) and sugar substances, the alteration of phenolic acids, and the stabilization of caffeine.ConclusionThis study contribute to the understanding of the formation of oolong tea flavor qualities. The dynamic changes observed in various types of nonvolatile compounds during oolong tea processing shed light on the intricate interplay of metabolites and their influence on the final flavor characteristics.
Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in the treatment of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia epistaxis
Authors: Chen Huimin , Zhang Zhiping , Chen Xiaojuan , Wang Chaoyu , Chen Mingdi , Liao Huizhao , Zhu Jinru , Zheng Zhenzhen , Chen Riken 
Published: December 2023

Objective: A meta-analysis is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bevacizumab in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) epistaxis.Method: Two researchers search PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases from their inception until September 3th, 2023. The literature is read and screened, and valid data extracted, collated and analyzed. Its quality is then assessed using the Cochrane risk assessment scale. This study uses Endnote 9.3 software for literature management and RevMan 5.3.1 software for evaluation.Results: A total of 7 documents met the requirements, including a total of 359 patients, and the literature quality evaluation was grade B. The Meta-analysis results showed that:Bevacizumab reduces the Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) in patients with HHT epistaxis compared with the control [WMD = −0.22,95%CI (−0.38, −0.05), p = 0.01]. However, there is no significant effect on duration of epistaxis [WMD = −15.59, 95%CI (−70.41,39.23), p = 0.58] and number of epistaxes [WMD = −1.27,95%CI (−10.23,7.70), p = 0.78] in patients with HHT epistaxis. In terms of adverse effects, there is no significant difference between the bevacizumab group and control group [OR = 1.36, 95% CI (0.54, 3.44), p = 0.52].Conclusion: Bevacizumab is superior to the control group in the treatment of HHT epistaxis, and adverse reactions are not further increased in the bevacizumab group than in the control group, suggesting that bevacizumab has clinical value in the treatment of HHT epistaxis.