bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploiting bacterial-origin immunostimulants for improved vaccination and immunotherapy: current insights and future directions
Authors: Wang Guangyu , Wang Yongkang , Ma Fang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVaccination is a valid strategy to prevent and control newly emerging and reemerging infectious diseases in humans and animals. However, synthetic and recombinant antigens are poor immunogenic to stimulate efficient and protective host immune response. Immunostimulants are indispensable factors of vaccines, which can promote to trigger fast, robust, and long-lasting immune responses. Importantly, immunotherapy with immunostimulants is increasing proved to be an effective and promising treatment of cancer, which could enhance the function of the immune system against tumor cells. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play vital roles in inflammation and are central to innate and adaptive immune responses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs)-targeting immunostimulants have become one of the hotspots in adjuvant research and cancer therapy. Bacterial-origin immunoreactive molecules are usually the ligands of PRRs, which could be fast recognized by PRRs and activate immune response to eliminate pathogens. Varieties of bacterial immunoreactive molecules and bacterial component-mimicking molecules have been successfully used in vaccines and clinical therapy so far. This work provides a comprehensive review of the development, current state, mechanisms, and applications of bacterial-origin immunostimulants. The exploration of bacterial immunoreactive molecules, along with their corresponding mechanisms, holds immense significance in deepening our understanding of bacterial pathogenicity and in the development of promising immunostimulants.
Bioimpedance-assessed muscle wasting and its relation to nutritional intake during the first week of ICU: a pre-planned secondary analysis of Nutriti Study
Authors: Deana Cristian , Gunst Jan , De Rosa Silvia , Umbrello Michele , Danielis Matteo , Biasucci Daniele Guerino , Piani Tommaso , Cotoia Antonella , Molfino Alessio , Vetrugno Luigi ,   Nutriti Study Group
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Muscle mass evaluation in ICU is crucial since its loss is related with long term complications, including physical impairment. However, quantifying muscle wasting with available bedside tools (ultrasound and bioimpedance analysis) must be more primarily understood. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) provides estimates of muscle mass and phase angle (PA).
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate muscle mass changes with bioimpedance analysis during the first 7 days after ICU admission. Secondary aims searched for correlations between muscular loss and caloric and protein debt.

Methods
Patients with an expected ICU-stay ≥ 72 h and the need for artificial nutritional support were evaluated for study inclusion. BIA evaluation of muscle mass and phase angle were performed at ICU admission and after 7 days. Considering the difference between ideal caloric and protein targets, with adequate nutritional macronutrients delivered, we calculated the caloric and protein debt. We analyzed the potential correlation between caloric and protein debt and changes in muscle mass and phase angle.

Results
72 patients from September 1st to October 30th, 2019 and from August 1st to October 30th, 2021 were included in the final statistical analysis. Median age was 68 [59–77] years, mainly men (72%) admitted due to respiratory failure (25%), and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for 7 [4–10] days. Median ICU stay was 8 [6–12] days. Bioimpedance data at ICU admission and after 7 days showed that MM and PA resulted significantly reduced after 7 days of critically illness, 34.3 kg vs 30.6 kg (p < 0.0001) and 4.90° vs 4.35° (p = 0.0004) respectively. Mean muscle loss was 3.84 ± 6.7 kg, accounting for 8.4% [1–14] MM reduction. Correlation between caloric debt (r = 0.14, p = 0.13) and protein debt (r = 0.18, p = 0.13) with change in MM was absent. Similarly, no correlation was found between caloric debt (r = -0.057, p = 0.631) and protein debt (r = -0.095, p = 0.424) with changes in PA.

Conclusions
bioimpedance analysis demonstrated that muscle mass and phase angle were significantly lower after 7 days in ICU. The total amount of calories and proteins does not correlate with changes in muscle mass and phase angle.
A rare inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor appearing both inside and outside the heart
Authors: Li Jiarong , Liu Jijia , Yao Xingwang , Yang Jinfu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an uncommon cardiac tumor that primarily affects infants, children, and young adults. While complete surgical resection generally leads to a favorable prognosis, accurate diagnostic tests remain limited.

Case presentation
We describe the case of a 26-year-old female who had a dual tumor inside and outside the heart and was misdiagnosed by echocardiography and MRI. We also review 71 cases of cardiac IMTs from the literature regarding their epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcome.

Conclusion
Early detection of this rare disorder is essential for optimal surgical management.
Reliability, stability during long-term storage, and intra-individual variation of circulating levels of osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and interleukin-17A
Authors: Nakamizo Tomoki , Cologne John , Kishi Takeshi , Takahashi Tetsuya , Inoue Mayumi , Ryukaku Hiroyuki , Hayashi Tomonori , Kusunoki Yoichiro , Fujiwara Saeko , Ohishi Waka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Studies in many populations have reported associations between circulating cytokine levels and various physiological or pathological conditions. However, the reliability of cytokine measurements in population studies, which measure cytokines in multiple assays over a prolonged period, has not been adequately examined; nor has stability during sample storage or intra-individual variation been assessed.

Methods
We assessed (1) analytical reliability in short- and long-term repeated measurements; (2) stability and analytical reliability during long-term sample storage, and (3) variability within individuals over seasons, of four cytokines—osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A). Measurements in plasma or serum samples were made with commercial kits according to standard procedures. Estimation was performed by fitting a random or mixed effects linear model on the log scale.

Results
In repeated assays over a short period, OPN, OPG, and VEGF-A had acceptable reliability, with intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) less than 0.11. Reliability of IL-17A was poor, with inter- and intra-assay CV 0.85 and 0.43, respectively. During long-term storage, OPG significantly decayed (− 33% per year; 95% confidence interval [− 54, − 3.7]), but not OPN or VEGF-A (− 0.3% or − 6.3% per year, respectively). Intra- and inter-assay CV over a long period were comparable to that in a short period except for a slight increase in inter-assay CV of VEGF-A. Within-individual variation was small for OPN and VEGF-A, with intra-class correlations (ICC) 0.68 and 0.83, respectively, but large for OPG (ICC 0.11).

Conclusions
We conclude that OPN and VEGF-A can be reliably measured in a large population, that IL-17A is suitable only for small experiments, and that OPG should be assessed with caution due to degradation during storage and intra-individual variation. The overall results of our study illustrate the need for validation under relevant conditions when measuring circulating cytokines in population studies.
The optimal blood glucose is significantly associated with lower mortality in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock: an analysis revealed with time series blood glucose records
Authors: Sun Ce , Zhou Ji-Hong , Huang Yan-Ling , Ning Yi-Le , Xu Xiang-Hui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The optimal blood glucose (BG) level for patients with cardiogenic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear. Studies have found that both excessively high and low BG levels contribute to adverse cardiovascular events. Our study aims to investigate the optimal BG level for critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock and evaluate the effects of optimal BG on the prognosis of patients.

Methods
A total of 2013 patients with cardiogenic shock obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) IV database were included in the final cohort for our retrospective observational study for data analysis. The exposure was time-weighted average BG (TWA-BG), which was calculated by the time-series BG records and corresponding time stamps of patients with cardiogenic shock during their stay in the ICU. The cut-off value of TWA-BG was identified by the restricted cubic spline curve and included patients were categorized into three groups: low TWA-BG group (TWA-BG ≤ 104 mg/dl), optimal TWA-BG group (104 < TWA-BG ≤ 138 mg/dl), and high TWA-BG group (TWA-BG > 138 mg/dl). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were ICU and in-hospital mortality. We performed the log-rank test to detect whether there is a difference in mortality among different groups in the original cohort. Multiple distinct models were employed to validate the robustness of the results.

Results
Our study revealed that the optimal BG level for critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock is 104–138 mg/dl. Compared to the optimal TWA-BG group, the low TWA-BG group (hazard ratio (HR): 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.33, p = 0.002) and high TWA-BG group (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.46–2.03, p < 0.001) exhibited higher 28-day mortality. Similarly, the low TWA-BG group and high TWA-BG group demonstrated higher risks in terms of ICU mortality (low TWA-BG group: HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.40–3.79, p < 0.001; high TWA-BG group: HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.45–2.17, p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (low TWA-BG group: HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.19–2.51, p = 0.001; high TWA-BG group: HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.38–1.95, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis conducted through propensity score matching and the subgroup analysis further substantiated the robustness of the results.

Conclusion
The optimal BG level for patients with cardiogenic shock is 104–138 mg/dl. BG levels below 104 mg/dl and above 138 mg/dl were associated with a less favorable prognosis.
Can we predict multi-party elections with Google Trends data? Evidence across elections, data windows, and model classes
Authors: Behnert Jan , Lajic Dean , Bauer Paul C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGoogle trends (GT), a service aggregating search queries on Google, has been used to predict various outcomes such as as the spread of influenza, automobile sales, unemployment claims, and travel destination planning [1, 2]. Social scientists also used GT to predict elections and referendums across different countries and time periods, sometimes with more, sometimes with less success. We provide unique evidence on the predictive power of GT in the German multi-party systems, forecasting four elections (2009, 2013, 2017, 2021). Thereby, we make several contributions: First, we present one of the first attempts to predict a multi-party election using GT and highlight the specific challenges that originate from this setting. In doing so, we also provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of prior research. Second, we develop a framework that allows for fine-grained variation of the GT data window both in terms of its width and distance to the election. Subsequently, we test the predictive accuracy of several thousand models resulting from those fine-grained specifications. Third, we compare the predictive power of different model classes that are purely GT data based but also incorporate polling data as well as previous elections. Finally, we provide a systematic overview of the challenges one faces in using GT data for predictions part of which have been neglected in prior research.
Assessing the stability of underground caves through iSUMM (innovative, straightforward, user-friendly, mechanically-based method)
Authors: Mevoli Federica Angela , Fazio Nunzio Luciano , Perrotti Michele , Lollino Piernicola 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA huge number of sinkhole events has been recorded in different Italian urban areas, with an occurrence frequency largely increasing in the last decades, sometimes even causing loss of human lives. The main reason for such catastrophic events is the presence of man-made underground cavities, excavated within soft rocks, several decades ago and then abandoned, at shallow depths. Here, the possibility of interaction with overlying buildings and infrastructures and the corresponding sinkhole hazard is relatively high. In such contexts, the low mechanical properties of the soft rock formations where the cavities have been excavated, like those formed of calcarenites, which outcrop in large areas of Southern Italy, and their high susceptibility to weathering processes, represent one of the most important predisposing factors for instability. Therefore, assessing the stability of underground cavities is crucial for land management and planning purposes. The mechanically-based stability charts developed by Perrotti et al. (Int J Geomech 18(7):04018071, 2018) have proved to be a valid tool for preliminary stability assessment and, although allow to identify an eventual proneness of the cave to instability, they do not provide quantitative assessment about the safety margin itself. In that regard, this study intends to present the most recent outcomes obtained in the development of the methodology and is aimed at promoting an enhanced way for their application, so that the charts can become an operative tool for preliminary sinkhole hazard assessment in similar regions in the world.
Left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain assessment together with biomarker evaluation may have a predictive and prognostic role in patients qualified for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation due to hematopoietic and lymphoid malignancies – a pilot study description
Authors: Puła Bartosz , Kępski Jarosław , Misiewicz-Krzemińska Irena , Szmit Sebastian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) procedure is considered a cardiovascular burden. This is due to the potentially cardiotoxic cytostatic agents used before and the risks associated with peri-transplant procedures. We designed a pilot study to determine the clinical utility of the new ST2 marker; furthermore, we routinely assessed cardiac parameters in HSCT recipients. Based on previous cardio-oncology experience in lung and prostate cancer, we can confirm the prognostic and predictive value of classic cardiac biomarkers and modern echocardiography parameters such as global longitudinal strain of the left and right ventricle. After conducting this pilot study we can create a predictive and prognostic model for patients undergoing HSCT. This will greatly enrich our clinical practice, especially in treating older people.
Assessment of corporate social responsibility practices in selected public libraries in South-West and North-Central, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Ismail Olatunji , Abiona Boluke Favour , Adebisi Adetunji Idris , Ishola Khudro Iyabo , Ogunlowo Halleluyah David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study explored corporate social responsibility practices in selected public libraries in south-west and north-central Nigeria. The study adopts multiple case-study design, and qualitative research approach. Interview was used to collect data from a total of fifteen (15) participants. The study found that the public libraries do not have written CSR policy. Results showed that the public libraries engaged in social support, social change, socio-cultural activities, and COVID-19 social support. Findings showed that public libraries provide charity through book donations/gifts and provision of information to library users. It was revealed that public libraries advocate for, and participate in, periodic environmental sanitation. Results showed that the libraries remove what the librarians consider as morally decrepit information materials from the shelves, which means they aid censorship. The study showed that public libraries adhered to the ethics and guidelines of Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) to a minimum extent since the Council has partially failed in their supervisory role. The study concludes that public libraries have their in-house ethics and policies that guide the library staff, users, attendants, and visitors. The study recognized that public libraries provide economic viable information to users, which enable them get improve their career, secure employment, and learn vocation. This study contribute that public libraries are essential in ensuring and meeting sustainable development goals via responsible CSR practices.
Diabetes Duration, Cholesterol Levels, and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kim Mee Kyoung , Lee Kyu Na , Han Kyungdo , Lee Seung-Hwan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the association of diabetes duration with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and to examine the relationship between lipid levels and CVD risk over the duration.

Methods
Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service Cohort database, we identified 2 359 243 subjects with type 2 diabetes aged ≥ 20 years in 2015 to 2016. Baseline lipid levels and diabetes duration were evaluated and followed up until December 2020 (mean follow-up, 3.9 years). Subjects were categorized according to diabetes duration (new-onset, &lt; 5 years, 5-9 years, or ≥ 10 years). We analyzed the new-onset diabetes group with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) &lt; 70 mg/dL as the reference group. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke (IS) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounders.

Results
During follow-up, 45 883 cases of MI and 53 538 cases of IS were identified. The risk of MI or IS began to increase at LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL in the new-onset diabetes group, and at LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL in the group with diabetes duration &lt; 5 years. Among subjects with diabetes duration of 5 to 9 years, LDL-C levels of 100-129 mg/dL, 130-159 mg/dL, and ≥ 160 mg/dL were significantly associated with the risk of MI (HR [95% CI] 1.13 [1.04-1.22], 1.28 [1.17-1.39], and 1.58 [1.42-1.76], respectively). MI risk in the diabetes duration ≥ 10 years group was increased by 16%, even in the LDL-C 70-99 mg/dL population (HR [95% CI] 1.16 [1.08-1.25]).

Conclusion
This population-based longitudinal study revealed that the LDL-C cutoff level for increasing the risk of CVD varied with diabetes duration and that the target LDL-C level should depend on the duration.
HDAC11 Regulates Palmitate-induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Inducing YAP Expression in THP-1 Cells and PBMCs
Authors: Byeon Hye-Eun , Choi Sung-E , Kim Yujin , Choi Suji , Lee Soo-Jin , Kim Dong Hyun , Mo Jung-Soon , Jeon Ja Young 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, such as obesity. However, the influence of HDAC11 on inflammation and the specific effect of HDAC11 on the palmitic acid (PA)-induced NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation are poorly understood.
The effect of PA treatment on HDAC11 activity and the NLRP3 inflammasome was investigated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and THP-1 cells. The PA-induced responses of key markers of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, including NLRP3 gene expression, caspase-1 p10 activation, cleaved IL-1β production, and extracellular IL-1β release, were assessed as well. The role of HDAC11 was explored using a specific inhibitor of HDAC11 and by knockdown using small interfering (si)HDAC11 RNA. The relationship between HDAC11 and yes-associated protein (YAP) in the PA-induced NLRP3 inflammasome was investigated in THP-1 cells with HDAC11 or YAP knockdown.
Following PA treatment, HDAC11 activity and protein levels increased significantly, concomitant with activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Notably, PA-induced the upregulation of NLRP3, caspase-1 p10 activation, the production of cleaved IL-1β, and the release of IL-1β into the extracellular space, all of which were attenuated by FT895 treatment and by HDAC11 knockdown. In THP-1 cells, PA induced the expression of YAP and its interaction with NLRP3, resulting in NLRP3 inflammasome activation, whereas both were inhibited by FT895 and siHDAC11 RNA.
These findings demonstrate a pivotal role for HDAC11 in the PA-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. HDAC11 inhibition thus represents a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating NLRP3 inflammasome-related inflammation in the context of obesity.
Dissemination of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast and Prostate Cancer: Implications for Early Detection
Authors: Bae Song Yi , Kamalanathan Kaylee Judith , Galeano-Garces Catalina , Konety Badrinath R , Antonarakis Emmanuel S , Parthasarathy Jayant , Hong Jiarong , Drake Justin M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Burgeoning evidence suggests that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may disseminate into blood vessels at an early stage, seeding metastases in various cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. Simultaneously, the early-stage CTCs that settle in metastatic sites [termed disseminated tumor cells (DTCs)] can enter dormancy, marking a potential source of late recurrence and therapy resistance. Thus, the presence of these early CTCs poses risks to patients but also holds potential benefits for early detection and treatment and opportunities for possibly curative interventions. This review delves into the role of early DTCs in driving latent metastasis within breast and prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of early CTC detection in these diseases. We further explore the correlation between early CTC detection and poor prognoses, which contribute significantly to increased cancer mortality. Consequently, the detection of CTCs at an early stage emerges as a critical imperative for enhancing clinical diagnostics and allowing for early interventions.
Motives of abstinence versus metacognition and self-conscious emotions in people addicted to alcohol
Authors: Wojtczak Mateusz , Ślaski Sławomir 
Published: February 2024

Cel pracyCelem niniejszego badania było pokazanie związku między czasem, motywami utrzymywania abstynencji a metapoznawczymi przekonaniami na temat alkoholu i samoświadomowościowymi emocjamiMetodaW badaniu wzięło udział 91 osób uzależnionych od alkoholu, które obecnie utrzymują abstynencję. Do pomiaru poszczególnych zmiennych wykorzystano trzy instrumenty: RALD wykorzystano do zbadania motywów utrzymywania abstynencji, MPA wykorzystano do pomiaru poziomu indywidualnych przekonań metapoznawczych na temat alkoholu, a SUM 5 wykorzystano do pomiaru poziomu samoświadomowościowych emocji u osób uzależnionych, które utrzymują abstynencję. Przeprowadzono analizy korelacji i zbadano różnice w średnich rangach metapoznania i samoświadomości dla dwóch niezależnych próbWynikiWykazano, że wszystkie przekonania metapoznawcze są ujemnie skorelowane z czasem abstynencji. Niektóre przekonania metapoznawcze były negatywnie powiązane z motywami abstynencji. Ponadto stwierdzono pozytywne związki emocji samoświadomowościowych z motywami czasu i abstynencji. Zarówno przekonania metapoznawcze, jak i samoświadomowościowe emocje mają różny średni poziom w zależności od czasu trwania abstynencjiWnioskiBadanie ujawniło, że oba konstrukty są związane z utrzymywaniem abstynencji i mogą być twórczo wykorzystywane w dalszych analizach powrotu do zdrowia po uzależnieniu i prewencji nawrotów uzależnienia