bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population structure, dispersion patterns and genetic diversity of two major invasive and commensal zoonotic disease hosts (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus tanezumi) from the southeastern coast of China
Authors: Li Jiaqiao , Huang Enjiong , Wu Yifan , Zhu Changqiang , Li Wenhao , Ai Lele , Xie Qinghua , Tian Zhi , Zhong Weiwen , Sun Gang , Zhang Lingling , Tan Weilong 
Published: January 2024

Background: The invasive brownrat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Oriental rats (Rattus tanezumi) are common commensal murid that are important hosts for rodent-borne diseases in southeast Asia. Understanding their population structure and genetic diversity is essential to uncover their invasion biology and distribution dynamics that are essential for controlling rodent-borne diseases.Methods: TA total of 103 R. norvegicus and 85 R. tanezumi were collected from 13 to 9 coastal areas of six provincial monitoring sentinel sites, respectivelyto assess patterns in their microsatellite loci and their mitochondrial coxl gene region.Results: Eleven sampled populations of R. norvegicus were divided into two major clusters by region. The observed heterozygosity values of all regional populations were smaller than expected genetic diversity heterozygosity values and deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium Nine sample populations of R. tanezumi were divided into three clusters; two that included sample from Hainan and Fujian provinces, and one that included samples from the other provinces and cities. The genetic diversity of R. tanezumi was highest in samples from Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces.Conclusion: The data in this paper confirm the two invasive rodent species from the southeastern coastal region of China may have relied on maritime transport to spread from the southern region of China to the Yangtze River basin. R. tanezumi may then hanve migrated unidirectionally, along the southeastern provinces of China towards the north, while R. norvegicus spread in a complex and multidirectional manner in Hainan, Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces of the country.
Characterization of cardiac involvement in patients with LMNA splice-site mutation–related dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death
Authors: Ling Xuebin , Hou Yanjun , Jia Xingyu , Lan Youling , Wu Xiaoping , Wu Julan , Jie Wei , Liu Hui , Huang Shan , Wan Zhenling , Li Tianfa , Guo Junli , Liang Tiebiao 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:LMNA splicing mutations occur in 9.1% of cases with cardiac involvement cases, but the phenotype and severity of disease they cause have not yet been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to understand the clinical and pathogenic characteristics of the LMNA splice-site mutation phenotype in patients with LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and sudden cardiac death (SCD).Methods and Results: First, we reported a novel family with LMNA-related DCM and SCD, and the clinical characteristics of all current patients with LMNA splicing mutations were further summarized through the ClinVar database. Seventeen families with a total of 134 individuals, containing a total of 15 LMNA splicing mutation sites, were enrolled. A total of 42 subjects (31.3%) had SCD. Compared without with the non-DCM group (n = 56), the patients within the DCM group (n = 78) presented a lower incidence of atrioventricular block (AVB) (p = 0.015) and a higher incidence rates of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.004),) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation (p = 0.005). Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis showed that the patients with pacemaker (PM) implantation had a significantly reduced the occurrence of SCD compared to patientswith those without PM implantation (log-rank p &lt; 0.001), while there was no significant difference in ICD implantation between the two groups (log-rank p = 0.73). Second, we identified the family that we reported with a mutation in an LMNA c.513+1 G&gt;A mutation in the reported family, and pathogenic prediction analysis showed that the mutation site was extremely harmful. Next, we conducted gene expression levels and cardiac pathological biopsy studies on the proband of this family. We found that the expression of normal LMNA mRNA from the proband was significantly downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells than incompared with healthy individuals. Finally, we comprehensively summarized the pathological characteristics of LMNA-related DCM, including hypertrophy, atrophy, fibrosis, white blood cell infiltration, intercalated disc remodeling, and downregulation of desmin and connexin 43 (Cx43) expression.Discussion: Above all, Cardiaccardiac involvement in patients with LMNA splice-site mutation presented with a high rate of SCD. Implanting a pacemaker significantly reduced the SCD rate in non-DCM patients with AVB. The pathogenic characterization was not only haveinvolved suppressed the expression of the healthy LMNA allele, but was also associated with abnormal expression and distribution of desmin and Cx43.
The immune factors have complex causal regulation effects on inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Qiu Binxu , Zhang Tao , Qin Xinxin , Ma Shengjie , Wang Quan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundAlthough a correlation between immune cell phenotypes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been established, a causal relationship remains unestablished.MethodsTo assess causal associations between immune cell phenotypes and IBD and its subtypes, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) methods and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics. The primary outcomes were determined based on the inverse variance weighting (IVW) results, with the assessment of heterogeneity and pleiotropy conducted through Cochrane’s Q-test and MR-Egger. The stability of the MR results was then examined using leave-one-out analysis, and false discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied to evaluate the strength of the causal relationship between exposure and outcome. Furthermore, to identify immunophenotypes strongly associated with IBD, a meta-integration of the effect values of all positive results in both datasets was conducted.ResultsThe analysis of 731 immune cell phenotypes and IBD using MR techniques revealed potential causal associations between 26 phenotypes and IBD. Subsequent meta-integration of the two datasets provided evidence of solid causal associations between 18 immune phenotypes and IBD and its subtypes. Nominal causal associations were also identified in the remaining eight immune phenotypes and IBD and its subtypes.ConclusionOur study confirms causal solid associations between 18 immune phenotypes and IBD, thus guiding future clinical studies.
Symptoms and medical resource utilization of patients with bronchiectasis after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Wang Jun , Ren Jiaqi , Li Xin , Wang Juan , Chang Chun , Sun Lina , Sun Yongchang 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe impact of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on patients with bronchiectasis in terms of symptoms, self-management and medical resource utilization was unknown.ObjectiveTo describe the impact of infection by SARS-CoV-2 on fluctuation of symptoms, self-management and medical resource utilization of patients with bronchiectasis during the pandemic of COVID-19.MethodsThis was a single-center cross-sectional questionnaire study performed in Peking University Third Hospital. An online questionnaire investigation addressing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on respiratory symptoms, self-management and medical resource utilization was conducted among patients with bronchiectasis during the COVID-19 surge in December 2022 in Beijing, China.ResultsFive hundred patients with bronchiectasis, with 285 (57%) females, and a mean (±SD) age of 57.9 ± 15.1 years, completed the telephone questionnaire. The reported prevalence of COVID-19 was 81.2% (406/500). Of the 406 COVID-19 patients, 89.2% experienced fever lasting mostly for no more than 3 days, 70.6 and 61.8% reported exacerbated cough and sputum production respectively, and 17.7% reported worsened dyspnea. Notable 37.4% of the patients with COVID-19 experienced symptoms consistent with the definition of an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. However, 76.6% (311/406) of the infected patients did not seek medical care but managed at home. Of the patients who visited hospitals, 26.3% (25/95) needed hospitalization and 2.1% (2/95) needed ICU admission. Multi-factors logistic regression analysis showed that younger age (p = 0.012) and not using a bronchodilator agent(p = 0.022) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, while a history of exacerbation of bronchiectasis in the past year (p = 0.006) and daily use of expectorants (p = 0.002) were associated with emergency visit and/or hospitalization for patients with bronchiectasis after SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 surge, the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with bronchiectasis was high, and most of the patients experienced new-onset or exacerbated respiratory symptoms, but only a minority needed medical visits. Our survey results further underscore the importance of patients’ disease awareness and self-management skills during a pandemic like COVID-19.
Impacts of ainuovirine-based and efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapies on the lipid profile of HIV/AIDS patients in southern China: a real-world study
Authors: Zhang Quan , Chen Zhong , Wang Yating , Peng Yongquan , Tan Si , Li Ying , Cao Guiying , Bignotti Antonia , Wu Shangjie , Wang Min 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe newly approved third-generation oral anti-HIV-1 drug, ainuovirine (ANV), was used in combination with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in our study, and its effects on the lipid profile of antiretroviral-experienced HIV/AIDS patients are unclear.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the effects of antiretroviral agents on the lipid profile in patients with HIV/AIDS.MethodsWe conducted a real-world prospective study involving treatment-naive and treatment-experienced adult participants living with HIV-1 infection provided with ANV- or efavirenz (EFV)-based regimens. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with an HIV-1 RNA level of &lt;50 copies/mL at week 24 of treatment. Secondary endpoints included the change from baseline in CD4+ T-cell count and lipid profile.ResultsA total of 60 treatment-naive and 47 treatment-experienced participants received an ANV-based regimen, while 88 treatment-naive and 47 treatment-experienced participants receiving an EFV-based regimen were, respectively, matched as controls. At week 24 following treatment, the proportion of participants with an HIV-1 RNA level of &lt;50 copies/mL and the mean changes of CD4+ T-cell counts from baseline were significantly higher in naive-ANV group than those in naive-EFV group (p &lt; 0.01). Compared with the EFV group, both naive and experienced ANV groups exhibited a favorable lipid profile, including constant changes in total cholesterol and triglycerides, a significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol (p &lt; 0.0001), and a dramatic increase in HDL-cholesterol (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe efficacy of ANV was non-inferior to EFV when combined with two NRTIs. Patients receiving ANV-based regimens had a decreased prevalence of dyslipidemia.
HLA inherence as a potential parameter in checkpoint inhibitor-associated autoimmune adverse event assessment
Authors: Gandarillas Sophia , Newland Elizabeth Schoenberg , Toppmeyer Deborah , Stephenson Ryan , Denzin Lisa , Dasgeb Bahar 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe success of immunotherapy has made it a lifesaving treatment, but not without side effects. Currently, the risk factors for developing immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients who receive immunotherapy are poorly understood, and there is no risk-stratifying mechanism for potentially fatal irAEs. It is postulated that oncology patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases are likely to have flares on immunotherapy. However, some patients develop de novo autoimmune conditions on immunotherapy without a prior history. Literature reports have postulated that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) inherence may play a role in irAEs. However, this potential remains underexplored.MethodsThe oncology patients who developed autoimmune adverse events on immunotherapy for whom the continuation of treatment was prudent or lifesaving were selected. Of note, all nine patients received checkpoint inhibitors (CIs). Of the nine selected patients, only one had a prior history of an autoimmune condition. None of the nine selected patients had an active autoimmune condition at the time of CI initiation. Their HLA was typed, and the results were cross-referenced with the literature reports in PubMed and Google search with the corresponding autoimmune condition of each patient.ResultsHerein, we report nine patients with irAEs for whom retrospective HLA typing revealed the inherence of multiple related HLA alleles that may correspond to the autoimmune condition that they had developed on immunotherapy. It is to be mentioned that the inherence of enriched disease-related HLA alleles was shared among patients with the same irAEs. These patients developed a range of irAEs including bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus foliaceus/vulgaris, thyroiditis, vitiligo, and hepatitis on immunotherapy. Although some combinations of disease-related HLA were well reported in otherwise idiopathic autoimmune diseases, a frequently repeated HLA allele combination in our patient population was found to be rarely seen in the general population.ConclusionThe authors suggest that an enriched inherence of disease-related HLA alleles may play a role in the genetic propensity for the development of irAEs in oncology patients, who receive immunotherapy, including CIs. Inherence of more than one or a cluster of particular autoimmune disease-related HLA alleles in patients who receive immunotherapy may unmask the corresponding autoimmune disease as the genotype inherence presents with the phenotype of the corresponding condition. It is suggested that enriched linked HLA genotypes, which are otherwise rare in the general population, may present as the corresponding phenotype of the autoimmune condition. Such clinical presentation, enhanced by immunotherapy, such as CIs, can play a role in risk stratifying patients for precision medicine and improve the outcome.
The impact of paternal age on cumulative assisted reproductive technology outcomes
Authors: Farabet Clemence , Pirtea Paul , Benammar Achraf , De Ziegler Dominique , Marchiori Claire , Vallée Alexandre , Ayoubi Jean-Marc 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of paternal age on cumulative live birth rate in ART.DesignRetrospective single-center cohort study.Patient(s)All female patients aged 18–43 years and male patients aged 18–60 years, who performed their first ART cycle between January 2018 and December 2020, were included.Main outcome measure(s)The primary outcome, cumulative live birth rate (cLBR), was estimated following fresh or frozen embryo transfers issued from an ART cycle. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative pregnancy rate (cPR) and miscarriage rate. Subgroup analyzes were performed as follows: men &lt;45 and ≥ 45; female &lt;35, 35–38, and &gt; 38 years.Result(s)A total of 2,358 couples were included in this study. The sperm quantity of male patients within both age groups was divided in two groups: normal and abnormal, which were found to be in significantly equal proportions. There were significantly fewer current smokers in the male group ≥45. The cPR was 0.5301 in the group &lt;45 and 0.3111 in the group ≥45, with a p-value &lt;0.001. Analysis according to the female age revealed that, in the female group &gt;38, the cLBR rate was 0.26 for men &lt;45 and 0.19 for men ≥45, with a p-value of 0.061. Additionally, the cPR was 0.34 in the male group &lt;45 and 0.21 in the group ≥45, with a p-value &lt;0.001. In the female group between 35 and 38 years of age, the cLBR was 0.44 in the male group &lt;45 and 0.3 in the male group ≥45, with a p-value of 0.031. The cPR was 0.49 in the male group &lt;45 and 0.34 in the group ≥45, p = 0.036. Within the female group &lt;35, we observed non-significant results. The miscarriage rate results were not significantly different for women ≤38.ConclusionAccording to the results from our study, male age ≥ 45 has a significant impact on cumulative ART outcomes.
Evaluation of proline-rich antimicrobial peptides as potential lead structures for novel antimycotics against Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Brakel Alexandra , Grochow Thomas , Fritsche Stefanie , Knappe Daniel , Krizsan Andor , Fietz Simone A. , Alber Gottfried , Hoffmann Ralf , Müller Uwe 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundCryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans infections, lead to approximately 180,000 deaths per year, primarily in developing countries. Individuals with compromised immune systems, e.g., due to HIV infection (AIDS) or chemotherapy, are particularly vulnerable. Conventional treatment options are often limited and can cause severe side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antifungal effect of insect-derived proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) against C. neoformans. These peptides are known for their low toxicity and their high efficacy in murine infection models, making them a promising alternative for treatment.ResultsA preliminary screening of the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 20 AMPs, including the well-known PrAMPs Onc112, Api137, and Chex1Arg20 as well as the cathelicidin CRAMP against the C. neoformans strains 1841, H99, and KN99α revealed promising results, with MICs as low as 1.6 μmol/L. Subsequent investigations of selected peptides, determining their influence on fungal colony-forming units, confirmed their strong activity. The antifungal activity was affected by factors such as peptide net charge and sequence, with stronger effects at higher net charges probably due to better intracellular uptake confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Inactive scrambled peptides suggest a specific intracellular target, although scanning electron microscopy showed that PrAMPs also damaged the cell exterior for a low proportion of the cells. Possible pore formation could facilitate entry into the cytosol.
Aurantii fructus immaturus carbonisata-derived carbon dots and their anti-depression effect
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Dai Ertong , Li Menghan , Kong Ruolan , Yuan Jinye , Li Tingjie , Wang Shuxian , Zhang Yue , Kong Hui , Zhao Yan 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Depression is a common illness worldwide. However, the current treatments available for depression only achieve relative success, often come with several side effects, and are associated with high costs. Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) has a rich historical legacy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its traditional use as a treatment for depression. In this research, our primary objective is to examine the potential antidepressant properties and the mechanisms at play behind a particular bioactive compound found in AFI, which is referred to as carbon dots derived from AFI Carbonisata (AFIC-CDs).Methods: Extracted and isolated the AFIC-CDs from the decoction of AFIC, then characterized the morphological structure and functional groups comprehensively. We then utilized two distinct models to investigate the anti-depressive properties of AFIC-CDs: the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model and the reserpine-induced pain-depression dyad model. In the CUMS model, we assessed immobile time and measured neurotransmitter levels in the mouse brain cortex. In the pain-depression dyad model, we evaluated immobile time, neurotransmitter levels, interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and the expression of mRNA of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2).Results: AFIC-CDs were found to have abundant chemical groups, and their diameter ranged from 2 to 10 nm. In the CUMS model, AFIC-CDs demonstrated significant effects. They reduced the immobile time of the mice and increased the levels of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) in the mouse brain cortex. In the pain-depression dyad model, the AFIC-CDs groups decreased the immobile time, showed effect in increasing both the neurotransmitters’ levels and the expression of mRNA of BDNF and Tph2, and decreased the IL-1β and TNF-α levels in mouse brain cortex. Taken together, these results strongly indicate that AFIC-CDs possess significant antidepressant activity.Conclusion: AFIC-CDs demonstrate promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression, suggesting that they may become a valuable candidate for depression management. This not only extends the understanding of the biological activity of carbon dots (CDs) but also opens up new possibilities for the development of effective depression treatment strategies.
The neural correlates of perceived social support and its relationship to psychological well-being
Authors: Lu Huanhua , Song Yiying , Wang Xu , Liu Jia 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPerceived social support is considered to play a significant role in promoting individuals’ health and well-being, and yet the neural correlates of perceived social support were not fully understood. An exploration of the neural correlates of individual differences in the SPS can help us to gain more comprehensive understanding about the neural correlates of perceived social support. What’s more, our study will explore the relationship among perceived social support, brain regions, and psychological well-being, which may provide new insights into the neural correlates underlying the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience.MethodsHerein, we used the Social Provisions Scale to assess individuals’ perceived social support, and magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the gray matter (GM) volume of the whole brain. What’s more, we also measured psychological well-being using the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and mediation analysis was used to explore the relationship among perceived social support, brain regions, and psychological well-being.ResultsThe voxel-based morphometry analysis of the whole brain revealed that perceived social support was positively correlated with GM volume of the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG). The finding indicated that a person with greater GM volume in the left MTG perceived more social support. More importantly, the left MTG GM volume observed above was also associated with psychological well-being, and the link between the two was mediated by perceived social support.DiscussionThese results revealed the importance of MTG for perceived social support and psychological well-being, and also suggested that perceived social support might explain the relationship between MTG and psychological well-being.