bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial diversity of stingless bee honey in Yunnan, China: isolation and genome sequencing of a novel acid-resistant Lactobacillus pentosus (SYBC-MI) with probiotic and L. tryptophan producing potential via millet fermentation
Authors: Basharat Samra , Meng Tiantian , Zhai Lixin , Hussain Asif , Aqeel Sahibzada Muhammad , Khan Salman , Shah Obaid Ullah , Liao Xiangru 
Published: December 2023

Stingless bee (Hymenoptera, Apidae, and Trigona) honey is a remarkable “miracle liquid” with a wide range of medical benefits for conditions including gastroenteritis, cataracts, and wound healing. Our study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize acid-resistant Lactobacillus spp. from sour honey distributed in Yunnan, China. To assess the safety of an entirely novel Lactobacillus pentosus strain, S4 (OM618128), based on probiotic property evaluation and whole-genome sequencing analysis. A 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing analysis showed that Lactobacillus was abundant at the genus level in sour honey. Seven Lactobacillus strains (viz. S1–7) were isolated from sour honey using a multiple-anaerobic culture enrichment method. One potential acid-resistant isolate, Lactobacillus sp. S4, was obtained after screening the seven Lactobacillus isolates, and it had the highest lactic acid production (17.62 g/L), followed by Lactobacillus sp. S3 (17.07 g/L). Phylogenetic and comparative analyses of conserved sequence regions have shown that all seven strains are phylogenetically located in the Lactobacillus pentosus sub-cluster. In L. pentosus SYBC-MI, there is a circular chromosome (3288615 bps) and 11,466 bps plasmids. GC content is 44.03%. The number of predicted genes is 3,129, with 16 rRNAs and 74 tRNAs present. During the fermentation of foxtail millet by seven Lactobacillus pentosus (S1–7) strains isolated from sour honey, a potential tryptophan accumulating isolate, Lactobacillus pentosus S4, was obtained, which could reach a maximum tryptophan content of 238.43 mgL-1 that is 1.80 times the initial tryptophan content in the fermentation broth. This strain has strong acid tolerance, salt tolerance, and fermentation acid production abilities. This strain degrades nitrite at a rate of over 99%, and it has high probiotic potential as well. This project has established a solid foundation for further exploring the excellent lactic acid bacteria in sour honey. It is also investigating the key taxa and their role in the environment. According to the results of our studies, these LAB isolates provide a lot of potential for use in the future, as a source of probiotics for human, animals, and starter cultures for food applications.
Clinical characteristics and high risk factors of patients with Omicron variant strain infection in Hebei, China
Authors: Wang Lihong , Liu Ting , Yue Hongjuan , Zhang Jiaojiao , Sheng Qihong , Wu Ling , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Mei , Wang Jing , Wang Jia , Yu Weifang 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe Omicron variant has a weaker pathogenicity compared to the Delta variant but is highly transmissible and elderly critically ill patients account for the majority. This study has significant implications for guiding clinical personalized treatment and effectively utilizing healthcare resources.MethodsThe study focuses on 157 patients infected with the novel coronavirus Omicron variant, from December, 2022, to February, 2023. The objective is to analyze the baseline data, test results, imaging findings and identify risk factors associated with severe illness.ResultsAmong the 157 included patients, there were 55 cases in the non-severe group (all were moderate cases) and 102 cases in the severe group (including severe and critical cases). Infection with the Omicron variant exhibits significant differences between non-severe and severe cases (baseline data, blood routine, coagulation, inflammatory markers, cardiac, liver, kidney functions, Chest CT, VTE score, etc.). A multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that neutrophil percentage &gt;75%, eosinophil percentage &lt;0.4%, D-dimer &gt;0.55 mg/L, PCT &gt;0.25 ng/mL, LDH &gt;250 U/L, albumin &lt;40 g/L, A/G ratio &lt;1.2, cholinesterase&lt;5100 U/L, uric acid &gt;357 mole/L and blood calcium&lt;2.11 mmol/L were the most likely independent risk factors for severe novel coronavirus infection.ConclusionAdvanced age, low oxygenation index, elevated neutrophil percentage, decreased eosinophil percentage, elevated PCT, elevated LDH, decreased albumin, decreased A/G ratio, elevated uric acid, decreased blood calcium, and elevated D-dimer are independent prognostic risk factors for non-severe patients progressing to severe illness. These factors should be closely monitored and actively treated to prevent or minimize the occurrence of severe illness.
A comprehensive roadmap for MedTech innovations uptake into the public healthcare system in India
Authors: Gupta Prakamya , Rai Charu , Shahi Anjaney , Sharma Manisha , Choudhury Ranjan , Kotwal Atul 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe burden of communicable, non-communicable diseases and reproductive maternal, newborn, child &amp; adolescent health in India, reflects the necessity to develop tailored solutions. The plethora of MedTech innovations has provided healthcare facilities with more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare for people across the country. However, in spite of the Make-in-India scheme in the country, the indigenously developed healthcare technology is far from making an impact on the healthcare system.ObjectiveTo present a roadmap for MedTech innovations for their successful deployment into the public healthcare system.MethodologyIn addition to the literature review, recommendations were included from several stakeholders such as innovators, manufacturers, policymakers, subject matter experts, funding organizations, State health officials etc.Results and conclusionThe journey of healthcare innovation from need identification to ideation, to prototyping and validation has paved the way towards the de novo design that caters to unmet needs. Innovations at the advanced technology readiness level (TRL 7/8 and above) demand a holistic and multidisciplinary approach which includes clinical validation, regulatory approval and Health technology assessment. The deployment of healthcare technology into the public healthcare system must consider resources (e.g., time, staff, budget, investment policies), ethical concerns (privacy, security, regulations, ownership), governance (policy, accountability, responsibility etc.), and Skills (capabilities, culture, etc.). The technologies are considered for field trials before the uptake in the public health system. Technology can be a key tool in achieving Universal Health Coverage but its use has to be strategic, judicious, and cognizant of issues around privacy and patient rights.
The thyroid hormone enhances mouse embryonic fibroblasts reprogramming to pluripotent stem cells: role of the nuclear receptor corepressor 1
Authors: Contreras-Jurado Constanza , Montero-Pedrazuela Ana , Pérez Raúl F. , Alemany Susana , Fraga Mario F. , Aranda Ana 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPluripotent stem cells can be generated from somatic cells by the Yamanaka factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc.MethodsMouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were transduced with the Yamanaka factors and generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) was assessed by formation of alkaline phosphatase positive colonies, pluripotency gene expression and embryod bodies formation. ResultsThe thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) enhances MEFs reprogramming. T3-induced iPSCs resemble embryonic stem cells in terms of the expression profile and DNA methylation pattern of pluripotency genes, and of their potential for embryod body formation and differentiation into the three major germ layers. T3 induces reprogramming even though it increases expression of the cyclin kinase inhibitors p21 and p27, which are known to oppose acquisition of pluripotency. The actions of T3 on reprogramming are mainly mediated by the thyroid hormone receptor beta and T3 can enhance iPSC generation in the absence of c-Myc. The hormone cannot replace Oct4 on reprogramming, but in the presence of T3 is possible to obtain iPSCs, although with low efficiency, without exogenous Klf4. Furthermore, depletion of the corepressor NCoR (or Nuclear Receptor Corepressor 1) reduces MEFs reprogramming in the absence of the hormone and strongly decreases iPSC generation by T3 and also by 9cis-retinoic acid, a well-known inducer of reprogramming. NCoR depletion also markedly antagonizes induction of pluripotency gene expression by both ligands. ConclusionsInclusion of T3 on reprogramming strategies has a potential use in enhancing the generation of functional iPSCs for studies of cell plasticity, disease and regenerative medicine.
Ghrelin misbalance affects mice embryo implantation and pregnancy success by uterine immune dysregulation and nitrosative stress
Authors: Luque Eugenia Mercedes , Díaz-Luján Cintia María , Paira Daniela Andrea , de Loredo Nicolás , Torres Pedro Javier , Cantarelli Verónica Inés , Fretes Ricardo , Motrich Rubén Darío , Martini Ana Carolina 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIn a previous study we found that ghrelin (Ghrl) misbalance during the peri-implantation period significantly impaired fetus development. In this study we aimed to evaluate the putative mechanisms underlying these effects, including embryo implantation success, uterine nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, nitric oxide synthesis and the inflammatory/immune uterine profile.MethodsGhrelin misbalance was induced by injecting 4nmol/animal/day of Ghrl (hyperghrelinemia) or 6nmol/animal/day of a Ghrl antagonist (Ant: (D-Lys3)GHRP-6) from day 3 to 8 of pregnancy. Control animals (C) were injected with de vehicle. Females were euthanized at pregnancy day 8 and their uteri excised in order to evaluate: the percentage of reabsorbed embryos (microscopically), eNOS, iNOS and nytrotirosine expression (by immunohistochemistry), nitrite synthesis (by Griess technique), VEGF, IL-10, IL-17, IL-6, MMP9 and GM-CSF expression (by qPCR) and leukocyte infiltration by flow cytometry (evaluating T cells, NK cells, granulocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages).ResultsAnt-treatment significantly increased the percentage of reabsorbed embryos and the uterine expression of eNOS, iNOS and nytrotirosine. (D-Lys3)GHRP-6-treatment increased also the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-17 and MMP9, and decreased that of IL-10 (anti-inflammatory). Moreover, Ant-treatment increased also the NK cells population and that of CD11b+ dendritic cells; and decreased T cells percentages. Similarly, hyperghrelinemia showed a significant increase vs. C on eNOS, iNOS and nytrotirosineuterine expression and a decrease in T cells percentages.ConclusionGhrl misbalance during the peri-implantation period induces pro-inflammatory changes and nitrosative stress in the gravid uterus, impairing significantly embryo implantation and/or development.
Diabetes status and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults in the Canadian longitudinal study on aging
Authors: Sakib Mohammad Nazmus , Ramezan Reza , Hall Peter A. 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesDiabetes is recognized as a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment. However, this association has not been thoroughly examined using large-scale population-based datasets in the Canadian context. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential association between cognitive function and diabetes in a large population-based sample of middle-aged and older Canadians.MethodsWe utilized baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (N=30,097) to test our hypotheses, using five indicators of cognitive function (animal fluency, Stroop interference, reaction time, immediate and delayed memory recall). We conducted multivariate multivariable linear regression and subsequently performed tests for moderation analysis with lifestyle factors and health status.ResultsThe analysis revealed that type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was associated with lower performance on most cognitive tasks, including those assessing executive function (b=0.60, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.90), reaction time (b=16.94, 95% CI 9.18 to 24.70), immediate memory recall (b=-0.10, 95% CI -0.18 to -0.02), and delayed memory recall (b=-0.12, 95% CI -0.21 to -0.02). However, no significant association was observed between other types of diabetes and cognitive performance. Moderation effects were largely null for T2DM, with the exception of alcohol intake for reaction time, and physical activity for animal fluency.ConclusionsThe study showed that individuals with T2DM exhibit poor performance on tasks that assess executive function, reaction time, and memory. Therefore, optimizing cognitive health among individuals with T2DM should be a priority in primary care. Additionally, further studies should examine this association using longitudinal data.
Prevalence and characteristics of thelarche variant
Authors: Burlo Francesca , Lorenzon Beatrice , Tamaro Gianluca , Fabretto Antonella , Buonomo Francesca , Peinkhofer Martina , Vidonis Viviana , Vittori Giada , Faleschini Elena , Barbi Egidio , Tornese Gianluca 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionGirls with early thelarche may show an intermediate clinical picture between isolated premature thelarche (PT) and central precocious puberty (CPP), defined as “thelarche variant” (TV), characterized by an FSH-predominant response, although a univocal definition is lacking.MethodsRetrospective analysis on 91 girls with early thelarche (&lt;8 years) and advanced bone age and/or accelerated growth who underwent 104 LHRH tests. Patients were classified into CPP (LH peak ≥5 IU/L; n = 28, 31%), TV (FSH peak ≥20 IU/L, LH peak &lt;5 IU/L; n = 15, 16%), or PT (FSH peak &lt;20 IU/L and LH peak &lt;5 IU/L; n = 48, 53%).ResultsTV patients were younger (5.51 years) and with less advanced bone age (+0.8 years). They had higher basal and peak FSH (2.5 and 26.6 IU/L) and lower basal and peak LH/FSH ratios (0.08 and 0.11). The prevalence of presence of ovarian follicles &gt;5 mm in TV (42%) was similar to CPP but significantly higher than PT, whereas maximum ovarian volume was smaller in TV (1.0 cm3). At the last follow-up visit (available in 60% of the cases), 44% of TV developed CPP compared with 14% of PT (p = 0.04). At first evaluation, those who progressed to CPP had a higher basal FSH (3.2 IU/L), lower LH/FSH ratio (0.07), and a higher peak LH (4.1 IU/L) compared with those who did not progress to CPP (basal FSH 1.9 IU/L, p &lt; 0.01; basal LH/FSH ratio 0.12, p &lt; 0.01; peak LH 2.8 IU/L, p = 0.02).ConclusionUsing laboratory parameters only as a definition, we identified the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of TV: these girls showed less advanced bone age and FSH predominance also at baseline, with smaller ovaries but with follicles &gt;5 mm. Almost half of girls initially diagnosed as TV developed CPP at last follow-up visit, and these girls had higher baseline FSH, lower baseline LH/FSH ratio, and higher peak LH at first evaluation. Therefore, TV may represent a “precocious prepuberty” in which the FSH predominance may initially limit the progression into proper puberty, but it may eventually trigger full puberty (even CPP, depending on the girls’ age).
Immunosuppressants alter the immune response associated with Glucantime® treatment for Leishmania infantum infection in a mouse model
Authors: Bernardo Lorena , Solana Jose Carlos , Sánchez Carmen , Torres Ana , Reyes-Cruz Eder Yaveth , Carrillo Eugenia , Moreno Javier 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundImmunosuppression is a major risk factor for the development of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The number of patients receiving immunosuppressant drugs such as TNF antagonist (anti-TNF) and methotrexate (MTX) is increasing. In these patients, VL is more severe, their response to treatment poorer, and they are at higher risk of relapse, a consequence (largely) of the poor and inappropriate immune response they develop.ObjectivesTo examine the effect of immunosuppressive treatment on the host immune response and thus gain insight into the reduced efficacy of pentavalent antimonials in these patients. Experiments were performed using BALB/c mice immunosuppressed with anti-TNF or MTX, infected with Leishmania infantum promastigotes, and then treated with Glucantime® at clinical doses.ResultsImmunosuppression with both agents impeded parasite elimination from the spleen and bone marrow. Low pro-inflammatory cytokine production by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was detected, along with an increase in PD-1 and IL-10 expression by B and T cells in the immunosuppressed groups after treatment.ConclusionThe immunosuppressed mice were unable to develop specific cellular immunity to the parasite, perhaps explaining the greater risk of VL relapse seen in pharmacologically immunosuppressed human patients.
The relationship between cadmium exposure and preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Chu , Luo Jiamin , Yang Yunping , Wang Qianqian , Zheng Yanmei , Zhong Zixing 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundCadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal associated with several human disorders. Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The association between maternal Cd exposure and preeclampsia remains elusive.MethodsTo better understand this relationship, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eligible studies from five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI) from their inception to September 10, 2022. The quality of these studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS). We use random-effects models to calculate overall standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our results. We also evaluated publication bias using Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Additionally, we conducted meta-regression and sub-group analyses to identify potential sources of heterogeneity between studies.ResultsOur analysis included a total of 17 studies with 10,373 participants. We found a significant association between maternal cadmium exposure and the risk of preeclampsia (SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.44, p &lt; 0.01). No significant publication bias was detected in Begg’s or Egger’s tests. Meta-regression suggested that geographical location, year of publication, cadmium samples, sample size, and measurement methods did not contribute to heterogeneity between studies.ConclusionOur findings suggest that maternal blood cadmium levels are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. In contrast, the pregnant women’s urine or placental levels of cadmium may not suggest preeclamptic risk during pregnancy. Further high-quality clinical studies and animal experiments are needed to understand this association better.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=361291, identifier: CRD42022361291.
Identifying the link between serum VEGF and KL-6 concentrations: a correlation analysis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease progression
Authors: Zhong Bin , Luo Shuixiang 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease (IPF-ILD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition and fibrotic changes in the lungs. Identifying reliable serum markers that correlate with disease progression is crucial for diagnosis and prognosis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the association between serum markers KL-6 and VEGF and IPF-ILD. Specifically, it assessed their correlation with PaO2, a measure of pulmonary gas function, to provide diagnostic and prognostic indicators.MethodsPatients with IPF-ILD were included, and their serum levels of KL-6 and VEGF were measured. Correlations with fibrotic damage and PaO2 were analyzed using statistical methods.ResultsThe analysis confirmed a positive correlation between the serum marker KL-6 and the degree of fibrotic damage in IPF-ILD. On the other hand, the serum marker VEGF was found to promote disease progression. In terms of correlation with PaO2, both KL-6 and VEGF demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. Specifically, the correlation between KL-6 and PaO2 suggests that it can be used as a reliable indicator to assess the status of pulmonary oxygenation function in patients with ILD. The correlation between VEGF and PaO2 helps to understand its role in the progression of IPF-ILD and provides an important basis for predicting patient prognosis.ConclusionThis study confirmed the correlation between KL-6 and VEGF with IPF-ILD and their association with PaO2. KL-6 and VEGF demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing, monitoring, and predicting prognosis in IPF-ILD. These findings contribute to our understanding of the disease and have clinical implications for diagnosis and prognostication.
Novel nomograms to predict risk and prognosis in hospitalized patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Li Zhenxing , Zhang Zhaoru , Chen Chong 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging and life-threatening infectious disease caused by SFTS virus. Although recent studies have reported the use of nomograms based on demographic and laboratory data to predict the prognosis of SFTS, no study has included viral load, which is an important factor that influences the prognosis, when compared with other risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model that predicts SFTS prognosis before it reaches the critical illness stage and to compare the predictive ability of groups with and without viral load.MethodsTwo hundred patients with SFTS were enrolled between June 2018 and August 2023. Data were sourced from the first laboratory results at admission, and two nomograms for mortality risk were developed using multivariate logistic regression to identify the risk variables for poor prognosis in these patients. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the two nomograms to assess their discrimination, and predictive abilities were compared using net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).ResultsThe multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four independent risk factors: age, bleeding manifestations, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and viral load. Based on these factors, a final nomogram predicting mortality risk in patients with SFTS was constructed; in addition, a simplified nomogram was constructed excluding the viral load. The AUC [0.926, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.882–0.970 vs. 0.882, 95% CI: 35 0.823–0.942], NRI (0.143, 95% CI, 0.036–0.285), and IDI (0.124, 95% CI, 0.061–0.186) were calculated and compared between the two models. The calibration curves of the two models showed excellent concordance, and decision curve analysis was used to quantify the net benefit at different threshold probabilities.ConclusionTwo critical risk nomograms were developed based on the indicators for early prediction of mortality risk in patients with SFTS, and enhanced predictive accuracy was observed in the model that incorporated the viral load. The models developed will provide frontline clinicians with a convenient tool for early identification of critically ill patients and initiation of a better personalized treatment in a timely manner.