bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of polymorphism of IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐6 with Toxoplasma gondii infection susceptibility in HIV/AIDS patients in Shiraz, southern Iran
Authors: Nejabat Maryam , Heydari Mohammadreza , Motamedifar Mohammad , Foroozanfar Zohre , Fard Saeid Amirizadeh , Hashempour Ava , Nazari Nazani , Rezaei Esmaeil , Heydari Zahra 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionToxoplasma gondii infection is considered as one of the most important opportunistic infections and cause of death in HIV patients.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 334 HIV positive patients were included. The molecular test was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism–polymerase chain reaction method. Allelic frequency, haplotype analyses, and linkage disequilibrium were calculated. The odds ratio was calculated. The linear regression model was used to analysis of interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐6 single‐nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in HIV patients with and without toxoplasmosis.ResultsIn total, 95 tested'patients (28.4%) were positive for toxoplasmosis. The risk of toxoplasma infection in the current study did not correlate with IL‐17 and IL‐6 polymorphism and the risk of contracting toxoplasma was also not significantly correlated in this study. There was no association between the frequency of alleles and the risk of toxoplasma infection in IL‐17 haplotype analysis.ConclusionThe findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences in the serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐17A, but not IL‐17F, between the case and control groups in various genetic models. However, these polymorphisms did not show a significant relationship with toxoplasma infection in HIV‐positive patients. This study represents the first investigation in Iran to explore the role of IL‐6 and IL‐17 polymorphisms in toxoplasma infection among HIV‐positive patients.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin indirectly activates peripheral γδT cells to produce interleukin‐10 during early pregnancy
Authors: Li Liman , Liu Yuan , Zhou Wenjie , Yang Chuan , Feng Ting , Li Hong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundsThe immunomodulatory properties of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) have been identified to be critical for successful pregnancy. However, the effects of hCG on peripheral γδT cells during early pregnancy have not been reported previously.MethodsWe cocultured the purified γδT cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with early pregnancy‐relevant hCG concentrations and investigated the changes in the immune functional characteristics of γδT cells via flow cytometry assays.ResultsThe ratios of CD69+ and IL‐10+ γδT cells were increased in early pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women. γδT cells expressed low levels of the mannose receptor (CD206) instead of the classical hCG/LH receptor for hCG. The direct treatment of purified γδT cells with early pregnancy‐relevant hCG concentrations may have no significant effects on their immune functions. Interestingly, when PBMCs were treated with the same broad range of hCG concentrations, the ratios of CD69+ and IL‐10+ γδT cells to total γδT cells were significantly increased.ConclusionCertain early pregnancy‐relevant hCG concentrations could enhance the ratios of peripheral CD69+ and IL‐10+ γδT cells, contributing to the activation of γδT cells and immunological tolerance during early pregnancy. However, these affects may not be strongly mediated by direct ligand–receptor interactions and they may highly depend on immune microenvironment. Our novel observations propose a perspective into the endocrine‐immune dialog that exists between the fetus and maternal immune cells.
Interaction between long noncoding RNA and microRNA in lung inflammatory diseases
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Huang Shengyu , Shi Liangliang , Chen Guochang , Liu Xiaoxiao , Liu Mingzhuo , Guo Guanghua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundNon‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of RNAs that cannot synthesize proteins, but are critical in gene expression regulation. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), the two major family members, are intimately involved in controlling immune response, cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and polarization, and cytokine secretion. Their interactions significantly influence lung inflammatory diseases and could be potential therapeutic targets.ObjectivesThe review aims to elucidate the role of ncRNAs, especially the interactions between lncRNA and miRNA in lung diseases, including acute and chronic lung inflammatory diseases, as well as lung cancer. And provide novel insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic methods.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive review of the latest studies on lncRNA and miRNA in lung inflammatory diseases. Our research involved searching through electronic databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.ResultsWe explain the fundamental characteristics and functions of miRNA and lncRNA, their potential interaction mechanisms, and summarize the newly explorations on the role of lncRNA and miRNA interactions in lung inflammatory diseases.ConclusionsNumerous lncRNAs and miRNAs have been found to partipicate in all stages of lung inflammatory diseases. While ncRNA‐based therapies have been validated and developed, there remain challenges in developing more stable and effective drugs for clinical use.
The effect of COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 vaccination on serum anti‐Mullerian hormone: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghaemi Marjan , Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Shafiee Arman , Gargari Omid Kohandel , Fathi Hanieh , Eshraghi Nasim , Razavi Jafar , Habibi Gholam Reza , Jafarabady Kyana 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe current study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID‐19 infection and vaccination on ovarian reserve by detecting the anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) level.MethodPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus has been searched for studies assessing the effect of COVID‐19 infection and/or vaccination on AMH levels up to February 27, 2023. Based on PRISMA 2020 statement criteria, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of included studies were performed. The studies' quality was assessed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool. The standardized mean difference (MD) of the AMH level was used and the quantitative values of each study were pooled separately by using a random effect model.ResultsOut of 246 studies screened, 18 were included in the systematic review and 14 in the meta‐analysis. Included studies were published between 2021 and 2022 and were conducted in different countries, including the USA (n = 3), China (n = 2), Russia (n = 2), Turkey (n = 5), Israel (n = 3), Czech (n = 2), and Spain (n = 1). Eight studies investigated the effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on AMH levels, and ten studies investigated the possible effect of COVID‐19 vaccination on AMH levels. The pooled analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in AMH levels after COVID‐19 infection (SMD: −0.24; 95% CI: −0.36 to −0.11; I2 = 0%; p = .0003). Vaccination analysis showed a nonstatistically significant change in AMH levels after COVID‐19 vaccination (SMD: −0.11; 95% CI: −0.25 to 0.04; I2 = 35%; p = .14).ConclusionCOVID‐19 infection can result in ovarian reserve injury by reducing the AMH level but getting vaccinated against COVID‐19 has no impact on the AMH level.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improve disease characterization of Sjogren's syndrome in NOD mice through regulation of gut microbiota and Treg/Th17 cellular immunity
Authors: Zou Yao , Xiao Wei , Liu Dongzhou , Li Xianyao , Li Lihua , Peng Lijuan , Xiong Ying , Gan Haina , Ren Xiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundFor the unclear pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome (SS), further exploration is necessary. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and derived exosomes (MSCs‐exo) have exhibited promising results in treating SS.ObjectThis study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of human umbilical cord MSCs (UC‐MSCs) on SS.MethodsNonobese Diabetic (NOD) mouse splenic T cells were co‐cultured with UC‐MSCs and UC‐MSCs‐exo, and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) levels in the supernatant were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Co‐cultured T cells were injected into NOD mice via the tail vein. The inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestine and the submandibular gland was characterized by hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Treg/Th17 homeostasis within the spleen was determined by flow cytometry. Gut microbiota was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the relationship between differential microbiota and Treg/Th17 cytokines was analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsUC‐MSCs, UC‐MSCs‐exo, and NOD mouse splenic T cells were successfully cultured and identified. After T cells were co‐cultured with UC‐MSCs and UC‐MSCs‐exo, both IFN‐γ and IL‐6 were decreased while IL‐10, PGE2, and TGF‐β1 were increased in transcriptional and translational levels. UC‐MSCs and UC‐MSCs‐exo partially restored salivary secretion function, reduced Ro/SSA antibody and α‐Fodrin immunoglobulin A levels, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestine and submandibular gland, raised proportion of Treg cells, decreased IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐2, IL‐17, lipopolysaccharide, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha levels, and raised IL‐10, Foxp3, and TGF‐β1 levels by affecting co‐cultured T cells. The intervention of UC‐MSCs and UC‐MSCs‐exo improved intestinal homeostasis in NOD mice by increasing microbiota diversity and richness. Additionally, differential microbiota was significantly associated with Treg/Th17 cytokine levels.ConclusionHuman UC‐MSCs and UC‐MSCs‐exo improved disease characterization of SS in NOD mice through regulation of gut microbiota and Treg/Th17 cellular immunity.
Clinical features of macrophage activation syndrome in adult dermatomyositis: A single‐center retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Zhu Dingxian , Ying Shuni , Yang Changyi , Li Sheng , Tang Shunli , Sun Chuanyin , Fang Hong , Qiao Jianjun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the features of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in dermatomyositis, especially the association between rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP‐ILD) and MAS.ObjectiveTo determine the characteristics of MAS in patients with dermatomyositis and their association with RP‐ILD.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 201 dermatomyositis patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University over a 10‐year period.ResultsA total of 22 (10.9%) patients were diagnosed with MAS. The rate of RP‐ILD was significantly higher in patients with MAS than in those without MAS (81.8% vs. 17.4%, respectively, p < .001). Multivariate analysis indicated that RP‐ILD (p = .019), ferritin level > 1685 ng/mL (p = .007) and hemoglobin < 100 g/L (p = .001) were independent risk factors for MAS. Furthermore, RP‐ILD patients with MAS presented more cardiac injury (50.0% vs. 13.3%, respectively, p < .009), central nervous system dysfunction (42.8% vs. 3.4%, respectively, p < .001) and hemorrhage (38.9% vs. 3.3%, respectively, p = .003) than RP‐ILD patients without MAS. The 90‐day cumulative survival rate for patients with MAS was significantly lower than for those without MAS (18.2% vs. 82.1%, respectively, p < .001).ConclusionMAS was a common and fatal complication of dermatomyositis in our cohort. MAS is closely related to RP‐ILD in patients with dermatomyositis. When RP‐ILD is present in dermatomyositis patients with abnormal laboratory findings, such as cytopenia and hyperferritinemia, the presence of MAS should be considered.
The role of autophagy in SIM mediated anti‐inflammatory osteoclastogenesis through NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Cheng Yuting , Jin Wenjun , Zheng Lin , Huang Xiaolin , Luo Shanshan , Hong Wei , Liao Jian , Samruajbenjakun Bancha , Leethanakul Chidchanok 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory bone resorption is a prominent risk factor for implantation failure. Simvastatin (SIM) has anti‐inflammatory effects independent of cholesterol lowering and reduces osteoclastogenesis by decreasing both the number and activity of osteoclasts. However, the specific mechanism of inflammatory bone loss alleviation by SIM remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that SIM relieves inflammatory bone loss by modulating autophagy and suppressing the NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway.Methods and resultsRAW264.7 cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after being pretreated with various concentrations of SIM. Osteoclast (OC) differentiation, formation and activity were evaluated by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, F‐actin ring staining and bone resorption pit assays, respectively. We observed autophagosomes by transmission electron microscopy. Then NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was used to further explore the corresponding molecular mechanism underlying anti‑inflammatory bone resorption, the expression of autophagy‐related proteins and NLRP3 signaling pathway factors in pre‐OCs were evaluated by western blot analysis, and the expression of OC‑specific molecules was analyzed using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that SIM decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, whereas increased Interleukin‐10. In addition, SIM inhibited LPS‐induced OC differentiation, formation, bone resorption activity, the level of autophagosomes, and OC‑specific markers. Furthermore, SIM significantly suppressed autophagy by downregulating LC3II, Beclin1, ATG7, and NLRP3‐related proteins expression while upregulating P62 under inflammatory conditions.ConclusionsSIM may reduce autophagy secretion to attenuate LPS‐induced osteoclastogenesis and the NLRP3 signaling pathway participates in this process, thus providing theoretical basis for the application of this drug in peri‐implantitis.
Interpersonal school violence and mother–child communication about violence in relation to empathy in early adolescence
Authors: Goering Marlon , Espinoza Carlos N. , Mrug Sylvie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionExposure to interpersonal violence at school has been linked with lower empathy, but less is known about factors that may moderate this relationship. Positive parent–child communication has been associated with higher empathy during adolescence and children of parents that communicate their disapproval of violent behavior respond more peacefully in situations involving violence. Mother–child communication about violence may therefore reduce the risk of desensitization to violent behavior and promote empathy in youth that are frequently exposed to violence. Thus, this study examines whether mother–child communication about violence mitigates the association between exposure to interpersonal school violence and adolescents' empathy.MethodsThis study addressed this question using a diverse sample of early adolescents from the Southeastern United States in 2003 (N = 642; mean age 11.3 years; 52% male; 76% Black, 22% non‐Hispanic White). Adolescents reported on how often they witness or experience interpersonal violence at school and how often they communicate with their mother about violence and how to avoid it. Adolescents also self‐reported on their level of empathy.ResultsResults from a hierarchical regression model showed that exposure to interpersonal school violence and lower mother–child communication about violence were uniquely associated with lower empathy, but communication about violence did not moderate the link between interpersonal school violence exposure and empathy. There were no sex differences in these relationships.ConclusionsContrary to the hypothesis, youth who experience and witness interpersonal violence at school show lower empathy independent of whether youth communicate with their mother about violence and responding to violent situations.
LGBTQ+ related curricular activities in Brazilian Dental Schools: Do institutional and/or deans’ profiles matter?
Authors: Almeida Luiz E. , de Oliveira Valéria , Mialhe Fábio L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate whether the characteristics of dental schools and the profiles of their deans were associated with curricular activities related to LGBTQ+ in Brazilian dental schools.MethodsA survey was mailed to the deans of all Brazilian dental schools for the purpose of assessing the development of pedagogical activities focused on the topic of oral health of the LGBTQ+ population, and the characteristics of the institutions and profiles of their deans. The data collected were analyzed with hierarchical multiple logistic regression models in order to analyze associations between variables of interest.ResultsOf the deans approached, 156 (response rate of approximately 32.4%) completed and returned the survey. The majority of dental schools (67.3%) of the sample were private institutions and 39% of them developed pedagogical activities directed toward the LGBTQ+. This percentage was much lower in public institutions (18%). The results of the hierarchical multiple logistic regression demonstrated that deans who attributed high relevance to the theme “oral health of the LGBTQ+ population” were more likely to develop pedagogical activities directed toward the LGBTQ+ population (odds ratio = 4.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.65–13.48), than those who attributed low or little importance to this topic (p < 0.05).ConclusionA low percentage of activities aimed at the LGBTQ+ population was observed in the sample of Brazilian dental schools. Deans must be aware of the importance of the topic and be motivated to implement pedagogical activities for this population.
Prognostic value of postinduction medullary myeloid recovery by flow cytometry in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Row Céline , Lechevalier Nicolas , Vial Jean Philippe , Mimoun Aguirre , Bastie Jean Noel , Lafon Ingrid , Pigneux Arnaud , Leguay Thibaut , Callanan Mary , Maynadie Marc , Béné Marie C. , Dumas Pierre Yves , Guy Julien 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRisk stratification and treatment response evaluation are key features in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) management. Immunophenotypic and molecular approaches all rely on the detection of persisting leukemic cells by measurable residual disease techniques. A new approach is proposed here by assessing medullary myeloid maturation by flow cytometry through a myeloid progenitor ratio (MPR). The normal MPR range was defined using reference normal bone marrows (n = 48). MPR was considered balanced if between 1 and 4 and unbalanced if < 1 or > 4. MPR was retrospectively assessed at baseline and post‐induction for 206 newly diagnosed AML patients eligible for intensive treatment from two different French centers. All AML baseline MPR were unbalanced and thus significantly different from normal MPR (p < 0.0001). Patients with an unbalanced MPR after induction had worse 3‐year overall survival (OS) (44.4% vs. 80.2%, HR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.81–4.84, p < 0.0001) and 3‐year relapse free survival (RFS) (38.7% vs. 64.4%, HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.39–3.18, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, postinduction unbalanced MPR was significantly associated with shorter OS and RFS regardless of the European LeukemiaNet 2010 risk stratification or NPM1/FLT3‐ITD status. A balanced postinduction MPR conversely conferred favorable outcomes and reflects medullary myeloid recovery.
Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus infection in pediatric patients before, during the COVID‐19 pandemic and after easing of COVID‐19 restrictive measures in China
Authors: Hu Lidan , Yang Yang , Lin Jianyu , Yan Qingtao , Sun Changxuan , Li Ziqiao , Sun Lidan , Xu Jingfang , Chen Jie , Bai Guannan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe aimed to assess the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in Chinese children at different phases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, that is, before, during the pandemic and after easing of restrictive measures. We included 123 623 patients aged 0–18 years with respiratory infection symptoms who were suspected with RSV infection from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2023 in Hangzhou Children's Hospital. Clinical information and RSV test result were extracted from the laboratory information system. We calculated the positive rate of RSV detection by age groups, gender, seasons, types of patients and phases of COVID‐19 pandemic. Nonlinear associations between age and risk of RSV infection in three phases of pandemic were assessed by restricted cubic spline regression models. Among 123 623 patients, 3875 (3.13%) were tested as positive. The highest positive rate was observed in children aged 0–28 days (i.e., 12.28%). RSV infection was most prevalent in winter (6.04%), and followed by autumn (2.52%). Although there is no statistical significance regarding the positive rate at three phases of the pandemic, we observed that the rate was lowest during the pandemic and increased after easing the measures in certain age groups (p < 0.05), which was consisted with results from the nonlinear regression analyses. In addition, regression analyses suggested that the age range of children susceptible to RSV got wider, that is, 0–3.5 years, after easing all restrictive measures compared with that before (i.e., 0–3 years) and during the pandemic (i.e., 0–1 year). Based on our findings, we called for attention from health professionals and caregivers on the new epidemiological characteristics of RSV infection in the post‐pandemic era after easing the restrictive measures.
The Language of Creativity: Evidence from Humans and Large Language Models
Authors: Orwig William , Edenbaum Emma R. , Greene Joshua D. , Schacter Daniel L. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTRecent developments in computerized scoring via semantic distance have provided automated assessments of verbal creativity. Here, we extend past work, applying computational linguistic approaches to characterize salient features of creative text. We hypothesize that, in addition to semantic diversity, the degree to which a story includes perceptual details, thus transporting the reader to another time and place, would be predictive of creativity. Additionally, we explore the use of generative language models to supplement human data collection and examine the extent to which machine‐generated stories can mimic human creativity. We collect 600 short stories from human participants and GPT‐3, subsequently randomized and assessed on their creative quality. Results indicate that the presence of perceptual details, in conjunction with semantic diversity, is highly predictive of creativity. These results were replicated in an independent sample of stories (n = 120) generated by GPT‐4. We do not observe a significant difference between human and AI‐generated stories in terms of creativity ratings, and we also observe positive correlations between human and AI assessments of creativity. Implications and future directions are discussed.