bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amplification of microbial DNA from bacterial extracellular vesicles from human placenta
Authors: Menon Ramkumar , Khanipov Kamil , Radnaa Enkhtuya , Ganguly Esha , Bento Giovana Fernanda Cosi , Urrabaz-Garza Rheanna , Kammala Ananth Kumar , Yaklic Jerome , Pyles Richard , Golovko George , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe placenta is essential for fetal growth and survival and maintaining a successful pregnancy. The sterility of the placenta has been challenged recently; however, the presence of a placental microbiome has been controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) from Gram-negative bacteria as an alternate source of microbial DNA, regardless of the existence of a microbial community in the placenta.MethodsPlacentae from the term, not in labor Cesareans deliveries, were used for this study, and placental specimens were sampled randomly from the fetal side. We developed a protocol for the isolation of BEVs from human tissues and this is the first study to isolate the BEVs from human tissue and characterize them.ResultsThe median size of BEVs was 130–140 nm, and the mean concentration was 1.8–5.5 × 1010 BEVs/g of the wet placenta. BEVs are spherical and contain LPS and ompA. Western blots further confirmed ompA but not human EVs markers ALIX confirming the purity of preparations. Taxonomic abundance profiles showed BEV sequence reads above the levels of the negative controls (all reagent controls). In contrast, the sequence reads in the same placenta were substantially low, indicating nothing beyond contamination (low biomass). Alpha-diversity showed the number of detected genera was significantly higher in the BEVs than placenta, suggesting BEVs as a likely source of microbial DNA. Beta-diversity further showed significant overlap in the microbiome between BEV and the placenta, confirming that BEVs in the placenta are likely a source of microbial DNA in the placenta. Uptake studies localized BEVs in maternal (decidual) and placental cells (cytotrophoblast), confirming their ability to enter these cells. Lastly, BEVs significantly increased inflammatory cytokine production in THP-1 macrophages in a high-dose group but not in the placental or decidual cells.ConclusionWe conclude that the BEVs are normal constituents during pregnancy and likely reach the placenta through hematogenous spread from maternal body sites that harbor microbiome. Their presence may result in a low-grade localized inflammation to prime an antigen response in the placenta; however, insufficient to cause a fetal inflammatory response and adverse pregnancy events. This study suggests that BEVs can confound placental microbiome studies, but their low biomass in the placenta is unlikely to have any immunologic impact.
Trematode Cercariae from Lymnaea gedrosiana in the Caspian Sea Littoral in Iran: a one health concern
Authors: Eslahi Aida Vafae , Aligolzadeh Armin , Pirestani Majid , Gharibi Zahra , Abdoli Amir , Hatam-Nahavandi Kareem , Bijani Behzad , Badri Milad , Ketzis Jennifer K. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionLymnaea gedrosiana snails are hosts to a variety of trematode cercaria of public and veterinary health importance. In Guilan Province, Iran, a region with a high level of fish and bird farming and wetlands important for migratory birds, little is known about the trematode cercaria from L. gedrosiana.MethodsFrom April 2020 to October 2021, six freshwater sites in Guilan Province were sampled for Lymnaeidae snails three times per season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Snails were exposed to light and heat to induce cercaria shedding and shredded cercaria were identified morphologically and molecularly.ResultsIn total, 5,712 Lymnaeidae snails were collected of which 3,288 (57.6%) were identified to be L. gedrosiana with 54.3% containing trematode cercaria. Snail and cercaria recovery were highest in the spring and summer. Trematode cercaria identified included Telorchis assula, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Apharyngostrigea pipientis, Sanguinicola cf. inermis, Opisthioglyphe ranae, Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, and Australapatemon burti.DiscussionThe four trematodes D. pseudospathaceum, S. inermis, A. burti, and A. pipientis have not been previously reported in Iran; all four of these can infect migratory birds. The most common cercaria found, H. conoideum (18.3% of the snails) is of zoonotic importance. The third most common cercaria found, S. inermis (10.0% of the snails) is detrimental to fish production. Given the importance of the wetlands in the region for wildlife and migratory birds as well as the number of fish and bird farms in the area, efforts to control L. gedrosiana snails are needed to protect wildlife and human health. In addition, monitoring programs should be implemented to identify and prevent introductions of new trematode species.
Alterations of gut microbiota are associated with brain structural changes in the spectrum of Alzheimer's disease: the SILCODE study in Hainan cohort
Authors: He Beiqi , Sheng Can , Yu Xianfeng , Zhang Liang , Chen Feng , Han Ying 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThe correlation between gut microbiota and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly being recognized by clinicians. However, knowledge about the gut–brain–cognition interaction remains largely unknown.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-seven participants, including 35 normal controls (NCs), 62 with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 30 with cognitive impairment (CI), were included in this study. The participants underwent neuropsychological assessments and fecal microbiota analysis through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Illumina Miseq sequencing technique. Structural MRI data were analyzed for cortical anatomical features, including thickness, sulcus depth, fractal dimension, and Toro's gyrification index using the SBM method. The association of altered gut microbiota among the three groups with structural MRI metrics and cognitive function was evaluated. Furthermore, co-expression network analysis was conducted to investigate the gut–brain–cognition interactions.ResultsThe abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis, Fusicatenibacter, and Anaerobutyricum decreased with cognitive ability. Rikenellaceae, Odoribacteraceae, and Alistipes were specifically enriched in the CI group. Mediterraneibacter abundance was correlated with changes in brain gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid volume (p = 0.0214, p = 0.0162) and significantly with changes in cortical structures in brain regions, such as the internal olfactory area and the parahippocampal gyrus. The three colonies enriched in the CI group were positively correlated with cognitive function and significantly associated with changes in cortical structure related to cognitive function, such as the precuneus and syrinx gyrus.ConclusionThis study provided evidence that there was an inner relationship among the altered gut microbiota, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline. Targeting the gut microbiota may be a novel therapeutic strategy for early AD.
A comparison of the impact on neuronal transcriptome and cognition of rAAV5 transduction with three different doses in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Liu Yi-Si , Wang Meng-Ling , Hu Neng-Yuan , Li Zi-Ming , Wu Jia-Li , Li Hao , Li Jing-Ting , Li Xiao-Wen , Yang Jian-Ming , Gao Tian-Ming , Chen Yi-Hua 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionRecombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are widely used in genetic therapeutics. AAV5 has shown superior transduction efficiency, targeting neurons and glial cells in primate brains. Nonetheless, the comprehensive impact of AAV5 transduction on molecular and behavioral alterations remains unexplored. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of AAV5 transduction in the hippocampus, a critical region for memory formation and emotional processes.MethodsIn this experiment, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was utilized to isolate the mCherry-labeled pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus of CaMkIIα-cre mice following three different doses rAAV5-mCherry infusion after 3 weeks, which were then subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to assess gene expression profiles. The cytokines concentration, mRNA expression, and glial response in hippocampi were confirmed by ELASA, digital droplet PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. Locomotion and anxiety-like behaviors were elevated by Open Field Test and Elevated Plus Maze Test, while the Y-Maze were used to assessed spatial working memory. Recognition memory and fear responses were examined by the Novel Object Recognition Test and Fear Conditioning Test, respectively.ResultsWe found that 2.88 × 1010 v.g rAAV5 transduction significantly upregulated genes related to the immune response and apoptosis, and downregulated genes associated with mitochondrial function and synaptic plasticity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, while did not induce neuronal loss and gliosis compared with 2.88 × 109 v.g and 2.88 × 108 v.g. Furthermore, the same doses impaired working memory and contextual fear memory, without effects on locomotion and anxiety-related behaviors.DiscussionOur findings highlight the detrimental impact of high-dose administration compared to median-dose or low-dose, resulting in increased neural vulnerability and impaired memory. Therefore, when considering the expression effectiveness of exogenous genes, it is crucial to also take potential side effects into account in clinical settings. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these drawbacks of high-dose rAAV5-mCherry still require further investigation in future studies.
A whole-food, plant-based program in an African American faith-based population
Authors: Nyong Faith A. , Barnett Ted D. , Garver Beth , Dewhirst Maria , Pollock Bruce , Friedman Susan M. 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThe African American (AA) population is disproportionately impacted by chronic disease as well as many of the leading causes of preventable death, including hypertension, obesity, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In the AA community of Kane County, Illinois, the incidence of chronic disease is particularly high. A standardized Zoom-based group program that gives participants the knowledge, skills, and support to adopt a whole-food plant-based diet has been shown to rapidly improve health. The results of a cohort analysis were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of this program within an AA community characterized by a high burden of chronic illnesses.MethodsParticipants were recruited from a network of 12 AA churches in Illinois to participate in Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute’s “15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) Jumpstart” program. The medically-facilitated 15-Day Jumpstart program provided WFPB nutrition education, coaching, and cooking demonstrations during seven 1 and 2-h Zoom sessions. Participants underwent pre- and post- metabolic screenings to assess for changes in their weight, vital signs, blood sugar, and cholesterol measurements. Changes in diet, biometrics, and patient-centered outcomes from baseline to the end of the program were assessed via paired t-tests for the normally distributed measures, and a Wilcoxon signed rank test for measures that were not normally distributed.ResultsTwenty-one AA adults participated. Ten of 16 who provided results had hypertension, 5 had diabetes, 5 had pre-diabetes, and 5 had hyperlipidemia. Participants ate more vegetables (median 2 servings at baseline vs. 3 during the program), greens (1 vs. 3), fruit (2 vs. 3), whole grains (1 vs. 2), and legumes (1 vs. 2). They decreased their consumption of meat, eggs and dairy, added fat, processed foods, and high-fat plant foods (p &lt; 0.05 for each comparison). Participants reported significantly better energy (median 5 at baseline vs. 9 during the program, on a 10-point scale), sleep (7 vs. 8.5), and mood (8 vs. 9). Average weight loss was 5.8 pounds (199.9 to 194.1, p &lt; 0.001), systolic blood pressure dropped from 129.7 to 119.9 (p = 0.02), and total cholesterol dropped from 185.1 to 147.9 (p &lt; 0.001). All participants who provided data reported an intent to continue eating at least a partially WFPB diet following the program.ConclusionThe 15-Day WFPB Jumpstart program led to significant changes in diet, resulting in improvement in several chronic disease measures in this AA community. This rapid improvement can reinforce behavior change. Further large-scale implementation is needed to confirm these preliminary results and to understand whether behaviors and outcomes are sustained.
Radiomics features of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for predicting response to transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Chen Qianjuan , Huang Linjie , Long Liling 
Published: July 2023

PurposeTo examine the methodological quality of radiomics-related studies and evaluate the ability of radiomics to predict treatment response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsA systematic review was performed on radiomics-related studies published until October 15, 2022, predicting the effectiveness of TACE for HCC. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tools, respectively. Pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were determined to evaluate the utility of radiomics in predicting the response to TACE for HCC.ResultsIn this systematic review, ten studies were eligible, and six of these studies were used in our meta-analysis. The RQS ranged from 7-21 (maximum possible score: 36). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.79–0.95) and 0.82 (95% CI = 0.64–0.92), respectively. The overall AUC was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.90–0.95).ConclusionRadiomics-related studies evaluating the efficacy of TACE in patients with HCC revealed promising results. However, prospective and multicenter trials are warranted to make radiomics more feasible and acceptable.
The pharmacogenomics of carbamazepine-induced cutaneous adverse drug reaction in the South of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Ai-Hoc , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Nguyen Quy Ngoc , Pham Hong Tham 
Published: July 2023

Background: The relationship between HLA-B*15:02 and Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions was rigorously examined in Japanese, Han Chinese, Thais, and Caucasians. However, the number of studies about this topic in Vietnamese population is still limited and mostly focuses on the North of Vietnam.Objective: This study aims to clarify the genetic culprit of SCARs in Vietnamese population, particularly in the South of Vietnam, and to validate our result by a meta-analysis about this topic in Vietnamese.Method: A retrospective case-control study with 37 patients treated with carbamazepine monotherapy. Statistical calculation and meta-analysis were performed by R software.Result:HLA-B*15:02 increases the risk of SJS 12.5 times higher in CBZ-treated patients (p-value = 0.017). However, this allele has no impact on MCARs (Mild Cutaneous Adverse Reactions) of CBZ. The number needed to test and the number needed to genotype is two and nine patients respectively.Conclusion: This study recommends more investigations about the cost-effectiveness of this test to accelerate the protection of Southern Vietnamese from SCARs.
Hemispheric symmetry and asymmetry of poleward moving radar auroral forms (PMRAFs) and associated polar cap patches during a geomagnetic storm
Authors: Zou Ying , Chen Li-Jen , Walsh Brian M. , Burkholder Brandon , Ma Yuzhang , Bristow William A. , Lyons Larry R. , Liu Jiang , Tian Sheng , Yadav Sneha , Coster Antea J. , McWilliams Kathryn A. 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Magnetopause reconnection is known to impact the dayside ionosphere by driving fast ionospheric flows, auroral transients, and high-density plasma structures named polar cap patches. However, most of the observed reconnection impact is limited to one hemisphere, and a question arises as to how symmetric the impact is between hemispheres.Methods: We address the question using interhemispheric observations of poleward moving radar auroral forms (PMRAFs), which are a “fossil” signature of magnetopause reconnection, during a geomagnetic storm. We are particularly interested in the temporal repetition and spatial structure of PMRAFs, which are directly affected by the temporal and spatial variation of magnetopause reconnection. PMRAFs are detected and traced using SuperDARN complemented by DMSP, Swarm, and GPS TEC measurements.Results: The results show that PMRAFs occurred repetitively on time scales of about 10 min. They were one-to-one related to pulsed ionospheric flows, and were collocated with polar cap patches embedded in a Tongue of Ionization. The temporal repetition of PMRAFs exhibited a remarkably high degree of correlation between hemispheres, indicating that PMRAFs were produced at a similar rate, or even in close synchronization, in the two hemispheres. However, the spatial structure exhibited significant hemispherical asymmetry. In the Northern Hemisphere, PMRAFs/patches had a dawn-dusk elongated cigar shape that extended &gt;1,000 km, at times reaching &gt;2,000 km, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, PMRAFs/patches were 2–3 times shorter.Conclusion: The interesting symmetry and asymmetry of PMRAFs suggests that both magnetopause reconnection and local ionospheric conditions play important roles in determining the degree of symmetry of PMRAFs/patches.
Auto-immunoproteomics analysis of COVID-19 ICU patients revealed increased levels of autoantibodies related to the male reproductive system
Authors: Schmidt Frank , Abdesselem Houari B. , Suhre Karsten , Vaikath Nishant N. , Sohail Muhammad U. , Al-Nesf Maryam , Bensmail Ilham , Mashod Fathima , Sarwath Hina , Bernhardt Joerg , Schaefer-Ramadan Stephanie , Tan Ti-Myen , Morris Priscilla E. , Schenck Edward J. , Price David , Mohamed-Ali Vidya , Al-Maadheed Mohammed , Arredouani Abdelilah , Decock Julie , Blackburn Jonathan M. , Choi Augustine M. K. , El-Agnaf Omar M. 
Published: July 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) manifests many clinical symptoms, including an exacerbated immune response and cytokine storm. Autoantibodies in COVID-19 may have severe prodromal effects that are poorly understood. The interaction between these autoantibodies and self-antigens can result in systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. However, the role of autoantibodies in COVID-19 complications has yet to be fully understood.Methods: The current investigation screened two independent cohorts of 97 COVID-19 patients [discovery (Disc) cohort from Qatar (case = 49 vs. control = 48) and replication (Rep) cohort from New York (case = 48 vs. control = 28)] utilizing high-throughput KoRectly Expressed (KREX) Immunome protein-array technology. Total IgG autoantibody responses were evaluated against 1,318 correctly folded and full-length human proteins. Samples were randomly applied on the precoated microarray slides for 2 h. Cy3-labeled secondary antibodies were used to detect IgG autoantibody response. Slides were scanned at a fixed gain setting using the Agilent fluorescence microarray scanner, generating a 16-bit TIFF file. Group comparisons were performed using a linear model and Fisher’s exact test. Differentially expressed proteins were used for KEGG and WIKIpathway annotation to determine pathways in which the proteins of interest were significantly over-represented.Results and conclusion: Autoantibody responses to 57 proteins were significantly altered in the COVID-19 Disc cohort compared to healthy controls (p ≤ 0.05). The Rep cohort had altered autoantibody responses against 26 proteins compared to non-COVID-19 ICU patients who served as controls. Both cohorts showed substantial similarities (r2 = 0.73) and exhibited higher autoantibody responses to numerous transcription factors, immunomodulatory proteins, and human disease markers. Analysis of the combined cohorts revealed elevated autoantibody responses against SPANXN4, STK25, ATF4, PRKD2, and CHMP3 proteins in COVID-19 patients. The sequences for SPANXN4 and STK25 were cross-validated using sequence alignment tools. ELISA and Western blot further verified the autoantigen–autoantibody response of SPANXN4. SPANXN4 is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility, which may predict a potential role for this protein in COVID-19-associated male reproductive tract complications, and warrants further research.
Factor structure of the patient health questionnaire-4 in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Havnen Audun , Lydersen Stian , Mandahl Arthur , Lara-Cabrera Mariela Loreto 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundPersons with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. In this population, there is a need for validated brief self-report screening questionnaires to assess the severity of comorbid mental health problems. The Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) is a self-report questionnaire that may contribute to this purpose as it can screen for both disorders efficiently. However, this will be the first study examining the factor structure of the PHQ-4 in samples of adults with ADHD, and also evaluating the validity of the Norwegian version of the PHQ-4.ObjectivesThe aim of the current cross-sectional study was to examine the factor structure and validity of the Norwegian version of the PHQ-4 in a sample of adults who reported having been diagnosed with ADHD.MethodsOf 496 invited, a total of 326 participants (66%) completed the PHQ-4, The World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index, the Oslo Social Support Scale and the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale electronically in a web-portal between the 9th and 30th of June 2020.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis of the PHQ-4 supported a two-factor structure [RMSEA = 0.038 (90% CI 0.000–0.159), CFI = 1.00, TLI = 0.999, SRMR = 0.004], consisting of a depression factor and an anxiety factor. Standardized factor loadings were 0.79 to 0.97. The PHQ-4 was negatively correlated with well-being and social support and positively correlated with perceived level of stress.ConclusionThis study indicates promising psychometric properties of the PHQ-4 as a measure of anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults with self-reported ADHD who are fluent in Norwegian. The questionnaire’s brevity makes it a valuable resource in research and clinical settings. However, more studies are needed to test the instrument in a clinical sample.