bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs associated with pancreatic cancer immune microenvironment based on single-cell
Authors: Sun Yimeng , Yao Lin , Man Changfeng , Gao Zhenjun , He Rong , Fan Yu 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundCuproptosis, a novel mode of cell death associated with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is relevant to the development of cancer. However, the impact of single-cell-based Cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs on the Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and its potential value for individualized immunotherapy has not been clarified.Methods14 immune-related CRGs were screened by exploring the interaction between differentially expressed Immune-Related Genes (IRGs) and Cuproptosis-Related Genes (CRGs) in PAAD. Next, the expression amount and expression distribution of CRGs in single-cell samples were analyzed by focusing on 7-CRGs with significant expressions. On the one hand, MAP2K2, SOD1, and VEGFA, which were significantly differentially expressed between PAAD sites and normal tissues adjacent to them, were subjected to immunohistochemical validation and immune landscape analysis. On the other hand, from these 7-CRGs, prognostic signatures of lncRNAs were established by co-expression and LASSO-COX regression analysis, and their prognostic value and immune relevance were assessed. In addition, this study not only validated the hub CRGs and the lncRNAs constituting the signature in a PAAD animal model treated with immunotherapy-based combination therapy using immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR but also explored the potential value of the combination of targeted, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.ResultsBased on the screening of 7-CRGs significantly expressed in a PAAD single-cell cohort and their co-expressed Cuproptosis-Related lncRNAs (CRIs), this study constructed a prognostic signature of 4-CRIs named CIR-score. A Nomogram integrating the CIR-score and clinical risk factors was constructed on this basis to predict the individualized survival of patients. Moreover, high and low-risk groups classified according to the median of signatures exhibited significant differences in clinical prognosis, immune landscape, bioenrichment, tumor burden, and drug sensitivity. And the immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR results of different mouse PAAD treatment strategies were consistent with the trend of inter-group variability in drug sensitivity of hub CRGs and CIR-score. The combination of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy exhibited a better tumor suppression effect.ConclusionCIR-score, as a Cuproptosis-related TIME-specific prognostic signature based on PAAD single cells, not only predicts the prognosis and immune landscape of PAAD patients but also provides a new strategy for individualized immunotherapy-based combination therapy.
In-depth characterization of NK cell markers from CML patients who discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Sanchez María Belén , Vasconcelos Cordoba Bianca , Pavlovsky Carolina , Moiraghi Beatriz , Varela Ana , Custidiano Rosario , Fernandez Isolda , Freitas María Josefina , Ventriglia María Verónica , Bendek Georgina , Mariano Romina , Mela Osorio María José , Pavlovsky Miguel Arturo , García de Labanca Ana , Foncuberta Cecilia , Giere Isabel , Vera Masiel , Juni Mariana , Mordoh José , Sanchez Avalos Julio Cesar , Levy Estrella Mariel , Bianchini Michele 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionTreatment-free remission (TFR) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase is considered a safe option if suitable molecular monitoring is available. However, the question arises as to which factors can contribute to the maintenance of TFR, and immunologic surveillance of the remaining leukemic cells is believed to be one of them. Argentina Stop Trial is an open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial assessing TFR after tyrosine kinase inhibitors interruption, that after more than 4 years showed a successful TFR rate of 63%.MethodsIn this context, we set up an immunological study by flow cytometry in order to analyze specific NK cell subsets from peripheral blood patient samples both at the time of discontinuation as well as during the subsequent months.ResultsAt the time of discontinuation, patients show a mature NK cell phenotype, probably associated to TKI treatment. However, 3 months after discontinuation, significant changes in several NK cell receptors occurred. Patients with a higher proportion of CD56dim NK and PD-1+ NK cells showed better chances of survival. More interestingly, non-relapsing patients also presented a subpopulation of NK cells with features associated with the expansion after cytomegalovirus infection (expression of CD57+NKG2C+), and higher proportion of NKp30 and NKp46 natural cytotoxicity receptors, which resulted in greater degranulation and associated with better survival (p&lt;0.0001).DiscussionThis NK cell subset could have a protective role in patients who do not relapse, thus further characterization could be useful for patients in sustained deep molecular response.
Bridging soil biogeochemistry and microbial communities (archaea and bacteria) in tropical seagrass meadows
Authors: Nóbrega Gabriel Nuto , de Andrade Pedro Avelino Maia , Queiroz Hermano Melo , Pereira Arthur Prudêncio de Araújo , Copertino Margareth da Silva , Gorman Daniel , Zhuang Wen , Song Jinming , Andreote Fernando Dini , Otero Xosé Luis , Ferreira Tiago Osório 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionSeagrass meadows are among the most valuable ecosystems, providing numerous ecosystem services and functions. Despite its importance, there is a lack of knowledge about soil’s biogeochemical process variability, which can control microbiological communities. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate whether seagrass meadows in different geo-environments exhibit varying Fe and sulfate reduction intensities, shaping distinct archaea and bacteria communities.MethodsSoil samples were collected in seagrass meadows under contrasting climatic, geological, vegetational and hydrological settings along the Brazilian coast (e.g., Semiarid Coast - SC, Southeastern Granitic Coast – GC, and Southern Quaternary Coast - QC). The soils were characterized by particle size, pH, redox potential (Eh), total organic C and total N content, acid-volatile sulfides (AVS), and simultaneously extracted Fe. Furthermore, a solid-phase Fe fractionation was performed to characterize the decomposition pathways in these soils, and the shifts in the microbial community along this spatial variation were analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.ResultsThe studied soils presented a sandy texture (values ranging from 74 ± 11.8 to 80.5 ± 6.4%) caused by energetic hydrodynamic conditions. The pH values were circumneutral, while redox conditions presented significant distinction among the studied sites, ranging from anoxic to oxic (values ranging from -63 to +334 mV). The degree of pyritization (DOP) ranged from&lt; 10% to values higher than 80%, highly influenced by rhizospheric oxidation, and higher AVS content was recorded for sites with lower DOP (i.e., GC and QC).DiscussionsThus, biogeochemical processes in the seagrass soils present a wide variation in response to the geo-environmental settings. Plants influence the soil’s geochemical and microbiological communities, retaining fine particles, promoting rhizosphere oxidation, and inducing anoxic conditions controlling the Fe and S forms. Moreover, the same plant species can result in distinct soil conditions and microbial communities due to geoenvironmental settings.
Diagnostic accuracy of perfusion-weighted phase-resolved functional lung magnetic resonance imaging in patients with chronic pulmonary embolism
Authors: Duan Jianghui , Xie Sheng , Sun Hongliang , An Jing , Li Huan , Li Ling , Grimm Robert , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Vogel-Claussen Jens 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of perfusion-weighted phase-resolved functional lung (PW-PREFUL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with chronic pulmonary embolism (CPE).Materials and methodsThis study included 86 patients with suspected chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), who underwent PREFUL MRI and ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). PREFUL MRI was performed at 1.5 T using a balanced steady-state free precession sequence during free breathing. Color-coded PW images and quantitative parameters were obtained by postprocessing. Meanwhile, V/Q SPECT/CT imaging was performed as a reference standard. Hypoperfused areas in the lungs were scored for each lobe and segment using V/Q SPECT/CT images and PW-PREFUL MR images, respectively. Normalized perfusion (QN) and perfusion defect percentage (QDP) were calculated for all slices. For intra- and interobserver variability, the MRI images were analyzed 2 months after the first analysis by the same radiologist and another radiologist (11 years of lung MRI experience) blinded to the results of the first reader.ResultsOf the 86 enrolled patients, 77 met the inclusion criteria (36 diagnosed with CPE using V/Q SPECT/CT and 41 diagnosed with non-CPE etiology). For the PW-PREFUL MRI, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of CPE were 97, 95, 96, 95, and 98% at the patient level; 91, 94, 93, 91, and 94% at the lobe level, and 85, 94, 92, 88, and 94% at the segment level, respectively. The detection of segmental and subsegmental hypoperfusion using PW-PREFUL MRI revealed a moderate agreement with V/Q SPECT/CT (κ = 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.68). The quantitative results indicated that the QN was lower in the CPE group than in the non-CPE group [median score (interquartile range, IQR) 6.3 (2.8–9.2) vs. 13.0 (8.8–16.7), p &lt; 0.001], and the QDP was higher [median score (IQR) 33.8 (15.7–51.7) vs. 2.2 (1.4–2.9), p &lt; 0.001].ConclusionPREFUL MRI could be an alternative test to detect CPE without requiring breath-hold, contrast agents, or ionizing radiation.
Differential features of early childhood motor skill development and working memory processing: evidence from fNIRS
Authors: Zheng Quanliang , Chi Aiping , Shi Bing , Wang Yimin , Ma Qing , Zhou Fang , Guo Xianmei , Zhou Menghan , Lin Bowei , Ning Ke 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThe study investigated the differential characteristics associated with motor skill development and working memory processing during early childhood, thereby providing insights for understanding motor learning and cognitive development in young children.MethodsIn total, 101 preschool children (age: 4–6 years) were recruited for this study. The motor skill development level and the working memory capacity of the children were assessed using the MOBAK Motor Development Assessment Scale and a block task paradigm, respectively. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy brain imaging technology was used to monitor hemodynamic signals in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the children while they completed different memory tasks. MATLAB software and the Homer2 plugin were used to calculate the oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentration in relevant brain regions during the tasks.Results(1) The low motor skill group exhibited significantly lower accuracy during the three-memory load condition than during the two-memory load condition. Under both two-memory and three-memory load conditions, the high motor skill group exhibited significantly higher accuracy than the low motor skill group. (2) Significant differences in the Oxy-Hb concentration were observed in the left dorsolateral PFC (L-DLPFC), and right and left triangular part of the Broca’s area (R-PTBA and L-PTBA, respectively) between the two memory difficulty levels for the high motor skill group. The Oxy-Hb concentration was significantly higher during the three-memory load condition than during the two-memory load condition. Under the two-memory load condition, the high motor skill group exhibited significantly higher Oxy-Hb concentration in the L-DLPFC and L-PTBA regions than in the low motor skill group. Under the three-memory load condition, the high motor skill group exhibited significantly higher Oxy-Hb concentration in the L-DLPFC, R-PTBA, and L-PTBA regions than the low motor skill group.ConclusionA close association was observed between the motor skill levels and working memory in young children, with higher motor skill levels being associated with more pronounced brain activation patterns during working memory tasks.
Morphological features of the photoplethysmographic signal: a new approach to characterize the microcirculatory response to photobiomodulation
Authors: Ovadia-Blechman Zehava , Hauptman Yermiyahu , Rabin Neta , Wiezman Gal , Hoffer Oshrit , Gertz S. David , Gavish Benjamin , Gavish Lilach 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and Objectives: Advanced analysis of the morphological features of the photoplethysmographic (PPG) waveform may provide greater understanding of mechanisms of action of photobiomodulation (PBM). Photobiomodulation is a non-ionizing, red to near-infrared irradiation shown to induce peripheral vasodilatation, promote wound healing, and reduce pain. Using laser Doppler flowmetry combined with thermal imaging we found previously in a clinical study that PBM stimulates microcirculatory blood flow and that baseline palm skin temperature determines, at least in part, why some individuals respond favorably to PBM while others do not. “Responders” (n = 12) had a skin temperature range of 33°C–37.5°C, while “non-responders” (n = 8) had “cold” or “hot” skin temperature (&lt;33°C or &gt;37.5°C respectively). The continuous PPG signals recorded from the index fingers of both hands in the original clinical study were subjected to advanced post-acquisitional analysis in the current study, aiming to identify morphological features that may improve the accuracy of discrimination between potential responders and non-responders to PBM.Methods: The PPG signals were detrended by subtracting the lower envelope from the raw signal. The Root Mean Square (RMS) and Entropy features were extracted as were two additional morphological features -- Smoothness and number of local extrema per PPG beat (#Extrema). These describe the signal jaggedness and were developed specifically for this study. The Wilcoxon test was used for paired comparisons. Correlations were determined by the Spearman correlation test (rs).Results: The PPG waveforms of responders to PBM had increased amplitude and decreased jaggedness (Baseline vs. 10’ post-irradiation: Entropy, 5.0 ± 1.3 vs. 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.012; #Extrema, 4.0 ± 1.1 vs. 3.0 ± 1.6, p = 0.009; RMS, 1.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.004; Smoothness, 0.10 ± 0.05 vs. 0.19 ± 0.16, p = 0.016). In addition, unilateral irradiation resulted in a bilateral response, although the response of the contralateral, non-irradiated hand was shorter in duration and lower in magnitude. Although subjects with ‘cold,’ or ‘hot,’ baseline skin temperature appeared to have morphologically distinct PPG waveforms, representing vasoconstriction and vasodilatation, these were not affected by PBM irradiation.Conclusion: This pilot study indicates that post-acquisitional analysis of morphological features of the PPG waveform provides new measures for the exploration of microcirculation responsiveness to PBM.
Genomic selection to improve husk tightness based on genomic molecular markers in maize
Authors: Liu Yuncan , Ao Man , Lu Ming , Zheng Shubo , Zhu Fangbo , Ruan Yanye , Guan Yixin , Zhang Ao , Cui Zhenhai 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThe husk tightness (HTI) in maize plays a crucial role in regulating the water content of ears during the maturity stage, thereby influencing the quality of mechanical grain harvesting in China. Genomic selection (GS), which employs molecular markers, offers a promising approach for identifying and selecting inbred lines with the desired HTI trait in maize breeding. However, the effectiveness of GS is contingent upon various factors, including the genetic architecture of breeding populations, sequencing platforms, and statistical models.MethodsAn association panel of maize inbred lines was grown across three sites over two years, divided into four subgroups. GS analysis for HTI prediction was performed using marker data from three sequencing platforms and six marker densities with six statistical methods.ResultsThe findings indicate that a loosely attached husk can aid in the dissipation of water from kernels in temperate maize germplasms across most environments but not nessarily for tropical-origin maize. Considering the balance between GS prediction accuracy and breeding cost, the optimal prediction strategy is the rrBLUP model, the 50K sequencing platform, a 30% proportion of the test population, and a marker density of r2=0.1. Additionally, selecting a specific SS subgroup for sampling the testing set significantly enhances the predictive capacity for husk tightness.DiscussionThe determination of the optimal GS prediction strategy for HTI provides an economically feasible reference for the practice of molecular breeding. It also serves as a reference method for GS breeding of other agronomic traits.
Ecosystem multifunctionality, maximum height, and biodiversity of shrub communities affected by precipitation fluctuations in Northwest China
Authors: Du Lan , Tian Shengchuan , Sun Jing , Zhang Bin , Mu Xiao-Han , Tang Lisong , Zheng Xinjun , Li Yan 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionDryland ecosystems face serious threats from climate change. Establishing the spatial pattern of ecosystem multifunctionality, maximum height and the correlation of biodiversity patterns with climate change is important for understanding changes in complex ecosystem processes. However, the understanding of their relationships across large spatial areas remains limited in drylands.MethodsAccordingly, this study examined the spatial patterns of ecosystem multifunctionality, maximum height and considered a set of potential environmental drivers by investigating natural shrub communities in Northwest China.ResultsWe found that the ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) and maximum height of shrub communities were both affected by longitude, which was positively correlated with the precipitation gradient. Specifically, the EMF was driven by high precipitation seasonality, and the maximum height was driven by high precipitation stability during the growing season. Among the multiple biodiversity predictors, species beta diversity (SD-beta) is the most common in determining EMF, although this relationship is weak.DiscussionUnlike tree life form, we did not observe biodiversity-maximum height relationships in shrub communities. Based on these results, we suggest that more attention should be paid to the climatical fluctuations mediated biodiversity mechanisms, which are tightly correlated with ecosystem’s service capacity and resistance capacity under a rapid climate change scenario in the future.
High executive functioning is associated with reduced posttraumatic stress after trauma exposure among male U.S. military personnel
Authors: Liu Sabrina R. , Moore Tyler M. , Gur Ruben C. , Nievergelt Caroline , Baker Dewleen G. , Risbrough Victoria , Acheson Dean T. 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionEvidence suggests that executive function (EF) may play a key role in development of PTSD, possibly influenced by factors such as trauma type and timing. Since EF can be improved through intervention, it may be an important target for promoting resilience to trauma exposure. However, more research is needed to understand the relation between trauma exposure, EF, and PTSD. The goal of this study was to improve understanding of EF as a potential antecedent or protective factor for the development of PTSD among military personnel.MethodIn a cohort of U.S. Marines and Navy personnel (N = 1,373), the current study tested the association between exposure to traumatic events (pre-deployment and during deployment) and PTSD severity, and whether EF moderated these associations. Three types of pre-deployment trauma exposure were examined: cumulative exposure, which included total number of events participants endorsed as having happened to them, witnessed, or learned about; direct exposure, which included total number of events participants endorsed as having happened to them; and interpersonal exposure, which included total number of interpersonally traumatic events participants’ endorsed. EF was measured using the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery.ResultsEF was associated with less PTSD symptom severity at pre-deployment, even when adjusting for trauma exposure, alcohol use, traumatic brain injury, and number of years in the military. EF also moderated the relation between cumulative trauma exposure and interpersonal trauma exposure and PTSD, with higher EF linked to a 20 and 33% reduction in expected point increase in PTSD symptoms with cumulative and interpersonal trauma exposure, respectively. Finally, higher pre-deployment EF was associated with reduced PTSD symptom severity at post-deployment, independent of deployment-related trauma exposure and adjusting for pre-deployment PTSD.ConclusionOur results suggest that EF plays a significant, if small role in the development of PTSD symptoms after trauma exposure among military personnel. These findings provide important considerations for future research and intervention and prevention, specifically, incorporating a focus on improving EF in PTSD treatment.
Perception and willingness toward various immunization routes for COVID-19 vaccines: a cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Wang Haohang , Cui Mingting , Li Shunran , Wu Fan , Jiang Shiqiang , Chen Hongbiao , Yuan Jianhui , Sun Caijun 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundTo date, most vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, are mainly administered by intramuscular injection, which might lead to vaccine hesitancy in some populations due to needle fear. Alternatively, needle-free immunization technology is extensively developed to improve the efficacy and acceptance of vaccination. However, there is no study to report the perception and willingness toward various immunization routes of the COVID-19 vaccine in the general population.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted nationwide using an online questionnaire. Bivariate analyses were undertaken to assess variable associations among the participants who reported a hesitancy to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression with a backward step-wise approach was used to analyze the predicted factors associated with the willingness to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccination.ResultsA total of 3,244 valid respondents were included in this survey, and 63.2% of participants thought they had a good understanding of intramuscular injection, but only 20.7, 9.2, 9.4, and 6.0% of participants had a self-perceived good understanding of inhalation vaccine, nasal spray vaccine, oral vaccine, and microneedle patch vaccine. Correspondingly, there was high acceptance for intramuscular injection (76.5%), followed by oral inhalation (64.4%) and nasal spray (43.0%). Those participants who were only willing to receive an intramuscular vaccine had less vaccine knowledge (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65–0.94) than those who were willing to receive a needle-free vaccine (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.52–2.57). Some factors were found to be associated with vaccine hesitancy toward booster COVID-19 vaccination.ConclusionNeedle-free vaccination is a promising technology for the next generation of vaccines, but we found that intramuscular injection was still the most acceptable immunization route in this survey. One major reason might be that most people lack knowledge about needle-free vaccination. We should strengthen the publicity of needle-free vaccination technology, and thus improve the acceptance and coverage of vaccination in different populations.