bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration analysis of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal the cellular heterogeneity landscape in glioblastoma and establish a polygenic risk model
Authors: Liu Yaxuan , Wu Zhenyu , Feng Yueyuan , Gao Jiawei , Wang Bo , Lian Changlin , Diao Bo 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is adults’ most common and fatally malignant brain tumor. The heterogeneity is the leading cause of treatment failure. However, the relationship between cellular heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment, and GBM progression is still elusive.MethodsIntegrated analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptome sequencing (stRNA-seq) of GBM were conducted to analyze the spatial tumor microenvironment. We investigated the subpopulation heterogeneity of malignant cells through gene set enrichment analyses, cell communications analyses, and pseudotime analyses. Significantly changed genes of the pseudotime analysis were screened to create a tumor progress-related gene risk score (TPRGRS) using Cox regression algorithms in the bulkRNA-sequencing(bulkRNA-seq) dataset. We combined the TPRGRS and clinical characteristics to predict the prognosis of patients with GBM. Furthermore, functional analysis was applied to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the TPRGRS.ResultsGBM cells were accurately charted to their spatial locations and uncovered their spatial colocalization. The malignant cells were divided into five clusters with transcriptional and functional heterogeneity, including unclassified malignant cells and astrocyte-like, mesenchymal-like, oligodendrocytes-progenitor-like, and neural-progenitor-like malignant cells. Cell-cell communications analysis in scRNA-seq and stRNA-seq identified ligand-receptor pairs of the CXCL, EGF, FGF, and MIF signaling pathways as bridges implying that tumor microenvironment may cause malignant cells’ transcriptomic adaptability and disease progression. Pseudotime analysis showed the differentiation trajectory of GBM cells from proneural to mesenchymal transition and identified genes or pathways that affect cell differentiation. TPRGRS could successfully divide patients with GBM in three datasets into high- and low-risk groups, which was proved to be a prognostic factor independent of routine clinicopathological characteristics. Functional analysis revealed the TPRGRS associated with growth factor binding, cytokine activity, signaling receptor activator activity functions, and oncogenic pathways. Further analysis revealed the association of the TPRGRS with gene mutations and immunity in GBM. Finally, the external datasets and qRT-PCR verified high expressions of the TPRGRS mRNAs in GBM cells.ConclusionOur study provides novel insights into heterogeneity in GBM based on scRNA-seq and stRNA-seq data. Moreover, our study proposed a malignant cell transition-based TPRGRS through integrated analysis of bulkRNA-seq and scRNA-seq data, combined with the routine clinicopathological evaluation of tumors, which may provide more personalized drug regimens for GBM patients.
Proteome-wide comparison of tertiary protein structures reveals molecular mimicry in Plasmodium-human interactions
Authors: Muthye Viraj , Wasmuth James D. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionMolecular mimicry is a strategy used by parasites to evade the host’s immune system and facilitate transmission to a new host. To date, high-throughput examples of molecular mimicry have been limited to comparing protein sequences. However, recent advances in the prediction of tertiary structural models, led by Deepmind’s AlphaFold, enable the comparison of thousands of proteins from parasites and their hosts at the structural level, allowing for the identification of more mimics. Here, we present the first proteome-level search for tertiary structure similarity between proteins from Plasmodium falciparum, a malaria-causing parasite, and humans.MethodsWe assembled a database of experimentally-characterized protein tertiary structures (from the Protein Data Bank) and AlphaFold-generated protein tertiary structures from P. falciparum, human, and 15 negative control species, i.e., species not infected by P. falciparum. We aligned human and control structures to the parasite structures using Foldseek. ResultsWe identified molecular mimicry in three proteins that have been previously proposed as mediators of Plasmodium-human interactions. By extending this approach to all P. falciparum proteins, we identified an additional 41 potential mimics that are supported by additional experimental data. DiscussionOur findings demonstrate a valuable application of AlphaFold-derived tertiary structural models, and we discuss key considerations for its effective use in other host-parasite systems.
Cell-free supernatant of probiotic bacteria exerted antibiofilm and antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A novel biotic therapy
Authors: Drumond Mariana Martins , Tapia-Costa Ana Paula , Neumann Elisabeth , Nunes Álvaro Cantini , Barbosa Jorge Wanderson , Kassuha Diego E. , Mancha-Agresti Pamela 
Published: June 2023

Aim: This study aims to verify the antibacterial and antibiofilm action of cell-free spent medium (CFSM) from four lactic acid bacteria with potential probiotic characteristics (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii) against two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.Main methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the CFSM, antibacterial activity by analysing the formation of inhibition zones, and inhibition of planktonic cultures were determined. Whether an increase in the concentration of CFSM influenced the growth of pathogenic strains and the anti-adhesive activity of the CFSM in biofilm formation (crystal violet and MTT assays) were determined, which were all corroborated by using scanning electron microscopy.Key findings: The relationship between the MIC and MBC values showed a bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect for all the cell-free spent media (CFSMs) tested for P. aeruginosa 9027™ and 27853™ strains. The CFSM supplemental doses of 18 or 22%, 20 or 22%, 46 or 48%, and 50 or 54% of L. acidophilus, L. delbrueckii, L. plantarum, and L. johnsonii, respectively, could completely inhibit the growth of both pathogen strains. The antibiofilm activity of the CFSM in three biofilm conditions (pre-coated, co-incubated, and preformed) demonstrated values ranging between 40% and 80% for biofilm inhibition, and similar results were observed for cell viability.Significance: This work provides strong evidence that the postbiotic derived from different Lactobacilli could be practical as an adjuvant therapy for reducing the use of antibiotics, being a good candidate to overcome the growing challenge of hospital infections due to this pathogen.
Inspiratory muscle fatigue at the swimming tumble turns: its occurrence and effects on kinematic parameters of the turns
Authors: Moravec Tadeja , Lomax Mitch , Ušaj Anton , Kapus Jernej 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:The present study had two objectives: 1) to investigate the effects of tumble turns on the development of inspiratory muscle fatigue (IMF) and compare this to whole swimming, and 2) to evaluate the effects of pre-induced IMF on the kinematic parameters of tumble turns. Fourteen young club-level swimmers (13 ± 2 years of ages) completed three swim trials.Methods:The first trial was used to determine the 400-m front crawl swim time at maximal effort (400FC). The other two trials consisted of a series of 15 tumble turns at the 400FC pace. In one of the turn-only trials, IMF was pre-induced (TURNS-IMF), whereas in the other turn-only trial it was not (TURNS-C).Results:Compared with baseline values, the values for maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) at the end of the swim were significantly lower at all trials. However, the magnitude of inspiratory muscle fatigue was less after TURNS-C (PImax decreased by 12%) than after 400FC (PImax decreased by 28%). The tumble turns were slower during 400FC than during TURNS-C and TURNS-IMF. In addition, compared to TURNS-C, turns in the TURNS-IMF were performed with higher rotation times and shorter apnea and swim-out times.Discussion:The results of the present study suggest that tumble turns put a strain on the inspiratory muscles and directly contribute to the IMF observed during 400FC swimming. Furthermore, pre-induced IMF resulted in significantly shorter apneas and slower rotations during tumble turns. IMF therefore has the potential to negatively affect overall swimming performance, and strategies should be sought to reduce its effects.
Endophytic infection increases the belowground over-yielding effects of the host grass community mainly by increasing the complementary effects
Authors: Qu Yaobing , Qin Tianzi , Zhang Junzhen , Deng Yongkang , Yu Xinhe , Wei Xianqin , Zhao Nianxi , Gao Yubao , Ren Anzhi 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionIncreases in plant species diversity may increase the community diversity effect and produce community over-yielding. Epichloë endophytes, as symbiotic microorganisms, are also capable of regulating plant communities, but their effects on community diversity effects are often overlooked.MethodsIn this experiment, we investigated the effects of endophytes on the diversity effects of host plant community biomass by constructing artificial communities with 1-species monocultures and 2- and 4-species mixtures of endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E-) Achnatherum sibiricum and three common plants in its native habitat, which were potted in live and sterilized soil.Results and discussionThe results showed that endophyte infection significantly increased the belowground biomass and abundance of Cleistogenes squarrosa, marginally significantly increased the abundance of Stipa grandis and significantly increased the community diversity (evenness) of the 4-species mixtures. Endophyte infection also significantly increased the over-yielding effects on belowground biomass of the 4-species mixtures in the live soil, and the increase in diversity effects on belowground biomass was mainly due to the endophyte significantly increasing the complementary effects on belowground biomass. The effects of soil microorganisms on the diversity effects on belowground biomass of the 4-species mixtures were mainly derived from their influences on the complementary effects. The effects of endophytes and soil microorganisms on the diversity effects on belowground biomass of the 4-species communities were independent, and both contributed similarly to the complementary effects on belowground biomass. The finding that endophyte infection promotes belowground over-yielding in live soil at higher levels of species diversity suggests that endophytes may be one of the factors contributing to the positive relationship between species diversity and productivity and explains the stable co-existence of endophyte-infected Achnatherum sibiricum with a variety of plants in the Inner Mongolian grasslands.
Effects of physiological integration on nitrogen use efficiency of moso bamboo in homogeneous and heterogeneous environments
Authors: Zhao Jiancheng , Cai Chunju 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionMoso bamboo is one of the important clonal plants with complex underground rhizome-root system. Ramets connected by rhizome can translocate and share nitrogen (N), which may affect the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of moso bamboo. The aims of this study were to investigate the mechanisms of N physiological integration and its relationship with NUE of moso bamboo.MethodsA pot experiment was conducted to trace the movement of 15N between the connected ramets of moso bamboo in both homogeneous and heterogeneous N environments.ResultsResults showed that N translocation within clonal fragments of moso bamboo was detected in both homogeneous and heterogeneous environments. The intensity of physiological integration (IPI) was significantly lower in homogeneous environments than that in heterogeneous environments. 15N translocation between the connected ramtes of moso bamboo was determined by the source-sink relationship in heterogeneous environments, and the 15N allocation of the fertilized ramet was higher than that of the connected unfertilized ramet. The NUE of connected treatment was significantly higher than that of severed treatment, which suggested that physiological integration significantly improved the NUE of moso bamboo. In addition, the NUE of moso bamboo was significantly higher in heterogeneous environments than that in homogeneous environments. The contribution rate of physiological integration (CPI) on NUE in heterogeneous environments was significantly higher than that in homogenous environments.DiscussionThese results will provide theoretical basis for precision fertilization in moso bamboo forests.
Generalization of the modulatory effect of social interaction on personal space
Authors: Cui Shulei , Yang Tianshu , Liu Ning 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionPersonal space (PS) is a safe area around an individual’s body that affects spatial distance when socially interacting with others. Previous studies have shown that social interaction may modulate PS. However, these findings are often confounded by the effects of familiarization. Furthermore, whether the potential regulatory effects of social interaction on PS can be generalized from interacting confederates to strangers remains unclear.MethodsTo answer these questions, we enrolled 115 participants in a carefully designed experiment.ResultsWe found that prosocial interaction in the form of a cooperative task effectively reduced PS, and this regulatory effect could be generalized from interacting confederates to non-interacting confederates.DiscussionThese findings deepen our understanding of PS regulation and may be aid in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of dysfunctional social behaviors.
How, when, and to what degree do people with alcohol dependence recover their psychological wellbeing and quality of life? The Madrid Recovery Project
Authors: Rubio Gabriel , Esteban Rodríguez Laura , Sion Ana , Ramis Vidal Lilian , Blanco María J. , Zamora-Bayon Amelia , Caba-Moreno Marta , Macias-Molina Ana I. , Pérez-Sánchez Dolores , Rubio-Escobar Enrique , Ruiz-Diez Joaquín , Marin Marta , Arias Francisco , Lora David , Jurado-Barba Rosa 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe consensus on recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) has shifted toward encompassing psychological wellbeing and quality of life dimensions. However, few studies have explored the long-term recovery process and its dimensions, timing, styles, and modes. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent, timing, and process of psychological wellbeing and quality of life recovery in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients, as well as the relationship with classic dimensions of AUD recovery.MethodA cross-sectional study has been carried out with 348 participants with AUD, in different abstinence periods (1 month–28 years), and 171 control subjects. Participants underwent a psychological evaluation, which included self-informed measures of psychological wellbeing, quality of life, negative emotionality, and coping strategies related to alcohol consumption avoidance. Statistical analysis included linear and non-linear regression models between psychological dimensions and maintenance of abstinence, as well as matching the scores of the sample with AUD to those of controls. Scatter plots were used to explore inflection points. In addition, mean comparison tests were performed between participants with AUD and controls and by gender.ResultsIn general, according to the regression models, there were pronounced increases in indices of wellbeing and coping strategies (and pronounced decreases in negative emotionality) during the first 5 years of abstinence, followed by less pronounced improvements. The matching of AUD subjects in wellbeing and negative emotionality indices with controls occurs at different times: (a) 1 year or less: physical health; (b) 1–4 years: psychological health; (c) 4–10 years: social relationships, wellbeing, and negative emotionality; and (d) more than 10 years: autonomy and self-acceptance. There are statistically significant differences by gender for the negative emotionality and physical health variables.ConclusionRecovery from AUD is a long process that involves improvements in wellbeing and quality of life. Four stages can be described in this process, with the most pronounced changes occurring during the first 5 years of abstinence. However, AUD patients take more time to obtain similar scores to controls in several psychological dimensions.
Comparison of depressive symptoms among healthcare workers in high-risk versus low-risk areas during the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Huang Emma Yun Zhi , Li Lillian Liang-Chi , Odetayo Aderonke , Zhang Xing-Wei , Ho Jonathan Ka Ming , Chan Shun , Pang Vivian Ching Man , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping , Lam Simon Ching 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe psychological health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has become a significant concern, particularly during the initial stage of a pandemic. This study compared the depressive symptoms among HCWs in high-risk areas (HRAs) and low-risk areas (LRAs) with matching demographics.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed to compare the depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥ 10), workplace environment characteristics, the Health Belief Model (HBM) and socio-demographics of the HCWs working in HRAs and LRAs in several accessible regions (mainly Hubei Province and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater–Bay–Area) in China. Eight hundred eighty-five HCWs were recruited for unmatched analysis between March 6 and April 2, 2020. After matching with occupation and years of service using a 1:2 ratio, 146 HCWs in HRAs and 290 HCWs in LRAs were selected for matched analysis. Subgroup analyzes were performed using two individual logistic regressions to delineate the associated factors in LRAs and HRAs, respectively.ResultsHCWs in LRAs (Prevalence = 23.7%) had 1.96 times higher odds of depressive symptoms than those in HRAs (Prevalence = 15.1%) after adjusting for occupation and years of service (p &lt; 0.001). Significant differences in workplace environment characteristics (p &lt; 0.001) and the 5-dimension of the HBM of HCWs (p &lt; 0.001 to p = 0.025) were found between HRAs and LRAs.Logistic regression showed that workers with years of service between 10 and 20  years (OR:6.27), ever had contact with COVID-19 patients (OR:14.33) and had higher scores of “perceived barrier” of HBM (OR:4.48) predicted depressive symptoms in HRAs while working in pneumology departments and infectious disease units (OR:0.06), and high “self-efficacy” in the HBM (OR:0.13) was a protective factor against depressive symptoms.Contrarily, in LRAs, those HCWs who worked in ICUs (OR:2.59), had higher scores of “perceived susceptibility toward the COVID-19 outbreak” (OR:1.41), “perceived severity of the pandemic” (OR:1.25), and “perceived barriers of wearing masks” (OR:1.43) in the HBM predicted depressive symptoms. High “cues to action” (OR:0.79), and better “knowledge” (OR:0.79) in the HBM were protective factors against depressive symptoms.ConclusionThe risk of depressive symptoms of HCWS was double in LRAs than in HRAs in the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, salient predictors for depressive symptoms among HCWs in HRAs and LRAs were very different.
Migrant women’s engagement in health-promotive activities through a women’s health collaboration
Authors: Lindsjö Cecilia , Sjögren Forss Katarina , Kumlien Christine , Kottorp Anders , Rämgård Margareta 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionSocial determinants of health impact health, and migrants are exposed to an inequitable distribution of resources that may impact their health negatively, leading to health inequality and social injustice. Migrant women are difficult to engage in health-promotional activities because of language barriers, socioeconomic circumstances, and other social determinants. Based on the framework of Paulo Freire, a community health promotion program was established in a community-academic partnership with a community-based participatory research approach.AimThe aim of this study was to describe how a collaborative women’s health initiative contributed to migrant women’s engagement in health promotion activities.Materials and methodsThis study was part of a larger program, carried out in a disadvantaged city area in Sweden. It had a qualitative design with a participatory approach, following up on actions taken to promote health. Health-promotional activities were developed in collaboration with a women’s health group, facilitated by a lay health promoter. The study population was formed by 17 mainly Middle Eastern migrant women. Data was collected using the story-dialog method and the material was analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultThree important contributors to engagement in health promotion were identified at an early stage of the analysis process, namely, the group forming a social network, the local facilitator from the community, and the use of social places close to home. Later in the analysis process, a connection was made between these contributors and the rationale behind their importance, that is, how they motivated and supported the women and how the dialog was conducted. This therefore became the designated themes and were connected to all contributors, forming three main themes and nine sub-themes.ConclusionThe key implication was that the women made use of their health knowledge and put it into practice. Thus, a progression from functional health literacy to a level of critical health literacy may be said to have occurred.
Turnover intention and its associated factors among nurses: a multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Yang , Duan Yinglong , Guo Meiying 
Published: June 2023

AimThe purpose of our study was to assess the turnover intention of nurses in China and examine the associated factors.BackgroundSince the world population ages, the demand for nurses has kept growing, and the shortage of nurses and high turnover rates are concerned with the quality of care. Thus, understanding nurses' turnover intention and the relevant factors could provide nurse managers with strategies to address the modifiable factors to decrease the turnover rate of nurses.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 1,854 nurses working in 15 hospitals in China. Data were collected using a self-designed demographic questionnaire, the Turnover Intention Scale, the Job Satisfaction Scale, the Pay Level Satisfaction Scale, the Interpersonal Conflict at Work Scale, and a single question on the sense of belonging to the hospital.ResultsMost nurses (n = 1286, 69.4%) had a high level of turnover intention. Multilevel logistic regression analysis demonstrated that nurses being single (OR = 1.366, p &lt; 0.05), with a junior college or below (OR = 0.381, p &lt; 0.01), being a clinical nurse (OR = 1.913, p &lt; 0.01), having higher pay level (OR = 0.596, p &lt; 0.001), having higher job satisfaction (OR = 0.406, p &lt; 0.001), having conflicts with colleagues (OR = 1.400, p &lt; 0.05), and having a higher sense of belonging to the hospital (OR = 0.532, p &lt; 0.001) proved to affect nurses' turnover intention.ConclusionThis study extended the knowledge about the factors associated with nurses' intention to leave, which led to the turnover of nurses, and is one of the main contributors to the current shortage of nurses.Implications for nursing managementThis study provided new approaches to decreasing the turnover rate of nurses. Effective management strategies may mitigate nurses' turnover intention.