bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host defence peptide LEAP2 contributes to antimicrobial activity in a mustache toad (Leptobrachium liui)
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Chi-Ying , Chen Jing-Yi , Seah Rachel Wan Xin , Zhang Le , Ma Li , Ding Guo-Hua 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is essential in host immunity against harmful pathogens and is only known to act as an extracellular modulator to regulate embryonic development in amphibians. However, there is a dearth of information on the antimicrobial function of amphibian LEAP2. Hence, a LEAP2 homologue from Leptobrachium liui was identified, characterized, and chemically synthesized, and its antibacterial activities and mechanisms were determined.

Results
In this study, LEAP2 gene (Ll-LEAP2) cDNA was cloned and sequenced from the Chong’an Moustache Toad (Leptobrachium liui). The predicted amino acid sequence of Ll-LEAP2 comprises a signal peptide, a mature peptide, and a prodomain. From sequence analysis, it was revealed that Ll-LEAP2 belongs to the cluster of amphibian LEAP2 and displays high similarity to the Tropical Clawed Frog (Xenopus tropicalis)‘s LEAP2. Our study revealed that LEAP2 protein was found in different tissues, with the highest concentration in the kidney and liver of L. liui; and Ll-LEAP2 mRNA transcripts were expressed in various tissues with the kidney having the highest mRNA expression level. As a result of Aeromonas hydrophila infection, Ll-LEAP2 underwent a noticeable up-regulation in the skin while it was down-regulated in the intestines. The chemically synthesized Ll-LEAP2 mature peptide was selective in its antimicrobial activity against several in vitro bacteria including both gram-positive and negative bacteria. Additionally, Ll-LEAP2 can kill specific bacteria by disrupting bacterial membrane and hydrolyzing bacterial gDNA.

Conclusions
This study is the first report on the antibacterial activity and mechanism of amphibian LEAP2. With more to uncover, the immunomodulatory functions and wound-healing activities of Ll-LEAP2 holds great potential for future research.
Do nomadic lactobacilli fit as potential vaginal probiotics? The answer lies in a successful selective multi-step and scoring approach
Authors: Cappello Claudia , Acin-Albiac Marta , Pinto Daniela , Polo Andrea , Filannino Pasquale , Rinaldi Fabio , Gobbetti Marco , Di Cagno Raffaella 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The goal of this study was to create a multi-strain probiotic gel that would foster a lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microbiota in pregnant women and ensure appropriate eubiosis for the newborn. Nomadic lactobacilli (95 strains), mostly isolated from food sources, were preliminarily screened for functional traits before being characterized for their capability to inhibit the two vaginal pathogens Streptococcus agalactiae and Candida albicans, which may lead to adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. Eight best-performing strains were chosen and furtherly investigated for their ability to produce biofilm. Lastly, the two selected potential probiotic candidates were analyzed in vitro for their ability to reduce the inflammation caused by C. albicans infection on the reconstituted human vaginal epithelium (HVE).

Results
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum produced both isomers of lactic acid, while Lacticaseibacillus paracasei produced only l-isomer. The production of hydrogen peroxide was strain-dependent, with the highest concentrations found within Lact. paracasei strains. The auto-aggregation capacity and hydrophobicity traits were species-independent. S. agalactiae 88II3 was strongly inhibited both at pH 7.0 and 4.0, whereas the inhibition of C. albicans UNIBZ54 was less frequent. Overall, L. plantarum strains had the highest pathogen inhibition and functional scoring. L. plantarum C5 and POM1, which were selected as potential probiotic candidates also based on their ability to form biofilms, were able to counteract the inflammation process caused by C. albicans infection in the HVE model.

Conclusions
Our multi-step and cumulative scoring-based approach was proven successful in mining and highlighting the probiotic potential of two nomadic lactobacilli strains (L. plantarum C5 and POM1), being applicable to preserve and improve human vaginal health.
Transcriptome of GH-producing pituitary neuroendocrine tumours and models are significantly affected by somatostatin analogues
Authors: Saksis Rihards , Rogoza Olesja , Niedra Helvijs , Megnis Kaspars , Mandrika Ilona , Balcere Inga , Steina Liva , Stukens Janis , Breiksa Austra , Nazarovs Jurijs , Sokolovska Jelizaveta , Konrade Ilze , Peculis Raitis , Rovite Vita 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs) are neoplasms of the pituitary that overproduce hormones or cause unspecific symptoms due to mass effect. Growth hormone overproducing GH-producing PitNETs cause acromegaly leading to connective tissue, metabolic or oncologic disorders. The medical treatment of acromegaly is somatostatin analogues (SSA) in specific cases combined with dopamine agonists (DA), but almost half of patients display partial or full SSA resistance and potential causes of this are unknown. In this study we investigated transcriptomic landscape of GH-producing PitNETs on several levels and functional models—tumour tissue of patients with and without SSA preoperative treatment, tumour derived pituispheres and GH3 cell line incubated with SSA to study effect of medication on gene expression. MGI sequencing platform was used to sequence total RNA from PitNET tissue, pituispheres, mesenchymal stromal stem-like cells (MSC), and GH3 cell cultures, and data were analysed with Salmon—DeSeq2 pipeline. We observed that the GH-producing PitNETs have distinct changes in growth hormone related pathways related to its functional status alongside inner cell signalling, ion transport, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix characteristic patterns. In pituispheres model, treatment regimens (octreotide and cabergoline) affect specific cell proliferation (MKI67) and core functionality pathways (RYR2, COL8A2, HLA-G, ARFGAP1, TGFBR2). In GH3 cells we observed that medication did not have transcriptomic effects similar to preoperative treatment in PitNET tissue or pituisphere model. This study highlights the importance of correct model system selection for cell transcriptomic profiling and data interpretation that could be achieved in future by incorporating NGS methods and detailed cell omics profiling in PitNET model research.
Stakeholder perspectives on a door-to-door intervention to increase community engagement for malaria elimination in Zanzibar
Authors: Abbas Faiza , Monroe April , Kiware Samson , Khamis Mwinyi , Serbantez Naomi , Al- Mafazy Abdul- Wahid , Mohamed Fauzia , Kigadye Emmanuel 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) World Malaria Report indicates a slowing in the decline of malaria incidence since 2015. Malaria prevalence in Zanzibar has been maintained at less than 1% since 2010, however from 2018 to 2021, the annual number of reported malaria cases has gradually increased from 4106 to 9290. Community engagement has been emphasized by the WHO for reducing malaria transmission. To better understand the potential for a door-to-door approach for malaria, a three-month pilot programme was carried out. This qualitative study aimed at understanding stakeholder experiences with the pilot programme and considerations for its implementation.

Methods
Through multistage sampling, four shehias (wards—the lowest administrative structure) with comparatively high (> 1.9 per 1000) and four with low (< 1 per 1000) incidence of local malaria cases were selected and involved in a door-to-door pilot intervention. The qualitative study was conducted after the pilot intervention and employed focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. All field notes were written on paper and audiotaped using digital audio-recorders. Summaries were developed by integrating field notes with reviews of recordings; themes were developed based on the topics identified a priori. Responses for each theme were summarized using an iterative process.

Results
Most community members reported high levels of acceptance of door-to-door interventions. Some factors that might affect implementation of door-to-door include, low risk perception of the disease, local beliefs and practice, lack of initiative from the programme level to involve communities, and political instability during the election period. All Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) recommended this approach for community engagement, however, ensuring adequate resources was identified as a key factor for ensuring its sustainability.

Conclusion
The door-to-door intervention was perceived as helpful for promoting community engagement. There are several factors to consider including ensuring that CHVs are provided with adequate education, regular supervision, and have access to essential resources. Community leaders should be fully involved in choosing CHVs that are acceptable to the community. To ensure sustainability, the government should allocate sufficient resources and improve coordination systems.
An initial study on the predictive value using multiple MRI characteristics for Ki-67 labeling index in glioma
Authors: Du Ningfang , Shu Weiquan , Li Kefeng , Deng Yao , Xu Xinxin , Ye Yao , Tang Feng , Mao Renling , Lin Guangwu , Li Shihong , Fang Xuhao 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background and purpose
Ki-67 labeling index (LI) is an important indicator of tumor cell proliferation in glioma, which can only be obtained by postoperative biopsy at present. This study aimed to explore the correlation between Ki-67 LI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameters and to predict the level of Ki-67 LI noninvasively before surgery by multiple MRI characteristics.

Methods
Preoperative MRI data of 166 patients with pathologically confirmed glioma in our hospital from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The cut-off point of Ki-67 LI for glioma grading was defined. The differences in MRI characteristics were compared between the low and high Ki-67 LI groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to estimate the accuracy of each ADC parameter in predicting the Ki-67 level, and finally a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed based on the results of ROC analysis.

Results
ADCmin, ADCmean, rADCmin, rADCmean and Ki-67 LI showed a negative correlation (r = − 0.478, r = − 0.369, r = − 0.488, r = − 0.388, all P < 0.001). The Ki-67 LI of low-grade gliomas (LGGs) was different from that of high-grade gliomas (HGGs), and the cut-off point of Ki-67 LI for distinguishing LGGs from HGGs was 9.5%, with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.962 (95%CI 0.933–0.990). The ADC parameters in the high Ki-67 group were significantly lower than those in the low Ki-67 group (all P < 0.05). The peritumoral edema (PTE) of gliomas in the high Ki-67 LI group was higher than that in the low Ki-67 LI group (P < 0.05). The AUROC of Ki-67 LI level assessed by the multivariate logistic regression model was 0.800 (95%CI 0.721–0.879).

Conclusions
There was a negative correlation between ADC parameters and Ki-67 LI, and the multivariate logistic regression model combined with peritumoral edema and ADC parameters could improve the prediction ability of Ki-67 LI.
SARS-CoV-2 BA.2 (Omicron) variant infection in pediatric liver transplanted recipients and cohabitants during 2022 Shanghai outbreak: a prospective cohort
Authors: Zhu Xin-ye , Lu Ye-feng , Xue Feng , Luo Yi , Feng Ming-xuan , Qiu Bi-jun , Zhou Tao , Zhu Jian-jun , Zhang Jian-jun , Wan Ping , Xia Qiang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The Omicron variant BA.2 was the dominant variant in the COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai since March 2022. We aim to investigate the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in pediatric liver-transplanted recipients.

Methods
We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational, single-arm study. We enrolled pediatric liver-transplanted patients infected with the Omicron variant BA.2 from March 19th to October 1st, 2022 and analyzed their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data. The management of COVID-19 was conducted according to the 9th trial edition of the Chinese guideline. The immunosuppressive therapy was tailored considering the patients’ infection developments and liver functions.

Results
Five children were included. The primary diseases included Niemann-Pick disease, propionic acidemia, decompensated cirrhosis, biliary atresia, and Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I. All of the patients were onset with fever before or when getting RNA-positive results at the age of 3 (Range: 1–13) years. The infection duration was 29 (Range: 18–40) days. Three and two children were diagnosed with mild and moderate COVID-19 respectively. Two patients were tested RNA-positive within 14 days after having been tested negative. The immunosuppressants were paused or extenuated in four patients. Eight of all nine cohabitants were injected with at least two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The disease courses were significantly longer than the patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Post-transplant immunosuppression slows down the virus clearance and increases the risk of relapse but does not affect symptom duration or infection severity in pediatric patients. Patients can usually gain a favorable outcome and prognosis by extenuating immunosuppressants.
First isolation and molecular characterization of canine parvovirus-type 2b (CPV-2b) from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) living in the wild habitat of Turkey
Authors: Kurucay Hanne Nur , Tamer Cuneyt , Muftuoglu Bahadir , Elhag Ahmed Eisa , Gozel Seda , Cicek-Yildiz Yasemin , Demirtas Sadik , Ozan Emre , Albayrak Harun , Okur-Gumusova Semra , Yazici Zafer 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The canine parvovirus, with its many variants, is responsible for a pivotal and common viral infection affecting millions of dogs and other carnivore species worldwide, particularly the wild ones, which are considered as the main reservoir hosts. To that end, this study investigated the presence of canine parvovirus (CPV) in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) living in wild habitats of several regions of Turkey.

Methods
We randomly collected 630 archival fox stool specimens from rural areas of 22 provinces and used real-time PCR to detect CPV.

Results
Two of the 630 (0.3%) stool samples were positive for CPV-DNA, named Tr-Fox/128(Aydın) and Tr-Fox/159(Manisa). We attempted to isolate the virus in a MDCK cell line, and cytopathic effects were observed four days post-inoculation. Three regions corresponding to the CPV capsid protein VP2 gene from extracted DNA of positive samples were amplified by conventional PCR, and the products were visualised, purified, and Sanger sequenced. Three overlapping DNA raw sequence fragments, were read, assembled, and aligned to obtain approximately 1.5 kb-long regions that cover most of the VP2 gene, then deposited in GenBank. After comparing the isolates with parvovirus sequences data of domestic and wild carnivores by BLAST processing, our isolates' similarity rate with each other was 99.40%, with base differences in 9 nucleotide positions. They were classified as 2b variant closely related to isolates from dogs in Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Italy, Thailand, and China.

Conclusion
This study presents evidence of interspecies transmission of CPV, of which there are no reports on prevalence in wildlife carnivores of our country. Identification of CPV in red foxes threatens local and hunting dogs, which may contract the infection or disseminate it to other wild animal species or vice-versa.
A Jacob/nsmf gene knockout does not protect against acute hypoxia- and NMDA-induced excitotoxic cell death
Authors: Gomes Guilherme M. , Bär Julia , Karpova Anna , Kreutz Michael R. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractJacob is a synapto-nuclear messenger protein that encodes and transduces the origin of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptor signals to the nucleus. The protein assembles a signalosome that differs in case of synaptic or extrasynaptic NMDAR activation. Following nuclear import Jacob docks these signalosomes to the transcription factor CREB. We have recently shown that amyloid-β and extrasynaptic NMDAR activation triggers the translocation of a Jacob signalosome that results in inactivation of the transcription factor CREB, a phenomenon termed Jacob-induced CREB shut-off (JaCS). JaCS contributes to early Alzheimer’s disease pathology and the absence of Jacob protects against amyloid pathology. Given that extrasynaptic activity is also involved in acute excitotoxicity, like in stroke, we asked whether nsmf gene knockout will also protect against acute insults, like oxygen and glucose deprivation and excitotoxic NMDA stimulation. nsmf is the gene that encodes for the Jacob protein. Here we show that organotypic hippocampal slices from wild-type and nsmf−/−mice display similar degrees of degeneration when exposed to either oxygen glucose deprivation or 50 µM NMDAto induce excitotoxicity. This lack of neuroprotection indicates that JaCS is mainly relevant in conditions of low level chronic extrasynaptic NMDAR activation that results in cellular degeneration induced by alterations in gene transcription.
Comparison of posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: MacDowall Anna , Löfgren Håkan , Edström Erik , Brisby Helena , Parai Catharina , Elmi-Terander Adrian 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the predominant cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly. The patients are often frail and susceptible to complications. Posterior surgical techniques involving non-fusion are complicated by postlaminectomy kyphosis and instrumented fusion techniques by distal junction kyphosis, pseudarthrosis, or implant failure. The optimal surgical approach is still a matter of controversy.
Since anterior and posterior fusion techniques have been compared without presenting any superiority, the objective of this study is to compare stand-alone laminectomy with laminectomy and fusion to determine which treatment has the lowest frequency of reoperations.

Methods
This is a multicenter randomized, controlled, parallel-group non-inferiority trial. A total of 300 adult patients are allocated in a ratio of 1:1. The primary endpoint is reoperation for any reason at 5 years of follow-up. Sample size and power calculation were performed by estimating the reoperation rate after laminectomy to 3.5% and after laminectomy with fusion to 7.4% based on the data from the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) on patients with CSM. Secondary outcomes are the patient-derived Japanese Orthopaedic Association (P-mJOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for neck and arm pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), development of kyphosis measured as the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), and death. Clinical and radiological follow-up is performed at 3, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery. The main inclusion criterium is 1–4 levels of CSM in the subaxial spine, C3–C7. The REDcap software will be used for safe data management. Data will be analyzed according to the modified intention to treat (mITT) population, defined as randomized patients who are still alive without having emigrated or left the study after 2 and 5 years.

Discussion
This will be the first randomized controlled trial comparing two of the most common surgical treatments for CSM: the posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and posterior laminectomy with instrumented fusion. The results of the myelopathy randomized controlled (MyRanC) study will provide surgical treatment recommendations for CSM. This may result in improvements in surgical treatment and clinical practice regarding CSM.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04936074. Registered on 23 June 2021
Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins in a premature newborn: the role of lung ultrasound
Authors: Atun Macarena L. , Fernandez Jonusas Silvia A. , Acosta Cecilia M. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV) is a lethal neonatal lung disorder characterized by the decrease of the alveolar units, abnormalities in the air–blood barrier of the lung, and impaired gas exchange. Typically, it affects a full-term newborn; the symptoms usually start within a few hours after birth, resulting in severe respiratory distress and pulmonary hypertension. In most of the cases, this disorder is refractory to conventional pulmonary support.

Case presentation
We report a case of a newborn male of 29 weeks gestational age, with birth weight of 850 g and intrauterine growth restriction. Severe respiratory distress appeared a few minutes after birth; non-invasive ventilatory support was provided in the delivery room and, as a consequence of persistent respiratory failure, he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where mechanical ventilation was required.
Due to the symptoms and pulmonary ultrasound pattern suggestive of respiratory distress syndrome, surfactant treatment was administered. Lung ultrasound (LU) was used for monitoring the responsiveness to surfactant; severe pulmonary hypertension ensued, followed by respiratory failure, refractory shock, and death within 48 h.
Owing to the poor response to the established therapy, ACD/MPV was suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed through autopsy. The main goal of this case report is to show the role of LU for monitoring the evolution of this disorder.

Conclusion
LU could provide essential information to help diagnose and follow-up the underlying cause of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in an earlier and more effective way than chest X-ray. LU is suitable for routine monitoring of lung disease in the NICU.