bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hollow-polydopamine-nanocarrier-based near-infrared-light/pH-responsive drug delivery system for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage treatment
Authors: Zhang Lingyan , Li Mifang , Wang Yeying , Liu Yibiao , Zhang Feiyuan , Lin Zhihao , Zhang Yuling , Ma Mingliang , Wang Shouju 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a serious complication caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Tissue damage and changes in immune response are all associated with excessive free radical production. Therefore, removing excess reactive oxygen species are considered a feasible scheme for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage treatment. Cyclophosphamide is often used as the main therapeutic drug in clinics. However, CTX carries a high risk of dose-increasing toxicity, treatment intolerance, and high recurrence rate. The combination of therapeutic drugs and functional nanocarriers may provide an effective solution. PDA is rich in phenolic groups, which can remove the reactive oxygen species generated in inflammatory reactions, and can serve as excellent free radical scavengers.Methods: We developed a hollow polydopamine (HPDA) nanocarrier loaded with CTX by ionization to prepare the novel nanoplatform, CTX@HPDA, for DAH treatment. The monodisperse silica nanoparticles were acquired by reference to the typical Stober method. PDA was coated on the surface of SiO2 by oxidation self-polymerization method to obtain SiO2@PDA NPs. Then, HPDA NPs were obtained by HF etching. Then HPDA was loaded with CTX by ionization to prepare CTX@HPDA. Then we tested the photothermal effect, animal model therapeutics effect, and biosafety of CTX@HPDA.Results: Material tests showed that the CTX@ HPDA nanoplatform had a uniform diameter and could release CTX in acidic environments. The vitro experiments demonstrated that CTX@HPDA has good photothermal conversion ability and photothermal stability. Animal experiments demonstrated that the CTX@HPDA nanoplatform had good biocompatibility. The nanoplatform can dissociate in acidic SLE environment and trigger CTX release through photothermal conversion. Combining HPDA, which scavenges oxygen free radicals, and CTX, which has immunosuppressive effect, can treat pulmonary hemorrhage in SLE. Micro-CT can be used to continuously analyze DAH severity and lung changes in mice after treatment. The pulmonary exudation in the various treatment groups improved to varying degrees.Discussion: In this study, we report a photothermal/PH-triggered nanocarrier (CTX@HPDA) for the precise treatment of SLE-DAH. CTX@HPDA is a simple and efficient nanocarrier system for DAH therapy. This work provides valuable insights into SLE treatment.
Experimental infections in red-legged partridges reveal differences in host competence between West Nile and Usutu virus strains from Southern Spain
Authors: Llorente Francisco , Gutiérrez-López Rafael , Pérez-Ramirez Elisa , Sánchez-Seco María Paz , Herrero Laura , Jiménez-Clavero Miguel Ángel , Vázquez Ana 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionWest Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are emerging zoonotic arboviruses sharing the same life cycle with mosquitoes as vectors and wild birds as reservoir hosts. The main objective of this study was to characterize the pathogenicity and course of infection of two viral strains (WNV/08 and USUV/09) co-circulating in Southern Spain in a natural host, the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), and to compare the results with those obtained with the reference strain WNV/NY99.MethodsWNV inoculated birds were monitored for clinical and analytical parameters (viral load, viremia, and antibodies) for 15 days post-inoculation.Results and discussionPartridges inoculated with WNV/NY99 and WNV/08 strains showed clinical signs such as weight loss, ruffled feathers, and lethargy, which were not observed in USUV/09-inoculated individuals. Although statistically significant differences in mortality were not observed, partridges inoculated with WNV strains developed significantly higher viremia and viral loads in blood than those inoculated with USUV. In addition, the viral genome was detected in organs and feathers of WNV-inoculated partridges, while it was almost undetectable in USUV-inoculated ones. These experimental results indicate that red-legged partridges are susceptible to the assayed Spanish WNV with pathogenicity similar to that observed for the prototype WNV/NY99 strain. By contrast, the USUV/09 strain was not pathogenic for this bird species and elicited extremely low viremia levels, demonstrating that red-legged partridges are not a competent host for the transmission of this USUV strain.
Bioinformatics analysis of lncRNA-related ceRNA networks in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of Kazakh patients with essential hypertension in Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Yan , Gao Jie , Zhang Liang , Yang Rui , Zhang Yingying , Shan Liya , Li Xinzhi , Ma Ketao 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveHere, we aimed to investigate long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression characteristics in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of Xinjiang Kazakh people with essential hypertension and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA).MethodsFrom April 2016 to May 2019, six Kazakh patients with essential hypertension and six Kazakh healthy participants were randomly selected from the inpatient and outpatient cardiology departments of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College, Xinjiang. After detecting the expression levels of lncRNA and mRNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes using gene chip technology, their levels in the hypertensive group were compared with those in the control group. Six differentially expressed lncRNAs were randomly selected for real-time PCR to verify the accuracy and reliability of the gene chip results. GO functional clustering and KEGG pathway analyses were performed for differentially expressed genes. The ceRNA regulatory network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA was constructed, followed by visualization of the results. The expressions of miR-139-5p and DCBLD2 after PVT1 overexpression in 293T cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.ResultsIn the test group, 396 and 511 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, respectively, were screened out. The trend of real-time PCR results was consistent with that of the microarray results. The differentially expressed mRNAs were found to be primarily involved in the adhesion spot, leukocyte migration via endothelial cells, gap junction, actin cytoskeleton regulation, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction signaling pathways. By constructing the ceRNA regulatory network, we found that lncRNA PVT1-miR-139-5p-DCBLD2 has a potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism involved in the development of essential hypertension in Xinjiang Kazakh people. In 293T cells, lncRNA PVT1 overexpression inhibited miR-139-5p and DCBLD2 levels.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that differentially expressed lncRNAs may be involved in the development of essential hypertension. lncRNA PVT1-miR-139-5p-DCBLD2 was indicated to comprise a potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism involved in the development of essential hypertension in the Xinjiang Kazakh population. Thus, it may act as a novel screening marker or therapeutic target for essential hypertension in this population.
Generation of hiPSCs with ABO c.767T>C substitution: resulting in splicing variants
Authors: Jin Yinge , Chen Tao , Zheng Wei , Xi Jiahui , Zi Yin , Wang Jinling , Chi Yue , Chen Min , Zou Qingjian , Tang Chengcheng , Lai Liangxue , Zhou Xiaoqing 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The ABO blood group system has important clinical significance in the safety of blood transfusion and organ transplantation. Numerous ABO variations, especially variations in the splice sites, have been identified to be associated with some ABO subtypes.Methods: Here, we performed the c.767T&gt;C substitution of the ABO gene in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by the adenosine base editor (ABE) system and described its characteristics at the genome level in detail.Results: The hiPS cell line with c.767T&gt;C substitution maintained a normal karyotype (46, XX), expressed pluripotency markers, and showed the capability to spontaneously differentiate into all three germ layers in vivo. The genome-wide analysis demonstrated that the c.767T&gt;C substitution in the ABO gene did not cause any detected negative effect in hiPSCs at the genome level. The splicing transcript analysis revealed that splicing variants were observed in the hiPSCs with ABO c.767T&gt;C substitutions.Conclusion: All these results indicated that some splicing variants occurred in hiPSCs with c.767 T&gt;C substitution of ABO gene, which probably had a significant effect on the formation of the rare ABO*Ael05/B101 subtype.
Allocation concealment appraisal of clinical therapy trials using the extended Composite Quality Score (CQS-2)—An empirically based update
Authors: Mickenautsch Steffen , Yengopal Veerasamy 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to revise CQS-2/Criterion II concerning allocation concealment appraisal for prospective, controlled clinical therapy trials.MethodsMeta-analyses of trials with inadequate allocation concealment were tested for in-between trial heterogeneity (I2 &gt; 0) due to imbalances in baseline variables. Meta-analyses with positive test results were used as a basis to deduce criteria for adequate allocation concealment. The CQS-2/Criterion II was reformulated in line with the findings.ResultOne suitable meta-analysis was identified. Two forest plots with data from five and four trials with inadequate/unclear allocation concealment were selected for testing. In addition, a total of five trials with adequate allocation concealment were identified. The meta-analysis test results were positive, and keywords for the judgment of adequate allocation concealment were extracted verbatim from the text of the meta-analysis. The extracted keywords indicated “central allocation” as the main criterion for adequate allocation concealment. Criterion II of the CQS-2 was revised accordingly.ConclusionCriterion II of the CQS-2 trial appraisal tool was revised. The revised appraisal tool was specified as version CQS-2B.
Maternal plasma and salivary anelloviruses in pregnancy and preterm birth
Authors: Kyathanahalli Chandrashekara , Snedden Madeline , Singh Lavisha , Regalia Camilla , Keenan-Devlin Lauren , Borders Ann E. , Hirsch Emmet 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionHuman anelloviruses, including torque teno virus (TTV) and torque teno mini virus (TTMV), are ubiquitous in the general population and have no known pathogenicity. We investigated the prevalence and viral load of TTV and TTMV in plasma and saliva over pregnancy, and assessed their association with spontaneous or medically indicated preterm birth.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the Measurement of Maternal Stress (MOMS) study, which recruited 744 individuals with singleton pregnancies from 4 US sites (Chicago, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, and rural Pennsylvania). Baseline outpatient visits took place in the second trimester (between 12′0 and 20′6/7  weeks’ gestation), and follow-up visits in the third trimester (between 32′0 and 35′6/7  weeks’ gestation). In a case-control study design, participants who delivered preterm (&lt;37 weeks) resulting from spontaneous labor and/or preterm premature rupture of membranes (“sPTB”) were compared with participants experiencing medically indicated preterm birth (“iPTB”), or delivery at term (“controls”). Plasma and saliva samples obtained during the second and third trimesters were tested for the presence and quantity of TTV and TTMV using real-time PCR. Demographic data were obtained via self-report, and clinical data via medical record review by trained research personnel.ResultsTTV was detected in plasma from 81% (second trimester) and 77% (third trimester) of participants, and in saliva from 64 and 60%. Corresponding detection rates for TTMV were 59 and 41% in plasma, and 35 and 24% in saliva. TTV and TTMV concentrations were similar between matched plasma and saliva samples. TTV prevalence and concentrations were not significantly different between groups (sPTB, iPTB, and controls). However, plasma TTMV in the third trimester was associated with sPTB and earlier gestational age at delivery. The iPTB group was not different from either the sPTB or the control group. In saliva, concentrations of TTV and TTMV were similar among the three groups. Both TTV and TTMV were more prevalent with increasing parity and were more common in Black and Hispanic participants compared to non-Hispanic White participants.ConclusionAnellovirus presence (specifically, TTMV) in the third trimester may be associated with preterm birth. Whether this association is causative remains to be determined.
Identification of bacterial pathogens in sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood using 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Gates Lily , Mistry Talisa , Ogunbiyi Olumide , Kite Kerry-Anne , Klein Nigel J. , Sebire Neil J. , Alber Dagmar G. 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundSudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) is the most common cause of post-neonatal death in the developed world. Following an extensive investigation, the cause of ~40% of deaths remains unknown. It is hypothesized that a proportion of deaths are due to an infection that remains undetected due to limitations in routine techniques. This study aimed to apply 16S rRNA gene sequencing to post-mortem (PM) tissues collected from cases of SUDI, as well as those from the childhood equivalent (collectively known as sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood or SUDIC), to investigate whether this molecular approach could help identify potential infection-causing bacteria to enhance the diagnosis of infection.MethodsIn this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was applied to de-identified frozen post-mortem (PM) tissues from the diagnostic archive of Great Ormond Street Hospital. The cases were grouped depending on the cause of death: (i) explained non-infectious, (ii) infectious, and (iii) unknown.Results and conclusionsIn the cases of known bacterial infection, the likely causative pathogen was identified in 3/5 cases using bacterial culture at PM compared to 5/5 cases using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Where a bacterial infection was identified at routine investigation, the same organism was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Using these findings, we defined criteria based on sequencing reads and alpha diversity to identify PM tissues with likely infection. Using these criteria, 4/20 (20%) cases of unexplained SUDIC were identified which may be due to bacterial infection that was previously undetected. This study demonstrates the potential feasibility and effectiveness of 16S rRNA gene sequencing in PM tissue investigation to improve the diagnosis of infection, potentially reducing the number of unexplained deaths and improving the understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Effect of atrial fibrillation on outcomes in patients with anterior circulation occlusion stroke receiving endovascular therapy
Authors: Wu Weijuan , Pitton Rissardo Jamir , Nguyen Thanh N. , Mofatteh Mohammad , Wei Hongquan , Liebeskind David S. , Yang Shuiquan , Li Wanquan , Pan Wanling , Zhou Sijie , Lai Yuzheng , Gao Jianfang , Wang Jian , Ouyang Ziqi , Mai Yuzhen , Meng Heng , Chen Yimin , Liao Xuxing 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation is one of the major risk factors of ischemic stroke. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. However, data regarding the impact of AF on the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy are controversial. The aim of our study was to determine whether atrial fibrillation modifies the functional outcome of patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke receiving EVT.MethodsWe reviewed 273 eligible patients receiving EVT from January 2019 to January 2022 from 3 comprehensive Chinese stroke centers, of whom 221 patients were recruited. Demographics, clinical, radiological and treatment characteristics, safety outcomes, and functional outcomes were collected. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≤ 2 at 90 days was defined as a good functional outcome.ResultsIn our cohort, 79 patients (35.74%) were eventually found to have AF. Patients with AF were elder (70.08 ± 11.72 vs. 61.82 ± 13.48 years, p = 0.000) and less likely to be males (54.43 vs. 73.94%, p = 0.03). The significant reperfusion rate (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3) was 73.42 and 83.80% in patients with and without AF, respectively (p = 0.064). The good functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale: 0 to 2) rate was 39.24 and 44.37% in patients with and without AF, respectively (p = 0.460) after adjusting multiple confounding factors. There was no difference in the presence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage between the two groups (10.13 vs. 12.68%, p = 0.573).ConclusionDespite their older age, AF patients achieved similar outcomes as non-AF patients with anterior circulation occlusion treated with endovascular therapy.
Frequency dependence of coordinated pupil and eye movements for binocular disparity tracking
Authors: Balaban Carey D. , Nayak Neil S. , Williams Erin C. , Kiderman Alexander , Hoffer Michael E. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionCoordinated alignment of the eyes during gaze fixation and eye movements are an important component of normal visual function. We have previously described the coordinated behavior of convergence eye movements and pupillary responses using a 0.1  Hz binocular disparity-driven sine profile and a step profile. The goal of this publication is to further characterize ocular vergence-pupil size coordination over a wider range of frequencies of ocular disparity stimulation in normal subjects.MethodsBinocular disparity stimulation is generated by presentation of independent targets to each eye on a virtual reality display, while eye movements and pupil size are measured by an embedded video-oculography system. This design allows us to study two complimentary analyses of this motion relationship. First, a macroscale analysis describes the vergence angle of the eyes in response to binocular disparity target movement and pupil area as a function of the observed vergence response. Second, a microscale analysis performs a piecewise linear decomposition of the vergence angle and pupil relationship to permit more nuanced findings.ResultsThese analyses identified three main features of controlled coupling of pupil and convergence eye movements. First, a near response relationship operates with increasing prevalence during convergence (relative to the “baseline” angle); the coupling is higher with increased convergence in this range. Second, the prevalence of “near response”-type coupling decreases monotonically in the diverging direction; the decrease persists after the targets move (converge back) from maximum divergence toward the baseline positions, with a minimum prevalence of near response segments near the baseline target position. Third, an opposite polarity pupil response is infrequent, but tends to be more prevalent when the vergence angles are at maximum convergence or divergence for a sinusoidal binocular disparity task.DiscussionWe suggest that the latter response is an exploratory “range-validation” when binocular disparity is relatively constant. In a broader sense, these findings describe operating characteristics of the near response in normal subjects and form a basis for quantitative assessments of function in conditions such as convergence insufficiency and mild traumatic brain injury.
Clinical characteristics of spontaneous intracranial basal ganglia hemorrhage and risk factors for hematoma expansion in the plateaus of China
Authors: Yan Yujia , Ren Hecheng , Luo Bin , Fan Wanpeng , Zhang Xiqiang , Huang Ying 
Published: June 2023

Background and purposeThe clinical features of intracranial cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the risk factors for hematoma expansion (HE) have been extensively studied. However, few studies have been performed in patients who live on a plateau. The natural habituation and genetic adaptation have resulted in differences in disease characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences and consistency of clinical and imaging characteristics of patients in the plateaus of China compared with the plains, and to analyze the risk factors for HE of intracranial hemorrhage in the plateau patients.MethodsFrom January 2020 to August 2022, we undertook a retrospective analysis of 479 patients with first-episode spontaneous intracranial basal ganglia hemorrhage in Tianjin and Xining City. The clinical and radiologic data during hospitalization were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were used to assess the risk factors for HE.ResultsHE occurred in 31 plateau (36.0%) and 53 plain (24.2%) ICH patients, and HE was more likely to occur in the plateau patients compared with the plain (p = 0.037). The NCCT images of plateau patients also showed heterogeneity of hematoma imaging signs, and the incidence of blend signs (23.3% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.043) and black hole signs (24.4% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.018) was significantly higher than in the plain. Baseline hematoma volume, black hole sign, island sign, blend sign, and PLT and HB level were associated with HE in the plateau. Baseline hematoma volume and the heterogeneity of hematoma imaging signs were independent predictors of HE in both the plain and plateau.ConclusionCompared with the plain, ICH patients in the plateau were more prone to HE. The patients showed the same heterogeneous signs on the NCCT images as in the plain, and also had predictive value for HE.
Clinical analysis in patients with SPG11 hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Kang You-Ri , Nam Tai-Seung , Kim Jae-Myung , Kang Kyung Wook , Choi Seong-Min , Lee Seung-Han , Kim Byeong C. , Kim Myeong-Kyu 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundTo analyze the clinical phenotype of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) caused by SPG11 mutations (SPG11-HSP).MethodsAmong the 17 patients with sporadic HSP who performed whole exome sequencing analysis, six were diagnosed with SPG11-HSP. The clinical and radiologic findings and the results of the electrodiagnostic and neuropsychologic tests were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsThe median age at onset was 16.5 years (range, 13–38 years). Progressive spastic paraparesis was a core feature, and the median spastic paraplegia rating scale score was 24/52 (range, 16–31 points). Additional major symptoms were pseudobulbar dysarthria, intellectual disability, bladder dysfunction, and being overweight. Minor symptoms included upper limbs rigidity and sensory axonopathy. The median body mass index was 26.2 kg/m2 (range, 25.2–32.3 kg/m2). The thin corpus callosum (TCC) was predominant at the rostral body or anterior midbody, and the ears of the lynx sign was seen in all. The follow-up MRI showed the worsening of periventricular white matter (PVWM) signal abnormalities with ventricular widening or the extension of the TCC. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) to the lower limbs showed an absent central motor conduction time (CMCT) in all subjects. The upper limb CMCT was initially absent in three subjects, although it became abnormal in all at the follow-up. The mini-mental state examination median score was 27/30 (range, 26–28) with selective impairment of the attention/calculation domain. The median score of the full-scale intelligence quotient was 48 (range, 42–72) on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale test.ConclusionAttention/calculation deficits and being overweight as well as pseudobulbar dysarthria were common additional symptoms in patients with SPG11-HSP. The rostral body and anterior midbody of the corpus callosum were preferentially thinned, especially in the early stage of the disease. The TCC, PVWM signal changes, and MEP abnormality worsened as the disease progressed.