bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and possible mechanisms of metabolic disorder in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yu Jin , Zhou Yulai , Ding Jie , Zhang Danying , Yu Chaoqin , Huang Hefeng 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a kind of endocrine and metabolic disorder, disturbing the females of reproductive age. Here, we aimed to investigate the metabolic characteristics of overweight women with PCOS and analyze the possible mechanisms.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on 947 patients with PCOS, who were classified according to body mass index (BMI) as overweight (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) or non-overweight (BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2). The clinical symptoms, endocrine features, metabolic status, and inflammatory levels of the patients were comprehensively assessed and compared between the patients of the two groups. Additionally, a predictive study on the correlation between inflammation and metabolism was performed using STRING and Cytoscape software, and the possible mechanisms of metabolic disorders involved in the overweight PCOS were preliminarily explored.ResultsOverweight PCOS was associated with increased average age, waist-to-hip ratio, and the incidence of acanthosis nigricans. These patients were susceptible to familial hypertension and diabetes, and exhibited evident characteristics of low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the ratio of LH to follicle-stimulating hormone, and were more inclined to insulin resistance (IR). Furthermore, overweight PCOS presented with a chronic low-grade inflammation state with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines complement components C5/C5α, CXCL12/SDF-1, MIF, and Serpin E1/PAI-1 evidently compared with those in non-overweight PCOS. Pearson analysis showed that these inflammatory cytokines were directly or indirectly correlated with IR. The STRING and Cytoscape network analysis predicted that inflammatory cytokines CXCL12/SDF-1, Serpin E1/PAI-1 and MIF might be crucial for inducing IR in overweight PCOS women through various biological functions and signal transductions including the JAK-STAT cascade, ATP biosynthesis, and HIF-1 signaling.ConclusionsOverweight patients with PCOS are prone to low gonadal levels, IR, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines CXCL12/SDF-1, Serpin E1/PAI-1and MIF might lead to IR through multiple biological functions and signal transductions in overweight PCOS.
Will the embedded service in supply chains play a role in lowering manufacturer’s carbon emission and maintaining economic growth?
Authors: Shi Chengdong , Chen Lulu , Yu Weitong , Zhang Zhiyao 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The carbon cap and trade mechanism (CCTM) is forcing companies to reduce carbon emissions. Due to financial and technical constraints, manufacturers responsible for recycling and remanufacturing begin to seek embedded services from energy service companies (ESCOs), marking the emergence of embedded low-carbon service supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of embedded low-carbon service in supply chains in lowering manufacturer’s carbon emissions and maintaining economic growth.Methods: In this paper, a decision model for risk-averse closed-loop supply chain for embedded low-carbon service in uncertain markets is built by using the Stackelberg theory and mean-variance (MV) approach. Equilibrium decisions, the manufacturer’s expected utility growth, and total carbon emission reduction are obtained. Sensitivity analysis is performed for the main parameters.Results: The results indicate that only when the manufacturer’s risk aversion level and consumers’ low-carbon preference are within the range of 0.35–0.9, can the manufacturer bring in embedded low-carbon service by cooperating with an ESCO through revenue-sharing contracts. When there is a higher carbon price, embedded low-carbon service can further increase the manufacturer’s expected utility, maintain economic growth and reduce carbon emissions.Discussion: Embedded low-carbon service in supply chains can play a role in lowering manufacturers’ carbon emissions and maintaining economic growth when the manufacturer’s risk aversion level, carbon price, and consumers’ low-carbon preference are high. Theoretically, this study combines closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs) and embedded low-carbon services, enriching supply chain theories. In addition, the findings provide managerial insights for manufacturers, ESCOs, and governments.
Impact of air quality on enterprise productivity: Evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Liu Su , Yang Yuetao , Cai Ling 
Published: January 2023

We provide insights and innovative ideas for China to achieve green development and promote high-quality economic development by studying the impact of air quality on enterprise productivity. This paper uses data from 2008 to 2016 for A-share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets, as well as the levels of particulate matter under 2.5 μm in diameter for 214 major Chinese cities. At the same time, this paper innovatively applies regression discontinuity and the Spatial Durbin Model for empirical testing. Considering the endogeneity, we choose the air flow index as an instrumental variable and the generalized space two-stage least squares method for the endogenous test. Additionally, we use dynamic regression and different spatial weight matrix to conduct robustness tests and reselect data from 2008 to 2012 and 2013 to 2016 as samples. Moreover, we test corporate heterogeneity from three perspectives: pollutant type, firm equity, and an industry’s technological level. The results show that the deterioration of local air quality significantly inhibits firm productivity, while the spatial spillover effects of pollution from surrounding cities also have a significant dampening effect on firm productivity. This negative effect is transmitted through research and development innovation capacity, human capital, and government subsidies. This empirical evidence from listed companies can be used for evaluating air quality management to enhance enterprise productivity, as well as to provide policy recommendations for boosting firm productivity through improved air quality.
Genetic variation of endangered Jankowski’s Bunting (Emberiza jankowskii): High connectivity and a moderate history of demographic decline
Authors: Huang Long , Feng Guochen , Li Dan , Shang Weiping , Zhang Lishi , Yan Rongfei , Jiang Yunlei , Li Shi 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionContinued discovery of “mismatch” patterns between population size and genetic diversity, involving wild species such as insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and others, has raised issues about how population history, especially recent dynamics under human disturbance, affects currently standing genetic variation. Previous studies have revealed high genetic diversity in endangered Jankowski’s Bunting. However, it is unclear how the demographic history and recent habitat changes shape the genetic variation of Jankowski’s Bunting.MethodsTo explore the formation and maintenance of high genetic diversity in endangered Jankowski’s Bunting, we used a mitochondrial control region (partial mtDNA CR) and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers to explore the recent demographic history of Jankowski’s Bunting, and we compared the historical and contemporary gene flows between populations to reveal the impact of habitat change on population connectivity. Specifically, we aimed to test the following hypotheses: (1) Jankowski’s Bunting has a large historical Ne and a moderate demographic history; and (2) recent habitat change might have no significant impact on the species’ population connectivity.ResultsThe results suggested that large historical effective population size, as well as severe but slow population decline, may partially explain the high observable genetic diversity. Comparison of historical (over the past 4Ne generations) and contemporary (1–3 generations) gene flow indicated that the connectivity between five local populations was only marginally affected by landscape changes.DiscussionOur results suggest that high population connectivity and a moderate history of demographic decline are powerful explanations for the rich genetic variation in Jankowski’s Bunting. Although there is no evidence that the genetic health of Jankowski’s Bunting is threatened, the time-lag effects on the genetic response to recent environmental changes is a reminder to be cautious about the current genetic characteristics of this species. Where possible, factors influencing genetic variation should be integrated into a systematic framework for conducting robust population health assessments. Given the small contemporary population size, inbreeding, and ecological specialization, we recommend that habitat protection be maintained to maximize the genetic diversity and population connectivity of Jankowski’s Bunting.
Whole genome sequencing of CCR5 CRISPR-Cas9-edited Mauritian cynomolgus macaque blastomeres reveals large-scale deletions and off-target edits
Authors: Schmidt Jenna Kropp , Kim Yun Hee , Strelchenko Nick , Gierczic Sarah R. , Pavelec Derek , Golos Thaddeus G. , Slukvin Igor I. 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Genome editing by CRISPR-Cas9 approaches offers promise for introducing or correcting disease-associated mutations for research and clinical applications. Nonhuman primates are physiologically closer to humans than other laboratory animal models, providing ideal candidates for introducing human disease-associated mutations to develop models of human disease. The incidence of large chromosomal anomalies in CRISPR-Cas9-edited human embryos and cells warrants comprehensive genotypic investigation of editing outcomes in primate embryos. Our objective was to evaluate on- and off-target editing outcomes in CCR5 CRISPR-Cas9-targeted Mauritian cynomolgus macaque embryos.Methods: DNA isolated from individual blastomeres of two embryos, along with paternal and maternal DNA, was subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis.Results: Large deletions were identified in macaque blastomeres at the on-target site that were not previously detected using PCR-based methods. De novo mutations were also identified at predicted CRISPR-Cas9 off-target sites.Discussion: This is the first report of WGS analysis of CRISPR-Cas9-targeted nonhuman primate embryonic cells, in which a high editing efficiency was coupled with the incidence of editing errors in cells from two embryos. These data demonstrate that comprehensive sequencing-based methods are warranted for evaluating editing outcomes in primate embryos, as well as any resultant offspring to ensure that the observed phenotype is due to the targeted edit and not due to unidentified off-target mutations.
Development of multi-level standards of care recommendations for sickle cell disease: Experience from SickleInAfrica
Authors: Paintsil Vivian , Ally Mwashungi , Isa Hezekiah , Anie Kofi A. , Mgaya Josephine , Nkanyemka Malula , Nembaware Victoria , Oppong-Mensah Yaa Gyamfua , Ndobho Flora , Chirande Lulu , Makubi Abel , Nnodu Obiageli , Wonkam Ambroise , Makani Julie , Ohene-Frempong Kwaku 
Published: January 2023

Introduction:Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) causes significant morbidity and mortality particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where it contributes to early childhood deaths. There is need to standardize treatment guidelines to help improve overall SCD patient health outcomes. We set out to review existing guidelines on SCD and to set minimum standards for management of SCD for the different referral levels of healthcare.Methods:A standards of care working group (SoC-WG) was established to develop the SoC recommendations. About 15 available SCD management guidelines and protocols were reviewed and themes extracted from them. The first draft was on chosen themes with 64 major headings and subtopics. Using a summarised WHO levels of referral document, we were able to get six different referral levels of healthcare. The highest referral level was the tertiary facilities whilst the lowest level was the home setting. Recommendations for SCD management for the regional, district, sub-districts, health posts and CHPs compounds were also drafted.Results:The results from this review yielded a guidelines document which had recommendations for management of SCD on 64 topics and subtopic for all the six (6) different referral levels.Discussions:Every child with SCD need to receive comprehensive care that is coordinated at each level. This recommendation is unique in terms of the availability of recommendations for different levels of care as compared to the traditional guidelines which is more focused at the tertiary levels. Patients can access care at any of the other lower referral hospitals and be managed with recommendations that are in keeping with institutional resources at that level. When such patients need care that requires expertise that is not available at that level, the recommendations will be to refer to the appropriate referral level where those expertise are available. This encourages patients to have good clinical care nearer their homes but also having access to specialist screening modalities and expertise at the tertiary hospitals if need be. With this, patient are not limited to a specific referral level when interventions cannot be instituted for them.Conclusion:This SoC recommendations document is a useful material that can be used for consistent standards of treatment in SSA.
Functional gene polymorphisms and expression alteration of selected microRNAs and the risk of various gastric lesions in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric diseases
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Danyan , Dai Yunkai , Zhang Yunzhan , Lan Shaoyang , Luo Qi , Ye Jintong , Chen Xu , Li Peiwu , Chen Weijing , Li Ruliu , Hu Ling 
Published: January 2023

Background:Helicobacter pylori (Hp) persistent infection is an important pathogenic factor for a series of chronic gastric diseases from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer. Genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of microRNAs may play a vital role in the pathological evolution of gastric mucosa in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric diseases (HPGD). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between miR-146a, miR-196a2, miR-149, miR-499 and miR-27a gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their expressions with pathological changes in gastric mucosa, and to further analyze the interactions between SNPs and Hp.Methods: Subjects in this study included patients diagnosed with HPGD and healthy controls. MiR-146a rs2910164, miR-196a2 rs11614913, miR-149 rs2292832, miR-499 rs3746444 and miR-27a rs895819 were genotyped by direct sequencing. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect microRNA expressions. Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions were evaluated by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method.Results: we found that frequency distribution of miR-196a2 rs11614913 CT genotype in gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) group and gastric cancer (GC) group was significantly higher than normal control (NOR) group [adjusted OR = 6.16, 95%CI (1.46–26.03); adjusted OR = 11.83, 95%CI (1.65–84.72), respectively]. CT genotype and C allele of miR-27a rs895819 were associated with increased risk of GC [adjusted OR = 10.14, 95%CI (2.25–45.77); adjusted OR = 3.71, 95%CI(1.46–9.44), respectively]. The MDR analysis results showed that the interaction between miR-196a2 rs11614913 and Hp was associated with the risk of GPL (p = 0.004). Meanwhile, the expression level of miR-196a2 in GC group was significantly higher than NOR, chronic inflammation (CI) and early precancerous lesion (EPL) groups among Hp-positive subjects. And expressions of miR-499 and miR-27a in GC group were both higher than EPL group. Also, miR-27a expression in GC group was higher than CI and gastric atrophy (GA) groups.Conclusion: miR-196a2 rs11614913 and miR-27a rs895819 may affect the genetic susceptibility to GPL or GC. MiR-196a2 rs11614913 and Hp have a synergistic effect in the occurrence and development of GPL. The up-regulation of miR-499, miR-196a2 and miR-27a expression caused by Hp infection may be an important mechanism of gastric carcinogenesis.
Mapping quantitative trait loci and predicting candidate genes for Striga resistance in maize using resistance donor line derived from Zea diploperennis
Authors: Badu-Apraku B. , Adewale S. , Paterne A. , Offornedo Q. , Gedil M. 
Published: January 2023

The parasitic weed, Striga is a major biological constraint to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and threatens food and nutrition security. Two hundred and twenty-three (223) F2:3 mapping population involving individuals derived from TZdEI 352 x TZEI 916 were phenotyped for four Striga-adaptive traits and genotyped using the Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) to determine the genomic regions responsible for Striga resistance in maize. After removing distorted SNP markers, a genetic linkage map was constructed using 1,918 DArTseq markers which covered 2092.1 cM. Using the inclusive composite interval mapping method in IciMapping, twenty-three QTLs influencing Striga resistance traits were identified across four Striga-infested environments with five stable QTLs (qGY4, qSC2.1, qSC2.2, qSC5, and qSC6) detected in more than one environment. The variations explained by the QTLs ranged from 4.1% (qSD2.3) to 14.4% (qSC7.1). Six QTLs each with significant additive × environment interactions were also identified for grain yield and Striga damage. Gene annotation revealed candidate genes underlying the QTLs, including the gene models GRMZM2G077002 and GRMZM2G404973 which encode the GATA transcription factors, GRMZM2G178998 and GRMZM2G134073 encoding the NAC transcription factors, GRMZM2G053868 and GRMZM2G157068 which encode the nitrate transporter protein and GRMZM2G371033 encoding the SBP-transcription factor. These candidate genes play crucial roles in plant growth and developmental processes and defense functions. This study provides further insights into the genetic mechanisms of resistance to Striga parasitism in maize. The QTL detected in more than one environment would be useful for further fine-mapping and marker-assisted selection for the development of Striga resistant and high-yielding maize cultivars.
mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 induce comparably low long-term IgG Fc galactosylation and sialylation levels but increasing long-term IgG4 responses compared to an adenovirus-based vaccine
Authors: Buhre Jana Sophia , Pongracz Tamas , Künsting Inga , Lixenfeld Anne S. , Wang Wenjun , Nouta Jan , Lehrian Selina , Schmelter Franziska , Lunding Hanna B. , Dühring Lara , Kern Carsten , Petry Janina , Martin Emily L. , Föh Bandik , Steinhaus Moritz , von Kopylow Vera , Sina Christian , Graf Tobias , Rahmöller Johann , Wuhrer Manfred , Ehlers Marc 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe new types of mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticle vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 and the adenovirus-based vaccine AZD1222 were developed against SARS-CoV-2 and code for its spike (S) protein. Several studies have investigated short-term antibody (Ab) responses after vaccination.ObjectiveHowever, the impact of these new vaccine formats with unclear effects on the long-term Ab response – including isotype, subclass, and their type of Fc glycosylation – is less explored.MethodsHere, we analyzed anti-S Ab responses in blood serum and the saliva of SARS-CoV-2 naïve and non-hospitalized pre-infected subjects upon two vaccinations with different mRNA- and adenovirus-based vaccine combinations up to day 270.ResultsWe show that the initially high mRNA vaccine-induced blood and salivary anti-S IgG levels, particularly IgG1, markedly decrease over time and approach the lower levels induced with the adenovirus-based vaccine. All three vaccines induced, contrary to the short-term anti-S IgG1 response with high sialylation and galactosylation levels, a long-term anti-S IgG1 response that was characterized by low sialylation and galactosylation with the latter being even below the corresponding total IgG1 galactosylation level. Instead, the mRNA, but not the adenovirus-based vaccines induced long-term IgG4 responses – the IgG subclass with inhibitory effector functions. Furthermore, salivary anti-S IgA levels were lower and decreased faster in naïve as compared to pre-infected vaccinees. Predictively, age correlated with lower long-term anti-S IgG titers for the mRNA vaccines. Furthermore, higher total IgG1 galactosylation, sialylation, and bisection levels correlated with higher long-term anti-S IgG1 sialylation, galactosylation, and bisection levels, respectively, for all vaccine combinations.ConclusionIn summary, the study suggests a comparable “adjuvant” potential of the newly developed vaccines on the anti-S IgG Fc glycosylation, as reflected in relatively low long-term anti-S IgG1 galactosylation levels generated by the long-lived plasma cell pool, whose induction might be driven by a recently described TH1-driven B cell response for all three vaccines. Instead, repeated immunization of naïve individuals with the mRNA vaccines increased the proportion of the IgG4 subclass over time which might influence the long-term Ab effector functions. Taken together, these data shed light on these novel vaccine formats and might have potential implications for their long-term efficacy.
Case report: Autoimmune encephalitis with multiple auto-antibodies with reversible splenial lesion syndrome and bilateral ovarian teratoma
Authors: Li Yaqiang , Zhang Mei , Liu Deshun , Wei Ming , Sheng Jun , Wang Zhixin , Xue Song , Yu Tingting , Xue Weimin , Zhu Beibei , He Jiale 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundReversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) is a spectrum of disease radiologically characterized by reversible lesions caused by multiple factors, primarily involving the splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC). The most common causes of RESLES include infection, antiepileptic drug use and withdrawal, and severe metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, cases of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) are uncommon.Case presentationA 26-year-old female computer programming engineer with no previous medical or psychiatric history reported to the psychiatric hospital due to a 3-day episode of irritability, babbling, limb stiffness, sleepwalking, hallucinations, and paroxysmal mania. Brain MRI revealed abnormal signals of the SCC. Lumbar puncture was performed and further testing for auto-antibodies was conducted in both the CSF and serum. CSF of the patient was positive for anti-NMDAR (titer of 1:3.2) antibodies, and serum was also positive for anti-NMDAR (titer of 1:32) as well as mGluR5 (titer of 1:10) antibodies. Enhanced CT of the pelvis showed an enlarged pelvic mass; bilateral ovarian teratomas (mature teratoma and immature teratoma) were evaluated, which were pathologically confirmed after transabdominal left adnexal resection, right ovarian biopsy, and ovarian cystectomy. The patient considerably improved after intravenous administration of steroids, immunoglobulin, oral prednisone, surgical treatment, and chemotherapy. A follow-up MRI revealed completely resolved lesions. During a 3-month follow-up, the patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms without any sign of recurrence and tumors. The titer of the anti-NMDAR antibody decreased to 1:10 in serum.ConclusionHerein, we report a rare case of AE with overlapping auto-antibodies, along with RESLES and bilateral ovarian teratomas. The current case provides the possibility of the concurrence of mGluR5 antibodies in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Furthermore, we provide additional evidence that overlapping antibodies-related pathology may be one of the many causes of RESLES. Nonetheless, caution should be observed in interpreting the observation, considering that this is a single-case study.