bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of systemic inflammation and cognitive functions of pre-school aged children residing in a Schistosoma haematobium endemic area in Zimbabwe
Authors: Kasambala Maritha , Mukaratirwa Samson , Vengesai Arthur , Mduluza-Jokonya Tariro , Jokonya Luxwell , Midzi Herald , Makota Rutendo Birri , Mutemeri Arnold , Maziti Emmanuel , Dube-Marimbe Bazondlile , Chibanda Dixon , Mutapi Francisca , Mduluza Takafira 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundCognitive function is negatively impacted by schistosomiasis and might be caused by systemic inflammation which has been hypothesized to be one of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline, This study explored the association of systemic inflammatory biomarkers; interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-17, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hematological parameters with cognitive performance of preschool-aged children (PSAC) from an Schistosoma haematobium endemic areaMethodsThe Griffith III tool was used to measure the cognitive performance of 136 PSAC. Whole blood and sera were collected and used to quantify levels of IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-17 A and CRP using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and hematological parameters using the hematology analyzer. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between each inflammatory biomarker and cognitive performance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether systemic inflammation due to S. haematobium infection affected cognitive performance in PSAC.ResultsHigher levels of TNF-α and IL-6, were correlated with lower performance in the Foundations of Learning domain (r = -0.30; p &lt; 0.001 and r = -0.26; p &lt; 0.001), respectively. Low cognitive performance in the Eye-Hand-Coordination Domain was observed in PSAC with high levels of the following inflammatory biomarkers that showed negative correlations to performance; TNF-α (r = -0.26; p &lt; 0.001), IL-6 (r = -0.29; p &lt; 0.001), IL-10 (r = -0.18; p &lt; 0.04), WBC (r = -0.29; p &lt; 0.001), neutrophils (r = -0.21; p = 0.01) and lymphocytes (r = -0.25; p = 0.003) The General Development Domain correlated with TNF-α (r = -0.28; p &lt; 0.001) and IL-6 (r = -0.30; p &lt; 0.001). TGF-β, L-17A and MXD had no significant correlations to performance in any of the cognitive domains. The overall general development of PSAC was negatively impacted by S. haematobium infections (OR = 7.6; p = 0.008) and (OR = 5.6; p = 0.03) where the PSAC had higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 respectively.ConclusionSystemic inflammation and S. haematobium infections are negatively associated with cognitive function. We recommend the inclusion of PSAC into mass drug treatment programs.
The role of protein arginine deiminase 4-dependent neutrophil extracellular traps formation in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wang Ping , Liu Dan , Zhou Ziqi , Liu Fangjun , Shen Yiming , You Qi , Lu Shiping , Wu Jie 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play an important role in the development and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is essential for the formation of NETs via catalyzing histone citrullination. This study mainly to explore the role of PAD4-mediated NETs in intestinal inflammation of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC.MethodsAcute and chronic colitis mouse models were established by supplementing DSS in drinking water. Colon tissues from colitis mice were analyzed for the level of PAD4 expression, citrullinated histone H3(Cit-H3), intestinal histopathology, and inflammatory cytokines secretion. Serum samples were tested for systemic neutrophil activation biomarkers. Colitis mice administered with Cl-amidine, a PAD4 inhibitor, and PAD4 knockout mice were investigated to detect NETs formation, intestinal inflammation, and barrier function.ResultWe found the formation of NETs significantly increased in DSS-induced colitis mice and was correlated with disease markers. Blocking NETs formation by Cl-amidine or PAD4 genetic knockout could alleviate clinical colitis index, intestinal inflammation, and barrier dysfunction.ConclusionThis study provided a research basis for the role of PAD4-mediated NETs formation in the pathogenesis of UC and suggested that inhibition of PAD4 activity and the formation of NETs may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of UC.
Dsg3 epitope-specific signalling in pemphigus
Authors: Schmitt Thomas , Hudemann Christoph , Moztarzadeh Sina , Hertl Michael , Tikkanen Ritva , Waschke Jens 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionPemphigus is an autoantibody driven disease that impairs the barrier function of the skin and mucosa by disrupting desmosomes and thereby impeding cellular cohesion. It is known that the different clinical phenotypes of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are dependent on the autoantibody profile and target antigens that, amongst others, are primarily desmoglein (Dsg)1 and/or Dsg3 for PV and Dsg1 for PF. However, it was reported that autoantibodiesagainst different epitopes of Dsg1 and Dsg3 can be pathogenic or not. The underlying mechanisms are very complex and involve both direct inhibition of Dsg interactions and downstream signalling. The aim of this study was to find out whether there is target-epitope-specific Dsg3 signalling by comparing the effects of the two pathogenic murine IgGs, 2G4 and AK23.MethodsDispase-based dissociation assay, Western Blot analysis, Stimulated emission depletion microscopy, Fura-based Ca2+ flux measurements, Rho/Rac G-Protein-linked immunosorbent assay, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe IgGs are directed against the EC5 and EC1 domain of Dsg3, respectively. The data show that 2G4 was less effective in causing loss of cell adhesion, compared to AK23. STED imaging revealed that both autoantibodies had similar effects on keratin retraction and reduction of desmosome number whereas only AK23 induced Dsg3 depletion. Moreover, both antibodies induced phosphorylation of p38MAPK and Akt whereas Src was phosphorylated upon treatment with AK23 only. Interestingly, Src and Akt activation were p38MAPK-dependent. All pathogenic effects were rescued by p38MAPK inhibition and AK23-mediated effects were also ameliorated by Src inhibition. DiscussionThe results give first insights into pemphigus autoantibody-induced Dsg3 epitope-specific signalling which is involved in pathogenic events such as Dsg3 depletion.
Identificationof a novel linear epitope on the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus nucleocapsid protein, as recognized by a specific monoclonal antibody
Authors: Cheng Yuening , Wu Miaoli , Xiao Li , Zhang Mengdi , Huang Bihong , Cong Feng , Yi Li 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains one of the most threatening pathogens of swine. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is the major structural protein of the virus and has been used as a PRRSV diagnostic antigen due to its high level of inherent immunogenicity.MethodsThe recombinant PRRSV N protein was generated by the prokaryotic expressing system and used to immunized mice. Monoclonal antibodies against PRRSV were produced and validated by western blot analysis and indirect immunofluorescence analysis. In this study, the linear epitope of a specific monoclonal antibody mAb (N06) was subsequently identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using the synthesized overlapping peptides as antigens.ResultsAccording to the results of western blot analysis and indirect immunofluorescence analysis, mAb (N06) was capable of recognizing the native form as well as the denatured form of PRRSV N protein. The results of ELISA showed that mAb N06 recognized the epitope NRKKNPEKPHFPLATE, which was consistent with BCPREDS predictions of antigenicity.ConclusionAll the data suggested that the mAb (N06) can be used as diagnostic reagents for PRRSV detection, while the recognized linear epitope can be useful in epitope-based vaccines development, which is helpful for the control of local PRRSV infections in swine.
Nursing management of treatment-related venous thromboembolism in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Yang Bianhong , Liu Chao , Lin Zeyu , Geng Chuanying , Zhang Zhiyao 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication among patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors associated with VTE in the current era of thromboprophylaxis and to propose appropriate nursing measures.MethodsA total of 1,539 NDMM patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent VTE risk assessment and received aspirin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to prevent thrombosis, followed by appropriate care based on their individual thrombosis risk. The incidence of VTE and its related risk factors were then analyzed.ResultsAll patients received at least four cycles of therapy containing immunomodulators (IMiDs) and/or proteasome inhibitors (PIs). We assigned 371 patients (24.1%) to the moderate-risk thrombosis group, who received daily aspirin (75 mg) for thrombosis prevention and 1,168 patients (75.9%) to the high-risk group, who received daily low molecular weight heparin (3,000 IU) for thrombosis prevention two times a day. Among all the patients, 53 (3.4%) experienced lower extremity venous thromboembolism events, with three of those patients experiencing a concurrent pulmonary embolism. A multivariate analysis indicated that bed rest lasting more than 2 months and plasma cells of ≥60% were independent factors associated with thrombosis.ConclusionMore effective risk assessment models are needed to predict thrombosis accurately. In addition, nurses involved in the treatment and management of thrombosis should continually engage in professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Bacterial coinfections in hospitalized children with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 variant pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Huan-Cheng , Hsu Yu-Lung , Lin Chien-Heng , Wei Hsiu-Mei , Chen Jiun-An , Low Yan-Yi , Chiu Yu-Ting , Lin Hsiao-Chuan , Hwang Kao-Pin 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundBacterial coinfections have been widely recognized in adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, bacterial coinfections in hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have not been sufficiently researched. This study aimed to determine the clinical presentations and risk factors for bacterial coinfections of pediatric inpatients during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 variant pandemic.MethodsThis retrospective, observational study included patients younger than 18 years of age who were hospitalized for COVID-19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen rapid tests during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 variant pandemic. Data and outcomes of these patients with or without bacterial coinfections were compared.ResultsDuring this study period, 161 children with confirmed COVID-19 were hospitalized. Twenty-four had bacterial coinfections. The most frequently reported concurrent diagnosis was bacterial enteritis, followed by lower respiratory tract infections. Children with bacterial coinfections had higher white blood cell (WBC) counts and PCR cycle threshold values. The bacterial coinfection group comprised a relatively greater proportion of patients who required high-flow nasal cannula oxygen and remdesivir. The length of stay in the hospital and that in the intensive care unit were longer for children with COVID-19 with bacterial coinfections. Mortality was not observed in either group. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and comorbidity with neurologic illnesses were risk factors for bacterial coinfections with COVID-19.ConclusionThis study provides clinicians with reference points for the detection of COVID-19 in children and its possible association with bacterial infections. Children with COVID-19 and neurologic diseases who present with abdominal pain or diarrhea are at risk of bacterial coinfections. Prolonged fever duration and higher PCR test cycle threshold values, WBC levels, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels may indicate bacterial coinfections in children with COVID-19.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potentials of Exopolysaccharides Derived From Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria: Antioxidant, Antitumor, and Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Khalil Maha A. , Sonbol Fatma I. , Al-Madboly Lamiaa A. , Aboshady Tamer A. , Alqurashi Abeer S. , Ali Sameh S. 
Published: April 2023

Graphical AbstractTherapeutic applications of exopolysaccharides derived from lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.
The role of gut microbiota in diabetic peripheral neuropathy rats with cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Huang Wei , Lin Ziqiang , Sun Ailing , Deng JieMin , Manyande Anne , Xiang Hongbing , Zhao Gao Feng , Hong Qingxiong 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionOwing to advancements in non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging, many studies have repeatedly showed that diabetes affects the central nervous system in the presence of peripheral neuropathy, suggesting a common or interacting pathological mechanism for both complications.MethodsWe aimed to investigate the role of abnormal gut microbiota in rats with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) combined with cognitive dysfunction. Glucose-compliant rats with nerve conduction deficits were screened as a successful group of DPN rats. The DPN group was then divided into rats with combined cognitive impairment (CD) and rats with normal cognitive function (NCD) based on the results of the Novel object recognition test. Rat feces were then collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the intestinal flora.Results and DiscussionThe results revealed that abnormalities in Firmicutes, Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidia, and Actinobacteria-like microorganisms may induce DPN complicated by cognitive dysfunction.
Ferritin and procalcitonin serve as discriminative inflammatory biomarkers and can predict the prognosis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in its early stages
Authors: Chen Keping , Sun Huidi , Geng Yu , Yang Chuankun , Shan Chun , Chen Yuxin 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease with high mortality. The pathophysiology of SFTS remains unclear. Hence, the identification of inflammatory biomarkers for SFTS is crucial for the timely management and prevention of disease severity.MethodsA total of 256 patients with SFTS were divided into a survivor group and a non-survivor group. Classical inflammatory biomarkers such as ferritin, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells were investigated for their association with viral load and the clinical significance for predicting the mortality of patients with SFTS.ResultsSerum ferritin and PCT showed a positive association with viral load. Ferritin and PCT levels in non-survivors were significantly higher than those in survivors at 7–9 days from symptom onset. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of ferritin and PCT for predicting the fatal outcome of SFTS were 0.9057 and 0.8058, respectively. However, the CRP levels and WBC counts exhibited a weak association with viral load. The AUC value of CRP for predicting mortality was more than 0.7 at 13–15 days from symptom onset.DiscussionFerritin and PCT levels, especially ferritin, could be potential inflammatory biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with SFTS in its early stages.
Higher serum bilirubin levels are associated with hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Yang Xiangchou , Xu Xia , Fu FangWang , Huang Xiangwei 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundBilirubin has both antioxidative and prooxidative properties. The study aimed to explore the relationship between serum bilirubin and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsThe patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase were retrospectively analyzed. HT was defined as new intracerebral hemorrhage in follow-up computed tomography images within 24–36 h after thrombolysis. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was defined as HT accompanied by worsening neurological function. Multivariate logistic regression and spline regression models were performed to investigate the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and the risk of HT and sICH.ResultsAmong 557 included patients, 71 (12.7%) were diagnosed with HT and 28 (5.0%) developed sICH. Patients with HT had significant higher baseline serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels than those without HT. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with higher serum bilirubin levels, including total bilirubin (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, p = 0.006), direct bilirubin (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05–1.31, p = 0.004), and indirect bilirubin (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10, p = 0.005) had increased risk of HT. Furthermore, multiple-adjusted spline regression models excluded nonlinear association between serum bilirubin levels and HT (p &gt; 0.05 for nonlinearity). Similar results were present between serum bilirubin and sICH.ConclusionThe data showed the positively linearly relationship between serum bilirubin levels and the risk of HT and sICH in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis.
Synergy through integration of digital cognitive tests and wearable devices for mild cognitive impairment screening
Authors: Li Aoyu , Li Jingwen , Zhang Dongxu , Wu Wei , Zhao Juanjuan , Qiang Yan 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionAdvances in mobile computing platforms and the rapid development of wearable devices have made possible the continuous monitoring of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their daily activities. Such rich data can reveal more subtle changes in patients’ behavioral and physiological characteristics, providing new ways to detect MCI anytime, anywhere. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the feasibility and validity of digital cognitive tests and physiological sensors applied to MCI assessment.MethodsWe collected photoplethysmography (PPG), electrodermal activity (EDA) and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from 120 participants (61 MCI patients, 59 healthy controls) during rest and cognitive testing. The features extracted from these physiological signals involved the time domain, frequency domain, time-frequency domain and statistics. Time and score features during the cognitive test are automatically recorded by the system. In addition, selected features of all modalities were classified by tenfold cross-validation using five different classifiers.ResultsThe experimental results showed that the weighted soft voting strategy combining five classifiers achieved the highest classification accuracy (88.9%), precision (89.9%), recall (88.2%), and F1 score (89.0%). Compared to healthy controls, the MCI group typically took longer to recall, draw, and drag. Moreover, during cognitive testing, MCI patients showed lower heart rate variability, higher electrodermal activity values, and stronger brain activity in the alpha and beta bands.DiscussionIt was found that patients’ classification performance improved when combining features from multiple modalities compared to using only tablet parameters or physiological features, indicating that our scheme could reveal MCI-related discriminative information. Furthermore, the best classification results on the digital span test across all tasks suggest that MCI patients may have deficits in attention and short-term memory that came to the fore earlier. Finally, integrating tablet cognitive tests and wearable sensors would provide a new direction for creating an easy-to-use and at-home self-check MCI screening tool.
Expanding radiotherapy access in Sub-Saharan Africa: an analysis of travel burdens and patient-related benefits of hypofractionation
Authors: Patel Saloni , Olatunji Elizabeth , Mallum Abba , Benjika Binsila Bernard , Joseph Adedayo O. , Joseph Shomari , Lasebikan Nwamaka , Mahuna Habiba , Ngoma Mamsau , Ngoma Twalib Athumani , Nnko Godwin , Onwualu Chinelo , Vorster Mariza , Ngwa Wilfred 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this project was to examine the travel burdens for radiotherapy patients in Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa, and to assess the patient-related benefits of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) for breast and prostate cancer patients in these countries. The outcomes can inform the implementation of the recent Lancet Oncology Commission recommendations on increasing the adoption of HFRT in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to enhance radiotherapy access in the region.MethodsData were extracted from electronic patient records at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Center (NLCC) in Lagos, Nigeria and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in Durban, South Africa, from written records at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Oncology Center in Enugu, Nigeria, and from phone interviews at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Google Maps was used to calculate the shortest driving distance between a patient’s home address and their respective radiotherapy center. QGIS was used to map the straight-line distances to each center. Descriptive statistics were used to compare transportation costs, time expenditures, and lost wages when using HFRT versus conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) for breast and prostate cancer.ResultsPatients in Nigeria (n=390) traveled a median distance of 23.1 km to NLCC and 86.7 km to UNTH, patients in Tanzania (n=23) traveled a median distance of 537.0 km to ORCI, and patients in South Africa (n=412) traveled a median distance of 18.0 km to IALCH. Estimated transportation cost savings for breast cancer patients in Lagos and Enugu were 12,895 Naira and 7,369 Naira, respectively and for prostate cancer patients were 25,329 and 14,276 Naira, respectively. Prostate cancer patients in Tanzania saved a median of 137,765 Shillings in transportation costs and 80.0 hours (includes travel, treatment, and wait times). Mean transportation cost savings for patients in South Africa were 4,777 Rand for breast cancer and 9,486 Rand for prostate cancer.ConclusionCancer patients in SSA travel considerable distances to access radiotherapy services. HFRT decreases patient-related costs and time expenditures, which may increase radiotherapy access and alleviate the growing burden of cancer in the region.