bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Island ecosystem responses to the Kuwae eruption and precipitation change over the last 1600 years, Efate, Vanuatu
Authors: Strandberg Nichola A. , Sear David A. , Langdon Peter G. , Cronin Shane J. , Langdon Catherine T. , Maloney Ashley E. , Bateman Samantha L. , Bishop Thomas , Croudace Ian W. , Leng Melanie J. , Sachs Julian P. , Prebble Matiu , Gosling William D. , Edwards Mary , Nogué Sandra 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionIslands of the Southwest Pacific are exposed to geologic and climate-related disturbances that occur on a range of timescales and which probably affect, to varying degrees, their terrestrial ecosystems. Over the past ∼1100 years we know of two major events in the region: the Kuwae eruption which is thought to have occurred ∼500 cal. years BP and a shift to drier conditions which began ∼1100 cal. years BP.MethodsWe investigated terrestrial and lacustrine ecosystem responses to these events and also to a changing fire regime, likely human-caused, using a multi-proxy (C/N, charcoal, chironomids, pollen, and tephra) record from Lake Emaotul, Efate, Vanuatu.ResultsTephra from the Kuwae eruption was found across a 6 cm layer which our age-depth model suggests was deposited 650–510 cal. years BP (95% confidence). Forest and chironomid community turnover increased during the wet-dry shift 1100–1000 cal. years BP; subsequently, chironomid turnover rates decreased again within &lt;135 years and vegetation had partially (but not fully) recovered after ∼80 years. Following Kuwae volcanic tephra deposition, vegetation turnover increased again, reflecting a reduction in small trees and shrubs and an increase in grasses. Subsequently, the forest vegetation did not regain its previous composition, whereas chironomid community composition remained fairly stable before and after tephra deposition. Within the last ∼90 years, enhanced local burning drove another increase in vegetation turnover.DiscussionTerrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in Efate are sensitive to changes in hydroclimate, volcanism, and anthropogenic fires, although to different degrees; while recent human impacts are often obvious, volcanic eruptions and climatic shifts have also structured Pacific-island ecosystems and will continue to do so.
Transcriptomic study of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with liver metastasis
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Feng Shoucheng , Yu Hong , Ou Biyi , Jiang Dan , Zhuang Wei , Ding Chao , Chen Xiaojiang , Zhang Miaoquan , Ling Yudong , Zeng Yi , Qiu Haibo 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) is the most prominent mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, and liver is the most common metastasis site for GIST. The molecular mechanism leading to liver metastasis of GIST is currently unclear.Methods: With the goal of revealing the underlying mechanism, we performed whole-genome gene expression profiling on 18 pairs of RNA samples comprised of GIST tissues (with liver metastasis) and corresponding non-tumor tissues. After identifying differentially expressed gene, functional annotation and signal pathway analyses were conducted. GSE13861, datasets that compare GIST (without liver metastasis) with adjacent tissues, served as a comparison.Results: A total of 492 up-regulated genes and 629 down-regulated genes were identified as differentially expressed genes between liver metastasis tissues and non-tumor tissues. We characterized expression patterns of DEGs identified from our cohort and GSE13861 that show signatures of enrichment for functionality. In subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in both datasets. 493 genes were overlapped among our whole-genome gene expression profiling results and GSE13861, consisting 188 up-regulated genes and 305 down-regulated genes. By using CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape, CDH1, CD34, KIT, PROM1, SOX9, FGF2, CD24, ALDH1A1, JAG1 and NES were identified as top ten hub genes in tumorigenesis and liver metastasis of GIST. higher expression levels of FGF2, JAG1, CD34, ALDH1A1 and the lower expression level of CDH1 were respectively associated with unfavorable overall survival. Meanwhile higher expression levels of CD34, FGF2, KIT, JAG1, ALDH1A were correlated with worse disease-free survival.Discussion: The present study may help to provide candidate pathways and targets for treatment of GIST and prevention methods to liver metastasis.
Common framework mutations impact antibody interfacial dynamics and flexibility
Authors: Rhodes Emily R. , Faris Jonathan G. , Petersen Brian M. , Sprenger Kayla G. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionWith the flood of engineered antibodies, there is a heightened need to elucidate the structural features of antibodies that contribute to specificity, stability, and breadth. While antibody flexibility and interface angle have begun to be explored, design rules have yet to emerge, as their impact on the metrics above remains unclear. Furthermore, the purpose of framework mutations in mature antibodies is highly convoluted.MethodsTo this end, a case study utilizing molecular dynamics simulations was undertaken to determine the impact framework mutations have on the VH-VL interface. We further sought to elucidate the governing mechanisms by which changes in the VH-VL interface angle impact structural elements of mature antibodies by looking at root mean squared deviations, root mean squared fluctuations, and solvent accessible surface area.Results and discussionOverall, our results suggest framework mutations can significantly shift the distribution of VH-VL interface angles, which leads to local changes in antibody flexibility through local changes in the solvent accessible surface area. The data presented herein highlights the need to reject the dogma of static antibody crystal structures and exemplifies the dynamic nature of these proteins in solution. Findings from this work further demonstrate the importance of framework mutations on antibody structure and lay the foundation for establishing design principles to create antibodies with increased specificity, stability, and breadth.
Dose and route of administration determine the efficacy of prophylactic immunotherapy for peanut allergy in a Brown Norway rat model
Authors: Sztuk Tiffany Kirkaldy Spaanager , Rigby Neil Marcus , Nørskov-Nielsen Lasse , Koppelman Stef J. , Sancho Ana Isabel , Knudsen Niels-Peter Hell , Marsh Justin , Johnson Philip , Gupta Shashank , Mackie Alan Robert , Larsen Jeppe Madura , Bøgh Katrine Lindholm 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionAllergen-specific immunotherapy (IT) is emerging as a viable option for treatment of peanut allergy. Yet, prophylactic IT remains unexplored despite early introduction of peanut in infancy was shown to prevent allergy. There is a need to understand how allergens interact with the immune system depending on the route of administration, and how different dosages of allergen may protect from sensitisation and a clinical active allergy. Here we compared peanut allergen delivery via the oral, sublingual (SL), intragastric (IG) and subcutaneous (SC) routes for the prevention of peanut allergy in Brown Norway (BN) rats.MethodsBN rats were administered PBS or three different doses of peanut protein extract (PPE) via either oral IT (OIT), SLIT, IGIT or SCIT followed by intraperitoneal (IP) injections of PPE to assess the protection from peanut sensitisation. The development of IgE and IgG1 responses to PPE and the major peanut allergens were evaluated by ELISAs. The clinical response to PPE was assessed by an ear swelling test (EST) and proliferation was assessed by stimulating splenocytes with PPE.ResultsLow and medium dose OIT (1 and 10 mg) and all doses of SCIT (1, 10, 100 µg) induced sensitisation to PPE, whereas high dose OIT (100 mg), SLIT (10, 100 or 1000 µg) or IGIT (1, 10 and 100 mg) did not. High dose OIT and SLIT as well as high and medium dose IGIT prevented sensitisation from the following IP injections of PPE and suppressed PPE-specific IgE levels in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, administration of peanut protein via different routes confers different risks for sensitisation and protection from peanut allergy development. Overall, the IgE levels toward the individual major peanut allergens followed the PPE-specific IgE levels.DiscussionCollectively, this study showed that the preventive effect of allergen-specific IT is determined by the interplay between the specific site of PPE delivery for presentation to the immune system, and the allergen quantity, and that targeting and modulating tolerance mechanisms at specific mucosal sites may be a prophylactic strategy for prevention of peanut allergy.
Tail fell syndrome impacts intestinal microbiota in porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix)
Authors: Zhou Lei , Jia Xianze , Liang Kaishan , Zuo Xiaoling , Huang Fengqi , Duan Xuzhuo , Li Zongyang , Sang Shilei , Wang Qing 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionFrequent disease outbreaks seriously affect porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix), which is a new aquaculture breed in China. Recently, a novel disease, termed tail fell syndrome (TFS) was increasingly observed in fish stocks, resulting in stalk ulceration, tail loss, ascites and white feces in the intestine. Intestinal microbiota homeostasis is crucial to host health because it influences host and environmental factors, and responds to various internal and external stimuli. However, changes in intestinal microbiota induced by TFS are yet to be elucidated.MethodsIn the present study, we analyzed and compared the intestinal microbiota of normal D. hystrix with TFS fish.ResultsThough microbiota richness and diversity were not affected by TFS, deviations in diversity indices increased and taxa distribution evenness decreased, suggesting TFS lowered microbiota community stability in D. hystrix. Furthermore, at the genus level, Brevibacterium, Mesorhizobium, Ochrobactrum, Ralstonia, Anaerococcus, and Alistipes abundances were significantly increased in TFS D. hystrix, plus, we observed significant decreases in Halomonas, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Psychrobacter. Functional comparison predictions between normal and TFS D. hystrix revealed significantly altered pathways were mainly associated with metabolism (biotin metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of type II polyketide products, and steroid biosynthesis). Overall, the results revealed that TFS impacted intestinal microbiota composition and function in D. hystrix, which should expand our knowledge on diseases associated with porcupine pufferfish aquaculture.
The interaction between age and parity on adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Dai Jiayang , Shi Ya , Wu Yinshuang , Guo Lu , Lu Dan , Chen Ying , Wang Yuanyuan , Lai Hanpeng , Kong Xiang 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundAlthough age and parity are recognized as associated factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, there are no studies exploring the interaction between the two during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the interaction between age and parity on adverse pregnancy outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study with 15,861 women aged ≥20 years. All women were grouped according to age, parity, and a mix of the two. The data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsAge, parity, and interaction between the two were related with the risk of gestational hypertension, eclampsia/pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, placental implantation, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, cesarean section, and Apgar score &lt;7 within 5 min of birth. The risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and transfer to the neonatal unit was linked with age and the interaction between age and parity, but the impact of parity was not statistically significant. The risk of anemia, placental abruption, premature rupture of the membrane, oligohydramnios, and macrosomia was only associated with parity; the risk of fetal distress was only associated with age.ConclusionThe interaction between advanced age and parity might results in more adverse outcomes for both puerpera and infants, necessitating additional prenatal screening and health education throughout pregnancy.
Multimodal Imaging of Choroidal Structural in Torpedo Maculopathy
Authors: Yuan Hao , Dou Hongliang , Li Xuemin 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveTo report a case of torpedo maculopathy with multimodal fundus imaging methods, and apply the choroid vascularity index to quantitatively describe the choroidal structural changes in torpedo maculopathy.Case presentationAn asymptomatic 41-year-old Chinese woman with an incidentally found yellowish-white macular lesion in her left eye was referred to our hospital. She was unaware of any prior medical conditions. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 OD and 20/25 OS, respectively. Fundus exam of her left eye revealed a well-circumscribed torpedo-like hypopigmented lesion in the macula region, and the tapered edge directed toward the fovea. Pigment deposition could be seen in the inferotemporal portion of the torpedo lesion. Fluorescein angiography showed the corresponding window defect without leakage and fundus autofluorescence demonstrated low signal throughout the lesion. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography revealed outer retinal attenuation, subretinal cavitation, subtle inner choroidal excavation and thinning of outer nuclear layer. The diagnosis of torpedo maculopathy was clinically made. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were applied to display changes of choroidal structure. The results implied that both subfoveal CVI and SFCT of the affected eye seemed relatively lower when compared with the fellow eye. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed reduced density of the choriocapillaris in the temporal area of the lesion and increased capillary density in the nasal area. Functional examinations, including microperimetry, multifocal electroretinogram and static perimetry also revealed reduced retinal sensitivity, decreased stimulated amplitude and suspected scotoma in the lesion area. After 12 months of follow-up, the patient’s visual acuity and the clinical appearance of the lesion were unchanged.ConclusionThe torpedo maculopathy may be identified by abnormal appearance with multimodal imaging. Decreased choroidal vascularity in the lesion area measured quantitatively by choroid vascularity index may play a role in pathogenesis of torpedo maculopathy.
Nomogram-based prediction of portal vein system thrombosis formation after splenectomy in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration
Authors: Zheng Zhou , Yu Qingsheng , Peng Hui , Huang Long , Zhang Wanzong , Shen Yi , Feng Hui , Jing Wenshan , Zhang Qi 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveSplenectomy is a vital treatment method for hypersplenism with portal hypertension. However, portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) is a serious problem after splenectomy. Therefore, constructing an effective visual risk prediction model is important for preventing, diagnosing, and treating early PVST in hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) surgical patients.MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2021, 309 HLD patients were selected. The data were split into a development set (215 cases from January 2016 to December 2019) and a validation set (94 cases from January 2019 to December 2021). Patients’ clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were obtained from electronic medical record system, and PVST was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to establish the prediction model by variables filtered by LASSO regression, and a nomogram was drawn. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the differentiation and calibration of the model. Clinical net benefit was evaluated by using decision curve analysis (DCA). The 36-month survival of PVST was studied as well.ResultsSeven predictive variables were screened out using LASSO regression analysis, including grade, POD14D-dimer (Postoperative day 14 D-dimer), POD7PLT (Postoperative day 7 platelet), PVD (portal vein diameter), PVV (portal vein velocity), PVF (portal vein flow), and SVD (splenic vein diameter). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that all seven predictive variables had predictive values (P &lt; 0.05). According to the prediction variables, the diagnosis model and predictive nomogram of PVST cases were constructed. The AUC under the ROC curve obtained from the prediction model was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.756–0.869) in the development set and 0.839 (95% CI: 0.756–0.921) in the validation set. Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test fitted well (P = 0.858 for development set; P = 0.137 for validation set). The nomogram model was found to be clinically useful by DCA. The 36-month survival rate of three sites of PVST was significantly different from that of one (P = 0.047) and two sites (P = 0.023).ConclusionThe proposed nomogram-based prediction model can predict postoperative PVST. Meanwhile, an earlier intervention should be performed on three sites of PVST.
Aberrant hippocampus and amygdala morphology associated with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia
Authors: Peterson Bradley S. , Kaur Tejal , Sawardekar Siddhant , Colibazzi Tiziano , Hao Xuejun , Wexler Bruce E. , Bansal Ravi 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundWorking memory deficits are thought to be a primary disturbance in schizophrenia. We aimed to identify differences in morphology of the hippocampus and amygdala in patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls (HCs), and in patients who were either neuropsychologically near normal (NPNN) or neuropsychologically impaired (NPI). Morphological disturbances in the same subfields of the hippocampus and amygdala, but of greater magnitude in those with NPI, would strengthen evidence for the centrality of these limbic regions and working memory deficits in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.MethodsWe acquired anatomical MRIs in 69 patients with schizophrenia (18 NPNN, 46 NPI) and 63 age-matched HC participants. We compared groups in hippocampus and amygdala surface morphologies and correlated morphological measures with clinical symptoms and working memory scores.ResultsSchizophrenia was associated with inward deformations of the head and tail of the hippocampus, protrusion of the hippocampal body, and widespread inward deformations of the amygdala. In the same regions where we detected the effects of schizophrenia, morphological measures correlated positively with the severity of symptoms and inversely with working memory performance. Patients with NPI displayed a similar pattern of anatomical abnormality compared to patients with NPNN.ConclusionOur findings indicate that anatomical abnormalities of the hippocampus relate to working memory performance and clinical symptoms in persons with schizophrenia. Moreover, NPNN and NPI patients may lie on a continuum of severity, both in terms of working memory abilities and altered brain structure, with NPI patients being more severe than NPNN patients in both domains.
The highest region of muscle spindle abundance should be the optimal target of botulinum toxin A injection to block muscle spasms in rats
Authors: Yu Jie , Li Yunshan , Yang Lu , Li Yi , Zhang Shibin , Yang Shengbo 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe effective relief of muscle spasticity requires prompt solutions in rehabilitation medicine. This study aimed to reveal that the highest region of muscle spindle abundance is the optimal target of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections for relieve muscle spasm.MethodsSixty adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats with lower limbs spasm caused by stroke after modeling, weighing (200 ± 20) g, were included in this study. The modelrats were divided into four groups: muscle spasm model group (group A), model rats treated with BTX-A injections into the middle of the muscle belly (group B), model rats treated with BTX-A injections into the center of the intramuscular nerve-dense region (INDR) (group C), and model rats treated with BTX-A injection into the center of the highest region of muscle spindle abundance (HRMSA) (group D). Groups B, C, and D were further divided into two subgroups: the 3rd and 6th days after BTX-A injection. The rats in each group were assigned modified Ashworth scale scores (MAS), and the changes in gastrocnemius muscle tone, wet muscle weight, and cross-sectional area of muscle fiber were detected.ResultsMuscle spindle abundance was the highest in the upper part of the INDR. Group B experienced no significant changes in MAS, muscle tone, wet muscle weight, or cross-sectional area of the muscle fiber. Conversely, groups C and D experienced a decrease in these indicators. Group C experienced the most significant decrease in wet muscle weight and cross-sectional area of muscle fibers. Group D experienced the most notable decrease in MAS and muscle tone. There were no significant differences in the indicators between the 3rd and 6th days after BTX-A injections in group B and there were significant differences in the improvement in the indicators between the two subgroups in groups C and D, with group D experiencing more notable intersubgroup differences.ConclusionThe efficacy of BTX-A injections into the HRMSA is significantly superior to that of conventional BTX-A injections into the middle of the belly muscle or the INDR in the treatment of muscle spasms. Hence, HRMSA should be the optimal target of BTX-A to relieve muscle spasms.
Theta phase coherence in visual mismatch responses involved in access processing to visual awareness
Authors: Kurita Yuki , Urakawa Tomokazu , Araki Osamu 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The electroencephalographic brain response to a deviation from the preceding sequential regularity of visual events, called visual mismatch negativity (vMMN), is well known to reflect automatic visual change detection. Our preliminary study showed a significant correlation between the enhancement of the vMMN amplitude and facilitation of perceptual alternation in binocular rivalry when the deviant stimulus was presented unconsciously. This implies that the vMMN is relevant to access processing, in which the unconscious stimulus is consciously perceived. Recent studies have reported that theta band oscillation evoked by a deviant stimulus is involved in evoking vMMN. However, it has not been clarified whether theta band oscillation associated with vMMN is also relevant to access processing.Methods: We analyzed the correlations between event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) in the theta band and the proportion of perceptual alternation from before to after the presentation of deviation in the same experimental paradigm as in our previous study.Results: We found that an increase in ITPC in the theta band tended to correlate with facilitation of perceptual alternation in binocular rivalry when the deviant was presented unconsciously, but there was no significant correlation in ERSP.Discussion: The results suggest that theta phase coherence underlying the visual mismatch process is relevant to the access processing.