bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Just right” combinations of adjuvants with nanoscale carriers activate aged dendritic cells without overt inflammation
Authors: Ananya Ananya , Holden Kaitlyn G. , Gu Zhiling , Nettleton Dan , Mallapragada Surya K. , Wannemuehler Michael J. , Kohut Marian L. , Narasimhan Balaji 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe loss in age-related immunological markers, known as immunosenescence, is caused by a combination of factors, one of which is inflammaging. Inflammaging is associated with the continuous basal generation of proinflammatory cytokines. Studies have demonstrated that inflammaging reduces the effectiveness of vaccines. Strategies aimed at modifying baseline inflammation are being developed to improve vaccination responses in older adults. Dendritic cells have attracted attention as an age-specific target because of their significance in immunization as antigen presenting cells that stimulate T lymphocytes.ResultsIn this study, bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were generated from aged mice and used to investigate the effects of combinations of adjuvants, including Toll-like receptor, NOD2, and STING agonists with polyanhydride nanoparticles and pentablock copolymer micelles under in vitro conditions. Cellular stimulation was characterized via expression of costimulatory molecules, T cell-activating cytokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Our results indicate that multiple TLR agonists substantially increase costimulatory molecule expression and cytokines associated with T cell activation and inflammation in culture. In contrast, NOD2 and STING agonists had only a moderate effect on BMDC activation, while nanoparticles and micelles had no effect by themselves. However, when nanoparticles and micelles were combined with a TLR9 agonist, a reduction in the production of proinflammatory cytokines was observed while maintaining increased production of T cell activating cytokines and enhancing cell surface marker expression. Additionally, combining nanoparticles and micelles with a STING agonist resulted in a synergistic impact on the upregulation of costimulatory molecules and an increase in cytokine secretion from BMDCs linked with T cell activation without excessive secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.ConclusionsThese studies provide new insights into rational adjuvant selection for vaccines for older adults. Combining appropriate adjuvants with nanoparticles and micelles may lead to balanced immune activation characterized by low inflammation, setting the stage for designing next generation vaccines that can induce mucosal immunity in older adults.
Correlation between C-reactive protein and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Bing-Kuan , Liu Yu-Cheng , Chen Chun-Ching , Chen Yu-Pin , Kuo Yi-Jie , Huang Shu-Wei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Hip fracture is a common but devastating disease with a high mortality rate in the older adult population. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a predictor of the prognosis in many diseases, but its correlations with patient outcomes following hip fracture surgery remain unclear. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the correlation between perioperative CRP level and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies published before September 2022. Observational studies investigating the correlation between perioperative CRP level and postoperative mortality in patients with hip fracture were included. The differences in CRP levels between the survivors and nonsurvivors following hip fracture surgery were measured with mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
Fourteen prospective and retrospective cohort studies comprising 3986 patients with hip fracture were included in the meta-analysis. Both the preoperative and postoperative CRP levels were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group when the follow-up duration was ≥ 6 months (MD: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.37–0.98, P < 0.0001; MD: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.87–1.65, P < 0.00001, respectively). Preoperative CRP levels were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group when the follow-up duration was ≤ 30 days (MD: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.29–2.68; P = 0.01).

Conclusions
Both higher preoperative and postoperative CRP levels were correlated with higher risk of mortality following hip fracture surgery, suggesting the prognostic role of CRP. Further studies are warranted to confirm the ability of CRP to predict postoperative mortality in patients with hip fracture.
PCGF6/MAX/KDM5D facilitates MAZ/CDK4 axis expression and pRCC progression by hypomethylation of the DNA promoter
Authors: Zhu Meng , Zhang Ruo-Nan , Zhang Hong , Qu Chang-bao , Zhang Xiao-chong , Ren Li-Xin , Yang Zhan , Gu Jun-Fei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPolycomb group RING finger protein 6 (PCGF6) plays an important role as a regulator of transcription in a variety of cellular processes, including tumorigenesis. However, the function and expression of PCGF6 in papillary RCC (pRCC) remain unclear. In the present study, we found that PCGF6 expression was significantly elevated in pRCC tissues, and high expression of PCGF6 was associated with poor survival of patients with pRCC. The overexpression of PCGF6 promoted while depletion of PCGF6 depressed the proliferation of pRCC cells in vitro. Interestingly, myc-related zinc finger protein (MAZ), a downstream molecular of PCGF6, was upregulated in pRCC with hypomethylation promoter. Mechanically, PCGF6 promoted MAZ expression by interacting with MAX and KDM5D to form a complex, and MAX recruited PCGF6 and KDM5D to the CpG island of the MAZ promoter and facilitated H3K4 histone demethylation. Furthermore, CDK4 was a downstream molecule of MAZ that participated in PCGF6/MAZ-regulated progression of pRCC. These results indicated that the upregulation of PCGF6 facilitated MAZ/CDK4 axis expression and pRCC progression by hypomethylation of the MAZ promoter. The PCGF6/MAZ/CDK4 regulatory axis may be a potential target for the treatment of ccRCC.
Gut colonization with vancomicyn-resistant enterococci among patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Hristova Preslava Mihaylova , Nankov Vladislav Milkov , Hristov Ivaylo Georgiev , Trifonov Stefan Venelinov , Alexandrova Alexandra Sashova , Hitkova Hristina Yotova 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are well known agents that colonize the gastrointestinal tract of immunocompromised patients, especially those with hematologic malignancies. The aim of the current study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for colonization with VRE among patients with hematologic malignancies.

Materials
For a nine-month period, all patients admitted to the Hematology ward at University Hospital in Pleven, Bulgaria who had hematologic malignancy and duration of hospitalization of more than 48 h were screened for colonization with VRE. The data collected from patients and their medical records during the entire hospital stay included: demographic characteristics, clinical information and information about all antimicrobials used. A longitudinal study was used to assesses the risk factors and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0.

Results
A total of 119 patients were enrolled in the study. Colonization with VRE was established in 18 of them. One patient carried two species, resulting in a total of 19 VRE: 12 Enterococcus gallinarum, 4 Enterococcus casseliflavus, 2 Enterococcus faecium and 1 Enterococcus faecalis. VanA phenotype, with high-level resistance of vancomycin (MIC ≥ 256 μg/ml) and teicoplanin (MIC = 96 μg/ml), was demonstrated by one E. faecium, which carried vanA. The other E. faecium and E. faecalis expressed low-level resistance to vancomycin (MICs: 8 μg/ml and 12 μg/ml), susceptibility to teicoplanin (MICs = 0.5 μg/ml) and vanB was detected. All E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus showed low-level resistance to vancomycin and susceptibility to teicoplanin. E. gallinarum strains were positive for vanC1 and E. casseliflavus for vanC2. Only two patients were colonized with vanA or vanB enterococci and the rest 16 were positive for vanC. The univariate analysis revealed that patient’s age (70–79 years; p = 0.025) and multiple myeloma (p = 0.001) are risk factors for VRE acquisition among the investigated patients. In addition, the multivariate analysis confirmed that patient’s age (70–79 years) is an independent risk factor for VRE colonization.

Conclusions
Our results showed that 15.1% of patients with hematologic malignancies were colonized with VRE. There was a distinct prevalence of vanC enterococci. Among the analyzed risk factors, advanced age and multiple myeloma contributed to VRE acquisition.
Exonized Alu repeats in the 3’UTR of a CYP20A1_Alu-LT transcript act as a miRNA sponge
Authors: Singhal Khushboo , Dhamija Sonam , Mukerji Mitali 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
Alu repeats have gained huge importance in the creation and modification of regulatory networks. We previously reported a unique isoform of human CYP20A1 i.e. CYP20A1_Alu-LT with 23 Alu repeats exonized in its 9 kb long 3’UTR with 4742 potential binding sites for 994 miRNAs. The role of this transcript was hypothesized as a potential miRNA sponge in primary neurons as its expression correlated with that of 380 genes having shared miRNA sites and enriched in neuro-coagulopathy. This study provides experimental evidence for the miRNA sponge activity of CYP20A1_Alu-LT in neuronal cell lines.

Results
We studied the Alu-rich fragment of the CYP20A1_Alu-LT extended 3’UTR with > 10 binding sites for miR-619-5p and miR-3677-3p. Enrichment of the Alu-rich fragment with Ago2 confirmed miRNA association of this transcript. Cloning the fragment downstream of a reporter gene led to a 90% decrease in luciferase activity. Overexpression and knockdown studies revealed a positive correlation between the expression of CYP20A1_Alu-LT and miR-619-5p / miR-3677-3p target genes. GAP43, one of the key modulators of nerve regeneration, was significantly altered by the expression of CYP20A1_Alu-LT. This study, for the first time, provides evidence for a unique regulatory function of exonized Alu repeats as miRNA sponges.
Chloroplast genome draft assembly of Falcataria moluccana using hybrid sequencing technology
Authors: Anita Vilda Puji Dini , Matra Deden Derajat , Siregar Ulfah Juniarti 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesFalcataria moluccana, known locally as Sengon, is a fast-growing legume tree that is commonly planted in community forests of Java Island, Indonesia. However, the plantations face attacks of Boktor stem borer (Xystrocera festiva) and gall-rust disease (Uromycladium falcatariae) as major threats to its productivity. To control those pest and disease, it is necessary to grow resistant sengon clones, which are developed through tree improvement program, of which needs genetic and genomic information. This dataset was created to construct draft of sengon chloroplast genome and to study the evolution of sengon based onmatKandrbcLbarcode genes.Data descriptionGenomic DNA was extracted from leaf samples of one individual healthy tree in a private plantation. The DNA was sequenced using Illumina Novaseq 6000 (Novogen AIT, Singapore) for short-reads data, and MinION of Nanopore following manufacture’s protocols SQK-LSK110 for long-reads data. The 66,3 Gb short-reads and 12 Gb long-reads data were hybrid assembled and used to construct a 128.867 bp ofF.moluccanachloroplast genome with a quadripartite structure, containing a pair of inverted repeats, a large single-copy and a small single-copy region. Phylogenetic tree constructed usingmatKandrbcLshowed monophyletic origin ofF. moluccanaand other legume trees.
Debranching enzymes decomposed corn arabinoxylan into xylooligosaccharides and achieved prebiotic regulation of gut microbiota in broiler chickens
Authors: Wu Wei , Zhou Huajin , Chen Yanhong , Guo Yuming , Yuan Jianmin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Corn arabinoxylan (AX) is a complicated and multibranched antinutritional factor, thereby proving the use of endo-xylanase (EX) to be marginally valid. This study focused on specific types of AX-degrading enzymes (ADEs) to exert the synergy of debranching enzymes and track the prebiotic potential of enzymatic hydrolysates. This study investigated the effects of ADEs on the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, absorption functions, changes in polysaccharide components, fermentation, and gut microbiota of broiler chickens. Five hundred seventy-six five-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into eight treatments with six replicates each. Corn basal diets supplemented with or without enzymes were fed for a 21-day period, specifically including EX, its compatible use with arabinofuranosidase (EXA) or ferulic acid esterase (EXF), and compound groups with the above three enzymes (XAF).

Results
Specific ADEs stimulated the jejunal villus height and goblet cell number and evidently decreased the crypt depth (P < 0.05), while the ratio of ileal villus height to crypt depth was significantly increased in EXF (P < 0.05). Maltase activities of ileal mucosa in XAF groups were extremely enhanced (P < 0.01), and EX boosted the activity of Na+-K+ ATPase in the small intestine (P < 0.01). The insoluble AX concentrations comparatively lessened, thereby notably raising the sundry xylooligosaccharide (XOS) yield in the ileal chyme (P < 0.05), which was dominant in xylobiose and xylotriose. Improvements in the abundance and diversity of ileal microbial communities within the EXA, EXF, and XAF treatments were observed (P < 0.05). Positive correlations between microbiota and XOS were revealed, with xylobiose and xylotriose being critical for ten beneficial bacteria (P < 0.05). EXF increased the BWG and FCR of broiler chickens in this phase (P < 0.05), which was attributed to the thriving networks modified by Lactobacillus. The intracecal contents of acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid were greatly enhanced in most ADE groups, such as EXF (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Debranching enzymes appreciably targeted corn AX to release prebiotic XOS in the posterior ileum and facilitated intracaecal fermentation. It was beneficial for improving gut development, digestion and absorption and modulating the microflora to promote the early performance of broiler chickens.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of shape and attachment position of biologging devices in Northern Bald Ibises
Authors: Mizrahy-Rewald Ortal , Winkler Natalie , Amann Frederik , Neugebauer Katharina , Voelkl Bernhard , Grogger Herwig A. , Ruf Thomas , Fritz Johannes 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The impact of biologging devices on the aerodynamics or hydrodynamics of animals is still poorly understood. This stands in marked contrast to the ever more extensive use of such technologies in wild-living animals. Recently, increasing concerns have been raised about the impairing effects of these devices on the animals concerned. In the early days of biotelemetry, attention was focused solely on reducing weight, but now aerodynamic effects are also increasingly being considered. To investigate these effects, we trained Northern Bald Ibises to fly in a wind tunnel in which we measured heart rate and dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA) as proxies for energy expenditure in relation to different logger shapes and wind flow directions.

Results
Our data provide evidence that the position of biologging devices significantly influence the flight distances, and the shape of biologging devices has a considerable effect on heart rate and VeDBA, both of which have been used as proxies for energy expenditure. Unfavorable shape and positioning go beyond merely affecting the effort required during flapping flight. The energetically probably more important effect is that the devices impair the bird’s ability to glide or soar and thus force them to perform the energetically much more demanding flapping flight more frequently. This effect was more pronounced in rising air than in horizontal airflow. A complementary study with wild Northern Bald Ibises during spring migration provides evidence that the position of the devices on the bird’s back affects the length of the flight stages. Birds carrying the devices on the upper back, fixed by wing-loop harnesses, had significantly shorter flight stages compared to birds with a more caudally positioned device, fixed by leg-loop harnesses.

Conclusion
The attachment of biologging devices on birds affects their performance and behavior and thus may influence their fitness and mortality. Our results show that detrimental effects can be reduced with relatively little effort, in particular through a strictly aerodynamic design of the housing and increased consideration of aerodynamics when attaching the device to the body. In birds, the attachment of biologging devices via leg loops to the lower back is clearly preferable to the common attachment via wing loops on the upper back, even if this affects the efficiency of the solar panels. Nevertheless, the importance of drag reduction may vary between systems, as the benefits of having a biologging devices close to the center of gravity may outweigh the increase in drag that this involves. Overall, more research is required in this field. This is both in the interest of animal welfare and of avoiding biasing the quality of the collected data.
Roles and mechanisms of tumour-infiltrating B cells in human cancer: a new force in immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Enkui , Ding Chengsheng , Li Shuchun , Zhou Xueliang , Aikemu Batuer , Fan Xiaodong , Sun Jing , Zheng Minhua , Yang Xiao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 have emerged as a revolutionary treatment strategy for human cancer patients. However, as the response rate to ICI therapy varies widely among different types of tumours, we are beginning to gain insight into the mechanisms as well as biomarkers of therapeutic response and resistance. Numerous studies have highlighted the dominant role of cytotoxic T cells in determining the treatment response to ICIs. Empowered by recent technical advances, such as single-cell sequencing, tumour-infiltrating B cells have been identified as a key regulator in several solid tumours by affecting tumour progression and the response to ICIs. In the current review, we summarized recent advances regarding the role and underlying mechanisms of B cells in human cancer and therapy. Some studies have shown that B-cell abundance in cancer is positively associated with favourable clinical outcomes, while others have indicated that they are tumour-promoting, implying that the biological function of B cells is a complex landscape. The molecular mechanisms involved multiple aspects of the functions of B cells, including the activation of CD8+ T cells, the secretion of antibodies and cytokines, and the facilitation of the antigen presentation process. In addition, other crucial mechanisms, such as the functions of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and plasma cells, are discussed. Here, by summarizing the advances and dilemmas of recent studies, we depicted the current landscape of B cells in cancers and paved the way for future research in this field.
Graphical Abstract
A feasibility and acceptability study of screening the parents/guardians of pediatric dental patients for the social determinants of health
Authors: Kaur Raghbir , Lieberman Martin , Mason Margaret K. , Dapkins Isaac P. , Gallager Rebecca , Hopkins Kathleen , Wu Yinxiang , Troxel Andrea B. , Rashwan Ayah , Hope Chelsea , Kane Daniel J. , Northridge Mary E. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
The social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. Lack of SDOH training of dental providers on SDOH may result in suboptimal care provided to pediatric dental patients and their families. The purpose of this pilot study is to report the feasibility and acceptability of SDOH screening and referral by pediatric dentistry residents and faculty in the dental clinics of Family Health Centers at NYU Langone (FHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) network in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

Methods
Guided by the Implementation Outcomes Framework, 15 pediatric dentists and 40 pediatric dental patient–parent/guardian dyads who visited FHC in 2020–2021 for recall or treatment appointments participated in this study. The a priori feasibility and acceptability criteria for these outcomes were that after completing the Parent Adversity Scale (a validated SDOH screening tool), ≥ 80% of the participating parents/guardians would feel comfortable completing SDOH screening and referral at the dental clinic (acceptable), and ≥ 80% of the participating parents/guardians who endorsed SDOH needs would be successfully referred to an assigned counselor at the Family Support Center (feasible).

Results
The most prevalent SDOH needs endorsed were worried within the past year that food would run out before had money to buy more (45.0%) and would like classes to learn English, read better, or obtain a high school degree (45.0%). Post-intervention, 83.9% of the participating parents/guardians who expressed an SDOH need were successfully referred to an assigned counselor at the Family Support Center for follow-up, and 95.0% of the participating parents/guardians felt comfortable completing the questionnaire at the dental clinic, surpassing the a priori feasibility and acceptability criteria, respectively. Furthermore, while most (80.0%) of the participating dental providers reported being trained in SDOH, only one-third (33.3%) usually or always assess SDOH for their pediatric dental patients, and most (53.8%) felt minimally comfortable discussing challenges faced by pediatric dental patient families and referring patients to resources in the community.

Conclusions
This study provides novel evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of SDOH screening and referral by dentists in the pediatric dental clinics of an FQHC network.