bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes of the proportion of HLA-DR and CD38 coexpression subsets on T lymphocytes during IFN-based chronic hepatitis B treatment
Authors: Lin Yanjie , Shen Ge , Xie Si , Bi Xiaoyue , Lu Huihui , Yang Liu , Jiang Tingting , Deng Wen , Wang Shiyu , Zhang Lu , Lu Yao , Gao Yuanjiao , Hao Hongxiao , Wu Shuling , Liu Ruyu , Chang Min , Xu Mengjiao , Hu Leiping , Chen Xiaoxue , Huang Ronghai , Li Minghui , Xie Yao 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundTo investigate the changes of human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) and CD38 coexpression subsets on T lymphocytes following interferon (IFN) therapy for those who have chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsA prospective cohort of CHB patients participated in this study. CHB patients without IFN treatment (including naïve and nucleoside [nucleotide] analogs [NAs]-treated patients) were given pegylated interferon alfa (Peg-IFNα) treatment. Peripheral blood samples were taken at baseline, 4 weeks and 12-24 weeks of Peg-IFNα treatment. For the patients who entered the Peg-IFNα plateau phase due to the stagnation of the decrease in HBsAg, and Peg-IFNα was discontinued and Peg-IFNα therapy was resumed after an interval of 12-24 weeks. During the interval, they received first-line NAs treatment. Peripheral blood samples were collected at the baseline of the plateau phase, 12-24 weeks of intermittent treatment, and 12-24 weeks of Peg-IFNα retreatment. The peripheral blood samples were taken to determine virological, serological and biochemical indices of hepatitis B virus (HBV), and T lymphocyte related phenotypes were detected using flow cytometry.ResultsIn the process of long-term treatment of Peg-IFNα, the percentage of HLA-DR+CD38dim subsets increased significantly at first, then decreased gradually, while the percentage of HLA-DR+CD38hi subsets markedly increased. During long-term Peg-IFNα treatment, there was a considerable negative correlation between HBsAg and the HLA-DR+CD38hi subset percentage. The persistent high proportion of HLA-DR+CD38hi subsets was related to the occurrence of Peg-IFNα plateau phase. After Peg-IFNα intermittent treatment, the percentage of HLA-DR+CD38hi subsets decreased significantly. After Peg-IFNα retreatment, the level of HBsAg began to decrease again. At the same time, the percentage of HLA-DR+CD38hi subsets significantly increased, but it was still lower than that at the baseline level.ConclusionsThe spectrum of HLA-DR and CD38 coexpression subsets on T lymphocytes changed during the long-term treatment of IFN. The establishment of the IFN plateau phase was linked to the persistence of a considerable proportion of HLA-DR+CD38hi subsets on T lymphocytes. IFN intermittent treatment could significantly reduce the proportion of HLA-DR+CD38hi subsets, helping regain the antiviral efficacy of IFN during IFN retreatment.
The research development of STAT3 in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Yang Hanwen , Zhang Pengpeng , Wang Qiang , Cheng Ke , Zhao Yujun 
Published: January 2023

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common complication of surgery, which can cause rapid deterioration of the liver function, increase the risk of graft rejection, and seriously affect the prognosis of patients. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein has been implicated in pathogenesis of IRI. STAT3 influences the mitochondria through multiple pathways and is also involved in apoptosis and other forms of programmed cell death. STAT3 is associated with Janus kinase (JAK), phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in liver IRI. The STAT3 pathway plays a dual role in IRI as it can also regulate lipid metabolism which may have potential for treating IRI fatty liver. In this review, we summarize research on the function of STAT3 in liver IRI to provide references for its application in the clinic.
25-hydroxyvitamin D3 generates immunomodulatory plasticity in human periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cells that is inflammatory context-dependent
Authors: Behm Christian , Blufstein Alice , Gahn Johannes , Moritz Andreas , Rausch-Fan Xiaohui , Andrukhov Oleh 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionHuman periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hPDL-MSCs) exhibit a tight bi-directional interaction with CD4+ T lymphocytes. The hPDL-MSCs’ immunomodulatory abilities are drastically enhanced by pro-inflammatory cytokines via boosting the expression of various immunomediators. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), the major metabolite of vitamin D3 in the blood, affects both hPDL-MSCs and CD4+ T lymphocytes, but its influence on their interaction is unknown.MethodsTherefore, primary hPDL-MSCs were stimulated in vitro with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α a or interleukin (IL)-1β in the absence and presence of 25(OH)D3 followed by an indirect co-culture with phytohemagglutinin-activated CD4+ T lymphocytes. The CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation, viability, and cytokine secretion were analyzed. Additionally, the expression of various immunomediators in hPDL-MSCs was investigated, and their implication was verified by using pharmacological inhibitors.Results25(OH)D3 significantly counteracted the suppressive effects of IL-1β-treated hPDL-MSCs on CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation, whereas no effects were observed in the presence of TNF-α. Additionally, 25(OH)D3 significantly increased the percentage of viable CD4+ T lymphocytes via TNF-α- or IL-1β-treated hPDL-MSCs. It also caused a significant decrease in interferon-γ, IL-17A, and transforming growth factor-β productions, which were triggered by TNF-α-treated hPDL-MSCs. 25(OH)D3 significantly decreased the production of various immunomediators in hPDL-MSCs. Inhibition of two of them, prostaglandin E2 and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1, partially abolished some of the hPDL-MSCs-mediated effects of 25(OH)D3 on CD4+ T lymphocytes.ConclusionThese data indicate that 25(OH)D3 influences the immunomodulatory activities of hPDL-MSCs. This modulatory potential seems to have high plasticity depending on the local cytokine conditions and may be involved in regulating periodontal tissue inflammatory processes.
LRRC3B and its promoter hypomethylation status predicts response to anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy
Authors: Luo Linfeng , Fu Sha , Du Wei , He Li-na , Zhang Xuanye , Wang Yixing , Zhou Yixin , Hong Shaodong 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe leucine rich repeat containing 3B (LRRC3B) gene is a tumor suppressor gene involved in the anti-tumor immune microenvironment. Expression of LRRC3B and DNA methylation at the LRRC3B promoter region may serve as a useful marker to predict response to anti-PD-1 therapy. However, no studies have yet systematically explored the protective role of LRRC3B methylation in tumor progression and immunity.MethodsExpression of LRRC3B of 33 cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was downloaded from UCSC Xena (http://xena.ucsc.edu/). And, we evaluated the differential expression of LRRC3B according to tumor stage, overall survival, and characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. The immunotherapeutic cohorts included IMvigor21, GSE119144, and GSE72308 which were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We conducted pearson correlation analysis of LRRC3B and tumor microenvironment (TME) in pan-cancer. Also, six immune cell types (B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and tumor purity were analyzed using the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER1.0) (Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0). And, a “silencing score” model base on LRRC3B promoter methylation to predict overall survival (OS) by multivariate Cox regression analysis was constructed. Finally, the model was applied to predict anti-PD-1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer (BRCA).ResultsLRRC3B expression associated with less tumor invasion, less severe tumor stage, and decreased metastasis. The inactivation of LRRC3B promoted the enrichment of immuneosuppressive cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), M2 subtype of tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs), M1 subtype of tumor-associated macrophages (M1-TAMs), and regulatory T (Treg) cells. A high silencing score was significantly associated with immune inhibition, low expression of LRRC3B, poor patient survival, and activation of cancer-related pathways.ConclusionOur comprehensive analysis demonstrated the potential role of LRRC3B in the anti-tumor microenvironment, clinicopathological features of cancer, and disease prognosis. It suggested that LRRC3B methylation could be used as a powerful biomarker to predict immunotherapy responses in NSCLC and BRCA.
Estimating and scaling-up biomass and abundance of epi- and infaunal bivalves in a Swedish archipelago region: Implications for ecological functions and ecosystem services
Authors: Greeve Youk , Bergström Per , Strand Åsa , Lindegarth Mats 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionAs suspension-feeders, bivalves play a key role in maintaining regulatory functions of coastal ecosystems, which are linked to important ecosystem services. The functions attributed to bivalves depend on the life habits of a species (epi- or infauna) and their abundance and biomass. To properly quantify and assess these functions, detailed information the distribution, abundance and biomass at the ecosystem scale is critical. Amongst others, this requires an understanding on how environmental conditions shape special patterns in distribution. In this study we investigate this fundamental information on the Swedish west coast, an area where this information is lacking.MethodsA survey which was designed to representatively sample both epi- and infaunal bivalves from randomized locations in various habitat types was conducted. Specifically, abundance and biomass of all species were recorded in the intertidal (0-0.5 m) and the shallow subtidal zone (0.5-2 m). The sites were distributed over an offshore gradient and at two exposure levels. This sampling structure allowed to extrapolate the results to an ecosystem level though information on the areal extent of these habitats using GIS layers.ResultsIt was found that even though there exist a great variability among sites, in general epifaunal bivalves outweigh infaunal bivalves approximately 3 to 1. In terms of abundance, the ratio is more or less reversed and infaunal species occur in greater numbers. Most bivalves were found at an intermediate level of exposure, but due to the areal extend of the sheltered inner-archipelago this was the most important habitat for bivalve abundance and biomass. It was also found that invasive epifaunal oyster Magallana gigas and the invasive infaunal clam Ensis leei both dominated their respective groups in terms of biomass.DiscussionThough the survey was relatively small, these results serve as a valuable insight of the relative importance of epi- and infaunal bivalves in this region. This gives understanding on which species and habitats are particularly important for ecosystem functions and services related to bivalves. This also provide a starting baseline for attempts to quantify ecosystem services provided by certain species or groups of bivalves in the future.
Determinants of short birth interval among child-bearing age women in the Gedeb Hasasa district of the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Yosef Tewodros , Debela Degfachew , Shifera Nigusie 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundShort birth intervals have been linked to higher rates of fetal loss, prenatal mortality, and poorer child survival. Therefore, for countries like Ethiopia that have a population policy intended at reducing fertility, understanding the level and factors influencing birth spacing is crucial in order to apply appropriate intervention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of the short birth interval among child-bearing age women in the Gedeb Hasasa district of the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 July to 20 August 2018. A multistage sampling method was used. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather data. The collected data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and later exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the short birth interval. The level of significance was declared at a p-value of &lt;0.05.ResultsA total of 714 women participated, with a 98% response rate. The median birth interval length was 32 months. The prevalence of the short birth interval was 50.4%. After adjusting for confounding variables, being a rural resident [AOR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.52, 4.09)], having an illiterate husband [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI (2.15, 8.45)], breastfeeding duration for 7–12 months [AOR = 3.16, 95% CI (1.95, 5.13)] and 13–23 months [AOR = 2.45, 95% CI (1.52, 3.95)], sex of the prior child [AOR = 0.63, 95% CI (0.45, 0.88)], and previous child alive [AOR = 0.20, 95% CI (0.14, 0.96)] were the determinants of short birth interval.Conclusion and recommendationOne in every two women practiced short birth intervals. The median birth interval duration was 32 months, which is below the minimum standard recommended by the WHO duration for the birth interval, which is 33 months. Short birth intervals were determined independently by residence, husband education, breastfeeding time, previous child’s sex, and previous child’s survival. Therefore, increasing women’s awareness of the ideal birth interval should be done through community health professionals and health developmental armies.
Removal of primary nutrient degraders reduces growth of soil microbial communities with genomic redundancy
Authors: McClure Ryan , Garcia Marci , Couvillion Sneha , Farris Yuliya , Hofmockel Kirsten S. 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionUnderstanding how microorganisms within a soil community interact to support collective respiration and growth remains challenging. Here, we used a model substrate, chitin, and a synthetic Model Soil Consortium (MSC-2) to investigate how individual members of a microbial community contribute to decomposition and community growth. While MSC-2 can grow using chitin as the sole carbon source, we do not yet know how the growth kinetics or final biomass yields of MSC-2 vary when certain chitin degraders, or other important members, are absent.MethodsTo characterize specific roles within this synthetic community, we carried out experiments leaving out members of MSC-2 and measuring biomass yields and CO2 production. We chose two members to iteratively leave out (referred to by genus name): Streptomyces, as it is predicted via gene expression analysis to be a major chitin degrader in the community, and Rhodococcus as it is predicted via species co-abundance analysis to interact with several other members.ResultsOur results showed that when MSC-2 lacked Streptomyces, growth and respiration of the community was severely reduced. Removal of either Streptomyces or Rhodococcus led to major changes in abundance for several other species, pointing to a comprehensive shifting of the microbial community when important members are removed, as well as alterations in the metabolic profile, especially when Streptomyces was lacking. These results show that when keystone, chitin degrading members are removed, other members, even those with the potential to degrade chitin, do not fill the same metabolic niche to promote community growth. In addition, highly connected members may be removed with similar or even increased levels of growth and respiration.DiscussionOur findings are critical to a better understanding of soil microbiology, specifically in how communities maintain activity when biotic or abiotic factors lead to changes in biodiversity in soil systems.
Role of plaque inflammation in symptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Zheng Yilong , Lim Mervyn Jun Rui , Tan Benjamin Yong-Qiang , Chan Bernard Poon Lap , Paliwal Prakash , Jonathan Ong Jia Yuan , Bharatendu Chandra , Chan Amanda Chee Yun , Yeo Leonard Leong Litt , Vijayan Joy , Hong Chiew S. , Chee Young Heng , Wong Lily Y. H. , Chen Jintao , Chong Victor Yao Feng , Dong Yanhong , Tan Chi Hsien , Sunny Sibi , Teoh Hock Luen , Sinha Arvind Kumar , Sharma Vijay Kumar 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivePrior studies have shown that plaque inflammation on FDG-PET and the symptomatic carotid atheroma inflammation lumen-stenosis (SCAIL) score were associated with recurrent ischemic events, but the findings have thus far not been widely validated. Therefore, we aimed to validate the findings of prior studies.MethodsA single-center prospective cohort study that recruited patients with (1) recent TIA or ischemic stroke within the past 30 days, (2) ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis of ≥50%, and (3) were not considered for early carotid revascularization. The (1) maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the symptomatic carotid plaque, (2) the SCAIL score, and (3) stenosis severity of the symptomatic carotid artery were measured for all patients. The outcomes were (1) a 90-day ipsilateral ischemic stroke and (2) a 90-day ipsilateral symptomatic TIA or major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE).ResultsAmong the 131 patients included in the study, the commonest cardiovascular risk factor was hypertension (95 patients, 72.5%), followed by diabetes mellitus (77 patients, 58.8%) and being a current smoker (64 patients, 48.9%). The median (IQR) duration between the index cerebral ischemic event and recruitment to the study was 1 (0, 2.5) days. The median (IQR) duration between the index cerebral ischemic event and FDG-PET was 5 (4, 7) days. A total of 14 (10.7%) patients had a 90-day stroke, and 41 (31.3%) patients had a 90-day TIA or MACE. On comparison of the predictive performances of the SCAIL score and SUVmax, SUVmax was found to be superior to the SCAIL score for predicting both 90-day ipsilateral ischemic stroke (AUC: SCAIL = 0.79, SUVmax = 0.92; p &lt; 0.001; 95% CI = 0.072, 0.229) and 90-day TIA or MACE (AUC: SCAIL = 0.76, SUVmax = 0.84; p = 0.009; 95% CI = 0.020, 0.143).ConclusionPlaque inflammation as quantified on FDG-PET may serve as a reliable biomarker for risk stratification among patients with ECAD and recent TIA or ischemic stroke. Future studies should evaluate whether patients with significant plaque inflammation as quantified on FDG-PET benefit from carotid revascularization and/or anti-inflammatory therapy.
Comparison of GLIM, SGA, PG-SGA, and PNI in diagnosing malnutrition among hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery patients
Authors: Zhou Lingmei , Fu Jianying , Ding Zhen , Jin Kemei , Wu Runjingxing , Ye Ling Xiao 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic value of four tools—the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, the subjective global assessment (SGA), patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in malnutrition among hospitalized patients undergoing hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery. Meanwhile, to observe the nutritional intervention of these patients.MethodsPresent study was a cross-sectional study, including 506 hospitalized patients who underwent hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery between December 2020 and February 2022 at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, China. The incidence rate of malnutrition was diagnosed using the four tools. The consistency of the four tools was analyzed by Cohen's kappa statistic. Data, including nutritional characteristics and nutritional interventions, were collected. The nutritional intervention was observed according to the principles of Five Steps Nutritional Treatment.ResultsThe prevalence was 36.75, 44.58, and 60.24%, as diagnosed by the GLIM, PG-SGA, and PNI, respectively, among 332 tumor patients. Among the 174 non-tumor patients, the prevalence was 9.77, 10.92, and 32.18% as diagnosed by the GLIM, SGA, and PNI. The diagnostic concordance of PG-SGA and GLIM was higher (Kappa = 0.814, &lt;0.001) than SGA vs. GLIM (Kappa = 0.752, P &lt; 0.001) and PNI vs. GLIM (Kappa = 0.265, P &lt; 0.001). The univariate analysis revealed that older age, lower BMI and tumorous were significantly associated with nutritional risks and malnutrition. Among 170 patients with nutritional risk, most of patients (118/170, 69.41%) did not meet the nutritional support standard.ConclusionThe incidence of nutritional risk and malnutrition is high among patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases, specifically those with tumors. The GLIM showed the lowest prevalence of malnutrition among the four tools. The PG-SGA and GLIM had a relative high level of agreement. There was a low proportion of nutritional support in patients. More prospective and well-designed cohort studies are needed to confirm the relevance of these criteria in clinical practice in the future.
Real-life analysis of neoadjuvant-therapy-associated benefits for pathological complete response and survival in early breast cancer patients - role of trastuzumab in HER2+ BC and platinum in TNBC
Authors: Chung Wei-Pang , Yang Chun-Ting , Yang Shuen-Ru , Su Ching-Yen , Su Hsin-Wei , Liu Shang-Yun , Ou Huang-Tz 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundNeoadjuvant therapy, which aims to achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) for better overall survival (OS) has several advantages for patients with early breast cancer (eBC) and subtypes of HER2-positive (HER2+) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, there has been no large-scale real-world investigation on the clinical outcomes associated with trastuzumab-based and platinum-based neoadjuvant treatments for patients with HER2+ and TNBC, respectively.Material and methodsTaiwan Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance Research Database were utilized in this study. Patients diagnosed with clinically lymph-node-positive (LN+) HER2+ or TNBC were identified for analysis. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of achieving pCR and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of overall survival associated with treatment agents, respectively.ResultsA total of 1,178 HER2+ eBC and 354 early TNBC patients were identified, respectively. Neoadjuvant trastuzumab significantly increased the pCR rates by 3.87-fold among HER2+ patients. Trastuzumab-associated survival benefit was found in HER2+ patients who achieved pCR (aHR [95% CI]: 0.30 [0.11-0.84]) but not in those without pCR (1.13 [0.77-1.67]). Among the TNBC patients, platinum was associated with a 1.6-fold increased pCR rate; however, it did not improve OS regardless of pCR status.ConclusionsTrastuzumab improved pCR and OS for patients with HER2+ subtype. Using platinum agents for TNBC patients increased pCR rates but was not linked to better survival. Optimal neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy for patients with HER2+ eBC and the introduction of novel therapy for patients with TNBC should be considered.