bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum metabolomic analysis in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Zhao Xinyu , Gu Xiaotong , Luo Tao , Li Pengqian , Wan Chuchu , Liu Haixia 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundHashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disease, shows high morbidity worldwide, particularly in female. Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have an increasing risk of hypothyroidism during the occurrence and progression of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In recent years, metabolomics has been widely applied in autoimmune diseases, especially thyroid disorders. However, metabolites analysis in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is still absent.MethodsA total of 92 samples were collected, including 35 cases in the control group, 30 cases in the Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with euthyroidism group, and 27 cases in the Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with subclinical hypothyroidism group. SPSS 25.0 for statistical analysis and ROC curve, SIMCA 14.0, Metaboanalysis for multifactor analysis, and Origin 2021 for correlation analysis.Results21 metabolites were identified. 10 metabolites were obtained from control group versus HTE group, 8 serum metabolites were abnormal between control group and HTS group, 3 metabolites were derived from HTE group versus HTS. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Enrichment analysis showed that fatty acid degradation, Arginine, and proline metabolism have a significant impact on HTE, while lysine degradation, tyrosine metabolism play an important role HTS group, compared to control group. In the comparison between the HTE and HTS group, Valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation and Valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis exists a key role. Correlation analysis shows clinical are not related to metabolites. ROC curve indicates SM, LPC, PC can efficiency in identification patients with HT in different clinical stage from healthy individuals.ConclusionSerum metabolites were changed in HT. Phospholipids such as SM, LPC, PC influence the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Fatty acid degradation and lysine degradation pathways have an impact on different clinical stage of HT.
Association of the serum uric acid to creatinine ratio with metabolic syndrome in the middle age and older population in China
Authors: Zhong Danrong , Liu Dongchen , Guo Yongtian , Huang Haoyin , Li Lu , Wu Fangqin , Huang Suli 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) has attracted great interest, with an increasing prevalence. Recent studies have shown that the serum uric acid-to-creatinine ratio (SUACr) might be an excellent biomarker for MetS risk prediction in diabetic patients and postmenopausal women. However, the relationship between SUACr and MetS in a middle-aged and older population remains unclear.MethodsA total of 1277 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. Logistic regression modelling was performed to assess the association between SUACr and MetS in the total population. The dose–response relationship of SUACr and MetS was further assessed by a restricted cubic spline model (RCS). Furthermore, to explore the relationships between the levels of SUACr and the number of metabolic components, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied.ResultsThe levels of SUACr were lower in the non-MetS participants (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.89; P&lt;0.001),. Positive and dose–response relationships were further confirmed by the RCS model. We also found that, with increased number of components, the SUACr tended to increase. Moreover, values of SUACr were strongly related to levels of triglycerides (TGs), body mass index (BMI), blood glucose levels, systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and hypertension. In addition, the positive association between SUACr and MetS also occurred in those patients with normal uric acid levels.ConclusionElevated values of SUACr were strongly associated with an increased risk of MetS; this positive relationship remained in those individuals with normal uric acid levels.
Taisho-Sanshoku koi have hardly faded skin and show attenuated melanophore sensitivity to adrenaline and melanin-concentrating hormone
Authors: Shinohara Yukari , Kasagi Satoshi , Amiya Noriko , Hoshino Yukihiro , Ishii Ryo , Hyodo Noriyuki , Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Sato Shoh , Amano Masafumi , Takahashi Akiyoshi , Mizusawa Kanta 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionKoi carp, an ornamental fish derived from the common carp Cyprinus carpio (CC), is characterized by beautiful skin color patterns. However, the mechanism that gives rise to the characteristic vivid skin coloration of koi carp has not been clarified. The skin coloration of many teleosts changes in response to differences in the background color. This change in skin coloration is caused by diffusion or aggregation of pigment granules in chromatophores and is regulated mainly by sympathetic nerves and hormones. We hypothesized that there would be some abnormality in the mechanism of skin color regulation in koi carp, which impairs skin color fading in response to background color.MethodsWe compared the function of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), noradrenaline, and adrenaline in CC and Taisho-Sanshoku (TS), a variety of tri-colored koi.Results and DiscussionIn CC acclimated to a white background, the skin color became paler and pigment granules aggregated in melanophores in the scales compared to that in black-acclimated CC. There were no clear differences in skin color or pigment granule aggregation in white- or black-acclimated TS. The expression of mch1 mRNA in the brain was higher in the white-acclimated CC than that in the black-acclimated CC. However, the expression of mch1 mRNA in the brain in the TS did not change in response to the background color. Additionally, plasma MCH levels did not differ between white- and black-acclimated fish in either CC or TS. In vitro experiments showed that noradrenaline induced pigment aggregation in scale melanophores in both CC and TS, whereas adrenaline induced pigment aggregation in the CC but not in the TS. In vitro administration of MCH induced pigment granule aggregation in the CC but not in the TS. However, intraperitoneal injection of MCH resulted in pigment granule aggregation in both CC and TS. Collectively, these results suggest that the weak sensitivity of scale melanophores to MCH and adrenaline might be responsible for the lack of skin color change in response to background color in the TS.
Application of iron–carbon microbial galvanic activated sludge combined with MBR process in the treatment of wastewater from comprehensive railway station
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liang Zheng , Guan Xiaotao , Liang Jingwen , Gao Pan 
Published: December 2022

The application of iron–carbon microbial cell activated sludge (ICMC-AS) was carried out in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) processor to treat wastewater from an integrated railway station. Results showed that the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiencies of the original MBR processor increased from 80%, 30%, and 10% to 92%, 93.5%, and 92%, respectively. Further research showed that the combined sewage treatment system also had a strong impact resistance ability. The combined sewage treatment system ran stably when the COD, TN, and TP concentrations changed greatly. The in-depth analysis of the reaction process and reaction rate of the combined sewage treatment system revealed that the combined system is dominated by COD removal with high nitrogen removal efficiency. The removal rate constants of various pollutants were in the order: KCOD (0.647 ± 0.017) &gt; KNO3−−N (0.416 ± 0.044) &gt; KNH4+−N (0.275 ± 0.014) &gt; KTN (0.258 ± 0.083). Calculations of the energy saving and carbon emission reduction of the combined system showed that the system’s annual carbon emission reduction could reach more than 388,203.55 kg CO2e, which remarkably improves the carbon emission reduction effect and obtains a good green effect. The results indicate that adding ICMC-AS to the MBR processor for combined wastewater treatment can substantially improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment and obtain better energy-saving and emission-reducing effects. This combined application provides an effective way for the transformation and upgrading of small- and medium-scale water treatment systems.
Health condition and mycobiome diversity in Mediterranean tree species
Authors: Diez-Hermano Sergio , Ahmad Farooq , Niño-Sanchez Jonatan , Benito Alvaro , Hidalgo Elena , Escudero Laura Morejón , Morel Wilson Acosta , Diez Julio Javier 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionMediterranean forests are currently facing a surge in abiotic stressors such as droughts and massive fires as a result of climate crisis and human pressure. Susceptibility to biotic stressors has also increased, including a variety of pests and pathogens capable of weakening and potentially killing forest flora. Biodiversity of microbiome protects forests against declines as it increases trees’ resilience and adaptability.ObjectivesWith the objective of analyzing the relationship between health status and fungal diversity, in the present work the mycobiota of declined and healthy specimens of keystone Mediterranean tree species is described and compared.MethodsTo this end, bark and wood from declining Spanish forests of Castanea sativa (chestnut), Quercus ilex (holm oak), Quercus suber (cork oak), and Quercus pyrenaica (pyrenean oak) were sampled and the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1) genomic region was sequenced.ResultsResults showed a predominance of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota in all samples. Alpha diversity at genus level was not affected by health status and was characterized by uneven, poorly distributed fungal communities dominated by a few genera. Differentially abundant (DA) genera between healthy and declined samples were found in chestnut (15), holm oak (6), and pyrenean oak (4) trees, but not in cork oak. Some genera known for their plant protection potential, such as Trichoderma, were found exclusively in healthy trees. Functional profiles revealed a predominance of phytopathogens and saprobes in all tree species, irrespective of their health status.DiscussionThis study emphasizes the importance of Mediterranean forests as biodiversity refuges and highlights the value of above-ground tissues as a valid approach to assess shifts in forests’ microbiome diversity in response to biotic and abiotic stressors.
Differences by transplant type in stool multiplex PCR testing for acute diarrhea in post-solid organ transplantation
Authors: Verma Abhishek , Hine Ashley M. , Joelson Andrew , Mei Rena , Lebwohl Benjamin , Axelrad Jordan E. 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundDiarrhea in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is common, morbid, and increasingly evaluated using multiplex gastrointestinal PCR panel (GI panel) testing. We aimed to characterize differences between transplant organ types in GI panel evaluation of acute diarrhea in SOT recipients.MethodsWe performed a dual-center retrospective cross-sectional study of adult SOT recipients with acute diarrhea who underwent GI panel testing. Demographic, transplant, testing context, and GI panel data were collected. Patients were stratified by transplant type. The primary outcome was a positive GI panel.ResultsOf 300 transplant recipients (58 heart, 65 liver, 68 lung, and 109 renal), 118 had a positive GI panel. Renal transplant status correlated with more frequently positive GI panel and less frequent hospitalization. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for demographic factors, hospitalization, immunosuppression, and transplant age, renal transplantation was independently associated with a positive GI panel compared to lung transplantation (aOR 2.98, 95% CI 1.27-7.16). Older transplant age and outpatient testing were also independently associated with a positive GI panel. The GI panel result was associated with changes to antibiotic management.ConclusionsIn the evaluation of SOT recipients with acute diarrhea, GI panel result varies by transplant type, transplant age, and testing location and may affect subsequent antimicrobial therapy.
A pan-cancer and single-cell sequencing analysis of CD161, a promising onco-immunological biomarker in tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy
Authors: Li He , Zhou Ke , Wang Kaiyue , Cao Hui , Wu Wantao , Wang Zeyu , Dai Ziyu , Chen Shi , Peng Yun , Xiao Gelei , Luo Peng , Zhang Jian , Liu Zaoqu , Cheng Quan , Zhang Hao 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundCD161 has been linked to the appearance and development of various cancers.MethodsThe mutation map and the variation of CNVs and SNVs of CD161 were displayed according to cBioportal and GSCALite. We also evaluated the pathway enrichment and drug sensitivity of CD161 according to GSCALite. We performed a single-cell sequencing analysis of cancer cells and T cells in melanoma. The cell communication patterns related to CD161 were further explored. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining of tissue microarrays was used to detect the association between CD161 expression and macrophages and T cells.ResultsA high CD161 level was related to neoantigens expression, pathway enrichment, and drug sensitivity. In addition, single-cell sequencing analysis showed that CD161 was mainly expressed in T cells, M1 and M2 Macrophages, neoplastic, microglial cells, neurons, and cancer cells in many tumor types. Further study on pseudotime trajectories and functional annotation of CD161 proved the critical role of CD161 in tumor progression and T cell immunity in melanoma. Multiplex immunofluorescence revealed that CD161 is closely correlated with the immune infiltration of T cells and macrophages in multiple cancers. In addition, high CD161 expression predicted a favorable immunotherapy response.ConclusionCD161 is involved in the immune infiltration of T cells and macrophages and might be a promising target for tumor immunotherapy.
Progranulin loss results in sex-dependent dysregulation of the peripheral and central immune system
Authors: Houser Madelyn C. , Uriarte Huarte Oihane , Wallings Rebecca L. , Keating Cody E. , MacPherson Kathryn P. , Herrick Mary K. , Kannarkat George T. , Kelly Sean D. , Chang Jianjun , Varvel Nicholas H. , Rexach Jessica E. , Tansey Malú Gámez 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionProgranulin (PGRN) is a secreted glycoprotein, the expression of which is linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. Although its specific function is still unclear, several studies have linked it with lysosomal functions and immune system regulation. Here, we have explored the role of PGRN in peripheral and central immune system homeostasis by investigating the consequences of PGRN deficiency on adaptive and innate immune cell populations.MethodsFirst, we used gene co-expression network analysis of published data to test the hypothesis that Grn has a critical role in regulating the activation status of immune cell populations in both central and peripheral compartments. To investigate the extent to which PGRN-deficiency resulted in immune dysregulation, we performed deep immunophenotyping by flow cytometry of 19-24-month old male and female Grn-deficient mice (PGRN KO) and littermate Grn-sufficient controls (WT).ResultsMale PGRN KO mice exhibited a lower abundance of microglial cells with higher MHC-II expression, increased CD44 expression on monocytes in the brain, and more CNS-associated CD8+ T cells compared to WT mice. Furthermore, we observed an increase in CD44 on CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood. Female PGRN KO mice also had fewer microglia compared to WT mice, and we also observed reduced expression of MHC-II on brain monocytes. Additionally, we found an increase in Ly-6Chigh monocyte frequency and decreased CD44 expression on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in PGRN KO female blood. Given that Gpnmb, which encodes for the lysosomal protein Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B, has been reported to be upregulated in PGRN KO mice, we investigated changes in GPNMB protein expression associated with PGRN deficits and found that GPNMB is modulated in myeloid cells in a sex-specific manner.DiscussionOur data suggest that PGRN and GPNMB jointly regulate the peripheral and the central immune system in a sex-specific manner; thus, understanding their associated mechanisms could pave the way for developing new neuroprotective strategies to modulate central and peripheral inflammation to lower risk for neurodegenerative diseases and possibly delay or halt progression.
Predictive model for BNT162b2 vaccine response in cancer patients based on blood cytokines and growth factors
Authors: Konnova Angelina , De Winter Fien H. R. , Gupta Akshita , Verbruggen Lise , Hotterbeekx An , Berkell Matilda , Teuwen Laure-Anne , Vanhoutte Greetje , Peeters Bart , Raats Silke , Massen Isolde Van der , De Keersmaecker Sven , Debie Yana , Huizing Manon , Pannus Pieter , Neven Kristof Y. , Ariën Kevin K. , Martens Geert A. , Bulcke Marc Van Den , Roelant Ella , Desombere Isabelle , Anguille Sébastien , Berneman Zwi , Goossens Maria E. , Goossens Herman , Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi , Tacconelli Evelina , Vandamme Timon , Peeters Marc , van Dam Peter , Kumar-Singh Samir 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundPatients with cancer, especially hematological cancer, are at increased risk for breakthrough COVID-19 infection. So far, a predictive biomarker that can assess compromised vaccine-induced anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity in cancer patients has not been proposed.MethodsWe employed machine learning approaches to identify a biomarker signature based on blood cytokines, chemokines, and immune- and non-immune-related growth factors linked to vaccine immunogenicity in 199 cancer patients receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine.ResultsC-reactive protein (general marker of inflammation), interleukin (IL)-15 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine), IL-18 (interferon-gamma inducing factor), and placental growth factor (an angiogenic cytokine) correctly classified patients with a diminished vaccine response assessed at day 49 with &gt;80% accuracy. Amongst these, CRP showed the highest predictive value for poor response to vaccine administration. Importantly, this unique signature of vaccine response was present at different studied timepoints both before and after vaccination and was not majorly affected by different anti-cancer treatments.ConclusionWe propose a blood-based signature of cytokines and growth factors that can be employed in identifying cancer patients at persistent high risk of COVID-19 despite vaccination with BNT162b2. Our data also suggest that such a signature may reflect the inherent immunological constitution of some cancer patients who are refractive to immunotherapy.
Long-term sialidase-specific immune responses after natural infection with cholera: Findings from a longitudinal cohort study in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Fahima , Akter Afroza , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Biswas Rajib , Firoj Md. Golam , Tauheed Imam , Harris Jason B. , Larocque Regina C. , Ross Allen G. , McMillan Nigel A. J. , Charles Richelle C. , Ryan Edward T. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Qadri Firdausi 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundImmune responses that target sialidase occur following natural cholera and have been associated with protection against cholera. Sialidase is a neuraminidase that facilitates the binding of cholera toxin (CT) to intestinal epithelial cells. Despite this, little is known about age-related sialidase-specific immune responses and the impact of nutritional status and co-infection on sialidase-specific immunity.MethodsWe enrolled 50 culture-confirmed Vibrio cholerae O1 cholera cases presenting to the icddr,b Dhaka hospital with moderate to severe dehydration. We evaluated antibody responses out to 18 months (day 540) following cholera. We assessed immune responses targeting sialidase, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cholera toxin B subunit (CtxB), and vibriocidal responses. We also explored the association of sialidase-specific immune responses to nutritional parameters and parasitic co-infection of cases.ResultsThis longitudinal cohort study showed age-dependent differences in anti-sialidase immune response after natural cholera infection. Adult patients developed plasma anti-sialidase IgA and IgG responses after acute infection (P&lt;0.05), which gradually decreased from day 30 on. In children, no significant anti-sialidase IgA, IgM, and IgG response was seen with the exception of a late IgG response at study day 540 (p=0.05 compared to adults). There was a correlation between anti-sialidase IgA with vibriocidal titers, as well as anti-sialidase IgA and IgG with anti-LPS and anti-CtxB antibody responses in adult patients, whereas in children, a significant positive correlation was seen only between anti-sialidase IgA and CtxB IgA responses. Stunted children showed significantly lower anti-sialidase IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody responses and higher LPS IgG and IgM antibody responses than healthy children. The anti-sialidase IgA and IgG responses were significantly higher in cases with concomitant parasitic infection.ConclusionOur data suggest that cholera patients develop age-distinct systemic and mucosal immune responses against sialidase. The stunted children have a lower anti-sialidase antibody response which may be associated with gut enteropathy and the neuraminidase plays an important role in augmented immune response in cholera patients infected with parasites.
Nomogram for predicting prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma after immunotherapy: A Chinese population–based analysis
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Li Dandan , Xie Songzuo , Deng Xinpei , Wen Xizhi , Li Jingjing , Wu Zhengrong , Yang Xinyi , Li Minxing , Tang Yan , Zhang Xiaoshi , Ding Ya 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundPrevious studies indicated the evidence that baseline levels of thyroid antibodies, thyroid status, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and M stage may influence the prognosis of patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors that targets programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1, which reported that dramatic improvements in survival rates were observed; however, the presence of controversy has prevented consensus from being reached. Study objectives were to develop a nomogram to identify several prognostic factors in Chinese patients with metastatic melanoma receiving immunotherapy.MethodsThis retrospective study included 231 patients from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, and patients were split into internal cohort (n = 165) and external validation cohort (n = 66). We developed a nomogram for the prediction of response and prognosis on the basis of the levels of serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (A-TPO), free T3 (FT3), and LDH and M stage that were measured at the baseline of anti–PD-1 infusion. In addition, the follow-up lasted at least until 5 years after the treatment or mortality. RECIST v1.1 was used to classify treatment responses.ResultsChi-square test showed that PD-1 antibody was more effective in patients with melanoma with high level baseline FT4 or earlier M stage. A multivariate Cox analysis showed that baseline FT3 (P = 0.009), baseline A-TPO (P = 0.016), and LDH (P = 0.013) levels and M stage (P &lt; 0.001) independently predicted overall survival (OS) in patients with melanoma. The above factors are integrated, and a prediction model is established, i.e., nomogram. Survival probability area-under-the-curve values of 1, 2, and 3 years in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts showed the prognostic accuracy and clinical applicability of nomogram (training: 0.714, 0.757, and 0.764; internal validation: 0.7171963, 0.756549, and 0.7651486; external validation: 0.748, 0.710, and 0.856). In addition, the OS of low-risk (total score ≤ 142.65) versus high-risk (total score &gt; 142.65) patients varied significantly in both training group (P &lt; 0.0001) and external validation cohort (P = 0.0012).ConclusionsAccording to this study, baseline biomarkers are associated with response to immunotherapy and prognosis among patients with metastatic melanoma. Treatment regimens can be tailor-made on the basis of these biomarkers.