bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the composition of placental microbiome and its potential origin in preterm birth
Authors: Saadaoui Marwa , Djekidel Mohamed Nadhir , Murugesan Selvasankar , Kumar Manoj , Elhag Duaa , Singh Parul , Kabeer Basirudeen Syed Ahamed , Marr Alexandra Katharina , Kino Tomoshige , Brummaier Tobias , McGready Rose , Nosten François , Chaussabel Damien , Terranegra Annalisa , Al Khodor Souhaila 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionFor years, the placenta was believed to be sterile, but recent studies reveal it hosts a unique microbiome. Despite these findings, significant questions remain about the origins of the placental microbiome and its effects on pregnancy and fetal health. Some studies suggest it may originate from the vaginal tract, while others indicate that oral bacteria can enter the maternal bloodstream and seed the placenta. However, research analyzing the vaginal, oral, and placental microbiomes within the same cohort is lacking. Additionally, it’s unclear whether the placental microbiome differs between healthy pregnancies and those with complications like preterm birth (PTB), which remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.MethodsIn this study, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the composition of the oral and placental microbiome in samples collected from 18 women who experienced PTB and 36 matched controls who delivered at term (TB), all of whom were part of the Molecular Signature in Pregnancy (MSP) study. We leveraged on the multisite microbiome sampling from the MSP participants and on our previously published vaginal microbiome data to investigate the potential origins of the placental microbiome and assess whether its composition varies between healthy and complicated pregnancies.Results and DiscussionOur analysis revealed distinct profiles in the oral microbiome of PTB subjects compared to those who delivered at term. Specifically, we observed an increased abundance of Treponema maltophilum, Bacteroides sp, Mollicutes, Prevotella buccae, Leptotrichia, Prevotella_sp_Alloprevotella, in the PTB group. Importantly, Treponema maltophilum species showed higher abundance in the PTB group during the second trimester, suggesting its potential use as biomarkers. When we assessed the placenta microbiome composition, we found that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the most dominant phyla. Interestingly, microorganisms such as Ureaplasma urealyticum were more abundant in PTB placenta samples. Our findings suggest that the placenta microbiome could originate from the oral or vaginal cavities, with a notable increase in the crosstalk between the vaginal and placental sites in cases of PTB. Specifically, our data revealed that in PTB cases, the placental microbiome exhibited a closer resemblance to the vaginal microbiome, whereas in term pregnancies, the placental microbiome was similar to the oral microbiome.
Clinical evaluation of a multiplex droplet digital PCR for diagnosing suspected bloodstream infections: a prospective study
Authors: Peng Yaqin , Xie Ruijie , Luo Yifeng , Guo Penghao , Wu Zhongwen , Chen Yili , Liu Pingjuan , Deng Jiankai , Huang Bin , Liao Kang 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThough droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has emerged as a promising tool for early pathogen detection in bloodstream infections (BSIs), more studies are needed to support its clinical application widely due to different ddPCR platforms with discrepant diagnostic performance. Additionally, there is still a lack of clinical data to reveal the association between pathogen loads detected by ddPCR and corresponding BSIs.MethodsIn this prospective study, 173 patients with suspected BSIs were enrolled. A multiplex ddPCR assay was used to detect 18 pathogens. The results of ddPCR testing were evaluated in comparison with blood cultures (BCs) and clinical diagnosis. Taking BC as the gold standard, receiver operating characteristic curve and Cohen’s kappa agreement were used to investigate whether the pathogen load could predict a corresponding culture-proven BSI for the top five microorganisms detected by ddPCR.ResultsOf the 173 blood samples collected, BC and ddPCR were positive in 48 (27.7%) and 92 (53.2%) cases, respectively. Compared to BC, the aggregate sensitivity and specificity for ddPCR were 81.3% and 63.2%, respectively. After clinical adjudication, the sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR increased to 88.8% and 86.0%, respectively. There were 143 microorganisms detected by ddPCR. The DNA loads of these microorganisms ranged from 30.0 to 3.2×105 copies/mL (median level: 158.0 copies/mL), 72.7% (104/143) of which were below 1,000 copies/mL. Further, statistical analysis showed the DNA loads of Escherichia coli (AUC: 0.954, 95% CI: 0.898-1.000, κ=0.731, cut-off values: 93.0 copies/mL) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (AUC: 0.994, 95% CI: 0.986-1.000, κ=0.834, cut-off values: 196.5 copies/mL) were excellent predictors for the corresponding BSIs. The DNA loads of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (AUC: 0.816, 95% CI: 0.560-1.000, κ=0.167), Acinetobacter baumannii (AUC: 0.728, 95% CI: 0.195-1.000), and Enterococcus spp. (AUC: 0.282, 95% CI: 0.000-0.778) had little predictive value for the corresponding culture-proven BSIs.ConclusionOur results indicate that the multiplex ddPCR is a promising platform as a complementary add-on to conventional BC. The DNA loads of E. coli and K. pneumoniae present excellent predictive value for the corresponding BSIs. Further research is needed to explore the predictive potential of ddPCR for other microorganisms.
Preparation and evaluation of Brucella T4SS recombinant proteins in serodiagnosis of human brucellosis based on TMT-based proteomics technology
Authors: Wu Qi , Sun Chen , Guo Liping , Xie Yujia , Zhang Jinpeng , Yin Dehui 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionBrucellosis, a significant zoonotic infectious disease, poses a global health threat. Accurate and efficient diagnosis is crucial for prevention, control, and treatment of brucellosis. VirB proteins, components of the Type IV secretion system (T4SS) in Brucella, play a pivotal role in bacterial virulence and pathogenesis but have been understudied for their diagnostic potential.MethodsTandem Mass Tag (TMT) proteomics technology was utilized to identify highly expressed VirB proteins from wild-type Brucella strains. Recombinant T4SS proteins were prepared, and an indirect ELISA method was established for serological diagnosis of human brucellosis.ResultsSeven T4SS proteins (rVirB3, rVirB4, rVirB9, rBMEII0036, rVirB8, rVirB11, and rVirB10) were expressed used to construct the indirect ELISA method which showed high diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity and specificity of the proteins exceeded 0.9100 and 0.9167, respectively, demonstrating good performance comparable to traditional LPS and Rose Bengal Ag antigens. Cross-reactivity was observed in a limited number of serum samples from febrile patients without brucellosis.ConclusionsThe study highlights the potential of VirB proteins as novel diagnostic antigens for human brucellosis. Future research can further optimize the use of VirB proteins in diagnostic assays and explore their applications in vaccine development.
The safety and efficacy of neutral electrolyzed water solution for wound irrigation: post-market clinical follow-up study
Authors: Valdová Veronika , Štěpánová Vladimíra , Lapčíková Lenka 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionChronic wounds are a significant public health challenge, representing a considerable burden on the healthcare system. There are numerous gaps in knowledge in the treatment of chronic wounds. First, it is difficult to follow patients through different types of care. Wounds in polymorbid, elderly patients often remain unhealed due to the patient succumbing to their primary disease. No reliable data exist regarding the time to wound closure, type of interventions, the use of antibiotics, the nature and rate of complications, or the causes of treatment failures.MethodsThis Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up (PMCF) study is a prospective, multicentric, observational, descriptive, qualitative survey among healthcare professionals that involves 237 patients with acute and chronic wounds treated with superoxide-based wound irrigation solution DebriEcaSan Alfa in real-world settings over 12 weeks, both outpatient and inpatient. The study aimed to collect additional clinical data to confirm the safety, performance, and clinical benefit of DebriEcaSan Alfa.ResultsThe Manufacturer collected 237 survey forms from 81 healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics in the Czech Republic. The most common diagnoses were venous leg ulcer, pressure ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer, and traumatic wound. The most common comorbidities and risk factors were obesity, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral artery disease. Significant improvement was observed in all parameters, including pain, malodor, affected tissues, reduction in wound size, and granulation and epithelization. A marked reduction in size was observed in all wound size categories. 19 (8%) patients healed by end of week 6; and 66 (28%) healed by week 9. 130 (55%) patients were considered healed by week 12.DiscussionThe current clinical practice guidelines refrain from recommending any of the available irrigation solutions and wound dressings due to low-quality evidence. Superoxidized solutions have excellent biocompatibility and are non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, not irritating, non-genotoxic, and have broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. There is no objective baseline to compare the results to, as typical healing times in a comparable population are not accessible. No single standard of care exists in the treatment of chronic wounds, and significant variability in practices exists across the health system.
Enhancing resilience: the impact of a near-peer mentoring program on medical students
Authors: Pölczman Lea , Árva Dorottya , Győrffy Zsuzsa , Jámbor Márk , Végh András , Kristóf Gergő , Purebl György , Girasek Edmond 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionEmerging adulthood is a vulnerable period and can be a crisis for many youth, leading to serious mental health problems. Medical students are especially vulnerable due to their high exposure to stressors, requiring enhanced resilience to cope with academic challenges. This study measured the effectiveness of a near-peer mentoring program in terms of resilience.MethodsA non-randomised controlled trial was conducted at Semmelweis University involving 133 medical students. The case group (n = 94) comprised students who participated in a mentoring program as mentors or mentees. The control group (n = 39) did not participate in mentoring. Data was collected at two points, 5 months apart, at the semester’s start (August 2022) and end (February 2023). Self-report measures included sociodemographics, resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), and depression (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale). Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and mixed linear models for repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsResults showed a significant increase in resilience for the case group compared to the control group (F (1, 129) = 5.578, p = 0.020), with no significant main effect of time. There was a significant interaction effect between intervention and time on resilience (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.915, p = 0.028). Depression scores showed no significant group difference but a significant main effect of time (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.725, p = 0.032) and the interaction effect between intervention and time on depression (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.018, p = 0.047).DiscussionThis mentoring program effectively increased resilience and helped maintain mental health, contributing to developing skilled healthcare professionals—where resilience remains a key strength for 21st-century doctors.
GPR55 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer controls tumorigenesis
Authors: Ristić Dušica , Bärnthaler Thomas , Gruden Eva , Kienzl Melanie , Danner Laura , Herceg Karolina , Sarsembayeva Arailym , Kargl Julia , Schicho Rudolf 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is part of an expanded endocannabinoid system (ECS), and plays a pro-tumorigenic role in different cancer models, including pancreatic cancer. Next to cancer cells, various cells of the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) express receptors of the ECS that critically determine tumor growth. The role of GPR55 in cancer cells has been widely described, but its role in the immune TME is not well understood. MethodsWe intended to uncover the role of GPR55 in tumor immunity in a model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To this end, a KPCY tumor cell line or a GPR55-overexpressing KPCY cell line (KPCY55) from murine PDAC were subcutaneously injected into wildtype (WT) and GPR55 knockout (KO) mice, and immune cell populations were evaluated by flow cytometry. ResultsDeficiency of GPR55 in the TME led to reduced tumor weight and volume, and altered the immune cell composition of tumors, favoring an anti-tumorigenic environment by increasing the number of CD3+ T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, and the expression of PDL1 on macrophages. RNA-seq pathway analysis revealed higher T cell activity in KPCY55 tumors of GPR55 KO vs. WT mice. In addition, tumors from GPR55 KO mice displayed increased levels of T cell chemokines Cxcl9 and Cxcl10. Migration of T cells from GPR55 KO mice towards CXCL9 was increased in comparison to T cells from WT mice, suggesting that a CXCR3/CXCL9 axis was involved in T cell influx into tumors of GPR55 KO mice. Notably, anti-PD-1 immunotherapy increased tumor burden in WT mice, while this effect was absent in the GPR55 KO mice. ConclusionOur study indicates that GPR55 in TME cells may drive tumor growth by suppressing T cell functions, such as migration, in a model of PDAC, making it an interesting target for immunotherapies.
Enhanced detection of circulating tumor cells using a MUC1 promoter-driven recombinant adenovirus
Authors: Wang Cheng , Gu Huihui , Cai Jia , Zhu Chuandong , Zheng Qin , Xu Hanfeng , Wang Lixue , Wan Yuan 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionCirculating tumor cells (CTCs) have attracted significant interest as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis. In this study, we judiciously constructed a recombinant MUC1-dependent adenovirus (rAdF35-MUC1) that can selectively replicate and overexpress copepod super green fluorescent proteins (copGFP) in MUC1-positive tumor cells to investigate its role in the detection of CTCs.MethodsWe conducted a comparative study between rAdF35-MUC1 and the existing hTERT-dependent adenovirus (rAdF35-hTERT). Breast cancer cell lines and healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were infected with both viral constructs to evaluate infection efficiency and the incidence of false-positive cells. CTC Model Samples were employed to determine detection rates, and clinical samples from breast cancer patients were analyzed to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of CTC detection in a clinical context.ResultsIn preclinical and clinical studies, rAdF35-MUC1 exhibited a significantly high detection efficiency for breast cancer cells, outperforming the existing hTERT-dependent adenovirus (rAdF35-hTERT), especially in detecting CTCs at low quantities. Moreover, rAdF35-MUC1 demonstrated reduced incidence of false positives in healthy PBMCs compared to rAdF35-hTERT.ConclusionIn brief, rAdF35-MUC1 emerges as a potent tool for the sensitive and specific identification of CTCs derived from breast cancer patients, holding clinical translation potential for advancing cancer (early) diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis.
Effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Shuangyu , Gao Lishuo , Wang Congyu , Bai Jinbing , Shen Mengshuang , Zhao Xuejie , Lin Mei 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and to explore how intervention characteristics, such as module number and program duration, influence treatment outcomes.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching eight databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to December 2023. Studies involving adult CVD patients with anxiety or depressive symptoms who underwent ICBT interventions were included. Statistical analyses used random-effects models, with subgroup analyses performed to assess the impact of intervention format, module number, and program duration. Sensitivity and publication bias assessments ensured the robustness of the findings.ResultsEight RCTs with 1177 participants were included. ICBT significantly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.56, -0.08], p &lt; 0.015) and anxiety symptoms (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI [-0.68, -0.06], p &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that self-guided ICBT was more effective than therapist-guided ICBT. Programs with fewer than eight modules were more effective for anxiety, while those with eight or more modules were more effective for depression. Shorter programs (&lt; 9 weeks) were better for anxiety, whereas longer programs (≥ 9 weeks) were more effective for depression.ConclusionsICBT is an effective intervention for managing anxiety and depression in CVD patients. Tailoring ICBT interventions based on symptom type, module number, and program duration can optimize outcomes. Future research should explore personalized, long-term strategies to enhance effectiveness and safety.
Establishment and validation a relapse prediction model for bipolar disorder
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Wu Minghao , Wang Daojin , Wang Long , Xie Wen 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe recurrence rate of bipolar disorder (BD) is relatively high. Assessing the risk of relapse in patients with BD can assist in identifying populations at high risk for recurrence, and early feasible interventions can improve patient’ prognoses. Therefore, it is important to establish and validate predictive models for relapse risk in patients with BD.MethodWe used 303 patients with BD admitted to the Anhui Mental Health Center as a retrospective training cohort and 81 patients from the Wuhu Fourth People’s Hospital as an external validation cohort. We collected a multidimensional assessment of the characteristics of patients eligible for enrollment, including general demographic characteristics, medical history, treatment, and assessment of selected scales. At the same time, they were followed up for 1 year after reaching the recovery standard after treatment. Depending on whether their symptoms returned within a year, patients with BD were divided into recurrent and non-recurrent groups. Recurrence risk factors for BD were selected using univariate and binary logistic regression analyses based on the clinical data of the patients and other pertinent information. A nomogram model was developed to predict the incidence of BD relapse. To further assess the model fit and dependability, calibration curves, working curves of subject attributes, and decision curves were also employed.ResultA total of 384 patients with BD were enrolled in this study, of whom 250(65.1%) had non-recurrent episodes and 134(34.9%) had recurrent episodes. Of these, 96 (31.7%) had relapses at the Anhui Mental Health Centre and 38 (46.9%) at the Fourth People’s Hospital of Wuhu City. According to the results of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the number of prior episodes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.179–1.615), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS) score (OR: 1.303, 95% CI: 1.027-1.652), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (OR: 1.476, 95% CI: 1.29-1.689), Number of visits(OR: 0.768, 95% CI: 0.684-0.863), suicidal behaviors (OR: 5.54, 95% CI: 1.818-16.881) and the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (OR: 0.382, 95% CI: 0.156-0.94) were independent risk factors for relapse in patients with BD. An analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and clinical decision curve further revealed that the predictive efficiency and degree of fit between the predicted value of the nomogram and the actual observed value were better.ConclusionThis study found that the number of previous episodes, SDSS score, PSQI score and suicidal behaviors were independent risk factors for relapse of BD, while the number of visits and ECT were protective factor. Based on these factors, we developed and validated a nomogram for predicting relapse in patients with BD; that has clinical reference values.
Effective pitch reduction of self-assembled lamellae by the use of (PS-b-PMMA)n multiblock copolymers
Authors: Yoshimoto Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The current directed self-assembly (DSA) process utilizes a diblock copolymer composed of polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as standard materials. However, domain spacing of the self-assembled PS-b-PMMA is limited to ∼20–30 nm due to weak segregation strength. In this study, we explore a potential to overcome this size limitation through a multiblock approach that has previously been demonstrated with (PS-b-PI)
n
. Specifically, we simulate the self-assembled morphology of the linear multiblock copolymer, (PS-b-PMMA)
n
, using the so-called theoretically informed coarse-grained model developed for symmetric PS-b-PMMA. The simulation results demonstrate that the lamella pitch of (PS-b-PMMA)
n
can be reduced by ∼20%–25% compared to that of diblock copolymer. This reduction is attributed to loop and bridge conformations of the multiblock copolymer chains. These findings indicate that (PS-b-PMMA)
n
could be advantageous for DSA, not only by enabling the size reduction, but also by potentially enhancing the guiding effects through physically cross-linked, self-assembled domains via bridged chains.
Improving radiation tolerance with room temperature annealing of pre-existing defects
Authors: Rahman Md Hafijur , Cooper Felix , Crespillo Miguel L. , Hattar Khalid , Haque Aman , Ren Fan , Pearton Stephen , Wolfe Douglas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pre-existing defects in semiconductor devices can act as nucleation sites for radiation damage. Defects generated from mismatches in lattice constant, stiffness and thermal expansion are difficult to eliminate with thermal annealing. We propose a non-thermal stimulus, the electron wind force, to reduce the pre-existing defect concentration in Zener diodes at room temperature in a minute. The pristine and pre-annealed diodes were exposed to 11 MeV Au3+ ions at different fluences to induce damage levels of 0.2, 2, 10 and 20 displacement per atom (dpa). Post irradiation characterization showed up to 10 times improvement in radiation tolerance in the pre-annealed devices.