bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Negative association between ascaris lumbricoides seropositivity and Covid-19 severity: insights from a study in Benin
Authors: Adjobimey Tomabu , Meyer Julia , Hennenfent Anneka , Bara Anick J. , Lagnika Latifou , Kocou Bienvenu , Adjagba Marius , Laleye Anatole , Hoerauf Achim , Parcina Marijo 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects worldwide, but the trajectory of the pandemic has been milder in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including those in Africa. Co-infection with helminths, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, has been suggested as a possible factor contributing to the reduced severity observed in these regions.MethodsThe present study investigated the association between Ascaris-specific antibody levels and COVID-19 severity in 276 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in Benin. Participants were categorized into asymptomatic (n=100), mild (n=150), and severe (n=26) groups based on clinical disease severity. Sera were collected and analyzed using ELISA to measure Ascaris and SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, while Luminex was used to assess cytokines and SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibody expression.Results and discussionThe results demonstrated that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals expressed, on average, 1.7 and 2.2-times higher levels of Ascaris antibodies compared to individuals with mild and severe COVID-19, respectively. This finding suggests an inverse correlation between Ascaris antibody levels and COVID-19 severity. Notably, logistic regression analysis showed that Ascaris seropositivity was significantly associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.277, p = 0.021). Interestingly, COVID-19 patients with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure showed lower expression of Ascaris antibodies. Strikingly, no correlation was observed between Ascaris antibody levels and SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies. On the other hand, individuals seronegative for Ascaris displayed significantly higher levels of systemic pro-inflammatory markers compared to seropositive individuals. These findings suggest that higher expression of Ascaris antibodies is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections and may contribute to the reduction of the risk to develop severe COVID-19. The beneficial effect of Ascaris seropositivity on COVID-19 outcomes in Benin may be attributed to a decrease in comorbidities and pro-inflammatory markers. These observations provide valuable insights into the milder COVID-19 trajectory observed in Africa and may have implications for future therapeutic strategies.
Biological functions of endophytic bacteria in Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’
Authors: Huang Minqing , Chen Lijing , Ma Jiasi , Mo Jingzhi , He Lu , Liang Qihua , Peng Guixiang , Tan Zhiyuan 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionEndophytes and their host plants have co-evolved for a very long time. This relationship has led to the general recognition of endophytes as a particular class of microbial resources.R. pseudoacacia‘Hongsen’ is drought- and barren-resistant species that can be grown in both the north and south of China, efficiently addresses the ecological issues caused by China’s ‘southern eucalyptus and northern poplar. Up to date, cultured-dependent studies are available for theR. pseudoacacianitrogen-fixing and other endophytes. Therefore, the present research studied theR. pseudoacacia‘Hongsen,’ microbiome in detail by high-throughput sequencing and culture dependant.MethodsThis study examined microbial species and functional diversity inRobinia pseudoacacia‘Hongsen’ using culture-dependent (isolation) and culture-independent techniques.ResultsA total of 210 isolates were isolated fromR. pseudoacacia‘Hongsen.’ These isolates were clustered into 16 groups by the In Situ PCR (IS-PCR) fingerprinting patterns. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the representative strain of each group revealed that these groups belonged to 16 species of 8 genera, demonstrating the diversity of endophytes inR. pseudoacacia‘Hongsen’. ’Bacillusis the most prevalent genus among all the endophytic bacteria. High-throughput sequencing of endophytic bacteria fromR. pseudoacacia‘Hongsen’ of the plant and the rhizosphere soil bacteria showed that the bacterial populations of soil near the root, leaf, and rhizosphere differed significantly. The microbial abundance decreased in the endophytes as compared to the rhizosphere. We observed a similar community structure of roots and leaves. With and without root nodules,Mesorhizobiumsp. was significantly different inR. pseudoacacia‘Hongsen’ plant.DiscussionIt was predicted thatR. pseudoacacia‘Hongsen’ plant endophytic bacteria would play a significant role in the metabolic process, such as carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, membrane transport, and energy metabolism.
Redlining−associated methylation in breast tumors: the impact of contemporary structural racism on the tumor epigenome
Authors: Miller-Kleinhenz Jasmine M. , Moubadder Leah , Beyer Kirsten M. , Zhou Yuhong , Gaglioti Anne H. , Collin Lindsay J. , Gohar Jazib , Do Whitney , Conneely Karen , Krishnamurti Uma , Gogineni Keerthi , Gabram-Mendola Sheryl , D’Angelo Olivia , Henry Kashari , Torres Mylin , McCullough Lauren E. 
Published: August 2023

PurposePlace-based measures of structural racism have been associated with breast cancer mortality, which may be driven, in part, by epigenetic perturbations. We examined the association between contemporary redlining, a measure of structural racism at the neighborhood level, and DNA methylation in breast tumor tissue.MethodsWe identified 80 Black and White women diagnosed and treated for a first-primary breast cancer at Emory University Hospitals (2008–2017). Contemporary redlining was derived for census tracts using the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act database. Linear regression models were used to calculate the association between contemporary redlining and methylation in breast tumor tissue. We also examined epigenetic age acceleration for two different metrics, regressing β values for each cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) site on redlining while adjusting for covariates. We employed multivariable Cox-proportional hazards models and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to estimate the association between aberrant methylation and mortality.ResultsContemporary redlining was associated with 5 CpG sites after adjustment for multiple comparisons (FDR&lt;0.10). All genes were implicated in breast carcinogenesis, including genes related to inflammation, immune function and stress response (ANGPT1, PRG4 and PRG4). Further exploration of the top 25 CpG sites, identified interaction of 2 sites (MRPS28 and cg11092048) by ER status and 1 site (GDP1) was associated with all-cause mortality. Contemporary redlining was associated with epigenetic age acceleration by the Hannum metric (β=5.35; CI 95%=0.30,10.4) and showed positive but non-significant correlation with the other clock.ConclusionWe identified novel associations between neighborhood contemporary redlining and the breast tumor DNA methylome, suggesting that racist policies leading to inequitable social and environmental exposures, may impact the breast tumor epigenome. Additional research on the potential implications for prognosis is needed.
Risk factors for extraurothelial recurrence in upper tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy: a retrospective study based on a Chinese population
Authors: Luo Zhenkai , Jiao Binbin , Yan Yangxuanyu , Su Caixia , Pan Yijin , Zhao Hang , Bo Yuxuan , Zhang Guan , Ding Zhenshan 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesThe risk factors for extraurothelial recurrence (EUR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are currently inconsistent and unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify these risk factors and develop a grading system for EUR.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 220 patients who underwent RNU for UTUC in our center from January 2009 to December 2020. Overall survival (OS) and extraurothelial recurrence-free survival (EURFS) were compared using the Kaplan–Meier curve with a log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were applied to identify the independent risk factors related to EUR.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 42 (range: 2–143) months. Of the 220 patients, 61 patients developed EUR in our cohort, which had worse survival outcome. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed pathologic stage, lymph node (LN) status, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), Ki-67, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent risk factors for EUR. The Kaplan–Meier curves revealed a significant difference in EUR among the three risk groups.ConclusionOur study suggests that pathologic stage, LN status, LVI, Ki-67, NLR, and PLR are independent risk factors for EUR in UTUC patients after RNU. The development of a grading system for EUR risk stratification may assist urologists in making clinical decisions regarding the management of UTUC.
Effectiveness and safety of Lacosamide therapy for children with focal epilepsy: a real world study
Authors: Yang Chunsong , Liu Zheng , Peng Yuxuan , Zhang Lingli , Yu Dan 
Published: August 2023

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and safety of the new antiepileptic drug, lacosamide (LCM) with Levetiracetam, for the treatment of focal epilepsy in children.Methods: This study was a cohort study. Children with focal epilepsy who received LCM or Levetiracetam treatment in West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University were recruited and followed up for 12 months. Changes in the frequency of epilepsy, 50% and 75% responder rates, and seizure freedom rates from baseline to the maintenance period and adherence score were assessed. In addition, adverse events (AEs) were recorded.Results: 92 patients completed the study, and were divided into two groups: LCM (n = 46) and Levetiracetam (n = 46). Participants were aged from 2 to 16.3 years, with a mean epilepsy duration of 2.57 years. The average maintenance dose of LCM was 5.03 ± 1.91 mg/kg/d after the titration period. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean seizure frequency during subsequent visits at 1, 3,6, 9, 12 months. There was significant difference between the two groups in terms of the 50% responder rate at 6 months. No serious AEs were reported in both groups. The vast majority of patients had good adherence (adherence score = 4) in the LCM group.Conclusion: LCM is effective as adjunctive therapy in children with epilepsy and has good safety, tolerability and adherence. Large sample size studies with long-term follow-up are needed in the future to comprehensively evaluate the use of LCM in children.Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=41041], identifier [ChiCTR1900024507].
Protective effects and possible mechanisms of catalpol against diabetic nephropathy in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Zhongmei , Su Xiaojuan , Zhou Qi , Feng Haoyue , Ding Rui , Ye Hejiang 
Published: August 2023

Aim of the Study:Rehmannia glutinosa is a core Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (DN). It has been used for the treatment of diabetes for over 1,000 years. Catalpol is the main active compound in Rehmannia roots. Current evidence suggests that catalpol exhibits significant anti-diabetic bioactivity, and thus it has attracted increasing research attention for its potential use in treating DN. However, no studies have systematically evaluated these effects, and its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of catalpol on DN, as well as to summarize its possible mechanisms of action, in DN animal models.Materials and Methods: We included all DN-related animal studies with catalpol intervention. These studies were retrieved by searching eight databases from their dates of inception to July 2022. In addition, we evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk-of-bias tool. Furthermore, we calculated the weighted standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the Review Manager 5.3 software and evaluated publication bias using the Stata (12.0) software. A total of 100 studies were retrieved, of which 12 that included 231 animals were finally included in this review.Results: As compared to the control treatment, treatment with catalpol significantly improved renal function in DN animal models by restoring serum creatinine (Scr) (p = 0.0009) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p &lt; 0.00001) levels, reducing proteinuria (p &lt; 0.00001) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p &lt; 0.0001), improving kidney indices (p &lt; 0.0001), and alleviating renal pathological changes in the animal models. In addition, it may elicit its effects by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, improving podocyte apoptosis, regulating lipid metabolism, delaying renal fibrosis, and enhancing autophagy.Conclusion: The preliminary findings of this preclinical systematic review suggest that catalpol elicits significant protective effects against hyperglycemia-induced kidney injury. However, more high-quality studies need to be carried out in the future to overcome the methodological shortcomings identified in this review.
Derivatives of 9-phosphorylated acridine as butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors with antioxidant activity and the ability to inhibit β-amyloid self-aggregation: potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Makhaeva Galina F. , Kovaleva Nadezhda V. , Rudakova Elena V. , Boltneva Natalia P. , Lushchekina Sofya V. , Astakhova Tatiana Yu , Timokhina Elena N. , Serebryakova Olga G. , Shchepochkin Alexander V. , Averkov Maxim A. , Utepova Irina A. , Demina Nadezhda S. , Radchenko Eugene V. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Fisenko Vladimir P. , Bachurin Sergey O. , Chupakhin Oleg N. , Charushin Valery N. , Richardson Rudy J. 
Published: August 2023

We investigated the inhibitory activities of novel 9-phosphoryl-9,10-dihydroacridines and 9-phosphorylacridines against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and carboxylesterase (CES). We also studied the abilities of the new compounds to interfere with the self-aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ42) in the thioflavin test as well as their antioxidant activities in the ABTS and FRAP assays. We used molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum-chemical calculations to explain experimental results. All new compounds weakly inhibited AChE and off-target CES. Dihydroacridines with aryl substituents in the phosphoryl moiety inhibited BChE; the most active were the dibenzyloxy derivative 1d and its diphenethyl bioisostere 1e (IC50 = 2.90 ± 0.23 µM and 3.22 ± 0.25 µM, respectively). Only one acridine, 2d, an analog of dihydroacridine, 1d, was an effective BChE inhibitor (IC50 = 6.90 ± 0.55 μM), consistent with docking results. Dihydroacridines inhibited Aβ42 self-aggregation; 1d and 1e were the most active (58.9% ± 4.7% and 46.9% ± 4.2%, respectively). All dihydroacridines 1 demonstrated high ABTS•+-scavenging and iron-reducing activities comparable to Trolox, but acridines 2 were almost inactive. Observed features were well explained by quantum-chemical calculations. ADMET parameters calculated for all compounds predicted favorable intestinal absorption, good blood–brain barrier permeability, and low cardiac toxicity. Overall, the best results were obtained for two dihydroacridine derivatives 1d and 1e with dibenzyloxy and diphenethyl substituents in the phosphoryl moiety. These compounds displayed high inhibition of BChE activity and Aβ42 self-aggregation, high antioxidant activity, and favorable predicted ADMET profiles. Therefore, we consider 1d and 1e as lead compounds for further in-depth studies as potential anti-AD preparations.
The relationship between non-suicidal self-injury and childhood abuse in transgender people: a cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Cao Qiang , Zhang Qi , Chen Yuquan , He Zixu , Xiang Zhibiao , Guan Haoran , Yan Na , Qiang Yi , Li Mantao 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and childhood abuse in transgender people and the mediating effect of emotional dysregulation traits in the association between childhood abuse and non-suicidal self-injury.Patients and methodsFrom May to October 2021, 296 female-to-male (FTM) and 675 male-to-females (MTF), with age of 24.5 ± 6.4 years, were recruited using peer-driven sampling and anonymous questionnaires in Guangdong Province. The Childhood Abuse Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ-4+) emotion regulation ability scale and the DSM-5 Clinical Examination of Stereotypic Disorders were used to measure childhood abuse experiences, emotional dysregulation traits and self-injurious behaviour, respectively.ResultsChildhood abuse scores were positively correlated with both emotional dysregulation traits scores and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviours (p &lt; 0.01), and emotional dysregulation traits scores were positively correlated with NSSI behaviours (p &lt; 0.01); emotional dysregulation traits partially mediated the association between childhood abuse and NSSI behaviours, with the mediating effect accounting for 23.23% of the total effect. In addition, among the factors of childhood abuse, emotional dysregulation traits mediated the association between emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, physical neglect and NSSI behaviour significantly, with the mediating effect accounting for 22.48%–32.58% of the total effect.ConclusionTransgender NSSI behaviours are associated with childhood abuse and emotional dysregulation traits, and emotional dysregulation traits partially mediates the association between childhood abuse and NSSI behaviours, and screening for emotional dysregulation traits in transgender people and timely interventions are needed to improve the current situation of discrimination against transgender people.
The Italian language postpartum specific anxiety scale [PSAS-IT]: translation, psychometric evaluation, and validation
Authors: Ionio Chiara , Ciuffo Giulia , Landoni Marta , Smorti Martina , Della Vedova Anna Maria , Christiansen Paul , Fallon Victoria , Silverio Sergio A. , Bramante Alessandra 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionWhile often positive, the lifecourse transition to motherhood is susceptible to the risk for developing mood disorders. Postpartum anxiety has often been overshadowed by other perinatal-specific mental health disorders, such as postpartum depression, and therefore has not been at the forefront or center of as much empirical study. This has meant there is a lack of effective and reliable tools with which to measure it, despite growing evidence suggesting its detrimental impact on mothers, their babies, wider family and social contacts, and on healthcare systems. This current study aimed to translate and validate the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale [PSAS] into the Italian language, and to validate the tool for its use in detecting anxiety specific to motherhood.MethodsThe study (N = 457) comprised 4 stages: English-Italian translation and back-translation to obtain the Italian version [PSAS-IT]; a preliminary pilot study to adapt the PSAS to the characteristics of the Italian population; measurement invariance; and internal reliability of subscales.ResultsThe PSAS-IT demonstrates similar psychometric properties as the original English-language PSAS, with acceptable acceptability, construct and convergent validity, and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis for multiple groups (Italy and United Kingdom) showed that the factor structure of the PSAS was valid for both groups [χ2 (2436) = 4679.481, p &lt; 0.001, TLI = 0.969, CFI =0.972, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR =0.064].DiscussionThe resulting findings offer a reliable measure of postpartum anxiety in Italian language up to six months after birth.
Physical and sexual victimization of persons with severe mental illness seeking care in central and southwestern Uganda
Authors: Mpango Richard Stephen , Ssembajjwe Wilber , Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Amanyire Philip , Birungi Carol , Kalungi Allan , Rutakumwa Rwamahe , Tusiime Christine , Gadow Kenneth D. , Patel Vikram , Nyirenda Moffat , Kinyanda Eugene 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis study established the prevalence of physical and sexual victimization, associated factors and psychosocial consequences of victimization among 1,201 out-patients with severe mental illness at Butabika and Masaka hospitals in Uganda.MethodsParticipants completed structured, standardized and locally translated instruments. Physical and sexual victimization was assessed using the modified adverse life events module of the European Para-suicide Interview Schedule. We used logistic regression to determine the association between victimization, the associated factors and psychosocial consequences.ResultsThe prevalence of physical abuse was 34.1% and that of sexual victimization was 21.9%. The age group of &gt; = 50 years (aOR 1.02;95% CI 0.62–1.66; p = 0.048) was more likely to have suffered physical victimization, while living in a rural area was protective against physical (aOR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46–0.76; p = &lt;0.001) and sexual (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35–0.65; p &lt; 0.001) victimization. High socioeconomic status (SES) (aOR 0.56; 95% CI 0.34–0.92; p = &lt;0.001) was protective against physical victimization. Females were more likely to have been sexually victimized (aOR 3.38; 95% CI 2.47–4.64; p = &lt;0.001), while being a Muslim (aOR 0.60; 95% CI 0.39–0.90; p = 0.045) was protective against sexual victimization. Risky sexual behavior was a negative outcome associated with physical (aOR 2.19; 95% CI 1.66–2.90; p = &lt;0.001) and sexual (aOR 3.09; 95% CI 2.25–4.23; p &lt; 0.001) victimization. Mental health stigma was a negative outcome associated with physical (aOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05; p &lt; 0.001) and sexual (aOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05; p = 0.002) victimization. Poor adherence to oral anti-psychotic medications was a negative outcome associated with physical (aOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.13–2.00; p = 0.006) and sexual (aOR 1.39; 95% CI 0.99–1.94; p = 0.044) victimization.ConclusionThere is a high burden of physical and sexual victimization among people with SMI in central Uganda. There is need to put in place and evaluate complex interventions for improving detection and response to abusive experiences within mental health services. Public health practitioners, policymakers, and legislators should act to protect the health and rights of people with SMI in resource poor settings.