bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of sickle cell disease on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity: a retrospective cohort study based on electronic health record
Authors: Luo Jiajun , Powell Johnny , Ross Sage , Johnson Julie , Olopade Christopher O. , Pinto Jayant , Kim Karen , Ahsan Habibul , Aschebrook-Kilfoy Briseis 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundSickle cell trait/disease (SCT/SCD) are enriched among Black people and associated with various comorbidities. The overrepresentation of these characteristics prevents traditional regression approach obtaining convincing evidence for the independent effect of SCT/SCD on other health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the association between SCT/SCD and COVID-19-related outcomes using causal inference approaches that balance the covariate.MethodsWe leveraged electronic health record (EHR) data from the University of Chicago Medicine between March 2020 and December 2021. Demographic characteristics were retrieved. Medical conditions were identified using ICD-10 codes. Five approaches, including two traditional regression approaches (unadjusted and adjusted) and three causal inference approaches [covariate balancing propensity score (CBPS) matching, CBPS weighting, and CBPS adjustment], were employed.ResultsA total of 112,334 patients were included in the study, among which 504 had SCT and 388 SCD. Patients with SCT/SCD were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black people, younger, female, non-smokers, and had a diagnosis of diabetes, heart failure, asthma, and cerebral infarction. Causal inference approaches achieved a balanced distribution of these covariates while traditional approaches failed. Across these approaches, SCD was consistently associated with COVID-19-related pneumonia (odds ratios (OR) estimates, 3.23 (95% CI: 2.13–4.89) to 2.57 (95% CI: 1.10–6.00)) and pain (OR estimates, 6.51 (95% CI: 4.68–9.06) to 2.47 (95% CI: 1.35–4.49)). While CBPS matching suggested an association between SCD and COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 0.97–4.17), this association was significant in other approaches (OR estimates, 2.96 (95% CI: 1.69–5.18) to 2.50 (95% CI: 1.43–4.37)). No association was observed between SCT and COVID-19-related outcomes in causal inference approaches.ConclusionUsing causal inference approaches, we provide comprehensive evidence for the link between SCT/SCD and COVID-19-related outcomes.
15-month post-COVID syndrome in outpatients: Attributes, risk factors, outcomes, and vaccination status - longitudinal, observational, case-control study
Authors: Augustin Max , Stecher Melanie , Wüstenberg Hauke , Di Cristanziano Veronica , Sandaradura de Silva Ute , Picard Lea Katharina , Pracht Elisabeth , Rauschning Dominic , Gruell Henning , Klein Florian , Wenisch Christoph , Hallek Michael , Schommers Philipp , Lehmann Clara 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundWhile the short-term symptoms of post-COVID syndromes (PCS) are well-known, the long-term clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of PCS remain unclear. Moreover, there is ongoing discussion about the effectiveness of post-infection vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to aid in PCS recovery.MethodsIn this longitudinal and observational case-control study we aimed at identifying long-term PCS courses and evaluating the effects of post-infection vaccinations on PCS recovery. Individuals with initial mild COVID-19 were followed for a period of 15 months after primary infection. We assessed PCS outcomes, distinct symptom clusters (SC), and SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in patients who received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, as well as those who did not. To identify potential associating factors with PCS, we used binomial regression models and reported the results as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).ResultsOut of 958 patients, follow-up data at 15 month after infection was obtained for 222 (23.2%) outpatients. Of those individuals, 36.5% (81/222) and 31.1% (69/222) were identified to have PCS at month 10 and 15, respectively. Fatigue and dyspnea (SC2) rather than anosmia and ageusia (SC1) constituted PCS at month 15. SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were equally distributed over time among age groups, sex, and absence/presence of PCS. Of the 222 patients, 77.0% (171/222) were vaccinated between 10- and 15-months post-infection, but vaccination did not affect PCS recovery at month 15. 26.3% of unvaccinated and 25.8% of vaccinated outpatients improved from PCS (p= .9646). Baseline headache (SC4) and diarrhoea (SC5) were risk factors for PCS at months 10 and 15 (SC4: OR 1.85 (95%CI 1.04-3.26), p=.0390; SC5: OR 3.27(95%CI 1.54-6.64), p=.0009).ConclusionBased on the specific symptoms of PCS our findings show a shift in the pattern of recovery. We found no effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on PCS recovery and recommend further studies to identify predicting biomarkers and targeted PCS therapeutics.
Changes of gut microbiota under different nutritional methods in elderly patients with severe COVID-19 and their relationship with prognosis
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Deng Jiaxin , Li Juan , Su Yuping , Hu Jiancong , Lin Dezheng , Su Mingli , Chen Yongcheng , Liao Sen , Bai Xuhao , Lv Miwei , Xu Tian , Zhong Qinghua , Guo Xuefeng 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThe clinical progression of individuals afflicted with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exhibits significant heterogeneity, particularly affecting the elderly population to a greater extent. Consequently, the association between nutrition and microbiota has garnered considerable interest. Hence, the objective of this study was to gather clinical data pertaining to the influence of diverse nutritional support interventions on the prognosis of geriatric patients with COVID-19, while additionally examining the fecal microbiota of these individuals to assess the repercussions of microecological alterations on their prognostic outcomes.ResultsA total of 71 elderly patients diagnosed with severe COVID-19 were included in this study. These patients were subsequently divided into two groups, namely the enteral nutrition (EN) group and the parenteral nutrition (PN) group, based on the type of nutritional support therapy they received after admission. The occurrence of complications was observed in 10.4% of patients in the EN group, whereas it was significantly higher at 69.6% in the PN group (P&lt;0.001). Furthermore, the 60-day mortality rate was 2.1% (1/48) in the EN group, while it was notably higher at 30.4% (7/23) in the PN group (P=0.001). To identify the independent predictors of 60-day mortality, stepwise logistic regression analysis was employed. Among different bacterial groups, Enterococcus_faecium (18.19%) and Pseudomonas_aeruginosa (1.91%) had higher average relative abundance in the PN group (P&lt;0.05). However, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus was higher in the EN group. Further Spearman correlation analysis showed that Enterococcus_faecium was positively correlated with poor clinical prognosis, while Ruminococcus was negatively correlated with poor clinical prognosis.ConclusionsThis study shows that the changes in the composition of intestinal flora in elderly COVID-19 patients receiving different nutritional support strategies may be related to different clinical outcomes. The abundance of Enterococcus_faecium in elderly COVID-19 patients receiving PN is significantly increased and is closely related to poor clinical outcomes. It highlights the potential of microbiome-centric interventions to mitigate and manage COVID-19 in older adults with different nutritional support options.
Temporal dynamics of zooplankton community in an oyster farming area of the Yellow Sea in China via metabarcoding
Authors: Qian Beibei , Miao Xiaojing , Xu Fei 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThe coastal ecosystem is a hub of both marine organisms and human activities. It plays a crucial role in human food production and affects facilities through biofouling. Long-read amplicon sequencing provides more accurate species identification and demonstrates numerous advantages in community diversity studies, making it an effective tool for ecological monitoring.MethodsTo investigate the zooplankton community characteristics in the oyster aquaculture area, the composition and temporal dynamics of zooplankton near Longwan Bay, Qingdao, China, were determined by the 18S rRNA gene long reads sequencing technique.ResultsA total of 89 zooplankton species were identified, among which copepods were the most abundant. Zooplankton composition and proportional abundances showed significant seasonal variations. The species richness in summer was the highest, while the species abundance in spring was the highest. Oyster farming showed weak influence on the zooplankton community variation. Paracalanus parvus abundance was higher in most assayed months. Chthamalus stellatus showed a strong temporal preference, with the highest percentage in May. Sea water temperature and species-species interactions were revealed to be the main contributors to the shifts in the community composition. DiscussionThe ubiquitous positive correlation between zooplankton suggests that species interactions are important in adaptation to the changing environment. The results reveal the seasonal occurrence of several major biofouling organisms and help improve biofouling management efficiency.
Thiamine as a metabolic resuscitator in septic shock: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Sangla Frédéric , Verissimo Thomas , Faivre Anna , Glauser Térence , Cheah Saw Kian , Assouline Benjamin , Sgardello Sebastian , Legouis David 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveSeptic shock is one of the most common reasons for admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is associated with high mortality. Fundamentally, its management rests on antibiotics, fluid therapy and vasopressor use while many adjunctive therapies have shown disappointing results. Thiamine has recently gained interest as a metabolic resuscitator, though recent trials have tempered this enthusiasm, more specifically when thiamine is associated with ascorbic acid. However, thiamine use alone has been poorly investigated.DesignWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in septic shock patients to assess the effects of thiamine without ascorbic acid as an adjunctive therapy.SettingPubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library databases were searched from inception to April of 2023. Data were extracted independently by two authors. The main outcome was mortality.SubjectsWe included RCTs comparing standard care using thiamine alone, to standard care or placebo, in patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis or septic shock.Main resultsWe included 5 RCTs (n = 293 patients). In this analysis, use of thiamine alone did not significantly change mortality, RR 0.87 (95%CI 0.65; 1.16, I2 = 21%) p = 0.34.ConclusionCurrent RCTs did not show an improvement in mortality when using thiamine in septic shock patients as an adjunctive therapy. However, these trials are largely underpowered for a definitive conclusion to be drawn. Further studies are therefore needed to assess the effects of thiamine without ascorbic acid as an adjunctive therapy.
Research is still limited on nutrition and quality of life among older adults
Authors: Arensberg Mary Beth , Gahche Jaime , Clapes Raquel , Kerr Kirk W. , Merkel Joyce , Dwyer Johanna T. 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionGlobally, the number of older adults is growing exponentially. Yet, while living longer, people are not necessarily healthier. Nutrition can positively impact healthy aging and quality of life (QoL). Two decades ago, nutrition and diet were rarely viewed as key QoL domains, were not part of QoL screening, and QoL studies frequently used unvalidated tools. It is unclear how the nutrition and QoL research area may have since evolved.MethodsA scoping review was conducted in Pubmed of research with community-living older adults (aged ≥65) from developed economies that included 1 of 29 common, valid QoL instruments, nutrition indices, and was published between 1/2000–12/2022. The review followed published methodology guidance and used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram to document identified studies and record number of included/excluded studies (based on scoping review’s pre-specified criteria).ResultsOf 258 studies identified initially, 37 fully met scoping review inclusion criteria; only 2 were QoL studies, 30 focused on nutrition, 3 on measurement tool validation/testing, and 2 were other study types. Most studies (n = 32) were among populations outside of North America; majority were conducted in Europe (n = 22) where the EuroQol 5 Dimension (Eq5D) was used in &gt;1/2 the studies. Of 5 North American studies, the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was most frequently used (n = 4). Myriad nutrition indices described various aspects of eating, dietary intake, and nutrition status, making comparability between studies difficult. Studies included several different nutrition questionnaires; Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) (n = 8) or Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) (n = 5) were used most frequently. The most frequent anthropometric measure reported was Body Mass Index (BMI) (n = 28). Nutrition-related biochemical indices were reported infrequently (n = 8).DiscussionThe paucity of studies over the last two decades suggests research on nutrition and QoL among community-living older adults remains underdeveloped. Valid QoL instruments and nutrition indices are now available. To ensure greater comparability among studies it is important to develop consensus on core indices of QoL and particularly nutrition. Greater agreement on these indices will advance further research to support healthy aging and improve QoL for community-dwelling older adults.
Sex differences in the structural rich-club connectivity in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kim Soo-Jong , Bae Youn Jung , Park Yu Hyun , Jang Hyemin , Kim Jun Pyo , Seo Sang Won , Seong Joon-Kyung , Kim Geon Ha 
Published: September 2023

Background and objectivesAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is more prevalent in women than in men; however, there is a discrepancy in research on sex differences in AD. The human brain is a large-scale network with hub regions forming a central core, the rich-club, which is vital to cognitive functions. However, it is unknown whether alterations in the rich-clubs in AD differ between men and women. We aimed to investigate sex differences in the rich-club organization in the brains of patients with AD.MethodsIn total, 260 cognitively unimpaired individuals with negative amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) scans, 281 with prodromal AD (mild cognitive impairment due to AD) and 285 with AD dementia who confirmed with positive amyloid PET scans participated in the study. We obtained high-resolution T1-weighted and diffusion tensor images and performed network analysis.ResultsWe observed sex differences in the rich-club and feeder connections in patients with AD, suggesting lower structural connectivity strength in women than in men. We observed a significant group-by-sex interaction in the feeder connections, particularly in the thalamus. In addition, the connectivity strength of the thalamus in the feeder connections was significantly correlated with general cognitive function in only men with prodromal AD and women with AD dementia.ConclusionOur findings provide important evidence for sex-specific alterations in the structural brain network related to AD.
The γ-Adducin 1–357 fragment promotes tau pathology
Authors: Yu Honglu , Xiong Min , Liu Congcong , Xia Danhao , Meng Lanxia , Zhang Zhentao 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundTau phosphorylation is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previously, we reported that the γ-adducin 1–357 fragment is present in the brains of AD patients. However, it remains unknown how γ-adducin regulates tau phosphorylation.ObjectiveThe aim of this project is to investigate the effects of the γ-adducin 1–357 fragment on tau phosphorylation and the kinases involved in this process.MethodsFull-length γ-adducin or the γ-adducin 1–357 fragment was expressed in HEK293 cells, SH-SY5Y cells, and primary neurons. The phosphorylation of tau Ser396 was determined using Western blot and immunofluorescence. Tau P301S transgenic mice were injected with adeno-associated virus encoding full-length γ-adducin or γ-adducin 1–357 fragment to determine the phosphorylation of tau.ResultsThe γ-adducin 1–357 fragment enhances tau phosphorylation at Ser396. Additionally, the expression of the γ-adducin 1–357 fragment leads to the activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). This effect was mitigated by the GSK-3β inhibitor 4-Benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione (TDZD-8).ConclusionThe γ-adducin 1–357 fragment enhances tau phosphorylation by activating GSK3β. These results support that the fragmentation of γ-adducin may play a pivotal role in tau pathology.
Replenished microglia partially rescue schizophrenia-related stress response
Authors: Yan Ling , Xuan Fang-Ling , Chen Song , Gou Mengzhuang , Chen Wenjin , Li Yanli , Wang Zhiren , Wang Leilei , Xie Ting , Fan Fengmei , Zharkovsky Alexander , Tan Yunlong , Tian Li 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundMicroglia play an important role in the maintenance of brain and behavioral homeostasis. The protective effect of microglial replenishment was reported in neurological diseases, but whether microglial therapy would benefit psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia has been unclear. As schizophrenia is a stress-vulnerable disorder and psychosocial stress promotes inflammation and microglial activation, we aim to understand how microglial replenishment works in stress-associated schizophrenia.MethodsWe used a CSF1R-mediated pharmacological approach to study repopulated microglia (repMg) in a cohort of mice (n = 10/group) undergoing chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). We further studied a cohort of first-episode schizophrenia (FES, n = 74) patients who had higher perceived stress scores (PSS) than healthy controls (HCs, n = 68).ResultsReborn microglia attenuated CUS-induced learned hopelessness and social withdrawal but not anxiety in mice. Compared to control, CUS- or repMg-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the prefrontal cortex regulated nervous system development and axonal guidance. CUS also caused microglial hyper-ramification and increased engulfment of synaptophysin and vesicular glutamate transporter-2 by microglia and astrocytes, which were recovered in CUS + repMg (all p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, FES patients had smaller hippocampal fimbria than HCs (p &lt; 1e-7), which were negatively associated with PSS (r = −0.397, p = 0.003). Blood DEGs involved in immune system development were also associated with PSS and the right fimbria more prominently in FES patients than HCs (Zr, p &lt; 0.0001). The KCNQ1 was a partial mediator between PSS and fimbria size (β = −0.442, 95% CI: −1.326 ~ −0.087).ConclusionMicroglial replenishment may potentially benefit psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
Early clinical indicators of acute kidney injury caused by administering high-dose methotrexate therapy to juvenile pigs
Authors: Buddington Randal K. , Wong Thomas , Buddington Karyl K. , Mikkelsen Torben S. , Cao Xueyuan , Howard Scott C. 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionEarly identification of compromised renal clearance caused by high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is essential for initiating timely interventions that can reduce acute kidney injury and MTX-induced systemic toxicity.MethodsWe induced acute kidney injury (AKI) by infusing 42 juvenile pigs with 4 g/kg (80 g/m2) of MTX over 4 hours without high-volume alkalinizing hydration therapy. Concentrations of serum creatinine and MTX were measured at 15 time points up to 148 hours, with 10 samples collected during the first 24 hours after the start of the HDMTX infusion.ResultsDuring the first 28 hours, 81% of the pigs had increases in the concentrations of serum creatinine in one or more samples indicative of AKI (i.e., &gt; 0.3g/dL increase). A rate of plasma MTX clearance of less than 90% during the initial 4 hours after the HDMTX infusion and a total serum creatinine increase at 6 and 8 hours after starting the infusion greater than 0.3 g/dL were predictive of AKI at 28 hours (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). At conclusion of the infusion, pigs with a creatinine concentration more than 0.3 g/dL higher than baseline or serum MTX greater than 5,000 μmol/L had an increased risk of severe AKI.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that serum samples collected at conclusion and shortly after HDMTX infusion can be used to predict impending AKI. The pig model can be used to identify biological, environmental, and iatrogenic risk factors for HDMTX-induced AKI and to evaluate interventions to preserve renal functions, minimize acute kidney injury, and reduce systemic toxicity.
The characteristics and alteration of peripheral immune function in patients with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Wang Minghui , Yan Zhaofen , Wang Jing , Yang Yujiao , Deng Qinqin , Han Yixian , Zhang Liping , Yang Huajun , Pan Jiali , Wang Mengyang 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative disease. Immune dysfunction found to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this disease in the literature, while the characteristics of peripheral immune function remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and alterations of peripheral immune function in patients with MSA.MethodsA case–control study was conducted between January 2021 to December 2022 at SanBo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. A total of 74 participants were recruited, including 47 MSA patients and 27 non-MSA participants. Peripheral blood samples were collected from each participant. A total of 29 types of immune cells were measured using the flow cytometry analysis technology. Single-factor analysis and multiple-factor analysis (multiple linear regression models) were performed to determine the differences and risk factors in immune cells between the MSA and non-MSA groups.ResultsAlterations of the count or percentage of CD19+ B lymphocytes and CD3−CD56+ B lymphocytes in MSA patients were found in this study. The reductions of the count and percentage of CD19+ B lymphocytes were still robust after adjusting for variables of age, gender, body mass index, albumin, and hemoglobin. Furthermore, the reductions in the count and percentage of CD19+ B lymphocytes in the MSA patients were more significant in women and individuals aged 60 years old or above than in the non-MSA participants.ConclusionOur findings suggested that MSA patients may be influenced by B lymphocytes, particularly CD19+ cells. Therefore, the reductions in immune cells should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of MSA. Further studies are warranted to confirm and expand upon these findings.