bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of salivary gland and midgut microbiome in the soft ticks Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata
Authors: Piloto-Sardiñas Elianne , Cano-Argüelles Ana Laura , Maitre Apolline , Wu-Chuang Alejandra , Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , Corduneanu Alexandra , Obregón Dasiel , Oleaga Ana , Pérez-Sánchez Ricardo , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionOrnithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata are the main vectors of African swine fever virus (ASFV) and the human relapsing fever spirochetes Borrelia hispanica and Borrelia crocidurae in the Mediterranean region and Borrelia duttoni in continental Africa. Manipulation of the tick microbiome has been shown to reduce vector fitness and competence in tick vectors, suggesting that the identification of key microbial players associated with tick tissues can inform interventions such as anti-microbiota vaccines to block pathogen development in the midgut and/or salivary glands.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed and compared the microbiome of the salivary glands and midgut of O. erraticus and O. moubata. For the taxonomic and functional characterization of the tissue-specific microbiome, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and prediction of metabolic profiles using PICRUSt2. Co-occurrence networks were built to characterize the community assembly and identify keystone taxa in each tick species.ResultsOur results revealed differences in the composition, diversity, and assembly of the bacterial microbiome of salivary glands and midgut within each tick species, but differences were more noticeable in O. moubata. Differences were also found in the microbiome of each tissue, salivary gland and midgut, between species. However, the ‘Core Association Networks (CAN)’ analysis revealed conserved patterns of interacting taxa in tissues within and between tick species. Different keystone taxa were identified in O. erraticus and O. moubata tissues, but Muribaculaceae and Alistipes were found as keystone taxa in the salivary glands of both tick species which justifies their use as anti-microbiota vaccine candidates to alter the microbiome and reduce tick fitness and/or block pathogen transmission. The high similarity of predicted metabolic pathways profiles between tissues of the two tick species suggests that taxonomic variability of the microbiome is not associated with significant changes in microbial functional profiles.ConclusionWe conclude that the taxonomic structure of the microbiome in O. erraticus and O. moubata is tissue-specific, suggesting niche partitioning of bacterial communities associated to these soft ticks. However, shared keystone taxa and conserved patterns of interacting taxa between tissues and tick species suggest the presence of key microbial players that could be used as anti-microbiota vaccine candidates to affect tick physiology and/or pathogen colonization.
Visuomotor interactions in the mouse forebrain mediated by extrastriate cortico-cortical pathways
Authors: Hovde Karoline , Rautio Ida V. , Hegstad Andrea M. , Witter Menno P. , Whitlock Jonathan R. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe mammalian visual system can be broadly divided into two functional processing pathways: a dorsal stream supporting visually and spatially guided actions, and a ventral stream enabling object recognition. In rodents, the majority of visual signaling in the dorsal stream is transmitted to frontal motor cortices via extrastriate visual areas surrounding V1, but exactly where and to what extent V1 feeds into motor-projecting visual regions is not well known.MethodsWe employed a dual labeling strategy in male and female mice in which efferent projections from V1 were labeled anterogradely, and motor-projecting neurons in higher visual areas were labeled with retrogradely traveling adeno-associated virus (rAAV-retro) injected in M2. We characterized the labeling in both flattened and coronal sections of dorsal cortex and made high-resolution 3D reconstructions to count putative synaptic contacts in different extrastriate areas.ResultsThe most pronounced colocalization V1 output and M2 input occurred in extrastriate areas AM, PM, RL and AL. Neurons in both superficial and deep layers in each project to M2, but high resolution volumetric reconstructions indicated that the majority of putative synaptic contacts from V1 onto M2-projecting neurons occurred in layer 2/3.DiscussionThese findings support the existence of a dorsal processing stream in the mouse visual system, where visual signals reach motor cortex largely via feedforward projections in anteriorly and medially located extrastriate areas.
The pathogenesis of DLD-mediated cuproptosis induced spinal cord injury and its regulation on immune microenvironment
Authors: Li Chaochen , Wu Chunshuai , Ji Chunyan , Xu Guanhua , Chen Jiajia , Zhang Jinlong , Hong Hongxiang , Liu Yang , Cui Zhiming 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe central nervous system injury that leads to significant sensory and motor impairment. Copper, an essential trace element in the human body, plays a vital role in various biological functions and is strictly regulated by copper chaperones and transporters. Cuproptosis, a novel type of metal ion-induced cell death, is distinct from iron deprivation. Copper deprivation is closely associated with mitochondrial metabolism and mediated by protein fatty acid acylation.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effects of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) on disease progression and the immune microenvironment in acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) patients. We obtained the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood leukocytes from ASCI patients using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We performed differential gene analysis, constructed protein-protein interaction networks, conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and built a risk model.ResultsOur analysis revealed that dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), a regulator of copper toxicity, was significantly associated with ASCI, and DLD expression was significantly upregulated after ASCI. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) showed abnormal activation of metabolism-related processes. Immune infiltration analysis indicated a significant decrease in T cell numbers in ASCI patients, while M2 macrophage numbers were significantly increased and positively correlated with DLD expression.DiscussionIn summary, our study demonstrated that DLD affects the ASCI immune microenvironment by promoting copper toxicity, leading to increased peripheral M2 macrophage polarization and systemic immunosuppression. Thus, DLD has potential as a promising biomarker for ASCI, providing a foundation for future clinical interventions.
Seizure after chronic subdural hematoma evacuation: associated factors and effect on clinical outcome
Authors: Wu Liang , Guo Xufei , Ou Yunwei , Yu Xiaofan , Zhu Bingcheng , Li Yunfei , Liu Weiming 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveChronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease in neurosurgery, which usually occurs in the elderly. Seizure is one of the postoperative complications in CSDH patients and can affect patient outcomes. There is currently no consensus on whether antiepileptic drugs should be prescribed prophylactically. The aim of this study was to evaluate independent risk factors for postoperative seizures and unfavorable outcomes in CSDH patients.MethodsWe reviewed 1,244 CSDH patients who had undergone burr-hole craniotomy in this study. Patient clinical data, CT scan results, recurrence and outcome data were collected. We divided the patients into two groups based on whether they had a postoperative seizure. Percentages and χ2 tests were applied for categorical variables. Standard deviations and two-sided unpaired t-tests were applied for continuous variables. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent factors of postoperative seizures and unfavorable outcomes.ResultsThe incidence of seizures after CSDH surgery was 4.2% in this study. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between seizure and non-seizure patients (p = 0.948), and the outcome of seizure patients was significantly poor (p &lt; 0.001). There are more postoperative complications in seizure patients (p &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for postoperative seizures included drinking history (p = 0.031), cardiac disease (p = 0.037), brain infarction (p = 0.001) and trabecular hematoma (p &lt; 0.001). The use of urokinase is a protective factor for postoperative seizures (p = 0.028). Hypertension is an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcome in seizure patients (p = 0.038).ConclusionSeizures after CSDH surgery were associated with postoperative complications, higher mortality and poorer clinical outcomes at follow-up. We believe that alcohol consumption, cardiac disease, brain infarction and trabecular hematoma are independent risk factors for seizures. The use of urokinase is a protective factor against seizures. Patients with postoperative seizures need more stringent management of their blood pressure. A prospective randomized study is necessary to determine which subgroups of CSDH patients would benefit from antiepileptic drugs prophylaxis.
Influence of hypobaric hypoxic conditions on ocular structure and biological function at high attitudes: a narrative review
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Yu Xinli , Liu Ziyuan , Lv Zhongsheng , Xia Huaqin , Wang Yiren , Li Jiaxi , Li Xuemin 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundWith the development of science and technology, high-altitude environments, involving aviation, aerospace, and mountainous regions, have become the main areas for human exploration, while such complex environments can lead to rapid decreases in air and oxygen pressure. Although modern aircrafts have pressurized cabins and support equipment that allow passengers and crew to breathe normally, flight crew still face repeated exposure to hypobaric and hypoxic conditions. The eye is a sensory organ of the visual system that responds to light and oxygen plays a key role in the maintenance of normal visual function. Acute hypoxia changes ocular structure and function, such as the blood flow rate, and can cause retinal ischemia.MethodsWe reviewed researches, and summarized them briefly in a review.ResultsThe acute hypobaric hypoxia affects corneal, anterior chamber angle and depth, pupils, crystal lens, vitreous body, and retina in structure; moreover, the acute hypoxia does obvious effect on visual function; for example, vision, intraocular pressure, oculometric features and dynamic visual performance, visual field, contrast sensitivity, and color perception.ConclusionWe summarized the changes in the physiological structure and function of the eye in hypoxic conditions and to provide a biological basis for the response of the human eye at high-altitude.
Phase I trial outcome of amnion cell therapy in patients with ischemic stroke (I-ACT)
Authors: Phan Thanh G. , Lim Rebecca , Chan Siow T. , McDonald Hannah , Gan Poh-Yi , Zhang Shenpeng R. , Barreto Arce Liz J. , Vuong Jason , Thirugnanachandran Tharani , Clissold Benjamin , Ly John , Singhal Shaloo , Hervet Marie Veronic , Kim Hyun Ah , Drummond Grant R. , Wallace Euan M. , Ma Henry , Sobey Christopher G. 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundWe proposed a Phase I dose escalation trial to assess the safety of allogeneic human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) in stroke patients with a view to informing the design for a Phase II trial.MethodsThe design is based on 3 + 3 dose escalation design with additional components for measuring MR signal of efficacy as well as the effect of hAECs (2–8 × 106/kg, i.v.) on preventing immunosuppression after stroke.ResultsEight patients (six males) were recruited within 24 h of ischemic stroke onset and were infused with hAECs. We were able to increase the dose of hAECs to 8 × 106 cells/kg (2 × 106/kg, n = 3; 4 × 106/kg, n = 3; 8 × 106/kg, n = 2). The mean age is 68.0 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD). The frequencies of hypertension and hyperlipidemia were 87.5%, diabetes was 37.5%, atrial fibrillation was 50%, ischemic heart disease was 37.5% and ever-smoker was 25%. Overall, baseline NIHSS was 7.5 ± 3.1, 7.8 ± 7.2 at 24 h, and 4.9 ± 5.4 at 1 week (n = 8). The modified Rankin scale at 90 days was 2.1 ± 1.2. Supplemental oxygen was given in five patients during hAEC infusion. Using pre-defined criteria, two serious adverse events occurred. One patient developed recurrent stroke and another developed pulmonary embolism whilst in rehabilitation. For the last four patients, infusion of hAECs was split across separate infusions on subsequent days to reduce the risk for fluid overload.ConclusionOur Phase I trial demonstrates that a maximal dose of 2 × 106/kg hAECs given intravenously each day over 2 days (a total of 4 × 106/kg) is safe and optimal for use in a Phase II trial.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ACTRN12618000076279P.
Leveraging various extracellular matrix levels to assess prognosis and sensitivity to immunotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Huang Youqun , Lei Xingxing , Sun Lisha , Liu Yu , Yang Jiao 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundOvarian cancer (OC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Late diagnosis and heterogeneous treatment result in a poor prognosis for patients with OC. Therefore, we aimed to develop new biomarkers to predict accurate prognoses and provide references for individualized treatment strategies.MethodsWe constructed a co-expression network applying the “WGCNA” package and identified the extracellular matrix-associated gene modules. We figured out the best model and generated the extracellular matrix score (ECMS). The ECMS’ ability to predict accurate OC patients’ prognoses and responses to immunotherapy was evaluated.ResultsThe ECMS was an independent prognostic factor in the training [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.132 (2.068–4.744), p&lt; 0.001] and testing sets [HR = 5.514 (2.084–14.586), p&lt; 0.001]. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that the AUC values for 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.528, 0.594, and 0.67 for the training set, respectively, and 0.571, 0.635, and 0.684 for the testing set, respectively. It was found that the high ECMS group had shorter overall survival than the low ECMS group [HR = 2 (1.53–2.61), p&lt; 0.001 in the training set; HR = 1.62 (1.06–2.47), p = 0.021 in the testing set; HR = 1.39 (1.05–1.86), p = 0.022 in the training set]. The ROC values of the ECMS model for predicting immune response were 0.566 (training set) and 0.572 (testing set). The response rate to immunotherapy was higher in patients with low ECMS.ConclusionWe created an ECMS model to predict the prognosis and immunotherapeutic benefits in OC patients and provided references for individualized treatment of OC patients.
Machine learning clinical decision support for interdisciplinary multimodal chronic musculoskeletal pain treatment
Authors: Zmudzki Fredrick , Smeets Rob J. E. M. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionChronic musculoskeletal pain is a prevalent condition impacting around 20% of people globally; resulting in patients living with pain, fatigue, restricted social and employment capacity, and reduced quality of life. Interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment programs have been shown to provide positive outcomes by supporting patients modify their behavior and improve pain management through focusing attention on specific patient valued goals rather than fighting pain.MethodsGiven the complex nature of chronic pain there is no single clinical measure to assess outcomes from multimodal pain programs. Using Centre for Integral Rehabilitation data from 2019–2021 (n = 2,364), we developed a multidimensional machine learning framework of 13 outcome measures across 5 clinically relevant domains including activity/disability, pain, fatigue, coping and quality of life. Machine learning models for each endpoint were separately trained using the most important 30 of 55 demographic and baseline variables based on minimum redundancy maximum relevance feature selection. Five-fold cross validation identified best performing algorithms which were rerun on deidentified source data to verify prognostic accuracy.ResultsIndividual algorithm performance ranged from 0.49 to 0.65 AUC reflecting characteristic outcome variation across patients, and unbalanced training data with high positive proportions of up to 86% for some measures. As expected, no single outcome provided a reliable indicator, however the complete set of algorithms established a stratified prognostic patient profile. Patient level validation achieved consistent prognostic assessment of outcomes for 75.3% of the study group (n = 1,953). Clinician review of a sample of predicted negative patients (n = 81) independently confirmed algorithm accuracy and suggests the prognostic profile is potentially valuable for patient selection and goal setting.DiscussionThese results indicate that although no single algorithm was individually conclusive, the complete stratified profile consistently identified patient outcomes. Our predictive profile provides promising positive contribution for clinicians and patients to assist with personalized assessment and goal setting, program engagement and improved patient outcomes.
The influence of pediatricians' recommendation on caregivers' COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for children: A nationwide cross-sectional survey study from USA
Authors: Mondal Pritish , Sinharoy Ankita 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundThe influence of pediatricians on parental acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine for children has not been well studied. We designed a survey to estimate the impact of pediatricians' recommendations on caregivers' vaccine acceptance while accounting for participants' socio-demographic and personal characteristics. The secondary objectives were to compare childhood vaccination rates among different age groups and categorize caregivers' concerns about vaccinating young (under-five) children. Overall, the study aimed to provide insight into potential pro-vaccination strategies that could integrate pediatricians to alleviate parental vaccine hesitancy.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional survey study using Redcap, in August 2022. We enquired COVID-19 vaccination status of the children in the family (≥five years). The survey questionnaire included socio-demographic and personal characteristics: age, race, sex, education, financial status, residence, healthcare worker, COVID-19 vaccination status and side effects, children's influenza vaccination status, and pediatricians' recommendations (1–5 scale). Logistic regression and neural network models were used to estimate the influence of socio-demographic determinants on children's vaccine status and build predictors' ranking.ResultsThe participants (N = 2,622) were predominantly white, female, middle-class, and vaccinated against COVID-19 (89%). The logistic regression model was significant vs. the null (likelihood-ratio χ2 = 514.57, p &lt; 0.001, pseudo-R2 = .440). The neural network model also demonstrated strong prediction ability with a correct prediction rates of 82.9% and 81.9% for the training and testing models, respectively. Both models identified pediatricians' recommendations, self-COVID-19 vaccination status, and post-vaccination side effects as dominant predictors of caregivers' vaccine acceptance. Among the pediatricians, 70.48% discussed and had an affirmative opinion about COVID-19 vaccine for children. Vaccine acceptance was lower for children aged 5–8 years compared to older age groups (9–12 and 13–18 years), and acceptance varied significantly among the three cohorts of children (χ2 = 65.62, p &lt; 0.001). About half of the participants were concerned about inadequate availability of vaccine safety information for under-five children.ConclusionsPediatricians' affirmative recommendation was significantly associated with caregivers' COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for children while accounting for participants' socio-demographic characteristics. Notably, vaccine acceptance was lower among younger compared to older children, and caregivers' uncertainty about vaccine safety for under-five children was prevalent. Thus, pro-vaccination strategies might incorporate pediatricians to alleviate parental concerns and optimize poor vaccination rate among under-five children.
Accuracy and safety of robotic navigation-assisted distraction osteogenesis for hemifacial microsomia
Authors: Zhang Ziwei , Zhao Zhijie , Han Wenqing , Kim Byeong Seop , Yan Yingjie , Chen Xiaojun , Lin Li , Shen Weimin , Chai Gang 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to verify the accuracy and safety of distraction osteogenesis for hemifacial microsomia assisted by a robotic navigation system based on artificial intelligence.MethodsThe small sample early-phase single-arm clinical study, available at http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, included children aged three years and older diagnosed with unilateral hemifacial microsomia (Pruzansky-Kaban type II). A preoperative design was performed, and an intelligent robotic navigation system assisted in the intraoperative osteotomy. The primary outcome was the accuracy of distraction osteogenesis, including the positional and angular errors of the osteotomy plane and the distractor, by comparing the preoperative design plan with the actual images one week postoperatively. Perioperative indicators, pain scales, satisfaction scales, and complications at one week were also analyzed.ResultsFour cases (mean 6.5 years, 3 type IIa and 1 type IIb deformity) were included. According to the craniofacial images one week after surgery, the osteotomy plane positional error was 1.77 ± 0.12 mm, and the angular error was 8.94 ± 4.13°. The positional error of the distractor was 3.67 ± 0.23 mm, and the angular error was 8.13 ± 2.73°. Postoperative patient satisfaction was high, and no adverse events occurred.DiscussionThe robotic navigation-assisted distraction osteogenesis in hemifacial microsomia is safe, and the operational precision meets clinical requirements. Its clinical application potential is to be further explored and validated.
Nasal nitric oxide in healthy Chinese children aged 6–18 years
Authors: Wu Yufen , Zhang Hao , Wang Jinrong , Han Yuling , Shi Yongsheng , Zhang Qiaoling , Shen Li , Jiang Haohua , Jia Chunmei , Yu Yanyan , Long Zhen , Ji Minghong , Liu Aihong , Pan Chunhong , Ma Dongjun , Wu Jinhong , Dai Fuli 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesTo obtain the normal values of fractional concentration of nasal nitric oxide in Chinese children aged 6–18 years, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis.Methods2,580 out of 3,200 children (1,359 males and 1,221 females), whom were included from 12 centers around China were taken tests, their height and weight were also recorded. Data were used to analyze the normal range and influencing factors of fractional concentration of nasal nitric oxide values.MeasurementsData was measured using the Nano Coulomb Breath Analyzer (Sunvou-CA2122, Wuxi, China), according to the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) recommendations.Main ResultsWe calculated the normal range and prediction equation of fractional concentration of nasal nitric oxide values in Chinese children aged 6–18 years. The mean FnNO values of Chinese aged 6–18 yrs was 454.5 ± 176.2 ppb, and 95% of them were in the range of 134.5–844.0 ppb. The prediction rule of FnNO values for Chinese children aged 6–11 yrs was: FnNO = 298.881 + 17.974 × age. And for children aged 12–18 yrs was: FnNO = 579.222–30.332 × (male = 0, female = 1)—5.503 × age.ConclusionsSex and age were two significant predictors of FnNO values for Chinese children(aged 12–18 yrs). Hopefully this study can provide some reference value for clinical diagnosis in children.