bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiota in Gingival Crevicular Fluid Before and After Mechanical Debridement With Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Liu Ye , Li Wei , Li Wenyue , Xu Hongtao , Niu Guangliang , Wang Zuomin 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the microbiota of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) before and after mechanical debridement (MD) with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and determine the core efficient microbiota in peri-implantitis after treatment.MethodsWe recruited 9 patients (14 implants) treated with MD+aPDT for peri-implantitis at our center from February 1, 2018, to February 1, 2019. GCF was collected using filter paper strip before and after the treatment. The bacterial 16S rRNA was amplified and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform to characterize the GCF. Bioinformatics and statistical analyses were performed using QIIME2 and R.ResultsA total of 4,110,861 high-quality sequences were obtained from GCF samples. Based on the reference database, 1,120 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were finally harvested. Principal coordinates analysis indicated significant differences in the bacterial community structure between the 180 days after-treatment group and pre-treatment group. Difference analysis and least discriminant analysis showed that the differences were mainly reflected in non-dominant bacteria between these two groups. The non-dominant genera with significantly different distribution between the 180 days after-treatment group and the pre-treatment group included Lactobacillus, Pedobacter, Bulleidia, Centipeda, Desulfovibrio, Ochrobactrum, Staphylococcus, Microbacterium, Brevundimonas, Desulfobulbus, and Parvimonas. Moreover, a total of 29 predictive functional categories at KEGG level 2 were identified. The significant difference pathways at KEGG level 2 between after-treatment and pre-treatment were concentrated in infectious disease-related pathways.ConclusionsPatients with peri-implantitis have significant changes in the low-abundance bacteria of the GCF before and after MD+aPDT. MD+aPDT may change the composition of GCF microbiota by increasing the abundance of cluster 1 (beneficial) and decreasing that of cluster 4 (harmful), which may decrease metabolic response to infection and thus improve peri-implantitis.
Evaluation of Th2 and Th17 Immunity-Related Factors as Indicators of Brucellosis
Authors: Gheitasi Reza , Keramat Fariba , Khosravi Sara , Hajilooi Mehrdad , Pletz Mathias W. , Makarewicz Oliwia 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveBrucellosis is a common bacterial zoonotic infection, and greater than half a million new cases are diagnosed annually. This study investigates the expression of Th2 and Th17 immunity-related factors (Th2-LCR lncRNA, IL-25, TRAF3IP2, and IL-17RB) in different stages of Brucella infections.Material and MethodsIn total, 99 brucellosis patients were divided into three groups (acute = first infection before treatment, relapse = before treatment, and treated = after treatment for 6–8 weeks with doxycycline and rifampin). Thirty-three healthy volunteers represented the control group. Gene expression levels were assessed by quantitative amplification in reference to the 18S rRNA gene and statistically evaluated.ResultsNo significant differences in the expression of these genes were observed between the control group and patients after completion of antibiotic treatment. Compared to these two groups, only Th2-LCR lncRNA and TRAF3IP2 were significantly more highly expressed in the acute group. Th2-LCR lncRNA was also significantly elevated in the relapse group. TRAF3IP2 expression was additionally significantly increased in the acute group compared to the relapse group.ConclusionIL-25 and IL-17RB failed to differentiate between the infected and noninfected groups. TRAF3IP2 and Th2-LCR lncRNA might be good indicators of brucellosis during the acute phase, but the expression levels varied strongly among patients. To verify the suitability of these factors as an indicator for brucellosis, acute infection or relapse should be investigated in further studies on larger cohorts with well-defined inclusion criteria.
Long-Term Exposure to Ambient PM2.5, Sunlight, and Obesity: A Nationwide Study in China
Authors: Chen Rui , Yang Chao , Li Pengfei , Wang Jinwei , Liang Ze , Wang Wanzhou , Wang Yueyao , Liang Chenyu , Meng Ruogu , Wang Huai-yu , Peng Suyuan , Sun Xiaoyu , Su Zaiming , Kong Guilan , Wang Yang , Zhang Luxia 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundAccumulated researches revealed that both fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and sunlight exposure may be a risk factor for obesity, while researches regarding the potential effect modification by sunlight exposure on the relationship between PM2.5 and obesity are limited. We aim to investigate whether the effect of PM2.5 on obesity is affected by sunlight exposure among the general population in China.MethodsA sample of 47,204 adults in China was included. Obesity and abdominal obesity were assessed based on body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, respectively. The five-year exposure to PM2.5 and sunlight were accessed using the multi-source satellite products and a geochemical transport model. The relationship between PM2.5, sunshine duration, and the obesity or abdominal obesity risk was evaluated using the general additive model.ResultsThe proportion of obesity and abdominal obesity was 12.6% and 26.8%, respectively. Levels of long-term PM2.5 ranged from 13.2 to 72.1 μg/m3 with the mean of 46.6 μg/m3. Each 10 μg/m3 rise in PM2.5 was related to a higher obesity risk [OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.09-1.14)] and abdominal obesity [OR 1.10 (95% CI 1.07-1.13)]. The association between PM2.5 and obesity varied according to sunshine duration, with the highest ORs of 1.56 (95% CI 1.28-1.91) for obesity and 1.66 (95% CI 1.34-2.07) for abdominal obesity in the bottom quartile of sunlight exposure (3.21-5.34 hours/day).ConclusionLong-term PM2.5 effect on obesity risk among the general Chinese population are influenced by sunlight exposure. More attention might be paid to reduce the adverse impacts of exposure to air pollution under short sunshine duration conditions.
Microbial Diversity of Reconstituted, Degraded, and Agricultural Soils Assessed by 16S rDNA Multi-Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Maretto Laura , Deb Saptarathi , Ravi Samathmika , Chiodi Claudia , Manfredi Paolo , Squartini Andrea , Concheri Giuseppe , Renella Giancarlo , Stevanato Piergiorgio 
Published: January 2022

The microbial diversity is, among soil key factors, responsible for soil fertility and nutrient biogeochemical cycles, and can be modified upon changes in main soil physicochemical properties and soil pollution. Over the years, many restoration techniques have been applied to restore degraded soils. However, the effect of these approaches on soil microbial diversity is less understood and thus requires more investigation. In this study, we analyzed the impact, on soil microbial diversity of a patented novel technology, used to restore degraded soils. Soil samples were collected from three nearby sites located in Borgotrebbia, Piacenza, Italy, and categorized as reconstituted, degraded, and agricultural soils. After total soil DNA extraction, 16S rDNA multi-amplicon sequencing was carried out using an Ion GeneStudio S5 System to compare soils’ bacterial community profiles. Sequenced reads were processed to assign taxonomy and then key microbial community differences were identified across the sampling sites. Species diversity featured significant abatement at all rank levels in the degraded soil when compared to the agricultural control. The 5 year restoration technique showed full recovery of this index at the genus level but not at the phylum level, displaying a rank-dependent gradient of restored richness. In parallel, the abundance of genes involved in the nitrogen (N) biogeochemical cycle was assessed using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR). Total DNA content was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in degraded (μ = 12.69 ± 2.58 μg g−1) and reconstituted (μ = 11.73 ± 1.65 μg g−1) soil samples when compared to the agricultural soil samples (μ = 2.39 ± 0.50 μg g−1). The taxonomic diversity of each soil site was significantly different, with some instances unique of the agricultural soil even at the phylum level. The analysis of N functional genes showed that the relative abundance of bacterial amoA (p &lt; 0.05) and nosZ (p &lt; 0.01) genes were significantly lower in the agricultural than in the reconstituted and degraded soils. We concluded that the application of the soil reconstitution technique appears to enhance the active microbial community, with distinct diversity and functionality towards genes involved in N biogeochemical cycle, as compared to both the degraded and the agricultural soil.
“Worn-out but happy”: Postpartum Women's Mental Health and Well-Being During COVID-19 Restrictions in Australia
Authors: Christie Hannah E. , Beetham Kassia , Stratton Elizabeth , Francois Monique E. 
Published: January 2022

Background: From late 2019, COVID-19 disease has infiltrated the global population causing widespread challenges to public health. One cohort that has received less attention, but who may be more vulnerable to the mental and physical health related impacts of COVID-19 restrictions are postpartum mothers. The aim of this study was to explore the mental health, well-being, and health behaviours of mothers up to 12 months postpartum whilst living in Australia under COVID-19 level 3 and 4 restrictions.Methods: 351 women in their first year postpartum residing in Australia whilst under level 3/4 social distancing restrictions (during April 13 and June 11, 2020) were recruited to participate in an online questionnaire. The survey measured symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS), wellness (SF-36), physical activity (Godin-Shephard score), perceived value of health outcomes, diet, and sleep. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were performed.Results: Data was analysed for 139 eligible women. Of these women, 74% scored “normal” for depression, 84% for anxiety, and 72% for stress. Over half (58%) of women reported being worn out all, most, or a good bit of the time and 77% reported being a happy person all, most, or a good bit of the time. Analysis of the perceived values of health outcome revealed women had high value for “getting out of the house,” “achieving a better overall mood,” and “to feel better physically.” Women were considered physically active according to the Godin Leisure score, however only 41% of women met the current Australian national physical activity guidelines of 150 min.week−1.Conclusions: Overall the majority of postpartum mums that were surveyed, have normal mental health symptoms, and despite being worn out most are happy at least a good bit of the time. This study highlights the importance of health values in maintaining leisure physical activity and mental health. In addition it appears women may benefit from virtual group exercise and community programs to encourage being physically active and socialising with friends simultaneously.
Myeloid Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers of Immune Suppression in the Blood of Glioma Patients
Authors: Del Bianco Paola , Pinton Laura , Magri Sara , Canè Stefania , Masetto Elena , Basso Daniela , Padovan Marta , Volpin Francesco , d’Avella Domenico , Lombardi Giuseppe , Zagonel Vittorina , Bronte Vincenzo , Della Puppa Alessandro , Mandruzzato Susanna 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundAlthough gliomas are confined to the central nervous system, their negative influence over the immune system extends to peripheral circulation. The immune suppression exerted by myeloid cells can affect both response to therapy and disease outcome. We analyzed the expansion of several myeloid parameters in the blood of low- and high-grade gliomas and assessed their relevance as biomarkers of disease and clinical outcome.MethodsPeripheral blood was obtained from 134 low- and high-grade glioma patients. CD14+, CD14+/p-STAT3+, CD14+/PD-L1+, CD15+ cells and four myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subsets, were evaluated by flow cytometry. Arginase-1 (ARG1) quantity and activity was determined in the plasma. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to obtain a diagnostic score to discriminate glioma patients from healthy controls and between each glioma grade. A glioblastoma prognostic model was determined by multiple Cox regression using clinical and myeloid parameters.ResultsChanges in myeloid parameters associated with immune suppression allowed to define a diagnostic score calculating the risk of being a glioma patient. The same parameters, together with age, permit to calculate the risk score in differentiating each glioma grade. A prognostic model for glioblastoma patients stemmed out from a Cox multiple analysis, highlighting the role of MDSC, p-STAT3, and ARG1 activity together with clinical parameters in predicting patient’s outcome.ConclusionsThis work emphasizes the role of systemic immune suppression carried out by myeloid cells in gliomas. The identification of biomarkers associated with immune landscape, diagnosis, and outcome of glioblastoma patients lays the ground for their clinical use.
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ramachandran Preethi , Gajendran Mahesh , Perisetti Abhilash , Elkholy Karim Osama , Chakraborti Abhishek , Lippi Giuseppe , Goyal Hemant 
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing dramatic morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) has been strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in multiple diseases.Objective: To assess if elevated RDW is associated with unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19.Methods: We retrospectively studied clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients for their RDW values. In-hospital mortality was defined as primary outcome, while septic shock, need for mechanical ventilation, and length of stay (LOS) were secondary outcomes.Results: A total of 294 COVID-19 patients were finally studied. Overall prevalence of increased RDW was 49.7% (146/294). RDW was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (aOR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.5-14.6) and septic shock (aOR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.4-15.1) after adjusting for anemia, ferritin, lactate, and absolute lymphocyte count. The association remained unchanged even after adjusting for other clinical confounders such as age, sex, body mass index, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. No association was found instead with mechanical ventilation and median LOS.Conclusion: Elevated RDW in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality and septic shock.
Late-Onset Ictal Asystole and Falls Related to Severe Coronary Artery Stenosis: A Case Report
Authors: Fortunato Francesco , Labate Angelo , Trimboli Michele , Spaccarotella Carmen , Indolfi Ciro , Gambardella Antonio 
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Ictal asystole (IA) is a rare, underestimated, and life-threatening cause of transient loss of consciousness and fall. Current treatment options for seizures associated with IA usually include cardiac pacemaker implantation. We report, for the first time, a case of IA that is related to coronary stenosis, which was resolved after coronary angioplasty.Case Presentation: A 73-year-old man had a 2-year history of focal seizures with impaired awareness. Three months before our observation, he started to have sudden falls resulting in injury on several occasions. General and neurological examinations, as well as brain MRI, were unremarkable. Interictal electroencephalography (EEG) showed bitemporal spiking. Ictal video-polygraphy revealed a diffuse electrodecrement, followed by a buildup of rhythmic 4–6 Hz sharp activity, which was more evident in the left temporal region. After the seizure onset, the ECG showed sinus bradycardia, followed by sinus arrest that was associated with the patient's fall from the standing position. Afterwards, sinus rhythm returned spontaneously. A diagnosis of IA was made. A comprehensive cardiologic evaluation revealed a sub-occlusive stenosis of the left anterior descending artery. Successful coronary angioplasty resolved IA, levetiracetam was added, and no seizure or fall has occurred in the following 20 months. Moreover, he underwent a 7-day Holter ECG monitoring, and no asystole was depicted.Conclusion: The present case was unique as it shows the potential association between IA and coronary stenosis, also suggesting a possible therapeutic role for coronary angioplasty. It also highlights the importance of carefully investigating epilepsy patients with falls, especially in the elderly, since IA-related falls can be easily misdiagnosed in older age. Thus, if IA is identified, a deeper cardiac evaluation should be considered. As seen in our patient, non-invasive diagnostic examination including routine, prolonged, and exercise ECG, as well as echocardiogram, were readily available and were informative in diagnosing cardiac abnormalities that are amenable to specific treatment.
Associated Factors and Prognostic Implications of Non-convulsive Status Epilepticus in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Impaired Consciousness
Authors: Zhang Liren , Zheng Wensi , Chen Feng , Bai Xiaolin , Xue Lixia , Liang Mengke , Geng Zhi 
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose: Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is common in patients with disorders of consciousness and can cause secondary brain injury. Our study aimed to explore the determinants and prognostic significance of NCSE in stroke patients with impaired consciousness.Method: Consecutive ischemic stroke patients with impaired consciousness who were admitted to a neuro intensive care unit were enrolled for this study. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with NCSE and their correlation with prognosis.Results: Among the 80 patients studied, 20 (25%) died during hospitalization, and 51 (63.75%) had unfavorable outcomes at the 3-month follow-up. A total of 31 patients (38.75%) developed NCSE during 24-h electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring. Logistic regression revealed that NCSE was significantly associated with an increased risk of death during hospital stay and adverse outcomes at the 3-month follow-up. Patients with stroke involving the cerebral cortex or those who had a severely depressed level of consciousness were more prone to epileptogenesis after stroke.Conclusion: Our results suggest that NCSE is a common complication of ischemic stroke, and is associated with both in-hospital mortality and dependency at the 3-month follow-up. Long-term video EEG monitoring of stroke patients is, therefore required, especially for those with severe consciousness disorders (stupor or coma) or cortical injury.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Thymoma Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis and Myocarditis
Authors: Yu Xin-tao , Yu Lei , Du Xin , Yu Zhen , Yang Xing-guo , Jiang Yu-xuan 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundOur study investigated a special series of thymoma with autoimmune hepatitis and myocarditis and tried to reveal the gene expression profiles of this series of thymoma.MethodsFrom 2011 to 2019, a total of 13 special thymoma patients presented with autoimmune hepatitis and myocarditis, accounting for about 1.26% of thymoma patients undergoing surgery in Beijing TongRen Hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. All samples were harvested during surgical procedures, and analyzed to identify changes in gene expression using the CapitalBio mRNA microarray analysis, the Whole exome sequencing analysis (WES), qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) tools.ResultsAfter surgery, patient symptoms were relieved gradually. Levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine amiotransferase (ALT) increased to some extent within 1 to 3 months after surgery, and fluctuated, and then, gradually decreased close to normal within 6 months after surgery. Enrichment analysis of Kyoto Genome and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway was performed and enrichment results were visualized. It indicated that gene expression of 5 signaling pathways, including cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway, were generally abnormal. P53 expression was up-regulated in all tumor tissues. However, IHC and qPCR analysis showed that there was no significant difference in p21 expression between normal and tumor tissue. Results of WES showed that only one driver gene-MDM4 amplified 4 fold in 53.2% thymoma cells. Further qPCR and IHC analysis confirmed the up-regulation of the expression of p53 and mdm4 in 13 thymoma patients with autoimmune hepatitis and myocarditis.ConclusionOur study reveals the clinical and genetic characteristics of thymoma patients with autoimmune hepatitis and myocarditis. For this special category of thymoma, the up-regulation of p53 and mdm4 plays an important role in the occurrence of thymoma and autoimmune hepatitis/myocarditis.
Comparison and Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Children With IgA Vasculitis With Different Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Xiaoming , Lin Xingjie , Bian Xiuju , Jing Rui , Frelinger Andrew , Zhang Aijun 
Published: January 2022

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura, now called immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, is a common autoimmune disease in children, its association with gut microbiota composition remains unknown.Methods: The collected cases were divided into three groups: G1 group of simple skin type, G2 group with no digestive tract expression, G3 group of mixed digestive tract, and C group of healthy children. The fecal samples of each group of children were collected and the sequencing data was processed and analyzed. The dilution curve reflected the reasonableness of the amount of sequencing data.Results: The number of species composition sequences in the G1, G2 and G3 groups was lower than that in the C group, especially for the G2 and G3 groups. The four most abundant bacteria were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the G2 and G3 groups was significantly higher than that in the G1 and C groups, while the relative abundance of Actinobacteria was significantly reduced, and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria in the G1 group was lower than that in the C group. Principal component analysis of the UPGMA clustering tree and each group of samples showed that the microbial community composition of the same group of samples was similar.Conclusions: The abundance of intestinal microbes in children with IgA vasculitis is lower than in normal children. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria are the four most abundant bacteria in the intestinal flora of children. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria are associated with organ involvement in IgA vasculitis.