bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of parental HLA-G polymorphisms with soluble HLA-G expressions and their roles on recurrent implantation failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Lian , He Dongmei , Zeng Hong 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionHLA-G plays a central role in immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. The HLA-G gene is characterized by low allelic polymorphism and restricted tissue expression compared with classical HLA genes. HLA-G polymorphism is associated with HLA-G expression and linked to pregnancy complications. However, the association of parental HLA-G polymorphisms with soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) expression and their roles in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is unclear. The study aims to systematically review the association of HLA-G polymorphisms with RIF, the association of sHLA-G expression with RIF, and the association of HLA-G polymorphisms with sHLA-G expressions in patients attending in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.MethodsStudies that evaluated the association of HLA-G polymorphisms with RIF, the association between sHLA-G expression with RIF, and the association between HLA-G polymorphisms with sHLA-G expressions in patients attending IVF treatment were included. Meta-analysis was performed by random-effect models. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding one study each time. Subgroup analysis was performed based on ethnicity.ResultsHLA-G 14bp ins variant is associated with a lower expression of sHLA-G in seminal or blood plasma of couples attending IVF treatment. The maternal HLA-G*010101 and paternal HLA-G*010102 alleles are associated with RIF risk compared to other alleles. However, single maternal HLA-G 14bp ins/del polymorphism, HLA-G -725 C&gt;G/T polymorphism, or circulating sHLA-G concentration was not significantly associated with RIF in the general population. HLA-G 14bp ins/ins homozygous genotype or ins variant was associated with a higher risk of RIF in the Caucasian population.DiscussionSpecific HLA-G alleles or HLA-G polymorphisms are associated with sHLA-G expression in couples attending IVF treatment. Several HLA-G polymorphisms may be related to RIF, considering different ethnic backgrounds. A combined genetic effect should be considered in future studies to confirm the association of HLA-G polymorphisms and sHLA-G expressions in relation to RIF.
Zooplankton functional traits in a tropical estuarine system: Are lower and upper estuaries functionally different?
Authors: Sanvicente-Añorve Laura , Sánchez-Campos Mitzi , Alatorre-Mendieta Miguel , Lemus-Santana Elia , Guerra-Castro Edlin 
Published: December 2022

Functional diversity measures help to understand the underlying mechanisms explaining the relationship between organisms and environment. This work examined the mesozooplankton community of an estuary under the hypothesis that the upper (&lt; 25 psu) and lower (&gt; 25 psu) zones are functionally different in terms of feeding strategies, trophic groups, camouflage, buoyancy, and defense against predators, due to the salinity gradient. We used the ‘community-weighted mean trait values’ (CWM) and a fuzzy correspondence analysis (FCA) in combination with three functional indices (FRic: functional richness, FEve: functional evenness, FDiv: functional divergence) to test our hypothesis. Zooplankton samples were taken in the tropical Sontecomapan estuary, southern Gulf of Mexico, in June 2018 and October 2019. A total of 21 zooplankton groups were recognized, all of them present in the lower estuary. Results showed significant differences (p&lt; 0.05) in the FRic and FDiv values between the two zones, as well in the CWM metric. Results of the FCA showed that the lower estuary was characterized by herbivorous filter feeders that use watery bodies, flattened body forms, mucus houses, or ‘wings’ for buoyancy; highly transparent bodies (associated with gelatinous body structure) for camouflage and predators’ avoidance and, shells or carapaces as antipredator tactics. The upper estuary was characterized by omnivorous cruising predators that use their appendages or swim bladders for buoyancy, with ‘medium’ and ‘low’ levels of transparency, associated with chitinous and skin-protected body structures, which provide alternative ways for camouflage and spines or fast swimming behavior to protect from predators. These findings evidenced that the upper and lower zones of an estuary exhibit differences in the function of the zooplankton community and shed new light on the comprehension of estuaries’ ecological function.
Parametric study of passive piles subjected to adjacent surcharge load in extensively deep soft soil
Authors: Yi Shixuan 
Published: December 2022

This study applied the three-dimensional finite different method (FDM) to model a single pile subjected to passive loading due to a new embankment in extensively soft soil. Four important parameters (pile bending stiffness, distance between the long edge of the loading area and the pile (D), embankment height, and cushion thickness) were investigated to evaluate their effects on the deformations and stresses on the passive pile. The displacement of the pile shaft, vertical displacement of the foundation soil, excess pore water pressure (EPWP), and lateral earth pressure were analyzed. The numerical results showed that the lateral displacement of the pile was significantly affected by the four parameters. The maximum lateral displacement decreased dramatically for the high-stiffness pile. A cushion thickness of &lt;1 m slightly increased the lateral displacement of the pile. Increased D value and decreased embankment height significantly reduced the lateral displacement of the pile. The vertical displacement of the loading area was unaffected by pile stiffness. The distribution shape of the vertical displacement was close to symmetrical with increasing D value. The embankment height and cushion thickness significantly affected the vertical displacement. Due to the low permeability of the foundation soil and short construction time, the EPWP was not fully dissipated with varying pile stiffness and D values. A decreased pile stiffness increased the lateral earth pressure at the pile, while increasing embankment height and cushion thickness increased the lateral earth pressure.
Iodine contrast exposure and incident COVID-19 infection
Authors: Tsai Karen , Inoue Kosuke , McClean Michael , Kaunitz Jonathan D. , Akiba Yasutada , Lee Martin L. , Neverova Natalia V. , Currier Jesse W. , Ebrahimi Ramin , Bashir Muhammad T. , Leung Angela M. 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundIodine and particularly its oxidated forms have long been recognized for its effective antiseptic properties. Limited in vitro and in vivo data suggest that iodine exposure may rapidly inactivate, reduce transmission, and reduce infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. We hypothesized that iodine exposure may be associated with decreased incident COVID-19 infection.MethodsA retrospective population-level cohort analysis was performed of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2020, before the widespread availability of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the associations between iodinated contrast exposure and incident COVID-19 infection, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, place of residence, socioeconomic status, and insurance status.Results530,942 COVID-19 tests from 333,841 Veterans (mean ± SD age, 62.7 ± 15.2 years; 90.2% men; 61.9% non-Hispanic Whites) were analyzed, of whom 9% had received iodinated contrast ≤60 days of a COVID-19 test. Iodine exposure was associated with decreased incident COVID-19 test positivity (OR, 0.75 95% CI, 0.71–0.78). In stratified analyses, the associations between iodinated contrast use and decreased COVID-19 infection risk did not differ by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.ConclusionIodine exposure may be protective against incident COVID-19 infection. Weighed against the risks of supraphysiologic iodine intake, dietary, and supplemental iodine nutrition not to exceed its Tolerable Upper Limit may confer an antimicrobial benefit against SARS-CoV-2. A safe but antimicrobial level of iodine supplementation may be considered in susceptible individuals, particularly in geographic regions where effective COVID-19 vaccines are not yet readily available.
Exploring modulations in T-cell receptor-mediated T-cell signaling events in systemic circulation and at local disease site of patients with tubercular pleural effusion: An attempt to understand tuberculosis pathogenesis at the local disease site
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Rathour Diwakar , Uddin Sumbul , Joshi Beenu , Chauhan Devendra Singh , Kumar Santosh 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionT cells are crucial for pathogenesis as well as control for tuberculosis (TB). Although much is known about the signaling pathways which are required for the activation of T cells during acute infection but the way these cells respond during persistent of infection still remained elusive. Therefore, it is rationale to understand T cell activation during tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE), which is similar to bacterial persistency system.MethodsHerein, we will employ T cell receptor (TCR) based approaches for studying events of T cell activation pathways in cells of blood and pleural fluid among patients with TPE. We performed spectrofluorimetric analysis to study effect of M. tuberculosis antigens, ESAT-6 and Ag85A stimulation on intracellular calcium levels, Phosphorylation levels of ZAP-70 (Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70), PKC-θ (Protein kinase C theta), Erk1/2 (Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2) and p-38 two important members of MAPKs (Mitogen activated Protein kinases) in CD3 and CD28 induced cells of blood and pleural fluid of same patients with TPE by western blotting. Patients with non-TPE were also included as matching disease controls in this study.ResultsWe observed significantly higher intracellular calcium levels, Phosphorylation levels of ZAP-70, Erk1/2 and p-38 in CD3 and CD28 induced cells of pleural fluid as compared to the blood cells of same patients with TPE. Alteration in the activation of these events has also been noted after stimulation of ESAT-6 and Ag85A.DiscussionPresent study demonstrated up-regulated activation of TCR mediated T cell signaling events at local disease site (Pleural fluid) as compared to the blood sample of TB pleurisy patients which could be involved in T-cell dysfunctioning during the progression of the disease and also could be responsible for Th 1 dominance at local disease site in patients with TPE.
Dynamics of symbiotic bacterial community in whole life stage of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Du Lingen , Xue Hui , Hu Fangmei , Zhu Xiangzhen , Wang Li , Zhang Kaixin , Li Dongyang , Ji Jichao , Niu Lin , Luo Junyu , Cui Jinjie , Gao Xueke 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionBacteria play critical roles in the reproduction, metabolism, physiology, and detoxification of their insect hosts. The ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis) harbors a myriad of endosymbiotic microbes. However, to date, little is known about how the microbial composition of H. axyridis varies throughout its life cycle.MethodsIn this study, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantitative PCR were employed to investigate the diversity and dynamics of bacterial symbionts across the egg, larval, pupae, and adults stages of H. axyridis.ResultsHigher bacterial community richness and diversity were observed in eggs, followed by those in adults and pupae. The community richness index differed significantly between second-instar larvae and other developmental stages. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla. Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Glutamicibacter, and Acinetobacter were the dominant bacteria genera; however, their relative abundances fluctuated across host developmental stages. Interestingly, the larval stage harbored high proportions of Firmicutes, whereas the adult microbial community largely consisted of Proteobacteria.DiscussionThis study is the first to determine the symbiotic bacterial composition across key life stages of H. axyridis. These outcomes can foster the development of environmental risk assessments and novel biological control strategies.
A novel gait analysis system for detecting abnormal hemiparetic gait patterns during robot-assisted gait training: A criterion validity study among healthy adults
Authors: Imoto Daisuke , Hirano Satoshi , Mukaino Masahiko , Saitoh Eiichi , Otaka Yohei 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionRobot-assisted gait training has been reported to improve gait in individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Ideally, the gait training program should be customized based on individuals’ gait characteristics and longitudinal changes. However, a gait robot that uses gait characteristics to provide individually tailored gait training has not been proposed. The new gait training robot, “Welwalk WW-2000,” permits modification of various parameters, such as time and load of mechanical assistance for a patient’s paralyzed leg. The robot is equipped with sensors and a markerless motion capture system to detect abnormal hemiparetic gait patterns during robot-assisted gait training. Thus, it can provide individually tailored gait training. This study aimed to investigate the criterion validity of the gait analysis system in the Welwalk WW-2000 in healthy adults.Materials and methodsTwelve healthy participants simulated nine abnormal gait patterns that were often manifested in individuals with hemiparetic stroke while wearing the robot. Each participant was instructed to perform a total of 36 gait trials, with four levels of severity for each abnormal gait pattern. Fifteen strides for each gait trial were recorded using the markerless motion capture system in the Welwalk WW-2000 and a marker-based three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. The abnormal gait pattern index was then calculated for each stride from both systems. The correlation of the index values between the two methods was evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients for each gait pattern in each participant.ResultsUsing the participants’ index values for each abnormal gait pattern obtained using the two motion analysis methods, the median Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients ranged from 0.68 to 0.93, which corresponded to moderate to very high correlation.ConclusionThe gait analysis system in the Welwalk WW-2000 for real-time detection of abnormal gait patterns during robot-assisted gait training was suggested to be a valid method for assessing gait characteristics in individuals with hemiparetic stroke.Clinical trial registration[https://jrct.niph.go.jp], identifier [jRCT 042190109].
Frontotemporal phase lag index correlates with seizure severity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Mao Lingyan , Zheng Gaoxing , Cai Yang , Luo Wenyi , Zhang Qianqian , Peng Weifeng , Ding Jing , Wang Xin 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo find the brain network indicators correlated with the seizure severity in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by graph theory analysis.MethodsWe enrolled 151 patients with TLE and 36 age- and sex-matched controls with video-EEG monitoring. The 90-s interictal EEG data were acquired. We adopted a network analyzing pipeline based on graph theory to quantify and localize their functional networks, including weighted classical network, minimum spanning tree, community structure, and LORETA. The seizure severities were evaluated using the seizure frequency, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), and VA-2 scores.ResultsOur network analysis pipeline showed ipsilateral frontotemporal activation in patients with TLE. The frontotemporal phase lag index (PLI) values increased in the theta band (4–7 Hz), which were elevated in patients with higher seizure severities (P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the VA-2 scores were independently correlated with frontotemporal PLI values in the theta band (β = 0.259, P = 0.001) and age of onset (β = −0.215, P = 0.007).SignificanceThis study illustrated that the frontotemporal PLI in the theta band independently correlated with seizure severity in patients with TLE. Our network analysis provided an accessible approach to guide the treatment strategy in routine clinical practice.
Patterns of vestibular dysfunction in chronic traumatic brain injury
Authors: Taylor Rachael L. , Wise Kim J. , Taylor Denise , Chaudhary Shikha , Thorne Peter R. 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundDizziness and imbalance are common following traumatic brain injury (TBI). While these symptoms are often attributed to vestibular dysfunction, the relative contribution of peripheral vs. central mechanisms is unclear. This study investigated the prevalence of semicircular canal and otolith abnormalities in a cohort of patients with chronic TBI and symptoms of dizziness or imbalance. The relationship between vestibular, oculomotor and posturography results was further explored.MethodsClinical records of patients attending the New Zealand Dizziness and Balance Centre from January 2015 to December 2019 were reviewed for consideration in the study. Inclusion required: an age of 18–80 years, a diagnosed TBI, and vestibular assessment using three-dimensional video head impulses (vHIT), cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (c and o VEMPs, respectively) and caloric testing. Severe TBI, pre-existing vestibular diagnoses, and incomplete test results were excluded. Rates of abnormalities were determined for each test and compared with results of oculomotor function testing and postural control, measured using the sensory organization test (SOT).ResultsOf 158 reviewed records, 99 patients aged 49 ± 15 years (59 female) fulfilled criteria for inclusion in the study. The median time between the head injury and the clinical assessment was 12 (IQR 6–21) months. Abnormalities involving one or more components of the vestibular labyrinth and/or nerve divisions were identified in 33 of 99 patients (33.3%). The horizontal semicircular canal was most frequently affected (18.2%), followed by the saccule (14.1%), utricle (8.1%), posterior (7.1%) and anterior (2.0%) semicircular canals. Vestibular test abnormalities were associated with skull-base fractures, superior canal dehiscence, and focal ear trauma. Oculomotor dysfunction and postural instability were recorded in 41.1 and 75.5% of patients, respectively. Postural instability correlated with abnormal oculomotor function (p = 0.008) but not peripheral vestibular hypofunction (p = 0.336).ConclusionsDizziness and/or imbalance in chronic TBI was associated with impaired postural stability for tasks requiring high levels of use of vestibular and visual input for balance. Vestibular hypofunction identified through vHIT, VEMP and caloric testing was recorded but was less common, except when the injury involved a fractured skull-base. There was no specific pattern of end-organ or nerve involvement which characterized this group of patients.
CYP11B1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to ischemic stroke in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Liu Gaowen , Duan Ying 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesIschemic stroke (IS) is the major cause of death and disability. While previous studies confirmed that CYP11B1 is closely associated with IS, the present study aimed to analyze the impact of CYP11B1 gene polymorphisms on the IS susceptibility.MethodsThe present study genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (including rs4736312, rs5017238, rs5301, rs5283, rs6410, and rs4534) of CYP11B1 in peripheral blood samples from IS and control populations. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between the SNPs and IS risk. The multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method was used to determine the roles of SNP–SNP interactions in IS.ResultsThe present study showed that rs5283 was associated with an increased susceptibility to IS [odds ratio (OR) 1.81, p = 0.012]. On the contrary, rs6410 had a protective influence on IS risk (OR 0.56, p = 0.020). Stratified analyses indicated that rs5283 could enhance the risk of IS in subjects aged &gt;63 years (OR 2.41, p = 0.011), of female gender (OR 3.31, p = 0.001), that do not smoke (OR 1.64, p = 0.005), and with hypertension (OR 2.07, p = 0.003). Whereas, rs6410 was related to a lower susceptibility to IS in subjects aged &gt;63 years (OR 0.43, p = 0.032), of female gender (OR 0.30, p = 0.006), do not smoke (OR 0.42, p = 0.017), and with hypertension (OR 0.52, p = 0.022). Besides, rs4736312 reduced the IS susceptibility in non-smokers (OR 0.69, p = 0.031). Rs4534 had a risk-decreasing impact on IS in non-drinking (OR 0.54, p = 0.016). Moreover, the results of the MDR analysis corroborate that the best prediction model for IS was rs5283.ConclusionThis study revealed that CYP11B1 gene polymorphisms strongly correlated with IS in the Chinese Han population.
Association between handgrip strength and metabolic syndrome: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wen Yu , Liu Tiancong , Ma Changcheng , Fang Jianwei , Zhao Zhiying , Luo Mengrui , Xia Yang , Zhao Yuhong , Ji Chao 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundAlthough muscle strength has been reported to be associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), the association is still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to identify the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and MetS.MethodsOriginal research studies involving HGS and MetS from database inception to 20 May 2022 were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang databases, and Chinese Biomedical Document Service System. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of MetS for HGS were calculated using a random-effects model. A dose–response analysis was performed. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were also conducted.ResultsThirty effect sizes (reported in 19 articles) with a total of 43,396 participants were included in this meta-analysis. All studies were considered to be of moderate-to-good quality. An inverse association between HGS (low vs. high) with MetS was shown (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 2.06−3.25). Subgroup analyses demonstrated the pooled ORs of relative HGS (HGS/weight), relative HGS (HGS/BMI), and absolute HGS were 2.97 (95% CI: 2.37−3.71), 2.47 (95% CI: 1.08−5.63), and 1.34 (95% CI: 1.06−1.68), respectively. Dose–response analysis revealed a significant linear dose–response relationship between relative HGS (HGS/weight) and MetS in observational studies (0.1 HGS/weight: OR, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.62−0.75). Univariate meta-regression analysis indicated that country status, measuring tools of HGS, components of MetS, and diagnosed criteria of MetS explained 16.7%, 26.2%, 30.1%, and 42.3% of the tau-squared in the meta-regression, respectively.ConclusionThe results of the current meta-analysis indicated that lower HGS is associated with a higher risk of MetS. A linear dose–response association between lower relative HGS (HGS/weight) and increased prevalence of MetS was found. Accordingly, a lower HGS is a significant predictor of MetS.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42021276730].