bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effects of two weaning methods and two genetic hybrids on play behavior in weaner pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Franchi Guilherme A. , Larsen Mona L. V. , Winters Jeanet F. M. , Jensen Margit Bak , Pedersen Lene Juul 
Published: July 2022

In conventional pig production, suckling pigs are typically weaned between 3 and 5 weeks of age. This involves separation from the sow, dietary change, and regrouping in a novel environment, which challenge the welfare of pigs. We investigated the effects of two weaning methods [conventional weaning: two litters mixed in a weaner pen of different size and design (MOVE) vs. litter staying in the farrowing pen after removing the sow (STAY)] and two genetic hybrids [DanBred Yorkshire × Landrace (approximately 21 total pigs born/litter; DB) vs. Topigs Norsvin TN70 Yorkshire × Landrace (approximately 16 total pigs born/litter with higher individual birth weight and weaning weight than DB; TN)] on play behavior across weaning. Both genetic hybrids were inseminated with semen of DanBred Duroc boars. Litters were reduced to the number of functional teats at birth. The durations of locomotor-rotational play (LOC) and social play (SOC) of 24 indoor-housed litters [pigs/litter: (average ± SD) 13 ± 2; age at the weaning day: 26 ± 2 days] were video-recorded continuously between 14:00 h and 22:00 h on days −1, 1, and 2 relative to weaning and statistically analyzed with mixed-effects modeling at the individual level. Before weaning, TN pigs performed LOC longer than DB pigs. On day 2 post-weaning, STAY pigs engaged in more SOC than MOVE pigs. Moreover, TN pigs and STAY pigs displayed a steeper increase in LOC from days 1 to 2 than DB pigs and MOVE pigs, respectively. We demonstrated that pigs belonging to the genetic hybrid with higher weight at birth and weaning spent more time playing on the day before weaning. Additionally, weaning pigs in the farrowing pen and, hence, avoiding social mixing and relocation to an unfamiliar environment had a positive effect on social play after weaning. Our study illustrates that weaning stress in pigs may be reduced by using a genetic hybrid featuring higher birth and weaning weight and by keeping litters intact in a familiar environment after weaning. This study also supports the use of play behavior as an animal welfare indicator.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with ICU-acquired infections in sepsis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: He Yajun , Xu Jiqian , Shang Xiaopu , Fang Xiangzhi , Gao Chenggang , Sun Deyi , Yao Lu , Zhou Ting , Pan Shangwen , Zou Xiaojing , Shu Huaqing , Yang Xiaobo , Shang You 
Published: July 2022

Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infection is a common cause of poor prognosis of sepsis in the ICU. However, sepsis-associated ICU-acquired infections have not been fully characterized. The study aims to assess the risk factors and develop a model that predicts the risk of ICU-acquired infections in patients with sepsis.MethodsWe retrieved data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) IV database. Patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factors that could predict ICU-acquired infection. We also assessed its discrimination and calibration abilities and compared them with classical score systems.ResultsOf 16,808 included septic patients, 2,871 (17.1%) developed ICU-acquired infection. These patients with ICU-acquired infection had a 17.7% ICU mortality and 31.8% in-hospital mortality and showed a continued rise in mortality from 28 to 100 days after ICU admission. The classical Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Score (SIRS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score (OASIS), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), Logistic Organ Dysfunction Score (LODS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and Acute Physiology Score III (APS III) scores were associated with ICU-acquired infection, and cerebrovascular insufficiency, Gram-negative bacteria, surgical ICU, tracheostomy, central venous catheter, urinary catheter, mechanical ventilation, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, LODS score and anticoagulant therapy were independent predictors of developing ICU-acquired infection in septic patients. The nomogram on the basis of these independent predictors showed good calibration and discrimination in both the derivation (AUROC = 0.737; 95% CI, 0.725–0.749) and validation (AUROC = 0.751; 95% CI, 0.734–0.769) populations and was superior to that of SIRS, SOFA, OASIS, SAPS II, LODS, CCI, and APS III models.ConclusionsICU-acquired infections increase the likelihood of septic mortality. The individualized prognostic model on the basis of the nomogram could accurately predict ICU-acquired infection and optimize management or tailored therapy.
Role of nuclear pregnane X receptor in Cu-induced lipid metabolism and xenobiotic responses in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Li Hongyan , Gong Wangbao , Wang Guangjun , Yu Ermeng , Tian Jingjing , Xia Yun , Li Zhifei , Zhang Kai , Xie Jun 
Published: July 2022

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a master xenobiotic-sensing receptor in response to toxic byproducts, as well as a key regulator in intermediary lipid metabolism. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the potential role of PXR in mediating the lipid dysregulation and xenobiotic responses under Cu-induced stress in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four groups of largemouth bass (52.66 ± 0.03 g) were treated with control, Cu waterborne (9.44 μmol/L), Cu+RIF (Rifampicin, 100 mg/kg, PXR activator), and Cu+KET (Ketoconazole, 20 mg/kg, PXR inhibitor) for 48 h. Results showed that Cu exposure significantly elevated the plasma stress indicators and triggered antioxidant systems to counteract Cu-induced oxidative stress. Acute Cu exposure caused liver steatosis, as indicated by the significantly higher levels of plasma triglycerides (TG), lipid droplets, and mRNA levels of lipogenesis genes in the liver. Liver injuries were detected, as shown by hepatocyte vacuolization and severe apoptotic signals after Cu exposure. Importantly, Cu exposure significantly stimulated mRNA levels of PXR, suggesting the response of this regulator in the xenobiotic response. The pharmacological intervention of PXR by the agonist and antagonist significantly altered hepatic mRNA levels of PXR, implying that RIF and KET were effective agents of PXR in largemouth bass. Administration of RIF significantly exacerbated liver steatosis, and such alterations were dependent on the regulations on pparγ and cd36 rather than srebp1 signaling, which suggested that PXR-PPARγ might be another pathway for Cu-induced lipid deposition in fish. Whereas, KET administration showed reverse effects on lipid metabolism as indicated by the lower hepatic TG levels, suppressed mRNA levels of pparγ and cd36. Activation of PXR stimulated autophagy and inhibited apoptosis, leading to lower hepatic vacuolization; while inhibition of PXR showed higher apoptotic signals, inhibition of autophagic genes and stimulation of apoptotic genes. Taken together, PXR played a cytoprotective role in Cu-induced hepatotoxicity through regulations on autophagy and apoptosis. Overall, our data has demonstrated for the first time on the dual roles of PXR as a co-regulator in mediating xenobiotic responses and lipid metabolism in fish, which implying the potential of PXR as a therapy target for xenobiotics-induced lipid dysregulation and hepatotoxicity.
Design and implementation of a mobile app for the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of patients diagnosed with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: eMidCare
Authors: Romero-Jimenez Rosa , Escudero-Vilaplana Vicente , Chamorro-de-Vega Esther , Ais-Larisgoitia Arantza , Lobato-Matilla Elena , Somoza-Fernández Beatriz , Ruiz-Briones Paula , González Carlos , Baniandrés Ofelia , Menchén Luis , Lobo-Rodríguez Carmen , Herranz Ana , Sanjurjo María 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPharmacotherapeutic management of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) has become more complex due to the development of new treatments, such as biological therapies. Mobile health, especially apps, can provide IMID patients with greater autonomy and facilitate communication with healthcare professionals. Our objective was to design and implement an app for remote monitoring and communication with IMID patients.MethodsA multidisciplinary group was created to design and develop an app for IMID patients in a tertiary hospital. The app functionalities were identified through a focus group with IMID patients and through an observational, descriptive study of available apps for IMID patients at App Store and Play Store platforms. Once the app was designed and developed, we offered the app to IMID patients who initiated a new biological therapy. The inclusion period was from December 2020 to August 2021. We performed an observational, longitudinal study to assess the app’s impact on medication safety, communication, satisfaction, and usability.ResultsWe designed an app (eMidCare®) with the following modules: My Medication, My Questionnaires, Adverse Events, Useful Information, Messages, and Patient Profile. A total of 85 patients were installed with the app. The median (range) follow-up time for app use was 123 (5-270) days. In the My Medication module, 100% of patients registered their biological therapy and 25.9% also used this module to record each dose of medication administered. A total of 82 adverse events (AEs) were registered. Thirty-two percent of the patients registered at least 1 AE. The most frequent AEs were fatigue, injection site reaction, headache, and nausea. Fifty-two percent of patients used the Messages module to communicate with healthcare professionals. The most frequent messages concerned doubts about managing AEs (26.2%) and drug interactions (18.9%). The satisfaction survey yielded a median (range) score of 9.1 (7-10) out of 10.ConclusionsWe developed an app, eMidCare®, which reminds patients to take their medication, enables them to record AEs, and helps them communicate with healthcare professionals. Approximately one-third of the patients registered the administration of the biological therapies and registered at least 1 AE. The most used and most satisfactory functionality was communication with health professionals.
Real-life data on monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs in Italian inborn errors of immunity patients during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Garzi Giulia , Cinetto Francesco , Firinu Davide , Di Napoli Giulia , Lagnese Gianluca , Punziano Alessandra , Bez Patrick , Cinicola Bianca Laura , Costanzo Giulia , Scarpa Riccardo , Pulvirenti Federica , Rattazzi Marcello , Spadaro Giuseppe , Quinti Isabella , Milito Cinzia 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus showing a spectrum of disease ranging from asymptomatic to severe COVID-19. A fair number of patients did not respond adequately to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, thus early therapeutic or prophylactic measures were needed to prevent severe or fatal course or COVID-19 and to reduce the burden of hospitalizations.MethodsLongitudinal, multicentric study on patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity immunized with mRNA vaccines treated with monoclonal antibodies and/or antiviral agents at the first infection and at reinfection by SARS-CoV-2. Analyses of efficacy were performed according to the different circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains.ResultsThe analysis of the cohort of 192 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, across 26 months, showed the efficacy of antivirals on the risk of hospitalization, while mabs offered a positive effect on hospitalization, and COVID-19 severity. This protection was consistent across the alpha, delta and early omicron waves, although the emergence of BA.2 reduced the effect of available mabs. Hospitalized patients treated with mabs and antivirals had a lower risk of ICU admission. We reported 16 re-infections with a length of SARS-CoV-2 positivity at second infection shorter among patients treated with mabs. Treatment with antivirals and mabs was safe.ConclusionsThe widespread use of specific therapy, vaccination and better access to care might have contributed to mitigate risk of mortality, hospital admission, and severe disease. However, the rapid spread of new viral strains underlines that mabs and antiviral beneficial effects should be re- evaluated over time.
Coexistence of anti-SOX1 and anti-GABAB receptor antibodies with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis presenting with seizures and memory impairment in small cell lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Gong Sizhu , Han Yue , He Enling , Liu Min , Fu Xiyao , Deng Fang 
Published: July 2022

PurposeParaneoplastic neurological syndromes associated with autoantibodies are rare diseases that cause abnormal manifestations of the nervous system. Early diagnosis of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes paves the way for prompt and efficient therapy.Case reportwe reported a 56-year-old man presenting with seizures and rapidly progressive cognitive impairment diagnosed as paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) with anti-SRY-like high-mobility group box-1 (SOX-1) and anti-γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor antibodies and finally confirmed by biopsy as small cell lung cancer (SCLC). At the first admission, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no abnormal signal in bilateral hippocampal regions and no abnormal enhancement of enhanced scan. The serum anti-GABAB receptor antibody was 1:100 and was diagnosed as autoimmune encephalitis (AE). The computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest showed no obvious tumor signs for the first time. Although positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed hypermetabolism in the para mid-esophageal, the patient and his family declined to undertake a biopsy. The patient improved after receiving immunoglobulin, antiepileptic therapy, and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse treatment. However, after 4 months, the symptoms reappeared. Brain MRI revealed abnormal signals in the hippocampal regions. Reexamination of the cerebral fluid revealed anti-GABAB receptor and anti-SOX-1 antibodies, which contributed to the diagnosis of PLE. SCLC was found in a para mid-esophageal pathological biopsy. Antiepileptic medications and immunoglobulin were used to treat the patient, and the symptoms were under control.ConclusionOur findings increase the awareness that patients with limbic encephalitis with cognitive dysfunction and epileptic seizures should be enhanced to detect latent malignancy. Our case also highlights the importance of anti-SOX1 antibodies in the detection of underlying neoplasm, particularly SCLC. Our findings raise awareness of the cognitive impairment seen by patients with limbic encephalitis.
Identification of key interferon-stimulated genes for indicating the condition of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shen Mengjia , Duan Congcong , Xie Changhao , Wang Hongtao , Li Zhijun , Li Baiqing , Wang Tao 
Published: July 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with highly heterogeneous clinical symptoms and severity. There is complex pathogenesis of SLE, one of which is IFNs overproduction and downstream IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) upregulation. Identifying the key ISGs differentially expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with SLE and healthy people could help to further understand the role of the IFN pathway in SLE and discover potential diagnostic biomarkers.The differentially expressed ISGs (DEISG) in PBMCs of SLE patients and healthy persons were screened from two datasets of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 67 DEISGs, including 6 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 61 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were identified by the “DESeq2” R package. According to Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, those DEISGs were mainly concentrated in the response to virus and immune system processes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network showed that most of these DEISGs could interact strongly with each other. Then, IFIT1, RSAD2, IFIT3, USP18, ISG15, OASL, MX1, OAS2, OAS3, and IFI44 were considered to be hub ISGs in SLE by “MCODE” and “Cytohubba” plugins of Cytoscape, Moreover, the results of expression correlation suggested that 3 lncRNAs (NRIR, FAM225A, and LY6E-DT) were closely related to the IFN pathway.The lncRNA NRIR and mRNAs (RSAD2, USP18, IFI44, and ISG15) were selected as candidate ISGs for verification. RT-qPCR results showed that PBMCs from SLE patients had substantially higher expression levels of 5 ISGs compared to healthy controls (HCs). Additionally, statistical analyses revealed that the expression levels of these ISGs were strongly associated to various clinical symptoms, including thrombocytopenia and facial erythema, as well as laboratory indications, including the white blood cell (WBC) count and levels of autoantibodies. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that the IFI44, USP18, RSAD2, and IFN score had good diagnostic capabilities of SLE.According to our study, SLE was associated with ISGs including NRIR, RSAD2, USP18, IFI44, and ISG15, which may contribute to the future diagnosis and new personalized targeted therapies.
Contribution of the seagrass Syringodium isoetifolium to the metabolic functioning of a tropical reef lagoon
Authors: Olivé Irene , García-Robledo Emilio , Silva João , Pintado-Herrera Marina G. , Santos Rui , Kamenos Nicholas A. , Cuet Pascale , Frouin Patrick 
Published: July 2022

Seagrasses are gaining attention thanks to their metabolism and potential major role as carbon sinks, with further implications as nature-based solutions against climate change. Despite their recognized importance and the growing number of studies published, there is still a striking paucity of information on seagrass metabolism and contribution to biogeochemical cycles for some seagrass species and ocean areas. In this study we assessed the metabolic balance and nutrient cycling contribution of seagrasses to the benthic compartment of a tropical reef lagoon in Reunion Island, providing original information on a barely studied seagrass species (Syringodium isoetifolium) and a poorly studied ocean region (West Indian Ocean). We measured the net productivity, respiration and the metabolic balance in different components of the lagoon benthic compartment (i.e. seagrass, sediment, and benthic community) and the water-sediment nutrient benthic fluxes at differently impacted sites within the lagoon. The biogeochemical environmental variability, including inorganic and organic indicators of anthropogenic contamination, was also assessed at each site.Large spatial variability was detected in the metabolic balance of each benthic component assessed, also associated with the natural and/or anthropic-driven environmental variability found in the lagoon. The seagrass S. isoetifolium was net autotrophic across the lagoon and contributed to the lagoon benthic metabolism with net plant productivity exceeding by one order of magnitude the plant respiration. The lowest seagrass metabolism was detected at the impacted site. The metabolic balance of the sediment was heterotrophic but the high productivity of S. isoetifolium contributed to reducing the heterotrophy of the whole benthic community. The lagoon-wide benthic metabolic balance was slightly heterotrophic, but the associated uncertainty ranged from autotrophy to heterotrophy. Nutrient concentrations in the lagoon were low and the benthic community capacity for nutrient retention (uptake) and removal (denitrification and anammox) indicated potential for buffering moderate nutrient inputs into the lagoon. Organic contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) were low but detectable in the lagoon, especially in highly frequented beach areas, arising as an environmental quality indicator of interest.
Evolution of red blood cell membrane complement regulatory proteins and rheology in septic patients: An exploratory study
Authors: Vanderelst Julie , Rousseau Alexandre , Selvais Nicolas , Biston Patrick , Zouaoui Boudjeltia Karim , Piagnerelli Michaël 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundDuring sepsis, red blood cell (RBC) deformability is altered. Persistence of these alterations is associated with poor outcome. Activation of the complement system is enhanced during sepsis and RBCs are protected by membrane surface proteins like CD35, CD55 and CD59. In malaria characterized by severe anemia, a study reported links between the modifications of the expression of these RBCs membrane proteins and erythrophagocytosis. We studied the evolution of RBCs deformability and the expression of RBC membrane surface IgG and regulatory proteins in septic patients.MethodsBy flow cytometry technics, we measured at ICU admission and at day 3–5, the RBC membrane expression of IgG and complement proteins (CD35, 55, 59) in septic patients compared to RBCs from healthy volunteers. Results were expressed in percentage of RBCs positive for the protein. RBC shape was assessed using Pearson's second coefficient of dissymmetry (PCD) on the histogram obtained with a flow cytometer technique. A null value represents a perfect spherical shape. RBC deformability was determined using ektacytometry by the elongation index in relation to the shear stress (0.3–50 Pa) applied to the RBC membrane. A higher elongation index indicates greater RBC deformability.ResultsRBCs from 11 septic patients were compared to RBCs from 21 volunteers. At ICU admission, RBCs from septic patients were significantly more spherical and RBC deformability was significantly lower in septic patients for all shear stress ≥1.93 Pa. These alterations of shape and deformability persists at day 3–5. We observed a significant decrease at ICU admission only in CD35 expression on RBCs from septic patients. This low expression remained at day 3–5.ConclusionsWe observed in RBCs from septic patients a rapid decrease expression of CD35 membrane protein protecting against complement activation. These modifications associated with altered RBC deformability and shape could facilitate erythrophagocytosis, contributing to anemia observed in sepsis. Other studies with a large number of patients and assessment of erythrophagocytosis were needed to confirm these preliminary data.