bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy in Assessment of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ghani Mansur A. , Liau Joy , Eskander Ramez , Mell Loren , Yusufaly Tahir , Obrzut Sebastian 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The role of imaging has been increasing in pretherapy planning and response assessment in cervical cancer, particularly in high-resource settings that provide access to computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). In 2018, imaging was incorporated into the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system for cervical cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging is advantageous over CT for evaluation of the primary cervical cancer size and extent, because of superior contrast resolution. Furthermore, quantitative methods, including diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, show promise in improving treatment response and prognosis evaluation. Molecular imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose–PET/CT and PET/MRI can be particularly helpful in the detection of nodal disease and distant metastases. Semiautomated delineation of 3-dimensional tumor regions of interest has facilitated the development of novel PET-derived biomarkers that include metabolic volume and radiomics textural analysis features for prediction of outcomes. However, posttreatment inflammatory changes can be a confounder and lymph node evaluation is challenging, even with the use of PET/CT. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising tool that may be able to overcome some of the drawbacks inherent with imaging, such as limited ability to detect microscopic metastases or to distinguish between postchemoradiotherapy changes and residual tumor. Preliminary evidence suggests that liquid biopsy may be able to identify cervical cancer treatment response and resistance earlier than traditional methods. Future work should prioritize how to best synergize imaging and liquid biopsy as an integrated approach for optimal cervical cancer management.
The Effects of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells Labeled With Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxides on the Growth of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Fang , He Hua , Xiong Yao , Hu Jie-ting , Guo Yu-lin 
Published: August 2022

Objective
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with effective intervention and treatment being essential for CRC management. This study investigated the effects of human placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) labeled with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIOs) on the growth of CRC cells and the feasibility of 3.0-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as an in vivo tracer.

Methods
Twenty subcutaneous CRC HT-29 xenograft model in immunodeficient mice was established. Mice injected with labeled PMSCs were considered as the experimental group. Thereafter, the growth and MR signal changes of xenograft tumors of every nude mouse were measured. Then, growth curve was plotted, and the MR image quality in different sequences was analyzed. Pathological staining was performed after MR scan.

Results
Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides–labeled PMSCs had no significant influence on biological characteristics (P > 0.05). The growth of tumors in mice in the experimental group before the injection of PMSCs was similar to that of the control group. Contrarily, the tumor growth rate in the experimental group on day 5 post-PMSCs injection was slightly lower than that of the control group. Moreover, the tumor volume on day 14 was noticeably smaller than in the control group. The tracing ability of T2* mapping sequences for USPIOs-labeled cells was significantly more effective than T2-weighted image and T2 mapping sequences.

Conclusions
Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides–labeled PMSCs injected into CRC transplanted tumors can be studied for a long period of time. Furthermore, 3.0-T MRI in vivo molecular imaging was demonstrated to be effective for CRC intervention.
Interstitial Lung Abnormalities in Patients With Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Tseng Shu-Chi , Hino Takuya , Hatabu Hiroto , Park Hyesun , Sanford Nina N. , Lin Gigin , Nishino Mizuki , Mamon Harvey 
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) represent nondependent abnormalities on chest computed tomography (CT) indicating lung parenchymal damages due to inflammation and fibrosis. Interstitial lung abnormalities have been studied as a predictor of clinical outcome in lung cancer, but not in other thoracic malignancies. The present study investigated the prevalence of ILA in patients with esophageal cancer and identified risk factors and clinical implications of ILA in these patients.

Methods
The study included 208 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (median age, 65.6 years; 166 males, 42 females). Interstitial lung abnormality was scored on baseline CT scans before treatment using a 3-point scale (0 = no evidence of ILA, 1 = equivocal for ILA, 2 = ILA). Clinical characteristics and overall survival were compared in patients with ILA (score 2) and others.

Results
An ILA was present in 14 of 208 patients (7%) with esophageal cancer on pretreatment chest CT. Patients with ILA were significantly older (median age, 69 vs 65, respectively; P = 0.011), had a higher number of pack-years of smoking (P = 0.02), and more commonly had T4 stage disease (P = 0.026) than patients with ILA score of 1 or 0. Interstitial lung abnormality on baseline scan was associated with a lack of surgical resection after chemoradiotherapy (7/14, 50% vs 39/194, 20% respectively; P = 0.016). Interstitial lung abnormality was not associated with overall survival (log-rank P = 0.75, Cox P = 0.613).

Conclusions
An ILA was present in 7% of esophageal cancer patients, which is similar to the prevalence in general population and in smokers. Interstitial lung abnormality was strongly associated with a lack of surgical resection after chemoradiotherapy, indicating an implication of ILA in treatment selection in these patients, which can be further studied in larger cohorts.
The Toll pathway mediates Drosophila resilience to Aspergillus mycotoxins through specific Bomanins
Authors: Xu Rui , Lou Yanyan , Tidu Antonin , Bulet Philippe , Heinekamp Thorsten , Martin Franck , Brakhage Axel , Li Zi , Liégeois Samuel , Ferrandon Dominique 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHost defense against infections encompasses resistance, which targets microorganisms for neutralization or elimination, and resilience/disease tolerance, which allows the host to withstand/tolerate pathogens and repair damages. In Drosophila, the Toll signaling pathway is thought to mediate resistance against fungal infections by regulating the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, potentially including Bomanins. We found that Aspergillus fumigatus kills Drosophila Toll pathway mutants without invasion because its dissemination is blocked by melanization, suggesting a role for Toll in host defense distinct from resistance. We report that mutants affecting the Toll pathway or the 55C Bomanin locus were susceptible to the injection of two Aspergillus mycotoxins, restrictocin or verruculogen. The vulnerability of 55C deletion mutants to these mycotoxins was rescued by the overexpression of Bomanins specific to each challenge. Mechanistically, flies in which BomS6 was expressed in the nervous system exhibited an enhanced recovery from the tremors induced by injected verruculogen and displayed improved survival. Thus, innate immunity also protects the host against the action of microbial toxins through secreted peptides and thereby increase its resilience to infection.
Cell-surface protein YwfG ofLactococcus lactisbinds to α-1,2-linked mannose
Authors: Tsuchiya Wataru , Fujimoto Zui , Inagaki Noritoshi , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Miwa , Kimoto-Nira Hiromi , Yamazaki Toshimasa , Suzuki Chise 
Published: August 2022

AbstractLactococcus lactisstrains are used as starter cultures in the production of fermented dairy and vegetable foods, but the species also occurs in other niches such as plant material.Lactococcus lactissubsp.lactisG50 (G50) is a plant-derived strain and potential candidate probiotics. Western blotting of cell-wall proteins using antibodies generated against whole G50 cells detected a 120-kDa protein. MALDI-TOF MS analysis identified it as YwfG, a Leu-Pro-any-Thr-Gly cell-wall-anchor-domain–containing protein. Based on a predicted domain structure, a recombinant YwfG variant covering the N-terminal half (aa 28–511) of YwfG (YwfG28−511) was crystallized and the crystal structure was determined. The structure consisted of an L-type lectin domain, a mucin-binding protein domain, and a mucus-binding protein repeat. Recombinant YwfG variants containing combinations of these domains (YwfG28–270, YwfG28–311, YwfG28−511, MubR4) were prepared and their interactions with monosaccharides were examined by isothermal titration calorimetry; the only interaction observed was between YwfG28–270, which contained the L-type lectin domain, and D-mannose. Among four mannobioses, α-1,2-mannobiose had the highest affinity for YwfG28–270(dissociation constant = 34 μM). YwfG28–270also interacted with yeast mannoproteins and yeast mannan. Soaking of the crystals of YwfG28–511with mannose or α-1,2-mannobiose revealed that both sugars bound to the L-type lectin domain in a similar manner, although the presence of the mucin-binding protein domain and the mucus-binding protein repeat within the recombinant protein inhibited the interaction between the L-type lectin domain and mannose residues. Three of the YwfG variants (except MubR4) induced aggregation of yeast cells. Strain G50 also induced aggregation of yeast cells, which was abolished by deletion ofywfGfrom G50, suggesting that surface YwfG contributes to the interaction with yeast cells. These findings provide new structural and functional insights into the interaction betweenL. lactisand its ecological niche via binding of the cell-surface protein YwfG with mannose.
Imbalanced immune response and dysregulation of neural functions underline fatal opportunistic encephalitis caused by astrovirus
Authors: Maximova Olga A. , Weller Melodie L. , Krogmann Tammy , Sturdevant Daniel E. , Ricklefs Stacy , Virtaneva Kimmo , Martens Craig , Wollenberg Kurt , Minai Mahnaz , Moore Ian N. , Sauter Craig S. , Barker Juliet N. , Lipkin W. Ian , Seilhean Danielle , Nath Avindra , Cohen Jeffrey I. 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTThe incidence of infections of the central nervous system (CNS) in humans is increasing due to emergence and reemergence of pathogens and an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients. Many viruses are opportunists and can invade the CNS if the immune response of the host is impaired. Here we investigate neuropathogenesis of a rare CNS infection in immunocompromised patients caused by astrovirus and show that it shares many features with another opportunistic infection of the CNS caused by human immunodeficiency virus. We show that astrovirus infects CNS neurons with a major impact on the brainstem. In the setting of impaired peripheral adaptive immunity, host responses in the astrovirus infected brain are skewed to the innate immune response with exuberant activation of microglia and macrophages. Astrovirus infection of neurons and responses by phagocytic cells lead to disrupted synaptic integrity, loss of afferent innervation related to infected neurons, and global impairment of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. The response employed in the CNS against opportunistic viruses, such as astrovirus and HIV, may be a common compensatory defense mechanism which inadvertently leads to loss of neural functions due to the host’s exuberant innate immune response to pathogens when adaptive immunity is impaired.
Aedes aegypti Malpighian tubules are immunologically activated following systemic Toll activation
Authors: Sneed Sarah D. , Dwivedi Sutopa B. , DiGate Cameron , Denecke Shane , Povelones Michael 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundCanine heartworm is a widespread and potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease caused by infections with the parasitic nematode, Dirofilaria immitis. We have previously shown that systemic activation of the Toll immune pathway via silencing of the negative regulator Cactus in Aedes aegypti blocks parasite development in the Malpighian tubules, the mosquito renal organ. However, it was not established whether the Malpighian tubules were directly responding to Toll activation or were alternatively responding to upregulated proteins or other changes to the hemolymph driven by other tissues. Distinguishing these possibilities is crucial for developing more precise strategies to block D. immitis while potentially avoiding the fitness cost to the mosquito associated with Cactus silencing.MethodsThis study defines the transcriptional response Malpighian tubules and changes to the hemolymph proteome of Ae. aegypti after systemic Toll activation via intra-thoracic injection of dsCactus.ResultsWe found Malpighian tubules significantly increase expression of Toll pathway target genes that significantly overlapped expression changes occurring in whole mosquitoes. Additionally, we identified a significant overlap between the transcriptional response of the Malpighian tubules and proteins upregulated in the hemolymph.ConclusionsOur data show that Malpighian tubules are capable of RNAi-mediated gene silencing and directly respond to dsCactus treatment by upregulating canonical Toll pathway targets. Though not definitive, the strong correspondence between the Malpighian tubule transcriptional and the hemolymph proteomic responses provides evidence that the tubules may contribute to mosquito humoral immunity.
COVID-19 Modeling: A Review
Authors: Cao Longbing , Liu Qing 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe unprecedented and overwhelming SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease significantly challenged our way of life, society and the economy. Many questions emerge, a critical one being how to quantify the challenges, realities, intervention effect and influence of the pandemic. With the massive effort that has been in relation to modeling COVID-19, what COVID-19 issues have been modeled? What and how well have epidemiology, AI, data science, machine learning, deep learning, mathematics and social science characterized the COVID-19 epidemic? what are the gaps and opportunities of quantifying the pandemic? Such questions involve a wide body of knowledge and literature, which are unclear but important for present and future health crisis quantification. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the challenges, tasks, methods, progress, gaps and opportunities in relation to modeling COVID-19 processes, data, mitigation and impact. With a research landscape of COVID-19 modeling, we further categorize, summarize, compare and discuss the related methods and the progress which has been made in modeling COVID-19 epidemic transmission processes and dynamics, case identification and tracing, infection diagnosis and medical treatments, non-pharmaceutical interventions and their effects, drug and vaccine development, psychological, economic and social influence and impact, and misinformation, etc. The review shows how modeling methods such as mathematical and statistical models, domain-driven modeling by epidemiological compartmental models, medical and biomedical analysis, AI and data science, in particular shallow and deep machine learning, simulation modeling, social science methods and hybrid modeling have addressed the COVID-19 challenges, what gaps exist and what research directions can be followed for a better future.
Total Added Sugar Consumption is not Significantly Associated with Risk for Prediabetes Among U.S. adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2018
Authors: Sneed Nadia Markie , Azuero Andres , Moss Jacqueline , Goss Amy M. , Morrison Shannon A 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrediabetes affects 34.1% U.S. adults and is primarily linked to added sugars consumed from sugar-sweetened beverages. It is unclear if total dietary intake of added sugar also increases the risk for prediabetes.ObjectiveThis study examined if total (g/day) and percent intakes of <10%, 10-15%, or >15% added sugar increase the odds for prediabetes in U.S. adults.DesignA cross-sectional, secondary analysis using 2013-2018 NHANES data was conducted.Participants/settingThis study included data from U.S. adults ≥ 20 years with normoglycemia (N= 2,154) and prediabetes (N= 3,152) with 1-2 days of dietary recall information.Main outcome measuresPrediabetes, defined as a Hemoglobin A1c of 5.7%-6.4% or a fasting plasma glucose of 100-125 mg/dL.Statistical analysisSurvey-weighted logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios of prediabetes based on usual intakes of added sugar (total and percent intakes) using the National Cancer Institute Method. Differences in prediabetes risk and total and percent intakes of added sugar were compared by race/ethnicity.ResultsThe sample’s total energy intake from added sugar was 13.9%. Total (unadjusted: OR: 1.01, 95% CI: .99 - 1.00, p = .26; adjusted: OR: 1.00, 95% CI: .99 - 1.00, p = .91) and percent intakes of added sugar (unadjusted [<10%: (ref); 10-15%: OR: .93, 95% CI: .77 - 1.12, p = .44; >15%: OR: 1.03, 95% CI: .82 - 1.28, p = .82] and adjusted [<10%: (ref); 10 - 15%: OR: .82, 95% CI: .65 - 1.04, p = .09; >15%: OR: .96, 95% CI: .74 - 1.24, p = .73]) were not significantly associated with an increased odds of prediabetes. Prediabetes risk did not differ by race/ethnicity for total (unadjusted model [p = .65]; adjusted model [p = .51]) or percent (unadjusted model [p = .21]; adjusted model [p = .11]) added sugar intakes.ConclusionsIn adults ≥20 years with normoglycemia and prediabetes, total added sugar consumption did not significantly increase one’s risk for prediabetes and risk estimates did not differ by race/ethnicity. Experimental studies should expand upon this work to confirm these findings.
Yellow fever vaccination coverage among nomadic populations in Savannah region, Ghana; a cross-sectional study following an outbreak
Authors: Inusah Abdul-Wahab , Collins Gbeti , Head Michael G , Dzomeku Peter , Ziblim Shamsu-Deen 
Published: August 2022

AbstractYellow fever (YF) is a viral infection transmitted via mosquito bites. The disease is endemic in many African countries and Ghana has experienced frequent outbreaks. Vaccine coverage is often low in nomadic communities.ObjectiveTo evaluate YF vaccination coverage among nomadic population after the YF vaccination campaign in targeted communities in the Savanah region, Ghana.Study DesignA community-based cross-sectional study, with a modified WHO vaccination coverage cluster survey was used to collect data from 2914 nomads in 414 nomadic households across 22 YF affected communities. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15. T-test analysis of variance was conducted to determine the statistical difference among different population groups.ResultsOut of the 2914 household members surveyed, 2342 (80%) were vaccinated against YF. There was a statistical difference between household size and household vaccination coverage with a mean difference of 1.38(p-value, <0.001). We found a statistical difference between YF vaccination coverage among the study population and that of the national coverage (88%) with a mean difference of 0.05(p-value =<0.001). About 94% of those vaccinated were able to show proof of vaccination with certified vaccination cards. The main reason for non-vaccination was household member/s travelling out of the district during the vaccination campaign.ConclusionYF vaccination coverage was below the national vaccination coverage, but within the WHO recommended threshold in obtaining herd immunity. The catch-up vaccination targeting hard-to-reach nomadic communities was necessary, in order to reduce likelihood of future outbreaks in these groups. Where resources allow, proactive monitoring of vaccine coverage and catch-up campaigns can help countries to meet 2026 international targets for YF elimination.
Assessing Vulnerability to COVID-19 in High-Risk Populations: The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Targeted Serology
Authors: Kaufman Harvey W , Meyer William A , Clarke Nigel J , Radcliff Jeff , Rank Christopher M , Freeman James , Eisenberg Marcia , Gillim Laura , Morice William G , Briscoe David M , Perlin David S , Wohlgemuth Jay G 
Published: August 2022

AbstractImportanceIndividuals at increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, due to compromised immunity or other risk factors, would benefit from objective measures of vulnerability to infection based on prior infection and/or vaccination. We reviewed published data to identify a specific role and interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted serology testing for such individuals. We also provide real-world evidence of spike-targeted antibody test results, identifying the seronegativity rate across the United States from March 2021 through June 2022. Analysis of antibody test results were compared between post-transplant (ie, immunocompromised) and all other patients tested in the first half of 2022. Finally, specific recommendations are provided for an evidence-based and clinically useful interpretation of spike-targeted serology to identify vulnerability to infection and potential subsequent adverse outcomes.ObservationsDecreased vaccine effectiveness among immunocompromised individuals is linked to correspondingly high rates of breakthrough infections. Evidence indicates that negative results on SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are associated with increased risk for subsequent infection. Results from widely available, laboratory-based tests do not provide a direct measure of protection but appear to correlate well with the presence of surrogate pseudovirus-neutralizing antibodies. The results of SARS-CoV-2 semiquantitative tests have also been associated with vaccine effectiveness and the likelihood of breakthrough infection. The data suggest that “low-positive” results on semiquantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted antibody tests may help identify persons at increased relative risk for breakthrough infection leading to adverse outcomes. In an analysis of data from large national laboratories during the COVID-19 Omicron-related surge in 2022, results from SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted antibody tests were negative in 16.6% (742/4459) of solid organ transplant recipients tested compared to only 11.0% (47,552/432,481) of the remaining tested population.Conclusions and RelevanceStandardized semiquantitative and quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeted antibody tests may provide objective information on risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated adverse outcomes. This holds especially for high-risk populations, including transplant recipients, who demonstrate a relatively higher rate of seronegativity. The widespread availability of such tests presents an opportunity to refine risk assessment for individuals with suboptimal SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and to promote effective interventions. Interim federal guidance would support physicians and patients while additional investigations are pursued.