bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Candida auris Isolates at a Major Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon
Authors: Reslan Lina , Araj George F. , Finianos Marc , El Asmar Rima , Hrabak Jaroslav , Dbaibo Ghassan , Bitar Ibrahim 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe globally emerging Candida auris pathogens poses heavy burden to the healthcare system. Their molecular analyses assist in understanding their epidemiology, dissemination, treatment, and control. This study was warranted to describe the genomic features and drug resistance profiles using whole genome sequencing (WGS) among C. auris isolates from Lebanon.MethodsA total of 28 C. auris clinical isolates, from different hospital units, were phenotypically identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) and tested for antifungal resistance using Vitek-2 system and E test. The complete genomes were determined by WGS using long reads sequencing (PacBio) to reveal the clade distribution and antifungal resistance genes.ResultsCandida auris revealed uniform resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B, with full susceptibility to echinocandins. Among key resistance genes studied, only two mutations were detected: Y132F in ERG11 gene and a novel mutation, D709E, found in CDR1 gene encoding for an ABC efflux pump. Phylogenetically, C. auris genomes belonged to South Asian clade I and showed limited genetic diversity, suggesting person to person transmission.ConclusionThis characterization of C. auris isolates from Lebanon revealed the exclusivity of clade I lineage together with uniform resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B. The control of such highly resistant pathogen necessitates an appropriate and rapid recovery and identification to contain spread and outbreaks.
Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Dynamic Pathophysiology Across Different Stages in a Rat Model of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Luo Weikang , Yang Zhaoyu , Zhang Wei , Zhou Dan , Guo Xiaohang , Wang Shunshun , He Feng , Wang Yang 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundSevere traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become a global health problem and causes a vast worldwide societal burden. However, distinct mechanisms between acute and subacute stages have not been systemically revealed. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins in severe TBI from the acute to subacute phase.MethodsSixty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham surgery and model groups. The severe TBI models were induced by the controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. We evaluated the neurological deficits through the modified neurological severity score (NSS). Meanwhile, H&amp;E staining and immunofluorescence were performed to assess the injured brain tissues. The protein expressions of the hippocampus on the wounded side of CCI groups and the same side of Sham groups were analyzed by the tandem mass tag-based (TMT) quantitative proteomics on the third and fourteenth days. Then, using the gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and protein–protein interaction (PPI), the shared and stage-specific differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened, analyzed, and visualized. Eventually, target proteins were further verified by Western blotting (WB).ResultsIn the severe TBI, the neurological deficits always exist from the acute stage to the subacute stage, and brain parenchyma was dramatically impaired in either period. Of the significant DEPs identified, 312 were unique to the acute phase, 76 were specific to the subacute phase, and 63 were shared in both. Of the 375 DEPs between Sham-a and CCI-a, 240 and 135 proteins were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Of 139 DEPs, 84 proteins were upregulated, and 55 were downregulated in the Sham-s and CCI-s. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differential pathophysiology across both stages. One of the most critical shared pathways is the complement and coagulation cascades. Notably, three pathways associated with gastric acid secretion, insulin secretion, and thyroid hormone synthesis were only enriched in the acute phase. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was significantly enriched in the subacute stage. WB experiments confirmed the reliability of the TMT quantitative proteomics results.ConclusionOur findings highlight the same and different pathological processes in the acute and subacute phases of severe TBI at the proteomic level. The results of potential protein biomarkers might facilitate the design of novel strategies to treat TBI.
Predicting Disease-Free Survival With Multiparametric MRI-Derived Radiomic Signature in Cervical Cancer Patients Underwent CCRT
Authors: Liu Bing , Sun Zhen , Xu Zi-Liang , Zhao Hong-Liang , Wen Di-Di , Li Yong-Ai , Zhang Fan , Hou Bing-Xin , Huan Yi , Wei Li-Chun , Zheng Min-Wen 
Published: January 2022

Prognostic biomarkers that can reliably predict the disease-free survival (DFS) of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) are needed for identifying those patients at high risk for progression, who may benefit from a more aggressive treatment. In the present study, we aimed to construct a multiparametric MRI-derived radiomic signature for predicting DFS of LACC patients who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study recruited 263 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obetrics (FIGO) stage IB-IVA treated with CCRT for whom pretreatment MRI scans were performed. They were randomly divided into two groups: primary cohort (n = 178) and validation cohort (n = 85). The LASSO regression and Cox proportional hazard regression were conducted to construct the radiomic signature (RS). According to the cutoff of the RS value, patients were dichotomized into low- and high-risk groups. Pearson’s correlation and Kaplan–Meier analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between the RS and DFS. The RS, the clinical model incorporating FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis by the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, and a combined model incorporating RS and clinical model were constructed to estimate DFS individually.ResultsThe final radiomic signature consisted of four radiomic features: T2W_wavelet-LH_ glszm_Size Zone NonUniformity, ADC_wavelet-HL-first order_ Median, ADC_wavelet-HH-glrlm_Long Run Low Gray Level Emphasis, and ADC_wavelet _LL_gldm_Large Dependence High Gray Emphasis. Higher RS was significantly associated with worse DFS in the primary and validation cohorts (both p&lt;0.001). The RS demonstrated better prognostic performance in predicting DFS than the clinical model in both cohorts (C-index, 0.736–0.758 for RS, and 0.603–0.649 for clinical model). However, the combined model showed no significant improvement (C-index, 0.648, 95% CI, 0.571–0.685).ConclusionsThe present study indicated that the multiparametric MRI-derived radiomic signature could be used as a non-invasive prognostic tool for predicting DFS in LACC patients.
The Association Between Urinary Tract Infection and Overactive Bladder Treatment
Authors: Liao Kuang-Ming , Lio Ka-Lok , Chou Yu-Ju , Kuo Chen-Chun , Chen Chung-Yu 
Published: January 2022

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is defined as urinary urgency, with or without urge incontinence in the absence of an underlying pathological or metabolic cause. Treatment for OAB involves anti-muscarinic agents and beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists. As a previous study showed that treatment may increase the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), we conducted a nationwide, population-based, retrospective study to assess UTI risk associated with OAB medication adherence, and different types of OAB medication.Methods: The source of data was medical records from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients who were diagnosed with OAB in outpatient records from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016 were included. Outpatient visits included an attendance at primary care or the emergency department. The index date was the first prescription medication for OAB treatment after diagnosis. The targeted population was those diagnosed with OAB, and targeted drugs were anti-muscarinic agent (including flavoxate, oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin, tolterodine, and trospium) and mirabegron. Adherence was assessed based on the proportion of days covered in 12 months among mirabegron and anti-muscarinic agents. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model was used to compare the risk of UTI with OAB medication adherence, and different types of OAB medication.Results: There were 39,975 outpatients diagnosed with OAB in the database from 2014 to 2016. Excluding those younger than 20 years old and for whom the information was incomplete in the database, 21,869 patients were included in the final OAB cohort. Overall, risk of UTI was not influenced by the targeted drugs or adherence during the follow-up period, regardless of UTI history or sex.Conclusion: OAB is a common problem in Taiwan. After 12 months of follow-up, there was no difference between anticholinergic medications and beta-3 agonists, nor between high and low adherence in the risk of UTI.
Role of Biosynthesized Ag-NPs Using Aspergillus niger (MK503444.1) in Antimicrobial, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Angiogenic Activities
Authors: Pasha Akbar , Kumbhakar Divya Vishambhar , Sana Siva Sankar , Ravinder Doneti , Lakshmi B. Vijaya , Kalangi Suresh K. , Pawar Smita C. 
Published: January 2022

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is regarded as a safe and non-toxic process over conventional synthesis. Owing to the medicinal value of biologically derived biomolecules and utilizing them in synergy with nanoscience to offer more accurate therapeutic options to various diseases is an emerging field. One such study we present here with highlights of the synthesis and efficacy of biogenic silver nanoparticles produced from the extract of Aspergillus niger SAP2211 (accession number: MK503444.1) as an antimicrobial, anti-cancerous and anti-angiogenic agent. The synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized following UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM, and were found to possess bactericidal activity against the selected pathogenic microbes, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. Further, we evaluated cytotoxicity effect of this biogenic Ag-NPs using MMT assay on normal cardio myoblast (H9C2) and cancerous human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. Doxorubicin used as positive control. This Ag-NPs have shown trivial cytotoxicity at the IC50 concentration on normal cells (IC50 = 47.17 µg/ml) over the cancer cells (IC50 = 8.609 µg/ml) with nearly 7 fold difference, indicating it as a selective anti-cancerous agent in contrast to standard drug doxorubicin (IC50 = 6.338 µg/ml). Further in-vitro assessment of wound healing capability by scratch wound healing assay, invasion by transwell matrigel invasion assay, and apoptosis via DAPI and annexin V-FITC assays were studied in HeLa cells. Synthesized biogenic Ag-NPs have shown to be anti-angiogenic in nature, which was established by in-vivo chick chorioallantois membrane assay. Overall, in vitro studies revealed that biogenic Ag-NPs positively inhibited migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis, and in-vivo CAM assay revealed that intercapillary network was reduced and the angiogenesis was inhibited.
Altered Circulating MicroRNA Profiles After Endurance Training: A Cohort Study of Ultramarathon Runners
Authors: Eyileten Ceren , Wicik Zofia , Fitas Alex , Marszalek Mikolaj , Simon Jenny E. , De Rosa Salvatore , Wiecha Szczepan , Palatini Jeffrey , Postula Marek , Malek Lukasz A. 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundDespite the positive effects of endurance training on the cardiovascular (CV) system, excessive exercise induces not only physiological adaptations but also adverse changes in CV system, including the heart. We aimed to evaluate the selected miRNAs expression based on bioinformatic analysis and their changes before and after an ultramarathon run.Materials and MethodsCardiac tissue-specific targets were identified with the Tissue 2.0 database. Gene-gene interaction data were retrieved from the STRING app for Cytoscape. Twenty-three endurance athletes were recruited to the study. Athletes ran to completion (100 km) or exhaustion (52–91 km, median 74 km). All participants completed pre- and post-run testing. miRNAs expressions were measured both before and after the race.ResultsEnrichment analysis of the signaling pathways associated with the genes targeted by miRNAs selected for qRT-PCR validation (miR-1-3p, miR-126, miR-223, miR-125a-5p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-15a/b). All selected miRNAs showed overlap in regulation in pathways associated with cancer, IL-2 signaling, TGF-β signaling as well as BDNF signaling pathway. Analysis of metabolites revealed significant regulation of magnesium and guanosine triphosphate across analyzed miRNA targets. MiR-1-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-126, and miR-223 expressions were measured in 23 experienced endurance athletes, before and after an ultramarathon wherein athletes ran to completion (100 km) or exhaustion (52–91 km, median 74 km). The expressions of miR-125a-5p, miR-126, and miR-223 were significantly increased after the race (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, p = 0.014, respectively). MiR-1-3p expression post-run showed a negative correlation with the post-run levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r = −0.632, p = 0.003). Higher miR-1-3p expression was found in runners, who finished the race under 10 h compared to runners who finished over 10 h (p = 0.001). Post-run miR-125a-5p expression showed a negative correlation with the peak lactate during the run (r = −0.576, p = 0.019).ConclusionExtreme physical activity, as exemplified by an ultramarathon, is associated with changes in circulating miRNAs’ expression related to inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac muscle function. In particular, the negative correlations between miR-125a-5p and lactate concentrations, and miR-1-3p and hs-CRP, support their role in specific exercise-induced adaptation. Further studies are essential to validate the long-term effect of these observations.
Impact of Inhaled Corticosteroids on the Modulation of Respiratory Defensive Reflexes During Artificial Limb Exercise in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Rabbits
Authors: Basin Sarah , Valentin Simon , Demoulin-Alexikova Silvia , Demoulin Bruno , Foucaud Laurent , Gérard Delphine , Pouget Celso , Allado Edem , Chenuel Bruno , Poussel Mathias 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionCough is a major lower airway defense mechanism that can be triggered by exercise in asthma patients. Studies on cough reflex in experimental animal models revealed a decrease of cough reflex sensitivity during exercise in healthy animals, but a lack of desensitization in ovalbumin-sensitized rabbits. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of inhaled corticosteroids on cough reflex during artificial limb exercise in an animal model of eosinophilic airway inflammation.Materials and MethodsSixteen adult ovalbumin-sensitized rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. The “OVA-Corticoid” group (n = 8) received inhaled corticosteroids (budesonide; 1 mg/day during 2 consecutive days) while the “OVA-Control” (n = 8) group was exposed to saline nebulization. The sensitivity of defensive reflexes induced by direct mechanical stimulation of the trachea was studied in anesthetized animals, at rest and during artificial limb exercise. Cell count was performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and middle lobe tissue sections to assess the level of eosinophilic inflammation.ResultsAll rabbits were significantly sensitized but there was no difference in eosinophilic inflammation on bronchoalveolar lavage or tissue sections between the two groups. Artificial limb exercise resulted in a significant (p = 0.002) increase in minute ventilation by 30% (+ 209 mL.min–1, ± 102 mL/min–1), with no difference between the two groups. 322 mechanical tracheal stimulations were performed, 131 during exercise (40.7%) and 191 at rest (59.3%). Cough reflex was the main response encountered (46.9%), with a significant increase in cough reflex threshold during artificial limb exercise in the “OVA-Corticoid” group (p = 0.039). Cough reflex threshold remained unchanged in the “OVA-Control” group (p = 0.109).ConclusionInhaled corticosteroids are able to restore desensitization of the cough reflex during artificial limb exercise in an animal model of airway eosinophilic inflammation. Airway inflammation thus appears to be involved in the physiopathology of exercise-induced cough in this ovalbumin sensitized rabbit model. Inhaled anti-inflammatory treatments could have potential benefit for the management of exercise-induced cough in asthma patients.
The Role of Complex Trauma and Attachment Patterns in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Speranza Anna Maria , Farina Benedetto , Bossa Caterina , Fortunato Alexandro , Maggiora Vergano Carola , Palmiero Luigia , Quintigliano Maria , Liotti Marianna 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveEven if the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence (IPV) has already been established, there are no sufficient studies examining the relationships between these factors and attachment representations, specifically attachment disorganization. Thus, this study aimed to explore, in a sample of women who experienced IPV (a) the presence of interpersonal adversities during childhood, and (b) attachment representations, with a particular focus on disorganization.MethodsWomen’s representations of attachment experiences were investigated through the Adult Attachment Interview, while the presence of various forms of interpersonal adversities during childhood was assessed using the Complex Trauma Questionnaire. The results of the IPV group (n = 98) were compared with those of women with no history of IPV (control group, n = 81).ResultsWomen in the IPV group showed higher values of multiple forms of adverse experiences within their caregiving system. They presented significantly higher rates of disorganized states of mind regarding attachment, indicative of a lack of resolution regarding traumatic experiences, and of disorganized working models resulting from complex trauma. Our results highlighted that, more than the presence of traumatic experiences, it is their irresolution – reflected in the disorganized states of mind regarding attachment at the Adult Attachment Interview – to be a significant predictor of IPV.ConclusionThese results suggest underline the significance of offering a trauma- and attachment-informed therapy to those who experience IPV. Such results could help both clinicians and researchers in formulating clearer guidelines for IPV interventions.
Subcortical Brain Volumes Relate to Neurocognition in First-Episode Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression Disorder, and Healthy Controls
Authors: Shi Jing , Guo Hua , Liu Sijia , Xue Wei , Fan Fengmei , Li Hui , Fan Hongzhen , An Huimei , Wang Zhiren , Tan Shuping , Yang Fude , Tan Yunlong 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo explore differences and similarities in relationships between subcortical structure volumes and neurocognition among the four subject groups, including first-episode schizophrenia (FES), bipolar disorder (BD), major depression disorder (MDD), and healthy controls (HCs).MethodsWe presented findings from subcortical volumes and neurocognitive analyses of 244 subjects (109 patients with FES; 63 patients with BD, 30 patients with MDD, and 42 HCs). Using the FreeSurfer software, volumes of 16 selected subcortical structures were automatically segmented and analyzed for relationships with results from seven neurocognitive tests from the MATRICS (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia) Cognitive Consensus Battery (MCCB).ResultsLarger left lateral ventricle volumes in FES and BD, reduced bilateral hippocampus and amygdala volumes in FES, and lower bilateral amygdala volumes in BD and MDD were presented compared with HCs, and both FES and BD had a lower bilateral amygdala volume than MDD; there were seven cognitive dimension, five cognitive dimension, and two cognitive dimension impairments in FES, BD, and MDD, respectively; significant relationships were found between subcortical volumes and neurocognition in FES and BD but not in MDD and HCs; besides age and years of education, some subcortical volumes can predict neurocognitive performances variance.ConclusionThe different degrees of subcortical volume lessening may contribute to the differences in cognitive impairment among the three psychiatric disorders.
A Visualized and Scientometric Analysis of Health Literacy Research
Authors: Wang Jian , Shahzad Fakhar 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe health literacy concerned by numerous policy and advocacy organizations is springing up rapidly and has evolved substantially over the past few decades. During the period of COVID-19, people who are in the absence of effective treatment and limited availability of vaccination need a higher health literacy to protective themselves. In order to provide a summary of the health literacy research, a visualized and Scientometric analysis is applied in this study.MethodsBased on a scientific review of 3,670 data on health literacy from Web of Science, this research uses Citespace software to systematically and objectively describe health literacy to determine the knowledge evolution structure between articles and investigate research trends.ResultsThe results show that the annual outputs of publications have grown rapidly since 2003. The USA and Australia make larger contributions compared with other countries in terms of quantity of publications and worldwide collaboration relationship between them. The “Soc Sci Med,” “J Health Commun.” “Patient Educ Couns” and “J Gen Intern Med” pay more attention to health literacy research. The leading authors with influence and authority are Wolf MS, Osborne RH, and Paasche-Orlow MK. Health literacy research in this field focuses on care, knowledge, and education, and so on. An emerging trend of health literacy with Covid-19, online tools, nursing, and obesity will spread across the globe.ConclusionCompared with simply reviewing existing articles, the major contribution in this study is a comprehensive review of yearly scientific output, journals, countries, institutions, contributors, highly cited papers, and keywords for health literacy research. The review also provides valuable and seminal guidelines for interested researchers on health literacy research.