bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial and human transcriptome in vaginal fluid at midgestation: Association with spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Wikström Tove , Abrahamsson Sanna , Bengtsson‐Palme Johan , Ek Joakim , Kuusela Pihla , Rekabdar Elham , Lindgren Peter , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Jacobsson Bo , Valentin Lil , Hagberg Henrik 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundIntrauterine infection and inflammation caused by microbial transfer from the vagina are believed to be important factors causing spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD). Multiple studies have examined the relationship between the cervicovaginal microbiome and spontaneous PTD with divergent results. Most studies have applied a DNA‐based assessment, providing information on the microbial composition but not transcriptional activity. A transcriptomic approach was applied to investigate differences in the active vaginal microbiome and human transcriptome at midgestation between women delivering spontaneously preterm versus those delivering at term.MethodsVaginal swabs were collected in women with a singleton pregnancy at 18 + 0 to 20 + 6 gestational weeks. For each case of spontaneous PTD (delivery <37 + 0 weeks) two term controls were randomized (39 + 0 to 40 + 6 weeks). Vaginal specimens were subject to sequencing of both human and microbial RNA. Microbial reads were taxonomically classified using Kraken2 and RefSeq as a reference. Statistical analyses were performed using DESeq2. GSEA and HUMAnN3 were used for pathway analyses.ResultsWe found 17 human genes to be differentially expressed (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05) in the preterm group (n= 48) compared to the term group (n= 96). Gene expression of kallikrein‐2 (KLK2), KLK3 and four isoforms of metallothioneins 1 (MT1s) was higher in the preterm group (FDR < 0.05). We found 11 individual bacterial species to be differentially expressed (FDR < 0.05), most with a low occurrence. No statistically significant differences in bacterial load, diversity or microbial community state types were found between the groups.ConclusionsIn our mainly white population, primarily bacterial species of low occurrence were differentially expressed at midgestation in women who delivered preterm versus at term. However, the expression of specific human transcripts including KLK2, KLK3 and several isoforms of MT1s was higher in preterm cases. This is of interest, because these genes may be involved in critical inflammatory pathways associated with spontaneous PTD.
Mitochondrial regulation of acute extrafollicular B‐cell responses to COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Cao Tianyu , Liu Li , To Kelvin Kai‐Wang , Lim Chun‐Yu , Zhou Runhong , Ming Yue , Kwan Ka‐Yi , Yu Sulan , Chan Chun‐Yin , Zhou Biao , Huang Haode , Mo Yufei , Du Zhenglong , Gong Ruomei , Yat Luk‐Tsz , Hung Ivan Fan‐Ngai , Tam Anthony Raymond , To Wing‐Kin , Leung Wai‐Shing , Chik Thomas Shiu‐Hong , Tsang Owen Tak‐Yin , Lin Xiang , Song You‐qiang , Yuen Kwok‐Yung , Chen Zhiwei 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundPatients with COVID‐19 display a broad spectrum of manifestations from asymptomatic to life‐threatening disease with dysregulated immune responses. Mechanisms underlying the detrimental immune responses and disease severity remain elusive.MethodsWe investigated a total of 137 APs infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Patients were divided into mild and severe patient groups based on their requirement of oxygen supplementation. All blood samples from APs were collected within three weeks after symptom onset. Freshly isolated PBMCs were investigated for B cell subsets, their homing potential, activation state, mitochondrial functionality and proliferative response. Plasma samples were tested for cytokine concentration, and titer of Nabs, RBD‐, S1‐, SSA/Ro‐ and dsDNA‐specific IgG.ResultsWhile critically ill patients displayed predominantly extrafollicular B cell activation with elevated inflammation, mild patients counteracted the disease through the timely induction of mitochondrial dysfunction in B cells within the first week post symptom onset. Rapidly increased mitochondrial dysfunction, which was caused by infection‐induced excessive intracellular calcium accumulation, suppressed excessive extrafollicular responses, leading to increased neutralizing potency index and decreased inflammatory cytokine production. Patients who received prior COVID‐19 vaccines before infection displayed significantly decreased extrafollicular B cell responses and mild disease.ConclusionOur results reveal an immune mechanism that controls SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced detrimental B cell responses and COVID‐19 severity, which may have implications for viral pathogenesis, therapeutic interventions and vaccine development.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroarylation of Allenes
Authors: Pagès Lucas , Abed Ali Abdine Racha , Monnier Florian , Taillefer Marc 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe intermolecular transition‐metal catalyzed hydroarylation of allenes has been widely explored since the early 1980s. This reaction allows the selective access to high‐value allylic or vinylic motifs through the formation of C−C bonds. In this frame, arenes (ArH), which are employed without any pre‐functionalisation, represent one of the most used families of aryl sources. Organoboronic derivatives (acids ArB(OH)2 and esters ArB(OR)2) constitute alternative, accessible and generally more reactive coupling partners, while aryl halides (ArX) are a third, less used type of aryl source. Whereas gold‐ and palladium‐based catalysts are often used with arenes and aryl boronic derivatives, respectively, as aryl sources, a wide range of other transition metals have also been employed. Experimental and theoretical studies have often been reported, thus affording mechanistic insights and allowing to suggest catalytic cycles.
Perspective on the present state and future usefulness of marama bean (Tylosema esculentum)
Authors: Cullis Christopher , Chimwamurombe Percy , Kunert Karl , Vorster Juan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRecent focus on indigenous knowledge of plant species that have long been consumed by mankind, but not having a prominent place in organized agriculture, has raised the profile of what steps are needed to bring such potentially useful plant species into formal agriculture practice. Many of these orphan plants have been cultivated, albeit usually without much improvement. Tylosema esculentum (marama bean) is unusual; in that, it has not been grown as a crop but only collected from wild stands. The nutritious seeds have been consumed, and other potentially useful products from the marama seeds and tubers have been identified. The marama bean grows under inhospitable environments, particularly hot arid conditions, and, if domesticated, could be grown in environments where there are no high‐yielding alternatives. The perspective of this article is to view the current status of the marama bean domestication and the possible pathways to bring this plant into wider agricultural use. The scientific basis for an improved crop yield needs to be coupled with the identification of possible added value characteristics for growers. These include acceptability as a food, possible industrial use, the development and distribution of improved seed, and the recruitment of growers to plant marama as a crop. The authors' international collaboration has already made advances in some of these areas. We discuss the current ongoing developments and existing gaps in moving this plant into formal agriculture, along with a plan for the future developments necessary for marama to provide food security under climate change, particularly in Africa. Even as the process of domestication of marama bean is proceeding, its unusual and potentially useful characteristics will greatly benefit the improvement of other legume crops needed to provide adequate nutrition to about 35% of the world population living in semi‐arid to arid regions of the developing world.
Liver steatosis and fibrosis in people with human immunodeficiency virus in West Africa and the relationship with hepatitis B virus coinfection
Authors: Villa Giovanni , Owusu Dorcas , Smith Colette , Azumah Marilyn , Abdullahi Adam , Phillips Suzannah , Sayeed Laila , Austin Harrison , Chadwick David , Phillips Richard Odame , Geretti Anna Maria 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
There is a heavy burden of liver disease in West Africa. While the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well recognized, less is known about the contributing role of liver steatosis and how the two interact in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Adults with HIV in Ghana underwent FibroScan measurements to determine prevalence of liver steatosis (expressed as controlled attenuation parameter [CAP]) and fibrosis (expressed as liver stiffness [LS]). We explored contributing factors in linear regression models, including demographics, lifestyle characteristics, medical history, HIV and HBV status, and measurements of metabolic syndrome. Among 329 adults (72.3% women; median age, 47 years), 322 (97.9%) were on antiretroviral therapy (median duration, 8.9 years). CD4 counts were preserved (median, 619 cells/mm3); plasma HIV RNA was fully suppressed in 162 (50.3%) of the treated participants. Cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and use of traditional or herbal remedies were uncommon (6.1%, 1.8%, 3.3%, respectively). Largely undiagnosed metabolic syndrome was detected in 87 (26.4%) participants. We obtained readings indicative of ≥S2 steatosis and ≥F2 fibrosis in 43 (13.1%) and 55 (16.7%) participants, respectively. Higher CAP values were associated with metabolic syndrome and longer prior stavudine exposure. Higher LS values were associated with male sex, higher HIV RNA, and higher CAP values. Relative to people without HBV, those with HBV (n = 90) had a similar prevalence of ≥S2 steatosis but a higher prevalence of ≥F2 fibrosis (36.7% vs. 9.2%, p < 0.0001) and concomitant ≥S2 steatosis and ≥F2 fibrosis (9.1% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both HBV and liver steatosis pose a threat to long‐term liver health among people with HIV in West Africa. Urgently required interventions include improving HIV suppression and diagnosing and managing determinants of the metabolic syndrome.
Massive data language models and conversational artificial intelligence: Emerging issues
Authors: O’Leary Daniel E. 
Published: September 2022

SummaryGoogle’s LaMDA, Open AI’s GPT‐3, and Meta’s BlenderBot are artificial intelligence (AI)‐based chatbots, that have been trained on billions of documents creating the notion of “massive data.” These systems use human‐generated documents to capture words and relationships between words that people use when they communicate. This paper examines some of the similarities of these systems and the emerging issues regarding these massive data language models, including whether they are sentient, the use and impact of scale, information use and ownership, and explanations of discussions and answers. This paper also directly investigates some artifacts of Google’s LaMDA and compares them with Meta’s BlenderBot. Finally, this paper examines emerging issues and questions deriving from our analysis.
Internet capabilities and innovation in the Balkan countries: The role of foreign technology licensing
Authors: Hawach Fadi , Zhang Chao , Acharjee Shushanta , Nicolas‐Sans Ruben 
Published: September 2022

AbstractUsing the resource‐based view and knowledge spillover, this study investigates the direct effects of Internet capabilities (communication, platform, and connection capabilities) on product and process innovation across 10 Balkan countries from 2007 to 2019. The study examines the role of foreign technology licensing in moderating these relationships. In line with findings from developed countries, the empirical results show that Internet capabilities positively influence product and process innovation. Surprisingly, foreign technology licensing was unable to enhance the positive effects of Internet capabilities on process and product innovation due to the overlapped benefits and the potential costs and risks involved in the Balkan countries. As a result, our study enhances the literature's understanding of Internet capabilities' effects on innovation and the role of foreign technology licensing, enriching current knowledge and providing practical implications for the developing context of the Balkan countries.
Breaking the ice: Creating and maintaining an affirming practice setting for LGBTQIA+ pharmacy trainees
Authors: Astle Kevin N. , Mills Alex R. , Medlin Christopher G. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLearners who identify as a sexual or gender minority (SGM) may experience anxiety and fear when entering new learning environments, hindering their ability to develop their professional identity. This may be attributed to uncertainty regarding whether the preceptors and practice site will be affirming of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Historically, SGM learners may have experienced these stress processes, leading to an unnecessarily poor learning experience. Postgraduate trainees' experiences have an increased and sustained negative impact when training in an “unfriendly” environment, as previous negative encounters have already challenged their professional identity. Preceptors serve as the first step in creating a welcoming and affirming practice site and are instrumental in mitigating stigmatizing encounters. By focusing on effective first impressions and non‐assumptive dialogue, a preceptor can help elevate themselves as a trusted individual in that learner's life. This article aims to discuss stigma and discrimination's effects on postgraduate and early‐career SGMs and provide a “how‐to” guide to mitigate negative experiences for pharmacy learners. Additionally, this guide will utilize case studies to better illustrate stigmatizing encounters in the trainee setting and provide considerations for equitable and affirming learning environments.
The safety and performance of the Spectra Optia apheresis system platelet depletion protocol in patients with elevated platelet counts
Authors: Lopert Pamela , Abdelrahman Sohair , Graybill Christopher A. , Rhodes Jack , Sørensen Betina , Li Ming , Hu Yu , Wu Depei , Liu Ligen , He Pengcheng , Zhang Xuejun , Huang Fen , Hu Jianda , Bill Jerry 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThrombocytosis is a presenting and progressive clinical feature found in multiple disease states. It is characterized by high platelet (PLT) counts (>450 × 109/L) and can lead to thrombohemorrhagic events. Thrombocytapheresis or platelet depletion (PLTD) can be performed in acutely symptomatic patients suffering from thrombocytosis and may reduce or prevent acute serious complications associated with thrombocythemia thereby enabling patients to receive potentially curative high‐dose chemotherapy.MethodsThis report details the results from 2 clinical studies, one conducted in the European Union (EU) and one in the People's Republic of China, assessing the PLTD procedure on the Spectra Optia Apheresis System. The primary objective of both studies was to assess the safety and performance of the PLTD procedure in patients with elevated PLT counts.ResultsData were collected from 56 participants completing 64 PLTD procedures. The mean percent change in PLT count and collection efficiency (CE1) was 55.1% and 68.5%, respectively. In the EU study, 6 participants experienced a total of 9 adverse events (AEs) and in the China study, 44 participants reported a total of 212 AEs. In both studies, the majority of AEs reported were Grade 2 or lower and no serious AEs, unanticipated adverse device effects, or AEs leading to death were reported.ConclusionsThe data collected within these studies indicate that the PLTD procedure is well tolerated and effective at reducing circulating PLTs in patients suffering from thrombocytosis as evaluated by a percent decrease in PLT count, CE1, and AE incidence.
Aberrant autophagy in lysosomal storage disorders marked by a lysosomal SNARE protein shortage due to suppression of endocytosis
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Tsuji Daisuke , Watanabe Ryosuke , Ohnishi Yukiya , Kitaguchi Shindai , Nakae Ryuto , Teramoto Hiromi , Tsukimoto Jun , Horii Yuto , Itoh Kohji 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are inherited metabolic diseases caused by genetic defects in lysosomal enzymes or related factors. LSDs are associated with excessive accumulation of natural substrates in lysosomes leading to central nervous system and peripheral tissue damage. Abnormal autophagy is also involved in pathogenesis, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We demonstrated that impairment of lysosome‐autophagosome fusion is due to suppressed endocytosis in LSDs. The fusion was reduced in several LSD cells and the brains of LSD model mice, suggesting that the completion of autophagy is suppressed by the accumulation of substrates. In this brain, the expression of the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins, VAMP8 and Syntaxin7, was decreased on the lysosomal surface but not intracellular. This aberrant autophagy preceded the development of pathological phenotypes in LSD‐model mice. Furthermore, the enzyme deficiency leading to the substrate accumulation could suppress endocytosis, and the inhibited endocytosis decreased SNARE proteins localized on lysosomes. These findings suggest that the shortage of SNARE proteins on lysosomes is one of the reasons for the impairment of lysosome‐autophagosome fusion in LSD cells. Defects in lysosomal enzyme activity suppress endocytosis and decrease the supply of intracellular SNARE proteins recruited to lysosomes. This shortage of lysosomal SNARE proteins impairs lysosome‐autophagosome fusion in lysosomal storage disorders.
Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 in the pathology of obesity‐induced osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Hosokawa Hiroaki , Akagi Ryuichiro , Watanabe Shotaro , Horii Manato , Shinohara Masashi , Mikami Yukio , Toguchi Kaoru , Kimura Seiji , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Ohtori Seiji , Sasho Takahisa 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMechanical overload and chemical factors are both related to obesity‐induced progression of knee osteoarthritis. The circadian rhythm is related to the development of metabolic syndrome and the progression of osteoarthritis, and the core clock genes nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1) and brain and muscle arnt‐like protein 1 (BMAL1) are dysregulated in cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis. Here, we focused on NR1D1 and investigated osteoarthritis‐related changes and gene expression in a mouse model of diet‐induced obesity. A high‐fat diet was provided to C57BL6/J mice, and changes in body weight, blood lipids, and gene expression were investigated. Destabilization of the medial meniscus or sham surgery was performed on mice fed a high‐fat diet or normal diet, and histological osteoarthritis‐related changes and NR1D1 expression were investigated. The effects of the NR1D1 agonist SR9009 were also assessed. Mice fed a high‐fat diet developed significant obesity and dyslipidemia. Nr1d1 and Bmal1 gene expression levels decreased in the liver and knee joints. Moreover, increased osteoarthritis progression and decreased NR1D1 protein expression were observed in high‐fat diet‐fed mice after surgical osteoarthritis induction. SR9009 decreased the progression of obesity, dyslipidemia, and osteoarthritis. Overall, obesity and dyslipidemia induced by the high‐fat diet led to osteoarthritis progression and decreased NR1D1 expression. Thus, NR1D1 may play an important role in obesity‐induced osteoarthritis.
Incomplete cytoreduction with peritoneal metastases from appendiceal mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Chang David 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundComplete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the standard of care for mucinous appendiceal neoplasms with peritoneal metastases. Despite many publications regarding selection factors favoring a complete CRS, incomplete CRS does occur. Patients with an incomplete CRS are the focus of this manuscript.MethodsA retrospective analysis of prospective, histologic, and perioperative data was performed. Overall survival was the endpoint for the numerous assessments. Judgments regarding when to and when not to proceed with an incomplete CRS were sought.ResultsFrom a database of 949 patients who underwent an index CRS for appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, 264 patients (27.8%) had an incomplete CRS. The median overall survival was 1.8 years. Low‐grade histopathology and absence of tense ascites or bowel obstruction were significantly associated with increased overall survival. More extensive surgery suggested a more favorable outcome.ConclusionsWhen a surgeon is confronted by a procedure that will inevitably end with an incomplete CRS, a current trend is to close quickly and always avoid complications. Patients with low‐grade neoplasms who present in the absence of tense ascites or bowel obstruction may gain years of survival by surgical reduction of tumor burden.
Antibiotics in mastoid and epitympanic obliteration withS53P4bioactive glass: A retrospective study
Authors: Alciato Lauranne , Bernardeschi Daniele , Pourcher Valérie , Mkrtchyan Naira , Tankéré Frédéric , Sterkers Olivier , Lahlou Ghizlène 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe role of antibiotics in ear surgery is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess their need in cholesteatoma surgery when performing obliteration with S53P4 bioactive glass, a biocompatible material with antibacterial properties.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary referral center between January 2017 and May 2019. Sixty‐nine consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for cholesteatoma removal and/or rehabilitation of canal‐wall‐down mastoidectomy with mastoid and epitympanic obliteration using S53P4 granules were included. Before 2019, antibiotics were routinely used (group “w/AB”). Patients received intravenous antibiotics during surgery, oral treatment was continued for 7 days and topical antibiotics for 1 month. After 2019, no antibiotics were administered (group “w/oAB”). The primary outcome was the occurrence of early surgical site infection. Secondary outcomes were late infection, anatomic and functional results at 3 and 12 months.ResultsTwenty‐three patients were included in group “w/oAB” and 46 in group “w/AB”, with no significant differences in demographics, medical history or follow‐up. Five ears (22%) in group “w/oAB” developed an early infection compared with 2 (4%) in group “w/AB” (p = .03). The relative risk was 6.11, 95CI%[1.09;31.96]. Infections were successfully treated with antibiotics, and no patient underwent surgical removal of the granules. No late infections or complications were observed. There was no difference in graft failure or air‐bone gap closure at 1 year.ConclusionPeri‐/post‐operative antibiotics prevent early infection in obliteration surgery with S53P4 granules. Infections can be treated medically without complications or require removal of the implanted material.Level of evidence4.