bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and diversity of ROS-generating enzymes across the animal kingdom, with a focus on sponges (Porifera)
Authors: Hewitt Olivia H. , Degnan Sandie M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
Reactive derivatives of oxygen (reactive oxygen species; ROS) are essential in signalling networks of all aerobic life. Redox signalling, based on cascades of oxidation–reduction reactions, is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism that uses ROS to regulate an array of vital cellular processes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2•−) are employed as signalling molecules that alter the oxidation state of atoms, inhibiting or activating gene activity. Here, we conduct metazoan-wide comparative genomic assessments of the two enzyme families, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NADPH oxidases (NOX), that generate H2O2 and/or O2•− in animals.

Results
Using the genomes of 19 metazoan species representing 10 phyla, we expand significantly on previous surveys of these two ancient enzyme families. We find that the diversity and distribution of both the SOD and NOX enzyme families comprise some conserved members but also vary considerably across phyletic animal lineages. For example, there is substantial NOX gene loss in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi and divergent SOD isoforms in the bilaterians D. melanogaster and C. elegans. We focus particularly on the sponges (phylum Porifera), a sister group to all other metazoans, from which these enzymes have not previously been described. Within Porifera, we find a unique calcium-regulated NOX, the widespread radiation of an atypical member of CuZnSOD named Rsod, and a novel endoplasmic reticulum MnSOD that is prevalent across aquatic metazoans.

Conclusions
Considering the precise, spatiotemporal specificity of redox signalling, our findings highlight the value of expanding redox research across a greater diversity of organisms to better understand the functional roles of these ancient enzymes within a universally important signalling mechanism.
Sex-related disparities in the incidence and outcomes of infective endocarditis according to type 2 diabetes mellitus status in Spain, 2016–2020
Authors: Lopez-de-Andres Ana , Jimenez-Garcia Rodrigo , Hernández-Barrera Valentin , de-Miguel-Díez Javier , de-Miguel-Yanes Jose M. , Martinez-Hernandez David , Carabantes-Alarcon David , Zamorano-Leon Jose J. , Noriega Concepción 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
We performed a study to assess sex-differences in incidence (2016–2020), clinical characteristics, use of therapeutic procedures, and in-hospital outcomes in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) according to T2DM status.

Methods
Ours was a retrospective cohort study using data from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. We estimated the incidence of hospitalizations for IE in men and women aged ≥ 40 years with and without T2DM. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare subgroups according to sex and the presence of T2DM.

Results
From 2016 to 2020, IE was coded in 9,958 patients (66.79% men). T2DM was diagnosed in 2,668 (26.79%). The incidence of IE increased significantly from 15.29 cases per 100,000 persons with T2DM in 2016 to 17.69 in 2020 (p < 0.001). However, this increment was significant only among men with T2DM (19.47 cases per 100,000 in 2016 vs. 22.84 in 2020; p = 0.003). The age-adjusted incidence of IE was significantly higher in people with T2DM (both sexes) than in those without T2DM (IRR, 2.86; 95% CI, 2.74–2.99). The incidence of IE was higher in men with T2DM than in women with T2DM (adjusted IRR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.54–3.31). After PSM, in-hospital mortality (IHM) was higher among T2DM women than matched T2DM men (22.65% vs. 18.0%; p = 0.018).
The presence of T2DM was not associated with IHM in men or women.

Conclusions
T2DM is associated with a higher incidence of hospitalization for IE. Findings for T2DM patients who had experienced IE differed by sex, with higher incidence rates and lower IHM in men than in women. T2DM was not associated to IHM in IE in men or in women.
Participatory approaches for raising awareness among subsistence farmers in Tanzania about the spread of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and the possible link to improper agricultural pesticide use
Authors: Matowo Nancy Stephen , Tanner Marcel , Temba Benigni Alfred , Finda Marceline , Mlacha Yeromin Paul , Utzinger Jürg , Okumu Fredros Oketch 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Insecticide resistance is a key barrier to long-term malaria control, and it may be exacerbated by poor agricultural pesticide use. Current practices, however, do not link public health and agricultural pesticide use. This study investigated the perspectives of farmers and other stakeholders regarding the integration of agricultural and public health measures to address resistance. Additionally, the feasibility of participatory workshops to increase the farmers’ understanding and participation in pesticide stewardship was assessed.

Methods
Four themes were investigated: pesticide awareness, practices, and opinions of; insecticide resistance in malaria vectors; the effectiveness of current malaria prevention tools; and the links between agricultural and public health pesticide usage. Participatory workshops and field training were held with entomologists, farmers, and agricultural specialists, focusing on agro-ecosystem practices related to pest control; and local farmers were involved in live-testing for insecticides resistance of local Anopheles mosquitoes.

Results
Most farmers (94%) considered pesticides effective, and nearly half of them (n = 198, 46.4%) could identify and name crop pests and diseases, mostly using local names. Three quarters were unaware of mosquito larvae in their fields, and only 7% considered their fields as potential sources of mosquitoes. Two thirds were uninformed of any effects that agricultural pesticides may have on mosquitoes, and three quarters had never heard of resistance in malaria mosquitoes. Experts from various sectors acknowledged that agricultural pesticides might impact malaria control through increasing resistance. They did, however, emphasize the importance of crop protection and advocated for the use of pesticides sparingly and non-chemical approaches. Farmers learnt how to discriminate between malaria vectors and non-vectors, identify agricultural pests and diseases, choose and use pesticides effectively, and conduct resistance tests during the participatory workshops.

Conclusion
This study emphasizes the significance of enhancing subsistence farmers’ awareness of mosquito ecology as well as merging public health and agricultural pest management measures. Participatory techniques have the potential to raise stakeholder awareness and engagement, resulting in more effective resistance management.
Microbiota and metabolites alterations in proximal and distal gastric cancer patients
Authors: Yang Yan , Dai Daofeng , Jin Wen , Huang Yingying , Zhang Yingzi , Chen Yiran , Wang Wankun , Lin Wu , Chen Xiangliu , Zhang Jing , Wang Haohao , Zhang Haibin , Teng Lisong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Globally, gastric cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death. Proximal and distal gastric cancers have distinct clinical and biological behaviors. The microbial composition and metabolic differences in proximal and distal gastric cancers have not been fully studied and discussed.

Methods
In this study, the gastric microbiome of 13 proximal gastric cancer tissues, 16 distal gastric cancer tissues, and their matched non-tumor tissues were characterized using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Additionally, 10 proximal gastric cancer tissues, 11 distal gastric cancer tissues, and their matched non-tumor tissues were assessed by untargeted metabolomics.

Results
There was no significant difference in microbial diversity and richness between the proximal and distal gastric cancer tissues. At the genus level, the abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Porphyromonas, Catonella, Proteus, Oribacterium, and Moraxella were significantly increased in Proximal T, whereas that of Methylobacterium_Methylorubrum was significantly increased in Distal T. The untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed 30 discriminative metabolites between Distal T and Distal N. In contrast, there were only 4 discriminative metabolites between Proximal T and Proximal N. In distal gastric cancer, different metabolites were scattered through multiple pathway, including the sphingolipid signaling pathway, arginine biosynthesis, protein digestion and absorption, alanine, aspartate and, glutamate metabolism, etc.In proximal gastric cancer, differential microbial metabolites were mainly related to hormone metabolism.

Conclusion
Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum was significantly increased in Distal T, positively correlated with cancer-promoting metabolites, and negatively correlated with cancer-inhibiting metabolites. Rikenellaceae_RC_gut_group was significantly increased in Proximal T and positively correlated with cancer-promoting metabolites. Further studies regarding the functions of the above-mentioned microorganisms and metabolites were warranted as the results may reveal the different mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of proximal and distal gastric cancers and provide a basis for future treatments.

Importance
First, the differences in microbial composition and metabolites between the proximal and distal gastric cancers were described; then, the correlation between microbiota and metabolites was preliminarily discussed. These microbes and metabolites deserve further investigations as they may reveal the different mechanisms involved in the occurrence and development of proximal and distal gastric cancers and provide a basis for future treatments.
Association between frequency of dairy product consumption and hypertension: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Lingli , Cao Yuan , Xie Kaixu , Wang Chunmei , Pei Pei , Guo Yu , Bragg Fiona , Yu Min , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Hypertension, a well-known risk factor, contributes to millions of deaths from cardiovascular and renal diseases worldwide. However, evidence on the association between frequency of dairy product consumption and hypertension is inconsistent.

Methods
The data for the present study are from the Tongxiang baseline dataset of the China Kadoorie Biobank prospective study. A total of 53,916 participants aged 30–79 years were included in the final analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to evaluate the association of dairy product consumption with hypertension, and multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the association of dairy product consumption with systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Results
Of the 53,916 participants, 2.6% reported consuming dairy products weekly, and 44.4% had prevalent hypertension. After adjusting for socio-demographic status, lifestyle factors, BMI, waist circumference, sleep duration and snoring, when compared with participants who never consumed dairy products, the odds ratios (95% CI) for hypertension among those consuming dairy products less than once per week, and ≥ 1 time per week were 0.85 (0.77–0.95) and 0.74 (0.65–0.84), respectively. The corresponding odds ratios (95% CI) for men were 0.85 (0.71–1.02) and 0.75 (0.61–0.92), respectively (Ptrend = 0.001), and for women were 0.88 (0.76–1.01) and 0.77 (0.65–0.91), respectively. (Ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusions
In this large epidemiological study, higher frequency of dairy product consumption is associated with significantly lower odds of hypertension among Chinese adults.
Circulating and urinary microRNAs profile for predicting renal recovery from severe acute kidney injury
Authors: Phulkerd Thanawat , Lertussavavivat Tanat , Limothai Umaporn , Peerapornratana Sadudee , Kulvichit Win , Lumlertgul Nuttha , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Srisawat Nattachai 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
There is little known about the contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to discover and validate miRNA profiles for predicting renal recovery from severe AKI.

Patients and methods
A prospective observational study was conducted between June 2020 and January 2021. Urine and serum samples of participants with AKI stage 3 were collected from two groups: renal recovery and renal non-recovery. Transcriptomic analysis was performed using nCounter miRNA Expression Assay. Expression levels of candidate miRNAs were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results
The discovery phase identified 18 and 11 differentially expressed miRNAs that were statistically significant between the two groups in urine and serum specimens, respectively. Top candidate miRNAs selected included miR-556-3p, miR-1915-3p, miR-4284, miR-32-5p, miR-96-5p, and miR-556-5p in urine, and miR-499b-5p, miR-30a-3p, miR-92b-3p and miR-770-5p in serum. This study enrolled 110 participants in the validation phase. The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that urine miR-556-3p was significantly higher in the renal recovery group than in the renal non-recovery group. Urine miR-556-3p alone predicted renal recovery with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64 (95%CI 0.52–0.75, p = 0.03). Combining the clinical model with urine miR-556-3p predicted renal recovery with an AUC of 0.83 (95%CI 0.75–0.92, p < 0.01).

Conclusion
This data provides evidence that microtranscriptome profiles of severe AKI patients with renal recovery differed from the non-recovery group. Urine miR-556-3p had the potential to improve the prediction of renal recovery from severe AKI.
Highly tailorable gellan gum nanoparticles as a platform for the development of T cell activator systems
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel B. , Moreira Helena R. , Cerqueira Mariana T. , Marques Alexandra P. , Castro António G. , Reis Rui L. , Pirraco Rogério P. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
T cell priming has been shown to be a powerful immunotherapeutic approach for cancer treatment in terms of efficacy and relatively weak side effects. Systems that optimize the stimulation of T cells to improve therapeutic efficacy are therefore in constant demand. A way to achieve this is through artificial antigen presenting cells that are complexes between vehicles and key molecules that target relevant T cell subpopulations, eliciting antigen-specific T cell priming. In such T cell activator systems, the vehicles chosen to deliver and present the key molecules to the targeted cell populations are of extreme importance. In this work, a new platform for the creation of T cell activator systems based on highly tailorable nanoparticles made from the natural polymer gellan gum (GG) was developed and validated.

Methods

GG nanoparticles were produced by a water in oil emulsion procedure, and characterized by dynamic light scattering, high resolution scanning electronic microscopy and water uptake. Their biocompatibility with cultured cells was assessed by a metabolic activity assay. Surface functionalization was performed with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies via EDC/NHS or NeutrAvidin/Biotin linkage. Functionalized particles were tested for their capacity to stimulate CD4
+
T cells and trigger T cell cytotoxic responses.

Results

Nanoparticles were approximately 150 nm in size, with a stable structure and no detectable cytotoxicity. Water uptake originated a weight gain of up to 3200%. The functional antibodies did efficiently bind to the nanoparticles, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE, which then targeted the desired CD4
+
populations, as confirmed by confocal microscopy. The developed system presented a more sustained T cell activation over time when compared to commercial alternatives. Concurrently, the expression of higher levels of key cytotoxic pathway molecules granzyme B/perforin was induced, suggesting a greater cytotoxic potential for future application in adoptive cancer therapy.

Conclusions
Our results show that GG nanoparticles were successfully used as a highly tailorable T cell activator system platform capable of T cell expansion and re-education.
An integer-order SIS epidemic model having variable population and fear effect: comparing the stability with fractional order
Authors: Mukherjee Manisha , Mondal Biswajit 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the dynamics of an integer-order and fractional-order SIS epidemic model with birth in both susceptible and infected populations, constant recruitment, and the effect of fear levels due to infectious diseases. The existence, uniqueness, non-negativity, and boundedness of the solutions for both proposed models have been discussed. We have established the existence of various equilibrium points and derived sufficient conditions that ensure the local stability under two cases in both integer- and fractional-order models. Global stability has been vindicated using Dulac–Bendixson criterion in the integer-order model. The forward transcritical bifurcation near the disease-free equilibrium has been investigated. The effect of fear level on infected density has also been observed. We have done numerical simulation by MATLAB to verify the theoretical results, found the impact of fear level on the dynamic behaviour of the infected population, and obtained a bifurcation diagram concerning the constant recruitment and fear level. Finally, we have compared the stability of the population in integer and fractional-order systems.
Formulation development, optimization and characterization of mucoadhesive minitablets of cefuroxime axetil: in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation
Authors: Panda Jayanti , Rao Muddana Eswara Bhanoji , Swain Suryakanta , Patra Chinam Niranjan , Jena Bikash Ranjan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe current study expands on the use of design of experiment in developing cefuroxime axetil mucoadhesive minitablets for treating antibiotic-associated colitis. A comprehensive QbD-based product development strategy was implemented, with the target product profile defined based on the desired product quality of mucoadhesive minitablets. The identified critical quality attributes are based on the target product profile. The goal was to find the optimum levels by using the concentrations of chitosan (mg) (X1), HPMC K100M (X2) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (X3) as the influential variables. The response surface methodology determines the dependent variables using 33Box–Behnken design to optimize the selected critical factors. The friability (%), drug content (%) and mucoadhesive strength (%) characteristics of cefuroxime axetil mucoadhesive minitablets were evaluated using ANOVA for the observed responses or dependent variables.ResultsThe study demonstrated that run 8 with optimum composition chitosan, HPMC K100M and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, which are the mucoadhesive polymers, showed a desirable and promising drug release profile up to 24 h, higher percentage of drug content, mucoadhesion and swelling index.ConclusionsThe optimized mucoadhesive minitablets of cefuroxime axetil demonstrated desired formulation characteristics, including improved bioavailability and high control over the drug’s release rate and increased flexibility in adjusting both the dose and the drug’s release rate. In a nutshell, the studies support the successful development of mucoadhesive minitablets of cefuroxime axetil, which could be used to treat antibiotic-associated colitis.
A multidisciplinary approach to operationalizing financial toxicity interventions: The MSK Affordability Working Group.
Authors: Aviki Emeline Mariam , Chino Fumiko , Gany Francesca , Caramore Amy , Doyle Stephanie , Liebhaber Allison , Newman Tiffanny , Sokolowski Stefania , Thom Bridgette 
Published: September 2022

2 Background: The financial toxicity (FT) of cancer is a concern for the healthcare system. Rising costs and increased cost-sharing result in high levels of financial burden, with negative implications for treatment adherence, quality of life, and financial well-being. As FT interventions must consider the interdependent systems of barriers patients face, this project highlights efforts toward developing and testing hospital-based FT interventions through the creation of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Affordability Working Group. Methods: An interdisciplinary task force aimed to 1) characterize FT among patients receiving treatment at MSK; 2) identify areas for systemic change. Members included physicians, nurses, and social workers, and representatives from patient billing/financial services, health services research, and hospital administration and strategy. The team first conducted a review of medical records (2016 – 2018) to determine FT incidence and current practices for financial assistance uptake. Absent a formal FT screening, proxy measures defined FT as having bill payment issues, applying for financial assistance, or expressing financial concerns to Social Work, and we analyzed the percent of each category referred for assistance. Post-analysis program processes are also described. Results: Of 89,283 records reviewed, 22,187 (25%) patients experienced FT. Of 14,178 patients with payment issues, only 22% had been referred for financial assistance. As such, streamlining the assistance referral process became a priority, leading to the creation of an FT order set for providers to make direct referrals. From 3/2021-2/2022, 843 orders were placed, with $836,000 in co-pay assistance and $13,500 in essential needs assistance linked to the order set. The task force then met with hospital leadership to formally expand into an institutional working group, with organizational buy-in demonstrated through increased staffing and monetary support of patient-level pilot interventions. Stakeholders were engaged through presentations at departmental grand rounds and to individual disease teams. Operational and research efforts are now focused on systematic FT screening of patients, including validating a screening tool, developing nurse-led staff and patient education, assessing stakeholder feedback, and determining an appropriate screening cadence and workflow by disease type. Conclusions: With at least 25% of patients at MSK experiencing financial difficulties related to cancer treatment, it was, and remains, vital to develop systems-based interventions to proactively assess FT risk and refer to tangible resources. Planned future work includes implementation of universal FT screening with reflex referral to financial assistance, testing patient-level educational interventions, and developing policy/advocacy recommendations.