bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated decline in lung function in adults with a history of remitted childhood asthma
Authors: Miura Shinichiro , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Omori Keitaro , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Masuda Takeshi , Miyamoto Shintaro , Nakashima Taku , Fujitaka Kazunori , Hamada Hironobu , Yokoyama Akihito , Hattori Noboru 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundA significant number of children with asthma show remission in adulthood. Although these adults are often diagnosed with COPD in later life, the effect of clinically remitted childhood asthma on the decline in lung function during adulthood is uncertain. We examined whether clinical remission of childhood asthma was associated with an accelerated decline in lung function in apparently nonasthmatic adults.Methods3584 participants (mean (range) age 48.1 (35–65) years) who did not have adulthood asthma and other lung diseases and had normal lung function at the baseline visit were included. They were categorised as those with remitted childhood asthma (n=121) and healthy controls (n=3463) according to their self-reported childhood asthma history. Spirometry was performed at baseline and follow-up visits.ResultsThe mean follow-up was 5.3 years. Multivariate regression analysis showed that remitted childhood asthma and smoking were independently associated with a rapid decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Smoking was an independent predictor of a rapid decline in FEV1/FVC. The annual decline in FEV1and FVC was significantly greater in participants with remitted childhood asthma than in healthy controls, and the differences remained significant after adjusting for the propensity score.ConclusionsA history of clinically remitted childhood asthma is an independent risk factor for accelerated decline in lung function in adults. Remitted childhood asthma and smoking may additively accelerate the development of obstructive lung disease.
Rothia mucilaginosais an anti-inflammatory bacterium in the respiratory tract of patients with chronic lung disease
Authors: Rigauts Charlotte , Aizawa Juliana , Taylor Steven L. , Rogers Geraint B. , Govaerts Matthias , Cos Paul , Ostyn Lisa , Sims Sarah , Vandeplassche Eva , Sze Mozes , Dondelinger Yves , Vereecke Lars , Van Acker Heleen , Simpson Jodie L. , Burr Lucy , Willems Anne , Tunney Michael M. , Cigana Cristina , Bragonzi Alessandra , Coenye Tom , Crabbé Aurélie 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundChronic airway inflammation is the main driver of pathogenesis in respiratory diseases such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchiectasis. While the role of common pathogens in airway inflammation is widely recognised, the influence of other microbiota members is still poorly understood.MethodsWe hypothesised that the lung microbiota contains bacteria with immunomodulatory activity which modulate net levels of immune activation by key respiratory pathogens. Therefore, we assessed the immunomodulatory effect of several members of the lung microbiota frequently reported as present in CF lower respiratory tract samples.ResultsWe show thatRothia mucilaginosa, a common resident of the oral cavity that is also often detectable in the lower airways in chronic disease, has an inhibitory effect on pathogen- or lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory responses,in vitro(three-dimensional cell culture model) andin vivo(mouse model). Furthermore, in a cohort of adults with bronchiectasis, the abundance ofRothiaspecies was negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-8 and MMP-9 in sputum. Mechanistic studies revealed thatR. mucilaginosainhibits NF-κB pathway activation by reducing the phosphorylation of IκBα and consequently the expression of NF-κB target genes.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the presence ofR. mucilaginosain the lower airways potentially mitigates inflammation, which could in turn influence the severity and progression of chronic respiratory disorders.
A systematic review of blood biomarkers with individual participant data meta-analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Khan Fasihul A. , Stewart Iain , Saini Gauri , Robinson Karen A. , Jenkins R. Gisli 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundBlood-derived biomarkers have been described extensively as potential prognostic markers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but studies have been limited by analyses using data-dependent thresholds, inconsistent adjustment for confounders and an array of end-points, thus often yielding ungeneralisable results. Meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD) is a powerful tool to overcome these limitations. Through systematic review of blood-derived biomarkers, sufficient studies with measurements of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 were identified to facilitate standardised analyses of the prognostic potential of this biomarker in IPF.MethodsElectronic databases were searched on 12 November 2020 to identify prospective studies reporting outcomes in patients with untreated IPF, stratified according to at least one pre-specified biomarker, measured at either baseline, or change over 3 months. IPD were sought for studies investigating MMP-7 as a prognostic factor. The primary outcome was overall mortality according to standardised MMP-7 z-scores, with a secondary outcome of disease progression in 12 months, all adjusted for age, gender, smoking and baseline forced vital capacity.ResultsIPD was available for nine studies out of 12 identified, reporting outcomes from 1664 participants. Baseline MMP-7 levels were associated with increased mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.03–1.48; I2=64.3%) and disease progression (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.11–1.46; I2=5.9%). In limited studies, 3-month change in MMP-7 was not associated with outcomes.ConclusionIPD meta-analysis demonstrated that greater baseline MMP-7 levels were independently associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes in patients with untreated IPF, while short-term changes did not reflect disease progression.
Divergent patterns of selection on metabolite levels and gene expression
Authors: Kern Alexander F. , Yang Grace Xiaolu , Khosla Neil M. , Ang Roy Moh Lik , Snyder Michael P. , Fraser Hunter B. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Natural selection can act on multiple genes in the same pathway, leading to polygenic adaptation. For example, adaptive changes were found to down-regulate six genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis—an essential pathway targeted by many antifungal drugs—in some strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the impact of this polygenic adaptation on metabolite levels was unknown. Here, we performed targeted mass spectrometry to measure the levels of eight metabolites in this pathway in 74 yeast strains from a genetic cross.

Results
Through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping we identified 19 loci affecting ergosterol pathway metabolite levels, many of which overlap loci that also impact gene expression within the pathway. We then used the recently developed v-test, which identified selection acting upon three metabolite levels within the pathway, none of which were predictable from the gene expression adaptation.

Conclusions
These data showed that effects of selection on metabolite levels were complex and not predictable from gene expression data. This suggests that a deeper understanding of metabolism is necessary before we can understand the impacts of even relatively straightforward gene expression adaptations on metabolic pathways.
Synergistic effects of silver ions and metformin against enterococcus faecalis under high-glucose conditions in vitro
Authors: Wu Xuying , Fan Wei , Fan Bing 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic antibacterial activities of silver ions (Ag+) and metformin hydrochloride (Met) against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) under normal or high-glucose conditions.

Results
The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, growth curves, and colony-forming units were used to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Ag+ and Met on planktonic E. faecalis in Brain Heart Infusion broth with or without additional glucose. The influences of Ag+ and Met on four weeks E. faecalis biofilm on human dentin slices was also tested. Cytotoxicity was tested on MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells using CCK-8 assays. The results indicated that E. faecalis showed higher resistance to drug treatment under high-glucose conditions. Ag+ (40 μg/mL) plus Met (3.2% or 6.4%) showed enhanced antibacterial activities against both planktonic E. faecalis and biofilm on dentin slices, with low cytotoxicity.

Conclusions
Met enhanced the bactericidal effects of Ag+ against both planktonic and biofilm E. faecalis under normal or high-glucose conditions with low cytotoxicity. Further molecular studies are needed to be conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying the synergistic activity between Met and Ag+.
Prevalence of methicillin resistance and superantigenic toxins in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from patients with cancer
Authors: Abbasi Montazeri Effat , Khosravi Azar Dokht , Khazaei Saeedeh , Sabbagh Ali 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to determine the frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), antibiotic resistance patterns, superantigenic toxins profile, and clonality of this pathogen in patients with cancer.

Results
In total, 79 (25.7%) isolates were confirmed as Staphylococcus species, from which 38 (48.1%) isolates were S. aureus, and 29 (76.3%) isolates were confirmed as MRSA. The highest resistance in MRSA strains was seen against ciprofloxacin (86.2%) and erythromycin (82.8%). Teicoplanin, and linezolid were the most effective antibiotics. From all MRSA isolates, 3 strains (10.3%) were resistant to vancomycin with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 128 μg/ml. The prevalence of superantigenic toxins genes was as follows: pvl (10.5%), tsst-1 (36.8%), etA (23.7%), and etB (23.7%). The t14870 spa type with frequency of 39.5% was the most prevalent clone type circulating in the cancer patients.

Conclusions
This study showed the circulating of spa t14870 as the most predominant MRSA clone in cancer patients of southwest Iran. Also, a diverse antibiotic resistance pattern and toxin profiles were seen among MRSA isolates.
Geographic distribution of the E1 family of genes and their effects on reproductive timing in soybean
Authors: Dietz Nicholas , Combs-Giroir Rachel , Cooper Grace , Stacey Minviluz , Miranda Carrie , Bilyeu Kristin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Soybean is an economically important crop which flowers predominantly in response to photoperiod. Several major loci controlling the quantitative trait for reproductive timing have been identified, of which allelic combinations at three of these loci, E1, E2, and E3, are the dominant factors driving time to flower and reproductive period. However, functional genomics studies have identified additional loci which affect reproductive timing, many of which are less understood. A better characterization of these genes will enable fine-tuning of adaptation to various production environments. Two such genes, E1La and E1Lb, have been implicated in flowering by previous studies, but their effects have yet to be assessed under natural photoperiod regimes.

Results
Natural and induced variants of E1La and E1Lb were identified and introgressed into lines harboring either E1 or its early flowering variant, e1-as. Lines were evaluated for days to flower and maturity in a Maturity Group (MG) III production environment. These results revealed that variation in E1La and E1Lb promoted earlier flowering and maturity, with stronger effects in e1-as background than in an E1 background. The geographic distribution of E1La alleles among wild and cultivated soybean revealed that natural variation in E1La likely contributed to northern expansion of wild soybean, while breeding programs in North America exploited e1-as to develop cultivars adapted to northern latitudes.

Conclusion
This research identified novel alleles of the E1 paralogues, E1La and E1Lb, which promote flowering and maturity under natural photoperiods. These loci represent sources of genetic variation which have been under-utilized in North American breeding programs to control reproductive timing, and which can be valuable additions to a breeder’s molecular toolbox.
Predominant role of gut-vagus-brain neuronal pathway in postoperative nausea and vomiting: evidence from an observational cohort study
Authors: Li Nana , Liu Lu , Sun Menghan , Wang Ruiliang , Jin Wenjie , Liu Cunming , Hu Youli 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) as a clinically most common postoperative complication requires multimodal antiemetic medications targeting at a wide range of neurotransmitter pathways. Lacking of neurobiological mechanism makes this ‘big little problem’ still unresolved. We aim to investigate whether gut-vagus-brain reflex generally considered as one of four typical emetic neuronal pathways might be the primary mediator of PONV.

Methods
Three thousand two hundred twenty-three patients who underwent vagus nerve trunk resection (esophagectomy and gastrectomy) and non-vagotomy surgery (hepatectomy, pulmonary lobectomy and colorectomy) from December 2016 to January 2019 were enrolled. Thirty cases of gastrectomy with selective resection on the gastric branch of vagus nerve were also recruited. Nausea and intensity of vomiting was recorded within 24 h after the operation.

Results
PONV occurred in 11.9% of 1187 patients who underwent vagus nerve trunk resection and 28.7% of 2036 non-vagotomy patients respectively. Propensity score matching showed that vagotomy surgeries accounted for 19.9% of the whole PONV incidence, much less than that observed in the non-PONV group (35.1%, P <  0.01). Multivariate logistic regression result revealed that vagotomy was one of underlying factor that significantly involved in PONV (OR = 0.302, 95% CI, 0.237-0.386). Nausea was reported in 5.9% ~ 8.6% vagotomy and 12 ~ 17% non-vagotomy patients. Most vomiting were mild, being approximately 3% in vagotomy and 8 ~ 13% in non-vagotomy patients, while sever vomiting was much less experienced. Furthermore, lower PONV occurrence (10%) was also observed in gastrectomy undergoing selective vagotomy.

Conclusion
Patients undergoing surgeries with vagotomy developed less PONV, suggesting that vagus nerve dependent gut-brain signaling might mainly contribute to PONV.
Application and evaluation of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, PCR and cryptococcal antigen test for diagnosis of cryptococcosis
Authors: Wang Yanping , Yang Mi , Xia Yun , Yan Jia , Zou Jiaqi , Zhang Dawei 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Cryptococcosis is a major opportunistic invasive mycosis in immunocompromised patients, but it is also increasingly seen in immunocompetent patients. In the early stages of cryptococcosis, limitations of the detection method may hinder the diagnosis. A molecular diagnostic technique based on nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) method was developed to fulfil the need for efficient diagnosis of cryptococcosis.

Methods
We compared the diagnostic performance of NASBA, PCR and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test (colloidal gold method) in clinical samples from 25 cryptococcosis patients (including 8 cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and 17 pulmonary cryptococcosis) who were categorized as proven cases (n = 10) and probable cases (n = 15) according to the revised EORTC/MSG definitions. 10 patients with non-Cryptococcus infection and 30 healthy individuals were categorized as control group.

Results
The lowest detection limit of NASBA was 10 CFU/mL, and RNA of non-target bacteria or fungi was not amplified. The sensitivity of NASBA, PCR and colloidal gold method was 92.00% (95% CI 72.50–98.60%), 64.00% (95% CI 42.62–81.29%), 100.00% (95% CI 83.42–100.00%), and the specificity was 95.00% (95% CI 81.79–99.13%), 80.00% (95% CI 63.86–90.39%) and 82.50% (95% CI 66.64–92.11%) respectively. The highest specificity (97.50%), accuracy (95.38%) and k value (0.90) were achieved when both NASBA and colloidal gold results were positive.

Conclusions
NASBA is a new alternative detection method for cryptococcosis which is both accurate and rapid without expensive equipment and specialised personnel. It may be used as a tool for confirming current infection as well as monitoring the effectiveness of antifungal treatment. The use of NASBA to detect Cryptococcus RNA in blood samples is of great significance for the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis. The combination of NASBA and colloidal gold can improve the diagnostic accuracy of cryptococcosis.
Optical coherence tomography features and risk of macular hole formation in the fellow eye
Authors: Lindtjørn Birger , Krohn Jørgen , Forsaa Vegard A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
To investigate the risk of primary macular hole (MH) in the fellow eye, and to evaluate baseline characteristics and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features that precede MH formation in the fellow eye.

Methods
A retrospective review of 229 patients treated for primary MH at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, from January 2008 through December 2018. The patients were categorised into two groups according to subsequent development of MH in the fellow eye. The OCT findings of the two groups were compared, and associated risk factors for MH formation assessed.

Results
Twenty cases of bilateral MH were identified. The overall bilateral disease risk was 8.8% (95% CI, 5.8–13.2%). Two patients were previously operated in the fellow eye, six patients presented with bilateral MH, and 12 patients subsequently developed MH in the fellow eye. The risk of subsequent MH development was 5.7% (95% CI, 3.3–9.8%). Although the extent of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) tended to be more progressed in the bilateral group compared with the unilateral group, the difference was not statistically significant. In the bilateral group, 41.7% had outer retinal defects vs 6.6% in the unilateral group (p = 0.001), and 33.3% in the bilateral group had intraretinal pseudocysts vs 10.2% in the unilateral group (p = 0.036, not significant after multiple testing correction).

Conclusion
Outer retinal defects and intraretinal pseudocysts are associated with an increased risk of MH formation in the fellow eye, and complete PVD indicates a decreased risk of MH formation.
Modeling mortality risk effects of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco: results from the National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality File Data
Authors: Salazar Esther , Ren Chunfeng , Rostron Brian L. , Solomon Ghideon 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundCigarettes and smokeless tobacco (SLT) products are among a wide range of tobacco products that are addictive and pose a significant health risk. In this study, we estimated smoking- and SLT use-related mortality hazard ratios (HRs) among U.S. adults by sex, age group, and cause of death, for nine mutually exclusive categories of smoking and/or SLT use.MethodsWe used data from the public-use National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality with mortality follow-up through 2015. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate mortality HRs, adjusted by race/ethnicity, education, poverty level, body mass index, and tobacco-use status.ResultsWith never users as reference group, HRs for smoking-related diseases for male exclusive current smokers aged 35–64 and 65+ were 2.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79–2.65), and 2.45 (95% CI: 2.14–2.79), respectively. Similar significant HR estimates were found for females and for all-cause mortality (ACM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) outcomes. HRs for exclusive current SLT users were only significant for males aged 35–64 for ACM (HR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.27–3.27) and OCM (HR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.50–5.25). HRs for users who switched from cigarettes to SLT products were significant for males aged 65+ for smoking-related diseases (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.47–2.88), SLT-related diseases (HR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.36–2.89), and ACM (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.21–2.19).ConclusionsMale exclusive current SLT users aged 35–64 had a significant HR for ACM and OCM outcomes, suggesting that deaths not attributed to SLT use could be contributing to the ACM elevated HR for exclusive current SLT users.
Minimum 10 years clinical and radiological outcomes of acetabular revisions of total hip arthroplasties with tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute
Authors: Gagala Jacek 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Aseptic loosening is the most frequent indication for revision of total hip arthroplasty. Revision arthroplasty of acetabular component is a challenge for every surgeon because they have to simultaneously deal with the reconstruction of bone defects, adequate implant geometry and stable fixation. Allografts are the most frequently used materials in reconstruction of bone loss during revision surgeries. Because of an increasing number of revision hip arthroplasties and poor availability of allografts, we decided to use bone graft substitutes in acetabular revisions.

Methods
Between September 2005 and January 2010, 44 revision arthroplasties in 43 patients were performed with the use of bone graft substitutes for acetabular defect reconstruction in revision of total hip arthroplasty. Acetabular bone defects were classified according to Paprosky. Seventeen hips were classified as IIA, 3 hips IIB, 3 hips IIC, 10 hips IIIA and 11 hips IIIB. Acetabular bone defects were reconstructed with tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute - BoneSave. Clinical and radiological examination was performed after 3 months, 1 year and then annually. Harris hip score was used for clinical evaluation. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier method with aseptic loosening as the definition of endpoint.

Results
The average follow-up period is 12 (range from 10 to 15) years. During the follow-up, three patients died after 24 months because of causes not related to surgery. None of the patients was lost to follow-up. The evaluation of clinical results revealed an increase in pre-operative HHS from average 38.3 (range 25 to 55) points to average 86.3 (range 45 to 95) points at the most recent follow-up. Radiographic evaluation showed the migration of one revision cage 12 months after surgery. Revision arthroplasty performed after 14 months revealed the partial incorporation of bone graft substitute. There were not any cases of loosening of revision acetabular cup at the most recent follow up examination in the remaining 39 patients. Bone graft substitute was not absorbed in all of these patients. The survival after 10 years amounted to 97.56%.

Conclusion
Bone graft substitute Bone Save may be suitable for acetabular revision surgery, however preoperative bone defect is critical for success and determining of a surgical technique, so this is multifactorial in this challenge surgery.