bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The biogeography of gastrointestinal mucosal microbiota of beef cattle at harvest
Authors: Young J. Daniel , Pinnell Lee J. , Wolfe Cory A. , Doster Enrique , Valeris-Chacin Robert , Lawrence Ty E. , Richeson John T. , Morley Paul S. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe gastrointestinal microbiota profoundly influences the health and productivity of animals. This study aimed to characterize microbial community structures of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and feces of cattle.MethodsSamples were collected from 18 Akaushi crossbred steers at harvest from multiple locations, including the oral cavity, rumen, abomasum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, spiral colon, distal colon, and feces. These cattle were raised without exposure to antimicrobial drugs or hormone implants. Total microbial abundance was assessed using qPCR targeting the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and microbial community composition was evaluated through 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsTotal microbial abundance was lesser in the small intestine than in other GIT regions (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, microbial communities in the small intestine had lower richness and diversity than other regions (p ≤ 0.05). Microbial community compositions were measurably different along the GIT, with greater relatedness in adjacent GIT sections when progressing from oral to aboral locations. Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla in all samples. However, variations in composition were evident at lower taxonomic levels within these dominant phyla among samples from different regions. Genera previously associated with healthy gut microbiome communities were observed in low abundance across GIT regions. Taxa historically associated with liver abscesses (e.g., Fusobacterium and Trueperella) were detected in low abundance (≤0.02% relative abundance) throughout the GIT. In contrast, Bacteroides, which recently has been identified as a dominant feature in many liver abscesses, was observed in greater relative abundance (5.2% on average) in the hindgut.DiscussionThis study provides an in-depth evaluation of the GIT of harvest-ready Akaushi crossbred cattle of varying growth rates. Clear differences exist in the abundance and composition of microbial populations at different points of the GIT. Unfortunately, no single GIT location can adequately represent the microbial communities of the entire GIT, which has important implications for future research. Additionally, examining microbiome data only at the phylum level likely oversimplifies important complexities of the microbial community structures, and investigations of lower taxonomic ranks should be included.
Irritability in stroke: a protocol for a prospective study
Authors: Tang Wai Kwong , Hui Edward , Leung Thomas Wai Hong 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPoststroke irritability (PSI) is common among stroke survivors and can lead to a poor quality of life, difficulties in social interactions, criticism from caregivers, and caregiver stress. The planned study will evaluate the clinical, neuropsychological, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of PSI in a cohort of stroke survivors. In addition, the study will examine the 15-month progression of PSI.MethodsThis will be a prospective cohort study that will recruit 285 participants. Participants and their caregivers will undergo detailed assessments at a research clinic at 3, 9, and 15 months after stroke onset (T1/T2/T3). The irritability/lability subscale of the Chinese version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (CNPI) will be completed by caregivers. Potential covariates will also be measured. Patients will undergo MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging, within 1 week of stroke onset. A stepwise logistic regression will be performed to evaluate the importance of lesions in the regions of interest (ROIs) along with other significant variables identified in univariate analyses. These analyses will be repeated for patients with and without PSI at T2 and T3. Repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be used to assess changes in CNPI scores for the entire sample. In ANCOVA analyses, the frequency of infarcts in the ROIs will be treated as the predictor.DiscussionThis will be the first MRI study on PSI in stroke survivors. The findings will provide insights into the association of the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, anterior temporal lobe, insula, amygdala, thalamus, and basal ganglia lesions with the risk of PSI.
MOGAD and NMOSD: insights on patients’ radiological and laboratory findings from a single UAE center
Authors: Alzarooni Hamdan , Inshasi Jihad , Alawadhi Ahmad , Giacomini Paul 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAlthough neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) are rare diseases, they pose a significant burden on both society and the healthcare system. This study aims to discuss the demographics and patient characteristics of these diseases in a single center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsThis is a retrospective, descriptive study that included patients with either NMOSD or MOGAD treated at Rashid Hospital, UAE during the period between January 2019 and January 2024. Patients were selected and categorized according to NMOSD criteria, aquaporin-4 antibodies, and MOG antibodies. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and medical history were retrieved from their medical records and descriptively analyzed in the light of patients’ serological data.ResultsWe identified 34 patients with non-multiple sclerosis atypical CNS inflammatory/demyelinating syndromes. Twenty-seven patients (79.4%) fulfilled the criteria for NMOSD, while seven (20.6%) tested positive for MOG antibodies, fulfilling the criteria for MOGAD. In the NMOSD cohort, 19% (n = 5) were AQP4-antibody negative. Seventy-four percent of the NMOSD cohort and 43% of the MOGAD cohort were female. For MOGAD patients, disease onset was at a younger age (median onset age of 25 years) compared to the overall study population (mean onset age of 28.94 years). Long segment transverse myelitis was only detected in NMOSD patients (33.3%), and brainstem syndrome with area postrema syndrome was more common in the MOGAD cohort (29% vs. 4%). The rate of positive response to intravenous methylprednisolone as initial therapy was comparable across both cohorts (74% in case of NMOSD and 71% in case of MOGAD).ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the status of NMOSD and MOGAD in the UAE, highlighting the need for larger, prospective studies to further characterize these diseases in the local population, as well as the need for improved understanding of the epidemiology and management of these rare but debilitating conditions.
Wrist posture unpredictably affects perception of targeted transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with wrist-placed electrodes
Authors: Thomas Neha , Osborn Luke , Moran Courtney , Fifer Matthew , Christie Breanne 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTargeted transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tTENS) is a non-invasive neural stimulation technique that involves activating sensory nerve fibers to elicit tactile sensations in a distal, or referred, location. Though tTENS is a promising approach for delivering haptic feedback in virtual reality or for use by those with somatosensory deficits, it was not known how the perception of tTENS might be influenced by changing wrist position during sensorimotor tasks.ApproachWe worked with 12 able-bodied individuals and delivered tTENS by placing electrodes on the wrist, thus targeting the ulnar, median, and radial nerves, and eliciting tactile sensations in the hand. We recorded perceptual data across three wrist postures: neutral, 45° extension, and 45° flexion. For each posture, the participants drew where they perceived the elicited percepts on a map of the hand. They verbally reported the quality of the percepts in their own words. We also varied the pulse amplitude and width of the stimulation to generate a strength-duration curve, from which we extracted the rheobase current and chronaxie time. Linear mixed models were run on the slope and intercept of the linear fit between pulse width and pulse amplitude to investigate effects of gender, posture, and electrode placement.Main resultsAs wrist posture changed, sensation quality was modulated for half of the participants, and percept location changed for 11/12 participants. The rheobase, chronaxie, and percept sizes were influenced by wrist posture, but the direction of these changes varied by participant and therefore the effect was not systematic. The statistical models indicated interactions between posture and electrode placement, as well as an effect of gender.SignificanceIf using tTENS with electrodes placed on the wrist to convey haptic feedback during sensorimotor tasks, in which wrist posture will likely change, it may be important to characterize perception on an individual basis.
Beyond fur color: differences in socio-emotional behavior and the oxytocin system between male BL6 and CD1 mice in adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Gryksa Katharina , Schäfer Theresa , Gareis Franziska , Fuchs Elena , Royer Melanie , Schmidtner Anna K. , Bludau Anna , Neumann Inga D. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe development of stress-related psychopathologies, often associated with socio-emotional dysfunctions, is crucially determined by genetic and environmental factors, which shape the individual vulnerability or resilience to stress. Especially early adolescence is considered a vulnerable time for the development of psychopathologies. Various mouse strains are known to age-dependently differ in social, emotional, and endocrine stress responses based on genetic and epigenetic differences. This highlights the importance of the qualified selection of an adequate strain and age for any biomedical research. Neuropeptides like oxytocin (OXT) can contribute to individual and strain-dependent differences in emotional and social behaviors.MethodsIn this study, we compared anxiety- and fear-related, as well as social behavior and pain perception between male adolescent and adult mice of two commonly used strains, C57BL/6N (BL6) and CD1.ResultsWe revealed BL6 mice as being more anxious, less social, and more susceptible toward non-social and social trauma, both in adolescence and adulthood. Furthermore, during development from adolescence toward adulthood, BL6 mice lack the reduction in fear- and anxiety-related behavior seen in adult CD1 mice and show even higher social fear-responses and perception of noxious stimuli during adulthood. Analysis of the OXT system, by means of receptor autoradiography and immunohistochemistry, showed strain- and age-specific differences in OXT receptor (OXTR) binding in relevant brain regions, but no differences in the number of hypothalamic OXT neurons. However, intracerebroventricular infusion of OXT did neither reduce the high level of anxiety-related nor of social fear-related behavior in adult BL6 mice.DiscussionIn summary, we show that male BL6 mice present an anxious and stress vulnerable phenotype in adolescence, which further exacerbates in adulthood, whereas CD1 mice show a more resilient socio-emotional state both in adolescence as well as during adulthood. These consistent behavioral differences between the two strains might only be partly mediated by differences in the OXT system but highlight the influence of early-life environment on socio-emotional behavior.
Undernutrition and its predictors among tuberculosis patients in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Shifera Nigusie , Yosef Tewodros 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAdult tuberculosis (TB) patients experience significant undernutrition globally, especially in developing countries. While some studies have explored the prevalence and factors influencing undernutrition in this group, comprehensive large-scale investigations covering diverse health facilities and populations are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among adult TB patients in public hospitals in southwest Ethiopia.MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 01 to April 15, 2023, in public hospitals in the southwest region, of Ethiopia. A total of 239 adult TB patients who were directly observed in TB treatment were selected via systematic sampling. A structured questionnaire was adapted from a review of different literature. Data were cleaned and entered into EPI info version 7, then analyzed with SPSS Version 22. A bivariable analysis was done to evaluate associations at (p &lt; 0.25), and then multiple logistic regression models were computed to identify independent predictors of undernutrition among TB patients at (p &lt; 0.05).ResultsA total of 239 respondents participated with a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of undernutrition among adult TB patients was 43.93%. Of the 239 TB patients, the majority (91.6%) were new TB cases. Family size &gt;5 (AOR 3.23 [1.16–9.01]), household average income &lt;2,000 birr (AOR 5.64 [2.12–14.99]), type of TB (AOR 2.8 [1.25–6.51]), and positive HIV status of the study participant (AOR 3.23 [1.16–9.01]) were the independent predictors of undernutrition among adult TB patients.Conclusion and recommendationsUndernutrition among adult tuberculosis (TB) patients is notably high compared to other settings. Key predictors include a family size greater than five, a monthly income below 2,000 birr, HIV status, and pulmonary TB. Early screening and diagnosis of undernutrition, along with nutritional interventions, should be integrated into the routine care for all adult TB patients.
DL-ICE as a bridge to allogeneic transplantation in relapsed/refractory PTCL: survival outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Kim Tong-Yoon , Kim Tae-Jung , Han Eun Ji , Min Gi June , Cho Seok-Goo , Jeon Youngwoo 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPeripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) have poor outcomes in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of dexamethasone, L-asparaginase, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (DL-ICE) chemotherapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with R/R PTCLs.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 80 adult patients with R/R PTCLs treated with DL-ICE chemotherapy between September 2009 and March 2023. Patients achieving complete or partial remission were eligible for consolidative allo-HSCT. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated.ResultsThe overall response rate to DL-ICE was 37.5%, with 30% achieving complete remission (CR). With a median follow-up of 96.4 months, the median OS and PFS were 8.9 and 3.8 months, respectively. Seventeen patients (21%) underwent allo-HSCT, including 11 with non-CR status. The 5-year OS was significantly higher in the allo-HSCT group compared to that in the group with chemotherapy alone (64.7% vs 18.3%, p &lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis identified advanced stage, EBV viremia, and non-CR status as poor prognostic factors.DiscussionDL-ICE chemotherapy demonstrated modest activity in R/R PTCLs. Consolidation with allo-HSCT, even in patients who do not achieve CR, resulted in long-term survival in a subset of patients. Early consideration of allo-HSCT may improve outcomes for patients with R/R PTCLs.
Laparoscopic vs. open portoenterostomy for biliary atresia: a meta-analysis of pediatric surgical outcomes
Authors: Zhu Jie , Wu Bin , Cai Peng , Pan Jiang , Zhu Zhenwei 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe pivotal importance of surgical treatment for pediatric biliary atresia is well-established. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of open portoenterostomy (OPE) and laparoscopic portoenterostomy (LPE) in managing this condition, providing valuable guidance for clinical decision-making.MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted by two researchers in databases such as PubMed, up to July 10, 2024, focusing on studies that evaluated the role of LPE vs. OPE. Data analysis was performed utilizing the RevMan 5.4 software suite.ResultsThe meta-analysis incorporated findings from 15 studies involving a total of 964 pediatric patients with biliary atresia. LPE was associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss [Mean Difference (MD) = −10.80, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (−13.54, −8.05)] and shortened hospital stay [MD = −2.18, 95% CI (−3.69, −0.67)]. Conversely, the operative time for LPE was considerably longer when compared to OPE [MD = 35.45, 95% CI (26.17, 44.72)]. No significant disparities were noted in the postoperative jaundice clearance rate [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.98, 95% CI (0.71, 1.35)], incidence of postoperative cholangitis [OR = 0.96, 95% CI (0.66, 1.39)], the rate of liver transplantation between the two surgical approaches [OR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.32, 1.48)], or 2-year survival of the native liver [OR = 1.10, 95% CI (0.67, 1.80)].ConclusionLPE offers more advantages over OPE, including diminished invasiveness and expedited recovery. These benefits suggest that LPE is an emerging and viable alternative in the clinical management of biliary atresia, warranting further investigation and consideration in surgical practice.
The expression of glycolysis-related proteins in urine significantly increases after running
Authors: Zhao Tian , Liu Tianci , Li Tao , Chen Shengcun , Wang Lupeng , Zhang Man 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveGlucose metabolism is the main way in which cells obtain energy during exercise and plays an important role in exercise. The purpose of this study was to explore the changes in the expression of glucose metabolism-related proteins in urine after running, and finally applied to the monitoring of running training.MethodsUrine samples were collected before and after running, and urine proteomics information was collected to explore the expression of proteins in the urine using LC-MS/MS in DDA mode and DIA mode. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the value of target proteins in monitoring running training.ResultsA total of 140 proteins were identified using LC-MS/MS in DDA mode, of which 49 urine proteins showed increased expression after running. KEGG analysis revealed that glucose metabolism-related proteins are mainly concentrated in glycolysis. There were six glycolysis-related proteins, among which urine proteins PKM, TPI1, ENO1 and LDHB were significantly increased after running (P &lt; 0.05). This changes in urine proteins PKM, TPI1, ENO1 and LDHB were further verified by the results of LC-MS/MS in DIA mode. The concentrations of the urine proteins TPI1, ENO1 and LDHB showed a significant linear relationship with PKM. ROC curve analysis showed that PKM, TPI1, ENO1 and LDHB proteins in urine had good monitoring values for running training.ConclusionThe expression of glycolysis-related proteins PKM, TPI1, ENO1 and LDHB in urine was significantly increased after running, which may be applied to the monitoring of running training.
Applicability of creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate assessment equations to patients with neurogenic bladder
Authors: He Panqi , Liao Limin 
Published: December 2024

PurposeGlomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured by dynamic renal scintigraphy (Gates method) is used in this study as the standard to investigate the applicability of two creatinine (Cr)-based GFR estimation equations in Chinese patients of different genders, age groups, and GFR stages diagnosed with neurogenic bladder (NB).MethodsGFR values were measured using 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging, the new serum creatinine (Cr)-based chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaborative group (CKD-EPI) equation, and the equation for the estimated GFR of CKD patients in China, which were designated as sGFR, EPI-GFR, and cGFR, respectively. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression were used to compare the differences, absolute differences, precision, and accuracies of the results of the two equations with sGFR to determine the formula offering better performance for the assessment of patients with NB.ResultsMeasurements from a total of 99 patients with NB were used in the final analysis. Both cGFR and EPI-GFR were moderately correlated with sGFR in both men and women. The overall staging accuracies of EPI-GFR and sGFR were significantly higher than that of cGFR. Among the patients staged, only those with GFRs in the range of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 had moderate correlations between cGFR, EPI-GFR, and sGFR, while the remaining patients had low correlations.ConclusionResearchers found that the equation developed for Chinese CKD patients performed well for patients with NB aged 20–25 years, while the race-neutral CKD-EPI equation performed better in NB patients aged 26–35 years.
The protective role of employment in depression: insights from 2005 to 2018 NHANES information
Authors: Li Fang , Chu Zheng 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundDepression is closely associated with employment status, which serves as a complex social determinant. This study explores the relationship between employment status and depression.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005 to 2018 were analyzed. The study included 29,452 participants aged 20 and older with complete data on employment and depression. Logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between employment and depression, adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), BMI, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol status.ResultsThe study revealed an overall depression prevalence of 8.61%, with significant variation across employment statuses—non-employed (11.77%), part-time (6.58%), and full-time (4.52%) workers. Employed individuals, particularly those in the 40-59 age group and with lower PIRs, showed reduced odds of depression (OR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.36–0.48, p=0.000). Stratified analyses confirmed lower depression odds for employed individuals regardless of gender or marital status.ConclusionEmployment status has a significant impact on depression risk, with full-time work showing the strongest protective effect against depressive symptoms. The study underscores the role of sociodemographic factors in depression and highlights the need for policies promoting stable employment and mental health support, especially for economically vulnerable groups.