bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of left atrial function with vascular brain injury: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study
Authors: Wang Wendy , Lutsey Pamela L. , Inciardi Riccardo M. , Reyes Jorge L. , Mosley Thomas H. , Johansen Michelle C. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Alonso Alvaro , Jack Clifford R. , Solomon Scott D. , Shah Amil M. , Wasserman Bruce A. , Chen Lin Yee 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeLower left atrial (LA) function is associated with higher dementia risk and may be mechanistically linked through vascular brain injury, an established correlate for higher dementia risk. Using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we assessed the cross‐sectional association between LA function and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of vascular brain injury.MethodsWe included 1488 participants who were free of prevalent dementia, stroke, or atrial fibrillation and who underwent a two‐dimensional echocardiogram and brain MRI in 2011–2013 (mean [± standard deviation] age 76 [± 5] years, 60% female, 27% Black). LA function measures (reservoir, conduit, contractile strain) were assessed in quartiles. Brain MRI measures included cerebral microbleeds, brain infarcts, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume. Logistic regression was used for dichotomous outcomes. Linear regression was used for WMH volume.ResultsOverall, 343 (23%) and 344 participants (23%) had ≥1 cerebral microbleed or brain infarct. After multivariable adjustments, the lowest LA reservoir and conduit strain quartiles (vs. highest quartile) were associated with higher odds of the presence of ≥1 cerebral microbleed (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] 1.78 [1.42–2.22] and 1.52 [1.22–1.90]). Compared to the highest quartile, participants in the lowest LA conduit strain quartile had 1.51 (95% confidence interval 1.22–1.88) times higher odds of having ≥1 brain infarct. Lower LA contractile strain was associated with lower odds of brain infarcts. No association with WMH volume was noted.ConclusionsWe found that LA reservoir and conduit strain were associated with cerebral microbleeds and brain infarcts. Lower LA function may be linked to dementia risk via vascular brain injury. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Restoring ecosystems in the southeastern United States by interseeding alfalfa in existing cool‐season grass pastures
Authors: Nave Renata La Guardia , de Almeida Otávio Goulart , Tucker Jennifer , Xiong Victoria 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe introduction of legumes such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) into forage systems is a sustainable alternative to pasture restoration by adding biologically fixed N and contributing to the biodiversity of the system. Also, crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L.; [CG]) is known as a grass weed but has the potential to maintain forage mass (FM) during the summer contributing to restoration. Different experiments were carried out in Spring Hill, TN for 2 years each in tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus [Schreb.] Dumort; [TF]) or orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L. [OG]), with the addition of alfalfa and CG. For each grass sward, two separate pastures were selected, and treatments were established in different years, totaling four different experiments [two Establishments (EST 1 and EST 2) for TF and OG]. The treatments imposed were (1) control (C), (2) synthetic N fertilization (SNF), (3) fall seeding of alfalfa (FA), (4) spring seeding of alfalfa (SA), (5) fall seeding of alfalfa + CG (FA + CG) and (6) spring seeding of alfalfa + CG (SA + CG). Each experiment had four replications totaling 24 plots each, and measurements included botanical composition and FM. In the TF pastures, there was no presence of alfalfa documented (0%), and little CG was detected, due to its high competitiveness; meanwhile, FM was only increased when N fertilization was used in EST 2, 3391 kg DM/ha. The average FM for all treatments in EST 1 was 2476 kg DM/ha. The OG pastures showed the presence of both alfalfa and CG in their botanical composition, with N fertilization also showing higher FM (EST 1, 2705 kg DM/ha; EST 2, 2390 kg DM/ha). Thus, alfalfa and CG have the potential to improve OG swards, but more research is needed to assess different establishment methods of alfalfa into TF swards.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Population‐Based Nationwide Cohort Study in Sweden
Authors: Liu Qing , Sadr‐Azodi Omid , Engstrand Lars , Fall Katja , Brusselaers Nele 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an established gastric carcinogen, also associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, we suspected that H. pylori eradication lowers the risk of colorectal cancer.Material and MethodsWe assessed if H. pylori eradication therapy is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma in a population‐based nationwide cohort study. This study included all Swedish adults with at least one recorded H. pylori eradication episode between July 2005 and December 2012, based on the high‐quality Swedish health registries. Colorectal adenocarcinoma risks were compared to the Swedish background population, presented as standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), accounting for age, sex, calendar period, tumor location (left or right sided), stage, and number of eradication episodes, from 1 year after eradication and onward.ResultsAmong 80,381 individuals receiving H. pylori eradication therapy (average follow‐up 4.1 years), 282 were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (97.2% adenocarcinoma). Overall, H. pylori eradication was associated with an elevated risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma (SIR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.43). The colorectal adenocarcinoma risk was increased 1–2 years after eradication (SIR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.17–1.72), then decreased 2–4 years (SIR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65–0.98) and 4–6 years (SIR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.57–0.99), yet not ≥ 6 years (SIR 1.36, 95% CI: 0.78–2.21) after eradication compared to the general population. Overall, right‐sided (SIR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21–1.76) and left‐sided (SIR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09–1.67) colon adenocarcinomas risks were higher among eradicated individuals than the general population.ConclusionH. pylori eradication was not associated with a clear and consistent reduction of colorectal cancer in our Swedish cohort.
How Technical Advances Changed the Concept of Antibodies
Authors: Swiatczak Bartlomiej , Greslehner Gregor P. , Zach Martin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTShaped by advances in scientific instrumentation and experimental techniques, the concept of antibody has undergone profound transformations throughout the history of immunology. Serological assays, separation techniques, protein fragmentation techniques, molecular biology techniques, and other methodological innovations did not only serve to produce data on the structure and function of these molecules but, by framing antibodies into a unique facet of experimental investigation, were effectively redefining and reconceptualizing these molecules for the scientific community. The characteristics and properties of antibodies observed in experimental settings were often directly extrapolated to their presumed nature in living organisms, as exemplified by the literal identification of antibodies with a gamma electrophoretic fraction in the 1930s. Stemming from parallel advances in related fields such as molecular biology and biochemistry, the introduction of novel techniques was driving shifts in the field of immunology, establishing novel frameworks of theoretical conceptualization and understanding. Technological innovation in experimental techniques continues to shape our view of these molecules, driving progress in both basic immunology and therapeutic applications.
Evaluating Drought Tolerance and Yield Stability of Sorghum Genotypes for Sustainable Agriculture in Sohag, Egypt
Authors: Said Alaa A. , Abou‐Elwafa Salah F. , Mustafa Abdel‐Rahman A. , Ridwan Ahmed R. M. , Siddiq Mohamed A. , Moursy Ali R. A. , AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E. , Mobarak Nafisa A. M. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe major problem in the cultivation of sorghum in the Egyptian agricultural system includes arid climate and water shortage. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of drought conditions on the productivity of 21 different sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) genotypes at Sohag, Egypt. A set of drought tolerance metrics employed in the present study were Tolerance Index (TOL); Mean Production (MP); Sensitivity to Drought Index (SSI); Stress Tolerance Index (STI); Geometric mean performance (GMP) and Harmonic mean of yield (HARM). A field‐controlled experiment was conducted on the two growth seasons (2021 and 2022) concerning the impact of different drought levels on (ET0 = 0.8, 0.6 and 0.4) Grain Yields (GY) and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) for the various studied sorghum genotypes. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also conducted on the obtained data of the different yield parameters with the aim of identifying the most effective tolerance indices related to the different genotypes of sorghum under both conditions, optimal and stressed. Drought tolerance varies among different sorghum varieties, which, by their genetic and physiological nature, possess efficient stomatal regulation and deep‐rooted systems, enhancing water conservation and physiological functions and hence higher WUE. These are mainly influenced by environmental conditions, such as soil type and moisture levels in the region of Sohag, where such genotypes may exhibit different performances regarding drought stress. It was observed that Giza‐15 and Hybrid Sh1 were among the high performers under well‐irrigated conditions, and L38 was outstanding during a severe drought in terms of WUE. Therefore, proper genotype selection depends on the irrigation strategy. Hence, the Sohag region presents a good opportunity for further improvement of drought tolerance through designed selection and hybridization activities in sorghum breeders, and this contributes to climate‐resilient cultivars by addressing the present agricultural challenges and food security for the present world. Emphasis will be placed by breeders on the development of arid‐condition‐adapted genotypes and the development of models that can be applied within comparable climates to boost productivity and sustainability for those farmers dependent on this vital crop.
FOSL2 activates TGF‐β1‐mediated GLUT1/mTOR signaling to promote diabetic kidney disease
Authors: He Xuelin , Xia Min , Ying Guanghui , He Qien , Chen Zhaogui , Liu Li , Zhang Qiao , Cai Jianxin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of kidney failure. FOS‐like antigen 2 (FOSL2) has been revealed to be increased in kidney biopsies of patients with lupus nephritis, while its association with DKD remains unsolved. This study aimed to characterize the role of FOSL2 in DKD and its mechanism.MethodThe kidney tissues of DKD mice induced by STZ and a high‐fat diet were subjected to PAS and Masson's staining. Glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) were treated with high glucose (HG) or normal glucose (NG). CCK‐8 and EdU assays were performed to detect cell proliferation, and immunoblotting was conducted to analyze ECM deposition. ChIP‐qPCR was performed on MCs to detect the binding of FOSL2 on the TGF‐β1 promoter and a dual‐luciferase assay to detect the impact of FOSL2 on the transcription of the TGF‐β1 promoter.ResultsFOSL2 was elevated in the kidney tissues of DKD mice. Knockdown of FOSL2 reduced the mRNA expression of TGF‐β1 to decrease the protein expression of GLUT1 and mTOR in the kidney tissues of DKD mice, and TGF‐β1 reversed the effects caused by knockdown of FOSL2. The mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin alleviated kidney injury in the presence of FOSL2. Knockdown of FOSL2 inhibited the proliferation and improved ECM deposition of MCs, which were reversed by TGF‐β1. Rapamycin and GLUT1 inhibitor BAY‐876 reversed the promotion effect of FOSL2 on the proliferation of NG‐MCs/HG‐MCs and improved ECM deposition of MCs.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that FOSL2 accentuates DKD in mice by increasing TGF‐β1‐induced GLUT1/mTOR signaling.
Enhanced renoprotective effects of combined glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Real‐world evidence
Authors: Jhu Jian‐Yu , Fang Yu‐Wei , Huang Chung‐Yen , Liou Hung‐Hsiang , Chen Mon‐Ting , Tsai Ming‐Hsien 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionDeveloping a more effective treatment for the global impact of diabetic kidney disease is crucial. This study examined the renoprotective effects of combining glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) compared to SGLT2is alone in type 2 diabetes (DM).Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used data from the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network. Type 2 DM patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 who used GLP‐1 RA or SGLT2i between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2023. Propensity score matching balanced baseline characteristics, resulting in 71,186 patients in each group (combined GLP‐1 RA and SGLT2i therapy vs SGLT2i alone). Cox regression model was adopted to compare outcomes over a 5‐year period, including major adverse kidney events (MAKE), acute kidney injury (AKI), end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), and all‐cause mortality.ResultsAfter matching, the average age was 57.1 ± 10.8 years for the GLP‐1 RA plus SGLT2i group and 57.2 ± 11.7 years for the SGLT2i‐only group. The GLP‐1 RA plus SGLT2i group had significantly lower risk of MAKE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–0.77), AKI (HR: 0.82, 95% C0I: 0.77–0.87), ESKD (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47–0.78), and all‐cause mortality (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.50–0.58) compared to the SGLT2i‐only group. Moreover, subgroup analyses showed consistent benefits across different subgroups.ConclusionsDual therapy with GLP‐1 RA and SGLT2i is supported to enhance renal outcomes and address the growing burden of diabetic kidney disease.
Chemical Characterization, Cell‐Based Safety, and Antioxidant Assessments of Lactobacillus helveticus Postbiotics and Their Potential Antibacterial Effects and Mode of Action Against Food‐Borne Multidrug‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coliO157:H7
Authors: Abbasi Amin , Hashemi Mohammad , Pourjafar Hadi , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh , Kafil Hossein Samadi , Rad Aziz Homayouni , Taghizadeh Mansoureh , Hosseini Hedayat 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to determine the chemical profile, cell‐based safety, antioxidant properties, antibacterial effect, and mode of action of Lactobacillus helveticus postbiotics (LHPs) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. LHPs exhibited significant radical scavenging activity (83.59% ± 4.21% for Hydroxyl RSA; 98.33% ± 2.47% for DPPH; and 21.67% ± 2.79% for linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory), and antibacterial action toward MDR S. aureus (inhibition zone (IZ): 32.76 mm; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 36.00 μg/mL; minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC): 45.00 μg/mL; minimal effective concentration (MEC): 25 mg/mL for whole milk, and 30 mg/mL for ground meat) and E. coli O157:H7 (IZ: 25.63 mm; MIC: 60.00 μg/mL; MBC: 90.00 μg/mL: MEC: 35 mg/mL for whole milk, and 45 mg/mL for ground meat) (p < 0.05). As an antimicrobial mode of action, significant alterations in the bacterial surface charge, membrane integrity, biofilm generation, auto‐aggregation ability, and swimming/sliding motility, along with the subsequent intracellular content leakage from MDR S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7, were detected after treatment with LHPs (p < 0.05). LHPs exerted a promoting influence on MV‐4‐11 macrophage cell viability, leading to a considerable increase in the functions of SOD and GSH‐Px in these cells. As well, LHPs caused a reduction in the production of NO and a drop in ROS levels (p < 0.05). Therefore, LHPs are a promising approach against MDR S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 proliferations and have the capacity to be used in the food sector to combat safety issues caused by pathogenic microbes.
PANoptosis‐related genes: Molecular insights into immune dysregulation in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ji Yuxiao , Li Pengchong , Ning Tingting , Yang Deyi , Shi Haiyun , Dong Xueyu , Zhu Shengtao , Li Peng , Zhang Shutian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and AimUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by immune dysregulation. PANoptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, has been implicated in inflammatory diseases, but its specific role in UC remains unclear. This study aimed to identify PANoptosis‐related genes (PRGs) that may contribute to immune dysregulation in UC.MethodsUsing bioinformatics analysis of the GEO databases, we identified seven hub PRGs. Based on these genes, we developed a predictive model to differentiate UC patients from healthy controls, and evaluated its diagnostic performance using ROC curve analysis. We further conducted functional enrichment, GSVA, and immune infiltration analyses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to validate the expression of hub genes in UC patients.ResultsThe prediction model, based on the seven hub genes, exhibited diagnostic ability in discriminating UC patients from controls. Furthermore, these hub PRGs were found to be associated with immune cells, including dendritic cells, NK cells, macrophages, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and CD8+ T cells. They were also linked to key signaling pathways implicated in UC pathogenesis, such as IFNγ, TNFα, IL6‐and JAK‐STAT3, as well as hypoxia and apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry analysis validated the expression levels of hub PRGs in UC patients using paraffin sections of intestinal biopsy specimens.ConclusionsThis study identified PANoptosis‐related genes with potential diagnostic value for UC and suggest that PANoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of UC by regulating specific immune cells and interacting with key signaling pathways. This highlights the potential importance of PANoptosis‐related genes as therapeutic targets in UC management.
Impact of in‐hospital cardiac rehabilitation on hospital‐associated disability after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Katano Satoshi , Kono Yuji , Yano Toshiyuki , Kanaoka Koshiro , Sawamura Akinori , Motokawa Tetsufumi , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Ohya Yusuke , Miura Shin‐ichiro , Fukuma Nagaharu , Makita Shigeru , Izawa Hideo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundHospital‐associated disability (HAD), a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) during hospitalization, is a modifiable target in integrated care for older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on the development of HAD in older patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).MethodsOlder patients undergoing TAVI were extracted from the Japanese nationwide database (JROAD‐DPC) from April 2014 to March 2021 and were divided into patients receiving inpatient CR (CR group) and a non‐CR group. HAD was defined as a decrease in the Barthel Index (BI) score ≥5 points at discharge compared with the score at admission.ResultsOf 19,789 eligible patients, 17,066 (86%) underwent inpatient CR. The overall prevalence of HAD was 9.6%, with a lower incidence in the CR group than in the non‐CR group (8.8% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001). Random forest analysis revealed key features associated with HAD risk including BI score at admission, inpatient CR participation, age, body mass index (BMI), and chronic kidney disease. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participation in inpatient CR was associated with a lower odds ratio (OR) of HAD (OR, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.70), with similar results in inverse probability of treatment weighting‐adjusted logistic regression analyses (OR, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.88). Analyses in subgroups of interest showed heterogeneity in the effects of inpatient CR with possible loss in patients with a BMI of <18.5 kg/m2 or a BI score of less than 60 points at admission.ConclusionsThe data suggest a beneficial effect of inpatient CR participation on the prevention of HAD in older patients undergoing TAVI, but the effect may be limited in lean patients with disability for ADL before TAVI.
Evaluation of the Sleep Habits and Dental Problems in Children Exposed to Secondhand Smoke During Childhood
Authors: Polat Simge , Uyar Didem Sakaryali 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundClinically, data on the association of early‐life secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure with sleep bruxism and dental problems are scarce.ObjectiveTo examine whether the relationship between early‐life SHS exposure with sleep problems, sleep bruxism, and dental problems in children.MethodsWithin the scope of this study, questionnaires were applied to the volunteer parents of 710 children, aged 5–12 years old. The questionnaire applied in this study named as Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and consists of seven subscales and a total of 33 items. The questionnaire was completed retrospectively by any parent, and the presence of sleep bruxism was questioned during the anamnesis. Afterward, the presence of dental decay and tooth wear was evaluated during intraoral and radiographic examinations. Dental decay and tooth wear were scored with the DMFT/deft index and tooth wear index of Smith & Knight, respectively.ResultsThe presence of sleep bruxism was significantly higher in children with parasomnia (p = 0.01; p < 0.05). The presence of tooth wear in children with sleep bruxism was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.032; p < 0.05). It was observed that the presence of sleep bruxism was higher in the children of individuals who smoked at home (p = 0.027; p < 0.05).ConclusionSleep bruxism, untreated dental decay and exposure to early‐life secondhand smoke may have a negative impact on children's sleep habits and characteristics.