bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study on Cyclocodon lancifolius leaf blight and screening of Bacillus subtilis as a biocontrol agent
Authors: Yang Xin , Dang You-chao , Chen Jing-zhong , Xu Ke-cheng , Dai Dao-die , Sun Qing-wen 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify the pathogen responsible for leaf blight in Cyclocodon lancifolius, investigate its biological characteristics, and identify effective synthetic fungicides. Additionally, this study examined changes in physiological and biochemical indices of leaves following pathogen infection and screened biocontrol bacteria that inhibit the pathogen growth, providing a scientific basis for preventing and managing leaf blight in C. lancifolius.MethodsPathogens were isolated from the interface of healthy and infected leaf tissues and identified through morphological and molecular biological methods. Amplification and sequencing of three genomic DNA regions—internal transcribed spacer region, translation elongation factor 1-α, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of ribosomal DNA—were performed, followed by the construction of a phylogenetic tree. The biological characteristics of pathogens under various temperature and pH conditions and different nitrogen and carbon sources were analyzed using the mycelial growth rate method. The antifungal effects of 13 chemical agents were evaluated using the poisoned medium method and mycelial growth rate method. Changes in physiological and biochemical indicators post-infection were also assessed. An antagonistic experiment was conducted to screen for biocontrol bacteria.ResultsA total of 29 potential pathogenic strains were isolated from infected leaf tissues, with Koch’s Postulates confirming Stemphylium lycopersici as a key pathogen causing the disease. Growth analysis of S. lycopersici revealed optimal growth at 20°C and pH 6, with lactose or maltose serving as the most suitable carbon source and histidine as the preferred nitrogen source. Among the 13 synthetic fungicides tested, strain DHY4 exhibited the greatest sensitivity to 400  g/L flusilazole. Significant differences (p  &lt; 0.05) were observed in superoxide dismutase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels between treated and control groups 3  days post-inoculation. The biocontrol strain DYHS2, identified as a strain of Bacillus subtilis, demonstrated an inhibition rate of 51.80% against S. lycopersici in dual-culture experiments and showed a relative inhibition rate of 78.82% in detached leaf assays.DiscussionThese findings provide valuable insights into the newly identified causal agent of leaf blight in C. lancifolius and its biological characteristics, underscoring the potential of B. subtilis DYHS2 and synthetic fungicides such as flusilazole as effective disease management strategies.
Effect of xylo-oligosaccharides on intestinal bacterial diversity in mice with spleen deficiency constipation
Authors: Ao Xiang , Zhang Zeying 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of xylo-oligosaccharides on intestinal bacterial diversity in mice with spleen deficiency constipation.MethodsThe 16S rDNA sequencing was used to identify microbiota composition in four groups, including the normal group (NG), the model group with spleen-deficiency constipation (SDC), XOS treated groups that include XOS1 groups treated XOS 0.05 g/mL•d, and XOS2 group treated XOS 0.1 g/mL•d. Chao1 and Shannon were used to conduct gut microbes diversity analysis. Linear discriminant analysis coupled with effect size measurements (LEfSe) was used to identify signature gut microbiota, and phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) was used to predict the function of altered gut microbiota.ResultsVeen map indicated 245 common OTUs were identified from four groups. Especially, 9, 3, 0, and 19 unique OTUs were identified in NG, SDC, XOS1, and XOS2 groups, respectively. The Shannon index was evidently higher in NG group than in the other three groups (p &lt; 0.05). We identified the occurrence of dominant bacterial groups including Bacteroidetes (25.5 ~ 49.9%), Firmicutes (25.4 ~ 39.3%), Proteobacteria (12.5 ~ 24.9%), Deferribacteres (1.6 ~ 19.2%), Cyanobacteria (0.3 ~ 1.8%), Verrucomicrobia (0.02 ~ 1.6%), Actinobacteria (0.01 ~ 0.5%), and Tenericutes (0.03 ~ 0.09%) at the four groups. The XOS2 group was characterized by a higher abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, Intestinibacter, Aerococcaceae, and Facklamia. XOS1 group enriched in Deferribacteres, Mucispirillum, Deferribacterales, Deferribacteres, Lachnoclostridium, Rhodospirillaceae, and Rhodospirillales. Meanwhile, the SDC mice showed dramatic enrichment in Rikenellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, Roseburia, and Alistipes, which were highly abundant in the NG group. XOS fed-mice evidently increase Deferribcteres abundance compared with NG and SDC groups. However, the abundance of Rikenellaceae was significantly reduced in XOS1 and XOS2 groups compared with NG and SDC groups. We identified that altered gut microbiotas by XOS treatment were associated with various metabolic pathways, including organismal systems, metabolism, human diseases, genetic information processing, and cellular processes.ConclusionOur research indicated that XOS has the potential to recover intestinal bacteria and contribute to the treatment of spleen deficiency constipation.
Machine learning-based personalized composite score dissects risk and protective factors for cognitive and motor function in older participants
Authors: Schalkamp Ann-Kathrin , Lerche Stefanie , Wurster Isabel , Roeben Benjamin , Zimmermann Milan , Fries Franca , von Thaler Anna-Katharina , Eschweiler Gerhard , Maetzler Walter , Berg Daniela , Sinz Fabian H. , Brockmann Kathrin 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWith age, sensory, cognitive, and motor abilities decline, and the risk for neurodegenerative disorders increases. These impairments influence the quality of life and increase the need for care, thus putting a high burden on society, the economy, and the healthcare system. Therefore, it is important to identify factors that influence healthy aging, particularly ones that are potentially modifiable through lifestyle choices. However, large-scale studies investigating the influence of multi-modal factors on a global description of healthy aging measured by multiple clinical assessments are sparse.MethodsWe propose a machine learning model that simultaneously predicts multiple cognitive and motor outcome measurements on a personalized level recorded from one learned composite score. This personalized composite score is derived from a large set of multi-modal components from the TREND cohort, including genetic, biofluid, clinical, demographic, and lifestyle factors.ResultsWe found that a model based on a single composite score was able to predict cognitive and motor abilities almost as well as a classical flexible regression model specifically trained for each single clinical score. In contrast to the flexible regression model, our composite score model is able to identify factors that globally influence cognitive and motoric abilities as measured by multiple clinical scores. The model identified several risk and protective factors for healthy aging and recovered physical exercise as a major, modifiable, protective factor.DiscussionWe conclude that our low parametric modeling approach successfully recovered known risk and protective factors of healthy aging on a personalized level while providing an interpretable composite score. We suggest validating this modeling approach in other cohorts.
Comparison of microvascular decompression and percutaneous balloon compression efficacy in patients with V2 idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Ji Ye , Wang Junwu 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the efficacy and long-term prognosis of microvascular decompression (MVD) versus percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) in patients with idiopathic V2 (maxillary branch) trigeminal neuralgia.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical information and follow-up data of patients who underwent surgical treatment for V2 idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia from January 2020 to January 2023. A total of 58 patients were included in the MVD group and 99 in the PBC group. All surgeries were performed by two physicians at the same center, with follow-up conducted by a separate, trained researcher. We compared the initial versus 12-month postoperative pain relief rates (scored using the BNI), surgical complications, and described pain relief rates after long-term follow-up in both groups using Kaplan–Meier analysis.ResultsThe study included a total of 157 patients (MVD 58, PBC 99). The median age of patients in the MVD group was lower than that in the PBC group (58 [51–65] vs. 63 [58–69], p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pain relief rates initially after surgery and at 12 months (p = 0.521, p = 0.713). However, the MVD group had significantly better outcomes regarding postoperative facial numbness (p &lt; 0.0001), masticatory weakness (p = 0.0017), and other complications (p = 0.04). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that MVD provided a longer duration of pain relief than PBC (p = 0.0323), with most recurrences in both groups occurring within 1–2 years after surgery.ConclusionThere were no significant differences in significant pain relief rates between the two groups initially after surgery and at 12 months. However, the MVD group showed a clear advantage over PBC regarding postoperative facial numbness, masticatory weakness, and other complications; moreover, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that MVD offers a longer duration of pain relief for patients.
Anatomy-guided resections for paralimbic tumors in the temporo-insular region: combining tumor and epilepsy surgery concepts
Authors: Alkassm Emad , Grote Alexander , Berger Björn , Woermann Friedrich G. , Ersoy Tunc Faik , Coras Roland , Kalbhenn Thilo , Simon Matthias 
Published: October 2024

ObjectTumors in the temporo-mesial region often extend into the insula and vice versa. The present study investigated the results of a surgical strategy that combines principles of tumor and epilepsy surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 157 consecutive patients with intrinsic brain tumors in the temporo-mesial region, with varying degrees of extensions into the insula (44 patients, 28.0%). The surgical strategy utilized “anatomy-guided resection,” targeting specific anatomical compartments infiltrated by the tumor (e.g., temporal pole, anterior temporo-mesial region = uncus and hippocampal head, posterior temporo-mesial, insula) rather than treating the tumor as a single mass.ResultsThe most frequent histologies were ganglioglioma CNS WHO grade 1 (55 patients, 35.0%) and IDH1 wildtype glioblastoma (36 patients, 22.9%). Tumor infiltration was most commonly found in the anterior temporo-mesial compartment (145 patients, 92.4%). An anterior temporal lobectomy was part of the surgical strategy in 131 cases (83.4%). Seventy-six patients (48.4%) with drug-resistant epilepsy underwent a formal presurgical epilepsy work-up, including depth electrode placement in three cases. Complete resections were achieved in 117 patients (74.5%), with supramarginal resections performed in 89 cases (56.7%). Four patients experienced non-temporary neurological complications (CTCAE grade 3–5). At 6 months, 127 of 147 assessable patients (86.4%) were free from seizures or auras (ILAE class 1), excluding early postoperative seizures (&lt;30 days). At 24 months, 122 of 144 assessable cases (84.7%) remained seizure-free (ILAE class 1). Kaplan–Meier estimates for 5-year overall survival were 98.5% for non-recurrent glioneuronal tumors. The 2-year overall survival estimates were 96.0% for 24 primary diffuse CNS WHO grade 2 and 3 gliomas and 55.2% for 30 patients undergoing first surgeries for glioblastomas/astrocytomas CNS WHO grade 4.ConclusionCombining both epilepsy and tumor surgery concepts in the surgical treatment of intrinsic brain tumors involving the mesial temporal lobe, often extending into the insula, led to more extensive resections, improved seizure outcomes, and potentially even better patient survival outcomes.
Thalamic functional dysconnectivity in patients with left-hemisphere chronic capsular and pontine stroke
Authors: Guo Jun , Zhang Hongchuan , Liu Jingchun , Wang Caihong , Cao Chen , Cheng Jingliang , Yu Chunshui , Qin Wen 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThrough its extensive connection with the cortex, the thalamus constitutes the hub of cortico-subcortical circuits and participants in multi-dimensional functions. However, the differential involvements of thalamic functional connectivity in chronic capsular and pontine stroke are still unknown.MethodsThe research recruited 66 left-lesion chronic stroke patients, including 46 capsular strokes (CS) and 20 pontine stroke (PS) patients, and 67 normal controls (NC). The thalamic subfields functional connectivities were compared between groups using a two-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA), corrected for confounders including age, gender, education and scanners. Spearman partial correlation was used to explore the potential association between altered thalamic FC and clinical variables.ResultsThe ipsilesional thalamus of CS patients had abnormally decreased FC with widespread cognitive-related areas while increased FC with visual- and somatic-motor areas. In contrast, the ipsilesional thalamus of PS patients mainly demonstrated increased FC in these sensorimotor areas. Even in the contralesional thalamus, we observed similar (with the ipsilesional) but less extensive functional dysconnectivity patterns in both the CS and PS patients (P &lt; 0.05, corrected using family-wise error [FWE] at the voxel level). Finally, we found significant group x subfields interactions on thalamic functional connectivity, where capsular vs. pontine stroke demonstrate varied functional dysconnectivity with specific thalamic subfields. Finally, a weak correlation was found between FC of both ipsilesional/contralesional thalamic subfields and motor, working and verbal memory.ConclusionsThe thalamic functional dysconnectivity after chronic stroke are lesion-location and subfields dependent. Moreover, functional dysconnectivity were shown in both the ipsilesional and contralesional thalamus with similar patterns.
Pharmacological targeting of smoothened receptor cysteine-rich domain by Budesonide promotes in vitro myelination
Authors: Recchia Antonella Damiana , Dominicis Alessandra , D'Amore Vincenzo Maria , Fabiano Tommaso , Al Jaf Aland Ibrahim Ahmed , Peria Simone , Basoli Francesco , Rainer Alberto , Marinelli Luciana , Di Leva Francesco Saverio , Ragnini-Wilson Antonella 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe myelin sheath ensures efficient nerve impulse transmission along the axons. Remyelination is a spontaneous process that restores axonal insulation, promoting neuroprotection and recovery after myelin damage. There is an urgent need for new pharmacological approaches to remyelination and to improve the most effective molecules. Some glucocorticoids (GC) were identified through phenotypical screens for their promyelinating properties. These GC compounds share the ability to bind the Smoothened (Smo) receptor of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Gaining a deeper insight into how they modulate Smo receptor activity could guide structure-based studies to leverage the GCs’ potent promyelinating activity for a more targeted approach to remyelination.MethodsHere we focused on clarifying the mechanism of action of Budesonide, a GC known to bind the Smo cysteine-rich domain (CRD) and prevent Smo translocation to the cilium in fibroblasts. Our study employed a combination of cellular, biochemical and molecular dynamics approaches.ResultsWe show that treating oligodendroglial cells with Budesonide promotes myelination of synthetic axons and reduces Smo CRD conformational flexibility. This inhibits the Smo-mediated canonical signaling while activating the Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1)/ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, leading to Myelin basic protein (MBP) expression.DiscussionThese insights pave the way for pharmacological targeting of Smo CRD to enhance oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) differentiation and improve remyelination.
Drug-drug-interactions in patients with atrial fibrillation admitted to the emergency department
Authors: Bischof Thorsten , Nagele Fiona , Kalkofen Marius M. , Blechschmidt Maximilian E. O. , Domanovits Hans , Zeitlinger Markus , Schoergenhofer Christian , Cacioppo Filippo 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionPolypharmacy is a growing concern in healthcare systems. While available data on potential drug-drug interactions (pDDI) from emergency department (ED) patients is derived from heterogenous populations, this study specifically focused on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that patients with AF have similar comorbidities, receive similar drugs, and have similar pDDIs. The overarching aim was to highlight frequent pDDIs, providing practical guidance for treating healthcare professionals and consequently reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions.MethodsTwo hundred patients ≥18 years with AF, who received rate- or rhythm-controlling medication at the ED of the University Hospital Vienna, and who were on long-term medication before admission, were eligible. Long-term medication alone, as well as in combination with medication administered at the ED were analyzed for pDDIs using the Lexicomp® Drug interactions database.ResultsWithin the long-term medication of patients’, we identified 664 pDDIs. Drugs administered at the ED increased pDDIs more than 3-fold to 2085. Approximately, every fifth patient received a contraindicated drug combination (on average 0.24 per patient), while 70% received drug combinations for which therapy modifications are recommended (on average 1.59 per patient). The most frequently involved drugs included amiodarone, propofol, bisoprolol, enoxaparin, and acetylsalicylic acid. Increased risk of bleeding, QTc prolongation, and myopathy were among the most relevant potential consequences of these interactions.DiscussionIn conclusion, an optimization of medication would be advisable in almost every AF patient. Treating healthcare professionals should be cautious of drugs that increase bleeding risk, prolong QTc, or bear a risk for myopathy.
Nationwide usage of ethambutol and incidence and screening practices of optic neuropathy
Authors: Kim Jiyeong , Kwon Hyeon Yoon , Ahn Seong Joon 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionEthambutol, a key anti-tuberculosis medication, is associated with optic neuropathy, which can lead to significant vision impairment. This population-based cohort study investigated the nationwide usage of ethambutol and the incidence and screening of optic neuropathy among ethambutol users.MethodsThe cohort included 206,157 individuals from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database in South Korea who initiated ethambutol therapy between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2021. Among them, 117,309 individuals without prior ophthalmic diseases were analyzed to investigate practice patterns. The timing of the baseline examinations (an ophthalmic examination immediately preceding [within 1 month] ethambutol initiation or the first ophthalmic assessment conducted after the initiation) and subsequent monitoring and modalities used were assessed.ResultsThe cumulative incidences of the optic neuropathy categories, overall optic neuropathy, optic neuropathy/optic neuritis, and optic atrophy, were analyzed. The annual number of ethambutol users declined over time between 2015 and 2021. The cumulative incidences of overall optic neuropathy, optic neuropathy/optic neuritis, and optic atrophy were 2.8%, 2.0%, and 0.7%, respectively. Optical coherence tomography usage for ophthalmic examinations remarkably increased from 23.9% in 2015 to 85.5% in 2021, while visual field examinations were frequently (69.6%) employed for functional assessment at the time of diagnosis. Baseline screening within 6 months of initiating ethambutol therapy was performed in 12.0%–13.1% of ethambutol initiators annually over the study period. The percentage of ethambutol initiators receiving subsequent monitoring within 6 months following baseline screening declined over time, from 13.1% in 2015 to 7.9% in 2021.DiscussionThe diminishing trend in monitoring emphasizes the need for improved pharmacovigilance to reduce the risk of optic atrophy and blindness through early detection.
The relationship between BMI and physical fitness among 7451 college freshmen: a cross-sectional study in Beijing, China
Authors: Guo Tongtong , Shen Siqin , Yang Sanjun , Yang Fan 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo identify trends in physical fitness test scores of college freshmen and their physical fitness from 2018 to 2021, and to analyze the relationship between college students’ Body Mass Index (BMI) and Physical Fitness Index (PFI).MethodsThis study obtained physical fitness test data from 7,541 freshmen at a university in Beijing, China, from 2018 to 2021. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the physical fitness indicators among different BMI levels by gender. A nonlinear quadratic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between BMI and each indicator within gender groups.ResultsThe BMI of freshmen in China was generally increased over the study period, and BMI levels influenced students’ physical fitness indexes to varying degrees. BMI was significantly correlated with the physical fitness indexes and PFI. The increase in BMI had a greater influence on the PFI of males than females.ConclusionStudents with a normal BMI show better physical fitness. A BMI below or above the normal range may result in poor physical fitness. The relationship between BMI and PFI has an inverted u-shaped curve. Physical education programs should be tailored to students with different fitness levels and fundamentals, including but not limited to the development of strength, speed, and other qualities.