bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences between women and men in prolonged weaning
Authors: Röser Evelyn , Michels-Zetsche Julia D. , Ersöz Hilal , Neetz Benjamin , Höger Philipp , Trinkmann Frederik , Müller Michael M. , Klotz Laura , Kontogianni Konstantina , Winter Hauke , Dahlhoff Jana Christina , Krysa Sabine , Herth Felix J. F. , Trudzinski Franziska C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
In recent years, the importance of sex as a factor influencing medical care has received increasing attention in the field of intensive care medicine. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of sex in prolonged weaning.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing prolonged weaning at Thoraxklinik, University Hospital Heidelberg between 12/08 and 12/23 was conducted. Patients with neuromuscular diseases were excluded from the analyses. The risk factors for weaning failure in men and women were identified through stepwise cox-regression analyses.

Results
A total of 785 patients were included, of whom 313 (39.9%) were women. 77.9% of the women and 75.4% of the men were successfully weaned from invasive ventilation. In group comparisons and multivariable analyses, sex was not found to be a risk factor for weaning failure. Cox regression analyses were performed separately for both sexes on the outcome of weaning failure, adjusting for relevant covariates. The results indicated that age ≥ 65 years (HR 2.38, p < 0.001) and the duration of IMV before transfer to the weaning centre (HR 1.01/day, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors in men. In women, however, the duration of IMV before transfer (HR 1.01, p < 0.001), previous non-invasive ventilation (HR 2.9, p 0.005), the presence of critical illness polyneuropathy (HR 1.82; p = 0.040) and delirium (HR 2.50, p = 0.017) were identified as relevant risk factors. In contrast delirium was associated with a favourable weaning outcome in men (HR 0.38, p = 0.020) and nosocomial pneumonia as a reason for prolonged weaning in women (HR 0.43; p = 0.032).

Conclusion
The analyses indicate that there are sex-based differences in the risk factors associated with weaning failure. Further studies, ideally prospective, should confirm these findings to assess whether sex is a factor that should be taken into account to improve weaning outcomes.
Elucidating the power of arginine restriction: taming type I interferon response in breast cancer via selective autophagy
Authors: Lamsal Apsana , Andersen Sonja Benedikte , Johansson Ida , Desgarnier Marie-Catherine Drigeard , Wolowczyk Camilla , Engedal Nikolai , Vietri Marina , Bjørkøy Geir , Giambelluca Miriam S. , Pettersen Kristine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Type I interferons (IFN-I) are potent alarm factors that initiate cancer cell elimination within tumors by the immune system. This critical immune response is often suppressed in aggressive tumors, thereby facilitating cancer immune escape and unfavorable patient outcome. The mechanisms underpinning IFN-I suppression in tumors are incompletely understood. Arginase-1 (ARG1)-expressing immune cells that infiltrate tumors can restrict arginine availability by ARG1-mediated arginine degradation. We hypothesized that arginine restriction suppresses the IFN-I response in tumors.

Methods
Comprehensive, unbiased open approach omics analyses, various in vitro techniques, including microscopy, qPCR, immunoblotting, knock-down experiments, and flow cytometry were employed, as well as ex vivo analysis of tumor tissue from mice. Several functional bioassays were utilized to assess metabolic functions and autophagy activity in cancer cells.

Results
Arginine restriction potently induced expression of selective autophagy receptors, enhanced bulk and selective autophagy and strongly suppressed the IFN-I response in cancer cells in an autophagy-dependent manner.

Conclusion
Our study proposes a mechanism for how tumor-infiltrating immune cells can promote cancer immune escape by dampening the IFN-I response. We suggest ARG1 and autophagy as putative therapeutic targets to activate the IFN-I response in tumors.
Monocyte subsets in breast cancer patients under treatment with aromatase inhibitor and mucin-1 cancer vaccine
Authors: Knöbl Viktoria , Maier Lukas , Grasl Stefan , Kratzer Carmen , Winkler Felix , Eder Vanessa , Hayden Hubert , Sahagun Cortez Maria Amparo , Sachet Monika , Oehler Rudolf , Frantal Sophie , Fesl Christian , Zehetner Karin , Pfeiler Georg , Bartsch Rupert , Fitzal Florian , Singer Christian F. , Filipits Martin , Gnant Michael , Brostjan Christine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Monocytes comprise subsets of classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes with distinct anti- or pro-tumor effects in breast cancer (BC). They are modulated by estrogen, and can contribute to BC control by endocrine therapy in preclinical models.

Methods
To elucidate whether changes in monocyte subsets are associated with treatment and response, we investigated peripheral blood samples of 73 postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER) positive BC, who received aromatase inhibitor therapy with or without the mucin-1 vaccine tecemotide in the ABCSG34 trial. Blood was retrieved at baseline, midterm and end of therapy, and was analyzed for the distribution and ER expression of monocyte subsets by flow cytometry.

Results
When 40 healthy, age-matched women were compared with BC patients before treatment start, ER levels of monocytes did not differ, yet patients presented with a higher frequency of classical and fewer non-classical monocytes. Endocrine therapy triggered a significant increase in ER levels in all monocyte subsets, without affecting subset distribution. Vaccination had no overall impact on subset frequency and ER expression. Yet, a shift from intermediate to classical monocytes during therapy correlated with changes in plasma cytokines and chemokines and was significantly associated with low residual cancer burden in vaccinated patients. Without tecemotide, baseline ER levels in classical monocytes were significantly higher in women with good response to endocrine therapy.

Conclusions
This study identified classical monocytes to be associated with ER positive BC and with patient response to neoadjuvant endocrine treatment and cancer vaccination.
“I managed to stand on my own. I saved my baby’s life.”: qualitative analysis of birth experiences from women living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Weber Alison Z. , Jensen Destry , DiClemente-Bosco Kira , Tsawe Nokwazi , Knight Lucia , Myer Landon , Pellowski Jennifer A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
There is growing recognition of obstetric violence in health facilities across the globe. With nearly one in three pregnant women living with HIV in South Africa, it is important to consider the influence of HIV status on birth experiences, including potential experience of obstetric violence as defined by the Respectful Maternity Care Charter. This qualitative analysis aims to understand the factors that shape birth experiences of women living with HIV, including experiences at the nexus of HIV status and obstetric violence, and how women react to these factors.

Methods
Data were collected in a Midwife Obstetric Unit in Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa, through 26 in-depth interviews with women living with HIV at 6–8 weeks postpartum. Interviews included questions about labor and early motherhood, ART adherence, and social contexts. We combined template style thematic analysis and matrix analysis to refine themes and subthemes.

Results
Participants described a range of social and structural factors they felt influenced their birth experiences, including lack of resources and institutional policies. While some participants described positive interactions with healthcare providers, several described instances of obstetric violence, including being ignored and denied care. Nearly all participants, even those who described instances of obstetric violence, described themselves as strong and independent during their birth experiences. Participants reacted to birth experiences by shifting their family planning intentions, forming attitudes toward the health facility, and taking responsibility for their own and their babies’ safety during birth.

Conclusions
Narratives of negative birth experiences among some women living with HIV reveal a constellation of factors that produce obstetric violence, reflective of social hierarchies and networks of power relations. Participant accounts indicate the need for future research explicitly examining how structural vulnerability shapes birth experiences for women living with HIV in South Africa. These birth stories should also guide future intervention and advocacy work, sparking initiatives to advance compassionate maternity care across health facilities in South Africa, with relevance for other comparable settings.
Clinical symptoms, comorbidities and health outcomes among outpatients infected with the common cold coronaviruses versus influenza virus
Authors: Iyadorai Thevambiga , Lim Sin How , Wong Pui Li , Sii Hoe Leong , P’ng Chun Keat , Ee Soon Sean , Tan Maw Pin , Hanafi Nik Sherina , Ng Kim Tien , Chook Jack Bee , Takebe Yutaka , Chan Kok-Gan , Singh Sarbhan , Sam I-Ching , Tee Kok Keng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Common cold coronaviruses (ccCoVs) and influenza virus are common infectious agents causing upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs). However, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and health effects of ccCoV infection remain understudied.

Methods
A retrospective study evaluated 3,935 outpatients with acute upper RTI at a tertiary teaching hospital. The presence of ccCoV and influenza virus was determined by multiplex molecular assay. The demographic, clinical symptoms, and health outcomes were compared between patients with ccCoV (n = 205) and influenza (n = 417) infections. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate predictors and health outcomes over a one-year follow-up.

Results
Sore throat, nasal discharge, headache, and myalgia were more predominant in ccCoV infection; fever was common in influenza. Most patients reported moderate symptoms severity (49.8% ccCoV, 56.1% influenza). Subsequent primary care visits with symptoms of RTI within a year were comparable for both infections (27.3% ccCoV vs. 27.6% influenza). However, patients with influenza reported increased primary care visits for non-RTI episodes and all-cause hospital admission. Baseline comorbidities were associated with increased primary care visits with symptoms of RTI in either ccCoV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–5.9; P = 0.034) or influenza (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.1; P = 0.017) infections, due probably to the dysregulation of the host immune response following acute infections. In patients infected with influenza infection, dyslipidemia was a predictor for subsequent primary care visits with symptoms of RTI (unadjusted OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0–3.0; P = 0.040).

Conclusions
Both influenza and ccCoV infection pose significant disease burden, especially in patients with comorbidities. The management of comorbidities should be prioritized to mitigate poor health outcomes in infected individuals.
Radio-opaque contrast agents for liver cancer targeting with KIM during radiation therapy (ROCK-RT): an observational feasibility study
Authors: Plant Natalie , Mylonas Adam , Sengupta Chandrima , Nguyen Doan Trang , Silvester Shona , Pryor David , Greer Peter , Lee Yoo Young , Ramachandran Prabhakar , Seshadri Venkatakrishnan , Trada Yuvnik , Khor Richard , Wang Tim , Hardcastle Nicholas , Keall Paul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
This observational study aims to establish the feasibility of using x-ray images of radio-opaque chemoembolisation deposits in patients as a method for real-time image-guided radiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods
This study will recruit 50 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who have had or will have stereotactic ablative radiation therapy and have had transarterial chemoembolisation with a radio-opaque agent. X-ray and computed tomography images of the patients will be analysed retrospectively. Additionally, a deep learning method for real-time motion tracking will be developed. We hypothesise that: (i) deep learning software can be developed that will successfully track the contrast agent mass on two thirds of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) projection and intra-treatment images (ii), the mean and standard deviation (mm) difference in the location of the mass between ground truth and deep learning detection are ≤ 2 mm and ≤ 3 mm respectively and (iii) statistical modelling of study data will predict tracking success in 85% of trial participants.

Discussion
Developing a real-time tracking method will enable increased targeting accuracy, without the need for additional invasive procedures to implant fiducial markers.

Trial registration
Registered to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05169177) 12th October 2021.
Right thoracotomy with central cannulation for valve surgery: 10 years of experience
Authors: Sharma Anil , Dixit Sunil , Sharma Mohit , Mittal Sourabh , Shah Apurva , Goyal Shefali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study is to report the early outcomes of valvular heart surgeries performed via the right thoracotomy approach. While thoracotomy with femoro-femoral bypass is an established method for minimally invasive open-heart surgeries, thoracotomy with conventional cannulation is still being explored. In our center, we conducted 958 valvular heart surgery cases using the right anterolateral thoracotomy approach with central cannulation and data were analyzed.

Methods
This is a retrospective observational study based on prospectively collected data from patients who underwent valvular heart surgery at our center spanning from April 2013 to April 2023. The data encompass demographics, procedures, operative techniques, post-operative morbidity, mortality, and a 1-month follow-up.

Results
Our study revealed no procedure-related mortality. No patient required conversion to median sternotomy. Smooth cannulation and satisfactory exposure were achieved in all patients. The study encompassed a wide age range, from 14 to 68 years, with 618 female patients (64.5%) and 340 male patients (35.5%). The average cross-clamp time ranged from 38 to 90 min, the duration of cardio-pulmonary bypass ranged from 45 to 105 min, post-operative extubation ranged from 3 to 8 h, the average drain volume ranged from 100 to 350 ml, and the incision size ranged from 5 to 7 cm.

Conclusions
Our data demonstrate that conventional cannulation via the right antero-lateral thoracotomy approach for valvular heart disease is a viable alternative to reduce the side effects associated with sternotomy and femoral cannulation. This procedure is safe, reproducible, and provides the same level of treatment quality.
Puerarin: a hepatoprotective drug from bench to bedside
Authors: He Yi-Xiang , Liu Meng-Nan , Wu Hao , Lan Qi , Liu Hao , Mazhar Maryam , Xue Jin-Yi , Zhou Xin , Chen Hui , Li Zhi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPueraria is a time-honored food and medicinal plant, which is widely used in China. Puerarin, the main component extracted from pueraria, has a variety of pharmacological characteristics. In recent years, puerarin has received increasing attention for its significant hepatoprotective effects, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, and hepatic carcinoma. This paper explores the pharmacological effects of puerarin on various liver diseases through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation factors, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and autophagy. Due to its restricted solubility, pharmacokinetic studies revealed that puerarin has a low bioavailability. However, combining puerarin with novel drug delivery systems can improve its bioavailability. Meanwhile, puerarin has very low toxicity and high safety, providing a solid foundation for its further. In addition, this paper discusses puerarin's clinical trials, highlighting its unique advantages. Given its excellent pharmacological effects, puerarin is expected to be a potential drug for the treatment of various liver diseases.
Clarifying the association of CSF Aβ, tau, BACE1, and neurogranin with AT(N) stages in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Lehmann Sylvain , Schraen-Maschke Susanna , Buée Luc , Vidal Jean-Sébastien , Delaby Constance , Hirtz Christophe , Blanc Frédéric , Paquet Claire , Allinquant Bernadette , Bombois Stéphanie , Gabelle Audrey , Hanon Olivier ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Current AT(N) stratification for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for complex combinations of amyloid (A), tau proteinopathy (T) and neurodegeneration (N) signatures. Understanding the transition between these different stages is a major challenge, especially in view of the recent development of disease modifying therapy.

Methods
This is an observational study, CSF levels of Tau, pTau181, pTau217, Aβ38/40/42, sAPPα/β, BACE1 and neurogranin were measured in the BALTAZAR cohort of cognitively impaired patients and in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Biomarkers levels were related to the AT(N) framework. (A) and (T) were defined in BALTAZAR with CSF Aβ42/40 ratio and pTau217 respectively, and in ADNI with amyloid and tau PET. (N) was defined using total CSF tau in both cohorts.

Results
As expected, CSF Aβ42 decreased progressively with the AD continuum going from the A-T-N- to the A + T + N + profile. On the other hand, Tau and pTau181 increased progressively with the disease. The final transition from A + T + N- to A + T + N + led to a sharp increase in Aβ38, Aβ42 and sAPP levels. Synaptic CSF biomarkers BACE1 and neurogranin, were lowest in the initial A + T-N- stage and increased with T + and N + . CSF pTau181 and total tau were closely related in both cohorts.

Conclusions
The early transition to an A + phenotype (A + T-N-) primarily impacts synaptic function. The appearance of T + and then N + is associated with a significant and progressive increase in pathological Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. Our main finding is that CSF pTau181 is an indicator of N + rather than T + , and that N + is associated with elevated levels of BACE1 protein and beta-amyloid peptides. This increase may potentially fuel the amyloid cascade in a positive feedback loop. Overall, our data provide further insights into understanding the interconnected pathological processes of amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration underlying Alzheimer's disease.
Integrated large-scale metagenome assembly and multi-kingdom network analyses identify sex differences in the human nasal microbiome
Authors: Ju Yanmei , Zhang Zhe , Liu Mingliang , Lin Shutian , Sun Qiang , Song Zewei , Liang Weiting , Tong Xin , Jie Zhuye , Lu Haorong , Cai Kaiye , Chen Peishan , Jin Xin , Zhang Wenwei , Xu Xun , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Hou Yong , Xiao Liang , Jia Huijue , Zhang Tao , Guo Ruijin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Respiratory diseases impose an immense health burden worldwide. Epidemiological studies have revealed extensive disparities in the incidence and severity of respiratory tract infections between men and women. It has been hypothesized that there might also be a nasal microbiome axis contributing to the observed sex disparities.

Results
Here, we study the nasal microbiome of healthy young adults in the largest cohort to date with 1593 individuals, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We compile the most comprehensive reference catalog for the nasal bacterial community containing 4197 metagenome-assembled genomes and integrate the mycobiome, to provide a valuable resource and a more holistic perspective for the understudied human nasal microbiome. We systematically evaluate sex differences and reveal extensive sex-specific features in both taxonomic and functional levels in the nasal microbiome. Through network analyses, we capture markedly higher ecological stability and antagonistic potentials in the female nasal microbiome compared to the male’s. The analysis of the keystone bacteria reveals that the sex-dependent evolutionary characteristics might have contributed to these differences.

Conclusions
In summary, we construct the most comprehensive catalog of metagenome-assembled-genomes for the nasal bacterial community to provide a valuable resource for the understudied human nasal microbiome. On top of that, comparative analysis in relative abundance and microbial co-occurrence networks identify extensive sex differences in the respiratory tract community, which may help to further our understanding of the observed sex disparities in the respiratory diseases.
Superior temporal sulcus folding, functional network connectivity, and autistic-like traits in a non-clinical population
Authors: Nenadić Igor , Schröder Yvonne , Hoffmann Jonas , Evermann Ulrika , Pfarr Julia-Katharina , Bergmann Aliénor , Hohmann Daniela Michelle , Keil Boris , Abu-Akel Ahmad , Stroth Sanna , Kamp-Becker Inge , Jansen Andreas , Grezellschak Sarah , Meller Tina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Autistic-like traits (ALT) are prevalent across the general population and might be linked to some facets of a broader autism spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotype. Recent studies suggest an association of these traits with both genetic and brain structural markers in non-autistic individuals, showing similar spatial location of findings observed in ASD and thus suggesting a potential neurobiological continuum.

Methods
In this study, we first tested an association of ALTs (assessed with the AQ questionnaire) with cortical complexity, a cortical surface marker of early neurodevelopment, and then the association with disrupted functional connectivity. We analysed structural T1-weighted and resting-state functional MRI scans in 250 psychiatrically healthy individuals without a history of early developmental disorders, in a first step using the CAT12 toolbox for cortical complexity analysis and in a second step we used regional cortical complexity findings to apply the CONN toolbox for seed-based functional connectivity analysis.

Results
Our findings show a significant negative correlation of both AQ total and AQ attention switching subscores with left superior temporal sulcus (STS) cortical folding complexity, with the former being significantly correlated with STS to left lateral occipital cortex connectivity, while the latter showed significant positive correlation of STS to left inferior/middle frontal gyrus connectivity (n = 233; all p < 0.05, FWE cluster-level corrected). Additional analyses also revealed a significant correlation of AQ attention to detail subscores with STS to left lateral occipital cortex connectivity.

Limitations
Phenotyping might affect association results (e.g. choice of inventories); in addition, our study was limited to subclinical expressions of autistic-like traits.

Conclusions
Our findings provide further evidence for biological correlates of ALT even in the absence of clinical ASD, while establishing a link between structural variation of early developmental origin and functional connectivity.