bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blunted cardiac autonomic dynamics to active standing test in postmenopausal women
Authors: Scatà Costanza , Ferreira Felipe C. , Padilha Michelle C. S. V. , Carandina Angelica , Asnaghi Riccardo , Bellocchi Chiara , Tobaldini Eleonora , Montano Nicola , Soares Pedro Paulo da S. , Rodrigues Gabriel D. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAlthough both aging and menopause influence cardiovascular autonomic control, the effect of menopause per se remains unclear. The current study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that post-menopausal women (PMW) have a blunted cardiovascular autonomic adjustment to active standing compared to pre-menopausal women. Thus, we compared the heart rate variability (HRV) indexes from supine (SUP) to orthostatic (ORT) positions among young women (YW), young men (YM), older men (OM), and PMW.MethodsThe participants rested for 10 min in SUP and then stood up and remained for 5 min in ORT. ECG was continuously recorded, and R-R time series of about 300 beats were analyzed using linear (spectral analysis) and non-linear (symbolic analysis) methods. The variation from SUP to ORT was calculated (Δ = ORT-SUP) for each HRV index.ResultsIn SUP, no difference was found for any HRV index among groups. However, Δ0V% and ΔLFn (cardiac sympathetic modulation) were reduced in PWM compared to all groups (OM, YW, and YM), while Δ2UV% and ΔHFn (cardiac vagal modulation) were reduced in PMW than the younger group (YW and YM). No differences were found among the male groups (OM and YM).DiscussionIn light of our results, the cardiac autonomic dynamic response to orthostatic stress is blunted in post-menopausal women compared to younger women and older men, a finding that might be influenced not only by aging.
Evaluation of preprocedural statin loading on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Sinan Umit Yasar , Keskin Meric Bengisu , Bursa Nurbanu , Moumin Gkiozde , Kaya Aysem , Arat Ozkan Alev 
Published: August 2024

Background and aimHigh-dose statin therapy before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is thought to reduce the occurrence of Peri-procedural Myocardial Infarction (PPMI), which is associated with increased mortality and prolonged hospitalization, especially in statin naïve patients. This study aims to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin loading dose on PPMI and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients undergoing elective PCI, considering their statin use.MethodsOne hundred sixty-five patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) without heart failure (HF) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: patients already on statin treatment (n:126) and statin naive patients (n:39). Both groups were randomly assigned to high-dose (40 mg) rosuvastatin (n:86) or a non- loading dose group (n:79). The primary endpoint was the incidence of PPMI, and the secondary endpoint was MACCE.ResultsThe mean age of study population was 59 ± 9.4 years with 77% being male (n = 127). The median follow-up (FU) time was 368 day. Thirty patients were diagnosed with PPMI after PCI (19 in the high-dose group and 11 in the no-loading-dose group). Meanwhile, less than half of study population (77 patients, 46.7%) had complex lesion type (B2, C) and 88 of those (53.3%) had simple lesion type (A, B1). PPMI was observed more frequently in statin-naive patients (23%) than in statin users (17%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Only two patients (1.2%) experienced MACCE during the FU period. One of these patients, who had a type C lesion, belonged to group A2 and underwent Target Vessel Revascularization (TVR) on the 391st day. The other patient, with a type B1 lesion, was in group A1 and was hospitalized due to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) on the 40th day of FU.ConclusionsPre-procedural administration of high dose rosuvastatin in patients with stable coronary artery disease did not decrease PPMI, independent of chronic statin use.
A study of the relationship between social support, depression, alexithymia and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Gan Yuqin , Tian Fengxiang , Fan Xinxin , Wang Hui , Zhou Jian , Yang Naihui , Qi Hong 
Published: August 2024

AimThe aim of this research was to ascertain the correlations between alexithymia, social support, depression, and glycemic control in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, this study sought to delve into the potential mediating effects of social support and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and glycemic control.MethodA purposive sampling methodology was employed to select a cohort of 318 patients afflicted with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hailing from a care establishment situated in Chengdu City. This investigation embraced a cross-sectional framework, wherein instruments such as the General Information Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Hamilton Depression Scale were judiciously administered. The primary objective of this endeavor was to unravel the interplay that exists amongst alexithymia, social support, depression, and glycemic control. The inquiry discerned these interrelationships through both univariate and correlational analyses, subsequently delving into a comprehensive exploration of the mediating ramifications engendered by social support and depression in the nexus between alexithymia and glycemic control.ResultsThe HbA1c level of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus was recorded as (8.85 ± 2.107), and their current status with regards to alexithymia, social support, and depression were measured as (58.05 ± 4.382), (34.29 ± 4.420), and (7.17 ± 3.367), respectively. Significant correlations were found between HbA1c and alexithymia (R=0.392, P&lt;0.01), social support (R=-0.338, P&lt;0.01), and depression (R=0.509, P&lt;0.01). Moreover, alexithymia correlation with social support (R=-0.357, P&lt;0.01) and with depression (R=0.345, P&lt;0.01). Regarding the mediation analysis, the direct effect of alexithymia on HbA1c was calculated to be 0.158, while the indirect effect through social support and depression were 0.086 and 0.149, respectively. The total effect value was determined to be 0.382, with the mediating effect accounting for 59.95%, and the direct effect accounting for 40.31%.ConclusionAlexithymia exerts both direct and indirect adverse effects on glycemic control, thereby exacerbating disease outcomes. Hence, it is imperative to prioritize the mental health status of individuals with type 2 diabetes to enhance overall well-being, ameliorate diabetes-related outcomes, elevate patients’ quality of life, and alleviate the psychological distress and financial burden associated with the condition.
Autoimmune thyroid disease modifies the clinical expression of hand osteoarthritis in older people: a third National Health and nutrition examination survey study
Authors: Tagoe Clement E. , Wang Wanyi , Kwon Helena H. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe risk factors linked to hand osteoarthritis (OA) that contribute to its distinct symptoms and clinical presentation are not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to examine whether the autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) autoantibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), associate with hand OA and symptomatic hand OA in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).Materials and methodsWe included 2,429 persons from NHANES III ≥60 years of age. Data on hand OA or symptomatic hand OA were examined with respect to their associations with TPOAb and TgAb. Log-binomial and modified Poisson regression models were fit to examine the associations between the anti-thyroid autoantibodies and hand OA or symptomatic hand OA.ResultsHigher levels of TPOAb were associated with a higher prevalence of symptomatic hand OA in the unadjusted (PR = 1.182, p = 0.024) and adjusted models after controlling for age, gender, and diabetes (PR = 1.174, p = 0.039). This association was no longer significant when positive TPOAb was considered a categorical variable with four levels and compared with negative TPOAb. TgAb showed a trend toward being positively associated with symptomatic hand OA (p &lt; 0.10). When positive TgAb was considered a categorical variable with four levels and compared with negative TgAb, the highest quartile was associated with a higher prevalence of symptomatic hand OA than negative TgAb in the unadjusted (PR = 2.242, p = 0.008) and adjusted models (PR = 2.045, p = 0.038). There was no significant association between TPOAb or TgAb and hand OA.ConclusionHigher levels of TPOAb may be associated with the presence of symptomatic hand OA in persons ≥60 years old. Persons ≥60 years old with the highest quartile levels of TgAb may be more likely to present with symptomatic hand OA.
Modulations in gastrointestinal microbiota during postpartum period fulfill energy requirements and maintain health of lactating Tibetan cattle
Authors: Liu Jing , Ahmad Anum Ali , Yang Chen , Zhang Jianbo , Zheng Juanshan , Liang Zeyi , Wang Fang , Zhai Huan , Qin Shuanghong , Yang Feng , Ding Xuezhi 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPostpartum period of dairy cattle is an important phase of their life mainly associated with the changes in physiology, rumen function, and energy metabolism. Studies have shown that gut microbial composition undergoes drastic changes during the postpartum period. However, little is known about the temporal variations in digestive tract microbiota in postpartum Tibetan cattle. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal variations in blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community of oral, rumen, and gut in lactating Tibetan cattle during postpartum.MethodsWe collected blood, saliva, rumen fluid, and fecal samples from lactating Tibetan cattle during 1st week (1 W), the 2nd week (2 W), the 1st month (1 M), and the 2nd month (2 M) of the postpartum period. The microbiota of saliva, rumen fluid, and fecal samples were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. The rumen volatile fatty acid and blood parameters were also quantified.ResultsThe content of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and blood parameters showed opposite tendency to each other and reached to stability at 2 M. Rumen microbiota showed the highest alpha diversity compared to other two sites. At phylum level, the oral cavity was dominated by Proteobacteria, while most dominant phylum in rumen and feces were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, respectively. The dominant genera in oral cavity were Moraxella and Bibersteinia, while genera Prevotella 1 and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 were dominant in rumen and fecal samples, respectively.DiscussionMicrobial network analysis revealed that most of the active genera in all networks belonged to phylum Firmicutes, indicating the importance of this phyla during postpartum period of lactating cattle. The functional analysis revealed distinct division of labor among three gastrointestinal sites associated with defense, fatty acid synthesis, and maintaining health of host. All in all, our findings provide insights into the metabolic and microbial changes of lactating Tibetan cattle and help to the improvement of the management strategies.
Potential effectiveness of parenteral nemonoxacin in the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infections: in vitro, ex vivo, and mouse studies
Authors: Lee Ching-Chi , Yan Xiang-Zhe , Wu Hung-Tsung , Ko Wen-Chien , Tsai Pei-Jane , Hung Yuan-Pin 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAntimicrobial therapy plays a crucial role in the management of CDI patients. However, the standard agent for treating CDIs is limited to oral fidaxomicin or vancomycin. For patients made nil by mouth, there is a clinically urgent and essential need to develop an intravenous antibiotic.MethodsFor C. difficile with the lowest MIC of nemonoxacin and vancomycin, the inhibitory effects were tested using the kinetic time-kill assay and ex vivo co-culture model. The effectiveness of nemonoxacin and vancomycin in inhibiting spore germination, the sporicidal activity, and the treatment of mice with CDIs were compared.ResultsFor clinical isolates and laboratory strains, lower MICs of nemonoxacin against C. difficile than levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were observed, even in those harboring point mutations in the quinolone-resistance determining region. Although nemonoxacin failed to suppress spore outgrowth and germination in C. difficile, it exhibited an effective inhibitory effect against C. difficile in the kinetic time-kill assay and the ex vivo co-culture model. Mice receiving intraperitoneal nemonoxacin had less weight loss, higher cecum weight, a longer colon length, and lower expression of the tcdB gene, compared with untreated mice. Notably, there were no significant differences observed in weight loss, cecum weight, colon length, or tcdB gene expression between mice treated with vancomycin and those treated with any dose of nemonoxacin. Similarly, no significant differences were found between mice receiving combination therapy of intraperitoneal nemonoxacin plus oral vancomycin and those treated with intraperitoneal nemonoxacin or oral vancomycin alone.DiscussionThe potential role of nemonoxacin, which can be administered parenterally, for treating CDIs was evidenced through the in vitro, ex vivo, and mouse models.
Molecular identification of rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas oryzihabitans during biodegradation of crude oil
Authors: Hosseini Saman , Sharifi Rouhallah , Habibi Alireza , Ali Qurban 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe ability to produce biosurfactants plays a meaningful role in the bioavailability of crude oil hydrocarbons and the bioremediation efficiency of crude oil-degrading bacteria. This study aimed to characterize the produced biosurfactants by Pseudomonas oryzihabitans during the biodegradation of crude oil hydrocarbons.MethodsThe biosurfactants were isolated and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LC–MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analyses.ResultsThe FTIR results revealed the existence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and methoxyl groups in the isolated biosurfactants. Also, the LC–MS analysis demonstrated a main di-rhamnolipid (l-rhamnopyranosyll-rhamnopyranosyl-3-hydroxydecanoyl-3-hydroxydecanoate, Rha-Rha-C10-C10) along with a mono-rhamnolipid (l-rhamnopyranosyl-b-hydroxydecanoylb-hydroxydecanoate, Rha-C10-C10). In agreement with these findings, the NMR analysis confirmed the aromatic, carboxylic, methyl, sulfate moieties, and hexose sugar in the biosurfactants. The emulsion capacity of the biosurfactants decreased the surface tension of the aqueous system from 73.4 mN m−1 to around 33 mN m−1 at 200 mg L−1 as the critical micelle concentration. The emulsification capacity of the biosurfactants in the formation of a stable microemulsion for the diesel-water system at a wide range of pH (2–12), temperature (0–80°C), and salinity (2–20 g L−1 of NaCl) showed their potential use in oil recovery and bioremediation through the use of microbial enhancement.DiscussionThis work showed the ability of Pseudomonas oryzihabitans NC392 cells to produce rhamnolipid molecules during the biodegradation process of crude oil hydrocarbons. These biosurfactants have potential in bioremediation studies as eco-friendly and biodegradable products, and their stability makes them optimal for areas with extreme conditions.
Classification of Parkinson’s disease by deep learning on midbrain MRI
Authors: Welton Thomas , Hartono Septian , Lee Weiling , Teh Peik Yen , Hou Wenlu , Chen Robert Chun , Chen Celeste , Lim Ee Wei , Prakash Kumar M. , Tan Louis C. S. , Tan Eng King , Chan Ling Ling 
Published: August 2024

PurposeSusceptibility map weighted imaging (SMWI), based on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), allows accurate nigrosome-1 (N1) evaluation and has been used to develop Parkinson’s disease (PD) deep learning (DL) classification algorithms. Neuromelanin-sensitive (NMS) MRI could improve automated quantitative N1 analysis by revealing neuromelanin content. This study aimed to compare classification performance of four approaches to PD diagnosis: (1) N1 quantitative “QSM-NMS” composite marker, (2) DL model for N1 morphological abnormality using SMWI (“Heuron IPD”), (3) DL model for N1 volume using SMWI (“Heuron NI”), and (4) N1 SMWI neuroradiological evaluation.MethodPD patients (n = 82; aged 65 ± 9 years; 68% male) and healthy-controls (n = 107; 66 ± 7 years; 48% male) underwent 3 T midbrain MRI with T2*-SWI multi-echo-GRE (for QSM and SMWI), and NMS-MRI. AUC was used to compare diagnostic performance. We tested for correlation of each imaging measure with clinical parameters (severity, duration and levodopa dosing) by Spearman-Rho or Kendall-Tao-Beta correlation.ResultsClassification performance was excellent for the QSM-NMS composite marker (AUC = 0.94), N1 SMWI abnormality (AUC = 0.92), N1 SMWI volume (AUC = 0.90), and neuroradiologist (AUC = 0.98). Reasons for misclassification were right–left asymmetry, through-plane re-slicing, pulsation artefacts, and thin N1. In the two DL models, all 18/189 (9.5%) cases misclassified by Heuron IPD were controls with normal N1 volumes. We found significant correlation of the SN QSM-NMS composite measure with levodopa dosing (rho = −0.303, p = 0.006).ConclusionOur data demonstrate excellent performance of a quantitative QSM-NMS marker and automated DL PD classification algorithms based on midbrain MRI, while suggesting potential further improvements. Clinical utility is supported but requires validation in earlier stage PD cohorts.
A single intravenous reelin injection restores corticosterone-induced neurochemical and behavioral alterations in dams during the post-partum period
Authors: Sánchez-Lafuente Carla L. , Johnston Jenessa N. , Reive Brady S. , Scheil Kaylene K. A. , Halvorson Ciara S. , Jimenez Mariana , Colpitts Darian , Kalynchuk Lisa E. , Caruncho Hector J. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionTreatment with the synaptic plasticity protein reelin has rapid antidepressant-like effects in adult corticosterone (CORT)-induced depressed rats, whether administered repeatedly or acutely. However, these effects remain unexplored in the context of post-partum depression (PPD).MethodsThis study investigated the antidepressant-like effect of a single injection of reelin in a CORT-induced model of PPD. Long-Evans female dams received either daily subcutaneous CORT (40 mg/kg) or saline injections (controls) from the post-partum day (PD) 2 to 22, and on PD22 were treated with a single intravenous reelin (3 μg) or vehicle injection.ResultsReelin treatment fully normalized to control levels the CORT-induced increase in Forced Swim Test (FST) immobility and the decrease in reelin-positive cells in the subgranular zone of the intermediate hippocampus. It also increased the number of oxytocin-positive cells in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the number of reelin-positive cells in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, and the dendritic complexity of newborn neurons in the intermediate hippocampus, causing a partial recovery compared to controls. None of these changes were associated with fluctuations in estrogen levels measured peripherally.DiscussionThis study brings new insights into the putative antidepressant-like effect of peripherally administered reelin in an animal model of PPD. Future studies should be conducted to investigate these effects on a dose–response paradigm and to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant-like effects of reelin.
Association between dietary vitamin E intake and constipation: NHANES 2005–2010
Authors: Cai Junfeng , Li Danqing , Xie Ruijun , Yu Xiaoling , Wu Yuning , Sun Feng , Zhang Chenxiong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThis investigation aimed to analyze the association between dietary vitamin E intake and constipation prevalence among United States adults.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this cross-sectional study assessed vitamin E intake through 24-h dietary recall and defined constipation based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin E intake and constipation, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stratified analyses were conducted based on covariates such as age, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were generated to explore the potential linear or non-linear association.ResultsIndividuals experiencing constipation exhibited lower vitamin E intake compared to those without constipation. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated a negative correlation between vitamin E intake and constipation risk, even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Further RCS analysis revealed a statistically significant non-linear inverse relationship between vitamin E intake and constipation risk (p-value for non-linearity = 0.0473).ConclusionOur findings suggest an independent inverse association between vitamin E intake and constipation prevalence in United States adults. Prospective research is needed to validate these observations.
Case Report: p40phox deficiency underlying pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nieto-Patlán Alejandro , Fernández Dávila Natalia S. , Wang Yuqing , Zelnick Michelle , Muscal Eyal , Curry Martha , Lupski James R. , Holland Steven M. , Yuan Bo , Kuhns Douglas B. , Vogel Tiphanie P. , Chinn Ivan K. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSystemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-faceted autoimmune disorder of complex etiology. Pre-pubertal onset of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) is uncommon and should raise suspicion for a genetic driver of disease. Autosomal recessive p40phox deficiency is a rare immunologic disorder characterized by defective but not abolished NADPH oxidase activity with residual production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by phagocytic cells.Case presentationWe report the case of a now 18-year-old female with pSLE onset at 7 years of age. She presented with recurrent fever and malar rash. Aspects of her immune dysregulation over time have included typical pSLE features including production of autoantibodies, hematologic manifestations, and hypocomplementemia, as well as chronic suppurative skin lesions and recurrent infections. Genetic analysis revealed biallelic pathogenic variants in NCF4 resulting in p40phox deficiency. Comprehensive NADPH oxidase activity studies confirmed significantly decreased production of reactive oxygen species, confirming the cellular phenotype seen in p40phox deficient patients.ConclusionsHere, we present a patient with pSLE harboring biallelic variants in NCF4. Our patient represents a unique clinical presentation of severe onset autoimmunity in the setting of a rare inborn error of immunity affecting NADPH oxidase activity. This case underscores the need to consider genetic causes of pSLE in cases of pre-pubertal onset and atypical disease.