bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the adaptive strategies of Mycoplasma hominis through proteogenomic profiling of clinical isolates
Authors: Pobeguts Olga V. , Galaymina Maria A. , Sikamov Kirill V. , Urazaeva Diana R. , Avshalumov Alexander S. , Mikhailycheva Maria V. , Babenko Vlad V. , Smirnov Igor P. , Gorbachev Alexey Yu. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionMycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) belongs to the class Mollicutes, characterized by a very small genome size, reduction of metabolic pathways, including transcription factors, and the absence of a cell wall. Despite this, they adapt well not only to specific niches within the host organism but can also spread throughout the body, colonizing various organs and tissues. The adaptation mechanisms of M. hominis, as well as their regulatory pathways, are poorly understood. It is known that, when adapting to adverse conditions, Mycoplasmas can undergo phenotypic switches that may persist for several generations.MethodsTo investigate the adaptive properties of M. hominis related to survival in the host, we conducted a comparative phenotypic and proteogenomic analysis of eight clinical isolates of M. hominis obtained from patients with urogenital infections and the laboratory strain H-34.ResultsWe have shown that clinical isolates differ in phenotypic features from the laboratory strain, form biofilms more effectively and show resistance to ofloxacin. The comparative proteogenomic analysis revealed that, unlike the laboratory strain, the clinical isolates possess several features related to stress survival: they switch carbon metabolism, activating the energetically least advantageous pathway of nucleoside utilization, which allows slowing down cellular processes and transitioning to a starvation state; they reconfigure the repertoire of membrane proteins; they have integrative conjugative elements in their genomes, which are key mediators of horizontal gene transfer. The upregulation of the methylating subunit of the restriction-modification (RM) system type I and the additional components of RM systems found in clinical isolates suggest that DNA methylation may play a role in regulating the adaptation mechanisms of M. hominis in the host organism. It has been shown that based on the proteogenomic profile, namely the genome sequence, protein content, composition of the RM systems and additional subunits HsdM, HsdS and HsdR, composition and number of transposable elements, as well as the sequence of the main variable antigen Vaa, we can divide clinical isolates into two phenotypes: typical colonies (TC), which have a high growth rate, and atypical (aTC) mini-colonies, which have a slow growth rate and exhibit properties similar to persisters.DiscussionWe believe that the key mechanism of adaptation of M. hominis in the host is phenotypic restructuring, leading to a slowing down cellular processes and the formation of small atypical colonies. This is due to a switch in carbon metabolism and activation the pathway of nucleoside utilization. We hypothesize that DNA methylation may play a role in regulating this switch.
Association between physical health and neurocognition in first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Poole Luke G. , Ude Andrew A. , Perdue Hannah M. , Bourque Jonathon R. , Sarwani Amber P. , Dhruve Aman P. , Alderman Brandon L. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionImpaired cognition is a core feature of schizophrenia that is evident early in the first episode and is frequently accompanied by compromised physical health. Although physical health confers benefits to cognition, it remains unclear whether physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with neurocognition in first episode schizophrenia patients. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in stimulus categorization and motor response selection processes between first-episode schizophrenia patients compared to age-matched controls and explore associations between physical health and these stages of information processing.MethodsFourteen young adult patients receiving care following a first episode of psychosis and a matched sample of nonpsychiatric controls completed a visual oddball task from which the P3 and LRP (lateralized readiness potential) event-related potential (ERP) components were extracted to assess stimulus categorization and response selection processes, respectively. Physical activity, aerobic fitness, and BMI were correlated with ERP measures.ResultsCompared with controls, patients had lower physical activity levels and longer P3 and LRP latencies. Regardless of stimulus probability, patients had reduced accuracy and slower reaction times relative to controls. In patients, marginal associations were found between physical activity and P3 difference waveform amplitude, and BMI was negatively associated with parent P3 waveform amplitude.DiscussionThe present findings suggest that cognitive impairment in first-episode schizophrenia spans both stimulus- and response-related stages of information processing, and may be targeted through physical activity interventions.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation for re-do procedure after single-shot pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: case report
Authors: Yang Xinyan , Lin Mingjie , Zhang Yan , Wang Juntao , Zhong Jingquan 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundCatheter ablation is frequently used to manage recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) resistant to drug therapy, with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) as a key tactic. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as an innovative technology for PVI but poses challenges for redo procedures.Case presentationWe report on a 73-year-old female patient who experienced recurrent AF after initial successful PVI using a novel PFA technology and subsequently underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation during a repeat intervention. The reconnection of pulmonary veins was discovered primarily in the anterior region of the right superior PV and the superior portion of the left superior PV. An anatomically-based segmental approach and larger circumferential PVI, followed by additional linear ablations at non-PV trigger sites, proved decisive in preventing further recurrence of atrial tachycardia.ConclusionWhile PFA exhibits promise as a secure and efficient modality for PVI, it necessitates excellent contact quality to ensure lasting results. For patients experiencing AF recurrences post-PFI, expanded strategies incorporating both comprehensive PVI and linear ablations at targeted non-PV sites might enhance treatment outcomes.
Association between dietary inflammation index and female infertility from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: 2013-2018
Authors: Qi Jie , Su Yujie , Zhang Huanhuan , Ren Yanan 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and infertility in US adults aged 18 to 45.MethodsData were gathered from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In total, 3496 women were included in the study. To examine the relationship between DII, EDII and infertility, a weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis using continuous factors or categorical variables grouped by quartiles was conducted. Using subgroup analysis stratified based on DII and infertility features, the association between DII and infertility has been further studied. In order to determine whether there was a nonlinear relationship between DII and infertility, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was carried out.ResultsFor statistical analysis, a total of 3496 individuals — 367 patients with infertility and 3129 persons without infertility — were included. A multivariable logistic regression study revealed a positive relationship between DII and infertility. A significant difference in subgroup analysis was shown in age group and race, although RCS analysis demonstrated nonlinear relationship between the DII and infertility.ConclusionFor participants aged 18-45 years, higher DII scores were positively correlated with infertility. In addition, anti-inflammatory diets might improve infertility outcomes.
A leading-edge scenario in the phylogeography and evolutionary history of East Asian insular Taxus in Taiwan and the Philippines
Authors: Kuo Hao-Chih , Schoneman Travis , Gao Lian-Ming , Gruezo William Sm. , Amoroso Victor B. , Yang Yang , Yang Kuo-Cheng , Chien Ching-Te , Möller Michael , Wang Chun-Neng 
Published: May 2024

The cool temperate origin of gymnosperm Taxus species in East Asia is specifically diverse and widespread. Certain lineages have managed to extend their distribution further south to subtropical and tropical islands such as Taiwan and the Philippines. To address questions including whether these insular lineages, recently identified as T. phytonii, have become genetically distinct from each other and from their continental relatives, and when and how they colonized their residing islands, we sampled over 11 populations, covering 179 Taxus individuals from Taiwan and the Philippines. Using four cpDNA and one nuclear marker, we showed in population genetic and genealogical analyses that the two insular lineages were genetically distinct from each other and also from other continental Taxus and that they represented each other’s closest relative. Estimated with the coalescent-based multi-type tree (MTT) analyses, we inferred an origin of Taiwanese T. phytonii more ancient than 2.49 Mya and that of Philippine T. phytonii more ancient than 1.08 Mya. In addition, the divergence demographic history revealed by both MTT and isolation with migration (IM) analyses indicated the presence of recent post-split migrations from a continental taxon, T. mairei, to Taiwanese T. phytonii, as well as from Taiwanese T. phytonii to Philippine T. phytonii. Overall, this study suggests Taiwan as a stepping stone through which the temperate-origin yew trees can extend their distributions to tropical regions such as the Philippines.
Associations of dietary factors with gastric cancer risk: insights from NHANES 2003–2016 and mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Zhang Yigang , Wang Sen , Li Qingya , Liu Hongda , Xuan Zhe , Li Fengyuan , Li Zheng , Xia Yiwen , Jiang Tianlu , Xu Penghui , Fang Lang , Wang Linjun , Zhang Diancai , Xu Hao , Yang Li , Xu Zekuan 
Published: May 2024

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Diet significantly influences the incidence and progression of GC. However, the relationship between dietary intake and GC is inconsistent.Methods: A study was conducted with adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2016 to investigate possible associations between 32 dietary factors and GC. To further detect potential causal relationships between these dietary factors and the risk of GC, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted. The primary method employed was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis, and its results were further validated by four other methods.Results: Of the 35,098 participants surveyed, 20 had a history of GC. Based on the results of weighted logistic multivariate analysis, it was observed that there was a positive correlation between total fat intake [odds ratio (OR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.01–1.17), p = 0.03] and GC as well as negative association of dietary monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) intake [OR = 0.83, 95% CI: (0.76–0.92), p &lt; 0.001]. Further evaluations of the odds of GC across the quartiles of dietary MUFAs showed that the top quartile of total MUFA intake was associated with a lower likelihood of GC in three different models [model1: OR = 0.03, 95% CI: (0.00–0.25), p &lt; 0.01; model2: OR = 0.04, 95% CI: (0.00–0.38), p = 0.01; model3: OR = 0.04, 95% CI: (0.00–0.40), p = 0.01]. For the MR analyses, genetic instruments were selected from the IEU Open GWAS project; IVW analysis showed that GC risk was not associated with MUFAs [OR = 0.82, 95% CI: (0.59–1.14), p = 0.23] or the ratio of MUFAs to total fatty acids [OR = 1.00, 95% CI: (0.75–1.35), p = 0.98]. Similar results were observed when using the other MR methods.Conclusion: The NHANES study revealed that consuming MUFAs was linked to a lower risk of GC, although the results of MR analyses do not provide evidence of a causal relationship. Additional research is therefore necessary to clarify these findings.
Time to maximum amplitude of thromboelastography can predict mortality in patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhong Lincui , Lin Qingwei , He Longping , Liu Dongmei , Zhu Lin , Zeng Qingbo , Song Jingchun 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo predict mortality in severe patients with COVID-19 at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) using thromboelastography (TEG).MethodsThis retrospective, two-center, observational study involved 87 patients with PCR-and chest CT-confirmed severe COVID-19 who were admitted to at Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital and the 908th Hospital of Chinese PLA Logistic Support Force between February 2020 and February 2023. Clinic demographics, laboratory results, and outcomes were compared between those who survived and those who died during hospitalization.ResultsThromboelastography showed that of the 87 patients, 14 were in a hypercoagulable state, 25 were in a hypocoagulable state, and 48 were normal, based on the time to maximum amplitude (TMA). Patients who died showed significantly lower α angle, but significantly longer R-time, K-time and TMA than patients who survived. Random forest selection showed that K-time, TMA, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (Tbil) were significant predictors. Multivariate logistic regression identified that TMA and CRP were independently associated with mortality. TMA had a greater predictive power than CRP levels based on time-dependent AUCs. Patients with TMA ≥ 26.4 min were at significantly higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio 3.99, 95% Confidence Interval, 1.92–8.27, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionTMA ≥26.4 min at admission to ICU may be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality for patients with severe COVID-19.
Study on the correlation of supplementation with L-citrulline on the gastrointestinal flora and semen antifreeze performance of ram
Authors: Fan Chen , Aihemaiti Aikebaier , Fan Aoyun , Dilixiati Airixiati , Zhao Xi , Li Zhuo , Chen Changzheng , Zhao Guodong 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCryopreservation of semen can give full play to the reproductive advantages of male animals. However, in actual production, due to the poor frost resistance of sheep semen and the low conception rate, the promotion of sheep frozen semen is greatly hindered. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the frost resistance of semen to improve the quality of frozen semen. At present, most studies on improving the quality of frozen semen are based on the improvement of semen dilutions, and few studies on improving the freezing resistance of ram semen by feeding functional amino acids.MethodsTherefore, 24 Turpan black rams were divided into high antifreeze group (HF) and a low antifreeze group (LF) Each of these groups was further randomly divided into control and experimental subgroups. The control subgroup was fed a basal diet, while the experimental subgroup received an additional 12 g/d of L-Cit supplementation based on the control group for a duration of 90 days.ResultsThe results showed that Following L-Cit supplementation, the experimental group demonstrated significantly elevated sperm density and VSL (Velocity of straight line), T-AOC, GSH-Px, and NO levels in fresh semen compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.01). After thawing, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of T-AOC, GSH-Px, and NO compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.01). Additionally, the HFT group, after thawing frozen semen, displayed significantly higher HK1 protein expression compared to the control group. The number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and sperm cells in the HFT group was significantly higher than that in the HFC group. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Staphylococcus, Weissella, succinivbrionaceae_UcG_002, and Quinella were significantly enriched in the rumen of the HFT group, while Ureaplasma was significantly enriched in the HFC group. In the duodenum, Clostridiales_bacterium_Firm_14, Butyrivibrio, and Prevotellaceae_NK3831_group were significantly enriched in the HFT group, whereas Desulfovibrio and Quinella were significantly enriched in the HFC group.DiscussionUnder the conditions employed in this study, L-Cit supplementation was found to enhance the intestinal flora composition in rams, thereby improving semen quality, enhancing the antifreeze performance of semen, and promoting the development of testicular spermatogenic cells.
Toward a systematic grading for the selection of patients to undergo awake surgery: identifying suitable predictor variables
Authors: Kram Leonie , Neu Beate , Schroeder Axel , Wiestler Benedikt , Meyer Bernhard , Krieg Sandro M. , Ille Sebastian 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundAwake craniotomy is the standard of care for treating language eloquent gliomas. However, depending on preoperative functionality, it is not feasible in each patient and selection criteria are highly heterogeneous. Thus, this study aimed to identify broadly applicable predictor variables allowing for a more systematic and objective patient selection.MethodsWe performed post-hoc analyses of preoperative language status, patient and tumor characteristics including language eloquence of 96 glioma patients treated in a single neurosurgical center between 05/2018 and 01/2021. Multinomial logistic regression and stepwise variable selection were applied to identify significant predictors of awake surgery feasibility.ResultsStepwise backward selection confirmed that a higher number of paraphasias, lower age, and high language eloquence level were suitable indicators for an awake surgery in our cohort. Subsequent descriptive and ROC-analyses indicated a cut-off at ≤54 years and a language eloquence level of at least 6 for awake surgeries, which require further validation. A high language eloquence, lower age, preexisting semantic and phonological aphasic symptoms have shown to be suitable predictors.ConclusionThe combination of these factors may act as a basis for a systematic and standardized grading of patients’ suitability for an awake craniotomy which is easily integrable into the preoperative workflow across neurosurgical centers.
Heart-to-heart: infant heart rate at 3 months is linked to infant-directed speech, mother–infant interaction, and later language outcomes
Authors: Endevelt-Shapira Yaara , Bosseler Alexis N. , Zhao T. Christina , Mizrahi Julia C. , Meltzoff Andrew N. , Kuhl Patricia K. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionPrevious studies underscore the importance of speech input, particularly infant-directed speech (IDS) during one-on-one (1:1) parent–infant interaction, for child language development. We hypothesize that infants’ attention to speech input, specifically IDS, supports language acquisition. In infants, attention and orienting responses are associated with heart rate deceleration. We examined whether individual differences in infants’ heart rate measured during 1:1 mother–infant interaction is related to speech input and later language development scores in a longitudinal study.MethodsUsing a sample of 31 3-month-olds, we assessed infant heart rate during mother–infant face-to-face interaction in a laboratory setting. Multiple measures of speech input were gathered at 3 months of age during naturally occurring interactions at home using the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) system. Language outcome measures were assessed in the same children at 30 months of age using the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory (CDI).ResultsTwo novel findings emerged. First, we found that higher maternal IDS in a 1:1 context at home, as well as more mother–infant conversational turns at home, are associated with a lower heart rate measured during mother–infant social interaction in the laboratory. Second, we found significant associations between infant heart rate during mother–infant interaction in the laboratory at 3 months and prospective language development (CDI scores) at 30 months of age.DiscussionConsidering the current results in conjunction with other converging theoretical and neuroscientific data, we argue that high IDS input in the context of 1:1 social interaction increases infants’ attention to speech and that infants’ attention to speech in early development fosters their prospective language growth.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram model for identifying risk of prolonged length of stay among patients receiving free vascularized flap reconstruction of head and neck cancer
Authors: Wang Chengli , Lin Liling , Wu Jiayao , Fu Ganglan , Liu Zhongqi , Cao Minghui 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to build and internally validate a nomogram model for predicting prolonged length of stay (PLOS) among patients receiving free vascularized flap reconstruction of head and neck cancer (HNC).MethodsA retrospective clinical study was performed at a single center, examining patients receiving free vascularized flap reconstruction of HNC from January 2011 to January 2019. The variables were obtained from the electronic information system. The primary outcome measure was PLOS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to find risk factors for predicting PLOS. A model was then built according to multivariate results. Internal validation was implemented via 1000 bootstrap samples.ResultsThe study included 1047 patients, and the median length of stay (LOS) was 13.00 (11.00, 16.00) days. Multivariate analysis showed that flap types ((radial forearm free flap (odds ratio [OR] = 2.238; 95% CI, 1.403-3.569; P = 0.001), free fibula flap (OR = 3.319; 95% CI, 2.019-4.882; P &lt; 0.001)), duration of surgery (OR = 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001-1.003; P = 0.004), postoperative complications (OR = 0.205; 95% CI, 0.129-0.325; P = P &lt; 0.001) and unplanned reoperation (OR = 0.303; 95% CI, 0.140-0.653; P = 0.002) were associated with PLOS. In addition to these variables, blood transfusion was comprised in the model. The AUC of the model was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.711–0.849) and 0.725 (95% CI, 0.605–0.845) in the primary and internal validation cohorts, respectively. The DCA revealed the clinical utility of the current model when making intervention decisions within the PLOS possibility threshold range of 0.2-0.8.ConclusionsOur study developed a nomogram that exhibits a commendable level of accuracy, thereby aiding clinicians in assessing the risk of PLOS among patients receiving free vascularized flap reconstruction for HNC.