bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota’s causative relationship with peripheral artery disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tian Yu , Yao Guanqun , Skudder-Hill Loren , Xu Guangyang , Qian Yuxuan , Tang Feng , Wang Qian , Bao Qianhui , Li Lei 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe relationship between gut microbiota and peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains understudied. While traditional risk factors like smoking and hyperlipidemia are well-understood, our study aims to determine the potential causative association of gut microbiota with PAD using Mendelian Randomization.MethodsData from the International MiBioGen Consortium and the FinnGen research project were used to study 211 bacterial taxa. Instrumental variables, comprising 2079 SNPs, were selected based on significance levels and linkage disequilibrium. Analyses were conducted utilizing the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and other statistical MR techniques to mitigate biases, processed in R (v4.3.1) with the TwosampleMR package.ResultsThree bacterial taxa, namely genus Coprococcus2, RuminococcaceaeUCG004, and RuminococcaceaeUCG010, emerged as protective factors against PAD. In contrast, family. FamilyXI and the genus Lachnoclostridium and LachnospiraceaeUCG001 were identified as risk factors.ConclusionOur findings hint at a causative association between certain gut microbiota and PAD, introducing new avenues for understanding PAD’s etiology and developing effective treatments. The observed associations now warrant further validation in varied populations and detailed exploration at finer taxonomic levels.
Assessment and analysis of accents in air traffic control speech: a fusion of deep learning and information theory
Authors: Pan Weijun , Zhang Jian , Zhang Yumei , Jiang Peiyuan , Han Shuai 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionEnhancing the generalization and reliability of speech recognition models in the field of air traffic control (ATC) is a challenging task. This is due to the limited storage, difficulty in acquisition, and high labeling costs of ATC speech data, which may result in data sample bias and class imbalance, leading to uncertainty and inaccuracy in speech recognition results. This study investigates a method for assessing the quality of ATC speech based on accents. Different combinations of data quality categories are selected according to the requirements of different model application scenarios to address the aforementioned issues effectively.MethodsThe impact of accents on the performance of speech recognition models is analyzed, and a fusion feature phoneme recognition model based on prior text information is constructed to identify phonemes of speech uttered by speakers. This model includes an audio encoding module, a prior text encoding module, a feature fusion module, and fully connected layers. The model takes speech and its corresponding prior text as input and outputs a predicted phoneme sequence of the speech. The model recognizes accented speech as phonemes that do not match the transcribed phoneme sequence of the actual speech text and quantitatively evaluates the accents in ATC communication by calculating the differences between the recognized phoneme sequence and the transcribed phoneme sequence of the actual speech text. Additionally, different levels of accents are input into different types of speech recognition models to analyze and compare the recognition accuracy of the models.ResultExperimental results show that, under the same experimental conditions, the highest impact of different levels of accents on speech recognition accuracy in ATC communication is 26.37%.DiscussionThis further demonstrates that accents affect the accuracy of speech recognition models in ATC communication and can be considered as one of the metrics for evaluating the quality of ATC speech.
EEG-based finger movement classification with intrinsic time-scale decomposition
Authors: Degirmenci Murside , Yuce Yilmaz Kemal , Perc Matjaž , Isler Yalcin 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionBrain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are systems that acquire the brain's electrical activity and provide control of external devices. Since electroencephalography (EEG) is the simplest non-invasive method to capture the brain's electrical activity, EEG-based BCIs are very popular designs. Aside from classifying the extremity movements, recent BCI studies have focused on the accurate coding of the finger movements on the same hand through their classification by employing machine learning techniques. State-of-the-art studies were interested in coding five finger movements by neglecting the brain's idle case (i.e., the state that brain is not performing any mental tasks). This may easily cause more false positives and degrade the classification performances dramatically, thus, the performance of BCIs. This study aims to propose a more realistic system to decode the movements of five fingers and the no mental task (NoMT) case from EEG signals.MethodsIn this study, a novel praxis for feature extraction is utilized. Using Proper Rotational Components (PRCs) computed through Intrinsic Time Scale Decomposition (ITD), which has been successfully applied in different biomedical signals recently, features for classification are extracted. Subsequently, these features were applied to the inputs of well-known classifiers and their different implementations to discriminate between these six classes. The highest classifier performances obtained in both subject-independent and subject-dependent cases were reported. In addition, the ANOVA-based feature selection was examined to determine whether statistically significant features have an impact on the classifier performances or not.ResultsAs a result, the Ensemble Learning classifier achieved the highest accuracy of 55.0% among the tested classifiers, and ANOVA-based feature selection increases the performance of classifiers on five-finger movement determination in EEG-based BCI systems.DiscussionWhen compared with similar studies, proposed praxis achieved a modest yet significant improvement in classification performance although the number of classes was incremented by one (i.e., NoMT).
Evidence based on Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis strengthens causal relationships between structural changes in specific brain regions and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shi Jiaying , Wang Zhaokun , Yi Ming , Xie Shengyu , Zhang Xinyue , Tao Dachang , Liu Yunqiang , Yang Yuan 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord with a poor prognosis. Previous studies have observed cognitive decline and changes in brain morphometry in ALS patients. However, it remains unclear whether the brain structural alterations contribute to the risk of ALS. In this study, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis to investigate this causal relationship.MethodsSummary data of genome-wide association study were obtained for ALS and the brain structures, including surface area (SA), thickness and volume of subcortical structures. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main estimate approach. Sensitivity analysis was conducted detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Colocalization analysis was performed to calculate the posterior probability of causal variation and identify the common genes.ResultsIn the forward MR analysis, we found positive associations between the SA in four cortical regions (lingual, parahippocampal, pericalcarine, and middle temporal) and the risk of ALS. Additionally, decreased thickness in nine cortical regions (caudal anterior cingulate, frontal pole, fusiform, inferior temporal, lateral occipital, lateral orbitofrontal, pars orbitalis, pars triangularis, and pericalcarine) was significantly associated with a higher risk of ALS. In the reverse MR analysis, genetically predicted ALS was associated with reduced thickness in the bankssts and increased thickness in the caudal middle frontal, inferior parietal, medial orbitofrontal, and superior temporal regions. Colocalization analysis revealed the presence of shared causal variants between the two traits.ConclusionOur results suggest that altered brain morphometry in individuals with high ALS risk may be genetically mediated. The causal associations of widespread multifocal extra-motor atrophy in frontal and temporal lobes with ALS risk support the notion of a continuum between ALS and frontotemporal dementia. These findings enhance our understanding of the cortical structural patterns in ALS and shed light on potentially viable therapeutic targets.
Lung adenocarcinoma: selection of surgical approaches in solid adenocarcinoma from the viewpoint of clinicopathologic features and tumor microenvironmental heterogeneity
Authors: Li Xiao , Gao Zhen , Diao Haixiao , Guo Chenran , Yu Yue , Liu Shang , Feng Zhen , Peng Zhongmin 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSolid adenocarcinoma represents a notably aggressive subtype of lung adenocarcinoma. Amidst the prevailing inclination towards conservative surgical interventions for diminutive lung cancer lesions, the critical evaluation of this subtype’s malignancy and heterogeneity stands as imperative for the formulation of surgical approaches and the prognostication of long-term patient survival.MethodsA retrospective dataset, encompassing 2406 instances of non-solid adenocarcinoma (comprising lepidic, acinar, and papillary adenocarcinoma) and 326 instances of solid adenocarcinoma, was analyzed to ascertain the risk factors concomitant with diverse histological variants of lung adenocarcinoma. Concurrently, RNA-sequencing data delineating explicit pathological subtypes were extracted from 261 cases in the TCGA database and 188 cases in the OncoSG database. This data served to illuminate the heterogeneity across lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) specimens characterized by differential histological features.ResultsSolid adenocarcinoma is associated with an elevated incidence of pleural invasion, microscopic vessel invasion, and lymph node metastasis, relative to other subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, the tumor microenvironment (TME) in solid pattern adenocarcinoma displayed suboptimal oxygenation and acidic conditions, concomitant with augmented tumor cell proliferation and invasion capacities. Energy and metabolic activities were significantly upregulated in tumor cells of the solid pattern subtype. This subtype manifested robust immune tolerance and capabilities for immune evasion.ConclusionThis present investigation identifies multiple potential metrics for evaluating the invasive propensity, metastatic likelihood, and immune resistance of solid pattern adenocarcinoma. These insights may prove instrumental in devising surgical interventions that are tailored to patients diagnosed with disparate histological subtypes of LUAD, thereby offering valuable directional guidance.
Development of a clinical prediction tool for extubation failure in pediatric cardiac intensive care unit
Authors: Saengsin Kwannapas , Sittiwangkul Rekwan , Borisuthipandit Thirasak , Wongyikul Pakpoom , Tanasombatkul Krittai , Phanacharoensawad Thanaporn , Moonsawat Guanoon , Trongtrakul Konlawij , Phinyo Phichayut 
Published: March 2024

Introduction/objectiveExtubation failure in pediatric patients with congenital or acquired heart diseases increases morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to develop a clinical risk score for predicting extubation failure to guide proper clinical decision-making and management.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study. This clinical prediction score was developed using data from the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) of the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, from July 2016 to May 2022. Extubation failure was defined as the requirement for re-intubation within 48 h after extubation. Multivariable logistic regression was used for modeling. The score was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration.ResultsA total of 352 extubation events from 270 patients were documented. Among these, 40 events (11.36%) were extubation failure. Factors associated with extubation failure included history of pneumonia (OR: 4.14, 95% CI: 1.83–9.37, p = 0.001), history of re-intubation (OR: 5.99, 95% CI: 2.12–16.98, p = 0.001), and high saturation in physiologic cyanosis (OR: 5.94, 95% CI: 1.87–18.84, p = 0.003). These three factors were utilized to develop the risk score. The score showed acceptable discrimination with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.69–0.86), and good calibration.ConclusionThe derived Pediatric CMU Extubation Failure Prediction Score (Ped-CMU ExFPS) could satisfactorily predict extubation failure in pediatric cardiac patients. Employing this score could promote proper personalized care. We suggest conducting further external validation studies before considering implementation in practice.
Salvia guidongensis sp. nov.: unraveling a critical evolutionary link in East Asian Salvia from Central China integrating morphology, phylogeny, and plastid genomics
Authors: Huang Yan-Bo , Qi Zhe-Chen , Feng Jie-Ying , Ge Bin-Jie , Huang Cun-Zhong , Feng Yu-Qing , Wu Jing , Wei Pu-Rui , Ito Takuro , Kokubugata Goro , Li Pan , Wei Yu-Kun 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSalvia L., representing the largest genus within the mint family, is noted for its global distribution of approximately 1000 species, with East Asia, and particularly China, recognized as a critical center of diversity for the genus.MethodsOur research was conducted through extensive fieldwork in Guidong County, Hunan Province, China, where we identified a previously undescribed species of Salvia. The identification process involved detailed morphological observations, phylogenetic analyses, and plastid genomics.ResultsThe newly discovered species, Salvia guidongensis, exhibits unique characteristics not commonly observed in the East Asian lineage of Salvia, including dual floral colors within natural populations—either pale purple or pale yellow. Morphologically, while it shares similarities with members of sect. Glutinaria, S. guidongensis is distinct in its floral morphology, stature, and specific foliar traits. Phylogenetic analysis places S. guidongensis in a unique clade within the East Asian lineage of Salvia, suggesting it may serve as an important evolutionary link. Additionally, we explored the plastome features of S. guidongensis, comparing them with those of closely related species.DiscussionThe discovery of S. guidongensis not only entriches the taxonomic tapestry of Salvia but also provides critical insights into the biogeography and evolutionary pathways of the genus in East Asia. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the novel status of S. guidongensis and highlight its significance in bridging taxonomic and evolutionary gaps within Sect. Glutinaria of Salvia.
Independent effects of early life adversity on social cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Peng Xing , Hou Wen-Peng , Ding Yu-Shen , Wang Qi , Li Feng , Sha Sha , Yu Chen-Chao , Zhang Xiu-Jun , Zhou Fu-Chun , Wang Chuan-Yue 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of early life adversity on cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, with a focus on social cognition (SC).MethodsTwo groups of patients with schizophrenia were recruited and matched on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. One group consisted of 32 patients with a history of childhood trauma (SCZ-ct), and the other group consisted of 30 patients without a history of childhood trauma (SCZ-nct). In addition, 39 healthy controls without a history of childhood trauma (HC-nct) were also recruited. The intelligence of the three groups was assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WAIS—RC) short version. The cognitive function evaluation was conducted using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), and early life adversity was measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ) and Bullying Scale for Adults (BSA).ResultsPatients with schizophrenia endosed significantly higher scores on the CTQ (F=67.61, p&lt;0.001) and BSA (F=9.84, p&lt;0.001) compared to the HC-nct. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and post-hoc analyses revealed that SCZ-ct (F=11.20, p&lt;0.001) exhibited the most pronounced cognitive impairment among the three groups, as indicated in MCCB total scores and in the domain score of SC. CTQ exhibited a negative correlation with MCCB (r=-0.405, p&lt; 0.001); SC was negatively correlated with physical abuse (PA) of CTQ (r=-0.271, p=0.030) and emotional abuse (EA) of BSA (r=-0.265, p=0.034) in the whole patient sample. Higher SC performance was significantly predicted by CT_total (Beta =-0.582, p&lt;0.001, 95% CI -0.96-0.46), and years of education (Beta=0.260, p =0.014, 95% CI 0.20-1.75) in schizophrenia.ConclusionsBesides familial trauma, schizophrenia patients appear to have a higher likelihood of experiencing bullying in their early life. These experiences seem to contribute significantly to their severe impairments in SC.
Effects of common lifestyle factors on obstructive sleep apnea: precautions in daily life based on causal inferences
Authors: Liu Kun , Zang Chenyang , Wang Jixu , Liu Jie , Chen Ziliang , He Meng , Liu Bin , Su Xiaoli , Zhang Yuan , Yi Minhan 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the causal impact of common modifiable lifestyles on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is beneficial for recommendations to prevent and manage OSA.MethodPublished genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics were used to perform two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Variants associated with each exposure of smoking, drinking, and leisure sedentary behaviors at the genetic level were used as instrumental variables (IVs). Then, inverse-variance weighting (IVW) was considered the primary result for causality. Moreover, several complimented approaches were also included to verify the observed associations. MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger intercept were applied to test the horizontal pleiotropy. To assess heterogeneity, Cochran's Q test by IVW and MR-Egger were applied.ResultsRegular smoking history increased OSA risk in all applied approaches [OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.28 (1.12, 1.45), p = 1.853 × 10−4], while the causality of lifetime smoking index [OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.39 (1.00, 1.91), p = 0.048], alcohol intake frequency [outliers removed OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.26 (1.08, 1.45), p = 0.002], and coffee intake behavior [OR (95% CI)IVW = 1.66 (1.03, 2.68), p = 0.039] on OSA risk were not always consistent in other approaches. In addition, no robust causal associations were observed for the effect of sedentary leisure behaviors on OSA risk. In sensitivity analysis, we observed no sign of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity.ConclusionEver regularly smoking has a robust causal role in increasing OSA risk, which should be discouraged as precautions from developing OSA.
Clinical outcomes in patients with neurological disorders following periacetabular tumor removal and endoprosthetic reconstruction of the hemipelvis
Authors: Wang Jichuan , Zhao Zhiqing , Liang Haijie , Niu Jianfang , Liu Xingyu , Wang Han , Yang Yi , Yan Taiqiang , Guo Wei , Tang Xiaodong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundSurgical treatment of musculoskeletal tumors in the periacetabular region present extremely difficult due to the complex anatomy and need for reconstruction. Orthopedic surgeons face more difficulties in patients with neurological conditions, which can cause increased muscle tone, an elevated risk of fractures, and compromised bone quality. There is limited evidence regarding endoprosthetic reconstruction for periacetabular tumors in individuals with neurological disorders.MethodsWe conducted a single-center retrospective study to examine the outcomes of patients with preexisting neurological conditions who underwent surgery to remove periacetabular tumors and who underwent endoprosthesis reconstruction. Clinical presentation, detailed neurological conditions, complications, and functional outcomes were studied.ResultsSixteen out of the 838 patients were identified (1.91%), with a mean follow-up time of 33 months. The primary neurological conditions encompassed Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cerebral ischemic stroke. Every patient was diagnosed with periacetabular lesions that were either primary or oligometastatic. They underwent tumor resection and subsequently received endoprosthetic reconstruction of the hemipelvis. Three patients developed metastasis lesions later, and two patients experienced tumor recurrence. Five cases experienced hip dislocation—one with periprosthetic fracture and one with surgical site infection. The position of the prosthetic rotating center was not correlated with dislocation. The reoperation rate was 31.25%. The cohort of patients all presented with more extended hospital stays and rehabilitation. In 3 patients, the general functional score was good, while in 6 patients, it was fair; in 7 patients, it was regarded as poor. The average MSTS93 score was 49.71%.ConclusionEndoprosthetic reconstruction after periacetabular tumor resection is an effective way to eliminate tumors and salvage limbs. However, this group of patients has an increased likelihood of secondary surgery, complications, extended hospital stay, and no significant improvement in functional outcomes. Despite the diverse nature of the cohort, it is recommended to consider enhanced soft tissue reconstruction, supervised functional recovery and rehabilitation training.