bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The causality of gut microbiota on onset and progression of sepsis: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Gao Yuzheng , Liu Lidan , Cui Yuning , Zhang Jiaxin , Wu Xiuying 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundSeveral observational studies have proposed a potential link between gut microbiota and the onset and progression of sepsis. Nevertheless, the causality of gut microbiota and sepsis remains debatable and warrants more comprehensive exploration.MethodsWe conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test the causality between gut microbiota and the onset and progression of sepsis. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for 196 bacterial traits were extracted from the MiBioGen consortium, whereas the GWAS summary statistics for sepsis and sepsis-related outcomes came from the UK Biobank. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was the primary method used to examine the causal association. To complement the IVW method, we utilized four additional MR methods. We performed a series of sensitivity analyses to examine the robustness of the causal estimates.ResultsWe assessed the causality of 196 bacterial traits on sepsis and sepsis-related outcomes. Genus Coprococcus2 [odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.69–0.94), p = 0.007] and genus Dialister (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.97, p = 0.016) had a protective effect on sepsis, whereas genus Ruminococcaceae UCG011 (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20, p = 0.024) increased the risk of sepsis. When it came to sepsis requiring critical care, genus Anaerostipes (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31–0.76, p = 0.002), genus Coprococcus1 (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–1.00, p = 0.049), and genus Lachnospiraceae UCG004 (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34–0.77, p = 0.001) emerged as protective factors. Concerning 28-day mortality of sepsis, genus Coprococcus1 (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48–0.94, p = 0.020), genus Coprococcus2 (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27–0.86, p = 0.013), genus Lachnospiraceae FCS020 (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.95, p = 0.023), and genus Victivallis (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99, p = 0.042) presented a protective effect, whereas genus Ruminococcus torques group (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.00–2.35, p = 0.049), genus Sellimonas (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.04–1.50, p = 0.019), and genus Terrisporobacter (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–2.02, p = 0.040) presented a harmful effect. Furthermore, genus Coprococcus1 (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19–0.92, p = 0.031), genus Coprococcus2 (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14–0.83, p = 0.018), and genus Ruminiclostridium6 (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.83, p = 0.012) were associated with a lower 28-day mortality of sepsis requiring critical care.ConclusionThis MR analysis unveiled a causality between the 21 bacterial traits and sepsis and sepsis-related outcomes. Our findings may help the development of novel microbiota-based therapeutics to decrease the morbidity and mortality of sepsis.
High-parameter phenotypic characterization reveals a subset of human Th17 cells that preferentially produce IL-17 against M. tuberculosis antigen
Authors: Ogongo Paul , Tran Anthony , Marzan Florence , Gingrich David , Krone Melissa , Aweeka Francesca , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Martin Jeffrey N. , Deeks Steven G. , Hunt Peter W. , Ernst Joel D. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundInterleukin-17–producing CD4 T cells contribute to the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in humans; whether infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disproportionately affects distinct Th17-cell subsets that respond to Mtb is incompletely defined.MethodsWe performed high-definition characterization of circulating Mtb-specific Th17 cells by spectral flow cytometry in people with latent TB and treated HIV (HIV-ART). We also measured kynurenine pathway activity by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) on plasma and tested the hypothesis that tryptophan catabolism influences Th17-cell frequencies in this context.ResultsWe identified two subsets of Th17 cells: subset 1 defined as CD4+Vα7.2−CD161+CD26+and subset 2 defined as CD4+Vα7.2−CCR6+CXCR3−cells of which subset 1 was significantly reduced in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with HIV-ART, yet Mtb-responsive IL-17–producing CD4 T cells were preserved; we found that IL-17–producing CD4 T cells dominate the response to Mtb antigen but not cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen or staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and tryptophan catabolism negatively correlates with both subset 1 and subset 2 Th17-cell frequencies.ConclusionsWe found differential effects of ART-suppressed HIV on distinct subsets of Th17 cells, that IL-17–producing CD4 T cells dominate responses to Mtb but not CMV antigen or SEB, and that kynurenine pathway activity is associated with decreases of circulating Th17 cells that may contribute to tuberculosis immunity.
Dispersal patterns of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) larvae in Manus Province, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Waldie Peter , Feary David A. , Bode Michael , Matawai Manuai , Harrison Hugo B. , Berumen Michael L. , Molai Chris , Karo Maunoa , Hamilton Richard J. 
Published: April 2024

In many tropical nations, coastal communities seek to manage their sea cucumber fisheries by establishing locally managed marine areas on their traditional fishing grounds. These managed areas can protect spawning stocks, however the extent to which they help to replenish nearby sea cucumber fisheries is debated, as nothing is known about the scales at which sea cucumber larvae disperse. In this study, we used genetic parentage analyses and statistical modelling to provide the first empirical measure of larval dispersal patterns for a sea cucumber species. We analysed tissue samples from 765 adult and 827 juvenile sandfish (Holothuria scabra) collected from five traditional fishing grounds of the Titan tribe, from Manus Province, Papua New Guinea. All adults were sampled from the Pere fishing grounds (the larval source area), with juveniles sampled from the Pere, Mbunai, Tawi, Timonai and Mbuke fishing grounds. Parentage analysis identified 15 juveniles that were the offspring of parents sampled from Pere fishing grounds, with six of these juveniles located in the same fishing grounds as their parents. The best-fit larval dispersal kernel predicted that the average H. scabra larvae travelled 15 km from its spawning location, with 50% of larvae settling within 6.7 km of their parents and 95% of larvae settling within 59 km of their parents. These results suggest that the Titan tribes’ desire to protect their H. scabra spawning stocks by establishing a network of locally managed marine areas across 65 km of continuous coastline is a culturally appropriate strategy, which has merit from both an ecological and fisheries standpoint.
Albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio as a novel prognostic indicator in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Xia Wenkai , Hua Xi , Sun Dong , Xie Xiangcheng , Hu Hong 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThough the albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) is used as a biomarker in various diseases, little is known about its effect on outcomes after peritoneal dialysis (PD).MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study comprised 357 incident PD patients stratified according to the AAPR. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to identify 85 patients for a well-matched comparison of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Using Cox regression, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate the prognostic value of the AAPR and established a Kaplan-Meier curve-predicted nomogram to estimate expected overall survival (OS). We assessed the predictive accuracy using the concordance index (c-index).ResultsWe found that the optimal cut-off of the AAPR to predict mortality was 0.36. In the present cohort of patients undergoing PD, a low AAPR strongly correlated with worse OS. In the multivariate analysis, the AAPR was shown to be an independent marker predicting reduced OS both before [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–2.60, P = 0.020] and after PSM (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.06–3.62, P = 0.020). We also observed significant differences in OS in several subgroups, but not the group of patients with comorbidities. A nomogram was established to predict overall survival, with a c-index for prediction accuracy was 0.71 after PSM.ConclusionAAPR has potential as an independent prognostic biomarker in patients undergoing PD.
Brucellosis-induced peritonitis and abdominal aortitis in a non-endemic area patient on peritoneal dialysis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Yiqi , Zhu Xingyu , Shen Weigang , Wang Yueping , Han Meixiang 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundBrucella infection is uncommon among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in non-endemic areas, and the occurrence of both peritonitis and abdominal aortitis is rare.Case presentationIn December 2023, a 63-year-old male patient undergoing PD was admitted to Shaoxing Second Hospital due to fever, abdominal pain, and cloudy dialysate. Upon physical examination, diffuse mild abdominal pain and tenderness were observed. Subsequent investigation into the patient's medical history revealed consumption of freshly slaughtered lamb from local farmers 3 days prior to the onset of symptoms. Various diagnostic tests, including routine blood tests, procalcitonin levels, and PD fluid analysis, indicated the presence of infection. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed localized lumen widening of the abdominal aorta with surrounding exudative changes. On the sixth day in the hospital, blood and PD fluid cultures confirmed Brucella melitensis infection. The patient was diagnosed with brucella-associated peritonitis and aortitis. Treatment was adjusted to include rifampin and doxycycline for 6 weeks, and the decision was made to keep the PD catheter. Remarkably, the patient exhibited resolution of peritonitis and abdominal aortitis within the initial week of the adjusted treatment. Currently, the patient continues to receive ongoing clinical monitoring.ConclusionBrucella is rare but can cause PD-associated peritonitis and arteritis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to a good outcome in PD patients. Dual therapy is effective, but the need for catheter removal is unclear. Consider international guidelines and patient factors when deciding on catheter removal.
Implication of Stm1 in the protection of eIF5A, eEF2 and tRNA through dormant ribosomes
Authors: Du Mengtan , Li Xin , Dong Wanlin , Zeng Fuxing 
Published: April 2024

Background: Dormant ribosomes are typically associated with preservation factors to protect themselves from degradation under stress conditions. Stm1/SERBP1 is one such protein that anchors the 40S and 60S subunits together. Several proteins and tRNAs bind to this complex as well, yet the molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Methods: Here, we reported the cryo-EM structures of five newly identified Stm1/SERBP1-bound ribosomes.Results: These structures highlighted that eIF5A, eEF2, and tRNA might bind to dormant ribosomes under stress to avoid their own degradation, thus facilitating protein synthesis upon the restoration of growth conditions. In addition, Ribo-seq data analysis reflected the upregulation of nutrient, metabolism, and external-stimulus-related pathways in the ∆stm1 strain, suggesting possible regulatory roles of Stm1.Discussion: The knowledge generated from the present work will facilitate in better understanding the molecular mechanism of dormant ribosomes.
A Multimodal Exertional Test for concussion: a pilot study in healthy athletes
Authors: Pyndiura Kyla L. , Di Battista Alex P. , Richards Doug , Reed Nick , Lawrence David W. , Hutchison Michael G. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionExertional tests have become a promising tool to assist clinicians in the management of concussions, however require expensive equipment, extensive spaces, and specialized clinician expertise. As such, we developed a test with minimal resource requirements encompassing key elements of sport and physical activity. The purpose of this study was to pilot test the Multimodal Exertional Test (MET) protocol in a sample of healthy interuniversity athletes.MethodsThe MET comprises four stages, each featuring three distinct tasks. The test begins with engaging in squats, alternating reverse lunges, and hip hinges (Stage 1). The next stage progressively evolves into executing these tasks within specified time limits (Stage 2). Following this, the test advances to a stage that incorporates cognitive tasks (Stage 3), and the final stage demands greater levels of physical exertion, cognition, and multi-directional movements (Stage 4). Heart rate (HR) was obtained during each stage of the MET and participants’ symptom severity scores were recorded following each task.ResultsFourteen healthy interuniversity athletes (n = 8 female, n = 6 male) participated in the study. HR was obtained for 10 of the 14 athletes (females: n = 6, males: n = 4). Increases in average and maximum HR were identified between pre-MET and Stage 1, and between Stages 3 and 4. Consistent with the tasks in each stage, there were no increases in average and maximum HR observed between MET Stages 1 to 3. Female athletes exhibited higher average and maximum HRs compared to male athletes during all four stages. All 14 athletes reported minimal changes in symptom severity following each task.ConclusionAmong healthy athletes, the MET elicits an increase in average and maximum HR throughout the protocol without symptom provocation. Female athletes exhibit higher HRs during all four stages in comparison to male athletes.
Restaurant outlet density and the healthfulness of food purchases: evidence from FoodAPS
Authors: Volpe Richard , Cai Xiaowei , Tseng Marilyn , Sinclair Wilson 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe average American household’s diet and food purchasing patterns are out of sync with federal recommendations. Researchers have connected this with the large and growing rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related ailments in the U.S. Restaurant food has been discussed a potential contributor to unhealthful diets, as it is often calorically dense. We investigate the association between household access to restaurants and diet quality using USDA FoodAPS data and NPD ReCount data.MethodsWe define radii around households to measure restaurant outlet counts and apply a regression analysis incorporating household characteristics.ResultsWe find that neither restaurant counts nor openings share many statistically or economically significant associations with average dietary quality. Household characteristics and demographics are far more powerful in explaining variation in diet quality.DiscussionOur findings align with the large and growing body of empirical research that suggests that personal preferences and other household characteristics are more important than the food environment in explaining food choices and diet quality. Given the extant research on the importance of access to large supermarkets, our results suggest that access to food retailers is more important in explaining diet quality than access to restaurants.
Clean energy consumption, sleep duration, and the association of cancer: findings from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Li Jushuang , Han Yutong , Bai Wendi 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveStudies of the association between clean energy consumption, sleep duration, and cancer are still extremely limited. We aim to investigate the individual or joint role of clean energy consumption, and sleep duration in cancer onset.MethodsWe used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Multivariable locally weighted regression (LOESS) models were first used to assess the individual association of daily sleep time with the risk to develop cancer. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted on the individual and interaction effects of daily sleep time and cooking fuel.ResultsWe found that short sleep duration (≤6 hours) and non-clean energy consumption were respectively associated with an increased risk of cancer among older Chinese(p&lt;0.05). We assessed daily sleep time in four quartiles, the adjusted odds ratios (AOR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for participants in the second (5.0 to &lt;6.5 hours), third (6.5 to &lt;8.0 hours), and fourth quartiles (≥8.0 hours) were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.65-1.20), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.40-0.91), and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.37-0.77), respectively. When we set the cutoff point(6.5 hours), participants who slept more than 6 hours had a 39% lower risk of cancer (AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46-0.79) compared with others. On the other hand, we conducted that exposure to clean fuel from cooking was negatively associated with cancer incidence (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.97). Furthermore, the combination of longer sleep and cleaner fuels showed the lowest OR for cancer (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.65).ConclusionOur study showed that sleep duration and clean energy consumption were significantly associated with cancer in elderly Chinese people. In addition, the prevalence of cancer was higher among people who slept less than six hours and used non-clean energy sources. Paying greater attention to the effects of sleep duration and clean energy on the risk of cancer may yield practical implications for cancer prevention.
GLP-1 receptor agonist as an effective treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a case report
Authors: Crowley Fionnuala , Brown Stav , Gallagher Emily J. , Dayan Joseph H. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionLymphedema is a major public health issue for many women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Although weight loss has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of lymphedema, no studies to date have examined the use of GLP-1RAs for the treatment of secondary lymphedema. This case report describes a patient who experienced significant resolution of her breast cancer-related lymphedema after initiation of a GLP-1RA for weight loss.Main symptoms and/or important clinical findingsNine months postoperatively the patient developed arm swelling and disability. While on adjuvant chemo and hormonal therapy, her weight increased dramatically and peaked 4 years later. Corresponding to her weight gain was significant worsening of her symptoms.The main diagnoses, therapeutic interventions, and outcomesDue to adjuvant cancer-related weight gain and inability to lose weight with diet and exercise, she was referred for evaluation and diagnosed with lymphedema. The patient started treatment with a Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist and lost 24% of her body weight over the next 13 months. The improvement in her lymphedema mirrored her weight loss. Her limb volume difference dropped from 10.3% down to 3.4% and she no longer required a compression garment. Her imaging demonstrated return of lymphatic pumping and she experienced a significant improvement in quality of life, assessed by a validated lymphedema-specific patient reported outcome (PROM). She remains on hormonal therapy, no longer needs compression and is back to regular exercise without impairment.ConclusionsGLP-1 RAs provide a potential medical option for many patients struggling with weight gain and lymphedema. We have observed by all objective measures a significant reduction in lymphedema and the elimination of compression in the case presented as a direct result of GLP-1 RA. This may also reduce a patient’s BMI to the point where they become a good candidate for lymphovenous bypass or vascularized lymph node transplant when indicated.
Fentanyl activates opposing opioid and non-opioid receptor systems that control breathing
Authors: Baby Santhosh M. , May Walter J. , Getsy Paulina M. , Coffee Gregory A. , Nakashe Tej , Bates James N. , Levine Alan , Lewis Stephen J. 
Published: April 2024

Fentanyl elicits profound disturbances in ventilatory control processes in humans and experimental animals. The traditional viewpoint with respect to fentanyl-induced respiratory depression is that once the effects on the frequency of breathing (Freq), tidal volume (TV), and minute ventilation (MV = Freq × TV) are resolved, then depression of breathing is no longer a concern. The results of the present study challenge this concept with findings, as they reveal that while the apparent inhibitory effects of fentanyl (75 μg/kg, IV) on Freq, TV, and MV in adult male rats were fully resolved within 15 min, many other fentanyl-induced responses were in full effect, including opposing effects on respiratory timing parameters. For example, although the effects on Freq were resolved at 15 min, inspiratory duration (Ti) and end inspiratory pause (EIP) were elevated, whereas expiratory duration (Te) and end expiratory pause (EEP) were diminished. Since the effects of fentanyl on TV had subsided fully at 15 min, it would be expected that the administration of an opioid receptor (OR) antagonist would have minimal effects if the effects of fentanyl on this and other parameters had resolved. We now report that the intravenous injection of a 1.0 mg/kg dose of the peripherally restricted OR antagonist, methyl-naloxone (naloxone methiodide, NLXmi), did not elicit arousal but elicited some relatively minor changes in Freq, TV, MV, Te, and EEP but pronounced changes in Ti and EIP. In contrast, the injection of a 2.5 mg/kg dose of NLXmi elicited pronounced arousal and dramatic changes in many variables, including Freq, TV, and MV, which were not associated with increases in non-apneic breathing events such as apneas. The two compelling conclusions from this study are as follows: 1) the blockade of central ORs produced by the 2.5 mg/kg dose of NLXmi elicits pronounced increases in Freq, TV, and MV in rats in which the effects of fentanyl had apparently resolved, and 2) it is apparent that fentanyl had induced the activation of two systems with counter-balancing effects on Freq and TV: one being an opioid receptor inhibitory system and the other being a non-OR excitatory system.
Parental strategies to promote theory of mind development in autistic children of color
Authors: Modirrousta Annahita , Harris Yvette R. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionAutism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by an impaired ability to take other people’s perspectives, which is known as theory of mind. However, little is known about how theory of mind exhibits itself in autistic children of color and how parents foster their child’s developmental skills in communities of color.MethodsTwo interviews were created to assess how parents appraise their child’s developmental skills and help their child grow: a perspective-teaching interview and a general developmental skills interview. Four families participated in the study; three children were African American or mixed, while one had an Asian mother. Parents were asked how their child exhibited various developmental skills and how they helped their child with those milestones.ResultsParents pointed at similar delays in theory of mind and other developmental skills, such as turn-taking and reading faces. They also provided similar strategies to teach those abilities, such as modeling and reinforcements. Several insights and common themes were found regarding autistic behaviors their children expressed and how those affected their parenting experiences.DiscussionThese findings allow for a better understanding of parents’ experiences raising autistic children of color; future research could expand on their stories and create interventions tailored to these underrepresented communities.