bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoration of Type 17 immune signaling is not sufficient for protection during influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Ahmad Aijaz , Singh Ravineel B. , Nickolich Kara L. , Pilewski Matthew J. , Ngeow Caden , Frempong-Manso Kwame , Robinson Keven M. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionInfluenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is a severe complication of influenza infection that occurs in critically ill patients and results in higher mortality compared to influenza infection alone. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and the Type 17 immune signaling pathway cytokine family are recognized for their pivotal role in fostering protective immunity against various pathogens. In this study, we investigate the role of IL-17 and Type 17 immune signaling components during IAPA.MethodsWild-type mice were challenged with influenza A H1N1 (flu) and then exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC42202 resting conidia on day 6 post-influenza infection, followed by the quantification of cytokines and chemokines at 48 h post-fungal infection.Results and discussionThe gene and protein expression levels revealed that IL-17 and Type 17 immune cytokines and antimicrobial peptides are downregulated during IAPA compared to mice singularly infected solely with A. fumigatus. Restoration of Type 17 immunity was not sufficient to provide protection against the increased fungal burden observed during IAPA. These findings contrast those observed during post-influenza bacterial super-infection, in which restoration of Type 17 immune signaling protects against exacerbation seen during super-infection. Our study highlights the need for future studies to understand the immune mechanisms that increase susceptibility to fungal infection.
Should miliary tuberculosis be considered as a possible cause of infertility in the new era: a case report and literature review
Authors: Cvetkovic Aleksandra , Blanka Protic Ana , Jovanovic Jelena , Adzic Vukicevic Tatjana 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionMiliary tuberculosis (MTB) is a potentially lethal form of tuberculosis that can occur in pregnant women, especially those who have conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF).Case descriptionA 28-year-old, female patient, after IVF’s fourth attempt, at the end of the first trimester, developed a dry cough, high fever, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding, which led to the pregnancy termination without resolution of systemic symptoms despite various antibiotics. Because of the appearance of headaches, brain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was done, and diffuse nodular brain lesions were found, which were initially interpreted as metastatic cancer disease. Afterward, the miliary changes were discovered in various organ systems, and the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed. The antituberculosis treatment was initiated with the standard antituberculosis regimen with excellent clinical response and resolution of miliary changes.ConclusionMiliary tuberculosis is more common in cases of pregnancies related to IVF. It should be taken into consideration as a possible risk for infertility in the presence of nonspecific symptoms. Screening methods for latent tuberculosis in IVF patients are needed even in a low-burden TB country.
Correlation between gallstones and fasting blood glucose to serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio among American adults
Authors: Wu Bo , Zheng Huachao , Zhuang Caixiang , Mao Jiesheng , Yuncheng Luo , Huang Lidong , Li Min , Feiyang Zhao , Lin Sisi , Wang Pengwei , Hu Yiren 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundResearch indicates that the ratio of fasting blood glucose (FBG) to serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (GHR) can accurately predict many diseases. Nevertheless, the relationship between GHR and the risk of gallbladder stones remains unclear. This study investigates the possible relationship between GHR and the incidence of gallbladder stones.MethodsThis research used information gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between March 2017 and March 2020. A calculation was made to determine the GHR by dividing the fasting blood glucose level by the HDL-C level. Several statistical methods, including analysis of threshold effects, smoothed curve fitting, multiple logistic regression modeling, and subgroup analysis, were utilized to investigate the connection between GHR and gallstones.ResultsIn 3898 U.S. adults, GHR was significantly positively associated with the prevalence of gallbladder stones. In a fully adjusted model, the incidence of gallbladder stones increased by 7% with each 1-unit increase in GHR (OR [95% Cl] = 1.07 [1.02, 1.14]). Compared with members in the low group, those in the high group had a 100% higher likelihood of getting gallbladder stones (OR [95% CI] = 2.00 [1.31, 3.04]), and this stabilizing connection was always present in the different subgroups. With the help of smooth curve fitting, the research also showed that there was a connection that was formed like an upside-down L shape between GHR and gallbladder stones. The analysis of the threshold effect revealed that the inflection point was 4.28.ConclusionThe results revealed an inverted L-shaped connection between GHR and gallbladder stones. Keeping GHR levels within a certain range is associated with a lower incidence of gallstones in the general population.
Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharide alleviated intestinal injuries by mediating antioxidant ability and microbiota
Authors: Qiu Reng , Pan Chuangye , Qin Yuxi , Wei Qianfei , Yu Yue , Zhang Ying , Xie Xuehan , Li Jianqin , Chen Shouhai , Li Kun , Fouad Dalia , Wu Yi , Zhong Qiu 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPolygonatum kingianum is a well-known medicinal herb with proven bioactivities; however, little is known about the effects of its polysaccharide on intestinal injuries in animals induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).MethodsA total of 30 Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were divided into control (CH), induced (MH), and treated (H) groups. Mice in group H were supplemented with 100 mg/kg Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharides, while groups C and M were treated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage for 18 days. On the 18th day animals in groups M and H were induced by LPS (10 mg/kg).ResultsThe results showed the weight of mice in group MH significantly dropped (P &lt; 0.0001), while mice in the PK group had a higher weight (P &lt; 0.01). Pathological analysis found that the majority of the villi in mice induced by LPS were broken and short, while PK-treated animals had longer and considerably integrated villi. The villi length in groups CH (P &lt; 0.0001) and H (P &lt; 0.0001) was longer than that in group M, and the value of villi length/crypt depth in group MH was smaller than that in groups CH (P &lt; 0.0001) and H (P &lt; 0.0001), while the crypt depth in group MH was higher than in groups CH (P &lt; 0.0001) and H (P &lt; 0.0001). Serum inspection showed that MAD (P &lt; 0.05), IL-1β (P &lt; 0.05), IL-6 (P &lt; 0.05), and TNF-α (P &lt; 0.01) were significantly higher in group MH, while SOD (P &lt; 0.001), T-AOC (P &lt; 0.01), and GSH-Px (P &lt; 0.01) were notably higher in groups CH and H. Microbiome sequencing of mice obtained 844,477 raw and 725,469 filtered reads. There were 2,407 ASVs detected in animals, and there were 312 and 328 shared ASVs between CH and MH, and CH and H, respectively. There were 5 phyla and 20genera of remarkable bacteria found among mice groups including genera of Escherichia, Pseudomonas_E, Mailhella, Paramuribaculum, NM07-P-09, Odoribacter, Nanosyncoccus, SFM01, Onthenecus, Clostridium_Q, UBA6985, Ructibacterium, UBA946, Lachnoclostridium_B, Evtepia, CAG-269, Limivicinus, Formimonas, Dehalobacterium, Dwaynesavagella, and UBA6985. We revealed that Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharide could alleviate intestinal injuries by promoting oxidation resistance, decreasing inflammatory responses, and accommodating the intestinal microbiota of mice.DiscussionOur results suggest the possibility of developing novel therapies for intestinal diseases.
Climate change-driven shifts in the global distribution of tomato and potato crops and their associated bacterial pathogens
Authors: Hubab Muhammad , Lorestani Niloufar , Al-Awabdeh Rogayah Akram Mheisin , Shabani Farzin 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionClimate change is increasingly affecting the global distribution and productivity of critical food crops, including Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Solanum tuberosum (potato). In particular, bacterial pathogens such as Clavibacter michiganensis and Ralstonia solanacearum are expected to shift their geographic ranges, posing new risks to these crops. This study hypothesizes that under future climate scenarios, the geographic overlap between these crops and their pathogens will increase in certain regions, leading to heightened agricultural risks, especially in areas currently considered safe from these pathogens.MethodsTo test our hypotheses, the objective was to evaluate the potential impact of climate change on the geographic distribution of two key food crops (tomato and potato) and their bacterial pathogens for the current time and by 2050. This study used four species distribution models (SDMs) to predict current and future habitat suitability for both tomato and potato crops, as well as their associated pathogens, under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP4.5 and SSP8.5) and four global circulation models (GCMs).ResultsThe models projected significant poleward shifts in suitable habitats for tomatoes and potatoes, with notable expansions in higher-latitude regions such as Canada, northern Europe, and Russia, and contractions in current major production zones such as the United States (US), Brazil, parts of Africa, and China. For Clavibacter michiganensis, the overlap with tomatoes was substantial, whereas the overlap between potatoes and Ralstonia solanacearum was comparatively smaller.DiscussionOur hypothesis was partially supported by the results. While the overall overlap between crop and pathogen habitats remains limited, the risk areas for both pathogens are expected to expand under future climate conditions in regions such as eastern Australia, Japan, Spain, and France. These findings underscore the importance of region-specific agricultural planning and pathogen management strategies to mitigate the risks posed by climate change. Future efforts should focus on vulnerable areas to prevent significant economic losses and ensure food security.
Oxytocin as a physiological correlate of dyadic music therapy relationships — a randomized crossover pilot study
Authors: Busse Paula Kristin , Neugebauer Lutz , Kaschubowski Götz , Anheyer Dennis , Ostermann Thomas 
Published: January 2025

RationaleMusic therapy has been in practice for years. However, the mechanism of action of music or music therapy is not well understood. It is only recently that the neuroendocrinological basis of therapeutic relationships has become the subject of growing research interest. The aim of this pilot study (Clinical Trial No: DRKS00035174) is to investigate whether oxytocin is usable and feasible as a biomarker of attachment to demonstrate the development of therapeutic alliance between therapist and patient in a dyadic music therapy setting.MethodsIn a single-measure crossover design, children aged 6–12 years from a special school for social and emotional disorders, were randomly with either music therapy followed by a waiting list control group that performed silent work, or vice versa. The respective interventions were conducted on the school premises on different days over a period of 1 month. The primary outcome was salivary oxytocin, with tests performed immediately before and after each 30-min intervention.ResultsThirty-two children were included in the study, resulting in n = 16 children per allocation sequence. During the implementation of the study, difficulties were encountered with protocol adherence both in terms of the duration of the music therapy and the implementation of the silent work in the control group. There were no dropouts, however, only 28 children were included in the final data analysis as two participants in each group were excluded due to large fluctuations in oxytocin levels. Between-group comparison and within-group comparisons showed no significant changes in oxytocin levels. However, the music therapist showed a significant increase in oxytocin levels in the before after measurement. No side effects or adverse events were reported during the trial.ConclusionThe findings indicated a responsiveness of oxytocin to musical stimulation. Although feasibility of oxytocin measurement was clearly demonstrated, evaluation of the results is difficult against the background of many remaining questions regarding individual and contextual factors influencing the oxytocinergic system. Moreover, the clinical significance of changes in oxytocin levels remains a topic for further research to better understand the role of oxytocin in the attachment formation between therapist and patient in music therapy.
Enhancing balance and auditory function in bilateral vestibulopathy through otolithic vestibular stimulation: insights from a pilot study on cochlea-vestibular implant efficacy
Authors: Ramos-de-Miguel Ángel , Sluydts Morgana , Falcón Juan Carlos , Manrique-Huarte Raquel , Rodriguez Isaura , Zarowski Andrzej , Barbara Maurizio , Manrique Manuel , Borkoski Silvia , Lorente Joan , Leblanc Marc , Rambault Antonin , Van Baelen Erika , Van Himbeeck Carl , Huarte Alicia , Macías Ángel Ramos 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study evaluates cochleovestibular implants (CVI) for improving auditory and vestibular function in patients with bilateral vestibulopathy and severe-to-profound hearing loss. CVI uniquely combines auditory and vestibular stimulation, offering a potential solution for dual impairments in hearing and balance.MethodsTen patients underwent CVI implantation. Auditory function was assessed with pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and speech recognition at baseline, 3, and 9 months post-implantation. Vestibular function was measured using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Sensory Organization Test (SOT), posturography, and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Placebo-controlled tests verified cochleovestibular stimulation specificity.ResultsAuditory outcomes showed PTA improvements from 78 dB HL preoperatively to 34 dB HL at 3 months and 36 dB HL at 9 months, alongside speech recognition gains. Vestibular improvements included significant DGI (p &lt; 0.05) and SOT score increases (33% to 68%, p &lt; 0.05). DHI scores reflected reduced dizziness-related disability. Residual balance gains after device deactivation suggest neural adaptation, and placebo tests confirmed cochleovestibular stimulation specificity.DiscussionCVI effectively restores auditory and vestibular function, with improvements in hearing, balance, and quality of life. Neural plasticity likely supports long-term benefits. Future research should refine device design and stimulation protocols to enhance outcomes further.
Seasonal fluctuation of total water intake and hydration status among young men and women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Jianfen , Zhang Na , Lu Junbo , Liu Shufang , Lin Yongwei , Ma Guansheng 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundWater intake and hydration status have been reported to fluctuate throughout the year. This study investigated seasonal fluctuations of total water intake and hydration status among young adults in Baoding, China.MethodsThis prospective cohort study enrolled 82 young adults aged 18–23 years in Baoding, China. Total drinking fluids consumed and water from food were assessed, and the osmolality and electrolyte concentrations of 24-h urine and fasting blood samples were determined. Differences among the four seasons were compared by mixed linear models, followed by determinations of least-significant differences (LSD), with spring used as the reference.ResultsSeventy-nine participants (43 men and 36 women) completed the study. Total water intake (TWI) was 359 ~ 429 mL higher in spring and summer than in autumn and winter and was 116 mL higher in summer than in winter (all p &lt; 0.05). Chinese recommendations for TWI were met by 13.9% to 22.8% of participants, and recommendations for total fluid intake were met by 10.1% to 16.5%, but these differences were not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Urinary and plasma biomarkers differed significantly among the four seasons (p &lt; 0.05), with osmolality and urine specific gravity (USG) being significantly higher in summer than in other seasons (p &lt; 0.05). The percentage of participants with optimal hydration status increased from 38.0% in summer to 62.0% in spring (p &lt; 0.05). Men had more concentrated urine as well as higher plasma osmolality and solute concentrations than women during each season of the year (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionTWI and urinary and plasma biomarkers of hydration were found to vary seasonally among Chinese young adults, with hydration status being poorer in summer. Men need to pay more attention than women to maintain optimal hydration status.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=124857, ChiCTR2100045268.
Characteristic of volatile flavor compounds in ‘Fengtangli’ plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) were explored based on GC×GC-TOF MS
Authors: Hu Xianfeng , Li Deyan , Ding Yi , Zhang Yubo , Ren Chunguang 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe ‘Fengtangli’ plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) is favoured by consumers for its characteristic flavor. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of volatile flavor compounds in ‘Fengtangli’ plum.MethodsThe flavor compounds of both ‘Fengtangli’ and ‘Siyueli’ plums were analyzed using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF MS).ResultsThe results revealed the presence of 495 volatile flavor compounds in ‘Fengtangli’ plum and 466 in ‘Siyueli’ plum. The relative concentrations of hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, and esters in ‘Fengtangli’ plum were significantly elevated compared to those detected in ‘Siyueli’ plum. Moreover, the sensorial attributes of sweetness, citrus, herbal, floral, and fruity notes were more prominent in ‘Fengtangli’ plum relative to those of ‘Siyueli’ plum. Through the integration of differential metabolite analysis and relative odor activity assessment, it is hypothesized that furan-2-pentyl; (E)-2-octenal; and 1-octen-3-one may represent the characteristic of volatile flavor compounds in ‘Fengtangli’ plum.DiscussionThe research results may provide a theoretical reference for the development and application of ‘Fengtangli’ plum and the study of the synthesis mechanism of characteristic flavor compounds.
Prognostic determinants and functional role of PIK3C2G in stage IIb-IIIa lung adenocarcinoma: insights from clinical and molecular analyses
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhang Jiaqi , Du Xin , Gao Xuehan , Diao Xiayao , Zhao Ke , Chen Yeye , Li Shanqing 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundTo investigate the prognostic factors for stage IIb and IIIa lung adenocarcinoma following radical surgery and to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these prognostic markers, focusing on the role of PIK3C2G.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients with stage IIb or IIIa lung adenocarcinoma who underwent radical surgery between January 2017 and June 2023 was conducted. Baseline clinical and pathological data, surgical methods, and postoperative treatments were analyzed to assess overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a subset of the patients with preserved tumor tissues and no matched targeted therapies to identify high-frequency mutated genes. Functional experiments in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells were performed to evaluate the role of the significant genes in tumor progression through cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays.ResultsThe survival analysis of 877 stage IIb and IIIa lung adenocarcinoma cases revealed significant differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes. Stage IIb patients had a median OS of 58 months compared to 37 months for stage IIIa, with 5-year OS rates of 46.9% and 30.5%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression identified pathological stage, number of positive lymph nodes, age, and targeted therapy as independent prognostic factors. WES of 184 patients with no matched targeted therapies revealed high-frequency mutations in genes such as TP53 and PIK3C2G, with the latter emerging as the most significant prognostic marker. Functional assays demonstrated that the knockdown of PIK3C2G in A549 cells significantly reduced proliferation, migration and invasion while promoting apoptosis and disrupting cell cycle progression.ConclusionPIK3C2G was identified as a significant prognostic marker in stage IIb and IIIa lung adenocarcinoma, with functional data supporting its therapeutic potential. Taken together, this study integrates clinical and molecular findings, which could be used as a reference to guide personalized treatment strategies.
Neoadjuvant programmed death ligand-1 with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Zhi , Wang Yan-qing , Chang Xiujun 
Published: January 2025

Summary backgroundOur objective was to investigated the safety and feasibility of neoadjuvant treatment with PD(L)1 inhibitors and chemotherapy followed by surgery for resectable SCLC.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we included patients with limited-stage SCLC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (with/without)ICI at Beijing Chest Hospital (Beijing, China) between July 2020 and December 2021. Seventeen patients with LD-SCLC were enrolled in the study. Two groups were assigned for further statistical analysis: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (group C), in which only preoperative chemotherapy was administered; and neoadjuvant ICI (group I), in which surgery was combined with both preoperative ICI and chemotherapy. Patient demographics, radiological and pathological evaluations of tumor response, surgical information, toxicity profiles, tumor marker and follow-up results of both groups were evaluated.Results17 patients were included in this retrospective study, of which, 11 patients received ICI and chemotherapy-containing regimens and 6 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy only. Herein, we firstly reported that neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 blockade plus chemotherapy led to a pCR rate of 45.5% in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. The MPR rate of 72.7% due to treatment with neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 blockade plus chemotherapy group (group I) was significantly higher than those in the traditional neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (16.7%)(group C). We first found that ProGRP is a good the evaluation indicator for neoadjuvant immunotherapy in small cell lung cancer and found that the ProGRP levels decreased significantly in both group after neoadjuvant therapy, and it was more obvious in group I(P=0.003).All Of the 17 patients (100.0%) had R0 resection. There were no perioperative deaths.ConclusionsNeoadjuvant immunotherapy shows lower toxicity and fewer perioperative complications. ICI combined chemotherapy can achieve more pathological relief and clinical benefits in the neoadjuvant treatment of LS-SCLC without increased irAE and perioperative complications. However, the small sample size limits the reliability of the research.