bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between preoperative albumin levels and postoperative delirium in geriatric hip fracture patients
Authors: Wang Wei , Yao Wei , Tang Wanyun , Li Yuhao , Lv Qiaomei , Ding Wenbo 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the association between preoperative serum albumin levels and postoperative delirium (POD) in geriatric patients who have undergone hip fracture surgery, with the goal of offering novel insights for clinical interventions targeting POD.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in a tertiary medical institution from January 2013 to November 2023. The patients were classified based on hypoalbuminemia (defined as a serum albumin level &lt; 35 g/L) and clinical threshold. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching analysis (PSM) were employed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for POD to eliminate potential confounding factors. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to explore the interaction effect.ResultsThe retrospective cohort study included 1,440 patients, with an incidence of POD found to be 19.1%. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients with hypoalbuminemia had an adjusted OR of 2.99 (95%CI: 2.14–4.18) compared to those with normal albumin levels (≥ 35 g/L). Furthermore, a significant trend was observed across different severity categories, including mild hypoalbuminemia (34.9–30.0 g/L; adjusted OR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.84–3.99), moderate hypoalbuminemia (29.9–25.0 g/L, adjusted OR = 3.44, 95%CI: 1.88–6.28), and severe hypoalbuminemia (&lt;25.0 g/L; adjusted OR = 3.97, 95%CI: 1.78–8.86), with a trend value of p &lt;0.001. Similar results were observed in the PSM analysis. Additionally, treating preoperative serum albumin level as a continuous variable, the risk of POD increased by 11% (95% CI, 1.08–1.15) with each 1 g/L decrease in preoperative serum albumin level.ConclusionLow preoperative levels of albumin are strongly associated with POD in geriatric patients with hip fractures, and a significant dose–response relationship exists between them.
Alteration of the gut microbiota profile in children with autism spectrum disorder in China
Authors: Li Hui , Guo Wei , Li Sijie , Sun Bishao , Li Ningshan , Xie Dongjing , Dong Zongming , Luo Dan , Chen Wei , Fu Weihua , Zheng Ji , Zhu Jingzhen 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. However, there are few studies on gut microbiota of children with ASD in China, and there is a lack of consensus on the changes of bacterial species.PurposeAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. However, there are few studies on gut microbiota of children with ASD in China, and there is a lack of consensus on the changes of bacterial species.MethodsWe used 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze ASD children (2 to 12 years), HC (2 to 12 years).ResultsOur findings showed that the α-diversity, composition, and relative abundance of gut microbiota in the ASD group were significantly different from those in the HC groups. Compared with the HC group, the α-diversity in the ASD group was significantly decreased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of g_Faecalibacterium, g_Blautia, g_Eubacterium_eligens_group, g_Parasutterella, g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and g_Veillonella in ASD group was significantly increased than that in HC groups, while the relative abundance of g_Prevotella 9 and g_Agathobacter was significantly decreased than that in HC groups. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis showed that the microbial functional abnormalities in ASD patients were mainly concentrated in metabolic pathways related to fatty acid, amino acid metabolism and aromatic compound metabolism, and were partially involved in neurotransmitter metabolism.ConclusionThis study revealed the characteristics of gut microbiota of Chinese children with ASD and provided further evidence of gut microbial dysbiosis in ASD.
Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 using long-range PCR primers
Authors: Kandel Sangam , Hartzell Susanna L. , Ingold Ashton K. , Turner Grace A. , Kennedy Joshua L. , Ussery David W. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionWhole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is crucial in the surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several primer schemes have been developed to sequence nearly all of the ~30,000 nucleotide SARS-CoV-2 genome, using a multiplex PCR approach to amplify cDNA copies of the viral genomic RNA. Midnight primers and ARTIC V4.1 primers are the most popular primer schemes that can amplify segments of SARS-CoV-2 (400 bp and 1200 bp, respectively) tiled across the viral RNA genome. Mutations within primer binding sites and primer-primer interactions can result in amplicon dropouts and coverage bias, yielding low-quality genomes with ‘Ns’ inserted in the missing amplicon regions, causing inaccurate lineage assignments, and making it challenging to monitor lineage-specific mutations in Variants of Concern (VoCs).MethodsIn this study we used a set of seven long-range PCR primer pairs to sequence clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 on Oxford Nanopore sequencer. These long-range primers generate seven amplicons approximately 4500 bp that covered whole genome of SARS-CoV-2. One of these regions includes the full-length S-gene by using a set of flanking primers. We also evaluated the performance of these long-range primers with Midnight primers by sequencing 94 clinical isolates in a Nanopore flow cell.Results and discussionUsing a small set of long-range primers to sequence SARS-CoV-2 genomes reduces the possibility of amplicon dropout and coverage bias. The key finding of this study is that long range primers can be used in single-molecule sequencing of RNA viruses in surveillance of emerging variants. We also show that by designing primers flanking the S-gene, we can obtain reliable identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The causal correlation between gut microbiota abundance and pathogenesis of cervical cancer: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Hua 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundObservational studies and animal experiments suggested potential relevance between gut microbiota (GM) and cervical cancer (CC), but the relevance of this association remains to be clarified.MethodsWe performed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore whether there was a causal correlation between GM and CC, and the direction of causality.ResultsIn primary outcomes, we found that a higher abundance of class Clostridia, family Family XI, genus Alloprevotella, genus Ruminiclostridium 9, and order Clostridiales predicted higher risk of CC, and a higher abundance of class Lentisphaeria, family Acidaminococcaceae, genus Christensenellaceae R7 group, genus Marvinbryantia, order Victivallales, phylum Actinobacteria, and phylum Lentisphaerae predicted lower risk of CC. During verifiable outcomes, we found that a higher abundance of class Methanobacteria, family Actinomycetaceae, family Methanobacteriaceae, genus Lachnospiraceae UCG 010, genus Methanobrevibacter, order Actinomycetales, and order Methanobacteriales predicted a higher risk of CC, and a higher abundance of family Streptococcaceae, genus Dialister, and phylum Bacteroidetes predicted a lower risk of CC, and vice versa.ConclusionOur study implied a mutual causality between GM and CC, which provided a novel concept for the occurrence and development of CC, and might promote future functional or clinical analysis.
Substrate-bound and soluble domains of tenascin-C regulate differentiation, proliferation and migration of neural stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Glotzbach Kristin , Faissner Andreas 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe lack of regenerative capacity of the central nervous system is one of the major challenges nowadays. The knowledge of guidance cues that trigger differentiation, proliferation, and migration of neural stem and progenitor cells is one key element in regenerative medicine. The extracellular matrix protein tenascin-C (Tnc) is a promising candidate to regulate cell fate due to its expression in the developing central nervous system and in the adult neural stem cell niches. Of special interest are the alternatively spliced fibronectin type III (FnIII) domains of Tnc whose combinatorial diversity could theoretically generate up to 64 isoforms in the mouse. A total of 27 isoforms have already been discovered in the developing brain, among others the domain combinations A1D, CD, and A124BCD.MethodsIn the present study, these domains as well as the combination of the constitutively expressed FnIII domains 7 and 8 (78) were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells as pseudo-antibodies fused to the Fc-fragment of a human immunoglobulin G antibody. The fusion proteins were presented to primary mouse neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) grown as neurospheres, either as coated culture substrates or as soluble additives in vitro. The influence of the domains on the differentiation, proliferation and migration of NSPCs was analyzed.ResultsWe observed that the domain combination A124BCD promoted the differentiation of neurons and oligodendrocytes, whereas the domain A1D supported astrocyte differentiation. The constitutively expressed domain 78 had a proliferation and migration stimulating impact. Moreover, most effects were seen only in one of the presentation modes but not in both, suggesting different effects of the Tnc domains in two- and three-dimensional cultures.DiscussionThis knowledge about the different effect of the Tnc domains might be used to create artificial three-dimensional environments for cell transplantation. Hydrogels spiked with Tnc-domains might represent a promising tool in regenerative medicine.
Impact of alkaline phosphatase on clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke: a nationwide registry analysis
Authors: Wang Zhaobin , Li Jing , Jing Jing , Zhang Zhe , Xu Qin , Liu Tao , Lin Jinxi , Jiang Yong , Wang Yongjun , Wang Anxin , Meng Xia 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundData on the association between serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) are inconsistent and limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between ALP and prognosis in patients with IS.MethodsPatients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) from the Third China National Stroke Registry were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of serum ALP levels on admission. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the correlation between ALP and the risk of all-cause mortality, disability (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 3–5), and poor functional outcomes (mRS score 3–6).ResultsA total of 11,405 patients were included in the study. Higher levels of ALP were associated with all-cause mortality at 3 months (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per standard deviation [SD]: 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.27; p = 0.001) and 1 year (adjusted HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03–1.20; p = 0.010). At the 3-month follow-up, each SD increase of ALP was associated with a 12 and 14% higher risk of disability (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06–1.18; p &lt; 0.001) and poor functional outcomes (adjusted OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08–1.20; p &lt; 0.001). Similar results were observed at the 1-year follow-up. Higher ALP levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, disability, and poor functional outcomes in patients with “others” subtypes (including other determined etiology and undetermined etiology) (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionElevated ALP levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, disability, and poor function outcomes in patients with IS. Heterogeneity was observed among the subtypes of different etiologies.
Identification of hub genes significantly linked to tuberous sclerosis related-epilepsy and lipid metabolism via bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Weiliang Wang , Yinghao Ren , Weiliang Hou , Xiaobin Zhang , Chenglong Yang , Weimiao An , Fei Xu , Fengpeng Wang 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Identifying differentially expressed lipid metabolism related genes (DELMRGs) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions.MethodsWe acquired tuberous sclerosis related epilepsy (TSE) datasets, GSE16969 and GSE62019. Differential expression analysis identified 1,421 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Intersecting these with lipid metabolism related genes (LMRGs) yielded 103 DELMRGs. DELMRGs underwent enrichment analyses, biomarker selection, disease classification modeling, immune infiltration analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and AUCell analysis.ResultsIn TSE datasets, 103 DELMRGs were identified. Four diagnostic biomarkers (ALOX12B, CBS, CPT1C, and DAGLB) showed high accuracy for epilepsy diagnosis, with an AUC value of 0.9592. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in Plasma cells, T cells regulatory (Tregs), and Macrophages M2 were observed between diagnostic groups. Microglia cells were highly correlated with lipid metabolism functions.ConclusionsOur research unveiled potential DELMRGs (ALOX12B, CBS, CPT1C and DAGLB) in TSE, which may provide new ideas for studying the psathogenesis of epilepsy.
Outcome of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures following diagnosis in the epilepsy monitoring unit
Authors: Abi-Nahed Rachelle , Li Jimmy , Carlier Jasmine , Birca Véronica , Bérubé Arline-Aude , Nguyen Dang Khoa 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo study the outcome of patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) after their diagnosis in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU).MethodsPatients diagnosed in our EMU with definite PNES between January 2009 and May 2023 were contacted by phone, and those who agreed to participate were asked a set of predetermined questions. Comparative analyses were carried out on several variables before and after diagnosis: number of participants with daily PNES, number of visits to the emergency department, number of participants who consulted their general practitioner or a neurologist outside of a scheduled follow-up, number of participants who took antiseizure medications (ASMs) or psychotropic drugs, and employment status.ResultsOut of the 103 patients with a definite diagnosis of PNES, 61 patients (79% female) accepted to participate in our study. The median age at PNES onset was 35 years, and the median delay to diagnosis was 3 years. Almost two-thirds (62%) were receiving ASMs and 40% psychotropic drugs. The mean stay at the EMU was 5 days. PNES diagnosis was explained to almost all patients (97%) by the end of their EMU stay and was well-accepted by most (89%). When contacted, 46% of participants no longer had PNES; 32% mentioned that their PNES had ceased immediately upon communication of the diagnosis. The median follow-up duration was 51 months. Fewer patients had daily seizures after the diagnosis (18 vs. 38%; p &lt; 0.0455). Similarly, the median number of emergency department visits was significantly lower (0 vs. 2; p &lt; 0.001). Only 17 patients consulted their general practitioner (vs. 40, p &lt; 0.001) and 20 a neurologist (vs. 55, p &lt; 0.001) after a PNES attack outside of a scheduled follow-up. The use of ASMs was also significantly reduced from 70 to 33% (p &lt; 0.01), with only one still taking an ASM for its antiseizure properties. Significantly more participants were working at last follow-up than at PNES diagnosis (49 vs. 25%; p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionOur study revealed a relatively favorable long-term outcome of definite PNES diagnosed in the EMU that translated in significant reductions in PNES frequency, health care utilization and ASM use, as well as a significant increase in employment rate.
Inner sense of rhythm: percussionist brain activity during rhythmic encoding and synchronization
Authors: Liao Yin-Chun , Yang Ching-Ju , Yu Hsin-Yen , Huang Chiu-Jung , Hong Tzu-Yi , Li Wei-Chi , Chen Li-Fen , Hsieh Jen-Chuen 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe main objective of this research is to explore the core cognitive mechanisms utilized by exceptionally skilled percussionists as they navigate complex rhythms. Our specific focus is on understanding the dynamic interactions among brain regions, respectively, related to externally directed cognition (EDC), internally directed cognition (IDC), and rhythm processing, defined as the neural correlates of rhythm processing (NCRP).MethodsThe research involved 26 participants each in the percussionist group (PG) and control group (CG), who underwent task-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions focusing on rhythm encoding and synchronization. Comparative analyses were performed between the two groups under each of these conditions.ResultsRhythmic encoding showed decreased activity in EDC areas, specifically in the right calcarine cortex, left middle occipital gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, and left inferior parietal lobule, along with reduced NCRP activity in the left dorsal premotor, right sensorimotor cortex, and left superior parietal lobule. During rhythmic synchronization, there was increased activity in IDC areas, particularly in the default mode network, and in NCRP areas including the left inferior frontal gyrus and bilateral putamen. Conversely, EDC areas like the right dorsolateral prefrontal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, and bilateral inferior parietal lobule showed decreased activity, as did NCRP areas including the bilateral dorsal premotor cortex, bilateral ventral insula, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, and left superior parietal lobule.DiscussionPG’s rhythm encoding is characterized by reduced cognitive effort compared to CG, as evidenced by decreased activity in brain regions associated with EDC and the NCRP. Rhythmic synchronization reveals up-regulated IDC, down-regulated EDC involvement, and dynamic interplay among regions with the NCRP, suggesting that PG engages in both automatic and spontaneous processing simultaneously. These findings provide valuable insights into expert performance and present opportunities for improving music education.
Premature Infant Gut Microbiome relationships with childhood behavioral scales: preliminary insights
Authors: Ozorio Dutra Samia Valeria , Sarkar Anujit , Yoo Ji Youn , Shaffer-Hudkins Emily , Groer Maureen 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionVery Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants, born weighing less than 1,500 grams, are at risk for both gut dysbiosis and later neuropsychological developmental deficits. Behavioral effects, while related to neurodevelopment, are often more subtle and difficult to measure. The extent of later neurobehavioral consequences associated with such microbial dysbiosis has yet to be determined. We explored associations between the infants’ gut microbiome and early childhood behavior at 4 years of age and identified the bacterial taxa through a multivariate analysis by linear models.MethodsParents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) focused on different DSM diagnostic categories: affective, anxiety, pervasive developmental, attention deficit/hyperactivity, and oppositional defiant. All the CBCL scores were corrected for gender, delivery method, gestational age, infant birth weight, occurrence of sepsis, and days on antibiotics prior statistical analyses. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was performed to determine the relationship between early life gut microbiome and the adjusted CBCL scores. The association of bacterial Amplicon sequence Variants (ASVs) to the CBCL scores were tested with multivariate analysis by linear models (MaAsLin).ResultsNineteen children who were previously born with very low birth weight and studied while hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were included in this study. Statistically significant associations were observed between early life gut bacteria such asVeillonella dispar, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, andRumincococcusto later behavior at 4 years. No significant association could be observed with early-life gut microbiome alpha diversity and behavioral measures at 4 years.DiscussionThese preliminary observational data provide insight into the relationships between VLBW gut microbiome dysbiosis and childhood behavior. This study contributes to the literature on gut microbiome analysis by examining various behavioral domains using a standardized tool linked to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Risk factors for immune-related adverse effects during CPI therapy in patients with head and neck malignancies – a single center study
Authors: Jungbauer Frederic , Affolter Annette , Brochhausen Christoph , Lammert Anne , Ludwig Sonja , Merx Kirsten , Rotter Nicole , Huber Lena 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionCheckpoint inhibitors, such as PD1 inhibitors, represent an important pillar in the therapy of advanced malignancies of the head and neck region. The most relevant complications are immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), which represent an immense burden for patients. Currently, no sufficient stratification measures are available to identify patients at increased risk of irAEs. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine whether demographic, histopathological, clinical, or laboratory values at the start of CPI therapy represent a risk factor for the later occurrence of autoimmune complications.Material and methodsData from 35 patients between 2018 and 2021 who received therapy with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for head and neck malignancy were analyzed and assessed for any associations with the subsequent occurrence of irAEs.ResultsIrAE developed in 37% of patients, with pneumonitis being the most common form (14%). Pneumonitis was found in patients with an average significantly lower T-stage of primary tumors. An increase in basophilic leukocytes was found in patients with dermatitis later in the course. When thyroiditis developed later, the patients had a higher CPS score and lower monocyte levels.DiscussionEven though individual laboratory values at the beginning of therapy might show a statistical association with the later occurrence of irAEs, neither demographic, histopathological, nor laboratory chemistry values seem to be able to generate a sound and reliable risk profile for this type of complication. Therefore, patients need to be educated and sensitized to irAEs, and regular screening for irAEs should be carried out.