bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The quorum quenching enzyme Aii20J modifies in vitro periodontal biofilm formation
Authors: Parga Ana , Muras Andrea , Otero-Casal Paz , Arredondo Alexandre , Soler-Ollé Agnès , Àlvarez Gerard , Alcaraz Luis D. , Mira Alex , Blanc Vanessa , Otero Ana 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionRecent studies have revealed the presence of N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) quorum sensing (QS) signals in the oral environment. Yet, their role in oral biofilm development remains scarcely investigated. The use of quorum quenching (QQ) strategies targeting AHLs has been described as efficient for the control of pathogenic biofilms. Here, we evaluate the use of a highly active AHL-targeting QQ enzyme, Aii20J, to modulate oral biofilm formation in vitro.MethodsThe effect of the QQ enzyme was studied in in vitro multispecies biofilms generated from oral samples taken from healthy donors and patients with periodontal disease. Subgingival samples were used as inocula, aiming to select members of the microbiota of the periodontal pocket niche in the in vitro biofilms. Biofilm formation abilities and microbial composition were studied upon treating the biofilms with the QQ enzyme Aii20J.Results and DiscussionThe addition of the enzyme resulted in significant biofilm mass reductions in 30 – 60% of the subgingival-derived biofilms, although standard AHLs could not be found in the supernatants of the cultured biofilms. Changes in biofilm mass were not accompanied by significant alterations of bacterial relative abundance at the genus level. The investigation of 125 oral supragingival metagenomes and a synthetic subgingival metagenome revealed a surprisingly high abundance and broad distribution of homologous of the AHL synthase HdtS and several protein families of AHL receptors, as well as an enormous presence of QQ enzymes, pointing to the existence of an intricate signaling network in oral biofilms that has been so far unreported, and should be further investigated. Together, our findings support the use of Aii20J to modulate polymicrobial biofilm formation without changing the microbiome structure of the biofilm. Results in this study suggest that AHLs or AHL-like molecules affect oral biofilm formation, encouraging the application of QQ strategies for oral health improvement, and reinforcing the importance of personalized approaches to oral biofilm control.
Prognostic value of heart rate variability in atrial fibrillation recurrence following catheter ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Enyuan , Liang Shuo , Sun Tianhong , Xu Jing , Lu Fengmin , Wu Dongyan , Zhang Jingkun , He Le , Zhang Fan , Fan Shaobo , Ma Wei 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) has been a worldwide health issue with increasing prevalence and mortality. Recently, increasing attention has been gained to the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and the clinical prognosis of AF catheter ablation. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of HRV in AF recurrence.MethodsWe systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase from inception until 17 August 2022 to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis. We included the studies reporting the predictive value of HRV parameters for AF recurrence or in which HRV parameters in AF recurrence and non-recurrence groups were individually reported.ResultsFinally, we enrolled 16 studies, including 2,352 patients. Higher rMSSD could independently predict AF recurrence following catheter ablation (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04; p = 0.03). Higher HF (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05–2.28; p = 0.03) and lower LF/HF (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.20; p = 0.004) could independently predict AF recurrence within 1 year. Higher SDNN (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 101–1.02; p = 0.0006) could independently predict AF recurrence among patients with paroxysmal AF. Almost all HRV parameters within 3 days after catheter ablation and lnHF, lnLF, and rMSSD at 3 months after catheter ablation performed significant differences in AF recurrence and non-recurrence groups.ConclusionHeart rate variability, especially higher rMSSD (within short-term and long-term periods), was closely related to recurrent AF following catheter ablation, highlighting the clinical importance of HRV in the prognosis of AF following catheter ablation.
Melt- and fluid-inclusions studies in the Wunugetushan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit, NE China: Constraints on the separation of Cu and Mo
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhang Yuecheng , Du Jingguo , Song Zhiwei 
Published: February 2023

The Wunugetushan large porphyry Cu–Mo deposit in NE China is hosted by Mesozoic quartz monzonite porphyry and has a Mo-rich core and Cu-rich rim in space. In this paper, melt inclusions in porphyry intrusions and fluid inclusions in different-stage quartz veins were studied to explore potential parameters leading to Cu–Mo decoupling. Melt inclusions in porphyry intrusions have rhyolitic compositions of 71.7–85.3 wt.% SiO2, 1.9–31.3 ppm Cu and 1.7–2.6 ppm Mo. Hydrothermal activity occurred over three stages: 1) Early Mo mineralization at high temperatures (543°C–560°C) and CO2-rich fluids of intermediate salinity (11.0–17.3 wt.% NaCl equivalent), accompanied by biotitization and minor K-feldspathization; 2) Late Mo mineralization involving high-salinity (up to 77.0 wt.% NaCl equiv.) oxidized fluids at intermediate temperatures (400°C–454°C), with K-feldspathization and minor sericitization; 3) A Cu-mineralization stage with high-salinity (up to 45.6 wt.% NaCl equiv.) and CO2-barren fluids characterized by temperature peaks at 250°C–300°C and 400°C–450°C, accompanied by sericitization and illitization. Given possible variations in melt Cu/Mo ratios during magmatic activity and redox conditions, pH, fluid composition, and temperature during the hydrothermal-fluid stage led to the separation of Cu and Mo, we found that integrated parameters including increased Cu/Mo ratios in residual melt, variations in the redox state and more acidic environment of hydrothermal fluids determine spatial separation of two metals.
How do graduate students approach college teaching? Influences of professional development, teaching assistantships, and Big Five personality traits
Authors: Che Elizabeth S. , Brooks Patricia J. , Schwartz Anna M. , Saltzman Ethlyn S. , Whiteman Ronald C. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionGraduate students engage in college teaching with varied attitudes and approaches. Their teaching practices may be influenced by professional development experiences related to pedagogy, and their personality traits.MethodsThrough an online survey of graduate students teaching undergraduate courses (N = 109, 69.7% women, M age = 30 years, 59% psychology), we examined whether self-reported participation in professional development related to pedagogy, teaching assistantship (TA) experience, academic discipline (psychology vs. other), and Big Five personality traits were associated with variation in teaching practices.ResultsParticipation in professional development correlated positively with years of undergraduate teaching experience and with the trait of openness. Hierarchical regressions indicated that professional development served to promote student-focused practices and discouraged lecturing, while TA experience (mostly restricted to psychology instructors) promoted lecturing and discouraged a student-focused approach. Regarding academic discipline, psychology instructors gave higher endorsements to an information transmission, teacher-focused approach to teaching, lectured more, and were less likely to provoke debate than instructors of other disciplines. Such differences may be attributed in part to larger enrollments of psychology courses. Regarding personality traits, both openness and agreeableness were associated with some student-focused practices, while conscientiousness was associated with an information transmission, teacher-focused approach and with practices aligned with backward course design.DiscussionIn light of previous evidence that personality traits are malleable, graduate training programs may want to cultivate traits like openness as a means of encouraging graduate students to reflect on their pedagogy and seek ways to improve their teaching through professional development. Relatedly, graduate programs should aim to support students’ participation in professional development related to pedagogy and, in doing so, communicate its value.
A clinical and molecular pathology prediction model for central lymph node metastasis in cN0 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Ma Teng , Wang Lulu , Zhang Xueyan , Shi Yafei 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe frequency of thyroid cancer has rapidly increased in recent years globally. Thus, more papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients are being diagnosed, including clinical lymph node-negative (cN0) patients. Our study attempted to develop a prediction model for assessing the probability of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in cN0 PTMC patients.MethodsA total of 595 patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (training cohort: 456 patients) and the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University (verification cohort: 139 patients) who underwent thyroid surgery between January 2020 and May 2022 were enrolled in this study. Their clinical and molecular pathology data were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to identify independent factors, and then we established a prediction model to assess the risk of CLNM in cN0 PTMC patients.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that sex, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, TERT promoter mutations and NRAS mutation were independent factors of CLNM. The prediction model demonstrated good discrimination ability (C-index: 0.757 and 0.753 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively). The calibration curve of the model was near the optimum diagonal line, and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed a noticeably better benefit.ConclusionCLNM in cN0 PTMC patients is associated with male sex, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, HT, TERT promoter mutations and NRAS mutation. The prediction model exhibits good discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness. This model will help to assess CLNM risk and make clinical decisions in cN0 PTMC patients.
Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, laser photocoagulation, or combined therapy for diabetic macular edema: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jiasheng , Wang Haowei , Qiu Weiqiang 
Published: February 2023

PurposeTo conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) comparing the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy alone versus laser photocoagulation (LP) therapy alone or anti-VEGF therapy combined with LP therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched for studies comparing anti-VEGF therapy alone versus LP therapy alone or anti-VEGF therapy combined with LP therapy for DME. Primary outcomes were mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) change. Relevant data were collected and pooled using NMA.ResultsA total of 13 randomized controlled trials were included in our NMA. Anti-VEGF therapy significantly improved BCVA the most compared to the combined (mean difference [MD] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.084, 2.7) and LP (MD = 6.3; 95% CI: 5.1, 7.6) therapies at six months, while there was no difference in reducing CMT at six months between the anti-VEGF and combined therapies (MD = -16; 95% CI: -46, 13). At 12 months, no significant difference was found between the anti-VEGF and combined therapy in terms of BCVA (MD = 0.1; 95% CI: -1.7, 1.5) and CMT (MD = 21; 95% CI: -3.0, 44).ConclusionThere was no significant difference between the anti-VEGF therapy and combined therapy. For the long-term treatment of patients with DME, combined therapy is recommended.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022376401.
Efficacy of antiresorptive agents bisphosphonates and denosumab in mitigating hypercalcemia and bone loss in primary hyperparathyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rajput Swati , Dutta Aditya , Rajender Singh , Mithal Ambrish , Chattopadhyay Naibedya 
Published: February 2023

PurposePrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by increased bone remodeling and hypercalcemia. Parathyroidectomy (PTX), the current standard of care, is recommended in all symptomatic and some groups of asymptomatic patients. Anti-resorptive therapies (bisphosphonates and denosumab) have been used in patients where PTX is refused or contraindicated. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the effectiveness of anti-resorptives in preventing/treating PHPT-induced bone loss and mitigating hypercalcemia.MethodPubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles with keywords containing PHPT, bisphosphonates, and denosumab in various combinations. We extracted and tabulated areal BMD (aBMD), serum mineral, and bone turnover parameters from the qualified studies and used comprehensive meta-analysis software for analysis.ResultsOf the 1,914 articles screened, 13 were eligible for meta-analysis. In the pooled analysis, 12 months of anti-resoptives (bisphosphonates and denosumab) therapy significantly increased aBMD at the lumbar spine (Standard difference in means (SDM)=0.447, 95% CI=0.230 to 0.664, p=0.0001), femoral neck (SDM=0.270, 95% CI=0.049 to 0.491, p=0.017) and increased serum PTH (SDM=0.489, 95% CI=0.139 to 0.839, p=0.006), and decreased serum calcium (SDM=-0.545, 95% CI=-0.937 to -0.154, p=0.006) compared with baseline. 12 months of bisphosphonate use significantly increased aBMD only at the lumbar spine (SDM=0.330, 95% CI=0.088 to 0.571, p=0.007) with a significant increased in serum PTH levels (SDM=0.546, 95% CI= 0.162 to 0.930, p=0.005), and a decreased in serum calcium (SDM=-0.608, 95% CI=-1.048 to -0.169, p=0.007) and bone-turnover markers (BTMs) compared with baseline. Denosumab use for 12 months significantly increased aBMD at both the lumbar spine (SDM=0.828, 95% CI=0.378 to 1.278, p=0.0001) and femur neck (SDM=0.575, 95% CI=0.135 to 1.015, p=0.010) compared with baseline. Mean lumbar spine aBMD (SDM=0.350, 95% CI=0.041 to 0.659, p=0.027) and serum PTH (SDM=0.602, 95% CI= 0.145 to 1.059, p=0.010) were significantly increased after 12 months of alendronate use compared with placebo. When compared with baseline, alendronate significantly decreased BTMs after 12 months and increased aBMD without altering the PTH and calcium levels after 24 months.ConclusionAnti-resorptives are effective in mitigating bone loss and hypercalcemia in PHPT while maintaining or increasing aBMD. PTX reversed all changes in PHPT and normalized PTH levels.
Increased survival of honey bees consuming pollen and beebread is associated with elevated biomarkers of oxidative stress
Authors: Yazlovytska Liudmyla S. , Karavan Volodymyr V. , Domaciuk Marcin , Panchuk Irina I. , Borsuk Grzegorz , Volkov Roman A. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionSignificant losses of honey bee colonies have been observed worldwide in recent decades. Inadequate nutrition is considered to be one of the factors that can reduce honey bee resistance to abiotic and biotic environmental stresses. Accordingly, we assessed the impact of food composition on worker bee survival.MethodsBees in cages were fed six different diets, and then their survival, levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl groups, catalase and lysozyme activities were evaluated.Results and DiscussionAfter 17 days of feeding, the lowest mortality was observed in the group of bees that received sucrose solution with the addition of willow pollen or artificial rapeseed beebread or artificial willow beebread (diets 4–6). The highest mortality was found in bees that consumed only sucrose solution (diet 1) or the sucrose solution supplemented with a mixture of amino acids (diet 2), which can be explained by the lack of vitamins and microelements in these diets. In the group of bees that received the sucrose solution with rapeseed pollen (diet 3), mortality was intermediate. To check whether the decrease in insect survival could be related to oxidative damage, we evaluated biomarkers of oxidative stress. Consumption of pollen (diets 3 and 5) and artificial beebread (diets 4 and 6) enhances protein carbonylation in worker bees. Feeding bees artificial beebread also resulted in increase in lipid peroxidation and catalase activity, which is probably due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the honey contained in beebread. Remarkably, the increase in biomarkers of oxidative stress was not accompanied by adverse but positive effects on insect survival. A lack of amino acids and proteins in the diet 1 did not cause oxidative stress, but led to an increase in lysozyme activity in hemolymph, a biomarker of immune system status. In conclusion, we believe that the increase in oxidative stress biomarkers we found do not indicate oxidative damage, but rather reflect the changes in redox balance due to consumption of certain dietary options.
Comprehensive molecular characterizations of stage I–III lung adenocarcinoma with tumor spread through air spaces
Authors: Ye Ronghao , Yu Yongfeng , Zhao Ruiying , Han Yuchen , Lu Shun 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate integrative genomic spectra of stage I–III lung adenocarcinoma with tumor spread through air spaces (STAS).Methods: We retrospectively identified 442 surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma patients of pathological stage I–III in Shanghai Chest Hospital from January 2018 to February 2021. Surgically resected tissues were used for next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a panel of 68 lung cancer‐related genes to profile comprehensive molecular characterizations.Results: A total of 442 cases were analyzed, including 221 (50%) STAS-positive (SP) and 221 (50%) STAS-negative (SN) lung adenocarcinoma patients. In total, 440 cases (99.6%) were positive for the overall mutational spectrum, and the higher mutational genes were EGFR, TP53, KRAS, ALK, SMAD4, and ERBB2 (62%, 42%, 14%, 10%, 7%, and 7%, respectively). Compared with the SN population, there was significantly lower EGFR alteration in the single-nucleotide variant (SNV) mutation spectrum (52.5% vs 69.7%, p &lt; 0.001) and significantly higher TP53 alteration in the SP population (49.8% vs 34.8%, p = 0.002). EGFR L858R missense mutation (19.5% vs 37.6%, p &lt; 0.001) and ERBB2 exon 20 indel mutation (1.8% vs 5.9%, p = 0.045) were more frequent in the SN population. The detection rate of ALK fusion rearrangements in the SP population was significantly higher than that in the SN population (13.1% vs 2.3%, p &lt; 0.001). In the analysis of signaling pathways, no significant difference was discovered between SP and SN patients. No difference in 1-year disease-free survival was observed between SP and SN patients in this study.Conclusion: Significant differences exist in stage I–III lung adenocarcinoma patients with STAS in molecular characterizations.
Causes, survival rates, and short-term outcomes of preterm births in a tertiary hospital in a low resource setting: An observational cohort study
Authors: Mocking Martina , Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Osman Kwabena A. , Tamma Evelyn , Ruiz Alexa M. , van Asperen Ruth , Oppong Samuel A. , Kleinhout Mirjam Y. , Gyamfi-Bannerman Cynthia , Browne Joyce L. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundPrematurity is the most important cause of death among children under the age of five years. Globally, most preterm births occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Subsequent prematurity leads to significant neonatal morbidity, mortality and long-term disabilities. This study aimed to determine the causes, survival rates and outcomes of preterm births up to six weeks of corrected age in Ghana.Materials and methodsAn observational prospective cohort study of infants born preterm was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Accra, Ghana from August 2019 to March 2020. Inclusion was performed within 48 h after birth of surviving infants; multiple pregnancies and stillbirths were excluded. Causes of preterm birth were categorized as spontaneous (including preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes) or provider-initiated (medically indicated birth based on maternal or fetal indications). Survival rates and adverse outcomes were assessed at six weeks of corrected age. Recruitment and follow-up were suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Descriptive statistics and differences between determinants were calculated using Chi-squared tests or Kruskal-Wallis test.ResultsOf the 758 preterm deliveries, 654 (86.3%) infants were born alive. 179 were enrolled in the cohort and were analyzed. Nine (5%) were extremely preterm [gestational age (GA) &lt; 28 weeks], 40 (22%) very preterm (GA 28–31 weeks), and 130 (73%) moderate to late preterm (GA 32–37 weeks) births. Most deliveries (n = 116, 65%) were provider-initiated, often due to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (n = 79, 44.1%). Sixty-two infants were followed-up out of which fifty-two survived, presenting a survival rate of 84% (n = 52/62) at six weeks corrected age in this group. Most infants (90%, n = 47/52) experienced complications, predominantly consisted of NICU admission (92%) and interval illnesses (21%) including jaundice and sepsis.ConclusionsThe incidence of adverse outcomes associated with preterm birth in a tertiary facility with NICU capacity is high. Larger longitudinal studies are needed for an in-depth understanding of the causes and longer-term outcomes of preterm birth, and to identify effective strategies to improve outcomes in resource constrained settings.