bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term functional and structural outcomes in X-linked retinoschisis: implications for clinical trials
Authors: Fenner Beau J. , Russell Jonathan F. , Drack Arlene V. , Dumitrescu Alina V. , Sohn Elliott H. , Russell Stephen R. , Boldt H. Culver , Affatigato Louisa M. , Hoffmann Jeremy M. , Andorf Jeaneen L. , Stone Edwin M. , Han Ian C. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionX-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited retinal disease (IRD) caused by pathogenic mutations in the retinoschisin gene, RS1. Affected individuals develop retinal layer separation, leading to loss of visual acuity (VA). Several XLRS gene therapy trials have been attempted but none have met their primary endpoints. An improved understanding of XLRS natural history and clinical outcomes may better inform future trials. Here, we report the long-term functional and structural outcomes of XLRS and the relevance of RS1 genotypes to the visual prognosis of affected individuals.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients with molecularly confirmed X-linked retinoschisis was performed. Functional and structural outcomes, and RS1 genotype data, were included for analysis.ResultsFifty-two patients with XLRS from 33 families were included in the study. Median age at symptom onset was 5 years (range 0–49) and median follow-up was 5.7 years (range 0.1–56.8). Macular retinoschisis occurred in 103 of 104 eyes (99.0%), while peripheral retinoschisis occurred in 48 of 104 eyes (46.2%), most often in the inferotemporal quadrant (40.4%). Initial and final VA were similar (logMAR 0.498 vs. 0.521; p = 0.203). Fifty of 54 eyes (92.6%) developed detectable outer retinal loss by age 20, and 29 of 66 eyes (43.9%) had focal or diffuse outer retinal atrophy (ORA) by age 40. ORA but not central subfield thickness (CST) was associated with reduced VA. Inter-eye correlation was modest for VA (r-squared = 0.03; p = 0.08) and CST (r-squared = 0.15; p = 0.001). Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) improved CST (p = 0.026), but not VA (p = 0.380). Eight of 104 eyes (7.7%) had XLRS-related retinal detachment (RD), which was associated with poorer outcomes compared to eyes without RD (median final VA 0.875 vs. 0.487; p &lt;0.0001). RS1 null genotypes had greater odds of at least moderate visual impairment at final follow-up (OR 7.81; 95% CI 2.17, 28.10; p = 0.002) which was independent of age at onset, initial CST, initial ORA, or previous RD.DiscussionOverall, long-term follow-up of XLRS patients demonstrated relatively stable VA, with presenting CST, development of ORA, and null RS1 mutations associated with poorer long-term visual outcomes, indicating a clinically relevant genotype-phenotype correlation in XLRS.
Probiotic lactic acid bacteria alleviate pediatric IBD and remodel gut microbiota by modulating macrophage polarization and suppressing epithelial apoptosis
Authors: Hua Huiying , Pan Chun , Chen Xixi , Jing Mengxia , Xie Jinfang , Gao Yuanqi , Huang Jiebin , Chen Xuehua , Gao Yujing , Xu Chundi , Li Pu 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) continues to rise. It was reported that the probiotic lactic acid bacteria Pediococcus pentosaceus (P. pentosaceus) can interfere with intestinal immunity, but it is still unknown whether it can alleviate PIBD and the concrete mechanism of immune regulation is unclear.MethodsFor this study, 3-week-old juvenile mice were selected for modeling the development of PIBD. The mice treated with 2% DSS were randomly divided into two groups, which were given P. pentosaceus CECT8330 and equal amounts of solvent, respectively. The feces and intestinal tissue were collected for the mechanism exploration in vivo. THP-1 and NCM460 cells were used to investigate the effects of P. pentosaceus CECT8330 on macrophage polarization, epithelial cell apoptosis, and their crosstalk in vitro.ResultsP. pentosaceus CECT8330 obviously alleviated colitis symptoms of juvenile mice, including weight loss, colon length shortening, spleen swelling, and intestinal barrier function. Mechanistically, P. pentosaceus CECT8330 could inhibit intestinal epithelial apoptosis by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it reprogramed macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, leading to a decreased secretion of IL-1β which contributes to the reduction in ROS production and epithelial apoptosis. Additionally, the 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed that P. pentosaceus CECT8330 could recover the balance of gut microbiota, and a significantly increased content of Akkermansia muciniphila was particularly observed.ConclusionP. pentosaceus CECT8330 shifts macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. The decreased production of IL-1β leads to a reduction in ROS, NF-κB activation, and apoptosis in the intestinal epithelium, all of which help to repair the intestinal barrier and adjust gut microbiota in juvenile colitis mice.
Could oral hygiene prevent cases of at-home-acquired Legionnaires’ disease? – Results of a comprehensive case–control study on infection sources, risk, and protective behaviors
Authors: Lehfeld Ann-Sophie , Reber Franziska , Lewandowsky Marina M. , Jahn Heiko J. , Lück Christian , Petzold Markus , Schaefer Benedikt , Germelmann Anna-Rachel , Lorenz Katrin , Buchholz Udo 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe “LeTriWa study” on community-acquired cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) found that most cases likely acquired their infection at home (AHALD). However, which sources confer the infection is largely unknown. We therefore analyzed the data set from the LeTriWa study to find out if individual sources were associated with AHALD and if specific behavioral habits may increase or lower the risk for AHALD.MethodsDuring the study we had used two comparison groups: (i) controls matched for age group and hospital (“controls”), (ii) household members of cases with AHALD (“AHALD-HHM”). We inquired about exposure to water sources, such as showering or wearing dentures, as well as behavioral factors and habits related to oral hygiene. We took standardized household bathroom water and biofilm samples of both cases with AHALD and controls, and in addition from households of cases with AHALD only samples from suspect residential (non-)drinking water sources. We first conducted bivariate analyses for infection sources and behaviors, followed by multivariable analyses.ResultsThere were 124 cases with AHALD, 217 controls and 59 AHALD-HHM. In bivariate analyses using controls for comparison, wearing dentures was the only variable significantly positively associated (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–2.7, p-value = 0.02). Behavioral factors such as showering, letting water run before use and not being alcohol abstinent were significantly negatively associated, smoking was significantly positively associated. In a multivariable analysis, we identified good oral hygiene as a preventive factor for both denture wearers (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.13–0.83, p-value = 0.02) and non-denture wearers (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.10–1.04, p-value = 0.06). Analyses of comparisons with AHALD-HHM showed similar effects but lacked statistical power. We identified Legionella in 16 residential (non-)drinking water sources, one of which was a PCR-positive scratch sample of dentures.DiscussionWearing (inadequately cleaned) dentures or poor oral hygiene might confer an increased risk for AHALD, and oral hygiene may prevent AHALD. The hypothesis that Legionella in oral biofilm or dental plaque may be the cause of cases with AHALD should be examined further. If confirmed this may open new and simple avenues for the prevention of LD.
Identification and genetic characteristics of tusavirus in fecal samples of patients with chronic diseases in Guangzhou, China
Authors: He Huan , Li Yongzhi , Chen Jiaqi , Xian Juxian , Zheng Liting , Sun Hengbiao , Fan Shunchang , Fu Jiaqi , Li Qiushuang , Chen Caiyun , Liang Minyi , Zhang Minyi , Wu Ruojun , Xiao Gang , Chen Qing 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe Tunisian stool-associated parvovirus [Tusavirus (TuV)] is a novel member of the genus Protoparvovirus, which may be linked to diarrhea. Herein, we investigated the prevalence of TuV in different populations and analyzed its genetic and bioinformatic characteristics.MethodsThis study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou (China) from February 2018 to July 2022. Demographic and clinical information and stool samples were collected from individuals who visited the hospital. ProtScale, SwissModel, Datamonkey, and other tools were used to analyze and predict the physicochemical parameters, tertiary structure, selection pressure, and B-cell epitopes of capsid viral protein 2 of TuV (VP2-TuV).ResultsA total of 3,837 participants were enrolled, among which two stool samples from patients with chronic illnesses were tested positive for TuV DNA. However, no positive sample was detected among patients with diarrhea. Two near-complete genome sequences were amplified. The genetic analysis revealed the presence of diversity among TuVs isolated from distinct host species. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that VP2-TuV exhibited hydrophilic properties and lacked transmembrane domains and signal peptides. The secondary structure of VP2-TuV was composed mainly of random coils and β-strands. Selective-pressure analysis of the VP2 region suggested that TuV primarily underwent negative selection during evolution. Negatively selected codon sites coincided with residues comprising of B-cell epitopes, suggesting minimal changes in the immunogenicity of TuV over time.ConclusionTuV was detected in patients with chronic diseases but not in patients with diarrhea. The putative roles of TuV in the pathogenicity of human diseases and zoonotic viruses must be determined by additional studies.
Identifying languages in a novel dataset: ASMR-whispered speech
Authors: Song Meishu , Yang Zijiang , Parada-Cabaleiro Emilia , Jing Xin , Yamamoto Yoshiharu , Schuller Björn 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a combination of sensory phenomena involving electrostatic-like tingling sensations, which emerge in response to certain stimuli. Despite the overwhelming popularity of ASMR in the social media, no open source databases on ASMR related stimuli are yet available, which makes this phenomenon mostly inaccessible to the research community; thus, almost completely unexplored. In this regard, we present the ASMR Whispered-Speech (ASMR-WS) database.MethodsASWR-WS is a novel database on whispered speech, specifically tailored to promote the development of ASMR-like unvoiced Language Identification (unvoiced-LID) systems. The ASMR-WS database encompasses 38 videos-for a total duration of 10 h and 36 min-and includes seven target languages (Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish). Along with the database, we present baseline results for unvoiced-LID on the ASMR-WS database.ResultsOur best results on the seven-class problem, based on segments of 2s length, and on a CNN classifier and MFCC acoustic features, achieved 85.74% of unweighted average recall and 90.83% of accuracy.DiscussionFor future work, we would like to focus more deeply on the duration of speech samples, as we see varied results with the combinations applied herein. To enable further research in this area, the ASMR-WS database, as well as the partitioning considered in the presented baseline, is made accessible to the research community.
Eye movement changes as an indicator of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Opwonya Julius , Ku Boncho , Lee Kun Ho , Kim Joong Il , Kim Jaeuk U. 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundEarly identification of patients at risk of dementia, alongside timely medical intervention, can prevent disease progression. Despite their potential clinical utility, the application of diagnostic tools, such as neuropsychological assessments and neuroimaging biomarkers, is hindered by their high cost and time-consuming administration, rendering them impractical for widespread implementation in the general population. We aimed to develop non-invasive and cost-effective classification models for predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using eye movement (EM) data.MethodsWe collected eye-tracking (ET) data from 594 subjects, 428 cognitively normal controls, and 166 patients with MCI while they performed prosaccade/antisaccade and go/no-go tasks. Logistic regression (LR) was used to calculate the EM metrics’ odds ratios (ORs). We then used machine learning models to construct classification models using EM metrics, demographic characteristics, and brief cognitive screening test scores. Model performance was evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsLR models revealed that several EM metrics are significantly associated with increased odds of MCI, with odds ratios ranging from 1.213 to 1.621. The AUROC scores for models utilizing demographic information and either EM metrics or MMSE were 0.752 and 0.767, respectively. Combining all features, including demographic, MMSE, and EM, notably resulted in the best-performing model, which achieved an AUROC of 0.840.ConclusionChanges in EM metrics linked with MCI are associated with attentional and executive function deficits. EM metrics combined with demographics and cognitive test scores enhance MCI prediction, making it a non-invasive, cost-effective method to identify early stages of cognitive decline.
Bibliometric analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Xingfang , Zhang Xinyue , Li Cong , Li Zhenghong , Li Yiming , Li Mingquan 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the current research status of acupuncture in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using bibliometric methods, explore current research hotspots, and predict future research trends.MethodsLiterature on acupuncture for MCI in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) databases were searched from their inception to December 31, 2022. Articles were then filtered using inclusion and exclusion criteria and imported into VOSviewer 1.6.11 and CiteSpace 6.1.6msi software for descriptive analysis of publication numbers, network analysis of author/institution collaborations, and cluster analysis of keywords, as well as analysis of keyword emergence and linear relationships with time.ResultsThe Chinese and English databases included 243 and 565 relevant articles, respectively. The overall volume of Chinese and English literature was stable, with the annual volume generally increasing. In terms of countries, institutions, and authors, China had the highest number of English-language publications; however, the number of joint publications among institutions/authors was low. Research institutions were independent and dispersed, with no collaborative teams formed around a single institution/author. The hotspots in Chinese literature were “needling, treatment, electric acupuncture, nimodipine, cognitive training” and other clinical research directions. The hotspots in English literature were “acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cognitive impairment, memory, vascular dementia, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, hippocampus, injury,” and other mechanisms of action.ConclusionThe popularity of acupuncture for MCI is increasing year by year. Acupuncture for MCI, along with cognitive training, can help improve cognitive function. “Inflammation” is the frontier of acupuncture for MCI research. In the future, strengthening effective communication and cooperation among institutions, especially international cooperation, is essential for conducting high-quality research on acupuncture for MCI. This will help obtain high-level evidence and improve the output and translation of research results.
Development and validation of an inflammatory response-related signature in triple negative breast cancer for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy
Authors: Guo Yangyang , Cen Kenan , Yang Shi , Mai Yifeng , Hong Kai 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundInflammation is one of the most important characteristics of tumor tissue. Signatures based on inflammatory response-related genes (IRGs) can predict prognosis and treatment response in a variety of tumors. However, the clear function of IRGs in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) still needs to be explored.MethodsIRGs clusters were discovered via consensus clustering, and the prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across clusters were utilized to develop a signature using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Verification analyses were conducted to show the robustness of the signature. The expression of risk genes was identified by RT-qPCR. Lastly, we formulated a nomogram to improve the clinical efficacy of our predictive tool.ResultsThe IRGs signature, comprised of four genes, was developed and was shown to be highly correlated with the prognoses of TNBC patients. In contrast with the performance of the other individual predictors, we discovered that the IRGs signature was remarkably superior. Also, the ImmuneScores were elevated in the low-risk group. The immune cell infiltration showed significant difference between the two groups, as did the expression of immune checkpoints.ConclusionThe IRGs signature could act as a biomarker and provide a momentous reference for individual therapy of TNBC.
Combatting negative bias: a mental contrasting and implementation intentions online intervention to increase help-seeking among individuals with elevated depressive symptomatology
Authors: Keeler Amanda R. , Nydegger Liesl A. , Crano William D. 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThere are many reasons why individuals with depression may not seek help. Among those with elevated depressive symptomatology, some previous interventions aimed at increasing help-seeking have unintentionally decreased help-seeking intentions. Beck’s cognitive theory of depression posits that individuals with elevated depressive symptomatology process information differently from those without depression (i.e., increased cognitive errors, negative bias); potentially explaining the iatrogenic results of previous interventions. Mental contrasting and implementation intentions (MCII; a self-regulatory strategy) interventions have successfully influenced physical and mental health behaviors. However, MCII has not been used specifically for initiating help-seeking for depression. The goal of this research was to ascertain whether an online MCII intervention could increase actual help-seeking or the intention to seek help for depression.MethodTwo online randomized pre-post experiments were conducted to measure the primary outcome measures 2 weeks post-intervention (Study 1 collected Summer 2019: information-only control [“C”], help-seeking MCII intervention [“HS”], and comparison MCII intervention [“E”]; Study 2 collected Winter 2020: “C” and “HS”). At Time 1, adults recruited from MTurk had a minimum Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) score of 14 (mild depressive symptoms) and were not seeking professional help.ResultsStudy 1 (N = 74) indicated that the intervention was feasible, provided preliminary support, and clarified intervention components for Study 2. Study 2 (N = 224) indicated that the HS group reported greater intentions to seek help and actual help-seeking than the C group. Proportionally, actual help-seeking was more likely among individuals who received the HS intervention and either did not perceive themselves as depressed at Time 2 or had BDI-II scores indicating that their depressive symptomatology decreased from Time 1.LimitationsParticipation was limited to US residents who self-reported data.DiscussionThese studies indicate that a brief online MCII intervention to encourage help-seeking is feasible and preliminarily successful. Future studies should consider using ecological momentary assessment measurements to establish the temporal precedence of intervention effects and whether MCII is effective for encouraging help-seeking among individuals prone to experiencing cognitive errors who may not be experiencing negative bias (e.g., bipolar disorder or anxiety). Clinicians may find this method successful in encouraging ongoing treatment engagement.
Effects of verbal tasks with varying difficulty on real-time respiratory airflow during speech generation in healthy young adults
Authors: Gullsvåg Malin , Rodríguez-Aranda Claudia 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveRespiratory function is linked to sensory, affective, and cognitive processes and it is affected by environmental constraints such as cognitive demands. It is suggested that specific cognitive processes, such as working memory or executive functioning, may impact breathing. In turn, various lines of research have suggested a link between peak expiratory airflow (PEF) and cognitive function. However, there is scarce experimental support to the above assertions, especially regarding spoken language. Therefore, the present investigation aims to evaluate whether breathing varies as a function of performing verbal naming tasks with different difficulty levels.MethodsThirty healthy young adults, (age M = 25.37 years), participated in the study. Participants were required to perform aloud five verbal tasks ranged in order of difficulty: Reading single words, reading a text passage, object naming, semantic and phonemic fluency. A pneumotachograph mask was employed to acquire simultaneously the verbal responses, and three airflow parameters: Duration, peak, and volume at both stages of the respiratory cycle (i.e., inspiration/expiration). Data were analyzed with one-way repeated measures MANOVA.ResultsNo significant differences were found between reading single words and object naming. In comparison, distinctive airflow requirements were found for reading a text passage, which were proportionally related to number of pronounced words. Though, the main finding of the study concerns the data on verbal fluency tasks, which not only entailed higher inhaled airflow resources but also a significant PEF.ConclusionOur data demonstrated that the most difficult tasks, namely semantic and phonemic verbal fluencies, relying on semantic search, executive function, and fast lexical retrieval of words were those requiring important amount of inhaled airflow and displaying a high peak expiratory airflow. The present findings demonstrated for the first time a direct association between complex verbal tasks and PEF. Inconclusive data related to object naming and reading single words are discussed in light of the methodological challenges inherent to the assessment of speech breathing and cognition in this line of investigation.