bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral microbial dysbiosis in patients with periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liu Siqin , Xie Guofang , Chen Meifeng , He Yukun , Yu Wenyi , Chen Xiaobo , Mao Weigang , Liu Nanxia , Zhang Yuanjie , Chang Qin , Qiao Yingying , Ma Xinqian , Xue Jianbo , Jin Mengtong , Guo Shuming , Hou Yudong , Gao Zhancheng 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundOral microbiota is closely related to the homeostasis of the oral cavity and lungs. To provide potential information for the prediction, screening, and treatment strategies of individuals, this study compared and investigated the bacterial signatures in periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Materials and methodsWe collected subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular fluid samples from 112 individuals (31 healthy controls, 24 patients with periodontitis, 28 patients with COPD, and 29 patients with both periodontitis and COPD). The oral microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and diversity and functional prediction analysis were performed.ResultsWe observed higher bacterial richness in individuals with periodontitis in both types of oral samples. Using LEfSe and DESeq2 analyses, we found differentially abundant genera that may be potential biomarkers for each group. Mogibacterium is the predominant genus in COPD. Ten genera, including Desulfovibrio, Filifactor, Fretibacterium, Moraxella, Odoribacter, Pseudoramibacter Pyramidobacter, Scardovia, Shuttleworthia and Treponema were predominant in periodontitis. Bergeyella, Lautropia, Rothia, Propionibacterium and Cardiobacterium were the signature of the healthy controls. The significantly different pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) between healthy controls and other groups were concentrated in genetic information processing, translation, replication and repair, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins.ConclusionsWe found the significant differences in the bacterial community and functional characterization of oral microbiota in periodontitis, COPD and comorbid diseases. Compared to gingival crevicular fluid, subgingival plaque may be more appropriate for reflecting the difference of subgingival microbiota in periodontitis patients with COPD. These results may provide potentials for predicting, screening, and treatment strategies for individuals with periodontitis and COPD.
Comparative analysis of five type II TA systems identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveals their contributions to persistence and intracellular survival
Authors: Song Yingjie , Tang Hong , Bao Rui 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is a grave nosocomial pathogen that persistently inhabits the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and causes various chronic infections. The bacterial toxin–antitoxin (TA) system is associated with latent and long-term infections, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully characterized.MethodsWe here investigated the diversity and function of five genomic type II TA systems widely distributed among P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. We also examined the distinct structural features of the toxin protein from different TA systems and characterized their contributions to persistence, invasion ability, and intracellular infection caused by P. aeruginosa.ResultsParDE, PA1030/PA1029, and HigBA could modulate persister cell formation under treatment with specific antibiotics. Furthermore, cell-based transcriptional and invasion assays revealed that PA1030/PA1029 and HigBA TA systems were critical for intracellular survival.DiscussionOur results highlight the prevalence and diverse roles of type II TA systems in P. aeruginosa and evaluate the possibility of using PA1030/PA1029 and HigBA TA pairs as targets for novel antibiotic treatments.
Perception and trust influence acceptance for black bears more than bear density or conflicts
Authors: Siemer William F. , Lauber T. Bruce , Stedman Richard C. , Hurst Jeremy E. , Sun Catherine C. , Fuller Angela K. , Hollingshead Nicholas A. , Belant Jerrold L. , Kellner Kenneth F. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionTo sustain black bear (Ursus americanus) populations, wildlife managers should understand the coupled socio-ecological systems that influence acceptance capacity for bears.MethodIn a study area encompassing a portion of New York State, we spatially matched datasets from three sources: human-bear conflict reports between 2006 and 2018, estimates of local bear density in 2017–2018, and responses to a 2018 property owner survey (n=1,772). We used structural equation modeling to test hypothesized relationships between local human-bear conflict, local bear density, and psychological variables.ResultsThe final model explained 57% of the variance in acceptance. The effect of bear population density on acceptance capacity for bears was relatively small and was mediated by a third variable: perception of proximity to the effects of human-bear interactions. The variables that exerted a direct effect on acceptance were perception of bear-related benefits, perception of bear-related risks, perceived proximity to effects of human-bear interactions, and being a hunter. Perception of bear-related benefits had a greater effect on acceptance than perception of bear-related risks. Perceived proximity to effects of human-bear interactions was affected by local bear density, but also was affected by social trust. Increased social trust had nearly the same effect on perceived proximity as decreased bear density. Social trust had the greatest indirect effect on acceptance of any variable in the model.DiscussionFindings suggest wildlife agencies could maintain public acceptance for bears through an integrated approach that combines actions to address bear-related perceptions and social trust along with active management of bear populations.
Thoracic aortopathy in Marfan syndrome overlaps with mechanisms seen in bicuspid aortic valve disease
Authors: Grewal Nimrat , Dolmaci Onur , Jansen Evert , Klautz Robert , Driessen Antoine , Poelmann Robert E. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThoracic aortopathy is a serious complication which is more often seen in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) than in individuals with a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). The identification of common pathological mechanisms leading to aortic complications in non-syndromic and syndromic diseases would significantly improve the field of personalized medicine.ObjectiveThis study sought to compare thoracic aortopathy between MFS, BAV, and TAV individuals.Materials and methodsBicuspid aortic valve (BAV; n = 36), TAV (n = 23), and MFS (n = 8) patients were included. Ascending aortic wall specimen were studied for general histologic features, apoptosis, markers of cardiovascular ageing, expression of synthetic and contractile vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), and fibrillin-1 expression.ResultsThe MFS group showed many similarities with the dilated BAV. Both patient groups showed a thinner intima (p &lt; 0.0005), a lower expression of contractile VSMCs (p &lt; 0.05), more elastic fiber thinning (p &lt; 0.001), lack of inflammation (p &lt; 0.001), and a decreased progerin expression (p &lt; 0.05) as compared to the TAV. Other features of cardiovascular ageing differed between the BAV and MFS. Dilated BAV patients demonstrated less medial degeneration (p &lt; 0.0001), VSMC nuclei loss (p &lt; 0.0001), apoptosis of the vessel wall (p &lt; 0.03), and elastic fiber fragmentation and disorganization (p &lt; 0.001), as compared to the MFS and dilated TAV.ConclusionThis study showed important similarities in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysms in BAV and MFS. These common mechanisms can be further investigated to personalize treatment strategies in non-syndromic and syndromic conditions.
The role of ginseng derivatives against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review of non-clinical studies
Authors: Moini Jazani Arezoo , Arabzadeh AmirAhmad , Haghi-Aminjan Hamed , Nasimi Doost Azgomi Ramin 
Published: February 2023

AimsAlthough chemotherapy agents are used to treating cancers, they have serious side effects, like their harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, limiting the clinical use of these chemotherapy agents. This study aimed to systematically investigate the potential role of ginseng derivatives in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity.MethodsThis systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines strategy in databases till August 2022. First, identify studies related to using search terms in titles and abstracts. After studying and screening 209 articles, 16 articles were selected in this study according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsAccording to the findings of this study, ginseng derivatives showed significant changes in biochemical, histological, and heart weight loss, as well as a reduction in mortality, which occurred in the groups treated with chemotherapy agents compared to the control groups. Co-administration of ginseng derivatives with chemotherapy agents inhibited or reversed these changes to near-moderate levels. The protective effects of ginseng derivatives can be due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic action.ConclusionThis systematic review shows evidence that concomitant administration of ginseng derivatives improves chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity. However, for better conclusions about the practical mechanisms of ginseng derivatives in reducing the cardiac toxic effects of chemotherapy agents and evaluating the efficacy and safety of the compound simultaneously, it is necessary to design comprehensive studies.
Wrist-worn device combining PPG and ECG can be reliably used for atrial fibrillation detection in an outpatient setting
Authors: Saarinen Harri Juhani , Joutsen Atte , Korpi Kirsi , Halkola Tuomas , Nurmi Marko , Hernesniemi Jussi , Vehkaoja Antti 
Published: February 2023

AimsThe aim was to validate the performance of a monitoring system consisting of a wrist-worn device and a data management cloud service intended to be used by medical professionals in detecting atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsThirty adult patients diagnosed with AF alone or AF with concomitant flutter were recruited. Continuous photoplethysmogram (PPG) and intermittent 30 s Lead I electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were collected over 48 h. The ECG was measured four times a day at prescheduled times, when notified due to irregular rhythm detected by PPG, and when self-initiated based on symptoms. Three-channel Holter ECG was used as the reference.ResultsThe subjects recorded a total of 1,415 h of continuous PPG data and 3.8 h of intermittent ECG data over the study period. The PPG data were analyzed by the system’s algorithm in 5-min segments. The segments containing adequate amounts, at least ~30 s, of adequate quality PPG data for rhythm assessment algorithm, were included. After rejecting 46% of the 5-min segments, the remaining data were compared with annotated Holter ECG yielding AF detection sensitivity and specificity of 95.6 and 99.2%, respectively. The ECG analysis algorithm labeled 10% of the 30-s ECG records as inadequate quality and these were excluded from the analysis. The ECG AF detection sensitivity and specificity were 97.7 and 89.8%, respectively. The usability of the system was found to be good by both the study subjects and the participating cardiologists.ConclusionThe system comprising of a wrist device and a data management service was validated to be suitable for use in patient monitoring and in the detection of AF in an ambulatory setting.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov/, NCT05008601.
Association of cardiac troponin T and growth differentiation factor 15 with replacement and interstitial cardiac fibrosis in community dwelling adults: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis
Authors: deFilippi Christopher R. , Tran Henry , Gattani Raghav , Daniels Lori B. , Shah Palak , Ilkhanoff Leonard , Christenson Robert , Lima Joao A. , Seliger Stephen 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundSubclinical abnormalities in myocardial structure (stage B heart failure) may be identified by cardiac and non-organ specific biomarkers. The associations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) interstitial fibrosis (extracellular volume [ECV]) is unknown and for GDF-15 the association with replacement (late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]) is also unknown. GDF-15 is a systemic biomarker also released by myocytes associated with fibrosis and inflammation. We sought to define the associations of hs-cTnT and GDF-15 with these CMR fibrosis measures in the MESA cohort.MethodsWe measured hs-cTnT and GDF-15 in MESA participants free of cardiovascular disease at exam 5. CMR measurements were complete in 1737 for LGE and 1258 for ECV assessment. We estimated the association of each biomarker with LGE and increased ECV (4th quartile) using logistic regression, adjusted for demographics and risk factors.ResultsMean age of the participants was 68 ± 9 years. Unadjusted, both biomarkers were associated with LGE, but after adjustment only hs-cTnT concentrations remained significant (4th vs. 1st quartile OR] 7.5, 95% CI: 2.1, 26.6). For interstitial fibrosis both biomarkers were associated with 4th quartile ECV, but the association was attenuated compared to replacement fibrosis. After adjustment, only hs-cTnT concentrations remained significant (1st to 4th quartile OR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.1, 2.8).ConclusionOur findings identify that both interstitial and replacement fibrosis are associated with myocyte cell death/injury, but GDF-15 a non-organ specific biomarker prognostic for incident cardiovascular disease is not associated with preclinical evidence of cardiac fibrosis.
Acute hyperglycemia compromises the responses of choroidal vessels using swept-source optical coherence tomography during dark and light adaptations
Authors: Lin Zhiyang , Yu Huankai , Shi Ce , Chen Hongling , Lin Guangqing , Shen Meixiao , Wang Chenxiao 
Published: February 2023

PurposeTo clarify the effects of acute hyperglycemia on the responses of choroidal structural components and vascularity index during light modulation in healthy participants using techniques including image binarization and artificial intelligence (AI) segmentation based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).MethodsTwenty-four eyes of 24 healthy participants were imaged at different stages after ambient light, 40 min of dark adaptation, and 5 min of light adaptation in two imaging sessions: control and after receiving 75 g of oral glucose solution. The choroidal structural parameters, including luminal volume (LV), stromal volume (SV), total choroidal volume (TCV), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) within a 6 mm area were determined using a custom algorithm based on image binarization and AI segmentation of SS-OCT. These measurements were compared among the conditions after adjusting for axial length, age to identify the differences.ResultsIn the dark, CVI decreased (-0.36 ± 0.09%) significantly in acute hyperglycemia compared to the control condition. During the transition to ambient light, there was an increasing trend in the choroidal parameters compared with the control experiment. However, only TCV (0.38 ± 0.17 mm3) and LV (0.27 ± 0.10 mm3) showed a significant increase at the time point of 5 min after ambient light.ConclusionAnalysis of choroidal structural parameters and CVI based on SS-OCT images is a potentially powerful method to objectively reflect subtle changes in neurovascular coupling between the choroid and photoreceptor during dark adaptation.
Primary thyroid lymphoma: A single-center experience
Authors: Lee Jin Seok , Shin Su-Jin , Yun Hyeok Jun , Kim Seok Mo , Chang Hojin , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang-Seok 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundPrimary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a very rare entity accounting for 5% of all thyroid malignancies and less than 2% of lymphomas. PTLs are classified as non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphomas in the majority of cases, although Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the thyroid has also been identified. This study aimed to identify the clinical, biochemical, and pathological features of primary thyroid lymphomas.MethodsFrom January 2008 to December 2020, data from patients diagnosed with PTL treated at the Gangnam Severance Hospital, including clinical, biochemical, and pathological features of thyroid lymphomas, were assessed.ResultsOf 10 patients, nine women and one man, with a median age of 62 (range, 44–82) years were included. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed in nine patients and surgical resection was performed in one patient without biopsy. Excisional and surgical biopsies were performed in all patients, including five who underwent excisional biopsy and five who underwent thyroidectomy. Histological analyses revealed that all 10 lymphomas were non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma; six patients had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, three had mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and one had Burkitt lymphoma. Four patients received chemotherapy, two were treated with chemoradiation therapy, one received radiation therapy only, one did not require more treatment after surgery, one refused treatment, and one was transferred to another hospital.ConclusionsAlthough PTLs are scarce, clinicians should be aware of this rare entity and evaluate and treat PTLs on an individual basis.
Excess visceral fat area as an independent risk factor for early postoperative complications in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Han Liping , Deng Chaoyi , Zhao Rui , Wan Qianyi , Zhang Xiaofang , Wang Xiao , Chen Yi 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the correlation between visceral fat area (VFA) and early postoperative complications in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between VFA and early postoperative complications in patients with obesity following bariatric surgery.MethodsThe study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital. Patients with obesity who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between June 2016 and October 2020 were divided into two groups based on umbilical level VFA: high-VFA group (umbilical level VFA ≥ 100 cm2) and low-VFA group (umbilical level VFA &lt; 100 cm2). Baseline characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative conditions, and early postoperative complications were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was early postoperative complications, and the secondary outcome was postoperative hospital stay.ResultsThe study included 152 patients, with 82 patients in the low-VFA group and 70 patients in the high-VFA group. The high-VFA group had a higher incidence of early postoperative complications (14.29% vs. 2.44%, P = 0.013) than the low-VFA group. The length of postoperative hospital stay did not differ significantly between the groups.ConclusionsOur study suggests that excess VFA is an independent risk factor for early postoperative complications following bariatric surgery, and VFA may be used in preoperative evaluations.
Body mass index affects kidney transplant outcomes: A cohort study over 5 years using a steroid sparing protocol
Authors: Bellini Maria Irene , Deurloo Emily , Consorti Fabrizio , Herbert Paul Elliot 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThere is controversy regarding the suitability of high body mass index (BMI) candidates accessing the transplant waitlist.Patients and methodsObservational study on consecutive kidney transplant recipients undergoing surgery between January 2014 and March 2016 at our center. Patients were stratified according to BMI. Survival outcomes and graft function were analyzed to investigate the effect of donor’s and recipient’s demographic characteristics.Results396 kidney transplant recipients: 260 males, mean age 51.8 ± 15.9 years, followed up for a mean time of 5.86 ± 2.29 years. Mean BMI 26.2 ± 5.1. BMI class 1 (20 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9) n=133, class 2 (25 ≤ BMI ≤ 29.9) n= 155, class 3 (30 ≤ BMI ≤34.9) n=53, class 4 (BMI ≥ 35) n=21, class V (BMI ≤ 19.9) n=34. Patient survival was not significantly different according to the recipient’s BMI class (p=0.476); graft survival was affected (p=0.031), as well as graft function up to 2 years post-transplant and at 4 years follow up (p=0.016). At logistic regression the factors independently associated with graft loss were only donor’s age (p=0.05) and BMI class of the recipient (p=0.002).ConclusionsObesity did not impact on patient’s survival but affected graft function and graft loss.
The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance is a judgment criterion for metformin pre-treatment before IVF/ICSI and embryo transfer cycles in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Gao Rui , Qin Lang , Li Zhengyu , Min Wenjiao 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the value of the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) as a judgment criterion for metformin pre-treatment before in vitro fertilization/intracellular sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) and embryo transfer (ET) for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients.Materials and methodsThe clinical and laboratory information of PCOS patients who received IVF/ICSI-ET from January 2017 to September 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. We compared the clinical pregnancy rate (primary outcome) and controlled ovarian stimulation (COS)-related parameters (secondary outcomes) between patients with and without metformin pre-treatment for all PCOS patients not grouped by HOMA-IR, PCOS patients with HOMA-IR &lt; 2.71, and PCOS patients with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.71.ResultsA total of 969 PCOS patients who received the GnRH-antagonist protocol were included in this study. For all PCOS patients, the metformin group showed comparable clinical pregnancy rates in fresh ET cycles and frozen ET cycles compared with the control group (55.9% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.821 and 63.8% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.497). For PCOS patients with HOMA-IR &lt; 2.71, the clinical pregnancy rates in both fresh ET cycles and frozen ET cycles were statistically similar between the two groups (61.5% vs. 57.6%, p = 0.658 and 70.6% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.535). For PCOS patients with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.71, the clinical pregnancy rate in fresh ET cycles was comparable between the two groups (51.5% vs. 56.3, p = 0.590), but it was statistically higher in the metformin group than in the control group in frozen ET cycles (57.1% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.023). The metformin group had less oocytes retrieved, a lower cleaved oocyte rate, a lower available D3 embryo rate, a lower blastocyst formation rate, and a lower available blastocyst rate than the control group.ConclusionHOMA-IR is a judgment criterion for metformin pre-treatment before IVF/ICSI-ET in patients with PCOS. Metformin pre-treatment could be added for PCOS patients with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.71 during frozen IVF/ICSI-ET cycles to improve the clinical pregnancy rate.