bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic analysis of cuproptosis-related gene in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Sha Shengnan , Si Luyi , Wu Xinrui , Chen Yuanbiao , Xiong Hui , Xu Ying , Liu Wangrui , Mei Haijun , Wang Tao , Li Mei 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundCuproptosis is a copper-dependent cell death mechanism that is associated with tumor progression, prognosis, and immune response. However, the potential role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear.Patients and methodsIn total, 346 TNBC samples were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and were classified using R software packages. The relationships between the different subgroups and clinical pathological characteristics, immune infiltration characteristics, and mutation status of the TME were examined. Finally, a nomogram and calibration curve were constructed to predict patient survival probability to improve the clinical applicability of the CRG_score.ResultsWe identified two CRG clusters with immune cell infiltration characteristics highly consistent with those of the immune-inflamed and immune-desert clusters. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the gene signature can be used to evaluate tumor immune cell infiltration, clinical features, and prognostic status. Low CRG_scores were characterized by high tumor mutation burden and immune activation, good survival probability, and more immunoreactivity to CTLA4, while high CRG_scores were characterized by the activation of stromal pathways and immunosuppression.ConclusionThis study revealed the potential effects of CRGs on the TME, clinicopathological features, and prognosis of TNBC. The CRGs were closely associated with the tumor immunity of TNBC and are a potential tool for predicting patient prognosis. Our data provide new directions for the development of novel drugs in the future.
Longitudinal Reduction in Diversity of Maternal Gut Microbiota During Pregnancy Is Observed in Multiple Low-Resource Settings: Results From the Women First Trial
Authors: Tang Minghua , Weaver Nicholas E. , Frank Daniel N. , Ir Diana , Robertson Charles E. , Kemp Jennifer F. , Westcott Jamie , Shankar Kartik , Garces Ana L. , Figueroa Lester , Tshefu Antoinette K. , Lokangaka Adrien L. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Somannavar Manjunath , Aziz Sumera , Saleem Sarah , McClure Elizabeth M. , Hambidge K. Michael , Hendricks Audrey E. , Krebs Nancy F. 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveTo characterize the changes in gut microbiota during pregnancy and determine the effects of nutritional intervention on gut microbiota in women from sub-Saharan Africa (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC), South Asia (India and Pakistan), and Central America (Guatemala).MethodsPregnant women in the Women First (WF) Preconception Maternal Nutrition Trial were included in this analysis. Participants were randomized to receive a lipid-based micronutrient supplement either ≥3 months before pregnancy (Arm 1); started the same intervention late in the first trimester (Arm 2); or received no nutrition supplements besides those self-administered or prescribed through local health services (Arm 3). Stool and blood samples were collected during the first and third trimesters. Findings presented here include fecal 16S rRNA gene-based profiling and systemic and intestinal inflammatory biomarkers, including alpha (1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal myeloperoxidase (MPO), and calprotectin.ResultsStool samples were collected from 640 women (DRC,n= 157; India,n= 102; Guatemala,n= 276; and Pakistan,n= 105). Gut microbial community structure did not differ by intervention arm but changed significantly during pregnancy. Richness, a measure of alpha-diversity, decreased over pregnancy. Community composition (beta-diversity) also showed a significant change from first to third trimester in all four sites. Of the top 10 most abundant genera, unclassifiedLachnospiraceaesignificantly decreased in Guatemala and unclassifiedRuminococcaceaesignificantly decreased in Guatemala and DRC. The change in the overall community structure at the genus level was associated with a decrease in the abundances of certain genera with low heterogeneity among the four sites. Intervention arms were not significantly associated with inflammatory biomarkers at 12 or 34 weeks. AGP significantly decreased from 12 to 34 weeks of pregnancy, whereas CRP, MPO, and calprotectin did not significantly change over time. None of these biomarkers were significantly associated with the gut microbiota diversity.ConclusionThe longitudinal reduction of individual genera (both commensals and potential pathogens) and alpha-diversity among all sites were consistent and suggested that the effect of pregnancy on the maternal microbiota overrides other influencing factors, such as nutrition intervention, geographical location, diet, race, and other demographical variables.
Disrupted intra- and inter-network connectivity in unilateral acute tinnitus with hearing loss
Authors: Zhou Gang-Ping , Li Wang-Wei , Chen Yu-Chen , Wei Heng-Le , Yu Yu-Sheng , Guo Xi , Yin Xindao , Tao Yue-Jin , Zhang Hong 
Published: August 2022

PurposeCurrently, the underlying neurophysiological mechanism of acute tinnitus is still poorly understood. This study aimed to explore differences in brain functional connectivity (FC) within and between resting-state networks (RSNs) in acute tinnitus patients with hearing loss (ATHL). Furthermore, it also evaluated the correlations between FC alterations and clinical characteristics.MethodsTwo matched groups of 40 patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Independent component analysis (ICA) was employed to obtain RSNs and FC differences were calculated within RSNs. In addition, the relationships between networks were conducted using functional network connectivity (FNC) analysis. Finally, an analysis of correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between FNC abnormalities and clinical data.ResultsResults of this study found that seven major RSNs including the auditory network (AN), cerebellum network (CN), default mode network (DMN), executive control network (ECN), sensorimotor network (SMN), ventral attention network (VAN), and visual network (VN) were extracted using the group ICA in both groups. Furthermore, it was noted that the ATHL group showed aberrant FC within the CN, ECN, and VN as compared with HCs. Moreover, different patterns of network interactions were observed between groups, including the SMN-ECN, SMN-CN, ECN-AN, DMN-VAN, and DMN-CN connections. The correlations between functional disconnection and clinical characteristics in ATHL were also found in this study.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study indicated widespread alterations of intra- and inter-network connectivity in ATHL, suggesting that multiple large-scale network dysfunctions and interactions are involved in the early stage. Furthermore, our findings may provide new perspectives to understand the neuropathophysiological mechanism of acute tinnitus.
Both hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia are associated with increased mortality in septic patients
Authors: Liu Zheng , Li Teng , Du Yihan , Li Chenhu , Chong Wei 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveThis study was intended to explore the relationship between level of serum phosphate and prognosis in septic patients.MethodsData were obtained from the public database, which were divided into 2 subgroups according to whether they were complicated with chronic kidney disease. Initial values of serum phosphate were extracted from patients on admission to hospital. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed. The relationship between hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemia and the severity of the disease in septic patients was explored separately. The lowess smoothing technique and the Kaplan-Meier method were utilized for a preliminary analysis of serum phosphate levels in relation to in-hospital mortality and 28-day survival. The initial values of serum phosphate were graded as level 1 (&lt;1.5 mg/dL), level 2 (1.5-2.7 mg/dL), level 3 (2.7-4.5 mg/dL), level 4 (4.5-5.5 mg/dL), level 5 (5.5-6.5 mg/dL), level 6 (6.5-7.5 mg/dL) and level 7 (&gt; 7.5 mg/dL). Multivariate logistic regression and cox regression was used to analyse the relationship between serum phosphate levels and mortality.ResultsThere were 4059 cases (17.4%) combined with chronic kidney disease, including 419 cases (10.3%) with hypophosphatemia and 1091 cases (26.8%) with hyperphosphatemia. There were 19224 cases (82.6%) not combined with chronic kidney disease, including 3769 cases (19.6%) hypophosphatemia and 2158 cases (11.2%) hyperphosphatemia. After propensity score-matched, in-hospital mortality, 28-day mortality, risk of septic shock was significantly higher in the 2 subgroups of hypophosphatemia patients than in normophosphatemia patients. In-hospital mortality, 28-day mortality, risk of septic shock, occurrence of renal replacement therapy, occurrence of acute renal failure, and maximum clinical score were all significantly higher in the 2 subgroups of patients with hyperphosphatemia than in patients with normophosphatemia. Multivariate logistic regression was consistent with cox regression results. In septic patients without chronic kidney disease, hypophosphatemia was an independent risk factor for death. When serum phosphate was lower, the risk of death was higher. In all septic patients, hyperphosphatemia was an independent risk factor for death. When serum phosphate was higher, the risk of death was greater.ConclusionsBoth hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia are associated with increased mortality in septic patients and are independent risk factors for death.
Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7894 Improves the Efficacy of Infliximab for DSS-Induced Colitis via Regulating the Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism
Authors: Xiao Fangfei , Dong Fang , Li Xiaolu , Li Youran , Yu Guangjun , Liu Zhanju , Wang Yizhong , Zhang Ting 
Published: August 2022

Background: Recent evidence suggests that the changes in gut microbiota and its metabolites could predict the clinical response of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, such as infliximab (IFX). However, whether manipulation of the gut microbiota can enhance the efficacy of anti-TNF agents remains unclear. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of a probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) CECT 7894, on IFX efficacy for dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and attempt to explore the potential involved mechanisms.Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or B. longum CECT 7894 (5 × 108 CFU/day) once daily by gavage for 5 days and subsequently induced acute colitis by 3% (w/v) DSS in drinking water. The efficacies of IFX combined with or without B. longum CECT 7894 were assessed by weight loss, fecal consistency, colon length, and histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs) in colonic tissues. The microbiota composition was characterized through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Fecal bile acids (BAs) levels were analyzed by targeted metabolomics.Results:B. longum CECT 7894 improved the efficacy of IFX for DSS-induced colitis as evidenced by decreased weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length shortening, histological damage, increased ZO-1, and Occludin expressions as compared with mice that received IFX only. B. longum CECT 7894 modified the composition and structure of the gut microbiota community in DSS-induced colitis mice. B. longum CECT 7894 increased the relative abundances of genera Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, Clostridium, Coprococcus, Gemmiger, and Parabacterioides, and reduced the relative abundances of bacteria genera Enterococcus and Pseudomonas. Furthermore, B. longum CECT 7894 changed the BAs metabolism by increasing the abundance of secondary BAs, such as a-MCA, ß-MCA, LCA, CDCA, UDCA, HCA, isoLCA, isoalloLCA. The covariance analysis revealed the upregulated secondary BAs were positively associated with the increased abundance of bacteria that contained bile salt hydrolases (BSH) and 7α-dehydroxylases genes.Conclusion:B. longum CECT 7894 improved the efficacy of IFX for DSS-induced colitis via regulating the gut microbiota composition and bile acid metabolism. Probiotics supplementation may provide a possibility to improve the clinical response of anti-TNF agents in IBD management.
Cognitive decline in acoustic neuroma patients: An investigation based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and voxel-based morphometry
Authors: Deng Xueyun , Liu Lizhen , Zhen Zhiming , Chen Quan , Liu Lihua , Hui Xuhui 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveAcoustic neuroma (AN) is a clinically common benign tumor. There are few neuropsychological investigations for AN, especially cognitive neuropsychology. Herein, the study probed into cognitive function changes in AN patients and expounded possible mechanisms through structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Materials and methodsNeuropsychological tests were performed between 64 patients with AN and 67 healthy controls. Then, using resting-state fMRI, the possible mechanisms of cognitive decline in AN patients were further explored by calculating the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo). Furthermore, using high-resolution T1-weighted images, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was adopted to investigate the changes in gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV) in AN patients.ResultsAN patients had worse cognitive performance than those in the healthy controls. Relative to the healthy individuals, the mALFF value was increased in the right caudate nucleus of the patients with left-sided AN (LAN) and the right rectus region of the patients with right-sided AN (RAN). The mReHo values of the bilateral superior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus were decreased in LAN patients. Compared with healthy subjects, the GMV values were elevated in the left fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, calcarine gyrus, and cuneus in LAN patients as well as in the right fusiform gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus in RAN patients. Meanwhile, the WMV values showed elevations in the bilateral putamen, left rectal gyrus, and thalamus in LAN patients.ConclusionCognitive dysfunction occurs in AN patients. Cognitive decline in AN patients activates functional activity in some brain regions, thereby compensating for cognition decline. Additionally, the ReHo values were reduced in the frontal lobe in LAN patients, and the connectivity was decreased, affecting the functional differentiation and integration of the brain, which may be associated with the decline in cognitive function. Lateralized brain reorganization induced by unilateral hearing loss was presented in AN patients. LAN caused a more significant interference effect on the brain while RAN patients showed more stable cerebral cortices. Altogether, responding to cognition decline in AN patients, structural reorganization occurs, and compensative increases in cognitive-related brain regions, which compensates for cognitive impairment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Health Care Workers in Thailand: The Comparative Results of Two Cross-Sectional Online Surveys Before and After Vaccine Availability
Authors: Pheerapanyawaranun Chatkamol , Wang Yi , Kittibovorndit Nachawish , Pimsarn Nopphadol , Sirison Kanchanok , Teerawattananon Yot , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionThe arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Thailand has supported the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among health care workers (HCWs) in Thailand before and after vaccines' availability and investigated factors (both enablers and barriers) affecting their decisions.MethodsTwo online self-administered questionnaires were distributed to HCWs in two time-periods: (1) the pre-vaccine arrival period (prior to COVID-19 vaccines' arrival in Thailand, January 28 to February 16, 2021); and (2) the post-vaccine arrival period (April 21 to May 9, 2021). Descriptive analyses and multinomial logistic regression were conducted to examine factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.ResultsThere were 55,068 respondents in the pre-vaccine arrival period and 27,319 respondents in the post-vaccine arrival period. In the pre-vaccine arrival period, 55.0% of respondents were willing to accept the vaccines, 35.4% were uncertain, and 9.6% declined. In the post-vaccine arrival period, ~16% already received two doses of either the Sinovac or AstraZeneca vaccine, and 43% were administered one dose. Approximately 12% of those who had received the first dose were uncertain or not willing to accept the second dose. Demographic and socio-demographic factors of participants, including their sex, place of residence, and whether they were frontline COVID-19 workers, were found to be the significant factors explaining vaccination hesitancy. Moreover, when comparing the pre-vaccine arrival and post-vaccine arrival periods, it was found that older HCWs were more likely to decline a COVID-19 vaccine in the pre-vaccine arrival period; on the other hand, older HCWs were less likely to decline or be uncertain to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the post-vaccine arrival period.ConclusionInformation on HCWs' acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, including who is more likely to accept the vaccines, could assist in planning vaccine allocation to both HCWs and the general public, who often believe HCWs' recommendations. This study's findings set out how policies can be addressed to reduce vaccine hesitancy. This study also highlights HCWs' characteristics (including gender, work region, occupation, and history of receiving influenza vaccination) and the reasons they cited for their vaccine acceptance or hesitance.
The Role of Diet Compared to Physical Activity on Women's Cancer Mortality: Results From the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Chan Joshua E. , Caesar Michelle Ann , Mann Amandeep K. , Koh-Bell Alex , Richardson Michael T. , Johnson Caitlin R. , Kapp Daniel S. , Chan John K. 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundAmong women in the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Prior studies have examined how lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, influence cancer mortality. However, few have evaluated if diet or physical activity has a stronger protective effect for cancer mortality. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the impacts of diet and physical activity on women's cancer mortality.MethodsProspective, cross-sectional data were abstracted from the Third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) on female respondents from 1988 to 1994. Physical activity was derived from the CDC's metabolic equivalent (MET) intensity levels. Dietary classifications were derived from the USDA's healthy eating index (HEI). We utilized the National Death Index to obtain mortality follow-up information on our cohort until December 31, 2015. Chi-squared, multivariable Cox regression, and Kaplan–Meier estimates were employed for statistical analyses.ResultsOf 3,590 women (median age: 57, range: 40–89), 30% had an obese BMI (BMI≥30 kg/m2). Additionally, 22% of participants self-reported a healthy diet, 69% needed dietary improvement, and 9% had a poor diet. Furthermore, 21% reported physical inactivity, 44% did not meet physical activity guidelines, and 35% met guidelines. On multivariate analysis, healthy diet (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51–0.98; p = 0.04), but not physical activity (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.55–1.38; p = 0.55), independently predicted for lower cancer mortality. Participants with a healthy diet but low exercise had decreased cancer mortality compared to participants with an unhealthy diet but high exercise (p = 0.01).ConclusionsA healthful diet was associated with lower cancer mortality in women, even after adjusting for obesity, inflammation, and other covariates. In addition, diet may play a stronger role in reducing cancer mortality in women than physical activity.
Association of vision and hearing status with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Yun-Guang , Wang Chao-Cai , Huang Qian , Zhang Le , Liu Yan 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveLong-term untreated vision and hearing impairments can negatively impact physical and mental wellbeing. We investigated the association of vision and hearing status with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study of 9,492 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) carried out in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018. This study used self-reported vision and hearing status to determine the degree of impairment. Depressive symptoms were examined using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10), with a total score of ≥ 12 indicating depressive symptoms. A Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, residence, marital status, educational level, smoking history, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, digestive disease, arthritis, wearing glasses, and hearing aids was used to estimate the association of vision and hearing status with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.Results:Of the 9,492 participants [mean (SD) age at CHARLS baseline, 58.12 (9.00) years], 3,238 (34.11%) participants reported incident depressive symptoms during the 7-year follow-up period. Participants who self-reported only vision impairment [hazard ratios (HR): 1.14, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.05–1.24], only hearing impairment (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.46), and both vision and hearing impairments (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08–1.45) were independently associated with a greater increase in the hazard risk of incident depressive symptoms compared to those without vision and hearing impairments. An increase in participants' vision and hearing scores was associated with a significant increase in the hazard risk of incident depressive symptoms (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03–1.06).Conclusion:Vision and hearing status was associated with increased depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults during the 7-year follow-up period. Participants' use of glasses and hearing aids did not improve their depressive symptoms. Our findings may facilitate the development of effective treatments to prevent and treat vision and hearing impairments, thereby enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of middle-aged and older adults.