bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of audiometric hearing and speech-in-noise performance with cognitive decline among older adults: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)
Authors: Jiang Kening , Armstrong Nicole M. , Agrawal Yuri , Gross Alden L. , Schrack Jennifer A. , Lin Frank R. , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M. , Deal Jennifer A. , Powell Danielle S. 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundEstablished associations between hearing loss and cognitive decline were primarily defined by pure-tone audiometry, which reflects peripheral hearing ability. Speech-in-noise performance, which reflects central hearing ability, is more limited in prior literature. We examined the longitudinal associations of audiometric hearing and speech-in-noise performance with cognitive decline.MethodsWe studied 702 participants aged ≥60 years in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging 2012–2019. Global and domain-specific (language, memory, attention, executive function, visuospatial ability) cognitive performance were assessed by the cognitive assessment battery. Hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kilohertz obtained from pure-tone audiometry were averaged to calculate better-ear pure-tone average (PTA) and participants were categorized as having hearing loss (&gt;25 decibels hearing level [dB HL]) or normal hearing (≤25 dB HL). Speech-in-noise performance was assessed by the Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test, and participants were categorized as having below-median (worse) or above-median performance. Linear mixed effects models with random intercepts and slopes were used to assess baseline cognitive performance and cognitive decline by hearing status. Models adjusted for demographic, lifestyle and disease factors.ResultsParticipants with audiometric hearing loss showed similar baseline cognitive performance but faster decline in global cognitive function, language, executive function, and attention. Participants with below-median QuickSIN score showed worse baseline cognitive performance in all domains and faster decline in global cognitive function, language, memory, executive function and attention.ConclusionsAudiometric hearing might be targeted to delay cognitive decline. Speech-in-noise performance might be a novel marker and might be more sensitive to memory decline.
Determinants of early working impairments in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Moccia Marcello , Fontana Luca , Palladino Raffaele , Falco Fabrizia , Finiello Ferdinando , Fedele Mauro , Lanzillo Roberta , Reppuccia Liberata , Triassi Maria , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Iavicoli Ivo 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionUnemployment can directly affect social status and identity. Assessing and adjusting determinants of early working impairments in a chronic disease can thus reduce its long-term burden. Hereby, we aim to evaluate differences in occupational history and early working impairments between people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy workers.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study comparing 71 workers with MS [age 41.7 ± 9.4 years; females 59.1%; EDSS 2.0 (1.0–6.0)] and 71 controls (age 42.6 ± 11.9 years; females 33.8%). All participants filled in Work Ability Index (WAI), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), European Questionnaire for Quality of Life (EuroQoL), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In MS, we further collected expanded disability status scale (EDSS), MS Questionnaire for Job difficulties (MSQ-Job), Fatigue severity scale (FSS), and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS).ResultsWorkers with MS were more working disabled (p &lt; 0.01), less exposed to workplace risks (p &lt; 0.01), and more limited in fitness to work (p = 0.01), compared with controls. On linear regression models adjusted by age, sex, education, and type of contract, people with MS had worse WAI (Coeff=−5.47; 95% CI = −7.41, −3.53; p &lt; 0.01), EuroQoL (Coeff = −4.24; 95% CI = −17.85, −6.50; p &lt; 0.01), BDI-II (Coeff = 3.99; 95% CI = 2.37, 7.01; p &lt; 0.01), and PSQI (Coeff = 4.74; 95% CI = 3.13, 7.61; p &lt; 0.01), compared with controls, but no differences in WPAI (p = 0.60). EuroQoL, BDI-II, and PSQI were equally associated with both WAI and WPAI in MS and controls (all p&lt; 0.01). In MS, worse MSQJob was associated with higher EDSS (Coeff = 5.22; 95% CI = 2.24, 7.95; p &lt; 0.01), progressive disease (Coeff = 14.62; 95% CI = 5.56, 23.69; p &lt; 0.01), EuroQoL (Coeff = 4.63; 95% CI = 2.92, 6.35; p &lt; 0.01), FSS (Coeff = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.38, 0.72; p &lt; 0.01), and cognitive impairment (Coeff = 4.42; 95% CI = 0.67, 8.22; p = 0.02).DiscussionEarly factors associated with working difficulties in MS include disability, fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Early identification of clinical features potentially causing working difficulties should be considered to enhance job retention, along with targeted prevention and protection measures.
Exploring the acute cardiovascular effects of Floatation-REST
Authors: Flux M. C. , Fine Thomas H. , Poplin Tate , Al Zoubi Obada , Schoenhals William A. , Schettler Jesse , Refai Hazem H. , Naegele Jessyca , Wohlrab Colleen , Yeh Hung-Wen , Lowry Christopher A. , Levine Jason C. , Smith Ryan , Khalsa Sahib S. , Feinstein Justin S. 
Published: December 2022

The central nervous system (CNS) exerts a strong regulatory influence over the cardiovascular system in response to environmental demands. Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) is an intervention that minimizes stimulation from the environment, yet little is known about the autonomic consequences of reducing external sensory input to the CNS. We recently found that Floatation-REST induces a strong anxiolytic effect in anxious patients while paradoxically enhancing their interoceptive awareness for cardiorespiratory sensations. To further investigate the physiologic nature of this anxiolytic effect, the present study measured acute cardiovascular changes during Floatation-REST using wireless and waterproof equipment that allowed for concurrent measurement of heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), breathing rate, and blood pressure. Using a within-subjects crossover design, 37 clinically anxious participants with high levels of anxiety sensitivity and 20 non-anxious comparison participants were randomly assigned to undergo a 90-min session of either Floatation-REST or an exteroceptive comparison condition that entailed watching a relaxing nature film. Measures of state anxiety and serenity were collected before and after each session, while indices of autonomic activity were measured throughout each session. HRV was calculated using both time-series and frequency domain analyses. Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed a significant main effect of condition such that relative to the film condition, Floatation-REST elicited significant decreases (p&lt; 0.001) in diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, breathing rate, and certain metrics of HRV including the standard deviation of the interbeat interval (SDNN), low-frequency HRV, and very low-frequency HRV. Heart rate showed a non-significant trend (p= 0.073) toward being lower in the float condition, especially toward the beginning of the session. The only metric that showed a significant increase during Floatation-REST was normalized high-frequency HRV (p&lt; 0.001). The observed physiological changes were consistent across both anxious and non-anxious participants, and there were no significant group by condition interactions. Blood pressure was the only cardiac metric significantly associated with float-related reductions in state anxiety and increases in serenity. These findings suggest that Floatation-REST lowers sympathetic arousal and alters the balance of the autonomic nervous system toward a more parasympathetic state.Clinical trial registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03051074], identifier [NCT03051074].
A novel BCL11A polymorphism influences gene expression, therapeutic response and epilepsy risk: A multicenter study
Authors: Wang Shitao , Cai Xuemei , Liu Shiyong , Zhou Qixin , Wang Ting , Du Sunbing , Wang Dan , Yang Fei , Wu Qian , Han Yanbing 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundGenetic factors have been found to be associated with the efficacy and adverse reactions of antiseizure medications. BCL11A is an important regulator of the development of neuronal networks. However, the role of BCL11A in epilepsy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic association of BCL11A with the susceptibility to develop epileptic seizures and therapeutic response of patients with epilepsy in Han Chinese.MethodsWe matched 450 epilepsy cases with 550 healthy controls and 131 drug-resistant epilepsy patients with 319 drug-responsive epilepsy patients from two different centers. Genetic association analysis, genetic interaction analysis, expression quantitative trait loci analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis were conducted.ResultsOur results showed that rs2556375 not only increases susceptibility to develop epileptic seizures (OR = 2.700, 95% = 1.366–5.338, p = 0.004 and OR = 2.984, 95% = 1.401–6.356, p = 0.005, respectively), but also increases the risk of drug resistance(OR = 21.336, 95%CI =2.489–183.402, p = 0.005). The interaction between rs2556375 and rs12477097 results in increased risk for pharma coresistant. In addition, rs2556375 regulated BCL11A expression in human brain tissues (p = 0.0096 and p = 0.033, respectively). Furthermore, the protein encoded by BCL11A interacted with targets of approved antiepileptic drugs.ConclusionBCL11A may be a potential therapeutic target for epilepsy. Rs2556375 may increase the risks of epilepsy and drug resistance by regulating BCL11A expression in human brain tissues. Moreover, the interaction between rs2556375 and rs12477097 results in increased risk for drug resistance.
Communication about early palliative care: A qualitative study of oncology providers’ perspectives of navigating the artful introduction to the palliative care team
Authors: Collins Anna , Gurren Lorna , McLachlan Sue-Anne , Wawryk Olivia , Philip Jennifer 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundDespite robust evidence for the integration of early palliative care for patients with advanced cancer, many patients still access this approach to care late. Communication about the introduction of Early Palliative Care is an important skill of healthcare providers working in this setting. In the context of limited community understanding about palliative care, patients and their families may express fear or negative reactions to its early introduction. Health professionals may lack the confidence or skill to describe the role and benefits of early palliative care.AimThis study sought to explore clinicians’ perspectives on communication about referral to early palliative care, specifically identifying facilitators in undertaking this communication task.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study set within a tertiary oncology service in Victoria, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled oncology clinicians exploring their perspectives on communication about referral to early palliative care. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken by two researchers, including both latent and semantic coding relevant to the research question. Reporting of the research was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.ResultsTwelve oncology clinicians (58% female, with 67% &gt; 15 years clinical experience) from medical oncology, surgical oncology, and haematology participated. The artful navigation of communication about early palliative care was characterised by the need for a ‘spiel’ involving the adoption of a series of strategies or ‘tactics’ when introducing this service. These themes included: 1) Using carefully selected and rehearsed language; 2) Framing in terms of symptom control; 3) Framing as additive to patient care; 4) Selling the service benefits of early palliative care; 5) Framing acceptance of referral as an altruistic act; and 6) Adopting a phased approach to delivering information about palliative care.ImplicationsThis study highlights the wide ranging and innovative communication strategies and skills required by health professionals to facilitate referral to early palliative care for cancer patients and their families. Future focus on upskilling clinicians around communication of this topic will be important to ensure successful implementation of models of early palliative care in routine cancer care.
Ferroptosis and triple-negative breast cancer: Potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Xu Na , Li Baohong , Liu Yong , Yang Cui , Tang Siqi , Cho William C. , Huang Zunnan 
Published: December 2022

PurposeTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis, it has higher recurrence and metastatic rates than other breast cancer subtypes. This study aims to investigate biomarkers and potential targets for TNBC related to ferroptosis through data mining and bioinformatics analysis. The findings may provide new insights for treating TNBC.MethodsThe TNBC patients’ data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were extracted for differential expression and prognosis analysis. Consensus genes obtained by intersecting differential expressed and ferroptosis-related genes was used to establish the prognostic model by the univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Besides, TNBC data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to confirm the reliability of the prognosis model. Moreover, clinical information was analyzed by multifactorial independent analysis to identify independent prognostic factors. The expression of genes constituting the prognostic model was further validated using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. Finally, the Comparative Toxicogenomic Data (CTD) database was used to explore possible treatment drugs for TNBC.ResultsWe obtained 13,245 differential expressed genes, and 177 consensus genes. 98 genes with prognostic implication were obtained by univariable Cox. Then, a prognostic model including 12 ferroptosis-related genes was constructed by multivariable Cox. The area under curve (AUC) value of the prognostic model for TNBC was 0.82. The GEO database validated that the model (AUC = 0.77) could predict the patient outcomes. The staining results of 10 out of 12 prognostic model genes in HPA database showed that their expression was consistent with our predictions. Clinical risk analysis indicated that risk score of patients could act as an independent prognostic factor. Finally, six drugs that may have interaction with 12 ferroptosis-related genes were obtained using the CTD database.ConclusionThe prognostic model composed of 12 ferroptosis-related genes could predict the prognosis of TNBC patients, and seven genes (ASNS, LAMP2, CAV1, DPP4, HELLS, TF, ZFP69B) could be potential new therapeutic targets for TNBC, and two drugs (1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, rosiglitazone) could act as potential therapeutic drugs for the treatment of TNBC.
Construction and validation of a novel web-based nomogram for patients with lung cancer with bone metastasis: A real-world analysis based on the SEER database
Authors: Yin Mengchen , Guan Sisi , Ding Xing , Zhuang Ruoyu , Sun Zhengwang , Wang Tao , Zheng Jiale , Li Lin , Gao Xin , Wei Haifeng , Ma Junming , Huang Quan , Xiao Jianru , Mo Wen 
Published: December 2022

PurposePatients with lung cancer with bone metastasis (LCBM) often have a very poor prognosis. The purpose of this study is to characterize the prevalence and associated factors and to develop a prognostic nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with LCBM using multicenter population-based data.MethodsPatients with LCBM at the time of diagnosis were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program database of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from 2010 to 2015. Multivariable and univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with all-cause mortality and lung cancer (LC)–specific mortality. The performance of the nomograms was evaluated with the calibration curves, area under the curve (AUC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to estimate the survival times of patients with LCBM.ResultsWe finally identified 26,367 patients with LCBM who were selected for survival analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated age, sex, T stage, N stage, grade, histology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, primary site, primary surgery, liver metastasis, and brain metastasis as independent predictors for LCBM. The AUC values of the nomogram for the OS prediction were 0.755, 0.746, and 0.775 in the training cohort; 0.757, 0.763, and 0.765 in the internal validation cohort; and 0.769, 0.781, and 0.867 in the external validation cohort. For CSS, the values were 0.753, 0.753, and 0.757 in the training cohort; 0.753, 0.753, and 0.757 in the internal validation cohort; and 0.767, 0.774, and 0.872 in the external validation cohort.ConclusionsOur study constructs a new prognostic model and clearly presents the clinicopathological features and survival analysis of patients with LCBM. The result indicated that the nomograms had favorable discrimination, good consistency, and clinical benefits in patients. In addition, our constructed nomogram prediction models may assist physicians in evaluating individualized prognosis and deciding on treatment for patients.
Effect of postbiotic-toothpaste on salivary levels of IgA in 6- to 12-year-old children: Study protocol for a randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Basir Leila , Moghimipour Eskandar , Saadatzadeh Afrooz , Cheraghian Bahman , Khanehmasjedi Samaneh 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundChildren in mixed dentition are highly at risk for dental caries, which is a major health issue worldwide. Despite their effect in controlling dental caries, using probiotics can be challenging. Therefore, it has been advised to use their inanimate forms, called postbiotics. We hypothesize that postbiotics can enhance the oral immunity.MethodsThe aim of this triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is to investigate the effect of postbiotic-toothpaste (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis) on salivary levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and pH in children. Using comparing two means formula to calculate the sample size, for this trial 80 healthy 6- to 12-year-old children during mixed dentition with no cavitated dental caries will be selected by convenience sampling method and randomly allocated to two groups, postbiotic-toothpaste or placebo-toothpaste. Saliva samples will be gathered at baseline and four weeks after the intervention. The level of salivary IgA will be determined by ELISA and salivary pH will be measured using a pH meter. Data will be compared within and between groups using independent t-test and paired t-test, in case of normality, with a p &lt; 0.05 as statistically significant.DiscussionIf postbiotics-toothpaste prove to be effective in improving the oral immunity, they can be used to prevent dental caries and other oral diseases. The result of this study can help researchers who are working on the immunomodulatory effects of postbiotics in children.Trial registration numberIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20191016045128N2. Registered on 7 March 2022.
Revealing the transfer pathways of cyanobacterial-fixed N into the boreal forest through the feather-moss microbiome
Authors: Arróniz-Crespo María , Bougoure Jeremy , Murphy Daniel V. , Cutler Nick A. , Souza-Egipsy Virginia , Chaput Dominique L. , Jones Davey L. , Ostle Nicholas , Wade Stephen C. , Clode Peta L. , DeLuca Thomas H. 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionBiological N2 fixation in feather-mosses is one of the largest inputs of new nitrogen (N) to boreal forest ecosystems; however, revealing the fate of newly fixed N within the bryosphere (i.e. bryophytes and their associated organisms) remains uncertain.MethodsHerein, we combined 15N tracers, high resolution secondary ion mass-spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and a molecular survey of bacterial, fungal and diazotrophic communities, to determine the origin and transfer pathways of newly fixed N2 within feather-moss (Pleurozium schreberi) and its associated microbiome.ResultsNanoSIMS images reveal that newly fixed N2, derived from cyanobacteria, is incorporated into moss tissues and associated bacteria, fungi and micro-algae. DiscussionThese images demonstrate that previous assumptions that newly fixed N2 is sequestered into moss tissue and only released by decomposition are not correct. We provide the first empirical evidence of new pathways for N2 fixed in feather-mosses to enter the boreal forest ecosystem (i.e. through its microbiome) and discuss the implications for wider ecosystem function.
Extensive reorganization of the chloroplast genome of Corydalis platycarpa: A comparative analysis of their organization and evolution with other Corydalis plastomes
Authors: Raman Gurusamy , Nam Gi-Heum , Park SeonJoo 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe chloroplast (cp) is an autonomous plant organelle with an individual genome that encodes essential cellular functions. The genome architecture and gene content of the cp is highly conserved in angiosperms. The plastome of Corydalis belongs to the Papaveraceae family, and the genome is comprised of unusual rearrangements and gene content. Thus far, no extensive comparative studies have been carried out to understand the evolution of Corydalis chloroplast genomes.MethodsTherefore, the Corydalis platycarpa cp genome was sequenced, and wide-scale comparative studies were conducted using publicly available twenty Corydalis plastomes. ResultsComparative analyses showed that an extensive genome rearrangement and IR expansion occurred, and these events evolved independently in the Corydalis species. By contrast, the plastomes of its closely related subfamily Papaveroideae and other Ranunculales taxa are highly conserved. On the other hand, the synapomorphy characteristics of both accD and the ndh gene loss events happened in the common ancestor of the Corydalis and sub-clade of the Corydalis lineage, respectively. The Corydalis-sub clade species (ndh lost) are distributed predominantly in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP) region. The phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation were also employed for the Corydalis species.DiscussionThe divergence time of the ndh gene in the Corydalis sub-clade species (44.31 – 15.71 mya) coincides very well with the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Oligocene and Miocene periods, and maybe during this period, it has probably triggered the radiation of the Corydalis species.ConclusionTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first large-scale comparative study of Corydalis plastomes and their evolution. The present study may provide insights into the plastome architecture and the molecular evolution of Corydalis species.