bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental teaching of nonprejudiced values toward sexual minorities during adolescence
Authors: Padilla-Walker Laura , Jankovich Meg O. , Archibald Corinne 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe current study examined adolescents’ nonprejudiced values toward sexual minorities over three years to determine change over time, as well as parenting and child characteristics as predictors of initial levels and change in values over time.MethodsParticipants included 573 US adolescents (M age at Wave 1 = 14.56, SD = 1.68, range 12–17; 49% identifying as female; 82% completely heterosexual) and their mother (n = 573, 83% completely heterosexual) and father (n = 341, 99% completely heterosexual), all of whom responded to surveys given annually over three years, starting in 2020.ResultsGrowth curve analysis suggested that adolescents’ nonprejudiced values toward sexual minorities increased from ages 14–16 for both males and females. Results also suggested that both maternal and paternal teaching of nonprejudiced values were consistent predictors of initial levels of adolescent nonprejudiced values, and mothers’ teaching was associated with increases in nonprejudiced values over time, over and above other parenting variables like parental warmth and frequency of parental communication about sexual minority topics.DiscussionThe discussion focuses on the importance of parental teaching of nonprejudiced values on the development of adolescents’ own nonprejudiced values.
Optimizing thyroid AUS nodules malignancy prediction: a comprehensive study of logistic regression and machine learning models
Authors: Cao Yuan , Yang Yixian , Chen Yunchao , Luan Mengqi , Hu Yan , Zhang Lu , Zhan Weiwei , Zhou Wei 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe accurate diagnosis of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology, particularly in the atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) category, remains challenging. This study aims to predict the risk of malignancy in AUS nodules by comparing two machine learning (ML) and three conventional logistic regression (LR) models.MethodsA retrospective study on 356 AUS nodules in 342 individuals from 6728 patients who underwent thyroid surgery in 2021. All the clinical, ultrasonographic, and molecular data were collected and randomly separated into training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 7: 3. ML (random forest and XGBoost) and LR (lasso regression, best subset selection, and backward stepwise regression) models were constructed and evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and clinical utility metrics.ResultsApproximately 90% (321/356) of the AUS nodules were malignant, predominantly papillary thyroid carcinoma with 68.6% BRAF V600E mutations. The final LR prediction model based on backward stepwise regression exhibited superior discrimination with AUC values of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73-0.92) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67-0.94) in training and validation, respectively. Well calibration, and clinical utility were also confirmed. The ML models showed moderate performance. A nomogram was developed on the final LR model.ConclusionsThe LR model developed using the backward stepwise regression, outperformed ML models in predicting malignancy in AUS thyroid nodules. The corresponding nomogram based on this model provides a valuable and practical tool for personalized risk assessment, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and enhancing clinical decision-making.
Fracture severity dependence of bone and muscle performance in patients following single or multiple vertebral fractures
Authors: Zhang Chenggui , Li Yang , Wang Guodong , Sun Jianmin 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundFew studies focus on the clinical, laboratory, radiological, and biological characteristics of bone and muscle of multiple vertebral fractures, which are associated with a more poor prognosis compared with single fracture.PurposeTo compare the BMD, bone turnover, muscularity, fatty infiltration of muscle, and prevalence of co-morbidities in patients with single and multiple vertebral fractures.MethodsWe recruited 100 patients with single fracture (age 66.96 ± 8.24 years) and 100 with multiple fractures (age 69.90 ± 7.80 years); performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the femoral neck, hip, and lumbar vertebrae; and measured biochemical markers of bone turnover, muscularity, and fatty infiltration.ResultsPatients with multiple vertebral fractures had lower hip BMD (p=0.010) than those with single fractures, but there was no difference in femoral neck and lumbar vertebral BMD nor in muscularity. However, fatty infiltration, an indicator of muscle quality, was significantly higher in participants with multiple fractures (p=0.006). Diabetes was significantly more common in patients with multiple fractures (p=0.042). There were no significant differences in markers of bone turnover, and Seperman analyses showed no correlations of CTX-1 or tPINP with the BMD of the hip, femoral neck, or lumbar spine. However, high CTX-1 was associated with high tPINP (r=0.4805; p&lt;0.0001), and marked fatty infiltration was associated with low hip, lumbar vertebral, and femoral neck BMD. Cox regression analyses showed that age (OR 1.057; 95% CI 1.016–1.101; p=0.006) and low hip BMD (OR 0.016; 95% CI, 0.000–0.549; p=0.022) were associated with a higher risk of multiple fractures.ConclusionPatients with multiple fractures tend to have lower hip BMD, a history of type 2 diabetes, and more substantial fatty infiltration of muscle than in those with single fractures. Age and hip BMD rather than lumbar vertebrae BMD were found to be independent risk factors for multiple vertebral compression fractures, implying that hip BMD may be a more sensitive predictor for multiple vertebral fractures. More improvements in hip BMD and focus on older persons may be useful means of preventing multiple fractures.
Association of erectile dysfunction and peripheral arterial disease in NHANES 2001-2004: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Ganggang , Ni Caifang 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between Erectile dysfunction (ED) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in adult American males using a large database.MethodsThe relationship between ED and PAD prevalence among participants in the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database was assessed using a series of statistical analyses. ED was evaluated based on a single-item measure of self-reported erection problems from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. PAD was defined as ankle-brachial index (ABI) &lt; 0.9 in at least one leg. Multifactorial logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between ED and PAD.ResultsA total of 2394 participants were enrolled, of whom 905 individuals (37.8%) were diagnosed with ED. After adjusting for confounding variables, the association between ED and PAD remained positive, with an odds ratio of 2.05 (95% confidence interval 1.24-3.39). Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between ED and PAD was significant in patients aged &gt;50 years old, without hypertension, without diabetes, without cardiovascular disease, without high cholesterol, former smokers, low physical activity levels, and a body mass index of 25-30 (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, all subgroups analyzed were evaluated for any potential interaction, and no statistically significant association was discovered.ConclusionsIn a sample of US adults aged ≥40, this cross-sectional study found that ED is related to a higher occurrence of PAD. ED may be an independent predictor of PAD, and thus it should be considered in the treatment of patients with ED.
Gene expression of tight junctions in foreskin is not affected by HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Webb Emily L. , Petkov Stefan , Yun Heejin , Else Laura , Lebina Limakatso , Serwanga Jennifer , Pillay Azure-Dee A. P. , Seiphetlo Thabiso B. , Mugaba Susan , Namubiru Patricia , Odoch Geoffrey , Opoka Daniel , Ssemata Andrew S. , Kaleebu Pontiano , Khoo Saye , Martinson Neil , Fox Julie , Gray Clive M. , Herrera Carolina , Chiodi Francesca 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionTight junctions (TJs) serve as permeability filters between the internal and external cellular environment. A large number of proteins have been identified to be localized at the TJs. Due to limitations in tissue collection, TJs in the male genital tract have been understudied.MethodsWe analysed the transcriptomics of 132 TJ genes in foreskin tissue of men requesting voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) and enrolled in the Combined HIV Adolescent Prevention Study (CHAPS) trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda (NCT03986970). The trial evaluated the dose requirements for event-driven HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine-tenofovir (FTC-TDF) or emtricitabine-tenofovir alafenamide (FTC-TAF) during insertive sex. A total of 144 participants were randomized to either control arm or one of 8 PrEP arms (n=16/arm), receiving oral FTC-TDF or FTC-TAF over one or two days. Following in vivo oral PrEP dosing and VMMC, the expression level of three important TJ proteins (CLDN-1, OCN and ZO-1) was measured ex vivo in foreskin tissue by Western blot. The expression of cytokine genes implicated in TJ regulation was determined. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare TJ gene expression and protein levels by type of PrEP received, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated to assess whether TJ gene expression levels were related to cytokine gene levels or to PrEP drug concentrations and their active intracellularly phosphorylated metabolites.ResultsA high level of expression in foreskin tissue was found for 118 (of 132) TJ genes analysed; this finding contributed to create a map of TJ components within the male genital tract. Importantly, PrEP regimens tested in the CHAPS trial did not affect the expression of TJ genes and the analysed proteins in the foreskin; thus, further supporting the safety of this prevention strategy against HIV-1 transmission during insertive sex. Additionally, we identified the level of several cytokines’ genes to be correlated to TJ gene expression: among them, IL-18, IL-33 and VEGF.DiscussionTJs can limit viral entry into target cells; to affect this biological function viruses can reduce the expression of TJ proteins. Our study, on the expression and regulation of TJs in the foreskin, contribute important knowledge for PrEP safety and further design of HIV-1 prophylaxis.
Ultrasonographic technique and appearance of the coelomic organs in crocodilians
Authors: Yeong Wei Yeng , Martelli Paolo , Chung Tabris Yik To , Tsui Henry Chun Lok , Gerussi Tommaso , Kot Brian Chin Wing 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionCrocodilians have significant ecological, conservational, and economic roles. They are also commonly raised for commercial purposes and kept as zoological specimens. Although ultrasonography has been used in zoological contexts for health assessments of crocodilians, published studies on a detailed ultrasonography protocol and ultrasonographic anatomy are lacking. This study aimed to establish a standardized ultrasonography protocol and pictorial reference of the ultrasonographic appearances of the coelomic organs of crocodilians.MethodsA total of 7 crocodilians comprising 4 different species were included in this study. The crocodilians were manually restrained and underwent a non-contrasted and contrasted computed tomography (CT) scan, followed by an ultrasonography (USG) examination. Ultrasound fusion imaging technique enabled greater confidence in establishing a clear organ localization and correlation between modalities by visualizing the same anatomy from the same view angle.ResultsThe heart, caudal vena cava, liver, fat body (steatotheca), spleen, stomach, duodenal loops, pancreas, kidneys, testes, ovaries and cloaca were visualized in all species. Longitudinal and transverse images of the coelomic structures were acquired when possible. The ultrasonographic characteristics of the coelomic organs, including transducer positioning, acoustic window and approach, shape, size, marginations, and echo pattern were documented.DiscussionThe findings of this study provided a useful ultrasonographic protocol and anatomical reference of the coelomic organs in crocodilians. Invaluable insights into the practicality and adequacy of ultrasonography in evaluating the coelomic structures of crocodilians as part of health assessment and disease diagnosis were also discussed.
Association between life’s essential 8 and hyperuricemia among adults in the United States: insights from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Fan Jingxiu 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundHyperuricemia is a significant risk factor for various metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), a comprehensive measure of cardiovascular health promoted by the American Heart Association, may have a protective role against hyperuricemia. This study aims to evaluate the association between LE8 scores and hyperuricemia in a representative sample of US adults.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018, encompassing 26,885 adults. LE8 scores were calculated based on diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid levels ≥7.0 mg/dL in men and ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in women. Logistic regression and generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to analyze the relationship between LE8 scores and hyperuricemia, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsHigher LE8 scores were significantly associated with lower odds of hyperuricemia (OR per 10-point increase: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.72–0.75, p &lt; 0.001). Stratified analyses revealed consistent protective effects across subgroups defined by sex, age, race/ethnicity, PIR (poverty income ratio), education level, drinking status, eGFR, and CVD status. Logistic regression and GAM analyses both confirmed a linear relationship between increasing LE8 scores and reduced hyperuricemia risk. For example, in males, the OR was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.84), and in females, it was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.64–0.68).ConclusionThe findings suggest that higher LE8 scores are robustly associated with lower odds of hyperuricemia in US adults. These results support the promotion of comprehensive cardiovascular health behaviors encapsulated by LE8 to mitigate hyperuricemia risk. Further studies are needed to explore the causal pathways and potential interventions.
The effect and safety of corticosteroid treatment for severe community-acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Yang , Kuang Huanming , Zhu Youfeng , Luo Xing 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThere is ongoing debate on the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid therapy for severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP). Our aim was to investigate the safety and therapeutic effectiveness of corticosteroids in the sCAP therapy.MethodsElectronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) were searched from inception to January 10, 2024. We examined for randomized controlled studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of corticosteroid therapy in individuals with sCAP. The primary outcome was short-term mortality. Subgroup analyses were carried out according to the corticosteroid type. Additionally, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was carried out.ResultsIn total, 11 trials, including 1959 patients, met the predetermined standards and underwent analysis. Overall, our meta-analysis exhibited that corticosteroids may considerably lower short-term mortality when compared to control treatment [6 studies (1,582 patients); odds ratio (OR), 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.88; p = 0.005] and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels [5 studies (359 patients); mean difference (MD), −6.97; 95% CI −12.33 to −1.60; p = 0.01], but TSA revealed that the sample size needs to be larger. Moreover, we observed that corticosteroids reduced the hospital length of stay [7 studies (999 patients); MD, −3.56; 95% CI, −4.28 to −2.84; p &lt; 0.001], need for mechanical ventilation (MV) [7 studies (1,328 patients); OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45–0.79; p = 0.001] and MV duration [4 studies (736 patients); MD, −5.62; 95% CI, −7.31 to −3.94; p &lt; 0.001], which was in agreement with TSA. However, adverse events, length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were not evidently shortened when TSA was utilized. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that all of the above studies benefited from hydrocortisone treatment in comparison to the control group.ConclusionOur meta-analysis revealed that corticosteroids, especially hydrocortisone, could decrease the mortality of individuals with sCAP.Systematic review registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42023415555].
The safe lowest effective power of subthreshold micropulse laser treatment in Chinese patients with acute or chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Xie Ting , Li Wangting , Wang Linli , Ning Jiafeng , Li Zhi , Chen Yulei , Lin Xifeng , Du Shaolin , Chen Qingshan 
Published: November 2024

PurposeTo assess the safe, lowest effective laser power of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) for treating acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in Chinese patients.MethodsPatients were distinguished with acute or chronic CSC based on focal or diffuse retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leakage on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), with or without widespread RPE decompensation. Patients were categorized into five groups and treated with 577 nm yellow SML according to 50% titration power. The change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were set as primary outcomes. A linear regression model assessed the correlation between different factors and outcome indicators.ResultsA total of 103 patients with 127 eyes (61 with acute CSC and 66 with chronic CSC) were enrolled. The baseline characteristics were balanced between the five groups (all p &gt; 0.05). The decrease of CMT and the improvement of BCVA were related to the CMT at baseline (all p &lt; 0.05). We found that the lowest effective laser power for acute CSC was 425 mW (−225.50 μm vs. −171.24 μm vs. −114.50 μm vs. −130.54 μm vs. −68.00 μm, p &lt; 0.001), showing a significant CMT reduction at this power, but no significant increase in BCVA (−0.15 ± 0.10 logMAR vs. −0.20 ± 0.16 logMAR vs. −0.14 ± 0.11 logMAR vs. −0.17 ± 0.30 logMAR vs. −0.11 ± 0.14 logMAR, p &gt; 0.05). For chronic CSC, the lowest effective laser power was 375 mW (p = 0.01), the change of CMT was significant in 375 mW (−93.91 ± 109.06 μm, −119.32 ± 105.56 μm, −88.67 ± 67.26 μm, −60.89 ± 106.86 μm, and −99.11 ± 157.32 μm, p = 0.04). The change of BCVA was similar trend (−0.54 ± 0.66 logMAR vs. −0.17 ± 0.23 logMAR vs. −0.10 ± 0.21 logMAR vs. −0.02 ± 0.30 logMAR vs. 0.05 ± 0.19 logMAR, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionIn this study, our results suggested 425 mW and 375 mW laser power is the lowest effective SML power for treating acute and chronic CSC in Chinese patients respectively, And the power of SML for chronic CSC requires lower power than acute CSC.
Debate on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Ziye , Zhao Shiqing , Zhong Xiaotian , Su Yi , Song Yahan , Li Jun , Shi Yanyan 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammation conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Studies point out an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and IBD. This study aims to visually assess the research trends and hotspots in the field of H. pylori infection and IBD, review mainstream perspectives in this field, and provide a foundation for future research and treatment.MethodsWe searched the Web of Science Core Collection Database for literature related to H. pylori and IBD, using VOS viewer to generate visual charts.ResultsA total of 246 publications were included, with articles being the predominant type of document. A significant increase in the number of publications was observed after 2011. China contributed the most of researches. Keyword clusters revealed that the researches primarily focused on immune mechanism, gut microbiome, diagnosis and treatment of IBD. Time trend results indicated that current researches centered on gut microbiota and immune mechanisms.ConclusionH. pylori infection may have a protective effect on IBD. The exact mechanisms remain unclear and may involve immunomodulation and changes of gut microbiota. Further researches are necessary for better understanding this relationship and its implications for clinical practice. Further researches and clinical practice should pay attention to this topic.
Prognostic significance of fibrinogen levels in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: unveiling a nonlinear relationship and clinical implications
Authors: Chen Manqin , Chen Xinbin , Ling Huaxiang , Bai Chengwen , Chen Lihua , Zhong Lin , Gong Ping , Shi Fei 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundFibrinogen plays a pivotal role in the inflammatory cascade and is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of sepsis. Nevertheless, its significance as a prognostic marker for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association between fibrinogen levels and 28-day mortality with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.MethodThe fibrinogen levels of patients admitted to the intensive care unit of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively assessed, and those diagnosed with SA-AKI were divided into low, middle and high fibrinogen level groups according to tertiles. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the 28-day mortality risk of the SA-AKI patients.ResultsA total of 3,479 patients with SA-AKI were included in the study. Fibrinogen demonstrated an independent association with 28-day mortality, yielding a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.961 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.923-0.999, P = 0.0471). Notably, a non-linear relationship between fibrinogen levels and 28-day mortality was observed, with the threshold observed at approximately 1.6 g/l. The effect sizes and corresponding CIs below and above this threshold were 0.509 (0.367, 0.707) and 1.011 (0.961, 1.064), respectively. Specifically, the risk of mortality among SA-AKI patients decreased by 49.1% for every 1 g/l increment in fibrinogen, provided that fibrinogen levels were less than 1.6 g/l.ConclusionIn patients with SA-AKI, a non-linear relationship was identified between fibrinogen levels and 28-day mortality. Particularly, when their fibrinogen levels were less than 1.6 g/l, a concomitant decrease in 28-day mortality was observed as fibrinogen levels increased.