bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Scheimpflug tomography, Placido disc, and combined Placido Scheimpflug in the measurement of pupil offset in myopic population
Authors: Ning Jiliang , Zhang Lijun 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the consistency of pupil offset measurements obtained using the Pentacam, Keratron Scout, and Sirius devices.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included 146 young myopic individuals (292 eyes) scheduled for refractive surgery at Dalian Third People’s Hospital between January 2023 and December 2023. Three devices were utilized to measure the chord mu of the pupil deviation along with the Cartesian distances of the X and Y coordinates (Px, Py) associated with the pupil offset. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare differences in pupil offset acquisition across various devices. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plot were utilized to assess the consistency among the three devices.ResultsChord mu, measured using the Pentacam, Keratron Scout, and Sirius devices, were 0.18 ± 0.10, 0.21 ± 0.11, and 0.18 ± 0.11, respectively. The Px values were 0.00 ± 0.14, -0.02 ± 0.16, and -0.01 ± 0.13, respectively, while the Py values were 0.09 ± 0.13, 0.10 ± 0.15, and 0.10 ± 0.13. The ICCs for the three device measurements, chord mu, Px, and Py, were 0.817, 0.900, and 0.855, respectively. When comparing the three devices, the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) for mu and Px measured using the Sirius and Keratron Scout were the narrowest, ranging from −0.15 to 0.08 and −0.11 to 0.13, respectively. Additionally, the 95% LoA for Py measured using the Sirius and Pentacam was the narrowest, ranging from −0.13 to 0.15. The pupil centers in both eyes were predominantly located above the apex of the cornea.ConclusionSirius, Keratron Scout, and Pentacam have good consistency in pupil shift measurement in young myopic patients, and the three devices can be used as references in clinical practice.
Causal association between Parkinson’s disease and cancer: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tang Chunyan , Fu Ping , Lin Liangqing , Zhou Hui , Huang Yunjun , Li Yang , Zhao Sijun 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPrevious observational research has indicated a correlation between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple cancers; but the causality remains unclear. Thus, we utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential causal link between PD and various cancers.MethodsWe conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) of genetic variants associated with PD and 14 types of cancers. Summary statistics on PD and 14 types of cancers were obtained from the International Parkinson’s Disease Genomics Consortium and the study by Sakaue et al. The primary method employed was inverse variance weighted (IVW), complemented by multiple sensitivity analyses to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. The false discovery rate (FDR) was employed to control the false positive rate of multiple hypothesis testing.ResultsFollowing rigorous sensitivity analyses and corrections, our findings revealed suggestive associations between PD and certain cancers. We observed that PD decreases the risk of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer (OR = 0.936, 95% CI = 0.881–0.995, p = 0.034, P FDR = 0.239; OR = 0.955, 95% CI = 0.912–0.999, p = 0.046, P FDR = 0.215), while increasing the risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.043, 95% CI = 1.004–1.084, p = 0.029, P FDR = 0.402). Notably, we found no evidence supporting a reverse causal relationship. Additionally, in the reverse pathway, skin cancer demonstrated a suggestive causal relationship with PD (OR = 0.913, 95% CI = 0.857–0.973, p = 0.005, P FDR = 0.066).ConclusionOur MR analysis provides evidence supporting unidirectional suggestive causal relationships between PD and certain cancers. These findings enrich our comprehension of the intricate interplay between PD and cancer, warranting further investigation into the underlying biological mechanisms.
Surface electromyography character of upper limb muscle after open reduction combine with ulnar osteotomy in children with neglected Monteggia fracture
Authors: Qiu Hailing , Li Tingzhi , Li Fanling , Zhang Siqi , Wu Xiangling , Yang Jing , Li Xin , Fang Ke , Wen Jie , Xiao Sheng 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the surface electromyography (sEMG) characteristics of upper limb muscles in children with neglected Monteggia fracture after open reduction of radial head dislocation and ulna osteotomy and bone grafting internal fixation, and to understand the recovery of muscle activity in children after operation, provide reference for clinical rehabilitation.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on sixteen children with neglected Monteggia fracture who underwent ulna osteotomy at our hospital from January 2021 to August 2022. The biceps brachii, triceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi ulnaris muscle activities were recorded during grip strength tests, flexion and extension of elbow joint while holding a 1 kg dumbbell, as well as gripping tasks. The root mean square (RMS) values of sEMG signals, co-contraction ratio, and elbow joint function scores were compared between pre- and post-operation periods as well as between the affected side and unaffected side.ResultsThe preoperative maximum grip strength, as well as the average RMS values of flexor carpi radialis and average RMS value of extensor carpi ulnaris on the affected side were significantly lower. After surgery, both the maximum RMS value of biceps brachii and maximum and average RMS value of extensor carpi ulnaris on the affected side remained lower. Prior to surgery, when performing elbow flexion and extension tests while holding a 1 kg dumbbell, both mean RMS values of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis on the affected side were smaller. However, after surgery, there was an increase in mean RMS values of biceps brachii on the affected side. Furthermore, postoperative elbow function scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores.ConclusionOpen reduction of radial head dislocation combined with ulna osteotomy and bone grafting can achieve good functional activities in the treatment of neglected Monteggia fractures in children. The EMG activity of the extensor carnosus ulnalis muscle on the affected side related to grip strength was low, and the desired effect was not achieved within the expected time.
Challenges in institutional ethical review process and approval for international multicenter clinical studies in lower and middle-income countries: the case of PARITY study
Authors: Lopez-Baron Eliana , Abbas Qalab , Caporal Paula , Agulnik Asya , Attebery Jonah E. , Holloway Adrian , Kissoon Niranjan “Tex” , Mulgado-Aguas Celia Isabel , Amegan-Aho Kokou , Majdalani Marianne , Ocampo Carmen , Pascal Havugarurema , Miller Erika , Kanyamuhunga Aimable , Tekleab Atnafu Mekonnen , Bacha Tigist , González-Dambrauskas Sebastian , Bhutta Adnan T. , Kortz Teresa B. , Murthy Srinivas , Remy Kenneth E. ,   the Global Health Subgroup of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Network
Published: November 2024

BackgroundOne of the greatest challenges to conducting multicenter research studies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is the heterogeneity in regulatory processes across sites. Previous studies have reported variations in requirements with a lack of standardization in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes between centers, imposing barriers for approval, participation, and development of multicenter research.ObjectivesTo describe the regulatory process, variability and challenges faced by pediatric researchers in LMICs during the IRB process of an international multicenter observational point prevalence study (Global PARITY).DesignA 16-question multiple-choice online survey was sent to site principal investigators (PIs) at PARITY study participating centers to explore characteristics of the IRB process, costs, and barriers to research approval. A shorter survey was employed for sites that expressed interest in participating in Global PARITY and started the approval process, but ultimately did not participate in data collection (non-participating sites) to assess IRB characteristics.ResultsOf the 91 sites that sought IRB approval, 46 were successful in obtaining approval and finishing the data collection process. The survey was completed by 46 (100%) participating centers and 21 (47%) non-participating centers. There was a significant difference between participating and non-participating sites in IRB approval of a waiver consent and in the requirement for a legal review of the protocol. The greatest challenge to research identified by non-participating sites was a lack of research time and the lack of institutional support.ConclusionsGlobal collaborative research is crucial to increase our understanding of pediatric critical care conditions in hospitals of all resource-levels and IRBs are required to ensure that this research complies with ethical standards. Critical barriers restrict research activities in some resource limiting countries. Increasing the efficiency and accessibility of local IRB review could greatly impact participation of resource limited sites and enrollment of vulnerable populations.
Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain levels in children with acquired demyelinating syndrome
Authors: Wu Wenlin , Hou Chi , Wu Wenxiao , Shen Huiling , Zeng Yiru , Chen Lianfeng , Liao Yinting , Zhu Haixia , Tian Yang , Peng Bingwei , Chen Wen-Xiong , Li Xiaojing 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveTo study the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light chain (NfL) in pediatric acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS) and its association with factors of laboratory and imaging results.MethodsWe analyzed clinical data from children with ADS collected from May 2020 to January 2021 at the Department of Neurology of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect the CSF NfL of patients.ResultsThirty pediatric ADS patients (17 male, 13 female) were included in the study. The most frequent diagnosis was uncategorized ADS (36.7%, 11/30), followed by acute disseminating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (23.3%, 7/30), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorder (MOGAD) (20.0%, 6/30), NMO (6.7%, 2/30), multiple sclerosis (MS) (6.7%, 2/30), and neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorders (NMOSD) (6.7%, 2/30). The median CSF NfL for the first time was 7,425.28 pg/ml (interquartile range, 1,273.51, &gt;10,000 pg/ml). CSF NfL increase over normal value (&lt;290.00 pg/ml for people younger than 30 years old) was seen in 98.7% of patients. Patients were divided into uncategorized ADS, ADEM, MOGAD, and MS/NMO/NMOSD groups, with no significant difference in CSF NfL between each group. The CSF NfL positively correlated with the immunoglobulin (Ig) G (ρ = 0.473) and IgE (ρ = 0.366). However, the CSF NfL did not correlate with CSF white blood count and CSF protein. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between patients with oligoclonal bands positive and without. The CSF NfL negatively correlated with interferon γ (ρ = −0.501), CD45 + CD3+ T (ρ = −0.466), CD45 + CD3 + CD4+ T (ρ = −0.466), and CD45 + CD3 + CD8+ T cells (ρ = −0.521). However, it did not correlate with CD45 + CD19+ B cells. CSF NfL in patients with cerebral white matter lesions in MRI was higher than in patients without. Moreover, the CSF NfL positively correlated with the number of brain MRI locations (ρ = 0.362). Nine patients underwent multiple detections of CSF NfL, and their CSF NfL for the last detection was not significantly different from the first.ConclusionsThe CSF NfL increases significantly in pediatric ADS, and it can be a biomarker of neuro-axonal injury and a good indication of the extent of lesions.
Thermal equilibrium as a predictor of growth efficiency in preterm infants
Authors: Heiter Julia , Konow Juliane , Koch Jochim , Singer Dominique , Ebenebe Chinedu Ulrich 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionProviding adequate nutrition to preterm infants to achieve postnatal growth similar to intrauterine growth remains challenging due to the unpredictability of individual determinants.Material and methodsWe used a calculation program for infant incubators to compare the estimated heat balance with the caloric intake and growth rate in Very Low Birth Weight Infants (VLBWI).Results and discussionA group of 32 VLBWI was studied over a period of 14–28 days. An interrelationship between thermal equilibrium and growth rate was observed, with standardized incubator settings being unable to avoid periods of negative thermal balance and concomitantly poor growth rate.ConclusionDetermining personalized incubator settings by means of a calculation program could help improve nutrition and growth in preterm infants.
Evaluating in vivo data for drug metabolism and transport: lessons from Kirchhoff’s Laws
Authors: Benet Leslie Z. , Sodhi Jasleen K. 
Published: November 2024

Mechanistic models of hepatic clearance have been evaluated for more than 50 years, with the first author of this mini-review serving as a co-author of the first paper proposing such a model. However, published quality experimental data are only consistent with the first of these models, designated as the well-stirred model, despite the universal recognition that this model is physiologically unrepresentative of what occurs with respect to liver metabolism and transport. Within the last 3 years, our laboratory has recognized that it is possible to derive clearance equations employing the concepts of Kirchhoff’s Laws from physics, independent of the differential equation approach that has been utilized to derive reaction rates in chemistry. Here we review our published studies showing that the equation previously believed to be the well-stirred model, when hepatic basolateral transporters are not clinically relevant, is in fact the general equation for hepatic clearance when only systemic drug concentrations are measured, explaining why all experimental data fit this equation. To demonstrate that the equations deriving the mechanistic models of hepatic elimination for the past 50 years are not valid, we show that when calculating Kpuu, the ratio of unbound drug concentration in the liver to the unbound concentration of drug in the systemic circulation, for the well-stirred, parallel tube and dispersion models, Kpuu surprisingly can never exceed 1 and is a function of FH, the hepatic bioavailability following oral dosing. We believe that knowledgeable drug metabolism scientist and clinical pharmacologist will agree that this outcome is nonsensical.
Lower back pain amongst medical trainees in clinical rotations: implications for choosing future career regarding medical practice
Authors: Hakiranuye Samuel , Kiwanuka Frank , Asiimwe Daniel , Posti Jussi P. , Lule Herman 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is an increasing concern amongst medical students. There is a dearth of publications regarding how the occurrence of LBP impact medical trainees’ career decisions.ObjectiveTo determine: (i) the point and annual prevalence of LBP amongst Ugandan medical students, (ii) its associated factors, and (iii) whether the experience of LBP during clinical rotations influence medical students’ career choices regarding medical practice.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study of 387 randomly selected clinical-phase students was conducted in three Ugandan medical schools, during 17th January to 10th March 2023. Proportions of participants with current and 12-months history of LBP were computed as well as odds for career prospects. We performed binary logistic regression models to determine factors associated with LBP at 95% confidence interval regarding p &lt; 0.05 as statistically significant.ResultsThe response rate was 100%. Participants’ mean age was 24.7 ± 3.2 years of which 66.2% (256/387) were males. The point and annual prevalence of LBP was 52.5% (203/387) and 66.1% (256/387) respectively. Age [OR 1.23, 95% CI (1.03–1.47), p = 0.02], time spent sitting per day [OR 1.08, 95% CI (1.06–1.3), p &lt; 0.01], perceived influence of LBP on future medical career [OR 4.75, 95% CI (1.87–12.06), p &lt; 0.01] were the significant predictors of LBP. LBP interrupted the students’ learning for at least 6.8 ± 12.8 h in 42.4% of participants. Nearly half of participants affirmed that their LBP experience would influence their career prospects. Based on their LBP experiences, trainees ruled out surgery 51.5% (172/334), obstetrics/gynecology 29.6% (99/334), paediatrics 18.3% (61/334), and internal medicine 17.7% (59/334) as their future career specialties. The proportion of trainees that would not consider surgical as opposed to medical disciplines were 81.1% vs. 36.0%, respectively, (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe high prevalence of low back pain among medical students impacts their choices of future medical career with an aversion towards specialization in surgical disciplines. This has far-reaching implications on the disparities in specialist physician health workforce in Low-middle-income countries.
Association between nickel exposure and diabetes risk: an updated meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Lu Huaye , Shi Xiaoyang , Han Lei , Liu Xin , Jiang Qingtao 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThe results of epidemiological studies on the association between nickel exposure and diabetes remain controversial. Therefore, an update meta-analysis was conducted to examine the association between urinary nickel levels and diabetes risk, and to focus on whether there is an association between blood nickel levels and diabetes risk.MethodsRelevant studies were comprehensively searched from PubMed, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases from their inception to July 2024. The random-effects model was utilized to determine pooled Standard Mean Difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with stratified and sensitivity analyses also performed. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 statistic, while publication bias was evaluated using Egger's and Begg's tests. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsA total of 19 studies involving 46,071 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The random-effects model indicated that the pooled SMD for nickel exposure levels in diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls were 0.16 (95% CI 0.07–0.2) for urine and 0.03 (95% CI −0.20 to 0.27) for blood, respectively.ConclusionIt was discovered that diabetes risk was positively correlated with urinary nickel levels, whereas there was no significant correlation with blood nickel levels. Furthermore, it appeared that the association between nickel exposure and diabetes risk differ in individuals with diabetes compared to those with pre-diabetes, and that the direction of the correlation may even be reversed. In conclusion, more high-quality prospective studies are needed in order to validate these findings in future research endeavors.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42024534139.
Attitudes towards geroprotection: measuring willingness, from lifestyle changes to drug use
Authors: Brouwers Sam J. , Janssens Georges E. , Spiegel Tali 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionGeroprotection is an emerging field of research focused on devising strategies for combating the mechanisms of ageing. This study held three aims: 1) to explore the willingness to utilise five different geroprotective measures (i.e., exercise, supplements, intermittent fasting, metformin, and rapamycin use), 2) to explore whether the willingness differs based on respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and 3) to explore the association between trust in medical institutions and willingness to utilise different geroprotective measures.MethodsA questionnaire was used to assess the attitudes of a sample of the Dutch population by way of both convenience and snowball sampling (final N = 178). Descriptive data and bivariate correlations were used in the analyses.ResultsRelatively high social acceptance of both exercise (66%) and supplements (82%) was found, whereas intermittent fasting (30%), metformin (26%), and rapamycin (10%) were less supported. Males were significantly more likely to be open to exercise and women to supplement use. Trust in medical institutions correlated significantly with the willingness to start metformin.DiscussionExploratory research can only provide a first step in understanding the social acceptance of geroprotection measures. Nevertheless, this study clearly illustrates more well-known measures promoted by public health policy are also more accepted and used. Public health campaigns could consider the sex differences in the uptake of exercise and supplements, and future research may want to delve deeper into the role of facilitating trust relations between medical institutions and the public in promoting the use of geroprotective drugs.
Expression profiles of circulating miRNAs in an endangered Piedmontese sheep breed during the estrus cycle
Authors: Manenti Isabella , Ala Ugo , Macchi Elisabetta , Viola Irene , Toschi Paola , Accornero Paolo , Baratta Mario , Miretti Silvia , Martignani Eugenio 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe preservation of locally endangered breeds is essential for maintaining ecosystem services that benefit both society and the environment. Reproductive fitness becomes a crucial consideration in this context. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a key role in post-transcriptional regulation. Typically, they function within the tissues where they are produced. However, when they are released into extracellular fluid, they are referred to as circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs). C-miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers, whose profile changes under different physiological states. The purpose of this study is to establish a connection between distinctive variations in the expression of c-miRNAs and specific estrus cycle phases in Frabosana-Roaschina sheep, an endangered Piedmontese breed.MethodsTwo trials, each involving 20 ewes with different reproductive efficiencies (nulliparous in the first trial and pluriparous in the second trial), were sampled on alternate days after synchronization for blood, saliva, and feces. Ultrasound scans were performed during the induced estrus cycle. The animals’ behaviors were assessed through video recordings.ResultsIn the first trial, play behaviors were detected without sexual behaviors, whereas in the second trial, sexual behaviors were observed without play behaviors. Based on plasma trends of 17β-estradiol and progesterone and ultrasound images, two moments were identified for miRNAs analyses: the beginning of the follicular phase (day 2) and the beginning of the luteal phase (day 11). C-miRNAs of six representative animals from the second trial were sequenced. Analyses of the sequencing data have identified 12 c-miRNAs that were differentially expressed (DE) when comparing day 11 with day 2: five miRNAs were found to be upregulated, whereas seven miRNAs were downregulated. An enrichment analysis, based on predicted targets, using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases was performed. Many of these genes regulate reproductive pathways with the possible involvement of miRNAs. Finally, qRT-PCR was conducted to validate the DE miRNAs in all ewes. Differences in gene expression between the two sampling points and the two trials were observed, in line with existing literature.DiscussionInvestigating the role of these miRNAs in regulating estrus could improve the reproductive performance and welfare of Frabosana-Roaschina ewes.