bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The serum uric acid-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is a predictor for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Zhanbin , Liu Qiaoran , Yao Zhenyu 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThe exact relationship between the serum uric acid-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (UHR) and mortality rates remains enigmatic among American adults. This study aims to clarify the association between UHR and both all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in US adults.MethodsThis study enrolled 48054 patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Mortality outcomes were determined by linking to National Death Index (NDI) records up to December 31,2019. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to analyze explore the associations between UHR and mortality. Dose-response relationships were explored using restricted cubic splines, and stratified analyses were conducted based on gender, age, race, education, PIR, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, BMI, diabetes and hypertension.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, the overall mortality for all-cause and CVD was 10.9% and 2.7%, respectively. The adjusted HRs in the highest quintile were 1.16 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.29) for all-cause mortality and 1.2 (95% CI: 1, 1.45) for CVD mortality. In diabetes, obese, and CVD subgroups, significantly elevated adjusted HRs were observed for both all-cause and CVD mortality. Specifically, diabetes patients had adjusted HRs of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.57) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.90), obese individuals had HRs of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.58) and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.28), and CVD patients had HRs of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.50) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.79), respectively. A non-linear relationship between UHR and mortality was identified, with critical thresholds of 12.4 for all-cause mortality and 10.7 for CVD mortality in the general population. Significant interactions were observed between UHR and stratified variables, including gender, BMI, education, smoking, alcohol use, and hypertension for all-cause mortality, while significant interactions were observed based on gender, smoking, and alcohol intake for CVD mortality. Comparable trends were also observed in patient with diabetes, obese and CVD.ConclusionsIn this cohort study, we provide novel insights into the association between serum UHR concentrations and mortality in the general population. UHR is a strong predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population.
Impact of dietary changes on retinal neuronal plasticity in rodent models of physical and psychological trauma
Authors: Patel Mital Y. , Yang Ruoting , Chakraborty Nabarun , Miller Stacy-Ann , DeMar James C. , Batuure Andrew , Wilder Donna , Long Joseph , Hammamieh Rasha , Gautam Aarti 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionBlast injury has been implicated as the major cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ocular system injury, in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers exposed to traumatic stress also have undiagnosed, chronic vision problems. Here we hypothesize that excessive intake of ω-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA) and insufficiency of dietary long chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, e.g., docosahexaenoic acid; DHA) would dysregulate endocannabinoid-mediated neuronal plasticity and immune response. The study objective was to determine the effect of blast-TBI and traumatic stress on retinal gene expression and assess the role of dietary deficiency of long chain ω-3 PUFAs on the vulnerability to these injury models.MethodsLinoleic acid was used as an independent variable to reflect the dietary increase in LA from 1 percent of energy (en%) to 8 en% present in the current western diets, and these custom LA diets were also devoid of long chain ω-3 PUFAs. Animals were exposed to a simulated blast overpressure wave followed by a weight drop head-concussion to induce TBI. A Separate group of rats were subjected to traumatic stress by a forced immersion underwater.ResultsOur findings showed that blast-TBI exposure, post 14 days, produced significant neuropathological changes such as axonal degeneration in the brain optic tracts from all the three diet groups, especially in rats fed the DHA-deprived 1 en% LA diet. Transcriptomic analysis showed that presence of DHA in the house chow diet prevented blast-induced disruption of neuronal plasticity by activating molecular networks like SNARE signaling, endocannabinoid pathway, and synaptic long-term depression when compared to DHA-deprived 8 en% LA diet group. Under traumatic stress, retinal synaptic function, neurovascular coupling, and opioid signaling mechanisms were dysregulated in rodents fed DHA-deficient diets (i.e., 8 en% LA and 1 en% LA), where reducing the levels of ω-6 linoleic acid from 8 en% to 1 en% was associated with increased neuronal plasticity and suppressed immune signaling.ConclusionThe findings of our study suggest that deprivation of long chain ω-3 PUFAs in the diet affects endocannabinoid-mediated neuronal plasticity, vascular function and inflammatory response that could influence the resistance of veterans to TBI and psychological trauma.
Causal relationship between reproductive factors and female bone density: a univariate and multivariate mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Zuo Yaqi , Hu Hongbo , Zhou Jie 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveObservational studies have found associations between reproductive factors and bone density in women. However, the causal relationships are not well understood. This study aims to investigate whether various reproductive factors are causally related to bone density at different skeletal sites using both univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) methods.MethodsThe study incorporated four reproductive factors, namely, age at menarche (AAM), age at first live birth (AFB), age at menopause (ANM), and age at last live birth (ALB), as well as five distinct skeletal sites, including bone mineral density (BMD), heel calcaneus BMD, ultradistal forearm bone mineral density (FA-BMD), lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD), and femoral neck bone mineral density (FN-BMD). Univariable two-sample MR and multivariable MR analyses were conducted using data from published genome-wide association studies (GWASs). A total of 150 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the four reproductive factors were extracted from GWAS databases. The primary statistical analysis method utilized in this study was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method.ResultsIn the univariate MR analysis, we observed causal connections between four reproductive factors and bone density. Specifically, AAM had a significant impact on BMD and heel calcaneus BMD. Age at first live birth was negatively associated with FA-BMD. Age at last live birth showed a negative correlation with BMD and heel calcaneus BMD. ANM exhibited positive associations with BMD, heel calcaneus BMD, FA-BMD, and LS-BMD. Subsequently, we performed a multivariable MR analysis to examine the combined effects of multiple variables, which confirmed the persistence of associations between age at menopause and bone density at various sites. Additionally, we found a negative correlation between age at last live birth and heel calcaneus BMD.ConclusionThis study offers a fresh perspective on the prevention of osteoporosis in women, explicitly stating that reproductive factors such as early menopause and late childbirth play a significant predictive role in individual bone density decline. Therefore, when developing osteoporosis screening and management protocols, reproductive factors should be included for a more comprehensive guidance of clinical practice.
Role of telomere dysfunction and immune infiltration in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: new insights from bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Fu Chenkun , Tian Xin , Wu Shuang , Chu Xiaojuan , Cheng Yiju , Wu Xiao , Yang Wengting 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by unexplained irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. Although the etiology of IPF is unclear, studies have shown that it is related to telomere length shortening. However, the prognostic value of telomere-related genes in IPF has not been investigated.MethodsWe utilized the GSE10667 and GSE110147 datasets as the training set, employing differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen for disease candidate genes. Then, we used consensus clustering analysis to identify different telomere patterns. Next, we used summary data-based mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis to screen core genes. We further evaluated the relationship between core genes and overall survival and lung function in IPF patients. Finally, we performed immune infiltration analysis to reveal the changes in the immune microenvironment of IPF.ResultsThrough differential expression analysis and WGCNA, we identified 35 significant telomere regulatory factors. Consensus clustering analysis revealed two distinct telomere patterns, consisting of cluster A (n = 26) and cluster B (n = 19). Immune infiltration analysis revealed that cluster B had a more active immune microenvironment, suggesting its potential association with IPF. Using GTEx eQTL data, our SMR analysis identified two genes with potential causal associations with IPF, including GPA33 (PSMR = 0.0013; PHEIDI = 0.0741) and MICA (PSMR = 0.0112; PHEIDI = 0.9712). We further revealed that the expression of core genes is associated with survival time and lung function in IPF patients. Finally, immune infiltration analysis revealed that NK cells were downregulated and plasma cells and memory B cells were upregulated in IPF. Further correlation analysis showed that GPA33 expression was positively correlated with NK cells and negatively correlated with plasma cells and memory B cells.ConclusionOur study provides a new perspective for the role of telomere dysfunction and immune infiltration in IPF and identifies potential therapeutic targets. Further research may reveal how core genes affect cell function and disease progression, providing new insights into the complex mechanisms of IPF.
Low prevalence of HIV in the northern Cameroon: contribution of some AIDS restriction genes and potential implications for gene therapy
Authors: Djataou Patrice , Djuidje Ngounoue Marceline , Nkenfou-Tchinda Carine Nguefeu , Ngoufack Marie Nicole , Elong Elise , Tiga Aline , Muluh Clifford , Kadji Kameni Joelle , Djaouda Moussa , Ndjolo Alexis , Nkenfou Celine Nguefeu 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundHIV infection and its progression to AIDS depend on several factors including host genetic factors. The immunological mechanisms of host resistance to HIV infection greatly influence the prevalence of HIV in a given region. Worldwide, Cameroon not exempted, the frequency of AIDS-associated genes varies and may influence this prevalence. The North and Far North Regions of Cameroon have had the lowest HIV prevalence in the country for many years despite risky behaviors associated with their customs and habits. In this work, we seek to explore the contribution of host genes to the HIV low prevalence in these regions.MethodologyFive genes variants previously described as HIV AIDS related were studied. These genes are: CCR5Δ32, CCR5promoter59029G, CCR2-64I, SDF1-3ʹA and Trim5α(R136Q). A total of 384 consented participants were included in this study. The HIV serological status was confirmed using national algorithm. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buffy coats and used for genotyping. The results obtained were compiled in Excel 2016, Epi Info 7.1 and snpStats software and Chi two tests allowed us to compare the frequencies of the AIDS related alleles in the North with those in other Regions of Cameroon and to measure the impact of these ARGs on protection against HIV.ResultsThe frequency of protective alleles CCR5Δ32, CCR5promoter59029G, CCR2-64I, SDF1-3ʹA and Trim5α(R136Q) was the allelic frequencies should be expressed as percentages i.e. 0.52%; 37.56%; 36.46%; 25.19% and 69.33%. These allelic frequencies exhibited a significant difference when compared to those obtained in other regions of Cameroon (p &lt; 0.01). Protective alleles were predominant in the Northern region compared to others and were associated with resistance to HIV [(p &lt; 0.0001); OR = 2.02 CI, 95%].ConclusionThe higher frequency of HIV-protective alleles in the northern regions may be a contributing factor to the lower prevalence of HIV. Nevertheless, this should be reinforced by other preventive and surveillance methods to guarantee the sustained low prevalence. HIV can develop resistance through the process of mutation, but the host targets themselves are genetically stable. The study of these host genetic restriction factors is of great value in the design of a practical cure for HIV infection or an effective vaccine.
Health assessment of mangrove ecosystem of natural protected areas in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Yang Xitao , Wen Rushu , Qu Ming , Zhang Chunxia , Luo Jianing , Zhu Weidong , Jiang Tong , Liu Xihui , Liu Xinke 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionMultiple factors, including human disturbance and environmental change, have caused a significant global mangrove resource loss. Therefore, the Chinese government has restructured mangrove habitats and restored the ecosystem functionality through establishing naturally protected mangrove areas. Despite efforts spanning several years, over 90% of mangrove forests in China have been now integrated into the natural protected area system, with the health status and influencing factors of mangrove ecosystem remaining a pertinent subject for further exploration. Given the intricacies of mangrove ecosystems with complex nonlinear relationships among evaluation factors, it is imperative to adopt scientific methodologies to assess their health status.MethodsTo illustrate this, we conducted a mangrove ecosystem health assessment of natural protected areas of Guangdong Province, China. By employing a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and establishing an index system for mangrove ecosystem health assessment.ResultsThe results revealed the following findings. (1) Various factors exert differing degrees of influence on mangrove ecosystem health. Notably, the mangrove habitat pattern (weight 47.95%), bird diversity (weight 20.97%), mangrove community (weight 14.31%), water environment (weight 11.76%), and soil sedimentary environment (weight 5.01%) were identified. (2) Overall, the mangrove ecosystem within protected areas of Guangdong exhibited unhealthy signs. There were 4 healthy protected areas (20.00%), 4 areas classified as sub-healthy (20.00%), and 12 were deemed unhealthy (60.00%). (3) Key factors contributing to the compromised health of mangrove ecosystems included the homogenization of mangrove plants, decreased habitat diversity, and exogenous pollution.DiscussionBy planting local mangrove species, scientifically managing the ratio of mangrove cover area to mudflat area, and controlling pollution sources and treating pollutants, the structure of the mangrove ecosystem can be optimized, and the quality of mangrove forest can be improved. These findings can enhance mangrove ecosystem management practices, assist mangrove natural reserve managers in performing targeted mangrove ecological protection and restoration, promote effective management, and contribute to the realization of “harmonious symbiosis” between humanity and nature within mangrove ecosystems.
Comparison of objective visual quality between SMILE and FS-LASIK in moderate-to-high myopia
Authors: Zou Huaxian , Wei Xianxian , Li Lili , Wei Diefeng , Mao Hejuan , Huang Yanyan , Lu Pengfei , Li Ziyu , Zhong Dedong , Chen Qi 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to compare the changes in the corneal wavefront aberrations and the objective visual quality resulting from two types of eye surgery—small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK)—in patients with moderate-to-high myopia.MethodsA prospective analysis was performed on 98 eyes of 51 patients who underwent SMILE. Additionally, 88 eyes of 45 patients who underwent FS-LASIK were analyzed. All patients underwent ocular examination preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Corneal aberrations and objective visual quality were measured using the Optical Quality Analysis System II (OQAS II) and Optical Path Difference Scan III (OPD-Scan III).ResultsAt postoperative 1 day and 1 week, there was a statistically significant difference in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) between SMILE and FS-LASIK (P &lt; 0.05). Postoperative spherical (S), cylinder (C) and spherical equivalent refraction (SE) were similar between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). In both groups, the absolute magnitude of total higher-aberrations (tHOA), piston, vertical tilt, vertical coma, and spherical aberration (SA) increased after surgery compared to preoperative values (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in Δhorizontal tHOA, Δhorizontal tilt, Δhorizontal coma, and Δhorizontal trefoil between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05), and the FS-LASIK had higher Δvertical trefoil and ΔSA (P &lt; 0.05) but lower Δpiston, Δvertical tilt, and Δvertical coma than the SMILE group (P &lt; 0.05). There was a rise in objective scattering index (OSI) and a decline in both modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff and Strehl ratio (SR) after surgery compared to preoperative values in both groups (P &lt; 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the OSI at 1 day and 3 months between the two groups (P &lt; 0.05). Postoperative MTF cutoff and SR were similar between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). Postoperative OSI was positively correlated with corneal tHOA (0.261 ≤ R ≤ 0.483, P &lt; 0.05) and was negatively correlated with vertical tilt and vertical coma (−0.315 ≤ R ≤ −0.209, P &lt; 0.05) in both groups.ConclusionWhile both SMILE and FS-LASIK can effectively correct moderate-to-high myopia, there is an increase in corneal aberrations and a postoperative delay in objective visual quality. The cornea may require a longer recovery period in the SMILE. OPD-Scan III combined with OQAS II is a useful supplementary inspection for assessing the optical quality following refractive surgery.
Autologous serum eye drops for patients with dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: He Chang-Zhu , Zeng Zhao-Jun , Liu Jun Qiao , Qiu Qin , He Yu 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundDry eye disease (DED) is highly prevalent worldwide, leading to increased medical costs, economic burdens on families and society, and a diminished quality of life for patients. The utilization of autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs) for the treatment of DED is progressively rising.ObjectiveTo further evaluate the efficacy and safety of ASEDs in the treatment of DED.MethodsA thorough search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted across eight databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, SinoMed, and VIP. This search encompassed the inception of each database up to April 1, 2024, with a specific focus on identifying RCTs evaluating the efficacy and safety of ASEDs for the treatment of DED. Data analysis was conducted utilizing Stata 15.0 software and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was utilized to appraise the literature’s quality.ResultsThe study encompassed 12 RCTs. In comparison to the use of artificial tears (AT), patients diagnosed with DED who utilized ASEDs displayed elevated the Schirmer test (ST) scores [WMD = 2.35, 95% CI (1.45, 3.24), p &lt; 0.001] and tear-film breakup time (TBUT) scores [WMD = 2.83, 95% CI (2.27, 3.39), p &lt; 0.001], decreased Corneal fluorescence staining (CFS) scores [SMD = −2.11, 95% CI (−3.07, −1.15), p &lt; 0.001] and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores [WMD = −10.54, 95% CI (−13.31, −7.77), p &lt; 0.001], and experienced a reduced frequency of adverse events [RR = 0.36, 95% CI (0.13, 0.99), p = 0.048].ConclusionIn this study, ASEDs had been shown to enhance tear secretion, extend tear film break-up time, mitigate corneal epithelial damage, ameliorate OSDI scores, and exhibit greater safety compared to AT.
The landscape of perioperative nursing education in Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Wong Maddie , Banda Zione , Nabulime Josephine , Matunda Nira , Nkangala Edina , Silvers Rebecca 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundNot everyone across the globe has access to safe surgical care. There exist stark disparities in surgical mortality between high-income and low-and middle-income countries. Quality perioperative care across the surgical care continuum can mitigate these disparities. Nurses play a vital role in providing quality perioperative care and their competency in perioperative nursing directly impacts surgical outcomes. Across Africa, formal educational opportunities for nurses in perioperative care is not well understood.MethodsThis is an informal scoping review of the existing literature investigating the current state of perioperative nursing education across the African continent. Ten articles were included in the analysis.ResultsFew programs exist across Africa that provide specialized training for nurses in perioperative medicine. Programs that have been formally evaluated show improved knowledge and clinical skills among nurses.ConclusionGreater research is necessary to establish a more robust evidence base in support of increasing access to perioperative nursing education to improve patient outcomes. Obstacles remain to designing, implementing, and evaluating new educational programs.
Oral propranolol for the treatment of hemangiomas in high-risk infants: safety and cost analysis of outpatient-initiated therapy
Authors: Su Rina , Qian Hua , Hu Cui , Li Wei , Li JiBin , Wu Bo , Gu Yang , Zhang Ting , Wu YaFen , Qian YingYing , Lu Hui 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the safety and cost analysis of oral propranolol treatment for high-risk infantile hemangiomas starting from the outpatient setting.MethodsA total of 41 high-risk infantile hemangioma patients from outpatient settings and 43 from inpatient settings were selected for the study. After routine pre-treatment examinations, patients were administered propranolol in a stepwise incremental dosing regimen over three consecutive days in the outpatient clinic. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure and PR interval before and after medication were compared. On the 10th day post-medication, liver and kidney functions, fasting blood glucose, tumor ultrasonography, and electrocardiogram were re-evaluated. The costs of treatment starting from the outpatient clinic (including pre-treatment examinations and the first three days of treatment) were calculated and compared with those of similarly managed inpatient cases.ResultsThe majority of patients exhibited a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as an extended PR interval after treatment of medication (P &lt; 0.05), which remained within normal limits without clinical symptoms. On the 10th day post-medication, statistical differences in blood biochemistry and electrocardiograms were observed when compared to pre-treatment values (P &lt; 0.05), but all values remained within normal ranges. No severe adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia occurred. Additionally, the cost of treatment from the outpatient clinic was significantly lower than that of inpatient care.ConclusionOral propranolol treatment for high-risk infantile hemangiomas starting from the outpatient setting is associated with few adverse reactions and significantly reduced treatment costs. It is worthy of broader application in hospitals without dermatology wards.