bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling sex-disparities and the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on periodontal health
Authors: Villar Cristina Cunha , Sloniak Mariane Cristina , Assis Josiane Betim de , Porto Renata Cassiano , Romito Giuseppe Alexandre 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAs personalized medicine advances, the need to explore periodontal health across different sexes and gender identities becomes crucial. This narrative review addresses the gap in understanding how biological sex and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) influence periodontitis risk.ResultsResearch has uncovered significant sex-based immunological disparities driven by X and Y chromosome gene expression and sex-hormones, which may influence susceptibility to periodontitis. Additionally, preliminary findings suggest that GAHT, particularly testosterone therapy in transgender men, could exacerbate pro-inflammatory cytokine production and alter immune cell responses, which may exacerbate inflammatory pathways crucial in the progression of periodontitis. Conversely, the effects of estrogen therapy in transgender women, although less extensively studied, suggest modifications in B cell functionality. These observations highlight the complex role of GAHT in modulating immune responses that are central to the development and exacerbation of periodontal disease.DiscussionThe review highlights a complex interaction between sex hormones, gene expression patterns, immune responses, and periodontitis risk. While cisgender males show increased susceptibility to periodontitis that could be linked to specific immune pathways, GAHT appears to modify these pathways in transgender individuals, potentially altering their risk and disease progression patterns.ConclusionThere is a critical need for more focused research on the direct impacts of GAHT on periodontal health. Understanding the nuances of immune modulation by GAHT will aid in crafting personalized periodontal care for transgender individuals, aligning with the broader goals of inclusive and effective healthcare.
Vertebral marrow fat fraction is associated with circulating RANKL in postmenopausal females
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Zuo Xiaoyong , Lu Li , Xu Run , Wang Ying , Chang Shixin , Wang Yi , Luo Peng , Li Guanwu 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between circulating receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) levels and marrow adipose tissue in postmenopausal females.MethodsA total of 164 postmenopausal females were included in the study. Serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL were measured using ELISA kits. Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Complex-based chemical shift imaging-based MRI was employed to evaluate the vertebral marrow proton density fat fraction (PDFF). A multivariate linear regression model was utilized to analyze the predictive effects of PDFF and BMD on circulating levels of OPG and RANKL.ResultsSimple regression analysis showed significant associations among the marrow PDFF, BMD at either site, serum RANKL, and the RANKL/OPG ratio. In multivariate linear regression models, marrow PDFF was found to have a positive correlation (β = 3.15, 95% CI 2.60 to 3.70) and BMD had negative correlations (β = −0.200, 95% CI −0.348 to −0.051 for vertebral BMD; β = −0.383, 95% CI −0.589 to −0.177 for total hip BMD; and β =−0.393, 95% CI −0.598 to −0.188 for femoral neck BMD, all p &lt; 0.01) with circulating soluble RANKL levels after adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, total fat mass, android/gynoid ratio, and lean mass. Similar results were observed for the RANKL/OPG ratio. Additionally, multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that marrow PDFF was a significant independent contributor of circulating soluble RANKL (β = 1.34, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.58, p &lt; 0.001) after further controlling for BMD. However, marrow PDFF or BMD had no associations with circulating levels of OPG after adjusting for all potential confounders mentioned above.ConclusionsVertebral marrow fat fraction is independently associated with circulating soluble RANKL levels in postmenopausal females.
Association of breastfeeding duration with overweight and obesity among women in Ghana
Authors: Tuoyire Derek Anamaale , Tampah-Naah Anthony Mwinilanaa 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThere is a general concurrence on the health benefits that breastfeeding confers to children, including offering maximal protection against obesity across their life course. However, the scientific evidence on similar benefits for women who breastfeed their children remains inconclusive. This study contributes to the discourse by examining the association of breastfeeding duration with overweight and obesity among women in Ghana.MethodsData on 8,516 women of reproductive age were pooled from the last five (5) Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys, and analysed using descriptive proportions and logistic regression models.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was about 8% lower for women who breastfed their children beyond 18 months (overweight = 13%, obesity = 5%) compared with women who did not breastfeed (overweight = 21%, obesity = 13%) their children at all. With reference to women who did not breastfeed their children, a significant lower odds of obesity was observed for those who breastfed their children for 13–18 months (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.268, 0.864) and &gt;18 months (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.216, 0.764), after adjusting for possible confounding factors.DiscussionWomen who breastfeed their children for a minimum of 12 months have lower risk of developing obesity. Promoting prolonged breastfeeding among mothers could be an effective pathway to preventing obesity among women in Ghana.
Effect of inflammatory cytokines and plasma metabolome on OSA: a bidirectional two- sample Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis
Authors: Sun Xin , Wang Congying , He Yuheng , Chen Kun , Miao YingZhang 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder. Inflammatory factors and plasma metabolites are important in assessing its progression. However, the causal relationship between them and OSA remains unclear, hampering early clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions.MethodsWe conducted a large-scale study using data from the FinnGen database, with 43,901 cases and 366,484 controls for our discovery MR analysis. We employed 91 plasma proteins from 11 cohorts (totaling 14,824 participants of European descent) as instrumental variables (IVs). Additionally, we conducted a GWAS involving 13,818 cases and 463,035 controls to replicate the MR analysis. We primarily used the IVW method, supplemented by MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize MR findings, followed by tests for heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and sensitivity analysis (LOO). Reverse MR analysis was also performed to explore causal relationships.ResultsThe meta-analysis showed a correlation between elevated Eotaxin levels and an increased risk of OSA (OR=1.050, 95% CI: 1.008-1.096; p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, we found that the increased risk of OSA could be attributed to reduced levels of X-11849 and X-24978 (decreases of 7.1% and 8.4%, respectively). Sensitivity analysis results supported the reliability of these findings.ConclusionsIn this study, we uncovered a novel biomarker and identified two previously unknown metabolites strongly linked to OSA. These findings underscore the potential significance of inflammatory factors and metabolites in the genetic underpinnings of OSA development and prognosis.
Design of a novel EmTSP-3 and EmTIP based multi-epitope vaccine against Echinococcus multilocularis infection
Authors: Fan Yichen , He Yueyue , Li Yujiao , Yin Zhengwei , Shi Juan , Tian Tingting , Shang Kaiyu , Shi Huidong , Zhang Fengbo , Wen Hao 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCurrent treatments and prevention strategies for echinococcosis are inadequate. Recent advancements in molecular vaccine development show promise against Echinococcus granulosus; however, Echinococcus multilocularis remains a challenge. A Multi-epitope Vaccine could potentially induce specific B and T lymphocyte responses, thereby offering protection against Echinococcus multilocularis infection.MethodsThis study aimed to develop a MEV against alveolar echinococcosis. Key epitopes from the Echinococcus multilocularis proteins EmTSP3 and EmTIP were identified using immunoinformatics analyses. These analyses were conducted to assess the MEV feasibility, structural characteristics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and immune simulations. The immunogenicity and antigenicity of the vaccine were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiments, employing ELISA, Western blotting, FCM, challenge infection experiments, and ELISPOT.ResultsThe effective antigenicity and immunogenicity of MEV were demonstrated through immunoinformatics, as well as in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments revealed that MEV increased the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in PBMC and successfully bound to specific antibodies in patient serum. Furthermore, mice immunized with MEV developed a robust immune response, characterized by elevated levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, increased secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 by specific Th1 and Th2 cells, and heightened serum antibody levels. Importantly, MEV reduced the weight of cysts by conferring resistance against echinococcosis. These findings suggest that MEV is a promising candidate for the prevention of Echinococcus multilocularis infection.ConclusionA total of 7 CTL, 7 HTL, 5 linear B-cell, and 2 conformational B-cell epitopes were identified. The vaccine has demonstrated effective antigenicity and immunogenicity against AE through molecular docking, immune simulation, molecular dynamics studies, and both in vitro and in vivo experiments. It provides effective protection against Echinococcus multilocularis infection, thereby laying a foundation for further development.
Efficacy and safety of switching to bilastine, an H1-antihistamine, in patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (H1-SWITCH): a multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group comparative study
Authors: Fukunaga Atsushi , Kakei Yasumasa , Murakami Sae , Kan Yuji , Masuda Koji , Jinnin Masatoshi , Washio Ken , Amano Hiroo , Nagano Tohru , Yamamoto Akihisa , Otsuka Toshihiro , Takahagi Shunsuke , Takenaka Motoi , Ishiguro Naoko , Hayama Koremasa , Inomata Naoko , Nakagawa Yukinobu , Sugiyama Akiko , Hide Michihiro 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundFor treating patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) resistant to standard doses of 2nd generation H1-antihistamines (H1AH) the International and Japanese guidelines recommend increasing H1AH dose. The latter also recommends switching to a different H1AH. This study explored if the efficacy of the standard dose of bilastine 20 mg is non-inferior to that of double-dose of H1AH in patients with refractory CSU.MethodsThis phase IV, multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of switching treatment to bilastine compared to treatment with a 2-fold dose of H1AH in patients with CSU refractory to standard dose H1AH. The primary endpoint was the mean total symptom score (TSS) at Day 5-7 after the start of administration.ResultsTreatment efficacy and safety were evaluated in 128 patients (bilastine, n=64; 2-fold dose of H1AH, n=64). The mean TSS at Day 5-7 after the start of administration was smaller than the non-inferiority margin of 0.8, demonstrating non-inferiority of the bilastine switching group to the double-dose H1AH group (0.17 (95% CI -0.32, 0.67)). No difference in Japanese version of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (JESS), DLQI, and urticaria activity score over 7 consecutive days (UAS7) was observed between the two groups. There were no serious adverse events in either group. H1AH-related adverse events occurred in 5 subjects (8 cases) and 2 subjects (3 cases) in the double-dose H1AH and bilastine groups, respectively.ConclusionsSwitching treatment to bilastine demonstrated non-inferiority to a double-dose of H1AH in terms of efficacy in patients with CSU refractory to standard dose H1AH with a favorable safety profile.Clinical trial registrationhttps://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs051180105, identifier jRCTs051180105.
Using marine protected areas to assess the status and recovery of the spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii fishery in the Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Nessia Hayley R. , Hanns Benn J. , Haggitt Tim R. , Shears Nick T. 
Published: September 2024

The value of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) in providing fisheries-independent information to evaluate the status of adjacent fish stocks is increasingly being recognised. However, to ensure robust assessments of fisheries using this approach, MPAs need to be representative of the wider fished area and sampling should include multiple MPA and fished locations spanning the area of interest. The spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii fishery in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf has been in decline since the late 1990s, but latest stock estimates suggest a dramatic recovery following catch reductions in 2018. We compared J. edwardsii populations on shallow reefs (&lt;20 m depth) in three marine reserves with six fished locations across the Hauraki Gulf to provide a fisheries-independent assessment of this important fishery and the degree of recovery following catch reductions. Region-wide surveys found that J. edwardsii populations within protected areas were dominated by large, legal-size individuals, whereas lobster in fished locations were mostly below or around legal-size. Total, vulnerable, and spawning stock biomass was 12-43 times higher within MPAs compared to fished locations. Overall, biomass at fished locations was &lt;10% of that in reserves and there was little evidence of recovery following catch reductions. Our fisheries-independent data suggest that recent stock assessments have severely overestimated the recovery and state of lobster populations in the Hauraki Gulf and that populations on shallow reefs remain depleted. These findings highlight the critical need for fisheries-independent data and the value of MPA monitoring data in evaluating population status and recovery following fisheries management actions.
Applications of leech therapy in medicine: a systematic review
Authors: Hosseini Mahsa , Jadidi Ali , Derakhshan Barjoei Mohammad Moein , Salehi Mehdi 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundLeech therapy (LT) is one of the most widely used treatment methods in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to systematically review clinical trials regarding the effects of LT on the prevention and healing of different diseases.MethodsTo identify all relevant published studies, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without any temporal or geographical constraints until April 2023. To categorize the articles, five stages were considered. The PRISMA checklist and Cochran’s bias analysis tool were used.ResultsIn total, 12 trials that met the inclusion criteria were studied. The results of the studies showed that LT has had successful outcomes in treating different conditions. These included hormonal and metabolic complications, cardiovascular problems, and inflammatory-based diseases.Conclusion“Leech therapy” is a traditional medical treatment used successfully to control and treat various conditions. Although this method can have complications, it is possible to benefit from this low-cost and low-complication treatment by taking preventive measures.
Suppression of certain intestinal microbiota metabolites may lead to gestational diabetes in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Xie Ya-ping , Zhao Hui-fen , Lin Shu , Wang Xian-long , Liu Yi-fei , Xie Bao-yuan 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundWe aim to establish a gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mouse model with mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) in comparison with pregnant mice with normal blood glucose levels to investigate the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of HFD-induced GDM.MethodsWe divided healthy 6-week-old female C57BL mice into an HFD-induced GDM group and a normal diet group. Their bacterial flora and metabolites in intestinal fecal exosomes were co-analyzed using 16 s multi-region sequencing and compared.FindingsAlpha (α) diversity was lower within the model group compared to the control group. Beta (β) diversity was significantly different between the two groups. The relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Actinomyces, Rothia, and Bacteroidetes were significantly different between the two groups. Fermentation and nitrate consumption were significantly higher in the GDM group. Multiple bacteria were associated with glycerophosphocholine, S-methyl-5′-thioadenosine, quinolinate, galactinol, deoxyadenosine, DL-arginine, and 2-oxoadenic acid.InterpretationImbalances in the production of Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes, Actinomyces, and Rothia and their related metabolites may lead to metabolic disturbances in GDM. These indicators may be used to assess changes affecting the intestinal microbiota during pregnancy and thus help modulate diet and alter blood glucose.
Relationship between serum prealbumin level and prognosis of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shang Jing , Xue Lanping , Zhao Hongping , Cui Xiaopeng , Shangguan Lijuan , Wang Hailong , Li Xinyi 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundLow serum prealbumin levels have been identified as a predictor of infectious complication in critically ill patients. However, the association in patients with Community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of prealbumin and the poor outcome of CABM through a retrospective cohort study.MethodsA total of 77 patients of CABM were enrolled. They were divided into good outcome group (GOS: 5) and a bad outcome group (GOS: 1–4). Serum prealbumin and other clinical records were measured within 24 h after admission.ResultsAmong the included patients, 38(65.52%) had a bad outcome (the GOS score between 1 and 4). The mean age of the overall cohort was 45.3 ± 15.9 years, and 58.6% of patients were male. The mean prealbumin level in the bad outcome group was 115.4 ± 49.4 mmol/L, while the mean level in the good outcome group was 199.1 ± 49.3 mmol/L (p &lt; 0.001). Individuals with plasma prealbumin level ≤180 mmol/L had a 3.32-fold higher risk of CABM than those with normal plasma prealbumin level [OR = 4.32 (1.02 ~ 18.24), p &lt; 0.05].ConclusionReduced plasma prealbumin level is independently associated with the poor outcome of CABM. Plasma prealbumin level might help to identify patients at high risk of bad outcome.
Cognitive potency and safety of tDCS treatment for major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Junjie , Yao Xinru , Ji Yuqi , Li Hong 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for patients with major depression disorders are well-established, however, there is a notable research gap concerning its comprehensive effects on both depressive symptoms and cognitive functions. Existing research is inconclusive regarding the cognitive enhancement effects of tDCS specifically in MDD patients. The present study aims to fill this knowledge gap by scrutinizing the most updated evidence on the effectiveness of tDCS in anti-depressive treatment and its influence on cognitive function.MethodsA systematic review was performed from the first date available in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and additional sources published in English from 1 January 2001 to 31 May 2023. We examined cognitive outcomes from randomized, sham-controlled trials of tDCS treatment for major depression. The evaluation process strictly followed the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool into the literature, and meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane System Reviewer's Manual.ResultsIn this quantitative synthesis, we incorporated data from a total of 371 patients across 12 studies. Results showed significant benefits following active tDCS compared to sham for the antidepressant effect [SMD: −0.77 (−1.44, −0.11)]. Furthermore, active relative to sham tDCS treatment was associated with increased performance gains on a measure of verbal memory [SMD: 0.30 (−0.02, 0.62)]. These results did not indicate any cognitive enhancement after active tDCS relative to sham for global cognitive function, whereas there was a noticeable trend toward statistical significance specifically in the effect of verbal memory.ConclusionsOur study offers crucial evidence-based medical support for tDCS in antidepressant and dimension-specific cognitive benefits. Further well-designed, large-scale randomized sham-controlled trials are warranted to further validate these findings.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://inplasy.com/, identifier: INPLASY202360008.
Restriction of salt, alcohol and coffee intake and Ménière’s disease: insight from Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Wei , Ma Pengwei , Wang Zi , Guo Jianing , Lun Yuqiang , Wang Weilong , Yuan Hao , Li Siyu , Liang Rui , Lu Lianjun 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundRestricting salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake is commonly recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with Ménière’s disease (MD). However, it remains unclear whether these interventions effectively improve symptoms of MD. Therefore, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the relationship between these dietary modifications and MD.MethodsSummary statistics for salt added to food, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, and MD were sourced from the United Kingdom Biobank, GSCAN, and the FinnGen study, involving up to 941,280 participants. The main analyses were performed using the random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach and were complemented by four additional methods. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the findings, and both forward and reverse MR analyses were employed to address potential reverse causality bias.ResultsThe primary MR results using the IVW method revealed that salt added to food (OR = 0.719, 95% CI: 0.429–1.206; p = 0.211), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.834, 95% CI: 0.427–1.628; p = 0.595), and coffee consumption (OR = 0.852, 95% CI: 0.555–1.306; p = 0.461) were not significantly correlated with MD. In reverse analysis, no evidence of significant effect was found from MD to salt added to food (OR = 1.000, 95% CI: 0.993–1.007; p = 0.957), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.987–1.008; p = 0.682), and coffee consumption (OR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.985–1.011; p = 0.72).ConclusionThis MR analysis did not identify convincing evidence to support the idea that restricting salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake is beneficial for the treatment of MD.