bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring genetic associations between metabolites and atopic dermatitis: insights from bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis in European population
Authors: He Ao , Hong Zhisheng , Zhao Xinqi , Li Hainan , Xu Ying , Xu Yangheng , Jing Zhaoyi , Ma Haoteng , Gong Zhuo , Yang Bing , Zhou Qingzhu , Zheng Fan , Zhao Xian 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThere is growing evidence indicating a complex interaction between blood metabolites and atopic dermatitis (AD). The objective of this study was to investigate and quantify the potential influence of plasma metabolites on AD through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsOur procedures followed these steps: instrument variable selection, primary analysis, replication analysis, Meta-analysis of results, reverse MR analysis, and multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis. In our study, the exposure factors were derived from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), encompassing 8,299 individuals of European descent and identifying 1,091 plasma metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios. In primary analysis, AD data, was sourced from the GWAS catalog (Accession ID: GCST90244787), comprising 60,653 cases and 804,329 controls. For replication, AD data from the Finnish R10 database included 15,208 cases and 367,046 controls. We primarily utilized the inverse variance weighting method to assess the causal relationship between blood metabolites and AD.ResultsOur study identified significant causal relationships between nine genetically predicted blood metabolites and AD. Specifically, 1-palmitoyl-2-stearoyl-GPC (16:0/18:0) (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.94), 1-methylnicotinamide (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.98), linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:2/20:4) [1] (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.92–0.96), and 1-arachidonoyl-GPC (20:4n6) (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.92–0.96) were associated with a reduced risk of AD. Conversely, phosphate / linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:2/20:4) [2] (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10), docosatrienoate (22:3n3) (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10), retinol (Vitamin A) / linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:2/20:4) [2] (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.05–1.11), retinol (Vitamin A) / linoleoyl-arachidonoylglycerol (18:2/20:4) [1] (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.05–1.12), and phosphate / linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:2/20:4) [1] (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.07–1.12 were associated with an increased risk of AD. No evidence of reverse causality was found in the previously significant results. MVMR analysis further confirmed that 1-palmitoyl-2-stearoyl-GPC (16:0/18:0) and 1-methylnicotinamide are independent and dominant contributors to the development of AD.ConclusionOur study revealed a causal relationship between genetically predicted blood metabolites and AD. This discovery offers specific targets for drug development in the treatment of AD patients and provides valuable insights for investigating the underlying mechanisms of AD in future research.
Genetically predicted metabolites mediate the association between lipidome and malignant melanoma of skin
Authors: Wu Yuzhou , Ma Hang , Liu Zhenyu 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the causal relationship between lipidome and malignant melanoma of skin (MMOS), while identifying and quantifying the role of metabolites as potential mediators.MethodsA two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of lipid species (n=7174) and MMOS was performed using pooled data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In addition, we quantified the proportion of metabolite-mediated lipidome effects on MMOS by two-step MR.ResultsThis study identified potential causal relationships between 11 lipids and MMOS, and 40 metabolites and MMOS, respectively. Phosphatidylethanolamine (18:0_18:2) levels mined from 179 lipids by MR Analysis increased the risk of MMOS (OR: 1.962; 95%CI:1.298,2.964; P=0.001). There is no strong evidence for a relationship between genetically predicted MMOS and phosphatidylethanolamine (18:0_18:2) levels (P=0.628). The proportion of gene predictions for phosphatidylethanolamine (18:0_18:2) levels mediated by 1-stearoyl-(glycosylphosphatidylinositol) GPI (18:0) levels was 12.40%.ConclusionThis study identifies 1-stearoyl-GPI (18:0) levels as a potential mediator that may mediate the causal relationship between phosphatidylethanolamine (18:0_18:2) levels and MMOS, This provides direction for the investigation of MMOS, but further research of other possible potential mediators is still needed.
CD276 as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer through bioinformatics and clinical research
Authors: Zhou Qi , Xu Jianhao , Chen Xuelei , Ouyang Jun , Mao Caiping , Zhang Zhiyu 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo assess CD276 expression and explore its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with bladder cancer.MethodsIn total, RNA-sequencing data and clinical profiles of 436 bladder cancer cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were assessed using the University of California Santa Cruz Xena (UCSC) platform. We compared the CD276 levels in cancerous and adjacent normal tissues and used the R software for statistical association with the clinical stage, grade, and survival (the overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival). A single-gene GSEA analysis on TCGA-BLCA data was performed to explore potential pathways through which CD276 might influence bladder cancer. Additionally, CD276 expression was analyzed by comparing data from 9 cancerous tissues and 3 adjacent normal tissues in the GEO dataset GSE7476. Furthermore, we analyzed 133 cancerous bladder and adjacent tissue samples from the Soochow University Hospital, collected between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2022, to assess the CD276 protein expression using immunohistochemistry. We examined the relationship between tumor CD276 levels and clinical outcomes and prognosis of bladder cancer.ResultsBioinformatic analysis revealed elevated CD276 expression in tumors compared to that in adjacent tissues (p&lt;0.05), correlating with poor survival. GSEA revealed that CD276 was significantly involved in extracellular matrix-related pathways. Immunohistochemistry confirmed CD276 overexpression in tumor tissues, with higher levels linked to advanced pathological grades and worse prognosis.ConclusionCD276 is markedly upregulated in bladder cancer and associated with severe pathological features, advanced disease, potential for metastasis, and diminished survival rates. It may promote bladder cancer development and progression by influencing extracellular matrix-related-related pathways, making it a viable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer.
Evaluation of the thickness of acetabular cartilage by ultrasound in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Hong Kai , Wan Jie , Zhao Ying , Zhang Chao 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionIt has been reported that the cartilaginous roof of the acetabulum is thicker in infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) than in those with healthy hips. However, there is limited research on the changes in the thickness of acetabular cartilage after follow-up or treatment of DDH. This study aims to report the thickness of acetabular cartilage before and after treatment of DDH.Materials and methodsIn this prospective study, infants with clinical suspicion of DDH were enrolled in the pediatric outpatient service in our hospital from January 2022 to August 2023. The thickness of acetabular cartilage was measured in the standard coronal plane. Borderline hips (Graf IIa type) were monitored with monthly ultrasound examination until they were classified as normal hips (Graf I type), while dysplastic hips (Graf IIb type or worse) were treated with the Pavlik harness until they were also classified as normal hips in the final ultrasound examination.ResultsA total of 592 children [median age, 96 days (interquartile range, 70–142 days); 197 boys] were enrolled in the study. The thickness of acetabular cartilage in dysplastic hips (4.3 ± 1.6 mm) was greater than that in normal hips (3.0 ± .39 mm, P &lt; 0.001) and borderline hips (3.1 ± .57 mm, P &lt; 0.001). In borderline hips, the thickness of acetabular cartilage decreased from 3.1 ± .57 mm in the initial evaluation to 2.9 ± .53 mm in the final follow-up scan (P = 0.01). In dysplastic hips, the thickness of acetabular cartilage decreased from 4.3 ± 1.6 mm in the initial evaluation to 3.5 ± .51 mm after treatment (P = 0.003). The thickness of acetabular cartilage in dysplastic hips after treatment remained greater than that in normal hips (P &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionThe thickness of acetabular cartilage decreased after follow-up or treatment of DDH. Further research is required to determine whether cartilage that remain thicker in dysplastic hips than that in normal hips after treatment should be considered an early indicator of residual acetabular dysplasia.
Michael is better than Mehmet: exploring the perils of algorithmic biases and selective adherence to advice from automated decision support systems in hiring
Authors: Rosenthal-von der Pütten Astrid Marieke , Sach Alexandra 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionArtificial intelligence algorithms are increasingly adopted as decisional aides in many contexts such as human resources, often with the promise of being fast, efficient, and even capable of overcoming biases of human decision-makers. Simultaneously, this promise of objectivity and the increasing supervisory role of humans may make it more likely for existing biases in algorithms to be overlooked, as humans are prone to over-rely on such automated systems. This study therefore aims to investigate such reliance on biased algorithmic advice in a hiring context.MethodSimulating the algorithmic pre-selection of applicants we confronted participants with biased or non-biased recommendations in a 1 × 2 between-subjects online experiment (n = 260).ResultsThe findings suggest that the algorithmic bias went unnoticed for about 60% of the participants in the bias condition when explicitly asking for this. However, overall individuals relied less on biased algorithms making more changes to the algorithmic scores. Reduced reliance on the algorithms led to the increased noticing of the bias. The biased recommendations did not lower general attitudes toward algorithms but only evaluations for this specific hiring algorithm, while explicitly noticing the bias affected both. Individuals with a more negative attitude toward decision subjects were more likely to not notice the bias.DiscussionThis study extends the literature by examining the interplay of (biased) human operators and biased algorithmic decision support systems to highlight the potential negative impacts of such automation for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.
Enhancing mental well-being of undergraduates: establishing cut-off values and analyzing substitutive effects of physical activity on depression regulation
Authors: Ma Yue , Gao Yulin , Yang Hui , Zhang Yu , Ku Yixuan 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the effects of physical activity (PA), sleep quality, and sedentary behavior on subthreshold depression (StD) among undergraduates.MethodsThis study included 834 undergraduates and assessed the impact of PA time, sleep quality, and sedentary behavior on depression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine cut-off values for StD risk, while the isochronous substitution analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of different activities on depression regulation.ResultsGender, age, and academic grade had no significant influence on depression levels among undergraduates (p &gt; 0.05). However, students engaging in sedentary behavior for more than 12.1 h per day or with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score above 3.5 were at an increased risk of subclinical depression. Additionally, the isochronous substitution of light-intensity physical activity for other activities (sleep, sedentary behavior, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity) showed statistically significant effects (p &lt; 0.05) in both 5-min and 10-min substitution models, demonstrating a positive effect on alleviating depression.ConclusionThe findings indicate that specific lifestyle factors, particularly high levels of sedentary behavior and poor sleep quality, are crucial determinants of subclinical depression among undergraduates, independent of demographic variables such as gender, age, and academic grade. Notably, light-intensity PA plays a key role in StD regulation, as substituting it with more intense physical activities or improving sleep quality substantially reduces depression scores. Furthermore, the benefits such substitution became more pronounced with the increase in duration of the activity.
Assessments scales for the evaluation of health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and multiple system atrophy: a systematic review
Authors: Maiuolo Maria Lucia , Giorgini Roberto , Vaccaro Maria Grazia , Facchin Alessio , Quattrone Andrea , Quattrone Aldo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe concept of wellbeing is expansive and intricate, making it challenging to define precisely. Similarly, the instruments employed to assess wellbeing are complex and multifaceted. Therefore, it is more appropriate to refer to the notion of wellbeing as Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), which is the central focus of many measures used to assess the feeling of wellbeing. This review aimed to identify the tools most commonly used to evaluate HRQoL in individuals with Parkinsonism—a group of movement disorders that negatively impact the quality of life due to the intricate interplay of symptoms, socio-demographic characteristics, and psychological factors. The main aim was to assess the psychometric properties of these measures in terms of validity and reliability.MethodsA literature review was conducted, focusing on research related to the assessment of HRQoL in connection to symptoms of Parkinsonism. This review included all studies that examined HRQoL using evaluation scales, exams, or self-reported questionnaires. The literature review was conducted using the databases Scopus and Web of Science and the search engine PubMed to identify studies published between 1996 and 2023. Only records that assessed HRQoL in individuals with Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism were selected for evaluation.ResultsA total of 393 records were examined, and eight tools were identified as the most frequently used in the evaluation of HRQoL.DiscussionThe results show a significant gap in knowledge regarding the latent structure and measurement invariance of HRQoL measurements, which may have a significant influence on the interpretation of test outcomes. Moreover, there is a lack of clear divergent validity between HRQoL assessments and other tests used as predictors of HRQoL. This could represent a significant limitation, affecting the construct and criterion validity of HRQoL measures.
Effectiveness of group-based psycho-education on preventing postpartum depression among pregnant women by primary healthcare provider in primary healthcare institution: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tessema Marta , Abera Muluemebet , Birhanu Zewdie 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, one in five mothers suffers from postpartum depression, which needs to be prevented through interventions. According to the World Health Organization, maternal healthcare providers have a unique opportunity to provide psychosocial interventions to prevent the damaging effects of perinatal depression. Hence, this study assessed the effectiveness of prenatal group-based psycho-education in preventing postpartum depression (PPD) in primary healthcare units.MethodsWe conducted a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial, enrolling 550 pregnant women at 12–20 weeks of gestation with a normal score (0–4) and a mild score (5–9) on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The study utilized simple randomization techniques to assign clusters between arms in a 1:1 ratio. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews conducted at 12-20 weeks of gestation and 6 weeks postpartum. The intervention group received usual care plus five prenatal group-based psycho-education (PGBPE) classes, while the control group received only usual care. The PPD status between arms was compared using the chi-square test of association. A mixed-effects multilevel logistic regression model was also used to examine the predictors of the outcome variables.ResultsThe overall response rate at the end line was 92.9%. Thus, compared to that in controls, the PPD in the intervention clusters was considerably lower (20 (7.6%) vs. 74 (28.9%)), P = 0.001)/65% (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.13–0.99), although no difference was detected at baseline. Social support (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01–0.15), partner emotional support (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.12–0.51), PPD literacy (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.11–0.62), and self-esteem (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.11–0.47) were more likely to protect mothers from PPD. On the contrary, domestic work (AOR = 9.75, 95% CI = 3.37–28.16), neonates with complications (AOR = 5.79, 95% CI = 2.04–16.45), and unhealthy coping (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.06–5.42) exposed mothers to PPD.ConclusionThe implementation of a PGBPE in primary healthcare units (PHCUs) was effective at preventing PPD. Therefore, this intervention method has to be promoted and used in PHCUs to prevent PPD.Clinical Trial Registration[Pan African Clinical Trial Registry], identifier [PACTR 202203616584913].
Electrocardiographic abnormalities and associated factors among HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Befkadu Zewudu , Ibrahim Mohammed , Tadelle Amanuel , Tegene Elsah 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIndividuals living with HIV are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This heightened vulnerability is influenced by various factors, including the direct impact of HIV infection, the side effects of HIV medications, and a higher presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Detecting and managing cardiovascular diseases early in HIV-infected individuals is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Electrocardiography, a simple and non-invasive test, can provide valuable information in this regard. However, there is currently no published data on the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities and the associated factors among HIV-infected adults in Ethiopia.ObjectivesThis study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of ECG abnormalities and associated factors among HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy.MethodologyA hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Mettu Karl Specialized Hospital (MKSH), southwest Ethiopia, among 96 HIV-infected patients and 96 HIV-negative control groups. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select HIV-infected respondents, and HIV-negative respondents were purposively recruited from caregivers. A face-to-face interview with a semi-structured and pretested questionnaire was conducted to collect the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the study participants. Electrocardiography was done for all study participants using a 12-lead electrocardiograph, interpreted by a cardiologist, and classified according to the Minnesota Code classification system. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Finally, descriptive statistics, chi-square, independent t-test, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done at a 5% significance level.ResultsThe study found that 49% of HIV-infected and 19.8% of HIV-negative participants had at least one ECG abnormality. The proportion of coded ST-segment abnormalities, T-wave abnormalities, longer QT interval, and sinus tachycardia was significantly higher in HIV-infected respondents than in HIV-negatives. Being a smoker [AOR = 3.7, 95%CI: 1.03–13.6], being on Protease inhibitors [AOR = 3.6, 95%CI: 1.02–13.1] and having CD4 less than 350 cells/mm3 [AOR = 3.2, 95%CI: 1.22–8.49] were significantly associated with ECG abnormalities among HIV-infected respondents.ConclusionCompared to HIV-negative participants, HIV-infected patients had a significantly higher prevalence of ECG abnormalities. Screening for ECG abnormalities is needed for the early detection of cardiac abnormalities and the reduction of future complications.
Comparative study of acute kidney injury in pararenal aortic aneurysm: open surgical versus endovascular repair
Authors: Sultan Sherif , Acharya Yogesh , Tawfick Wael , Wijns William , Soliman Osama 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (PR-AAA), constituting around 15%-20% of AAA patients, are defined as having no neck between the aneurysm and the renal arteries. Due to an insufficient sealing zone, open surgical repair (OSR) is the gold standard, while EVAR is reserved for those unfit for surgery. Renal outcomes disturb long-term survival, and they have massive socioeconomic and quality of life implications, especially if patients require dialysis.MethodsThis study aims to elucidate any difference between EVAR and OSR of PR-AAA, excluding suprarenal aneurysms, with specific emphasis on renal dysfunction over the short and long term. An existing database of PR-AAA between 2002 and 2023 was used to glean information regarding the therapeutic option used. Renal events were defined by the RIFLE criteria. Out of 1,563 aortic interventions, we identified 179 PR-AAA, of which 99 high-risk patients had an aortic neck of less than 10 mm with complete follow-up. We excluded patients with fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR), branched EVAR (BEVAR), or chimney EVAR (Ch-EVAR) and any patients requiring visceral artery reimplantation.ResultsIn total, 63 patients underwent EVAR, and 36 required OSR. 17.46% of patients who underwent EVAR experienced acute kidney injury (AKI) compared with 36.11% of the OSR group (P = 0.037). The mean post-op creatinine for OSR was 109.88 µmol/L, and for EVAR was 127.06 µmol/L (P = 0.192). The mean difference between long-term (9–12 years) creatinine values in OSR was 14.29 µmol/L (P = 0.191), and the mean difference for EVAR was 25.05 µmol/L (P = 0.024). Furthermore, 27.8% of OSR patients who underwent Left Renal Vein Division and Ligation (LRVDL) experienced an AKI, while 50% who did not undergo LRVDL experienced an AKI (P = 0.382). Thirty-day morbidity in the EVAR group (20.97%) was significantly lower than in the OSR group (42.62%) (P = 0.022). Moreover, 3.17% in EVAR group and 7.14% in OSR group had aneurysm-related mortality (P = 0.584).ConclusionThe rate of renal events for OSR is higher, while the rate of endovascular renal events was lower. Our study shows that PR-AAA undergoing OSR may benefit from endovascular repair.
Low-Volume Ex Situ Lung Perfusion System for Single Lung Application in a Small Animal Model Enables Optimal Compliance With “Reduction” in 3R Principles of Animal Research
Authors: Katsirntaki K. , Hagner S. , Werlein C. , Braubach P. , Jonigk D. , Adam D. , Hidaji H. , Kühn C. , Falk C. S. , Ruhparwar A. , Wiegmann B. 
Published: September 2024

Graphical AbstractAfter lung procurement from Lewis and Fischer 344 rats, the left lung was perfused ex situ, while the right lung was kept statically cold as a control. In addition to thermal imaging, lung histology and analyses of lung weight, key perfusion parameters, blood gas analysis, cytokines, and colloidal oncotic pressure were performed. Figure was created with BioRender.com.