bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive outcomes in fresh transfer cycles and antagonists with premature luteinizing and/or progesterone surge: a single center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wei Chun-Xiao , Zhang Jian-Wei , Xiang Shan , Lian Fang 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe optimal outcome of assisted reproductive technology is a successful live birth after fresh embryo transfer. However, the success pregnancy rate of fresh embryo transfer cycle in antagonist protocol is lower than that observed in other protocols. Despite the use of antagonists (GnRH-ant), the incidence of luteinizing hormone surge and elevated progesterone levels remain at approximately 5%-38%. Progesterone is widely recognized to exert adverse effects on fresh embryo transfer outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of luteinizing hormone surge and progesterone levels on live birth rate following fresh embryo transfer and explore appropriate progesterone thresholds to enhance pregnancy outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included a total of 1,177 antagonist protocol cycles with fresh embryo transfer. The patients were divided into four groups based on the presence of premature LH surge and progesterone level on trigger day&gt;1.5ng/ml. Then, the relationship between the variables and the pregnancy outcome was analyzed and compared in each group.ResultsThe transient rise of luteinizing hormone did not impact pregnancy outcomes (P=0.345; P=0.3; P=0.787), in contrast to progesterone levels on the day of hCG administration (P=0.047*; P=0.015*; P=0.021*). In cases with luteinizing hormone surge, elevated progesterone levels were correlated with higher antral follicle count (AFC), and as progesterone levels increased, a greater quantity of oocytes and embryos were obtained. However, there was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy outcomes. In cases without luteinizing hormone surge, elevated progesterone levels led to significantly poorer pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, the curve-fitting and threshold-effect analysis revealed a notable decline in live birth rates when progesterone exceeded or equaled 1.10ng/ml (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09–0.66; P = 0.005*).ConclusionThe GnRH-ant dosage addition should be carefully selected in flexible antagonist protocols. The presence of elevated progesterone levels may be associated with improved embryo quality when luteinizing hormone surge occurred. In the absence of a luteinizing hormone surge, progesterone levels showed a larger impact on the pregnancy outcome, and fresh embryo transfer should not be performed if the progesterone level on the day of hCG administration is higher than 1.10ng/ml.
Nonlinear relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and the risk of prediabetes and diabetes: a secondary retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cao Changchun , Hu Haofei , Xiao Peng , Zan Yibang , Chang Xinru , Han Yong , Zhang Xiaohua , Wang Yulong 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, recognized for its cost-efficiency and simplicity, serves as an accessible indicator of insulin resistance. Yet, its correlation with the risk of prediabetes and diabetes (Pre-DM/DM) in the Chinese demographic remains uncertain. Consequently, our study explored the association between the TyG index and the development of Pre-DM/DM within the Chinese population.MethodsThe retrospective cohort study was carried out utilizing data from a health screening initiative. The study included 179541 adults over 20 who underwent medical examinations at the Rich Healthcare Group over a period spanning from 2010 to 2016. The correlation between the TyG index and Pre-DM/DM risk was investigated using Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, Cox proportional hazards regression with cubic spline functions and smooth curve fitting was incorporated to explore their non-linear connection.ResultsThe mean age of study participants was 41.18 ± 12.20 years old, and 95255 (53.05%) were male. During a median follow-up of 3.01 years, 21281 (11.85%) participants were diagnosed with Pre-DM/DM. After adjusting the potential confounding factors, the results showed that the TyG index was positively correlated with incident Pre-DM/DM (HR: 1.67, 95%CI: 1.62-1.71, P&lt; 0.001). Additionally, a non-linear association was observed between the TyG index and the onset of Pre-DM/DM, with an inflection point identified at 8.73. Hazard ratios (HR) to the left and right of this inflection point were 1.95 (95%CI: 1.86-2.04) and 1.34 (95%CI: 1.27-1.42), respectively. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these findings.ConclusionThe TyG index exhibited a non-linear positive relationship with the risk of Pre-DM/DM. These findings imply that maintaining the TyG index at a lower, specified threshold may be beneficial in mitigating the onset of Pre-DM/DM.
Novel prognostic signature for hepatocellular carcinoma using a comprehensive machine learning framework to predict prognosis and guide treatment
Authors: Zheng Shengzhou , Su Zhixiong , He Yufang , You Lijie , Zhang Guifeng , Chen Jingbo , Lu Lihu , Liu Zhenhua 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly aggressive, with delayed diagnosis, poor prognosis, and a lack of comprehensive and accurate prognostic models to assist clinicians. This study aimed to construct an HCC prognosis-related gene signature (HPRGS) and explore its clinical application value.MethodsTCGA-LIHC cohort was used for training, and the LIRI-JP cohort and HCC cDNA microarray were used for validation. Machine learning algorithms constructed a prognostic gene label for HCC. Kaplan–Meier (K-M), ROC curve, multiple analyses, algorithms, and online databases were used to analyze differences between high- and low-risk populations. A nomogram was constructed to facilitate clinical application.ResultsWe identified 119 differential genes based on transcriptome sequencing data from five independent HCC cohorts, and 53 of these genes were associated with overall survival (OS). Using 101 machine learning algorithms, the 10 most prognostic genes were selected. We constructed an HCC HPRGS with four genes (SOCS2, LCAT, ECT2, and TMEM106C). Good predictive performance of the HPRGS was confirmed by ROC, C-index, and K-M curves. Mutation analysis showed significant differences between the low- and high-risk patients. The low-risk group had a higher response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and immunotherapy. Treatment response of high- and low-risk groups to small-molecule drugs was predicted. Linifanib was a potential drug for high-risk populations. Multivariate analysis confirmed that HPRGS were independent prognostic factors in TCGA-LIHC. A nomogram provided a clinical practice reference.ConclusionWe constructed an HPRGS for HCC, which can accurately predict OS and guide the treatment decisions for patients with HCC.
Activation of pro-resolving pathways mediate the therapeutic effects of thymosin beta-4 during Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Banga Loveleen , Ebrahim Abdul Shukkur , Carion Thomas W. , Sosne Gabriel , Berger Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionCurrent treatments for bacterial keratitis fail to address the sight-threatening inflammatory host response. Our recent work elucidating the therapeutic mechanisms of adjunctive thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) in resolving inflammation and infection in bacterial keratitis revealed modulation of effector cell function and enhanced bacterial killing. The current study builds upon the observed effects on effector cell function by investigating the impact of Tβ4 on specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator (SPM) pathways as they play a significant role in inflammation resolution.MethodsUsing a well-established in vivo model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced bacterial keratitis, we assessed key enzymes (5-LOX and 12/15-LOX) involved in SPM pathway activation, SPM end products (lipoxins, resolvins), and receptor levels for these mediators. In vitro validation using LPS-stimulated murine monocyte/MΦ-like RAW 264.7 cells and siRNA to inhibit Tβ4 and LOX enzymes was carried out to complement our in vivo findings.ResultsFindings from our in vivo and in vitro investigations demonstrated that adjunctive Tβ4 treatment significantly influences enzymes and receptors involved in SPM pathways. Further, Tβ4 alone enhances the generation of SPM end products in the cornea. Our in vitro assessments confirmed that Tβ4-enhanced phagocytosis is directly mediated by SPM pathway activation. Whereas Tβ4-enhanced efferocytosis appeared to be indirect.ConclusionCollectively, these findings suggest that the therapeutic effect of Tβ4 resolves inflammation through the activation of SPM pathways, thereby enhancing host defense and tissue repair. Our research contributes to understanding the potential mechanisms behind Tβ4 immunoregulatory function, pointing to its promising ability as a comprehensive adjunctive treatment for bacterial keratitis.
Cerebrovascular pulsatility indicates preoperative subcortical cognitive impairment and an increased risk for postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing elective spine surgery
Authors: Saar Angelika , Müller Jonas , Veser Yannick , Behr Frederik , Rathmann Eiko , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Flöel Agnes , Müller Jan-Uwe , von Sarnowski Bettina , Fleischmann Robert 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAdvances in spine surgery enable safe interventions in elderly patients, but perioperative neurocognitive disorders (pNCD), such as post-operative delirium (POD) and cognitive dysfunction (POCD), remain a serious concern. Pre-operative cognitive impairment is a major risk factor for pNCD. Comprehensive pre-operative cognitive assessments are not feasible in clinical practice, making effective screening methods desirable. This study investigates whether pre-operative cerebrovascular duplex sonography can assess subcortical (vascular) cognitive impairment and the risk for POD.MethodsThis prospective single-center study recruited patients aged ≥60 years scheduled for elective spine surgery at a German university hospital. Patients underwent pre-operative assessments including cognitive abilities (CERAD test battery), structural MRI, and cerebrovascular duplex sonography. POD screening was conducted three times daily for at least 3 days. The primary hypothesis, that the mean pulsatility index (PI) of both internal carotid arteries (ICA) predicts POD risk, was tested using logistic regression. Secondary analyses examined the association between POD risk and ICA flow (time-averaged peak velocities, TAPV) and correlations with cognitive profiles and MRI characteristics.ResultsPOD occurred in 22% of patients (n = 22/99) within three postoperative days. Patients with POD were significantly older (75.9 ± 5.4 vs. 70.0 ± 6.9 years, p &lt; 0.01) but did not differ by gender (p = 0.51). ICA PI significantly predicted POD risk (OR = 5.46 [95%CI: 1.81–16.49], p = 0.003), which remained significant after adjustment for age and duration of surgery (ORadj = 6.38 [95% CI: 1.77–23.03], p = 0.005). TAPV did not inform the POD risk (p = 0.68). ICA PI Pre-operative cognitive scores were significantly associated with ICA PI (mean CERAD score: r = −0.32, p &lt; 0.001). ICA PI was also significantly associated with total white matter lesion volume (τ = 0.19, p = 0.012) and periventricular white matter lesion volume (τ = 0.21, p = 0.007).DiscussionThis is the first study to demonstrate that cerebrovascular duplex sonography can assess the risk for POD in elderly spine surgery patients. Increased ICA PI may indicate subcortical impairment, larger white matter lesion load, and lower white matter volume, predisposing factors for POD. Pre-operative cerebrovascular duplex sonography of the ICA is widely available, easy-to-use, and efficient, offering a promising screening method for POD risk. Increased ICA PI could supplement established predictors like age to adjust surgical and peri-operative procedures to individual risk profiles.
Research hotspots and trends of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation: a bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023
Authors: Chen Mingyue , Yang Chunlan , Chen Yin , Nie Kailu , Wang Tingting , Qu Yun 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesNon-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) is an emerging neuromodulation technique in recent years, which plays a role in nervous system diseases, psychiatric diseases, and autoimmune diseases. However, there is currently no comprehensive analysis of all the literature published in this field. Therefore, in this article, a bibliometric analysis will be conducted on all the literature published in the field of nVNS in the past 20 years.MethodsAll articles and reviews published in this field from 2004 to 2023 were extracted from the WOS core database. VOSviewer 1.6.18.0, Scimago Graphica, CiteSpace 6.2.R2, and Excel 2021 were used to analyze the number of publications, participating countries, institutions, authors, references, and research hotspots in this field.ResultsA total of 843 articles were included in the bibliometric analysis of nVNS. Over the past 20 years, the number of publications in this field has gradually increased, reaching a peak in 2023. The United States and China ranked top two in terms of publication volume, and institutions from these two countries also ranked high in terms of publication volume, citation count, and collaboration intensity. Rong Peijing is the author with the most publications, while Bashar W Badran is the most cited author. Articles in the field of nVNS were most frequently published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, while Brain Stimulation had the most citations. Currently, research hotspots in nVNS mainly focus on its application in diseases and related mechanisms.ConclusionWe conducted a comprehensive analysis of the field of nVNS, clarifying the previous research directions, which is helpful to expand its indications and promote clinical application.
Exploring the impact of HDL and LMNA gene expression on immunotherapy outcomes in NSCLC: a comprehensive analysis using clinical & gene data
Authors: Li Jingru , Wang Jingting , Cao Bangwei 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesAnalyzing the impact of peripheral lipid levels on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient populations and exploring whether it can serve as a biomarker for broadening precise selection of individuals benefiting from immunotherapy.MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinical data from 201 cases of NSCLC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The clinical information included biochemical indicators like total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We utilized machine learning algorithms and Cox proportional hazards regression models to investigate independent predictors for both short-term and long-term efficacy of immunotherapy. Additionally, we concurrently developed a survival prediction model. Analyzing the Genes of Patients with Treatment Differences to Uncover MechanismsResultsCorrelation analysis revealed a significant positive association between HDL and ORR, DCR, and PFS. T-test results indicated that the high-HDL group exhibited higher DCR (81.97% vs. 45.57%) and ORR (61.48% vs. 16.46%). Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the high-HDL group had a longer median PFS (11 months vs. 6 months). Utilizing six machine learning algorithms, we constructed models to predict disease relief and stability. The model built using the random forest algorithm demonstrated superior performance, with AUC values of 0.858 and 0.802. Furthermore, both univariate and multivariate Cox analyses identified HDL and LDL as independent risk factors for predicting PFS. In patients with poor immunotherapy response, there is upregulation of BCL2L11, AKT1, and LMNA expression.ConclusionHDL and LDL are independent factors influencing the survival prognosis of NSCLC patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. HDL is expected to become new biomarkers for predicting the immunotherapy efficacy in patients with NSCLC. In patients with poor immunotherapy response, upregulation of the LMNA gene leads to apoptosis resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism.
Seroprevalence of camelpox and its associated risk factors in selected districts of Jarar zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Arog Hassan Abdi , Ahad Abdullahi Adan , Gebremeskel Haben Fesseha , Kebede Isayas Asefa 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCamelpox is a common viral disease of camelids caused by camelpox virus, which is endemic in most camelid-breeding countries including Ethiopia, and causes major economic losses. This study aimed to quantify the seroprevalence of camelpox and identify associated risk factors to put into practice efficient control strategies for the disease in the study area.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out between January and July of 2023. Blood samples were collected from 374 camels of 75 households residing in two districts in six peasant associations. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to detect camelpox-specific antibodies from sera samples. To identify potential risk factors, camel owners were asked in face-to-face interviews.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of camelpox in the study areas was 16.0% (95% confidence interval: 12.0%–20.0%). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed risk factors season, age, and sex had an association with seroprevalence of camelpox (p &lt; 0.05). Sex was strongly associated with camelpox seropositivity, with female camels having a 3.2-fold higher risk of infection than male camels. Likewise, age-related vulnerability to infection was observed in young dromedaries, as they were 2.3 times more likely to become infected than adults.ConclusionThis study revealed moderate seroprevalence of camelpox in the study area. Thus, effective preventative strategies, such as vaccination programs to stop the spread of camelpox and reduce the financial losses caused by the disease, should be encouraged.
Positive Cutibacterium acnes Intervertebral Discs Are Not Associated with Subsidence Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion at 3 or 6 Months
Authors: Camacho Jael , Carbone Jake , Suresh Rohan I. , Khanna Shivam , Ye Ivan B. , Thomson Alexandra E. , Bruckner Jacob , Gopinath Rohan , McGowan Shane , O’Hara Nathan , Bivona Louis J. , Jauregui Julio J. , Cavanaugh Daniel L. , Koh Eugene Y. , Ludwig Steven C. 
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), is an anaerobic, low-virulent bacterium that has been associated with postoperative infections of the shoulder, knee, and cervical spine. Recent studies have highlighted an association between C. acnes and the development of degenerative disc disease (DDD). The aim of this study is to ascertain whether C. acnes increases the risk of subsidence following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: After IRB approval, consecutive patients undergoing elective ACDF for DDD from 2017 to 2018 were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Intervertebral disc samples were taken at each affected level and cultured. A total of 66 patients with radiographic follow-ups were included in the final analysis. The extent of subsidence and cervical lordosis was determined immediately postoperatively and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Results: No significant difference in subsidence was observed at 3 months (p = 0.07) or 6 months (p = 0.11) between culture-positive and -negative cohorts. Additionally, there was no significant difference detected in the change in cervical lordosis observed at 3 months (p = 0.16) or 6 months (p = 0.27) between culture-positive and -negative cohorts. For the most inferiorly fused segment, there was a significant difference in subsidence observed at 3 months (1.5 mm, 95% CI: 0.2–2.7 mm, p = 0.02) but not at 6 months (p = 0.17). Conclusions: Intervertebral discs with a positive C. acnes culture were not associated with greater levels of subsidence at 3 or 6 months following ACDF for DDD. Further research is necessary to endorse these results and to gauge the clinical significance of C. acnes infection.
Tão-só na maternidade: o luto na perda perinatal
Authors: Guimarães Ana Clara Quetz , Faria Hila Martins Campos 
Published: September 2024

Introdução: O presente estudo buscou compreender a vivência do luto parental relacionado à perda perinatal. Objetivos: Analisar as peculiaridades do lugar materno na perinatalidade diante da experiência de luto e refletir sobre as estratégias de intervenção psicológica que possam auxiliar no trabalho de luto. Material e Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica narrativa, qualitativa e exploratória tendo a discussão do tema proposto sob o viés psicanalítico. A coleta dos materiais para a pesquisa se deu no período de março a novembro de 2023. As buscas eletrônicas ocorreram nas plataformas de dados científicos SciELO, Google Acadêmico, PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science e também por meio de livros que possuem temáticas relevantes para o estudo. A partir dos dados coletados, foram utilizados 6 livros, 4 capítulos de livro, uma tese de mestrado e 10 artigos científicos que abordam temas correlatos com o deste artigo. Resultados: Os resultados evidenciam que a morte de um filho nesse período é especialmente nociva para a mãe, causando-lhe uma verdadeira devastação psíquica, embora o sofrimento paterno também deva ser considerado. Pôde-se averiguar, também, como o entorno dessas famílias enlutadas e as equipes de saúde são, muitas vezes, despreparadas para lidar e proporcionar um espaço saudável, para que o luto desses pais possa correr de modo salubre. O presente estudo aponta que a adoção de algumas medidas pode auxiliar no trabalho de luto, sendo elas: a oferta da possibilidade de contato com o bebê após o óbito, a ritualização da perda e a possível criação de uma caixa de memórias que possa concretizar a existência do(a) filho(a). Conclusão: O fenômeno do luto tem suas reverberações psíquicas profundas e nocivas na vida da família enlutada. Desse modo, as estratégias de intervenção psicológica são importantes para o cuidado desses pais, sendo elas a legitimação do sofrimento.