bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
APC mutations in prior hepatitis B virus-infected non-cancerous tissues and their association with hepatocellular carcinogenesis
Authors: Sato Shun , Maruyama Reo , Shimizu Takayuki , Matsumoto Takatsugu , Shiraki Takayuki , Mori Shozo , Iso Yukihiro , Shibata Chikako , Ito Yuka , Kogai Takahiko , Ishida Kazuyuki , Aoki Taku 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The molecular mechanisms by which a prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not clearly established. This study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by investigating gene mutation profiles associated with the development of HCC in patients with prior HBV infection. Patients who developed HCC after prior HBV infection exhibited similar mutation profiles to those of patients with active HBV infection in cancerous and non-cancerous areas. This similarity suggests that there are no unique gene mutations associated with HCC development in the context of prior HBV infection. Importantly, there were no significant differences in mutation profiles between patients who did and did not develop HCC after prior HBV infection in non-cancerous areas. However, patients with APC mutations in non-cancerous liver tissues had a higher likelihood of HCC recurrence than that of patients without such mutations. Our findings indicate that APC mutations play a significant role in the development of HCC in patients with a history of HBV infection. Further studies are required to fully elucidate the role of this gene in HBV-associated carcinogenesis.
Populist attitudes and belief in conspiracy theories: Anti-elitist attitudes reduce the positive impact of an analytical thinking style on conspiracy theories
Authors: Mehl Stephanie , Rief Winfried , Soll Daniel , Pytlik Nico 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Populist attitudes and the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories often go hand in hand, as they are both used by extremist or populist parties. However, more research is needed to scrutinize this association. Consequently, the present large-scale online study assessed whether and how conspiracy theories and populist attitudes are associated. We assessed 488 nonclinical individuals regarding their conspiracy theories, populist attitudes and whether they preferred a more analytic or intuitive thinking style. We found a moderate correlation between general populist attitudes and conspiracy theories. According to multiple regression analysis, conspiracy theories were significantly predicted by three dimensions of populist attitudes (anti-elitism, demand for unrestricted popular sovereignty, homogeneity and virtuousness of the people), and anti-elitism was the most important predictor. Anti-elitism significantly moderated (reduced) the impact of the preference for an analytical thinking style on belief in conspiracy theories. Persons who present populist attitudes and anti-elitist attitudes in particular might be more vulnerable to believing conspiracy theories. We assume that anti-elitism influences a person’s motivation to use analytical thinking skills to reinterpret ideology-inconsistent information to protect existing beliefs and conspiracy theories. The present results provide new insights into the interplay between conspiracy theories and populism and could be helpful in interventions to prevent their spread.
NLRP3 participates in IL-17A-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human nasal epithelial cells of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Zhipeng , Huang Xiaoyan , Yan Danqing , Wu Yuqi , Zhang Jian , Ye Jing , Luo Qing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to occur in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Various cytokines have been reported to promote EMT profiles. However, the relationship between IL-17A and EMT on human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) have not been clarified. In this study, we detect the expression of IL-17A, NLRP3, TGF-β1, and EMT-related genes in nasal polyps (NPs) from CRSwNP and nasal tissues from control subjects using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and western blot. Then, investigated the effect of IL-17A on EMT in hNECs and identified the role of NLRP3 and TGF-β1 signaling pathways in this process. In CRSwNP patients, the expression level of IL-17A, NLRP3, TGF-β1, and mesenchymal markers (Vimentin, α-SMA) were elevated, while the epithelial marker E-cadherin was diminished. Meanwhile, we noticed dose-dependent induction by IL-17A of up-regulation of Vimentin, α-SMA, NLRP3, and TGF-β1 and down-regulation of E-cadherin in hNECs. Inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway can block the process of EMT. The inhibitor of NLRP3 not only reduced NLRP3 expression induced by IL-17A but also inhibited TGF-β1 production and reversed the EMT. We discovered that IL-17A-induced EMT might be associated with NLRP3/TGF-β1 signal pathway. A potential role of NLRP3 inhibitor has been identified as limiting EMT in CRSwNP induced by IL-17A. Moreover, the study will help provide better strategies for treating CRSwNP.
The relationship between optimism-pessimism and fear of Artificial Intelligence in young adults from four Arab countries: The mediating effect of seeing a dark future
Authors: Khoury Ghida Al , Hallit Rabih , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Merdad Nisma , Rashid Tabassum , Amin Rizwana , Jebreen Kamel , Zarrouq Btissame , Alhuwailah Amthal , Shuwiekh Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Obeid Sahar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to assess fear of AI in relation with optimism and pessimism, along with the mediating effect of dark future
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December 2023, and enrolled 1849 participants from four Arab countries: Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Palestine.
Results
The results of the mediation analysis showed that dark future fully mediated the associations between pessimism and fear of AI and between optimism and fear of AI; higher pessimism was significantly associated with more dark future, whereas more dark future was significantly associated with higher fear of AI. Higher optimism was significantly associated with less dark future, and more dark future associated with higher fear of AI. Pessimism and optimism were not directly associated with fear of AI in both models.
Conclusion
This study suggests that pessimism and optimism can influence one’s fear of artificial intelligence through his perception of a dark future. This can be helpful in developing future research concerning attitude towards Artificial intelligence and has a role when it comes to clinical implication concerning the treatment of fear of artificial intelligence and its acceptance.
Knowledge, attitude and perception of Italian dental students toward HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and vaccination: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Musella Gennaro , Liguori Simone , Cantile Tiziana , Adamo Daniela , Coppola Noemi , Canfora Federica , Blasi Andrea , Mignogna Martina , Amato Massimo , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Mignogna Michele Davide , Leuci Stefania 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer. This study aimed to carry out a KAP survey on HPV infection, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and HPV vaccination among dental students.
Methods: Through an online self-administered questionnaire, data on dental students' sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions concerning HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, infection and vaccination were acquired for a total of 82 questions.
Results: A total of 412 dental students completed the questionnaire. The general knowledge rate was 69.5%. In terms of perception, the students provided good insight into their future role in combating HPV disease. Regarding attitudes, most participants felt comfortable talking about HPV topics with patients; however, only approximately 50% of them were inclined to recommend the vaccine regardless of sex. Compared with male and first-year students, female and last-year degree students demonstrated more positive attitudes and perceptions, respectively.
Conclusions: This study revealed that dental students have a solid understanding of and positive attitudes toward and perceptions of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer and its prevention, highlighting their readiness to incorporate HPV prevention into their practice. This emphasizes the key role of the dental profession in addressing oropharyngeal cancer and HPV-related diseases and promoting awareness of the HPV vaccine among the population.
Clinical Relevance: By increasing dental students' awareness of HPV, they may be better equipped to educate patients about HPV, promote vaccination, and implement preventative measures. Additionally, the study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to improve knowledge and attitudes, to enhance the overall public health impact.
Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol shows a dose-response relationship with coronary artery lesions in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Yang Xueyuan , Li Kui , Xu Guanxue , Wen Jiaojiao , Xiao Hong , Chen Lei , Yang Changlong , Chen Yuxuan , Liu Yanmiao , Zhao Yongchao , Shi Bei , Ma Yi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), encompassing all potentially atherogenic cholesterol, correlates significantly with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent guidelines have endorsed non-HDL-C as a therapeutic target for lipid-lowering therapy in patients with CVD. However, few studies have examined the relationship between non-HDL-C levels and coronary artery disease extent in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between non-HDL-C levels and coronary artery disease extent in patients with ACS and assess its predictive value.
Methods
This cross-sectional study, conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, included 1,695 patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between May 1, 2019, and May 1, 2023. Patients were grouped based on non-HDL-C tertiles, as follows: T1 (non-HDL-C < 3.22, n = 577), T2 (3.22 ≤ non-HDL-C < 4.33, n = 553), and T3 (4.33 ≤ non-HDL-C index, n = 565). Coronary artery disease extent was quantitatively assessed using the Gensini score, categorised into low (< 50) and high groups (≥ 50) according to the median. The primary outcome was a high Gensini score.
Results
In the overall ACS population, multifactorial logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.31; P < 0.001), adjusted for potential risk factors, identified non-HDL-C as an independent risk factor for high Gensini scores. Subgroup analyses, adjusting for potential risk factors, revealed similar findings across sexes, ages (elderly or non-elderly), and DM status (diabetic or non-diabetic) among patients with ACS. Restrictive cubic spline analysis showed a dose-response relationship between non-HDL-C and high Gensini scores. Incorporating non-HDL-C into the baseline risk model had an incremental predictive effect on high Gensini scores in patients with ACS.
Conclusions
Non-HDL-C levels showed a dose-response relationship with coronary artery disease severity in patients with ACS, indicating predictive potential for coronary artery disease in this population.
Comparative study between high and low dose methylene blue infusion in septic cancer patients. A randomized, blinded, controlled study
Authors: Shaker Ehab Hanafy , Soliman Ahmed M , Bedewy Ahmed A , Elrawas Mai Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: septic shock is a common threat, and is the primary cause of death in almost all critical care units. Management protocols and guidelines are continuously updated. The early use of methylene blue in different doses as adjunctive to vasopressors has promising results.
Methods: This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial comprised 90 patients equally divided into 3 groups: Group A received a 100ml 0.9% Nacl placebo over a 20-minute period; Group B received Methylene blue (MB) bolus of 1 mg/kg in 100ml 0.9% Nacl; and Group C received MB bolus of 4 mg/kg in 100ml 0.9% Nacl during the same period.
Groups B and C were given a 0.25 mg/kg/hour infusion of MB for 72 hours after the bolus dose. All patients were started on noradrenaline at an infusion rate of 0.1-0.2 microgram/kg/min and were adjusted accordingly to maintain MAP ≥ 65 mmHg. Time of vasopressor discontinuation was the primary outcome while total doses of vasopressors, ventilation days, vasopressors free days, total ICU stay, total hospital stay and mortality rate were the secondary outcomes.
Results: Groups B and C had significantly lower noradrenaline dosages compared to Group A (P value <0.05), however no significant difference between Group B and Group C was found. Groups B and C exhibited significantly decreased time to vasopressor termination, mechanical ventilation days, vasopressor free days at 28 days, ICU duration of stay, and hospital stay in comparison to Group A (P value <0.05). However, there was no significant difference between Groups B and C. No discernible difference in the mortality rates between groups was found.
Conclusion: In septic shock, early adjunctive low dose MB delivery decreased the need for noradrenaline. Time to vasopressor stop, number of days without vasopressors (28 days), days of mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care unit & hospital stay were all decreased. No significance between either high or low MB doses while no significant adverse effects were noted.
Ethics: After approval of the ethical committee at National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Cairo University [Institutional Review Board Number AP2307-501-058] and prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT 06005558].
Investigation of the relationship between breast cancer and clinical symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case-control study
Authors: Hemati Afsaneh , Amini Leila , Hashemi Esmat Al-Sadat , Haqhani Shima 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the overlap between the clinical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and many known risk factors for breast cancer, the relationship between PCOS and breast cancer remains unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between breast cancer and the clinical symptoms of PCOS.
Method
This case-control study was conducted on 285 women with breast cancer and 285 healthy women referred to three centers in Tehran in 2023. Both the case and control groups were matched in terms of age and body mass index. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made data registration form, that was completed in person by qualified individuals. A history of PCOS was identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, a chi-square test, and a logistic regression model.
Results
The mean age of the participants in the case group was 43.05 ± 4.92 years and that of the control group was 42.78 ± 5.06 years. The two groups showed a statistically significant difference in terms of PCOS history (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression model showed that women with PCOS had a significantly higher chance of developing breast cancer (OR:3.677, 95%CI:1.529–8.840, P = 0.004) Among PCOS symptoms, women with a history of hirsutism had a higher chance of developing breast cancer (OR:188.2, 95% CI:1.014–4.720, P = 0.046).
Conclusion
The findings of the present study show that polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Characterization of Trends in Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c Testing Prior to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Hamid Safraz A. , Graetz Elena , Zolfaghari Emily J. , Schultz Kurt , Schneider Eric B. , Gibbs Karen E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Irrespective of baseline diabetes status, preoperative hemoglobin A1c (A1C) influences perioperative care in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Accordingly, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) endorses that patients undergoing MBS should receive a preoperative A1C test. We aimed to assess the proportion of MBS patients who received a preoperative A1C test and determine whether baseline diabetes status influences receipt of a test.
Methods
We queried the 2017 to 2022 MBSAQIP database for patients undergoing open, laparoscopic, or robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy. Using descriptive methods, we compared the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who received a preoperative A1C test with patients who did not. We performed logistic regression analysis using diabetes status as a predictor variable and receipt of a test as the outcome, covarying for sociodemographic and clinical factors.
Results
We identified 996,217 patients who underwent RYGB or sleeve gastrectomy between 2017 to 2022. The average age of the cohort was 43.8 years (SD = 11.9) and 81.0% were female. Overall, 45.7% received a preoperative A1C test. The proportion who was tested increased over the six-year study period, from 35.5% in 2017 to 56.0% in 2022. Compared to those who were not tested, patients who were tested were more likely to have several cardiopulmonary comorbidities, including COPD (1.4% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001), PE (1.4% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001), sleep apnea (39.3 vs. 36.4%, p < 0.001), HTN (47.1% vs 44.0%, p < 0.001), and MI (1.2% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001), though the differences in proportions were small and may not be clinically significant. Compared to patients who did not have diabetes or had diabetes controlled by diet alone, patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes had 77% increased odds of receiving a A1C test (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.77, p < 0.001); insulin dependent patients had 113% increased odds (aOR 2.13, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Despite society recommendations endorsing measurement of preoperative A1C prior to MBS, less than half of patients undergoing MBS between 2017 and 2022 received a preoperative A1C test. Additionally, there were differential patterns in testing based on diabetes status. Preoperative glycemic evaluation is an area for continued quality improvement.
Effects of glacial melting on physiological performance of Macrocystis pyrifera in the Fjord of the Mountains, Magellanic Sub-Antarctic ecoregion, Chile
Authors: Coral-Santacruz Diana , Méndez Fabio , Marambio Johanna , Haye Pilar , Bahamonde Francisco , Mansilla Andrés 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Magellanic Sub-Antarctic ecoregion (MSE) was covered by ice during the Last Glacial Maximum (21,000 years ago), with consecutive advance and retreat of ice masses since the Quaternary. Currently, this ecoregion supports a wide range of flora and fauna, with an important variety of endemic species present in the archipelagic region of fjords and channels of the MSE. However, anthropogenic climate change has accelerated global warming, exacerbating glacier melt in the last decade. In this study, we evaluated the effect of glacial melting on the ecophysiology of Macrocystis pyrifera, a brown macroalga that forms underwater forests and is considered a keystone species susceptible to environmental change. Tissue samples were collected from apical and basal fronds of young individuals from three M. pyrifera populations located in the Fjord of the Mountains (FMO) (51º10'53"S, 73º17'08"W) and measurements of electron transport efficiency (Alpha), maximum relative rate of electron transport (rETRmax), saturation point (Ek), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), chlorophyll-c (Chl-c), and fucoxanthin (Fucox) performed. Significant differences in photosynthetic response between apical and basal fronds were detected in populations directly affected by glacier melt relative to the population not influenced by glacial melt. Apical fronds exhibited better acclimatization to high light, turbidity, and temperature variations, while basal fronds demonstrated acclimatization to low irradiance levels, resulting in high rETRmax responses. Significant differences were detected in pigment concentrations at the site without glacier influence between apical and basal fronds. Our findings indicate that M. pyrifera employs a photo-acclimation strategy in fronds to mitigate physiological susceptibility to extreme environmental conditions.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a risk factor for migraine: two-sample Mendelian randomization and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Li Mi , Wang Xian , Cao Yu , Yan Le , Li Kai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and migraine is a matter of particular concern in clinical practice. Migraine can manifest as the initial somatic symptom of PTSD, one of its sequelae, or even serve as a significant obstacle to effectively treating PTSD. Additionally, individuals with migraines are more susceptible to developing PTSD. Consequently, this study employed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between PTSD and migraine while utilizing bioinformatics to analyze their mechanistic connection.
Methods
We identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with migraine and PTSD through genome-wide association studies (GWASs) conducted by independent consortia. Then, we used these SNPs as instrumental variables to estimate the causal effects of migraine on PTSD and vice versa. MR analysis was performed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. The MR‒Egger method and the weighted median method were employed to assess the robustness of the findings. Additionally, disease targets associated with both PSTD and migraine were identified by searching the DisGeNET and OMIM databases. The Venny 2.1 software tool was utilized to determine the intersections among these targets, which were then imported into the STRING database for constructing a PPI network. Subsequently, the Cytoscape 3.7 software tool was used for visualization and analysis of the network. Furthermore, common targets were imported into Metascape for Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.
Results
MR analysis revealed a substantial causal association between PTSD and migraine;however, currently, there is no definitive causal link established between aura migraines or nonaura migraines and PTSD. A total of 107 targets were found to be common to both PTSD and migraine patients. Subsequently, a PPI network comprising 92 nodes connected by 845 edges was constructed based on these shared disease targets. Enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in various BPs, CCs, and MFs. Additionally, the analysis indicated their association with 12 KEGG signaling pathways.
Conclusion
These results revealed a causal relationship between PTSD and migraine and suggested that further investigations into the mechanisms and specific targets involved in PTSD and migraine should focus particularly on aspects such as neurodegenerative changes, inflammation and the CAMP pathway.