bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole grain oat attenuates high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-induced dyslipidemia by modulating non-12OH bile acid ratio via the gut-liver axis
Authors: Pan Da , Xia Hui , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Pei , Fu Bingmeng , Yin Shiyu , Wang Yin , Qu Xuefeng , Zhang Yangjunna , Hu Jingjin , Sun Guiju , Xu Dengfeng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Dyslipidemia is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated level of serum total cholesterol (TC) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and acts as a key contributor to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Our previous work has shown that whole grain oat supplementation exerted cholesterol-lowering properties by modulating gut microbiota in individuals with hyperlipidemia. However, it is not clear that whether the cholesterol-lowering effect of whole grain oat depends on gut microbiota and its metabolites. In this study, we leverage a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet induced model of dyslipidemia that exhibits significant remission following whole grain oat intervention, to conduct an animal experiment that integrates clinical parameters, 16S rRNA sequencing, targeted metabolomic profiling and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to investigate the relationship between whole grain oat diet, gut microbiota, and dyslipidemia.
Results
We demonstrated that the improvements in blood circulating TC and LDL-C level induced by a whole grain oat diet is accompanied by alterations in gut microbiota diversity and structure marked by increased abundance of probiotics (e.g., Bifidobacterium and Parabacteroides). Targeted metabolomic profiling analysis showed that whole grain oat supplementation increases the ratio of non-12OH/12-OH bile acid (BA), level of HDCA, GCDCA-3S, IDCA, and propionate acid. Correlation analysis showed that the alteration in the metabolic profiles is closely related to the changed microbial taxa. Consistently, the expression level of proteins involved in BAs synthesis (especially the alternative pathway) was significantly activated by whole grain oat supplementation. Subsequently, FMT treatment attenuated the abnormal increase of serum lipid in the model rat. Finally, when HDCA was administered to rats for 8 weeks, the circulating TC and LDL-C level were significantly ameliorated.
Conclusions
These data revealed that whole grain oat supplementation ameliorated the dyslipidemia in a gut microbiota-dependent manner, via promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), activating the alternative pathway of BAs metabolism and increase the ratio of non-12OH/12-OH BAs. Our findings provide a promising, and novel therapeutic strategy for gut microbiota to prevent and treat dyslipidemia.
Integrated Analysis of POL Family Gene Mutations in AML: Clinical Features, Prognosis, and Bioinformatics Insights
Authors: Wu Jianrong , wang chaoban , Tang Wenhao , Gao Ju , Guo Xia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The long-term prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is challenging due to limited understanding of the molecular markers involved in its development. This study investigates the role of DNA polymerases in AML to offer new insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
A retrospective study on pediatric AML patients with POL gene family mutations from 2021 to 2024 was conducted. Patients were categorized based on risk stratification criteria, and the DAH regimen was used for induction chemotherapy. Bioinformatics analysis integrated data from various databases to identify key genes and develop survival analysis plots and AUC curves.
Results
The study included 59 pediatric AML patients, revealing no significant differences in demographic or clinical characteristics between those with and without POL family gene mutations. However, patients with POL gene mutations showed higher complete remission rates after initial DAH chemotherapy (91.67% vs. 59.57%, P = 0.03607), indicating a potential treatment benefit. High expression of four POL genes (POLD1, POLE, POLG, POLQ) in bone marrow and immune cells suggests their crucial role in hematopoiesis and immune response. Survival analysis across different datasets indicated that AML patients with overexpressed POL family genes had significantly worse outcomes, proposing these genes as potential prognostic biomarkers for AML.
Discussion
This study on pediatric AML demonstrates that POL gene family mutations are associated with higher remission rates post-chemotherapy, indicating their potential as prognostic markers. Bioinformatics analysis emphasizes the significance of these mutations in AML, highlighting their impact on disease prognosis.
A Case of Bilateral Mirror Movements secondary to Unilateral Closed Lip Schizencephaly
Authors: Dao Kevin Trong , Ipe Jennifer , Hart Spencer , Veedu Hari Kunhi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Schizencephaly is a very unique disease due to an abnormal migration of fluid-filled clefts that communicate between the lateral ventricles and cerebrum. Due to these abnormal migrations, neurological abnormalities can occur to varying degrees. In fact, in some instances, mirror movements, which are a form of involuntary movement where intentional movements of one side result in unintentional movements of the opposing side, can occur. However, these cases are rare since the incidence of either one of these diseases separately is very low. Here we would like to present a very rare case of a 23-year-old male with right-sided closed-lip schizencephaly resulting in bilateral mirror movements. A discussion regarding how this patient has a bilateral motor dysfunction despite having unilateral biological and neurological disease will also be held.
First identification and whole genome characterization of rotavirus C in pigs in Zambia
Authors: Harima Hayato , Qiu Yongjin , Sasaki Michihito , Ndebe Joseph , Penjaninge Kapila , Simulundu Edgar , Kajihara Masahiro , Ohnuma Aiko , Matsuno Keita , Nao Naganori , Orba Yasuko , Takada Ayato , Ishihara Kanako , Hall William W , Hang’ombe Bernard , Sawa Hirofumi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Rotavirus C (RVC) is a causative agent of gastroenteritis in suckling neonatal piglets. The increased prevalence of RVC infection in pig populations, and the higher genetic diversity of porcine RVC strains influence the productivity in the pig industry. Despite the clinical importance, the distribution and prevalence of RVC infection in pigs in most African countries remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of RVC infection in pigs in Zambia.
Results
RVC genomes were detected in fecal samples from pigs in Zambia by metagenomic analyses. The full genome sequence of the RVC revealed two different sequences of the VP4 gene segment, implying that two different RVC strains (ZP18-77-c1 and ZP18-77-c2) were present in the same sample. Genetic analyses revealed that all segments of ZP18-77-c1 and ZP18-77-c2 showed high nucleotide sequence identities (87.7–94.5%) to reported porcine RVC strains in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. ZP18-77-c1 and ZP18-77-c2 strains were assigned to genotype constellations, G1-P[4]-I13-R5-C5-M1-A7-N9-T10-E5-H1 and G1-P[14]-I13-R5-C5-M1-A7-N9-T10-E5-H1, respectively, according to the whole genome classification for RVC. We further screened RVC genomes among fecal samples collected from pigs in Zambia (n = 147) by RT-qPCR. Of these, 78 samples (53.1%) were positive, and RVC genomes were detected in all the examined farms, suggesting widespread infection in Zambia.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated the first full genome sequence of RVC strains in Africa with a relatively high prevalence of RVC in the pig populations in Zambia. Considering the limited genetic and epidemiological information of RVC infection in African countries, further RVC surveillance is required to improve productivity in pig industry as well as to assess the potential zoonotic risk to humans and animals.
Determinants and Sequelae of Smoking: Prevalence, Incidence, and Cessation Among Male Adults in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: AlKetbi Latifa Baynouna , AlKetbi Fatima Ali , Nagelkerke Nico , AlDhaheri Alreem Abdulla , AlNeyadi Amna Matar , AlKalbaani Sanaa , Humaid Ahmed , AlAzeezi AlYazia , AlDobaee Muna Galal , AlMansoori Mohammed , Mahmoud Esraa , AlKetbi Rudina , Aleissaee Hamda , AlAlawi Noura , Shuaib Fatima , Fahmawee Toqa , AlHashaikeh Basil 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The study aimed to determine the prevalence and the cumulative risk of smoking among national male adults in Abu Dhabi, and to assess the determinants of starting, quitting, maintaining cessation, and continuing smoking among them.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study has an average follow-up period of 9 years. The study population was national males aged 18 years and above. Data was initially collected from the medical electronic records of individuals who participated in a comprehensive screening program (Weqaya) performed in Abu Dhabi ambulatory healthcare services in 2011–2013.
Results
The prevalence of smoking among male adults was 21%. The cumulative risk of smoking was 45%, with the highest risk observed in adults aged 30–39. Young age and lower cholesterol level were the main determinants of starting smoking. The predictors of quitting smoking were younger age, lower systolic blood pressure, higher cholesterol, lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and vitamin D level. History of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was a determinant for maintaining smoking cessation. Continuing smoking is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), psychiatric illness, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and peripheral artery disease (PAD), while smoking cessation is associated with a reduced risk of those conditions.
Conclusions
The study confirms smoking's health burden in Abu Dhabi and its association with various health risks.
Nudging COVID-19 vaccination with an inferior option: an online experimental study testing the asymmetric dominance effect
Authors: Grimani Aikaterini , Stoffel Sandro , von Wagner Christian , Sniehotta Falko , Vlaev Ivo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Optimising vaccine uptake is a public health challenge and requires effective strategies. The asymmetric dominance (or decoy) effect describes the increasing likelihood of choosing an alternative when an inferior alternative is offered. Therefore, we aimed to test the impact of offering decoy alternatives, less convenient vaccination appointments, on vaccination intentions. Participants aged 18–33, living in England, who did not intend to get vaccinated, undertook three online experiments. They were randomly assigned to a control or an experimental condition in each experiment. The asymmetrically dominated options were an appointment in two weeks-time at a distant location (experiment 1); at a later time at the participant’s local GP, pharmacy, or community centre (experiment 2); and at a later time at a distant location (experiment 3). Vaccination intention was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included an active interest in reading additional information about the vaccination procedure, perceived difficulty and cognitive effort. Initial analysis showed no asymmetric dominance effect. However, further subgroup analysis indicated that ensuring the decoy alternatives are perceived as inferior through formative research could enhance the effectiveness of this approach for some individuals.
Rare Case of Multiple Rhabdomyomas in a Newborn without Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Alsuliman Raghad Mahmoud , Hossin Huda , kababeh karam , Saleh Heba Haj , Achmeh Bassel , takkem Saleh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The case of a pregnant woman who presented at 16 weeks of gestation for routine pregnancy monitoring. Despite being in good health, the patient had a history of cardiac anomalies in previous births. A fetal echocardiogram revealed the presence of multiple rhabdomyomas tumors, associated with tuberous sclerosis complex in the fetus. The patient delivered a male infant via cesarean section at 39 weeks of gestation, and postnatal ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of the tumors. Detailed genetic and pediatric studies revealed no valvular disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities. The infant's cardiac functions were normal, and follow-up visits are planned for the regression of the condition over the next two years. Since cardiac rhabdomyomas can be an early indication of tuberous sclerosis. Hence, comprehensive fetal screening for the complex should be conducted after the diagnosis of multiple cardiac tumors to ensure thorough evaluation and appropriate management
Prevalence of Lateral Epicondylitis among Housewives in Lahore: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Akbar Hira , Akbar Seher , Saddique Muhammad Nabeel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is characterized by pain, inflammation and local tenderness over the bony prominence of lateral epicondyle and is exacerbated under stressful and repetitive movements such as prolonged supination and pronation movements, twisting and rolling activities. Lateral Epicondylitis ranks as the second most commonly diagnosed musculoskeletal condition. Females, especially housewives, are more affected by LE. It can lead to persistent elbow pain, reduced grip strength, limited arm movement, and difficulty performing daily tasks
Results
All of our 150 participants were women aged 25–50 years. We found that 17% (26 of 150) housewives have severe type of pain, 43% (65 of 150) have moderate pain, 30% (45 of 150) have mild pain, 9% (14 of 150) reported no pain at all according to PRTEE questionnaire. We also found that most affected part of body by pain was arm (68%) (102 of 150) while 26% (39 of 150) reported pain in both arms. Only 30.7% of women (46 of 150) reported functional limitations during specific activities, 26% (29 of 150) during usual activities, while the remaining 43.3% (65 of 150) were pain-free.
Conclusion
We found a high prevalence of patient-reported lateral epicondylitis among housewives with arms affected by pain most hindering functional mobility of body. Robust studies with larger sample size are needed to establish conclusive evidence.
Pitfalls in using ML to predict cognitive function performance
Authors: Kuhles Gianna , Hamdan Sami , Heim Stefan , Eickhoff Simon , Patil Kaustubh R. , Camilleri Julia , Weis Susanne 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Machine learning analyses are widely used for predicting cognitive abilities, yet there are pitfalls that need to be considered during their implementation and interpretation of the results. Hence, the present study aimed at drawing attention to the risks of erroneous conclusions incurred by confounding variables illustrated by a case example predicting executive function performance by prosodic features. Healthy participants (n = 231) performed speech tasks and EF tests. From 264 prosodic features, we predicted EF performance using 66 variables, controlling for confounding effects of age, sex, and education. A reasonable model fit was apparently achieved for EF variables of the Trail Making Test. However, in-depth analyses revealed indications of confound leakage, leading to inflated prediction accuracies, due to a strong relationship between confounds and targets. These findings highlight the need to control confounding variables in ML pipelines and caution against potential pitfalls in ML predictions.
The Association between the Presence of Kidney Stones and the Risk of Developing Osteoporosis: A NHANES-based Cross-sectional Study and Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Dong Juefei , Hou Weibin , Yin Guangming , Wang Jinrong , Wang Long , Liu Jianye , Jiang Xianzhen , Tan Jing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Kidney stone disease is thought to be a risk factor
for osteoporosis, but the causality between the conditions remains
unknown.. Thus, we implemented a NHANES-based cross-sectional study
and mendelian randomization
to investigate whether the presence of kidney stones increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Methods
First, we performed an observational study on the basis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2007–2020). Kidney stone patients were identified on the basis of their affirmative response to the question "Have you ever experienced kidney stones?" (KIQ026). Participants whose T score at the femoral neck was <-2.5 were defined as osteoporosis patients. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the correlation between the presence of kidney stones and the risk of developing osteoporosis. Second, Mendelian randomization (MR) was applied to further investigate the causal relationship between the presence of kidney stones and the risk of developing osteoporosis. Genetic instruments were obtained from large genome-wide association studies (GWASs) from the UK Biobank and FinnGen Biobank. Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) was the primary analytical method used.
Results
After adjustment for demographic and other covariates, a significant association between the presence of kidney stones and the risk of developing osteoporosis was detected (OR 1.778, CI: 1.345–2.351, P < 0.001). The MR results further revealed that genetically speaking, the presence of kidney stones was causally associated with a greater risk of developing osteoporosis (IVW: OR 1.088, CI: 1.015–1.167, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The presence of kidney stones is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to validate our results.
Infantile Injury and Its Recurrence: A Nationwide Longitudinal Survey in Japan
Authors: Hiraoka Tomohiro , Obara Takafumi , Matsumoto Naomi , Tsukahara Kohei , Hongo Takashi , Nojima Tsuyoshi , Hisamura Masaki , Yumoto Tetsuya , Nakao Atsunori , Yorifuji Takashi , Naito Hiromichi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Injury recurrence in young children is a significant public health concern, as it may indicate an unfavorable home environment. This study evaluates whether infantile injuries increase recurrence during preschool years, contributing to more effective prevention strategies for vulnerable families. The study included 20,191 children from "The Longitudinal Survey of Babies in the 21st Century," a representative sample of infants born in Japan between May 10 and 24, 2010. We conducted a logistic regression analysis to compare injury recurrence risk between children aged 18 months to seven years with and without infantile injury histories. The study revealed that infants with a history of injuries had a higher risk of subsequent hospital visits for injuries during preschool years (crude Odds Ratio (cOR) 1.52, 95% CI, 1.41–1.64, adjusted OR (aOR) 1.48, 95% CI 1.37–1.60). Specific injuries, such as falls (aOR 1.34, 95% CI, 1.26–1.43), pinches (aOR 1.22, 95% CI, 1.15–1.29), drowning (aOR 1.29, 95% CI, 1.19–1.40), ingestion (aOR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.17–1.55), and burns (aOR 1.47, 95% CI, 1.31–1.65), independently increased the risk of future injuries. Our findings highlight the necessity of universal safety measures in the home environment and targeted interventions for families with a history of high-risk injuries.
Contextualizing abortion opinions in Kenya: A vignette-based national survey
Authors: Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Akuku Isaiah G , Mutuku Esther , Juma Kenneth 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Abortion is a deeply controversial public health issue, evoking diverse opinions regardless of the legal context. Policymaking on abortion often relies on generalized public opinion surveys lacking contextual nuance. We examined public opinions in Kenya towards abortion in circumstances of rape, health risks, and fetal anomalies.
Methods: We used a nationally representative sample of 8,942 adults in Kenya, drawn from a database of 12 million phone users in Kenya. Using a two-stage sampling approach with random digit dialing, the sample was stratified by location, sex, and age to facilitate proportional representation. We utilized a questionnaire adopted from a vignette-based tool, with scenarios describing threats to the life or health of the pregnant woman, fetal anomaly, and rape. The tool had 14 opinion statements corresponding to each vignette and three questions on whether respondents support women’s abortion rights in these circumstances. Trained interviewers administered the questionnaire through telephone between October and November 2022. We employed multivariable-adjusted linear regression to assess factors influencing abortion opinions.
Results: Most respondents (>61%) favored women’s right to abortion when pregnancies threaten their life or health, compared to 29% and 44% who supported it in cases of rape or fetal anomaly. There was significant support for abortion to be performed by the public health system, compared to abortion as a woman’s right. Generally, the liberal constructs had higher mean scores than the conservative constructs, and the women’s reproductive autonomy had the highest mean score (3.44±1.07) among all the constructs, suggesting widespread agreement that abortion decisions should rest solely with the pregnant woman. Conversely, among conservative constructs, the sanctity of life had the highest mean score (2.40±0.89), showing a strong belief in the sanctity of life among abortion opponents.
Conclusion: Abortion opinions vary depending on the circumstances, with significant support for legal abortion under diverse contexts. Public policy should reflect these contextualized opinions and address specific impediments to support, especially towards legalization as a public health, gender equality and human rights imperative.
Clinical and Pharmacogenomic Predictors of Survival in Tamoxifen Treated Breast Cancer Female Patients: A Real-World Study
Authors: Al-Matrafi Abdullah R. , Bedair Khalid F. , Sriniva Sundar , Palmer Colin , Campbell Archie , Hayward Caroline , Pearson Ewan R. , Petty Russell D. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim
To investigate the impact of tamoxifen treatment coverage, CYP2D6 inhibitors, CYP2D6*4 genotype, and non-genetic parameters on the outcomes of tamoxifen treated female breast cancer patients.
Method
We retrospectively included 3218 female patients who initiated tamoxifen following a diagnosis of breast cancer with long-term follow-up (median 7.5 years). A subgroup analysis of 303 genotyped patients with a median follow-up of 9.7 years was also conducted. The outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS) and breast-cancer-specific survival (BCS).
Results
In the whole cohort, a 10% increase in tamoxifen coverage over a six-month period was associated with a 27% increase in OS (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.71–0.0.75, P < 0.001) and a 30% increase in BCS (HR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.67–0.73, P < 0.001). In the genotyped subgroup, CYP2D6*4 heterozygotes had a 76% greater risk of all-cause mortality than *4 non-carriers (HR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.07–2.9, P = 0.025). For breast cancer-specific mortality, CYP2D6*4 heterozygotes and homozygotes had increased risk by 3.7-fold (HR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.32–10.6, P = 0.01) and 11.6-fold (HR: 11.6, 95% CI: 1.3–103.5, P = 0.03), respectively.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that carriers of CYP2D6*4 have a higher risk of both all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality and indicates that longer follow-up time may be crucial to determining impact. The shorter follow-up in previous studies may be a key reason for the conflicting results. A large real-world pharmacogenomic study with long-term follow-up is warranted to determine the impact of CYP2D6 genotyping and its implications for clinical decision making.