bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between caffeine intake from foods and beverages in the diet and hearing loss in United States adults
Authors: Xia Fei , Ren Yuanyuan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundHearing loss (HL) is the third most prevalent condition, significantly affecting individuals and society. Recent research has explored the potential impact of nutrition, particularly caffeine intake, on HL. While some studies focus on coffee, caffeine intake should be assessed across all dietary sources. This study examines the association between dietary caffeine intake and HL.MethodsOur cross-sectional study included 6,082 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants were divided into two groups based on their median caffeine intake: low and high. The study investigated two types of HL: speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL). Binary logistic regression analyzed the correlation between caffeine intake and HL, and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model assessed potential non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses were also conducted.ResultsHigh caffeine intake was associated with significantly higher rates of SFHL and HFHL compared to low intake (SFHL: 15.4% vs. 10%, HFHL: 30.5% vs. 20.6%, both p &lt; 0.001). Unadjusted logistic regression showed a higher likelihood of SFHL (OR[95%CI] = 1.65[1.41–1.92]) and HFHL (OR[95%CI] = 1.69[1.50–1.90]) in high caffeine consumers. After adjusting for confounders, high caffeine intake remained significantly associated with SFHL (OR[95%CI] = 1.35[1.09–1.66]) but not HFHL (OR[95%CI] = 1.14[0.96–1.35]). The RCS model indicated a linear increase in the risk of SFHL and HFHL with higher caffeine intake (non-linear p = 0.229 for SFHL, p = 0.894 for HFHL). Subgroup analysis revealed that increased caffeine intake was linked to higher SFHL and HFHL risks in participants under 65 years but not in those 65 years and older (SFHL: p for interaction = 0.002; HFHL: p for interaction &lt;0.001).ConclusionOur study indicates a strong correlation between dietary caffeine intake and the risk of HL in American adults, particularly those under 65. High caffeine intake was linked to an increased risk of SFHL, but not HFHL, after adjusting for relevant variables.
Experiencing anesthesia and surgery early in life impairs cognitive and behavioral development
Authors: Jia Xuqin , Tan Siyou , Qin Yinying , Wei Yi , Jiang Yage , Pan Sining , Li Chunlai , Chen Jing , Liu Tianxiao , Xie Yubo 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe impact of anesthesia and surgery on neurocognitive and behavioral development in infants and children remains inadequately understood.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of early-life exposure to general anesthesia and surgery on cognitive and behavioral development.Methods and materialsChildren aged 0–3 years who underwent general anesthesia and surgical procedures between 2012 and 2015 were included. The cognitive and behavioral development of these children at ages 4–6 years was assessed. Age-, race-, and gender-matched children from the same geographic region, who did not undergo general anesthesia or surgery, served as the control group. The Wechsler Preschool Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) was used to evaluate children’s total intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and specific cognitive domains. The Gesell Development Schedules (GSCH) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were employed to assess behavioral and personality development. Additionally, the study analyzed the effects of various factors including anesthesia drugs, surgery duration, number of surgeries, age, weight, ethnicity, and gender on postoperative neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes.ResultsThe study included 447 children with anesthesia/surgical exposure (AS) and 459 children in the control group. Analysis of cognitive and behavioral development showed a significant difference in the working memory index (WMI) between the AS and control groups (p &lt; 0.05). Exploratory findings indicated that children administered remifentanil exhibited lower developmental quotient (DQ) values, whereas those given fentanyl showed higher (worse) Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) total scores. Moreover, increased anesthesia/surgical exposures, younger age and lower body weight at exposure, and longer surgery durations were associated with cognitive and behavioral developmental challenges.ConclusionThis study examined the impact of early-life exposure to surgery and anesthesia on postoperative cognitive and behavioral development. Findings indicate that higher frequency of exposure to surgery and anesthesia, younger age, and lower body weight at exposure could negatively influence cognitive and behavioral development. Furthermore, variations in the effects of different anesthetics on behavior and cognition were observed. Caution is advised regarding the use of opioid analgesics such as remifentanil and fentanyl for more rigorous clinical applications.
The correlation between urinary iodine levels and gallstone risk: elevated iodine intake linked to gallstone occurrence
Authors: Li Yunfan , Wang Minchen , Du Wenyi , Qi Liuyao , Liu Xiaopeng , Fan Xin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundEssential trace elements are vital for human growth and development. Nevertheless, excessive intake can pose risks. As of yet, no research has looked at the possibility of a relationship between the prevalence of gallstones and urinary concentrations of nickel, molybdenum, and iodine.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between urinary levels of iodine, molybdenum, and nickel and the occurrence of gallstones in a U.S. population and to verify whether excessive iodine intake is associated with the occurrence of gallstones.MethodsData from 2,734 participants that were gathered between 2017 and 2020 were examined. Employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the levels of nickel (Ni), iodine (I), and molybdenum (Mo) in the urine were determined. Gallstones presence was determined using a standardized questionnaire. Restricted cubic spline analysis, subgroup analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of gallstones and urinary essential trace elements.ResultsThe logistic regression analysis indicated an increased risk of gallstone development in Quartiles 2, Quartiles 3, and Quartiles 4 groups in comparison to the Quartiles 1 group, based on urinary iodine levels (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.11–2.56; OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.10–2.55; OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.09–2.51). Urinary iodine levels were nonlinearly positively linked with the development of gallstones, according to restricted cubic spline analysis (P-Nonlinear = 0.032). Subgroup analyses showed that high levels of urinary iodine were associated with a high risk of gallstones in different populations, and were more pronounced in adults aged 60 years and older, in women, with a BMI ≥ 25, and in diabetic patients.ConclusionOur research revealed a correlation between an increased risk of gallstones and increasing urinary iodine levels. Urinary iodine levels serve as indicators of the body’s iodine status, thus suggesting that excessive iodine intake may be linked to an elevated risk of gallstone formation.
Identification and validation of metastasis-related gene ZG16 in the prognosis and progression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Yulun , Yang Jie , Han Wei , Gu Tingting , Yao Liqian , Wang Yongqiang , Chen Hua 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundMetastasis remains the leading cause of mortality among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Identification of new metastasis-related genes are critical to improve colorectal cancer prognosis.MethodsData on mRNA expression in metastatic and primary CRC was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE81986, GSE41568, GSE71222, GSE21510, and GSE14333. Additionally, data concerning mRNA expression in colon cancer (COAD) and adjacent normal tissues were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Hub genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression analysis. Moreover, we assessed the impact of hub gene expression on both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients and identified ZG16 as a potential target. We generated CRC cell lines transfected with lentivirus OE-ZG16 to investigate proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro. To further elucidate the involvement of ZG16, we utilized gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify enriched pathways, which were subsequently validated via Western blot analysis.ResultsFive datasets containing primary and metastatic CRC samples from GEO database and CRC samples from TCGA database were included in this study and 29 hub genes were identified by WGCNA and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. Low expression of the hub genes (CLCA1 and ZG16) was associated with poor DFS and OS. We confirmed the low expression of ZG16 in CRC using external database and IHC analysis at both transcriptional and protein levels. In addition, the expression of ZG16 was notably elevated in NCM460 cells in comparison to CRC cell lines. The overexpression of ZG16 in CRC cells has been shown to inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of ZG16 has been found to suppress the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in CRC.ConclusionZG16 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for metastatic CRC treatment.
CT morphological features and histogram parameters to predict micropapillary or solid components in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Qin , Lin Kaihe , Zhang Baoteng , Jiang Youqin , Wu Suying , Lin Jiajun 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to construct prediction models based on computerized tomography (CT) signs, histogram and morphology features for the diagnosis of micropapillary or solid (MIP/SOL) components of stage IA lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) and to evaluate the models’ performance.MethodsThis clinical retrospective study included image data of 376 patients with stage IA LUAC based on postoperative pathology, admitted to Putian First Hospital from January 2019 to June 2023. According to the presence of MIP/SOL components in postoperative pathology, patients were divided into MIP/SOL+ and MIP/SOL- groups. Cases with tumors ≤ 3 cm and ≤ 2 cm were separately analyzed. Each subgroup of patients was then randomly divided into a training set and a test set in a ratio of 7:3. The training set was used to build the prediction model, and the test set was used for internal validation.ResultsFor tumors ≤ 3 cm, ground-glass opacity (GGO) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.244; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.103–0.569; p = 0.001], entropy (OR = 1.748; 95% CI: 1.213–2.577; p = 0.004), average CT value (OR = 1.002; 95% CI: 1.000–1.004; p = 0.002), and kurtosis (OR = 1.240; 95% CI: 1.023–1.513; p = 0.030) were independent predictors of MIP/SOL components of stage IA LUAC. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram prediction model for predicting MIP/SOL components was 0.816 (95% CI: 0.756–0.877) in the training set and 0.789 (95% CI: 0.689–0.889) in the test set. In contrast, for tumors ≤ 2 cm, kurtosis was no longer an independent predictor. The nomogram prediction model had an AUC of 0.811 (95% CI: 0.731–0.891) in the training set and 0.833 (95% CI: 0.733–0.932) in the test set.ConclusionFor tumors ≤ 3 cm and ≤ 2 cm, GGO, average CT value, and entropy were the same independent influencing factors in predicting MIP/SOL components of stage IA LUAC. The nomogram prediction models have potential diagnostic value for identifying MIP/SOL components of early-stage LUAC.
Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia and cytomegalovirus DNA detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Lu Yanhong , Chen Feng , Ruan Linan , Gu Lingtong , Wang Ting , Dong Heting , Wang Yuqing , Hao Chuangli , Huang Li , Yan Yongdong , Sun Huiming , Chen Zhengrong 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and concomitant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive pediatric patients admitted with CAP who tested positive for CMV DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed when routine treatment for CAP proved ineffective. The study participants were further stratified into two groups based on CMV serological test results: recent CMV infection group and CMV replication group. Clinical characteristics were compared between these two groups.ResultsAmong 124 patients aged 1–11 months included in this study, 80 (64.5%) patients were categorized as having recent CMV infection, and 44 (35.5%) tested positive for CMV replication. Co-infection with other pathogens was detected more frequently in the CMV replication group (n = 29, 65.9%) than in the recent CMV infection group (n = 35, 43.7%; P = 0.018). Patients with recent CMV infection were younger and exhibited higher levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase compared to those with CMV replication (all P &lt; 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed age was independently associated with recent CMV infection (odds ratio [OR], 0.707; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.586–0.853; P &lt; 0.001). Notably, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a CMV PCR level of 3,840 copies/ml in blood samples had a sensitivity of 34.7% and specificity of 90.0% for diagnosis of recent CMV infection with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.625 (95% CI: 0.513–0.736, P = 0.048). A CMV PCR level of 6,375 copies/ml in urine samples had a sensitivity of 77.1% and specificity of 61.5% for diagnosis of recent CMV infection with an AUC of 0.695 (95% CI: 0.531–0.858, P = 0.04). Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the blood CMV DNA copy number was associated with ALT (B = 0.001; P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThe CMV DNA copy numbers in blood and urine could serve as discriminatory markers between recent CMV infection and CMV replication. Measuring CMV DNA levels in blood may be an effective method for monitoring liver function impairment in pediatric patients presenting with CAP and concurrent CMV infection.
Combined non-targeted and targeted metabolomics reveals the mechanism of delaying aging of Ginseng fibrous root
Authors: Yang Xiang , Yang Xiang , Li Bo , Zhang Jianyun , Yan Zhuyun 
Published: July 2024

Background: The fibrous root of ginseng (GFR) is the dried thin branch root or whisker root of Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey). It is known for its properties such as tonifying qi, producing body fluid, and quenching thirst. Clinically, it is used to treat conditions such as cough, hemoptysis, thirst, stomach deficiency, and vomiting. While GFR and Ginseng share similar metabolites, they differ in their metabolites ratios and efficacy. Furthermore, the specific role of GFR in protecting the body remains unclear.Methods: We employed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to examine alterations in brain neurotransmitters and elucidate the impact of GFR on the central nervous system. Additionally, we analyzed the serum and brain metabolic profiles of rats using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry to discern the effect and underlying mechanism of GFR in delaying aging in naturally aged rats.Results: The findings of the serum biochemical indicators indicate that the intervention of GFR can enhance cardiovascular, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism related indicators in naturally aging rats. Research on brain neurotransmitters suggests that GFR can augment physiological functions such as learning and memory, while also inhibiting central nervous system excitation to a certain degree by maintaining the equilibrium of central neurotransmitters in aged individuals. Twenty-four abnormal metabolites in serum and seventeen abnormal metabolites in brain could be used as potential biomarkers and were involved in multiple metabolic pathways. Among them, in the brain metabolic pathways, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, histidine metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism were closely related to central neurotransmitters. Butanoate metabolism improves energy supply for life activities in the aging body. Cysteine and methionine metabolism contributes to the production of glutathione and taurine and played an antioxidant role. In serum, the regulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and proline metabolism demonstrated the antioxidant capacity of GFR decoction.Conclution: In summary, GFR plays a role in delaying aging by regulating central neurotransmitters, cardiovascular function, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and other aspects of the aging body, which lays a foundation for the application of GFR.
Treatment of an accident of imidacloprid poisoning
Authors: Zeng Mei , Shi Mengdi , Jian Xiangdong , Dong Laidong 
Published: July 2024

Objective: Accidental oral imidacloprid poisoning occurred in a family in Shandong, China, in May 2023. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of this imidacloprid poisoning event and investigated the detection of toxicants.Methods: Clinical data of four patients with oral imidacloprid poisoning were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The relevant literature was then reviewed.Results: Four patients from the same family received different oral doses of imidacloprid. The main clinical manifestations were digestive and neurological symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and varying degrees of consciousness. Laboratory tests showed an increased white blood cell count, neutrophil proportion, and mild elevation of transaminase and urea nitrogen levels in some patients. Following comprehensive treatment, which included hemoperfusion, gastric lavage, total gastrointestinal decontamination, and drug symptomatic treatment, the patient’s symptoms were quickly relieved, and the concentration of imidacloprid in the blood rapidly decreased.Conclusion: Toxicant detection is an important criterion for the differential diagnosis of poisoning and is helpful for disease assessment, treatment plan formulation, and in determining patient prognosis.
Protective signature of xanthohumol on cognitive function of APP/PS1 mice: a urine metabolomics approach by age
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Xiao , Zhao Jing , Yang Chen , Huang Guanqin , Zhang Zhen , Liu Jianjun 
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has an increasing prevalence, complicated pathogenesis and no effective cure. Emerging evidences show that flavonoid compounds such as xanthohumol (Xn) could play an important role as a dietary supplement or traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the management of diseases such as AD. This study aims to analyze the target molecules of Xn in the prevention and treatment of AD, and its potential mechanism from the perspective of metabolites. APP/PS1 mice 2- and 6-months old were treated with Xn for 3 months, respectively, the younger animals to test for AD-like brain disease prevention and the older animals to address therapeutic effects on the disease. Memantine (Mem) was selected as positive control. Behavioral tests were performed to assess the course of cognitive function. Urine samples were collected and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) coupled with online Compound Discoverer software. Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests showed that Xn, like Mem, had a therapeutic but not a preventive effect on cognitive impairment. The expression levels of urinary metabolites appeared to show an opposite trend at different stages of Xn treatment, downregulated in the prevention phase while upregulated in the therapy phase. In addition, the metabolic mechanisms of Xn during preventive treatment were also different from that during therapeutic treatment. The signaling pathways metabolites nordiazepam and genistein were specifically regulated by Xn but not by Mem in the disease prevention stage. The signaling pathway metabolite ascorbic acid was specifically regulated by Xn in the therapeutic stage. In conclusion, dietary treatment with Xn altered the urinary metabolite profile at different stages of administration in APP/PS1 mice. The identified potential endogenous metabolic biomarkers and signal pathways open new avenues to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of AD.
Crotoxin induces cytotoxic effects in human malignant melanoma cells in both native and detoxified forms
Authors: Almeida Tamires Cunha , Giannotti Karina Cristina , Ribeiro Silva Lorena Morais , Marques-Porto Rafael , DeOcesano-Pereira Carlos , Camargo Lauren , Chudzinski-Tavassi Ana Marisa , Reid Paul , Picolo Gisele 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer originating in melanocytes, poses a significant threat due to its metastatic potential. While progress has been made in treating melanoma with targeted therapies and immunotherapies, challenges persist. Crotoxin (CTX), the principal toxin in Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom, exhibits various biological activities, including anti-tumoral effects across multiple cancers. However, its clinical use is limited by toxicity. Thus, exploring alternatives to mitigate adverse effects is crucial.Methods and Results: This study investigates the antitumoral potential of CTX in its native and in a detoxified form, in melanoma cells. Firstly, we demonstrated that detoxified CTX presented reduced phospholipase activity. Both forms proved to be more cytotoxic to SK-MEL-28 and MeWo melanoma cells than non-tumoral cells. In SK-MEL-28 cells, where cytotoxic effects were more pronounced, native and detoxified CTX induced increased necrosis and apoptosis rates. We also confirmed the apoptosis death demonstrated by the activation of caspase-3 and 7, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, both CTX caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, interfering with melanoma cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were also suppressed by both CTX. These results confirm the antitumoral potential of CTX.Discussion: The maintenance of the antiproliferative effects in the detoxified version, with reduced enzymatic activity often liked to harm effects, supports further studies to identify active parts of the molecule responsible for the interesting effects without causing substantial toxic events, contributing to the future use of CTX-derived drugs with safety and efficacy.