bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the causal relationship: bidirectional mendelian randomization study on benign prostatic hyperplasia and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Xiang Nanyan , Su Shiqi , Wang Zeng , Yang Yong , Chen Boxi , Shi Rui , Zheng Tao , Liao Banghua , Lin Yifei , Huang Jin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease occurring in elderly and middle-aged men, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the major causes of death worldwide. Many observational studies examined have found a strong association between BPH and CVDs, but the causal relationship between them is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the causal relationship between BPH and CVDs, specifically five diseases: stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI), and atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsIn this study, we obtained single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of patients with BPH from the UK Biobank database and patients with CVDs from the UK Biobank, the HERMES Consortium, and the FinnGen Genome Database, each used as a genetic tool for a Mendelian randomization (MR) study. We used conventional MR analysis to assess potential causal direction between BPH and CVDs, as well as MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, model-based estimation (MBE) and weighted median methods for sensitivity analysis.ResultsUsing a bidirectional two-sample MR study, we found that BPH patients had an increased risk of developing CHD (ConMix OR = 1.152, 95% CI: 1.011–1.235, p = 0.035) and MI (ConMix OR = 1.107.95% CI: 1.022–1.164, p = 0.013), but a decreased risk of stroke (ConMix OR = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.797–0.926, p = 0.002). The reverse study was not statistically significant and further research may be needed.ConclusionOur study suggests a potential causal relationship between BPH and CVDs. BPH appears to be a risk factor for CHD and MI, but it may be protective against stroke. There was no evidence of a causal association in the reverse study, and a larger sample size was needed in follow-up to further explore the potential association.
CD47;Rag2;IL-2rγ triple knock-out mice pre-conditioning with busulfan could be a novel platform for generating hematopoietic stem cells engrafted humanized mice
Authors: Kim Kang-Hyun , Lee Sang-wook , Baek In-Jeoung , Song Hye-Young , Jo Seon-Ju , Ryu Je-Won , Ryu Seung-Hee , Seo Jin-Hee , Kim Jong-Choon , Heo Seung-Ho 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionHumanized mouse models to recapitulate human biological systems still have limitations, such as the onset of lethal graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a variable success rate, and the low accessibility of total body irradiation (TBI). Recently, mice modified with the CD47-SIRPA axis have been studied to improve humanized mouse models. However, such trials have been rarely applied in NOD mice. In this study, we created a novel mouse strain, NOD-CD47nullRag2nullIL-2rγnull (RTKO) mice, and applied it to generate humanized mice.MethodsFour-week-old female NOD-Rag2nullIL-2rγnull (RID) and RTKO mice pre-conditioned with TBI or busulfan (BSF) injection were used for generating human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engrafted humanized mice. Clinical signs were observed twice a week, and body weight was measured once a week. Flow cytometry for human leukocyte antigens was performed at intervals of four weeks or two weeks, and mice were sacrificed at 48 weeks after HSC injection.ResultsFor a long period from 16 to 40 weeks post transplantation, the percentage of hCD45 was mostly maintained above 25% in all groups, and it was sustained the longest and highest in the RTKO BSF group. Reconstruction of human leukocytes, including hCD3, was also most prominent in the RTKO BSF group. Only two mice died before 40 weeks post transplantation in all groups, and there were no life-threatening GvHD lesions except in the dead mice. The occurrence of GvHD has been identified as mainly due to human T cells infiltrating tissues and their related cytokines.DiscussionHumanized mouse models under all conditions applied in this study are considered suitable models for long-term experiments based on the improvement of human leukocytes reconstruction and the stable animal health. Especially, RTKO mice pretreated with BSF are expected to be a valuable platform not only for generating humanized mice but also for various immune research fields.
Efficacy of autologous micrografts technology: a promising approach for chronic wound healing and tissue regeneration—a pilot study
Authors: Baglioni Elisabetta Adelaide , Perego Franco , Paolin Elisa , Abate Alberto , Pusceddu Tommaso , Zavan Barbara , Bocchiotti Maria Alessandra 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThis study explores the efficacy of Autologous Micrografts Technology (AMG) in treating chronic wounds refractory to traditional therapies.MethodsAMGs, derived from adipose tissue or dermis using a mechanical fragmentation process, were applied to patients with post-surgical dehiscence. A comprehensive evaluation of wound healing outcomes, including surface area reduction and complete healing, was conducted over a 90-day follow-up period. Additionally, the study investigated the cellular antioxidant activity of AMG solutions and characterized the exosomes obtained through mechanical disaggregation.ResultsResults indicate significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) in wound healing, with 91.66% of patients showing at least a 50% reduction in lesion size and 75% achieving complete healing by day 90. Notably, AMG technology demonstrated immediate efficacy with fat-only application, while combined dermis and fat micrografts showed longer-term benefits, particularly in chronic wounds. The study also elucidated the mechanism of action of AMGs, highlighting their role in enhancing cellular antioxidant activity and exosome-mediated tissue regeneration.DiscussionOverall, these findings underscore the promising potential of AMG technology as a versatile and effective treatment option for chronic wounds, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and clinical applications.
Conflict among experts in health recommendations and corresponding public trust in health experts
Authors: Mainous Arch G. , Sharma Pooja , Yin Lu , Wang Ting , Johannes Bobbie L. , Harrell Grant 
Published: July 2024

ImportancePublic trust in health experts has been decreasing leading to decreased adherence to expert recommendations.ObjectiveTo evaluate public perceptions of conflict and uncertainty among experts in healthcare recommendations and association with decreased trust in health entities for accurate health information.MethodsAnalysis of the US nationally representative Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6–2022). Adults aged 18 and older were respondents to the survey (unweighted n = 5,842, representing 241 million adults). The main outcome was trust in doctors, scientists and government health agencies for health information. Analyses examined trust in experts with public perceptions of conflict about recommendations and changing recommendations.ResultsThere was high trust in doctors for health information (95%) versus 84% in scientists and 70% in government health agencies. Only 18% have high trust in the health information on social media. Respondents who felt expert recommendations change often were less likely to have high trust (65%) in government agencies compared to those who felt that the recommendations did not often change (82%) (p &lt; 0.01). In logistic regressions controlling for age, sex, race, education, income and trust in social media for health information perceptions of low conflict among expert health recommendations is associated with likelihood of high trust in government health agencies (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.96–4.15).ConclusionThe public has low trust in government health agencies and perceptions of conflict among experts over recommendations is likely playing a role in the erosion of trust in health experts.
A novel assisted reduction method in extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia treated with intramedullary nail
Authors: Liu Jun , Dai Simin , Liu Lijin , Kuang Hailin , Yan Liang , Cai Qiangqiang , Shao Zongzuan , Wei Wenbo , Min Zhihai , Tang Wubing 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundTo explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Kirschner wires (KWs) as a blocking screw technique for extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia treated with intramedullary nails (IMNs).MethodsFifty-three patients were treated with KW-assisted IMN for extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia via the blocking screw technique or Poller screw (PS) technique. The operation time, number of fluoroscopies, number of blocking screws used, blood loss and time to union were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the functional outcomes of the two groups were compared using range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Lysholm scores.ResultsCompared with those in the PS group, the operation time in the KW group was significantly shorter, and the number of fluoroscopy procedures and amount of blood loss during KW surgery were also significantly lower (p = 0.014, 0.001, and 0.036, respectively). Regarding the functional outcomes, there were no significant differences in the ROM, VAS score, AOFAS score or Lysholm score between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionIn the treatment of extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia with nails, the use of KW as a blocking screw technique is safe and reliable.
Diversity of Trichoderma species associated with the black rot disease of Gastrodia elata, including four new species
Authors: Ye Chuwen , You Yanbo , Li Wenjie , Jing Tingting , Mo Minghe , Qiao Min , Yu Zefen 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionTrichoderma species establish symbiotic relationships with plants through both parasitic and mutualistic mechanisms. While some Trichoderma species act as plant pathogenic fungi, others utilize various strategies to protect and enhance plant growth.MethodsPhylogenetic positions of new species of Trichoderma were determined through multi-gene analysis relying on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal DNA, the translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) gene, and the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) gene. Additionally, pathogenicity experiments were conducted, and the aggressiveness of each isolate was evaluated based on the area of the cross-section of the infected site.ResultsIn this study, 13 Trichoderma species, including 9 known species and 4 new species, namely, T. delicatum, T. robustum, T. perfasciculatum, and T. subulatum were isolated from the diseased tubers of Gastrodia elata in Yunnan, China. Among the known species, T. hamatum had the highest frequency. T. delicatum belonged to the Koningii clade. T. robustum and T. perfasciculatum were assigned to the Virens clade. T. subulatum emerged as a new member of the Spirale clade. Pathogenicity experiments were conducted on the new species T. robustum, T. delicatum, and T. perfasciculatum, as well as the known species T. hamatum, T. atroviride, and T. harzianum. The infective abilities of different Trichoderma species on G. elata varied, indicating that Trichoderma was a pathogenic fungus causing black rot disease in G. elata.DiscussionThis study provided the morphological characteristics of new species and discussed the morphological differences with phylogenetically proximate species, laying the foundation for research aimed at preventing and managing diseases that affect G. elata.
Identification and characterization of multiple novel picornaviruses in fecal samples of bar-headed goose
Authors: Sun Yijie , Wang Yan , Ji Li , Zhao Qifan , Shen Quan , Wang Xiaochun , Liu Yuwei , Ji Likai , Yang Shixing , Zhang Wen 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe bar-headed goose (Anser indicus), one of the most well-known high-altitude birds, is renowned for its adaptation to high-altitude environments. Previous studies have shown that they can be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza; however, there is currently limited research on other viruses in bar-headed geese.MethodsIn this study, 10 fecal samples of healthy bar-headed geese were collected, and viral metagenomics method was conducted to identify novel picornaviruses.ResultsSeven novel picornaviruses were identified in the fecal samples of bar-headed geese. Most of these picornaviruses were genetically different from other currently known viruses in the NCBI dataset. Among them, PICV4 was determined to be a new species belonging to the Anativirus genus, PICV5 and PICV13 were classified as novel species belonging to the Hepatovirus genus, and the remaining four picornaviruses (PICV1, PICV19, PICV21, and PICV22) were identified as part of the Megrivirus A species of the Megrivirus genus. Recombinant analysis indicates that PICV21 was a potential recombinant, and the major and minor parents were PICV1 and PICV22, respectively.ConclusionThe findings of this study increase our understanding of the diversity of picornaviruses in bar-headed geese and provide practical viral genome information for the prevention and treatment of potential viral diseases affecting this species.
Comprehensive proteomic characterization of urethral stricture disease in the Chinese population
Authors: Gao Jiangtao , Liu Hui , Li Lingling , Guo Chunmei , Wang Zhiyong , Cheng Mengya , Tan Subei , Chen Lu , Shi Jijing , Wu Hui , Feng Chao , Yu Guoying , Ding Chen 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundMale urethral stricture disease (USD) is predominantly characterized by scar formation. There are few effective therapeutic drugs, and comprehensive molecular characterizations of USD formation remain undefined.MethodsThe proteomic profiling of twelve scar tissues and five matched normal adjacent tissues (NATs). Proteomic analysis methods were applied to explore the molecular characterizations of USD formation, including uncovering mechanistic pathways and providing novel biomarkers for scar formation.ResultsComparative proteomic analysis showed that the extracellular matrix (ECM) and complement cascade signaling were predominant in scar tissues. COL11A1 and CD248 significantly contributed to the accumulation of ECM components. Our study presented diverse molecular mechanisms of scar formation across different ages and suggested the potential effects of PXK in Age 1 (&lt;45) patients. Furthermore, immune infiltration studies indicated the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the complement system (C4A, C4B) in Age 2 (≥45) patients, providing a potential clinical strategy for USD.ConclusionThis study illustrated the pathogenesis of USD formation and the diverse characteristics of USD patients with different ages, enhancing our understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis and providing a valuable resource for USD treatment.
Nurse-led care versus neurologist-led care for long-term outcomes of patients who underwent craniotomy in traumatic brain injuries: an efficacy analysis
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wu Zhiping , Shi Shufang , Ren Jiangyan , Ren Xiaojia 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAfter craniotomy, patients require rehabilitation efforts for the recovery process, and neurologists are mostly engaged for that (in the management of post-craniotomy complications). However, neurologists are not always available for care after neurosurgery during follow-up (situation of our institute). The objectives of the study were to compare the effects of two different types of care (nurse-led and neurologist-led) on various long-term outcomes in patients who have undergone craniotomy due to traumatic brain injuries.MethodsElectronic medical records of patients (aged ≥18 years) who underwent craniotomy for traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers were extracted and retrospectively reviewed. Patients received nurse-led care (NL cohort, n = 109) or neurologist-led care (GL cohort, n = 121) for 6 months after craniotomy.ResultsBefore the nurse-or neurologist-led care (BC), all patients had activities of daily living (ADL) ≤ 11, ≤ 50 quality of life (QoL), and 69% of patients had definitive anxiety, 87% of patients had definitive depression, and all caregivers had Zarit Burden interview scores ≥50. Nurse-led post-surgical care was associated with improved ADL and QoL, relieved anxiety and depression of patients, relieved the burden on caregivers, and the higher overall satisfaction of patients and their caregivers after 6-months of care (AC) as compared to their BC condition (p &lt; 0.05) and also compared to those of patients in the GL cohort under AC condition (p &lt; 0.01). Patients in the GL cohort reported pressure sores (p = 0.0211) and dizziness [15 (12%) vs. 5 (5%)] after craniotomy during follow-up than those in the NL cohort.ConclusionADL, QoL, and psychological conditions of patients who undergo craniotomy for traumatic brain injuries must be improved and the burdens of their caregivers must be relived. Not only is the care provided by nursing staff equivalent to that offered by neurologists, but in some aspects, it is superior for patients who have undergone craniotomy for traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers during follow-up.
Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamins D2 and D3 with hearing loss in US adults: analysis from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2016
Authors: Chen Feng , Gao Yufan , Wang Yukai , Pan Ziyu , Chen Yinuo , Sheng Huixiang , Chen Qi , Ye Fan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundHearing loss (HL) is increasingly recognized as a significant global public health issue, and research on its relationship with vitamin D levels has gained wider attention. However, the association between serum biomarkers 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2) and D3 (25(OH)D3) with different types of HL remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 with HL in US adults.MethodsA sample of 3,684 individuals aged 20–69 years from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) was analyzed in this study. HL was defined as a pure tone average &gt; 25 dB in either ear at low frequencies (500, 1,000, 2000 Hz), speech frequencies (500, 1,000, 2000, 4,000 Hz), and high frequencies (3,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000 Hz). Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 and HL. The study population was then stratified by age, gender, race, and education level to analyze potential differences between adults in different subgroups.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, it was found that serum 25(OH)D2 was independently associated with low-frequency hearing loss (LFHL) (OR: 1.012 [95% CI, 1.005–1.020]) and speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL) (OR: 1.011 [95% CI, 1.003–1.018]). Restrictive cubic spline analysis demonstrated a linear dose–response relationship between serum 25(OH)D2 levels and LFHL (p for linearity &lt;0.001), as well as SFHL (p for linearity = 0.001). Conversely, an L-shaped association was observed between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and both LFHL (p for nonlinearity = 0.014) and SFHL (p for nonlinearity = 0.025), with threshold values identified at 35.3 and 36.5 nmol/L, respectively. Higher levels of serum 25(OH)D3 were associated with a lower probability of high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) (OR: 0.994 [95% CI, 0.989–0.999]), with a threshold value identified at 53.9 nmol/L. Furthermore, a significant interaction between diabetes and serum 25(OH)D2 in LFHL was revealed through subgroup analysis (p = 0.041). In the non-diabetic population, serum 25(OH)D2 maintained its association with LFHL.ConclusionOur findings suggested a positive association between serum 25(OH)D2 concentrations and both LFHL and SFHL in the studied cohort. Additionally, an L-shaped relationship was found between serum 25(OH)D3 and LFHL and SFHL, and higher levels of serum 25(OH)D3 were identified to be associated with a lower risk of HFHL.
Development of an anti-inflammatory diet for first-episode psychosis (FEP): a feasibility study protocol
Authors: Kennedy Leda , Holt Tiffany , Hunter Anna , Golshan Shahrokh , Cadenhead Kristin , Mirzakhanian Heline 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundEvidence suggests inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of psychosis even in early illness, indicating a potential avenue for anti-inflammatory interventions that simultaneously address high rates of metabolic disease in this population. The aim of this study is to design a novel anti-inflammatory diet intervention (DI) that is feasible to implement in a first-episode psychosis (FEP) population.MethodsEligible FEP Participants are aged 15–30. The DI is currently being refined through a multi-phase process that includes the recruitment of focus groups that provide insight into feasibility of measures and nutritional education, as well as the implementation of the DI. The phases in the study are the Development Phase, Formative Phase, and the Feasibility Phase.ResultsThe Development phase has resulted in the creation of a flexible DI for FEP based on existing research on nutritional health and informed by providers. This study has just completed the Formative phase, recruiting eligible participants to join focus groups that gleaned information about dietary habits, preferences, and food environments to further refine the DI.ConclusionFindings from earlier phases have advised the current Feasibility Phase in which this novel DI is being administered to a small cohort of FEP participants (N = 12) to determine acceptability of the DI from a lived experience perspective. Naturalistic changes in inflammatory biomarkers, metabolic health, and symptoms will also be measured.
Evaluating the features of breast lesions identified by bimodal breast examination: a real-world study
Authors: Huang Xiaoxi , Zhao Shuai , Chen Wanqian , Sun Bin , Lin Zhenchuan , Yang Haomin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundSeveral image-based diagnostic methods have been developed to examine the features of breast lesions among women, while the value of combining palpation imaging and ultrasound by a bimodal breast examination system is still unknown.MethodsA real-world study was conducted among 424 patients who visited Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital and Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, and used the Bimodal Breast Exam (BBE) systems which combines palpation imaging and ultrasound imaging. Among them, 97 patients had additional ultrasound, mammogram, or pathological examination. These patients were used to evaluate the consistency and efficacy of the BBE in interpreting the features of breast lesions as compared to results of ultrasound, mammogram, and pathological examinations.ResultsThe BBE system detected 1517 lesions with palpation imaging, 1126 lesions with ultrasound examination (950 solid lesions and 176 cysts), and 391 non mass lesions. Among them, 404 patients were diagnosed as benign and 20 were diagnosed as malignant tumor. However, 12, 9 and 4 cases were diagnosed as malignant tumors by ultrasound, mammogram and pathological examination, respectively. Compared with the integrative results of ultrasound, mammogram and pathology, the sensitivity of BBE is 55.6%, and the specificity is 90.9%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.387 (0.110, 0.665), indicating moderate consistency.ConclusionsIn clinical practice, BBE can be used to evaluate features of breast lesions with a high specificity. The diagnostic efficacy is comparable to the integrative results of ultrasound, mammography, and pathological examination.