bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mediterranean diet adherence on all-cause and cause-specific mortality of vertebral compression fractures: results from the NHANES database cohort study
Authors: zhang Longyu , Zhao Yi , Xu Jiao , Yin Shi , Wang Qiang , Jia Zhiwei , Ren Jingpei , Mu Xiaohong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) is a common fragility fracture with high mortality worldwide. The management and prevention of VCFs start with a proper nutrition. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is rich in balanced nutrients and has been shown to be beneficial for several chronic diseases. However, the association of adherence to Mediterranean diet (aMED) and outcome of VCFs patients remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between adherence to Mediterranean diet (aMED) and all-cause and Cardiovascular diseases-cause (CVD-cause) mortality in VCFs patients.
Methods: In present study, patients aged ≥40 years old and with the VCFs measurement were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014. The bone mineral density (BMD) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to diagnose VCFs. The weighted univariable and multivariable COX proportional hazards regression models were utilized to explore the moderating effect of aMED and the risk of mortality in VCFs patients, and were described as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses based on different complications were further assessed the association.
Results: A total of 2,730 patients were included. Until 12 December 2019, 218 (7.99%) deaths were documented. VCFs was related to the high risk of all-cause mortality (HR= 1.75, 95%CI: 1.13-2.73) and CVD-cause mortality (HR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.12-4.91). Compared to the patients without VCFs and with aMED score ≥6, patients with VCFs and aMED score <6 has a higher risk of all-cause (HR=2.27, 95%CI: 1.25-4.13) and CVD-cause mortality (HR=4.25, 95%CI: 1.64-11.06). Our study also suggested that there was a moderating effect of aMED on the mortality of VCFs patients (all-cause mortality: HR: 1.36, 95%CI: 0.71-2.61; CVD-mortality: HR: 1.53, 95%CI: 0.46-5.12), especially in patients with dyslipidemia (HR: 2.49, 95%CI: 1.29-4.80), CVD (HR: 3.48, 95%CI: 1.56-7.74) and Chronic kidney disease(CKD) (HR: 3.64, 95%CI: 1.50-8.78).
Conclusion: Greater adherence to the MD may have a moderating effect on the risk of all-cause and CVD-cause mortality in VCFs patients. Our research further supports the importance of the MD as a potentially healthy eating pattern.
The design of a smart polymeric nanocarrier system linked to Polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) in fluorouracil drug delivery
Authors: Kaamyabi Sharif 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this study, a new platform has been developed and characterized to address the challenges in cancer treatment using the commonly employed anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil (5FU). Polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) was grafted to poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide), a temperature-sensitive polymer, and the drug was encapsulated with ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate (EGDMA). The performance of the synthesized nanocarrier was evaluated using techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-vis), and thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that the nanocarrier maintained a spherical shape ranging from 45–65 nm even after drug attachment. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the release profile behavior of this system compared to previous ones. Despite its temperature sensitivity, the system exhibited increased half-life, improved bioavailability at lower concentrations, and reduced toxicity, thereby enhancing the drug's efficacy and improving its application in drug delivery systems.
Changes in renal function in CHB patients with Peg-IFN combined with nucleos(t)ide analogs
Authors: Zhao Jinhua , Wu Lili , Yang Xiaoan , Gao Zhiliang , Deng Hong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
There is limited research comparing the renal safety of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) when used with pegylated interferon (pegIFN) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Here, renal function changes in CHB patients were compared between treated with pegyIFN combined with ETV or TDF.
Methods
713 patients with the combination therapy of pegIFN and ETV or TDF were included in a matched analysis comparing outcomes between cured (HBsAg < 0.05IU/mL) and uncured patients, while 123 patients received pegIFN alone as a control group for comparison with the pegIFN-ETV and pegIFN-TDF treatment groups. The primary outcome was the change in renal function. Patients were categorized into stage 1 or stage 2 based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min/m².
Results
In total, 125 CHB patients were matched 1:1 in both the cured and the uncured group. Renal function in the stage 1 and stage 2 groups showed a decreasing trend at 48 weeks after an initial increase. After matching, the study included patients in the pegIFN-ETV or pegIFN-TDF group (n = 208, respectively), and 104 patients in the pegIFN-alone group. No significant difference in the impact of the three drug regimens on renal function at 48 weeks was found (P = 0.955). A logistic regression model using age and baseline eGFR predicted the AUC of eGFR status at 48 weeks to be 0.851 (95% CI, 0.807, 0.895).
Conclusions
After 48 weeks of combined treatment in patients with CHB, neither pegIFN-TDF nor pegIFN-ETV led to an increase in renal injury.
Frequency of Ponticulus Posticus in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Rojas Patricio Andrés Meléndez , Rodriguez Macarena , Silva Camila , Zamora Javiera , Niklander Sven , Villalobos María 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this work is to know the frequency of PP in a subpopulation of the city of Viña del Mar, Chile. What is the frequency of PP in cone beam tomography (CBCT)?
Methods: This was a descriptive observational study of 722 CBCT scans. The presence or absence of PP was analyzed, and the Cederberg and Stubbs classification was used to determine the corresponding degree of ossification. Statistical analysis was performed to establish the relationship with age and gender using the Chi-square test. This study was approved by the Scientific and Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Andrés Bello University.
Results: The frequency of PP was of 48.07%, with bilateral PP being more common (61.96%). In terms of laterality and degree of ossification, grade 2 of ossification predominated on both sides (right: 17.87%, left: 17.72%). A slight predominance of PP was observed in males (52.3%) compared to females (45.73%), but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). With respect to the frequency of PP and age range, it was observed in 50.75% of images of individuals over 41 years of age, 47.31% in those under 20 years of age, and 43.66% in those between 21 and 40 years of age, but these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The presence of PP is common in the population and is not associated with age or gender.
Prolonged cancer treatment may affect return to work on gynecologic cancer
Authors: Tani Yoshinori , Nakamura Keiichiro , Sugihara Hanako , Shirakawa Shinsuke , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Ida Naoyuki , Haraga Junko , Ogawa Chikako , Nagao Shoji , Masuyama Hisashi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Gynecologic cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies in working-age women. This study aimed to investigate the period of sick leave (PSL) after GC treatment in Japan.
Methods: We investigated the correlation between PSL, treatment methods, and adverseeffects after GC treatment in 207 cancer survivors who returned to work at the same workplace. We distributed questionnaires to patients with cancer who visited Okayama University (more than one year post-treatment, <65 years old), extracted information from their medical records, and used the Mann–Whitney U-test and logistic regression analysis to determine the impact on PSL.
Results: Surgery plus more than six courses of chemotherapy (Cx) led to a significantly longer PSL than surgery without lymph node dissection (LND)alone, surgery with LND, surgery plus less than six courses of Cx, and radiotherapy alone (all p<0.001). GC survivors who experienced adverse effects after treatment had a significantly delayed time to PSL (p=0.045). In univariate and multivariate analyses, patients who received surgery plus more than six courses of Cx were most involved in long PSL than other factors (both p<0.001).
Conclusions: Patients with GC requiring long-term treatment required the most time to return to work.
Natural Rubber Latex Modified Concrete for Resilient Construction
Authors: MATHEW LIJI ANNA , Joseph Glory 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Major infrastructure projects often demand high performance concrete with properties such as high flexural strength, toughness, resistance to abrasion and high durability. Polymer modified concrete facilitates to enhance the flexural strength and serviceability of concrete structures. In this study, the potential of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL), a natural polymer, as an alternative to synthetic latex for enhancing the performance characteristics of concrete is explored. Natural rubber latex is added in concrete to incorporate dry rubber content of 0.5–2% by weight of cement in the mixture composition. A comparison of latex modified concrete is made with polypropylene and basalt fibre-reinforced concrete and the hybrid effect of fibre and latex in concrete. Results indicated a significant increase in energy absorption capacity (up to 231%) due to impact loading and reduction in wear in addition to the improvement in flexural strength with the modification of concrete using latex. Reduced chloride ion permeability and water absorption of latex modified concrete is indicative of highly durable concrete. Microstructure investigation confirmed a dense matrix for the NRL modified concrete making it a promising solution for structures in aggressive environments and pavement construction.
Prospective observational study to describe the clinical variability of equine asthma phenotypes
Authors: Meiseberg Lia Kristin , Delarocque Julien , de Buhr Nicole , Ohnesorge Bernhard 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Equine asthma is a common, non-infectious, chronic lung disease that affects up to 80% of the horse population. Diagnostic guidelines rely on history, clinical presentation, and neutrophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. However, strict phenotyping and identification of subclinical asthmatic horses can be challenging. The aim of this study was to describe the equine asthma phenotypes (mild, moderate, and severe asthma) in a clinical population and identify the variables and examination steps with best discriminative potential. A standardised examination protocol was used, which included clinical examinations, blood work, airway endoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, arterial blood gas analysis and radiography.
Results:
Out of 26 horses, four were diagnosed with mild (subclinical), seven with moderate, and seven with severe asthma. Eight horses served as controls with no evidence of respiratory disease. Cough with history of coughing was the strongest clinical variable in phenotype differentiation. All horses with mild asthma were distinguishable from healthy individuals by mast cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage cytology only. Moderate and severe asthmatic horses were characterised by clinical symptoms and neutrophil counts. Regardless of data subsets used in algorithmic evaluation of classification trees, a differentiation of three phenotypes without neutrophil and mast cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage cytology is not sufficient for clinical diagnostics. Factor analysis revealed an increasing clinical variability with disease severity and an overlapping of clinical presentations between the phenotypes.
Conclusions:
Equine asthma phenotypes are clinically variable with overlapping symptom severities. History of coughing and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology are the strongest discriminant parameters. Mild asthma is differentiated by bronchoalveolar lavage cytology only. The results indicate that medical history, clinical examination and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology are indispensable steps to diagnose equine asthma and that a comparably exact diagnosis cannot be achieved by relying on alternative examinations or surrogate variables. An absence of single symptoms does not necessarily indicate an absence of advanced disease, while the presence of symptoms indicates disease severity. Diagnosing equine asthma should rely on medical history, clinical examination, and endoscopy including bronchoalveolar lavage cytology. Screenings of inconspicuous horses with bronchoalveolar lavage can aid in diagnosing subclinical affected animals.
Shifting Tides: A Survey Analysis of Urologists' Evolving Attitudes and Practice Patterns in Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Koehler Jason , Lazarovich Alon , Tayebi Shima , Viswanath Vijay , George Arvin , Hsu Wei-Wen , Sidana Abhinav 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Focal therapy (FT) is emerging as an alternative option to radical treatments for prostate cancer (CaP). The purpose of this study is to assess urologists’ current perceptions and utilization of FT.
Methods: A 22-item questionnaire was emailed to members of the American Urological Association. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of FT utilization. Results were also compared to a previous survey performed in 2017.
Results: A total of 264 responses were recorded. Less than half (115/264, 43.6%) of respondents utilize FT in their practice; among them, 42% perform FT on more than 10 patients/year. Common reasons for avoiding FT were diverse and included: lack of experience (51.8%), belief that CaP is multifocal (46.0%), and a lack of infrastructure (43.1%). The most commonly utilized modality for FT was high-intensity focused ultrasound (63.4%) followed by cryoablation (47.3%). Preferred patients selected for FT were primarily unilateral/anterior only Gleason Grade Group 2 (95/110, 86.4%). A fellowship training in urologic oncology (OR=2.86, p=0.008) and seeing more than 10 CaP patients per month (OR=2.46, p=0.002) were associated with greater utilization of FT. Most respondents (85.4%) cited better imaging methods as a factor that has increased FT utilization. Compared to a previous survey, a higher number of respondents (43% vs. 24%) utilize FT in their practice and more respondents believe in the "index lesion theory".
Conclusions: Less than half of the respondents utilize FT in their practice. Fellowship training in urologic oncology and a higher volume of CaP patients were correlated with FT utilization. As urologists gain more experience the trend of further utilization of FT for CaP may rise.
Prenatal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation in the Parepare District, Indonesia; Population Characteristics and Intake Adherence
Authors: Battung Sabaria Manti , Groen Henk , Beek Eline M van der 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women remain highly prevalent in low and middle-income countries. Multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) has been proven more beneficial than standard iron-folic acid supplementation in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Limited data on adherence to MMS in pregnant women in programmatic settings is available. Therefore, our study aims to assess adherence to the recommended intake of a multiple micronutrient supplement (UNIMMAP-MMS) in relation to demographic characteristics alongside a community-based MMS program.
Method
A prospective longitudinal study was performed including 1216 participants. MMS was provided at the first antenatal care visit and women were followed up until delivery. The number of MMS tablets consumed, the start of MMS intake and information regarding possible intake determinants were recorded. Adherence was defined as ≥90 tablets. Binary logistic regression was used to assess associations between characteristics of women and adherence.
Results
Among the 655 women (53.9%) who started MMS intake in the first trimester, approximately 90% continued using MMS in the following trimesters and 75.3% consumed MMS ≥90 tablets. Among the 41.2% of women who started in the second trimester, 90% continued intake in the third trimester and 32.3% consumed ≥90 tablets. Only 4.9% started MMS in the third trimester. Overall adherence to MMS was 53.9%. Factors that impacted MMS intake were pregnancy interval ≤2y (AOR=0.65, 95% CI 0.46, 0.92), start of MMS use in the second trimester and third trimester (AOR=0.15, 95% CI 0.12, 0.20) and (AOR=0.01, 95% CI 0.00, 0.04) respectively, being overweight (AOR=1.44, 95%CI 1.04, 2.00) and experiencing no side effects (AOR=3.46, 95% CI 1.82, 6.58).
Conclusion
Implementation of MMS via community health centers resulted in high adherence once supplementation started. As many women started MMS late, attention to antenatal visit planning earlier in pregnancy can be further improved.
Host specificity and geographic dispersion shape virome diversity in Rhinolophus bats
Authors: Wang Daxi , Li Linmiao , Ren Zirui , Yu Yepin , Zhang Zhipeng , Zhou Jiabin , Zhao Hailong , Zhao Zhiwen , Shi Peibo , Mi Xinrui , Jin Xin , Deng Ziqing , Li Junhua , Chen Jinping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Many zoonotic viruses originated from bats. Notably, Rhinolophus bats have been identified as natural reservoirs for some viruses with global health implications, including severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoVs) and swine acute diarrhea syndrome-related coronavirus (SADSr-CoVs). Understanding the diversity and evolution of the viral communities in Rhinolophus bats becomes an essential step if our aims are to enhance preparedness for emerging zoonotic viruses. However, the current knowledge of viral diversity within and among Rhinolophus species remains neglected, leaving underestimated spillover risks.
Results
We characterized the individual viromes of 603 bats to systematically investigate the diversity, abundance, and geographic distribution of viral communities within R. affinis, R. sinicus, and 11 related bat species. The massive metatranscriptomic data revealed substantial viral genome resources of 133 vertebrate-infecting vANI80s, which contain occasional cross-species transmission across mammalian orders and specially across bat families. Notably, those viruses included many closely related to human and/or livestock pathogens, such as SARS-CoVs and SADS-CoVs. The investigation also highlighted distinct features of viral diversity between and within bat colonies, which appear to be influenced by the distinct host population genetics of R. affinis and R. sinicus species. The comparison of SARSr-CoVs further showed varied impact of host specificity along genome-wide diversification and modular viral evolution among Rhinolophus species.
Conclusions
The findings point to a complex interaction between host genetic diversity, and the way viruses spread and structure within natural populations, calling for continued surveillance efforts to understand factors driving viral transmission and emergence in human populations. These results present the underestimated spillover risk of bat viruses, highlighting the importance of enhancing preparedness and surveillance for emerging zoonotic viruses.
Association Between Serum Chloride Levels and 365-Day All-Cause Mortality in Critically IV Patients with Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: You Chengdong , Zhu Ling , Li Peibo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a significant clinical emergency with high mortality, particularly among critically ill patients. The role of serum chloride, a crucial electrolyte, in the prognosis of GIB remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum chloride levels and 365-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with GIB.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database, including patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of GIB from 2008 to 2019. Patients were stratified by serum chloride levels within the first 24 hours of ICU admission. The primary outcome was 365-day all-cause mortality. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between serum chloride and mortality, adjusting for confounders.
Results: A total of 2355 patients met the inclusion criteria. Elevated serum chloride levels were associated with a lower risk of 365-day all-cause mortality in unadjusted (HR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.94-0.96) and adjusted models (HR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, P=0.005). Non-linearity in the association was observed, with a plateau effect at higher serum chloride levels. Subgroup analyses confirmed the consistency of this association across different patient characteristics.
Conclusion: This study reveals a significant inverse association between serum chloride levels and 365-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with GIB. Our findings suggest that serum chloride may serve as a prognostic biomarker and could inform clinical decision-making in the management of GIB. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to validate these findings in prospective studies.
Magnetic and pH-Responsive Magnetite/Chitosan (Core/Shell) Nanoparticles for Dual-Targeted Methotrexate Delivery in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Medina-Moreno Ana , El-Hammadi Mazen M. , Martínez-Soler Gema I. , Ramos Javier G. , García-García Gracia , Arias Jose L. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Methotrexate successful therapy encounters various challenges in chemotherapy, such as poor oral bioavailability, low specificity, side effects and the development of drug resistances. In this study, we propose a dual-targeted nanocarrier comprising magnetite/chitosan nanoparticles for an efficient Methotrexate delivery. The synthesis of the particles was confirmed through morphological analysis using electron microscopy and elemental mappings via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. These nanoparticles exhibited a size of ≈ 270 nm, a zeta potential of ≈ 24 mV, and magnetic responsiveness, as demonstrated by hysteresis cycle analysis and visual observations under a magnetic field. In addition, these core/shell particles displayed high stability, as evidenced by size and surface electric charge measurements, during storage at both 4 ºC and 25 ºC for at least 30 days. Electrophoretic properties were examined in relation to pH and ionic strength, confirming the stability. The nanoparticles demonstrated a pH-responsive drug release as observed by a sustained Methotrexate release over the next 90 h under pH ≈ 7.4, while complete release occurred within 3 h under acidic conditions (pH ≈ 5.5). In the ex vivo biocompatibility assessment, the magnetite/chitosan particles showed excellent hemocompatibility and no cytotoxic effects on normal MCF-10A and cancer MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the Methotrexate-loaded nanoparticles significantly enhanced the antitumor activity reducing the half-maximal inhibitory concentration by ≈ 2.7-fold less compared to the free chemotherapeutic.