bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mental health of LGBTQ+ workers: a systematic review
Authors: Tomic Dunya , O’Dwyer Monica , Keegel Tessa , Walker-Bone Karen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ+) community have greater risk of mental health disorders compared to the general population, however most evidence is from young people. We sought to systematically review and summarise the evidence for the burden and risk of mental health disorders.

Methods
A PRISMA-compliant literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus, and CINAHL for articles published from 2000 to 2024. Quantitative or mixed-methods studies that reported mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ workers were included. Effect measures included prevalence and odds ratios, with variations in mental health across occupations and specific sexual or gender minorities reported where possible. This systematic review was prospectively registered through PROSPERO (CRD42024587605).

Results
Out of 5736 unique articles screened, 33 articles (32 individual studies) fulfilled eligibility criteria, including 8369 LGBTQ+ workers. Other than studies of sex workers, only 12 studies had research questions specific to LGBTQ+ workers’ mental health. Most studies (30/32) were cross-sectional and reported increased odds of depression, anxiety, or suicidality among LGBTQ+ compared to non-LGBTQ+ workers. Prevalence estimates and methodology varied widely. Factors associated with adverse mental health outcomes among select groups of LGBTQ+ workers included internalised stigma, heterosexism, job stress and low income. We found no studies comparing workers across industries and no studies involving workplace interventions.

Conclusions
There are limited objective data regarding LGBTQ+ workers’ mental health. Given the heterogeneity of the LGBTQ+ population, dedicated longitudinal research into the mental health of specific sexual and gender minorities across all industries and occupations is needed to determine causal factors, the impact of intersectionality, and the effectiveness of workplace interventions.
Exploring the potential of a school brushing program using a connected brush in underserved areas: a feasibility cluster randomised trial
Authors: Kitsaras George , Boothman Nicola , Gomez Juliana , Goodwin Michaela , Muzammil Momina , Walsh Tanya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The main aim of this cluster randomised controlled trial is to explore the feasibility of a school-based brushing program utilising a smart, connected brush in children.

Methods
Students aged 8 to 11 years in 6 primary schools across Manchester, UK were approached for this study. All children received a smart, connected toothbrush which captured information on coverage, duration and frequency of brushing. Teachers had access to class-level digital dashboards summarising brushing habits to set challenges for the students. Additionally, children in schools randomised to the toothbrush plus text messaging trial arm received text message support (delivered to their parents' mobile phones). Outcomes included: (a) consent rate, (b) recruitment rate recorded as the number of participants who completed at least one of the study surveys post-consents, and (c) acceptability of the interventions on schools and parents through a mixed methods approach.

Results
Average age of parents was 39.8 years (SD5.94) while the average age of children was 9.7 years (SD1.56). Most parents and children came from households in the most deprived decile based on their Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores with 77 households (52.4%) scoring 1 (most deprived). Out of 753 eligible participants across all 6 schools, 409 were consented (54.3% consent rate) with 148 participants completing baseline measurements (36.8%). During the study, there was only 1 drop out. In terms of acceptability, parents found the study very enjoyable (average score of 8.9/10), and found the brush and app easy to use (average score of 8.7/10). Those parents who additionally received the text messages found them easy to understand and useful (average score of 8.9/10). In total, 91.6% of parents would recommend the brush and the intervention to family and friends. Three key facilitators ((a) enhancing children’s self-reliance, (b) increased engagement through the use of visual cues and (c) increased motivation (due to gamification) potentially supported children’s engagement with the brush and app.

Conclusions
Low dropout rates and very positive feedback highlight the potential of this intervention. Future studies should consider how to quantify changes in children’s oral health, address loss of questionnaire completion and harness the opportunities this study provided.

Trial registration
The study was registered at ISRCTN registration number ISRCTN77803149 on the 28th December 2023.
The association between rs2228226 and postoperative clinical outcomes in gastric adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Haowen , Li Xinxiong , Dang Yuan , Zhang Yawei , Zhang Zaizhong , Zhang Bowen , Cai Qinglong , Wang Lie , Wang Meiping , Xiao Chunhong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study aims to investigate the differences in postoperative prognosis associated with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2228226 (G > C) in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) patients.

Methods
This study enrolled 661 patients with locally advanced (pT4a) GAC after surgery. DNA was extracted from their tissues and genotyped for rs2228226 using a MassARRAY Analyzer. Based on the patients’ clinical and pathological information, a multifactorial Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between rs2228226 and the clinical prognosis of pT4a GAC patients. Survival differences among patients who received postoperative chemotherapy were also examined according to rs2228226.

Results
After excluding patients with distant metastasis, loss to follow-up, and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, a total of 463 patients with complete data were included. The rs2228226 genotype distribution was as follows: C/C = 57 (12.3%), G/C = 200 (43.2%), and G/G = 206 (44.5%). Patients with the C/C genotype had significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS = 12 months) and overall survival (OS = 27 months) compared to those with the G/C or G/G genotype (DFS = 19 months, log-rank P = 0.003; OS = 35 months, log-rank P = 0.002). Further analysis of patients receiving chemotherapy identified the C/C genotype, advanced age, lymph node metastasis, degree of differentiation, and failure to achieve R0 resection as independent risk factors for tumor recurrence and metastasis (P < 0.05). The C/C genotype, lymph node metastasis, and tumor recurrence and metastasis were independent risk factors for mortality (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
In pT4a GAC patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy, the C/C genotype at rs2228226 is an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and death. The rs2228226 (G > C) polymorphism may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis after chemotherapy in GAC.
Association between annual concentration of air pollutants and incidence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults: Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Shin Hanuel , Song Minkyo , Bae Sanghyuk 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Air pollution is a global public health concern and incidence rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are increasing. To evaluate the effect of long-term air pollution exposure, we examined the association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and the incidences of MetS among Korean adults.

Methods
We used data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study’s Cardiovascular Disease Association Study, a population-based cohort consisting of community-dwelling Korean adults between 2005 and 2011, who were followed up with until 2016 (n = 7,428). Air pollution exposure was estimated using the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality model based on the participants’ addresses. The participants had a physical examination at every visit during follow-up, and MetS was defined based on the National Institute of Health’s National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. We used Cox proportional hazard model to analyze the association between long-term air pollution exposure and incidences of MetS per interquartile range (IQR) increment of the annual concentration after adjusting for potential confounders using single and two-pollutant analysis.

Results
The hazard ratios (HR) of MetS per IQR increment in PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and CO were 1.19 (95% CI: 1.12-1.27), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.47-1.68), 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03-1.20), and 1.63 (95% CI: 1.48-1.78), respectively. The incidences of MetS components, which are high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, high fasting triglyceride (TG), and low fasting high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), were significantly associated with an IQR increment especially in SO2 and CO. In subgroup analysis, males had higher risk of MetS than females. The HR was the highest in the 60–69 year old age group for all pollutants.

Conclusion
In the present study, we found that long-term ambient air pollution exposure increased the incidences of MetS and its components among Korean adults, especially in males and the elderly population.

Graphical abstract
Preoperative circulating tumor cells level is associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Gu Yihua , Yu Ming , Deng Jiaqin , Lai Yeqian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) refers to thyroid cancer that has only one isolated lesion, it has also the possibility of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Circulating tumor cell (CTC) has been used to assist in the assessment of tumor progression, but the relationship between CTCs levels and LNM in unifocal PTC patients is unclear.

Methods
The clinical records (age, gender, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid function, tumor size, invaded capsule (thyroid cancer penetrating the capsule), clinical stage, and LNM) of unifocal PTC patients in Meizhou People’s Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff value of CTCs levels to distinguish LNM. The relationship between CTCs level and clinical features was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between CTCs and LNM.

Results
A total of 507 unifocal PTC patients were included, and 198(39.1%) patients with LNM. The critical value of CTCs was 9.25 FU/3mL by ROC analysis, and 288(56.8%) unifocal PTC patients with preoperative CTC-positive(≥ 9.25 FU/3mL). The patients with positive CTCs had higher proportions of normal thyroid function (91.3% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.018), and LNM (44.1% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.008) than patients with negative. High preoperative CTCs level (≥ 9.25/<9.25 FU/3mL, odds ratio(OR): 1.653, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.115–2.451, p = 0.012), tumor size > 1 cm (OR: 3.189, 95% CI: 2.069–4.913, p < 0.001), and invaded capsule (OR: 1.521, 95% CI: 1.005–2.302, p = 0.047) were associated with LNM among unifocal PTC in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions
High preoperative CTCs level (≥ 9.25 FU/3mL), tumor size > 1 cm, and invaded capsule were associated with LNM among unifocal PTC.
The distribution of D4Z4 repeats in China and direct prenatal diagnosis of FSHD by optical genome mapping
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Hao Na , Chang Jiazhen , Yin Kaili , Yang Xueting , Wang Yaru , Dai Yi , Jiang Yulin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the second most common form of muscular dystrophy, which is characterized by a reduction in the number of D4Z4 repeats on chromosome 4q35. Prenatal diagnosis of FSHD has been challenging due to the large quantity and high-quality DNA required for Southern blot (SB) analysis. Optical genome mapping (OGM) technology has shown promise in identifying repeat contraction disorders and presents a potential tool for the prenatal diagnosis of FSHD.

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the distribution of D4Z4 repeats in 100 unrelated healthy individuals from the Chinese Han population using peripheral blood samples and DLS labelling method. Additionally, prenatal diagnosis using OGM was performed in 12 FSHD families at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. The prenatal samples included 2 amniotic cell cultures and 10 chorionic villus samples (CVS), with 9 labeled using DLS and 4 using NLRS method.

Results
Among the 100 healthy controls, the distribution of D4Z4 repeats varied, with 3 individuals having borderline 10 repeat counts on 4qA, and the most frequent count being 14 units. One individual with mosaicism was also identified. In the cohort of 12 FSHD families,14 prenatal diagnoses were performed. Of these 14 cases, 4 fetuses tested positive for 4qA contraction, with repeat counts ranging from 2 to 4. In both families that underwent two rounds of prenatal diagnosis, the first diagnosis indicated the presence of FSHD, leading to pregnancy termination, while the second diagnosis confirmed the presence of healthy fetuses. The overall positive rate was 28.57%.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that OGM is an accurate and effective method for the prenatal diagnosis of FSHD. The application of OGM in prenatal settings could offer significant benefits to families affected by FSHD with reproductive concerns.
AMPA receptor diffusional trapping machinery as an early therapeutic target in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Choquet Daniel , Opazo Patricio , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been a growing recognition of the physiological importance and pathological implications surrounding the surface diffusion of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and their diffusional trapping at synapses. AMPAR surface diffusion entails the thermally powered random Brownian lateral movement of these receptors within the plasma membrane, facilitating dynamic exchanges between synaptic and extrasynaptic compartments. This process also enables the activity-dependent diffusional trapping and accumulation of AMPARs at synapses through transient binding to synaptic anchoring slots. Recent research highlights the critical role of synaptic recruitment of AMPARs via diffusional trapping in fundamental neural processes such as the development of the early phases of long-term potentiation (LTP), contextual fear memory, memory consolidation, and sensory input-induced cortical remapping. Furthermore, studies underscore that regulation of AMPAR diffusional trapping is altered across various neurological disease models, including Huntington’s disease (HD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and stress-related disorders like depression. Notably, pharmacological interventions aimed at correcting deficits in AMPAR diffusional trapping have demonstrated efficacy in restoring synapse numbers, LTP, and memory functions in these diverse disease models, despite their distinct pathogenic mechanisms. This review provides current insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of AMPAR diffusional trapping, emphasizing its role as a converging point for multiple pathological signaling pathways. We propose that targeting AMPAR diffusional trapping represents a promising early therapeutic strategy to mitigate synaptic plasticity and memory deficits in a spectrum of brain disorders, encompassing but not limited to HD, AD, and stress-related conditions. This approach underscores an integrated therapeutic target amidst the complexity of these neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.
FSH and Sertoli Cell Biomarkers Accurately Distinguish Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism From Self-limited Delayed Puberty
Authors: Castro Sebastián , Correa Brito Lourdes , Bedecarrás Patricia , Ballerini María Gabriela , Sansó Gabriela , Keselman Ana , Cassinelli Hamilton , Arcari Andrea Josefina , Alonso Guillermo F , Chan Yee-Ming , He Wen , Ropelato María Gabriela , Bergadá Ignacio , Cassorla Fernando , Rey Rodolfo A , Grinspon Romina P 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Context
Delayed puberty is a frequent complaint in males. The differential diagnosis between self-limited delayed puberty (SLDP) and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is challenging. Commonly used endocrine tests, focusing on stimulated levels of LH or testosterone, are not satisfactory in making a diagnosis. Because FSH action on Sertoli cells results in testis enlargement and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B increased secretion, and the FSH-Sertoli cell axis function is detectable during normal childhood and early puberty, we tested whether the assessment of serum FSH, AMH, and inhibin B would be informative to distinguish between SLDP and CHH.

Design
We performed a prospective, nested case-control study in a cohort of male adolescents presenting with delayed puberty, comparing baseline serum reproductive hormone levels to identify predictive biomarkers of CHH, after having followed all participants prospectively until a final diagnosis was ascertained based on gold-standard criteria (age 18 years or ≥4 years after testis volume reached 4 mL).

Results
Of 65 participants who completed follow-up, 33 had a final diagnosis of SLDP and 32 of CHH. Serum FSH, AMH, and inhibin B showed better diagnostic efficiency than LH and testosterone for these differential diagnoses. FSH (IU/L)×inhibin B (ng/mL) &lt; 92 and FSH (IU/L)×AMH (pmol/L) &lt; 537 showed high sensitivity (&gt;93%), specificity (≥92%), predictive values (&gt;92%), and positive likelihood ratio (&gt;12) for CHH. The diagnostic performance remained 89.7% and 88.2% for FSH × inhibin B and FSH × AMH, respectively, when analyzed in patients without red flags (micropenis, cryptorchidism, and/or microorchidism).

Conclusion
Serum FSH combined with inhibin B or AMH is highly predictive to accurately distinguish between SLDP and CHH in adolescent males.
Cardiovascular risk and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in adults with Resistance to Thyroid Hormone β
Authors: Davis Timothy M E , Davis Wendy A , Moran Carla , Lyons Greta , Bryden Ellis , Chatterjee Krishna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
People with Resistance to Thyroid Hormone due to defective thyroid receptor β (RTHβ), exhibit adverse cardiovascular outcomes and premature mortality. Whether this reflects increased global cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk or hyperthyroxinemia-associated effects on cardiac rhythm and contractility is unknown. We determined CVD risk and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations as a marker of reduced cardiac function in 99 individuals (mean age 41 years, 37% males) with RTHβ.

Results
The mean (SD range) QRISK3 score for 82 participants was 2.0 (0.5–8.8) % versus 1.3 (0.3–5.0) % for age, sex and ethnicity-matched healthy controls (P = 0.005). The QRISK3 heart age of RTHβ participants was 49.8 ± 14.5 years versus actual age 44.5 ± 12.4 years (difference 5.3 (95% CI: 4.0, 6.5) years; P &lt; 0.001). The mean (SD range) plasma NT-proBNP in 79 RTHβ participants was 51 (18–142) pg/mL; 10.1% of values were above the age-specific 97.5th percentile of a large control sample. In multiple linear regression, age and female sex were significant independent predictors of NT-proBNP (P ≤ 0.001), but free T3, free T4, TSH and QRISK3 10-year CVD risk were not.

Conclusions
Elevated NT-proBNP concentrations, seen even in young people with RTHβ, suggest that myocardial dysfunction contributes to early adverse cardiovascular outcomes in this disorder, with increased atherosclerotic disease risk likely manifesting later in life. Measurement of NT-proBNP and assessment of cardiovascular risk should be considered at first presentation and periodically during follow up of RTHβ.
PHENO-GENOTYPIC DETERMINANTS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND VIRULENCE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM THE MILK OF COWS WITH SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS
Authors: Pleshakova Valentina I. , Leshcheva Nadezhda A. , Lorengel Tatyana I. 
Published: February 2025

The traditional antibiotic therapy for cow mastitis often leads to the emergence of mono- and multi-resistant strains of microorganisms. Therefore, elucidating the etiological role of antibiotic-resistant E. coli cultures in the pathogenesis of subclinical mastitis is an urgent problem of theoretical novelty and practical significance. The purpose of the study is to explore the pheno-genotypic characteristics of antibiotic resistance and virulent properties of Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis was carried out using generally accepted methods. Sensitivity to antibacterial drugs was determined by the disk diffusion method. As a result of the studies, it was found out that Escherichia coli cultures were isolated in 59% of milk samples from cows with subclinical mastitis. The isolated cultures were resistant to some antibiotics of the aminoglycoside group (kanamycin, gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin and streptomycin), 2nd generation fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) and tetracyclines. The molecular genetic studies showed that fimA virulence genes were detected in 95,74% of isolated E. coli cultures, and fimH genes were detected in 81.91% of cultures. They encode adhesion proteins of E. coli to endothelial cells. The study of pharmacodynamic mechanisms of resistance revealed the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases in 69,14% of E. coli cultures. In addition, this work was one of the first attempts to show the widespread prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli cultures in subclinical mastitis in the region.
Sponsorship information. This work was carried out within the framework of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (Agreement No. 23-26-00118, dated January 13, 2023)