bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and the risk of erectile dysfunction: a study from NHANES 2001-2004
Authors: Wu Xu , Zhang Yuyang , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has become a novel inflammation marker with a possible association with erectile dysfunction (ED); however, there are fewer studies exploring the association between MHR and ED.

Aim
This study sought to explore the association between MHR and ED.

Methods
This study population was drawn from participants in two 2-year cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2002 and 2003-2004). MHR was calculated as the ratio of monocyte count (103 cells/μL) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL). The relationship between MHR and ED was explored using survey-weighted logistic regression models with MHR as a continuous variable and divided into tertiles (tertile 1 [T1]: &lt;0.01; T2: 0.01-0.014; T3: &gt;0.014). We also used a smooth curve fit (penalized spline method) to characterize the dose-response relationship between MHR and ED. In addition, subgroup analyses based on age, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease were performed to further analyze the data. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to further assess the stability of the results.

Outcomes
The main outcome measure was the difference in ED prevalence between MHR levels.

Results
A total of 1361 participants were enrolled, with 513 (T1), 438 (T2), and 410 (T3) participants in the 3 MHR groups. After adjusting for all potential covariates, survey-weighted logistic regression analyses showed a significant association between MHR and ED (odds ratio [OR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-3.05). When MHR was used as a categorical variable, the adjusted OR for ED prevalence increased significantly with increasing MHR after adjusting for all potential covariates (T3 vs T1: OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.29-3.55). The dose-response curves showed that the prevalence of ED increased with increasing MHR.

Clinical Implications
Easy to access and low cost, MHR is a convenient clinical tool that helps clinicians in the prevention and treatment of ED.

Strengths and Limitations
The present study is the first to examine the association between MHR and ED nationally representative data. However, the study population was derived from a U.S. database, so the findings are limited to the U.S. population.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that MHR levels were independently associated with ED and that ED patients had higher MHR levels, suggesting that MHR may be a valuable predictor for identifying people at higher risk for ED.
Evaluation of Elnady preserved tissues as a teaching aid for undergraduate animal science courses
Authors: Daniel Jay A , Kukor Isabella 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The use of tissue specimens for undergraduate instruction is a very valuable tool. However, fresh tissue specimens are not always available and many common preservation techniques can result in discoloration, offensive odors, and/or dangerous chemical residues. The Elnady Technique was developed as a means to produce tissue specimens that “are realistic, durable, have no offensive odor, and are dry, soft and flexible” (Elnady, F.A. 2016 The Elnady Technique: An innovative, new method for tissue preservation. Altex. 33:237-242. doi:10.14573/altex.1511091). Briefly for soft tissue, specimens were preserved by fixing in formalin. The tissue specimen was then dehydrated with a series of acetone baths. Once the tissue was fully dehydrated, the specimen was impregnated in glycerin. Excess glycerin was then removed by draining followed by immersion in cornstarch. Cornstarch residue was removed with a soft brush, and the specimen was stored in a plastic bag. Multiple specimens (including the female reproductive tract of the cat, goat, horse, and sow; digestive tract of cat, chicken, and dog; 1-day-old lamb stomach; goat rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum; and sheep heart and kidney) have been preserved and used in various animal science course laboratories (126 laboratory sections and 1,696 students at Berry College). Some of the specimens have been in use for seven years and are still in usable condition. Anonymously surveyed Berry College Animal Science Faculty strongly agreed or agreed that Elnady preserved tissues are a useful teaching aid (n = 5). The Elnady Technique has proven to be a useful means of preserving tissue samples used in undergraduate animal science courses.
Emergence and dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 in New York
Authors: Gámbaro Fabiana , Duerr Ralf , Dimartino Dacia , Marier Christian , Iturrate Eduardo , Mulligan Mark J , Heguy Adriana , Dellicour Simon 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.5 variant was first detected in New York City (NYC) and rapidly became the predominant variant in the area by early 2023. The increased occurrence of circulating variants within the SARS-CoV-2 XBB-sublineage prompted the modification of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. This update, implemented in mid-September 2023, involved the incorporation of a monovalent XBB.1.5 component. Considering that NYC probably played a central role in the emergence of the XBB.1.5 variant, we conducted phylogeographic analysis to investigate the emergence and spread of this variant in the metropolitan area. Our analysis confirms that XBB.1.5 emerged within or near the NYC area and indicates that XBB.1.5 had a diffusion velocity similar to that of the variant Alpha in the same study area. Additionally, the analysis of 2,392 genomes collected in the context of the genomic surveillance program at NYU Langone Health system showed that there was no increased proportion of XBB.1.5, relative to all cocirculating variants, in the boosted compared to unvaccinated individuals. This study provides a comprehensive description of the emergence and dissemination of XBB.1.5.
DNAJC24 acts directly with PCNA and promotes malignant progression of LUAD by activating phosphorylation of AKT
Authors: Liu Dongming , Zuo Ran , Liu Wei , He Yuchao , Wang Yu , Yue Ping , Gong Wenchen , Cui Jinfang , Zhu Fuyi , Luo Yi , Qi Lisha , Guo Yan , Chen Liwei , Li Guangtao , Liu Zhiyong , Chen Peng , Guo Hua 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHeat shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of highly conserved proteins found in a wide range of organisms. In recent years, members of the HSP family were overexpressed in various tumors and widely involved in oncogenesis, tumor development, and therapeutic resistance. In our previous study, DNAJC24, a member of the DNAJ/HSP40 family of HSPs, was found to be closely associated with the malignant phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, its relationship with other malignancies needs to be further explored. Herein, we demonstrated that DNAJC24 exhibited upregulated expression in LUAD tissue samples and predicted poor survival in LUAD patients. The upregulation of DNAJC24 expression promoted proliferation and invasion of LUAD cells in A549 and NCI‐H1299 cell lines. Further studies revealed that DNAJC24 could regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by affecting AKT phosphorylation. In addition, a series of experiments such as Co‐IP and mass spectrometry confirmed that DNAJC24 could directly interact with PCNA and promoted the malignant phenotypic transformation of LUAD. In conclusion, our results suggested that DNAJC24 played an important role in the progression of LUAD and may serve as a specific prognostic biomarker for LUAD patients. The DNAJC24/PCNA/AKT axis may be a potential target for future individualized and precise treatment of LUAD patients.
IL‐10‐induced modulation of macrophage polarization suppresses outer‐blood‐retinal barrier disruption in the streptozotocin‐induced early diabetic retinopathy mouse model
Authors: Lee Seok Jae , Noh Sung‐Eun , Jo Dong Hyun , Cho Chang Sik , Park Kyu‐Sang , Kim Jeong Hun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with ocular inflammation leading to retinal barrier breakdown, vascular leakage, macular edema, and vision loss. DR is not only a microvascular disease but also involves retinal neurodegeneration, demonstrating that pathological changes associated with neuroinflammation precede microvascular injury in early DR. Macrophage activation plays a central role in neuroinflammation. During DR, the inflammatory response depends on the polarization of retinal macrophages, triggering pro‐inflammatory (M1) or anti‐inflammatory (M2) activity. This study aimed to determine the role of macrophages in vascular leakage through the tight junction complexes of retinal pigment epithelium, which is the outer blood‐retinal barrier (BRB). Furthermore, we aimed to assess whether interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), a representative M2‐inducer, can decrease inflammatory macrophages and alleviate outer‐BRB disruption. We found that modulation of macrophage polarization affects the structural and functional integrity of ARPE‐19 cells in a co‐culture system under high‐glucose conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that intravitreal IL‐10 injection induces an increase in the ratio of anti‐inflammatory macrophages and effectively suppresses outer‐BRB disruption and vascular leakage in a mouse model of early‐stage streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Our results suggest that modulation of macrophage polarization by IL‐10 administration during early‐stage DR has a promising protective effect against outer‐BRB disruption and vascular leakage. This finding provides valuable insights for early intervention in DR.
Clinical remission in severe asthma: lights and shadows on an ambitious goal
Authors: Pelaia Corrado , Zannoni Eleonora , Paoletti Giovanni , Marzio Valentina , Heffler Enrico , Carrón-Herrero Alejandra 
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review
The aim of this study was Describe the latest evidence related to the concept of clinical remission in patients with severe asthma, focusing on the lights and shadows of this concept.

Recent findings
The idea of clinical remission in severe asthma patients brings about a significant shift in the way asthma is treated and managed. Although there has yet to be unanimous agreement among various scientific societies on the precise definition, this concept can be extremely useful in advancing the treatment of the disease.

Summary
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects more than 300 million people globally. It has variable symptoms and severity levels, with about 10% of patients experiencing severe asthma. While there have been advancements in treatment, severe asthma poses significant challenges. Recent approaches have focused on achieving clinical remission, which goes beyond symptom control to address underlying inflammation and biological processes. Clinical remission criteria include the absence of symptoms, reduced medication usage, and normalized inflammatory markers. Various biologic therapies show promise, with some patients achieving remission. However, remission's definition varies globally, hindering standardization and a valid comparison. Standardizing remission criteria and refining predictive factors are crucial for effective asthma management. Overall, achieving clinical remission offers hope for improved long-term outcomes in severe asthma patients.
Increased 1-Year Revision Rates Among Left-Sided Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures
Authors: Gu Alex , Doe Keli , Bracey Lauren , Agarwal Amil , Raffa Taylor , Farley Benjamin , Fraychinaud Thomas , Knapp Brock , Tabaie Sean , Debritz James , Sterling Robert 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES:
To compare 1-year revision rates among left-sided and right-sided intertrochanteric femur fractures.

METHODS:

Design:
Retrospective.

Setting:
120+ contributing centers to multicentered database.

Patient Selection Criteria:
Patients who sustained intertrochanteric femur fracture (ITFF) and had a cephalomedullary nail (CMN) from 2015 to 2022 were identified. Patients were then stratified based on left-sided or right-sided fracture. Patients were excluded if younger than 18 years with <1-year follow-up. The intervention investigated was CMN on left or right side.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:
One-year revision surgery, comparing CMN performed on left or right side for ITFFs.

RESULTS:
In total, 113,626 patients met inclusion criteria, with 55,295 in the right-sided cohort and 58,331 in the left-sided cohort. There was no difference between cohorts with respect to age, gender, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, or congestive heart failure (P > 0.05 for all). Patients who sustained a left ITFF and treated with a CMN were more likely to have revision surgery at 1 year (Left: 1.24%, Right: 0.90%; OR: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–1.1.33) or develop a nonunion or malunion (Left: 1.30%, Right: 0.98%; OR: 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14–1.52). The most common revision surgery conducted for both cohorts was conversion total hip arthroplasty (Left: 70.4% and Right: 70.0%).

CONCLUSIONS:
Patients who sustained a left intertrochanteric femur fracture and were treated with a CMN were more likely to undergo revision at 1 year due to nonunion. There were no differences in demographics and comorbidities between cohorts. Though left-sided versus right-sided confounding variables may exist, the difference in nonunion rate may be explained by clockwise torque of the lag screw used in most implants. Increased awareness, implant design, and improved technique during fracture reduction and fixation may help lower this disproportionate nonunion rate and its associated morbidity and financial impact.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Two Weeks Versus One Week of Maximal Patient-Intensivist Continuity for Adult Medical Intensive Care Patients: A Two-Center Target Trial Emulation*
Authors: Admon Andrew J. , Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley , Opatrny Megan , Lee Kathleen T. , Law Anica C. , Gershengorn Hayley B. , Valley Thomas S. , Prescott Hallie C. , Wiktor Michael J. , Neeluru Jayashree , Cooke Colin R. , Weissman Gary E. 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES:
To compare outcomes for 2 weeks vs. 1 week of maximal patient-intensivist continuity in the ICU.

DESIGN:
Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:
Two U.S. urban, teaching, medical ICUs where intensivists were scheduled for 2-week service blocks: site A was in the Midwest and site B was in the Northeast.

PATIENTS:
Patients 18 years old or older admitted to a study ICU between March 1, 2017, and February 28, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
We applied target trial emulation to compare admission during an intensivist’s first week (as a proxy for 2 wk of maximal continuity) vs. admission during their second week (as a proxy for 1 wk of maximal continuity). Outcomes included hospital mortality, ICU length of stay, and, for mechanically ventilated patients, duration of ventilation. Exploratory outcomes included imaging, echocardiogram, and consultation orders. We used inverse probability weighting to adjust for baseline differences and random-effects meta-analysis to calculate overall effect estimates. Among 2571 patients, 1254 were admitted during an intensivist’s first week and 1317 were admitted during a second week. At sites A and B, hospital mortality rates were 25.8% and 24.2%, median ICU length of stay were 4 and 2 days, and median mechanical ventilation durations were 3 and 3 days, respectively. There were no differences in adjusted mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.01 [95% CI, 0.96–1.06]) or ICU length of stay (–0.25 d [–0.82 d to +0.32 d]) for 2 weeks vs. 1 week of maximal continuity. Among mechanically ventilated patients, there were no differences in adjusted mortality (OR, 1.00 [0.87–1.16]), ICU length of stay (+0.06 d [–0.78 d to +0.91 d]), or duration of mechanical ventilation (+0.37 d [–0.46 d to +1.21 d]) for 2 weeks vs. 1 week of maximal continuity.

CONCLUSIONS:
Two weeks of maximal patient-intensivist continuity was not associated with differences in clinical outcomes compared with 1 week in two medical ICUs.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of psoriasis patients with COVID-19: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study in China
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Xu Zhongrui , Zhou Jian , Chen Aijun , Zhang Junling , Kang Xiaojing , Jiang Xian , Lyu Chengzhi , Shi Chunrui , Shi Yuling , Liu Xiaoming , Li Fuqiu , Yang Bin , Huang Yongmei , Yu Chen , Wang Gang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Limited information exists regarding the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on psoriasis patients. The objective of this study was to identify clinical factors associated with the prognosis of psoriasis following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods:
A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between March and May 2023. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related psoriasis outcomes. The study included 2371 psoriasis patients from 12 clinical centers, with 2049 of them having been infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Results:
Among the infected groups, lower exacerbation rates were observed in individuals treated with biologics compared to those receiving traditional systemic or nonsystemic treatments (22.3% [236/1058] vs. 39.8% [92/231] vs. 37.5% [140/373], P <0.001). Psoriasis progression with lesions (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.197, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.685–11.820, compared to no lesions), hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.582, 95% CI = 1.068–2.343), traditional systemic (adjusted OR = 1.887, 95% CI = 1.263–2.818), and nonsystemic treatment (adjusted OR = 1.602, 95% CI = 1.117–2.297) were found to be associated with exacerbation of psoriasis after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not biologics (adjusted OR = 0.931, 95% CI = 0.680–1.274, compared to no treatment), according to multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions:
A reduced risk of psoriasis exacerbation after SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed with biologics compared to traditional systemic and nonsystemic treatments. Significant risk factors for exacerbation after infection were identified as existing psoriatic lesions and hypertension.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT05961605).
Exploring the seasonal variation of anorectal disease: A comprehensive study
Authors: Basak Fatih 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The occurrence of medical illnesses varies with the seasons, which are influenced by the environment. This variation can be valuable for healthcare administrators in effectively allocating resources. Although seasonal variation has been extensively studied in infectious and surgical diseases, it has received limited attention in the case of perianal diseases. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the seasonal variation specifically in hemorrhoids and fissures.

Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients admitted with hemorrhoids and fissures between January 2010 and December 2019. To assess seasonality, we utilized the chi-square goodness-of-fit test, a statistical method widely recognized for its ability to determine if observed data aligns with expected frequencies. By adjusting for variations in the number of days between seasons, we aimed to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Results
Overall, 49,046 patients were admitted with hemorrhoids, and 33,480 patients were admitted with anal fissures during the study period. The frequency of admitted hemorrhoids varied between months (minimum: June, n = 3865; maximum: March, n = 4591; P < 0.001) and seasons (minimum: summer, n = 11,771; maximum: spring, n = 12,989; P = 0.03). The frequency of admitted anal fissures also varied between months (minimum: June, n = 2356; maximum: March, n = 3244; P < 0.001) and seasons (minimum: summer, n = 7180; maximum: winter, n = 9246; P = 0.04). Age and gender distribution across months and seasons were similar (P > 0.05 for each).

Conclusions
Our research findings confirm that there is a seasonal variation in the occurrence of hemorrhoids and fissures. Specifically, we have observed that the spring and winter seasons have the highest number of cases for each condition, whereas the summer season has the lowest. These results highlight the importance of considering seasonal factors when studying these medical conditions.
Sigmoid volvulus and concomitant clinical entities
Authors: Atamanalp Sabri Selcuk , Disci Esra , Peksoz Rifat 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is common in elders. For this reason, most geriatric comorbidities accompany SV. Additionally, SV may associate with a great number of physiological or pathological entities. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the kind and the incidence of such comorbidities as well as to discuss their pathophysiology. To obtain all SV-related reports in worldwide data, an electronic search of the last 57 years' literature (from 1967 to date) was made in Web of Science and PubMed databases by using “sigmoid volvulus” heading. Additionally, we evaluated our results including 1071 patients treated in a 57-year period from June 1966 to July 2023. We noted comorbid entities in each case. Tens of physiological or pathological clinical entities may accompany SV. Some entities may be the cause or result of SV, whereas some others may mimic SV or mimicked by this disease. Moreover, some factors may predispose to SV, whereas some others may initiate it. Some of these comorbidities have cause and effect relations, whereas some others are coincidental. However, the relationship between SV and some comorbid entities as well as underlying pathologies is not clear enough.