bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of subcutaneous and sublingual birch pollen immunotherapy on birch pollen–related food allergy: a systematic review
Authors: Kallen E. J. J. , Welsing P. M. J. , Löwik J. M. , Van Ree R. , Knulst A. C. , Le T. M. 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundBirch pollen–related food allergy (BPFA) is the most common type of food allergy in birch-endemic areas such as Western and Central Europe. Currently, there is no treatment available for BPFA. Due to the cross-reactivity between birch pollen and a range of implicated plant foods, birch pollen allergen immunotherapy (AIT) may be effective in the treatment of BPFA. In this study, we systematically evaluate the effectiveness of birch pollen–specific subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy in treating BPFA.MethodsA search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries. Studies were independently screened by two reviewers against predefined eligibility criteria. The outcomes of interest were changes in (1) severity of symptoms during food challenge, (2) eliciting dose (ED), and (3) food allergy quality of life (FA-QoL). The validity of the selected articles was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. We focused on studies with the lowest risk of bias and considered studies with a high risk of bias as supportive. Data were descriptively summarized.ResultsTen studies were selected that included 475 patients in total. Seven studies were categorized into “high risk of bias” and three into “moderate risk of bias.” The three moderate risk of bias studies, with a total of 98 patients, reported on severity of symptoms during challenge and on the ED. All three studies had a control group. Compared to the control group, improvement in severity of symptoms was observed during challenge in two out of the three studies and on the eliciting dose in one out of three. Only one study investigated the effect of birch pollen AIT on FA-QoL, showing that there was no significant difference between patients receiving subcutaneous immunotherapy or a placebo. Of the seven supportive studies, four had a control group and of those, three showed improvement on both severity of symptoms and ED. None of the supportive studies investigated the effect of the therapy on FA-QoL.ConclusionThis systematic review shows that there is not enough evidence to draw firm conclusions about the effect of AIT on BPFA. Future research is warranted that uses robust clinical studies that include long-term effects, QoL, and multiple BPFA-related foods.
Highly efficient piezocatalytic composite with chitosan biopolymeric membranes and bismuth ferrite nanoparticles for dye decomposition and pathogenic S. aureus bacteria killing
Authors: Liu Yunhong , Roy Jhilik , Roy Shubham , Hoque Nur Amin , Guo Bing 
Published: June 2024

Untreated wastewater harbors dangerous pathogens, chemicals, and pollutants, posing grave public health threats. Nowadays, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly technologies for wastewater treatment. Recently, piezoelectric materials-based wastewater treatment technology has captured considerable interest among researchers because of its noninvasiveness and rapidity. Herein, a highly efficient piezoelectric composite material is designed with chitosan-incorporated bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanocrystals, to decompose pollutants and ablate bacteria in wastewater. On one hand, piezoelectric BFO has shown exclusive piezo-coefficient for ultrasound-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. On the other hand, chitosan depicts its biocompatible nature, which not only promotes cellular adhesion but also significantly elevates the ROS production capabilities of BFO under ultrasound. The synergistic effect of these two piezoelectric units in one composite entity shows an improved ROS production, eradicating ∼87.8% of Rhodamine B within 80 min under soft ultrasound treatment (rate constant, k ≈ 0.02866 min−1). After performing the scavenger experiment, it has been found that hydroxyl radicals are the dominating factor in this case. Further, the reusability of the composite piezocatalyst is confirmed through multiple cycles (five times) of the same experiment. The high polarizability of the composite material facilitates the generation of piezoelectric power through finger tapping (∼12.05 V), producing substantial instantaneous piezo-voltage. Moreover, the sample exhibits remarkable antibacterial activity, with nearly 99% bacterial eradication within 30 min. This indicates a significant advancement in utilizing biopolymeric composites incorporated with BFO for fabricating versatile devices with multidimensional applications.
Characteristics of the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density
Authors: Yan Litao , Wang Xianfeng , Yu Tiantian , Qi Zhiming , Li Huan , Nan Hao , Wang Kun , Luo Di , Hua Fei , Wang Wendong 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionEmerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is closely associated with bone homeostasis. However, little is known about the relationships among the bone mineral density (BMD) index, bone turnover markers, and the gut microbiota and its metabolites in postmenopausal women.MethodsIn this study, to understand gut microbiota signatures and serum metabolite changes in postmenopausal women with reduced BMD, postmenopausal individuals with normal or reduced BMD were recruited and divided into normal and OS groups. Feces and serum samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics and integrated analysis.ResultsThe results demonstrated that bacterial richness and diversity were greater in the OS group than in the normal group. Additionally, distinguishing bacteria were found among the two groups and were closely associated with the BMD index and bone turnover markers. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the expression of serum metabolites, such as etiocholanolone, testosterone sulfate, and indole-3-pyruvic acid, and the corresponding signaling pathways, especially those involved in tryptophan metabolism, fatty acid degradation and steroid hormone biosynthesis, also changed significantly. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between normal group-enriched Bacteroides abundance and normal group-enriched etiocholanolone and testosterone sulfate abundances; in particular, Bacteroides correlated positively with BMD. Importantly, the tryptophan-indole metabolism pathway was uniquely metabolized by the gut bacteria-derived tnaA gene, the predicted abundance of which was significantly greater in the normal group than in the control group, and the abundance of Bacteroides was strongly correlated with the tnaA gene.DiscussionOur results indicated a clear difference in the gut microbiota and serum metabolites of postmenopausal women. Specifically altered bacteria and derived metabolites were closely associated with the BMD index and bone turnover markers, indicating the potential of the gut microbiota and serum metabolites as modifiable factors and therapeutic targets for preventing osteoporosis.
Pathogenic spectrum and drug resistance of bloodstream infection in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia: a single centre retrospective study
Authors: Wu Han , Li Manning , Shou Chunyi , Shi Fangfang , Song Xiaolu , Hu Qingfeng , Wang Ying , Chen Yirui , Tong Xiangmin 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundBloodstream infection (BSI) represent a prevalent complication in haematological malignancies (HMs). Typically, Patients with BSI usually undergo empirical treatment pending pathogen identification. The timely and effective management of BSIs significantly influences patient prognosis. However, pathogen distribution in BSIs exhibits regional variation. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics, pathogen spectrum, drug resistance, risk factors of short-term prognosis and long-term prognostic factors of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with BSI at Zhejiang Provincal People’s Hospital.MethodsFrom 2019 to 2021, a total of 56 AML patients with BSI were treated in the Department of Haematology at Zhejiang Province People’s Hospital. Data regarding pathogen spectrum and drug resistance were collected for analysis. The patients were stratified into non-survivor cohort and survivor cohort within 30 days after BSI, and the predictors of 30-days mortality were identified through both univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were employed to ascertain the risk factors associated with poor prognosis in AML patients complicated by BSI.ResultsA total of 70 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 56 AML patients with BSI. Gram-negative bacteria constituted the predominant pathogens (71.4%), with Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most prevalent (22.9%). Gram-positive bacteria and fungi accounted for 22.9% and 5.7%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed significant differences in total protein, albumin levels, and the presence of septic shock between the non-survivor cohort and the survior cohort 30 days post-BSI. COX regression analysis showed that agranulocytosis duration exceeding 20 days (HR:3.854; 95% CI: 1.451–10.242) and septic shock (HR:3.788; 95% CI: 1.729–8.299) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in AML patients complicated by BSI. Notably, the mortality rate within 30 days after Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection was up to 71.4%.ConclusionsIn this study, Gram-negative bacteria, predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae, constituted the primary pathogens among AML patients with BSIs. Serum albumin levels and the presence of septic shock emerged as independent risk factors for mortality within 30 days among AML patients with BSI. In terms of long-term prognosis, extended agranulocytosis duration exceeding 20 days and septic shock were associated with elevated mortality rates in AML patients with BSI. Additionally, in our centre, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection was found to be associated with a poor prognosis. Early intervention for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection in our centre could potentially improve patient outcomes.
Clinical characteristics of apixaban prescription in AF patients with single dose-reduction criterion: the ASPIRE (efficAcy and safety of aPixaban in rEal-world practice in Korean frail patients with atrial fibrillation) study
Authors: Choi JungMin , Lee So-Ryoung , Kwon Soonil , Ahn Hyo-Jeong , Lee Kyung-Yeon , Park Jong-Sung , Choi Jong-Il , Lee Sung Ho , Heo Jung Ho , Oh Il-Young , On Young Keun , Yu Hee Tae , Lee Kwang-No , Kim Nam-Ho , Park Hyung Wook , Lee Ki Hong , Shin Seung Yong , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Han Seongwook , Choi Eue-Keun 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundData on off-label reduced dose risk among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who qualify for a single-dose reduction of apixaban is scarce.ObjectivesWe prospectively assessed apixaban dosing and clinical characteristics in AF patients meeting a dose reduction criterion.MethodsThe multicentre, prospective cohort study, the efficAcy and Safety of aPixaban In REal-world practice in Korean frail patients with AF (ASPIRE), encompasses patients with AF who met the criteria for a single-dose reduction of apixaban and were given varying doses of apixaban, either the on-label standard dose or the off-label reduced dose.ResultsOf 2,000 patients (mean age 74.3 ± 7.9 years, 55.8% women), 29.7% were ≥80 years, 62.6% weighed ≤60 kg, and 7.8% had serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. Of these, 51.3% were prescribed an off-label reduced dose of apixaban. The off-label group was characterized with older age, more comorbidities, and antiplatelet agents, while the on-label group had more prior strokes. Physicians preferred off-label reduced dose in the “marginal zone,” defined as age 75–80 years, weight 60–65 kg, and creatinine levels 1.2–1.5 mg/dL.ConclusionsIn real-world clinical setting of the Korean population, off-label reduced dose apixaban was administered to nearly half of the patients who qualified for a single dose reduction. This reduced dosage was more commonly prescribed to patients with frail characteristics, while patients with a history of stroke were more often given the standard dose as per the label. A future study is planned to contrast the safety and effectiveness of the standard dose against the reduced dose of apixaban in this population.
Assessing the genetic relationship between phimosis and 26 urogenital diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Wei , Yu Ying , Li Hu , Yang Xingliang , Li Tao 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impacts of phimosis on the health of the genitourinary system through Mendelian random analysis.Material and methodA dual-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using the publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. The inverse variance weighted based on the random effects model (Re-IVW) method was used as the main statistical analysis. Complementary methods, including weighted median, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), were applied to detect or correct the impact of horizontal pleiotropy.ResultRe-IVW showed a genetic predictive causal relationship of phimosis on glomerulonephritis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.37 [1.13–1.65], p = 0.00149) and IgA glomerulonephritis (OR: 1.57 [1.18–2.09), p = 0.00187). Suggestive evidence indicated that phimosis was associated with chronic nephritis syndrome (OR: 1.23 (1.00–1.51), p = 0.0481], acute nephritis syndrome (OR: 1.50 [1.13–2.01], p = 0.0058), and impotence (OR: 1.39 [1.11–1.73], p = 0.0035). Kidney and ureteral stone (OR: 1.14 [1.04–1.26], p = 0.0069), urethral strictures (OR: 1.26 [1.07–1.48], p = 0.0050), benign prostatic hyperplasia (OR: 1.07 [1.01–1.13], p = 0.0242), and decreased testicular function (OR: 0.72 [0.56–0.94], p = 0.0141) have genetically predictive causal relationships.ConclusionIn summary, we employed a series of reliable analytical methods to investigate the association between phimosis and 26 urogenital diseases. We have reported several strong associations, but more research is needed to evaluate whether this discovery is replicated in other environments and to gain a better understanding of potential mechanisms.
The impact of obesity on rates of post-operative CSF leak following endoscopic skull base surgery: results from a prospective international multi-centre cohort study
Authors:   CRANIAL Consortium
Published: June 2024

AimsPost-operative CSF leak is the major source of morbidity following transsphenoidal approaches (TSA) and expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) to lesions of the sella turcica and the ventral skull base. There are conflicting reports in the literature as to whether obesity (BMI ≥30) is a risk factor for this complication. We aimed to evaluate data collected as part of prospective multi-centre cohort study to address this question.MethodsThe CRANIAL (CSF Rhinorrhoea After Endonasal Intervention to the Skull Base) study database was reviewed and patients were divided into obese and non-obese cohorts. Data on patient demographics, underlying pathology, intra-operative findings and skull base repair techniques were analysed.ResultsTSA were performed on 726 patients, of whom 210 were obese and 516 were non-obese. The rate of post-operative CSF leak in the obese cohort was 11/210 (5%), compared to 17/516 (3%) in the non-obese cohort, which was not statistically significant (χ2 = 1.520, p=0.217). EEA were performed on 140 patients, of whom 28 were obese and 112 were non-obese. The rate of post-operative CSF leak in the obese cohort was 2/28 (7%), which was identical to the rate observed in the non-obese cohort 8/112 (7%) Fisher’s Exact Test, p=1.000). These results persisted following adjustment for inter-institutional variation and baseline risk of post-operative CSF leak.ConclusionCSF leak rates following TSA and EEA, in association with modern skull base repair techniques, were found to be low in both obese and non-obese patients. However, due to the low rate of post-operative CSF leak, we were unable to fully exclude a small contributory effect of obesity to the risk of this complication.
Analysis of risk factors and clinical implications for diabetes in first-degree relatives in the northeastern region of China
Authors: He Zhenglin , Yamana Hayato , Yasunaga Hideo , Li Hongjun , Wang Xue 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes has risen fast with a considerable weighted prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes. Then it becomes more necessary to timely screen out and monitor high-risk populations who are likely to be ignored during the COVID-19 pandemic. To classify and find the common risks of undiagnosed diabetes and uncontrolled diabetes, it’s beneficial to put specific risk control measures into effect for comprehensive primary care. Especially, there is a need for accurate yet accessible prediction models.ObjectiveBased on a cross-sectional study and secondary analysis on the health examination held in Changchun City (2016), we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with hyperglycemia, analyze the management status of T2DM, and determine the best cutoff value of incidence of diabetes in the first-degree relatives to suggest the necessity of early diagnosis of diabetes after first screening.ResultsA total of 5658 volunteers were analyzed. Prevalence of T2DM and impaired fasting glucose were 8.4% (n=477) and 11.5% (n=648), respectively. There were 925 participants (16.3%) with a family history of T2DM in their first-degree relatives. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that family history was associated with hyperglycemia. Among the 477 patients with T2DM, 40.9% had not been previously diagnosed. The predictive equation was calculated with the following logistic regression parameters with 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67–0.76) of the area under the ROC curve, 64.0% of sensitivity and 29% of specificity (P &lt; 0.001): P = \frac{1}{1 + e^{-z}}, where z = -3.08 + [0.89 (Family history-group) + 0.69 (age-group)+ 0.25 (BMI-group)]. Positive family history was associated with the diagnosis of T2DM, but not glucose level in the diagnosed patients. The best cutoff value of incidence of diabetes in the first-degree relatives was 9.55% (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsFamily history of diabetes was independently associated with glucose dysfunction. Classification by the first-degree relatives with diabetes is prominent for targeting high-risk population. Meanwhile, positive family history of diabetes was associated with diabetes being diagnosed rather than the glycemic control in patients who had been diagnosed. It’s necessary to emphasize the linkage between early diagnosis and positive family history for high proportions of undiagnosed T2DM.
Genetic and clinical characteristics of patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency from Slovenia and Pakistan: case series and systematic literature review
Authors: Ain Quratul , Cevc Matija , Marusic Tatiana , Sikonja Jaka , Sadiq Fouzia , Sustar Ursa , Mlinaric Matej , Kovac Jernej , Batool Hijab , Khan Mohammad Iqbal , Trebusak Podkrajsek Katarina , Bizjan Barbara Jenko , Battelino Tadej , Fras Zlatko , Ajmal Muhammad , Groselj Urh 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionHypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Heterozygous patients have a range of symptoms, while homozygous LPL deficiency presents with severe symptoms including acute pancreatitis, xanthomas, and lipemia retinalis.MethodsWe described the clinical characteristics of three Slovenian patients (an 8-year-old female, an 18-year-old man, and a 57-year-old female) and one Pakistani patient (a 59-year-old male) with LPL deficiency. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the LPL gene, and Sanger sequencing for variant confirmation. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all cases with three identified variants and described their clinical characteristics.ResultsTwo Slovenian patients with a heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.984G&gt;T (p.Met328Ile) were diagnosed within the first three years of life and had triglyceride (TG) values of 16 and 20 mmol/L. An asymptomatic Pakistani patient with TG values of 36.8 mmol/L until the age of 44 years, was identified as heterozygous for a pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.724G&gt;A (p.Asp242Asn). His TG levels dropped to 12.7 mmol/L on dietary modifications and by using fibrates. A Slovenian patient who first suffered from pancreatitis at the age of 18 years with a TG value of 34 mmol/L was found to be homozygous for NM_000237.3:c.337T&gt;C (p.Trp113Arg).ConclusionsPatients with LPL deficiency had high TG levels at diagnosis. Homozygous patients had worse outcomes. Good diet and medication compliance can reduce severity.
Atherogenic index of plasma: a new indicator for assessing the short-term mortality of patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Yu Meng , Yang Hongyi , Kuang Maobin , Qiu Jiajun , Yu Changhui , Xie Guobo , Sheng Guotai , Zou Yang 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveArteriosclerosis is a primary causative factor in cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to explore the correlation between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the 30-day mortality rate in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).MethodsA total of 1,248 ADHF patients recruited from the Jiangxi-Acute Decompensated Heart Failure1 (JX-ADHF1) cohort between 2019 and 2022 were selected for this study. The primary outcome was the 30-day mortality rate. Multivariable Cox regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and stratified analyses were utilized to assess the relationship between AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients. Mediation models were employed for exploratory analysis of the roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrition in the association between AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients.ResultsDuring the 30-day follow-up, 42 (3.37%) of the ADHF patients died. The mortality rates corresponding to the quartiles of AIP were as follows: Q1: 1.28%, Q2: 2.88%, Q3: 2.88%, Q4: 6.41%. The multivariable Cox regression revealed a positive correlation between high AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients [Hazard ratio (HR) 3.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–14.28], independent of age, gender, heart failure type, cardiac function classification, and comorbidities. It is important to note that there was a U-shaped curve association between AIP (&lt;0.24) and the 30-day mortality rate before the fourth quartile, with the lowest 30-day mortality risk in ADHF patients around an AIP of -0.1. Furthermore, mediation analysis suggested significant mediating effects of inflammation and nutrition on the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients related to AIP, with inflammation accounting for approximately 24.29% and nutrition for about 8.16% of the mediation effect.ConclusionThis retrospective cohort analysis reveals for the first time the association between AIP and the 30-day mortality rate in ADHF patients. According to our findings, maintaining an AIP around -0.1 in ADHF patients could be crucial for improving poor prognoses from a medical perspective. Additionally, for ADHF patients with high AIP, it is important to assess and, if necessary, enhance nutritional support and anti-inflammatory treatment.