bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human reference microbiome profiles of different body habitats in healthy individuals
Authors: Oh Sujin , Park Kyoung Un 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThis study aimed to establish the human reference microbiome profiles in blood, saliva, and stool of healthy individuals, serving as reference values to identify microbiome alterations in human disease.MethodsThe study population consisted of a reference group of healthy adults and a second group consisting of adults with periodontal disease (PD). Blood, saliva, and stool samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing. Reference intervals of alpha diversity indices were calculated. To reduce the effects of inherent limitations of microbiome data, the taxonomic profiles of the reference group were estimated as log-scaled fold change (logFC) in the abundance of microorganisms between two habitats within the subjects. ResultsFor stool and saliva microbiomes, differences in the abundances of Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, and Verrucomicrobia distinguished healthy from PD subjects (95% confidence interval (CI) of logFC: [−0.18, 0.31], [−1.19, −0.34], and [−3.68, −2.90], respectively). Differences in the abundances of Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Tenericutes in stool and blood microbiome of healthy subjects fell within 95% CI of logFC [−0.38, 0.61], [−4.14, −3.01], and [1.66, 2.77], respectively. In saliva and blood, differences in the abundances of Epsilonbacteraeota, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria could be used as reference values (95% CI of logFC: [−3.67, −2.47], [−0.35, 0.49], [−4.59, −3.26], and [−1.20, 0.07], respectively).DiscussionAs the reference microbiome profiles could discern healthy subjects and individuals with PD, a relatively mild disease state, they can be applied as reference values representing the healthy status of the microbiome and for screening of disease states, preferably in preclinical stages.
Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with severe abdominal aortic calcification: new evidence from the United States
Authors: Deng Hao , Sun Mengmeng , Zhao Zhentong , Fan Kun , Zhao Zizhang , Chi Yifan , Sheng Wei 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAbdominal aortic calcification (AAC), an early indicator of abdominal aortic wall atherosclerosis, is a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and a predictive factor for vascular-associated morbidity and mortality. These outcomes are driven by inflammatory processes. Given the pivotal role of inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of aortic calcification, inflammation has attracted interest as a peripheral biomarker for early mortality prediction in patients with aortic calcification. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) measured in the peripheral blood typically reflects the body's inflammatory response by combining laboratory markers of innate and adaptive immunity. The NLR is associated with the prognosis of a range of diseases, including circulatory, infectious, psychiatric, and neoplastic conditions. However, the precise relationship between the NLR and vascular calcification remains unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the correlation between the NLR and AAC in a nationally representative sample from the US.MethodsThis study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014. Multivariable logistic regression, stratified analysis with interaction, and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to examine the relationship between the NLR and AAC.ResultsThis study enrolled 3,047 participants [1,469 men (48.2%) and 1,578 women (51.8%)]. After adjusting for all covariates in the multivariate logistic regression, an independent association was identified between augmented NLR and the incidence of severe AAC (SAAC). The risk of SAAC increased by 8% with every 1% increase in NLR. Compared with the lowest NLR group [quartile 1 (Q1), &lt;1.64], the adjusted odds ratio values for NLR and SAAC in Q3 (&gt;2.34) were 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.96, p = 0.037), respectively. The results of subgroup analyses revealed no significant interaction effects.ConclusionsThe NLR was positively correlated with SAAC prevalence among adults in the US. These findings have significant clinical relevance and may inform clinicians regarding the management of SAAC. However, further research is required to confirm this association.
Mathematical methodology for defining a frequent attender within emergency departments
Authors: Williams Elizabeth , Brice Syaribah N. , Price Dave 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveEmergency department (ED) frequent attenders (FA) have been the subject of discussion in many countries. This group of patients have contributed to the high expenses of health services and strained capacity in the department. Studies related to ED FAs aim to describe the characteristics of patients such as demographic and socioeconomic factors. The analysis may explore the relationship between these factors and multiple patient visits. However, the definition used for classifying patients varies across studies. While most studies used frequency of attendance to define the FA, the derivation of the frequency is not clear.MethodsWe propose a mathematical methodology to define the time interval between ED returns for classifying FAs. K-means clustering and the Elbow method were used to identify suitable FA definitions. Recursive clustering on the smallest time interval cluster created a new, smaller cluster and formal FA definition.ResultsApplied to a case study dataset of approximately 336,000 ED attendances, this framework can consistently and effectively identify FAs across EDs. Based on our data, a FA is defined as a patient with three or more attendances within sequential 21-day periods.ConclusionThis study introduces a standardized framework for defining ED FAs, providing a consistent and effective means of identification across different EDs. Furthermore, the methodology can be used to identify patients who are at risk of becoming a FA. This allows for the implementation of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the number of future attendances.
Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and macroalbuminuria: evidence from NHANES 1999-2018
Authors: Huang Dongli , He Yuan 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) is a crucial lipid marker associated with various cardiovascular diseases. However, its relationship with kidney injury, particularly albuminuria, remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the association between NHHR and macroalbuminuria in U.S. adultsPatients and methodsThis cross-sectional study utilized data from the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). NHHR was calculated as (Total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol)/HDL cholesterol. Macroalbuminuria was defined by an albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) &gt;300 mg/g. Logistic regression, smoothed curve fitting, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analysis were employed to assess the relationship between NHHR and macroalbuminuria.ResultsA total of 41,225 participants were included in the analysis. Higher NHHR was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of macroalbuminuria (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.13–1.59, p=0.0007). Subgroup analysis revealed a stronger association in participants with BMI ≥30 kg/m2(OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.44–2.47, p&lt;0.01). Sensitivity analysis revealed that the association remained robust even after excluding participants taking medications that affect lipid metabolism.ConclusionIn U.S. adults, an increased likelihood of incident NHHR levels of macroalbuminuria is positively associated and is more pronounced in those with a BMI ≥30kg/m2.
MUFFNet: lightweight dynamic underwater image enhancement network based on multi-scale frequency
Authors: Kong Dechuan , Zhang Yandi , Zhao Xiaohu , Wang Yanqiang , Cai Lei 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe advancement of Underwater Human-Robot Interaction technology has significantly driven marine exploration, conservation, and resource utilization. However, challenges persist due to the limitations of underwater robots equipped with basic cameras, which struggle to handle complex underwater environments. This leads to blurry images, severely hindering the performance of automated systems.MethodsWe propose MUFFNet, an underwater image enhancement network leveraging multi-scale frequency analysis to address the challenge. The network introduces a frequency-domain-based convolutional attention mechanism to extract spatial information effectively. A Multi-Scale Enhancement Prior algorithm enhances high-frequency and low-frequency features while the Information Flow Interaction module mitigates information stratification and blockage. A Multi-Scale Joint Loss framework facilitates dynamic network optimization.ResultsExperimental results demonstrate that MUFFNet outperforms existing state-of-the-art models while consuming fewer computational resources and aligning enhanced images more closely with human visual perception.DiscussionThe enhanced images generated by MUFFNet exhibit better alignment with human visual perception, making it a promising solution for improving underwater robotic vision systems.
Acceptance of artificial intelligence clinical assistant decision support system to prevent and control venous thromboembolism among healthcare workers: an extend Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model
Authors: Wang Jingxian , Zhou Yun , Tan Kai , Yu Zhigang , Li You 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important global health problem and the third most prevalent cardiovascular disorder. It has been proven that computerized tools were helpful in the prevention and control of VTE. However, studies that focused on the acceptance of computerized tools for VTE prevention among healthcare workers were limited.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore what factors are influencing healthcare workers’ acceptance of the Artificial Intelligence Clinical Assistant Decision Support System (AI-CDSS) for VTE prevention based on the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among healthcare workers in three grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanxi, China. Statistically, the hypothesized model was evaluated by AMOS structural equation modeling.Results510 (72.86%) valid surveys were collected in total. The results showed that performance expectancy (β = 0.45, P &lt; 0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.21, P &lt; 0.001), and top management support (β = 0.30, P &lt; 0.001) positively influenced healthcare workers’ intention. Top management support was an antecedent of performance expectancy (β = 0.41 , P &lt; 0.001), social influence (β = 0.57, P &lt; 0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.61, P &lt; 0.001), and information quality (β = 0.59, P &lt; 0.001). In addition, Social influence positively influenced performance expectancy (β = 0.52, P &lt; 0.001), and information quality positively influenced system quality (β = 0.65, P &lt; 0.001). Social influence did not influence nurses’ behavioral intention (β = 0.06, p = 0.376), but negatively influenced clinicians’ behavioral intention in the model (β = −0.19, P &lt; 0.001). System quality positively influenced nurses’ behavioral intention; (β = 0.16, P &lt; 0.001), and information quality positively influenced clinicians’ behavioral intention (β = 0.15, p = 0.025).ConclusionWith this model explaining 76.3% variance of the behavioral intention variable, this study could be useful as a reference for hospital administrators to evaluate future developments and facilitate the implementation of AI-CDSS for VTE prevention.
Investigation of the association between circulating inflammatory proteins and encephalitis risk in Europeans by two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Liu Yanwei , Wang Xilong , Zhao Qiang , Wei Jun , Yang Shiqiang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundCytokines are powerful immune response factors that operate at inflammation sites and are also found in the blood. Nevertheless, research on encephalitis and these circulating inflammatory proteins is quite limited.MethodsThis study investigated the potential causal effects of 91 circulating inflammatory proteins on three different types of encephalitis using a two-sample Mendelian randomisation analysis. The data source for encephalitis was the latest Finngen_R12 dataset, released in 2024. The study investigated causal effects mainly using Steiger, MR-Egger, weighted median and inverse variance weighting (IVW) methods. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed, including heterogeneity assessment, horizontal pleiotropy and leave-one-out techniques.ResultsIn this study, 91 circulating inflammatory proteins were subjected to MR analysis of causality with each of the three types of encephalitis. The results suggest that the inflammatory factors with a potential causal relationship with viral encephalitis are artemin, C-C motif chemokine 28, C-X-C motif chemokine 1, interleukin-10 and neurotrophin-3. Inflammatory factors potentially causally associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis are monocyte chemoattractant protein 2, interleukin-10 receptor subunit beta and matrix metalloproteinase-1. Inflammatory factors potentially causally associated with autoimmune encephalitis are C-C motif chemokine 28 levels and Macrophage inflammatory protein 1a levels.ConclusionThis study identifies potential causal effects of certain circulating inflammatory factors on susceptibility to three types of encephalitis. Although the exact mechanisms by which inflammatory proteins contribute to the pathogenesis of different encephalitis subtypes remain unclear, our findings provide new perspectives on these potential causal relationships.
L-shaped association between dietary iron intake and HPV infection: a cross-sectional analysis based on national health and nutrition examination survey 2005–2016
Authors: Chen Xiaotong , Chen Haiwei , Chen Yuling , Tang Lixin , Liu Jiaqi , Ou Yu-Hua 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a ubiquitous sexually transmitted infection globally, frequently associated with sexual behaviors characterized by increased frequency and multiple partnerships. The relationship between varying levels of dietary iron intake and the occurrence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains an unresolved question in the scientific community. The objective of our study was to investigate the potential relationship between the consumption of dietary iron and HPV infection.MethodsOur investigation drew upon comprehensive datasets from 7,819 participants enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2016. Employing a cross-sectional analytical framework, we delved into the potential correlation between dietary iron consumption and Human Papillomavirus infection. To statistically assess this relationship, we utilized weighted multivariate logistic regression models. Additionally, we implemented smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis, to delineate the complex, nonlinear association between iron intake and HPV infection. Furthermore, we conducted subgroup analyses.ResultsAfter adjusting for multiple confounding variables, our results demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between iron intake and HPV infection (OR = 0.988, 95% CI: 0.979–0.998, p = 0.018). It’s worth noting that, in comparison to individuals in the quartile with the lowest iron intake, those in the highest quartile exhibited a 23.2% reduction in the odds of HPV infection for each incremental unit of iron intake (OR = 0.768, 95% CI: 0.634 to 0.930, p = 0.009). A refined analysis employing smoothing curve fitting techniques unveiled an L-shaped correlation, delineating a specific relationship between dietary iron intake and the incidence rate of Human Papillomavirus infection. When iron intake was &lt;16.99 mg, a higher incidence of HPV infection was associated with lower levels of iron intake. (OR = 0.968, 95% CI: 0.956–0.980, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe presence of an L-shaped association between iron intake and HPV infection underscores and emphasizes the possible beneficial effect of sufficient iron intake in reducing the likelihood of HPV infection.
ATP1B3 may promote glioma proliferation and migration through MAPK/NF-KB signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Qikang , Sun Quan , Feng Yan , Hu Qingyun , Zhu Jinling 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveTo investigate the function of ATPase Na+/K+ Transporting Subunit Beta 3 (ATP1B3) in gliomas and the molecular mechanisms associated with them in order to identify a novel target and approach for glioma clinical diagnosis and treatment.MethodsThe Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a public tumor database, and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) were used to evaluate the differential expression of ATP1B3 in glioma cells of various grades. Its connection to patient survival and prognosis; The siRNA interference approach instantly reduced the amount of ATP1B3 expression in the glioma cell lines U87MG and U251MG. The knockdown efficiency was assessed by Western Blotting (WB) and RT-qPCR. Following ATP1B3 knockdown, the ability of glioma cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade was identified using the Transwell assay and CCK-8. The proteins that might interact with ATP1B3 were filtered out using the TCGA database and literature analysis. The WB assay was used to determine the expression level of Protein Phosphatase 1 Catalytic Subunit Alpha (PPP1CA) following ATP1B3 deletion, immunoprecipitation was used to determine the direct influence of the two proteins, and immunofluorescence was used to analyze the distribution of ATP1B3 and PPP1CA proteins in glioma cells. Cyclin D1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA) expression alterations following ATP1B3 deletion were identified using the WB assay. Following ATP1B3 knockdown, the WB assay was used to determine the expression levels of p-Raf1, p-MEK 1/2, p-ERK 1/2, p-IκBα, and p-P65 in the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway.ResultsDatabase analysis revealed a negative correlation between the patients’ prognosis and the expression level of ATP1B3, and a positive correlation with the malignant degree of the glioma. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ATP1B3 were significantly decreased after knockout, and the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of cells in knockout group were significantly lower than those in control group, with statistical difference. The immunoprecipitation results were negative, and the knockdown group’s PPP1CA expression was lower than the control group’s. Following ATP1B3 knockdown, Cyclin D1 and VEGFA protein expression levels dropped, and the effects were statistically significant. There was a statistically significant drop in the expression levels of p-Raf1, p-MEK 1/2, p-ERK 1/2, p-IκBα, and p-P65 following ATP1B3 deletion.ConclusionIn gliomas, ATP1B3 is highly expressed. Glioma cell motility, invasion, and proliferation all decline when ATP1B3 expression is lowered. The downstream protein PPP1CA is indirectly regulated by ATP1B3. By controlling the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, ATP1B3 may have a role in the invasion, migration, and proliferation of glioma cells. As a result, the ATP1B3 gene might be a biological target for treatment and a possible neurotumor diagnostic.
Comparing the efficacy of different methods in assessing cervical stromal invasion in endometrial carcinoma: a retrospective study of 2,020 patients
Authors: Yang Ying , Ye Zhijun , Zhao Yifei , Li Zhengyu 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the preoperative diagnostic efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and endometrial biopsy for cervical stromal invasion (CSI) in endometrial carcinoma (EC) and to discuss the influencing factors of CSI.Material and methodsA total of 2,020 patients with EC were retrospectively analyzed in a tertiary hospital. Basic patient information, clinical pathology, and laboratory indicators were collected and analyzed. Using the postoperative pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficacies of different preoperative methods were analyzed. Additionally, influencing factors of CSI were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe sensitivity (Sens.), specificity (Spec.), accuracy (Acc.), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), Youden’s index, and Kappa value of the MRI vs. CT groups were 49.50% vs. 56.74%, 92.24% vs. 79.09%, 87.70% vs. 76.15%, 11.60 vs. 4.93, 0.42 vs. 0.36, and 0.392 vs. 0.256 (p &lt; 0.001), respectively. The Sens., Spec., Acc., DOR, Youden’s index, and Kappa value of the endometrial biopsy group were 41.74%, 93.25%, 87.08%, 9.97, 0.35, and 0.363 (p &lt; 0.001), respectively. CSI was associated with cancer antigen 125, myometrial invasion, adnexal invasion, parametrial invasion, lymph node metastasis, and progesterone receptor.ConclusionsMRI is relatively superior in assessing CSI, although diagnostic authenticity and consistency were unsatisfactory. Combining MRI and biopsy could improve diagnostic sensitivity, aiding in clinical decision making and prognostic prediction. Comprehensive consideration of high-risk factors for the occurrence of CSI may aid the diagnosis. Preoperative diagnostic methods of CSI in EC still need to be explored further to improve efficiency.
Hexane extract from Lindera communis roots: wound healing properties and membrane-disruptive activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Hu Xian , Liu Liya , Zhong Yi , Li Wanlin , Zhang Qing , Xu Congli , Long Chunlin 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe extensively used Lindera communis Hemsl. (Lauraceae) in traditional Chinese medicine has been specifically employed for wound healing and treating skin diseases in cattle and horses, suggesting its potential antibacterial properties. To explore the antibacterial activities of L. communis plants, we investigated the chemicals, antibacterial activities and wound healing and of the n-hexane fraction of L. communis roots (LCH).MethodsOur study included detecting phytochemical constituents, determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for different extract fractions, analyzing growth curves, assessing membrane integrity, monitoring potential changes in the membrane using scanning electron microscopy, and evaluating wound healing in rat excisional wounds.ResultsBased on our findings, humulene-type sesquiterpenes, guaiane-type sesquiterpenes, and lauric acid were identified from the LCH, responsible for antibacterial and wound healing activities. The results are that LCH affected the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 0.1 mg/mL) through morphological alterations and disrupting cell surface structures, causing membrane hyperpolarization and altering membrane integrity. This result was subsequently validated through SEM analysis and cytotoxicity against HaCaT cells (IC50 1.83 ± 0.21 mg/mL). LCH also has exhibited remarkable effectiveness in healing rat excisional wounds, reinforcing its traditional use as a wound-healing agent.DiscussionThe findings substantiate the scientific essence of traditional applications, while also exhibiting significant potential as a promising candidate for the development of innovative and readily accessible wound healing agents.