bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendritic morphology of motor neurons and interneurons within the compact, semicompact, and loose formations of the rat nucleus ambiguus
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionMotor neurons (MNs) within the nucleus ambiguus innervate the skeletal muscles of the larynx, pharynx, and oesophagus. These muscles are activated during vocalisation and swallowing and must be coordinated with several respiratory and other behaviours. Despite many studies evaluating the projections and orientation of MNs within the nucleus ambiguus, there is no quantitative information regarding the dendritic arbours of MNs residing in the compact, and semicompact/loose formations of the nucleus ambiguus..MethodsIn female and male Fischer 344 rats, we evaluated MN number using Nissl staining, and MN and non-MN dendritic morphology using Golgi–Cox impregnation Brightfield imaging of transverse Nissl sections (15 μm) were taken to stereologically assess the number of nucleus ambiguus MNs within the compact and semicompact/loose formations. Pseudo-confocal imaging of Golgi-impregnated neurons within the nucleus ambiguus (sectioned transversely at 180 μm) was traced in 3D to determine dendritic arbourisation.ResultsWe found a greater abundance of MNs within the compact than the semicompact/loose formations. Dendritic lengths, complexity, and convex hull surface areas were greatest in MNs of the semicompact/loose formation, with compact formation MNs being smaller. MNs from both regions were larger than non-MNs reconstructed within the nucleus ambiguus.ConclusionAdding HBLS to the diet could be a potentially effective strategy to improve horses’ health.
The fate of anti-HLA antibodies following liver transplantation
Authors: Norman Douglas J. , Enestvedt C. Kristian , Naugler Willscott E. , Erhan Rouella , Shaut Carley A. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionLiver transplant recipients may have pre-formed anti-HLA antibodies directed to mismatched HLA of the liver donor (donor specific antibodies, DSA) or not directed to the liver donor (non-donor specific, non-DSA). We observed the fate of these antibodies (DSA and non-DSA) at 12 months after transplant.MethodsPatients transplanted between 4/2015 and 12/2018 (N = 216) who had anti-HLA antibody measurements at both transplant and 12 months posttransplant (N = 124) and with DSAs at transplant (N = 31) were considered informative for a paired analysis of the natural history of DSA and non-DSA following liver transplantation.ResultsClass I DSAs and non-DSAs decreased between transplant and 12 months; however, Class I DSAs essentially disappeared by 12 months while Class I non-DSAs did not. Anti-HLA Class II DSAs performed differently. While there was a significant drop in values between transplant and 12 months, these antibodies mostly persisted at a low level.DiscussionOur study demonstrated a significant difference in the kinetics of DSA compared to non-DSA following liver transplantation, most profoundly for anti-HLA Class I antibodies. Class I DSAs were mostly absent at 12 months while Class II DSAs persisted, although at lower levels. The mechanisms of reduction in anti-HLA antibodies following liver transplantation are not completely understood and were not pursued as a part of this study. This detailed analysis of Class I and Class II DSAs and non-DSAs represents and important study to explore the change in antibodies at one year from liver transplantation.
The causal relationship between diet habits and cholelithiasis: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization (MR) study
Authors: Xie Lin , Xu Mingzhi , Lei Yahan , Li Juan , Xie Jiajia 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundEpidemiological studies show dietary habits can have an impact on the risk of cholelithiasis, but the relationship is still unclear. We used a comprehensive Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore the relationship between dietary habits and cholelithiasis.MethodsThe 18 dietary habits were divided into six categories: meat foods, cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, beverages, and condiments. Cholelithiasis data came from a GWAS meta-analysis and the FinnGen consortium. The inverse variance weighted (IVW), the weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger approaches were used as the main MR analysis methods. In addition, multiple sensitivity analysis and meta-analysis were performed to verify the robustness of the results.ResultsDried fruit intake [odds ratio (OR) = 0.568; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.405–0.797; p = 0.001] was discovered to reduce the risk of cholelithiasis. The sensitivity analysis and meta-analysis showed reliable results for the relationship between dried fruit intake and cholelithiasis.ConclusionOur study found that dried fruit intake is a protective factor in the development of cholelithiasis. However, the mechanisms of action need to be further explored.
Explorative case control study on the associations of serum vitamin D3, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels on Kawasaki disease and coronary artery lesions
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Liu Xingzhu , Li Bin , Li Jun , Meng Lijuan , Ye Caixia , Han Linfei , Li Hong , Deng Li Li , Su Zhongjian , Zhang Xing 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundKawasaki Disease (KD) is a pediatric vasculitic disorder characterized by systemic small vasculitis, notably coronary arteritis, with unclear pathogenesis. This explorative case-control study investigated the association between folic acid (FA), vitamin D3 (VD3), and vitamin B12 (VB12) levels and the different types of Kawasaki Disease, as well as the incidence of coronary artery lesions (CALs).MethodsIn this explorative case control study, 365 KD children admitted to our hospital from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 were included as the KD group. Simultaneously, 365 healthy children who received physical examination during the same period were included as the control group. The KD group was divided into typical KD group and incomplete KD group (IKD group), CALs group and non-CALS group, and IVIG sensitive group and IVIG resistant group. The children with CALs were divided into small tumor group, medium tumor group and large tumor group. Serum levels of FA, VB12, and VD3 were compared across all groups.ResultsSerum levels of FA and VD3 were significantly decreased in both the KD and CALs groups (p &lt; 0.05), and both factors were identified as independent risk factors for KD and CALs. Similarly, reduced serum VD3 levels were observed in the IKD and IVIG-resistant groups (p &lt; 0.05), with VD3 also being an independent risk factor for both IKD and IVIG resistance. Additionally, lower serum FA levels were noted in the group with large aneurysms (p &lt; 0.05), establishing FA as an independent risk factor for aneurysm size.ConclusionSerum levels of folic FA and vitamin VD3 were significantly reduced in children with KD. Furthermore, these reductions were more pronounced in children with IKD and CALs. This pattern suggests that lower FA and VD3 levels may increase the risk of more severe coronary lesions in KD patients. Therefore, monitoring these biomarkers could provide valuable insights for early clinical diagnosis and intervention.
Associations of life’s essential 8 with MAFLD and liver fibrosis among US adults: a nationwide cross-section study
Authors: Liang Depeng , Zhang Jie , Li Lu , Li Yonggang , Xu Lidong , Wu Huili 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundLife’s essential’ 8 (LE8) is a newly updated cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics from the American Heart Association, with close relevance to metabolism. Our objective is to explore the association between LE8 scores and incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and advanced liver fibrosis in American adults.MethodsThis population-based cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018, encompassing adults aged 20 years or older. Validated non-invasive scoring systems were employed to define liver steatosis and advanced liver fibrosis. Multivariable logistic regression and smooth curve fitting techniques were applied to evaluate the associations. All analyses were adjusted for the survey’ complex design parameters and accounted for sample weights.ResultsA total of 11,820 participants were included. A higher LE8 score was found to be inversely associated with the incidence of MAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis, with odds ratios (OR) of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.57–0.71) for MAFLD and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61–0.92) for advanced liver fibrosis per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in LE8 score. Similar patterns were found in the relationship between health behaviors/factors score and incidence of MAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis. In subgroup analyses, the interaction test showed that age, education level, marital status, CVD, hypertension and diabetes had a significant impact on the association between LE8 score and MAFLD (all P for interaction &lt; 0.05). Among male, elderly, wealthy, other race, CVD, diabetes and depression participants, the correlation between LE8 score and advanced liver fibrosis was not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). Younger participants exhibited a more pronounced negative association between the CVH metric and both MAFLD and advanced life fibrosis.ConclusionLE8 and its subscales score were inversely associated with the presence of MAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis in non-linear patterns. Optimal LE8 score may significantly reduce the risk of liver steatosis and fibrosis.
High-fat diet-negative impact on female fertility: from mechanisms to protective actions of antioxidant matrices
Authors: Di Berardino Chiara , Barceviciute Urte , Camerano Spelta Rapini Chiara , Peserico Alessia , Capacchietti Giulia , Bernabò Nicola , Russo Valentina , Gatta Valentina , Konstantinidou Fani , Donato Marisa , Barboni Barbara 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionExcessive calorie intake poses a significant threat to female fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive challenges. Overconsumption of unhealthy fats exacerbates ovarian dysfunction, with an overproduction of reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress, impairing ovarian follicle development and leading to irregular ovulation and premature ovarian failure. Interest in biological matrices with high antioxidant properties to combat diet-related oxidative stress has grown, as they contain various bioactive factors crucial for neutralizing free radicals potentially preventing female reproductive health. This systematic review evaluates the female reproductive impact of biological matrices in mitigating oxidative damages induced by over calory habits and, in particular, high fat diets.MethodsA comparative approach among mammalian models was utilized to interpret literature available data. This approach specifically investigates the antioxidant mechanisms of biological matrices on early and late ovarian folliculogenesis, under physiological and hormone-induced female reproductive cycle. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, only English-language publications from peer-reviewed international indexes were considered.ResultsThe analysis of 121 publications meeting the inclusion criteria facilitated the identification of crucial components of biological matrices. These components, including carbocyclic sugars, phytonutrients, organosulfur compounds, and vitamins, were evaluated for their impact on ovarian follicle resilience, oocyte quality, and reproductive lifespan. The detrimental effects of oxidative stress on female fertility, particularly exacerbated by high saturated fat diets, are well-documented. In vivo studies across mammalian preclinical models have underscored the potential of antioxidants derived from biological matrices to mitigate diet-induced conditions. These antioxidants enhance steroidogenesis and ovarian follicle development, thereby improving oocyte quality. Additionally, discussions within these publications emphasized the clinical significance of these biological matrices, translating research findings into practical applications for female health.ConclusionFurther research is essential to fully exploit the potential of these matrices in enhancing female reproduction and mitigating the effects of diets rich in fatty acids. This requires intensified in vitro studies and comprehensive collection of in vivo data before clinical trials. The promotion of ovarian resilience offers promising avenues for enhancing understanding and advancing female reproductive health world-wide.
Case report: A 53-year-old woman with synchronous WHO classification II and IV gliomas
Authors: Jia Fang , Kang Yin , Wang Zhanxiang 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionGlioma is the most common primary intracranial neoplasm with a relatively poor prognosis.Case presentationHere, we present a unique case of a 53-year-old woman with two histopathologically distinct gliomas at the initial diagnosis. She presented with headaches and left limb weakness before admission, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed right frontal and basal ganglia area involvement combined with hemorrhage. The patient underwent a navigation-guided craniotomy for tumor removal. Pathological examination revealed the right frontal lobe lesion as a WHO grade II IDH-NOS astrocytoma, but the right parietal lobe lesion was a WHO grade IV IDH-mutant diffuse astrocytoma. Molecular detection of the parietal lesion revealed a point mutation at the R132 locus of the IDH1 gene, no mutation in the TERT promoter, amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor, and a non-homozygous CDKN2A/B deletion.DiscussionIn-depth epigenomic analysis and molecular examination revealed that one patient had two different brain tumors, underscoring the importance of performing a comprehensive brain tumor workup.ConclusionThis unique case confirms that adjacent astrocytomas may have different molecular pathogenesis and provides novel insights into the development of gliomas.
Sishen Pill inhibits intestinal inflammation in diarrhea mice via regulating kidney-intestinal bacteria-metabolic pathway
Authors: Li Xiaoya , Qiao Bo , Wu Yueying , Deng Na , Yuan Jiali , Tan Zhoujin 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundSishen Pill (SSP) has good efficacy in diarrhea with deficiency kidney-yang syndrome (DKYS), but the mechanism of efficacy involving intestinal microecology has not been elucidated.ObjectiveThis study investigated the mechanism of SSP in regulating intestinal microecology in diarrhea with DKYS.MethodsAdenine combined with Folium sennae was used to construct a mouse model of diarrhea with DKYS and administered with SSP. The behavioral changes and characteristics of gut content microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of mice were analyzed to explore the potential association between the characteristic bacteria, SCFAs, intestinal inflammatory and kidney function-related indicators.ResultsAfter SSP intervention, the body weight and anal temperature of diarrhea with DKYS gradually recovered and approached the normal level. Lactobacillus johnsonii was significantly enriched, and propionic, butyric, isobutyric and isovaleric acids were elevated. Serum creatinine (Cr), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels of the mice were reduced, while serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the colonic tissues were increased. Moreover, there were correlations between L. johnsonii, SCFAs, intestinal inflammatory, and kidney function.ConclusionSSP might suppress the intestinal inflammation by regulating the “L. johnsonii-propionic acid” pathway, thus achieving the effect of treating diarrhea with DKYS.
Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin in the management of unusual site deep vein thrombosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Linlin , Cai Wenting , Li Hanyang , Han Dan , Li Li , Wang Baoyan 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundUnusual site deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was defined as venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurring outside the conventional deep veins of the lower extremity or pulmonary arteries. However, the optimal anticoagulation therapy for unusual site DVT remained unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in unusual site DVT.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive patients at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January 2011 and December 2021 who were diagnosed with unusual site DVT. Patients were divided into two groups based on their ultimate medication choice: the warfarin group and the rivaroxaban group. The demographic characteristics were recorded for all enrolled patients. Clinical outcomes included recurrent VTE, bleeding complications and major bleeding.ResultsA total of 1,088 patients were divided into warfarin (n = 514) and rivaroxaban (n = 574) groups. After the stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting, Hazard Ratios for warfarin vs. rivaroxaban of recurrent VTE, bleeding complications and major bleeding were 0.52(95% CI: 0.25–1.08), 0.30(95% CI: 0.14–0.60), and 0.33 (95% CI, 0.13–0.74), respectively. Risk of clinical outcomes in specified subgroups for age, gender, renal function, thrombosis sites and diagnosis were assessed. The interaction of gender and treatment on major bleeding was significant (P for interaction = 0.062). Otherwise, there was no significant interaction between the other subgroups and the treatment group in terms of clinical outcomes.ConclusionCompared with warfarin, rivaroxaban exhibited comparable efficacy for the anticoagulant treatment of unusual site DVT, associated with a lower risk of bleeding complications and major bleeding.
Systematic review: pain, cognition, and cardioprotection—unpacking oxytocin’s contributions in a sport context
Authors: Szabó Péter , Bonet Sara , Hetényi Roland , Hanna Dániel , Kovács Zsófia , Prisztóka Gyöngyvér , Križalkovičová Zuzana , Szentpéteri József 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThis systematic review investigates the interplay between oxytocin and exercise; in terms of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, pro-regenerative, and cardioprotective effects. Furthermore, by analyzing measurement methods, we aim to improve measurement validity and reliability.MethodsUtilizing PRISMA, GRADE, and MECIR protocols, we examined five databases with a modified SPIDER search. Including studies on healthy participants, published within the last 20 years, based on keywords “oxytocin,” “exercise” and “measurement,” 690 studies were retrieved initially (455 unique records). After excluding studies of clinically identifiable diseases, and unpublished and reproduction-focused studies, 175 studies qualified for the narrative cross-thematic and structural analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in five categories showing the reciprocal impact of oxytocin and exercise: Exercise (50), Physiology (63), Environment (27), Social Context (65), and Stress (49). Exercise-induced oxytocin could promote tissue regeneration, with 32 studies showing its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, while 14 studies discussed memory and cognition. Furthermore, empathy-associated OXTR rs53576 polymorphism might influence team sports performance. Since dietary habits and substance abuse can impact oxytocin secretion too, combining self-report tests and repeated salivary measurements may help achieve precision.DiscussionOxytocin’s effect on fear extinction and social cognition might generate strategies for mental training, and technical, and tactical development in sports. Exercise-induced oxytocin can affect the amount of stress experienced by athletes, and their response to it. However, oxytocin levels could depend on the type of sport in means of contact level, exercise intensity, and duration. The influence of oxytocin on athletes’ performance and recovery could have been exploited due to its short half-life. Examining oxytocin’s complex interactions with exercise paves the way for future research and application in sports science, psychology, and medical disciplines.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=512184, identifier CRD42024512184
Assessment of psychological personality traits in transgender groups using the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Zhanqiang , Dong Hanwen , Zhang Yueqian , Yang Kebing , Yang Qingyan , Wang Zhiren , Niu Yajuan 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the psychological personality characteristics of transgender groups and to determine whether these characteristics differ according to sociodemographic factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and April 2023 at a psychosexual outpatient clinic in a psychiatric hospital in Beijing, China. In total, 481 individuals were included in this study, and demographic information was collected using a self-administered general questionnaire. Psychological personality traits were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).ResultsThe mean scores of the assigned male at birth (AMAB) group were significantly higher than those of the male controls for all 10 clinical factors of the MMPI (p &lt; 0.01 or p &lt; 0.001). The scores for both the Masculinity-femininity (Mf) and Depression (D) factors in the AMABs group exceeded the clinical threshold (T &gt; 60) and were the highest and second-highest scores on the entire scale, respectively. Individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) had significantly higher scores than female controls for Hysteria (Hy), Psychopathic Deviate (Pd), and Hypomania (Ma) (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01, and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). There were significant differences in the rates of abnormal values for the various factors of the MMPI (T &gt; 60) according to gender, age, and education (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01, and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Compared to AFABs, AMABs had higher rates of abnormal scores (T &gt; 60) on the Hypochondriasis (Hs), D, Hy, Mf, Paranoia (Pa), Psychasthenia (Pt), Schizophrenia (Sc), and Social Introversion (Si) scales (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01, and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Second, the transgender group aged ≤25 years had higher rates of abnormal scores (T &gt; 60) on the Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Pa, Pt, Sc, and Ma scales (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01, and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Finally, outliers (T &gt; 60) for the Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Pa, Pt, Ma, and Si factors were more prevalent among those with a primary to high school level of education (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01, and p &lt; 0.001, respectively).ConclusionAssigned male at births may have a variety of psychological vulnerabilities, and there is a need to focus especially on those with a primary to high school level of education, those aged ≤25 years, and transgender females.