bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of plasma lactoferrin levels with disease severity in glaucoma patients
Authors: Wang Zuo , Liu Donghua , Yuan Hang , Li An , Wang Jinxia , Zhu Xiong , Xiu Wenbo , Zhang Gao , Chen Yang , Chen Lingling , Xiao Xiao , He Chong , Lu Fang 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between plasma lactoferrin (Lf) and glaucoma, assessing the clinical utility of Lf in glaucoma.MethodsA cross-sectional study involved 161 glaucoma patients and 115 healthy controls, with a follow-up of 14 subjects after approximately 2 years. Plasma Lf markers were quantified using ELISA, comparing levels between glaucoma patients and healthy controls, and analyzing plasma Lf across different glaucoma severity grades.ResultsGlaucoma patients had significantly elevated plasma Lf levels compared to healthy controls (p &lt; 0.001). Higher plasma Lf levels correlated with more severe disease stages (HPA grades showed ρ = 0.435, p &lt; 0.001; AGIS grades showed ρ = 0.436, p &lt; 0.001) and reduced retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness (RNFL thickness showed ρ = −0.204, p = 0.024). ROC curve analysis demonstrated the efficacy of glaucoma markers in differentiating early-stage from advanced glaucoma.ConclusionPlasma Lf levels are significantly associated with glaucoma severity and may be involved in the pathogenic progression of the disease.
Factors influencing the outcomes of dermatoses during the COVID-19 outbreak in China: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Jing-Hui , Li Si-Zhe , Wang Si-Hang , Zhang Jie , Xie Ying-Han , Zuo Ya-Gang 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic subverted people’s lives and potentially affected the management and prognosis of pre-existing dermatoses. The study aims to identify factors influencing the outcomes of dermatoses during a rapid and widespread Omicron outbreak in China following the adjustment of the COVID-19 policy.Materials and methodsThis retrospective observational study involved outpatients visiting the dermatology department at a tertiary referral hospital in Beijing, China between December 2022 and February 2023. Demographics, COVID-19 characteristics, treatment modalities, and dermatosis outcomes were subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsThe odds ratio (OR) for vitiligo aggravation during COVID-19 was 0.497 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.254–0.973, p = 0.038] compared to total patients with various dermatoses. Psoriasis patients with a maximum body temperature (Tmax) over 38.6°C during COVID-19 were 2.833 times more likely to experience dermatosis aggravation (OR: 2.833 [1.029–7.803], p = 0.041). Moreover, autoimmune bullous disease (AIBD) patients receiving biologics treatment exhibited a reduced likelihood of aggravation during the COVID-19 outbreak (OR: 0 [0–0.531], p = 0.011).ConclusionVitiligo exhibits lower aggravation rates during COVID-19 than other dermatoses. A higher body temperature during COVID-19 infection can increase the risk of psoriasis aggravation. Biologics treatment reduces the risk of AIBD aggravation during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Association between chronic kidney disease and age-related macular degeneration: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hou Yawei , Liu Qinglin , Xiao Zhenwei , Li Yameng , Tian Xinyang , Wang Zhenguo 
Published: May 2024

PurposeObservational studies have reported inconsistent results on the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The primary objective of this study was to investigate the causal relationships between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), CKD, its common causes, and AMD among participants of European descent.MethodsGenetic variants associated with eGFR, CKD and its common causes, encompassing diabetic nephropathy (DN), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), and membranous nephropathy (MN) were obtained from previously published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and FinnGen database. Summary statistics for early AMD, AMD, dry AMD, and wet AMD were acquired from the GWAS and FinnGen database. Inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was the main MR analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed with Cochran’s Q, MR-Egger intercept, and leave-one-out analysis. In addition, RadialMR was utilized to identify and remove outliers.ResultsIVW results showed that CKD, eGFR were not associated with any type of AMD (p &gt; 0.05). DN (OR: 1.042, 95% CI: 1.002–1.083, p = 0.037) and MN (OR: 1.023, 95% CI: 1.007–1.040, p = 0.005) were associated with an increased risk of earl AMD. DN (OR: 1.111, 95% CI: 1.07–1.154, p = 4.87 × 10−8), IgAN (OR: 1.373, 95% CI: 1.097–1.719, p = 0.006), and MN (OR: 1.036, 95% CI: 1.008–1.064, p = 0.012) were associated with an increased risk of AMD. DN (OR: 1.090, 95% CI: 1.042–1.140, p = 1.57 × 10−4) and IgAN (OR: 1.480, 95% CI: 1.178–1.858, p = 7.55 × 10−4) were associated with an increased risk of dry AMD. The risk of wet AMD was associated with DN (OR: 1.107, 95% CI: 1.043–1.174, p = 7.56 × 10−4) and MN (OR: 1.071, 95% CI: 1.040–1.103, p = 5.48 × 10−6).ConclusionThis MR study found no evidence of causal relationship between CKD and AMD. DN, IgAN, and MN may increase risk of AMD. This findings underscore the importance of ocular examinations in patients with DN, MN, and IgAN. More studies are needed to support the findings of our current study.
Remote assessment and management of patients with dizziness: development, validation, and feasibility of a gamified vestibular rehabilitation therapy platform
Authors: Hall Courtney D. , Flynn Sheryl , Clendaniel Richard A. , Roberts Dale C. , Stressman Kara D. , Pu William , Mershon David , Schubert Michael C. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionDizziness is a growing public health concern with as many as 95 million adults in Europe and the United States experiencing vestibular hypofunction, which is associated with reduced quality of life, poorer health, and falls. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is effective in reducing symptoms and improving balance; however, limited access to qualified clinicians and poor patient adherence impedes optimal delivery. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a remote therapeutic monitoring VRT Platform application (APP) for the assessment and treatment of vestibular dysfunction.MethodsUser-centered iterative design process was used to gather and integrate the needs of users (clinicians and patients) into the design at each stage of development. Commonly used vestibular patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) were integrated into the APP and adults with chronic dizziness were enrolled to evaluate validity and reliability of the APP compared to standard clinical measures (CLIN). Gaze stabilization exercises were gamified to provide an engaging experience and an off-the-shelf sensor captured eye and head movement to provide feedback on accuracy of performance. A prospective, pilot study design with pre-and post-treatment assessment assessed feasibility of the APP compared to standard VRT (CLIN).ResultsParticipants with dizziness wanted a summary rehabilitation report shared with their clinicians, felt that an app could help with accountability, and believed that a gaming format might help with exercise adherence. Clinicians felt that the app should include features to record and track eye and head movement, monitor symptoms, score accuracy of task performance, and measure adherence. Validity and reliability of the digital PROs (APP) were compared to scores from CLIN across two sessions and found to have good validity, good to excellent test-retest reliability, and excellent usability (≥88%ile). The pilot study demonstrated feasibility for use of the APP compared to CLIN for treatment of vestibular hypofunction. The mean standard system usability score of the APP was 82.5 indicating excellent usability.DiscussionBoth adult patients with chronic dizziness and VRT clinicians were receptive to the use of technology for VRT. The HiM-V APP is a feasible alternative to clinical management of adults with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction.
Beet supplementation mitigates post-exercise inflammation
Authors: Nieman David C. , Sakaguchi Camila A. , Williams James C. , Mulani Fayaj A. , Shivprasad Suresh Patil , Omar Ashraf M. , Zhang Qibin 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThis study investigated the efficacy of a mixed beet-based supplement (BEET) versus placebo (PL) in countering inflammation during recovery from 2.25 h of intensive cycling in 20 male and female cyclists. A multi-omics approach was used that included untargeted proteomics and a targeted oxylipin panel.MethodsA randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout at close to 70%VO2max. The BEET supplement provided 212 mg of nitrates per day, 200 mg caffeine from green tea extract, 44 mg vitamin C from Camu Camu berry, B-vitamins from quinoa sprouts (40% Daily Value for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6), and 2.5 g of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps sinensis and Inonotus obliquus. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), immediately post-exercise, and at 1.5 h-, 3 h-, and 24 h-post-exercise.ResultsThe 2.25 h cycling bout increased plasma levels of 41 of 67 oxylipins detected. BEET supplementation significantly increased plasma nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite (NO2−) (sum, NO3− + NO2−) concentrations (interaction effect, p &lt; 0.001) and two anti-inflammatory oxylipins [18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and 4-hydroxy-docosahexanoic acid (4-HDoHE)]. The untargeted proteomics analysis identified 616 proteins (458 across all times points), and 2-way ANOVA revealed a cluster of 45 proteins that were decreased and a cluster of 21 that were increased in the BEET versus PL trials. Functional enrichment supported significant BEET-related reductions in inflammation-related proteins including several proteins related to complement activation, the acute phase response, and immune cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.DiscussionIntake of a BEET-based supplement during a 2-week period was linked to higher plasma levels of NO3− + NO2−, elevated post-exercise levels of two anti-inflammatory oxylipins, and a significant decrease in a cluster of proteins involved in complement activation and inflammation. These data support that 2-weeks intake of nitrate from a mixed beet-based supplement moderated protein biomarkers of exercise-induced inflammation in athletes.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: an Italian monocentric experience on the health assessment and eligibility of adult-related donors
Authors: Valentini Caterina Giovanna , Ceglie Sara , Fatone Federica , Metafuni Elisabetta , Pellegrino Claudio , Chiusolo Patrizia , Sica Simona , Teofili Luciana 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionIndications for HSCT are increasing worldwide, paralleled by a growing demand for donors of therapeutic cells.MethodsHerein, we report our real-world experience of adult HPC donor assessment during a 5-year study period (2018–2023): we have retrospectively revised data of 455 potential related stem cell donors, consecutively evaluated at our center. Donor medical history was assessed by a questionnaire and an interview with a trained physician experienced in donation procedures to evaluate donor fitness and medical history. Pre-existing health disorders were fully investigated. Behavioral risk factors for communicable infectious diseases were also routinely explored.Results and discussionOverall, 351 donors were finally assessed as eligible for HPC donation, and 233 underwent stem cell collection, 158 through apheresis from mobilized peripheral blood, and 75 through bone marrow harvest. Among them, 27 donors were selected despite the presence of pre-existing health conditions, which would be potential exclusion criteria for unrelated donors: 16 suffered from well-controlled cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and 11 from allergic diathesis. Most of the selected donors with pre-existing disorders were candidates for apheresis HPC collection (21, 77.8%), while only six (22.2%) underwent BM harvest. We then analyzed the data relative to the corresponding 233 allogeneic HSCT to explore if the presence of pre-existing diseases in the donors could show any association with transplant characteristics. Transplants from CVD and allergy donors showed no significant disparities in comparison with those from healthy donors. A significant difference emerged regarding the disease severity, with a higher proportion of patients with high/very high disease risk index (DRI) among those receiving grafts from CVD donors (68.7% in transplants from CVD donors versus 36.0% in transplants from healthy donors, p=0.005). Multivariate analysis confirmed that high/very high DRI patients had an increased probability of receiving donations from CVD donors (OR, 4.89; 95%CI, 1.15–20.86; p=0.031). Among donors with well-controlled pre-existing conditions, no adverse events were recorded during stem cell collection or at follow-up. Our results suggest that in patients at high risk for relapse requiring a prompt allogeneic transplant, a familiar donor might be accepted for HPC apheresis donation on less strict criteria than unrelated donors, without risk for both donor and patient.
Gut microbiota and oral cavity cancer: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Sun Zhijuan , Bai Chunying , Hao Dandan , Jiang Xiling , Chen Jianxing 
Published: May 2024

This study employs a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to systematically evaluate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and oral cavity cancer (OCC).ObjectiveTo address the challenge in establishing the causal relationship between gut microbiota and OCC, we applied a systematic MR analysis.MethodsUtilizing GWAS data from the MiBioGen consortium (18,340 individuals) and UK Biobank (n = 264,137), we selected instrumental variables and employed MR-Egger, weighted median, IVW, and weighted mode analyses. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were assessed using Cochran’s Q test and MR-Egger intercept test.ResultsOur findings indicate, at the order level, Bacteroidales (OR = 0.9990, 95% CI = 0.9980–1.0000, P = 0.046), Burkholderiales (OR = 1.0009, 95% CI = 1.0001–1.0018, P = 0.033), and Victivallales (OR = 0.9979, 95% CI = 0.9962–0.9995, P = 0.037) exhibit causality on OCC in the Weighted median, IVW, and MR-Egger analyses, respectively. At the family level, Alcaligenaceae (OR = 1.0012, 95% CI = 1.0004–1.0019, P = 0.002) and Clostridiaceae1 (OR = 0.9970, 95% CI = 0.9948–0.9992, P = 0.027) show causality on OCC in IVW and MR-Egger analyses. At the genus level, Clostridiumsensustricto1 (IVW, OR = 0.9987, 95% CI = 0.9980–0.9995, P = 0.001; MR-Egger, OR = 0.9978, 95% CI = 0.9962–0.9995, P = 0.035), Desulfovibrio (IVW, OR = 1.0008, 95% CI = 1.0001–1.0015, P = 0.016), Eggerthella (IVW, OR = 0.9995, 95% CI = 0.9990–1.0000, P = 0.048), Eubacterium fissicatena group (IVW, OR = 1.0005, 95% CI = 1.0000–1.0009, P = 0.032), and Holdemanella (IVW, OR = 0.9994, 95% CI = 0.9989–0.9999, P = 0.018) are implicated in causing OCC in related analyses.ConclusionOur study identifies Burkholderiales order, Alcaligenaceae family, Desulfovibrio genus, and Eubacterium fissicatena group as causally increasing OCC risk. In contrast, Bacteroidales order, Victivallales order, Clostridiaceae1 family, Clostridiumsensustricto1 genus, Eggerthella genus, and Holdemanella genus are causally associated with a decreased OCC risk. However, further investigations are essential to delineate an optimal gut microbiota composition and unravel the underlying mechanisms of specific bacterial taxa in OCC pathophysiology.
Guiding post-pancreaticoduodenectomy interventions for pancreatic cancer patients utilizing decision tree models
Authors: Wang Haixin , Shen Bo , Jia Peiheng , Li Hao , Bai Xuemei , Li Yaru , Xu Kang , Hu Pengzhen , Ding Li , Xu Na , Xia Xiaoxiao , Fang Yong , Chen Hebing , Zhang Yan , Yue Shutong 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages, necessitating pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) as a primary therapeutic approach. However, PD surgery can engender intricate complications. Thus, understanding the factors influencing postoperative complications documented in electronic medical records and their impact on survival rates is crucial for improving overall patient outcomes.MethodsA total of 749 patients were divided into two groups: 598 (79.84%) chose the RPD (Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy) procedure and 151 (20.16%) chose the LPD (Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy) procedure. We used correlation analysis, survival analysis, and decision tree models to find the similarities and differences about postoperative complications and prognostic survival.ResultsPancreatic cancer, known for its aggressiveness, often requires pancreaticoduodenectomy as an effective treatment. In predictive models, both BMI and surgery duration weigh heavily. Lower BMI correlates with longer survival, while patients with heart disease and diabetes have lower survival rates. Complications like delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula, and infection are closely linked post-surgery, prompting conjectures about their causal mechanisms. Interestingly, we found no significant correlation between nasogastric tube removal timing and delayed gastric emptying, suggesting its prompt removal post-decompression.ConclusionThis study aimed to explore predictive factors for postoperative complications and survival in PD patients. Effective predictive models enable early identification of high-risk individuals, allowing timely interventions. Higher BMI, heart disease, or diabetes significantly reduce survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients post-PD. Additionally, there’s no significant correlation between DGE incidence and postoperative extubation time, necessitating further investigation into its interaction with pancreatic fistula and infection.
The role of pediatricians in the diagnosis and management of IgE-mediated food allergy: a review
Authors: Gupta Ruchi S. , Epstein Ellen , Wood Robert A. 
Published: May 2024

ImportanceFood allergy can often cause a significant burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. The complexity of food allergy management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving different types of healthcare providers, including allergists, dieticians, psychologists, nurses, family practitioners and, of particular relevance for this article, pediatric primary caretakers. Pediatricians may be the first-line healthcare providers for food allergy: strategies for management and guideline adherence have been highlighted.ObservationsThis review article summarizes the up-to-date recommendations on the role of pediatricians in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of IgE-mediated food allergy. Early introduction of allergenic foods like peanut is known to be of importance to reduce the development of peanut allergy in infants, and pediatricians are essential for educating and supporting parents in this decision. In scenarios of limited allergist availability, as is often the case among rural, Medicaid and minority populations, pediatricians can assist in the evaluation and management of food allergy, and provide action plans, education and counselling for patients and families.Conclusions and relevancePediatric primary caretakers play a key role in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of IgE-mediated food allergy. As more diagnostic tools and therapies in food allergy become available, the need for a multidisciplinary team is paramount to optimize patient care.
Individual differences in goal adjustment: convergence and divergence among three theoretical models
Authors: Kappes Cathleen , Greve Werner 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionIndividual differences in dealing with unattainable goals or resource-consumptive goal pursuit are conceptualized as goal adjustment processes in three theoretical approaches: accommodative coping (two-process model of developmental regulation), compensatory secondary coping (motivational theory of life-span development), and goal disengagement and goal reengagement (goal adjustment theory). The aim of this paper is to conceptually and empirically analyze convergences and divergences between the three approaches as well as their relationship with indicators of well-being and their intersections with cognitive emotion regulation.MethodsThe empirical study is based on a cross-sectional online survey (N = 433; M = 28.9 years, SD = 8.4 years; 50% female).ResultsThe conceptual analysis yields clear convergences, but also differences. Empirically, clear but partially non-redundant relationships between the concepts are found in structural equation models. Accommodative coping showed the strongest correlations with measures of well-being and cognitive emotion regulation. When all goal adjustment measures are included simultaneously as predictors of well-being, accommodation remains as the strongest predictor (and partly goal reengagement as well), while goal disengagement shows opposing relationships with most measures of well-being.DiscussionWe discuss the lessons learnt from these findings and conclude by proposing future avenues to examine goal adjustment processes.
Association between the home-to-healthcare center distance and hearing aid abandonment among older adults
Authors: Fuentes-López Eduardo , Galaz-Mella Javier , Ayala Salvador , De la Fuente Carlos , Luna-Monsalve Manuel , Nieman Carrie , Marcotti Anthony 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundAccess to audiology services for older adults residing in sparsely populated regions is often limited compared to those in central urban areas. The geographic accessibility to follow-up care, particularly the influence of distance, may contribute to an increased risk of hearing aid abandonment.ObjectiveTo assess the association between the home-to-healthcare-calibration-center distance and hearing aid abandonment among older adults fitted in the Chilean public health system.Methods455 patients who received hearing aids from two public hospitals in two regions were considered. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models with robust variance estimation were used to analyze the association between the geographical distance and hearing aid abandonment, accounting for confounding effects.ResultsApproximately 18% of the sample abandoned the hearing aid, and around 50% reported using the hearing aid every day. A twofold increase in distance between home and the hearing center yielded a 35% (RR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04–1.74; p = 0.022) increased risk of hearing aid abandonment. Also, those in the second quintile had a 2.17 times the risk of abandoning the hearing aid compared to the first quintile (up to 2.3 km). Under the assumption that patients reside within the first quintile of distance, a potential reduction of 45% in the incidence of hearing aid abandonment would be observed. The observed risk remained consistent across different statistical models to assess sensitivity.ConclusionA higher distance between the residence and the healthcare center increases hearing aid abandonment risk. The association may be explained by barriers in purchasing supplies required to maintain the device (batteries, cleaning elements, potential repairs, or maintenance).