bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating immune cells and vitiligo: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xin Yu , Yuan Tao , Wang Jun 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of vitiligo remains elusive. Emerging evidence suggests that vitiligo is an immune-mediated disorder, in which a plethora of immune cells play pivotal roles. However, the association between circulating immune cells and vitiligo continues to be enigmatic.Materials and methodsWe extracted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with immune circulating cells at a genome-wide significance level from the BLOOD CELL CONSORTIUM’s genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset. Summary data for 385,801 cases of vitiligo were obtained from a large-scale Finnish genome-wide association study (ncases=292, ncontrols=385,509). The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as the primary analytical approach for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Additionally, heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q value, and horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated using MR-Egger Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier and leave-one-out analyses.ResultsThe risk of vitiligo was found to increase with the elevation of 4 circulating immune cells, as evidenced by the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs): basophils (OR=1.81; 95% CI: 1.01–3.24, p=0.0450), monocytes (OR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.23–2.26, p=0.0009), eosinophils (OR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.22–2.59, p=0.0028), and neutrophils (OR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.08–2.54, p=0.0208). After removing outliers, the sensitivity analysis of the above indicators did not show heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ConclusionOur findings illuminate the association between circulating immune cells and vitiligo, offering insights that could guide clinical practices in the treatment of vitiligo.
Occurrence of the calanoid copepod Acartia (Odontacartia) ohtsukai in Laizhou Bay, the Bohai Sea, China, and its relationship with environmental factors
Authors: Zuo Tao , Wang Di , Li Yongtao , Niu Mingxiang , Cheng Zhaolong , Wang Jun 
Published: June 2024

In this study, we examined the short-term variation in the abundance of copepod Acartia specimens, identified previously as Acartia pacifica, in Laizhou Bay, an estuarine bay in the southern Bohai Sea in northern China. Monthly samples were collected from May 2011 to April 2012, excluding December 2011 and January to February 2012 due to ice. Based on its morphological characteristics, Acartia ohtsukai was distinguishable from A. pacifica for the first time in Laizhou Bay. A. ohtsukai was sporadically present from summer to autumn, with the highest abundance and occurrence in September. It appeared in June when the water temperature was above 20°C, and disappeared in November when the water temperature decreased to less than 10°C. During the surveyed months, A. ohtsukai was more commonly found inshore with salinity less than 28 than offshore in the bay. Correlation analysis revealed that temperature and chlorophyll a concentration significantly influenced the monthly variations in A. ohtsukai abundance. We also compared the occurrence of A. ohtsukai with that of three species from the genus Tortanus (Tortanus derjugini, Tortanus forcipatus, and Tortanus spinicaudatus) in Laizhou Bay. The coexistence of A. ohtsukai and T. derjugini in the bay suggests that their ecological habitats are similar to those of brackish-water species.
Safety and efficacy of peripheral metaraminol infusion in patients with neurological conditions: a single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Han Pan , Zhou Yu 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionMetaraminol is a sympathomimetic amine vasopressor that can be administrated through a peripheral venous access. However, limited evidence restricts its application in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of peripheral metaraminol infusion in patients with neurological conditions.MethodsPatients who received peripheral metaraminol infusion between May 2019 and April 2022 were recruited. Data on baseline characteristics, clinical parameters, and infusion-related complications were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results273 patients who received metaraminol were enrolled. Of these, 35 (12.8%) patients required central venous catheter insertion due to inability in achieving hemodynamic stability following peripheral metaraminol monotherapy. In 29,574.2 hours of vasopressor infusion, metaraminol infusion resulted achievement of the target blood pressure 73.4% of the time. Meanwhile, adverse events occurred in 5 patients and resolved after local tissue treatment.DiscussionMetaraminol could provide hemodynamic support and avoid complications associated with a central venous catheter and delay in vasopressor administration. Through careful and close monitoring, peripheral metaraminol infusion is safe and feasible for patients with neurological conditions. Future large-scale, prospective, multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of metaraminol infusion through a peripheral intravenous catheter.
Age-related changes in olivocochlear efferent innervation in gerbils
Authors: Steenken Friederike , Pektaş Asli , Köppl Christine 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionAge-related hearing difficulties have a complex etiology that includes degenerative processes in the sensory cochlea. The cochlea comprises the start of the afferent, ascending auditory pathway, but also receives efferent feedback innervation by two separate populations of brainstem neurons: the medial olivocochlear and lateral olivocochlear pathways, innervating the outer hair cells and auditory-nerve fibers synapsing on inner hair cells, respectively. Efferents are believed to improve hearing under difficult conditions, such as high background noise. Here, we compare olivocochlear efferent innervation density along the tonotopic axis in young-adult and aged gerbils (at ~50% of their maximum lifespan potential), a classic animal model for age-related hearing loss.MethodsEfferent synaptic terminals and sensory hair cells were labeled immunohistochemically with anti-synaptotagmin and anti-myosin VIIa, respectively. Numbers of hair cells, numbers of efferent terminals, and the efferent innervation area were quantified at seven tonotopic locations along the organ of Corti.ResultsThe tonotopic distribution of olivocochlear innervation in the gerbil was similar to that previously shown for other species, with a slight apical cochlear bias in presumed lateral olivocochlear innervation (inner-hair-cell region), and a broad mid-cochlear peak for presumed medial olivocochlear innervation (outer-hair-cell region). We found significant, age-related declines in overall efferent innervation to both the inner-hair-cell and the outer-hair-cell region. However, when accounting for the age-related losses in efferent target structures, the innervation density of surviving elements proved unchanged in the inner-hair-cell region. For outer hair cells, a pronounced increase of orphaned outer hair cells, i.e., lacking efferent innervation, was observed. Surviving outer hair cells that were still efferently innervated retained a nearly normal innervation.DiscussionA comparison across species suggests a basic aging scenario where outer hair cells, type-I afferents, and the efferents associated with them, steadily die away with advancing age, but leave the surviving cochlear circuitry largely intact until an advanced age, beyond 50% of a species’ maximum lifespan potential. In the outer-hair-cell region, MOC degeneration may precede outer-hair-cell death, leaving a putatively transient population of orphaned outer hair cells that are no longer under efferent control.
Dietary choline intake and colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study of 2005–2018 NHANES cycles
Authors: Xu Xijuan , Ying Hongan , Huang Lili , Hong Weiwen , Chen Wenbin 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundIt remains unclear if choline intake is associated with colorectal cancer. Therefore, we examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 32,222 U.S. adults in the 2005–2018 NHANE cycles, among whom 227 reported colorectal cancer. Dietary choline was derived from 24-h recalls. Logistic regression estimated odds of colorectal cancer across increasing intake levels, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsAfter adjusting for sociodemographic variables, BMI, alcohol use, smoking status, comorbidities, and dietary factors (energy, fat, fiber, and cholesterol), the odds ratio (OR) for colorectal cancer was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.69–1.06, p = 0.162) per 100 mg higher choline intake. Across increasing quartiles of choline intake, a non-significant inverse trend was observed (Q4 vs. Q1 OR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.37 ~ 1.55, P-trend = 0.23). Subgroup analyses revealed largely consistent associations, with a significant interaction by hypertension status (P-interaction =0.022).ConclusionIn this large, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, higher dietary choline intake was not significantly associated with colorectal cancer odds after adjusting for potential confounders. However, a non-significant inverse trend was observed. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Genetically determined dietary habits and risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Teng Fei , Sun Jiahui , Chen Zheyu , Li Hao 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundEmerging evidence have suggested that dietary habits have potential implication on the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, elucidating the causal relationship between specific dietary factors and AD risk remains a challenge. Therefore, our study endeavors to investigate the causal association between dietary habits and the risk of AD.Materials and methodsWe analyzed data on 231 dietary habits sourced from the UK Biobank and MRC-IEU, and AD data obtained from the FinnGen database. Employing a framework based on the classic two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, we utilized the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analysis. Additionally, we conducted Steiger filtering and other methods to mitigate horizontal pleiotropy. The robustness of our overall findings was confirmed through multiple sensitivity analysis methods, and forward MR and reverse MR to address potential reverse causality bias.ResultsOur study evaluated the causal effect between 231 dietary habits involving over 500,000 participants of European ancestry, and 10,520 AD cases. Only oily fish intake demonstrated a significant protective causal relationship with AD following FDR correction (raw p-value = 1.28e-4, FDR p-value = 0.011, OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.47–0.78). Additionally, six dietary habits potentially influenced AD risk, with protective causal effects observed for average monthly intake of other alcoholic drinks (raw p-value = 0.024, FDR p-value = 0.574, OR = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.35–0.93) and tea intake (raw p-value = 0.047, FDR p-value = 0.581, OR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.603–1.00). Conversely, detrimental causal effects were observed for the average weekly champagne plus white wine intake (raw p-value = 0.006, FDR p-value = 0.243, OR = 2.96, 95%CI: 1.37–6.38), Danish pastry intake (raw p-value = 0.036, FDR p-value = 0.574, OR = 13.33, 95%CI: 1.19–149.69), and doughnut intake (raw p-value = 0.039, FDR p-value = 0.574, OR = 7.41, 95%CI: 1.11–49.57). Moreover, the protective effect of goat’s cheese intake phenotype exhibited statistical significance only in the IVW method (raw p-value&lt;0.05).ConclusionOur results provide genetic support for a protective causal effect of oily fish intake on AD risk. Additionally, average monthly intake of other alcoholic drinks and tea consumption were also related with a lower risk of AD. Conversely, average weekly champagne plus white wine intake, Danish pastry intake, and doughnut intake were causally associated with increased risk of AD.
School electrocardiography screening program prompts the detection of otherwise unrecognized atrial septal defect in children in Japan
Authors: Yodoya Noriko , Sawada Hirofumi , Mitani Yoshihide , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Tsuboya Naoki , Ohya Kazunobu , Takeoka Mami , Hayakawa Hidetoshi , Hirayama Masahiro 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAtrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart disease that often presents without symptoms or murmurs. If left untreated, children with ASD can develop comorbidities in adulthood. In Japan, school electrocardiography (ECG) screening has been implemented for all 1st, 7th, and 10th graders. However, the impact of this program in detecting children with ASD is unknown.MethodsThis is a retrospective study that analyzed consecutive patients with ASD who underwent catheterization for surgical or catheter closure at ≤18 years of age during 2009–2019 at a tertiary referral center in Japan.ResultsOf the overall 116 patients with ASD (median age: 3.0 years of age at diagnosis and 8.9 years at catheterization), 43 (37%) were prompted by the ECG screening (Screening group), while the remaining 73 (63%) were by other findings (Non-screening group). Of the 49 patients diagnosed at ≥6 years of age, 43 (88%) were prompted by the ECG screening, with the 3 corresponding peaks of the number of patients at diagnosis. Compared with the non-screening group, the screening group exhibited similar levels of hemodynamic parameters but had a lower proportion of audible heart murmur, which were mainly prompted by the health care and health checkups in infancy or preschool period. Patients positive for a composite parameter (rsR' type of iRBBB, inverted T in V4, or ST depression in the aVF lead) accounted for 79% of the screening group at catheterization, each of which was correlated with hemodynamic parameters in the overall patients.ConclusionsThe present study shows that school ECG screening detects otherwise unrecognized ASD, which prompted the diagnosis of the majority of patients at school age and &gt;one-third of overall patients in Japan. These findings suggest that ECG screening program could be an effective strategy for detecting hemodynamically significant ASD in students, who are asymptomatic and murmurless.
Adverse events in different administration routes of semaglutide: a pharmacovigilance study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Niu Kaibin , Fan Maoxia , Gao Wulin , Chen Chen , Dai Guohua 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundWith the continuously increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, known for their dual benefits of effectively controlling blood glucose levels while also reducing weight and lowering cardiovascular disease risks, have been widely employed in the treatment of this condition. In recent years, semaglutide has garnered significant attention as the only injectable and orally administered glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). However, it is important to note that different routes of administration may lead to varying adverse events in patients. The aim of this study is to compare the adverse event profiles of semaglutide across different routes of administration by analyzing the adverse event reporting system of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The findings from this analysis will provide valuable insights for clinical practice and drug surveillance.MethodsData was extracted from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, specifically focusing on the period from the fourth quarter of 2017 to the fourth quarter of 2023. A comparative analysis was conducted using disproportionality analysis, reporting odds ratio (ROR), and stratified analysis methods to assess and compare the signals of adverse events (AE) and the time to onset of adverse reactions associated with different routes of administration of semaglutide from 2017 to 2023.ResultsA total of 22,287 adverse reaction records related to semaglutide were identified in the FAERS database. A comparative analysis was performed on 16,346 records of subcutaneous administration and 2,496 records of oral administration. Different routes of administration can lead to varying adverse reaction outcomes. Compared to oral administration, subcutaneous injection is more likely to result in adverse events related to the endocrine system. Oral administration is more likely to induce adverse events in the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, it significantly accelerates the onset of adverse reactions. The comparative analysis of all relevant results indicates that semaglutide can lead to different adverse reaction events depending on the route of administration. Furthermore, there are significant differences in the time of onset for these adverse reactions.ConclusionSemaglutide exhibits variations in adverse reaction events and the time of onset across different routes of administration. Therefore, when selecting the route of administration for semaglutide, clinicians should consider the risk of adverse events and weigh them against the clinical benefits. Based on these considerations, appropriate guidance and recommendations can be provided to patients.
Gut microbiota and postpartum depression: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Wei Lechuan , Tan Hongfei , Pang Wenwen 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests a correlation between intestinal microbiota and the gut-brain axis; however, the causal relationship between gut microbiota and postpartum depression (PPD) remains unclear.MethodsIn this study, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design was employed to analyze the GWAS data of gut microorganisms from the Mibiogen database and PPD data from the UK biobank. Various statistical methods, including inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted model, and MR-PRESSO, were utilized to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and PPD. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.ResultsThrough MR analysis, it was found that phylum Actinobacteria (P=0.014, OR=0.971, 95% CI=0.948-0.994) and genus Holdemanella (P=0.023, OR=0.979, 95% CI=0.961-0.997) have protective effects on PPD, while the other two unknown genera, genus Unknown Ids 2001 (P=0.025, OR=0.972,95% CI=0.947-0.996), and genus Unknown Ids 2755 (P=0.012, OR=0.977, 95% CI=0.959-0.995) also has a protective effect on PPD. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that there is no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionThis study has identified a causal association between Actinomycetota, Holdemanella, and PDD through MR analysis. These findings offer significant contributions to the development of personalized treatment approaches for PPD, encompassing interventions such as dietary modifications or microbiome interventions.
Examining the association of family environment and children emotional/behavioral difficulties in the relationship between parental anxiety and internet addiction in youth
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Zhou Keyin , Wang Yang , Zhang Jing , Xie Yuanchen , Wang Xin , Yang Wenyi , Zhang Xiyan , Yang Jie , Wang Fei 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionAssociations between parental anxiety and adolescent internet addiction have been documented in the literature; however, few studies have analyzed the role of the family environment in this relationship. This study aims to explore the relationship between parental anxiety and adolescent internet addiction while also investigating the indirect relationships involving multiple dimensions of the family environment and child emotional behavior issues.MethodsSurveys were conducted among 6,296 parent-child pairs. We administered SDQ, CIAS-R, and FES-CV to assess adolescents’ issues and internet addiction, and evaluate family environment. Additionally, parents completed GAD-7 to assess parental anxiety levels.Results: Correlation analysis revealed that the family environment and adolescent emotional behavior issues played an indirect relationship in the link between parental anxiety and internet addiction.DiscussionThe findings emphasize the importance of addressing parental anxiety and fostering a positive family environment as effective measures to alleviate adolescent emotional behavior problems and reduce the risk of internet addiction.
Factors associated with maternal mortality in Kazakhstan: a pre- and during-pandemic comparison
Authors: Nukeshtayeva Karina , Kayupova Gaukhar , Yerdessov Nurbek , Bolatova Zhanerke , Zhamantayev Olzhas , Turmukhambetova Anar 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThe maternal mortality indicator serves as a crucial reflection of a nation’s overall healthcare, economic, and social standing. It is necessary to identify the variations in its impacts across diverse populations, especially those at higher risk, to effectively reduce maternal mortality and enhance maternal health. The global healthcare landscape has been significantly reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, pressing disparities and stalling progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in maternal mortality reduction.MethodsThis study investigates the determinants of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan from 2019 to 2020 and maternal mortality trends in 17 regions from 2000 to 2020, employing data extracted from national statistical reports. Stepwise linear regression analysis is utilized to explore trends in maternal mortality ratios in relation to socioeconomic factors and healthcare service indicators.ResultsThe national maternal mortality ratio in Kazakhstan nearly tripled from 13.7 in 2019 to 36.5 per 100,000 live births in 2020. A remarkable decrease was observed from 2000 until around 2015 with rates spiked by 2020. Significant factors associated with maternal mortality include antenatal care coverage and the number of primary healthcare units. Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as secondary education enrollment and cases of domestic violence against women emerged as predictors of MMR. Moreover, the impact of the pandemic was evident in the shift of coefficients for certain predictors, such as antenatal care coverage in our case. In 2020, predictors of MMR continued to include secondary education enrollment and reported cases of domestic violence.ConclusionDespite Kazakhstan’s efforts and commitment toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in maternal mortality reduction, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic poses alarming challenges. Addressing these challenges and strengthening efforts to mitigate maternal mortality remains imperative for advancing maternal health outcomes in Kazakhstan.