bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research trend of MRI application for lumbar disc degeneration with low back pain: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Saeed Azzam , Shao Haoyue , Hezam Kamal , Liu Chaoxu , Zhang Qiya , Tang Xiangyu 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundLow Back Pain (LBP) is a pervasive and complex musculoskeletal condition affecting over 80% of the global population. Lumbar Disc Degeneration (LDD) significantly contributes to LBP, and MRI is crucial for its diagnosis and understanding. This study aimes to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of MRI research on LDD with LBP, shedding light on research patterns, collaborations, and potential knowledge gaps.MethodsA comprehensive online search was conducted in the Scopus database to retrieve published literature on LDD with LBP. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess publication patterns, co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and co-citation analysis within the MRI applications for LDD research domain. Bibliometric analysis tools such as VOSviewer and the R package “bibliometrix” were utilized for quantitative assessments.ResultsA total of 1,619 publications related to MRI and LDD were analyzed. The analysis indicated a consistent annual growth rate of 4.62% in publications related to MRI and lumbar disc degeneration, reflecting a steady increase in research output over the past two decades. The USA, China, and Japan emerged as leading contributors. “SPINE“, “European Spine Journal“, and “Spine Journal” were the most productive journals in this domain. Key research themes identified included lumbar spine, low back pain, and magnetic resonance imaging. Network visualization shows that low back pain and magnetic resonance imaging were the most widely used keywords.ConclusionThe comprehensive bibliometric analysis of MRI applications for Lumbar Disc Degeneration offers insights into prevailing research patterns, highlights key contributors and journals, and identifies significant research themes. This study provides a foundation for future research efforts and clinical practices in the field, ultimately contributing to the advancement of patient care for individuals suffering from LDD and associated Low Back Pain.
A longitudinal study of the brain structure network changes in HIV patients with ANI: combined VBM with SCN
Authors: Xu Fan , Ma Juming , Wang Wei , Li Hongjun 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundDespite the widespread adoption of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in managing HIV, the virus’s impact on the brain structure of patients remains significant. This study aims to longitudinally explore the persistent effects of HIV on brain structure, focusing on changes in gray matter volume (GMV) and structural covariance network (SCN) among patients at the Asymptomatic Neurocognitive Impairment (ANI) stage.MethodsThis research involved 45 HIV patients diagnosed with ANI and 45 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs). The participants were observed over a 1.5-year period. Differences in GMV between groups were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM), while the graph theory model facilitated the establishment of topological metrics for assessing network indices. These differences were evaluated using two-sample t-tests and paired-sample t-tests, applying the network-based statistics method. Additionally, the study examined correlations between GMV and cognitive performance, as well as clinical variables.ResultsCompared with HCs, HIV patients demonstrated reduced GMV in the right middle temporal gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus (FWE, p &lt; 0.05), along with decreased betweenness centrality (BC) in the left anterior cingulate and paracingulate cortex. Conversely, an increase in the clustering coefficient (Cp) was observed (FDR, p &lt; 0.05). During the follow-up period, a decline in GMV in the right fusiform gyrus (FWE, p &lt; 0.05) and a reduction in node efficiency (Ne) in the triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus were noted compared with baseline measurements (FDR, p &lt; 0.05). The SCN of HIV patients exhibited small-world properties across most sparsity levels (Sigma &gt;1), and area under the curve (AUC) analysis revealed no significant statistical differences between groups.ConclusionThe findings suggest that despite the administration of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV continues to exert slow and sustained damage on brain structures. However, when compared to HCs, the small-world properties of the patients’ SCNs did not significantly differ, and the clustering coefficient, indicative of the overall information-processing capacity of the brain network, was slightly elevated in HIV patients. This elevation may relate to compensatory effects of brain area functions, the impact of cART, functional reorganization, or inflammatory responses.
Multiple reports on the causal relationship between various chronic pain and gut microbiota: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Yuxin , Wen Shuyang , Hu Jinjing , Wang Ziyi , Huang Guozhi , Zeng Qing , Zou Jihua 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundPrevious evidence suggests a link between gut microbiota and chronic pain, but the causal relationship is not yet fully understood.MethodsWe categorized gut microbiota based on phylum, class, order, family, and genus levels and gathered pain-related information from the UKB and FinnGen GWAS project. Then, we conducted MR analysis to explore the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and chronic pain at 12 specific locations.ResultsWe have discovered a direct connection between genetic susceptibility in the gut microbiota (gut metabolites) and pain experienced at 12 specific locations. Notably, Serotonin (5-HT) and Glycine were found to be associated with a higher risk of pain in the extremities. On the other hand, certain microbial families and orders were found to have a protective effect against migraines. Specifically, the family Bifidobacteriaceae (IVW, FDR p = 0.013) was associated with a lower risk of migraines. Furthermore, the genus Oxalobacter (IVW, FDR p = 0.044) was found to be linked to an increased risk of low back pain. Importantly, these associations remained significant even after applying the Benjamini-Hochberg correction test. Our analysis did not find any heterogeneity in the data (p &gt; 0.05), as confirmed by the Cochrane’s Q-test. Additionally, both the MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO tests indicated no significant evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionOur MR analysis demonstrated a causal relationship between the gut microbiota and pain, highlighting its potential significance in advancing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of microbiota-mediated pain.
Nearly half of HIV-positive children attending public health facilities are suffering from chronic under-nutrition in conflict-affected zones of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abraham Awoke , Kawuki Joseph , Aragie Tesfaye , Elias Cherinet , Birahanu Zewudu , Dawit Desalegn , Israel Eskinder 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundIn combination with HIV infection, malnutrition is a complicated medical condition with high morbidity and mortality rates in affected children due to a variety of socioeconomic and medical etiological variables. To combat this, information from a range of contexts is required, but there is little evidence, particularly about the nutritional status of under 15 living with HIV in impoverished communities such as conflict affected areas. Therefore, in this study the magnitude and related factors of stunting among under 15 children antiretroviral therapy at public health facilities was assessed.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among under 15 children living with HIV in conflict-affected zones of Southern Ethiopia. After providing written informed consent to study participants, data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with nutritional status, using SPSS Version 25.ResultsOf the 401 participants, 197 (49.1%, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.54) had height-for-age z-score ≤ -2. In the multivariable analysis, larger household size (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04–2.40), dietary diversity (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.07–2.96) and having a history of recurrent diarrhea (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.07–3.59) were significantly associated with chronic under nutrition.ConclusionsThe prevalence found in this study was high when compared with the stunting target set in SDG, which states to end all forms of malnutrition In order to mitigate the negative health effects of diarrhea during HIV therapy, extra attention needs to be paid to facilitate timely detection and on-going monitoring. Nutrition programs in conflict-affected areas need to consider households with larger family sizes and/or routinely having fewer food groups.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict medication risk based on a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey of residents in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Xie Da-shuai , Xie Xue-hu , Yang Li-hua , Li Na , Zhang Xiao , Xie Yi-tong , Yang Wei , Ning Yao-jun , Xie Jun , Cheng Xiao-jun , Duan Shao-jun , Wang Shi-wei , Hao Li-hong , Shi Ping 
Published: April 2024

Objective:Unsafe medication practices and medication errors are a major cause of harm in healthcare systems around the world. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence the risk of medication and provide medication risk evaluation model for adults in Shanxi province, China.Methods:The data was obtained from the provincial questionnaire from May to December 2022, relying on the random distribution of questionnaires and online questionnaires by four hospitals in Shanxi Province. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors affecting the KAP score of residents. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors, and the nomogram was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration and decision curve analysis.Results:A total of 3,388 questionnaires were collected, including 3,272 valid questionnaires. The average scores of drugs KAP were 63.2 ± 23.04, 33.05 ± 9.60, 23.67 ± 6.75 and 33.16 ± 10.87, respectively. On the evaluation criteria of the questionnaire, knowledge was scored “fair”, attitude and practice were scored “good”. Sex, monthly income, place of residence, insurance status, education level, and employment were regarded as independent risk factors for medication and a nomogram was established by them.Conclusion:Males, low-income, and low-educated people are important factors affecting the risk of medication. The application of the model can help residents understand the risk of their own medication behavior and reduce the harm of medication.
Liver X receptor agonist upregulates LPCAT3 in human aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Bousquet Delphine , Nader Elie , Connes Philippe , Guillot Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveEndothelial cells (ECs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis. Recently, EC lipid metabolism has emerged as a regulator of EC function. The liver X receptors (LXRs) are involved in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and have been identified as a potential target in cardiovascular disease. We aimed to decipher the role of LXRs in the regulation of lipid metabolism in human aortic endothelial cells.Approach and ResultsLipid composition analysis of endothelial cells treated with the LXR agonist T0901317 revealed that LXR activation increased the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and decreased the proportion of saturated fatty acids. The LXR agonist decreased the uptake of fatty acids (FAs) by ECs. This effect was abolished by LXRα silencing. LXR activation increased the activity and the expression of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase, LPCAT3, which is involved in the turnover of FAs at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. Transcriptomic analysis also revealed that LXRs increased the expression of key genes involved in the synthesis of PUFAs, including FA desaturase one and 2, FA elongase 5 and fatty acid synthase. Subsequently, the LXR agonist increased PUFA synthesis and enhanced arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid content in the EC phospholipids. Modification of the FA composition of ECs by LXRs led to a decrease of arachidonate and linoleate derived prostaglandins synthesis and release. No change on markers of inflammation induced by plasma from sickle cell patient were observed in presence of LXR agonist.ConclusionThese results identify LXR as a key regulator of lipid metabolism in human aortic endothelial cells and a direct effect of LXR agonist on lysophosphatidylacyl transferase (LPCAT3).
Influence of early childhood parental hostility and socioeconomic stress on children’s internalizing symptom trajectories from childhood to adolescence
Authors: Williams Lue , Oro Veronica , Blackwell Courtney K. , Liu Chang , Miller Elizabeth B. , Ganiban Jody , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , DeGarmo David S. , Shaw Daniel S. , Chen Tong , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Leve Leslie D. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionChildren and adolescents with elevated internalizing symptoms are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other psychopathology later in life. The present study examined the predictive links between two bioecological factors in early childhood—parental hostility and socioeconomic stress—and children’s internalizing symptom class outcomes, while considering the effects of child sex assigned at birth on internalizing symptom development from childhood to adolescence.Materials and MethodsThe study used a sample of 1,534 children to test the predictive effects of socioeconomic stress at ages 18 and 27 months; hostile parenting measured at child ages 4–5; and sex assigned at birth on children’s internalizing symptom latent class outcomes at child ages 7–9, 10–12, 13–15, and 16–19. Analyses also tested the mediating effect of parenting on the relationship between socioeconomic stress and children’s symptom classes. Other covariates included parent depressive symptoms at child ages 4–5 and child race and ethnicity.ResultsAnalyses identified three distinct heterogenous internalizing symptom classes characterized by relative symptom levels and progression: low (35%); moderate and increasing (41%); and higher and increasing (24%). As anticipated, higher levels of parental hostility in early childhood predicted membership in the higher and increasing symptom class, compared with the low symptom class (odds ratio (OR) = .61, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.48,.77]). Higher levels of early childhood socioeconomic stress were also associated with the likelihood of belonging to the higher-increasing symptom class compared to the low and moderate-increasing classes (OR = .46, 95% CI [.35,.60] and OR = .56, 95% CI [.44,.72], respectively). The total (c = .61) and direct (c’ = .57) effects of socioeconomic stress on children’s symptom class membership in the mediation analysis were significant (p &lt;.001).DiscussionStudy findings suggest that intervening on modifiable bioecological stressors—including parenting behaviors and socioeconomic stressors—may provide important protective influences on children’s internalizing symptom trajectories.
No gene by stressful life events interaction on individual differences in adults’ self-control
Authors: Willems Yayouk Eva , Raffington Laurel , Ligthart Lannie , Pool Rene , Hottenga Jouke Jan , Finkenauer Catrin , Bartels Meike 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundDifficulty with self-control, or the ability to alter impulses and behavior in a goal-directed way, predicts interpersonal conflict, lower socioeconomic attainments, and more adverse health outcomes. Etiological understanding, and intervention for low self-control is, therefore, a public health goal. A prominent developmental theory proposes that individuals with high genetic propensity for low self-control that are also exposed to stressful environments may be most at-risk of low levels of self-control. Here we examine if polygenic measures associated with behaviors marked by low self-control interact with stressful life events in predicting self-control.MethodsLeveraging molecular data from a large population-based Dutch sample (N = 7,090, Mage = 41.2) to test for effects of genetics (i.e., polygenic scores for ADHD and aggression), stressful life events (e.g., traffic accident, violent assault, financial problems), and a gene-by-stress interaction on self-control (measured with the ASEBA Self-Control Scale).ResultsBoth genetics (β =.03 -.04, p &lt;.001) and stressful life events (β = .11 -.14, p &lt;.001) were associated with individual differences in self-control. We find no evidence of a gene-by-stressful life events interaction on individual differences in adults’ self-control.ConclusionOur findings are consistent with the notion that genetic influences and stressful life events exert largely independent effects on adult self-control. However, the small effect sizes of polygenic scores increases the likelihood of null results. Genetically-informed longitudinal research in large samples can further inform the etiology of individual differences in self-control from early childhood into later adulthood and its downstream implications for public health.
Sexual dysfunctions in psoriatic patients
Authors: Nowowiejska Julia , Karny Agata , Nesterowicz Miłosz , Purpurowicz Piotr , Baran Anna , Kaminski Tomasz W. , Purpurowicz Zbigniew , Flisiak Iwona 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionPsoriasis is one the most common skin diseases associated with a great decrease in the quality of patients’ lives.MethodsWe aimed to study sexual dysfunctions in psoriatic patients using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for women and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men via an anonymous online survey. The study included 80 psoriatic patients and 75 controls without dermatoses.ResultsThere was a downward trend in the total IIEF score in psoriatic men compared to controls. 58% of male patients and 76% of controls had a normal IIEF score. There was no significant difference in IIEF between patients treated and not with systemic agents. 62% of female patients had a decreased FSFI score, whereas in the control group, the majority of subjects (54%) had a normal FSFI score. There was no significant difference in FSFI score between patients and controls. Female patients treated with systemic antipsoriatic agents had significantly worse lubrication, satisfaction with sexual life, and pain.DiscussionOur study has shown that the majority of questioned female psoriatic patients had sexual dysfunction according to FSFI, particularly they had worse satisfaction with sexual life and less sexual desire compared to women without psoriasis. The majority of male patients did not have sexual dysfunction according to IIEF, however, they had significantly worse overall satisfaction with sexual life and confidence to keep an erection. Systemic antipsoriatic treatment does not probably influence sexual dysfunctions in men but it does in women although we were not able to assess the severity or resolution of lesions after those treatments. However embarrassing, psoriatic patients should be questioned about their sexual lives by dermatologists, and more studies are needed to explore this matter.
An unintended consequence of COVID-19 immunity passports—quasi-experimental evidence of moral hazard observed after implementing the domestic Green Pass policy during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Oliva Cristina 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesAmidst the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Italian policymakers mandated to exhibit evidence of vaccination or immunity (the Green Pass) as a condition to access retail premises and public offices. This study aims to offer evidence, in a quasi-experimental setting, suggesting that an unintended consequence of this policy was the emergence of moral hazard.MethodsGoogle visit duration data measured the time customers typically spend on retail premises or public offices. A pairwise comparison of median visit time per premise was performed at a six-week interval before and after the introduction of the Green Pass.ResultsThis study is the first to provide evidence of “ex-post” moral hazard associated with introducing a domestic Green Pass policy. The median visiting time on premises that required digital immunity control significantly increased after introducing the domestic Green Pass policy, contrary to other public premises where access remained free of limitations. The increase in median visit time in premises with faster customer turnaround, such as coffee shops (+49%) and fast-food restaurants (+45%), was lower than the increase observed for fine-dining restaurants (+74%) and pizzerias (+163%). No significant increase in median visit time was observed in premises where the Green Pass was not required, such as food supermarkets, retail non-food shops, post offices, banks, pharmacies, and gas stations.ConclusionThe evidence of moral hazard highlights the critical issue of unintended consequences stemming from public health policies. This discovery is pivotal for policymakers, indicating that unforeseen behavioral adjustments could offset the intended benefits despite the intent to reduce risk through measures like the Green Pass.
Non-compliance with smoke-free law in public places: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global studies
Authors: Daba Chala , Atamo Amanuel , Gasheya Kassahun Ayele , Geto Abebe Kassa , Gebrehiwot Mesfin 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionNon-compliance with smoke-free law is one of the determinants of untimely mortality and morbidity globally. Various studies have been conducted on non-compliance with smoke-free law in public places in different parts of the world; however, the findings are inconclusive and significantly dispersed. Moreover, there is a lack of internationally representative data, which hinders the evaluation of ongoing international activities towards smoke-free law. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of non-compliance with smoke-free law in public places.MethodsInternational electronic databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, African Journals Online, HINARI, Semantic Scholar, google and Google Scholar were used to retrieve the relevant articles. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. The Higgs I2 statistics were used to determine the heterogeneity of the reviewed articles. The random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval was carried out to estimate the pooled prevalence of non-compliance.ResultsA total of 23 articles with 25,573,329 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of non-compliance with smoke-free law was 48.02% (95% CI: 33.87–62.17). Extreme heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2 = 100%; p &lt; 0.000). The highest non-compliance with smoke-free law was noted in hotels (59.4%; 95% CI: 10.5–108.3) followed by homes (56.8%; 95% CI: 33.2–80.4), with statistically significant heterogeneity.ConclusionAs the prevalence of non-compliance with smoke-free law is high in public places, it calls for urgent intervention. High non-compliance was found in food and drinking establishments and healthcare facilities. In light of these findings, follow-up of tobacco-free legislation and creating awareness that focused on active smokers particularly in food and drinking establishments is recommended.