bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood metagenomics next-generation sequencing has advantages in detecting difficult-to-cultivate pathogens, and mixed infections: results from a real-world cohort
Authors: Qian Mengjia , Li Chang , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhan Yanxia , Zhu Bijun , Wang Lingyan , Shen Qi , Yue Lei , Chen Hao , Cheng Yunfeng 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundBlood is a common sample source for metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to detect the diagnostic value of blood mNGS in a large real-world cohorts.MethodsBlood mNGS results of 1,046 cases were collected and analyzed along with other laboratory tests. The capabilities and accuracy of blood mNGS were compared with other conventional approaches.ResultsBoth the surgical department and the intensive care unit had a positive rate of over 80% in blood mNGS. The positive rate of mNGS was consistent with clinical manifestations. Among the 739 positive samples, 532 were detected as mixed infections. Compared to pathogen cultures, the negative predictive value of blood mNGS for bacteria and fungi detection was 98.9% [95%CI, 96.9%-100%], with an accuracy rate of 89.39%. When compared with polymer chain reaction, the consistency rates of blood mNGS for virus identification were remarkably high.ConclusionsBlood mNGS have significant advantages in detecting difficult-to-cultivate bacteria or fungi, viruses, and mixed infections, which benefits patients of surgery department the most. Samples other than blood are recommended for mNGS test if a specific infection is suspected. The reporting threshold and reporting criteria of blood mNGS need to be optimized.
Neurosteroid [3α,5α]-3-hydroxy-pregnan-20-one enhances IL-10 production via endosomal TRIF-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway
Authors: Balan Irina , Grusca Adelina , O’Buckley Todd K. , Morrow A. Leslie 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPrevious studies demonstrated the inhibitory effect of allopregnanolone (3α,5α-THP) on the activation of inflammatory toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signals in RAW264.7 macrophages and the brains of selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) rats. In the current study, we investigated the impact of 3α,5α-THP on the levels of IL-10 and activation of the TRIF-dependent endosomal TLR4 pathway.MethodsThe amygdala and nucleus accumbens (NAc) of P rats, which exhibit innately activated TLR4 pathways as well as RAW264.7 cells, were used. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunoblotting assays were used to ascertain the effects of 3α,5α-THP on the TRIF-dependent endosomal TLR4 pathway and endosomes were isolated to examine translocation of TLR4 and TRIF. Additionally, we investigated the effects of 3α,5α-THP and 3α,5α-THDOC (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 µM) on the levels of IL-10 in RAW264.7 macrophages. Finally, we examined whether inhibiting TRIF (using TRIF siRNA) in RAW264.7 cells altered the levels of IL-10.Results3α,5α-THP administration facilitated activation of the endosomal TRIF-dependent TLR4 pathway in males, but not female P rats. 3α,5α-THP increased IL-10 levels (+13.2 ± 6.5%) and BDNF levels (+21.1 ± 11.5%) in the male amygdala. These effects were associated with increases in pTRAM (+86.4 ± 28.4%), SP1 (+122.2 ± 74.9%), and PI(3)K-p110δ (+61.6 ± 21.6%), and a reduction of TIRAP (−13.7 ± 6.0%), indicating the activation of the endosomal TRIF-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway. Comparable effects were observed in NAc of these animals. Furthermore, 3α,5α-THP enhanced the accumulation of TLR4 (+43.9 ± 11.3%) and TRIF (+64.8 ± 32.8%) in endosomes, with no significant effect on TLR3 accumulation. Additionally, 3α,5α-THP facilitated the transition from early endosomes to late endosomes (increasing Rab7 levels: +35.8 ± 18.4%). In RAW264.7 cells, imiquimod (30 µg/mL) reduced IL-10 while 3α,5α-THP and 3α,5α-THDOC (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 µM) restored IL-10 levels. To determine the role of the TRIF-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway in IL-10 production, the downregulation of TRIF (−62.9 ± 28.2%) in RAW264.7 cells led to a reduction in IL-10 levels (−42.3 ± 8.4%). TRIF (−62.9 ± 28.2%) in RAW264.7 cells led to a reduction in IL-10 levels (−42.3 ± 8.4%) and 3α,5α-THP (1.0 µM) no longer restored the reduced IL-10 levels.ConclusionThe results demonstrate 3α,5α-THP enhancement of the endosomal TLR4-TRIF anti-inflammatory signals and elevations of IL-10 in male P rat brain that were not detected in female P rat brain. These effects hold significant implications for controlling inflammatory responses in both the brain and peripheral immune cells.
Changes in body mass index and waist circumference and heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhou Yang , Chai Xiangping , Yang Guifang , Sun Xin , Xing Zhenhua 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundTo determine the association of unintentional changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with the risk of heart failure (HF) among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial (the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes [ACCORD] study), with a double 2×2 factorial design conducted at 77 clinical centers across the United States and Canada. In total, the study comprised 10,251 patients with T2DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at a high risk of CVD. The outcome of interest in the present analysis was incident HF, defined as the first hospitalization event for HF or death due to HF. Hospitalization for HF was based on documented clinical and radiological evidence. Death due to HF was based on clinical, radiological, or postmortem evidence of HF, with an absence of an acute ischemic event according to clinical or postmortem evidence.ResultsParticipants with class III obesity had the smallest BMI and WC changes, followed by those with normal weight, overweight, class I obesity, and class II obesity. Increasing BMI (hazard ratio [HR] per standard deviation increase, 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.45) and WC (1.27; 1.10–1.47) were significantly associated with a higher risk of HF. The relationship between BMI and WC changes and HF formed a J-shaped curve, while stable BMI and WC were associated with lower risks of HF. Compared with participants in the first tertiles of BMI and WC change, those in the third tertiles had HRs of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.07–1.45) and 1.48 (1.12–1.95), respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, our findings suggest a noteworthy association between BMI and WC changes among adults with T2DM in HF. We observed a distinctive J-shaped curve in this relationship, indicating that participants with both low and high BMI and WC changes were more susceptible to developing HF.Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00000620
Evaluation of the efficacy, safety and influencing factors of concomitant and sequential administration of viral respiratory infectious disease vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Dafeng , Han Yifang , Xu Ruowei , Qin Mingke , Shi Jianwei , Zhang Caihong , Zhang Jinhai , Ye Fuqiang , Luo Zhenghan , Wang Yuhe , Wang Chunfang , Wang Chunhui 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThere is no clear conclusion on the immunogenicity and adverse events of concomitant administration the viral respiratory infectious disease vaccines. We aimed to evaluate the impact of concomitant administering viral respiratory infectious disease vaccines on efficiencies, safety and influencing factors.MethodsThis meta-analysis included studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, Web of Science, WHO COVID-19 Research, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Randomized controlled trials of the adult participants concomitant administered with viral respiratory infectious disease vaccine and other vaccines were included. The main outcomes were the seroconversion rate and seroprotection rate of each vaccine. Used the Mantel–Haenszel fixed effects method as the main analysis to estimate the pooled RRs and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias for each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, while evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system.ResultsA total of 21 studies comprising 14060 participants with two types of vaccines were retained for the meta-analysis. Concomitant immunization reduced the geometric mean titer (RR: 0.858, 95% CI: (0.785 to 0.939)) and the geometric mean fold rise (0.754 (0.629 to 0.902)) in the SARS-COV-2 vaccine group but increased the seroconversion rate (1.033 (1.0002 to 1.067)) in the seasonal influenza vaccine group. Concomitant administration were influenced by the type of vaccine, adjuvant content, booster immunization, and age and gender of the recipient.ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggested that the short-term protection and safety of concomitant administered were effective. Appropriate adjuvants, health promotion and counselling and booster vaccines could improve the efficiency and safety of Concomitant vaccination.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022343709.
Causal effects and immune cell mediators between prescription analgesic use and risk of infectious diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jin Yi , Yu Xinghao , Li Jun , Su Mingzhu , Li Xiaomin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionClinical observations have found that prolonged use of analgesics increases the incidence of infection. However, the direct causal relationship between prescription analgesic use (PAU) and risk of infection (ROI) remains unclear.MethodsThis study used Mendelian randomization (MR) design to estimate the causal effect of PAU on ROI, as well as their mediating factors. Genetic data on prescription analgesics use and immune cells were obtained from published GWAS. Additionally, data on ROI were extracted from the FinnGen database. Two-sample MR analysis and multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis were performed using inverse variance weighting (IVW) to ascertain the causal association between PAU and ROI. Finally, 731 immune cell phenotypes were analyzed for their mediating role between analgesics and infection.ResultsUsing two-sample MR, IVW modeling showed that genetically predicted opioid use was associated with increased risk of pulmonary infection (PI) (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.21, p&lt; 0.001) and upper respiratory infection (URI) (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.30, p&lt; 0.001); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were related to increased risk of skin and subcutaneous tissue infection (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.39, p = 0.007), and antimigraine preparations were linked to a reduced risk of virus hepatitis (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69–0.91, p&lt; 0.001). In MVMR, the association of opioids with URI and PI remained after accounting for cancer conditions. Even with a stricter threshold (p&lt; 0.05/30), we found a significant causal association between opioids and respiratory infections (URI/PI). Finally, mediation analyses found that analgesics influence the ROI through different phenotypes of immune cells as mediators.ConclusionThis MR study provides new genetic evidence for the causal relationship between PAU and ROI, and the mediating role of immune cells was demonstrated.
Comparison and analysis of multiple machine learning models for discriminating benign and malignant testicular lesions based on magnetic resonance imaging radiomics
Authors: Feng Yanhui , Feng Zhaoyan , Wang Liang , Lv Wenzhi , Liu Zhiyong , Min Xiangde , Li Jin , Zhang Jiaxuan 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveAccurate identification of testicular tumors through better lesion characterization can optimize the radical surgical procedures. Here, we compared the performance of different machine learning approaches for discriminating benign testicular lesions from malignant ones, using a radiomics score derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsOne hundred fifteen lesions from 108 patients who underwent MRI between February 2014 and July 2022 were enrolled in this study. Based on regions-of-interest, radiomics features extraction can be realized through PyRadiomics. For measuring feature reproducibility, we considered both intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients. We calculated the correlation between each feature and the predicted target, removing redundant features. In our radiomics-based analysis, we trained classifiers on 70% of the lesions and compared different models, including linear discrimination, gradient boosting, and decision trees. We applied each classification algorithm to the training set using different random seeds, repeating this process 10 times and recording performance. The highest-performing model was then tested on the remaining 30% of the lesions. We used widely accepted metrics, such as the area under the curve (AUC), to evaluate model performance.ResultsWe acquired 1,781 radiomic features from the T2-weighted maps of each lesion. Subsequently, we constructed classification models using the top 10 most significant features. The 10 machine-learning algorithms we utilized were capable of diagnosing testicular lesions. Of these, the XGBoost classification emerged as the most superior, achieving the highest AUC value of 0.905 (95% confidence interval: 0.886–0.925) on the testing set and outstripping the other models that typically scored AUC values between 0.697–0.898.ConclusionPreoperative MRI radiomics offers potential for distinguishing between benign and malignant testicular lesions. An ensemble model like the boosting algorithm embodied by XGBoost may outperform other models.
Pregnancy rate and outcomes after uterine artery embolization for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Yan Xiaoli , Zhou Le , He Guolin , Liu Xinghui 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe assessment of the relative impacts of uterine artery embolization (UAE) treatment for female patients is a critical field that informs clinical decisions, yet there is a noticeable scarcity of high-quality, long-term comparative studies. This meta-analysis aimed to focus on the pregnancy rate and outcomes in female patients following UAE and to conduct subgroup analyses based on different patient populations or various control treatments.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted on 2 August 2023 through the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library of Clinical Trials for all potential studies. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to compare pregnancy rates and outcomes between the UAE group and the control group. Heterogeneity was evaluated statistically by using the chi-square-based Cochran’s Q test and Higgins I2 statistics, and 95% prediction interval (PI). Software R 4.3.1 and Stata 12.0 were used for meta-analysis. The trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed with TSA v0.9.5.10 Beta software.ResultsA total of 15 eligible studies (11 cohort studies, 3 randomized controlled trials, and 1 non-randomized clinical trial) were included in this meta-analysis. The overall results revealed that UAE significantly decreased postoperative pregnancy rate [RR (95% CI): 0.721 (0.531–0.979), 95% PI: 0.248–2.097] and was associated with an increased risk of postoperative PPH [RR (95% CI): 3.182 (1.319–7.675), 95% PI: 0.474–22.089]. Analysis grouped by population indicated that UAE decreased the risk of preterm delivery [RR (95% CI): 0.326 (0.128–0.831), p = 0.019] and cesarean section [RR (95% CI): 0.693 (0.481–0.999), p = 0.050] and increased the risk of placenta previa [RR (95% CI): 8.739 (1.580–48.341), p = 0.013] in patients with UFs, CSP, and PPH, respectively. When compared with myomectomy, HIFU, and non-use of UAE, UAE treatment was associated with the reduced risks of preterm delivery [RR (95% CI): 0.296 (0.106–0.826)] and cesarean section [(95% CI): 0.693 (0.481–0.999), p = 0.050] and increased placenta previa risk [RR (95% CI): 10.682 (6.859–16.636)], respectively.ConclusionUAE treatment was associated with a lower postoperative pregnancy rate and increased risk of PPH. Subgroup analysis suggested that UAE was shown to decrease the risk of preterm delivery and cesarean section and increase placenta previa risk.Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, Identifier CRD42023448257.
Psychosocial and auditory factors that influence successful music-based auditory training in pediatric cochlear implant recipients
Authors: Gfeller Kate , Mallalieu Ruth 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionCochlear implants (CIs), which are designed to support spoken communication of persons with severe to profound hearing loss, can provide improved hearing capability through passive exposure. However, auditory training may optimize perception of spectrally complex sounds such as music or speech. Reviews of music-based training for pediatric CI users have reported modest though variable benefits, as well as problems with attrition. It is presumed that more substantial changes may result from longer, more intensive training; however, the development of protocols sufficiently motivating for sustained intensity is challenging. This article examined the experiences of star pediatric CI users, whose years of music training have yielded exceptional auditory benefits. Greater understanding of their experiences and attitudes may suggest best practices for music-based training. Research aims included: (a) characterizing the musical behaviors and perceptual learning processes of music-centric (Music-centric, for purposes of this paper, refers to CI users who engage in sustained and successful music making such as music lessons and ensembles and focused music listening over a period of years, and who derive deep satisfaction from those experiences.) pediatric CI users, and (b) identifying psychosocial and auditory factors that motivated persistence in auditory training.MethodsWe used qualitative and patient-engaged research methodologies, gathering data through questionnaires with open-ended questions. The participants, six music-centric CI users and five parents, described their experiences and attitudes regarding music training, and factors that supported or undermined those experiences. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe codes were consolidated into five themes and organized into a Model of Music-Based Learning for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients. Sustained participation in music training was perceived as a dynamic process including varied musical stimuli, and moderated by intrinsic (attitude, perceived behavioral control) and extrinsic (parents, teachers, peers) influences, hearing status, sound access and background factors.DiscussionThese themes highlighted motivational factors that pediatric CI users and parents considered important to sustained, intensive and successful music learning throughout childhood and adolescence. These factors should be considered in the development of music-based training for pediatric CI recipients.
Comparisons of air-conduction hearing thresholds between manual and automated methods in a commercial audiometer
Authors: Liu Hui , Fu Xinxing , Li Mohan , Wang Shuo 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation of air-conduction thresholds between automated audiometry in a non-isolated environment and manual audiometry in participants with normal hearing and different degrees of hearing loss.MethodsEighty-three participants aged 11–88 years old underwent automated pure-tone audiometry in a non-acoustically isolated environment, and the results were compared with those of manual pure-tone audiometry performed in a standard acoustically isolated booth, with the order of testing randomised. Six frequencies of 250, 500, 1,000, 2000, 4,000 and 8,000 Hz were tested.ResultsAll 166 ears were completed and 996 valid hearing threshold data were obtained, with 28 data exceeding the 95% confidence interval in the Bland–Altman plot, accounting for 2.81% of all data. The means and standard deviations of the differences for the six frequencies from 250 to 8,000 Hz were, respectively, 0.63 ± 5.31, 0.69 ± 4.50, 0.45 ± 4.99, 0.3 ± 6.2, −0.15 ± 4.8, and 0.21 ± 4.97 dB. The correlation coefficients of the two test results for normal hearing, mild, moderate, severe and above hearing loss groups were 0.95, 0.92, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. The correlation coefficient of the automated and manual audiometry thresholds for the age groups under 40 years, 40–60 years, and 60 years above, were 0.98, 0.97 and 0.97, respectively, with all being statistically significant (p &lt; 0.01). The response time of the three age groups were 791 ± 181 ms, 900 ± 190 ms and 1,063 ± 332 ms, respectively, and there was a significant difference between the groups under 40 years and over 60 years.ConclusionThere was good consistency between automated pure-tone audiometry in a non-acoustically isolated environment and manual pure-tone audiometry in participants with different hearing levels and different age groups.
Changes in the urinary proteome of rats after short-term intake of magnesium L-threonate(MgT)
Authors: Shen Ziyun , Yang Minhui , Wang Haitong , Liu Yuqing , Gao Youhe 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionMagnesium (Mg) is an important mineral in living organisms. Magnesium has multiple functions in the human body, wherein it plays an important therapeutic and preventive role in a variety of diseases.MethodsUrine samples of rats before and after gavage of magnesium L-threonate (MgT) were collected, and the urinary proteome was identified using the LC-MS/MS technique and analyzed using various databases.Results and discussionThe results illustrated that the urinary proteome of rats was significantly altered after short-term intake of magnesium supplements and that the differential proteins and the biological functions were related to magnesium. This study innovatively establishes a method to study nutrients from the perspective of urine proteomics. This work demonstrates that the urinary proteome is capable of reflecting the effects of nutrient intake on the organism in a more systematic and comprehensive manner and has the potential to provide clues for clinical nutrition research and practice.