bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2001–2004
Authors: Huang Yong , Wang Yingying , Su Huiyi , Wang Hexi , Xu Haoyu , Xu Chengwei , Zhou Fulin , Zhang Yao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential across a wide range of disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of PUFA intake on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
The study included a total of 3730 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2004. Univariate analysis, multivariate regression analysis, subgroup analysis and machine learning were utilized to explore the relationship of variables to ED. Dose response curves were constructed to observe the linear or nonlinear relationship between PUFA intake and the prevalence of ED. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used for sensitivity analysis. Finally, the potential mechanistic link between PUFA intake and ED was explored.

Results
Through univariate and multivariate regression analysis results before and after PSM and XGBoost algorithm model results, arachidonic acid (AA) was chosen as the main research object. The consumption of AA was found to be associated with a decreased prevalence of ED under the fully adjusted model [OR = 0.33 (0.20, 0.56), P < 0.001]. The interaction between AA and education was found in the subgroup analysis. Dose-response curves indicated a linear negative correlation between AA intake and the prevalence of ED. The above results were confirmed in the data analysis after 1:1 PSM. In addition, AA intake was associated with a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers and homocysteine.

Conclusions
The results suggest that AA intake is negatively correlated with the prevalence of ED. Further, anti-inflammatory and anti-endothelial damage may play a role in this.
Decoding meningioma heterogeneity and neoplastic cell—macrophage interaction through single-cell transcriptome profiling across pathological grades
Authors: Fan Hailang , Song Lairong , Fan Jian , Ma Junpeng , Li Xiaojie , Zhang Junting , Hu Jian , Wu Zhen , Zhang Dake , Wang Liang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Analyzing meningioma of distinct pathological types at the single-cell level can provide new and valuable insights into the specific biological mechanisms of each cellular subpopulation, as well as their vital interplay within the tumor microenvironment.

Methods
We recruited patients diagnosed with four distinct types of meningioma and performed single-cell RNA sequencing on their tumor samples, concurrently analyzing a publicly available dataset for comparison. Next, we separated the cells into discrete clusters and identified their unique identities. Using pseudotime analysis, we demonstrated cellular differentiation and dynamics. To investigate biological function, we employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis, gene regulatory network, and gene set enrichment analysis. Additionally, we conducted cell–cell communication analyses to characterize interactions among different clusters and validated a crucial interaction using multiple immunofluorescence staining.

Results
The single-cell transcriptomic profiles for five meningioma of different pathological types demonstrated that neoplastic cells exhibited high inter-sample heterogeneity and diverse biological functions featured by metabolic regulation. A small cluster of neoplastic cells (N5 cluster, < 3%) was most proliferative, indicated by high expression of MKI67 and TOP2A. They were primarily observed in our atypical and transitional meningioma samples and located at the beginning of the pseudotime differentiation branch for neoplastic cells. Macrophages, the most abundant immune cells present, showed two distinct developmental trajectories, one promoting and the other suppressing meningioma growth, with the MIF-CD74 interaction serving as the primary signaling pathway for MIF signals in the tumor environment. Unexpectedly, despite its small cluster size, the N5 cluster demonstrated a significant contribution in this interaction. By staining pathological sections of more samples, we found that this interaction was widely present in different types of meningiomas.

Conclusions
Meningioma neoplastic cells' diverse types cause inter-sample heterogeneity and a wide range of functions. Some proliferative neoplastic cell may educate macrophages, which promotes tumorigenesis possibly through the MIF-CD74 interaction. It provides novel clues for future potential therapeutic avenues.
Does dietary nitrate boost the effects of caloric restriction on brain health? Potential physiological mechanisms and implications for future research
Authors: Alharbi Mushari , Stephan Blossom CM , Shannon Oliver M , Siervo Mario 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDementia is a highly prevalent and costly disease characterised by deterioration of cognitive and physical capacity due to changes in brain function and structure. Given the absence of effective treatment options for dementia, dietary and other lifestyle approaches have been advocated as potential strategies to reduce the burden of this condition. Maintaining an optimal nutritional status is vital for the preservation of brain function and structure. Several studies have recognised the significant role of nutritional factors to protect and enhance metabolic, cerebrovascular, and neurocognitive functions. Caloric restriction (CR) positively impacts on brain function via a modulation of mitochondrial efficiency, endothelial function, neuro-inflammatory, antioxidant and autophagy responses. Dietary nitrate, which serves as a substrate for the ubiquitous gasotransmitter nitric oxide (NO), has been identified as a promising nutritional intervention that could have an important role in improving vascular and metabolic brain regulation by affecting oxidative metabolism, ROS production, and endothelial and neuronal integrity. Only one study has recently tested the combined effects of both interventions and showed preliminary, positive outcomes cognitive function. This paper explores the potential synergistic effects of a nutritional strategy based on the co-administration of CR and a high-nitrate diet as a potential and more effective (than either intervention alone) strategy to protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.
The effects of intermittent fasting diet alone or in combination with probiotic supplementation in comparison with calorie-restricted diet on metabolic and hormonal profile in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Talebi Sepide , Shab-Bidar Sakineh , Mohammadi Hamed , Moini Ashraf , Djafarian Kurosh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in females characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and other metabolic disorders. Both intermittent fasting and specific probiotics have been suggested to help improve patients with PCOS through changes in gut microbial composition, circadian clock, and metabolic regulation. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting alone or in combination with probiotic supplementation compared to the calorie-restricted (CR) diet on anthropometric measures, metabolic status, inflammation, and oxidative stress in women with PCOS.

Methods
We will carry out a randomized clinical trial for 8 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of the three groups: (1) a 14:10 early time-restricted feeding (TRF) diet with probiotic supplementation (n = 30); (2) a 14:10 early TRF diet with placebo supplementation (n = 30); (3) a CR diet (energy-restricted 25% of required calories) with placebo supplementation as a control group (n = 30). The primary outcomes will be changes in body weight and insulin resistance. However, glycemic control, lipid profile, metabolic parameters, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone, anti-Mullerian hormone, free androgen index, hirsutism, acne, antioxidant and oxidant status, inflammation, anthropometric measures, mental health, sleep quality, appetite, eating behavior, food craving, and blood pressure are secondary outcomes. All outcomes of this study will be evaluated in pre- and post-intervention.

Discussion
We hypothesized that 10-h TRE administered alone or in combination with probiotic supplementation to overweight and obese PCOS subjects would lead to weight loss and improved metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory, and antioxidant markers compared to control subjects following a standard 3-meal-per-day CR diet.

Ethical aspects
The current trial received approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (IR.TUMS.MEDICNE.REC.1401.425).

Trial registration
Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20121110011421N5. Registered on 3 October 2022.
SWAT 84: effects of same-day consent vs delayed consent on the recruitment and retention of trial participants—an observational SWAT
Authors: Elfghi M. , Jordan F. , Sultan S. , Tawfick W. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background and aim
The recruitment process in a randomized trial can be challenging. Poor recruitment can have a negative impact on the allocated budget and estimated completion date of the study and may result in an underpowered study. We aimed to perform a Study Within A Trial (SWAT) to evaluate the impact of same-day consent or delayed consent on recruitment and retention in the host trial.

Methods
This SWAT is designed as a prospective cohort design. The host trial was a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle modification programme in participants with peripheral arterial disease. Researchers screened the participants for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consents were obtained from the participants who were willing to participate in the study on a standardized consent form. Participants were given the option to consent on the same day or to delay their consent. Following the consent, the participants were allocated to two groups (same-day consent vs. delayed consent) based on pre-determined criteria for SWAT. One hundred sixteen participants were consented to take part in the host trial. Seventy-five participants were randomized to the host trial. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who withdrew consent at the recruitment phase. Secondary outcomes were reasons for consent withdrawal and dropout, attrition rate, and adherence with the host trial intervention.

Results
There was a significantly lower consent-withdrawal rate in same-day consent (17.4%, n = 8/46), compared to the delayed consent group (47.1%, n = 33/70), p = 0.001. There was a significantly lower dropout rate in participants randomized following same-day consent (10.5%, n = 4/38), compared to those randomized after delayed consent (29.7%, n = 11/37), p = 0.038. Transport was the main reason mentioned for consent withdrawal and dropout. In participants randomized to the host trial intervention arm, there was a significant difference in adherence (percentage of the 12-week programme completed) between same-day consent (96.7% ± 4.9) and delayed consent participants (86.4% ± 11.2), p = 0.003, as well as number of weeks completed (mean difference =  − 1.547, 95% confidence intervals (− 2.237 to − 0.85)), p = 0.02.

Conclusion
This SWAT found evidence that participants who gave consent on the same day seemed to have better adherence and fewer-withdrawal and dropout rates.

SWAT registration
The SWAT was registered on the Northern Ireland Network for Trials Methodology Research, SWAT 84.
Investigating the effect of the inhibitory peptide on L.monocytogenes cell invasion: an in silico and in vitro study
Authors: Shivaee Ali , Bahonar Sara , Goudarzi Mehdi , Hematian Ali , Hajikhani Bahareh , Sadeghi Kalani Behrooz 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aims
L.monocytogenes monocytogenes is an omnipresent bacterium that causes a fatal food-borne illness, listeriosis. The connection of this bacterium to E-cadherin through internalin A plays a significant role in the internalization of the bacteria. In this study, this interaction has been investigated for the design of an inhibitory peptide.

Methods
The interaction of the proteins involved in the entry of bacteria was evaluated by molecular docking. According to their interactions, an inhibitory peptide was designed to bind to internalin A by server peptiderive. Its effects on L.monocytogenes invasion on the Caco-2 cell line and biofilm formation were also assessed.

Findings
Docking results showed that the peptide has a high affinity for binding to Internalin A. The synthesized peptide at a concentration of 64 µg/ml inhibited 80% of the invasion of L.monocytogenes into the Caco-2 cell line. Furthermore, the studied peptide at the highest concentration had a slight inhibitory effect on biofilm formation.

Conclusion
These results reveal that short polypeptides can impede the invasion of target cells by L. monocytogenes in vitro and could be advantageous as restoring agents in vivo.
Congenital lower urinary tract obstruction with spontaneous fetal bladder rupture due to posterior urethral valves: a case report
Authors: Adriaenssens Max , De Boe Veerle 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare but significant condition affecting fetal urinary tract development. LUTO has a range of etiologies, with posterior urethral valves (PUV) being the most common cause. The prenatal diagnosis of LUTO plays a crucial role in recognizing the condition and guiding management decisions. Prenatal ultrasound serves as the primary tool for identifying LUTO, with key findings including megacystis, bladder wall thickening, oligohydramnios, hydronephrosis, and the 'keyhole sign' indicating dilatation of the posterior urethra. We present a case of congenital LUTO with a rare complication of spontaneous fetal bladder rupture and urinary ascites, treated by peritoneo-amniotic shunt placement.

Case presentation
A 27-year-old pregnant Caucasian women was referred at 28 weeks of pregnancy due to the presence of megacystis and bilateral hydronephrosis on routine ultrasound and suspicion of LUTO. Repeat ultrasound at 29 weeks showed significant fetal ascites, oligohydramnios and resolution of megacystis and hydronephrosis, after which diagnosis of spontaneous bladder rupture was made. Despite ascites aspiration and amnio-infusion, there was persistent ascites and oligohydramnios. A peritoneo-amniotic shunt was placed with resolution of ascites and normalization of the amniotic fluid volume. At 35 weeks, relapse of the megacystis was observed with bilateral pyelectasis and oligohydramnios, possibly due to healing of the bladder rupture, after which elective cesarean section was planned. Cystography confirmed spontaneous healing of the bladder rupture and the presence of posterior urethral valves, which were resected in the neonatal period with cold knife incision. Total follow-up of 8 years continued to show positive ultrasonographic results and good renal function, but the child suffers from bladder dysfunction, manifesting as overactive bladder disease.

Conclusions
LUTO might lead to important renal dysfunction and pulmonary hypoplasia in case of increasing disease severity. Spontaneous bladder rupture might improve renal prognosis, acting as a pop-off mechanism by decompression of the urinary tract. However, fetal bladder rupture is rare and only few cases have been reported. Prenatal intervention can be considered for moderate or severe LUTO, but the benefit for long-term outcome remains uncertain and further studies are needed.
sRetor: a semi-centralized regular topology routing scheme for data center networking
Authors: Jia Zequn , Liu Qiang , Sun Yantao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe performance of the data center network is critical for lowering costs and increasing efficiency. The software-defined networks (SDN) technique has been adopted in data center networks due to the recent emergence of advanced network control and flexibility demand. However, the rapid growth of data centers increases the complexity of control and management processes. With the rapid adoption of SDN, the following critical challenges arise in large-scale data center networks: 1) extra packet delay on the separated control plane and 2) controller bottleneck in large-scale topology. We propose sRetor in this paper, a topology-description-language-based routing approach for regular data center networks that leverages data center networks’ regularity. sRetor aims to reduce the packet waiting time and controller workload in software-defined data center networking. We propose to move partial forwarding decision-making from the controller to switches to eliminate unnecessary control plane delay and reduce controller workload. Therefore the sRetor controller is only responsible for troubleshooting complicated failures and on-demand traffic scheduling. Our numerical and experimental results show that sRetor reduces the flow start time by over 68% and the fail-over time by over 84%.
Factors associated with underweight, overweight, stunting and wasting among primary school-going children participating in a school health initiative in South Africa
Authors: Gwelo Netsai Bianca , Sumankuuro Joshua , Akintola Olagoke , Brieger William R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The double burden of malnutrition among children remains a public health challenge in South Africa. In response, the government of South Africa developed the National Health Policy and Implementation Guidelines for school-going children in 2003. This policy was subsequently upgraded to ‘The Integrated School Health Programme’ in 2012. An element of the programme is the provision of a meal to school-going children on school days. However, evidence suggests that one-third of school-going children continue to have nutritional deficiencies. This study investigated the sociodemographic as well as the nutritional characteristics of school-going children participating in a school health initiative in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Methods
This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study involving 1,275 children (50.3% females and 49.7% males) aged 3 to 15 years. Epidemiological data on the screening of the children’s nutritional characteristics by school health nurses and school health nutritionists under the integrated school health programme (ISHP) was reviewed and analysed for the study.

Results
Nearly half (50.3%) and 49.7% of the population were females and males, respectively. The average age of participants was 8.4 years old. ‘Underweight’ (p = 0.000), ‘overweight’ (p = 0.000), ‘at risk of overweight’ (p = 0.000),‘stunting’ (p = 0.000),‘severe stunting’ (p = 0.005), ‘wasting’ (p = 0.010), and ‘obesity’ (p = 0.037) were associated with the ‘schools that children attended’. School-going children’ living conditions were significantly associated with ‘normal weight’ (p = 0.000), ‘underweight’ (p = 0.000), and ‘underweight’ (p = 0.028). However, the social grant to parents/guardians had some positive effects on the percentage of children who reported ‘normal weight’ (55.4%), ‘wasting’ (1.0%), ‘underweight’ (4.0%), and ‘at risk of overweight’ (20.2%).

Conclusion
Chronic nutritional deficiencies persist among children. Therefore, ISHP implementation must retarget specific regions of the country to ensure that national goals and gains on school-going children nutrition, are met and maintained. Indeed, considering the positive impact of the government’s social grant programme on the nutritional status of the children in this study, we recommend policy reforms that will increase parents’ and carers’ access to means of subsistence in order to meet the health and nutritional needs of children in the study communities.
Relationship between BDNF gene polymorphisms and alcohol-related liver cirrhosis
Authors: Peregud Danil I. , Baronets Valeria Yu. , Lobacheva Anna S. , Ivanov Alexandr S. , Garmash Irina V. , Arisheva Olga S. , Kobalava Zhanna D. , Pirozhkov Sergey V. , Terebilina Natalia N. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background and aim
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) functions not only in the brain but also in peripheral tissues such as the liver. Genetic factors determine the development of alcohol dependence and somatic consequences of chronic intoxication, especially liver cirrhosis. The BDNF gene polymorphisms are associated with alcohol dependence; however, their relationship with the development of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC) has not yet been established. This study evaluated the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BDNF gene and liver cirrhosis in heavy drinkers.

Methods
BDNF-related SNPs rs925946, rs6265, rs10835210, rs7103411, and rs75945125 were determined using real-time PCR in heavy drinkers with and without liver cirrhosis. Single SNPs and defined haplotypes within the BDNF gene were tested for association with ALC.

Results
According to both codominant and recessive genetic models, carriers of the rs925946 TT genotype have an elevated risk of liver cirrhosis development with odds ratios (confidence intervals) 6.287 (1.286–30.738) and 6.321 (1.317–30.348), respectively. BDNF SNPs rs6265, rs10835210, rs7103411, and rs75945125 do not associate with risk of ALC. One block of haplotypes consisting of rs10835210 and rs7103411 demonstrated linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 1 and r2 = 0.228). The revealed haplotypes do not associate with the development of liver cirrhosis in alcohol heavy drinkers.

Conclusion
Thus, the BDNF rs925946 SNP is associated with the risk of ALC in heavy drinkers. Future investigations of the BDNF gene-related genetic markers of ALC will help to objectively assess the risk and severity of liver damage and correct the corresponding therapy.
The Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Britton Rhys C , Beamish Nicole F 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To summarize the current state of knowledge surrounding the impact of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women.

Methodology
In this scoping review, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted in adherence to a methodological framework comprising 4 distinct stages: conceptualizing a comprehensive search strategy, screening relevant publications, extracting pertinent data, and organizing and synthesizing the resultant findings. The search used electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar, to ensure an exhaustive survey of the available literature.

Results
The database search yielded 150 articles, including systematic reviews, registered trials, and peer-reviewed studies, of which 48 duplicates were removed. Following the title/abstract screening, 36 publications were included in the full-text review. On completion of the full-text review, using the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 29 articles were excluded and 7 remained for data extraction and qualitative synthesis.

Main Conclusion
Existing research provides promising insights into the benefits of low-dose testosterone therapy, typically combined with estrogen therapy. These benefits may include positive impacts on body composition, functional capacity, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers, and cholesterol. However, there remains a substantial lack of knowledge surrounding the effects and mechanisms behind testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women in relation to its impacts on cardiovascular risk. High-quality, evidence-based clinical intervention research is needed to investigate testosterone therapy's potential implication on cardiovascular risk factors in post-menopausal women.