bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strong association of lumbar disk herniation with diabetes mellitus: a 12-year nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Jing-Xing , Hsu Tzu-Ju , Hsu Shu-Bai , Lin Yu-Hsiang 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundDespite reports on the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and lumbar disk herniation (LDH), large-scale, nationwide studies exploring this relationship are lacking. We aimed to examine the profiles of DM in individuals with LDH and explore the potential mechanisms underlying the development of these disorders.MethodsThis retrospective, population-based study was conducted between 2008 and 2019 using data from the National Health Insurance (NHI) research database in Taiwan. The primary outcome was the date of initial LDH diagnosis, death, withdrawal from the NHI program, or end of the study period.ResultsIn total, 2,662,930 individuals with and 16,922,546 individuals without DM were included in this study; 719,068 matched pairs were established following propensity score matching (1:1 ratio) for sex, age, comorbidities, smoking, alcohol consumption, antihyperglycemic medications, and index year. The adjusted risk for developing LDH was 2.33-fold (95% confidence interval: 2.29−2.37; P&lt;0.001), age-stratified analysis revealed a significantly greater risk of LDH in every age group, and both males and females were approximately twice as likely to develop LDH in the DM compared with non-DM cohort. Individuals with DM and comorbidities had a significantly higher risk of developing LDH than those without, and the serial models yielded consistent results. Treatment with metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, or alpha-glucosidase inhibitors was associated with a more than 4-fold increased risk of LDH in the DM cohort. DM was strongly associated with the long-term development of LDH; over the 12-year follow-up period, the cumulative risk of LDH was significantly higher in patients with than without DM (log-rank P&lt;0.001).ConclusionDM is associated with an increased risk of LDH, and advanced DM may indicate a higher risk of LDH.
Bariatric surgery and mental health outcomes: an umbrella review
Authors: Law Saikam , Dong Shiliang , Zhou Fuqing , Zheng Dexi , Wang Cunchuan , Dong Zhiyong 
Published: November 2023

AimsTo evaluate the breadth, depth and effectiveness of the evidence quality of all existing studies on bariatric surgery and mental health outcomes.DesignUmbrella review of existing Systematic review and meta-analyses.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Liberally databases of Systematic review and meta-analyses, and hand searching the reference lists of eligible publications.ResultsThe search identified nine studies and 20 mental health outcomes from 1251 studies. Evidence shows that bariatric surgery is associated with significant improvement in areas such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders (including binge-eating disorder), and there is a significant harmful association with suicide, self-harm and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Among them, the most studied outcome is depression (4 articles). High-quality evidence proves that the score of depressive symptoms can be significantly improved after bariatric surgery within a two-year follow-up period and is not affected by the follow-up time. Low-quality evidence shows that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce depressive symptoms regardless of age and BMI, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.49. Regardless of the postoperative BMI, the anxiety symptoms of women over 40 still decreased significantly, with an OR of 0.58. Regardless of the type of surgery, surgery can significantly reduce the incidence of eating disorders and symptoms. However, there is no obvious change in the follow-up time of AUD in the first two years after bariatric surgery, and the risk increases obviously in the third year, with an OR of 1.825. The evidence of moderate research shows that the risk of suicide and self-harm increases after bariatric surgery. The odds ratios in the same population and the control group were 1.9 and 3.8 times, respectively.ConclusionBariatric surgery is beneficial for improving most mental health-related outcomes. However, we should be cautious about the increased risk of adverse mental health after surgery, such as suicide, self-harm, and AUD.
Comparative analyses of salivary exosomal miRNAs for patients with or without lung cancer
Authors: Liu Mengfeng , Yu Xiran , Bu Jianlong , Xiao Qifan , Ma Sitong , Chen Naozhong , Qu Changfa 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Exosomes are involved in different types of cancer, including lung cancer.Methods: We collected saliva from patients with (LC) or without (NC) lung cancer and successfully isolated salivary exosomes by ultracentrifugation. MiRNA sequencing was implemented for the exosome samples from NC and LC groups, dgeR was used to determine differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to verify three differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs).Results: A total of 372 miRNAs were identified based on the sequencing results. Subsequently, 15 DE miRNAs were identified in LC vs. NC, including eight upregulated miRNAs and seven downregulated miRNAs. Some DE miRNAs were validated via qPCR. A total of 488 putative target genes of the upregulated DE miRNAs were found, and the functional analyses indicated that numerous target genes were enriched in the pathways associated with cancer.Discussion: This suggests that miRNAs of salivary exosomes might have the potential to be used as biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of lung cancer.
Long-term trends in functional diversity of exploited marine fish in the Azores’ archipelago: past and present
Authors: Costa Eudriano F. S. , Campanyà-Llovet Neus , Cuvelier Daphne , Menezes Gui M. , Colaço Ana 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionEffective fisheries management requires monitoring and quantifying changes in exploited fish communities. Concerns about global fisheries sustainability have led to innovative approaches. Functional diversity, rooted in ecological theory, offers valuable insights into fishery activities and ecosystem processes. A trait-based approach was used to investigate the functional diversity of landed fish species in the Azores archipelago from 1980 to 2021.MethodsLandings data of exploited Actinopterygii and Elasmobranchii were provided by the Azores Fisheries Auction Services (LOTAÇOR/OKEANOS-UAc Fisheries Database). A trait matrix was built, incorporating 12 functional traits assigned to each species, capturing their importance in marine ecological processes. The Quickhull algorithm for convex hull was employed to calculate the volume occupied by the species in the four-dimensional functional space. Functional diversity (FD) was measured using three indices: functional richness (FRic), functional evenness (FEve), and functional divergence (FDiv). Trends in FD indices over the past 42 years were visualized using Generalized Additive Models (GAM) with interaction terms.Results and discussionGAM analysis revealed significant variations in the functional space and FD metrics over time. FRic exhibited peaks in the 1980s and 2010s, declining in the 1990s and from the 2010s onwards, indicating diversification in target species. The recent decrease in FRic can be attributed to the absence of catches of species with unique traits. The distribution of landings and trait combinations showed higher regularity in the functional space during the 1980s and 1990s (high FEve). Actinopterygii species targeted in the 1980s and 1990s had lower trait divergence (low FDiv) compared to those targeted from the 2000s onwards (high FDiv). Variability in FD can be linked to changes in fishing practices, species availability, market demand, environmental factors, and local regulations. This study underscores the importance of considering FD metrics alongside species richness and abundance when assessing the potential effects of fisheries on marine ecosystems and sustainable use of fishery resources.
Low bone mineral density is associated with gray matter volume decrease in UK Biobank
Authors: Kalc Polona , Dahnke Robert , Hoffstaedter Felix , Gaser Christian 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesPrevious research has found an association of low bone mineral density (BMD) and regional gray matter (GM) volume loss in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We were interested whether BMD is associated with GM volume decrease in brains of a healthy elderly population from the UK Biobank.Materials and methodsT1-weighted images from 5,518 women (MAge = 70.20, SD = 3.54; age range: 65–82 years) and 7,595 men (MAge = 70.84, SD = 3.68; age range: 65–82 years) without neurological or psychiatric impairments were included in voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis in CAT12 with threshold-free-cluster-enhancement (TFCE) across the whole brain.ResultsWe found a significant decrease of GM volume in women in the superior frontal gyri, middle temporal gyri, fusiform gyri, temporal poles, cingulate gyri, precunei, right parahippocampal gyrus and right hippocampus, right ventral diencephalon, and right pre- and postcentral gyrus. Only small effects were found in men in subcallosal area, left basal forebrain and entorhinal area.ConclusionBMD is associated with low GM volume in women but less in men in regions afflicted in the early-stages of AD even in a sample without neurodegenerative diseases.
Vestibular function after simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in adults
Authors: Yokoi Jun , Fujita Takeshi , Uehara Natsumi , Iwaki Shinobu , Kakigi Akinobu , Nibu Ken-ichi 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionBinaural hearing enhances speech intelligibility, source localization, and speech comprehension in noisy environments. Although bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) offers several benefits, concerns arise regarding the risk of bilateral postoperative vestibular dysfunction with simultaneous CI. This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate changes in vestibular function in adult patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral CI using minimally invasive electrodes and surgical techniques.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on 10 patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral CI at our hospital. Vertigo symptoms and vestibular function test results were examined preoperatively, 1–6 months postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively. Nystagmus tests, caloric reflex tests, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) measurements, and static stabilometry were performed as vestibular function tests.ResultsAlthough an initial transient decline in vestibular function was observed, no significant long-term decline was observed in the caloric reflex test, ocular VEMP (oVEMP), or cervical VEMP (cVEMP). Moreover, regardless of the presence or absence of abnormalities in caloric reflex, oVEMP, or cVEMP, no significant deterioration was detected in the static stabilometer test. While two patients reported preoperative dizziness, all patients were symptom-free 1 year postoperatively.DiscussionThe findings suggest that using current minimally invasive electrodes and surgical techniques in simultaneous bilateral CI leads to temporary vestibular function decline postoperatively. However, most patients experience a recovery in function over time, highlighting the potential safety and efficacy of the procedure. Simultaneous bilateral CI surgery is viable, depending on the patient’s auditory needs and burden.
Characteristics of the gut microbiome and metabolic profile in elderly patients with sarcopenia
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liu Jiang , Lin Qinqing , Shi Linhui , Zeng Zhigang , Guan Lichang , Ma Yunzi , Zeng Yingtong , Zhong Shilong , Xu Lishu 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: There is growing evidence of research indicating that the gut microbiota is involved in the development of sarcopenia. Nevertheless, there exists a notable deficiency in comprehension concerning the connection between irregularities in the intestinal microbiome and metabolic processes in older individuals suffering from sarcopenia.Methods: To analyze fecal samples obtained from a cohort of 30 older patients diagnosed with sarcopenia as well as 30 older patients without sarcopenia, this study employed 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based non-targeted metabolomics profiling techniques.Results: As a result, we found that 29 genera and 172 metabolites were significantly altered in the sarcopenic patients. Among them, Blautia, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, and Subdoligranulum were the bacteria with a potential diagnostic value for sarcopenia diagnosis. Correlation analysis between clinical indices and these gut bacteria suggested that the IL-6 level was negatively correlated with Blautia. Function prediction analysis demonstrated that 17 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways differ significantly between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients. The primary classes of metabolites identified in the study included lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that purine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and histidine metabolism may contribute to the development of sarcopenia. The correlation study on gut microbiota and metabolites found that Lachnospiraceae_unclassified was positively associated with seven metabolites that were more abundant in the non-sarcopenia group and negatively correlated with three metabolites that were more abundant in the sarcopenia group. In addition, Subdoligranulum was positively correlated with seven metabolites that were lacking in sarcopenia and negatively correlated with two metabolites that were enriching in sarcopenia. Moreover, Blautia was positively associated with xanthosine.Discussion: We conducted a study on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic profile of elderly individuals with sarcopenia, offering a comprehensive analysis of the overall ecosystem. Through this investigation, we were able to validate existing research on the gut–muscle axis and further investigate potential pathogenic processes and treatment options for sarcopenia.
Examination of the knowledge gap of return-to-work outcomes in routine outpatient treatment for common mental disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Lundqvist Jakob , Brattmyr Martin , Lindberg Martin Schevik , Havnen Audun , Solem Stian , Hjemdal Odin 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveLittle is known about the effects of routine mental health care on return-to-work (RTW) outcomes. This systematic review aimed to summarize and evaluate the effects of clinical representative psychotherapy on RTW among patients with a common mental disorder (CMD), treated within public mental health care.MethodA systematic search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and SveMED+. Primary outcomes were RTW, sick leave status, or self-reported work functioning. Studies limited to specific treatments and/or specific patient groups were excluded.ResultsOut of 1,422 records, only one article met the preregistered inclusion criteria. After broadening of criteria, a total of nine studies were included. Six were randomized controlled trials (RCT), two were register-based studies, and one was a quasi-experimental study. Descriptions of treatment duration and intensity of usual care were rarely specified but ranged from a few sessions to 3 years of psychotherapy. In the RCTs, two studies favored the intervention, one favored routine care, and three found no difference between conditions. Choice of outcomes differed greatly and included RTW rates (full or partial), number of days until RTW, change in sick leave status, and net days/months of work absence. Time points for outcome assessment also varied greatly from 3 months to 5 years after treatment.ConclusionThere is inconclusive evidence to establish to what extent routine mental healthcare is associated with improved RTW outcomes for patients with CMD. There is a need for more and better clinical trials and naturalistic studies detailing the content of routine treatment and its effect on RTW.Systematic review registrationThis study was pre-registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022304967), https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022304967.
Factors affecting academic performance of college students in China during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Li Changle , Kang Lili , Miles Toni P. , Khan M. Mahmud 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionUnderstanding the factors that affected academic performance of students during the COVID-19 pandemic will help design effective interventions for improving students’ academic performance during emergency situations as well as during regular academic environment. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the factors that explain academic performance of students in China during the pandemic.MethodsData on college students from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies were used, and the final sample consisted of 728 students. Ordered probit regression models were estimated to explain students’ relative performance in the semester when the in-person classes were suspended by using various student and household-related variables and characteristics. To compute missing values in selected variables, a multiple imputation technique was applied.ResultsThe odds of poor academic performance declined with higher Internet use for academic purposes, but Internet use for entertainment increased the probability of being in the poor academic performance. College students who spent more time studying on college work were less likely to have poor academic performance.DiscussionThis study identified the factors (Internet use and study time) associated with academic performance among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results can be used to design policies to improve educational outcomes and to address educational inequalities.
Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was negatively associated with relative grip strength in older adults: a cross-sectional study of the NHANES database
Authors: Huang Yan , Liao Jian , Liu Yang 
Published: November 2023

AimThis study aims to explore the association between triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and relative grip strength in older adults in order to provide some references for the prevention and control of sarcopenia.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, the demographic and clinical data of 1,404 individuals aged ≥60 years old were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2011–2014. The definition of relative grip strength was the sum of the largest reading from each hand/body mass index (BMI) ratio. We used weighted univariate linear regression and stepwise regression analysis to screen the covariates. Weighted univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and the relative grip strength. We also explored this relationship in subgroups of gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and arthritis. The evaluation index was β with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of 1,306 older adults were eligible. After adjusting for the covariates including age, gender, race, marital status, physical activity, DM, CVD, arthritis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), we found that the TG/HDL-C ratio was negatively linked to the relative grip strength (all p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the increased TG/HDL-C ratio was also related to the decreased relative grip strength in those who were women, not having DM, and having CVD (all p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionWith the increase in the TG/HDL-C ratio, the relative grip strength of older adults decreased significantly, indicating that the TG/HDL-C ratio could be closely monitored in the older adult population and may be associated with the prevention and control of sarcopenia.
Avoidance of medical care among American Indians with a history of cancer during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Chen Sixia , James Shirley A. , Hall Spencer , Dang Julie H. , Campbell Janis E. , Chen Moon S. , Doescher Mark P. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesAssess the percentage of cancer-related appointment delays, cancelations, and the unavailability of medications experienced by American Indian participants during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey study was completed between October 2020 and July 2021 by 360 individuals with cancer who lived in California and Oklahoma. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis was completed in SAS 9.4.ResultsDuring the initial Covid-19 pandemic, almost one-third (30%) of respondents delayed cancer-related appointments, 42% canceled cancer-related appointments, and one-quarter (24%) were unable to access prescription medications or over-the-counter medications (27%) due to COVID-19. People who underwent testing for COVID-19 were five times more likely to delay a medical appointment [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.3, 95% CI:2.4, 11.7] and people who followed three or more social distancing measures were more than six times more likely to cancel medical appointments (aOR:6.3, 95% CI:2.9, 13.9).ConclusionThis study identifies delays, cancelations, and medication inaccessibility people identifying as American Indian faced during the coronavirus pandemic. Disparities in healthcare delivery could contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates of cancer.
Komunikasi, Kompetensi dan Iklim Kerja Terhadap Capaian Kinerja SAKIP Melalui Komitmen Kerja
Authors: Ira Ira Nurani Aisyah , Hendrian Hendrian , Husnatarina Fitria 
Published: November 2023

Masih terdapat pegawai yang masih kurang berdedikasi dalam menaikkan target kinerja dari organisasinya. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pengaruh komunikasi, kompetensi, dan iklim kerja terhadap capaian kinerja SAKIP melalui komitmen kerja pada Dinas Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Kotawaringin Barat. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu eksplanator kuantitatif. Penulis mengambil 61 sampel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa; Komunikasi, Kompetensi dan Iklim kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap komitmen kerja; Komunikasi, Kompetensi, Iklim kerja, berdampak positif dan signifikan terhadap capaian kinerja SAKIP; Komunikasi memiliki pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan terhadap capaian kinerja SAKIP dengan komitmen kerja sebagai variable interveningnya; Kompetensi bernilai positif dan signifikan terhadap capaian kinerja SAKIP dengan komitmen kerja sebagai variabel interveningnya; dan Iklim kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap capaian kinerja SAKIP dengan komitmen kerja sebagai variabel interveningnya.