bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the causal role of gut microbiota in giant cell arteritis: a Mendelian randomization analysis with mediator insights
Authors: Wu Menglin , Liao Zhixiong , Zeng Kaidong , Jiang Qiaohui 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundGiant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a complex autoimmune condition. With growing interest in the role of gut microbiota in autoimmune diseases, this research aimed to explore the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and GCA, and the mediating effects of specific intermediaries.MethodsUsing a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design, we investigated associations between 191 microbial taxa and GCA. A two-step MR technique discerned the significant mediators on this relationship, followed by Multivariable MR analyses to quantify the direct influence of gut microbiota on GCA and mediation effect proportion, adjusting for these mediators.ResultsNine taxa displayed significant associations with GCA. Among them, families like Bacteroidales and Clostridiaceae1 had Odds Ratios (OR) of 1.48 (p=0.043) and 0.52 (p=5.51e-3), respectively. Genera like Clostridium sensu stricto1 and Desulfovibrio showed ORs of 0.48 (p=5.39e-4) and 1.48 (p=0.037), respectively. Mediation analyses identified 25 hydroxyvitamin D level (mediation effect of 19.95%), CD14+ CD16- monocyte counts (mediation effect of 27.40%), and CD4+ T cell counts (mediation effect of 28.51%) as significant intermediaries.ConclusionOur findings provide invaluable insights into the complex interplay between specific gut microbiota taxa and GCA. By highlighting the central role of gut microbiota in influencing GCA risk and long-term recurrence, and their interactions with vital immune mediators, this research paves the way for potential therapeutic interventions in GCA management.
Electroacupuncture for acute gouty arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ni Zhichao , Xiao Qinwen , Xia Zihao , Kuang Kunlin , Yin Bingzun , Peng Dezhong 
Published: January 2024

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is a metabolic disorder in which recurrent pain episodes can severely affect the quality of life of gout sufferers. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a non-pharmacologic therapy. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture in treating acute gouty arthritis. We searched eight Chinese and English databases from inception to July 30, 2023, and 242 studies were retrieved. Finally, 15 randomized controlled trials (n=1076) were included in a meta-analysis using Review Manager V.5.4.1. meta-analysis results included efficacy rate, visual rating scale (VAS) for pain, serum uric acid level (SUA), immediate analgesic effect, and incidence of adverse events. Electroacupuncture (or combined non-pharmacologic) treatment of AGA was significantly different from treatment with conventional medications (RR = 1.14, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.10 to 1.19, P &lt; 0.00001). The analgesic effect of the electroacupuncture group was superior to that of conventional Western drug treatment (MD = -2.26, 95% CI = -2.71 to -1.81, P &lt; 0.00001). The electroacupuncture group was better at lowering serum uric acid than the conventional western drug group (MD =-31.60, CI -44.24 to -18.96], P &lt; 0.00001). In addition, electroacupuncture combined with Western drugs had better immediate analgesic effects than conventional Western drug treatment (MD = -1.85, CI -2.65 to -1.05, P &lt; 0.00001). Five studies reported adverse events in the electroacupuncture group versus the drug group, including 19 cases of gastrointestinal symptoms and 6 cases of neurological symptoms (RR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.88, P = 0.03).Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=450037, identifier CRD42023450037.
Understanding the oceanographic dynamics of the Isla Chañaral baleen whale feeding ground, (Humboldt Archipelago, Northern Chile) to extend habitat protection
Authors: Buchan Susannah J. , Ramos Marcel , Oyanadel Jorge , Santos-Carvallo Macarena , Bedriñana-Romano Luis , Valladares María , Maldonado Marinella , Astudillo Orlando , Sepúlveda Maritza , Pearce Steve , Olavarría Carlos 
Published: January 2024

Off Northern Chile, baleen whales use the area around Isla Chañaral as a feeding ground where they forage on euphausiids. Isla Chañaral is part of the highly productive Humboldt Archipelago (∼ 28°S-29°S) within the Humboldt Current System (HCS). In this study, we seek to understand the sub-mesoscale spatial distribution of fin and blue whales and their prey around Isla Chañaral using systematic and opportunistic visual sighting data of whales and systematic acoustic backscatter data of zooplankton from an Acoustic Zooplankton and Fish Profiler (AZFP); and to examine the oceanographic dynamics of the wider Humboldt Archipelago area with remote-sensing oceanographic data. We completed a total of 512.6 km of survey effort over 20 days in 2018 and 318.3 km over 16 days in 2019 collecting systematic whale sighting and backscatter data. A total of 42 fin whales, 0 blue whales and 66 unidentified whales were sighted in 2018, and 7 fin whales, 3 blue whales and 12 unidentified whales were sighted in 2019. Observed spatial distribution of backscatter and whales was strongly associated with a bathymetric feature, i.e., the submarine canyon that curves around Isla Chañaral. Generalized Additive Models showed that fin whale presence was associated with high levels of backscatter and shallow depths similar to those of the canyon. We found that long-term average geostrophic currents form a recirculation system between 28°S and 31°S that can transport nutrient-rich upwelled surface waters back towards the Humboldt Archipelago and contribute to high biological productivity in this area. However, in summer 2019 geostrophic flow occurred away from the coast and a warm low-productivity spring explained low backscatter and whale sightings around Isla Chañaral. The unique oceanographic features of Isla Chañaral and the Humboldt Archipelago that contribute to high concentrations of Endangered baleen whales and their prey justify the extension of the Isla Chañaral Marine Reserve to include the canyon between the mainland and the island, and the implementation of a Multiple Use Marine Protected Area for the entire Humboldt Archipelago area that explicitly protects this critical feature.
Overexpression of regulatory T cells in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: friend or foe?
Authors: Liu Peng-cheng , Li Jian-bin , Huang Yi-ping , Zhang Min , Yu Shu-jiao , Wu Rui 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the role of regulatory T cells in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 136 women who had experienced two or more miscarriages before 24 weeks of gestation for no obvious reason from May 2018 to October 2021. The basic clinical data of the patients and expression of lymphocyte subsets such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer cells (NKs) by flow cytometry were collected to explore the risk factors of pregnancy outcome in URPL patients.ResultsA total of 136 URPL patients were enrolled in this study. Eventually, 50 patients attained clinical pregnancy. The median age was 31.8 ± 4.6 years in patients with clinical pregnancy. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that Tregs was associated with the pregnancy outcomes of patients with URPL (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.80). More importantly, a U-shaped association was found between Tregs and pregnancy outcome (p &lt; 0.001), with either higher or lower Tregs levels adversely affecting pregnancy outcome.ConclusionTregs levels that are either too high or too low can harm pregnancy outcomes. It was expected to be a very promising quantitative biomarker for predicting pregnancy outcomes in URPL patients.
Population health interventions for cardiometabolic diseases in primary care: a scoping review and RE-AIM evaluation of current practices
Authors: Rakers Margot , van Hattem Nicoline , Plag Sabine , Chavannes Niels , van Os Hendrikus J. A. , Vos Rimke C. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionCardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are the leading cause of death in high-income countries and are largely attributable to modifiable risk factors. Population health management (PHM) can effectively identify patient subgroups at high risk of CMD and address missed opportunities for preventive disease management. Guided by the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, this scoping review of PHM interventions targeting patients in primary care at increased risk of CMD aims to describe the reported aspects for successful implementation.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across 14 databases to identify papers published between 2000 and 2023, using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for conducting scoping reviews. The RE-AIM framework was used to assess the implementation, documentation, and the population health impact score of the PHM interventions.ResultsA total of 26 out of 1,100 studies were included, representing 21 unique PHM interventions. This review found insufficient reporting of most RE-AIM components. The RE-AIM evaluation showed that the included interventions could potentially reach a large audience and achieve their intended goals, but information on adoption and maintenance was often lacking. A population health impact score was calculated for six interventions ranging from 28 to 62%.DiscussionThis review showed the promise of PHM interventions that could reaching a substantial number of participants and reducing CMD risk factors. However, to better assess the generalizability and scalability of these interventions there is a need for an improved assessment of adoption, implementation processes, and sustainability.
A hybrid neural network approach for classifying diabetic retinopathy subtypes
Authors: Xu Huanqing , Shao Xian , Fang Dandan , Huang Fangliang 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveDiabetic retinopathy is a prevalent complication among diabetic patients that, if not predicted and treated promptly, can lead to blindness. This paper proposes a method for accurately and swiftly predicting the degree of diabetic retinopathy using a hybrid neural network model. Timely prediction of diabetic retinopathy is crucial in preventing blindness associated with this condition.MethodsThis study aims to enhance the prediction accuracy of diabetic retinopathy by utilizing the hybrid neural network model EfficientNet and Swin Transformer. The specific methodology includes: (1) combining local and global features to accurately capture lesion characteristics by leveraging the strengths of both Swin Transformer and EfficientNet models; (2) improving prediction accuracy through a comprehensive analysis of the model’s training details and applying data augmentation techniques such as Gaussian blur to enhance the hybrid model’s performance; (3) validating the effectiveness and utility of the proposed hybrid model for diabetic retinopathy detection through extensive experimental evaluations and comparisons with other deep learning models.ResultsThe hybrid model was trained and tested on the large-scale real-world diabetic retinopathy detection dataset APTOS 2019 Blindness Detection. The experimental results show that the hybrid model in this paper achieves the best results in all metrics, including sensitivity of 0.95, specificity of 0.98, accuracy of 0.97, and AUC of 0.97. The performance of the model is significantly improved compared to the mainstream methods currently employed. In addition, the model provides interpretable neural network details through class activation maps, which enables the visualization of diabetic retinopathy. This feature helps physicians to make more accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions. The model proposed in this paper shows higher accuracy in detecting and diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, which is crucial for the treatment and rehabilitation of diabetic patients.ConclusionThe hybrid neural network model based on EfficientNet and Swin Transformer significantly contributes to the prediction of diabetic retinopathy. By combining local and global features, the model achieves improved prediction accuracy. The validity and utility of the model are verified through experimental evaluations. This research provides robust support for the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic patients.
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in organic and non-organic chickens on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, USA
Authors: Punchihewage-Don Anuradha Jeewantha , Schwarz Jurgen , Diria Abdirahman , Bowers John , Parveen Salina 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionSalmonella infections have been intensely increasing and becoming a universal public health crisis. This study investigated the prevalence of Salmonella in organic and non-organic chickens and the antimicrobial resistance profiles and virulence genes (invA, pagC, and spvC) in recovered Salmonella isolates.MethodsWhole chicken carcasses [organic (n = 240) and non-organic (n = 240)] were obtained monthly for 1 year (n = 480) from a retail store on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Salmonella isolation and identification were conducted by following the whole carcass enrichment method recommended by USDA-FSIS. Confirmed Salmonella isolates (organic n = 76; non-organic n = 137) were serotyped and tested for antibiotic susceptibility and virulence genes using standard methods.ResultsForty-nine percent (237/480) of the carcasses were positive for Salmonella. Organic and non-organic positivity rates were 37.1 and 61.8%, respectively. A significantly higher Salmonella contamination was observed in non-organic chickens (p &lt; 0.05). The most common serovars were Salmonella Kentucky (47%), S. Infantis (35%), S. Enteritidis (6%), S. Typhimurium (5%), and S. Blockley (4%). Isolates were frequently resistant to at least one antibiotic (91.24%) or multidrug resistant (45.54%). Resistance was observed to tetracycline (82.8%), minocycline (42.3%), nitrofurantoin (40.3%), cefazolin (38.3%), ampicillin (32.1%), and ceftriaxone (26%). All isolates were susceptible to fluoroquinolone, carbapenem, and glycylcycline. The majority of isolates (99.1%) possessed at least one of three virulence genes of concern and 4.2% tested positive for all three. Ninety-five, 89, and 6.6% of isolates contained invA, pagC, and spvC genes, respectively. The spvC gene was not detected in serovars recovered from organic chickens though 92% and 82% of isolates were positive for invA and pagC. The frequency of Salmonella recovered from non-organic chickens possessing invA, pagC, and spvC genes were 97.1, 89.8, and 10.2%, respectively. Detection of invA and pagC genes showed no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) between organic and non-organic chickens but a significantly higher spvC gene (p &lt; 0.05) was detected in non-organic chickens due to the majority of S. Enteritidis (92.3%) exclusively recovered from non-organic chicken carried spvC gene.DiscussionThis study reveals a high prevalence of Salmonella in both organic and non-organic chickens, which exhibit resistance to vital antibiotics and carry virulence genes, thereby creating a potential risk of salmonellosis.
Epidemiology and molecular analyses of respiratory syncytial virus in the 2021–2022 season in northern Italy
Authors: Lai Alessia , Bergna Annalisa , Fabiano Valentina , Ventura Carla della , Fumagalli Giulia , Mari Alessandra , Loiodice Martina , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Zehender Gianguglielmo 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundHuman respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection among infants and young children worldwide, with seasonal peaks in January and February. This study aimed to characterize the RSV samples from a pediatric cohort in the 2021–2022 season in Italy.MethodsIn total, 104 samples were collected from pediatric patients attending the “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital in Milan, Italy in the 2021–2022 season. RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing were used to discriminate subgroups and obtain whole genomes. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods were used to analyze Italian sequences in the European contest and date Italian clusters.ResultsThe median age was 78 days, and 76.9% of subjects required hospitalization, with a higher proportion of patients under 3 months of age. An equal proportion of subgroups A (GA2.3.5) and B (GB5.0.5a) was found, with significant differences in length of hospitalization, days of supplemental oxygen treatment, and intravenous hydration duration. Phylogeny highlighted 26 and 37 clusters containing quite the total of Italian sequences for RSV-A and -B, respectively. Clusters presented a tMRCA between December 2011–February 2017 and May 2014–December 2016 for A and B subgroups, respectively. Compared to European sequences, specific mutations were observed in Italian strains.ConclusionThese data confirmed a more severe clinical course of RSV-A, particularly in young children. This study permitted the characterization of recent Italian RSV whole genomes, highlighting the peculiar pattern of mutations that needs to be investigated further and monitored.
Construction and evaluation of endometriosis diagnostic prediction model and immune infiltration based on efferocytosis-related genes
Authors: Pei Fang-Li , Jia Jin-Jin , Lin Shu-Hong , Chen Xiao-Xin , Wu Li-Zheng , Lin Zeng-Xian , Sun Bo-Wen , Zeng Cheng 
Published: January 2024

Background: Endometriosis (EM) is a long-lasting inflammatory disease that is difficult to treat and prevent. Existing research indicates the significance of immune infiltration in the progression of EM. Efferocytosis has an important immunomodulatory function. However, research on the identification and clinical significance of efferocytosis-related genes (EFRGs) in EM is sparse.Methods: The EFRDEGs (differentially expressed efferocytosis-related genes) linked to datasets associated with endometriosis were thoroughly examined utilizing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and GeneCards databases. The construction of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) and transcription factor (TF) regulatory network of EFRDEGs ensued. Subsequently, machine learning techniques including Univariate logistic regression, LASSO, and SVM classification were applied to filter and pinpoint diagnostic biomarkers. To establish and assess the diagnostic model, ROC analysis, multivariate regression analysis, nomogram, and calibration curve were employed. The CIBERSORT algorithm and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were employed to explore immune cell infiltration, while the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was utilized for the identification of potential therapeutic drugs for endometriosis. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were utilized to quantify the expression levels of biomarkers in clinical samples of endometriosis.Results: Our findings revealed 13 EFRDEGs associated with EM, and the LASSO and SVM regression model identified six hub genes (ARG2, GAS6, C3, PROS1, CLU, and FGL2). Among these, ARG2, GAS6, and C3 were confirmed as diagnostic biomarkers through multivariate logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve analysis of GSE37837 (AUC = 0.627) and GSE6374 (AUC = 0.635), along with calibration and DCA curve assessments, demonstrated that the nomogram built on these three biomarkers exhibited a commendable predictive capacity for the disease. Notably, the ratio of nine immune cell types exhibited significant differences between eutopic and ectopic endometrial samples, with scRNA-seq highlighting M0 Macrophages, Fibroblasts, and CD8 Tex cells as the cell populations undergoing the most substantial changes in the three biomarkers. Additionally, our study predicted seven potential medications for EM. Finally, the expression levels of the three biomarkers in clinical samples were validated through RT-qPCR and IHC, consistently aligning with the results obtained from the public database.Conclusion: we identified three biomarkers and constructed a diagnostic model for EM in this study, these findings provide valuable insights for subsequent mechanistic research and clinical applications in the field of endometriosis.
Ontogenetic changes in the tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive preoptic area in the small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula (L., 1758) females: catecholaminergic involvement in sexual maturation
Authors: Porceddu Riccardo , Porcu Cristina , Mulas Giovanna , Spiga Saturnino , Follesa Maria Cristina 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe catecholaminergic component of the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis, which mediates the influence of external and internal stimuli on the central nervous system and gonad development in vertebrates, is largely unexplored in Chondrichthyes. We considered Scyliorhinus canicula (L., 1758) females as a model for this vertebrate's class, to assess the involvement of the catecholaminergic system of the brain in its reproduction. Along the S. canicula reproductive cycle, we characterized and evaluated differences in somata morphometry and the number of putative catecholaminergic neurons in two brain nuclei: the periventricular preoptic nucleus, hypothesized to be a positive control for ovarian development, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, examined as a negative control.Materials and methods16 S. canicula wild females were sampled and grouped in maturity stages (immature, maturing, mature, and mature egg-laying). The ovary was histologically processed for the qualitative description of maturity stages. Anti-tyrosine hydroxylase immunofluorescence was performed on the diencephalic brain sections. The immunoreactive somata were investigated for morphometry and counted using the optical fractionator method, throughout the confocal microscopy.Results and discussionsQualitative and quantitative research confirmed two separate populations of immunoreactive neurons. The modifications detected in the preoptic nucleus revealed that somata were more numerous, significantly smaller in size, and more excitable during the maturing phase but decreased, becoming slightly bigger and less excitable in the egg-laying stage. This may indicate that the catecholaminergic preoptic nucleus is involved in the control of reproduction, regulating both the onset of puberty and the imminent spawning. In contrast, somata in the suprachiasmatic nucleus grew in size and underwent turnover in morphometry, increasing the total number from the immature-virgin to maturing stage, with similar values in the more advanced maturity stages. These changes were not linked to a reproductive role. These findings provide new valuable information on Chondrichthyes, suggesting the existence of an additional brain system implicated in the integration of internal and environmental cues for reproduction.