bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal association of metabolites and polycystic ovarian syndrome: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Aru Na , Yang Congyu , Chen Yuntian , Liu Jiaming 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder that affects a considerable number of women worldwide. However, previous studies investigating the connection between metabolites and PCOS have produced conflicting results. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationship between PCOS and metabolites using genetic polymorphisms.
Methods
We utilized a comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causal link between 1352 metabolites and PCOS. We employed complementary MR methods, such as the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, and conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the reliability of the outcomes. Reverse MR analysis was performed to evaluate the possibility of reverse causation.
Results
Five metabolites were identified to be significantly associated with PCOS risk: Methionine sulfoxide levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.549[1.274 to 1.883], p = 1.154E-5), Theophylline levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 0.725[0.589 to 0.890], p = 0.002), 4-hydroxycoumarin levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 0.786[0.658 to 0.940], p = 0.008), Tyramine O-sulfate levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 0.699[0.568 to 0.862], p = 0.0008), and Sulfate of piperine metabolite C16H19NO3 (3) levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.296[1.064 to 1.579], p = 0.009). We found PCOS was suggestively associated with decreased Tyramine O-sulfate levels using IVW method (OR [95%]: 0.953[0.917 to 0.991], p = 0.015) in the reverse MR analysis. The results of the sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main findings.
Conclusion
Our MR analysis provides strong evidence supporting a causal association between metabolites and the susceptibility of PCOS.
Influencing factors for delayed diagnosed injuries in multiply trauma patients – introducing the ‘Risk for Delayed Diagnoses Score’ (RIDD-Score)
Authors: Gümbel Denis , Matthes Gerrit , Ekkernkamp Axel , Laue Fabian , Lefering Rolf 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Delayed diagnosed injuries (DDI) in severely injured patients are an essential problem faced by emergency staff. Aim of the current study was to analyse incidence and type of DDI in a large trauma cohort. Furthermore, factors predicting DDI were investigated to create a score to identify patients at risk for DDI.
Methods
Multiply injured patients admitted between 2011 and 2020 and documented in the TraumaRegister DGU® were analysed. Primary admitted patients with serious injuries and/or intensive care who survived at least 24h were included. Prevalence, type and severity of DDI were described. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis risk factors for DDI were identified. Results were used to create a ‘Risk for Delayed Diagnoses’ (RIDD) score.
Results
Of 99,754 multiply injured patients, 9,175 (9.2%) had 13,226 injuries first diagnosed on ICU. Most common DDI were head injuries (35.8%), extremity injuries (33.3%) and thoracic injuries (19.7%). Patients with DDI had a higher ISS, were more frequently unconscious, in shock, required more blood transfusions, and stayed longer on ICU and in hospital.
Multivariate analysis identified seven factors indicating a higher risk for DDI (OR from 1.2 to 1.9). The sum of these factors gives the RIDD score expressing the individual risk for a DDI ranging from 3.6% (0 points) to 24.8% (6+ points).
Conclusion
DDI are present in a sounding number of trauma patients. The reported results highlight the importance of a highly suspicious and thorough physical examination in the trauma room. The introduced RIDD-score might help to identify patients under high risk for DDI. A tertiary survey should be implemented to minimize delayed diagnosed or even missed injuries.
Association between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy in NHANES 2005-2008
Authors: Hu Xin-Yu , Liang Ying-Chao , Fang Ze-Bin , Huang Bao-Li , Chu Shu-Fang , Liu De-Liang , Li Hui-Lin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Diabetic retinopathy is a common chronic complication of diabetes and the main reason for blindness. Carbohydrate intake is an essential component of daily dietary intake. The relationship between low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy in diabetes has rarely been discussed. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the association between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy in individuals with diabetes.
Method
The study was a cross-sectional study of diabetics aged 40 years and older conducted within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005–2008. Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed based on an ophthalmic digital imaging system. The daily low-quality carbohydrate intake was assessed according to a 24-hour dietary recall. The independent relationship between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy was evaluated with a weighted logistic regression model. Sensitivity analysis was performed by weighted subgroup analysis and weighted restricted cubic spline regression analysis.
Results
After adjusting for confounders, daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy were negatively associated (OR = 0.982; 95%CI, 0.964–0.999). Higher quartiles of daily low-quality carbohydrate intake were associated with a lower incidence of diabetic retinopathy compared to lower quartiles (Q3 vs Q1: OR = 0.658; 95%CI, 0.444–0.976). The weighted restricted cubic spline regression analysis demonstrated that there was no nonlinear relationship between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests showed no significant dependence of age, race, family poverty income ratio, alcohol use, hypertension, urinary albumin creatinine ratio, total daily carbohydrate intake, or triglycerides on this negative correlation( p for interaction＞0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings indicated that there was a negative correlation between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and DR among diabetic patients aged 40 years or older in the United States. Further research should focus on exploring the specific mechanisms underlying the link between low-quality carbohydrate and DR, and the impact of dietary patterns on diabetic retinopathy requires validation in large-scale prospective studies.
Examining sexual functioning and disgust in virtual reality: low desire and sexual pain predict disgust toward virtual sexual stimuli
Authors: Lafortune David , Lapointe Valerie A. , Dubé Simon , Bonneau Jonathan , Godbout Natacha 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions are prevalent and impair the lives and intimate relationships of up to one-third of the population. Virtual reality (VR) offers promising avenues for the study of sexual dysfunctions; however, little attention has been given to the use of VR in sex research. Sexual disgust appears to be positively related with lower sexual functioning, but empirical research remains scarce and mainly relies on cross-sectional retrospective data. This study examines whether four domains of low sexual functioning—i.e., low sexual interest/arousal, lubrication/erection difficulties, difficulties in reaching orgasm, and sexual pain—are associated with disgust experienced towards sexual stimuli in VR. Seventy individuals completed self-reported questionnaires on sexual functioning and sexual disgust propensity. They then participated in two VR behavioral tests, which included sexual and non-sexual stimuli. Disgust and sexual arousal were measured after each test. Participants also completed a questionnaire on sexual presence immediately after immersion. Bivariate correlational analyses and multivariate regression models were performed. Results show that sexual disgust propensity positively correlates with disgust ratings in the sexual test (r = .48), while sexual presence positively relates to sexual arousal (r = .41). Both lower sexual interest/arousal and increased pain during sex predicted greater disgust during the sexual test (β = .37 – .39). These findings support the relationship between sexual disgust and both impaired sexual interest/arousal and sexual pain, and confirm the relevance of using VR sexual stimuli in sex research.
HRP2 and pLDH performance comparison as rapid diagnostic tools for symptomatic malaria patients at Rugazi HC IV in Rubirizi District
Authors: Nakavuma Anitah , Musau Immanuel Afrika , Lumu Hassan , Atimaaku Palma Rose , Ankunda Evalyne , Agaba Bosco , Okongo Benson , Kalyetsi Rogers , Ssendyabane Frank , Muwanguzi Enoch , Bagenda Charles Nkubi , Rugera Simon Peter 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Rapid and precise laboratory diagnosis is essential for effectively diagnosing and managing malaria patients. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) play a critical role in malaria diagnosis in resource-constrained settings with limited access to labs and trained staff. The efficiency of two mRDTs (HRP2 and pLDH) was compared against microscopy, the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, in this study.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 308 participants were tested for malaria parasites using two mRDTs and blood smear microscopy as the gold standard. STATA software version 17 was used for data analysis.
Results
Out of the 308 participants, 82 tested positive for HRP2 mRDT (26.62% (95% CI: 21.97–31.86) positivity rate, 73.38% (95% CI: 68.14–78.83) negativity rate), and 99 tested positive for pLDH mRDT (32.14% (95% CI: 27.14–37.59) positivity rate, 67.86% (95% CI: 62.41–72.86) negativity rate). Using microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were determined. For HRP2 mRDT, sensitivity was 77.78% (95%CI: 73.13–82.42), specificity 97.61% (95%CI: 95.90–99.31), PPV 93.90% (95%CI: 91.23–96.56), and NPV 90.27% (95%CI: 86.96–93.58). For pLDH mRDT, the sensitivity was 94.95% (95% CI: 92.50–97.40), specificity was 97.61% (95% CI: 95.90-99.31), PPV was 94.95% (95% CI: 92.50–97.40), and NPV was 97.61% (95% CI: 95.90–99.31). The dominant malaria species was Plasmodium falciparum (74.7%), followed by Plasmodium vivax (12.1%) and Plasmodium ovale (1%). Mixed infections of plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax (7.1%) and plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium ovale (5.1%) were also observed.
Conclusion
There was no significant difference in the positivity rate, negativity rate, specificity or PPV in both mRDTs. However, a significant difference in the NPV and sensitivity of HRP2 and pLDH mRDTs was observed where HRP2’s sensitivity was below the WHO recommendation of ≥ 95% in this study population; thus, there is a need to improve the sensitivity of this mRDT kit. In our study, most malaria infections were caused by Plasmodium falciparum, followed by P. vivax and P. ovale.
The Role of Persistent Inflammatory Responses in Post-COVID Cardiomyopathy Development
Authors: Sadiq Alaa M. , Al-Amran Fadhil 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background COVID-19 has been linked to a range of cardiovascular complications. This study investigates the potential role of persistent inflammatory responses in the development of post-COVID cardiomyopathy. Methods A cohort of COVID-19-recovered patients was assessed for signs of cardiomyopathy using echocardiography, blood biomarkers, and inflammation markers. Patient data were analyzed to determine correlations between inflammatory responses and cardiomyopathy indicators. Results The study found a significant association between elevated levels of inflammatory markers and reduced ejection fraction, a key indicator of cardiomyopathy. Patients with persistent high inflammatory responses showed a higher prevalence of cardiomyopathy symptoms. Conclusion Persistent inflammatory responses in post-COVID patients appear to be a contributing factor to the development of cardiomyopathy. This finding underscores the importance of monitoring inflammation in COVID-19 survivors to identify those at risk for cardiac complications.
Combining taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity metrics to explain spatiotemporal variation in mountaintop flora
Authors: Vanneste Thomas , Graae Bente J. , Kyrkjeeide Magni O. , Lindmo Sigrid , Michelsen Ottar , Naranjo Domenica J. , Ray Courtenay A. , Vandersteene Matthias , Verheyen Kris , De Frenne Pieter 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Questions
Accounting for multiple facets of biodiversity can help to shed light on community assembly of mountaintop flora across space and time, but this approach has rarely been applied. Here we addressed the following questions: (a) Is the filtering effect of elevation on taxonomic diversity of mountaintop plant communities also mirrored in their functional and phylogenetic structure? (b) Can environmental changes over time interact with, and thus change, elevational patterns in mountaintop plant diversity?
Location
Dovrefjell, central Norway
Methods
The floristic composition of four mountaintops, spread across an elevational gradient from tree line to the uppermost margins of vascular plant life, was surveyed every seven years between 2001–2022. Six metrics of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic richness and diversity were calculated for each mountaintop and survey. With these data, we assessed how richness and diversity metrics varied over space (across the elevational gradient) and over time (between surveys).
Results
All richness and diversity metrics decreased towards higher elevations, except phylogenetic diversity which showed a marked increase with elevation. Taxonomic richness did not change significantly over time, while functional and phylogenetic richness increased between 2001–2022. No significant temporal trend in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity was detected.
Conclusions
Different metrics of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity can show divergent spatial and temporal trends. Future environmental changes may give rise to functionally or phylogenetically novel communities that cannot be predicted from trends in species richness alone. We therefore encourage researchers to look beyond species richness and consider multiple facets of biodiversity when analysing the impact of environmental change on mountaintop flora.
Innovations in Health: Evaluating the social impact of Kokono baby crib among mothers and caregivers of infants in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Maina Charles , Nankanja Maureen , Kagurusi Patrick 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: The Kokono baby crib is a special baby’s crib made out of biodegradable plastic, locally manufactured in Uganda. The crib entered the local market with an accessible price especially for millennial mothers, a growing population in Uganda. The crib is also an asset for the rural and sub-urban mothers who spend most of their time outdoors in farms, at the water sources, or social gathering like weddings, and prayers, as well as mothers in informal employments and businesses like salons, shops and markets. Owing to the many benefits of the crib, Amref Health Africa in partnership with de-lab in Uganda promoted Kokono in communities in Kampala through an inclusive business model. This research aimed to assess the social of the crib amongst its users.
Methods: The research utilized a mixed methods approach where 20 mothers were selected randomly for inclusion in the study. A digitized semi-structured interview guide hosted on the Kobo collect server was used to obtain information on the background characteristics of the respondents, and key social aspects. Data were downloaded into Microsoft Excel for cleaning, and later exported to Stata 15 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the data. Data were presented in tables and graphs. Open ended questions were analyzed manually using thematic content analysis.
Findings: Thirty-three percent of the respondents reported that their children suffered from malaria often before starting to use Kokono, while none reported that their children suffered malaria after use of Kokono. The study also revealed that the Kokono baby crib has protected children against health risks such as exposures to houseflies, contaminated surfaces and substances and other childhood illness and animal bites. It was also reported to enable mothers to save money through reduced out of pocket expenditure on health, elimination of the need for a maid to carry the baby and improve parent’s working experience and productivity as they have more time and less distractions.
Conclusion: The assessment revealed that the Kokono baby crib reduced occurrences of malaria, animal bites and sanitation related infections among infants, leading to a reduction in out of pocket expenditure on healthcare. Working respondents also expressed improvements in their working experience and productivity leading to economic transformation. Amref and partners ought to promote and avail the baby crib to other people in need especially in informal settlements and rural communities across Uganda as this could be a major contributor to gender equality and sustainable development through economic empowerment of women.
Local personalised treatment of long-term non-healing wounds
Authors: Glukhov A. A. , Andreev A. A. , Aralova M. V. , Ostroushko A. P. , Laptiyova A. Yu. 
Published: November 2023

Introduction. A significant number of nosologies can result in long-term non-healing wounds that mostly have similar principles of local treatment. However, positive clinical outcomes are not always obtained in the management of such wounds. The authors have developed a personalized technology for local treatment of chronic wounds depending on their etiology. Aim. Was to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed methods and personalized approaches for local treatment of long-term nonhealing wounds. Materials and methods. Innovative methods of cleaning and stimulating regeneration of non-healing wounds have been developed in the study; their effectiveness was tested in 3 blocks of the study. The first block of the study included patients with long-term non-healing wounds of venous etiology, the second and third blocks included patients with long-term non-healing arterial and neurotrophic wounds, respectively. Each block involved two series of tests studying the developed methods of cryodestruction and stimulation of regeneration, respectively. In the 1st block, the 3rd series of tests was additionally conducted; it included patients with wounds larger than 20 cm2 in size. Results. The developed methods of cryodestruction accelerate the course of phase I of the wound process by 12% in patients with longterm non-healing wounds of venous etiology, by 27% in patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities, by 70% in patients with neurotrophic etiology (p ≥ 0.05). The use of the proposed methods of stimulating regeneration significantly reduced the average area of wounds in the study blocks. The main components of treatment stimulating regeneration in long-term non-healing wounds have been identified considering wound etiology. Conclusion. The use of the developed algorithm for local personalized treatment of long-term non-healing wounds considering underlying disorders contributes to an earlier cleaning of the wound surface, elimination of inflammation and an increased activity of regeneration processes when compared with conventional approaches.
Inpatient substitution approaches to medical care and their impact on the dynamics of the prevalence of varicose veins
Authors: Potapov M. P. 
Published: November 2023

Introduction. The conducted epidemiological studies show a significant socio-economic burden borne by modern society due to the high prevalence of varicose veins of the lower extremities among the able-bodied population of developed countries. Aim. Assessment ofthe influence ofthe factor of widespread use of minimally invasive inpatient replacement technologies on the prevalence of varicose veins of the lower extremities in a large region of the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation under the conditions of transformation of approaches to the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was conducted for 2011–2021 of statistical indicators of the work of medical organizations of the Yaroslavl region, namely: the total number of attached adult population, the dynamics of the number of attached population, the total number and dynamics of the number of patients with an established diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Results and discussion. The total population weight of the sample in the Yaroslavl region for all periods of the study was 11 406 181 people. The fixed weighted average value of the prevalence of varicose veins of the lower extremities at the end of the year in the Yaroslavl region in the period 2011–2021, according to medical organizations providing medical care on a territorial-precinct basis, was 0.784% (CI: 0.779–0.789). At the same time, in 2011–2012 and 2018–2019, the frequency of varicose veins of the lower extremities event was higher than the average value, in 2013–2016 and 2020–2021. Conclusion. It has been established that over the past decade there has been an annual decrease in the prevalence of varicose veins of the lower extremities in the region. At the same time, there was an increase in the share of medical care provided to patients by non-governmental medical organizations. The latter in their activities are focused on hospital-substituting technologies in the treatment of this disease.
Sürdürülebilirlik ve Grafik Tasarım: Ekolojik Ambalaj Tasarımlarının Görsel Analizi
Authors: İri Öztürk Ayşe 
Published: November 2023

Küresel değişim altında bozulmaya meydan okuyan ekolojik adımlar, ekosistemin işlevini anlamak, biyolojik çeşitliliği korumak için etkili yönetim stratejileridir. Bu stratejilerden biri de sürdürülebilir üretim ve tüketim modellerinin endüstride yer almasıdır. Küreselleşmenin giderek yaygınlaştığı bir dünyada ambalaj endüstrisi, ürünlerin üreticiden tüketiciye küresel düzeyde taşınmasına ve ticarileştirilmesine olanak sağlamaktadır. Ambalaj tasarımı, ürünü korumak, taşımayı kolaylaştırmak, tüketiciye bilgi sağlamak ve ürünü rafta farklılaştırmaktadır. Ayrıca ambalaj tasarımı, görsel bir iletişim olarak markanın sürdürülebilirlik hedeflerini de yansıtmalıdır. Bu sebeple, ambalaj endüstrisinin, uluslararası kuruluşlar tarafından belirlenen sürdürülebilirlik hedefleri ile uyum sağlarken, her geçen gün büyüyen pazar taleplerine nasıl uyum sağladığını incelemek gerekmektedir. Çalışmanın amacı, ambalaj üreticilerinin eko-tasarım ve sürdürülebilirlik temasını görsel iletişim bağlamında nasıl ele aldıklarını incelemektir. Bu çalışmada sürdürülebilirlikle tasarım arasındaki ilişki açıklanmaya çalışılmaktadır. Aynı zamanda bu araştırmada eko-tasarımlı ürün ambalajlarının görsel olarak incelenmesi için nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden biri olan betimsel analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır.