bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific gut microbiota may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Su Quanxin , Long Yanxi , Luo Yayin , Jiang Tao , Zheng Lei , Wang Kenan , Tang Qizhen 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveStudies have found that gut microbiota may be associated with the development of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the exact link between the two remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the gut microbiota and the risk of ED from a genetic perspective.MethodsWe investigated the relationship between the gut microflora and ED using two-sample Mendelian randomization. GWAS-pooled data for ED were obtained from 223805 participants in Europe. GWAS summary data for ED were obtained from 223805 subjects in Europe and that for the gut microbiota were obtained from 18340 participants in 24 cohorts. We used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimator as the primary method for the preliminary analysis, and the MR-Egger, weighted median (WM), simple model, and weighted model as secondary methods. We used Cochrane’s Q-test, to detect heterogeneity, MREgger to detect pleiotropy, and the leave-one-out method to test the stability of the MR results. Ultimately, we genetically predicted a causal relationship between 211 gut microbiota and ED.ResultsA total of 2818 SNPs associated with gut microflora were screened in the ED correlation analysis based on the assumption of instrumental variables. The results of MR analysis showed a causal relationship between the six gut microbes and ED occurrence. The results of the fixed effects IVW method revealed five gut microflora, including Lachnospiraceae (OR, 1.265; P = 0.008), Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group (OR, 1.188; P = 0.019), Oscillibacter (OR, 1.200; P = 0.015), Senegalimassilia (OR, 1.355; P = 0.002), Tyzzerella3 (OR, 1.133; P = 0.022), to be negatively associated with ED. In addition, the IVW method revealed Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 (OR, 0.827; P = 0.049) to be positively associated with ED. Quality control results showed no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy in the MR analysis (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsSix gut microbes were genetically associated with ED; of which, Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 was causally associated with a reduced risk of ED development. Our findings provide a new direction for research on the prevention and treatment of ED; however, the mechanisms and details require further investigation.
Device-measured physical activity and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk
Authors: Li Wenzhao , Zhang Weizhi , Xing Zhenhua 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesWe investigated how device-measured physical activity (PA) volume (PA energy expenditure [PAEE]) and intensity (fraction of PAEE from moderate-to-vigorous PA [FMVPAEE]) were associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellites (T2DM).MethodsThis population-based prospective cohort study included 90,044 participants. The primary exposures were PAEE and FMVPAEE. The secondary exposures were energy expenditure exerted during light, moderate, and vigorous PA and their fraction of PAEE.ResultsEach 1-SD increase in PAEE was associated with a 17% lower risk of T2DM (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.98). Each 1-SD increase in FMVPAEE was associated with a 21% lower incidence of T2DM (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.74–0.83). Achieving the same PA volume (KJ/kg/day) through vigorous PA (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85–0.91) was more effective in preventing T2DM than moderate PA (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.98) and light PA (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–1.00).ConclusionA higher PA volume is associated with a lower incidence of T2DM. Achieving the same PA volumes through higher-intensity PA is more effective than low-intensity PA in reducing T2DM incidence.
Case report: The use of PRP in the treatment of diabetic foot: case series and a review of the literature
Authors: Izzo Paolo , De Intinis Claudia , Molle Marcello , Polistena Andrea , Sibio Simone , Codacci-Pisanelli Massimo , Biacchi Daniele , Di Cello Pierfrancesco , Santini Daniele , Izzo Luciano , Izzo Sara 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic condition that significantly impacts global health. Diabetic foot complications, such as foot ulcers, pose a substantial burden on individuals with diabetes and can lead to serious consequences, including amputation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsIn our study, we treated 12 patients with chronic diabetic ulcers using PRP injections administered at three-week intervals. Our objective was to assess the reduction in wound size and the rate of complete healing at 6 months after the start of the treatment. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to contextualize our findings.ResultsOut of the 12 patients, 8 achieved complete healing of their diabetic foot ulcers, while the remaining four showed significant improvement with more than 50% reduction in the initial lesion size. 3 patients developed mild irritation at the inoculation site. These outcomes, combined with the evidence from published studies, highlight the effectiveness of PRP in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a successful therapeutic option for enhancing the healing process of chronic diabetic foot ulcers. The favorable outcomes observed, including a high rate of complete healing and significant wound size reduction, underscore the value of PRP treatment in managing this challenging complication. Further research and larger studies may provide additional insights into the mechanisms and long-term benefits of PRP in diabetic wound healing.
Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of pediatric patients with sodium channel gene mutation-related childhood epilepsy: a review of 94 patients
Authors: Fang Hongjun , Hu Wenjing , Kang Qingyun , Kuang Xiaojun , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Xiao , Liao Hongmei , Yang Liming , Yang Haiyan , Jiang Zhi , Wu Liwen 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the clinical and gene-mutation characteristics of pediatric patients with sodium channel gene mutation-related childhood epilepsy and to provide a basis for precision treatment and genetic counseling.MethodsThe clinical data from 94 patients with sodium channel gene mutation-related childhood epilepsy who were treated at Hunan Children's Hospital from August 2012 to December 2022 were retrospectively evaluated, and the clinical characteristics, gene variants, treatment, and follow-up status were analyzed and summarized.ResultsOur 94 pediatric patients with sodium channel gene variant-related childhood epilepsy comprised 37 girls and 57 boys. The age of disease onset ranged from 1 day to 3 years. We observed seven different sodium channel gene variants, and 55, 14, 9, 6, 6, 2, and 2 patients had SCNlA, SCN2A, SCN8A, SCN9A, SCN1B, SCN11A, and SCN3A variants, respectively. We noted that 52 were reported variants and 42 were novel variants. Among all gene types, SCN1A, SCN2A, and SCN8A variants were associated with an earlier disease onset age. With the exception of the SCN1B, the other six genes were associated with clustering seizures. Except for variants SCN3A and SCN11A, some patients with other variants had status epilepticus (SE). The main diagnosis of children with SCN1A variants was Dravet syndrome (DS) (72.7%), whereas patients with SCN2A and SCN8A variants were mainly diagnosed with various types of epileptic encephalopathy, accounting for 85.7% (12 of 14) and 88.9% (8 of 9) respectively. A total of five cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) occurred in patients with SCN1A, SCN2A, and SCN8A variants. The proportion of benign epilepsy in patients with SCN9A, SCN11A, and SCN1B variants was relatively high, and the epilepsy control rate was higher than the rate of other variant types.ConclusionSodium channel gene variants involve different epileptic syndromes, and the treatment responses also vary. We herein reported 42 novel variants, and we are also the first ever to report two patients with SCN11A variants, thereby increasing the gene spectrum and phenotypic profile of sodium channel dysfunction. We provide a basis for precision treatment and prognostic assessment.
A neurophysiological signature of dynamic emotion recognition associated with social communication skills and cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in children
Authors: Sousa Daniela , Ferreira Ana , Rodrigues Diana , Pereira Helena Catarina , Amaral Joana , Crisostomo Joana , Simoes Marco , Ribeiro Mário , Teixeira Marta , Castelo-Branco Miguel 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionEmotion recognition is a core feature of social perception. In particular, perception of dynamic facial emotional expressions is a major feature of the third visual pathway. However, the classical N170 visual evoked signal does not provide a pure correlate of such processing. Indeed, independent component analysis has demonstrated that the N170 component is already active at the time of the P100, and is therefore distorted by early components. Here we implemented, a dynamic face emotional paradigm to isolate a more pure face expression selective N170. We searched for a neural correlate of perception of dynamic facial emotional expressions, by starting with a face baseline from which a facial expression evolved. This allowed for a specific facial expression contrast signal which we aimed to relate with social communication abilities and cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels.MethodsWe recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) and Magnetic Resonance (MRS) measures in 35 typically developing (TD) children, (10–16 years) sex-matched, during emotion recognition of an avatar morphing/unmorphing from neutral to happy/sad expressions. This task allowed for the elimination of the contribution low-level visual components, in particular the P100, by morphing baseline isoluminant neutral faces into specific expressions, isolating dynamic emotion recognition. Therefore, it was possible to isolate a dynamic face sensitive N170 devoid of interactions with earlier components.ResultsWe found delayed N170 and P300, with a hysteresis type of dependence on stimulus trajectory (morphing/unmorphing), with hemispheric lateralization. The delayed N170 is generated by an extrastriate source, which can be related to the third visual pathway specialized in biological motion processing. GABA levels in visual cortex were related with N170 amplitude and latency and predictive of worse social communication performance (SCQ scores). N170 latencies reflected delayed processing speed of emotional expressions and related to worse social communication scores.DiscussionIn sum, we found a specific N170 electrophysiological signature of dynamic face processing related to social communication abilities and cortical GABA levels. These findings have potential clinical significance supporting the hypothesis of a spectrum of social communication abilities and the identification of a specific face-expression sensitive N170 which can potentially be used in the development of diagnostic and intervention tools.
An examination of relationships between vitamin B12 status and functional measures of peripheral neuropathy in young adult vegetarians
Authors: Arnold Taylor , Johnston Carol S. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPrevalence rates for vitamin B12 deficiency in U.S. adult vegetarians may exceed 30%, which is concerning given the role for this vitamin in numerous nervous system functions, including the synthesis of myelin sheaths. Defective myelin synthesis and repair are directly linked to peripheral neuropathy; yet, few investigations have examined how physical indicators of peripheral neuropathy (e.g., hand dexterity, vibration sensitivity and balance) are impacted in individuals adhering to vegetarian diets. This feasibility research explored the relationships between peripheral neuropathy and vitamin B12 status using a cross-sectional study design. In addition, a small pilot trial was conducted for limited-efficacy testing of vitamin B12 supplementation for reducing peripheral neuropathy.MethodsHealthy, able-bodied adults (n = 38; 19–40 years of age) reported exclusive adherence to a vegetarian or vegan diet for 3 years. Peripheral neuropathy was measured using a force plate for assessing balance, and a vibration sensitivity tester and pegboard tests to assess hand dexterity. Serum vitamin B12 and folate were measured using standard radioimmunoassay techniques.ResultsTwenty-six percent of the sample displayed deficient or marginal vitamin B12 status (serum vitamin B12 &lt;221 pmol/L). Participants with adequate vitamin B12 status scored 10% higher on the Purdue pegboard assembly test and 20% higher on the left hand adjusted functional dexterity test in comparison to participants with marginal-to-deficient vitamin B12 status (p &lt; 0.05).DiscussionThese data provide preliminary evidence that peripheral neuropathy can be detected in individuals with marginal-to-deficient vitamin B12 status.
A predictive model for early death in elderly colorectal cancer patients: a population-based study
Authors: Wang Qi , Shen Kexin , Fei Bingyuan , Luo Hai , Li Ruiqi , Wang Zeming , Wei Mengqiang , Xie Zhongshi 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine what variables contribute to the early death of elderly colorectal cancer patients (ECRC) and to generate predictive nomograms for this population.MethodsThis retrospective cohort analysis included elderly individuals (≥75 years old) diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) from 2010-2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result databases (SEER) databases. The external validation was conducted using a sample of the Chinese population obtained from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University. Logistic regression analyses were used to ascertain variables associated with early death and to develop nomograms. The nomograms were internally and externally validated with the help of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsThe SEER cohort consisted of 28,111 individuals, while the Chinese cohort contained 315 cases. Logistic regression analyses shown that race, marital status, tumor size, Grade, T stage, N stage, M stage, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors for all-cause and cancer-specific early death in ECRC patients; The variable of sex was only related to an increased risk of all-cause early death, whereas the factor of insurance status was solely associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific early death. Subsequently, two nomograms were devised to estimate the likelihood of all-cause and cancer-specific early death among individuals with ECRC. The nomograms exhibited robust predictive accuracy for predicting early death of ECRC patients, as evidenced by both internal and external validation.ConclusionWe developed two easy-to-use nomograms to predicting the likelihood of early death in ECRC patients, which would contribute significantly to the improvement of clinical decision-making and the formulation of personalized treatment approaches for this particular population.
Service users’ perceptions of relevant and helpful components of an integrated care concept (ACCESS) for psychosis
Authors: Rohenkohl Anja Christine , Sowada Pia , Lambert Martin , Gallinat Jürgen , Karow Anne , Lüdecke Daniel , Rühl Friederike , Schöttle Daniel 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPsychotic disorders have a significant impact on patients’ lives and their families, and long-term treatment with individually tailored multimodal combinations of therapies is often required. Integrated care (IC) concepts such as the “Hamburg Model (ACCESS)” with a focus on psychotic disorders, includes different (therapeutic) components with pharmaco- and psychotherapy, family involvement, home treatment and the option of using a 24/7 crisis hotline. All components are offered by a therapeutically-oriented assertive community treatment (TACT) team in a need-adapted manner. So far, however, little is known about which specific components are regarded as especially relevant and helpful by the users of IC.MethodsPatients currently participating in IC completed a questionnaire as part of the continuous quality assurance study (ACCESS II) in which they were asked to rate the different components of treatment according to their relevance and helpfulness, considering the individual’s unique experiences with IC and needs in mental health care. Furthermore, they were asked to make suggestions regarding additional helpful components of treatment.ResultsFifty patients participated in this survey (23% of the patients currently participating in the IC concept). For participants, the most helpful and important factors were having the same therapist in the long-term and the 24/7 crisis telephone. Additional components suggested by patients included more addiction-specific therapies and increased focus on vocational rehabilitation and integration.ConclusionFrom the perspective of the users of IC, long-term care from a trusted therapist with whom there is a therapeutic relationship and the possibility to reach someone they already know from the TACT team 24/7 serves as the best basis for effective care, fostering trust, understanding, and open communication. In contrast, home treatment remains a relevant aspect of evidence-based care for people with severe mental illness, but perhaps surprisingly, is not viewed as the most important issue.
Depressive symptoms among people under COVID-19 quarantine or self-isolation in Korea: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Chu Hyeon Sik , Lee Kounseok 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThis study aims to determine the effect of COVID-19-related hospital isolation or self-isolation on depression using the propensity score matching method.MethodsData on 217,734 participants were divided into groups based on whether or not they underwent quarantine for their COVID-19 diagnosis. COVID-19-related anxiety, depressive symptoms, subjective health status, and perceived stress were evaluated.ResultsBased on the calculated propensity score, we matched the quarantined group and non-quarantined group using 1:2 matching with nearest neighbor matching and a caliper width of 0.1. Within the quarantined group, 16.4% of participants experienced significant depressive symptoms, which was significantly higher than that of the non-quarantined group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in COVID-19-related anxiety, self-rated health status, and perceived stress. In our multiple logistic regression analysis with related variables corrected, the quarantined group was 1.298 times more likely to have depressive symptoms than the non-quarantined group (95% CI = 1.030–1.634).ConclusionOur study confirmed that COVID-19 quarantine is associated with depressive symptoms. These results indicate that healthcare policymakers and healthcare professionals must consider the negative mental and physical effects of quarantine when determining quarantine measures during an infectious disease disaster such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drug prescription patterns and their association with mortality and hospitalization duration in COVID-19 patients: insights from big data
Authors: Mehrizi Reza , Golestani Ali , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Karami Hossein , Nasehi Mohammad Mahdi , Effatpanah Mohammad , Ranjbaran Hossein , Shahali Zahra , Sari Ali Akbari , Daroudi Rajabali 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundDifferent medication prescription patterns have been associated with varying course of disease and outcomes in COVID-19. Health claims data is a rich source of information on disease treatment and outcomes. We aimed to investigate drug prescription patterns and their association with mortality and hospitalization via insurance data for a relatively long period of the pandemic in Iran.MethodsWe retrieved hospitalized patients’ data from Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) spanning 26 months (2020–2022) nationwide. Included were patients with ICD-10 codes U07.1/U07.2 for confirmed/suspected COVID-19. A case was defined as a single hospitalization event for an individual patient. Multiple hospitalizations of a patient within a 30-day interval were aggregated into a single case, while hospitalizations with intervals exceeding 30 days were treated as independent cases. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) was used for medications classification. The two main study outcomes were general and intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization periods and mortality. Besides, various demographic and clinical associate factors were analyzed to derive the associations with medication prescription patterns and study outcomes using accelerated failure time (AFT) and logistic regression models.ResultsDuring the 26 months of the study period, 1,113,678 admissions with COVID-19 diagnosis at hospitals working in company with IHIO were recorded. 917,198 cases were detected from the database, among which 51.91% were females and 48.09% were males. Among the main groups of medications, antithrombotics (55.84% [95% CI: 55.74–55.94]), corticosteroids (54.14% [54.04–54.24]), and antibiotics (42.22% [42.12–42.32]) were the top used medications among cases with COVID-19. Investigation of the duration of hospitalization based on main medication groups showed antithrombotics (adjusted median ratio = 0.94 [0.94–0.95]) were significantly associated with shorter periods of overall hospitalization. Also, antithrombotics (adjusted odds ratio = 0.74 [95%CI, 0.73–0.76]), corticosteroids (0.97 [0.95–0.99]), antivirals (0.82 [0.80–0.83]), and ACE inhibitor/ARB (0.79 [0.77–0.80]) were significantly associated with lower mortality.ConclusionOver 2 years of investigation, antithrombotics, corticosteroids, and antibiotics were the top medications for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Trends in medication prescription varied based on various factors across the country. Medication prescriptions could potentially significantly impact the trends of mortality and hospitalization during epidemics, thereby affecting both health and economic burdens.