bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential effects of specific gut microbiota on periodontal disease: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Meng , Shao Qiang , Zhou Yinglu , Yu Yili , Wang Shuwei , Wang An , Cai Yida 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPeriodontal disease (PD) presents a substantial global health challenge, encompassing conditions from reversible gingivitis to irreversible periodontitis, often culminating in tooth loss. The gut-oral axis has recently emerged as a focal point, with potential gut microbiota dysbiosis exacerbating PD.MethodsIn this study, we employed a double-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomized (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between specific gut microbiota and periodontal disease (PD) and bleeding gum (BG) development, while exploring the interplay between periodontal health and the gut microenvironment. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with two cohorts, totalling 346,731 (PD and control) and 461,113 (BG and control) participants, along with data from 14,306 participants’ intestinal flora GWAS, encompassing 148 traits (31 families and 117 genera). Three MR methods were used to assess causality, with the in-verse-variance-weighted (IVW) measure as the primary outcome. Cochrane’s Q test, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO global tests were used to detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy. The leave-one-out method was used to test the stability of the MR results. An F-statistic greater than 10 was accepted for instrument exposure association.Results and conclusionSpecifically, Eubacterium xylanophilum and Lachnoclostridium were associated with reduced gum bleeding risk, whereas Anaerotruncus, Eisenbergiella, and Phascolarctobacterium were linked to reduced PD risk. Conversely, Fusicatenibacter was associated with an elevated risk of PD. No significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected. In conclusion, our MR analysis pinpointed specific gut flora with causal connections to PD, offering potential avenues for oral health interventions.
Application of a nomogram model for the prediction of 90-day poor outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion
Authors: Li Xia , Li Chen , Liu Ao-fei , Jiang Chang-chun , Zhang Yi-qun , Liu Yun-e , Zhang Ying-ying , Li Hao-yang , Jiang Wei-jian , Lv Jin 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe past decade has witnessed advancements in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute large-vessel occlusions (LVOs). However, only approximately half of the patients with LVO undergoing MT show the best/independent 90-day favorable outcome. This study aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting 90-day poor outcomes in patients with LVO treated with MT.MethodsA total of 187 patients who received MT were retrospectively analyzed. Factors associated with 90-day poor outcomes (defined as mRS of 4–6) were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes. One best-fit nomogram was established to predict the risk of a 90-day poor outcome, and a concordance index was utilized to evaluate the performance of the model. Additionally, 145 patients from a single stroke center were retrospectively recruited as the validation cohort to test the newly established nomogram.ResultsThe overall incidence of 90-day poor outcomes was 45.16%, affecting 84 of 186 patients in the training set. Moreover, five variables, namely, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.049, 95% CI [1.016–1.083]; p = 0.003), glucose level (OR: 1.163, 95% CI [1.038–1.303]; p = 0.009), baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR: 1.066, 95% CI [0.995–1.142]; p = 0.069), unsuccessful recanalization (defined as a TICI grade of 0 to 2a) (OR: 3.730, 95% CI [1.688–8.245]; p = 0.001), and early neurological deterioration (END, defined as an increase of ≥4 points between the baseline NIHSS score and the NIHSS score at 24 h after MT) (OR: 3.383, 95% CI [1.411–8.106]; p = 0.006), were included in the nomogram to predict the potential risk of poor outcomes at 90 days following MT in LVO patients, with a C-index of 0.763 (0.693–0.832) in the training set and 0.804 (0.719–0.889) in the validation set.ConclusionThe proposed nomogram provided clinical evidence for the effective control of these risk factors before or during the process of MT surgery in LVO patients.
Promoting healthy eating in early pregnancy in individuals at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: does it improve glucose homeostasis? A study protocol for a randomized control trial
Authors: Bernier Emilie , Plante Anne-Sophie , Lemieux Patricia , Robitaille Julie , Lemieux Simone , Desroches Sophie , Bélanger-Gravel Ariane , Maheux-Lacroix Sarah , Weisnagel S. John , Demers Suzanne , Camirand Lemyre Félix , Boulet Mélanie , Baillargeon Jean-Patrice , Morisset Anne-Sophie 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundHealthy eating during pregnancy has favorable effects on glycemic control and is associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). According to Diabetes Canada, there is a need for an effective and acceptable intervention that could improve glucose homeostasis and support pregnant individuals at risk for GDM.AimsThis unicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effects of a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy, on glucose homeostasis in 150 pregnant individuals at risk for GDM, compared to usual care.MethodsPopulation: 150 pregnant individuals ≥18 years old, at ≤14 weeks of pregnancy, and presenting ≥1 risk factor for GDM according to Diabetes Canada guidelines. Intervention: The nutritional intervention initiated in the first trimester is based on the health behavior change theory during pregnancy and on Canada’s Food Guide recommendations. It includes (1) four individual counseling sessions with a registered dietitian using motivational interviewing (12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks), with post-interview phone call follow-ups, aiming to develop and achieve S.M.A.R.T. nutritional objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound); (2) 10 informative video clips on healthy eating during pregnancy developed by our team and based on national guidelines, and (3) a virtual support community via a Facebook group. Control: Usual prenatal care. Protocol: This RCT includes three on-site visits (10–14, 24–26, and 34–36 weeks) during which a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test is done and blood samples are taken. At each trimester and 3 months postpartum, participants complete web-based questionnaires, including three validated 24-h dietary recalls to assess their diet quality using the Healthy Eating Food Index 2019. Primary outcome: Difference in the change in fasting blood glucose (from the first to the third trimester) between groups. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval.DiscussionThis RCT will determine whether a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy can improve glucose homeostasis in individuals at risk for GDM and inform Canadian stakeholders on improving care trajectories and policies for pregnant individuals at risk for GDM.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05299502, NCT05299502
On-demand plerixafor added to high-dose cyclophosphamide and pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the mobilization of patients with multiple myeloma: a treatment with high effectiveness, convenient, and affordable cost
Authors: Hou Li-qiong , Liu Jun-Ru , Gu Jing-Li , Chen Mei-Lan , Kuang Li-Fen , Huang Bei-Hui , Zou Wai-yi , Li Juan 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThe combination of high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-Cy) (3g/m2) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and on-demand plerixafor (PXF) has been considered an effective mobilization regimen of patients with multiple myeloma(MM). However, the daily multi-injection regimen of G-CSF poses challenges. This study delves into the efficiency and cost implications of a novel approach, using HD-Cy alongside pegylated G-CSF (PEG G-CSF) and on-demand PXF. Unlike G-CSF, which necessitates daily injections, the half-life of PEG G-CSF extended allows for a single injection.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 350 MM patients, which were categorized based on their mobilization regimens: Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF (n=66), Cy+PEG G-CSF (n=91), Cy+ G-CSF (n=169), and G-CSF+PXF (n=24).ResultsMobilization with Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF(8.79)yielded a notably higher median CD34+ cell count compared to the other regimens: Cy+PEG G-CSF(4.96), Cy+G-CSF (4.65), and G-CSF+PXF (2.99) (P&lt;0.001). The percentage of patients who achieved &gt;6×106/kg CD34+ cells was significantly higher in the Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF group (77.3%) than in the other mobilization regimens: Cy+PEG G-CSF (41.8%), Cy+ G-CSF (37.3%), and G-CSF+PXF (8.3%) (P&lt;0.001). From a cost perspective, the Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF approach was more economical than the G-CSF+PXF strategy but was marginally costlier than the other two methods. A multivariate assessment highlighted that the combination of Cy+PEG G-CSF with on-demand PXF had a superior potential to achieve the desired harvest (6×106/kg) compared to the Cy+PEG G-CSF protocol without PXF. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for each 1% increase in the probability of achieving a successful optimal harvest was $ 97.02 per patient. The incidence of neutropenic fever was 3.0% in the Cy+PEG G-CSF+/-PXF group.ConclusionThe combination of on-demand PXF with HD-Cy and PEG G-CSF offers a cost-effective approach with a high mobilization success rate, manageable side effects, and the convenience of fewer injections. It stands as a promising mobilization strategy for MM patients.
Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome with profound abdominal lymphatic-venous malformation in a three-day-old newborn: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wei Shih Yang , Liu Yu Peng , Lin Dao Chen , Tsai Pei Shan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundKlippel–Trénaunay syndrome, a kind of congenital limb-length-discrepancy disorder, is commonly associated with a variety of vascular anomalies.Case presentationWe present the case of a three-day-old newborn with a profound abdominal mass lesion during prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. After delivery, physical examination revealed mild hemihypertrophy of the left lower extremity and red lesions on the left thigh. MRI of the abdomen showed a cyst-like lesion measuring 6.3 cm × 2.7 cm × 5.5 cm in the upper abdomen. Within the mass, there were also some possible calcified spots exhibiting high T1WI signals and low T2WI signals. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen was consistent with an ill-defined cystic tumor with small calcifications and encasement of mesenteric vessels. A MRI of the left lower extremity showed a tubular structure with a signal void and homogeneous strong enhancement located in the anterior subcutis of the left lower limb. The CT scan confirmed that the tubular structure was consistent with a venous malformation. This patient had features of Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome, including port-wine stains, a profound abdominal mass, and vascular malformations of the left lower extremity.ConclusionsIn this article, we presented a case of Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome, emphasizing both prenatal and confirmatory postnatal cross-sectional imaging findings. The rare presentation of an abdominal lymphatic-venous formation played a pivotal role as a crucial indicator for an early diagnosis of Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome.
Compartment-based reconstruction of acquisition-weighted 31P cardiac MRSI reduces sensitivity to cardiac motion and scan planning
Authors: Tyler Andrew , Hundertmark Moritz J. , Miller Jack J. , Rider Oliver , Tyler Damian J. , Valkovič Ladislav 
Published: January 2024

Motivation:31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (31P MRSI) is a powerful technique for investigating the metabolic effects of treatments for heart failure in vivo, allowing a better understanding of their mechanism of action in patient cohorts. Unfortunately, cardiac 31P MRSI is fundamentally limited by low SNR, which leads to compromises in acquisition, such as no cardiac or respiratory gating or low spatial resolution, in order to achieve reasonable scan times. Spectroscopy with linear algebra modeling (SLAM) reconstruction may be able to address these challenges and therefore improve repeatability by incorporating a segmented localizer into the reconstruction.Methods: Six healthy volunteers were scanned twice in a test–retest procedure to allow quantification of repeatability. Each scan consisted of anatomical localizers and two acquisition-weighted (AW) 31P MRSI acquisitions, which were acquired with and without cardiac gating. Five patients with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction were then scanned with the same 31P MRSI sequence without cardiac gating. All 31P MRSI datasets were reconstructed with both conventional Fourier transform (FT)-based reconstruction and SLAM reconstruction, which were compared statistically. The effect of shifting the 31P MRSI acquisition field of view was also investigated.Results: In the healthy volunteer cohort, the spectral fit of the SLAM reconstructions had significantly improved Cramer–Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) compared to the FT-based reconstruction of non-cardiac gated data, as well as improved coefficients of variability and repeatability. The SLAM reconstruction found a significant difference in the PCr/ATP ratio between the healthy volunteer and patient cohorts, which the FT-based reconstruction did not find. Furthermore, the SLAM reconstruction was less influenced by the placement of the field of view (FOV) of the 31P MRSI acquisition in post hoc analysis.Discussion: The experimental benefits of the SLAM reconstruction for AW data were demonstrated by the improvements in fit confidence and repeatability seen in the healthy volunteer cohort and post hoc FOV analysis. The benefit of SLAM reconstruction of AW data for clinical studies was then illustrated by the patient cohort, which suggested improved sensitivity to clinically significant changes in the PCr/ATP ratio.
Genome-wide identification of TPS and TPP genes in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and functional characterization of AhTPS9 in response to cold stress
Authors: Zhong Chao , He Zehua , Liu Yu , Li Zhao , Wang Xiaoguang , Jiang Chunji , Kang Shuli , Liu Xibo , Zhao Shuli , Wang Jing , Zhang He , Zhao Xinhua , Yu Haiqiu 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionTrehalose is vital for plant metabolism, growth, and stress resilience, relying on Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) and Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) genes. Research on these genes in cultivated peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) is limited.MethodsThis study employed bioinformatics to identify and analyze AhTPS and AhTPP genes in cultivated peanuts, with subsequent experimental validation of AhTPS9’s role in cold tolerance.ResultsIn the cultivated peanut genome, a total of 16 AhTPS and 17 AhTPP genes were identified. AhTPS and AhTPP genes were observed in phylogenetic analysis, closely related to wild diploid peanuts, respectively. The evolutionary patterns of AhTPS and AhTPP genes were predominantly characterized by gene segmental duplication events and robust purifying selection. A variety of hormone-responsive and stress-related cis-elements were unveiled in our analysis of cis-regulatory elements. Distinct expression patterns of AhTPS and AhTPP genes across different peanut tissues, developmental stages, and treatments were revealed, suggesting potential roles in growth, development, and stress responses. Under low-temperature stress, qPCR results showcased upregulation in AhTPS genes (AhTPS2-5, AhTPS9-12, AhTPS14, AhTPS15) and AhTPP genes (AhTPP1, AhTPP6, AhTPP11, AhTPP13). Furthermore, AhTPS9, exhibiting the most significant expression difference under cold stress, was obviously induced by cold stress in cultivated peanut, and AhTPS9-overexpression improved the cold tolerance of Arabidopsis by protect the photosynthetic system of plants, and regulates sugar-related metabolites and genes.DiscussionThis comprehensive study lays the groundwork for understanding the roles of AhTPS and AhTPP gene families in trehalose regulation within cultivated peanuts and provides valuable insights into the mechanisms related to cold stress tolerance.
Exploring the impact of workload, organizational support, and work engagement on teachers’ psychological wellbeing: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Wang Yonggang 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis study delves into the intricate relationships among workload, perceived organizational support, work engagement, and psychological wellbeing within the context of 572 secondary school teachers in China.MethodsUtilizing structural equation modeling (SEM), this research rigorously examined construct validity and the intricate interrelationships among latent variables. The data were collected and analyzed to determine the associations between workload, perceived organizational support, work engagement, and psychological wellbeing.ResultsThe findings unveiled compelling negative associations between workload and perceived organizational support, workload and work engagement, and workload and psychological wellbeing among the secondary school teachers. Conversely, positive correlations emerged between perceived organizational support, work engagement, and psychological wellbeing. The structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated strong fit indices, affirming robust alignment with the anticipated models.DiscussionMediation analyses further elucidated the significance of work engagement as a mediator in the relationships between workload and psychological wellbeing, as well as between perceived organizational support and psychological wellbeing. These results underscore the pivotal role of work engagement in shaping the impact of workload and organizational support on the psychological wellbeing of secondary school teachers in Chinese educational settings.
Combination of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, screen-based sedentary time, and sleep duration and their association with South Korean adolescents' mental health
Authors: Ra Jin Suk 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis study examines the combinations of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, screen-based sedentary time, and sleep duration and their association with adolescents' depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.MethodsThis research followed a crosssectional study design. Secondary data analysis was conducted on the data collected from 21,046 high school students who had participated in the 17th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey in 2021. A complex sampling analysis, including descriptive and logistic regression analyses, was conducted in SPSS Statistics 26.0.ResultsThe combination of low SSB consumption, excessive screen-based sedentary time, and short sleep duration was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms. In addition, a combination of medium/high SSB consumption, appropriate/excessive screen-based sedentary time, and short sleep duration was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms. Finally, the combination of high SSB consumption, excessive screen-based sedentary time, and short sleep duration was associated with an increase in suicidal ideation.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that healthcare providers should develop and conduct family-and school-based programs to restrict SSB consumption, screen-based sedentary behaviors, and sleep duration to improve adolescents' mental health.
Worldwide variations in COVID-19 vaccination policies and practices in liver transplant settings: results of a multi-society global survey
Authors: Di Maira Tommaso , Vinaixa Carmen , Izzy Manhal , Paolo Russo Francesco , Kirchner Varvara A. , Rammohan Ashwin , Belli Luca Saverio , Polak Wojciech Grzegorz , Berg Thomas , Berenguer Marina 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundDespite the WHO's report of 24 available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, limited data exist regarding vaccination policies for liver transplant (LT) patients. To address this, we conducted a global multi-society survey (EASL-ESOT-ELITA-ILTS) in LT centers.MethodsA digital questionnaire assessing vaccine policies, safety, efficacy, and center data was administered online to LT centers.ResultsOut of 168 responding centers, 46.4%, 28%, 13.1%, 10.7%, and 1.8% were from European, American, Western Pacific, Southeast Asian, and Eastern Mediterranean Regions. Most LT centers prioritized COVID-19 vaccine access for LT patients (76%) and healthcare workers (86%), while other categories had lower priority (30%). One-third of responders recommended mRNA vaccine exclusively, while booster doses were widely recommended (81%). One-third conducted post-vaccine liver function tests post COVID-19 vaccine. Only 16% of centers modified immunosuppression, and mycophenolate discontinuation or modification was the main approach. Side effects were seen in 1 in 1,000 vaccinated patients, with thromboembolism, acute rejection, and allergic reaction being the most severe. mRNA showed fewer side effects (−3.1, p = 0.002).ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccines and booster doses were widely used among LT recipients and healthcare workers, without a specific vaccine preference. Preventative immunosuppression adjustment post-vaccination was uncommon. mRNA vaccines demonstrated a favorable safety profile in this population.
Being kind in unkind spaces: a qualitative examination of how medical educators and first year medical students perceive empathy training
Authors: Harvey Sarah D. C. , Stacey Clare L. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIt has become de rigueur for healthcare systems to tout their ability to provide compassionate medical care that addresses the emotional as well as physical needs of patients. Not surprisingly, then, there is considerable pressure on medical schools to train their students to be empathic. Existing literature on empathy training in medicine tends to focus on how to build emotional intelligence in individual trainees, largely ignoring the sociocultural factors that contribute to or thwart empathy development in medical school. Additionally, research tends to examine student perspectives, with little attention given to medical educators and their viewpoints.MethodsIn this paper, we adopt an “emotion practice” framework and utilize an inductive descriptive study design to qualitatively consider how first year medical students (N = 23) and their instructors (N = 9) perceive empathy training at a site we call Midtown Medical School.Results and discussionWe find that both groups have an understanding of empathic capital but differ in their beliefs about the utility and legitimacy of this capital. Both educators and students also recognize the limitations of standardized empathy curriculum but do not agree on the implications of such rote learning. Finally, students and instructors alike find the hidden curriculum of medical school to be antithetical to empathy development, concurring that it is difficult to cultivate empathy in spaces where biomedical coursework is prioritized over social–emotional learning. In short, both groups find it difficult to be kind in an unkind place.