bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global research trends in the intestinal microflora and depression: bibliometrics and visual analysis
Authors: Xu Qian , Xiang Qingwei , Tan Zihu , Yang Qiong 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundIn recent years, the relationship between gut microbiota and human health has garnered significant attention. Notably, the potential connection between gut microbiota and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, has emerged as a new focal point for research. While some studies suggest a possible link between these factors, the field remains in its early stages of development, and there are notable methodological and sample size limitations.PurposeThis study aims to systematically summarize the knowledge systems, research hotspots, and development trends related to intestinal microflora within the context of depression research.MethodsThis study conducted a search for publications related to intestinal microflora and depression in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) prior to August 6, 2024. The selected literature was subsequently analyzed using VOSviewer (v.1.6.20), SCImago Graphica (v.1.0.39), and CiteSpace (v.6.3.1).ResultsThe study encompassed a total of 1,046 publications, demonstrating a consistent increase in annual publication volume. The primary research countries identified are China and the United States, with notable contributions from institutions such as the University of California and University College Cork, among others. Keywords analysis highlighted high-frequency terms including “gut microbiota,” “depression,” and “anxiety,” and revealed 10 keyword clusters along with 20 strongest citation bursts keywords. The focus of research has shifted from compositional analysis of gut microbiota to its role in the pathogenesis of depression.ConclusionsResearch on gut microbiota and depression is growing, but there is still a need for greater collaboration between authors and institutions across regions, more ongoing interaction and communication to further explore the mechanisms of action of gut microbiota, to develop microbiota-based interventions, and to facilitate translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Management of acute coronary syndrome in resource-limited set up: a summary of 4-year review of two hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Dejene Atinafu , Woyimo Tamirat Godebo , Geleta Megersa Negesa , Chiri Seifu Bacha , Asefa Elsah Tegene , Tukeni Kedir Negesso 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionAcute coronary syndrome refers to a group of diseases characterized by sudden, decreased blood supply to the heart muscle that results in cell death, also known as acute myocardial infarction. This results in severe chest pain or discomfort, with the subsequent release of cardiac biomarkers, and alterations in the electrocardiogram. It can cause diminished heart function and mortality if not treated properly with suitable measures. Despite the fact that percutaneous coronary intervention is the standard of care in one subset of acute coronary syndrome, significant number of patients were treated medically due to the limited service in the setting. The purpose of this study was to look at the patterns of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as the management and outcomes of these patients in two Ethiopian tertiary institutions.MethodsA four-year retrospective study was undertaken on 308 patients with acute coronary syndrome, at two tertiary hospitals located in Ethiopia's capital-Addis Ababa.Results and DiscussionOf the 308 patients 72.4% were male, with the average age of 56.3 ± 13.5 years. Hypertension and diabetes were the two most common risk factors identified. The average time to present to the emergency room after symptom onset was 3.7 (SD ± 3.2) days. The majority of patients (67.9%) have been diagnosed with ST- Elevated Myocardial Infarction and were classified as Killip class I. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention was performed for 12.3% of patients, with the remaining receiving medical care. The average hospital stay was 8.51 (SD ± 7.2) days while In-hospital mortality was 8.8%. Tachycardia of &gt;140 (AOR = 7.50, 95% CI: 1.36, 41.57), any degree of left ventricular dysfunction, Killip class IV (AOR = 6.03, 95% CI: 1.27, 28.61), and non-initiation of betablockers (AOR = 0.17,95% CI: 0.05, 0.63) were significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality.
Validation of markerless video-based gait analysis using pose estimation in toddlers with and without neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey T. , Stenum Jan , Roemmich Ryan T. , Wilson Rujuta B. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe onset of locomotion is a critical motor milestone in early childhood and increases engagement with the environment. Toddlers with neurodevelopmental disabilities often have atypical motor development that impacts later outcomes. Video-based gait analysis using pose estimation offers an alternative to standardized motor assessments which are subjective and difficult to ascertain in some populations, yet very little work has been done to determine its accuracy in young children. To fill this gap, this study aims to assess the feasibility and accuracy of pose estimation for gait analysis in children with a range of developmental levels.MethodsWe analyzed the overground gait of 112 toddlers (M: 30 months, SD: 8 months) with and without developmental disabilities using the ProtoKinetics Zeno Walkway system. Simultaneously recorded videos were processed in OpenPose to perform pose estimation and a custom MATLAB workflow to calculate average spatiotemporal gait parameters. Pearson correlations were used to compare OpenPose with the Zeno Walkway for velocity, step length, and step time. A Bland-Altman analysis (difference vs. average) was used to assess the agreement between methodologies and determine the difference of means. Developmental levels were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning.ResultsOur analysis included children with autism (n = 77), non-autism developmental concerns (n = 6), tuberous sclerosis complex (n = 13), 22q deletion (n = 1), and typical development (n = 15). Mullen early learning composite scores ranged from 49 to 95 (m = 80.91, sd = 26.68). Velocity (r = 0.87, p &lt; 0.0001), step length (r = 0.79, p &lt; 0.0001), and step time (r = 0.96, p &lt; 0.0001) were all highly correlated between OpenPose and the Zeno Walkway, with an absolute difference of means of 0.04 m/s, 0.03 m, and 0.01 s, respectively.DiscussionOur results suggest that video-based gait analysis using pose estimation is accurate in toddlers with a range of developmental levels. Video-based gait analysis is low cost and can be implemented for remote data collection in natural environments such as a participant's home. These advantages open possibilities for using repeated measures to increase our knowledge of how gait ability changes over time in pediatric populations and improve clinical screening tools, particularly in those with neurodevelopmental disabilities who exhibit motor impairments.
Digital technologies in the classrooms in the last decade (2014–2023): a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Alam Talha Mahboob , Stoica George Adrian , Sharma Kshitij , Özgöbek Özlem 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionDigital technologies are widely integrated with teaching and learning, and examining these technological interventions in the classrooms has become an active research area. Existing reviews are often constrained, relying on qualitative methods like meta-analysis, scoping review, or systematic review, which tend to cover a limited number of studies. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1,128 articles published between 2014 and 2023 from the Web of Science database to provide a comprehensive overview of this field.MethodsThis study used Biblioshiny and VOSviewer tools to perform performance analysis and scientific mapping. In this study, performance analysis was performed, including descriptive statistics, publication trends, and identification of key actors. Furthermore, scientific mapping has also been done to visualize the prevalent structural aspects and hot research topics to observe the evolving dynamics over the past 10 years.ResultsThe findings indicate a significant rise in publications over the past decade, with an annual growth of 21.5 per cent. We identified prolific authors, institutions, journals, countries, articles, and keywords that encapsulate the domain of digital technologies in the classrooms. The prospective challenges were also identified, including a need for a more technology-driven culture, limited teacher assistance, user interface design issues, proper training, and a technological divide.DiscussionThe findings could encourage the use of digital technologies in the classrooms and offer insights for policymakers to (re)allocate resources. Furthermore, this work is valuable for informing scholars and practitioners about the current state of research, helping them to identify and focus on trending topics when deciding which areas to explore.
Elevated body roundness index increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese patients with circadian syndrome
Authors: Zhang Fenglin , Shi Wenhua , Wen Jingwei , Cao Haiming , Xu Wenjing , Lan Taohua , Jiang Wei , Chen Xiankun , Lu Weihui 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThe body roundness index (BRI) and circadian syndrome (CircS) are considered new risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet it remains uncertain whether elevated BRI is associated with CVD incidence in CircS patients. In this study, we investigated the association between BRI and CVD occurrence among CircS participants.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 8,888 participants aged ≥45 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011-2020 wave). CircS was evaluated with a combination of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) MetS, along with short sleep duration and depression. The threshold for CircS was established at ≥4. In the first phase, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosing CircS according to baseline BRI. During the 9-year follow-up, the associations between BRI and CVD incidence in CircS patients were explored by employing logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and subgroup analysis.ResultsBRI demonstrated an independent association with CircS, and multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline analyses suggested “J-shaped” associations between BRI and risk of CircS. BRI demonstrated better diagnostic performance in diagnosing CircS compared to general obesity indices such as ABSI (AUC: 0.617), BMI (AUC: 0.746), and WC (AUC: 0.722), with an AUC of 0.760. After a 9-year follow-up, BRI was found to be independently associated with the occurrence of CVD in CircS patients, and the associations between incident CVD and the second, third, and fourth BRI quartiles were 1.30 (95% CI: 0.99~1.69), 1.32 (95% CI: 1.01~1.72), and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.21~2.08), respectively, relative to the first BRI quartile. Then, we assessed the relationship between other obesity indices and the CVD occurrence, and likewise observed a significant effect in the fourth quartile.ConclusionBRI was independently associated with CircS, outperforming obesity indices such as BMI and WC in identifying individuals with CircS. During the 9-year follow-up, elevated BRI levels was significantly associated with CVD incidence among CircS patients, especially in men. Thus, early identification of high-risk populations with CircS and elevated BRI levels may help promote healthy aging among middle-aged and elderly individuals.
The impact of heavy metals on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Authors: Peng Shiyu , Zhang Gaoxiang , Wang Decheng , He Zhiliang 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveHeavy metals are present in many environmental pollutants, and have cumulative effects on the human body, which can lead to several diseases, including osteoporosis (OP). However, limited information was known about the correlation between OP and heavy metals, especially in postmenopausal women. The current research was aimed to explore the association heavy metals and bone mineral density (BMD) with OP risk among postmenopausal women in the US.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled participants in NHANES 2013–2014 and 2017–2020. ICP–MS was applied to detect five metals, namely, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se and Mn, in blood. BMD was measured through DXA and then converted to T-scores. At the same time, the impacts of exposure to single and mixed metals on OP were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, WQS, and BKMR models. The relationship was examined based on age and BMI.ResultsTotally 905 postmenopausal women were enrolled for final analysis. Among them, 161 (17.80%) participants had OP. Logistic regression indicated that, Cd [OR (95% CI): 1.815 (1.076, 3.061) and 2.180 (1.309, 3.631), separately, P for trend = 0.006] and Se [OR (95% CI): 0.570 (0.356, 0.914), 0.454 (0.276, 0.747) and 0.689 (0.433, 1.097), separately, P for trend = 0.071] were related to OP in the adjusted model 1. Similar results to model 1 were obtained by the rest models. Multivariate linear regression model analysis suggested that subjects who had the greatest quartile of Cd level (Q4) exhibited lower BMD within the entire femur (β = −0.112, P = 0.007; P for trend = 0.003) compared to those in Q1. The WQS analysis suggested that Cd was correlated positively with increased OP risk, whereas Se inversely associated. In BKMR analysis, exposure to mixed metals was significantly positively related to OP. In subgroup analysis, Cd's impact on OP risk was most pronounced in the 50–60 year age and 25–30 kg/m2 BMI subgroups, and Se offered protection in older age and higher BMI groups.ConclusionThis is the ﬁrst study to determine the correlation between OP and heavy metals among postmenopausal women in the US based on large data. The results showed that the increased mixed metal concentration may lead to an increased OP risk among postmenopausal women. Blood Cd level was associated with an increased OP risk, and blood Se level served as the predicting factor for OP. More investigations are warranted to demonstrate our findings and elucidate the underlying biological mechanism.
Assessment of human activities on soil contamination in Egypt: implications for the MENA region
Authors: Hendawy Ehab , Belal Abdel-Aziz , Sheta Abd El Aziz S. , Mohamed Elsayed Said , Kucher Dmitry E. , Jalhoum Mohamed E. M. , Shokr Mohamed S. , Ali Abdelraouf M. , Othman Yahia A. , Abou-Hadid Ayman F. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionDecision-makers around the world are very concerned about contaminated soil since it has a direct effect on soil and food security. This study seeks to evaluate soil contamination by a chosen heavy metal, Ni, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn in the studied area located around the Kitchener drain in Egypt, its main source for irrigation water in the studied area and it extends 69 km and pass through Gharbia, Kafr El-Sheikh and Dakahlia Governorates, Egypt near).MethodologyPrincipal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, contamination factor (CF) and degree of contamination (DC) indices, which Quantified the level of contamination hazard supported by GIS, were used to determine the level of soil contamination in the area under study.ResultsThe spatial pattern of studied variables by kriging shows that The K-Bessel model is fitted for electrical conductivity (EC), Ni, and Cu, the exponential model is well-suited for pH, CaCO3%, and Fe in the soil, and the circular model fit for Mn. Stable model for silt, furthermore, a Gaussian model was fitted for Sand, Clay, and Cd and the hole Effect model for Co. As these models had low Mean Standardized Error (MSE) values (around zero) and Root-Mean-Square Standardized Error (RMSSE) values that were close to one. It indicates that the modals’ forecasts are roughly as precise as the baseline. The study area was divided into three zones based on the unconventional results of the integration of PCA and cluster analysis; each zone has a different heavy metal concentration and pattern. The results showed, that 0.82% of the studied area, the pollution was at a moderate level. Very high levels of heavy metal contamination were found throughout most of the area (79.24%); average concentrations of these metals were found to be 132.2+/-31.8,672.6 ± 125.4, 8.9 ± 5.1,103.8 ± 44.4, 25.5 ± 3.5,30.6 ± 10.3,223,021.4 ± 40484, and 246.5 ± 248.7 mg kg−1 for Ni, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn, respectively. On the other hand, 19.92% of the studied area is contaminated considerably. There are various sources of contamination; such as household goods and industrial trash, including those from the textile, paint, sewage, and leather tanning industries; agricultural wastes, particularly those that contain pesticides and superphosphate fertilisers; and sewage sludge.ConclusionOverall mapping soil contamination could help decision-makers create suitable heavy metal mitigation strategies. To lessen human harmful behaviors that create environmental contamination, the study suggests enacting farm management legislation. Future research will also concentrate on strategies for controlling and lessening the consequences of soil pollution.
Uncovering the surge: dengue fever on the rise
Authors: Wheaton Noah , Wong Christian , Gasmelseed Huda , Zinabu Samrawit , Sood Aseem , Rajendran Rithika , Shead Madison , Sanders Amaya , Norton Tabitha , Michael Miriam 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionDengue fever, traditionally a tropical disease, has shown a notable increase in incidence within the United States over recent decades. This paper focuses on the increase in dengue fever cases in Maryland during increasing temperature and humidity and the expanding geographical range of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors for dengue virus transmission.MethodsElectronic health data was used to identify patterns in dengue incidence from 2014 to 2024. Correlation analysis between temperature and dengue incidence and a review of humidity factors was conducted.ResultsResults indicate an increased incidence of dengue fever cases over the past decade. However, a reduction in dengue incidence was observed in 2019–2020, likely due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.DiscussionAs global temperatures increase, the habitats suitable for Aedes mosquitoes have expanded, allowing for their proliferation in previously inhospitable regions. Additionally, higher temperatures can accelerate the life cycle and viral replication rates in these mosquitoes, further enhancing transmission potential. Humidity, another key environmental factor, influences the life expectancy of dengue mosquitoes. This research underscores the urgency of addressing climate change as a public health issue, emphasizing the need for integrated vector management strategies and public health preparedness to mitigate the growing threat of dengue in temperate regions. By understanding the interplay between global warming, humidity, and dengue transmission, we can better inform policy decisions and healthcare practices to curb the spread of this disease in Maryland and the United States.
Efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors alone or in combination in the treatment of metastatic or advanced renal cell carcinoma: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Dongli , Shen Chong , Zhang Weichuan , Chen Haibin , Zhao Jianjun 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThis study systematically reviews the efficacy and safety of the single or combined use of programmed factor 1 (PD-1)/programmed factor 1 ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors for treating metastatic or advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).MethodsRelevant articles were collected for meta-analysis through searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials, as well as for relevant randomized controlled experiments.ResultsBased on eleven studies, the effectiveness of the experimental group was found to be significantly better than the control in terms of overall survival (OS) [R=0.74, 95%CI: 0.69~0.80, P&lt;0.00001], progression-free survival (PFS) [HR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.57~0.81, P&lt;0.0001], objective response rate (ORR) [RR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.39~2.12, P&lt;0.00001], complete response rate (CR) [RR=2.99 95%CI: 2.34~3.83, P&lt;0.0001], partial response rate (PR) [RR=1.56, 95%CI: 1.20~2.01, P=0.001], and disease control rate (DCR) [RR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.06~1.20, P&lt;0.0001]. No statistical significance was observed between the experimental and control groups in overall adverse reactions (AEs) [RR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.98~1.04, P=0.598], the incidence of stage I~II adverse reactions [RR=1.02, 95%CI: 0.88~1.17, P=0.818], or stage III~V adverse reactions [RR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.81~1.18, P=0.817]. Regarding subgroup analysis, the incidence of dysphonia, rash, hypothyroidism, arthralgia, and pruritus in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control. Compared with the control group, the incidence of diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and fatigue in the experimental group was not statistically significant.ConclusionA good efficacy was found in treating metastatic or advanced RCC using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors alone or in combination, which significantly improved and enhanced OS, PFS, ORR, CR, PR, and DCR in patients with RCC. The incidence of adverse reactions in patients was not increased, and adverse reactions were controllable. These findings indicate that the single or combined use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors shows good efficacy and safety in the treatment of metastatic or advanced RCC.
Effectiveness of glucocorticoids in preventing esophageal stricture and predictors of stricture after esophageal ESD: 5 years of experience in a single medical center
Authors: Wang Qingxia , Ding Yuan , Qian Qiliu , Zhu Yinnan , Shi Ruihua 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundEsophageal stricture is one of the major complications after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of the esophagus. However, even with steroid prophylaxis, stenosis still occurs in up to 45% of patients. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of steroid therapy in preventing esophageal strictures after ESD, as well as to assess the predictors of esophageal strictures after the application of steroids.MethodsBetween February 2018 and March 2023, 207 patients who underwent esophageal ESD at Southeast University Affiliated Zhongda Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. We evaluated stenosis rate, number of endoscopic dilations after ESD, the interval between the first endoscopic dilatation after ESD and explored risk factors for strictures after steroid prophylaxis.ResultsIn the control group, the oral steroids group, and the combined group, the stenosis rates were 83/87 (95.4%), 44/53 (83.0%), and 56/67 (83.6%), respectively; the number of endoscopic dilations were 3.43 (±2.22), 2.34 (±2.17), and 1.52 (±1.25), respectively; the time intervals between first endoscopic dilation and ESD procedure were 38.36 (±6.87), 68.18 (±9.49), and 96.82 (±8.41) days, respectively; all these indicators were significantly better in the oral and combined groups than in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified lesion circumference ≥ 5/6th and submucosal injection of solution were two independent factors on esophageal stricture formation (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionSteroid prophylaxis is effective and safe in preventing esophageal stenosis. Moreover, lesion circumference and submucosal injection of sodium hyaluronate were two independent factors on esophageal stricture formation even with steroids administration.