bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HRR as a predictor of lung health: insights from the NHANES database
Authors: Zhou Jiaji , Du Wenyi , Huang Hanzhou , Chen Yongqi , Li Huixing , Chen Leyan , Liu Feng , Zheng Mingfeng 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundChronic respiratory diseases (CRPD) are a global health threat characterized by oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, hypoxemia, and respiratory distress. Inflammatory indicators such as hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (HRR) have been explored in relation to diseases of the respiratory system, but the correlation between HRR and pulmonary function has not been established. As part of this study, a representative sample of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) respondents aged 40 or over was used to examine the correlation between HRR and pulmonary function indices.MethodsData from the 2007–2012 NHANES were used for this study. HRR and four pulmonary function parameters were compared using regression and subgroup analyses. The Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) model was employed to find out if there are any non-linear relationships between these associations. Multiple sensitivity analyses were used to verify the correlation between the two.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, the data showed that for each unit increase in HRR among the population as a whole, for each unit increase in HRR, FVC increased by 0.11, FEV1 increased by 0.22, peak expiratory flow (PEF) increased by 0.24 and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% (FEF25-75%) was elevated by 0.49. In addition, we determined linear and positive correlations between FVC, FEV1, PEF or PEF 25–75% and HRR by constructing the RCS model curves. The positive correlation between HRR and pulmonary function parameters was affirmed through sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, except for the PEF 25–75%, FVC, FEV1, PEF all showed a significant upward trend with the increase of HRR in non-Hispanic white female population.ConclusionAccording to our study, HRR was positively correlated with FVC, FEV1, PEF, and PEF25-75% in a middle-aged and older adult US population. It would be useful to study the specific impact of HRR on pulmonary function and to investigate the potential pathophysiological mechanisms that might link them.
Effectiveness of aortic balloon occlusion in reducing blood loss during cesarean section in placenta accreta spectrum disorders: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bapayeva Gauri , Aimagambetova Gulzhanat , Kadroldinova Nazira , Zemlyanskiy Viktor , Kassymbek Kuat , Terzic Milan 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionObstetric hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. One of the major risk factors of obstetric hemorrhage include placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. The frequency of PAS disorders is increasing worldwide and is accompanied by massive intraoperative bleeding with hemorrhagic shock and increasing rates of cesarean hysterectomy. To decrease the risks of bleeding, various approaches to endovascular balloon occlusion have been tested during the past decade.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in reducing blood loss and preserving the reproductive organs during cesarean section. Study design: This will be a prospective randomized controlled trial involving 144 patients in a tertiary care obstetric center in Kazakhstan. The study population will consist of pregnant women who will be admitted for cesarean section due to placenta previa complicated by PAS disorders. The study subjects will be randomly divided into intervention and control groups.ResultsThe results will be analyzed through the measurement of primary (blood loss during cesarean section) and secondary outcomes [occurrence of hysterectomy during cesarean section, blood transfusion volume, duration of surgery, balloon application time, stay in intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal outcomes, complications, and total days of postsurgical hospital stay].ConclusionThe use of REBOA is expected to minimize intraoperative blood loss during cesarean section, decrease the need for transfusion of blood components, reduce the time of surgical intervention, decrease the rate of maternal complications, and reduce the rate of cesarean hysterectomy.
Genomic and phenotypic characterisation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from canine otitis externa reveals high-risk sequence types identical to those found in human nosocomial infections
Authors: Secker Bailey , Shaw Stephen , Hobley Laura , Atterbury Robert J. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionCanine otitis externa (OE) is a frequently-diagnosed condition in veterinary practices worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly associated with chronic and recalcitrant canine OE, but studies with detailed genomic and phenotypic characterisation of clinical isolates are lacking.MethodsPseudomonas aeruginosa canine OE isolates (n = 253) were collected from different geographical locations in Europe and characterised with respect to antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation. A subset (n = 35) were genome sequenced then characterised with respect to diversity, and complement of virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-associated genes.ResultsGenome-sequenced P. aeruginosa strains were distributed among phylogroups, showing no obvious clonality. However, two isolates belonged to ST111 and ST244 respectively,—MLST sequence types associated with AMR nosocomial infections in humans. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was detected in 25% of isolates, and multidrug resistance detected in 1.6%, though this did not always correlate with the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Additionally, 82% of isolates were characterised as forming strong biofilms.DiscussionFor the first time, this study has characterised a large multinational collection of P. aeruginosa isolates from canine otitis with a combination of whole genome sequencing, phenotypic screening and bioinformatic analysis. These strains did not cluster together based on genomic diversity or virulence gene complement, supporting their likely environmental origin. However, the identification of ST111 and ST244, important ‘high-risk’ sequence types, could suggest potential spread between humans and dogs. Furthermore, we found that most strains were formed strong biofilms, and exhibited a significant level of resistance towards critically important antimicrobials. These findings could assist in the selection of appropriate treatments for canine OE as well as possibly identifying one health risks of these infections for cohabiting pets and humans.
Predictive factors for visual prognosis in neurosyphilis presenting with optic atrophy: a Chinese case series study
Authors: Zhu Mingjie , Gu Xin , Zhou Pingyu , Yan Yan 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundWe aimed to explore the clinical features and predictive factors for visual prognosis of neurosyphilis-associated optic atrophy (NSAOA).MethodsThis retrospective observational study included 17 patients (33 eyes) with NSAOA who received standard anti-ocular syphilis treatment. LogMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, and optical coherence tomography, were recorded at baseline, short-term (within one month after treatment), and long-term (&gt; 6 months) follow-up. Patients with at least one eye with LogMAR BCVA of ≥1.3 at the last follow-up visit were categorized as the blind group. A change ≥0.2 on the LogMAR BCVA indicated improvement or deterioration.ResultsThe mean age was 58.5 years, and 15 patients were males. The mean time between the onset and treatment was 10.1 months. Thirteen patients had Argyll-Robertson pupils. The unblinded group had younger age, shorter disease duration, better baseline visual acuity, higher baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) titer and CSF total protein counts than the blind group. BCVA of most eyes improved after treatment but experienced deterioration during the follow-up. The deteriorated group of eyes had lower baseline visual field parameters, thinner inferior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The long-term LogMAR BCVA moderately negatively correlated with CSF VDRL titers before and after treatment.ConclusionThe diagnosis is often delayed in NSAOA, and the overall visual prognosis is poor. Older age, longer symptom duration, worse baseline vision, thinner RNFL thickness, and lower CSF VDRL titer and total protein counts are significantly associated with worse long-term visual prognosis. The correlation between syphilis serologic test and visual prognosis is poor. It is recommended to reexamine CSF in the follow-up.
Falls in a single brain rehabilitation center: a 3-year retrospective chart review
Authors: Choo Yoo Jin , Moon Jun Sung , Lee Gun Woo , Park Wook-Tae , Chang Min Cheol 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveFalls in brain rehabilitation centers can negatively impact patient recovery, increase injury risk, and adversely affect rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of falls and identify associated risk factors among patients with brain lesions in a tertiary hospital’s brain rehabilitation center from June 2021 to May 2024.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted to examine patient characteristics, fall-related risk factors, functional assessments, and circumstances surrounding falls.ResultsAmong 316 patients, 10 (3.2%) experienced falls, with a mean age of 61.3 ± 11.9 years. Most patients demonstrated walking and cognitive impairments. Seven falls (70%) occurred during attempts to get out of bed, with five of these incidents occurring at night. Falls were observed despite the presence of caregivers and bed rails. Additionally, all 10 patients were administered medications that may increase fall risk, such as somnifacients or tranquilizers. The occurrence of falls appeared to be associated with multiple factors, including physical limitations (e.g., impaired mobility, visual disturbances, and medication side effects), environmental conditions (e.g., inadequate lighting and medical staff shortages), and behavioral aspects (e.g., unassisted movement).ConclusionTo mitigate fall risk, a comprehensive approach that includes improved nighttime lighting, education on assistive device use and medication management, caregiver training, and personalized rehabilitation programs may be beneficial.
Clinical characteristics of varicella-zoster virus central nervous system infection in 108 unimmunocompromised patients
Authors: Ci Xiaojiao , Zhang Jihong , Lu Jie , Qi Xinyang , Ma Yifang , Liu Weiguo , Shi Jingping 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundVaricella-zoster virus (VZV) central nervous system infection is typically observed in immunocompromised patients, and there is a lack of studies involving large samples of non-immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 108 non-immunocompromised patients diagnosed with VZV central nervous system infection.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed a positive result for VZV with a sequence number greater than 3, leading to a clinical diagnosis of VZV central nervous system infection. We analyzed the patients’ age, gender, clinical manifestations, blood routine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CSF examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale scores (Barthel Index) on the day of admission and 3 month post-discharge.ResultsThe study involved 108 patients, average age was 47.58 ± 2.91 years old (16 to 80), 33 were female (30.60%) and 75 were male (69.40%). Clinical manifestations were fever (63.9%), headache (88.9%), nausea (50%), vomiting (27.8%), fatigue (50%), dizziness (25.0%), herpes zoster (47.2%), chickenpox (0.9%), peripheral facial paralysis (19.4%), encephalopathy (5.6%), and myelitis (2.8%). The average white blood cell (WBC) count was 7.40 ± 0.48*109/l, the average CRP was 6.58 ± 0.69 mg/L, and the average ESR was 7.79 ± 0.53 mm/h. 28.1% of patients exhibited elevated lumbar puncture pressure, the average lumbar puncture pressure was 155.41 ± 2.38 mmH2O; the average CSF WBC count was 196.60 ± 3.98*10^6/l, the average CSF protein was 1.35 ± 0.03 g/L, the average CSF glucose was 3.41 ± 0.03 mmoL/L, the average CSF chloride was 116.62 ± 0.15 mmoL/L, the average CSF IgG index was 0.66 ± 0.01, the average mNGS examination of VZV sequence count was 626.25 ± 5402.17. Head MRI scans revealed no new lesions; three patients’ spinal cord MRI displayed short-segment, non-transverse, and non-continuous patchy long T1 and long T2 signals in the thoracic or cervical spinal cord. On the first day of admission, 41.7% of the patients achieved ADL score of 100 points, 19.4% scored between 41 and 99 points, and 38.9% of the patients scored less than 40 points. All patients received intravenous infusions of acyclovir with low-dose corticosteroids. An outpatient review conducted 3 months after discharge indicated 98.15% of the patients recovered well without any sequelae.ConclusionVZV encephalitis in immunocompetent individuals typically presents with mild clinical symptoms and has a favorable prognosis. VZV should be considered the common pathogen in the management of patients without immunocompeted condition with encephalitis.
Low doses of cannabis extract ameliorate non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease patients: a case series
Authors: Ruver-Martins Ana Carolina , Martinez Ingrid Andrea Rodriguez , Holla Vinicius Giesel , Souza Beatriz Larentis de , Silva Elton Gomes da , Novoa Diana Marcela Aragon , Souza-Silva Eduardo , Araujo Fabiano Soares , Prediger Rui Daniel , Nascimento Francisney Pinto do 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionParkinson’s disease (PD) is mainly characterized by motor symptoms including muscle rigidity, resting tremor and bradykinesia. However, the management of the non-motor symptoms represent a relevant clinical challenger in PD. These non-motor symptoms include cognitive and sleep disturbance and there is evidence that cannabinoids may represent alternative and effective treatments for non-motor symptoms of PD.MethodsTherefore, this study addressed the effects of oral treatment with cannabis extract on cognition, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness in six patients with moderate PD. The patients were randomized to receive two different doses of a cannabis extract: THC:CBD 250:28 μg/day (n = 3) or 1000:112 μg/day (n = 3). The assessment of cannabis administration related to the cognitive field was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA test), the insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). All clinical evaluations were performed before treatment and at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment.ResultsThe statistical analysis indicated a significant benefit of the cannabis extract treatment, at dose of 1000:112 μg/day after 60 days of treatment, on insomnia assessed by ISI. Moreover, the statistical analysis of data from ISI and MoCA tests showed a trend toward improvement over time, while no significant effect was observed in the ESS. There were no reports of significant adverse effects during the cannabis extract treatment.DiscussionThese results demonstrate benefits of short-time treatment (60 days) with low doses of cannabis extract on insomnia in PD patients. This study provide novel findings of the potential of combining CBD and THC as safe and effective treatments for non-motor symptoms of PD.
Gut microbiome differences in individuals with PTSD compared to trauma-exposed controls: a systematic review
Authors: Winder Chantelle , Lodhia Ami , Basso Melissa , Cohen Kadosh Kathrin 
Published: February 2025

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health disorder that can occur following exposure to a traumatic event, and is characterized by symptoms including intrusive memories, dissociation, and nightmares. PTSD poses significant suffering on the individual and can reduce quality of life substantially, however, its mechanisms are not fully understood. It has also been associated with gut abnormalities, such as with irritable bowel syndrome, indicating possible involvement of the gut microbiome and gut-brain axis. Whereas previous research has implicated the gut microbiome and microbiome gut-brain axis in various mental health disorders, the relationship between gut microbiome function and PTSD is unclear. Specifically, little is known about whether specific gut microbiome compositions can increase the risk of developing PTSD, or, vice versa, act as a protective factor for the individual. This systematic review aims to synthesize the literature looking at gut microbiome differences between individuals with PTSD and trauma-exposed controls (TEC) while exploring potential risk and resilience factors for development of the disorder. Three studies met the inclusion criteria, and results showed that all studies found differences in gut microbial taxa between PTSD and TEC groups yet varied in their taxonomic level and type. One study found a significant difference in diversity between groups, reporting lower diversity in PTSD, and two studies found certain taxa to be correlated with PTSD symptom severity: Mitsuokella, Odoribacter, Catenibacterium and Olsenella genera, and Actinobacteria, Lentisphaerae and Verrucomicrobia phyla. This review has important implications for potential novel treatments for PTSD which target the gut microbiome, for example psychobiotic dietary interventions such as prebiotics and probiotics. It also informs our understanding of potential risk and resilience factors for the disorder, such as certain gut microbiome compositions being potentially protective or increasing susceptibility. More research is needed, as currently sample sizes are small and confounding variables (e.g., diet) are not always controlled for.Systematic review registration: The protocol was registered on PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42024530033.
Atypical cartilaginous tumor imaging findings in the distal phalanx of the left thumb: case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Hong , Tang Xinyi , Wang Yuting , Peng Xiaoyan , Yang Yujia 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAtypical cartilaginous tumors (ACTs) usually occur in long bones rather than in the hands or feet. To date, detailed imaging features of ACTs in the hands or feet were reported in only a few case reports.Case presentationWe report a case of an Asian woman in her early 80s who presented to our hospital with a painless mass in the distal phalanx of the left thumb. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) showed osteolytic destruction and cortex thickening in the distal phalanx with extension into soft tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a local soft tissue signal mass with isosignal intensity in T1 and heterogeneous high-signal intensity in T2. Color Doppler ultrasound suggested that the tumor was hypovascularized. The patient underwent amputation, and histological analysis revealed an ACT. The patient’s symptoms improved postoperatively, with no recurrence as of the 3-year follow-up.ConclusionMeanwhile, this study also reviewed the comparable diagnostic methods of ACT and chondrosarcoma. The analysis of previous similar cases showed that preoperative imaging diagnosis of ACT can be challenging and multimodal imaging appears to be beneficial in diagnosing ACTs and malignant chondrosarcoma grade II/III in the hands and feet.
Dentoskeletal characteristics of non-syndromic pierre robin sequence and isolated incomplete cleft palate children: a retrospective case control study
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Yang Shuang , Yang Xudong , Zhou Zhibo 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPierre Robin sequence (PRS) is characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction. This study aimed to compare the dentoskeletal characteristics of children diagnosed with non-syndromic PRS and those with cleft palate.MethodsThis study was conducted on the non-syndromic PRS patients in the database of our hospital. The control group of non-syndromic isolated incomplete cleft palate patients was matched from the same database by age, gender and weight in a 1:3 ratio. The dentoskeletal characteristics were compared between the PRS and control groups.ResultsThe study included 14 patients in the PRS group and 42 patients in the control group. A point-Nasion-B point (ANB) angle was significantly greater in the PRS group compared with the control group. The PRS group exhibited a significantly lower ratio of the linear distance between Articulare and Gonion (ArGo) to the distance between Gonion and Pogonion (GoPo) compared to the control group. Additionally, the anteroposterior length and area of the lower pharyngeal airway space (LPAS) were markedly reduced in the PRS group.ConclusionThe ANB angle, the ArGo/GoPO ratio and the anteroposterior length and area of LPAS could serve as valuable indicators to identify micrognathia in patients with non-syndromic PRS.
Association between statin administration and Clostridium difficile-induced enteritis: a retrospective analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Wang Renli , Liu Rongjun , Wang Hua , Xu Zhaojun 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundExisting research suggests that using statins may reduce the incidence of enteritis caused by C. difficile and improve the prognosis of patients. This study aimed to explore the relation between Clostridium difficile-induced enteritis (CDE) and statin use.MethodsData were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the impact of statin use on CDE incidence in patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and its effect on in-hospital mortality among them. The research findings were validated by performing propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and subgroup analyses.ResultsThe study enrolled the data of 51,978 individuals to assess the effect of statin usage on the occurrence of CDE in patients admitted to the ICU. The results indicate that statins can decrease the prevalence of CDE in patients in ICU (odds ratio (OR): 0.758, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.666–0.873, P &lt; 0.05), which was further confirmed through PSM (OR: 0.760, 95% CI: 0.661–0.873, P &lt; 0.05) and IPTW (OR: 0.818, 95% CI: 0.754–0.888, P &lt; 0.05) analyses. For most subgroups, statins’ favorable effect in reducing CDE remained constant. A total of 1,208 patients were included in the study to evaluate whether statins could lower the risk of death in patients in ICU with enteritis caused by C. difficile. Statins did not reduce in-hospital mortality of patients in ICU with CDE (OR: 0.911, 95% CI: 0.667–1.235, P = 0.553). The results were validated following PSM (OR: 0.877, 95% CI: 0.599–1.282, P = 0.499) and IPTW (OR: 0.781, 95% CI: 0.632–1.062, P = 0.071) analyses, and all subgroups demonstrated consistent results.ConclusionStatin administration can reduce the incidence of CDE in patients in the ICU; however, it does not decrease the in-hospital mortality rate for individuals with CDE.