bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and associated clinical correlates of hyperuricemia in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Li Shuyun , Lu Xiaobing , Chen Xiaodong , Huang Zebin , Zhou Hui , Li Zezhi , Ning Yuping 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveThe prevalence and clinically associated factors of hyperuricemia (HUA) have been widely studied in the general population but rarely in patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) co-morbid with HUA. This study attempted to investigate the prevalence of HUA in BPD patients and analyze the associated correlates of HUA.Materials and methodsIn this study, 182 outpatients with BPD and 182 healthy controls participated. The demographic and clinical information were collected. The body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and blood pressure (BP) were measured. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were also determined.ResultsBPD patients had a significantly higher prevalence of HUA (40.7%) compared to healthy controls (30.2%) (χ2 = 4.335, P = 0.037). The systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse pressure (PP), FBG, UA, and body mass index (BMI) were higher in the BPD group compared with those in the control group, while the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HDL-C level were lower (P &lt; 0.05) in BPD patients. The prevalence of HUA was higher in BPD patients who used antipsychotics combined with mood stabilizers than that in BPD subjects receiving the mood stabilizers alone (P &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of HUA and increased serum UA levels were higher in the manic group (62.1%) than in the depressive (34.3%) or euthymia group (17.0%) (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the severity of mania was positively correlated with the UA level (r = 0.410, P &lt; 0.001). There were significant differences in terms of MetS (29.7% vs. 14.8%), BMI, HC, WC, TG, and HDL-C between the HUA and the non-HUA groups (P &lt; 0.05). The unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that high BMI (OR = 1.210; 95%CI: 1.100–1.331) and high TG level (OR = 1.652; 95%CI: 1.058–2.580) were the major risk factorids for HUA in BPD patients.ConclusionOur study suggests that patients with BPD are prone to metabolic diseases such as HUA. Higher serum levels of TG and high BMI could be associated with HUA development. Clinicians need to regularly monitor and evaluate BPD patients for their serum UA levels, especially for BPD patients with manic/hypomanic episodes and/or under the treatment of antipsychotics combined with mood stabilizers.
No survival benefit could be obtained from adjuvant radiotherapy in esophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery: A SEER-based analysis
Authors: Zheng Si-Yue , Qi Wei-Xiang , Zhao Sheng-Guang , Chen Jia-Yi 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to assess the clinical benefit of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) who treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and surgery via a national population-based database.MethodsPatients diagnosed with EC between 2004 and 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare the overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) difference between PORT vs. no-radiotherapy (RT) groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM). After PSM for baseline characteristics, Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to investigate the factors associated with OS.ResultsA total of 321 patients were included in the analysis. Of them, 91 patients (28%) received PORT. In the unmatched population, the no-RT group had improved OS compared with PORT (44 vs. 25 months, p = 0.002), and CSS was similar in patients undergoing NAC with or without PORT (42 vs. 71 months, p = 0.17). After PSM for baseline characteristics, the OS benefit of the no-RT group over the PORT group remained significant with a median OS of 46 vs. 27 months (p = 0.02), and CSS remained comparable between groups (83 vs. 81 months, p = 0.49). In subgroup analyses, PORT did not improve the OS among patients with adenocarcinoma in the subgroups of cN0, cN1, and cN2–3 (all p &gt; 0.05). In Cox regression, aged ≥71 years old, cT3–4, cN2–3, and receiving PORT were independent predictors of worse OS, whereas cT4 and cN2–3 were independent predictors of worse CSS (all p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that no survival benefit could be obtained from the additional use of PORT after NAC and surgery in patients with EC. Well-designed prospective trials are needed to confirm our findings.
The efficacy and safety of 125I brachytherapy combined with pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Zhang Menglong , Zhang Jian , Hu Bijuan , Huang Liyin , Song Shanjun , Zhu Haitao , Chen Chao , Chu Cunkun 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Iodine-125 (125I) brachytherapy combined with pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.MethodsIn this study, a total of thirty-seven individuals suffering from locally advanced head and neck cancer were involved. The patients were subjected to transarterial chemoembolization as well as implantation of 125I seeds under the guidance of CT and ultrasonography. Follow-up was conducted for 36 months to study the following parameters: the local control rate, survival rate, and clinical complications.ResultsIn total, thirty-six patients at the end of three months showed an objective response rate of 69.8% and disease control rate of 93.0%, respectively. The 1, 2, and 3-year cumulative overall survival rate was 89.2%, 73.0%, and 45.9%, respectively. The adverse events of the treatment included infection (n=1, Grade III), radiation brachial plexus injury (n=1, Grade III), leukopenia (n=1, Grade III), cerebrovascular embolism (n=1, Grade IV).ConclusionThe combination of 125I brachytherapy and pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization was safe and effective in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.
Prediction for late-onset sepsis in preterm infants based on data from East China
Authors: Shuai Xianghua , Li Xiaoxia , Wu Yiling 
Published: September 2022

AimTo construct a prediction model based on the data of premature infants and to apply the data in our study as external validation to the prediction model proposed by Yuejun Huang et al. to evaluate the predictive ability of both models.MethodsIn total, 397 premature infants were randomly divided into the training set (n = 278) and the testing set (n = 119). Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were applied to identify potential predictors, and the prediction model was constructed based on the predictors. The area under the curve (AUC) value, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, and the calibration curves were used to evaluate the predictive performances of prediction models. The data in our study were used in the prediction model proposed by Yuejun Huang et al. as external validation.ResultsIn the current study, endotracheal intubation [odds ratio (OR) = 10.553, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.959–22.458], mechanical ventilation (OR = 10.243, 95% CI: 4.811–21.806), asphyxia (OR = 2.614, 95% CI: 1.536–4.447), and antibiotics use (OR = 3.362, 95% CI: 1.454–7.775) were risk factors for late-onset sepsis in preterm infants. The higher birth weight of infants (OR = 0.312, 95% CI: 0.165–0.588) and gestational age were protective factors for late-onset sepsis in preterm infants. The training set was applied for the construction of the models, and the testing set was used to test the diagnostic efficiency of the model. The AUC values of the prediction model were 0.760 in the training set and 0.796 in the testing set.ConclusionThe prediction model showed a good predictive ability for late-onset sepsis in preterm infants.
Case report: Clinical manifestations and genotype analysis of a child with PTPN11 and SEC24D mutations
Authors: Miao Yuqi , Chen Jiahui , Guo Xiaoya , Wei Yu , Wu Xiaozhi , Sang Yanmei , Wu Di 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe PTPN11 gene, located at 12q24. 13, encodes protein tyrosine phosphatase 2C. Mutations in the PTPN11 gene can lead to various phenotypes, including Noonan syndrome and LEOPARD syndrome. The SEC24D gene is located at 4q26 and encodes a component of the COPII complex, and is closely related to endoplasmic reticulum protein transport. Mutations in SEC24D can lead to Cole-Carpenter syndrome-2. To date, dual mutations in these two genes have not been reported in the literature.MethodsWe report a patient with short stature and osteogenesis imperfecta as the primary clinical manifestation. Other clinical features were peculiar facial features, deafness, and a history of recurrent fractures. Whole exome sequencing was performed on this patient.ResultsAfter whole-exome sequencing, three mutations in two genes were identified that induced protein alterations associated with the patient's phenotype. One was a de novo variant c.1403C&gt;T (p.Thr468Met) on exon 12 of the PTPN11 gene, and the other was a compound heterozygous mutation in the SEC24D gene, a novel variant c.2609_2610delGA (p.Arg870Thrfs*10) on exon 20 and a reported variant c.938G&gt;A (p.Arg313His) on exon 8.ConclusionsConcurrent mutations in PTPN11 and SEC24D induced a phenotype that was significantly different from individual mutations in either PTPN11 or SEC24D gene. Personalized genetic analysis and interpretation could help us understand the patient's etiology and hence develop treatments and improve the prognosis of these patients.
Tetracycline-grafted mPEG-PLGA micelles for bone-targeting and osteoporotic improvement
Authors: Que Yunduan , Yang Yuhang , Zafar Hajra , Wang Dongming 
Published: September 2022

Aim: We aimed to create a nano drug delivery system with tetracycline (TC)-grafted methoxy poly-(ethylene-glycol)‒poly-(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (mPEG‒PLGA) micelles (TC‒mPEG‒PLGA) with TC and mPEG‒PLGA for potential bone targeting. Prospectively, TC‒mPEG‒PLGA aims to deliver bioactive compounds, such as astragaloside IV (AS), for osteoporotic therapy.Methods: Preparation and evaluation of TC‒mPEG‒PLGA were accomplished via nano-properties, cytotoxicity, uptake by MC3T3-E1 cells, ability of hydroxyapatite targeting and potential bone targeting in vivo, as well as pharmacodynamics in a rat model.Results: The measured particle size of AS-loaded TC‒mPEG‒PLGA micelles was an average of 52.16 ± 2.44 nm, which exhibited a sustained release effect compared to that by free AS. The TC‒mPEG‒PLGA demonstrated low cytotoxicity and was easily taken by MC3T3-E1 cells. Through assaying of bone targeting in vitro and in vivo, we observed that TC‒mPEG‒PLGA could effectively increase AS accumulation in bone. A pharmacodynamics study in mice suggested potentially increased bone mineral density by AS-loaded TC‒mPEG‒PLGA in ovariectomized rats compared to that by free AS.Conclusion: The nano drug delivery system (TC‒mPEG‒PLGA) could target bone in vitro and in vivo, wherein it may be used as a novel delivery method for the enhancement of therapeutic effects of drugs with osteoporotic activity.
Metformin modulates the gut microbiome in broiler breeder hens
Authors: Van Syoc Emily , Weaver Evelyn , Rogers Connie J. , Silverman Justin D. , Ramachandran Ramesh , Ganda Erika 
Published: September 2022

Broiler breeder hens, the parent stock of commercial broiler chickens, are genetically selected for rapid growth. Due to a longer production period and the focus of genetic selection on superior carcass traits in their progeny, these hens have the propensity to gain excess adipose tissue and exhibit severe ovarian dysfunction, a phenotype that is similar to human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metformin is an antihyperglycemic drug approved for type 2 diabetes that is prescribed off-label for PCOS with benefits on metabolic and reproductive health. An additional effect of metformin treatments in humans is modulation of gut microbiome composition, hypothesized to benefit glucose sensitivity and systemic inflammation. The effects of dietary metformin supplementation in broiler breeder hens have not been investigated, thus we hypothesized that dietary metformin supplementation would alter the gut microbiome of broiler breeder hens. Broiler breeder hens were supplemented with metformin at four different levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg body weight) from 25 to 65 weeks of age, and a subset of hens (n = 8–10 per treatment group) was randomly selected to undergo longitudinal microbiome profiling with 16S rRNA sequencing. Metformin impacted the microbial community composition in 75 mg/kg metformin compared to controls (adjusted PERMANOVA p = 0.0006) and an additional dose-dependent difference was observed between 25 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg (adjusted PERMANOVA p = 0.001) and between 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg (adjusted PERMANOVA p = 0.001) but not between 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg (adjusted PERMANOVA p = 0.863). There were few differences in the microbiome attributed to hen age, and metformin supplementation did not alter alpha diversity. Bacteria that were identified as differentially relatively abundant between 75 mg/kg metformin treatment and the control, and between metformin doses, included Ruminococcus and members of the Clostridia family that have been previously identified in human trials of PCOS. These results demonstrate that metformin impacts the microbiome of broiler breeder hens in a dose-dependent manner and several findings were consistent with PCOS in humans and with metformin treatment in type 2 diabetes. Metformin supplementation is a potentially promising option to improve gut health and reproductive efficiency in broiler breeder hens.
Expression profiling and functional analysis of circular RNAs in vitro model of intermittent hypoxia-induced liver injury
Authors: Chen Li-Da , Huang Jie-Feng , Lin Xue-Jun , Huang Ya-Ping , Xu Qiao-Zhen , Chen Gong-Ping , Lin Qi-Chang 
Published: September 2022

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a prominent feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which is increasingly recognized as a key risk factor for liver injury. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been suggested to act as a regulator of multiple biological processes. However, there is no study evaluating circRNAs alterations and potential role of circRNAs in OSA-related liver injury. The present study aimed to investigate circRNA expression profiles in vitro model of IH-induced liver injury, as well as potential functional characterization of the differentially expressed circRNAs (DE circRNAs). BRL-3A cells were exposed to IH or normoxia. Cell apoptosis and cell viability were evaluated using flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8, respectively. The expression profile of circRNAs was depicted by circRNA sequencing. The selected circRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were employed to predict DE circRNAs functions. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. IH treatment caused cell injury in BRL-3A cells. 98 circRNAs were identified as being dysregulated in IH-treated BRL-3A cells. Among them, 58 were up-regulated and 40 were down-regulated. Go and KEGG analyses suggested that the DE circRNAs were predominantly enriched in the biological process such as positive regulation of NF−kappaB transcription factor activity and pathways such as circadian entrainment, Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and protein export. 3 up-regulated circRNAs and 3 down-regulated circRNAs with high number of back-splicing sites were chosen for qRT-PCR validation and were consistent with the sequencing data. CircRNA1056 and circRNA805 were predicted to interact with microRNAs that might thereby regulate downstream genes. The study characterized a profile of dysregulated circRNAs in IH-induced BRL-3A cell injury. DE circRNAs may play vital roles in the pathophysiology of IH-induced liver injury. Our findings provide preliminary support for further research in mechanisms and a new theory for the pathogenesis of OSA-related liver injury.
Teachers’ dissatisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: Factors contributing to a desire to leave the profession
Authors: Gillani Amreen , Dierst-Davies Rhodri , Lee Sarah , Robin Leah , Li Jingjing , Glover-Kudon Rebecca , Baker Kayilan , Whitton Alaina 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic required more responsibilities from teachers, including implementing prevention strategies, changes in school policies, and managing their own mental health, which yielded higher dissatisfaction in the field.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey was conducted among educators to collect information on their experiences teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the 2020–2021 academic year. Qualtrics, an online survey platform, fielded the survey from May 6 to June 8, 2021 to a national, convenience sample of 1,807 respondents.ResultsFindings revealed that overall, 43% of K-12 teachers reported a greater intention to leave the profession than previously recalled prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Intention to leave was multi-level, and associated with socio-demographic factors (e.g., age: AOR = 1.87, p &lt; 0.05), individual factors (e.g., perceived COVID risks: AOR = 1.44, p &lt; 0.05), and teachers’ agency (e.g., dissatisfaction with school/district communications and decisions: AOR = 1.34, p &lt; 0.05). We also found demographic disparities with respect to race and gender (e.g., female teachers: AOR: 1.78, p &lt; 0.05) around teachers’ ability to provide feedback to schools on opening/closing and overall dissatisfaction with school/district COVID-19 prevention strategies implementation and policies.ConclusionThese findings are consistent with the Job-Demand and Resources Model (JD-R), which posits that lack of organizational support can exacerbate job stressors, leading to burnout. Specifically, dissatisfaction with the way school policies were implemented took a toll on teachers’ mental health, leading to a desire to leave the profession. These findings are also consistent with research conducted once in-person teaching resumed in 2020–2021, specifically that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated preexisting teacher shortages that led to self-reported issues of stress, burnout, and retention.ImplicationsFurther research is necessary to understand the resources that may be most useful to reduce the demands of teaching in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some teachers are more likely to leave the field, and educational agencies may wish to target their teacher-retention efforts with emphasis on strong employee wellness programs that help educators to manage and reduce their stress. Education agency staff may wish to review policies and practices to provide meaningful opportunities to give input to school/district decisions and enable proactive communication channels.
Marital duration in China: Trends and gender differences, 1982–2015
Authors: Zhu Yingrun , Yu Xiao , Jiang Quanbao 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesWith the postponement in age at marriage, increase in life expectancy, and acceptance of divorce in China, the marital duration in each state has changed gradually. This study seeks to depict the trends and gender differences of marital duration in China from 1982 to 2015.DesignWe calculated and depicted the trends of and gender differences in marital duration, including single, marriage, divorce, widowhood duration and the proportion of each duration to the remaining life expectancy at 15.ResultsThe single duration of Chinese men and women was slightly reduced and then extended, with that of men longer than women, showing a narrowing trend in gender difference. The marriage duration of Chinese men and women is lengthening, with that of women longer than men, demonstrating a widening gap in gender difference. However, the proportion of marriage duration in life expectancy at age 15 increased and then declined, with that of men higher than women. The divorce duration of Chinese men and women slightly reduced and then lengthened, but men tend to stay divorced for longer periods than women, and the gender difference is narrowing. The widowhood duration of Chinese men and women is shortening, with women having longer widowhood than men, and the gender difference has been shrinking.ConclusionsWith the socio-economic and demographic transition, the marital duration in each state has changed gradually, and will have an important impact on fertility level and pension burden.
Preterm, early term, and post-term infants from Riyadh mother and baby multicenter cohort study: The cohort profile
Authors: Fayed Amel , Wahabi Hayfaa A. , Esmaeil Samia , Elmorshedy Hala , AlAniezy Hilala 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundBirth before 37 or beyond 42 gestational weeks is associated with adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Studies investigating determinants and outcomes of these deliveries are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the neonatal birth profile in relation to the gestational age at delivery and to evaluate its influence on the immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsThis is a multicenter cohort study of 13,403 women conducted in three hospitals in Riyadh. Collected data included sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and physical and laboratory measurements. Regression models were developed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) to determine factors associated with preterm, early term, and post-term births and to evaluate common maternal and neonatal risks imposed by deliveries outside the full term.ResultsThe incidence of preterm, early term, and post-term delivery was 8.4%, 29.8%, and 1.4%, respectively. Hypertensive events during pregnancy consistently increased the risk of all grades of preterm births, from more than 3-fold for late preterm (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 2.21–5.23) to nearly 7-fold for extremely early preterm (OR = 7.11, 95% CI = 2.24–22.60). Early term was more likely to occur in older mothers (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.13–1.49), grand multiparous (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06–1.38), pregestational diabetes (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.49–2.44), and gestational diabetes women (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05–1.33). The risk of post-term birth was higher in primiparous. In preterm births, the adverse outcome of neonates having an APGAR score of &lt;7 at 5 min and admission to neonatal intensive care units increased progressively as the gestational age decreased. Post-term births are 2-fold more likely to need induction of labor; meanwhile, preterm births were more likely to deliver by cesarean section.ConclusionThis large cohort study was the first in Saudi Arabia to assess the delivery profile across a continuum of gestational age and the associated maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes of deliveries outside the full-term period. The study showed that the prevalence of preterm and post-term birth in Saudi Arabia is similar to the prevalence in other high-income countries. The immediate adverse pregnancy outcomes inversely increased with the decrease in gestational age at delivery. In addition, maternal age, hypertension, diabetes, and parity influenced the gestational age at delivery.