bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral vitamin D levels in ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Diao Maohui , Peng Jun , Wang Daidong , Wang Hongbo 
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesPrevious studies showed conflicting results regarding peripheral vitamin D levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We performed this systemic review and meta-analysis to explore whether vitamin D may influence AS process.MethodsArticles published until March 2022 were searched in databases as follows: PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The present study included cross-sectional and case-control studies regarding vitamin D levels in patients with AS. Studies were excluded according to the following exclusion criteria: (1) we excluded studies which did not provide sufficient information regarding the comparison of vitamin D levels in AS patients and healthy controls (HC). Vitamin D levels in the two group studies should be reported or could be calculated in included studies; (2) meta-analysis, reviews and case reports. STATA 12.0 software was used to make a meta-analysis. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed as effect size.ResultsThe present meta-analysis showed no significant difference in peripheral 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25OHD) levels between AS and healthy controls (HCs) in Caucasians with a random effects model [SMD: −0.68, 95% CI (−1.90, 0.54)]. Patients with AS had lower peripheral 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels compared with HC with a random effects model [SMD: −0.45, 95% CI: (−0.70, −0.20)]. Patients with AS had higher peripheral C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels compared with HC in Caucasian population with random effects models [CRP: SMD: 1.08, 95% CI: (0.78, 1.37); ESR: SMD: 0.86, 95% CI: (0.39, 1.34)]. However, no significant difference in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH) or calcium levels were indicated between AS and HC in Caucasian with random effects models [ALP: SMD: 0.07, 95% CI: (−0.41, 0.55); PTH: SMD: −0.15, 95% CI: (−0.56, 0.26); calcium: SMD: −0.06, 95% CI: (−0.39, 0.26)].ConclusionIn conclusion, the study showed an inverse association between 25OHD and AS, which suggests that vitamin D may have a protective effect on AS. ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) are important biomarkers for AS.
Ultrasound intima media thickness cut-off values for cranial and extracranial arteries in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis
Authors: López-Gloria Katerine , Castrejón Isabel , Nieto-González Juan Carlos , Rodríguez-Merlos Pablo , Serrano-Benavente Belén , González Carlos Manuel , Monteagudo Sáez Indalecio , González Teresa , Álvaro-Gracia José María , Molina-Collada Juan 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveTo determine the optimal ultrasound (US) cut-off values for cranial and extracranial arteries intima media thickness (IMT) to discriminate between patients with and without giant cell arteritis (GCA).MethodsRetrospective observational study including patients referred to an US fast-track clinic. All patients underwent bilateral US examination of the cranial and extracranial arteries including the IMT measurement. Clinical confirmation of GCA after 6 months was considered the gold standard for diagnosis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to select the cut-off values on the basis of the best tradeoff values between sensitivity and specificity.ResultsA total of 157 patients were included, 47 (29.9%) with clinical confirmation of GCA after 6 months. 41 (87.2%) of patients with GCA had positive US findings (61.7% had cranial and 44.7% extracranial involvement). The best threshold IMT values were 0.44 mm for the common temporal artery; 0.34 mm for the frontal branch; 0.36 mm for the parietal branch; 1.1 mm for the carotid artery and 1 mm for the subclavian and axillary arteries. The areas under the ROC curves were greater for axillary arteries 0.996 (95% CI 0.991–1), for parietal branch 0.991 (95% CI 0.980–1), for subclavian 0.990 (95% CI 0.979–1), for frontal branch 0.989 (95% CI 0.976–1), for common temporal artery 0.984 (95% CI 0.959–1) and for common carotid arteries 0.977 (95% CI 0.961–0.993).ConclusionIMT cut-off values have been identified for each artery. These proposed IMT cut-off values may help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of US in clinical practice.
Osteoclast-like stromal giant cells in breast cancer likely belong to the spectrum of immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Sajjadi Elham , Gaudioso Gabriella , Terrasi Andrea , Boggio Francesca , Venetis Konstantinos , Ivanova Mariia , Bertolasi Letizia , Lopez Gianluca , Runza Letterio , Premoli Alice , Lorenzini Daniele , Guerini-Rocco Elena , Ferrero Stefano , Vaira Valentina , Fusco Nicola 
Published: August 2022

Background: Breast cancer with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells (OSGC) is an exceedingly rare morphological pattern of invasive breast carcinoma. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of these tumors is populated by OSGC, which resemble osteoclasts and show a histiocytic-like immunophenotype. Their role in breast cancer is unknown. The osteoclast maturation in the bone is regulated by the expression of cytokines that are also present in the TIME of tumors and in breast cancer tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs-mediated anti-tumor immune pathways are regulated by miRNAs akin to osteoclast homeostasis. Here, we sought to characterize the different cellular compartments of breast cancers with OSGC and investigate the similarities of OSGC with tumor and TIME in terms of morphology, protein, and miRNA expression, specifically emphasizing on monocytic signatures.Methods and Results: Six breast cancers with OSGC were included. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and TAMs were separately quantified. The different cellular populations (i.e., normal epithelium, cancer cells, and OSGC) were isolated from tissue sections by laser-assisted microdissection. After RNA purification, 752 miRNAs were analyzed using a TaqMan Advanced miRNA Low-Density Array for all samples. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by computing the fold change (log2Ratio) using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and p values were corrected for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate (FDR) approach. As a similarity analysis among samples, we used the Pearson test. The association between pairs of variables was investigated using Fisher exact test. Classical and non-classical monocyte miRNA signatures were finally applied. All OSGC displayed CD68 expression, TILs (range, 45–85%) and high TAMs (range, 35–75%). Regarding the global miRNAs profile, OSGC was more similar to cancer cells than to non-neoplastic ones. Shared deregulation of miR-143-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-181b-5p was observed between OSGC and cancer cells. The monocyte-associated miR-29a-3p and miR-21-3p were dysregulated in OSGCs compared with non-neoplastic or breast cancer tissues.Conclusion: Breast cancers with OSGC have an activated TIME. Shared epigenetic events occur during the ontogenesis of breast cancer cells and OSGC but the innumophenotype and miRNA profiles of the different cellular compartmens suggest that OSGC likely belong to the spectrum of M2 TAMs.
Multi-predictor modeling for predicting early Parkinson’s disease and non-motor symptoms progression
Authors: Dou Kaixin , Ma Jiangnan , Zhang Xue , Shi Wanda , Tao Mingzhu , Xie Anmu 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundIdentifying individuals with high-risk Parkinson’s disease (PD) at earlier stages is an urgent priority to delay disease onset and progression. In the present study, we aimed to develop and validate clinical risk models using non-motor predictors to distinguish between early PD and healthy individuals. In addition, we constructed prognostic models for predicting the progression of non-motor symptoms [cognitive impairment, Rapid-eye-movement sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), and depression] in de novo PD patients at 5 years of follow-up.MethodsWe retrieved the data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. After a backward variable selection approach to identify predictors, logistic regression analyses were applied for diagnosis model construction, and cox proportional-hazards models were used to predict non-motor symptom progression. The predictive models were internally validated by correcting measures of predictive performance for “optimism” or overfitting with the bootstrap resampling approach.ResultsFor constructing diagnostic models, the final model reached a high accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91–0.96), which included eight variables (age, gender, family history, University of Pennsylvania Smell Inventory Test score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, RBD Screening Questionnaire score, levels of cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein, and SNCA rs356181 polymorphism). For the construction of prognostic models, our results showed that the AUC of the three prognostic models improved slightly with increasing follow-up time. The overall AUCs fluctuated around 0.70. The model validation established good discrimination and calibration for predicting PD onset and progression of non-motor symptoms.ConclusionThe findings of our study facilitate predicting the individual risk at an early stage based on the predictors derived from these models. These predictive models provide relatively reliable information to prevent PD onset and progression. However, future validation analysis is still needed to clarify these findings and provide more insight into the predictive models over more extended periods of disease progression in more diverse samples.
Association between sleep quality, migraine and migraine burden
Authors: Duan Shaojie , Ren Zhiying , Xia Hui , Wang Ziyao , Zheng Tao , Liu Zunjing 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe relationship between sleep and migraine is well known to be bidirectional. However, few studies have systematically assessed the association between sleep quality and the risk of developing migraine, and its gender and age differences are unclear. And there is currently limited evidence on the associations between sleep quality and migraine-related burdens.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to: (1) explore the association between sleep quality and the risk of developing migraine, and its gender and age differences; (2) investigate the associations between sleep quality and the total pain burden, severity, disability, headache impact, quality of life, anxiety, and depression of migraine patients.MethodsThis study consecutively enrolled 134 migraine patients and 70 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects. Sleep quality was assessed through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression and linear regression analyses were used to explore the associations between sleep quality with the risk of developing migraine and the migraine-related burdens.ResultsThe prevalence of poor sleep quality in migraine patients was significantly higher than that in subjects without migraine (P &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for various confounding factors, the risk of migraine with poor sleep quality remained 3.981 times that of those with good sleep quality. The subgroup analysis showed that there were significant additive interactions between poor sleep quality and the risk of migraine in gender, age, and education level (P for interaction &lt; 0.05), and the stronger correlations were found in females, populations with ages more than 35 years old, and with lower education levels. In addition, multivariate linear regression analysis showed that poor sleep quality was significantly and independently associated with the total pain burden, severity, headache impact, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in migraine patients (P trend &lt; 0.05).ConclusionPoor sleep quality was significantly independently associated with an increased risk of developing migraine and the migraine-related burdens. Strengthening PSQI assessment is valuable for the early prevention and treatment of migraine patients.
A comparative study of amplitude of low-frequence fluctuation of resting-state fMRI between the younger and older treatment-resistant depression in adults
Authors: Sun Jifei , Guo Chunlei , Ma Yue , Du Zhongming , Wang Zhi , Luo Yi , Chen Limei , Gao Deqiang , Li Xiaojiao , Xu Ke , Hong Yang , Yu Xue , Xiao Xue , Fang Jiliang , Liu Yong 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) may have different physiopathological neuromechanism in different age groups. This study used the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) to initially compare abnormalities in local functional brain activity in younger and older patients with TRD.Materials and methodsA total of 21 older TRD patients, 19 younger TRD, 19 older healthy controls (HCs), and 19 younger HCs underwent resting-state functional MRI scans, and the images were analyzed using the ALFF and further analyzed for correlation between abnormal brain regions and clinical symptoms in TRD patients of different age groups.ResultsCompared with the older TRD, the younger TRD group had increased ALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus and decreased ALFF in the left caudate nucleus. Compared with the matched HC group, ALFF was increased in the right middle temporal gyrus and left pallidum in the older TRD group, whereas no significant differences were found in the younger TRD group. In addition, ALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus in the younger TRD group and in the right middle temporal gyrus in the older TRD were both positively correlated with the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score.ConclusionDifferent neuropathological mechanisms may exist in TRD patients of different ages, especially in the left middle frontal gyrus and left caudate nucleus. This study is beneficial in providing potential key targets for the clinical management of TRD patients of different ages.
Ultrasound-based radiomics XGBoost model to assess the risk of central cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: Individual application of SHAP
Authors: Shi Yan , Zou Ying , Liu Jihua , Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Yingbin , Sun Fang , Yang Zhi , Cui Guanghe , Zhu Xijun , Cui Xu , Liu Feifei 
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesA radiomics-based explainable eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model was developed to predict central cervical lymph node metastasis (CCLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), including positive and negative effects.MethodsA total of 587 PTC patients admitted at Binzhou Medical University Hospital from 2017 to 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were randomized into the training and test cohorts with an 8:2 ratio. Radiomics features were extracted from ultrasound images of the primary PTC lesions. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to select CCLNM positively-related features and radiomics scores were constructed. Clinical features, ultrasound features, and radiomics score were screened out by the Boruta algorithm, and the XGBoost model was constructed from these characteristics. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used for individualized and visualized interpretation. SHAP addressed the cognitive opacity of machine learning models.ResultsEleven radiomics features were used to calculate the radiomics score. Five critical elements were used to build the XGBoost model: capsular invasion, radiomics score, diameter, age, and calcification. The area under the curve was 91.53% and 90.88% in the training and test cohorts, respectively. SHAP plots showed the influence of each parameter on the XGBoost model, including positive (i.e., capsular invasion, radiomics score, diameter, and calcification) and negative (i.e., age) impacts. The XGBoost model outperformed the radiologist, increasing the AUC by 44%.ConclusionsThe radiomics-based XGBoost model predicted CCLNM in PTC patients. Visual interpretation using SHAP made the model an effective tool for preoperative guidance of clinical procedures, including positive and negative impacts.
Prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under-five children in the Jawi district, Awi Zone Ethiopia, 2019. Community based comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Gessesse Dereje Nibret , Tarekegn Abebe Aynalem 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionAlthough most deaths are preventable with simple and inexpensive measures, death from diarrhea accounts for one out of nine deaths in children worldwide which makes it the disease with the highest mortality rate in children under the age of five. Therefore, this study is aims to investigate diarrhea prevalence and risk factors among children under the age of five in Jawi district, Awi Zone, Ethiopia.Materials and methodsA comparative cross-sectional study was done among 440 study participants from March to June 2019. Data were collected with a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was entered into EPI Info version 7 software and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Binary logistic regression was done to assess independent factors associated with the dependent variable. A significant association was determined using an adjusted odds ratio at a confidence level of 95% and a p-value of less than or equal to 0.05.ResultsIn the current study, the overall under-five children diarrheal disease was found to be 15.5%. Diarrheal disease prevalence in model and non-model households was 10.9 and 20%, respectively. Shallow water [AOR: 6.12, 95%CI; (1.52, 24.58)], and maternal diarrhea [AOR: 4.11, 95%CI; (1.75, 9.61)] were determinants of childhood diarrhea. Place of birth [OR: 2.52, 95%CI (1.16, 5.49)] and maternal diarrhea [AOR: 3.50; 95%CI (1.28, 9.56)] in non-model households were also determinants of childhood diarrhea.ConclusionUnder-five children diarrheal disease was found to be high in the Jawi District. Thus, to decrease the disease prevalence in the study area, the health extension workers aim to better educate the mothers on how to handle diarrheal diseases. It is also better for concerned stakeholders to promote institutional delivery and to give access to safe water for the community.
Effect of iodoacetic acid on the reproductive system of male mice
Authors: Liang Yun , Huang Xinshuang , Fang Li , Wang Mingjie , Yu Chunxiao , Guan Qingbo 
Published: August 2022

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is one of the most common water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Humans and animals are widely and continuously exposed to it. Many species of water DBPs are harmful to the reproductive system of organisms. Nevertheless, the potential effects of IAA exposure on testosterone and spermatogenesis in vivo remain ambiguous. Spermatogenous cells are the site of spermatogenesis, Leydig cells are the site of testosterone synthesis, and Sertoli cells build the blood–testis barrier (BTB), providing a stable environment for the aforementioned important physiological functions in testicular tissue. Therefore, we observed the effects of IAA on spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells in the testis. In this study, we found that oral administration of IAA (35 mg/kg body weight per day for 28 days) in male mice increased serum LH levels and reduced sperm motility, affecting average path velocity and straight line velocity of sperm. In addition, IAA promoted the expression of γH2AX, a marker for DNA double-strand breaks. Moreover, IAA downregulated the protein expression of the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1), and decreased lipid droplet transport into Leydig cells, which reduced the storage of testosterone synthesis raw materials and might cause a drop in testosterone production. Furthermore, IAA did not affect the function of BTB. Thus, our results indicated that IAA exposure affected spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis by inducing DNA damage and reducing lipid droplet transport.
Flexible societies excelled in saving lives in the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Jianghong , Akaliyski Plamen , Heisig Jan Paul , Löbl Simon , Minkov Michael 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that national cultural traits, such as collectivism–individualism and tightness–looseness, are associated with COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. However, although East Asian countries have outperformed other countries in containing COVID-19 infections and lowering mortality in the first pandemic waves, no studies to date have examined flexibility-monumentalism, a cultural trait that uniquely distinguishes East Asia from the rest of the world. Moreover, none of the previous studies have explored mechanisms underpinning the association between national culture and COVID-19 mortality.AimsOur study fills in these gaps by examining the association between flexibility-monumentalism and COVID-19 mortality, adjusting for important covariates and by analyzing mask wearing and fear of COVID-19 during the first weeks of the pandemic as plausible mechanisms underpinning this association.MethodsWe constructed and analyzed a dataset including 37 countries that have valid information on flexibility-monumentalism, COVID-19 deaths as of 31 October 2020 (before the start of vaccination campaigns), and relevant covariates including two other national cultural traits (individualism–collectivism and tightness–looseness) and other national characteristics (economic, political, demographic and health). Multiple linear regression with heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors was used to assess the independent effect of flexibility-monumentalism on COVID-19 mortality. Mediation was assessed by examining the indirect effects of flexibility through mask wearing and fear of COVID-19 and determining the statistical significance through bootstrapping. Graphical and delete-one analysis was used to assess the robustness of the results.ResultsWe found that flexibility was associated with a significant reduction in COVID-19 mortality as of 31 October 2020, independent of level of democracy, per capita GDP, urbanization, population density, supply of hospital beds, and median age of the population. This association with mortality is stronger and more robust than for two other prominent national cultural traits (individualism–collectivism and tightness–looseness). We also found tentative evidence that the effect of flexibility on COVID-19 mortality may be partially mediated through mask wearing in the first weeks of the pandemic.
The effects of health insurance and physical exercise participation on life satisfaction of older people in China—Based on CHNS panel data from 2006 to 2015
Authors: Luo Lin , Zeng Xiaojin , Wang Xiangfei 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundIn China, the problem of aging population has become more and more serious. The factors influencing life satisfaction of older people are becoming a significant issue. This study explores the effects of health insurance and physical exercise on life satisfaction of older people in China.MethodThis study used an unbalanced panel dataset (n = 6,393, T = 4) of older adults aged 60–80 years from the 2006 to 2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). A panel ordered logistic regression model was developed to examine the effects of health insurance and physical exercise on older people' life satisfaction. Mediation tests were used to examine the mediating role of physical exercise in the effect of health insurance on life satisfaction of older people.ResultLife satisfaction of older people was positively associated with participation in health insurance (OR = 1.439) and physical exercise (OR = 1.033). Participation in government health insurance, urban employee health insurance (UEBMI), new rural cooperative health insurance (NRCMI), and other commercial health insurance all have positive effects on life satisfaction of older people. Physical exercise plays a masking role in the effect of health insurance on life satisfaction of older people.ConclusionParticipation in health insurance and physical exercise are important means to promote life satisfaction among older people. Physical exercise affects the impact of health insurance on older people's life satisfaction.