bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring genetic loci linked to COVID-19 severity and immune response through multi-trait GWAS analyses
Authors: Meng Ziang , Zhang Chumeng , Liu Shuai , Li Wen , Wang Yue , Zhang Qingyi , Peng Bichen , Ye Weiyi , Jiang Yue , Song Yingchao , Guo Miao , Chang Xiao , Shao Lei 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionCOVID-19 severity has been linked to immune factors, with excessive immune responses like cytokine storms contributing to mortality. However, the genetic basis of these immune responses is not well understood. This study aimed to explore the genetic connection between COVID-19 severity and blood cell traits, given their close relationship with immunity.Materials and methodsGWAS summary statistics for COVID-19 and blood cell counts were analyzed using Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression (LDSC) to estimate genetic correlations and heritabilities. For traits with significant correlations, a Multi-Trait GWAS Analysis (MTAG) was performed to identify pleiotropic loci shared between COVID-19 and blood cell counts.ResultsOur MTAG analysis identified four pleiotropic loci associated with COVID-19 severity, five loci linked to hospitalized cases, and one locus related to general patients. Among these, two novel loci were identified in the high-risk population, with rs55779981 located near RAVER1 and rs73009538 near CARM1. In hospitalized patients, two previously unrecognized loci were detected, namely, rs115545251 near GFI1 and rs3181049 near RAVER1, while in general patients, rs11065822 near CUX2 emerged as a newly identified locus. We also identified potential target genes, including those involved in inflammation signaling (CARM1), endothelial dysfunction (INTS12), and antiviral immune response (RAVER1), which may require further investigation.ConclusionOur study offers insights into the genetic overlap between COVID-19 and immune factors, suggesting potential directions for future research and clinical exploration.
Hydrodynamic performance testing of artificial textures using a novel pin-on-disc test method
Authors: Pusterhofer Michael , Maier Michael , Scharf Raphael , Haumer Florian , Grün Florian 
Published: February 2025

In times of global climate change, the reduction in friction in technical applications is of crucial significance. Surface textures are one possibility for reducing friction in lubricated contacts. To provide a deeper understanding of the effects of surface textures on the tribological performance, this study analyzes wedge-shaped, textured lubrication gaps using a novel test rig with an in situ lubrication gap height measurement. Using this experimental pin-on-disc setup, chevron-shaped and cylindrical textures with two different heights (ht = 10 and 50 µm) were tested under full-film lubrication conditions. The pin was tilted in a very precise way to generate a convergent lubrication gap. The test results show the potential for friction reduction using textures. In general, it can be stated that the investigated textures show clearly different behavior compared to the smooth reference specimens. Mostly, a reduction in friction force was measured for the texture specimens, which was accompanied by a reduction in the lubrication gap height. The system still operates in full-film lubrication, but there is a higher risk of entering the mixed-friction regime. In summary, no universal performance trend for single textures can be stated; it needs to be checked for each specific operating point which texture provides the best enhancement.
Parameter optimization of the notched blade spiral fertilizer discharger for pineapple orchards based on DEM
Authors: Dun Guoqiang , Sheng Quanbao , Ji Xinxin , Li Hailiang , Ma Chunyu , Li Xinming , Sun Haitian , Wang Luhan , Ma Chao , Yu Zhenzhen , Wang Hongxuan 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionIn order to improve the fertilizer-discharging uniformity of the traditional spiral fertilizer distributor and achieve precise and controllable fertilization, based on the agronomic characteristics of fertilization in pineapple orchards, a notched-blade spiral fertilizer discharger with the mechanism of discontinuous-blade sliding-cutting and pushing-pore fertilization is innovatively designed.MethodsBased on parametric modelling and determining the volume of fertilizer accommodation of the spiral, the theoretical fertilizer-discharging amount of the fertilizer discharger is determined in combination with theoretical analysis. The main factors influencing the fertilization performance of the spiral fertilizer discharger are analyzed using theoretical calculation formulas. The discrete element method is used to simulate the fertilizer-discharging process. By comparing simulation experiments, it is determined that the notched-blade spiral fertilizer discharger has better uniformity than the traditional one. The effects of the number and shape of periodic notched blades on the fertilizer-discharging uniformity are analyzed through single-factor experiments. The L9 (3⁴) orthogonal table is adopted for conducting orthogonal simulation tests.ResultsThe test results show that the primary and secondary order of the influence of test factors on test indexes is blade notch shape and periodic blade notch number. When the blade notch is a sector, and the periodic blade has three notches, the fluctuation coefficient of fertilizer discharge uniformity is 27.01%. The results of the bench test show that the uniformity fluctuation coefficient of the notched blade spiral fertilizer discharger is 27.42% when the rotating speed is 60r/min. The experimental and simulation values are consistent. Moreover, the fluctuation coefficient of the spiral fertilizer discharger is reduced by 64.86 percentage points compared with that of the spiral fertilizer discharger under the same conditions. Moreover, the fluctuation coefficient of the notched blade spiral is 64.86% lower than that of the spiral fertilizer discharger under the same conditions. Based on different rotational speeds, the fitting curve of fertilizer discharge is y = 2.02x + 23.02.ConclusionThe fertilizer discharge can be controlled by adjusting the rotating speed. It improves the controlled accuracy and uniformity of fertilizer application and achieves the goal of green and sustainable development of the pineapple industry in the tropics. The research results can provide a reference for designing and optimizing spiral fertilizer dischargers.
Enhanced efficacy of aprepitant-based triple prophylaxis in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting following metabolic bariatric surgery: a single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shan Xiaodong , Yang Yidi , Xiao Xiaoao , Zhang Mingchuang , Chen Rui , Huang Qingqiu , Gao Yuanqing , Sun Xitai 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundMetabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is associated with high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We aimed to investigate the impact of aprepitant-based triple prophylaxis on PONV after MBS.MethodsWe reviewed a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent primary MBS between December 28, 2023 and May 31, 2024. The eligible patients were divided into two groups based on whether receiving additional oral single 125 mg dose of aprepitant preoperatively to the dual prophylaxis (ondansetron 8 mg and dexamethasone 10 mg). Multivariable and propensity score-adjusted analyses were performed to compare the composite PONV endpoints between the groups.ResultsA total of 207 patients were included in the study. Of these, 129 patients received dual prophylaxis, while the remaining 78 patients received additional single 125 mg dose of aprepitant. Similar to multivariable logistic regression analysis, propensity-adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that the aprepitant-based triple prophylaxis group had a significantly higher complete response rate (82.1% vs. 24.0%, adjusted OR 10.312, 95% CI 4.186–25.399, p &lt; 0.001), a lower incidence of PONV (59.0% vs. 85.3%, adjusted OR 0.287, 95% CI 0.125–0.663, p = 0.004), and required fewer rescue antiemetics (7.7% vs. 37.2%, adjusted OR 0.155, 95% CI 0.052–0.457, p &lt; 0.001) compared to the dual prophylaxis group. Propensity score-adjusted analysis demonstrated that the addition of aprepitant to dual prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of PONV, vomiting frequency, and both the Nausea VAS and Nausea Subscale scores (all p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionOur findings indicate that the addition of a single preoperative dose of aprepitant to a dual antiemetic prophylaxis of dexamethasone and ondansetron might be associated with a further improve outcomes related to composite PONV endpoints in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery.
Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease due to diabetes mellitus type 2 from 1990 to 2021, with projections to 2036: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Hu Ruikang , Zhao Zhifeng , Xie Luze , Ma Zhenjie , Wu Wen , Li Shuangxi 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has emerged as a significant global health burden, with rising incidence and prevalence rates observed over the past decades.MethodsWe utilized the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. Firstly, we reported the number of incidence, prevalence, deaths, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributed to CKD due to T2DM, accompanied by their respective Age-Standardized Rates (ASRs), for the year 2021. This analysis encompassed a global perspective and was further stratified by various subtypes. Moreover, we examined trends globally and within specified sub-types to investigate the temporal dynamics of the ASRs. We estimated the percentage change in ASRs, providing a quantitative measure of the rate of change in the burden over the study period. Moreover, we utilized the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model to forecast the future burden.ResultsGlobally, the ASRs of CKD due to T2DM all have witnessed a notable rise except for age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR). The trends observed in both sexes and nearly all age groups were found to be congruent with those of the overall population. The increase in disease burden being greatest in the middle and lower SDI regions. The predicted results showed that the ASRs would still increase from 2022 to 2036.ConclusionThis study highlights the critical importance of addressing the growing burden of T2DM-related CKD on global health. Effective prevention and management strategies, including improvements in diabetes care, renal health promotion, and access to healthcare services, are urgently needed to mitigate the future impact of T2DM-related CKD.
The value of heparin-binding protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Wei , Xu Wei , Lv Xing-ping , Wang Fei-fei , Wang Xue-bin , Ma Shao-lin 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundHeparin-binding protein (HBP) is recognized as a significant factor in the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Although plasma levels of HBP have been identified as a predictive biomarker for ARDS, the role and value of HBP in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) remain unexplored.MethodsOur study utilized a cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) method to induce an ARDS model in mice, examining the correlations between plasma and BALF HBP levels, lung injury severity, lung wet-to-dry (WD) ratio, and BALF total protein levels. Additionally, we conducted a comparative analysis of BALF and plasma HBP levels in 44 ARDS patients and 38 patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE), investigating their correlations.ResultsIn the animal study, CLP-induced mice demonstrated significantly higher lung WD ratios, BALF protein, BALF HBP, and plasma HBP levels compared to the control group. Notably, both BALF and plasma HBP levels were significantly correlated with lung injury severity. In human subjects, significant differences in BALF HBP, BALF protein, and plasma HBP levels were observed between ARDS and CPE patients, along with notable correlations between these markers and the severity of lung injury. Particularly, BALF HBP levels exhibited a stronger correlation with lung injury compared to plasma HBP levels.ConclusionThe study indicates that both BALF and plasma HBP levels are significantly elevated in the context of lung injury in both animal models and human ARDS patients. More importantly, BALF HBP levels show a stronger correlation with the severity of lung injury, suggesting that BALF HBP could serve as a valuable biomarker for diagnosing and guiding the treatment of ARDS.
Development and validation of a predictive model for the risk of symptomatic adjacent segmental degeneration after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Liang Xiao , Ran Lijing , Zhang Zhenyu , Xiao Xin , Wang Congyang , Du Yuwang , Jiang Hua 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundTo investigate the risk factors for symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) 5 years after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and develop and evaluate predictive models.MethodsA total of 655 patients who underwent ACDF were randomly assigned to the training set (n = 393) or validation set (n = 262) at a ratio of 6:4. Independent predictors of ASD were selected by LASSO regression and logistic regression analysis. A calibration curve, ROC curve and DCA curve were used to evaluate the model performance.ResultsLASSO regression combined with logistic regression analysis revealed that age, cervical canal stenosis, smaller T1S and smaller cervical lordosis (CL) were risk factors for ASD 5 years after surgery. Nomographic analysis using appeal factors was used to predict the risk of ASD. The area under the ROC curve was 0.711 (95% CI: 0.643–0.780) in the training set and 0.701 (95% CI: 0.618–0.785) in the validation set. The calibration curve showed no significant bias in either set. The DCA indicated that using the nomogram to predict the risk of ASD would be more accurate when the risk threshold probability was 12–53% in the training set and 6–43% in the validation set.ConclusionAge, cervical spinal stenosis, a smaller T1S, and a smaller CL are independent risk factors for ASD 5 years after ACDF surgery. Based on these four indicators, we constructed a new clinical prediction model that has a certain predictive effect and is conducive to clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
Alterations in neutrophil mRNA profiles in multiple sclerosis and identification of candidate genes for further investigation
Authors: Zhang Huining , Guo Ruoyi , Han Yusen , Yao Zhichao , Quan Moyuan , Li Bin , Guo Li 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence implicates neutrophils in MS pathogenesis, particularly through processes like neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation and degranulation, which may exacerbate inflammation and autoimmunity.MethodsRNA sequencing of peripheral blood neutrophils from MS patients and healthy controls identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pathway enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analyses highlighted potential biomarkers, validated using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsOur analysis identified 1,968 DEGs in neutrophils from MS patients, comprising 1,068 upregulated and 900 downregulated genes. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of immune processes, including antigen presentation, B and T cell receptor signaling, intracellular signaling cascades, and neutrophil degranulation. Notably, KEGG analysis highlighted a pivotal role for upregulated genes in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation, a process increasingly associated with autoimmunity. PPI network analysis pinpointed five key hub genes—LCN2, LTF, ELANE, CAMP, and CTSG—as central players in neutrophil-mediated immune modulation. Protein-level validation using ELISA confirmed elevated levels of LCN2, ELANE, CAMP, and CTSG, consistent with transcriptomic findings, further supporting their role as biomarkers. Subsequent RT-qPCR validation demonstrated robust diagnostic potential for these genes, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.952 (LCN2), 0.827 (LTF), 0.968 (ELANE), 0.950 (CAMP), and 0.862 (CTSG).DiscussionThese findings uncover a previously underappreciated role for neutrophils in MS pathogenesis, driven by alterations in gene expression linked to immune modulation and NET formation. The identified biomarkers, particularly ELANE and LCN2, demonstrate strong diagnostic potential, offering a new avenue for non-invasive MS diagnostics. Beyond clinical utility, this study highlights the importance of neutrophil-driven immune responses in MS, providing mechanistic insights into the complex interplay between innate and adaptive immunity in demyelinating diseases. Furthermore, these findings suggest that targeting neutrophil-specific processes, such as NETs formation and degranulation, could mitigate inflammatory damage and provide novel therapeutic approaches for MS treatment. These results lay the groundwork for future studies exploring therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophil functions in MS.
Prediction of right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer based on computed tomography imaging histology
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Jiang Shumin , Li Zhe , Lin Xiong , Chen Zhipeng , Hu Chao , He Jianbing , Yan Chun , Duan Hongbing , Ke Sunkui 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study aimed to identify risk factors for right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node (RRLNLN) metastasis using computed tomography (CT) imaging histology and clinical data from patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), ultimately developing a clinical prediction model.MethodsData were collected from 370 patients who underwent surgical resection at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, from December 2014 to December 2020. Subsequently, the venous-stage chest-enhanced CT images of the patients were imported into 3DSlicer 4.11 software, allowing for the extraction of imaging histological features. Additionally, by combining the clinical data of the patients, single- and multifactor analyses were conducted to screen the risk factors and build a predictive model in the form of a nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) was used as a discriminant for model accuracy, while differentiation and calibration methods were applied to further evaluate the model’s accuracy. Finally, the Bootstrap resampling method was employed to repeat sampling 2,000 times to draw calibration curves, while the K-fold crossvalidation method was used for the internal validation of the prediction model.ResultsThe RRLNLN lymph node metastasis rate was 17.3%. Four significant factors—Maximum2DDiameterSlice, Mean, Imc1, and Dependence Entropy—were identified. Alignment diagrams were subsequently constructed, yielding an AUC of 0.938 and a C-index of 0.904 during internal validation.ConclusionThe model demonstrates high predictive accuracy, making it a valuable tool for guiding the development of preoperative protocols.
Longitudinal study of cognitive and mental functions among adult Hodgkin-lymphoma survivors, based on data from a primary treatment center in Hungary
Authors: Virga István , Kósa Karolina , Illés Anna , Miltényi Zsófia , Ivánka Tibor , Berecz Roland , Égerházi Anikó , Illés Árpád , Magyari Ferenc 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionDue to risk and response-adapted treatment strategies, more than 80% of newly diagnosed adult classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients at any stage can be cured and become long-term survivors. A well-known side effect is cognitive dysfunction that appears in HL patients after chemotherapy (chemobrain). In the present longitudinal study, we measured cognitive function in our HL patients, in search of potential correlations between patient-related factors, the signs and symptoms of their diseases, and therapeutic factors.MethodsPatients underwent a computer-assisted assessment (CANTAB) of cognitive function (especially domains of visual memory, attention, working memory, and planning) and filled out psychological questionnaires (standardized, self-administered and validated for Hungarian language) before treatment (n=30, T1) and after the first-line treatment (n=25, T2), and 8.6 years after the end of chemotherapy (n=19, T3).ResultsThe median age of 16 females and 14 males was 35 years (20-69), 35 years (21-63) after chemotherapy, and 43 years (29-70) at the end of the long-term follow-up, when the study was completed. 77% of all patients showed cognitive impairment before treatment. A close correlation was found between attention and unfavorable prognostic factors (III-IV. stage, age, bulky) baseline comorbidities (T2DM, psoriasis, HTN) and place of residence. Visual memory was affected by comorbidities and the place of residence. Working memory and planning was influenced by single marital status, and bulk disease. Post-treatment cognitive impairment was evaluated in 77% of the HL patients. In the working memory and planning domain, the Stockings of Cambridge (SOC) subtest significantly improved after treatment, while visual memory and attention remained unchanged. The cumulative dose of bleomycin associated with SOC.ConclusionThe study highlights the fact that cognitive functions of HL patients were already impaired before treatment, especially attention, working memory, and planning. Long-term improvement in cognitive function was observed post-treatment. Employment status, place of residence and unfavorable prognosis have an impact on cognitive domains. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to maintain patients’ quality of life throughout and after treatment.
Epidemiological trends and age-period-cohort effects on lip and oral cavity cancer burden across the BRICS from 1992 to 2021
Authors: Yu Zhengrong , Wu Yuhang , Cao Yu , Cheng Peiyu 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundLip and oral cavity cancer (LOC) is one of the common malignant tumors of the head and neck, posing significant health and economic burdens. The BRICS, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represent a large global population, presenting unique public health challenges. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological trends and variations in the burden of LOC across BRICS in a timely manner.MethodsData on the number, all-age rate, age-standardized rate, and relative change in LOC incidence from 1992 to 2021 within BRICS were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) 2021, and we analyzed global and BRICS-specific LOC incidence trends over 30 years. Furthermore, age-period-cohort model was applied to estimate net drift, local drift, age, period and cohort effects between 1992 and 2021.ResultsIn 2021, the BRICS nations reported 194.74 thousand new LOC cases, constituting 46.2% of the global total. From 1992 to 2021, all BRICS countries witnessed a significant rise in LOC cases, with China leading at 259.06%. The age-standardized incidence of LOC increased by over 20% in the Russian Federation, India, and China, while Brazil and South Africa exhibited marginal changes (Brazil: 0.75%; South Africa: -7.87%). Rising LOC trends were prevalent across most age groups in China, India, and the Russian Federation, particularly affecting older adults (60-94 years). Age, period, and cohort effects were deteriorating in China and India, contrasting with improvements in Brazil and South Africa.ConclusionLOC incidence has increased across BRICS, with temporal trends not consistently aligning with economic growth and exhibiting significant variation among countries. Brazil’s experience highlights the efficacy of oral health and tobacco control measures in mitigating LOC, especially in fast-developing nations. Prevention should target men and elderly in China and India, and women in other areas.