bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Validity of Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Score in Predicting Stroke Risk in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Insights from a Tertiary Hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Javerya , Usman Namra , Salman Muhammad , Ali Arshan , Shaukat Maryam , Khan Hana , Raheem Ahmed , Sharif Hasanat 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Postoperative stroke is one of the most serious consequences of cardiac surgery. Morbidity risk assessment is critical for preoperative risk assessments and resource allocation. In this article, we aim to investigate the predictive value of Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score’s effectiveness in stroke risk in cardiothoracic surgery patients in our population.
Methods: 3,898 patients underwent cardiac surgery between January 2010 and December 2016 at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Following the exclusion of 814 records due to incomplete data or pre-existing conditions, statistical methods like chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression were used to identify significant stroke predictors. Prediction accuracy was evaluated using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, with Youden’s J statistic determining optimal sensitivity and specificity thresholds.
Results: Out of 3,084 patients, 52 (1.7%) experienced a postoperative stroke. Stroke patients were significantly older (mean age 62.8 years vs. 57.7 years). They also had higher white blood cell count (10.7 ± 5.1 vs. 9.3 ± 3.3) and a longer history of myocardial infarction (9.2 ± 9.3 years vs. 6.9 ± 7.6 years). Cardiovascular interventions (15.4% vs. 7.7%), postoperative congestive heart failure (21.1% vs. 7.3%), and use of inotropes (5.8% vs. 1.6%) were more prevalent in stroke patients. Emergent surgical status (19.2% vs. 13.4%) and complications such as dialysis, prolonged ventilation, and intra-aortic balloon pump use were also significantly higher. The predictive model demonstrated strong accuracy in predicting postoperative stroke (AUC: 0.841, CI: 0.794–0.888). The ROC analysis for the STS stroke model showed high sensitivity (90.4%) and negative predictive value (99.7%), with moderate specificity (64.3%) and overall accuracy (64.8%), indicating excellent performance in ruling out stroke but moderate reliability in identifying positive cases.
Conclusion: The STS risk score demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for postoperative stroke risk in cardiothoracic surgery patients, effectively incorporating clinical factors already accounted for in the comprehensive set of 70 variables used in its calculation.
Global profiling of arginine reactivity and ligandability in the human proteome
Authors: Li Gang , Wang Yuena , Xie Shaoshuai , Hu Tao , Zhu Lin , Zhai Yansheng , Li Youming , Xu Caifeng , Huang Xiaoyan , Yang Xi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Covalent small molecules targeting nucleophilic amino acids have emerged as a rapidly advancing frontier in covalent drug development, with a primary focus on cysteine and lysine residues. Despite the crucial biological roles of arginine, its reactivity and ligandability in the human proteome remain largely unexplored. In this study, we employed the activity-based protein profiling approach using phenylglyoxal-based chemical probes to globally profile arginine residues. By screening a focused library of 13 phenylglyoxal derivatives, we identified probes that offered enhanced coverage and selectivity. This enabled the quantification of 4,606 arginine sites across diverse human cell lines. Among these, two critical arginine residues were found to regulate liquid-liquid phase separation in either cytosol or nucleus. We further assessed arginine reactivity through on-beads reductive dimethylation quantitative proteomics, identifying a subset of hyper-reactive arginines. Competitive fragment screening via DIA-ABPP delineated the ligandability map between arginines and dicarbonyl compounds. This dataset also identified specific ligandable arginines that impact protein activities, revealing potential targets for drug discovery. Moreover, we mapped these ligandable arginines to protein interfaces that exhibited significant changes in solvent accessible surface area upon protein-protein interactions. These findings suggested that ligandable arginines could disrupt these interactions—a hypothesis confirmed through co-immunoprecipitation experiments, which facilitated the discovery of inhibitors for protein-protein interactions. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive profile of arginine reactivity and introduces new insights into the functional and ligandable arginine landscape of the human proteome, underscoring new possibilities of covalent drugs targeting arginines, particularly as inhibitors of protein interactions.
Timing of endoscopy in high-risk patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Multicenter and international cohort study
Authors: Tejedor-Tejada Javier , Hermida Benito , Camblor Cristina , Sanchez Laura , Hernandez Eduany , Emara Mohamed , Mohamed Salem Youssef , Salman Zhuraida , Alvarez-Alvarez Aranzazu , Perez-Pariente Jose M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
While early endoscopy is recommended in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB), the optimal timing in high-risk patients is still uncertain.
Aims
To determine whether endoscopy timing would affect outcomes in high-risk patients with AUGIB.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, international and multicentre cohort study. High-risk patients (modified Glasgow Blatchford score > 7 points) with AUGIB between 2016–2022 and received therapeutic endoscopy (n = 511) were recruited. Patients were classified based on endoscopic timing in urgent (t ≤ 6 hours), early (6 < t ≤ 24) and elective (t > 24) group. Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses, the optimal timing for endoscopy was identified and we analyzed the association between endoscopy and 30-day outcomes after adjusting for confounding factors.
Results
The results showed that urgent timing (n = 130) had worse outcomes than early (n = 205) and elective (n = 176) endoscopy with higher 30-day all-causes mortality (p = 0.047), repeat endoscopy (p = 0.034), 30-day transfusion rates (p = 0.021) and longer length of stay (p = 0.038). These findings were more consistent when patients were admitted with non-variceal bleeding. In multivariate analysis, urgent endoscopy (OR 1.83, 1.11–3.69; p = 0.034), Charlson index (OR 1.39, 1.01–1.93; p = 0.043), systolic blood pressure < 90mmHg (OR 3.66, 1.44–9.31; p = 0.006) and malignancy (OR 1.68, 95%CI 1.37–7.73; p = 0.047) were worse prognostic factors.
Conclusions
High-risk patients with AUGIB who have received urgent endoscopy presented worse outcomes, especially among patients with non-variceal bleeding. Comorbidities, shock, urgent endoscopy and malignancy were predictors for 30-day mortality. This emphasies the need of prior resuscitation and pharmacotherapy and early endoscopy.
A Novel Approach to the Extraction of Iris Features Using a Deep Learning Network
Authors: M Poovayar Priya , M Ezhilarasan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Iris recognition is a powerful biometric identification technique due to the uniqueness and complexity of iris patterns. However, existing methods often struggle to capture both global and local iris features, which are essential for accurate and reliable recognition. Specifically, details like lacunae, Wolfflin nodules, contraction furrows, and pigment spots hold significant information about an individual's identity, yet accurately extracting and integrating these features remains challenging. This study introduces the Iris-FE Architecture, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based solution designed to address these challenges by extracting both global and local iris features in a unified framework. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a CNN architecture, Iris-FE, that captures and combines global and local iris features for more accurate and comprehensive iris recognition. By leveraging advanced feature extraction techniques, this research aims to improve the reliability and performance of iris recognition systems and enhance their practical applications. The proposed Iris-FE Architecture uses Global features (lacunae and Wolfflin nodules) that are fed into the Iris Surface Global Features (ISGF) model, while local features (contraction furrows and pigment spots) are processed through the Iris Surface Local Features (ISLF) model. The outputs of ISGF and ISLF are combined to form a comprehensive feature set, enhancing the system's ability to capture hierarchical patterns and fine-grained details. The Iris-FE Architecture successfully demonstrated its capability to accurately extract and integrate both global and local iris features. Testing on the iris image dataset showed a notable improvement in identification accuracy and robustness compared to traditional feature extraction methods. The model consistently outperformed baseline approaches, particularly in complex images where both global textures and intricate local features were crucial for accurate recognition.
From Hypoxia to Buoyancy: Serotonin and Oxygen Deprivation Rewire Neutrophils
Authors: Blanco Luz P. , Romo-Tena Jorge , Wang Xinghao , Lightfoot Yaima L. , Kaplan Mariana J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Herein, we describe a method to purify higher buoyancy neutrophils in vitro after exposure of whole blood to brief hypoxia and reoxygenation in combination with platelet- derived serotonin. These higher buoyancy neutrophils display enhanced ability to form neutrophil extracellular traps and increment the tryptamine-protein adducts. Similar changes are identified in neutrophils isolated from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. These results suggest that neutrophils may be rewired in tissues under conditions of hypoxia-reperfusion such as those seen in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Short-term Effects of Empagliflozin on Exercise Tolerance in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial (EMPOWERMENT study)
Authors: Sagara Rikako , Sonoda Noriyuki , Ikeda Masataka , Tohyama Takeshi , Nishizaka Mari , Yamasaki Yuzo , Tagawa Koshiro , Hamase Kenji , Nakashima Naoki , Ishigami Kousei , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Inoguchi Toyoshi , Abe Kohtaro , Shiose Akira , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Ide Tomomi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetes is a risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have become a standard treatment to improve clinical outcomes in HFpEF patients. However, the short-term effects of empagliflozin on exercise tolerance in these patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unknown.
Methods
This study included patients with HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥ 50% by echocardiography) aged 20–85 years, with hemoglobin A1c values between 6.0% and 10%, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations > 35 pg/ml, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III symptoms. The patients were randomly assigned to receive empagliflozin (10 mg daily) or sitagliptin (50 mg daily) for 3 months. The primary endpoint was the change (from baseline to 3 months) in peak oxygen uptake (VO2) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The secondary endpoints were changes in the anaerobic threshold, BNP concentrations, NYHA class, left/right ventricular ejection fraction (LV/RVEF) on magnetic resonance imaging, muscle mass, and muscle strength.
Results
We studied 40 patients, and 22 were assigned to the empagliflozin group and 18 to the sitagliptin group. Data from 33 patients (19 with empagliflozin, 14 with sitagliptin) were analyzed. No significant difference in peak VO2 improvement was found between groups (Empagliflozin: 0.87 ml/kg/min; Sitagliptin: 0.1 ml/kg/min; p = 0.35). The change in muscle strength tended to be lower in the empagliflozin group than in the sitagliptin group (−3.69kg vs 7.25kg, p = 0.06). However, a significant improvement in the LVEF was observed in the empagliflozin group (7.10%; sitagliptin: 0.16%, p = 0.03), and there was a trend for improved RVEF (empagliflozin: 3.33%; sitagliptin: −1.86%, p = 0.08). NYHA class symptoms were significantly improved in the empagliflozin group at 12 weeks (p = 0.027). The inferior vena cava diameter was decreased, and hematocrit and ketone bodies were elevated in the empagliflozin group.
Conclusions
Short-term treatment with empagliflozin does not improve exercise tolerance in CPET in HFpEF patients with T2DM. Empagliflozin might reduce circulatory blood volume and enhance cardiac contractility with elevated ketone bodies in the blood.
Trial registration
Approval number: No. 176-06, jRCT: s071180091 (approval date: 17 May 2017).
Cognitive Impairment among Elderly in India: Understanding the Role of Substance Use and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Ali Amir , Pradhan Manas Ranjan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Cognitive impairment represents an emerging significant public health concern and a prominent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and dementia among elderly adults. This study seeks to examine the prevalence of substance use and identify the determinants of cognitive impairment among elderly individuals in India.
Method
Utilizing data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) wave 1 (2017-18), we performed bivariate analyses and PCA to reduced dimensionality of the dataset. Binary logistic regression evaluated the impact of demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors on cognitive impairment.
Results
Approximately 10.76% of older adults in India exhibit CoI, Smokers have a 1.04 odds ratio (OR; 95% CI: 1.03–1.09) for CoI, while alcohol consumers have an increased OR of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.08–1.78). Individuals aged 80 and above face a significantly higher likelihood of CoI (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 3.03–4.53). Lack of formal education (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.29–1.84) and belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.87–3.13) are also significant correlates.
Conclusions
Substance use and various lifestyle factors are significantly associated with cognitive impairment among the elderly in India.
First records of invasive Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and Megachile sculpturalis Smith, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Slovakia
Authors: Purkart Adrián , Semelbauer Marek , Šima Peter , Lukáš Jozef , Hoffner Simon , Fedor Peter , Senko Dušan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Biological invasions are an increasing threat to ecosystems; early identification of invasive species and rigorous monitoring are prerequisites to minimize environmental damage. Currently, two large hymenopterans of Asian origin are spreading across Europe: the yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 and the giant resin bee Megachile sculpturalis Smith, 1853, populations of which have been gradually being discovered across Europe since 2004 and 2008, respectively. Considering the current distribution of both species in Europe, further spread through Central Europe is expected in recent years. In July 2024, the first record of M. sculpturalis was documented in Slovakia, followed by more reports from 11 localities. Less than two months later, the second invasive hymenopteran, V. velutina nigrithorax, was also detected. Utilising multiple methods, their nest was discovered as well. On-site observations showed that the yellow-legged hornets (workers) were active almost two days after colony eradication. The finding of both species was accompanied by an intensive campaign using citizen science.
Tanshinone IIA alleviates liver fibrosis through inducing inactivation and ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Wang Dan , Tan Qingquan , Zheng Qing , Ma Yanling , Feng Li 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Tanshinone ⅡA is derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza and has multiple therapeutic targets and functions. Numerous studies have reported positive outcomes regarding its influence on liver diseases. However, the exact therapeutic effect as well as the underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms are still lacking.
Methods
Liver fibrosis model was established via ligation of the common bile duct. Mice received intraperitoneal administration of different concentrations Tanshinone ⅡA (4 mg·kg-1,8 mg·kg-1) for 2 weeks. Liver function was assessed through Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirus red. Serum levels of ASL, ALT and MDA level were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The total Iron content of liver was quantified by Triple Quad-ICP-MS. TGFβ-induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as a cell model of liver fibrosis, and were treated with Tanshinone ⅡA at different concentrations (10mM, 20mM, 30mM, 40mM). Combination of Tanshinone ⅡA with YAP agonists as well as YAP inhibitors was applied in activated HSCs and animal models.
Results
Tanshinone ⅡA treatment exhibited relieved liver fibrosis, mitigated histological liver damage, lowered serum levels of ALT and AST, reduced macrophage infiltration and ferroptosis. Tanshinone ⅡA suppressed the activation of HSCs, collagen production and induced ferroptosis of HSCs through blocking YAP signal pathway, and the combination of YAP agonist and Tanshinone ⅡA reversed the therapeutic effect of Tanshinone ⅡA on activated HSC and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis.
Conclusion
Tanshinone ⅡA inhibited activation as well as collagen production, and promoted the ferroptosis of HSCs, alleviating the bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting YAP signal pathway.
Genetic diversity and population structure assessment among 376 maize inbred lines using single nucleotide polymorphism markers
Authors: Oyekunle Muhyideen , Abubakar Adamu Masari , Zakariya Saminu , Ado Shehu Garki , Usman Inuwa Shehu , Uwais Umar Umar , Gidel Melaku 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Knowledge and understanding of the patterns of population structure and diversity are crucial for the sustainable development of outstanding products in any breeding programme. A study was conducted to assess the genetic distances, infer population structure and identify the best putative hybrid combinations of newly developed 376 maize inbred lines using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.
Results: Leaf samples of the 376 inbred lines were genotyped using mid-density 3305 DArTseq-based SNP markers. Following quality checks, 2219 SNP markers were retained for further analysis. Polymorphic SNP markers averaged 0.37 and were well distributed across the genome, covering 306 Mb total length. On average, 221 SNP markers were mapped per chromosome, with chromosome 5 having the highest number of markers (293). The minor allele frequency and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.50 and 0.01 to 0.93, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance indicated genetic differentiation among and within groups and the pairwise genetic distance (GD) had a mean of 0.37, indicating the existence of substantial genetic variation in the germplasm panel. The model-based population structure, and discriminant analysis of principal components grouped the 376 inbred lines into five subpopulations. More than 30,000 intergroup hybrid combinations had the GD above the average of 0.37.
Conclusion: Wide genetic variability existed among the inbred lines, making all possible cross combinations of putative parents difficult. Therefore, planned crosses involving representative lines from opposing heterotic groups would be required. The results of this study would help breeders in developing breeding strategies for sustainable genetic improvement in maize.
RANK pathway inhibition sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer to CDK4/6 inhibitors and enhances immune response
Authors: Casimiro Sandra , Gomes Inês , Martelo Maria , Vilela Rúben , Torres Sofia , Corredeira Patrícia , Miranda Joana , Mansinho André , Torres Sofia , Abreu Catarina , Sousa Rita , Costa Luis 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Despite chemotherapy's limitations and toxic effects, it remains the primary treatment for most triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. While cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with endocrine therapy have revolutionized luminal breast cancer treatment, CDK4/6i alone are largely ineffective in TNBC, even with functional retinoblastoma protein (pRB). The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) pathway has been linked to poor prognosis in TNBC. Previous research connected RANK with resistance to CDK4/6i in luminal breast cancer, which could be reversed by RANK ligand inhibitors (RANKLi). In this study, RANK knockdown or RANKLi treatment sensitized pRB-proficient TNBC cells to CDK4/6i, reducing tumor growth and metastasis. Combining CDK4/6i with RANKLi enhanced cell cycle arrest and elicited an immune response in the tumor microenvironment across BC subtypes. These findings suggest that combining CDK4/6i and RANKLi is a promising therapeutic approach for pRB-proficient TNBC, with potential immunomodulatory benefits, warranting further investigation.
Non-linear Reconfigurable Threshold Logic Gates Based on Nanostructured Metallic films
Authors: Martini Gianluca , Paroli Bruno , Milani Paolo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The dominion of Boolean logic circuits (BLCs) in current electronic design and synthesis tools is increasingly being called into question by challenges posed by the extreme miniaturization and energy footprint typical of AI applications. Compared to BLCs, Threshold Logic Gates (TLGs), by programming the weights, allow for more than two input states, which can enhance complexity in simplifying circuit design. Memristors organized in crossbar arrays architectures have been proposed to implement the programmable weights of threshold logic elements. An alternative TLG design, called Receptron, has been recently proposed: it is based on nonlinear weights thus widening the spectrum of Boolean computable functions while simplifying training thanks to a random search protocol. Here we present a theoretical and an experimental characterization of the Receptron model to determine the connection between the structure of the weights and function computability, identifying sub-linearity as an enabling feature. These results allowed the fabrication of an improved version of a Receptron device, enhancing its sub-linearity and random search efficiency thanks to an ad hoc circuit. This nonlinear threshold logic gate device can be considered for the integration with other conventional logic components for higher levels of computational complexity. Corresponding authors: paolo.milani@mi.infn.it; bruno.paroli@unimi.it