bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Hypercholesterolemia Patients Initiated in PCSK9 Inhibitor Treatment in Denmark from 2017 to 2022 – a National Registry-Based Study
Authors: Klitgaard Elena , Flege Marius Mølsted , Jacobsen Ramune , Jensen Kristoffer Jarlov , Petersen Janne 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Statins are the first-line treatment for high cholesterol, but 10 to 20% of patients discontinue due to intolerance. Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have a favorable safety profile. Despite this, PCSK9is represent the last-line treatment option, primarily due to their high cost. This study aims to examine changes in PCSK9i initiation frequency and patient characteristics in Denmark from 2017 to 2022, investigate previous lipid-lowering treatments before PCSK9i initiation, and describe the medical specialties prescribing PCSK9i.
Methods: National registry study including all patients initiated on a PCSK9i in the period from 2017 to 2022. Patients were identified by the first PCKS9 prescription in the Danish National Patient Register and/or the National Hospital Medication Register.
Results: The final study population consisted of 959 patients. In 2017 to 2018, 225 patients were initiated on a PCSK9i, which increased to 494 patients in 2021 to 2022. Most PCSK9i initiations originated from cardiology departments (76.0%). Overall, 56.4% of patients had very high LDL-C (≥2.6 mmol/L) before being initiated on a PCSK9i, while 16.9% of patients had an LDL-C already lower than the treatment goal (<1.4 mmol/L). The majority of patients had tried a statin prior to PCSK9i initiation (96.6%), whereas 86,2% patients had used ezetimibe – 85.1% of patients had used both a statin and ezetimibe. The number of hospitals initiating PCSK9is was four in 2017 and rose to 19 in 2022.
Conclusion: PCSK9i initiations in Denmark increased between the years 2017 to 2022, but the number of PCSK9i users is still low in Denmark. Almost all patients had used a statin before being initiated on PCSK9i treatment, and prior ezetimibe use was also very common, although 14% did not try ezetimibe before PCSK9i; thus, most patients were initiated in accordance with national guidelines. When, over time, a larger number of patients have been initiated in PCSK9i further real-world evidence studies should be performed.
Developing Generalist Foundation Models from a Multimodal Dataset for 3D Computed Tomography
Authors: Hamamci Ibrahim Ethem , Er Sezgin , Almas Furkan , Simsek Ayse Gulnihan , Esirgun Sevval Nil , Dogan Irem , Dasdelen Muhammed Furkan , Durugol Omer Faruk , Wittmann Bastian , Amiranashvili Tamaz , Simsar Enis , Simsar Mehmet , Erdemir Emine Bensu , Alanbay Abdullah , Sekuboyina Anjany , Lafci Berkan , Bluethgen Christian , Ozdemir Mehmet Kemal , Menze Bjoern 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

While computer vision has achieved tremendous success with multimodal encoding and direct textual interaction with images via chat-based large language models, similar advancements in medical imaging AI—particularly in 3D imaging—have been limited due to the scarcity of comprehensive datasets. To address this critical gap, we introduce CT-RATE, the first dataset that pairs 3D medical images with corresponding textual reports. CT-RATE comprises 25,692 non-contrast 3D chest CT scans from 21,304 unique patients. Through various reconstructions, these scans are expanded to 50,188 volumes, totaling over 14.3 million 2D slices. Each scan is accompanied by its corresponding radiology report. Leveraging CT-RATE, we develop CT-CLIP, a CT-focused contrastive language-image pretraining framework designed for broad applications without the need for task-specific training. We demonstrate how CT-CLIP can be used in two tasks: multi-abnormality detection and case retrieval. Remarkably, in multi-abnormality detection, CT-CLIP outperforms state-of-the-art fully supervised models across all key metrics, effectively eliminating the need for manual annotation. In case retrieval, it efficiently retrieves relevant cases using either image or textual queries, thereby enhancing knowledge dissemination. By combining CT-CLIP's vision encoder with a pretrained large language model, we create CT-CHAT, a vision-language foundational chat model for 3D chest CT volumes. Finetuned on over 2.7 million question-answer pairs derived from the CT-RATE dataset, CT-CHAT surpasses other multimodal AI assistants, underscoring the necessity for specialized methods in 3D medical imaging. Collectively, the open-source release of CT-RATE, CT-CLIP, and CT-CHAT not only addresses critical challenges in 3D medical imaging but also lays the groundwork for future innovations in medical AI and improved patient care.
DNA methylation age from peripheral blood predicts progression to Alzheimer’s disease, white matter disease burden, and cortical atrophy
Authors: Bonham Luke , Sirkis Daniel , Pang Alina , Sugrue Leo , Santamaría-García Hernando , Ibanez Agustin , Miller Bruce , Yokoyama Jennifer , Corley Michael 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cross-sectional studies suggest a limited relationship between accelerated epigenetic aging derived from epigenetic clocks, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology or risk. However, most prior analyses have not utilized longitudinal analyses or whole-brain neuroimaging biomarkers of AD. Herein, we employed longitudinal modeling and structural neuroimaging analyses to test the hypothesis that accelerated epigenetic aging would predict AD progression. Using survival analyses, we found that two second generation epigenetic clocks, DNAmPhenoAge and DNAmGrimAge, predicted progression from cognitively normal aging to mild cognitive impairment or AD and worse longitudinal cognitive outcomes. Epigenetic age was also strongly associated with cortical thinning in AD-relevant regions and white matter disease burden. Thus, in contrast to earlier work suggesting limited applicability of blood-based epigenetic clocks in AD, our novel analytic framework suggests that second-generation epigenetic clocks have broad utility and may represent promising predictors of AD risk and pathophysiology.
Inconspicuous Hermit? Conservation Management Implications from a Decade of Online Wildlife Trade Trends for Land Hermit Crabs
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hsuan , Kang Jeifeng , Zhao Xuequn , Uryu Shinya , Imagawa Haruka , Endo Tomohiko , Kubo Takahiro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Wildlife trade poses a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation, yet invertebrate species often receive less attention. In this study, we focused on land hermit crabs to analyze 10 years of data from Japan's largest online selling platform, alongside public interest trends. Our findings reveal that a total of five species and 6,862 individuals were sold over the past decade. Notably, the number of individuals sold annually and the total revenue significantly increased, correlating with Google Trends data, which suggests rising popularity and demand. The price of these crabs may reflect consumer preferences and potential impacts on species conservation. Our analysis shows that body size, species, and the number of individuals per sale influence price. Additionally, while price is also affected by coloration in certain species and body sizes, no clear pattern was observed. A significant trend we identified is the increase in the proportion of small-sized crabs sold, alongside a decrease in large and extra-large sizes, which could indicate over-fishing. The selling season peaked during the summer, with a small number of sellers accounting for a large share of sales, most of whom were based in Okinawa. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, including the need to manage catch volumes and sizes, collaborate with local stakeholders, and re-evaluate selling certifications. Importantly, it provides the first evidence of long-term trade in land hermit crabs, offering critical information for the conservation of these popular exotic invertebrates globally.
Association of different insulin resistance surrogates with erectile dysfunction： a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Maocai , Li Xueying , Xu Yinuo , Chen Zhaocheng , He Pei , Zhu Yongtong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose： Metabolic syndrome and obesity are more common among men who have erectile dysfunction (ED), and there is a strong association between insulin resistance (IR) and the development of these diseases. However, no research has studied an attachment between different IR surrogates and ED. As a result, we scrutinized their potential relationship Among individuals in general.
Materials and Methods： The NHANES 2001-2004 dataset provided the basis for our analysis. We utilizedmultivariable logistic regression to investigate the link between ED and various IR surrogates (including the triglyceride glucose [TyG] index, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] index, and triglyceride glucose-body mass [TyG-BMI]index). Additionally, we utilized smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect examination to assess curvilinear correlations and validate our findings. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify sensitive populations, while the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) study assessed the forecasting ability involving different IR surrogates for IR and ED.
Results: When controlling potential covariates, both the TyG index and the HOMA-IR index demonstrated no significant association with ED. Conversely, the TyG-BMI index/10 exhibited a favorable correlation with ED (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.06; P < 0.05). Smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis revealed a curvilinear connection between the TyG-BMI index with ED, indicating a remarkable inflection point at 320.78. Subgroup analysis illustrated the interactive effects of age, marital status, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) on the connection that exists among the TyG-BMI index and ED (P for interaction > 0.05). Nonetheless, different IR surrogates showed no difference in predictive ability for ED: HOMA-IR (0.559, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.59) compared to TyG (0.604, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.63) and TyG-BMI (0.558, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.59).
Conclusions： This research demonstrates a positive relationship between highlevels of the TyG-BMI index and ED among adults in the United States.
A twin with a novel mutation in CYBB induced X-linked chronic granulomatous disease: A rare case report of misdiagnosis as congenital cystic lung disease.
Authors: Lin Lin , Gong Zongrong , Yin Genquan , Lu Gen , Peng Junzheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a lethal immunodeficiency disease caused by the defective generation of reactive oxygen species by the phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). It results in recurrent infections caused by catalase-positive bacteria or fungi. Congenital cystic lung disease is a rare congenital disease, and compression and infection are the most common symptoms. Here, we report monochorionic diamniotic twins with X-linked CGD presenting with cystic lesions in the lungs, which were initially misdiagnosed as congenital cystic lung disease. A novel mutation (c.1303A > T p. Lys435Ter) in the CYBB gene was found via genetic testing.
Research on the evolution of microstructurale damage of high-rank coal under supercritical CO2 pulsating action
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Zhang Yunlong , Gao Jianliang , Wang Dan , Chang Ping 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

To characterize the microcomponents and pore structure of high-rank coals under supercritical CO2 pulsation, the effects of supercritical CO2 pulsation on the mineral composition, organic functional groups, pore structure and pore fractal characteristics of high-rank coals were investigated on the basis of a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), high-pressure mercuric pressure, low-temperature liquid nitrogen, and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The results showed that after supercritical CO2 pulsation, the mineral compositions and organic functional group contents of the coals changed to different degrees, among which the contents of calcite, ilmenite and illite decreased, the contents of ferro-dolomite and kaolinite increased, and the characteristic peaks of oxygen-containing, benzene-ring-five-substituted H, and aliphatic functional groups decreased. The pore and fractal structure of the coals after supercritical CO2 pulsation was significantly altered, the total pore volume of the coal body increased by 188%, the percentage of seepage pore volume increased by 13 times, and the porosity increased by 8.272%. The fractal dimensions of the coal samples after supercritical CO2 pulsation all showed a decreasing trend, and the complexity of their pore structure and surface roughness decreased.
Influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes in China: A cross- sectional study based on the integral model of frailty
Authors: Luo Wenyu , Zhou Jinfeng , Qiu Lingyu , Zhao Li 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the current status and influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to inform the development of oral management programs in this population.
Methods
A total of 431 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited two tertiary public hospitals in Nanchong City from March 2024 to October 2024 were enrolled in this study. The General Information Questionnaire, Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8), Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), Eating Assessment Questionnaire Tool-10 (EAT-10), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-5), and Geriatric Self Efficacy Scale for Oral Health Scale (GSEOH) were used to investigate and assess the factors related to oral frailty.
Results
The prevalence of oral frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes was 32.95% (142/431). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age(OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.054 ~ 1.146), HbA1c ≥ 7%(OR = 3.745, 95% CI: 1.203–12.647), dysphagia(OR = 8.401, 95% CI: 2.276–43.846), and poor oral health status (OR = 2.213, 95% CI: 1.134–4.394 ) were risk factors of oral frailty, and the number of remaining teeth ≥ 20(OR = 0.105, 95% CI: 0.046–0.217) and high oral health-related self-efficacy(OR = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.898–0.970) were protective factors against oral frailty (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The main factors affecting oral frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus include age, HbA1c, dysphagia, poor oral health status, number of remaining teeth, and oral health-related self-efficacy. Healthcare professionals need to formulate targeted oral health management strategies based on relevant influencing factors and implement early interventions to help prevent and delay the onset and development of oral frailty.
CerS6 gene methylation in peripheral blood is associated with asthma and the frequent exacerbator phenotype
Authors: song zhu , wang yuting , huang heqing , hu tingting , gao xu , chang chun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sphingolipids metabolism regulated by ceramide synthase (CerS) enzyme is closely related to asthma development, but the underlying biological mechanism remains unclear. Given the critical role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of asthma, we explored the DNA methylation patterns of CerS1-6, the genes encoding the CerS enzyme, in asthma patients.
Methods
We enrolled 26 asthma patients and six healthy controls for this study. Peripheral blood samples were collected for the analysis of serum phospholipid profiles and DNA methylation assays. Linear regression models were employed to estimate DNA methylation dynamics of CerS1-6 genes between asthma patients and healthy controls, followed by bootstrap-based internal validation. Subgroup analyses were conducted for various asthma phenotypes. The correlation between the identified differentially methylated CpG sites and ceramide metabolites was further investigated.
Results
Among 127 CpG sites on CerS1-6, four sites (cg18956199, cg21465008, cg03236449, and cg15455300) on CerS6 gene were significantly differentially methylated between asthma patients and healthy controls. Specifically, cg15455300 exhibited significantly lower methylation levels in asthma patients and was significantly associated with frequent asthma exacerbations and poor asthma control. Internal validation indicated robust and significant differences at locus cg18956199. We further observed varying degrees of correlation between ceramide metabolites and the methylation levels of the four identified CpG sites. A differentially methylated region (chr2: 169311373–169312695) located on CerS6 was also identified.
Conclusion
Our study offered potential insights into asthma pathogenesis by revealing distinct DNA methylation patterns across CerS6 gene between asthma patients and healthy controls.
Dexmedetomidine ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through regulating FASN-associated cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Guo Yapeng , Zeng Xinyan , Zhang Shenghui , Zhao Kun , Wang Jiansheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been used in sedation in intensive care units and as an anesthetic adjunct. However, the mechanism of the protective function of Dex against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unclear. We applied in vivo rat model as well as in vitro cardiomyocyte models (H9c2 cells and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, NRCMs) to evaluate the effects of Dex against myocardial I/R injury. In the results, protective effects of Dex were observed in rat heart tissues after I/R injury. Next, transcriptomic sequencing was performed to determine the global change of gene expression, and identified genes related to cholesterol metabolism were significantly upregulated by Dex, where the change of fatty acid synthase (FASN) was the most significant. Furthermore, shRNAs targeting FASN were transfected into H9c2 cells and NRCMs to knock down FASN. By comparing the effects of Dex on both wild type and FASN-knockdown cells under the OGD/R challenge, the protection of Dex was absent in knockdown cells supported by the dataset including the cell viability and apoptosis as well as key gene expressions. Overall, this study systematically evaluates the protective effects of Dex on myocardial I/R injury and provides a better understanding of the role of cholesterol metabolism in the function of Dex.
Economic Evaluation of Telemedicine Services Provided at Satellite Centre for Tribal Health and Research, Abu Road Sirohi Rajasthan India
Authors: MITTAL AMIT KUMAR , PATEL MAMTA , Dwivedi Rakhi , Joshi Vibha , Singh Manmohan , DwivedI Pradeep , Singh Kuldeep 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Assessing health technology is a vital tool for determining whether interventions should be continued or stopped. Delivering efficient medical services in remote tribal, hilly regions demands careful planning to maximize limited resources. To identify the effectiveness of telemedicine centres, we conducted an economic evaluation of telemedicine services. Furthermore, we identified the avertion of patient transportation costs.
Methods: A qualitative telemedicine evaluation was conducted through in-depth interviews with patients and hospital authorities, as well as focused group discussions with medical officers and paramedical staff. By analyzing direct and indirect costs, including setup, operations, and patient-related expenses and patient satisfaction levels, the study provides insights into the sustainability of telemedicine in resource-constrained settings.
Results: The analysis reveals that telemedicine can significantly reduce patient transportation costs, making healthcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for underserved populations in tribal and hilly regions. The study also highlights substantial operating costs driven by staff salaries and emphasizes the importance of efficient budget planning and resource allocation.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential of telemedicine to promote health equity by reducing disparities and improving health outcomes. To fully understand the impact of telemedicine services, a comprehensive economic evaluation considering patient outcomes, quality of care, and long-term cost savings is recommended.
A meta-study of the microbiome and related dysfunction of the brain reveals distinct microbial signatures in the microbiota-gut-brain axis
Authors: Liu Yaru , Li Shitao , Liu Tiantian , Deng Penghui , Dong Jiyang , Xu Xiangnan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The gut microbiome has emerged as a potential contributor to neurological disorders, with growing evidence linking microbial alterations to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a comprehensive understanding of shared and distinct microbial signatures across these disorders remains elusive. In this meta-analysis, we re-analyzed 31 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing datasets to investigate gut microbiome alterations in AD, PD, and ASD. Using a unified bioinformatic pipeline and robust statistical approaches, we identified both common and disorder-specific microbial signatures. While alpha diversity was significantly altered only in PD, beta diversity analysis revealed consistent compositional changes across all disorders. The genera Blautia and Bacteroides emerged as shared markers, showing differential abundance in AD, PD, and ASD, albeit with varying directions of change. PD exhibited the most distinct microbial profile, with 19 genera showing PD-specific alterations, including enrichment of Akkermansia and depletion of Faecalibacterium. Network analysis revealed complex, disorder-specific patterns of microbial interactions, with PD showing the highest number of altered microbial associations. These findings provide a nuanced picture of gut microbiome alterations across neurological disorders, highlighting potential common mechanisms and disease-specific signatures that may contribute to pathogenesis or serve as diagnostic biomarkers.