bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among adult diabetic patients: a hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Aregawi Kibrom , Kabew Mekonnen Getachew , Belete Rebuma , Kucha Winner 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on public health with a high morbidity and death rate. Most diabetic patients, in the course of their lives, develop diabetic kidney disease. In the least developed nations, its size is outstripping itself. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among adult diabetic patients.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 328 adult diabetic patients from 1 December 2023 to 4 April 2024 at the Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was utilized to select the study participants. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic, economic, and behavioral/lifestyle factors. Medical records were also reviewed to collect clinical data. Creatinine analysis was performed by kinetic alkaline picrate method and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2021 equation was used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate from the serum creatinine, age, and sex. Proteinuria was determined by using the dipstick semiquantitative method. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 29. A variable with a p-value of &lt;0.25 in bivariate logistic regression analyses was analyzed in multivariate logistic regression to identify the associated factors. In multivariable logistic regression, a variable was deemed statistically significant if it had a p-value &lt;0.05. Associations were presented as odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe prevalence of chronic kidney diseases in adult diabetic patients was 26.5% (95% CI, 21.8%–31.7%). About 5.2%, 12.5%, 7.3%, 0.9%, and 0.6% had stage 1–5 chronic kidney diseases, respectively. Hypertension [adjusted OR (AOR) = 2.390; 95% CI, 1.394–4.099, p = 0.002], &gt;10-year duration of diabetes (AOR = 2.585; 95% CI, 2.321–5.807; p = 0.001), and family history of kidney diseases (AOR = 2.884; 95% CI, 1.338–6.218; p = 0.007) were associated factors of chronic kidney diseases.ConclusionsThe study revealed that one in four diabetic patients had chronic kidney disease. Special attention should be given to patients with family history of CKD, long duration on diabetes, and concomitant hypertension.
Unspecified asthma, childhood-onset, and adult-onset asthma have different causal genes: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zaied Roan E. , Gokuladhas Sreemol , Walker Caroline , O’Sullivan Justin M. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAsthma is a heterogeneous condition that is characterized by reversible airway obstruction. Childhood-onset asthma (COA) and adult-onset asthma (AOA) are two prominent asthma subtypes, each with unique etiological factors and prognosis, which suggests the existence of both shared and distinct risk factors.MethodsHere, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to elucidate the causal association between genes within lung and whole-blood-specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and the development of unspecified asthma, COA, and AOA using the Wald ratio method. Lung and whole blood-specific GRNs, encompassing spatial eQTLs (instrumental variables) and their target genes (exposures), were utilized as exposure data. Genome-wide association studies for unspecified asthma, COA, and AOA were used as outcome data in this investigation. ResultsWe identified 101 genes that were causally linked to unspecified asthma, 39 genes causally associated with COA, and ten genes causally associated with AOA. Among the identified genes, 29 were shared across some, or all of the asthma subtypes. Of the identified causal genes, ORMDL3 had the strongest causal association with both unspecified asthma (OR: 1.49; 95% CI:1.42-1.57; p=7.30x10-51) and COA (OR: 3.37; 95% CI: 3.02-3.76; p=1.95x10-102), whereas PEBP1P3 had the strongest causal association with AOA (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.16-1.41; p=0.007).DiscussionThis study identified shared and unique genetic factors causally associated with different asthma subtypes. In so doing, our study emphasizes the need to move beyond perceiving asthma as a singular condition to enable the development of therapeutic interventions that target sub-type specific causal genes.
A bibliometric analysis of immunotherapy for atherosclerosis: trends and hotspots prediction
Authors: Wang Jing-Hui , Pan Guan-Rui , Jiang Long 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAn increasing number of studies have demonstrated that immunotherapy may play a significant role in treating Atherosclerosis and has emerged as a promising therapy in this field. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive perspective through bibliometric analysis and investigate the existing hotspots and frontiers.MethodsThis study searched records from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus from January 1, 1999, to May 27, 2023. By using bibliometric software CiteSpace (6.3.R1) and VOSviewer (1.6.19), co-occurrence analysis was used to count the frequency of co-occurrence of certain elements (e.g., countries, regions, institutions, etc.), cluster analysis was used to classify keywords, and burst analysis was used to identify research trends and hotspots.ResultsThe results showed that the number of annual publications has grown in a fluctuating manner; the USA, China, and the Netherlands have the highest numbers of publications, and the top three institutions are located in the Netherlands, Sweden, and the USA. In addition, Nilsson J published the highest number of papers; Ridker PM and his article “Anti-inflammatory Therapy with Canakinumab for Atherosclerotic Disease” have played prominent roles. The top four Journals with the highest numbers of publications are “Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology”, “Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine”, “Circulation” and “Vaccine”. In addition, keyword analysis indicates that inflammation, nanoparticles, adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, T cells and tumor necrosis factor will be future research hotspots.DiscussionThis study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of immunotherapy in atherosclerosis, offering insights that advance scientific understanding. It not only assists researchers in grasping the current hotspots in this field but also reveals potential directions for future investigation. Moreover, future studies can optimize immunotherapy strategies based on hotspot predictions to decelerate the progression of atherosclerosis.
Unintended consequences of modifying coastal river systems
Authors: Malito John , Mohrig David 
Published: November 2024

Coastal infrastructure projects, particularly the modification of coastal river channels, are becoming increasingly significant to economic activities worldwide as a response to climate-driven changes and urbanization. The benefits of channel modification projects can be realized quickly, but the altered movement of sediments in the river channel can lead to unintended geomorphic changes years or decades later. An example of this is the closure of the San Bernard River mouth, located on the central coast of Texas, which was clogged with sediments by the 1990s as a result of two major projects in the area: the diversion of the Brazos River channel (1929) and the construction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) (1940s). The objective of this study was to a) document the delayed geomorphic response to the projects using a GIS analysis of historical maps and aerial imagery, and b) provide a snapshot of altered flow pathways in the area using measurements collected in situ. Results showed that the GIWW was the main conduit for river flow as it bisects the San Bernard River 2 km inland of its river mouth, reducing discharge in the terminal limb of the river. Due to reduced flow, the river mouth became clogged with wave-transported sediment supplied by the still-adjusting Brazos River which had been diverted to within 6 km of the San Bernard River. With a limited connection to the sea, altered sediment and flow pathways have led to numerous hazards and costly corrective dredging projects surpassing $12 million to date. Optimizing the cost-effectiveness of channel modification projects requires considering their long-term impact as managers continue to adapt to ever-changing coastal zones.
Comprehensive analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic value, immune infiltration, and drug treatment mechanisms of GTSE1 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yan Guanqiang , Li Jingxiao , Gao Xiang , Liu Jun , Feng Guiyu , Li Yue , Zhou Huafu 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this investigation was to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of G2 and S-phase expressed 1 (GTSE1) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), while examining its impact on immune infiltration and drug treatment mechanisms.MethodsThis research involved examining the expression patterns and diagnostic accuracy of GTSE1 in LUAD using various databases and clinical samples. The databases utilized included Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Both gene expression and protein levels were analyzed. Subsequently, the prognostic ability of GTSE1 was evaluated based on clinical follow-up data using methods such as using univariate, multivariate, and prognostic meta-analysis. Additionally, potential mechanisms of action of GTSE1 were explored through enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the correlation between GTSE1 expression and the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoints was assessed using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. The effectiveness of chemotherapy and targeted therapy was predicted using the “pRophetic” R package, which analyzed gene expression data.ResultsAnalysis of GEO data, CPTAC data, TCGA data, and clinical samples revealed increased levels of GTSE1 in LUAD tissues. Enhanced GTSE1 expression demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy and served as a significant prognostic indicator for LUAD patients. GTSE1 expression emerged as an independent predictive factor in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis suggested a potential association between GTSE1 and the cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, as well as ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. High expression of GTSE1 was associated with increased immune cell infiltration and heightened sensitivity to a specific type of chemotherapy and targeted drugs.ConclusionIncreased expression of GTSE1 in patients with LUAD showed significant diagnostic and prognostic significance. It was also associated with increased immune infiltration and an unfavorable response to targeted medication.
Effect of omalizumab on inflammatory markers in COVID-19: an exploratory analysis of the COVID-19 immunologic antiviral therapy with omalizumab (CIAO) trial
Authors: Prosty Connor , Le Michelle , Lu Yang , Khoury Lauren , Cormier Maxime , Cheng Mathew P. , Fowler Robert , Murthy Srinivas , Tsang Jennifer LY , Lejtenyi Duncan , Ben-Shoshan Moshe , Rahme Elham , Golchi Shirin , Dendukuri Nandini , Lee Todd C. , Netchiporouk Elena 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe CIAO trial recently demonstrated a probable clinical benefit of omalizumab in the treatment of severe COVID-19; however, the mechanism underlying this benefit remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to longitudinally assess the impact of omalizumab on serum cytokines in CIAO trial patients to determine its mechanism of action.MethodsBlood samples were collected on days 0, 2, 7, and 14 from patients recruited into the CIAO trial and who consented to this substudy. Blood samples were tested by a panel of 25 inflammatory cytokines, as well as for markers of mast cell activation. Levels of inflammatory biomarkers were compared over time between omalizumab- and placebo-treated patients by generalized linear mixed-effects model. Associations between biomarkers and clinical outcomes were investigated by mixed-effects logistic regression.ResultsNineteen patients were recruited into this substudy; 10 were assigned to placebo and 9 to omalizumab. Monokine induced by gamma interferon was significantly positively associated with severe COVID-19 (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00–1.11, p = 0.043). Further, omalizumab significantly reduced interleukin-15 (Coefficient = −0.95, p = 0.048) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (Coefficient = −1.31, p = 0.010) levels. However, neither was significant in analyses adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing.ConclusionAlthough limited by a small sample size, these results suggest that omalizumab’s potential benefit in COVID-19 may be mediated independently of modulation of the measured serum biomarkers. Further studies are needed to investigate omalizumab’s mechanism of action in COVID-19.
Plasma neutrophil extracellular traps in patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury serve as a new biomarker to predict 28-day survival outcomes of disease
Authors: He Jian , Zheng Feng , Qiu Lihua , Wang Yilan , Zhang Jing , Ye Hongwei , Zhang Qian 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThere is currently no accurate, readily available, or validated biomarker for assessing disease severity and survival outcomes in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SAKI), which limits the ability to conduct effective therapeutic interventions. The neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may be involved in the pathophysiology of SAKI. The present study investigated the predictive value of plasma NETs for the survival outcome of patients with SAKI.MethodsThis observational study included 136 SAKI patients, all of whom underwent a 28-day follow-up. According to the follow-up records, SAKI patients were divided into two groups: the non-survivor group (60 subjects) and the survivor group (76 subjects). Blood samples were collected after the diagnosis of AKI to measure three NET markers and 12 inflammatory indices. Correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and survival analysis were performed.ResultsCompared to survivors, non-survivors among SAKI patients exhibited significantly higher levels of three plasma NET markers (all p &lt; 0.001). Meanwhile, in SAKI patients, plasma levels of NET markers were significantly associated with serum levels of inflammatory indices. Additionally, serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha showed an interactive effect with plasma NET markers on the survival of SAKI patients. Furthermore, the combination of three plasma NET markers could identify SAKI patients with a poor 28-day survival with better accuracy (area under the curve = 0.857). Finally, plasma NET markers may independently predict the 28-day survival in SAKI patients.ConclusionPlasma NET markers were elevated in SAKI patients with poor outcomes and served as biomarkers for predicting 28-day survival in SAKI patients.
Assessing stroke recurrence in sICAS: a study on mCSVD score and culprit plaque magnetic resonance characteristics
Authors: Ren Kaixuan , He Juan , Zhu Li , Gu Yue , Qu Hang , Zhao Yi , Wang Wei 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundRecurrent ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) can be attributed to two main causes: intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). This study investigates the potential associations between stroke recurrence and the modified cerebral small vessel disease (mCSVD) burden score, as well as the characteristics of culprit plaques related to intracranial artery high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI).MethodsA total of 145 patients presenting sICAS underwent intracranial artery HR-VWI and routine cranial MRI at two large Chinese hospitals from December 2019–2022 were participants of this retrospective analysis. Standard MRI scans were used to calculate the mCSVD score. Following a 12-month observation period, the patients were categorized into two distinct groups depending on whether or not they experienced a subsequent stroke.ResultsWithin 12 months, 32 patients experienced stroke recurrence. The recurrence group’s mCSVD score was higher compared to the non-recurrence group (p &lt; 0.001). Their luminal stenosis and culprit plaque thickness and burden were also higher (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, higher rates of diabetes, T1WI hyperintensity of culprit plaques, and significant plaque enhancement were observed in the recurrence group (p &lt; 0.05). The adjusted Cox regression model indicated that the mCSVD score (HR = 1.730, 95% CI 1.021–2.933, p = 0.042) and T1WI hyperintensity of the culprit plaque (HR = 6.568, 95% CI 1.104–39.059, p = 0.039) remained significantly independent risk variables. The combination of the mCSVD score and T1WI hyperintensity of the culprit plaque demonstrated the highest efficacy in predicting stroke recurrence (z = 2.678, p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe mCSVD score, associated with T1WI hyperintensity of culprit plaque, effectively predicts stroke recurrence and can be easily obtained, offering high clinical value.
Elevated plasma total homocysteine levels are associated with behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Zhang Guili , Liu Shuai , Xu Ying , Ma Ling-Yun , Zhang Wei , Ji Yong 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients.MethodsA total of 82 DLB patients and 134 age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. DLB patients were assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Plasma tHcy, serum vitamin B12, and folate levels were measured in all study participants. We used Spearman’s rank correlation test to analyze the association between tHcy concentrations and NPI scores, MMSE, CDR, and the duration of dementia in DLB patients.ResultsClinically significant BPSD was present in 92.7% of DLB patients. The most frequent BPSD were hallucinations (30.4%), apathy (30.4%), and delusions (26.8%). Elevated plasma tHcy levels were significantly associated with total NPI scores in DLB patients, particularly in 10 NPI sub-domains, except for agitation/aggression and disinhibition. No statistically significant association was found between plasma tHcy levels and MMSE, CDR, or dementia duration.LimitationsLongitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to further explore the relationship between tHcy levels and BPSD in DLB patients as the disease progresses.ConclusionOur study highlighted the high incidence of BPSD and was the first to show that BPSD is associated with elevated plasma tHcy levels in DLB patients in China. These results support the hypothesis that controlling homocysteine levels could offer a new direction for managing BPSD.
Branched-chain amino acid supplementation and voluntary running have distinct effects on the serum metabolome of rats with high or low intrinsic aerobic capacity
Authors: Karvinen Sira , Korhonen Tia-Marje K. , Kiviö Ronja , Lensu Sanna , Gajera Bharat , Britton Steven L. , Koch Lauren G. , Nieminen Anni I. , Kainulainen Heikki 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionA growing body of literature associates branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism to increased fatty acid oxidation and better metabolic health. Hence, BCAA-rich diets may improve body composition and muscle protein synthesis. However, the role of individual characteristics such as a low aerobic fitness, a well-established risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases, has not been studied.MethodsThis study examined 64 female rats from the high-capacity runner (HCR) and low-capacity runner (LCR) rat model. Rats from each line (HCR or LCR) were divided into four groups; differing from diet (CTRL or BCAA) and from the opportunity to voluntarily run on a running wheel (NONRUNNER or RUNNER). Groups were matched for body mass and maximal running capacity within each line. We measured maximal running capacity and metabolism before and after the intervention of diet and voluntary running activity. After the end of the experiment, serum samples were collected for metabolome analysis.ResultsWe are the first to show that BCAA supplementation has a more pronounced impact on LCRs compared to HCRs. Specifically, in LCR rats, BCAA supplementation led to reduced daily voluntary running distance and an enrichment of serine metabolism in the serum metabolome. While voluntary running increased food intake and energy expenditure, its effects on the serum metabolome were minimal in HCRs.ConclusionThe present research highlights the benefit achieved by combining BCAA supplementation with running activity, especially in the LCR line. Importantly, our results underscore the interconnected role of BCAAs and fatty acid metabolism in promoting overall metabolic health.
A global analysis of portion size recommendations in food-based dietary guidelines
Authors: Salesse Fanny , Eldridge Alison L. , Mak Tsz Ning , Gibney Eileen R. 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveSince large food portion sizes (PS) lead to overconsumption, our objective was to review PS recommendations for commonly consumed food groups reported in Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) globally and to assess variation in PS across countries and regions.MethodsConsumer-oriented FBDGs from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) online repository were used to evaluate dietary recommendations, PS and number of portions for common food groups. Guidelines were classified for each group as qualitative, quantitative, or missing. A standardized approach was applied to convert PS recommendations given as household measures, cup equivalents, pieces and other measures into grams for cross comparison. Variation of recommended PS of common food groups within and across regions was examined.ResultsAmong 96 FBDGs, variations were found both across and within regions. At a regional level, the highest median PS recommendations were seen in Europe for Meat, Fish and Pulses, in the Near East for Dairy products, and in Africa for most grain-based foods. Recommendations for Fruits and Vegetables showed the highest consistency across FBDGs worldwide, whereas guidance on Meat, fish &amp; eggs and Cooked cereals/grains showed discrepancies in the classification of foods into categories, as well as in the number of portions per day.DiscussionWhile some variation in PS recommendations across countries can be expected due to cultural and regional dietary practices, inconsistent definitions to refer to a portion and varied derivation methods may further produce discrepancies. Harmonizing development methods for FBDG could help establish more consistent reference portion sizes and therefore provide clearer guidance to consumers.