bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High IL-6/IL-10 ratios indicate sepsis in children with infectious diseases: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Cao Lulu , Ren Yi-Qian , Zhao Li , Wang pengpeng , Zhu xiaodong , Zhu Yueniu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The present study aims to investigate the levels of IL-6 and IL-10, and the ratio of IL-6 to IL-10 in children with or without sepsis, in order to explore the roles of these cytokines in pediatric sepsis.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was performed between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. Children with infectious diseases were reviewed and assigned to the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, respectively. Information on the demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory results on IL-6 and IL-10, and treatments were retrieved from the medical records, and compared between the two groups.
Results
A total of 122 children were analyzed, with 57 and 65 children in the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, respectively. Compared to children in the non-sepsis group, children in the sepsis group had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and IL-6/IL-10 ratios on the first day of hospital admission (p < 0.05). The further multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the statistically significant association between the IL-6/IL-10 ratio, and the presence of sepsis.
Conclusions
Sepsis children present with higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and IL-6/IL-10 ratios, when compared to non-sepsis children. This can be used to evaluate the disease severity in this children population.
Maternal and infant outcomes of pregnancy after kidney transplantation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: zhang yan , Zhang Lily , Xia Weicong , Fang Lulu , Zhu Tongwei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the effect of postoperative pregnancy on maternal-infant outcomes and transplanted kidney function in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients.
Methods
Our study included 104 KT recipients and 104 non-KT women who delivered at four hospitals affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine from December 2015 to November 2023.
Results
The comparison revealed that most patients recovered normal kidney function within 6 months postpartum. Tacrolimus blood concentration during pregnancy averaged (6.1±1.4) μg/L, increasing to (7.1±2.6) μg/L on the second day after delivery, indicating an upward trend in postpartum concentrations. Compared to the non-KT group, the KT group had higher prevalences of gestational hypertension (33.7% vs. 3.3%), gestational diabetes mellitus (21.2% vs. 17.5%), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (5.8% vs. 1.7%), placental abruption was (1.9% vs. 0.8%) preterm birth rate (79.8% vs. 9.2%).
Conclusion
Although pregnancies in KT recipients are considered high-risk, the overall risks are manageable. Strengthening the management of KT recipients with reproductive intent is recommended to improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Comprehensive Analysis of Peripheral Blood Free Amino Acids in MASLD: The Impact of Glycine-Serine-Threonine Metabolism
Authors: Mino Masaaki , Kakazu Eiji , Sano Akitoshi , Tsuruoka Mio , Matsubara Hiroko , Kakisaka Keisuke , Kogure Takayuki , Sekine Katsunori , Aoki Yoshihiko , Imamura Masatoshi , Matsuda Michitaka , Yamazoe Taiji , Mori Taizo , Yoshio Sachiyo , Inoue Jun , Masamune Atsushi , Kanto Tatsuya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Little is known about how blood free amino acids (FAAs) change in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aims to identify the imbalance of FAAs in MASLD and explore its correction as a potential therapeutic targets. We analyzed plasma FAAs data from 23,036 individuals with steatosis information from a biobank in Japan, and 310 patients with MASLD were enrolled. According to diagnostic criteria for steatotic liver disease (SLD) or cardiometabolic criteria (CC), we divided the subjects into five groups: MASLD, metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), CC-SLD-, CC + SLD-, and CC-SLD+. Twenty FAAs were compared among these groups, and among MASLD patients with pathological information. Among the 20 FAAs, the levels of 16 FAAs increased in CC + SLD- according to the number of matches with CC items associated with insulin resistance (IR). Steatosis enhanced most of these changes but serine (Ser) and threonine (Thr) were unaffected. Glycine (Gly), Ser and Thr were significantly decreased in patients according to steatosis grade. We investigated the association between these FAAs imbalances and pathogenesis using MASLD mouse models. In mice fed high-fat, fructose and cholesterol (FFC) diet, metabolomics and RNA sequencing analyses indicated that abnormality in Gly, Ser, and Thr metabolism in liver was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced glycolysis via pyruvate. High-Gly, Ser, and Thr diet ameliorated pathogenesis of MASLD in leptin-deficient mice. Most FAAs increase due to cardiometabolic abnormalities, particularly IR. However, interventions targeting metabolism of Gly, Ser, and Thr have potential to improve MASLD.
Effectiveness of traditional non-carbapenem β-lactams vs. novel β-lactams for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Aldardeer Namareq F. , Labban Hatun M. , Alhuthil Raghad T. , Aljahdali Seham H. , Alharbi Moataz H. , Alharbi Reham A. , Musawa Mohammed I. Al , Almalki Abdulrahman A. , Almangour Thamer A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) as one of the three critical priority pathogens. There is scarce literature evaluating the treatment outcomes in patients with CRPA infections treated with traditional non-carbapenem β-lactam (NCBL) agents. Thus, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of traditional NCBL compared to Noval β-lactam agents (NVL) for treating non-carbapenem β-lactam -susceptible CRPA.
Methods
A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2016 and December 2022. The study included adult patients 18 years and older with infection due to CRPA who were treated based on microbiology sensitivity with traditional NCBL or NVL for more than 48 hours. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality.
Results
124 patients were included: 98 (79%) in the NCBL group and 26 (20.9%) in the NVL group. 78 (62.9%) patients were male. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of included patients was 64 (45, 77) years. A total of 84 (67.7%) patients were critically ill, with an overall median (IQR) APACHE II score of 18 (13.5, 23). The rates of 30-day mortality in NCBL and NVL groups were 41 (41.8%) and 12 (46.2%), respectively; P = 0.692.
Conclusion
In patients with CRPA infections susceptible to traditional NCBL, there was no statistical significant difference in 30-day mortality among patients who were treated with traditional NCBL compared with NVL. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.
Acquired Ventricular Septal Defect Secondary to Aortic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Hanson Courtney , Tibesar Maria , Pansegrau Timothy Pansegrau 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Infective endocarditis remains a deadly disease with an in-hospital mortality rate of around 20%. While ventricular septal defects (VSDs) have been linked to an increased risk of infective endocarditis, cases of acquired VSDs resulting from infective endocarditis are not well-documented in the literature. Our report highlights a rare case of acquired VSD that resulted directly from aortic valve endocarditis. Case Presentation: A 57-year-old male presented to an outside hospital with chest pain, shortness of breath, and low-grade fevers for the past seven days. Additionally, poor dentition was noted. Blood cultures detected gram-positive staphylococci and streptococcus anginosus. Due to concern for endocarditis, an order was placed for both a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Results showed aortic regurgitation, stenosis, and a mobile growth. The patient was managed with IV antibiotics until transferred. Upon arrival at our facility, TEE revealed a VSD that demonstrated left-to-right flow into the right ventricle. Due to the risk of cardiac decompensation and septic embolization, immediate surgical intervention was necessary. The aorta was opened, and the diseased aortic valve was excised. The necrotic septum was debrided and an acquired VSD the size of a quarter was identified. A pericardial patch was used to repair the VSD. Following debridement a mechanical aortic valve was placed. The patient was taken to ICU in a stable condition. However, several days following the procedure, the patient developed ongoing arrhythmia, and a permanent pacemaker was placed. Conclusions: It has been well-documented in literature that congenital VSDs are associated with an increased incidence of endocarditis. However, only a few cases have been documented where a VSD results directly from aortic valve endocarditis. This is the first recorded case of an adult in the U.S. with native aortic valve gram-positive staphylococci and streptococcus anginosus endocarditis resulting in a large acquired VSD. The condition was successfully diagnosed and treated with surgery. Successful treatment of post-operative arrhythmia with permanent pacemaker placement was achieved- a first for acquired VSD caused by infectious endocarditis.
The relationship between firm-level carbon emissions and credit ratings. A case study involving Listed Companies on the Polish Stock Exchange
Authors: Nehrebecka Natalia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this paper we propose the use of multi-level mixed-effects ordered logit regressions to examine the relationship between firm-level carbon emissions and credit ratings as that pertains to stock companies listed in Poland. A necessary step in the pursuit of the goal was the establishing of a proximate channel transmitting the impact of carbon emissions on credit ratings; while data used related to: (i) carbon emissions, (ii) credit ratings, and (iii) firm-specific accounting and market-based control variables. Relationships between carbon emissions and credit ratings were evidenced by the work, the former displaying a significant inverse relationship with the latter, and a more-pronounced relationship being noted when carbon emissions referred to are indirect as opposed to direct. Where carbon emissions are reduced successfully, businesses enjoy an opportunity to reduce cash-flow uncertainty in such a way as to increase investor confidence. A lack of assurance as regards cash flow can thus be viewed as a channel via which the effect of emissions on credit rating is transmitted.
JEL Classification: Q20, K32, M14, Q51.
Immunotherapy Targeting a Leader Sequence Cathepsin G-Derived Peptide
Authors: Al-Atrash Gheath , shi chunhua , Ze Tian , Yan Jun , Zhang Mao , Sukhumalchandra Pariya , Chang Qing , Yang Guojun , You Junping , Cui Meng , Shi Qing , Kerros Celine , Philips Anne , Qiao Na , Sergeeva Anna , John Lisa St. , He Hong , zha dongxing , Molldrem Jeffrey 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Myeloid azurophil granules provide a rich source of intracellular leukemia antigens. Cathepsin G (CG) is a serine protease that has higher expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts in comparison to normal myeloid progenitors. Based on the unique biology of HLA-A*0201 (HLA-A2), in which presentation of leader sequence (LS)-derived peptides is favored, we focused on the LS-CG-derived peptide CG1 (FLLPTGAEA). We previously detected CG1/HLA-A2 complexes on the surface of primary HLA-A2+ AML blasts and cell lines, and immunity targeting CG1/HLA-A2 in leukemia patients. T cell receptor (TCR)-mimic (m) antibodies are immunotherapeutic antibodies that target peptide-HLA (pHLA) complexes. Here we report on the engineering, preclinical efficacy, and safety evaluation of a novel CG1/HLA-A2-targeting, T cell-engager, bispecific antibody (CG1/A2xCD3). CG1/A2xCD3 showed high binding affinity to CG1/HLA-A2 monomers, CD3-Fc fusion protein, and to AML and T cells, with potent killing of HLA-A2 + primary AML and cell lines in vitro and in vivo. This correlated with both tumor- and CG1/A2xCD3-dependent T cell activation and cytokine secretion. Lastly, CG1/A2xCD3 had no activity against normal bone marrow. Together, these results support the targeting of LS-derived peptides and the continued clinical development of CG1/A2xCD3 in the setting of AML.
A study of the prolonged cholestasis observed in extremely low birth weight infants followed by enterostomy
Authors: Matsukubo Makoto , Sugita Koshiro , Muto Mitsuru , Yano Keisuke , Harumatsu Toshio , Kurimoto Tomonori , Kibe Masaya , Yara Asataro , Ohashi Hiroshi , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Hirakawa Eiji , Naito Yoshiki , Nagano Ayaka , Murakami Masakazu , Onishi Shun , Kawano Takafumi , Torikai Motofumi , Tokuhisa Takuya , Ieiri Satoshi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Cholestatic liver damage is frequently observed in extremely low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs), followed by enterostomy. We retrospectively investigated the factors related to liver damage.
Methods: ELBWIs who underwent enterostomy at our institution between January 2013 and December 2022 for gastrointestinal disease during the neonatal period were reviewed. Cases presenting with direct bilirubin >2.0 mg/dl for >1 month after enterostomy were designated as the prolonged cholestatic liver (p-CL) group and compared with cases without cholestatic liver damage, the (non-CL )group.
Results: Thirty-nine patients (21 in the p-CL group and 18 in the non-CL group) were included. Survival was significantly lower in the p-CL group (52.4% [11/21] vs. 88.9% [16/18]; p=0.020). Significant differences were found in the birth weight (587.8 g vs. 698.0 g, p=0.040) and small intestinal length to the enterostomy (47.6 cm vs. 72.8 cm, p=0.004). Patients in the non-CL group started enteral feeding and reached >100 ml/kg/day earlier than those in the p-CL group. There was no difference in the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections between the two groups(p=0.280).
Conclusion: Modest differences in the birth weight and stoma site level may affect enteral feeding management and subsequently result in prolonged cholestatic liver damage in ELBWIs with high prematurity.
Temporal trends and social inequities in adolescent and young adult mental health disorders in Catalonia, Spain: a 2008-2022 primary care cohort study
Authors: Lozano-Sánchez Ana , Aragonès Enric , López-Jiménez Tomàs , Bennett Matthew , Evangelidou Stella , Francisco Esther , García Myriam , Malgosa Estel , Codern-Bové Núria , Guzmán-Molina Claudia , Jacques-Aviñó Constanza 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of mental health disorders in children, teens, and young adults is rising at an alarming rate. This study aims to explore time trends in the incidence of mental disorders among young people in Catalonia, Spain from 2008 to 2022, focusing on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and from the perspective of social inequities.
Methods: A cohort study using primary care records from the SIDIAP database was conducted. It included 2,088,641 individuals aged 10 to 24 years. We examined the incidence of depressive, anxiety, eating, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, stratified by sex, age, deprivation, and nationality.
Results: Anxiety disorders were most prevalent in 2022, with an incidence rate (IR) of 2,537 per 100,000 persons-year (95% CI: 2,503-2,571). Depressive disorders followed with an IR of 471 (95% CI: 458-486), ADHD with an IR of 306 (95% CI: 295-317) and eating disorders with an IR of 249 (95% CI: 239-259). All disorders reflected an increasing trend: depressive disorders (IRR: 2.44, 95% CI: 2.31-2.59), anxiety disorders (IRR: 2.33, 95% CI: 2.27-2.39), ADHD (IRR: 2.33, 95%CI: 2.17-2.50), and eating disorders (IRR: 3.29, 95% CI: 3.01-3.59). A significant increase in incidence was observed after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant associations were reported mainly in girls, in 15-18 years and 19-24 years groups, with high and middle socioeconomic deprivation, and Spanish nationality.
Conclusion: The incidence of all studied disorders has steadily increased, reaching unprecedented levels during the pandemic. This increase is not observed uniformly across all axes of social inequity. Understanding these trends is essential for an appropriate healthcare response, while addressing the non-medical determinants, requires action across all sectors of society.
Clustering of hepatitis C infection among family members in Aden, Yemen
Authors: Gubran Ali N. M. , Al-Barq Ali Mohsen Mohammed , Hashem Mohammed Abdulbaset Mohammed , Saleh Noura Ramzy Mohammed , Saleh Abdulsalam Abdullah Mohammed , Mohammed Shaima Rashad Saleh Ali , Zead Wala Salem Saleh Salem Bn , Muswat Fatima Luai Ali Saeed , Bahumaish Arwa Khaled Ali Mohammed , Al-saadi Yousif Fahmi Qasim 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C infection is one of the most commonly causes of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. this study aimed to determine the clustering of HCV infection among family members of HCV positive index cases, and to determine the association between the internal and external risk factors and HCV infection among those members.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted during a period from January to June, 2024. One hundred and seventeen family members belong to 26 index cases were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected from all family members, and then sera were separated and tested for antiHCV antibodies by using a commercially available Cobas technique based on ECLIA.
Results
Among 117 family members, the majority 55.6% were females. The clustering of HCV infection among family members was 7.7%. The highest rates were 9.6% among males and11.8% among members who were closely contact with female positive cases, 12.8% in age group 20–29 years and 27.3% among brothers but there were no HCV positive cases were detected among fathers, daughters, husbands. There were significant association between HCV infection and some behaviors of family members such as sharing the same sleeping places, nail clippers and towels with index cases and exposing to cupping (p = 0.0001, 0.002, 0.017 and 0.050) respectively.
Conclusion
The HCV infection among family members in Aden, Yemen was low in comparison with most studies globally. The highest rates were found among males, those in contact with female index cases, in age group 20–29 years, and brothers as relatives, but there were no positive cases among fathers, husbands, daughters and other relatives.
Development of a novel tongue biofilm index using bacterial biofluorescence
Authors: Park Sol , Lee Eun-Song , Kim Areum , Kim Hyo-Jung , Lee Joo-Young , Kim Sang-Kyeom , Jung Hoi-In , Kim Baek-Il 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Conventional methods for assessing tongue bacterial biofilms have low inter-examiner reliability due to visualization challenges.
Objectives
This study aimed to develop and assess a novel Tongue Biofilm Fluorescence Index (TBFI) for the accurate detection and objective evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tongue biofilms at the chairside.
Methods
Data were collected from 81 elderly individuals (n = 162 images). Qraycam captured white-light and fluorescence images of the dorsal tongue, and two examiners assessed tongue coating (TC) using the TBFI. The TBFI was calculated based on biofilm intensity and coverage (0–2 scale). Inter-examiner agreement (Kappa) was compared with the Winkel's Tongue Coating Index (WTCI) and the Oho's Index. Validity was evaluated through correlations with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH) levels.
Results
TBFI demonstrated the highest inter-examiner reliability (TBFI, κ = 0.752; WTCI, κ = 0.317; Oho Index, κ = 0.496), particularly for thickness rating (agreement rate: TBFI, 96.3%; WTCI, 76.5%; Oho Index, 79.6%). H₂S and CH₃SH concentrations showed significant positive correlations with all three indices, with the highest correlation observed between H₂S and TBFI (TBFI, r = 0.369; WTCI, r = 0.304; Oho Index, r = 0.308; p < 0.01). Furthermore, H₂S levels increased significantly with higher TBFI scores (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
TBFI shows enhanced reliability and validity, supporting its clinical potential.
Possible effect of Allopurinol and risk of dementia: An updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: ALENEZI AHMED , AHMAD MAI , AYYOUB IBRAHIM 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Allopurinol is frequently prescribed medication for treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, due to its uric acid lowering capacity with inhibition of xanthine oxidase in the body. However, the side effects of long term allopurinol use among gout patients, particularly related to dementia and cognitive health is not well understood.
Aims & Objectives: This meta-analysis based study aimed to provide an updated and robust assessment of relationship among the long term use of allopurinol and risk of dementia.
Methods: The “Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)" guidelines were followed in this study for screening and selection of research articles. Three electronic databases named PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane library were used for data extraction. The primary outcomes of this study were hazard ratio or odds ratio of association of allopurinol exposure and dementia risk among gout patients. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied for quality assessment of observational studies. The RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis of data from studies included in this study.
Results: About 650 research articles were extracted from three electronic databases after applying the above-mentioned search strategy and the final number of research articles after applying exclusion criteria was 9. Among 9 included studies, four studies were of low risks, four studies were of moderate risks and one study was high risk. Through nine prospective cohort studies, and 1462 to 1710000 patients, the findings of study reported that that exposure of allopurinol is slightly significant as it triggers the risk of dementia among cases as compared to control [RR: 2.28 (95% Cl 2.00, 2.60)] and heterogeneity reported (df =8, p=1.00, I2=0).
Conclusion: Overall, the findings of our study reported a slightly significant association between allopurinol exposure and an increased risk of dementia. This suggests that long-term use of allopurinol may be associated with a higher risk of developing dementia in patients with gout or hyperuricemia.