bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent factors for the development of vasoplegic syndrome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Palm Constantin L. , Baumhove Lukas , Pabst Simon , Guenther Ulf , Book Malte , Chaduneli Onise , Martens Andreas , Mellert Friedrich , Dewald Oliver 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveVasoplegic syndrome remains a common complication of cardiac surgery. It has serious implications for the healthcare system and individual patients, as it leads to rising healthcare costs and higher mortality. A better understanding of factors triggering vasoplegic syndrome is essential for the development of effective prevention strategies. We aimed to identify clinical characteristics and intraoperative parameters associated with the development of vasoplegic syndrome in coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the influence of vasoplegia on outcome.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of all patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery combined with atrial appendage occlusion, using the heart-lung machine at our institution from 04/2019 to 12/2020. Vasoplegic syndrome was defined as MAP ≤60 mmHg and norepinephrine equivalence dosage of ≥0.2 μg/kg/min with a central venous saturation ≥60% within 2 days from surgery.ResultsOf 647 patients included in this study, 72 (11.1%) developed vasoplegic syndrome. Patients experiencing vasoplegia had longer stay in ICU, more frequently underwent tracheostomy and suffered more often from pneumonia. The duration of extracorporeal circulation, intraoperative application of platelet concentrates and usage of cold crystalloid cardioplegia (Bretschneider) independently predicted development of vasoplegic syndrome.ConclusionsEven in relatively low-risk cardiac surgery, vasoplegic syndrome is a common complication and was associated with serious adverse effects. The use of warm blood cardioplegia (Calafiore) seems to be safer than cold crystalloid cardioplegia (Bretschneider) and might be preferable in patients that are vulnerable to the consequences of vasoplegic syndrome.
VCAM1: an effective diagnostic marker related to immune cell infiltration in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Deng Yuanyuan , Zhang Sai , Luo Zheng , He Pengfei , Ma Xinyu , Ma Yu , Wang Jing , Zheng Liyang , Tian Ni , Dong Shaoning , Zhang Xingkun , Zhang Mianzhi 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe role of immune cells in the pathogenesis and advancement of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is crucial. The objective of this study was to identify immune-cell-related biomarkers that could potentially aid in the diagnosis and management of DN.MethodsThe GSE96804 dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, screen for intersections between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune-related genes (IRGs). Identify core genes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and the Cytoscape plugin. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis was conducted. In addition, ROC analysis is performed to accurately identify diagnostic biomarkers. Apply the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate the proportion of immune cell infiltration. Finally, the mRNA, protein, and immunofluorescence expression of the biomarker was validated in the DN rat model.ResultsThe study yielded 74 shared genes associated with DN. Enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of these genes in focal adhesion, the humoral immune response, activation of the immune response, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and IL-17 signaling pathway. The optimal candidate gene VCAM1 was identified. The presence of VCAM1 in DN was further validated using the ROC curve. Analysis of immune cell infiltration matrices revealed a high abundance of monocytes, naïve B cells, memory B cells, and Macrophages M1/M2 in DN tissues. Correlation analysis identified one hub biomarker associated with immune-infiltrated cells in DN. Furthermore, our findings were validated through in vivo RT qPCR, WB, and IF techniques.ConclusionsOur research indicates that VCAM1 is a signature gene associated with DN and is linked to the progression, treatment, and prognosis of DN. A comprehensive examination of immune infiltration signature genes may offer new perspectives on the clinical diagnosis and management of DN.
A cost-of-illness study of eosinophilic esophagitis in Italy: assessing direct and indirect costs
Authors: Fortunato Agostino , Antonini Debora , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Racca Francesca , Penagini Roberto , Fanelli Francesca , Saab Jean Pierre , Cipriani Filippo , Giodice Roberta , Rumi Filippo , Cicchetti Americo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic and progressive type 2 inflammatory disease affecting the esophagus. Its prevalence has increased in recent years due to increased awareness, evolving clinical guidelines, and heightened sensitivity among healthcare professionals managing the condition. The exact causes behind EoE’s development remain unknown, and its clinical presentation varies, often leading to significant diagnostic delays depending on the age at which symptoms manifest. Consequently, achieving long-term disease control through heightened awareness becomes imperative. EoE generates a significant clinical burden, resulting in substantial economic consequences for patients, healthcare systems, and society. This study aimed to assess the economic and social impacts on EoE patients within the Italian context.MethodsA cost-of-illness analysis was conducted from two perspectives: the National Health System (NHS) and the societal perspective. This analysis encompassed direct healthcare, indirect healthcare, and non-healthcare costs. Data were collected and assessed through a survey administered to a panel of expert clinicians and EoE-affected patients.ResultsManaging EoE incurs a significant burden on healthcare systems, amounting to €6,852.28 per patient per year. The primary cost component appears to be direct costs, comprising 60.73% of the total cost per patient for this condition, while indirect costs contribute to 29.68% of the overall management expenses.ConclusionThis analysis underscores a substantial financial burden on both the healthcare system and patients affected by eosinophilic esophagitis. It emphasizes the imperative need for a continuous and combined effort from clinicians, patients, and families to promptly recognize symptoms and adaptive behavior to mitigate diagnostic delays.
Rapid de-escalation of anti-MRSA therapy guided by S. aureus nares screening for patients with pneumonia: protocol of a randomized controlled trial (SNAP study)
Authors: De Vita Elda , Segala Francesco Vladimiro , Cavallin Francesco , Guido Giacomo , Frallonardo Luisa , Cotugno Sergio , Pellegrino Carmen , Di Gennaro Francesco , Saracino Annalisa 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe current Infectious Disease Society of America and American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) guidelines recommend linezolid or vancomycin as an empiric treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia in hospitalized patients with specific risk factors,. A nasal PCR-assay for MRSA, with its high negative predictive value, can guide a rapid antibiotic de-escalation avoiding unnecessary anti-MRSA treatment. The indiscriminate use of these drugs has contributed to the emergence of resistant S. aureus strains leading to adverse effects without any survival benefit, increasing hospital stays and associated costs. Aim of the study is the use of this diagnostic tool to reduce empirical anti-MRSA treatment duration in pneumonia, shortening antimicrobial therapy days while measuring in-hospital mortality, length of stay and adverse drug event incidence.MethodsIt is a prospective, randomized single-center controlled trial planned to be conducted in the Azienda Consorziale Policlinico di Bari. The research project will have a duration of 12 months following the approval of the Ethical Committee of the University of Bari. The minimum sample size is 38 patients per group, for a total of 76 subjects, calculated assuming a standard deviation of 10, a power of 90%, a type I error of 5% and a 10% drop-out rate. We will enroll eligible patients ensuring their evidence-based management according to guidelines, we will perform a nasal swab for MRSA in patients in the experimental group and discontinue the empirical anti-MRSA therapy if the nasal swab result is negative. For both arms, follow-up visits will be on day 2, 5, 7, 14, and 28 relatives to the enrollment visit (day 0). Data will be collected on the clinical course of pneumonia and laboratory tests.DiscussionOur study will provide evidence on the duration (in days) of the antibiotic intake as a primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcome measures include in-hospital mortality, the length of stay and days of mechanical ventilation (in VAP), and the incidence of adverse events related to the administration of the therapy.Clinical trial registrationhttps://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06238297, identifier NCT06238297.
The neurocognitive mechanism linking temperature and humidity with miners’ working memory: an fNIRS study
Authors: Tian Chenning , Li Hongxia , Tian Shuicheng , Tian Fangyuan , Yang Hailan 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIn China’s coal mines, employees work in environments reaching depths of 650 m, with temperatures around 40°C and humidity levels as high as 90%, adversely affecting their health, safety capabilities, and cognitive functions, especially working memory. This study aims to explore different temperature and humidity conditions’ impact on neurocognitive mechanisms to enhance occupational health and safety.MethodsThis study, conducted between June and August 2023, with 100 coalmine workers from the Hongliulin Mining Group, utilized functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and short-term visual memory tasks to evaluate the effects of high temperatures and humidity on working memory by monitoring activity in the cerebral cortex. Behavioral data, and neurophysiological data were analyzed using Tukey’s HSD for significant differences and multiple regression to explore the impact of temperature and humidity. The β-values of Oxy-Hb for different regions of interest were calculated using General liner model (GLM), and the activation maps were plotted by NIRS_KIT.ResultsHigh temperature and humidity (Condition IV) significantly depressed reaction times and working memory compared to other conditions, with temperature having a more pronounced impact than humidity on these cognitive measures (p &lt; 0.05). Oxy-Hb concentration increased notably under Condition IV, emphasizing temperature’s influence on brain oxygen levels. ROI analysis revealed varied brain activation patterns. The activation of ROI A and B (prefrontal cortex) increased with the increase of temperature and humidity, while ROI C (supplementary motor area) was less sensitive to temperature, indicating the complex influence of environmental factors on brain function.ConclusionThis study highlights the important effects of temperature and humidity on cognitive performance and brain function, highlighting the need to optimize the environment of miners’ sites to improve productivity and safety.
The link between serum cotinine levels and gallstones prevalence in adults: a cross-sectional analysis using NHANES data (2017–2020)
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Zheng , Wang Haoran , Faisal Shah , He Meng , Tai Sheng , Lin Yujia 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundGallstones represent a prevalent health issue globally, resulting in significant annual healthcare costs. While tobacco exposure is recognized for its association with numerous diseases, its correlation with gallstones remains contentious. Serum cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, serves as a widely utilized indicator for assessing tobacco exposure. Crucially, no research has yet examined the association between serum cotinine levels and the gallstones.MethodsThis study is designed as a cross-sectional analysis, utilizing data from the NHANES public database. The relationship between serum cotinine levels and gallstones was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models and smooth curve fitting. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to examine the potential contributions of different populations and covariates to the findings.ResultsA total of 5,856 participants were included in this study. After adjusting for relevant covariates, the multiple logistic regression model results indicated that for each unit increase in serum cotinine concentration above 0.29 ng/mL, there was a 29% increase in the prevalence of gallstones. Furthermore, smooth curve fitting analysis revealed a positive correlation between these variables. These findings underscore the impact of tobacco exposure on gallstone prevalence.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a positive correlation between tobacco exposure, as measured by serum cotinine levels, and the prevalence of gallstones, thus adding to the body of existing research on this relationship.
Random measurement and prediction errors limit the practical relevance of two velocity sensors to estimate the 1RM back squat
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Skratek Josua , Wagner Carl-Maximilian , Wirth Klaus , Keiner Michael 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWhile maximum strength diagnostics are applied in several sports and rehabilitative settings, dynamic strength capacity has been determined via the one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for decades. Because the literature concerned several limitations, such as injury risk and limited practical applicability in large populations (e.g., athletic training groups), the strength prediction via the velocity profile has received increasing attention recently. Referring to relative reliability coefficients and inappropriate interpretation of agreement statistics, several previous recommendations neglected systematic and random measurement bias.MethodsThis article explored the random measurement error arising from repeated testing (repeatability) and the agreement between two common sensors (vMaxPro and TENDO) within one repetition, using minimal velocity thresholds as well as the velocity = 0 m/s method. Furthermore, agreement analyses were applied to the estimated and measured 1RM in 25 young elite male soccer athletes.ResultsThe results reported repeatability values with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.66–0.80, which was accompanied by mean absolute (percentage) errors (MAE and MAPE) of up to 0.04–0.22 m/s and ≤7.5%. Agreement between the two sensors within one repetition showed a systematic lower velocity for the vMaxPro device than the Tendo, with ICCs ranging from 0.28 to 0.88, which were accompanied by an MAE/MAPE of ≤0.13 m/s (11%). Almost all estimations systematically over/ underestimated the measured 1RM, with a random scattering between 4.12% and 71.6%, depending on the velocity threshold used.DiscussionIn agreement with most actual reviews, the presented results call for caution when using velocity profiles to estimate strength. Further approaches must be explored to minimize especially the random scattering.
The effect of 60 days of 6° head-down-tilt bed rest on circulating adropin, irisin, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4) and individual metabolic responses in young, healthy males
Authors: Ward Kiera , Mulder Edwin , Frings-Meuthen Petra , O’Gorman Donal J. , Cooper Diane 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAlterations in the circulating concentrations and target-tissue action of organokines underpin the development of insulin resistance in microgravity and gravity deprivation. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in circulating adropin, irisin, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4), and the metabolic response of healthy young males following 60 days of 6° head-down-tilt (HDT) bed rest, with and without reactive jump training (RJT), to explore links with whole-body and tissue-specific insulin sensitivity. To our knowledge, this is the first time that adropin, irisin, and RBP4 have been studied in HDT bed rest.MethodsA total of 23 male subjects (29 ± 6 years, 181 ± 6 cm, 77 ± 7 kg) were exposed to 60 days of 6° HDT bed rest and randomized to a control (CTRL, n = 11) or a RJT (JUMP, n = 12) group (48 sessions with ≤4 min total training time per session). Circulating adropin, irisin, and RBP4 were quantified in fasting serum before and after HDT bed rest. A subanalysis was performed a posteriori to investigate individual metabolic responses post-HDT bed rest based on subjects that showed an increase or decrease in whole-body insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index).ResultsThere were significant main effects of time, but not group, for decreases in adropin, irisin, Matsuda index, and liver insulin sensitivity following HDT bed rest (p &lt; 0.05), whereas RBP4 did not change. The subanalysis identified that in a subgroup with decreased whole-body insulin sensitivity (n = 17), RBP4 increased significantly, whereas adropin, irisin, and liver insulin sensitivity were all decreased significantly following HDT bed rest. Conversely, in a subgroup with increased whole-body insulin sensitivity (n = 6), liver insulin sensitivity increased significantly after HDT bed rest, whereas adropin, irisin, and RBP4 did not change.ConclusionInvestigating individual metabolic responses has provided insights into changes in circulating adropin, irisin, RBP4, in relation to insulin sensitivity following HDT bed rest. We conclude that adropin, irisin, and RBP4 are candidate biomarkers for providing insights into whole-body and tissue-specific insulin sensitivity to track changes in physiological responsiveness to a gravity deprivation intervention in a lean male cohort.
Self-appreciation is not enough: exercise identity mediates body appreciation and physical activity and the role of perceived stress
Authors: Shi Linyu , Jiang Lixia , Zhou Song , Zhou Wenbo , Yang Huaqi 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study explores the relationship between body appreciation and physical activity, focusing on the mediating role of exercise identity and the moderating effect of perceived stress. While individuals with positive body image are generally thought to engage in proactive physical activity, it remains unclear whether this positive attitude necessarily promotes exercise.MethodsWe conducted a short-term longitudinal survey, recruiting 345 college students 28 (100 females, 245 males; Mage = 22.94, SD = 5.99) who completed questionnaires at two-week intervals for a total of three times within four weeks. Body appreciation, exercise identity, perceived stress, and physical activity were measured for the participants separately.ResultsThe results demonstrated that body appreciation positively predicted physical activity, exercise identity partially mediated the positive effect of body appreciation on physical activity, and perceived stress played a moderating role in body appreciation and exercise identity.DiscussionThese results highlight the significant role of body appreciation in influencing physical activity through exercise identity, with perceived stress further moderating this relationship. The study underscores the importance of promoting body appreciation and regulating stress to enhance physical activity engagement among college students.
Emotional factors and self-efficacy in the psychological well-being of trainee teachers
Authors: Gilar-Corbi Raquel , Perez-Soto Natalia , Izquierdo Andrea , Castejón Juan-Luis , Pozo-Rico Teresa 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe relationship among emotional intelligence, stress, and self-efficacy is a crucial factor in shaping psychological well-being. It has a significant impact on important areas such as health, academic and professional performance, and overall quality of life.MethodsUsing a hierarchical approach, this study aimed to identify, the specific predictors of psychological well-being, including emotional intelligence, stress, resilience, burnout, and self-efficacy, among higher education students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. We also examined gender differences among these predictors. This study involved 338 higher education students pursuing a primary education teaching degree.ResultsThe results obtained using the hierarchical regression analysis technique, indicated that the resilience measure, the burnout measure, and the factor of the teacher self-efficacy measure related to self-efficacy in coping with challenges and effectiveness in dealing with change in the educational context, significantly contributed to explaining psychological well-being in the total sample. Furthermore, the predictors of psychological well-being differed between male and female samples.DiscussionFinally, these findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications for improving the training process of future teachers.
Restoration of abnormal sleep EEG power in patients with insomnia disorder after 1Hz rTMS over left DLPFC
Authors: Zhao Xumeng , Liu Jiayi , Shao Ziqiang , Liu Xiaoyang , Wang Zhen , Yuan Kai , Zhang Bingqian , Li Yan , Sheng Xiaona , Zhu Yifei , Guo Yansu 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionHyperarousal has been a significant pathophysiological theory related to insomnia disorder (ID), characterized by excessive cortical activation and abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) power during daytime or sleep. However, there is currently insufficient attention to the EEG power during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and different stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Additionally, whether the abnormal sleep EEG power in ID patients can be restored by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) remains unclear.Methods&gt;
Data of 26 ID patients and 26 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the current observational study. The comparisons of relative power between patients and HCs at baseline in each band of each sleep stage and the changes in patients before and after rTMS treatment were performed. The correlations between relative power and behavioral measures of the patients were also investigated.ResultsAbnormalities in sleep EEG relative power in the delta, beta and gamma bands of the patients were observed in NREM2, NREM3 and REM sleep. Correlations were identified between relative power and behavioral measures in ID group, primarily encompassing sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency and depression scores. Post-treatment improvements in relative power of the delta and beta band were observed in NREM2 sleep.DiscussionThe relative power of sleep EEG exhibited a significant correlation with sleep measures in ID patients, and demonstrated notable differences from HCs across the delta, beta, and gamma frequency bands. Furthermore, our findings suggest that rTMS treatment may partially ameliorate relative power abnormalities in patients with ID.