bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mean platelet volume (MPV) and red blood cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW_CV) as prognostic markers in community-acquired pneumonia in children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kiani Masoud , Shahnouri Hengameh , Mahmoodi Hasan , Pournasrollah Mohammad , Ahangar Hemmat Gholinia , Mohammadi Mohsen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major global health threat for children, causing numerous hospitalizations and deaths. CAP is a leading cause of mortality in children under five and results in millions of hospital admissions each year. Identifying reliable prognostic markers is crucial. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and red blood cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW_CV) are accessible and cost-effective options for prognosis assessment. This study investigates MPV and RDW_CV as prognostic markers in children with CAP.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included 150 children aged 1–15 years diagnosed with CAP upon initial examination and admitted to the hospital. CAP diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, physical examination, and/or radiographic findings, with hospitalization criteria set for CAP in children. CAP severity was assessed using the Clinical Respiratory Score, categorizing patients into mild, moderate, and severe groups. MPV and RDW_CV were compared among these groups.

Results
Among the patients, 71 (47.3%) were girls, and 79 (52.7%) were boys. The average hospitalization duration was 6.24 ± 3.82 days, with a median of 5 days. Disease severity distribution was 58 (38.7%) mild, 54 (36.0%) moderate, and 38 (25.3%) severe. Both RDW_CV and MPV were higher in severe cases and in children hospitalized for more than 10 days (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between RDW_CV and MPV (r = 0.636, P < 0.001). Mean RDW and MPV values were significantly elevated in children needing ICU admission and those with pleural effusion (P < 0.001). The RDW_CV cutoff was 13.75, with 97.4% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity. The MPV cutoff was 8.25, with 78.9% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity.

Conclusion
Elevated RDW_CV and MPV levels are associated with severe CAP in hospitalized children, providing valuable prognostic insights. RDW_CV is a more precise prognostic indicator than MPV, demonstrating superior predictive value in CAP management.
Studying of serum bile acids metabolomics as potential biomarkers for differentiation between hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: El Sheashaey Azza Mahmoud , Al Agha Marium Nagah Al Zafrany , shalaby Amr ragab Ibrahim , El Kousy Salah Mohammed , Elgedawy Gamalate Abd Ellatef 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Metabolomics is an emerging field that quantifies numerous metabolites systematically aiming to determine the metabolites corresponding to each biological phenotype and then provide an analysis of the mechanisms involved. Bile acids (as an organic metabolites) are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and could be used as indicator of hepatobiliary impairment. However, the role of these bile acids in the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to use serum bile acid profiles potential diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of cholangiocarcinoma and differentiating it from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Subjects and methods
Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/ MS) analytical method was used for the measurement of bile acids in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 35), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 35), and control group (n = 35) to determine role as markers for differentiation between hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.

Results
This study revealed that there was a significant increase in all 14 bile acids in both HCC and CCA compared to control. Also, there was significant increase in LCA, TCA, GDCA, and GCA in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) compared to HCC with AUC 0.775, 0.825, 0.797, and 0.831 respectively with highest sensitivity and specificity for GCA (82% and 74%, respectively) for differentiation between the two types of cancers.

Conclusion
Determination of the serum bile acids pattern using UPLC/MS/MS may help to differentiate between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) especially GCA which may be a good biomarker for differentiation between two types of liver cancers.
Exploring potential working mechanisms of accelerated HF-rTMS in refractory major depression with a focus on locus coeruleus connectivity
Authors: Wu Guo-Rong , Baeken Chris 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study investigates the effects of accelerated high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (aHF-rTMS), applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), on locus coeruleus (LC) functional connectivity in the treatment of refractory medication-resistant major depression (MRD).

Methods
We studied 12 antidepressant-free refractory MRD patients, focusing on how aHF-rTMS affects the LC, a central component of the brain’s noradrenergic system and key to mood regulation and stress response.

Results
A stronger decrease in LC functional connectivity following aHF-rTMS treatment resulted in better clinical improvement. We observed such LC functional connectivity decreases with several brain regions, including the superior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, and cerebellum. Moreover, our exploratory analyses hint at a possible role for E-field modeling in forecasting clinical outcomes. Additional analyses suggest potential genetic and dopaminergic factors influencing changes in LC functional connectivity in relation to clinical response.

Conclusions
The findings of this study underscore the pivotal role of the LC in orchestrating higher cognitive functions through its extensive connections with the prefrontal cortices, facilitating decision-making, influencing attention, and addressing depressive rumination. Additionally, the observed enhancement in LC-(posterior) cerebellar connectivity not only highlights the cerebellum’s role in moderating clinical outcomes through noradrenergic system modulation but also suggests its potential as a predictive marker for aHF-rTMS efficacy. These results reveal new insights into the neural mechanisms of refractory depression and suggest therapeutic targets for enhancing noradrenergic activity, thereby addressing both cognitive and psychomotor symptoms associated with the disorder.
Impact of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion Among Patients With HIV-Associated Aggressive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
Authors: Premnath Naveen , Liu Yulun , Reves Heather , Pandey Urvashi , Nair Rasmi G. , Anderson Julia , Afrough Aimaz , Anderson Larry D. , Chung Stephen S. , Kaur Gurbakhash , Khan Adeel M. , Kumar Kiran A. , Madanat Yazan F. , Wolfe Heather R. , Yilmaz Elif , Awan Farrukh T. , Sweetenham John , Ramakrishnan Geethakumari Praveen 
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE
To study the influence of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) policy and its Medicaid expansion on insurance status and survival in patients with HIV with aggressive lymphoma.

METHODS
We used the National Cancer Database, a hospital-based national registry, to identify adults age 18-64 years with HIV-associated aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (HIV-a-B-NHLs), diagnosed during 2007 to 2016. Survival analysis was performed on a subset of patients with HIV-a-B-NHL for whom location data were available who resided in Medicaid expansion–adopted and nonadopted states. Using a quasi-experimental difference-in-difference model, the difference in adjusted 2-year survival rates obtained with a flexible parametric Weibull model was compared for states that adopted the Medicaid expansion of ACA against those that did not adopt the expansion.

RESULTS

We identified 8,231 patients with HIV-a-B-NHL and 50,650 non-HIV patients with a-B-NHL. We found that a lower proportion of individuals were uninsured at diagnosis in the expansion states compared with nonexpansion states. We also found that the ACA policy adoption led to a reduction in the proportion of uninsured individuals with HIV-a-B-NHL in expansion states of 34.9%, compared with 15.9% in non–expansion-adopted states. There was a statistically significant improvement in the 2-year survival rate among patients with HIV-a-B-NHL in the expansion compared with nonexpansion states with the adoption of ACA (7.17%
v
1.58%,
P
= .02).

CONCLUSION
Using a novel quasi-experimental model, we found that the ACA policy corresponded with a greater survival improvement in patients with HIV-a-B-NHL within Medicaid expansion–adopted states compared with nonexpansion states. We believe that this evidence should be taken into consideration in future policy making.
The IGF System and Aging
Authors: Conover Cheryl A , Oxvig Claus 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
There is strong evidence that IGF signaling is involved in fundamental aspects of the aging process. However, the extracellular part of the IGF system is complex with various receptors, ligand effectors, high-affinity IGF-binding proteins, proteinases, and endogenous inhibitors that all, along with their biological context, must be considered. The IGF system components are evolutionarily conserved, underscoring the importance of understanding this system in physiology and pathophysiology. This review will briefly describe the different components of the IGF system and then discuss past and current literature regarding IGF and aging, with a focus on cellular senescence, model organisms of aging, centenarian genetics, and 3 age-related diseases—pulmonary fibrosis, Alzheimer disease, and macular degeneration—in appropriate murine models and in humans. Commonalities in mechanism suggest conditions where IGF system components may be disease drivers and potential targets in promoting healthy aging in humans.
Immunometabolism and mitochondria in inflammatory bowel disease: a role for therapeutic intervention?
Authors: Adams Claire E. , Rutherford Duncan G. , Jones Gareth R. , Ho Gwo-tzer 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), incurable conditions characterised by recurrent episodes of immune-mediated gut inflammation and damage of unknown aetiology, are common. Current advanced therapies target key leukocyte-trafficking and cytokine-signalling hubs but are only effective in 50% of patients. With growing evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in IBD and advances in our understanding of the role of metabolism in inflammation, we provide an overview of novel metabolic approaches to IBD therapy, challenging the current ‘therapeutic ceiling’, identifying critical pathways for intervention and re-imagining metabolic biomarkers for the 21st century.
Simulating Confidence Intervals for Conditional Value-at-Risk via Least-Squares Metamodels
Authors: Lai Qidong , Liu Guangwu , Zhang Bingfeng , Zhang Kun 
Published: October 2024

Metamodeling techniques have been applied to approximate portfolio loss as a function of financial risk factors, thus producing point estimates of various measures of portfolio risk based on Monte Carlo samples. Rather than point estimates, this paper focuses on the construction of confidence intervals (CIs) for a widely used risk measure, the so-called conditional value-at-risk (CVaR), when the least-squares method (LSM) is employed as a metamodel in the point estimation. To do so, we first develop lower and upper bounds of CVaR and construct CIs for these bounds. Then, the lower end of the CI for the lower bound and the upper end of the CI for the upper bound together form a CI of CVaR with justifiable statistical guarantee, which accounts for both the metamodel error and the noises of Monte Carlo samples. The proposed CI procedure reuses the samples simulated for LSM point estimation, thus requiring no additional simulation budget. We demonstrate via numerical examples that the proposed procedure may lead to a CI with the desired coverage probability and a much smaller width than that of an existing CI in the literature. History: Accepted by Bruno Tuffin, Area Editor for Simulation. Funding: This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NNSFC) [Grants 72101260 and 72471232], the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC-HK) [General Research Fund Project 11508620], InnoHK Initiative, the Government of the HKSAR, and Laboratory for AI-Powered Financial Technologies, and NNSFC/RGC-HK Joint Research Scheme [Project N_CityU 105/21]. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0394 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0394 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Do t-Statistic Hurdles Need to Be Raised?
Authors: Chen Andrew Y. 
Published: October 2024

Many scholars have called for raising statistical hurdles to guard against false discoveries in academic publications. I show these calls may be difficult to justify empirically. Published data exhibit bias: Results that fail to meet existing hurdles are often unobserved. These unobserved results must be extrapolated, which can lead to weak identification of revised hurdles. In contrast, statistics that can target only published findings (e.g. empirical Bayes shrinkage and the false discovery rate) can be strongly identified, as data on published findings are plentiful. I demonstrate these results theoretically and in an empirical analysis of the cross-sectional return predictability literature. This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance. Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.03083 .
Immunocyte phenotype and breast cancer risk: A Mendel randomization analysis
Authors: Li Bolin , Li Xinmeng , Liu Jialing , Gao Yuanhe , Li Yan 
Published: October 2024

Background
Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge. Understanding its etiological factors, particularly the role of immune system components, is crucial. This study leverages Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between various immune cell features and the risk of developing breast cancer.

Methods
Utilizing two-sample MR analysis, we examined 731 immune cell features across 7 groups for their potential causal links to breast cancer. We analyzed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 257,730 Europeans, comprising 17,389 cases and 240,341 controls, focusing on 24,133,589 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Instrumental variables (IVs) were selected based on genetic associations, with rigorous statistical methods employed, including inverse variance weighting (IVW) and weighted median-based estimation.

Results
Our analysis identified 20 immunophenotypes with significant causal associations with breast cancer risk. Notably, contain B cell, mature T cell, T + B + NK (TBNK) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cell, Classic dendritic cells (cDCs), Monocyte, and Myeloid cell group features displayed positive or negative correlations with breast cancer. For instance, specific B cell phenotypes were found to have both positive and negative causal relationships with breast cancer. Additionally, reverse MR analysis revealed no significant causal effects of breast cancer on these immune characteristics.

Conclusions
This study underscores the complex interplay between various immune cell phenotypes and breast cancer risk. The identified immunophenotypes could be potential biomarkers or targets for future therapeutic interventions. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the immunological dimensions of breast cancer etiology.
Structural equation modelling of the role of cognition in functional interference and treatment nonadherence among haemodialysis patients
Authors: Chan Frederick H. F. , Sim Pearl , Lim Phoebe X. H. , Zhu Xiaoli , Lee Jimmy , Haroon Sabrina , Lau Titus Wai Leong , Liu Allen Yan Lun , Khan Behram A. , Choo Jason C. J. , Griva Konstadina 
Published: October 2024

Background and objectives
Cognitive impairment is common in haemodialysis patients and associated with adverse health outcomes. This may be due to cognitive impairments interfering with daily functioning and self-care, but evidence is limited. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the interrelationships between cognition and functional outcomes in haemodialysis patients.

Methods
Haemodialysis patients completed measures of objective cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), everyday problem-solving skills (scenario-based task), and subjective cognitive complaints (self-report). Participants also self-reported sociodemographic information, functional interference, treatment nonadherence, and mood and fatigue symptoms. Patients’ clinical data including comorbidities and lab results were extracted from medical record. Structural equation modelling was performed.

Results
A total of 268 haemodialysis patients (mean age = 59.87 years; 42.5% female) participated. The final model showed satisfactory fit: CFI = 0.916, TLI = 0.905, RMSEA = 0.033 (90% confidence interval 0.024 to 0.041), SRMR = 0.066, χ2(493) = 618.573 (p < .001). There was a negative association between objective cognitive function and subjective cognitive complaints. Cognitive complaints were positively associated with both functional interference and treatment nonadherence, whereas objective performance was not. Everyday problem-solving skills emerged as a distinct aspect of cognition not associated with objective performance or subjective complaints, but had additive utility in predicting functional interference.

Conclusions
Subjective cognitive complaints and everyday problem-solving skills appear to be stronger predictors of functional variables compared to objective performance based on traditional tests. Routine screening of everyday cognitive difficulties may allow for early identification of dialysis patients at risk of cognitive impairment, functional interference, treatment nonadherence, and poor clinical outcomes.
Associations of circulating matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases with clinically relevant outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Data from the IPF-PRO Registry
Authors: Amubieya Olawale , Todd Jamie L. , Neely Megan L. , Kaner Robert J. , Lasky Joseph A. , Namen Andrew , Hesslinger Christian , Palmer Scott M. , Weigt S. Samuel , Belperio John A. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
We assessed the prognostic utility of circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in the IPF-PRO Registry.

Methods
MMP and TIMP concentrations were quantified by ELISA in plasma from 300 patients. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess associations between select MMPs and TIMPs and death and disease progression (absolute decline in forced vital capacity ≥10% predicted, death, or lung transplant).

Results
Over a median follow-up of 30.4 months, 98 patients died and 182 patients had disease progression. In unadjusted analyses, higher concentrations of MMPs 2, 3, 8 and 9 and TIMPs 1, 2 and 4 were associated with an increased risk of death. MMPs 2 and 8 and TIMP1 remained associated with death after adjustment for clinical factors. In unadjusted analyses, higher concentrations of MMPs 8 and 9 and TIMPs 1 and 4 were associated with an increased risk of disease progression. MMPs 8 and 9 and TIMP1 remained associated with progression after adjustment for clinical factors.

Conclusion
Circulating levels of MMP8 and TIMP1 may provide information on the risk of outcomes in patients with IPF not captured by clinical measures.
Comparative analysis of the effects of cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone on intestinal immunity and microbiota in delayed hypersensitivity mice
Authors: Li Xiangling , Wen Ruyan , Chen Ben , Luo Xia , Li Lu , Ai Jun , Yu Junlong 
Published: October 2024

Background
The T cell-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response is critical for elucidating cellular immune mechanisms, especially the role of memory T cells upon antigen re-exposure. This study aimed to investigate the specific effects of the immunosuppressive drugs Cyclophosphamide (CY) and Dexamethasone (DEX) on intestinal immunity and microbiota in a DTH mouse model, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of their immunomodulatory mechanisms.

Methods
Female BALB/c mice were sensitized to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and randomly allocated into control, CY, and DEX groups. The impact of CY and DEX on immune function was assessed through measurement of thymus and spleen indices, lymphocyte proliferation in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) using MTT assay, and flow cytometric analysis of T cell subsets and TCR expression. Intestinal secretory IgA (sIgA) was quantified by ELISA, and gut microbiota diversity was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results
CY and DEX significantly reduced the immune function in DNFB-induced sensitized mice, as indicated by decreased thymus and spleen indices, MLN enlargement, intestinal sIgA content, and ear swelling degree. Flow cytometry revealed that CY increased the proportion of total CD3+ T cells but reduced CD3+CD69+ activated T cells and CD3+TCRγ/δ+ T cells, while DEX increased CD3+CD4+ helper T cells. Both drugs induced distinct changes in gut microbiota diversity and structure, with CY enhancing α diversity and DEX reducing it.

Conclusions
The study demonstrates that CY and DEX have distinct regulatory effects on the immune organ index, distribution of T cell subsets, and diversity and structure of gut microbiota on DTH-induced immune responses mice, suggesting their differential influence on intestinal mucosal immunity. These findings have implications for the development of targeted immunotherapies and understanding the interplay between immunosuppressive drugs and gut microbiota.
Power dynamics and the VillageTalk app: Rural mediatisation and the sense of belonging to the village community as communicative figuration
Authors: Zerrer Nicole 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Rural mediatisation defines the simultaneous transformation of rural community life and its media environment, particularly in the digital age. Typical rural problems such as declining meeting places are being addressed by developing village-specific communication apps. Due to the so-called “urban bias,” not much is known about rural mediatisation, and theoretical concepts are also lacking. This study addresses this research gap by analysing three German village communities, where a village communication app has been introduced. For this analysis, the applicability of the approach of communicative figurations (Hepp and Hasebrink, 2017) is assessed and further developed by adding the dimension of “power dynamics” to the characteristics. Moreover, the findings indicate that a rediscovered sense of belonging to the village community, resulting from a combination of internal and external factors, is a transformation associated with this process of rural mediatisation.
Realization of even permutations of even degree by products of four involutions without fixed points
Authors: Malyshev Fedor M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We consider representations of an arbitrary permutation π of degree 2n, n ⩾ 3, by products of the so-called (2
n
)-permutations (any cycle of such a permutation has length 2). We show that any even permutation is represented by the product of four (2
n
)-permutations. Products of three (2
n
)-permutations cannot represent all even permutations. Any odd permutation is realized (for odd n) by a product of five (2
n
)-permutations.