bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of frailty on cardiac rehabilitation goal achievement
Authors: MacEachern Evan , Quach Jack , Giacomantonio Nicholas , Theou Olga , Hillier Troy , Firth Wanda , Kehler Dustin Scott 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionFrailty is common among patients entering cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Frailty is associated with poor health outcomes; however, it is unclear if frailty influences achieving goals in CR.MethodsWe report a secondary analysis of participants who were referred to an exercise and education-based CR program from 2005 to 2015. Frailty was measured by a 25-item accumulation of deficits frailty index (FI) ranging from 0 to 1; higher scores indicate higher frailty. Participants were categorized by admission frailty levels (FI scores: &lt; 0.20, 0.20–0.29, 0.30–0.39, &gt; 0.40). CR goals were determined with shared decision-making between CR staff and the patients. We conducted logistic regression analyses to examine the odds of goal attainment by CR completion, adjusting for age, sex, education, marital status, and referring diagnosis. Analyses were performed using baseline frailty as a categorical and continuous outcome, and frailty change as a continuous outcome in separate models.ResultsOf 759 eligible participants (age: 59.5 ± 9.8, 24% female), 607 (80%) participants achieved a CR goal at graduation. CR goals were categorized into similar themes: control or lose weight (n = 381, 50%), improve physical activity behaviour and fitness (n = 228, 30%), and improve cardiovascular profile (n = 150, 20%). Compared to the most severe frailty group (FI &gt;0.40), lower levels of frailty at baseline were associated with achieving a goal at CR completion [FI &lt; 0.20: OR = 4.733 (95% CI: 2.197, 10.194), p &lt; .001; FI 0.20–0.29: OR = 2.116 (1.269–3.528), p = .004]. Every 1% increase in the FI was associated with a 3.5% reduction in the odds of achieving a CR goal [OR = 0.965 (0.95, 0.979), p &lt; .001]. Participants who reduced their frailty by a minimally clinically important difference of at least 0.03 (n = 209, 27.5%) were twice as likely to achieve their CR goal [OR = 2.111 (1.262, 3.532), p = .004] than participants who increased their frailty by at least 0.03 (n = 82, 10.8%). Every 1% improvement in the FI from baseline to follow up was associated with a 2.7% increase in the likelihood of CR goal achievement [OR = 1.027 (1.005, 1.048), p = .014].ConclusionLower admission frailty was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving CR goals. Frailty improvements were associated with CR goal achievement, highlighting the influence of frailty on goal attainment.
Investigating the dynamics of water and sediment disruption due to impeller action in silt-rich reservoir zones of inland waterways in China
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Yu , Liu Kaiqing , Luo Tianfeng , Li Jinping , Zhang Ying , Miao Tian , Tian Miao , Wang Zhehui , Zhang Xiaolong 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: This study investigates the characteristics of sediment disturbance caused by impeller rotation in reservoirs of inland rivers with high sediment content in China. A scaled experimental model, reflecting typical environmental conditions of inland water reservoirs in Northwest China, was established in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, following the principle of similarity.Methods: The study integrates numerical simulations using Ansys Fluent software and corroborates the findings through hydraulic experiments. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the κ–ε Realizable model were employed to simulate the solid-liquid mixing process, which was verified against the experimental model.Results: The results indicate that increasing the impeller velocity from 2 rad/s to 8 rad/s, while submerged at a depth of 1000 mm in the flow field, enhances the rate of bottom sediment suspension. Furthermore, the rate of suspended sediment discharge from the model outlet increased with inflow velocity ranging from 0.1 m/s to 0.8 m/s. A decrease in the impeller’s submersion depth from 600 mm to 1200 mm was found to reduce the maximum disturbance radius affecting the bottom sediment.Discussion: The reliability of the simulation was confirmed by comparing the software results with experimental data. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of sediment-laden flow disturbance in the reservoir areas of inland rivers in China and lays the groundwork for more comprehensive investigations into sediment discharge in these environments.
Environmental education for sustainable development in engineering education in Colombia
Authors: Acosta-Castellanos Pedro Mauricio , Queiruga-Dios Araceli , Camargo-Mariño Julian A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEnvironmental education (EE) has been extensively studied and promoted in Latin America, particularly in Colombia, through educational policies and regulations at all educational stages. While EE is well-established, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is gaining increasing global importance, especially with the advent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite this, there remains a lack of knowledge, application, and research of ESD within engineering programs in higher education. This study aims to explore these gaps and assess the acceptance of ESD compared to EE among engineering students in Colombia.MethodsA survey was conducted among 406 engineering students from eight universities in Colombia that offer undergraduate engineering programs. The survey included both Likert scale questions and open-ended questions. The objective was to measure students’ knowledge and perception of ESD, identify the roots of EE within engineering programs, and evaluate the progressive integration of ESD in these curricula.ResultsThe results revealed the deep-rooted presence of EE in Colombian engineering programs and a gradual incorporation of ESD into these curricula. However, significant gaps were identified. The majority of students demonstrated limited knowledge of ESD and Sustainable Development (SD). Furthermore, there was a noticeable lack of academic areas or subjects within the engineering curriculum that specifically promote the knowledge and application of ESD. Students’ responses also highlighted the unusual convergence between EE, a traditionally conservationist field, and ESD, which is more development-oriented.DiscussionThis research identifies several critical challenges faced by engineering education in Colombia. The limited awareness of ESD among students suggests a need for enhanced integration of sustainable development concepts within engineering curricula. The lack of academic subjects dedicated to ESD further exacerbates this issue. Based on these findings, a transition strategy is proposed to bridge the gap between EE and ESD in Colombian higher education. This strategy aims to provide a smoother transition and better integration of sustainable development principles within engineering programs, ultimately supporting the development of engineers equipped to address contemporary global challenges.
Host response to influenza infections in human blood: association of influenza severity with host genetics and transcriptomic response
Authors: Schughart Klaus , Smith Amber M. , Tsalik Ephraim L. , Threlkeld Stephen C. , Sellers Subhashini , Fischer William A. , Schreiber Jens , Lücke Eva , Cornberg Markus , Debarry Jennifer , Woods Christopher W. , McClain Micah T. , Heise Mark 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionInfluenza virus infections are a major global health problem. Influenza can result in mild/moderate disease or progress to more severe disease, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Severity is thought to be primarily driven by immunopathology, but predicting which individuals are at a higher risk of being hospitalized warrants investigation into host genetics and the molecular signatures of the host response during influenza infections.MethodsHere, we performed transcriptome and genotype analysis in healthy controls and patients exhibiting mild/moderate or severe influenza (ICU patients). A unique aspect of our study was the genotyping of all participants, which allowed us to assign ethnicities based on genetic variation and assess whether the variation was correlated with expression levels. ResultsWe identified 169 differentially expressed genes and related molecular pathways between patients in the ICU and those who were not in the ICU. The transcriptome/genotype association analysis identified 871 genes associated to a genetic variant and 39 genes distinct between African-Americans and Caucasians. We also investigated the effects of age and sex and found only a few discernible gene effects in our cohort. DiscussionTogether, our results highlight select risk factors that may contribute to an increased risk of ICU admission for influenza-infected patients. This should help to develop better diagnostic tools based on molecular signatures, in addition to a better understanding of the biological processes in the host response to influenza.
High expression of SIGLEC7 may promote M2-type macrophage polarization leading to adverse prognosis in glioma patients
Authors: An Wenhao , Ren Changyuan , Yuan Lei , Qiu Zhiqiang , Wang Peishen , Cheng Yanwen , He Zi , Han Xinye , Li Shouwei , An Yihua 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionGliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, known for their high invasiveness and destructiveness. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 7 (SIGLEC7) is present in various immune cells, especially macrophages, and significantly affects immune homeostasis and cancer cell response. However, research on the role and prognostic impact of SIGLEC7 in glioma patients is currently limited.MethodsWe utilized transcriptomic data from 702 glioma patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 693 glioma patients in the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), along with clinical samples we collected, to comprehensively investigate the impact of SIGLEC7 on glioma expression patterns, biological functions, and prognostic value. We focused on its role in glioma-related immune responses and immune cell infiltration and analyzed its expression at the single-cell level. Finally, we validated the role of SIGLEC7 in gliomas through tissue and cell experiments.ResultsSIGLEC7 expression was significantly increased in glioma patients with malignant characteristics. Survival analysis indicated that glioma patients with high SIGLEC7 expression had significantly lower survival rates. Gene function analysis revealed that SIGLEC7 is primarily involved in immune and inflammatory responses and is strongly negatively correlated with tumor-associated immune regulation. Additionally, the expression of most immune checkpoints was positively correlated with SIGLEC7, and immune cell infiltration analysis clearly demonstrated a significant positive correlation between SIGLEC7 expression and M2 macrophage infiltration levels. Single-cell analysis, along with tissue and cell experiments, confirmed that SIGLEC7 enhances macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, thereby promoting glioma invasiveness through the immunosuppressive effects of M2 macrophages. Cox regression analysis and the establishment of survival prediction models indicated that high SIGLEC7 expression is an unfavorable prognostic factor for glioma patients.DiscussionHigh SIGLEC7 expression predicts poor prognosis in glioma patients and is closely associated with M2 macrophages in the tumor environment. In the future, SIGLEC7 may become a promising target for glioma immunotherapy.
Prognostic and clinicopathological value of systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with osteosarcoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Wu Zhong , Zhang Zongxin , Jiang Ziwei 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe efficiency of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in predicting prognosis of osteosarcoma (OSA) patients has been extensively analyzed, but no consistent findings are obtained. Therefore, this meta-analysis focused on identifying the precise prognostic value of SII for OSA.MethodsWe comprehensively searched electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from inception to 24 February, 2024. Meanwhile, the efficiency of SII in predicting prognosis of OSA was evaluated by calculating pooled hazard ratios (HRs) as well as 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, the correlation of SII with the OSA clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed based on pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95%CIs.ResultsSix studies with 1015 cases were enrolled into this work. According to the combined data, the higher SII was markedly related to poor overall survival (OS) (HR=2.01, 95%CI=1.30-3.09, p=0.002) and Enneking stage III (OR=2.21, 95%CI=1.11-4.39, p=0.024) of patients with OSA. Nonetheless, SII was not significantly related to gender, age, pathological fracture, tumor size, tumor location, tumor differentiation, and metastasis in patients with OSA.ConclusionsIn summary, the higher SII is markedly related to poor OS and advanced Enneking stage in OSA patients.Systematic review registrationhttps://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-7-0107/, identifier INPLASY202470107.
Formononetin inhibits IgE by huPlasma/PBMCs and mast cells/basophil activation via JAK/STAT/PI3-Akt pathways
Authors: Musa Ibrahim , Wang Zhen-Zhen , Yang Nan , Li Xiu-Min 
Published: August 2024

RationaleFood allergy is a prevalent disease in the U.S., affecting nearly 30 million people. The primary management strategy for this condition is food avoidance, as limited treatment options are available. The elevation of pathologic IgE and over-reactive mast cells/basophils is a central factor in food allergy anaphylaxis. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of a small molecule compound called formononetin in regulating IgE and mast cell activation.MethodsIn this study, we determined the inhibitory effect of formononetin on the production of human IgE from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of food-allergic patients using ELISA. We also measured formononetin’s effect on preventing mast cell degranulation in RBL-2H3 and KU812 cells using beta-hexosaminidase assay. To identify potential targets of formononetin in IgE-mediated diseases, mast cell disorders, and food allergies, we utilized computational modeling to analyze mechanistic targets of formononetin from various databases, including SEA, Swiss Target Prediction, PubChem, Gene Cards, and Mala Cards. We generated a KEGG pathway, Gene Ontology, and Compound Target Pathway Disease Network using these targets. Finally, we used qRT-PCR to measure the gene expression of selected targets in KU812 and U266 cell lines.ResultsFormononetin significantly decreased IgE production in IgE-producing human myeloma cells and PBMCs from food-allergic patients in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Formononetin decreased beta-hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 cells and KU812 cells. Formononetin regulates 25 targets in food allergy, 51 in IgE diseases, and 19 in mast cell diseases. KEGG pathway and gene ontology analysis of targets showed that formononetin regulated disease pathways, primary immunodeficiency, Epstein-Barr Virus, and pathways in cancer. The biological processes regulated by formononetin include B cell proliferation, differentiation, immune response, and activation processes. Compound target pathway disease network identified NFKB1, NFKBIA, STAT1, STAT3, CCND1, TP53, TYK2, and CASP8 as the top targets regulated at a high degree by formononetin. TP53, STAT3, PTPRC, IL2, and CD19 were identified as the proteins mostly targeted by formononetin. qPCR validated genes of Formononetin molecular targets of IgE regulation in U266 cells and KU812 cells. In U266 cells, formononetin was found to significantly increase the gene expression of NFKBIA, TP53, and BCL-2 while decreasing the gene expression of BTK TYK, CASP8, STAT3, CCND1, STAT1, NFKB1, IL7R. In basophils KU812 cells, formononetin significantly increased the gene expression of NFKBIA, TP53, and BCL-2 while decreasing the gene expression of BTK, TYK, CASP8, STAT3, CCND1, STAT1, NFKB1, IL7R.ConclusionThese findings comprehensively present formononetin’s mechanisms in regulating IgE production in plasma cells and degranulation in mast cells.
Circulating inflammatory cytokines and sarcopenia-related traits: a mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Sun Aochuan , Liu Saiya , Yin Fen , Li Zhuangzhuang , Liu Zhengtang 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the causal relationships between 91 circulating inflammatory cytokines and sarcopenia-related traits (low hand grip strength, appendicular lean mass, and usual walking pace) by Mendelian randomized analysis.MethodsIndependent genetic variations of inflammatory cytokines and sarcopenia-related traits were selected as instrumental variables from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The MR analysis was primarily conducted using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method. Sensitivity analyses included Steiger filtering and MR PRESSO, with additional assessments for heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ResultsThe IVW method indicated a causal relationship between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) and low hand grip strength (OR = 1.05654, 95% CI: 1.02453 to 1.08956, P = 0.00046). Additionally, Tumor Necrosis Factor-beta (TNF-β) was found to have a causal relationship with appendicular lean mass (ALM) (β = 0.04255, 95% CI: 0.02838 to 0.05672, P = 3.96E-09). There was no evidence suggesting a significant causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and usual walking pace.ConclusionOur research substantiated the causal association between inflammatory cytokines, such as VEGF-A and TNF-β, and sarcopenia. This finding may provide new avenues for future clinical treatments.
Prevalence of undetected chronic kidney disease in high-risk middle-aged patients in primary care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Siebenhofer Andrea , Loder Christine , Avian Alexander , Platzer Elisabeth , Zipp Carolin , Mauric Astrid , Spary-Kainz Ulrike , Berghold Andrea , Rosenkranz Alexander R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe global health burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) results from both the disease itself and the numerous health problems associated with it. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of previously undetected CKD in middle-aged patients with risk factors for CKD. Identified patients were included in the Styrian nephrology awareness program “kidney.care 2.0” and data on their demographics, risk factors and kidney function were described.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of baseline data derived from the “kidney.care 2.0” study of 40–65 year old patients with at least one risk factor for CKD (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity or family history of end-stage kidney disease). Participants were considered to have previously undetected CKD if their estimated glomular filtration rate (eGFR) was less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg/g. We calculated the prevalence of previously undetected CKD and performed multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 749 participants were included in this analysis. The prevalence of previously undetected CKD in an at-risk population was estimated at 20.1% (95%CI: 17.1–23.6). Multivariable analysis showed age (OR 1.06, 95%CI: 1.02–1.09), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.65, 95%CI: 1.12–2.30) and obesity (OR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.04–2.30) to be independent predictors of CKD. The majority of patients with previously undetected CKD had category A2-A3 albuminuria (121 out of 150). Most patients with previously undetected eGFR &lt; 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were in stage G3 (36 out of 39 patients).DiscussionPragmatic, targeted, risk-based screening for CKD in primary care successfully identified a significant number of middle-aged patients with previously undetected CKD and addressed the problem of these patients being overlooked for future optimized care. The intervention may slow progression to kidney failure and prevent related cardiovascular events.
Correlation between ZJU index and hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis in American adults with NAFLD
Authors: Luo Shuang , Weng Xiaolu , Xu Jing , Lin Hao 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundZJU index, a novel calculation combining blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), lipids and liver functions, is closely related with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the correlation between ZJU index and hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis has not been reported in the studies. This study aims to examine the correlation between these variables.MethodsData from the 2017–2020 NHANES were collected for a cross-sectional study, to explore the linear relationship between ZJU, liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameters (CAP) with multivariate linear regression models. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression and threshold effect analyses were utilized to describe the nonlinear relationship. The correlation in subgroups was analyzed based on race, gender, drinking, age, BMI, diabetes and moderate activities.ResultsIn this population-based study, a total of 2,122 adults aged 18–80 years old with NAFLD were included. According to the multivariate linear regression analysis, ZJU had a significant positive correlation with liver fibrosis (LSM, β = 0.182, 95%CI = 0.154–0.211, p &lt; 0.001) and hepatic steatosis (CAP, β = 2.35, 95%CI = 2.14–2.56, p &lt; 0.001), which was stronger in males. According to the RCS analysis, an inverted L-shaped relationship between ZJU and CAP (inflection point at 60.56) and a J-shaped relationship between ZJU index and LSM (inflection point at 51.27) were observed.ConclusionZJU had a positive correlation with CAP and LSM in American adults with NAFLD. The findings suggest that ZJU may be a valuable biomarker for assessing the severity of liver fibrosis and hepatic steatosis in individuals with NAFLD.
Isoflurane conditioning improves functional outcomes after peripheral nerve injury in a sciatic cut repair murine model
Authors: Xu Yameng , Yan Ying , Zipfel Gregory J. , MacEwan Matthew , Ray Wilson Z. , Athiraman Umeshkumar 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAnesthetic conditioning has been shown to provide neuroprotection in several neurological disorders. Whether anesthetic conditioning provides protection against peripheral nerve injuries remains unknown. The aim of our current study is to investigate the impact of isoflurane conditioning on the functional outcomes after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) in a rodent sciatic nerve injury model.MethodsAdult male Lewis rats underwent sciatic nerve cut and repair and exposed to none (Group 1, sham), single isoflurane exposure (Group 2), three-time isoflurane exposure (Group 3), and six-time isoflurane exposure (Group 4). Isoflurane conditioning was established by administration of 2% isoflurane for 1 hour, beginning 1-hour post sciatic nerve cut and repair. Groups 3 and 4 were exposed to isoflurane for 1 hour, 3 and 6 consecutive days respectively. Functional outcomes assessed included compound muscle action potential (CMAP), evoked muscle force (tetanic and specific tetanic force), wet muscle mass, and axonal counting.ResultsWe observed an increase in axons, myelin width and a decrease in G-ratio in the isoflurane conditioning groups (3- and 6-days). This correlated with a significant improvement in tetanic and specific tetanic forces, observed in both groups 3 and 4.DiscussionIsoflurane conditioning (3- and 6-day groups) resulted in improvement in functional outcomes at 12 weeks post peripheral nerve injury and repair in a murine model. Future experiments should be focused on identifying the therapeutic window of isoflurane conditioning and exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for isoflurane conditioning induced neuroprotection in PNI.