bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and verification of a machine learning-driven predictive model for cognitive impairment in Age-related Hearing Loss
Authors: Zheng Zhanhang , Li Ruilin , Su Jiping , Su Yuhong , Tu Huiqiong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Lv Huiling , Qin Shuhong , Wang Wenjuan , Wu Chenxingzi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to utilize machine learning algorithms to create a predictive model for cognitive impairment in age-relate hearing loss.
Methods:For this study, we gathered demographic information, conducted audiometric examinations, assessed cognitive abilities, and performed blood biochemical tests using data from NHANES. We then identified patients who fit the criteria based on the NHANES criteria. The LASSO regression method was employed to identify the determinants of cognitive impairment in age-related hearing loss. Additionally, five different machine learning algorithms were utilized to develop a predictive model for cognitive impairment in this population. Data from clinical trials were gathered between January 2024 and May 2024 to externally validate the model's dependability.
Results:The study comprised a total of 521 elderly adults with hearing loss, out of which 140 (26.8%) had cognitive impairment. The LASSO regression method was used to filter five factors: education level, alkaline phosphatase, globulin, creatinine, and eosinophil percentage. All of these predictors were then included in the machine learning approach for training the model.The XGB model exhibited consistent performance in both the training set (AUC=0.881) and the test set (AUC=0.868), while also demonstrating a moderate level of discrimination (AUC=0.706).
Conclusion:This study successfully developed a predictive model for cognitive impairment in age-related hearing loss using machine learning. The model demonstrates a satisfactory level of reliability and validity across several datasets. The utilization of machine learning models can serve as a potent instrument for healthcare providers in detecting cognitive impairment in the senior hearing loss population at an early stage.
Caerin 1.1 and 1.9 peptides halt B16 melanoma metastatic tumours via expanding cDC1 and reprogramming tumour macrophages
Authors: Fu Quanlan , Luo Yuandong , Li Junjie , Li Hejie , Liu Xiaosong , Chen Zhu , Ni Guoying , Wang Tianfang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICBs) such as anti-PD-1 antibodies, has revolutionized cancer treatment, although response rates vary among patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that caerin 1.1 and 1.9, host-defence peptides from the Australian tree frog, enhance the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 and therapeutic vaccines in a murine TC-1 model by activating tumour-associated macrophages intratumorally.
Methods
We employed a murine B16 melanoma model to investigate the therapeutic potential of caerin 1.1 and 1.9 in combination with anti-CD47 and a therapeutic vaccine (triple therapy, TT). Tumour growth of caerin-injected primary tumours and distant metastatic tumours was assessed, and survival analysis conducted. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of CD45+ cells isolated from distant tumours was performed to elucidate changes in the tumour microenvironment induced by TT.
Results
The TT treatment significantly reduced tumour volumes on the treated side compared to untreated and control groups, with notable effects observed by Day 21. Survival analysis indicated extended survival in mice receiving TT, both on the treated and distant sides. scRNAseq revealed a notable expansion of conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) and CD4+CD8+ T cells in the TT group. Tumour-associated macrophages in the TT group shifted toward a more immune-responsive M1 phenotype, with enhanced communication observed between cDC1s and CD8+ and CD4+CD25+ T cells. Additionally, TT downregulated M2-like macrophage marker genes, particularly in MHCIIhi and tissue-resident macrophages, suppressing Cd68 and Arg1 expression across all macrophage types. Differential gene expression analysis highlighted pathway alterations, including upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and MYC target V1 in Arg1hi macrophages, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in MHCIIhi and tissue-resident macrophages.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that caerin 1.1 and 1.9, combined with immunotherapy, effectively modulate the tumour microenvironment in primary and secondary tumours, leading to reduced tumour growth and enhanced systemic immunity. Further investigation into these mechanisms could pave the way for improved combination therapies in advanced melanoma treatment.
Clinical effectiveness of unilateral single-armed vasoepididymostomy in obstructive azoospermia: a single- center experience
Authors: Zhou Yihong , Dong Jianjun , Yao Chencheng , Zhao Liangyu , Huang Yuhua , Tian Ruhui , Dai Yingbo , Tang Yuxin , Zhao Fujun , Li Zheng , Li Peng , Zhi Er lei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Vasoepididymostomy (VE) is an important surgical treatment to achieve natural conception for patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA), and only unilateral VE can be performed under certain conditions, such as OA patients with congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD) and some acquired OA. There is a lack of relevant reports assessing the clinical outcomes of unilateral VE in OA patients with different causes. This study is aimed to describe the clinical features and evaluate treatments and outcomes of unilateral single-armed VE in OA patients.
Methods
From December 2015 to June 2021, 46 OA patients (including 13 CUAVD-associated OA and 33 acquired OA) underwent unilateral single-armed VE in Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai, China). Patient information, semen analysis, hormone profiles, and treatment information were collected, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated.
Results
Obstruction in distal of unilateral vas deferens (16/46) was the most common cause for OA patients underwent unilateral VE, and CUAVD accounts for 28.4% (13/46). The overall patency rate was 50.0% (23/46), with 38.5% (5/13) for the CUAVD group and 54.5% (18/33) for the acquired group (p > 0.05). The natural pregnancy rates in CUAVD group and acquired group were 20.0% and 33.3%, respectively (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
These findings suggest unilateral single-armed VE can achieve high patency and pregnancy rates in OA patients, whether for CUAVD or acquired OA patients.
Sirtuin-1: A marker of contrast-induced nephropathy following percutaneous coronary intervention?
Authors: ARDIC Melis , GUL Cuma Bulent 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a serious complication of clinical practice after cardiac catheterization. Sirtuin-1 is a crucial regulator of the protection of the kidney against ischemia/reperfusion injury, inflammation, and vasoconstriction. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether Sirtuin-1 may be an early diagnostic marker of CIN.
Methods
76 patients admitted for elective percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for stable angina were enrolled between July 2022 and November 2022, and 50 patients were eligible to study. Sirtuin-1 values were measured by the Elisa kit before, 24 and 72 hours after the PCI.
Results
There is no statistically significant difference between CI-AKI (n = 17) and non-AKI (n = 33) groups regarding Sirtuin-1 between patient samples obtained before and after PCI.
Conclusions
These findings refute the hypothesis that Sirtuin-1 may be clinically beneficial as a biomarker for CI-AKI following radiological procedures requiring intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media.
FGFR2 mediated BEND3 phosphorylation disrupts BEND3/HDAC1 axis and promotes liver metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Han Yi , Gong Xiaoyong , Zhao Jian , Ye Feng , Song Zijia , Sun Silei , Zhang Yong , Li Jianfang , Shi Minmin , Ji Xiaopin , Fang Yi , Jing Xiaoqian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Tumor metastasis has been regarded as the leading risk factor for tumor patients. BEN-domain (BEND) family proteins have not been well elucidated in tumor metastasis.
Methods
To uncover the roles of BEND family proteins (BEND2-7) in colorectal cancer (CRC), we first mined their mRNA expression in both tumor and normal tissues from CRC patients, and plotted the survival curve. Through in vitro cell migration, invasion and in vivo tumor metastasis experiments, we confirmed that BEND3 acted as a tumor suppressor by dampening CRC-liver metastasis. Using RNA sequencing, we profiled the BEND3-targeted genes. To explore the mechanism how BEND3 represses target genes, an immunoprecipitation-mass assay was applied to reveal BEND3-interacting proteins.
Results
We speculated BEND3 as a candidate suppressor for CRC-liver metastasis using datamining. RNA-profiling showed BEND3 downregulated genes which partially enriched in two KEGG pathways: extracellular matrix organization and focal adhesion. MMP9 and CLDN18, as the representative genes for extracellular matrix organization and focal adhesion, respectively, were ascertained to be upregulated in BEND3-depleted cells. We then identified HDAC1 as a potential interactor of BEND3 and the upstream signal FGF2/FGFR2 which could disrupt BEND3/HDAC1 axis depending on FGFR2-mediated phosphorylation of BEND3 at Y153 and then trigger an activated chromatin state on the enhancer of MMP9 and CLDN18. Finally, the phosphorylation of BEND3 at Y153 positively correlates with MMP9 and CLDN18 and predicts a worse prognosis for CRC patients.
Conclusions
This is the first study that reveals the suppressive role of BEND3 in CRC and our results has preliminarily established it as a prognostic biomarker and a potential target in CRC-liver metastasis.
Evaluation of the Fragility Curve for Steel Structures with Linked Columns Frame System under Sequences of Critical Earthquakes
Authors: Golestani Yaser , Rajabi Elham 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Fragility curves as a powerful tool assess the possible damage to existing structures and estimate the probability of structural damage exceeding a given level of seismic damage for several levels of seismic ground motions. This paper tries to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of steel structures containing relatively new Linked Column Frame using the fragility curves under the critical multiple earthquakes, which are not considered by most of the seismic design codes. Therefore, 10 LCF steel frames with shear/flexural behavior and length of 2 meters have been designed and implemented in OpenSees software. After selecting consecutive critical earthquakes, the fragility curves for single and consecutive scenarios have been calculated. For more comprehensively evaluation of the mentioned structures, the effect of various parameters including the number of stories and behavior of the linked beams has been investigated. The results indicate an increase in the probability of collapse under a seismic sequence compared to a single earthquake. This increase is more obvious in the performance level corresponding to the collapse threshold. So that the collapse prevention of 7-story frame with flexural linked beam exposed to consecutive earthquakes is 17% higher than the single case.
Depression Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Adolescents with Sickle Cell Anemia in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Athman Linda Paul , Jonathan Agnes , Mussa Fatima , kipasika Honesta , Mahawi Isihaka , Urio Florence , Ally Mwashungi , Mutagonda Ritha , Chirande Lulu , Makani Julie , Balandya Emmanuel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Depression commonly arises among adolescents who have experienced long-standing psychosocial difficulties especially those facing chronic illnesses like Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA). SCA is a global health concern, and Tanzania is one of the countries with a high incidence, estimated at 8,000 to 11,000 births per year. This study aims to assess the magnitude and factors associated with depression among adolescents with SCA.
Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study conducted on adolescents aged 11-19 years attending sickle cell clinics in referral hospitals in Dar-es-salaam Tanzania, from October 2023-March 2024. A validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) tool was used to screen for depression. Univarite and multivariate regression model was used to determine factors associated with clinical depression.A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 326 adolescents enrolled, the majority (64.7%) were 10-14 years of age. A total of 216 (54 %) had depression; when categorized into severity, 167 (38.7 %) had mild, 48 (14.7 %) had moderate and 1 (0.3%) had severe depression. Clinical depression, encompassing moderate to severe depression, was prevalent in 49 (15%) adolescents. Painful episodes were significantly associated with depression (aOR = 2.49) (95% CI: 1.17 - 5.29, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: Depression is common among adolescents with SCA in our setting. Painful episodes experienced by these adolescents were significantly associated with depression. This study highlights the need for screening adolescents with SCA for depression and integration of mental health services in sickle cell clinics.
Bacterial Spectrum and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Peripheral and Central Bacterial Keratitis in South Korea for Ten Years
Authors: Jee Donghyun , Han Su Yeon , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Eun Chul 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the bacterial spectrum and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial keratitis in South Korea for ten years.
Methods: 143 eyes of 143 patients who have been diagnosed with bacterial keratitis from January 2010 to April 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Corneal scraping was done for Gram stain in all patients, and cultures were plated on blood, chocolate, Sabouraud dextrose agar, and thioglycolate broth. Empirical fourth generation fluoroquinolone or fortified vancomycin and ceftazidime were treated for every patient.
Results: Ocular trauma (n=29, 24.0%) and contact lens (n=18, 14.9%) were the most common causes in patients with bacterial keratitis. Most of the bacterial keratitis was gram-positive (n=85, 70%) and the gram-negative is only 6% (7 eyes). Most of central and peripheral keratitis were Gram positive (n=57, 65% and n=29, 85%). There was no gram-negative stain in peripheral keratitis. Vancomycin and ciprofloxacin were the most susceptible (n=68, 56.2% and n=51, 42.1%) and least resistant (n=0, 0% and n=18, 14.9%) in the antibiotic susceptibility test. Treatment time (month) and best corrected visual acuity after treatment in the gatifloxacin group were better than those in the moxifloxacin group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The most common cause of bacterial keratitis was ocular trauma and contact lenses. There was a different bacterial spectrum in central and peripheral keratitis. Gatifloxacin was more effective for early corneal healing and recovery of visual acuity than moxifloxacin.
Quantitative semen analysis using fluorometric lateral-flow assay system for male fertility diagnosis
Authors: Cho Il-Hoon , Lee Jisuk , Jun Jin Hyun , Kadam Ulhas S. , Song Seung-Hun H. , Kim Dong Hyung 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

About one-third of infertility cases are attributed to male lifestyle-associated factors such as smoking, drug abuse, obesity, and psychological stress. These factors have been suggested as potential contributors to male infertility. High-quality semen is essential for successful fertility, and poor semen quality is a significant hurdle in achieving this outcome. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the concentration and quality of semen on-site without visiting a hospital. In this study, we developed two analytical systems using a fluorescence lateral-flow sperm (FLF-sperm) assay for the rapid and quantitative evaluation of sperm concentrations and quality. The sperm-specific protein (SP-10) was chosen as a target analyte to determine sperm counts. An immunostrip was fabricated to obtain quantitative fluorescence signals in a sandwich format. The SP-10 assay provides highly sensitive detection with a detection limit of 1.28 x 106/mL and produces a reactive signal proportional to the sperm concentration in clinical semen samples. Additionally, we established a sensing system using enzymatic cleavage to detect sperm quality based on hyaluronidase (HAdase) activity values, covering sperm concentrations from 1.8 x 106/mL to 140 x 106/mL. These quantitative sperm analysis systems allow users to easily interpret sperm counts and quality on-site for diagnosing male infertility and monitoring treatment progress.
The impact of COVID-19 on nurse staffing levels and healthcare- associated infections in medical institutions: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Han Kyu-Tae , Kim Seungju 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: In Korea, various policies had been introduced to improve the nursing shortage problem even before COVID-19, but there is still a shortage of nurses, and it is unclear how this, combined with the impact of infectious diseases, has affected staff nursing grades and healthcare-associated infections(HAIs). This study aimed to evaluate changes in nurse staffing levels in medical institutions in Korea and their impact on HAIs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A total of 100,417 patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit(ICU) or general ward after a diagnosis or confirmation of COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022 were included in this study. To evaluate the effect of nurses on HAIs, nurse-to-bed(patient) ratio and fixed night shift nurses were considered as nurse factors. A HAI is defined as a patient with a diagnosed or confirmed COVID-19 infection more than seven days after admission or within seven days after discharge. To evaluate the association between nurse staffing levels and HAIs, survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for covariates.
Results: Of the patients admitted to an ICU or general ward, 4.5% and 12.2% had in-hospital COVID-19 infection, respectively. Survival analysis showed that HAIs increased as the number of patients per nurse increased for both general ward and ICU patients. Additionally, compared with medical institutions that do not operate fixed night shift nurses, HAIs increased as the proportion of night nurses increased, but decreased to less than 10%.
Conclusions: This study shows that securing nurses and operating an appropriate proportion of night nursing staff is important for infection control within medical institutions. In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, infection prevention activities through appropriate staffing are important, and healthcare-associated infections can be reduced by securing appropriate nurse staffing and maintaining an appropriate proportion of nurses on night shifts.
Effects of Different Non-invasive Respiratory Support in Preventing Reintubation in Patients at High Risk for Extubation Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Danyang , Jia Ping , Li Shaowei , Wang Li , Wang Zhenzhen , Mao Xiaorong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Patients at high risk for extubation failure are subject to suffering reintubation or respiratory failure after extubation that adversely affects outcomes. It’s essential that rapidly identifying respiratory failure and correctly applying respiratory support for adequate treatment to avoid reintubation for patients. The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a safer and more comfortable respiratory support than noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV). However, whether HFNC is superior to NIV for preventing reintubation in patients at high risk of extubation failure is unclear. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of HFNC for preventing reintubation in various high risk populations.
Methods: In this systematic review and meta analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI for studies from Jan 1, 2019, to Jan 1, 2024. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted the data from the reports, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcomes were the reintubation rate within 7 days and effect size calculated as risk ratio (RR; 95% Cl), the secondary outcomes were the rate of mortality(RR; 95% Cl) and ICU length of stay (SMD; 95% Cl) and respiratory rate (SMD; 95%).
Results: A total of 1,289 patients were included in 9 studies, of which 6 were randomized controlled trials and 3 were observational studies. A significant decrease in the mortality risk was found in the HFNC group(RR 0.6822 [95% Cl: 0.4795-0.9706]) compared to the NIV group. However, there was no significant difference in reintubation rate (RR 1.1729, 95% CI: 0.8679–1.5851) and ICU length of stay (SMD 0.0256, 95% CI: -0.0195–0.0708). All adverse events associated with NIV were reported in three studies.
Conclusion: For patients who are at high risk of extubation failure, the HFNC can decrease the risk of mortality, to some extent, compared to NIV, but the reintubation rate and ICU length of stay were not superior to NIV.
Tropheryma whipplei detection by metagenomic next-generation sequencing in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: A retrospective study
Authors: He Zhixiong , Li Hui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Whipple’s disease(WD) is a rare chronic and systemic disease caused by the rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, however, the involvement of the lung is rare, and few study have explored the significance of the detection of TW in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). So, we performed a retrospective study in patients with T. whipplei positive in 848 BALF samples which detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) from 21 September 2022 to 1 March 2024 in The First Hospital of Changsha. Forty-three BALF samples from forty-four (44/848, 5.2%) patients were positive for T. whipplei (one patient was excluded due to incomplete data). Twenty-nine patients were male with an average age of 46.9 years. The main symptoms included cough (36/43), expectoration (22/43), dyspnea/shortness of breath (14/43), fever (13/43), hemoptysis/bloody sputum (5/43), vomiting (2/43), abdominal pain (1/43), and only one patient complained about neurological symptoms. Chronic liver disease (including fatty liver, chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B) were the most common comorbidity (n = 11, 25.6%), followed by chronic lung disease (n = 8, 18.6%). Only 11 patients (25.6%) were immunocompromised. One patient was finally diagnosed with reactivation tuberculosis and two patients were diagnosed with lung tumors (including one primary lung adenocarcinoma and one primary lung squamous carcinoma), and twenty-two patients (53.5%) had pneumonia. T. whipplei was the sole agent in 6 samples, and Epstein-Barr virus was the most common detected pathogens, followed by Haemophilus influenzae. The most common chest CT imaging manifestation is lung nodules (18/43, 41.9%), including fourteen solid nodules and five ground-glass nodules (three cases of calcified nodules caused by pulmonary tuberculosis were excluded). Our study indicates that T. whipplei is a causative pathogen in various lung diseases, and clinicians should be wary of this. The mNGS technology improves the detection and attention of rare pathogens and provide guidance for treatment in clinical practice. In the future, the natural history of T. whipplei infections and the possible pathogenesis still need to be studied.