bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma proteins predict kidney function trajectories in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gurung Resham L , Zheng Huili , Tan Jia Le Ivan , Liu Sylvia , Ang Keven , Liu Jian-Jun , Coffman Thomas M , Lim Su Chi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
The rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) varies among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to identify plasma proteins associated with diverse eGFR trajectories in T2D.

Methods
We performed latent class mixed models analysis among patients with T2D and relatively preserved kidney function (baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2) from SMART2D (n=1285) and DN (n=798) cohorts to identify patterns of eGFR trajectories. Comprehensive proteomic association with eGFR trajectories was assessed using multivariable logistic regression in the SMART2D cohort.

Results
Three distinct eGFR trajectories group: slow decline (92.2%), progressive decline (4.0%), and accelerated decline (3.8%) were identified in SMART2D and validated in DN cohort. Participants in the accelerated decline group exhibited the highest risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) (log-rank test, p&lt;0.0001). Among 1448 proteins analysed in the SMART2D cohort, 19 proteins, including KIM-1 (OR=2.95, 95% CI 2.01-4.32; p=2.95x10-8), MMP7 (OR=16.5, 95% CI 5.54-49.07; p=4.61x10-7), and VSIG4 (OR=7.38, 95%CI 3.22-16.89; p=2.24x10-6), were associated with accelerated decline and 1 protein (THBD) (OR=6.34, 95% CI 2.77–14.52; p=1.26x10−5) was associated with progressive decline, independent of traditional cardio-renal risk factors including baseline kidney function. Adding these proteins to clinical risk factors (age, sex, ethnicity, eGFR, uACR, HbA1c, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride) improved AUC to 0.77 (delta 0.04,p=0.057) for progressive decline and 0.93 (delta 0.09,p&lt;0.001) for accelerated decline.

Conclusion
Different plasma proteins are associated with progressive and accelerated eGFR decline, independent of traditional cardio-renal risk factors, some of which enhance eGFR trajectory prediction in patients with T2D.
Pre-operative management of catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas – results from a DELPHI process
Authors: Bechmann Nicole , Chiapponi Costanza , Gröben Harald-Thomas , Grasshoff Christian , Zimmermann Petra , Walz Martin , Mogl Martina , Fendrich Volker , Holzer Katharina , Rayes Nada , Kroiss Matthias 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
European and German consensus guidelines advocate preoperative therapy with alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists in symptomatic patients with catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) to avoid hypertensive crisis during adrenalectomy. This practice has been questioned recently.

Objective
To assess current preoperative management of PPGLs across disciplines.

Methods
The study was conducted from November 2023 to February 2024 using Delphi technique. Two consecutive surveys were conceived by a steering group and 46 experts were consulted using REDCap web application (response: 74%).

Results
There was general agreement about diagnostic tools and indication for adrenalectomy. In contrast, 20% of the panelists routinely administered alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists to all patients, 50% only in case of symptoms and about one third of experts abandoned preoperative alpha-adrenoreceptor blockade. The prevention of anticipated intraoperative hypertensive crisis and cardiovascular complications (75%) as well as medicolegal considerations (25%) were the main motivations. Despite availability of short-acting alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists, most experts (63%) continued to use phenoxybenzamine. Half of the experts preferred pretreatment in an outpatient setting, 13% routinely treated in hospital and 37% combined out- and inpatient treatment. Intraoperatively, urapidil and nitroprusside natrium were mainly used for blood pressure control. Postoperatively, around 60% of the experts routinely admitted patients to an intensive care or intermediate care unit.

Conclusion
Current guideline recommendations for preoperative treatment with alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists in patients with PPGLs are generally adopted by treating teams but current practice is very heterogenous even among expert centers. With the improvement of surgical techniques and intraoperative management, a more individualized approach may be considered.
Clinical Significance of Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing Protein 25 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Takafumi , Tsujimoto Hironori , Watanabe Takanori , Ishibashi Yusuke , Fujishima Seiichiro , Itazaki Yujiro , Kariya Risa , Uehata Naoyuki , Shinada Hanae , Mochizuki Satsuki , Kishi Yoji , Sato Kimiya , Ueno Hideki 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been implicated in cancer progression by enhancing cancer cell motility through the coiled-coil domain-containing protein 25 (CCDC25).

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CCDC25 expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Method
Tissue specimens from patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for ESCC were analyzed to investigate the relationship between CCDC25 expression, clinicopathological features, and prognosis. Western blotting was conducted to compare CCDC25 expression in tumor and non-tumorous tissues (n = 4). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to categorize patients into two groups based on CCDC25 expression: CCDC25high (n = 80) and CCDC25low (n = 40).

Results
CCDC25 expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared with non-tumorous tissues (p = 0.006). Patients in the CCDC25high group had a higher likelihood of poorly differentiated tumors; however, no significant differences were observed in the other clinicopathological features between the two groups. High CCDC25 expression was associated with significantly lower relapse-free survival (RFS) rate (p = 0.03) but not overall survival (OS) [p = 0.07]. Multivariate analysis revealed that high CCDC25 expression and tumor depth were independent predictors of both RFS and OS. Furthermore, high CCDC25 expression was significantly associated with worse prognosis in patients with high postoperative neutrophil counts (≥ 9600/µL) and those with postoperative infectious complications.

Conclusions
High expression of CCDC25 was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with ESCC, particularly in those with elevated postoperative neutrophil counts. Targeting CCDC25 could potentially improve prognosis in specific subgroups of patients with ESCC.
The Balanced Facility Location Problem: Complexity and Heuristics
Authors: Schmidt Malena , Singh Bismark 
Published: February 2025

A recent work proposes a new quadratic facility location model to address ecological challenges faced by policymakers in Bavaria, Germany. Building on this, we significantly extend our understanding of this new problem. We develop connections to traditional combinatorial optimization models and show that the problem is [Formula: see text] hard. We then develop several classes of easy-to-implement heuristics to solve this problem. These are rooted in solving special cases of the generalized quadratic assignment problem as a subproblem; this subproblem is also [Formula: see text] hard. On moderate-sized instances from Bavaria—that were previously intractable—our proposed heuristics compute feasible solutions that are 0.5% (on average) improved over the generic solution method in just over a minute (on average), even when the generic solver runs for 20,000 seconds. Larger instances show an improvement of 5% (on average) compared with the generic solution method in an average of 410 seconds. History: Accepted by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Area Editor for Computational Modeling: Methods & Analysis. Funding: B. Singh was partially supported by the University of Southampton [Research Investment and Support Building Sustainable and Green Futures Program]. 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.2024.0693 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2024.0693 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Push It Cross the Finish Line—Designing Online Interfaces to Induce Choice Closure at the Postdecision Prepurchase Stage
Authors: Lee Younghwa , Chen Andrew N. K. , Wang Weiquan 
Published: February 2025

Practice- and Policy-oriented Abstract Shopping cart abandonment, where people leave items in their carts without completing the purchase, has been a persistent issue in e-commerce for many years. One reason shoppers abandon their carts is because they don’t feel their decision to buy is final. Our study focuses on interface interventions that can help make decisions feel final. By drawing upon theories about why people feel uneasy with their choices, we examine how these interface interventions can ease negative feelings and help people commit to their decisions and complete their purchase. We conducted a series of controlled experiments to test interface interventions that provide users with direct support (i.e., coupons) and social support (i.e., social endorsements) for their choices. Our findings show that these interventions help reduce negative feelings and make decisions feel more final (i.e., a sense of choice closure), ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction with their decisions.
Adult male-specific inverse association between dry eye disease and intraocular pressure: KNHANES 2010–2012
Authors: Choi Yun-Hee , Kim Martha , Choi Yoon-Hyeong , Kim Dong Hyun 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
To investigate the association between dry eye disease (DED) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the general adult population of South Korea.

Methods
We enrolled 13,194 adults (age ≥19 years) who had participated in the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2010 to 2012. IOP was measured using Goldman applanation tonometry. DED was defined as the presence of self-reported symptoms along with a diagnosis by an ophthalmologist. As the correlation between the left and right eyes was high (r = 0.833), only the measurement values of the right eye were used. We sequentially conducted multiple linear and logistic regression analyses to investigate the association between DED and IOP and prevalence of high IOP (>21 mmHg).

Results
The prevalence of DED in Korean adults was 7.8%, and the geometric mean of IOP in the right eye was 13.7 ± 1.0 mmHg. In the fully adjusted model, participants with DED had a significantly lower IOP compared to those without DED in the overall population (β = -0.032; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.059, -0.004). This trend was evident in males (β = -0.059; 95% CI: -0.106, -0.012) but not in females. Similarly, males with DED had a significantly lower prevalence of high IOP compared to those without DED (odds ratio [OR] = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.91), but this association was not evident in females.

Conclusions
This study suggests that DED is associated with lower IOP in adult Korean males.
A predictive model to assess the risk of developing hyperlipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ye Rujian , Huang Xitong , Yang Hehui , Pan Wei , Wang Ping , Men Janhao , Huang Dawei , Wu Shan 
Published: February 2025

Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly recognized as a significant global health challenge, with a rising prevalence of hyperlipidemia among diabetic patients. Effectively predicting and reducing the risk of hyperlipidemia in T2D patients to mitigate their cardiovascular risk remains an urgent issue.

Objectives
The research sought to determine early clinical indicators that could predict the onset of hyperlipidemia in patients with T2D and to establish a predictive model that integrates clinical and laboratory indicators.

Methods
A cohort of T2D patients, excluding those with pre-existing hyperlipidemia or confounding factors, was analyzed. Clinical and laboratory data were used in a LASSO regression model to select key predictive variables. A nomogram was then constructed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and calibration.

Results
Among 269 participants, PCSK9 levels were significantly elevated in T2D patients with hyperlipidemia and exhibited a positive correlation with several lipid markers. LASSO regression identified six predictors: BMI, TG, TC, LDL-C, HbA1c, and PCSK9. The nomogram model exhibited robust predictive performance (AUC, 0.89 (95% CI: 0.802–0.977)) and showed good calibration.

Conclusions
This method effectively predicts the risk of hyperlipidemia in patients with T2D and provides a valuable tool for early intervention. PCSK9, as a key predictor, highlights its potential role in the pathogenesis of diabetes with hyperlipidemia and offers new avenues for targeted therapy.
Cost profiles of cancer patients at the end of life: Estimates from the EPICOST-study
Authors: Guzzinati Stefano , Andreotti Alessandra , Lopez Tania , Gori Silvia , Gagliani Alberto , Mallone Sandra , Pierannunzio Daniela , Tavilla Andrea , Buja Alessandra , Zorzi Manuel , Francisci Silvia 
Published: February 2025

Objectives
The study aims to analyze care and cost patterns in the Veneto region for cancer patients in the final phase of their disease.

Methods
The study cohort includes adult patients alive on 1.1.2018, which have been diagnosed with cancer at the age 15+ in a 28-years period, spanning from 1990 to 2017, and died within 12 months from prevalence date. The end-of-life (EOL) prevalent cases included in the study cohort are identified by the Veneto Tumor Registry. Primary tumors considered in the analysis are colon, rectum, skin melanoma, female breast, thyroid. Patient monthly average EOL costs, patient annual average EOL costs and total regional costs have been estimated separately for each cancer site/sex/age group/health care service database.

Results
The estimated EOL total cost, for the five analyzed cancer types in the Veneto Region, is approximately 53 million euros. Costs associated with cancer treatment tend to increase in the final phase of the disease. In general, Hospital Admission is the main driver cost in all types of cancer considered, with the only exception in melanoma, where Hospital Drugs features the highest contribution. Moreover, costs differ significantly depending on the type of cancer, gender, and age, revealing highest average costs associated with younger patients.

Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of healthcare budget distribution in the last year of life, enabling healthcare planners to predict cancer burden in the future. This model can be applied to other Italian regions and countries with different healthcare systems.
Optimal dose and duration of iron supplementation for treating iron deficiency anaemia in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rehman Tanveer , Agrawal Ritik , Ahamed Farhad , Das Saibal , Mitra Srijeeta , Kumar Dinesh , Sethy Chinmayee , Kanungo Srikanta , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: February 2025

Introduction
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) accounts for nearly two-thirds of all anaemia cases globally. Despite the widespread use of iron supplementation, the optimal dose and duration for treating IDA remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the most effective dose and duration of iron supplementation for improving haemoglobin (Hb) levels in children and adolescents (≤19 years) with IDA.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2024. The interventions included iron supplementation with a defined dose and duration of at least 30 days. Comparators were placebo, no treatment, or alternative regimens. The outcome was the change in Hb levels. Eligible studies included IDA cases diagnosed through ferritin level measurements in healthy individuals. Studies involving pregnant women or children with underlying conditions were excluded. A meta-analysis was performed using standardized mean differences to pool effect sizes for Hb improvement with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed for different treatment durations (<3 months, 3–6 months, >6 months) and dosage categories (<5 mg/kg/day, 5–10 mg/kg/day, >10 mg/kg/day). A random-effects meta-regression model was used to determine the optimal dose and duration, accounting for known covariates affecting Hb improvement.

Results
A total of 28 studies with 8,829 participants from 16 countries were included. The pooled effect size for Hb improvement was 2.01 gm/dL (95% CI: 1.48–2.54, p < 0.001). Iron supplementation for less than 3 months showed the highest significant effect size (2.39 gm/dL, 95% CI: 0.72–4.07), followed by treatments exceeding 6 months (1.93 gm/dL, 95% CI: 0.09–3.77). The lowest effect size was observed in treatments lasting 3–6 months (1.58 gm/dL, 95% CI: 0.93–2.23). Low-dose iron supplementation (<5 mg/kg/day) demonstrated favourable trends in Hb improvement, particularly in individuals with lower baseline Hb levels. Oral ferrous sulphate had a significant effect (2.03 gm/dL, 95% CI: 1.24–2.82), while parenteral ferric Carboxymaltose showed consistent efficacy.

Conclusion
Low-dose iron supplementation (<5 mg/kg/day) combined with treatment durations of either less than 3 months or more than 6 months, is optimal for improving Hb levels in children and adolescents with IDA. Tailoring treatment based on baseline Hb levels and anaemia severity is essential. These findings provide evidence to support updated guidelines on iron supplementation in paediatric and adolescent populations and inform national anaemia management programmes.

Trial registration
Prospero registration number: This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024541773).
Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Histoplasmosis in a Nonendemic Region
Authors: Shepherd Katherine , Obeng George , Kupec Justin T. , Hsueh William 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Histoplasmosis capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus commonly considered endemic in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valley regions. Histoplasmosis can present as asymptomatic in immunocompetent patients or present as a disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosing histoplasmosis can be challenging in nonendemic areas, especially in patients presenting primarily with gastrointestinal symptoms. We describe a case of an immunocompromised 29-year-old man presenting with gastric outlet obstruction caused by disseminated histoplasmosis in a region not commonly considered endemic to Histoplasmosis capsulatum.
The Performance of Merging Cooperative Banks in Germany
Authors: Dreusch Dennis , Reichling Peter 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Motivated by the recent increase in bank mergers, this paper examines the performance of German cooperative banks that merged between 2014 and 2019. We are particularly interested in whether elevated merger rates are due to bank inefficiencies or to challenging policy measures such as low-for-long interest rates. The results indicate that banks that perform relatively worse before and during the low interest environment exhibit a greater probability of becoming a target during this period. Consolidation generally occurs among low performing banks where large and well-capitalized banks merge with their small and inefficient peers. Ultimately, our results attribute the increased number of mergers to inefficiencies in the banking industry, as banks that exited the market were inefficient prior to the adverse low interest rate environment.
Comprehensive creep compliance characterization of orthotropic materials using an automated system
Authors: Maas Jonas M. , Wittel Falk K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Determining the creep compliances of orthotropic composite materials requires experiments in at least three different uniaxial and biaxial loading directions. Up to date, data respecting multiple climates and all anatomical directions are sparse for hygro-responsive materials like Norway spruce. Consequently, simulation models of wood frequently over-simplify creep, e.g., by proportionally scaling missing components or neglecting climatic influences. To overcome such simplifications, an automated computer-controlled climatized creep rack was developed, that experimentally assesses moisture-dependent viscoelasticity and mechanosorption in all anatomical directions. The device simultaneously measures the creep strains of three dogbone tension samples, three flat compression samples, and six Arcan shear samples via Digital Image Correlation. This allows for ascertaining the complete orthotropic compliance tensors while accounting for loading direction asymmetries. This paper explains the creep rack’s structure and demonstrates its use by determining all nine independent creep compliance components of Norway spruce at 65 % relative humidity. The data shows that loading asymmetry effects amount up to 18 %. Furthermore, the found creep compliance tensor is not proportional to the elastic compliance tensor. By clustering the compliance components, this work identifies four necessary components to represent the full orthotropy of the compliance tensor, obtainable from not less than two experiments.
Implementing an oral task in an EFL classroom with low proficient learners: a micro-evaluation
Authors: Shintani Natsuko , Shioji Sora , Fujita Takuro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study employed a micro-evaluation approach to investigate a task-based lesson in a Japanese secondary school with low-proficiency learners of English. A Japanese teacher implemented a task-based lesson in her four regular classes, which typically followed traditional teacher-centered instruction prior to the current investigation. The evaluation involved three components: response-based evaluation by examining language-related, meaning-related, and task-related episodes and their functions in the interactions; student-based evaluation through a questionnaire; and teacher-based evaluation via an interview. The results indicate that students valued the lesson, finding the task enjoyable and beneficial for their learning, though some found it challenging due to their limited proficiency. Students who viewed the task as an opportunity for communication in L2 tended to value the lesson, whereas those who saw the task as exercises for specific grammatical features felt otherwise. The teacher was surprised by how well her students communicated in English and expressed a desire to incorporate more tasks in the future. However, she also identified issues with the task materials and felt that pre-teaching vocabulary would have been necessary. Based on these findings, we propose several strategies to enhance the implementation of task-based lessons for young, low-proficiency students in Japan.