bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcome and intraprocedural characteristics of left atrial appendage occlusion: a comparison between single-occlusive plug-type and dual-occlusive disc-type devices
Authors: Primessnig Uwe , Schrader Helene , Wiedenhofer Julia M. , Trippel Tobias D. , Parwani Abdul S. , Blaschke Florian , Hindricks Gerhard , Falk Volkmar , Dreger Henryk , Sherif Mohammad , Boldt Leif-Hendrik 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPercutaneous interventional left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a reliable, safe, and effective alternative for stroke prevention in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsIn a retrospective observational study, 149 patients underwent LAAO between 2016 and 2022 at the Department of Cardiology of the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, with AF for prevention of thromboembolic complications. We compared patient characteristics, intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes between single-occlusive plug-type (SOPT) and dual-occlusive disc-type (DODT) devices.ResultsIn all patients, the device implantation was successful. 60 patients received a SOPT occluder, including Watchman (35%) and Watchman FLX Occluders (65%), while 89 patients received a DODT occluder, including Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (37.1%), the Amplatzer Amulet (25.8%), and the LAmbre occluder (37.1%) systems. Procedure duration was significantly longer for DODT occluder implantation (49 ± 33 vs. 41 ± 25 min, p = 0.018). There were no in-hospital deaths or thromboembolic events reported after LAAO in both groups. Beyond that, a low rate of bleeding or access-side-related complications and pericardial tamponades were observed. Anticoagulation at discharge varied. About 60.8% of patients received dual antiplatelet therapy at hospital discharge, and 33.1% received direct oral anticoagulants. A 6-month follow-up was obtained in 85% of the patients. All implanted devices were in the desired position. However, in 5.7% of the patients, a device-related thrombus formation was detected in the SOPT group, while no thrombus was seen in the DODT group (p = 0.11). Thromboembolic events were noticed in 3.1%, without any difference between the device types. There was a statistically non-significant trend for less residual device leaks after SOPT vs. DODT implantation (no leak in 71.7% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.07; minor leaks &lt;5 mm, 9.4% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.1). In the SOPT group, less bleeding complications were reported after LAAO (11.3% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.1).ConclusionOur data suggest the safety and efficiency of LAAO with a very high procedural implantation success rate irrespective of the used LAA device. Furthermore, no relevant procedural or device-related complication occurred during the 6-month follow-up in all patients.
Expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines during anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 therapy in patients with statin-resistant familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Morales-Portano Julieta Danira , Trujillo-Cortés Rafael , Roa-Martínez Bricia Margarita , Pérez-Cabeza de Vaca Rebeca , García Silvia , Mondragón-Terán Paul , Suárez-Cuenca Juan A. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundSome clinical dyslipidemia cases do not respond to statins, known as statin-resistant familial hypercholesterolemia (SR-FH), in which patients are under a high cardiovascular risk despite statin therapy. Therefore, novel therapeutic alternatives are required. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) reduce cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in patients with SR-FH, where PCSK9i may differentially affect pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators depending on the clinical setting.AimTo evaluate the effect of PCSK9i treatment on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with SR-FH.MethodsBefore–after comparison, quasi-experimental, single-center study in patients with SR-FH. Blood samples were processed to obtain complete blood counts of glycated hemoglobin and serum lipid levels. Flow cytometry was performed to characterize baseline circulating M1- and M2-macrophages and monocytes. Multiplexing of plasma samples was used to compare plasma fraktaline, interleukins (ILs), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The endpoints were lower serum lipid levels and pro-inflammatory mediator modification.ResultsTwenty patients with SR-FH, aged 58 years and most of them males, were included, with a mean body–mass index of 26.4 and showing ischemic heart disease and similar values of baseline M1- and M2-macrophages and monocytes. Six-month iPSCK-9 therapy considerably reduced LDLc, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4), and modified pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-alpha and MCP-1) levels. No notable effects were observed for the other markers.ConclusionPCSK9i therapy exerted subclinical anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects, indicating potential benefits for clinical outcomes.
Impact of hypertensive heart disease, risk factors, and age-period-cohort models across 204 nations and regions from 1990 to 2019: a global perspective from the 2019 global burden of disease study
Authors: Gao Guoliang , Chen Zhaoyi , Yan Guoping , Bao Minqiang 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundHypertensive heart disease (HHD) is a major global public health issue resulting from hypertension-induced end-organ damage. The aim of this study was to examine the global impact, risk factors, and age-period-cohort (APC) model of HHD from 1990 to 2019.MethodsData from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease were used to assess age-adjusted HHD prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality rates, and contributions of HHD risk factors with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). APC models were used to analyze global age, period, and cohort mortality trends for HHD.ResultsIn 2019, 18.6 million prevalent HHD cases led to 1.16 million fatalities and 21.51 million DALYs. Age-adjusted rates were 233.8 (95%UI = 170.5–312.9) per 100,000 individuals for prevalence, 15.2 (11.2–16.7) for mortality, and 268.2 (204.6–298.1) for DALYs. Regionally, the Cook Islands (703.1), Jordan (561.6), and Kuwait (514.9) had the highest age-standardized incidence of HHD in 2019. There were significant increases in HHD prevalence in Andean Latin America (16.7%), western sub-Saharan Africa (5.6%), and eastern sub-Saharan Africa (4.6%). Mortality rate varied widely among countries. Risk factors like elevated systolic blood pressure and high body mass index significant influenced DALY rates, especially in females. The APC model revealed an association between mortality rates and age, with a decreasing mortality risk over time and improved survival rates for a later birth cohort.ConclusionsDespite the reduction in prevalence, HHD remains a significant public health issue, particularly in nations with low sociodemographic indices. To alleviate the impact of HHD, prevention efforts should concentrate on the management of hypertension, weight loss, and lifestyle improvement.
Biochar manure decreases ammonia volatilization loss and sustains crop productivity in rice paddy
Authors: Canatoy Ronley C. , Cho Song Rae , Galgo Snowie Jane C. , Park So Yeong , Kim Pil Joo 
Published: July 2024

Manure application is a recommended method to improve soil quality and mitigate global warming via soil carbon (C) sequestration. However, such application can significantly increase ammonia (NH3) volatilization loss and cause secondary environmental problems, such as acidification, eutrophication, and particulate matter formation. To investigate the potential of reducing NH3 emissions in flooded rice paddies, three types of stabilized swine manure amendments (fresh, composted, and biochar) were applied at a rate of 12 Mg ha−1 (dry weight) under standard fertilization (N–P2O5–K2O = 90–45–57 kg ha−1), and NH3 emission was characterized using the static chamber method. Regardless of manure management practices, NH3 fluxes increased significantly immediately after application of an inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer (urea). The manure was applied completely as the basal fertilizer before rice transplanting, but the NH3 emission rates increased more dramatically following urea application in the manure treatments. Fresh and composted manure applications significantly increased seasonal NH3 volatilization losses compared to the control but the biochar did not. Compost manure significantly increased rice grain productivity owing to the higher N content, while fresh and biochar manures did not increase rice productivity because of fewer panicles per hill and fewer grains per panicle. Consequently, biochar application resulted in lower NH3 flux intensity and seasonal NH3 flux per grain yield, whereas fresh and compost manures substantially increased this intensity. Therefore, biochar manure may be a more reasonable organic amendment than fresh and composted manures for reducing NH3 emission impacts on rice paddies.
Spectrum of pathogenic variants and high prevalence of pathogenic BBS7 variants in Russian patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Orlova M. , Gundorova P. , Kadnikova V. , Polyakov A. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionBardet–Biedl syndrome is a rare condition characterized by obesity, retinitis pigmentosa, polydactyly, development delay, and structural kidney anomalies. This syndrome has an autosomal recessive type of inheritance. For the first time, molecular genetic testing has been provided for a large cohort of Russian patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome.Materials and methodsGenetic testing was provided to 61 unrelated patients using an MPS panel that includes coding regions and intronic areas of all genes (n = 21) currently associated with Bardet–Biedl syndrome.ResultsThe diagnosis was confirmed for 41% of the patients (n = 25). Disease-causing variants were observed in BBS1, BBS4, BBS7, TTC8, BBS9, BBS10, BBS12, and MKKS genes. In most cases, pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were localized in BBS1, BBS10, and BBS7 genes; recurrent variants were also observed in these genes.DiscussionThe frequency of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in the BBS1 and BBS10 genes among Russian patients matches the research data in other countries. The frequency of pathogenic variants in the BBS7 gene is about 1.5%–2% of patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome, while in the cohort of Russian patients, the fraction is 24%. In addition, the recurrent pathogenic variant c.1967_1968delinsC was detected in the BBS7 gene. The higher frequency of this variant in the Russian population, as well as the lack of association of this pathogenic variant with Bardet–Biedl syndrome in other populations, suggests that the variant c.1967_1968delinsC in the BBS7 gene is major and has a founder effect in the Russian population. Results provided in this article show the significant role of pathogenic variants in the BBS7 gene for patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome in the Russian population.
A disulfidptosis-related glucose metabolism and immune response prognostic model revealing the immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Gang , Wang Qin , Liu Xin , Chen Hong , Li Fuqiang , Li Shuangyan , Song Xinmao , Li Yi 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundLung adenocarcinoma accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases and impact survival rate of patients severely. Immunotherapy is an effective treatment for lung adenocarcinoma but is restricted by many factors including immune checkpoint expression and the inhibitory immune microenvironment. This study aimed to explore the immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma via disulfidptosis.MethodsPublic datasets of lung adenocarcinoma from the TCGA and GEO was adopted as the training and validation cohort. Based on the differences in the expression of disulfidptosis -related genes, a glucose metabolism and immune response prognostic model was constructed. The prognostic value and clinical relationship of the model were further explored. Immune-related analyses were performed according to CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, TIDE, IPS.ResultsWe verified that the model could accurately predict the survival expectancy of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Patients with lung adenocarcinoma and a low-risk score had better survival outcomes according to the model. Moreover, the high-risk group tended to have an immunosuppressive effect, as reflected by the immune cell components, phenotypes and functions. We also found that the clinically relevant immune checkpoint CTLA-4 was significantly higher in low-risk group (P&lt;0.05), indicating that the high-risk group may suffer worse tumor immunotherapy efficacy. Finally, we found that this model has accurate predictive value for the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe prognostic model demonstrated the feasibility of predicting survival and immunotherapy efficacy via disulfidptosis-related genes and will facilitate the development of personalized anticancer therapy.
A single-centre study on abnormal antinuclear antibodies in children caused by intravenous infusion of gamma globulin
Authors: Xu Li , Zhou Juan , Zhang Yu , Wang Yating , Yan Xin , Wang Li , Tang Xuemei , Luo Chong 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo clarify the impact of intravenous infusion of gamma globulin (IVIg) on antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in children.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on the data of children with nonspecific autoantibody-related diseases whose antinuclear antibody (ANA) and autoantibody profiles were detected in our hospital from January to March 2022. A total of 108 patients with a clear history of IVIg infusion within 28 days composed the IVIg group, and 1201 patients without a history of IVIg infusion composed the non-IVIg group.ResultsAll patients in the IVIg group had either positive ANAs or positive autoantibodies. Anti-SSA, anti-Ro52 and anti-AMA Mi2 were the top three autoantibodies in the IVIg group. The proportions of patients who were positive for either of these three autoantibodies in the IVIg group were significantly greater than those in the non-IVIg group (all P&lt;0.5). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the signal intensities of anti-SSA and anti-Ro52 were negatively correlated with the number of days of ANA detection after IVIg infusion (P&lt;0.05). Multiple logistic analyses revealed that a greater total dosage of IVIg, greater IVIg per kilogram of body weight, and fewer ANA detection days after IVIg infusion were independent risk factors for positive anti-SSA and anti-Ro52 results.ConclusionsIt is recommended that if rheumatic diseases are suspected, ANA detection should be carried out beforeIVIg infusion. But for patients who are positive for at least one of these three autoantibodies after IVIg infusion, doctors should first consider adoptive antibodies.
Perceptions of co-teaching as a pedagogical approach to integrate basic and clinical sciences
Authors: Rodríguez-Martín Ivan , Condés Emilia , Sánchez-Gómez Judit , Azpeleta Clara , Tutor Antonio S. , Lesmes Marta , Gal Beatriz 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundMedical curricula must provide students with basic and clinical competencies for critical reasoning and diagnosing. These competencies are better acquired when basic and clinical science are taught in an integrated and collaborative manner. In this study, we investigate whether supportive co-teaching (SCT) is an effective approach to promote integrated and reasoned learning as well as to help medical students applying theoretical concepts to clinical scenarios taught in a team-based learning (TBL) framework.MethodsWe conducted a concurrent mixed methods study. For the qualitative part, we performed a focus group and semi-structured interviews to clinical and basic science teachers and medical students. Using conventional content analysis, themes were identified deductively. For the quantitative part, an analytical and descriptive observational study of the 2019–2020 cohort of first-year undergraduate medical students was conducted (107 students out of 220 completed the survey). For the descriptive study, questions were grouped into 5 categories.ResultsDeductive themes from the analysis include relationship between clinical and basic science teachers, knowledge integration, methodology, teamwork and integrated Medicine and curricular design. Basic science and clinical teachers highlighted their relationship as critical to increase their mutual knowledge. This was supported by the student’s opinion who very much valued their joint feedback. Regarding knowledge integration, both teachers and students found that horizontal and vertical integration enhanced applicability of basic knowledge to future clinical practice. The TBL methodology was very well perceived by both students and teachers and was highly motivating for students even though the need for commitment. Students considered that this program presented a great opportunity and expressed their interest in maintaining it in the future. These results were supported by the quantitative data.ConclusionOur work supports the value of co-teaching in basic and clinical sciences within a TBL framework set in real clinical case scenarios. By employing this approach, students can actively apply their theoretical knowledge to clinical practice, enhancing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning skills. Our findings can inform curriculum design and improved educational practice, leading to enhanced learning experiences for healthcare students and ultimately better patient care.
Gut microbiota causally affects drug-induced liver injury via plasma metabolites: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Haoshuang , Zhao Shuang , Song Shuying , Xie Qing 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe gut microbiota and plasma metabolites play important roles in the progression of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). We investigated the causal associations between the gut microbiota, plasma metabolome, and DILI.MethodsThe summary data for gut microbiota (n = 18,340), plasma metabolome (n = 8,299), and DILI (n = 366,838) were obtained from the large genome-wide association studies. A two-sample Mendelian randomization was performed to explore the associations between the gut microbiota, plasma metabolome, and DILI. Additionally, a two-step Mendelian randomization was performed to explore the potential metabolites.ResultsFive taxa were causally associated with DILI, including Oscillospira [odds ratio (OR) = 2.257, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.110–4.590], Blautia (OR = 2.311, 95% CI = 1.010–5.288), Roseburia (OR = 2.869, 95% CI = 1.429–5.761), Fusicatenibacter (OR = 1.995, 95% CI = 1.024–3.890), and Prevotella 7 (OR = 1.549, 95% CI = 1.065–2.253). Moreover, 53 metabolites were causally associated with DILI. After mediation analysis, four taxa were found to affect DILI through five mediation metabolites. N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine mediated the effect of Blautia on DILI. Acetylcarnitine mediated the effect of Fusicatenibacter on DILI. In addition, 4-cholesten-3-one mediated the effect of Prevotella 7 on DILI. Furthermore, 5,6-dihydrothymine levels and the salicylate-to-citrate ratio mediated the effect of Oscillospira on DILI.ConclusionWe found that the gut microbiota could affect DILI through plasma metabolites, which could serve as potential biomarkers for risk stratification and elucidate underlying mechanisms for further investigation of DILI.
Geriatric nutritional risk index has a prognostic value for recovery outcomes in elderly patients with brain abscess
Authors: Pei Xu , Zhang Yutu , Jiang Dongfeng , Zhang Meng , Fu Junyan , Niu Yang , Tian Mi , Huang Shanshan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a straightforward and objective tool for nutritional screening in older patients and has been demonstrated to possess prognostic predictive value in several diseases. Nonetheless, there is a lack of research on the nutritional risk associated with brain abscess in the older. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of nutritional risk among these patients by GNRI and to investigate its potential prognostic value for clinical outcomes.Materials and methodsFrom August 2019 to April 2023, 100 older patients diagnosed with brain abscess were enrolled in this single-center prospective cohort study, which evaluated the prognostic value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in elderly brain abscess patients. Data collected included demographic, and clinical characteristics at admission and calculated the GNRI, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score 6 months post-discharge. A GOS score of 5 was considered indicative of a good recovery, whereas scores ranging from 1 to 4 were classified as poor recovery.ResultsThe results revealed that 48% of older brain abscess patients were at risk of malnutrition according to the GNRI. These patients had significantly higher post-admission C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.017), more comorbidities (p &lt; 0.001), and higher age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI) scores (p &lt; 0.001) compared to those without nutritional risk. Spearman correlation analysis showed that GNRI scores were negatively correlated with CRP levels, comorbidities, and aCCI scores, and positively correlated with Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores (Spearman’s ρ = 0.624, p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that lower GNRI values were linked to reduced GOS levels (OR = 0.826, 95% CI: 0.775–0.880). ROC analysis determined a GNRI threshold of 97.50 for predicting poor recovery, with 90.57% sensitivity and 87.23% specificity.ConclusionThe older brain abscess patients exhibited a high malnutrition risk. GNRI showed an important predictive value for recovery in older patients, which could be helpful in clinical intervention and rehabilitation.
Case report: safety and efficacy of lidocaine infusion for the treatment of intractable zoster-associated neuralgia in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Zheng Huan , Zheng Bixin 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionSolid organ transplant recipients are at high risk for developing severe zoster-associated neuralgia, and the pharmaceutic therapies of pain management for these patients with limited organ function are challenging. Intravenous lidocaine infusion showed positive analgesic effects and is used for the management of neuropathic pain. This case series reports the safety and effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine infusion in the treatment of intractable zoster-associated neuralgia in solid organ transplant recipients.Case series presentationFive solid organ transplant recipients suffering from refractory zoster-associated neuralgia (numeric rating scale 8–10, despite using high doses of antiepileptic drugs or combined with opioids) were enrolled. Intravenous lidocaine (5 mg/kg ideal bodyweight) was administered over 1.5 h with the monitoring of vital signs. Pain intensity, patient satisfaction, adverse events, typical liver, and kidney function were evaluated. All subjects reported high satisfaction with their treatment and effective pain relief at the 6-month follow-up. One patient experienced short and mild numbness in the mouth and dizziness after the therapy, but no major adverse reactions were reported.ConclusionThis case series provides evidence that intravenous lidocaine infusion provided effective pain relief as an analgesic treatment option for transplant patients with intractable zoster-associated neuralgia.