bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial volume index and interleukin-6 as predictors for postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tao Hong , Shen Xiao , Zou Lei , Zhang Cui , Hong Liang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery. However, the predictive value of single indictor still remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of combining preoperative left atrial volume index (LAVI) and postoperative interleukin-6 (IL-6) for POAF in the patients receiving cardiac surgery.

Methods
Patients who admitted to Nanjing First Hospital during the study period between December 2022 and June 2023, and underwent open-heart surgery without a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled. The relationships between predictors and POAF were investigated using logistic regression analysis. We determined the combined predictive value of LAVI and IL-6 for POAF by measuring the changes in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calculating the net reclassification improvements (NRIs) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDIs).

Results
102 patients were enrolled in this study, and 50 participants developed POAF (49.0%). Patients who experienced POAF had higher levels of preoperative LAVI and postoperative IL-6 than those who did not. Regression analysis revealed that larger LAVI and higher level of IL-6 were independently associated with increased risk of POAF. The combined addition of LAVI and IL-6 to the predictive model resulted in an evident increase in the AUC. Incorporating both LAVI and IL-6 increased IDIs in all models.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrated that combined LAVI and IL-6 achieved a higher prediction performance for POAF.
Tortuosity in non-atherosclerotic vascular diseases is associated with age, arterial aneurysms, and hypertension
Authors: Luta Xhyljeta , Zanchi Fabio , Fresa Marco , Porccedu Enrica , Keller Sanjiv , Bouchardy Judith , Déglise Sébastien , Qanadli Salah Dine , Kirsch Matthias , Wuerzner Grégoire , Superti-Furga Andrea , Buso Giacomo , Mazzolai Lucia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Increased arterial tortuosity has been associated with various cardiovascular complications. However, the extent and role of arterial tortuosity in non-atherosclerotic vascular diseases remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess arterial tortuosity index (ATI) in patients with non-atherosclerotic vascular diseases and the associated factors.

Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of patients with non-atherosclerotic vascular diseases referred to the Malformation and Rare Vascular Disease Center at the University Hospital in Lausanne (Switzerland). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) images performed between October 2010 and April 2022 were retrieved and the aortic tortuosity index (ATI) was calculated. Patients were classified based on diagnosis into the following groups: arterial dissection & aneurysm, arteritis & autoimmune disease, hereditary connective tissue diseases, and fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine potentially relevant predictors of aortic tortuosity.

Results
The mean age upon computed tomography angiography (CTA) was 46.8 (standard deviation [SD] 14.6) years and 59.1% of the patients were female. Mean ATI was higher in patients over 60 years old (1.27), in those with arterial aneurysms (mean: 1.11), and in those diagnosed with hypertension (mean: 1.13). When only patients over 60 years old were considered, those diagnosed with connective tissue diseases had the highest ATI. At multivariate regression analysis, increasing age (p < 0.05), presence of arterial aneurysms (p < 0.05), and hypertension (p < 0.05) were independently associated with ATI.

Conclusions
The ATI may be a promising tool in diagnostic evaluation, cardiovascular risk stratification, medical or surgical management, and prognostic assessment in several non-atherosclerotic vascular conditions. Further studies with longitudinal design and larger cohorts are needed to validate the role of ATI in the full spectrum of vascular diseases.
Minimisation of dialysis risk in hospital patients with chronic kidney disease (MinDial): study protocol for a multicentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stelzer D. , Binder H. , Glattacker M. , Graf E. , Hahn M. , Hollenbeck M. , Kaier K. , Kowall B. , Kuklik N. , Metzner G. , Mueller N. , Seiler L. , Stolpe S. , Blume C. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Early identification of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and advancing kidney insufficiency, followed by specialist care, can decelerate the progression of the disease. However, awareness of the importance and possible consequences of kidney insufficiency is low among doctors and patients. Since kidney insufficiency can be asymptomatic even in higher stages, it is often not even known to those belonging to risk groups. This study aims to clarify whether, for hospitalised patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, a risk-based appointment with a nephrology specialist reduces disease progression.

Methods
The target population of the study is hospitalised CKD patients with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), more specifically with an ESRD risk of at least 9% in the next 5 years. This risk is estimated by the internationally validated Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE). The intervention consists of a specific appointment with a nephrology specialist after the hospital stay, while control patients are discharged from the hospital as usual. Eight medical centres include participants according to a stepped-wedge design, with randomised sequential centre-wise crossover from recruiting patients into the control group to recruitment to the intervention. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is measured for each patient during the hospital stay and after 12 months within the regular care by the general practitioner. The difference in the change of the eGFR over this period is compared between the intervention and control groups and considered the primary endpoint.

Discussion
This study is designed to evaluate the effect of risk-based appointments with nephrology specialists for hospitalised CKD patients with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease. If the intervention is proven to be beneficial, it may be implemented in routine care. Limitations will be examined and discussed. The evaluation will include further endpoints such as non-guideline-compliant medication, economic considerations and interviews with contributing physicians to assess the acceptance and feasibility of the intervention.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00029691. Registered on 12 September 2022.
A proposed analytical framework for qualitative evaluation of access to medicines from a health systems perspective
Authors: Joosse I. R. , van den Ham H. A. , Mantel-Teeuwisse A. K. , Suleman F. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objective
Despite global recognition that access to medicines is shaped by various interacting processes within a health system, a suitable analytical framework for identifying barriers and facilitators from a system’s perspective was needed. We propose a framework specifically designed to find drivers to access to medicines from a country’s health system perspective. This framework could enable the systematic evaluation of access across countries, disease areas and populations and facilitate targeted policy development. This framework is the byproduct of a larger study on the barriers and facilitators to childhood oncology medicines in South Africa.

Results
Eight core (pharmaceutical) functional processes were identified from existing frameworks: (I) medicine regulation, (II) public financing and pricing, (III) selection, (IV) reimbursement, (V) procurement and supply, (VI) healthcare delivery, (VII) dispensing and (VIII) use. National contextual components included policy and legislation and health information systems. To emphasize the interlinkage of processes, the proposed framework was structured as a pharmaceutical value chain. This framework focusses on national processes that are within a country’s control as opposed to global factors, and functional mechanisms versus a country’s performance or policy objectives. Further refinement and validation of the framework following application in other contexts is encouraged.
Evaluating the inter-species transmission risk of amyloid beta peptide aggregates via ingestion
Authors: Raine Joshua , Tolwinski Nicholas , Gruber Jan , Mathuru Ajay S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Recent reports suggest that amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides can exhibit prion-like pathogenic properties. Transmission of Aβ peptide and the development of associated pathologies after surgeries with contaminated instruments and intravenous or intracerebral inoculations have now been reported across fish, rodents, primates, and humans. This raises a worrying prospect of Aβ peptides also having other characteristics typical of prions, such as evasion of the digestive process. We asked if such transmission of Aβ aggregates via ingestion was possible.

Methods
We made use of a transgenic Drosophila melanogaster line expressing human Aβ peptide prone to aggregation. Fly larvae were fed to adult zebrafish under two feeding schemes. The first was a short-term, high-intensity scheme over 48 h to determine transmission and retention in the gut. The second, long-term scheme specifically examined retention and accumulation in the brain. The gut and brain tissues were examined by histology, western blotting, and mass spectrometric analyses.

Results
None of the analyses could detect Aβ aggregates in the guts of zebrafish following ingestion, despite being easily detectable in the feed. Additionally, there was no detectable accumulation of Aβ in the brain tissue or development of associated pathologies after prolonged feeding.

Conclusions
While human Aβ aggregates do not appear to be readily transmissible by ingestion across species, two prospects remain open. First, this mode of transmission, if occurring, may stay below a detectable threshold and may take much longer to manifest. A second possibility is that the human Aβ peptide is not able to trigger self-propagation or aggregation in other species. Either possibility requires further investigation, taking into account the possibility of such transmission from agricultural species used in the food industry.
PUResNetV2.0: a deep learning model leveraging sparse representation for improved ligand binding site prediction
Authors: Jeevan Kandel , Palistha Shrestha , Tayara Hilal , Chong Kil T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccurate ligand binding site prediction (LBSP) within proteins is essential for drug discovery. We developed ProteinUNetResNetV2.0 (PUResNetV2.0), leveraging sparse representation of protein structures to improve LBSP accuracy. Our training dataset included protein complexes from 4729 protein families. Evaluations on benchmark datasets showed that PUResNetV2.0 achieved an 85.4% Distance Center Atom (DCA) success rate and a 74.7% F1 Score on the Holo801 dataset, outperforming existing methods. However, its performance in specific cases, such as RNA, DNA, peptide-like ligand, and ion binding site prediction, was limited due to constraints in our training data. Our findings underscore the potential of sparse representation in LBSP, especially for oligomeric structures, suggesting PUResNetV2.0 as a promising tool for computational drug discovery.
Genetic analysis of 106 sporadic cases with hearing loss in the UAE population
Authors: Tlili Abdelaziz , Mahfood Mona , Al Mutery Abdullah , Chouchen Jihen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Hereditary hearing loss is a rare hereditary condition that has a significant presence in consanguineous populations. Despite its prevalence, hearing loss is marked by substantial genetic diversity, which poses challenges for diagnosis and screening, particularly in cases with no clear family history or when the impact of the genetic variant requires functional analysis, such as in the case of missense mutations and UTR variants. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed the identification of genes and variants linked to various conditions, including hearing loss. However, there remains a high proportion of undiagnosed patients, attributable to various factors, including limitations in sequencing coverage and gaps in our knowledge of the entire genome, among other factors. In this study, our objective was to comprehensively identify the spectrum of genes and variants associated with hearing loss in a cohort of 106 affected individuals from the UAE.

Results
In this study, we investigated 106 sporadic cases of hearing impairment and performed genetic analyses to identify causative mutations. Screening of the GJB2 gene in these cases revealed its involvement in 24 affected individuals, with specific mutations identified. For individuals without GJB2 mutations, whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted. WES revealed 33 genetic variants, including 6 homozygous and 27 heterozygous DNA changes, two of which were previously implicated in hearing loss, while 25 variants were novel. We also observed multiple potential pathogenic heterozygous variants across different genes in some cases. Notably, a significant proportion of cases remained without potential pathogenic variants.

Conclusions
Our findings confirm the complex genetic landscape of hearing loss and the limitations of WES in achieving a 100% diagnostic rate, especially in conditions characterized by genetic heterogeneity. These results contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis of hearing loss and emphasize the need for further research and comprehensive genetic analyses to elucidate the underlying causes of this condition.
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder: recent advances in neurobiology and treatment
Authors: Fonseca Natasha K. O. , Curtarelli Vitória D. , Bertoletti Juliana , Azevedo Karla , Cardinal Tiago M. , Moreira Júlia D. , Antunes Luciana C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAvoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by persistent insufficient nutritional and/or energy intake. ARFID, before referred to as “selective eating disorder”, was introduced recently in the DSM-5 as a replacement for and expansion of the previous diagnosis. Individuals with ARFID may limit food variety and intake due to avoidance based on the sensory characteristics of the food or related to any adverse consequences of eating without the intention of losing weight and concerns of body image. The limited understanding of avoidant and restrictive eating poses challenges to effective treatment and management, impacting directly on the growth and development of children and adolescents. The ARFID neurobiological concept has not yet been clearly defined to clinical practice for nutritionists, thereby hindering screening and impeding the development of treatment recommendations. This narrative review provide useful practical information to consult the pathophysiology, the neurobiology, the clinical features, the assessment and the treatment for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their clinical knowledge and management of this disorder.
A comparative study of AI-human-made and human-made test forms for a university TESOL theory course
Authors: O Kyung-Mi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study examines the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating parallel test items compared to human-made ones. Two test forms were developed: one consisting of 20 existing human-made items and another with 20 new items generated with ChatGPT assistance. Expert reviews confirmed the content parallelism of the two test forms. Forty-three university students then completed the 40 test items presented randomly from both forms on a final test. Statistical analyses of student performance indicated comparability between the AI-human-made and human-made test forms. Despite limitations such as sample size and reliance on classical test theory (CTT), the findings suggest ChatGPT’s potential to assist teachers in test item creation, reducing workload and saving time. These results highlight ChatGPT’s value in educational assessment and emphasize the need for further research and development in this area.
Tau modulation through AAV9 therapy augments Akt/Erk survival signalling in glaucoma mitigating the retinal degenerative phenotype
Authors: Thananthirige Kanishka Pushpitha Maha , Chitranshi Nitin , Basavarajappa Devaraj , Rajput Rashi , Abbasi Mojdeh , Palanivel Viswanthram , Gupta Veer Bala , Paulo Joao A. , Koronyo-Hamaoui Maya , Mirzaei Mehdi , Graham Stuart L. , Gupta Vivek 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe microtubule-associated protein Tau is a key player in various neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Tauopathies, where its hyperphosphorylation disrupts neuronal microtubular lattice stability. Glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the retina, leads to irreversible vision loss by damaging retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. Prior studies have indicated Tau expression and phosphorylation alterations in the retina in both AD and glaucoma, yet the causative or downstream nature of Tau protein changes in these pathologies remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of Tau protein modulation on retinal neurons under normal and experimental glaucoma conditions. Employing AAV9-mediated gene therapy for Tau overexpression and knockdown, both manipulations were found to adversely affect retinal structural and functional measures as well as neuroprotective Akt/Erk survival signalling in healthy conditions. In the experimental glaucoma model, Tau overexpression intensified inner retinal degeneration, while Tau silencing provided significant protection against these degenerative changes. These findings underscore the critical role of endogenous Tau protein levels in preserving retinal integrity and emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting Tau in glaucoma pathology.
Elaboration of an innovative plant biomaterial for its valorization in the treatment of wastewater
Authors: Hassani El Mokhtar Saoudi , Mehdaoui Imane , Azzouni Dounia , Mahmoud Rachid , Taleb Abdeslam , Wondmie Gezahign Fentahun , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Bourhia Mohammed , Ibenmoussa Samir , Taleb Mustapha , Rais Zakia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe global scientific community is deeply concerned about the deterioration of water quality resulting from the release of industrial effluents. This issue is of utmost importance as it serves to safeguard the environment and combat water pollution. The objective of this work is to elaborate a biomaterial of vegetable origin, based on the twigs of Aleppo pine, and to use it as an abundant and less expensive material for the treatment of wastewater. For this reason, the twigs were treated physically to get the powder called biomaterial FPA (Aleppo pine fiber), which was characterized by physicochemical, and spectroscopic analyses namely scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallinity index of FPA was evaluated by the peak height method. The findings indicate that the FPA powder has an acidic nature, exhibiting a porous structure that promotes the adsorption and binding of molecules. Additionally, it has a zero charge point of 5.8 and a specific surface area of 384 m2.g−1. It is primarily composed of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine functional groups, along with mineral compounds and organic compounds, including cellulose and other mineral elements such as Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, P, Al, K, Ni, and Mo. Combining these characteristics, FPA biomaterial has considerable potential for use as an effective adsorbent biomaterial for various wastewater pollutants. Its abundance and relatively low cost make it an attractive solution to the growing challenges of water pollution worldwide.
Graphical Abstract
Relocating from EFL to EMI: a case study on L2 learning motivation of English major students in a transnational university in China
Authors: Li Mingyu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDrawing from (Dörnyei’s, The Psychology of the language learner: Individual differences in second language acquisition, 2005) L2 Motivational Self System, this case study delved into the L2 learning motivations of liberal arts and science English majors at a transnational university in China, where English Medium Instruction (EMI) is prevalent. The study aimed to uncover how the EMI educational setting, alongside disciplinary backgrounds, shapes students' motivational landscapes. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, a 4-point Likert scale questionnaire was first administered to 182 students, followed by semi-structured interviews with six purposively selected participants to ensure a representation of diverse perspectives. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test to pinpoint motivational differences between the two groups, with Cohen’s d effect size test further elucidating the significance of these differences. Thematic analysis of qualitative data provided a deeper layer of insight, which, when cross-examined with quantitative results, revealed a nuanced understanding of motivational dynamics. Key findings highlighted that both student groups were driven by factors such as ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, international posture, and instrumentality. However, within the EMI context, liberal arts students exhibited heightened sensitivity to their ought-to L2 selves, language anxiety, and teacher influence compared to their science counterparts (p < 0.05, dCohen > 0.8). These distinctions underscore the EMI context's role in modulating motivational profiles, particularly accentuating certain motivational factors among liberal arts students. In light of these EMI-mediated motivational nuances, the study proposes several educational implications, including enhancing teachers’ professional development training, integrating English learning in EMI programmes with students’ aspirations, and fostering intercultural interactions to enrich students’ language and cultural experiences.