bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in risk of serious infections between patients with secondary versus primary nephropathy following rituximab treatment: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Jing , Ding Ying , Qu Zhen , Yu Feng 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThe incidence of severe infections (SIs) in patients with autoimmune nephropathy after rituximab (RTX) treatment varies significantly. Our study aims to identify high-risk populations, specifically by comparing the differences in the risk of SIs between patients with primary nephropathy and those with nephropathy in the context of systemic autoimmune diseases (referred to as secondary nephropathy).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study investigated the occurrence of SIs in adult patients with immune-related kidney disease who received RTX treatment at our institution from 2017 to 2022. Multivariable COX regression models were used to analyze the association between the type of nephropathy (primary or secondary) and SIs. Propensity score analyses, subgroup analyses, and E-value calculations were performed to ensure the reliability of the results.ResultsOut of 123 patients, 32 (26%) developed 39 cases of SIs during a mean follow-up period of 19.7 ± 14.6 months post-RTX treatment, resulting in an incidence rate of 18.9/100 patient-years. The multivariable COX regression analysis indicated that patients with secondary nephropathy had a significantly higher risk of SIs compared to those with primary nephropathy (HR = 5.86, 95% CI: 1.05–32.63, P = 0.044), even after accounting for confounding variables including gender, age, BMI, history of prior SIs, baseline eGFR, lymphocyte counts, IgG levels, and the utilization of other immunosuppressive therapies. Various sensitivity analyses consistently supported these findings, with an E-value of 5.99. Furthermore, advanced age (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.06; P = 0.023), low baseline IgG levels (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64–0.89; P &lt; 0.001), and recent history of SIs (HR: 5.68; 95% CI: 2.2–14.66; P &lt; 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors.ConclusionThe incidence of SIs following RTX administration in patients with autoimmune nephropathy is significant. It is crucial to note that there are distinct differences between the subgroups of primary and secondary nephropathy. Patients with secondary nephropathy, particularly those who are elderly, have low baseline IgG levels, and have a recent history of SI, are more susceptible to SIs.
Density and abundance estimates of cetaceans in the Black Sea through aerial surveys (ASI/CeNoBS)
Authors: Paiu Romulus-Marian , Cañadas Ana , Dede Ayhan , Meshkova Galina , Murariu Dumitru , Amaha Ozturk Ayaka , Popov Dimitar , Tonay Arda M. , Timofte Costin , Kopaliani Natia , Gol’din Pavel , Panigada Simone 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionPopulation abundance is amongst the most basic and crucial parameters for the assessment of conservation status of any species. Three species of odontocetes, all represented by local subspecies, inhabit the Black Sea: the Black Sea common dolphin Delphinus delphis ponticus, the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus ponticus, and the Black Sea harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena relicta. Their populations are threatened by multiple factors, including overfishing of their prey, bycatch, pollution and epizootics. Despite this, there are no basinwide estimates for any cetacean species in the Black Sea.MethodsIn 2019, a systematic study was carried out under the EU CeNoBS project. Six strata were designed in the waters of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine, covering most of territorial and offshore waters, which were surveyed between June 19 and July 4. A line transect distance sampling approach was used, following predefined transects within each stratum, achieving a 5% coverage of the surveyed area. A total of 7,344 kilometres of transects were surveyed recording a total of 1,744 cetacean sightings. Design-based abundance estimates were obtained using a Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling (MCDS) approach. Model-based abundance estimates were also derived using a Generalized Additive Models (GAM) approach, linking species sightings with a number of environmental covariates (e.g., bathymetric features, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a) over a grid of 10x10 km.Results and discussionThe uncorrected (for perception and availability bias) estimates obtained through the model-based analysis were 108,283 (CV=0.07) common dolphins, 22,720 (CV=0.15) bottlenose dolphins and 93,808 (CV=0.06) harbour porpoises. These aerial surveys yielded the first insights on overall abundance, density and distribution, providing current regional baseline values and density maps for all three cetacean species of the Black Sea during the summer months, to be used for the elaboration of effective conservation measures and to address national and international requirements.
Development of a deep learning model for predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Ko Seung Hyoung , Cao Jie , Yang Yong-kang , Xi Zhi-feng , Han Hyun Wook , Sha Meng , Xia Qiang 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundLiver transplantation (LT) is one of the main curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Milan criteria has long been applied to candidate LT patients with HCC. However, the application of Milan criteria failed to precisely predict patients at risk of recurrence. As a result, we aimed to establish and validate a deep learning model comparing with Milan criteria and better guide post-LT treatment.MethodsA total of 356 HCC patients who received LT with complete follow-up data were evaluated. The entire cohort was randomly divided into training set (n = 286) and validation set (n = 70). Multi-layer-perceptron model provided by pycox library was first used to construct the recurrence prediction model. Then tabular neural network (TabNet) that combines elements of deep learning and tabular data processing techniques was utilized to compare with Milan criteria and verify the performance of the model we proposed.ResultsPatients with larger tumor size over 7 cm, poorer differentiation of tumor grade and multiple tumor numbers were first classified as high risk of recurrence. We trained a classification model with TabNet and our proposed model performed better than the Milan criteria in terms of accuracy (0.95 vs. 0.86, p &lt; 0.05). In addition, our model showed better performance results with improved AUC, NRI and hazard ratio, proving the robustness of the model.ConclusionA prognostic model had been proposed based on the use of TabNet on various parameters from HCC patients. The model performed well in post-LT recurrence prediction and the identification of high-risk subgroups.
Causal relationship between gut microbiota and Behçet’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yu-Nan , Chen Tong , Xue Yang , Jia Jun-Ya , Yan Tie-Kun , Xu Peng-Cheng 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundWhile observational epidemiological studies have suggested an association between gut microbiota and Behçet’s disease (BD), the causal relationship between the two remains uncertain.MethodsStatistical data were obtained from gut microbiome Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) published by the MiBioGen consortium, and genetic variation points were screened as instrumental variables (IV). Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode methods to evaluate the causal relationship between gut microbiota (18,340 individuals) and BD (317,252 individuals). IVW was the main method of analysis. The stability and reliability of the results were verified using the leave-one-out method, heterogeneity test, and horizontal genetic pleiotropy test. Finally, a reverse MR analysis was performed to explore reverse causality.ResultsInverse variance weighted (IVW) results showed that the genus Parasutterella (OR = 0.203, 95%CI 0.055–0.747, p = 0.016), Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group (OR = 0.101, 95%CI 0.015–0.666, p = 0.017), Turicibacter (OR = 0.043, 95%CI 0.007–0.273, p = 0.001), and Erysipelatoclostridium (OR = 0.194, 95%CI 0.040–0.926, p = 0.040) were protective factors against BD, while Intestinibacter (OR = 7.589, 95%CI 1.340–42.978, p = 0.022) might be a risk factor for BD.ConclusionOur study revealed the causal relationship between gut microbiota and BD. The microbiota that related to BD may become new biomarkers; provide new potential indicators and targets for the prevention and treatment of BD.
Circulating miRNA profiles and the risk of hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolytic treatment of acute ischemic stroke: a pilot study
Authors: Stańczak Marcin , Wyszomirski Adam , Słonimska Paulina , Kołodziej Barbara , Jabłoński Bartosz , Stanisławska-Sachadyn Anna , Karaszewski Bartosz 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundHemorrhagic transformation (HT) in acute ischemic stroke is likely to occur in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and may lead to neurological deterioration and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Despite the complex inclusion and exclusion criteria for IVT and some useful tools to stratify HT risk, sICH still occurs in approximately 6% of patients because some of the risk factors for this complication remain unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore whether there are any differences in circulating microRNA (miRNA) profiles between patients who develop HT after thrombolysis and those who do not.MethodsUsing qPCR, we quantified the expression of 84 miRNAs in plasma samples collected prior to thrombolytic treatment from 10 individuals who eventually developed HT and 10 patients who did not. For miRNAs that were downregulated (fold change (FC) &lt;0.67) or upregulated (FC &gt;1.5) with p &lt; 0.10, we investigated the tissue specificity and performed KEGG pathway annotation using bioinformatics tools. Owing to the small patient sample size, instead of multivariate analysis with all major known HT risk factors, we matched the results with the admission NIHSS scores only.ResultsWe observed trends towards downregulation of miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-133b and miR-376c-3p, and upregulation of miR-7-5p, miR-17-3p, and miR-296-5p. Previously, the upregulated miR-7-5p was found to be highly expressed in the brain, whereas miR-1, miR-133a-3p and miR-133b appeared to be specific to the muscles and myocardium.ConclusionmiRNA profiles tend to differ between patients who develop HT and those who do not, suggesting that miRNA profiling, likely in association with other omics approaches, may increase the current power of tools predicting thrombolysis-associated sICH in acute ischemic stroke patients. This study represents a free hypothesis-approach pilot study as a continuation from our previous work. Herein, we showed that applying mathematical analyses to extract information from raw big data may result in the identification of new pathophysiological pathways and may complete standard design works.
Rhein alleviates MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease by suppressing neuroinflammation via MAPK/IκB pathway
Authors: Qin Xin , Wang Shu , Huang Juan , Hu Binbin , Yang Xingyan , Liang Liying , Zhou Rui , Huang Wei 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with a rapid increase in incidence in recent years. Existing treatments cannot slow or stop the progression of PD. It was proposed that neuroinflammation leads to neuronal death, making targeting neuroinflammation a promising therapeutic strategy. Our previous studies have demonstrated that rhein protects neurons in vitro by inhibiting neuroinflammation, and it has been found to exhibit neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy, but its neuroprotective mechanisms and effects on PD are still unclear.MethodsPD animal model was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). ELISA, RT-qPCR, western blot and Immunofluorescence were used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines and M1 polarization markers. The protein expression levels of signaling pathways were measured by western blot. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining showed that rhein did not damage the liver and kidney. Two behavioral tests, pole test and rotarod test, were used to evaluate the improvement effect of rhein on movement disorders. The number of neurons in the substantia nigra was evaluated by Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-synuclein.ResultsRhein inhibited the activation of MAPK/IκB signaling pathway and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and M1 polarization markers of microglia in vivo. In a mouse model of PD, rhein ameliorated movement disorders, reduced dopaminergic neuron damage and α-synuclein deposition.ConclusionRhein inhibits neuroinflammation through MAPK/IκB signaling pathway, thereby reducing neurodegeneration, α-synuclein deposition, and improving movement disorders in Parkinson’s disease.
Correlation and consistency between two detection methods for serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels in human venous blood and capillary blood
Authors: Xing Yutong , Wang Kaixi , Ma Xinyu , Zhang Huifeng , Tian Xiaoyu 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThe study assessed the correlation and concordance of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in capillary and venous plasma collected simultaneously after vitamin D3 supplementation in 42 healthy adults. They were randomly divided into three groups by random number table method. Group A took 1,000 IU vitamin D3 daily, group B took 10,000 IU vitamin D3 every 10 days, and group C took 30,000 IU vitamin D3 every 30 days until the end of the 12th month. Venous blood serum 25(OH)D level was detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) at day 1, day 14, day 28, month 6, and month 12 respectively, the capillary blood serum 25(OH)D level was detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) at the same time. Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were employed to investigate the relationship and transformation equation between the findings of the two samples and the results obtained from different detection methods within the same sample. The Bland-Altman method, Kappa analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were utilized for assessing consistency, sensitivity, and specificity.ResultsThe three groups all reached a stable peak at 6 months, and the average levels of the three groups were 49.21, 42.50 and 43.025 nmol/L, respectively. The average levels of group A were higher than those of group B and group C (P &lt; 0.001). The mean values of serum 25(OH)D measured by LC-MS and CLIA in 42 healthy adults were 45.32 nmol/L and 49.88 nmol/L, respectively, and the mean values of 25(OH)D measured by LC-MS in capillary blood were 52.03 nmol/L, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the linear fitting formula of scatter data was as follows: venous 25(OH)D concentration (nmol/L) = 1.105 * capillary 25(OH)D concentration −7.532 nmol/L, R2 = 0.625. Good agreement was observed between venous and corrected capillary 25(OH)D levels in clinical diagnosis (Kappa value 0.75). The adjusted serum 25(OH)D in capillary blood had a high clinical predictive value.ConclusionsThe agreement between the two methods is good when the measured 25(OH)D level is higher. Standardized capillary blood chemiluminescence method can be used for 25(OH)D detection.
Seven-day dietary nitrate supplementation clinically significantly improves basal macrovascular function in postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical trial
Authors: Delgado Spicuzza Jocelyn M. , Gosalia Jigar , Zhong Liezhou , Bondonno Catherine , Petersen Kristina S. , De Souza Mary Jane , Alipour Elmira , Kim-Shapiro Daniel B. , Somani Yasina B. , Proctor David N. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, with increased risk following menopause. Dietary intake of beetroot juice and other plant-based nitrate-rich foods is a promising non-pharmacological strategy for increasing systemic nitric oxide and improving endothelial function in elderly populations. The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was to determine the effects of short-term dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation, in the form of beetroot juice, on resting macrovascular endothelial function and endothelial resistance to whole-arm ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in postmenopausal women at two distinct stages of menopause.MethodsEarly-postmenopausal [1–6 years following their final menstrual period (FMP), n = 12] and late-postmenopausal (6+ years FMP, n = 12) women consumed nitrate-rich (400 mg NO3−/70 mL) and nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (approximately 40 mg NO3−/70 mL, placebo) daily for 7 days. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured pre-supplementation (Day 0), and approximately 24 h after the last beetroot juice (BR) dose (Day 8, post-7-day BR). Consequently, FMD was measured immediately post-IR injury and 15 min later (recovery).ResultsResults of the linear mixed-effects model revealed a significantly greater increase in resting FMD with 7 days of BRnitrate compared to BRplacebo (mean difference of 2.21, 95% CI [0.082, 4.34], p = 0.042); however, neither treatment blunted the decline in post-IR injury FMD in either postmenopausal group. Our results suggest that 7-day BRnitrate-mediated endothelial protection is lost within the 24-h period following the final dose of BRnitrate.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that nitrate-mediated postmenopausal endothelial protection is dependent on the timing of supplementation in relation to IR injury and chronobiological variations in dietary nitrate metabolism.Clinical trial registrationhttps://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03644472
The interaction between estimated glomerular filtration rate and dietary magnesium intake and its effect on stroke prevalence: a cross-sectional study spanning 2003–2018
Authors: Liu Chunhua , Qiu Linan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Liping , Wang Huaqiang , Lin Huajian , Tao Yongjun , Ye Haiqin 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundDespite the known associations of dietary magnesium intake and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with cardiovascular diseases, their combined effects on stroke risk remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the associations of dietary magnesium intake and eGFR with stroke risk.MethodsThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data of 37,637 adult participants (≥18 years) from 2003 to 2018 was analyzed. Dietary magnesium intake was categorized as low (≤ 254 mg/day) and normal (&gt; 254 mg/day) based on experimental data. Multiple logistic regression analyses and interaction tests were conducted to assess the associations of dietary magnesium intake and eGFR with stroke risk, with a focus on the interaction between different chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages based on eGFR levels and dietary magnesium intake. Additional analyses included multiplicative interaction analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup evaluations by age, sex, and ethnicity.ResultsDietary magnesium intake and eGFR were inversely correlated with the risk of stroke. Participants with low dietary magnesium intake had a higher stroke risk than those with normal magnesium intake (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.42). Likewise, low eGFR was associated with an elevated stroke risk compared with normal eGFR (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.15–2.13). Furthermore, the two factors showed a multiplicative interaction effect on stroke risk (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09). We observed a significant interaction between stage G3 CKD and low dietary magnesium intake (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09), suggesting a potential association with stroke risk. However, similar associations were not observed for stages G4 and G5, possibly due to the smaller number of participants with G4 and G5 CKD. The restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between dietary magnesium intake, eGFR, and stroke risk. The interaction between magnesium deficiency and low eGFR persisted in participants aged &gt;60 years, as well as in females, non-Hispanic Black people, and people of other races.ConclusionDietary magnesium intake and eGFR correlate negatively with stroke prevalence. Moreover, there was an interaction between dietary magnesium intake and stroke prevalence across different CKD stages. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to analyze the potential relationship between dietary magnesium intake, eGFR, and stroke.
Bronchial artery chemoembolization in the treatment of refractory central lung cancer with atelectasis
Authors: Liu Yujin , Zhang Xiumei , Zhang Fenxiang , Song Weixiang 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the clinical application of bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) in managing refractory central lung cancer with atelectasis.MethodsThe retrospective case series includes patients diagnosed with refractory central lung cancer and atelectasis who underwent BACE treatment at Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from January 2012 to December 2021.ResultsAll 30 patients with lung cancer successfully underwent BACE procedures. Their ages ranged from 62 to 88 years, with an average age of 67.53. The treatment interval was 21 days, and the treatment cycle ranged from 2 to 12 times, averaging 4.13 times. During the BACE procedures, the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score after 2 to 3 BACE cycles showed a significant improvement (82.0 ± 10.1 vs 68.3 ± 14.0, P &lt; 0.001) than that of before BACE. Only nutritional support and symptomatic treatment were performed after BACE, and no major hemoptysis were observed. During follow-up, 23 cases resulted in mortality, while seven survived. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 7.0 (95% CI: 4.6–9.4) and 10.0 (95% CI: 6.2–13.8) months, respectively, with 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of 84.0%, 53.5%, and 11.3%, respectively. Eight cases exhibited bronchial recanalization and relief of atelectasis. According to the RECIST scale, there were 4 cases of complete response (CR), 16 cases of partial response (PR), 9 cases of stable disease (SD), and 1 case of progressive disease (PD). No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionBACE might be a safe intervention for refractory central lung cancer accompanied by atelectasis. The procedure exhibits satisfactory outcomes in tumor control, atelectasis relief, and enhancement of quality of life, warranting further investigation.