bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of comorbidities and economic inequality on COVID-19 mortality in Mexico: a machine learning approach
Authors: Méndez-Astudillo Jorge 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionStudies from different parts of the world have shown that some comorbidities are associated with fatal cases of COVID-19. However, the prevalence rates of comorbidities are different around the world, therefore, their contribution to COVID-19 mortality is different. Socioeconomic factors may influence the prevalence of comorbidities; therefore, they may also influence COVID-19 mortality.MethodsThis study conducted feature analysis using two supervised machine learning classification algorithms, Random Forest and XGBoost, to examine the comorbidities and level of economic inequalities associated with fatal cases of COVID-19 in Mexico. The dataset used was collected by the National Epidemiology Center from February 2020 to November 2022, and includes more than 20 million observations and 40 variables describing the characteristics of the individuals who underwent COVID-19 testing or treatment. In addition, socioeconomic inequalities were measured using the normalized marginalization index calculated by the National Population Council and the deprivation index calculated by NASA.ResultsThe analysis shows that diabetes and hypertension were the main comorbidities defining the mortality of COVID-19, furthermore, socioeconomic inequalities were also important characteristics defining the mortality. Similar features were found with Random Forest and XGBoost.DiscussionIt is imperative to implement programs aimed at reducing inequalities as well as preventable comorbidities to make the population more resilient to future pandemics. The results apply to regions or countries with similar levels of inequality or comorbidity prevalence.
Clinical features combined with ultrasound characteristics to predict TERT promoter mutations in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a single-center study over the past 5 years
Authors: Hu Yan , Xu Shangyan , Dong Lei , Pan Zuxian , Zhang Lu , Zhan Weiwei 
Published: March 2024

PurposeTelomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) has been reported in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study aimed to investigate the correlation of TERT promoter mutations with clinical and ultrasound (US) features in PTC and to develop a model to predict TERT promoter mutations.MethodsPreoperative US images, postoperative pathological features, and TERT promoter mutation information were evaluated in 365 PTC patients confirmed by surgery. Univariate and multivariate factor analyses were performed to identify risk factors for TERT promoter mutations. A predictive model was established to assess the clinical predictive value.ResultsOf the 365 patients with PTC (498 nodules), the number of those with TERT promoter mutations was 67 cases (75 nodules), and the number of those without mutations was 298 cases (423 nodules). The median age was 40 years in the wild-type group and 60 years in the mutant group. Male patients made up 35.82% of the mutant group and 22.82% of the wild-type group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of TERT promoter mutation in PTC were as follows: older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07; p = 0.002), maximum diameter of ≥ 10 mm (OR = 3.94; p &lt; 0.0001), unilateral (OR = 4.15; p &lt; 0.0001), multifocal (OR = 7.69; p &lt; 0.0001), adjacent to the thyroid capsule (OR = 1.94; p = 0.044), and accompanied by other benign nodules (OR = 1.94, p = 0.039). A predictive model was established, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.839. TERT promoter mutations were associated with high-risk US and clinical features compared with the wild-type group.ConclusionTERT promoter mutations were associated with older ages. They were also found to be multifocal, with a maximum diameter of ≥ 10 mm, unilateral, adjacent to the thyroid capsule, and accompanied by other benign nodules. The predictive model was of high diagnostic value.
Salivary α-amylase activity is associated with cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight/obese, non-diabetic Qatari women
Authors: Al Akl Neyla S. , Khalifa Olfa , Habibullah Mohammad , Arredouani Abdelilah 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionObesity, prevalent in approximately 80% of Qatar’s adult population, increases the risk of complications like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Predictive biomarkers are crucial for preventive strategies. Salivary α-amylase activity (sAAa) inversely correlates with obesity and insulin resistance in adults and children. However, the connection between sAAa and cardiometabolic risk factors or chronic low-grade inflammation markers remains unclear. This study explores the association between serum sAAa and adiposity markers related to cardiovascular diseases, as well as markers indicative of chronic low-grade inflammation.MethodsSerum samples and clinical data of 1500 adult, non-diabetic, Overweight/Obese participants were obtained from Qatar Biobank (QBB). We quantified sAAa and C reactive protein (CRP) levels with an autoanalyzer. Cytokines, adipokines, and adiponectin of a subset of 228 samples were quantified using a bead-based multiplex assay. The associations between the sAAa and the adiposity indices and low-grade inflammatory protein CRP and multiple cytokines were assessed using Pearson’s correlation and adjusted linear regression.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 36 ± 10 years for both sexes of which 76.6% are women. Our analysis revealed a significant linear association between sAAa and adiposity-associated biomarkers, including body mass index β -0.032 [95% CI -0.049 to -0.05], waist circumference β -0.05 [95% CI -0.09 to -0.02], hip circumference β -0.052 [95% CI -0.087 to -0.017], and HDL β 0.002 [95% CI 0.001 to 0.004], albeit only in women. Additionally, sAAa demonstrated a significant positive association with adiponectin β 0.007 [95% CI 0.001 to 0.01]while concurrently displaying significant negative associations with CRP β -0.02 [95% CI -0.044 to -0.0001], TNF-α β -0.105 [95% CI -0.207 to -0.004], IL-6 β [95% CI -0.39 -0.75 to -0.04], and ghrelin β -5.95 [95% CI -11.71 to -0.20], specifically within the female population.ConclusionOur findings delineate significant associations between sAAa and markers indicative of cardiovascular disease risk and inflammation among overweight/obese adult Qatari females. Subsequent investigations are warranted to elucidate the nuances of these gender-specific associations comprehensively.
ISSA-enhanced GRU-Transformer: integrating sports wisdom into the frontier exploration of carbon emission prediction
Authors: Jiang Wei , Liu Changjiang , Qu Qiang , Wang Zhen , Hu Liangnan , Xie Zhaofu , Zhang Bokun , He Jingzhou 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionCarbon neutrality has become a key strategy to combat global climate change. However, current methods for predicting carbon emissions are limited and require the development of more effective strategies to meet this challenge. This is especially true in the field of sports and competitions, where the energy intensity of major events and activities means that time series data is crucial for predicting related carbon emissions, as it can detail the emission patterns over a period of time.MethodIn this study, we introduce an artificial intelligence-based method aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of carbon emission predictions. Specifically, our model integrates an Improved Mahjong Search Algorithm (ISSA) and GRU-Transformer technology, designed to efficiently process and analyze the complex time series data generated by sporting events. These technological components help to capture and parse carbon emission data more accurately.ResultsExperimental results have demonstrated the efficiency of our model, which underwent a comprehensive evaluation involving multiple datasets and was benchmarked against competing models. Our model outperformed others across various performance metrics, including lower RMSE and MAE values and higher R2 scores. This underscores the significant potential of our model in enhancing the accuracy of carbon emission predictions.DiscussionBy introducing this new AI-based method for predicting carbon emissions, this study not only provides more accurate data support for optimizing and implementing carbon neutrality measures in the sports field but also improves the accuracy of time series data predictions. This enables a deeper understanding of carbon emission trends associated with sports activities. It contributes to the development of more effective mitigation strategies, making a significant contribution to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
NVX-CoV2373 induces humoral and cellular immune responses that are functionally comparable to vector and mRNA-based vaccines
Authors: Mai Franz , Kordt Marcel , Bergmann-Ewert Wendy , Reisinger Emil C. , Müller-Hilke Brigitte 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundAfter licensing of the protein-based vaccine NVX-CoV2373, three technically different vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 became available for application to the human population - and for comparison of efficacies.MethodsWe here recruited 42 study participants who had obtained one initial dose of NVX-CoV2373 and analyzed their immune responses in contrast to 37 study participants who had obtained either the vector vaccine AZD1222 or the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 a year earlier. 32 participants also donated blood before first vaccination to serve as a vaccine-naive control. In detail, we investigated and quantified at day 21 and approximately six months after primary immunization the amounts of vaccine-specific antibodies produced, their neutralization capacity, their quality in terms of binding different epitopes and their efficiency in inducing various isotypes. Cellular immunity and intracellular cytokine production following in vitro re-stimulation with BNT162b2 vaccine was analyzed via ELISpot or via flow cytometry.ResultsOur results show that even though vaccination including the mRNA vaccine yielded best results in almost any aspect of antibody levels and binding efficiency, the neutralization capacities against the wild-type Wuhan strain and the Omicron BA.1 variant early and at six months were comparable among all three vaccination groups. As for the T cells, we observed a prevailing CD8 response at three weeks which turned into a predominant CD4 memory at six months which has not yet been observed for AZD1222 and BNT162b2. While additional infection with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a boost for the humoral response, T cell memory appeared rather unaffected.ConclusionWhether any of these differences translate into real world protection from infection, mitigation of severe disease courses and prevention of long/post COVID will need to be investigated in the future.
Hearing impairment in systemic sclerosis patients—what do we really know?
Authors: Sieśkiewicz Michał , Rębacz Damian , Sieśkiewicz Andrzej 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease of a very heterogeneous clinical picture and immunological profile with progression rate that varies between individuals. Although hearing deterioration is not a complaint that comes to the fore in SSc patients, as it is not life-threatening compared to many other more severe symptoms of this disease, it can significantly impair the quality of life. Medical literature concerning this problem is rather scarce.Materials and methodsIn this article we systematically reviewed the medical publications concerning hearing impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis to evaluate current understanding of this complex problem. Following PRISMA guidelines a total of 19 papers were found and analysed including 11 original studies and 8 case reports.ResultsAlthough it seems that hearing impairment in SSc patients is relatively more common than in the general population, based on the analysis of available literature, no firm conclusions regarding its frequency and pathomechanism can be drawn yet. Microangiopathy leading to damage to the sensory cells of the inner ear is suspected to be the main mechanism of hearing loss, although damage to the higher levels of the auditory pathway appears to be underestimated due to incomplete audiological diagnosis.ConclusionUndoubtedly, the reason for the difficulty in such an evaluation are the complex and still not fully elucidated pathomechanism of SSc, the individually variable dynamics of the disease and the unique heterogeneity of symptoms. Nevertheless, further studies in larger and appropriately selected groups of patients, focused more on the dynamics of microangiopathy and not solely on clinical symptoms could provide answers to many key questions in this regard.
Altered resting-state functional connectivity and dynamic network properties in cognitive impairment: an independent component and dominant-coactivation pattern analyses study
Authors: Bergamino Maurizio , Burke Anna , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Caselli Richard J. , Baxter Leslie C. , Stokes Ashley M. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionCognitive impairment (CI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) encompasses a decline in cognitive abilities and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing CI, both in the preclinical and prodromal stages of AD prior to dementia.MethodsIn this preliminary study, we investigated differences in resting-state functional connectivity and dynamic network properties between 23 individual with CI due to AD based on clinical assessment and 15 healthy controls (HC) using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Dominant-Coactivation Pattern (d-CAP) analysis. The cognitive status of the two groups was also compared, and correlations between cognitive scores and d-CAP switching probability were examined.ResultsResults showed comparable numbers of d-CAPs in the Default Mode Network (DMN), Executive Control Network (ECN), and Frontoparietal Network (FPN) between HC and CI groups. However, the Visual Network (VN) exhibited fewer d-CAPs in the CI group, suggesting altered dynamic properties of this network for the CI group. Additionally, ICA revealed significant connectivity differences for all networks. Spatial maps and effect size analyses indicated increased coactivation and more synchronized activity within the DMN in HC compared to CI. Furthermore, reduced switching probabilities were observed for the CI group in DMN, VN, and FPN networks, indicating less dynamic and flexible functional interactions.DiscussionThe findings highlight altered connectivity patterns within the DMN, VN, ECN, and FPN, suggesting the involvement of multiple functional networks in CI. Understanding these brain processes may contribute to developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CI due to AD.
Improvement of symptoms in children with autism by TOMATIS training: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Fu Yujia , Tian Mei , Chen Jiaxi , Chen Wenfeng , Li Huang 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that is marked by deficits in social interaction, difficulty expressing oneself, lack of enthusiasm, and stereotypical conduct. The TOMATIS training method is an effective music therapy for children with ASD for its individually developed programs to improve behavioral deficits.MethodsThe research employed both longitudinal and crosssectional designs.ResultsIn the cross-sectional study, the experimental group showed significant improvement in symptoms after TOMATIS training compared to the control group of children with ASD. The results validated the effect of TOMATIS treatment for ASD-related deficits, including perceptual-motor, attentional, social, and emotional issues.DiscussionASD’s auditory hypersensitivity hampers social information processing, but TOMATIS enhances cochlear frequency selectivity, aiding in capturing relevant auditory stimuli. In addition, the longitudinal study confirmed these findings, which proved TOMATIS training effective in clinically treating ASD. This study focused on audiometric indicators and behavioural improvement, elucidating the mechanisms behind the training’s success. Behavioral improvements might stem from TOMATIS’ frequency selectivity, reshaping auditory organ-cortical feedback loops to filter interference and focus on valid information.
Relationship between sodium level and in-hospital mortality in traumatic brain injury patients of MIMIC IV database
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Li Xin , Sun Jiahao , Wang Mengmeng , Lang Wenjuan , Xu Xin 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundAn association between prognosis and high sodium levels in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) has been noted, but limited research exists on the ideal sodium level in these patients or the impact on early mortality, using the MIMIC-IV database.MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted on TBI patients from the MIMIC-IV database. Patients were divided into two categories based on their highest serum sodium level within 24 h of admission exceeding 145 mmol/L: those with hypernatremia, and those with moderate-to-low sodium levels. Collected covariates encompasses demographic, clinical, laboratory, and intervention variables. A multivariate logistic regression model was implemented to forecast in-hospital mortality.ResultsThe study included 1749 TBI patients, with 209 (11.5%) experiencing in-hospital deaths. A non-linear test exposed an L-shaped correlation between sodium level and in-hospital mortality, with mortality rates increasing after a turning point at 144.1 mmol/L. Compared to the moderate-to-low group’s 9.3% mortality rate, the hypernatremia group had a significantly higher mortality rate of 25.3% (crude odds ratio = 3.32, 95% confidence interval: 2.37 ~ 4.64, p &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for all covariates, the hypernatremia group continued to show a significant correlation with higher mortality risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.38 ~ 3.47, p = 0.001). This trend remained consistent regardless of the analyses stratification.ConclusionThe study reveals an L-shaped relationship between sodium levels and in-hospital deaths, with a pivotal point at 144.1 mmol/L. TBI patients displaying hypernatremia were independently linked to higher in-hospital mortality, underlining the need for further studies into targeted management of sodium levels in these patients.
Effects and safety of Ginkgo biloba on depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Jingya , Sun Xiaojing , Yang Lingli 
Published: March 2024

Background: Because depression is a major factor contributing to the global disease burden, we tried to analyze the effects and safety of Ginkgo biloba (GKB) on patients with depression.Methods: We conducted a literature search for articles published between January 2002 and May 2022 in seven online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure). A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the effects and safety of GKB on patients with depression, including subjective and objective indicators of depression evaluation.Results: In total, 21 eligible articles with nine indicators among 2074 patients were included. Several outcomes showed a difference, and the GKB group had better results than the control group, including the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), after taking GKB for 4 weeks (MD = −2.86, 95%CI [−4.27, −1.46], p &lt; 0.01), 6 weeks (mean difference (MD) = −3.36, 95%CI [−4.05, −2.67], p &lt; 0.01), and 8 weeks (MD = −4.58, 95% CI [−6.11, −3.05], p &lt; 0.01), modified Barthel index (MBI) (MD = 14.86, 95%CI [12.07, 17.64], p &lt; 0.01), modified Edinburgh-Scandinavian stroke scale (MESSS) (MD = −4.57, 95%CI [−6.34, −2.79], p &lt; 0.01), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (MD = 16.35, 95%CI [7.34, 25.36], p &lt; 0.01), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (MD = 4.57, 95%CI [3.08, 6.05], p &lt; 0.01), and clinical efficacy (risk ratio, RR = 1.24, 95%CI [1.17, 1.32], p &lt; 0.01). However, there were no differences in adverse events between GKB and controls.Conclusion: In conclusion, the main finding was that patients treated with GKB had better MBI, MESSS, BDNF, 5-HT, and HAMD values after 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks than the control group. GKB might reduce the risk of depression or depressive symptoms with safe clinical efficacy.Systematic Review Registration: identifier (INPLASY2023100052)
Tislelizumab versus sorafenib as first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Zheng Zhiwei , Lin Yuxuan , Cai Hongfu 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab and sorafenib as first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in China.MethodsA comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken within the framework of a partitioned survival model to accurately gage the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of tislelizumab compared to sorafenib. The model incorporated relevant clinical data and all survival rates were from RATIONALE-301 trials. The stability of the partitioned survival model was assessed by performing one-way and two-way sensitivity analyses.ResultsThe total cost incurred for the tislelizumab treatment was $16181.24, whereas the sorafenib was $14306.87. The tislelizumab regimen resulted in a significant increase of 0.18 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and an extra cost of $1874.37 as compared to chemotherapy. The ICER was $10413.17 per QALY, which was found to be below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $37304.34/QALY. The results of the sensitivity analysis found that no fluctuations in any of the factors affected our results, even when these parameters fluctuated.ConclusionTislelizumab appears to be a cost-effective first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma when compared to sorafenib in China. These findings can inform decision-making processes regarding the selection of the most cost-effective treatment option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Life course socioeconomic status, chronic pain, and the mediating role of allostatic load: findings from the midlife in the United States
Authors: Liang Yunlong 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionLow socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to chronic pain (CP); however, the mechanisms by which SES over the life course influences downstream CP outcomes remain unclear.MethodsThis study utilizes data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey, a prospective sample of community-dwelling individuals (N=781), to investigate the chain of risk additive model of SES in relation to CP. Additionally, the study examines the mediating role of allostatic load (AL) in the relationship between life course SES and CP. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to capture the multidimensionality of life course SES and path analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect effects on CP. AL was computed by quartile-based summation and by latent class analysis.ResultsResults indicated lower SES in MIDUS 2 was associated with greater high-interference CP odds in MIDUS 3 (OR=1.069, 95% CI=1.006-1.136, P &lt; 0.05) and no association was found between distal SES and levels of CP interference. Similarly, no significant relationship was observed between SES and the number of CP locations. Additionally, no additive effects of SES were found, and AL did not present mediation effects on the association between life course SES and CP.DiscussionThe present study emphasizes the importance of directly proximal effects of SES on CP, underscoring the need for equitable distribution of health resources and the implementation of policies focused on diminishing socioeconomic inequalities. Further research is needed to examine alternative pathways by which proximal SES impact CP.