bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic on the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children in Yamanashi, Japan
Authors: Saito Tomohiro , Mochizuki Mie , Kobayashi Kisho , Narusawa Hiromune , Watanabe Daisuke , Makino Koichi , Yagasaki Hideaki , Sato Kazumasa , Sano Tomoaki , Ohta Masanori , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Amemiya Shin , Kobayashi Koji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

It is hypothesized that the biopsychosocial stress associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic (SARS-CoV-2), in combination with the immunologic effects of SARS-CoV-2 and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, may have contributed to the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. We documented the incidence rates of T1D in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, from 1986 to 2018 and expanded our analysis to include cases from 2019 to 2022 to assess the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the incidence of T1D. The annual increase in standardized incidences of T1D among 0- to 14-year-olds was 2.089% per year from 1986 to 2019 (p = .0772) and 2.183% per year from 1986 to 2022 (p = .0331). For the 5-9 year age group, the annual increase in crude incidence from 1986 to 2019 was 6.607% per year (p < .01), and from 1986 to 2022, it was 6.270% per year (p < .001). In Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, the incidence of pediatric T1D increased during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. However, this trend was an extension of the increase prior to 2019, suggesting that no direct or indirect effect of COVID-19 on this trend was identified.
Identification of RNA Modification-Related Differentially Expressed Genes in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Unraveling Diagnostic Perspectives and Immunological Microenvironment
Authors: Yan Zhisheng , Zhang Niancai , Sun Haixia , Cao Huihui , Ma Wanteng , Chang Qing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a critical cardiovascular disease with significant health implications. This study aims to investigate the role of RNA Modification-Related Genes (RMRGs), which are essential post-transcriptional regulators, in the pathology of AMI. By examining AMI-related datasets (GSE24519, GSE48060, GSE34198), RMRGs were collected from GeneCards and PubMed. The analysis involved enrichment analyses using Gene Expression Omnibus (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Additionally, Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) was conducted, and regulatory networks (mRNA-miRNA, mRNA-TF, mRNA-RBP) were constructed. Immune cell infiltration was evaluated through single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT algorithms. In the AMI Dataset, 131 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent GO and KEGG analyses, revealing significant enrichment in biological processes and pathways such as Allograft rejection, TNF signaling, and autoimmune diseases. GSEA identified gene enrichments in various pathways. Six key genes (APC2, C9ORF72, CDKN1C, GOLGA8A, PHKA2, RPL9) emerged as crucial factors in AMI development, as highlighted by Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA). Furthermore, extensive analysis was conducted on immune cell associations and interaction networks. The findings suggest that genes related to RNA modification, especially the identified key genes, significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of AMI. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential treatments for AMI.
Identification of SCAF1 as a key factor affecting VEGF in LIHC and its potential target for therapy hypothesized based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics
Authors: Yu Zichuan , Zheng Hao , Tang Shengwei , Zhou Xuanrui , Zhou Minqin , Geng Xitong , Zhu Yanting , Huang Shuhan , Gong Yiyang , Jiang Yike , Chen Gen , Guo Liangyun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a highly vascularized entity closely associated with immune functions, characterized by high incidence, elusive early detection, high malignancy, and poor prognosis. SCAF1 participates in the immune regulation mechanisms of various cancers (gliomas, breast cancer, etc.) and is involved in regulating the level of gene transcription. Nevertheless, there is currently no research focusing on the multiple mechanisms of SCAF1 in LIHC, including angiogenesis promotion and immunomodulation.Materials and Methods: In this study, we obtained TCGA data and utilized Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to explore hub genes, followed by evaluating the prognostic and clinical significance of SCAF1. Functional identification of SCAF1 in LIHC was performed through enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the immune therapeutic effects of SCAF1 were explored using TIMER and TISIDB. Spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing analysis based on GEO data were conducted to assess heterogeneity tissue within the tumor microenvironment. Finally, molecular docking predictions were performed using Perl to evaluate pharmacological effects.Results: We identified a significant upregulation of SCAF1 in LIHC, and its overexpression may lead to decreased patient survival rates, enhanced levels of angiogenesis, invasion, and migration capabilities in LIHC. Chemokine analysis results demonstrated that the up-regulation of SCAF1 expression could inhibit the expression of cell factors such as CCL19. Experimental results demonstrated that genistein could downregulate SCAF1 and VEGFA in LIHC and inhibit cell invasion and migration levels.Conclusion: SCAF1 can influence angiogenesis in LIHC and affect tumor progression and therapeutic outcomes in LIHC patients through angiogenesis regulation.
Periviable preterm prelabor rupture of membranes: Outcomes of pregnancies following expectant management
Authors: Kuyucu Melda , Adiyaman Duygu , Atakul Bahar Konuralp , Golbası Hakan , Yorganci Özgün Uygur , Özeren Mehmet 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Periviable preterm rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess the outcomes and predictive factors of ekspectant management in pregnancies with periviable preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Methods: This was a retrospective study from January 2015 through December 2019. Women diagnosed with PPROM in the periviable period (20+0 to 25+6 weeks’ gestation) were included. Maternal demographics, clinical characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were reviewed. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records of a single center. Predictive factors for assessed using receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: A total of 142 women with mid-trimester PPROM were evaluated. Among this, 119 (83.8 %) were managed expectantly and included in this study. Forty-five (37.8%) of these pregnancies benefited from expectant management; that is, the newborns survived to discharge from NICU. The remaining 74 pregnancies (62.2%) resulted in pre-viable births, stillbirths, deaths in the delivery room, and neonatal deaths. Pregnancies benefiting from expectant management had a longer latency period, had a greater birth weight, and were born at a more advanced GA compared to women who did not benefit from expectant management. Diagnostic cut-off values were obtained by Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves for this indicators and their combination. ROC curve analysis identified GA at delivery ≤23 weeks, latency period ≤9 days, and birth weight ≤640 grams as predictors of unsuccessful expectant management.
Conclusions: Periviable PPROM is associated with poor neonatal outcomes with an overall survival rate of 37.8%. If the mother and fetus stabil during the expectant period, neonatal outcomes can be improved by increasing GA at birth, birth weight and latency period.
Benefits of a near-peer program from the tutors’ perspective: a survey of Australian junior doctors in a regional teaching program
Authors: Medveczky David Michael , Mitchell Alicia , Leopardi Eleonora , Dawson Amanda 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Near-peer teaching has been shown to provide significant benefits for both tutees and tutors in senior medical student and junior trainee settings. However, junior trainees may face more obstacles in teaching including competing clinical priorities and time management. We sought to investigate the challenges and benefits of engaging in near-peer teaching for junior trainees within our local context. Our Near Peer Medical Teaching (NPMT) teaching program is designed and facilitated by junior doctors for medical students at the Central Coast Clinical School (University of Newcastle) of the Joint Medical Program.
Methods
Current and past NPMT tutors participated in an online survey from October 2022 to April 2023. Tutors were asked about feasibility of teaching within a work environment, perceived benefits from their experience and attitudes towards medical education.
Results
Teaching appears to be strongly impacted by competing clinical priorities and time, but it does not appear to exert significant stress on tutors likely due to self-selection of tutors with prior enjoyable teaching experience. Furthermore, this study indicates that junior doctors derived enjoyment and development of clinical skills from the program, which are important factors in increasing job satisfaction and ameliorating burn-out in this cohort.
Conclusions
Junior doctors appear to benefit significantly from engaging in near peer programs in the Australian teaching hospital setting. Further research should include qualitative methodologies to explore the perspectives of Australian junior doctors’ more deeply.
Fluoride Release and Inhibition of Caries Around Restoration by Ion Releasing Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study
Authors: El-Adl Eman T. , Ebaya Maha M. , Habib El-Sayed E. , Zaghloul Nadia M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate and compare fluoride release of three ion releasing restorative materials and assess their inhibitory effect on secondary caries induced by cariogenic bacteria.
Materials and Methods: Three ion releasing restorative materials, self-adhesive hybrid composite (group A), ion releasing flowable composite liner (group B), and alkasite restorative material (group C), were examined. Twenty-two discs were fabricated from each material for fluoride release test, conducted on days 1, 7, and 14. For assessing secondary caries inhibition, sixty-six sound molar teeth were used and standardized class V cavities were prepared. Teeth were divided into three groups according to each material, followed by 2000 cycles of thermocycling. Subsequently, teeth were immersed in a solution containing cariogenic bacteria for 30 days. After that, teeth were sectioned bucco-lingually and analyzed using a polarized light microscope to measure inhibition area, outer lesion depth, and extension. Data was statistically analyzed using different tests.
Results: Statistically significant differences in fluoride release existed among materials. Self-adhesive hybrid composite exhibited the highest fluoride release, followed by alkasite restorative material and ion releasing flowable composite liner.
Lesion extension and depth were statistically significantly greater next to ion releasing flowable composite liner, while next to alkasite restorative material, they exceeded those next to Self-adhesive hybrid composite. The inhibition areas next to self-adhesive hybrid composite were statistically significantly larger than alkasite restorative material and ion releasing flowable composite liner.
Conclusion: All three ion releasing restorative materials displayed fluoride release and potential to inhibit secondary caries formation. Self-adhesive hybrid composite demonstrated the highest fluoride-releasing potential and the greatest ability to inhibit secondary caries. Conversely, ion releasing flowable composite liner exhibited the least fluoride release with minimal secondary caries inhibition. Increasing fluoride release correlated with larger inhibition areas and reduced outer lesion depth and extension.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Middle-aged and Elderly People with Sarcopenia: a Nationwide Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Xing Wen-Yuan , Tang Le , Zheng Ya-Nan , Bai Yi-Wen , Jiang Xue , Bi Xia , Wang Xue-Qiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) in sarcopenia population aged 45 years or older by using a large and diverse cross-sectional dataset.
Methods
In this national study, data on 8113 participants from CHARLS 2015 were analyzed. The prevalence of LBP was investigated, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with LBP in sarcopenia population.
Findings:
The prevalence of LBP was 24.19% (95% CI 22.94–25.44) in sarcopenia population, significantly higher than that in non-sarcopenia (16.4%, 95% CI 15.19–17.61). The prevalence was higher in female (28.91%, 27.13–30.69) than in male (18.43%, 16.74–20.11; p < 0.001 for gender difference) and in people with more than four chronic comorbidities (44.83%, 40.87–48.79) than in those without chronic comorbidities (13.02%, 11.02–15.02; p < 0.001 for the number of chronic diseases difference). The risk factors for LBP in sarcopenia population included diagnosis of heart attack (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.11–1.77), kidney disease (1.80, 1.30–2.49), gastrointestinal disease (1.62, 1.35–1.94), arthritis or rheumatism (1.76, 1.48–2.10), sleep time of less than 5 h (2.06, 1.36–3.10), living in rural area (1.54, 1.20–1.96), illiteracy (1.64, 1.21–2.22), middle school and higher (1.70, 1.30–2.23), depression (3.16, 2.56–3.89), and so on.
Conclusions
LBP is highly prevalent in the Chinese sarcopenia population. Chronic diseases, sleep time, residence, educational level, depression, instrumental ADL disability, and history of fall are major risk factors of LBP for sarcopenia population.
Efficacy of Sivelestat Sodium in the Therapy of Critically ill Patients at high risk of developing ARDS due to SIRS: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Jing Liang , Xu Liang , Dai Jian , Zhang Jun , Shu Tingting , Cao Fengsheng , Jiang Ting , Li Feng , Li Min , He Yan , Wu Maoqing , Yuan Haitao , Wang Jia , Zhu Guochao , Liu Huaping , Zhu Wei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Sivelestat sodium has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to mitigate respiratory dysfunction and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. Its clinical usage remains controversial. This multicenter prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sivelestat sodium in patients presenting high-risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome with an oxygenation index (PaO2/FIO2 ratio; P/F ratio) between 100–400 mmHg upon ICU administration.
Methods
Eighty-two patients were divided into two groups: sivelestat group and conventional group. Clinical information, including vital sign, etiology, scoring systems for illness severity, laboratory test data, P/F ratio and chronic comorbidities were collected at the time of administration. The primary end points were invasive mechanical ventilation ratio and ventilator-free days (VFDs). Besides, the severe ARDS ratio, changes of P/F ratio (∆P/F ratio), levels of inflammatory factors (procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6)) before and after 7 days therapy were also collected.
Results
Prescribe sivelestat sodium, as compared with conventional therapy, did not have a significant effect on mechanical ventilation ratio or severe ARDS ratio. Notably, sivelestat group exhibited significantly higher VFDs and an improved ∆P/F ratio in mild and moderate ARDS subgroup. Additionally, the ∆P/F ratio was significantly elevated on the fifth day following therapy initiation. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the levels of CRP and PCT, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect.
Conclusion
The results facilitate a randomized controlled trial to determine sivelestat sodium may be considered to alleviate inflammation response and protect patients with mild or moderate ARDS.
Association between life’s essential 8 and Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease among US adults
Authors: Wang Zheng , Huang Bohan , Ding Yixuan , Cao Feng , Li Fei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Clinical evidences have demonstrated the link between MASLD and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. We aimed to investigate the relationship between Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), an enhanced approach to assessing cardiovascular health(CVH), and MASLD.
Methods
Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2017–2020 cycles. MASLD was assessed by the latest diagnostic criteria. LE8 scores (range 0–100) were obtained from measurements based on American Heart Association definitions, divided into health factor and health behavior scores. Multivariable logistic and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the associations.
Results
5646 participants were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2616 (46.33%) participants were diagnosed with MASLD. After adjusting for confounding variables, higher LE8 scores were associated with a lower risk of MASLD (OR = 0.19, 95%CI 0.17–0.21; P < 0.001), similar associations were also observed between health behavior and health factor scores with MASLD. Subgroup analyses illustrated that the negative association between LE8 score and MASLD was stronger among younger, non − Hispanic White, and never married participants.
Conclusions
LE8 scores, health behavior scores, and health factor scores were negatively associated with the prevalence of MASLD in non-linear fashions. Maintaining ideal health factors and health behaviors might be helpful for the prevention of MASLD and reduction the burden of MASLD and its complications.
TiO 2 inorganic nanoparticle framework enhanced PEO based solid-state electrolytes for improved performance of solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Huang Xiaoqi , Leng Xuning , Li Tongsuai , Wang Chaojie , Tang Jiacheng , Xie Liang , Liu Baosheng , Zhang Shaohui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Solid-state batteries with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) solid electrolytes are considered to have a wide range of application prospects. However, the high-level crystallinity of PEO leads to poor lithium-ion conduction capability, and there are problems such as poor electrochemical stability and undesirable contact characteristics of electrode/electrolyte interface in solid-state lithium batteries. In order to solve these problems, composite polymer electrolytes (CPE) containing TiO2 as inorganic frameworks are prepared by a facile solution casting method in this paper. The results show that the CPE with TiO2 content of 10 wt% elevates the conductivity to 1.08 × 10− 3 S cm− 1 at 60°C as one of the best polymer composite solid electrolytes. The Li symmetric battery with constant current charge/discharge cycle test at 0.2 mA˖cm− 2 current density stabilizes the cycle for 129 h. The initial specific capacity of LiFePO4/PLT10/Li at 0.1 C reaches 133.01 mAh˖g− 1 with a coulombic efficiency of 83.44%. The discharge specific capacity remains 152.52 mAh˖g− 1 with a cyclic retention of 109.51% for capacity after 20 cycles at 0.1 C. The oxidation/reduction peaks potential difference on the cyclic voltammetry curves (CV) is 0.483 V. As expected, the TiO2 inorganic framework reduces the crystallinity of the PEO-based solid electrolytes and improves solid-state electrolyte and interfacial stability in Li-ion batteries, which bring higher coulombic efficiency and cycling capacity retention.
How the Chinese national centralized drug procurement affects the revenues of pharmaceutical companies: a quasi-natural experiment based in China
Authors: Yang Fenghong , Sun Jingchun , Sun Zhixuan , Jian Jinyang , Xie Rongbai , Yang Huitong , Chu Shuzhen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: As China’s band purchasing policy affects firms’ revenues, this study aims to investigate how the revenues of firms entering the policy change in the context of the normalization of the policy, with the goal of providing suggestions for its improvement.
Methods: We selected two time points, December 2018 and March 2019, to investigate the impact of the policy on firms’ revenues by means of a difference-in-differences model using data from 265 pharmaceutical companies in China.
Results: We found that the policy has a negative effect on firms’ net income, which is significant at the 1% level when controlling for internal and external variables. We also demonstrated the reliability of the regression results through parallel trend, placebo, and randomness tests.
Conclusions: Our research shows that although firms are able to gain a larger market share by entering centralized purchasing, the low prices result in lower revenues due to the market dynamics. These results also reflect the policy’s bias in favor of drug purchasers and users, as well as the nature of price competition that places affected pharmaceutical companies in a relatively passive position in the market.
Separable cell cycle arrest and immune response elicited through pharmacological CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition in RASmut disease models
Authors: Knudsen Erik , WU JIN , Wang Jianxin , O’Connor Thomas , Tzetzo Stephanie , Gurova Katerina , Witkiewicz Agnieszka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The combination of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy has shown promise in various cancer models, particularly those harboring RAS mutations. An initial high-throughput drug screen identified high synergy between the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib when used in combination for soft tissue sarcomas. In RAS mutant models, palbociclib and trametinib combination treatment induced a significant G1 cell cycle arrest, resulting in marked reduction in cell proliferation and growth. CRISPR-mediated RB1 depletion revealed a decreased response to CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition, which was validated in both cell culture and xenograft models. Beyond its cell cycle inhibitory effects, pathway enrichment analysis revealed a robust activation of interferon pathways upon CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition. This induction of gene expression was associated with the upregulation of retroviral elements. The TBK1 inhibitor GSK8612 selectively blocked the induction of interferon-related genes induced by palbociclib and trametinib treatment and highlights the separable epigenetic responses elicited by combined CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition. Together, these findings provide key mechanistic insights into the therapeutic potential of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition in the context of multiple disease settings.