bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic utility of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels for cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lin Ting-Yu , Leu Hsin-Bang , Wu Yen-Wen , Tseng Wei-Kung , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Yeh Hung-I , Chang Kuan-Cheng , Wang Ji-Hung , Yin Wei-Hsian , Wu Chau-Chung , Huang Chun-Yao , Lin Shing-Jong , Hsu Chien-Yi , Chen Jaw-Wen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) modulates the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9, which is an important mediator of plaque instability in atherosclerosis. High NGAL levels can independently predict all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, studies that have measured NGAL levels in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are limited. Furthermore, no significant prognostic predictive value between NGAL levels and stable CAD has been established.

Hypothesis
We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of NGAL levels in a prospective cohort study of patients with stable CAD treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods
A total of 2,238 stable patients with CAD and a previous PCI were enrolled in a multicenter prospective observational study (The National Taiwan Biosignature Research, NTBR) in Taiwan. The primary outcome was the occurrence of MACE (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke). The secondary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure).

Results
During the mean follow-up period of 4.6 ± 1.7 years, 441 patients reached the primary endpoints. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that event-free survival was significantly different between the first and third tertile groups (log-rank test, p < 0.001) in subjects categorized by NGAL levels. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, plasma NGAL levels were independently associated with an increased risk of MACE [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18–1.54, p < 0.001], AMI (aHR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.12–1.59, p < 0.001), and target vessel revascularization (aHR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.19–1.53, p < 0.001). Addition of serum NGAL levels to the traditional risk model improved its prediction value for future cardiovascular events.

Conclusions
High plasma NGAL levels were independently associated with the occurrence of MACE and composite cardiovascular events in patients with stable PCI-treat CAD.
The causal effects between low back pain and cerebrospinal fluid metabolites: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Peng Run , Wang Xiaoxin , Wang Wei , Li Zeqin , Sun Yuze , Yang Mingliang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Observational studies have shown an association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites and low back pain (LBP), but the causal relationship between these factors remains unclear.

Methods
We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine whether there is a causal relationship between CSF metabolites and LBP. We applied several MR methods, including inverse variance weighting, weighted median, MR-Egger, Wald ratio, and MR-PRESSO, to test the causal relationship and conducted a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results.

Results
We identified a total of 12 CSF metabolites significantly associated with LBP, of which Bilirubin, 5,6-dihydrothymine, Erythronate, Mannitol/sorbitol, and Butyrate have a potential inhibitory causal effect on LBP risk (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, 2-hydroxyadipate, Gamma-glutamyl-alpha-lysine, Indoleacetate, N-acetylputrescine, Palmitoyl dihydrosphingomyelin, S-methylcysteine, and 2,3-dihydroxy-5-methylthio-4-pentenoate play a causal role in increasing the risk of LBP (p < 0.05). No significant estimates of heterogeneity or pleiotropy were detected.

Conclusion
Our study emphasizes the causal relationship between CSF metabolites and LBP risk, providing reference for clinical treatment and prognosis of LBP.
Effect of arm-ergometry versus treadmill supervised exercise on health-related quality of life and mental health in patients with peripheral artery disease: secondary outcomes from the ARMEX trial
Authors: Magalhães Sandra , Santos Mário , Viamonte Sofia , Ribeiro Fernando , Martins Joana , Schmidt Cristine , Cyrne-Carvalho Henrique 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) negatively affects walking performance, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health. Exercise training is recommended as a first-line treatment for PAD, with potential impact on all these outcomes, but the optimal program design is not completely ascertained. The aim of this study was to compare arm-ergometry (AEx) and treadmill supervised exercise training (TEx) on HRQoL and mental health in patients with PAD.

Methods
This was an ancillary study of the ARMEX trial, a single-center, single-blinded, parallel group, randomized clinical trial, enrolling symptomatic PAD patients referred to a cardiovascular rehabilitation program (CRP). Participants were randomized (1:1) to a 12-week AEx or TEx, along with the core components of a CRP (nutritional and psychological support). Participants completed the short form 36 Health Survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale before and after the intervention. Differences between groups in the change from baseline to the end of the study were analyzed using ANCOVA, adjusted for baseline values, or the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results
Fifty-six patients (66 ± 8.4 years; 87.5% male) were included: AEx (n = 28) and TEx (n = 28). Physical functioning, role-physical, bodily-pain, general health, mental health and physical component summary (PCS) significantly improved in AEx group. In the TEx group, physical functioning, role-physical, bodily-pain, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional and PCS significantly improved. Role-physical and role-emotional improved more in TEx, with no between-group differences in the other domains. Changes in PCS were significantly associated with changes in walking distances. Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale scores improved in both groups, without between-group differences. This improvement was associated with self-reported walking distance.

Conclusion
Both exercise protocols improved HRQoL and mental health in patients with symptomatic PAD, highlighting exercise-based programs as important treatment strategies for this population.

Trial registration number
ISRCTN54908548 (retrospectively registered).
Laminoplasty vs laminectomy in the surgical management of spinal intradural extramedullary tumors
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Sharma Prevesh Kumar , Chand Vipin Kumar , Mohammad Kaif , Yadav Kuldeep , Singh Neha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Laminectomy and laminoplasty have been widely used for patients with spinal cord tumors. Spinal tumors comprise around 5–10% of all central nervous tumors, with 70–80% of these being intradural extramedullary in location. Surgery is the main treatment modality for spinal tumors. In this case series, we aimed to compare the laminectomy and laminoplasty procedure in the surgical management of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of both the procedures.

Materials and method
The clinical and radiological data of patients who underwent laminectomy or laminoplasty for spinal cord tumors were retrospectively analyzed. Out of the 56 patients undergoing surgery for spinal IDEM, “En-bloc osteoplastic laminoplasty” with titanium microplates was performed in 26 patients, while 26 patients had laminectomy without disrupting the facet joints, and 4 patients required fusion with screws and rods along with laminectomy. All these patients were followed for one year. Patient data, including surgical time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, post-operative complications, post-operative neurological status, post-operative pain, and preoperative and post-operative deformity, were gathered and analyzed in both the laminectomy and laminoplasty groups.

Results
Of the total, there were 23 males and 33 females, with a mean age of 39.47 ± 13.65 years in the laminectomy group and 37.23 ± 12.03 in the laminoplasty group. The average operative time for laminectomy procedures was 138.86 ± 10.90 min, while it was 145.19 ± 9.54 in the laminoplasty group. The average length of hospital stay in the laminectomy group was 6.50 ± 2.01 days, and 5.08 ± 1.47 days in the laminoplasty group. The mean blood loss in laminectomy group was 118 ± 15.05 ml, whereas in laminoplasty group the mean blood loss was around 110 ± 12.46 ml. Also, laminoplasty group had a lower incidence of post-operative deformity.

Conclusions
Laminoplasty is a constructive technique in the management of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors, associated with fewer post-operative complications, lower incidence of new post-operative deformities or worsening of preoperative deformities, and a shorter duration of post-operative pain. Additionally, it alleviates the need for additional instrumentation, thereby avoiding an extra financial burden while enhancing the quality of life for the patient. A high-quality randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up is necessary to validate the findings of this innovative technique.
Association between CAPN-10 gene variant and diabetes mellitus in Nigeria: a review
Authors: Adebo David Olufemi , Olaniyan Mathew Folaranmi , Ugege Christian Onosetale , Odegbemi Odekunle Bola 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a significant global health concern characterised by insulin resistance and chronic hyperglycemia. Genetic factors, particularly variations in the CAPN-10 gene, have been implicated in T2DM susceptibility across diverse populations.

Aim and objective
This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CAPN-10 gene with T2DM among various populations, focusing specifically on Nigerian cohorts.

Materials and methods
A comprehensive literature search yielded 150 studies, from which 45 met inclusion criteria, encompassing approximately 25,000 individuals, including 10,000 diagnosed with T2DM. Statistical analyses assessed the association between CAPN-10 SNPs (UCSNP-43, UCSNP-19, UCSNP-63) and T2DM risk.

Results
A significant association was observed for UCSNP-43 (rs3792267) with T2DM (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.28–1.75; p < 0.001), particularly in urban Nigerian populations. UCSNP-19 (rs3842570) also showed a moderate association (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.10–1.66; p = 0.01), especially in South-West Nigeria. No significant association was found for UCSNP-63 (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.90–1.45; p = 0.30).

Conclusion
The findings indicate that CAPN-10 SNPs, particularly UCSNP-43 and UCSNP-19, contribute to T2DM susceptibility in Nigerian populations, emphasising the importance of genetic screening for personalised interventions in diabetes management.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a modality of treatment in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Shahat Rawan M. El , Sebaie Mona A. El , Ahmed Sahar F. , Fawaz Shereen I. , Kamel Marwa A. , Nassef Marwa A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness. It is also frequently associated with mood disorders, tiredness, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging nonpharmacological therapeutic option for fibromyalgia. rTMS involves an electromagnetic coil placed on the scalp that is rapidly turned on and off to generate short magnetic pulses to the brain (2).
rTMS can reduce chronic pain by triggering inhibitory neural pathways at the level of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. It can improve motor function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms, including depression and anxiety, in many diseases (7).

Aim of the work
The study aimed to evaluate the role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating fibromyalgia.

Results
Highly significant improvement in feel-good and work-missed scores by FIQ being lower in the case group compared to the control group (p-values 0.008 and 0.003 respectively). On comparing the control and case groups regarding anxiety and depression using the HADS questionnaire and fatigue assessment using the SF36 questionnaire after rTMS sessions, there was a statistically significant lower depression score in the case group compared to the control group (p-value of 0.024), and statistically significant higher energy/fatigue scores in the case group compared to the control group with (p-value = 0.004).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that rTMS relieved pain, reduced anxiety, depression, and fatigue and enhanced quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
Quantitative Volumetric Computed Tomography Density Predicts Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage Expansion and Enhances Spot Sign Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Kashkoush Ahmed , Winkelman Robert , Achey Rebecca , Davison Mark A. , Kshettry Varun R. , Moore Nina , Hassett Catherine E. , Gomes Joao , Bain Mark 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Identifying patients with basal ganglia intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) at risk of hematoma expansion (HE) may better define selection criteria for early surgical evacuation. The aim of this study was to use automated radiographic feature extraction to improve risk stratification for basal ganglia ICH expansion.

METHODS:
A single-center retrospective review was performed to identify patients with basal ganglia ICH between 2013 and 2024. ICH volumes were automatically segmented from the initial noncontrast computed tomography (CT) of the head using a custom-trained convolutional neural network. Features were quantified from the segmented ICH including stereotactic location, normalized volumetric CT density (nv-CTD, measured as mean ICH CT density divided by the background parenchymal CT density), volume, orientation, and border irregularity. HE was defined as an increase in hemorrhage volume of 10 mL or at a rate of 1.7 mL/h.

RESULTS:
A total of 108 patients (median age 55 years, 62% male) were included. HE occurred in 24 patients (22%) and was associated with shorter duration between symptom onset and initial CT (median 1 vs 3 hours, P = .006), a lower nv-CTD (median 2.0 vs 2.2, P = .011), and a positive spot sign (41% vs 5%, P < .001). nv-CTD was positively associated with time to presentation (R
2 = 0.13, P < .001) and was negatively associated with HE in spot-sign–negative patients (median 2.0 vs 2.1, P = .016). Multivariate logistic regression modeling using nv-CTD and spot sign as inputs demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy compared with that of the spot sign alone (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.80 vs 0.68, P = .008). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of nv-CTD alone was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.56-0.78), which was statistically similar to that of the spot sign alone (0.68, 95% CI: 0.54-0.82) (P = .819).

CONCLUSION:
nv-CTD is a measure of bgICH acuity and can augment spot-sign bgICH expansion risk stratification.
Infective Endocarditis - Diagnosis, Treatment and Specific Situations Management – Current Knowledge, Review of the Literature
Authors: Balwierz Magdalena , Kosińska Agnieszka , Belcarz Wiktoria 
Published: February 2025

Introduction
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe condition of endocardium, which can manifest through a wide spectrum of unspecific symptoms related to various organ systems. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the presence of bacteraemia and imaging findings confirming IE visualized in echocardiography, computer tomography and nuclear imaging. Anatomical changes or foci of altered metabolism can be located on the valves, in the perivalvular area or in the area of foreign material (e. g. valves prosthesis or implantable device). Not only the diagnostic process can be challenging, but also the treatment, which consists of antibiotic therapy and cardiac surgery. The indications for surgical treatment depend on patients’ clinical condition, which can change dynamically. Multidisciplinary approach is required to the proper care of the patients.
Aim of the study
The aim of the study is to review the current knowledge of infective endocarditis and the timing indications of cardiac surgery treatment.
Material and methods
This article presents the current knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment in infective endocarditis, especially on the basis of the guidelines of European Society of Cardiology. Literature analysis, especially papers, which contain recent report in infective endocarditis treatment were analysed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords: “infective endocarditis”, ,‚surgery treatment of infective endocarditis”, “endocarditis team”, “CIED- related infective endocarditis”.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy - What Is New since 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines? Current Knowledge, Literature Review
Authors: Balwierz Magdalena 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetically conditioned disease, characterized by gradual fibro-fatty replacement of myocardium and tendency to ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. ARVC is included in a group of inherited similar clinical entities characterized by similar remodeling changes, named in general arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies (ACM). The new guidelines of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for the management of cardiomyopathies (2023) redefine arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC), left dominant ARVC, or arrhythmogenic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC). The diagnostic process is based on Padua Criteria (2020) according to ESC guidelines and includes: right ventricle dysfunction evidence, endomyocardial biopsy results, defects of repolarization and conduction, arrhythmias and family history. However, in 2024 European Task Force consensus with modified guidelines was proposed. The treatment focuses on arrhythmias and heart failure management, prevention of sudden cardia death and family screening. Multidisciplinary approach is required to the proper management of the patients.
Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to review the current knowledge of ARVC, especially, novelties since 2023 ESC guidelines for the management of cardiomyopathies.
Material and methods: This article presents the current knowledge of the diagnosis of ARVC, especially on the basis of the guidelines of European Society of Cardiology and more recent experts’ consensus. Literature analysis, which contain recent report in ARVC diagnosis were analyzed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords: “arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy”, ,‚arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy”, “Task Force criteria for ARVC diagnosis”, “ventricular arrhythmias”.
Consumption Commitments and Housing Dynamics
Authors: Kantak Preetesh 
Published: February 2025

Using a measure of local long-run growth prospects, I uncover a novel link between economic fundamentals and house prices. Whereas excess housing returns are positively associated with economic growth prospects, housing valuations are negatively associated with shocks to growth prospects. I document an explanation in metro-area consumption: housing consumption is asymmetrically exposed to economic prospects in that it expands more quickly when prospects are strong than it contracts when prospects are poor. I explain these findings through the lens of an asset pricing model that focuses on a trade-off between nonseparable committed housing and nonhousing consumption. This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance. Supplemental Material: Data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01996 .
Modeling Metro Passenger Routing Choices with a Fully Differentiable End-to-End Simulation-Based Optimization (SBO) Approach
Authors: Du Kejun , Lee Enoch , Ma Qiru , Su Zhiya , Zhang Shuyang , Lo Hong K. 
Published: February 2025

Metro systems in densely populated urban areas are often complicated, with some origin-destinations (OD) having multiple routes with similar travel times, leading to complex passenger routing behaviors. To improve modeling and calibration, this paper proposes a novel passenger route choice model with a metro simulator that accounts for passenger flows, queueing, congestion, and transfer delays. A novel, data-driven approach that utilizes a fully differentiable end-to-end simulation-based optimization (SBO) framework is proposed to calibrate the model, with the gradients calculated automatically and analytically using the iterative backpropagation (IB) algorithm. The SBO framework integrates data from multiple sources, including smart card data and train loadings, to calibrate the route choice parameters that best match the observed data. The full differentiability of the proposed framework enables it to calibrate for more than 20,000 passenger route choice ratios, covering every OD pair. To further improve the efficiency of the framework, a matrix-based optimization (MBO) mechanism is proposed, which provides better initial values for the SBO and ensures high efficiency with large datasets. A hybrid optimization algorithm combining MBO and SBO effectively calibrates the model, demonstrating high accuracy with synthetic data from actual passenger OD demands, where hypothesis tests are conducted for accuracies and significances. The accuracies and robustness are validated by experiments with synthetic passenger flow data, offering potential for optimizing passenger flow management in densely populated urban metro systems. Then, the SBO framework is extended for user equilibrium formulations with a crowding-aware route choice model and iterative metro simulations, calibrated by the hybrid optimization algorithm with additional matrix operations. Case studies with actual observed passenger flows are conducted to illustrate the proposed framework with multiple setups, exhibiting the heterogeneity of passenger route choice preferences and providing insights for operation management in the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway system. History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Issue on Machine Learning Methods for Urban Mobility. Funding: This work was supported by the General Research Fund of the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong [Grant 16219224], the Key Research and Development Program of Hubei Province [Grant 2023BAB076], and the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72001162]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2024.0557 .