bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Atrium Strain as a Diagnostic Measure for Diastolic Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mahmoodi Zohreh , Naderi Nasim , Taghavi Sepideh , Rashki Ghalenoo Sara 
Published: February 2025

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate if left atrial strain (LAS) can be utilized as a reliable diagnostic indicator for the existence and severity of diastolic dysfunction (DD). Materials and Methods: A careful search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for published research up to August 30, 2022. Two independent researchers independently reviewed all studies using the inclusion criteria and extracted the data in a data extraction file. Any inconsistencies were settled by consensus or discussion with a third author. The meta-analysis was carried out using a statistical program. Results: A total of seven articles consisting of 2106 patients were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of LAS in diagnosing DD were 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 69%–86%) and 76% (95% CI = 72%–79%). The corresponding positive likelihood ratio was 3.3 (95% CI = 2.5–4.1), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.27 (95% CI = 0.18–0.43). Conclusion: The LAS, independent from left atrium (LA) size/volume, demonstrated a good sensitivity and specificity, in DD evaluation and might be a relevant metric to be considered in suspected patient cases.
Formation of amorphous molybdenum sulfide in abiotic and biotic sulfidic conditions: A comparative study on molybdenum sequestration mechanisms
Authors: Phillips Rachel F. , Leng Weinan , Singerling Sheryl A. , Desmau Morgane , Xu Jie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Concentrations of sedimentary molybdenum (Mo) have been used as a proxy for palaeoceanographic redox conditions based on the distinctive behaviour of Mo under oxic versus euxinic (i.e., anoxic and sulfidic) conditions. However, the mechanisms that govern Mo sequestration in various euxinic settings are not fully resolved. It has previously been proposed that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), the main drivers and regulators of euxinic conditions, can actively take up and reduce Mo intracellularly and passively induce Fe-independent Mo complexation and reduction at their cell surfaces. However, uncertainties remain regarding the underlying interactions and relative contributions of these proposed biotic Mo sequestration pathways. In this study, systematic experiments were carried out to examine the interactions among Mo(VI) species (MoO42- or MoS42-), ferrous iron (Fe2+) and SRB with a focus on combinations of conditions that lead to reductive Mo precipitation. The speciation of aqueous Mo and composition, structure, oxidation states and bonding environment of precipitated Mo-sulfides were analysed using UV-vis spectrophotometry (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Results indicate that SRB does not directly reduce Mo but, rather, plays a passive role in mediating Mo sequestration by providing sulfide and potential nucleation sites at their reactive cell surfaces for precipitation. However, even in the presence of SRB cells, Fe2+ was required for Mo precipitation in all conditions tested. By identifying the limiting (and non-limiting) factors in the Mo reduction and sequestration process, this study provides significant new insights for interpreting Mo palaeoredox proxies.
Pilot feasibility study to determine the utility of direct access and quantitative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the assessment of suspected acute biliary or ductal gallstone presentations
Authors: Novak Alex , Acharya Anita , Beer Sally , Espinosa Alexis , Smith Giles Bond , Saga Cyrene , Andrews Jane , Bailey Adam , Soonawalla Zahir , Bungay Helen , Pavlides Michael 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Patients with suspected acute gallstone disease typically undergo abdominal ultrasound. MRCP is often used for patients with abnormal LFTs, potentially making ultrasound unnecessary for this group. Despite high inter-reader variability in MRCP interpretation, new AI technologies may automate and standardize detection and measurement.

Method
Patients with suspected acute gallstone disease and abnormal liver function tests were randomized into two diagnostic pathways, direct MRCP and standard care. Admission data, healthcare resource use, and clinical outcomes were recorded. National Health Service national 20/21 tariffs were used to calculate and compare healthcare costs. MRCP scans were subsequently analysed using MRCP + software (Perspectum Ltd).

Results
27 participants were enrolled over 12 months, 15 to direct MRCP and 11 to standard care. One patient was excluded from analysis. Mean patient time to diagnostic report and mean per patient associated direct medical cost and mean cost to diagnosis for the direct MRCP and standard of care group was 2.53 days, £449.54, and £647 respectively for the direct MRCP group and 4.18 days costing £742.06 and £896 for standard care. MRCP + analysis of 11 scans showed significant differences between the groups in terms of gallbladder volume (80.2mm3 gallstone present versus 30.1mm3 without, p = 0.018 and cystic duct median width (4.6 mm gallstone present versus 2.7 mm without, p = 0.042).

Conclusions
Direct MRCP may be a feasible and potentially cost-effective diagnostic strategy for patients with suspected acute gallstone disease and deranged LFTs. Automated measurement of MRCP parameters shows promise in detecting obstruction. Larger trials are warranted to assess this potential.

Clinical trial number
This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03709030). Registration date: October 17, 2018.
Sickness absence among privately employed white-collar workers during the COVID-19 pandemic; a prospective cohort study
Authors: Farrants Kristin , Müller Mira , Alexanderson Kristina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it several changes, both regarding infection with COVID-19 itself as well as measures to combat the spread of infection, that might have affected sickness absence (SA) patterns. The aim was to explore whether incidence and length of SA changed between 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as to determine factors associated with SA due to COVID-19 or COVID-like diagnoses among privately employed white-collar workers.

Methods
A cohort of all privately employed white-collar workers in 2018 in Sweden (n = 1 347 778; 47% women) was followed prospectively during 2019, 2020, and 2021 using linked nationwide register data. We calculated numbers and proportions of people with incident SA (in SA spells > 14 days) due to COVID-19, COVID-like diagnoses (certain respiratory, infectious, and symptom-based diagnoses used in the beginning of the pandemic for suspected COVID-19), and all other SA, respectively, and mean number of SA days with somatic and mental diagnoses. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for associations between prior diagnosis-specific SA, sociodemographic and work-related factors and incident SA due to COVID-19 or COVID-like diagnoses.

Results
In 2020, 0.6% of the women and 0.3% of the men had incident SA due to COVID-19. For SA with COVID-like diagnoses, the corresponding proportions were 1.2% and 0.5%. The proportion of people with all other SA was stable across the years, at 8.1–8.4% for women and 3.7–3.9% for men. The mean number of SA days per person increased each year for somatic diagnoses but for mental diagnoses it decreased from 2019 to 2020 and increased to 2021 among women and men. Factors associated most strongly with incident SA due to COVID-19 or COVID-like diagnoses were low income (adjusted OR-range 1.36–5.67 compared to the highest income group) and prior SA due to COVID-like diagnoses (OR-range 4.67–5.31 compared to those with no such prior SA).

Conclusions
A small proportion of privately-employed white-collar workers had incident SA spells > 14 days due to COVID-19 or COVID-like diagnoses. The factors associated with SA due to COVID-19 were similar to factors associated with SA due to other diagnoses in previous studies.
Gp350-targeted CAR-T therapy in EBV-positive Burkitt lymphoma: pre-clinical development of gp350 CAR-T
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Wang Huiping , Ding Yangyang , Cao Nengneng , Nan Fengya , Wu Fan , Li Cong , Liang Xue , Xiao Meng , Guo Jinjing , Gao Zhimai , Yan Li , Zhou Tielin , Li Yanli , Zhai Zhimin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncovirus belonging to the herpesvirus family, associated with the pathogenesis of multiple malignancies, particularly Burkitt lymphoma (BL). The virus remains latent in host cells and plays a critical role in tumor progression through various mechanisms. A key glycoprotein, gp350, expressed during the lytic phase of EBV, is instrumental in viral entry into B cells and presents a unique antigenic target, making it a promising candidate for immunotherapeutic approaches, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy.

Methods
In this study, we engineered CAR-T cells targeted against the gp350 glycoprotein and assessed their therapeutic potential through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The efficacy of the gp350-CAR-T cells was evaluated by comparing their cytotoxic effects against both EBV-positive and -negative tumor cell lines. We utilized a xenograft model of Burkitt lymphoma to monitor the impact of gp350-CAR-T cell administration on tumor progression and overall survival.

Results
The engineered gp350-CAR-T cells demonstrated potent cytotoxicity specifically against EBV-positive tumor cell lines. In our in vivo xenograft model, administration of gp350-CAR-T cells resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth, highlighting their capability to effectively target and eliminate EBV-positive lymphomas. This selectivity underscores the potential of utilizing gp350 as a specific target for immunotherapy.

Conclusion
Our findings advocate for the clinical application of gp350-directed CAR-T therapy as a prospective treatment strategy for patients with relapsed or refractory EBV-positive tumors. Given the encouraging preclinical results, further research is warranted to optimize CAR-T cell production processes and extend the potential of this therapy to other EBV-associated malignancies, paving the way for improved outcomes in affected patient populations.
Prognostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound in patients with pulseless electrical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jian Shang-Jun Zhang , Cheng Tzu-Heng , Yen Chieh-Ching 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The prognosis for pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is typically poor; however, patients with cardiac activity observed on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) tend to have better outcomes compared to those without. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the prognostic accuracy of cardiac activity detected by POCUS in predicting resuscitation outcomes in patients experiencing PEA.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify relevant studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) were calculated using the bivariate model.

Results
Eighteen studies comprising 1202 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Cardiac activity observed on POCUS demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI 0.67–0.95) and specificity of 0.64 (95% CI 0.51–0.75) for predicting return of spontaneous circulation, a pooled sensitivity of 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.94) and specificity of 0.73 (95% CI 0.63–0.81) for survival to admission (SHA), and a pooled sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI 0.58–0.91) and specificity of 0.58 (95% CI 0.47–0.68) for survival to discharge. The highest area under the SROC, 0.89 (95% CI 0.86–0.92), was observed for SHA.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that POCUS may serve as a vital component of a multimodal approach for early termination of resuscitation.
Comparative evaluation and performance of large language models on expert level critical care questions: a benchmark study
Authors: Workum Jessica D. , Volkers Bas W. S. , van de Sande Davy , Arora Sumesh , Goeijenbier Marco , Gommers Diederik , van Genderen Michel E. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Large language models (LLMs) show increasing potential for their use in healthcare for administrative support and clinical decision making. However, reports on their performance in critical care medicine is lacking.

Methods
This study evaluated five LLMs (GPT-4o, GPT-4o-mini, GPT-3.5-turbo, Mistral Large 2407 and Llama 3.1 70B) on 1181 multiple choice questions (MCQs) from the gotheextramile.com database, a comprehensive database of critical care questions at European Diploma in Intensive Care examination level. Their performance was compared to random guessing and 350 human physicians on a 77-MCQ practice test. Metrics included accuracy, consistency, and domain-specific performance. Costs, as a proxy for energy consumption, were also analyzed.

Results
GPT-4o achieved the highest accuracy at 93.3%, followed by Llama 3.1 70B (87.5%), Mistral Large 2407 (87.9%), GPT-4o-mini (83.0%), and GPT-3.5-turbo (72.7%). Random guessing yielded 41.5% (p < 0.001). On the practice test, all models surpassed human physicians, scoring 89.0%, 80.9%, 84.4%, 80.3%, and 66.5%, respectively, compared to 42.7% for random guessing (p < 0.001) and 61.9% for the human physicians. However, in contrast to the other evaluated LLMs (p < 0.001), GPT-3.5-turbo’s performance did not significantly outperform physicians (p = 0.196). Despite high overall consistency, all models gave consistently incorrect answers. The most expensive model was GPT-4o, costing over 25 times more than the least expensive model, GPT-4o-mini.

Conclusions
LLMs exhibit exceptional accuracy and consistency, with four outperforming human physicians on a European-level practice exam. GPT-4o led in performance but raised concerns about energy consumption. Despite their potential in critical care, all models produced consistently incorrect answers, highlighting the need for more thorough and ongoing evaluations to guide responsible implementation in clinical settings.
Proteomic profiling of human plasma and intervertebral disc tissue reveals matrisomal, but not plasma, biomarkers of disc degeneration
Authors: Dube Christabel Thembela , Gilbert Hamish T. J. , Rabbitte Niamh , Baird Pauline , Patel Sonal , Herrera Jeremy A. , Baricevic-Jones Ivona , Unwin Richard D. , Chan Danny , Gnanalingham Kanna , Hoyland Judith A. , Richardson Stephen M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common cause of low back pain, and the most symptomatic patients with neural compression need surgical intervention to relieve symptoms. Current techniques used to diagnose IVD degeneration, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), do not detect changes in the tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) as degeneration progresses. Improved techniques, such as a combination of tissue and blood biomarkers, are needed to monitor the progression of IVD degeneration for more effective treatment plans.

Methods
To identify tissue and blood biomarkers associated with degeneration progression, we histologically graded 35 adult human degenerate IVD tissues and matched plasma from the individuals into two groups: mild degenerate and severe degenerate. Mass spectrometry was utilised to characterise proteomic differences in tissue and plasma between the two groups. Top differentially distributed proteins were further validated using immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. Additionally, correlational analyses were conducted to define similarities and differences between tissue and plasma protein changes in individuals with mild and severe IVD degeneration.

Results
Our data revealed that the abundance of 31 proteins was significantly increased in severe degenerated IVD tissues compared to mild. Functional analyses showed that more than 40% of these proteins were matrisome-related, indicating differences in ECM protein composition between severe and mild degenerate IVD tissues. We confirmed adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) as one of the most significantly enriched core matrisome genes and proteins as degeneration progressed. Compared to others, AEBP1 protein levels best distinguished between mild and severe degenerated IVD tissues with an area under the curve score of 0.768 (95% CI: 0.60–0.93). However, we found that protein changes from associated plasma exhibited a weak relationship with histological grading and AEBP1 tissue levels. Given that systemic plasma changes are complex, a larger sample cohort may be required to identify patterns in blood relating to IVD degeneration progression.

Conclusions
In this study, we have identified AEBP1 as a tissue marker for monitoring the severity of disc degeneration in humans. Further work to link alterations in tissue AEBP1 levels to changes in blood-related proteins will be beneficial for detailed monitoring of IVD degeneration thereby enabling more personalised treatment approaches.
Asthma
Authors: O’Keefe Andrew , Connors Lori , Ling Ling , Kim Harold 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory disorders in Canada, however, many Canadians with asthma remain poorly controlled. In most patients, control can be achieved through appropriate therapy, including: inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), combination ICS/long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA), “triple therapy” with ICS/LABA/long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (LAMA), and biologic therapies. The medical management of severe asthma, in particular, has changed dramatically with the incorporation of biologics in asthma treatment plans. Allergen-specific immunotherapy represents a potentially disease-modifying therapy for many patients with asthma; it must only be prescribed by physicians with appropriate training in allergy. Other essential components of asthma management include: regular monitoring of asthma control and risk of exacerbations; patient education and written asthma action plans; assessing barriers to treatment and adherence to therapy; adequate management of comorbidities (e.g., allergic rhinitis) and reviewing inhaler device technique. This article provides a review of current literature and guidelines for the appropriate diagnosis and management of asthma in adults and children.
A pilot study of twice-weekly group-based written exposure therapy for veterans in residential substance use treatment: effects on PTSD and depressive symptoms
Authors: Van Doren Natalia , Chang Fang-Hsi , Nguyen Amanda , McKenna Kevin R. , Satre Derek D. , Wiltsey-Stirman Shannon 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with substance use disorders (SUDs), resulting in high prevalence of PTSD among individuals in residential SUD care. However, there is limited research on integrating trauma treatment into residential SUD care settings. The aim of the present project was to conduct an initial evaluation of the effects of group-based Written Exposure Therapy (WET) on PTSD and depressive symptoms that was integrated into programming for individuals in residential SUD treatment.

Methods
Participants were 48 Veterans with comorbid PTSD-SUD from a 28 day residential SUD program at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Eligible participants were enrolled in 5 sessions of WET, delivered twice-weekly in an adapted group format. PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms were assessed at each session with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, DSM-5 version (PCL-5) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Results
Over 5 months, 76.2% of the target population were successfully enrolled. Of the enrolled sample, 48 participants, 92% (n = 44) completed 3 sessions, while 56% (n = 28) completed 5 sessions. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) showed significant within-person reductions in PTSD symptoms over time, with an average decrease of 3.18 per session (χ² = 23.21, p = .006) and moderate effect sizes (d = 0.46 and d = 0.51 at mid- and post-treatment). In addition, there were significant reductions in depressive symptoms within-persons over time, with an average per-session reduction of 1.13 (χ² = 23.10, p = .006).

Conclusion
Findings demonstrate that brief, group-delivered WET is feasible and shows promise for addressing PTSD and depressive symptoms in residential SUD treatment. Results of the present evaluation could inform further efficacy testing and implementation of PTSD treatment into residential SUD settings.
Highly effective energy transfer in the autotroph-heterotroph symbiosis: insights from compound-specific isotope analysis of amino acids
Authors: Li Jincen , Shibuya Mio , Takizawa Yuko , Chikaraishi Yoshito 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Many species establish symbiotic partnerships with different organisms to benefit energetically from living together to fit into environments, and such symbiosis is frequently found in the modern ocean as well as throughout Earth’s history. For example, coral reef ecosystems represent one of the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems in the modern ocean, which is simply explained by an assumption that many autotroph-heterotroph symbiotic species found in there increase the efficiency of trophic transfer from primary producers (i.e., algal symbionts) to primary consumers (i.e., animal hosts), and that such high efficiency may be propagated to entire food webs. However, this high efficiency has not been proved and illustrated with quantitative data in the trophic transfer of photosynthates from algal symbionts to animal hosts. In the present study, we measured the energetic balance between degradation and biomass growth, which is a major factor of the efficiency of trophic transfer, based on the analysis of stable nitrogen isotope ratios of amino acids for several species including sea anemones, stony corals, zoanthids, and soft corals, that were bred under an autotrophic condition in a laboratory aquarium. The results confirm that the symbiosis indeed provides highly effective energy transfer of algal photosynthates to animal hosts, and allow us to quantify that the energy transfer in the symbiosis increases by approximately twice of that when non-symbiotic herbivorous species feed on primary producers. These results induce a new perspective that the effective energy transfer driven by symbiosis is a critical factor controlling the development of highly productive and biologically diverse ecosystems in the modern ocean as well as throughout Earth’s history.