bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF PROCESSES OF MODIFICATION OF THE SURFACE OF TiO2 NANOPOWDER UNDER THE ACTION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.
Authors: Trachevskii Volodymyr , Korduban Oleksandr , Stanculescu Anca 
Published: March 2024

Using the methods of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, IR-spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, the electronic structure and surface morpho­logy of TiO2nanopowders synthesized by the EEW method were investigated. The samples were exa­mined before and after their modification with hydrogenperoxide. This information is relevant for the development of methods of self-doping of oxide matrices with anexcess of oxygen in order to create active centers on the surface in the form of peroxide groups, which leads to the appearance of TiO2 photo activities in the visible light region. Taking into account the possibility of detection of both reducing and oxidizing functions by hydrogenperoxide, the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the TiO2 surface under different modes of modification was investigated.
The influence of the degree of hydration (Оlat./Оads.) of the original oxide matrix on the binding energy and the relative changes in the contributions of different types of oxygen peroxogroups of hydrogenperoxide-modified TiO2 were determined using XPS. In the paper, the corresponding O1s spectra were obtained and the E energies and integral intensities of the corresponding components were determined, the value of the Оlat./Оadsratio for unmodified and modified samples was given. It was established that for a series of TiO2 samples, the ratio of integral intensities of peroxo groups in the O1s spectra is preserved. For the first time, the O1s spectrum of titanium peroxide was inter pretedin terms of the O-O form of oxygen. The mechanism of action of hydrogen peroxideon the metal oxide matrix is proposed, which is determined by the degree of blocking of themain O2centers of the oxide matrix by the OH groups present in it, which leads to a change in the direction of redox transformations.
A cross-sectional study investigating the relationship between urinary albumin creatinine ratio and abdominal aortic calcification in adults
Authors: Xue Xian , Li Chen , Chen Dongping 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe presence of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is strongly linked to the development of atherosclerosis and the incidence of morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) was found related with the increased risk of CVD. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the UACR and severe AAC (SAAC).Methods and ResultsThis study included a total of 2,379 individuals aged over 40 years, and their information was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted (NHANES) in 2013–2014. The measurement of AAC was conducted through dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and assessed using the Kauppila scoring system. SAAC was characterized by a Kauppila score of 6 or higher. Multivariate regression models were used to analyze the relationship between UACR level and SAAC, with covariate adjustment. In the completely adapted model, the top third subgroup exhibits increased likelihood of SAAC (odds ratio 1.50; 95%CI: 0.98, 2.29; p = 0.030) in contrast to the bottom third subgroup. The subgroup analyses revealed a more pronounced correlation among the older participants (p-value for interaction = 0.013).DiscussionIn the United States, SAAC was more likely to occur in adults who had a higher probability of UACR. The use of UACR has the potential to be a valuable method for forecasting the likelihood of SAAC.
Predictors of atrial fibrillation detection in embolic stroke of undetermined source patients with implantable loop recorder
Authors: D’Anna Lucio , La Cava Roberta , Khetarpal Ashni , Karjikar Abeer , Almohtadi Ahmad , Romoli Michele , Foschi Matteo , Ornello Raffaele , De Santis Federico , Sacco Simona , Abu-Rumeileh Samir , Lorenzut Simone , Pavoni Daisy , Valente Mariarosaria , Merlino Giovanni , Almeida Soraia , Barnard Asha , Guan Jianqun , Banerjee Soma , Lim Phang Boon 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundCovert atrial fibrillation (AF) is a predominant aetiology of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Evidence suggested that AF is more frequently detected by implantable loop recorder (ILR) than by conventional monitoring. However, the predictive factors associated with occult AF detected using ILRs are not well established yet. In this study we aim to investigate the predictors of AF detection in patients with ESUS undergoing an ILR.MethodsThis observational multi-centre study included consecutive ESUS patients who underwent ILR implantation. The infarcts were divided in deep, cortical infarcts or both. The infarction sites were categorized as anterior and middle cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery with and without brainstem/cerebellum involvement. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate variables associated with AF detection.ResultsOverall, 3,000 patients were initially identified. However, in total, 127 patients who consecutively underwent ILR implantation were included in our analysis. AF was detected in 33 (26%) out of 127 patients. The median follow-up was 411 days. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and comorbidities between patients with and without AF detected. AF was detected more often after posterior cerebral artery infarct with brainstem/cerebellum involvement (p &lt; 0.001) whereas less often after infarction in the anterior and middle cerebral artery (p = 0.021). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that posterior cerebral artery infarct with brainstem/cerebellum involvement was an independent predictor of AF detection.ConclusionOur study showed that posterior circulation infarcts with brainstem/cerebellum involvement are associated with AF detection in ESUS patients undergoing ILR. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor as a novel predictive biomarker in patients with diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Yang Hanwen , Zhang Jiale , Wei Shuwu , Wu Qiaoru , Yang Jie , Cao Can , Cui Zhaoli , Zheng Huijuan , Wang Yaoxian 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundSecretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a multifunctional protein involved in the chronic inflammatory process, implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of DKD has yet to be evaluated. This study explored the clinical utility of SLPI in the diagnosis and prognosis of renal endpoint events in patients with DKD.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study comprised of 266 patients with DKD and a predictive cohort study comprised of 120 patients with stage IV DKD conducted between December 2016 and January 2022. The clinical parameters were collected for statistical analysis, a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the independent risk factors for renal endpoints.ResultsSerum SLPI levels gradually increased with DKD progression (p&lt;0.01). A significant correlation was observed between serum SLPI levels and renal function in patients with DKD. The mean follow-up duration in this cohort study was 2.32 ± 1.30 years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed SLPI levels≥51.61ng/mL (HR=2.95, 95% CI[1.55, 5.60], p&lt;0.01), 24h urinary protein levels≥3500 mg/24h (HR=3.02, 95% CI[1.66, 5.52], p&lt;0.01), Alb levels&lt;30g/l (HR=2.19, 95% CI[1.12, 4.28], p&lt;0.05), HGB levels&lt;13g/dl (HR=3.18, 95% CI[1.49, 6.80], p&lt;0.01), and urea levels≥7.1 mmol/L (HR=8.27, 95% CI[1.96, 34.93], p&lt;0.01) were the independent risk factors for renal endpoint events in DKD patients.ConclusionsSerum SLPI levels increased with DKD progression and were associated with clinical parameters of DKD. Moreover, elevated SLPI levels showed potential prognostic value for renal endpoint events in individuals with DKD. These findings validate the results of previous studies on SLPI in patients with DKD and provide new insights into the role of SLPI as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of DKD that require validation.
Development and validation of a prediction model for unexpected poor ovarian response during IVF/ICSI
Authors: Xu Xiaohang , Wang Xue , Jiang Yilin , Sun Haoyue , Chen Yuanhui , Zhang Cuilian 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundIdentifying poor ovarian response (POR) among patients with good ovarian reserve poses a significant challenge within reproductive medicine. Currently, there is a lack of published data on the potential risk factors that could predict the occurrence of unexpected POR. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model to assess the individual probability of unexpected POR during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatments.MethodsThe development of the nomogram involved a cohort of 10,404 patients with normal ovarian reserve [age, ≤40 years; antral follicle count (AFC), ≥5; and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ≥1.2 ng/ml] from January 2019 to December 2022. Univariate regression analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis were employed to ascertain the characteristics associated with POR. Subsequently, the selected variables were utilized to construct the nomogram.ResultsThe predictors included in our model were body mass index, basal follicle-stimulating hormone, AMH, AFC, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), protocol, and initial dose of gonadotropin. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.753 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.7257–0.7735]. The AUC, along with the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (p = 0.167), demonstrated a satisfactory level of congruence and discrimination ability of the developed model.ConclusionThe nomogram can anticipate the probability of unexpected POR in IVF/ICSI treatment, thereby assisting professionals in making appropriate clinical judgments and in helping patients to effectively manage expectations.
Modified versus three-level technique of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for all patients with adrenal lesions ≤ 6cm: a retrospective, case-controlled study
Authors: Hu Minxiong , Wu Yangbiao , Xu Xiao , Cai Wenchao , Lin Jiangui , Cai Wanghai , Pan Honghong , Yang Zesong , Ye Liefu , Wu Jinfeng 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesThe modified three-level technique for retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) has proven beneficial in the treatment of adrenal lesions in patients with BMI≥25 Kg/m2. This paper aims to summarize our institution’s seven-year experience using this technique for all patients with Adrenal Lesions ≤ 6cm.Patients and methodsBetween January 2016 and December 2022. The patients underwent laparoscopic adrenal surgery were categorized into Zhang’s technique (ZT) (Three-level Technique) group and modified technique (MT) group. The fundamental characteristics and perioperative data were analyzed, with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05.ResultsIn total, 731 patients were stratified into two groups: ZT (n=448) and MT (n=283). Statistically significant distinctions were not detected between the two groups regarding sex, BMI, tumor location, tumor size, tumor type, or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p&gt;0.05). The MT group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the ZT group in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss, drainage volume, diet recovery time, complication rates, and postoperative hospitalization duration (p&lt;0.05). 17 (4.34%) in the ZT group required unplanned adrenalectomy, while there was none in MT group (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionMT retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy has demonstrated its benefits in the treatment of adrenal lesions across all patients with adrenal lesions ≤ 6cm, serving as a valuable point of reference for the surgical management of adrenal diseases.Patient summaryWe have made modifications to the classic retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and achieved superior surgical outcomes, resulting in a procedure known as modified retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This technique is suitable for both obese individuals and the general population with adrenal lesions ≤ 6cm.
PANoptosis-related genes function as efficient prognostic biomarkers in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yizhao , Feng Huijin , Ma Lianjun , Liu Yanqing 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPANoptosis is a newly discovered cell death type, and tightly associated with immune system activities. To date, the mechanism, regulation and application of PANoptosis in tumor is largely unknown. Our aim is to explore the prognostic value of PANoptosis-related genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).MethodsAnalyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas-COAD (TCGA-COAD) involving 458 COAD cases, we concentrated on five PANoptosis pathways from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and a comprehensive set of immune-related genes. Our approach involved identifying distinct genetic COAD subtype clusters and developing a prognostic model based on these parameters.ResultsThe research successfully identified two genetic subtype clusters in COAD, marked by distinct profiles in PANoptosis pathways and immune-related gene expression. A prognostic model, incorporating these findings, demonstrated significant predictive power for survival outcomes, underscoring the interplay between PANoptosis and immune responses in COAD.ConclusionThis study enhances our understanding of COAD’s genetic framework, emphasizing the synergy between cell death pathways and the immune system. The development of a prognostic model based on these insights offers a promising tool for personalized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on validating and refining this model in clinical settings to optimize therapeutic interventions in COAD.
Anti-synthetase syndrome is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization among patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and COVID-19
Authors: Wu Wanlong , Wang Runci , Xie Cuiying , Chen Yi , Teng Xiangyu , Sun Shuhui , Xu Wenwen , Fu Yakai , Ma Yiyangzi , Xu Antao , Lyu Xia , Ye Yan , Li Jia , Zhang Chunyan , Shen Nan , Wang Xiaodong , Ye Shuang , Fu Qiong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundData with fine granularity about COVID-19-related outcomes and risk factors were still limited in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) population. This study aimed to investigate clinical factors associated with hospitalized and severe COVID-19 in patients with IIMs, particularly those gauged by myositis-specific antibodies.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Renji IIM cohort in Shanghai, China, under an upsurge of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant infections from December 2022 to January 2023. Clinical data were collected and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to determine risk factors. High-dimensional flow cytometry analysis was performed to outline the immunological features.ResultsAmong 463 infected patients in the eligible cohort (n=613), 65 (14.0%) were hospitalized, 19 (4.1%) suffered severe COVID-19, and 10 (2.2%) died. Older age (OR=1.59/decade, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.16, p=0.003), requiring family oxygen supplement (2.62, 1.11 to 6.19, 0.028), patients with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS) (2.88, 1.12 to 7.34, 0.027, vs. other dermatomyositis), higher IIM disease activity, and prednisone intake &gt;10mg/day (5.59, 2.70 to 11.57, &lt;0.001) were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization. Conversely, 3-dose inactivated vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization (0.10, 0.02 to 0.40, 0.001, vs. incomplete vaccination). Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) pre-exposure significantly reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 in hospitalized patients (0.16, 0.04 to 0.74, 0.019, vs. csDMARDs). ASyS patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly reduced peripheral CD4+ T cells, lower CD4/CD8 ratio, and fewer naive B cells but more class-switched memory B cells compared with controls.ConclusionASyS and family oxygen supplement were first identified as risk factors for COVID-19-related hospitalization in patients with IIMs. JAKi pre-exposure might protect IIM patients against severe COVID-19 complications.
Respiratory function after 30+ years following sulfur mustard exposure in survivors in Sweden
Authors: Moradi Faraidoun , Kjellberg Sanna , Li Ying , Daka Bledar , Olin Anna-Carin 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundSulfur mustard (SM) exposure causes acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The extent of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in individuals exposed to SM is unclear. This study evaluated and compared SAD in SM-exposed and SM-unexposed participants using noninvasive lung function tests assessing small airway function.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved SM-exposed (n = 15, mean age: 53 ± 8 years) and SM-unexposed (n = 15, mean age: 53 ± 7 years) Kurdish-Swedish individuals in Sweden. Small airway resistance and reactance were assessed using impulse oscillometry (IOS). Nitrogen (N2) multiple breath washout (MBW) was employed to assess lung ventilation heterogeneity. The gas-exchanging capacity of the lungs was assessed using the diffusing capacity of the lungs for the carbon monoxide (DLCO) test. Lung function outcomes were reported as absolute values and z-scores. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsNo statistically significant differences in age, height, or body mass index were observed between the two groups. IOS showed significantly increased small airway resistance, while N2MBW exhibited significantly increased global and acinar ventilation heterogeneity in SM-exposed individuals compared to that in unexposed individuals. SAD was identified in 14 of 15 SM-exposed individuals, defined as at least one abnormal IOS difference between resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5-R20) and/or area of reactance (AX) or N2MBW lung’s acinar zone (Sacin), and DLCO adjusted to the alveolar volume (DLCO/VA) outcome. Of these 14 individuals, only 5 demonstrated concordant findings across the IOS and N2MBW tests.ConclusionExposure to SM was positively associated with long-term impairment of respiratory tract function in the small airways in the majority of the previously SM-exposed individuals in the present study. Furthermore, both IOS and N2MBW should be employed to detect SAD in SM-exposed survivors as they provide complementary information. Identifying and characterizing the remaining pathology of the small airways in survivors of SM exposure is a first step toward improved treatment and follow-up.
False positive elevation in serum creatinine: a case report
Authors: Oliveras Laia , Coloma Ana , Escartín Teresa , Castro Maria José , Vicente Natalia , Gomà Montse , Cruzado Josep Maria 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundParaproteins can interfere with several substances, producing erroneous laboratory measurements. The diagnosis of kidney disease in patients with hematological disorders has important prognosis implications. An elevated creatinine with no other signs of kidney disease should prompt the idea of a spurious creatinine. Communication between the clinical team and the laboratory is key.Case presentationIn this case, we present a 68-year-old woman with an elevated creatinine and an IgM lambda paraprotein. Interestingly, there were no other signs of chronic kidney disease besides the creatinine value, with no albuminuria or microhematuria. A kidney biopsy showed normal parenchyma and ruled out the possibility of paraprotein-related damage. The monoclonal component and creatinine levels raised parallelly during follow-up while maintaining normal urea levels. This prompted the hypothesis of a falsely elevated creatinine. It was confirmed with a normal glomerular filtration rate determined by a radioisotope, a cystatin C measurement and a reduction in creatinine when diluting the sample.ConclusionIt is important to consider the possibility of a falsely elevated creatinine in patients with paraproteinemia and no other signs of kidney disease to avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and for the prognostic implications.
Increased functional connectivity between default mode network and visual network potentially correlates with duration of residual dizziness in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Chen Zhengwei , Cai Yaxian , Xiao Lijie , Wei Xiu-E , Liu Yueji , Lin Cunxin , Liu Dan , Liu Haiyan , Rong Liangqun 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo assess changes in static and dynamic functional network connectivity (sFNC and dFNC) and explore their correlations with clinical features in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients with residual dizziness (RD) after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRM) using resting-state fMRI.MethodsWe studied resting-state fMRI data from 39 BPPV patients with RD compared to 38 BPPV patients without RD after successful CRM. Independent component analysis and methods of sliding window and k-means clustering were adopted to investigate the changes in dFNC and sFNC between the two groups. Additionally, temporal features and meta-states were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the associations between fMRI results and clinical characteristics were analyzed using Pearson’s partial correlation analysis.ResultsCompared with BPPV patients without RD, patients with RD had longer duration of BPPV and higher scores of dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) before successful CRM. BPPV patients with RD displayed no obvious abnormal sFNC compared to patients without RD. In the dFNC analysis, patients with RD showed increased FNC between default mode network (DMN) and visual network (VN) in state 4, the FNC between DMN and VN was positively correlated with the duration of RD. Furthermore, we found increased mean dwell time (MDT) and fractional windows (FW) in state 1 but decreased MDT and FW in state 3 in BPPV patients with RD. The FW of state 1 was positively correlated with DHI score before CRM, the MDT and FW of state 3 were negatively correlated with the duration of BPPV before CRM in patients with RD. Additionally, compared with patients without RD, patients with RD showed decreased number of states and state span.ConclusionThe occurrence of RD might be associated with increased FNC between DMN and VN, and the increased FNC between DMN and VN might potentially correlate with the duration of RD symptoms. In addition, we found BPPV patients with RD showed altered global meta-states and temporal features. These findings are helpful for us to better understand the underlying neural mechanisms of RD and potentially contribute to intervention development for BPPV patients with RD.