bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative hemodynamic responses to upright and recumbent cycling in patients with exercise intolerance
Authors: Albulushi Arif , Al Harthi Faisal , Aly Gamal , Al-Wahshi Yahya , El-Deeb Mohammed H. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionUnderstanding the influence of body position on cardiovascular responses during exercise is crucial for precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, particularly in patients with exercise intolerance.AimThis study aims to compare the hemodynamic responses to exercise in upright and recumbent cycling positions in patients with exercise intolerance.MethodsA cross-over study design was employed, enrolling 21 patients for right heart catheterization during exercise in both upright and recumbent positions. Hemodynamic variables were measured at rest and across various exercise intensities.ResultsSignificant differences were observed in right atrial pressure (RAP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) between upright and recumbent positions. Upright exercise revealed lower values of RAP, mPAP, and PAWP, indicating distinct hemodynamic profiles.ConclusionBody position significantly affects cardiovascular dynamics during exercise, providing valuable insights for diagnosing and managing exercise intolerance.
The importance of tissue science and valve design in relation to durability and hemodynamics of the DurAVR aortic heart valve
Authors: Neethling William M. L. , Forster Guenther , Meduri Christopher , Meuris Bart , Asgar Anita W. , Sellers Stephanie , Cavalcante João L. , Bapat Vinayak , Reardon Michael 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionClinical evidence highlighting the efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the 2019 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for TAVR in low-risk (younger) patients has created a demand for durable and long-lasting bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV) leaflet materials. Over the life of an implanted BHV mechanical stress, immunogenicity, calcification, and hemodynamic dysfunction lead to failure via structural valve deterioration (SVD). Consequently, the durability of the bioprosthetic materials selected for valve manufacture is of utmost importance.TechnologyThe ADAPT™ tissue engineering process, an anti-calcification preparation that transforms xenograft tissue (bovine pericardium) into a durable valve bioscaffold, shows significant clinical benefits in mitigating the interrelated mechanisms leading to SVD. The novel acellular, biostable and non-calcifying biomaterial has recently been molded into a single-piece 3D biomimetic valve (DurAVR™) with excellent early clinical results and the potential to meet the growing demand of durable BHVs for the treatment of aortic stenosis.DiscussionThe unique design of the DurAVR biomimetic valve in combination with the superior biostability of ADAPT tissue could advance the BHV space by providing superior performance and durability to aortic stenosis patients in need of TAVR.
A systematic review of serious games as tools for STEM education
Authors: Tene Talia , Vique López Diego Fabián , Valverde Aguirre Paulina Elizabeth , Cabezas Oviedo Nilo Israel , Vacacela Gomez Cristian , Bellucci Stefano 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveSerious games are increasingly recognized as innovative tools in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, providing engaging and interactive learning environments that can enhance student performance, engagement, and learning outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research on serious games in STEM education, evaluating their impact and identifying implications for educators, policymakers, and future research.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore databases, yielding 584 articles. A total of 37 peer-reviewed journal articles met the inclusion criteria, guided by the PICOS framework, which focused on studies reporting the use of serious games in STEM education contexts. Data extraction included study characteristics, game types, participant demographics, educational contexts, and reported outcomes.AnalysisThe selected studies were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of serious games in enhancing learning outcomes, engagement, and performance in STEM education. The analysis also explored challenges related to the implementation of serious games, including technological limitations, the need for comprehensive educator training, and ethical considerations around data privacy, all of which may impact adoption in educational settings.ResultsSerious games demonstrated a positive impact on learning outcomes, such as knowledge acquisition, skill retention, and the application of STEM concepts, along with increased student engagement and motivation. These findings suggest that serious games can serve as valuable tools for educators seeking to foster active learning environments. For policymakers, the results indicate a need for strategic investments in technology infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum integration to maximize the benefits of serious games in STEM education. However, significant limitations were identified, including technological barriers, variability in study quality, and the need for sustained educator support, which may impact generalizability and implementation.ConclusionThis review highlights the transformative potential of serious games as tools for STEM education but emphasizes the importance of addressing key challenges to realize their full benefits. For educators, implementing serious games requires alignment with curriculum goals and access to adequate training and resources. Policymakers are encouraged to support these efforts by providing financial resources and promoting frameworks for ethical, data-secure use of serious games in education. Future research should focus on establishing a globally recognized framework for serious games in STEM, conducting longitudinal studies to evaluate long-term impacts, and exploring diverse educational contexts to ensure inclusive and effective integration.
Pre-diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in NAFLD patients: a retrospective comparative analysis
Authors: Teimouri Azam , Ebrahimpour Zahra , Feizi Awat , Iraj Bijan , Saffari Elahe , Akbari Mojtaba , Karimifar Mozhgan 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesInsulin resistance plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Moreover, insulin resistance has a central role in atherogensis as the major leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of pre-diabetes and evaluate the cardiometabolic risk factors among NAFLD patients, comparing those with pre-diabetes to those with normal glucose tolerance.MethodsIn the current retrospective case-control study, the data of 1031 NAFLD patients was retrieved. Based on blood glucose levels, 337 diabetics, 340 pre-diabetes, and, 354 normal glucose patients were diagnosed. After excluding diabetic NAFLD patients, 694 individuals were divided into two groups: normal glucose and pre-diabetes. Various variables, such as age, anthropometric measurements, hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profiles, were extracted from patient files. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess cardiovascular risk factors in NAFLD patients.ResultsHigher age, female gender, higher BMI, triglyceride, waist and hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were found in pre-diabetic NAFLD individuals compared with normoglycemic ones (P-value&lt;0.05). Multivariable age-, sex-, BMI- and smoking- adjusted logistic regression showed a predicting role of pre-diabetes and NAFLD concurrence with metabolic syndrome (P-value&lt;0.001, OR:4.31, 95% CI: 2.95- 6.29), but not CVD (P-value=0.353, OR:1.37, 95% CI: 0.71- 2.61).ConclusionIn this study, nearly one-third of NAFLD patients had pre-diabetes. The mean value of age, BMI, TG, waist and Hip circumference was significantly higher in pre-diabetic patients. The concurrence of pre-diabetes and NAFLD was a predicting factor for metabolic syndrome, but not CVD events.
Efficacy in Japanese adults with growth hormone deficiency receiving weekly somapacitan or daily growth hormone: results from phase 3 REAL 1 trial
Authors: Otsuka Fumio , Rasmussen Michael Højby , Endo Takaaki , Sværke Claus , Tahara Shigeyuki , Johannsson Gudmundur 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionSomapacitan is a long-acting growth hormone (GH) derivative approved for once-weekly treatment of adult GH deficiency (AGHD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of somapacitan and daily GH in Japanese individuals with AGHD.MethodsThis subgroup study included the 34-week main period of the multinational, randomized, parallel-group, phase 3 trial, REAL 1 (NCT02229851). Participants received once-weekly somapacitan or daily GH (Norditropin®), both administered subcutaneously. Investigators and trial sites were blinded. A total of 36 Japanese GH-naïve individuals with AGHD were allocated to somapacitan or daily GH (excluding the placebo group of the global trial). Endpoints included change in truncal fat percentage to week 34 measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, as well as other body composition measures. Insulin-like growth factor I standard deviation score values were used for dose titration.ResultsIn total, 36 Japanese individuals were included (18 and 18 in the somapacitan and daily GH group, respectively). 35 completed the main period (34 weeks). Mean (SD) change from baseline to week 34 in truncal fat percentage was -2.23 (2.50) %-points in the somapacitan group and -2.12 (4.21) %-points in the daily GH group. Other body composition measures also improved in both groups, including reduced visceral fat and increased lean body mass. Somapacitan was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to daily GH.ConclusionsIn Japanese treatment-naïve individuals with AGHD, once-weekly somapacitan demonstrated similar efficacy and safety to daily GH after 34 weeks of treatment. Somapacitan provides an effective alternative to daily GH in AGHD.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02229851.
Geochemistry and mineralogy of Cobalt in mine wastes: examples from Cobalt, Canada and Cornwall, England
Authors: Ziwa Gabriel , Crane Rich , Hudson-Edwards Karen A. 
Published: February 2025

Mine wastes can pose environmental and human health risks, especially when they contain high concentrations of potentially toxic metal(loid)s. In this study, the geochemistry (bulk and sequential extraction analysis, paste pH) and mineralogy (X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis) of Co in mine wastes from Cobalt (Canada) and Cornwall (UK) were characterised to assess potential Co and other metal(loid) mobility in the aquatic environment. Cobalt concentrations in Nipissing high- and low-grade tailings at Cobalt were high (up to 5,630 mg kg−1 and 1,230 mg kg−1, respectively), and were several orders of magnitude higher than those at Poldice, Wheal Unity, and Dolcoath in Cornwall (average 40 mg kg−1, 76 mg kg−1, and 59 mg kg−1, respectively). Community Bureau of Reference (BCR)-sequential extraction analysis suggested that Co was equally mobile within the samples from Cobalt and Cornwall, with averages of 46% extracted in the exchangeable fraction. Erythrite was the most important secondary Co-bearing mineral that occurred widely in the Nipissing tailings. Other Co-bearing secondary minerals included arseniosiderite, scorodite, and Fe oxyhydroxides. Primary Co-bearing minerals identified included cobaltite and safflorite-skutterudite, and Co was also taken up in primary arsenopyrite, loellingite, pyrite and chalcopyrite. At the sites in Cornwall, however, Co-bearing primary and secondary minerals were not identified. Instead, Co was observed as a trace component in primary arsenopyrite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite and in secondary scorodite and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides. Despite these mineralogical and other geological and processing differences, Co showed consistently high potential for mobilization from the wastes. In addition, risk assessment codes for Co fell in the medium to very high risk category in the aquatic and non-aquatic environments. This classification suggests that the mine waste-hosted Co is likely to affect humans via the food chain. Further research is required to determine if Co shows similar behaviour in mine wastes globally.
A GA-BP neural network algorithm for fault detection of transmission tower bolts
Authors: Lu Ziqiang , He Pengjie , Liu Huiwei , Li Jie , Lu Ziying 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundIn the power system, the identification of the health status of the transmission tower is a daily task that must be performed. In addition, bolt loosening is a common damage mode affecting the main materials of transmission towers. When bolt loosening occurs, it weakens the bearing capacity of the transmission tower. If not detected and addressed in a timely manner, serious adverse events, such as tower collapse, may occur which will endanger the normal operation of the power system.MethodsBased on this, in order to ensure the normal operation of the transmission tower and improve the identification effect of bolt loosening, the GP-BP neural network algorithm was applied to the detection process. The feasibility of this algorithm was evaluated through the quantitative analysis of different damage degrees.ResultThe results are as follows: 1) except for the average accuracy rate of substructure 7, which is 89.74%, the identification accuracy of other substructures is more than 90%, indicating that the GA-BP neural network algorithm is effective in identifying the single-damage degree of the tower bolt loosening in the main material; 2) the identification accuracy of double-damage substructure is also more than 90%, indicating that the GA-BP algorithm is effective in identifying the double-damage degree of the tower bolt loosening in the main material.ConclusionIn summary, it can be concluded that both the single- and double-damage degree conditions exhibit a relatively considerable recognition accuracy. In addition, the recognition effect of the algorithm under the double-damage degree condition is better than that of the single-damage degree condition. Therefore, it can be applied in practical projects involving double-damage degree conditions to improve the recognition effect of bolt-loosening faults and provide reliable technical support for the safe operation of transmission equipment.
C-reactive protein to serum calcium ratio as a novel biomarker for predicting severity in acute pancreatitis: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Xinqi , Huang Yisen , Xu Qiaoli , Zhang Bifeng , Wang Yubin , Huang Meixue 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent gastrointestinal emergency with a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes, varying from mild cases to severe forms. The early identification of high-risk patients is essential for improving prognosis. However, the predictive and prognostic potential of the C-reactive protein to serum calcium ratio (CCR) in AP has not been investigated. This study aims to explore the association between CCR and disease severity in patients with AP.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included 476 AP patients. The CCR was calculated from C-reactive protein and serum calcium levels within the first 24 h of admission. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between CCR and AP severity, with restricted cubic spline analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to assess dose–response and predictive performance, respectively.ResultsOf the 476 patients, 176 (37%) had mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) and 300 (63%) had moderate to severe AP. The CCR distribution had a median value of 17.5, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 3.0 to 60.2. Each unit increase in CCR was associated with a 7% increase in the risk of developing moderate to severe AP (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.06–1.09). In fully adjusted models, this association remained statistically significant. The area under the curve (AUC) for CCR in predicting moderate to severe AP was 86.9%, with a sensitivity of 73.7% and specificity of 89.2%.ConclusionThe CCR measured within the first 24 h of admission shows promise as a valuable biomarker for predicting the severity of AP. However, further multicenter prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility and investigate its role in improving treatment strategies and patient management.
Impact of climate change on the distribution of Isaria cicadaeMiquel in China: predictions based on the MaxEnt model
Authors: He Zhipeng , Ali Habib , Wu Junhao , Liu Zhiqian , Wei Xinju , Zhuo Zhihang 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionIsaria cicadae, a historically valued edible and medicinal fungus in China, has been experiencing a critical decline in abundance due to ecological degradation and overexploitation. Understanding its potential distribution is essential for promoting sustainable harvesting practices.MethodsThis study utilizes the MaxEnt model, combined with known distribution records and 22 environmental variables, to predict the potential distribution of I. cicadae under three representative emission scenarios (CMIP6: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) for the 2050s and 2070s.ResultsThe analysis identifies seven key environmental variables influencing the habitat suitability of I. cicadae: the mean temperature of the driest quarter (bio09), the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio08), precipitation in the wettest month (bio16), the mean diurnal range (bio02), isothermality (bio03), elevation, and slope. Currently, I. cicadae is mainly found in the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Fujian, Anhui, and Zhejiang, with Yunnan and Sichuan having the largest areas of high suitability at 25.79 × 104 km2 and 21.36 × 104 km2, respectively.DiscussionJiangxi, Hunan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Fujian, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are identified as primary regions of high suitability. This study aims to further elucidate the impact of the environment on the distribution of I. cicadae from a geographical perspective and provide theoretical insights for the future cultivation and conservation strategies of this species.
Distinct roles of Constitutive Photomorphogenesis Protein 1 homolog (COP1) in human hepatocyte models
Authors: Soubeyrand Sébastien , Lau Paulina , McPherson Ruth 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionConstitutive Photomorphogenesis Protein 1 homolog (COP1) is a conserved E3 ligase with key roles in several biological systems. Prior work in hepatocyte-derived tumors categorized COP1 as an oncogene, but its role in untransformed hepatocytes remains largely unexplored. Here, we have investigated the role of COP1 in primary human hepatocytes and two transformed hepatocyte models, HepG2 and HuH-7 cells.MethodsThe role of COP1 was tested by silencing and transduction experiments in HepG2, HuH-7, and primary human hepatocytes. Transcription array data of COP1-suppressed cells were generated and analyzed using clustering analyses. Cellular impacts were examined by proliferation assays, qRT-PCR, western blotting, reporter assays, and APOB enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results and DiscussionCOP1 suppression had no noticeable impact on HepG2 and HuH-7 proliferation and was associated with contrasting rather than congruent transcriptome changes. Transcriptomic changes were consistent with perturbed metabolism in primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells and impaired cell cycle regulation in HuH-7 cells. In HepG2 and primary hepatocytes but not in HuH-7 cells, COP1 suppression reduced the expression of important hepatic regulators and markers. COP1 downregulation reduced hepatic nuclear factor-4 alpha (HNF4A) abundance and function, as assessed by a lower abundance of key HNF4A targets, reduced APOB secretion, and reporter assays. HNF4A function could be restored by introducing a siRNA-resistant COP1 transgene, whereas HNF4A restoration partially rescued COP1 silencing in HepG2 cells. Our results identify and detail a pivotal regulatory role of COP1 in hepatocytes, in part through HNF4A.
Serum glutathione peroxidase-3 concentration at diagnosis as a biomarker for assessing disease activity and damage of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis at diagnosis
Authors: Chung Jihye , Ha Jang Woo , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundIn this study, we investigated whether serum glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-3) concentration at diagnosis could be used to assess vasculitis activity and damage at diagnosis in immunosuppressive drug-naïve patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodsWe included 71 immunosuppressive drug-naïve patients newly diagnosed with AAV. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and serum GPX-3 concentration was measured using serum samples collected and stored at diagnosis. The degree of vascular activity and extent of damage were assessed using the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) and vasculitis damage index (VDI), respectively. Poor outcomes including all-cause mortality, end-stage kidney disease, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases were also investigated.ResultsThe median age of the study subjects was 63.0 years, 26 and 45 patients were males and females, respectively. The median GPX-3 concentration was measured as 82.8 ng/mL. Serum GPX-3 concentration at diagnosis was inversely correlated with BVAS (r = −0.280), VDI (r = −0.263), and C-reactive protein (r = −0.261) at diagnosis, whereas, it was positively correlated with haemoglobin (r = 0.255), and serum albumin (r = 0.240) at diagnosis, respectively. However, serum GPX-3 concentration at diagnosis was not significantly associated with poor outcomes during follow-up in patients with AAV.ConclusionIn this study, we demonstrated for the first time that serum GPX-3 concentration at diagnosis correlates with vasculitis activity and damage at diagnosis in patients with AAV, suggesting a possible role of serum GPX-3 as a complementary biomarker for assessing AAV activity in real clinical practice.