bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of urban air pollution on human health
Authors: Komilova N. , Egamkulov K. , Hamroyev M. , Khalilova K. , Zaynutdinova D. 
Published: November 2023

Atmospheric air can be polluted as a result of the ingress of various chemicals into it, which have a harmful effect on human health, causing an exacerbation of cardiovascular, airborne diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the endocrine system, and exceeding the norms of dust content in the air leads to an increase in incidence of allergies and bronchial asthma. The relevance of the subject under study lies in the investigation of the sources of air pollution, as they lead to an increase in the degree of morbidity and mortality among the population. This, in turn, requires a radical change in the way people live, as well as the adoption of specific measures to ensure the reduction of air pollution. In this regard, the objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the ecological and hygienic conditions of atmospheric air and evaluate its impact on human health due to pollution. The study incorporated empirical research methods such as empirical description and comparison to analyze emissions of pollutants, assess population morbidity rates, and conduct correlation and regression analyses. Official data from the State Committee of Uzbekistan on Statistics and scientific papers were utilized, alongside statistical analysis techniques and logical reasoning to investigate atmospheric air pollution and its impact on public health. The study analysed the indicators of emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in the Republic of Uzbekistan as a whole and by regions. Furthermore, the paper provides a detailed analysis of the general morbidity of the population of the Republic of Uzbekistan and indicators of the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, based on which a correlation and regression analysis was performed. In addition, the morbidity rates of the population with diseases of the respiratory system and eye diseases throughout the Sirdaryo Region were analysed. The study revealed that Uzbekistan experiences high levels of environmental pollution, with a direct correlation found between atmospheric pollutants and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory organ issues, and eye conditions. To protect the atmosphere, reducing pollutant emissions and implementing sustainable development principles, such as industrial modernization and the use of alternative energy sources, are necessary. The results highlight the importance of identifying pollutant types, their properties, and release conditions for effective pollution assessment. The practical significance of this study is to optimize the data of environmental monitoring of urban air pollution in the Republic of Uzbekistan, where in general there is a high level of pollutants in the atmosphere, which affects the health of the population.
PCR testing of traced contacts for SARS-CoV-2 in England, January to July 2021
Authors: Nonnenmacher Toby , Dandamudi Niharika , Futschik Matthias Erwin , Tunkel Sarah A , Kulasegaran-Shylini Raghavendran , Germanacos Nick , Cole-Hamilton Joanna , Blandford Edward , Goddard Ashley , Hillier Joe , Finer Stephen , Hopkins Susan , Fowler Tom 
Published: November 2023

Background
The NHS Test and Trace (NHSTT) programme was established in May 2020 in England to deliver SARS-CoV-2 testing and contact tracing in order to identify infected individuals and reduce COVID-19 spread. To further control transmission, people identified as contacts were asked to self-isolate for 10 days and test only if they became symptomatic. From March 2021, eligibility criteria for PCR testing expanded to include asymptomatic contacts of confirmed cases.

Aim
To analyse testing patterns of contacts before and after the change in testing guidance in England to assess the impact on PCR testing behaviour with respect to symptom status and contact type.

Methods
Testing and contact tracing data were extracted from the national data systems and linked. Subsequently, descriptive statistical analysis was applied to identify trends in testing behaviour.

Results
Between 1 January and 31 July 2021, over 5 million contacts were identified and reached by contact tracers; 42.3% took a PCR test around the time they were traced. Overall positivity rate was 44.3% and consistently higher in symptomatic (60–70%) than asymptomatic (around 20%, March–June) contacts. The proportion of tests taken by asymptomatic contacts increased over time, especially after the change in testing guidance. No link was observed between uptake of PCR tests and vaccination coverage. Fully vaccinated contacts showed lower positivity (23.8%) than those with one dose (37.2%) or unvaccinated (51.0%).

Conclusion
Almost 1 million asymptomatic contacts were tested for SARS-CoV-2, identifying 214,056 positive cases, demonstrating the value of offering PCR testing to this group.
PRP coating on different modified surfaces promoting the osteointegration of polyetheretherketone implant
Authors: Shi Xiaotong , Wang Zongliang , Guo Min , Wang Yu , Bi Zhiguo , Li Dongsong , Zhang Peibiao , Liu Jianguo 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material implants have been applied more and more clinically recently. In order to increase the osteogenic activity of PEEK material, the microstructure change of the material surface and the construction of functional microcoatings have become a hot research topic. This study investigated the ability of PEEK surfaces modified by different methods to carry Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the osteogenic ability of different PEEK microstructures after carrying PRP in vivo/in vitro.Methods: In this study, PEEK surfaces were modified by sulfuric acid, gaseous sulfur trioxide and sandpaper. Next, PRP from SD rats was prepared and incubated on PEEK material with different surface microstructures. Lactate dehydrogenase test, scanning electron microscope and Elisa assay was used to evaluate adhesion efficiency of PRP. Then in vitro tests such as CCK-8, ALP staining, ARS staining and RT-qPCR et al were used to further evaluate osteogenesis ability of the PRP coating on PEEK surface. Finally, The tibia defects of SD rats were established, and the new bone was evaluated by Micro-CT, HE staining, and immunofluorescence staining.Results: The sandpaper-polished PEEK with the strongest PRP carrying capacity showed the best osteogenesis. Our study found that the modified PEEK surface with PRP coating has excellent osteogenic ability and provided the basis for the interface selection of PRP for the further application of PEEK materials.Discussion: Among the three PEEK modified surfaces, due to the most PRP carrying and the strongest osteogenic ability in vitro/vivo, the frosted surface was considered to be the most suitable surface for the preparation of PRP coating.
Surgical treatment of tertiary hyperparathyroidism: does one fit for all?
Authors: Casella Claudio , Guarneri Claudio , Campanile Manuela , Adhoute Xavier , Gelera Pier Paolo , Morandi Riccardo 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundTertiary hyperparathyroidism (3HPT) is defined as a condition of excessive autonomous excretion of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) with persistent hypercalcemia (&gt;10.5 mg/dL) that lasts for more than 12 months after a successful kidney transplantation, in the context of a long course secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT). The chronic high levels of iPTH cause a worsening of graft function, accompanied by systemic symptoms of hypercalcemia. The only curative therapy is parathyroidectomy (PTX). It remains unclear whether total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTX-AT) or subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPTX) lead to better outcomes.AimsThe aim of this retrospective, single-institution cohort study is to evaluate the rate of persistent or recurrent disease and postoperative calcium/iPTH disturbances in patients treated with TPTX-AT or SPTX for 3HPT.MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis of 3HPT patients submitted to TPTX-AT or SPTX between 2007–2020 with at least 24 months follow-up was conducted. The outcome parameters included persistence/recurrence of disease, incidence of transitory hypocalcemia, and temporary/permanent hypoparathyroidism.ResultsA cohort of 52 patients was analyzed and divided in two groups: 38 (73%) were submitted for TPTX-AT, and 14 patients (27%) were submitted for SPTX. The TPTX-AT population showed lower plasmatic calcium concentrations compared with the SPTX group during the entire follow-up period (p&lt;0.001). There were eight cases (21%) of transitory hypocalcemia in the TPTX-AT group and none in the SPTX group, with p=0.065. Two cases (5%) of temporary hypoparathyroidism occurred in the TPTX-AT group and none in the SPTX group, with p= 0.530. There were no cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism and no cases of persistent disease. No statistical difference was assessed for the recurrence of 3HPT between the TPTX-AT group and the SPTX group (N=1, 3% vs N=1, 7%) (p=0.470).ConclusionNo significative difference was registered between the TPTX-AT and SPTX groups in terms of persistence/recurrence of disease, incidence of transitory hypocalcemia, and temporary/permanent hypoparathyroidism. Mean calcium levels iPTH values were statistically lower among the TPTX-AT group compared with the SPTX group while remaining always in the range of normality.
Effects of mulberry twig alkaloids(Sangzhi alkaloids) and metformin on blood glucose fluctuations in combination with premixed insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meng Ziyu , Xu Chengye , Liu Haoling , Gao Xinyuan , Li Xinyu , Lin Wenjian , Ma Xuefei , Yang Changwei , Hao Ming , Zhao Kangqi , Hu Yuxin , Wang Yi , Kuang Hongyu 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionWe aimed to evaluated the effect of premixed insulin (Ins), premixed insulin combined with metformin (Ins+Met) or mulberry twig alkaloids(Ins+SZ-A) on blood glucose fluctuations in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using continuous glucose monitors (CGM).MethodsThirty patients with T2DM and poor blood glucose control using drugs were evaluated for eligibility during the screening period. Subsequently, their original hypoglycemic drugs were discontinued during the lead-in period, and after receiving Ins intensive treatment for 2 weeks, they were randomly assigned to receive either Ins, Ins+Met, or Ins+SZ-A treatment for the following 12 weeks. The main efficacy endpoint comprised changes in their CGM indicators changes (mean blood glucose level [MBG], standard deviation of blood glucose [SDBG], mean amplitude of glycemic excursions [MAGE], postprandial glucose excursions [PPGE], the largest amplitude of glycemic excursions [LAGE], mean of daily difference [MODD], time in range between 3.9–10.0 mmol/L [TIR] and area under the curve for each meal [AUCpp]) during the screening, lead-in, and after 12-week treatment period. Changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h postprandial blood glucose (1h-PBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2h-PBG), fasting blood lipids and postprandial blood lipids were also measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatmentResultsThe CGM indicators of the three groups during the lead-in period all showed significant improvements compared to the screening period (P&lt;0.05). Compared with those in the lead-in period, all of the CGM indicators improved in the the Ins+Met and Ins+SZ-A groups after 12 weeks of treatment (P&lt;0.05), except for MODD. After 12-week treatment, compared with the Ins group, Ins+Met and Ins+SZ-A groups showed improved MBG, SDBG, TIR, breakfast AUCpp,lunch AUCpp, HbA1c, FBG, 1h-PBG, fasting blood lipid and postprandial blood lipid indicators (P&lt;0.05). Further, the LAGE, PPGE, MAGE, dinner AUCpp and 2h-PBG levels of the Ins+SZ-A group were significantly lower than those of the Ins+Met and Ins groups (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionOur findings highlight the efficacy of combination therapy (Ins+SZ-A or Ins+Met) in improving blood glucose fluctuations, as well as blood glucose and lipid levels. Ins+SZ-A reduces postprandial blood glucose fluctuations more than Ins+Met and Ins groups.Trial registration numberISRCTN20835488.
Management and surgical treatment of parathyroid carcinoma: a 6-year experience of a single centre of endocrine surgery unit
Authors: Laforgia Rita , Tomasicchio Giovanni , Cavalera Federica , Sblendorio Maria , Spadone Annamaria , Anelli Ferdinando Massimiliano , Lobascio Pierluigi , Marzaioli Rinaldo , Panebianco Annunziata , Pezzolla Angela 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundParathyroid carcinoma (PC) affects 0.1-0.3% of the general population and represents the rarest malignant neoplasms among endocrinological diseases, comprising less than 1%. The best therapeutic treatment and management methods are still debated in the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the management and surgical treatment of parathyroid carcinoma after 6 years of enrolment with the Endocrine Surgery Unit of the University Hospital of Bari.Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study was carried out using a prospectively maintained database of patients affected by primary hyperparathyroidism between January 2017 and September 2022. Consecutive patients over 18 years old with a final histopathological finding of PC were included in the study. Patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid hyperplasia, and parathyroid adenoma were excluded. All patients underwent follow-up every 6 months for the first 2 years, and annually thereafter.ResultsIn this study, 9 out of 40 patients affected by hyperparathyroidism were included; 6 (66.6%) were female and 3 (33.3%) were male patients, with a median age of 59 years (IQR 46-62). None had a family history of PC. No mortality was recorded while the incidence of recurrence was 22.2%, with a disease-free survival of 8 and 10 months. Parathyroidectomy was performed in five patients, while four patients underwent parathyroidectomy with concurrent thyroidectomy for thyroid goitre. No intraoperative complications were recorded. Open parathyroidectomy was performed with a mini-cervicotomy in seven patients, while two patients underwent robotic surgery. All patients were discharged on the second postoperative day.ConclusionPC represents a great challenge in terms of preoperative diagnosis, management and treatment. A surgical approach represents the first best option for PC in referral endocrine surgery units. The early identification of risky patients should be the dominant goal to plan an appropriate therapy and to perform adequate en bloc surgery.
Association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and heart failure in subjects with diabetes mellitus or prediabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Shuping , Shi Xiangxiang , Liu Wanlu , Wang Zhaokai , Li Ruoshui , Xu Xianzhi , Wang Chaofan , Li Lei , Wang Ruili , Xu Tongda 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) is a surrogate indicator of insulin resistance. However, the association of TyG-BMI with heart failure (HF) in individuals with diabetes mellitus or prediabetes mellitus is unknown.MethodsThis study included 7,472 participants aged 20–80 years old with prediabetes or diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018). The TyG-BMI was calculated as Ln [triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2] × BMI, and individuals were categorized into tertiles based on TyG-BMI levels. The relationship of TyG-BMI with HF was analyzed using multiple logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were stratified by gender, age, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus status.ResultsThis cross-sectional study had 7,472 participants (weighted n = 111,808,357), including 329 HF participants. Participants with a high TyG-BMI were prone to HF. The highest tertile group with a fully adjusted model was more likely to have HF compared to the lowest tertile group (odds ratio [OR], 2.645; 95% CI, 1.529–4.576). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a significant dose-response relationship between TyG-BMI and HF (P &lt; 0.001). In subgroup analyses, similar results were seen in terms of age (≥50 years old), gender, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus status.ConclusionA high TyG-BMI is significantly associated with HF risk in participants with diabetes mellitus or prediabetes mellitus.
High maternal-fetal HLA eplet compatibility is associated with severe manifestation of preeclampsia
Authors: Stefańska Katarzyna , Kurkowiak Małgorzata , Piekarska Karolina , Chruściel Elżbieta , Zamkowska Dorota , Jassem-Bobowicz Joanna , Adamski Przemysław , Świątkowska-Stodulska Renata , Abacjew-Chmyłko Anna , Leszczyńska Katarzyna , Zieliński Maciej , Preis Krzysztof , Zielińska Hanna , Tymoniuk Bogusław , Trzonkowski Piotr , Marek-Trzonkowska Natalia Maria 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPreeclampsia is responsible for more than 70 000 and 500 000 maternal and fetal deaths, respectively each year. Incomplete remodelling of the spiral arteries in placenta is the most accepted theory of preeclampsia pathogenesis. However, the process is complexed with immunological background, as pregnancy resembles allograft transplantation. Fetus expresses human leukocyte antigens (HLA) inherited from both parents, thus is semiallogeneic to the maternal immune system. Therefore, induction of fetal tolerance is crucial for physiological outcome of pregnancy. Noteworthy, the immunogenicity of discordant HLA antigens is determined by functional epitopes called eplets, which are continuous and discontinuous short sequences of amino acids. This way various HLA molecules may express the same eplet and some HLA incompatibilities can be more immunogenic due to different eplet combination. Therefore, we hypothesized that maternal- fetal HLA incompatibility may be involved in the pathogenesis of gestational hypertension and its progression to preeclampsia. We also aimed to test if particular maternal-fetal eplet mismatches are more prone for induction of anti- fetal HLA antibodies in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.MethodsHigh resolution next-generation sequencing of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DQB1 and -DRB1 antigens was performed in mothers and children from physiological pregnancies (12 pairs) and from pregnancies complicated with gestational hypertension (22 pairs) and preeclampsia (27 pairs). In the next step HLA eplet identification and analysis of HLA eplet incompatibilities was performed with in silico approach HLAMatchmaker algorithm. Simultaneously maternal sera were screened for anti-fetal HLA class I, class II and anti-MICA antibodies with Luminex, and data were analyzed with HLA-Fusion software.ResultsWe observed that high HLA-C, -B, and DQB1 maternal-fetal eplet compatibility was associated with severe preeclampsia (PE) manifestation. Both quantity and quality of HLA epletmismatches affected the severity of PE. Mismatches in HLA-B eplets: 65QIA+76ESN, 70IAO, 180E, HLA-C eplets: 193PL3, 267QE, and HLA-DRB1 eplet: 16Y were associated with a mild outcome of preeclampsia if the complication occurred.ConclusionsHigh HLA-C, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-B eplet compatibility between mother and child is associated with severe manifestation of preeclampsia. Both quantity and quality of maternal-fetal HLA eplet mismatches affects severity of preeclampsia.
Characterisation of macrophage infiltration and polarisation based on integrated transcriptomic and histological analyses in Primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Zong Yuan , Yang Yi , Zhao Jiawen , Li Lei , Luo Danyang , Hu Jiawei , Gao Yiming , Wei Li , Li Ning , Jiang Liting 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPrimary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a progressive inflammatory autoimmune disease. Immune cell infiltration into glandular lobules and ducts and glandular destruction are the pathophysiological hallmarks of pSS. Macrophages are one of the most important cells involved in the induction and regulation of an inflammatory microenvironment. Although studies have reported that an abnormal tissue microenvironment alters the metabolic reprogramming and polarisation status of macrophages, the mechanisms driving macrophage infiltration and polarisation in pSS remain unclear.MethodsImmune cell subsets were characterised using the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with pSS (n = 5) and healthy individuals (n = 5) in a public dataset. To evaluate macrophage infiltration and polarisation in target tissues, labial salivary gland biopsy tissues were subjected to histological staining and bulk RNA-seq (pSS samples, n = 24; non-pSS samples, n = 12). RNA-seq data were analysed for the construction of macrophage co-expression modules, enrichment of biological processes and deconvolution-based screening of immune cell types.ResultsDetailed mapping of PBMCs using scRNA-seq revealed five major immune cell subsets in pSS, namely, T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and monocyte-macrophages. The monocyte-macrophage subset was large and had strong inflammatory gene signatures. This subset was found to play an important role in the generation of reactive oxygen species and communicate with other innate and adaptive immune cells. Histological staining revealed that the number of tissue-resident macrophages was high in damaged glandular tissues, with the cells persistently surrounding the tissues. Analysis of RNA-seq data using multiple algorithms demonstrated that the high abundance of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages was accompanied by the high abundance of other infiltrating immune cells, senescence-associated secretory phenotype and evident metabolic reprogramming.ConclusionMacrophages are among the most abundant innate immune cells in PBMCs and glandular tissues in patients with pSS. A bidirectional relationship exists between macrophage polarisation and the inflammatory microenvironment, which may serve as a therapeutic target for pSS.
Embolia cutis Medicamentosa (Nicolau syndrome): case series
Authors: Fekete Gyula Laszlo , Iantovics Laszlo Barna , Fekete Júlia Edit , Fekete Laszlo 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionEmbolia cutis medicamentosa or Nicolau syndrome is a rare drug reaction associated with the administration of various injectable medications. The pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, though intra and periarterial injection of the drug is a possible cause. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the clinical characteristics of Nicolau syndrome in patients examined in daily dermatological practice.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review, between January 2011 and December 2020, in patients diagnosed with Nicolau syndrome, from the cases of a private dermatology medical office in Târgu Mureș, Romania.ResultsDuring the 10-year period, 7 patients were diagnosed with Nicolau syndrome. Of these, 4 (57%) patients were males and 3 (43%) were females, The male to female ratio was 1.33. The median age was 64 (interquartile range, IQR, 62–71), with the youngest patient being diagnosed at age 61 and the oldest at age 74. Regarding the drugs classes that caused Nicolau syndrome, these were intravenous antibiotics in 57%, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 43% of cases.ConclusionAll patients healed in a period of 6 to 8 weeks. No complications occurred. In conclusion, Nicolau syndrome is a rare side effect of injectable drug administration.