bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for hepatic hydrothorax in patients with cirrhosis: a clinical retrospective study
Authors: Bai Xue , Liu Xiaoyan , Shi Yanhui , Li Wenwen , Li Qiang , Du Wenjun 
Published: June 2023

Aims and backgroundHepatic hydrothorax, which presents as an unexplained pleural effusion, is one of the important complications in patients with end-stage cirrhosis. It has a significant correlation with prognosis and mortality. The aim of this clinical study was to detect the risk factors for hepatic hydrothorax in patients with cirrhosis and to better understand potentially life-threatening complications.MethodsRetrospectively, 978 cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized at the Shandong Public Health Clinical Center from 2013 to 2021 were involved in this study. They were divided into the observation group and the control group based on the presence of hepatic hydrothorax. The epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of the patients were collected and analyzed. ROC curves were used to evaluate the forecasting ability of the candidate model. Furthermore, 487 cases in the experimental group were divided into left, right, and bilateral groups, and the data were analyzed.ResultsThe patients in the observation group had a higher proportion of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), a history of spleen surgery, and a higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores compared with the control group. The width of the portal vein (PVW) (P = 0.022), prothrombin activity (PTA) (P = 0.012), D-dimer (P = 0.010), immunoglobulin G (IgG) (P = 0.007), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (P = 0.022), and the MELD score were significantly associated with the occurrence of the hepatic hydrothorax. The AUC of the candidate model was 0.805 (P &lt; 0.001, 95% CI = 0.758–0.851). Portal vein thrombosis was more common in bilateral pleural effusion compared with the left and right sides (P = 0.018).ConclusionThe occurrence of hepatic hydrothorax has a close relationship with lower HDL, PTA, and higher PVW, D-dimer, IgG, and MELD scores. Portal vein thrombosis is more common in cirrhotic patients with bilateral pleural effusion compared to those with unilateral pleural effusion.
Dismissal informs the priorities of endometriosis patients in New Zealand
Authors: Ellis Katherine , Munro Deborah , Wood Rachael 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionEndometriosis is a common condition with average delays to diagnosis in New Zealand of almost 9 years.MethodsIn total, 50 endometriosis patients participated in anonymous, asynchronous, online group discussions about their priorities, and their experiences with the development of symptoms, seeking a diagnosis, and receiving appropriate treatment.ResultsHigher subsidy of care was the top change endometriosis patients wanted, followed by more research funding. When asked to choose whether research should be focused on improving diagnosis or improving treatment methods, the results were evenly split. Within this cohort, patients highlighted that they did not know the difference between normal menstrual discomfort and pathological endometriotic pain. If, upon seeking help, medical practitioners classified their symptoms as “normal,” these dismissals could instill doubt in patients, which made it more difficult for them to continue to seek a diagnosis and effective treatments. Patients who did not express dismissal had a significantly shorter delay from symptom onset to diagnosis of 4.6 ± 3.4 years vs. 9.0 ± 5.2 years.ConclusionDoubt is a frequent experience for endometriosis patients in New Zealand, which was reinforced by some medical practitioners who were dismissive of their pain and thus prolonged the patient's delay to diagnosis.
Identification of key signaling pathways and hub genes related to immune infiltration in Kawasaki disease with resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Wang Yue , Cao Yinyin , Li Yang , Yuan Meifen , Xu Jin , Li Jian 
Published: June 2023

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis, that is, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, with approximately 10%–20% of patients with KD suffering intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance. Although the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains unclear, recent studies have revealed that immune cell infiltration may associate with its occurrence.Methods: In this study, we downloaded the expression profiles from the GSE48498 and GSE16797 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database, analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and intersected the DEGs with the immune-related genes downloaded from the ImmPort database to obtain differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIGs). Then CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate the immune cell compositions, followed by the WGCNA analysis to identify the module genes associated with immune cell infiltration. Next, we took the intersection of the selected module genes and DEIGs, then performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Moreover, ROC curve validation, Spearman analysis with immune cells, TF, and miRNA regulation network, and potential drug prediction were implemented for the finally obtained hub genes.Results: The CIBERSORT algorithm showed that neutrophil expression was significantly higher in IVIG-resistant patients compared to IVIG-responsive patients. Next, we got differentially expressed neutrophil-related genes by intersecting DEIGs with neutrophil-related module genes obtained by WGCNA, for further analysis. Enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were associated with immune pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Then we combined the PPI network in the STRING database with the MCODE plugin in Cytoscape and identified 6 hub genes (TLR8, AQP9, CXCR1, FPR2, HCK, and IL1R2), which had good diagnostic performance in IVIG resistance according to ROC analysis. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation analysis confirmed that these genes were closely related to neutrophils. Finally, TFs, miRNAs, and potential drugs targeting the hub genes were predicted, and TF-, miRNA-, and drug-gene networks were constructed.Conclusion: This study found that the 6 hub genes (TLR8, AQP9, CXCR1, FPR2, HCK, and IL1R2) were significantly associated with neutrophil cell infiltration, which played an important role in IVIG resistance. In a word, this work rendered potential diagnostic biomarkers and prospective therapeutic targets for IVIG-resistant patients.
Resensitization of TRPV1 channels after the P2 receptor activation in sensory neurons of spinal ganglia in rats
Authors: Petrushenko Olena A. , Stratiievska Anastasiiya O. , Petrushenko Mariia O. , Lukyanetz Elena A. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionTRPV1 channels are responsible for detecting noxious stimuli such as heat (&gt;43°C), acid, and capsaicin. P2 receptors are involved in numerous functions of the nervous system, including its modulation and specific response to the application of ATP. In our experiments, we investigated the dynamics of calcium transients in DRG neurons associated with TRPV1 channel desensitization and the effect of activation of P2 receptors on this process.MethodsWe used DRG neurons from rats P7–8 after 1–2 days of culture to measure calcium transients by microfluorescence calcimetry using the fluorescent dye Fura-2 AM.ResultsWe have shown that DRG neurons of small (d &lt; 22 μm) and medium (d = 24–35 μm) sizes differ in TRPV1 expression. Thus, TRPV1 channels are mainly present in small nociceptive neurons (59% of the studied neurons). Short-term sequential application of the TRPV1 channel agonist capsaicin (100nM) leads to the desensitization of TRPV1 channels by the type of tachyphylaxis. We identified three types of sensory neurons based on responses to capsaicin: (1) desensitized 37.5%, (2) non-desensitized 34.4%, and (3) insensitive 23.4% to capsaicin. It has also been shown that P2 receptors are present in all types of neurons according to their size. So, the responses to ATP were different in different-sized neurons. Applying ATP (0.1 mM) to the intact cell membrane after the onset of tachyphylaxis caused recovery of calcium transients in response to the addition of capsaicin in these neurons. The amplitude of the capsaicin response after reconstitution with ATP was 161% of the previous minimal calcium transient in response to capsaicin.DiscussionSignificantly, the restoration of the amplitude of calcium transients under the ATP application is not associated with changes in the cytoplasmic pool of ATP because this molecule does not cross the intact cell membrane, thus, our results show the interaction between TRPV1 channels and P2 receptors. It is important to note that the restoration of the amplitude of calcium transients through TRPV1 channels after application of ATP was observed mainly in cells of 1–2 days of cultivation. Thus, the resensitization of capsaicin transients following P2 receptor activation may be associated with the regulation of the sensitivity of sensory neurons.
Spontaneous Necker-cube reversals may not be that spontaneous
Authors: Wilson Mareike , Hecker Lukas , Joos Ellen , Aertsen Ad , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Kornmeier Jürgen 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionDuring observation of the ambiguous Necker cube, our perception suddenly reverses between two about equally possible 3D interpretations. During passive observation, perceptual reversals seem to be sudden and spontaneous. A number of theoretical approaches postulate destabilization of neural representations as a pre-condition for reversals of ambiguous figures. In the current study, we focused on possible Electroencephalogram (EEG) correlates of perceptual destabilization, that may allow prediction of an upcoming perceptual reversal.MethodsWe presented ambiguous Necker cube stimuli in an onset-paradigm and investigated the neural processes underlying endogenous reversals as compared to perceptual stability across two consecutive stimulus presentations. In a separate experimental condition, disambiguated cube variants were alternated randomly, to exogenously induce perceptual reversals. We compared the EEG immediately before and during endogenous Necker cube reversals with corresponding time windows during exogenously induced perceptual reversals of disambiguated cube variants.ResultsFor the ambiguous Necker cube stimuli, we found the earliest differences in the EEG between reversal trials and stability trials already 1 s before a reversal occurred, at bilateral parietal electrodes. The traces remained similar until approximately 1100 ms before a perceived reversal, became maximally different at around 890 ms (p = 7.59 × 10–6, Cohen’s d = 1.35) and remained different until shortly before offset of the stimulus preceding the reversal. No such patterns were found in the case of disambiguated cube variants.DiscussionThe identified EEG effects may reflect destabilized states of neural representations, related to destabilized perceptual states preceding a perceptual reversal. They further indicate that spontaneous Necker cube reversals are most probably not as spontaneous as generally thought. Rather, the destabilization may occur over a longer time scale, at least 1 s before a reversal event, despite the reversal event as such being perceived as spontaneous by the viewer.
Metaproteomics profiling of the microbial communities in fermentation starters (Daqu) during multi-round production of Chinese liquor
Authors: Zhao Jinzhi , Yang Yi , Teng Mengjing , Zheng Jianxujie , Wang Bing , Mallawaarachchi Vijini , Lin Yu , Fang Ziyu , Shen Chengpin , Yu Shaoning , Yang Fan , Qiao Liang , Wang Li 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe special flavor and fragrance of Chinese liquor are closely related to microorganisms in the fermentation starter Daqu. The changes of microbial community can affect the stability of liquor yield and quality.MethodsIn this study, we used data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) for cohort study of the microbial communities of a total of 42 Daqu samples in six production cycles at different times of a year. The DIA MS data were searched against a protein database constructed by metagenomic sequencing.ResultsThe microbial composition and its changes across production cycles were revealed. Functional analysis of the differential proteins was carried out and the metabolic pathways related to the differential proteins were explored. These metabolic pathways were related to the saccharification process in liquor fermentation and the synthesis of secondary metabolites to form the unique flavor and aroma in the Chinese liquor.DiscussionWe expect that the metaproteome profiling of Daqu from different production cycles will serve as a guide for the control of fermentation process of Chinese liquor in the future.
Associations of timing of food intake with energy intake, eating behaviour traits and psychosocial factors in adults with overweight and obesity
Authors: Jacob Raphaëlle , Tremblay Angelo , Provencher Véronique , Panahi Shirin , Mathieu Marie-Ève , Drapeau Vicky 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionWhether a late distribution of food intake impacts obesity through increased energy intake remains uncertain and the behavioural characterization of late eating needs to be further investigated. The first objective of this study was to assess the associations between late eating and body mass index (BMI) and total energy intake (TEI), and whether TEI mediates the association between late eating and BMI. The second objective was to assess the associations between late eating and eating behaviour traits or psychosocial factors and whether eating behaviour traits mediate the association between late eating and TEI.MethodsBaseline data from 301 individuals (56% women, age = 38.7 ± 8.5 years; BMI = 33.2 ± 3.4 kg/m2), who participated in four weight loss studies were used in this cross-sectional study. Total energy intake was assessed using a three-day food record from which the percentage of TEI after 17:00 and after 20:00 was calculated. Eating behaviour traits and psychosocial factors were assessed with questionnaires. Pearson correlations and mediation analyses adjusted for age, sex, underreporting of energy intake, sleep duration and bedtime were performed.ResultsPercent TEI after 17:00 and after 20:00 were associated with TEI (r = 0.13, p = 0.03 for both), and TEI mediated the association between percent TEI after 17:00 and BMI (β = 0.01 ± 0.01, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.02). Percent TEI after 17:00 was associated with disinhibition (r = 0.13, p = 0.03) and percent TEI after 20:00 was associated with susceptibility to hunger (r = 0.13, p = 0.03), stress (r = 0.24, p = 0.002) and anxiety (r = 0.28, p = 0.0004). In women, disinhibition mediated the association between percent TEI after 17:00 and TEI (β = 3.41 ± 1.43, 95% CI: 0.92, 6.47). Susceptibility to hunger mediated the association between percent TEI after 20:00 and TEI (β = 0.96 ± 0.59, 95% CI: 0.02, 2.34) in men and women.ConclusionLate eating is associated with TEI and suboptimal eating behaviours which could contribute to explaining the association between timing of food intake and obesity.
Direct healthcare cost of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus in the Philippines
Authors: Yee Maria Kathryn Ramirez , Collante Ma Theresa Moreno , Bernal Christine Bea 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundPediatric rheumatic diseases are chronic illnesses that pose a huge economic burden to children and their families; one of the most common is pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE). The direct cost of pSLE has been studied in other countries. In the Philippines, this was only studied in the adult population. This study aimed to determine the direct cost of pSLE in the Philippines and its cost predictors.MethodsA total of 100 pSLE patients were seen from November 2017 to January 2018 at the University of Santo Tomas. Informed consent and assent forms were obtained. A total of 79 patients met the inclusion criteria and parents were asked to answer a questionnaire. Data were tabulated and were subjected to statistical analysis. Cost predictors were estimated using a stepwise log linear regression.ResultsA total of 79 pediatric SLE patients, with a mean age of 14.68 ± 3.24 years, 89.9% of which were females, with a mean disease duration of 36.08 ± 23.54 months, were included in this study. A total of 65.82% had lupus nephritis and 49.37% were in flare. The mean annual direct cost for pediatric SLE patient was 162,764.81 PHP (USD 3,047.23). Majority of the expense was for medications. Regression analysis showed that the predictors of increased cost in doctor's fee in clinic visits (p-value 0.000) and IV infusion (p-value 0.01) were the higher combined income of the parents.ConclusionThis is a preliminary study on the mean annual direct cost of pediatric SLE patients in a single center in the Philippines. Pediatric SLE patients with nephritis and other target organ damage were seen to increase the cost up to 2–3.5×. Patients in flare also had a higher cost of up to 1.6×. The overall cost driver of this study was the parent's or caregivers combined income. Further analysis showed that cost drivers in the subcategories include the age, sex and parent's/caregiver's educational attainment.
Renal C4d is a potential biomarker of disease activity and severity in pediatric lupus nephritis patients
Authors: Wang Xueyao , Fu Shaojie , Yu Jinyu , Tang Daru , Wu Hao , Xu Zhonggao 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multisystemic autoimmune disease, is very aggressive in pediatric-onset patients as they are prone to develop lupus nephritis (LN). Although renal C4d positivity is correlated with the activity of renal disease and SLE in adult-onset LN patients, available information for pediatric-onset patients is limited.MethodsTo evaluate the potential diagnostic significance of renal C4d staining in pediatric LN patients, we retrospectively detected C4d staining by immunohistochemistry on renal biopsy specimens from 58 pediatric LN patients. The clinical and laboratory data at the time of the kidney biopsy and the renal disease activity of histological injury were analyzed according to the C4d staining status.ResultsGlomerular C4d (G-C4d)-positive staining was detected in all 58 cases of LN. Patients with a G-C4d score of 2 displayed more severe proteinuria than those with a G-C4d score of 1 (24-h urinary protein: 3.40 ± 3.55 g vs. 1.36 ± 1.24 g, P &lt; 0.05). Peritubular capillary C4d (PTC-C4d) positivity was found in 34 of 58 LN patients (58.62%). The PTC-C4d-positive patient groups (patients with a PTC-C4d score of 1 or 2) had higher serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels as well as renal pathological activity index (AI) and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores; however, they had lower serum complement C3 and C4 levels compared to PTC-C4d-negative patients (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, there was positive tubular basement membrane C4d (TBM-C4d) staining in 11 of 58 LN patients (18.96%), and a higher proportion of TBM-C4d-positive patients than TBM-C4d-negative patients (63.63% vs. 21.27%) had hypertension.ConclusionOur study revealed that G-C4d, PTC-C4d, and TMB-C4d were positively correlated with proteinuria, disease activity and severity, and hypertension, respectively, in pediatric LN patients. These data suggest that renal C4d is a potential biomarker for disease activity and severity in pediatric LN patients, providing insights into the development of novel identification and therapeutic approaches for pediatric-onset SLE with LN.
Research on named entity recognition of adverse drug reactions based on NLP and deep learning
Authors: Wei Jianxiang , Hu Tianling , Dai Jimin , Wang Ziren , Han Pu , Huang Weidong 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are directly related to public health and become the focus of public and media attention. At present, a large number of ADR events have been reported on the Internet, but the mining and utilization of such information resources is insufficient. Named entity recognition (NER) is the basic work of many natural language processing (NLP) tasks, which aims to identify entities with specific meanings from natural language texts.Methods: In order to identify entities from ADR event data resources more effectively, so as to provide valuable health knowledge for people, this paper introduces ALBERT in the input presentation layer on the basis of the classic BiLSTM-CRF model, and proposes a method of ADR named entity recognition based on the ALBERT-BiLSTM-CRF model. The textual information about ADR on the website “Chinese medical information query platform” (https://www.dayi.org.cn) was collected by the crawler and used as research data, and the BIO method was used to label three types of entities: drug name (DRN), drug component (COM), and adverse drug reactions (ADR) to build a corpus. Then, the words were mapped to the word vector by using the ALBERT module to obtain the character level semantic information, the context coding was performed by the BiLSTM module, and the label decoding was using the CRF module to predict the real label.Results: Based on the constructed corpus, experimental comparisons were made with two classical models, namely, BiLSTM-CRF and BERT-BiLSTM-CRF. The experimental results show that the F1 of our method is 91.19% on the whole, which is 1.5% and 1.37% higher than the other two models respectively, and the performance of recognition of three types of entities is significantly improved, which proves the superiority of this method.Discussion: The method proposed can be used effectively in NER from ADR information on the Internet, which provides a basis for the extraction of drug-related entity relationships and the construction of knowledge graph, thus playing a role in practical health systems such as intelligent diagnosis, risk reasoning and automatic question answering.