bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scientific evidence of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Li Runmin , Dai Guohua , Guan Hui , Gao Wulin , Ren Lili , Wang Xingmeng , Qu Huiwen 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundIt remains controversial whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are effective in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).PurposeThe objective of this umbrella review is to provide a summary of the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2is for the treatment of HFpEF.MethodsWe extracted pertinent systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library that were published between the inception of the database and December 31, 2022. Two independent investigators assessed the methodological quality, risk of bias, report quality, and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We further evaluated the overlap of the included RCTs by calculating the corrected covered area (CCA) and assessed the reliability of the effect size by performing excess significance tests. Additionally, the effect sizes of the outcomes were repooled to obtain objective and updated conclusions. Egger's test and sensitivity analysis were used to clarify the stability and reliability of the updated conclusion.ResultsThis umbrella review included 15 SRs/MAs, and their methodological quality, risk of bias, report quality, and evidence quality were unsatisfactory. The total CCA for 15 SRs/MAs was 23.53%, indicating a very high level of overlap. The excess significance tests did not reveal any significant results. Our updated MA demonstrated that the incidence of the composite of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) or cardiovascular death (CVD), first HHF, total HHF, and adverse events as well as the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Total Symptom Score (KCCQ-TSS) and 6 min-walk distance (6MWD) were all substantially improved in the SGLT-2i intervention group compared to the control group. However, there was limited evidence that SGLT-2is could improve CVD, all-cause death, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, or plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level. Egger's test and sensitivity analysis proved that the conclusion was stable and reliable.ConclusionsSGLT-2 is a potential treatment for HFpEF with favourable safety. Given the dubious methodological quality, reporting quality, evidence quality, and high risk of bias for certain included SRs/MAs, this conclusion must be drawn with caution.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://inplasy.com/, doi: 10.37766/inplasy2022.12.0083, identifier INPLASY2022120083.
Assessing physical activity with the wearable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure
Authors: Iliodromitis Konstantinos , Balogh Zsuzsanna , Triposkiadis Filippos , Deftereos Spyridon , Vrachatis Dimitrios , Bimpong-Buta Nana-Yaw , Schiedat Fabian , Bogossian Harilaos 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundThe wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), (LifeVest, ZOLL, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) is a medical device designed for the temporary detection and treatment of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. WCD telemonitoring features enable the evaluation of the physical activity (PhA) of the patients. We sought to assess with the WCD the PhA of patients with newly diagnosed heart failure.MethodsWe collected and analyzed the data of all patients treated with the WCD in our clinic. Patients with newly diagnosed ischemic, or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and severely reduced ejection fraction, who were treated with the WCD for at least 28 consecutive days and had a compliance of at least 18 h the day were included.ResultsSeventy-seven patients were eligible for analysis. Thirty-seven patients suffered from ischemic and 40 from non-ischemic heart disease. The average days the WCD was carried was 77.3 ± 44.6 days and the mean wearing time was 22.8 ± 2.1 h. The patients showed significantly increased PhA measured by daily steps between the first two and the last two weeks (Mean steps in the first 2 weeks: 4,952.6 ± 3,052.7 vs. mean steps in the last 2 weeks: 6,119.6 ± 3,776.2, p-value:  &lt; 0.001). In the end of the surveillance period an increase of the ejection fraction was observed (LVEF-before: 25.8 ± 6.6% vs. LVEF-after: 37.5 ± 10.6%, p &lt; 0.001). Improvement of the EF did not correlate with the improvement of PhA.ConclusionThe WCD provides useful information regarding patient PhA and may be additionally utilized for early heart failure treatment adjustment.
Papua New Guinea Moho inversion based on XGM 2019e gravity field model
Authors: Liu Yijun , Yang Guangliang , Zhang Jie , Zhao Bingjie 
Published: May 2023

The construction of the high-resolution Moho depth model is significant for studying the characteristics of the complex tectonic movement (seafloor spreading, plate subduction phenomena) in Papua New Guinea. We calculate the region’s Moho relief and lithosphere thinning factor using the XGM 2019e gravity field model and nonlinear fast gravity inversion method under the GEMMA Moho depth model’s constraint considering the influence of lithosphere thermal gravity anomaly. The calculation result shows that the Moho depth is between 6—34 km, forming two large depressions in Woodlark Basin (WB) and Solomon Sea Plate (SSP) with deep scattered islands. In addition, the findings suggest that Significant differences exist in the shape and tectonic movement intensity of the North and South oceanic crust at the WB. Nevertheless, the lithosphere extends evenly in Manus Basin (MB). WB collided with the Solomon Islands at a higher angle than the SSP subducted under Bismarck Sea Plate (BSP); strong earthquakes may frequently occur on both sides and in deeper positions at West New Britain Trench in the future.
Tephra sedimentation and grainsize associated with pulsatory activity: the 2021 Tajogaite eruption of Cumbre Vieja (La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain)
Authors: Bonadonna Costanza , Pistolesi Marco , Dominguez Lucia , Freret-Lorgeril Valentin , Rossi Eduardo , Fries Allan , Biass Sebastien , Voloschina Marija , Lemus Jonathan , Romero Jorge E. , Zanon Vittorio , Pastore Camille , Reyes Hardy Maria-Paz , Di Maio Luigia Sara , Gabellini Pietro , Martin-Lorenzo Alba , Rodriguez Fatima , Perez Nemesio M. 
Published: May 2023

Long-lasting eruptions are of complex characterization and are typically associated with challenging risk assessment and crisis management due to the usual occurrence of multiple interacting hazards evolving at different temporal and spatial scales (e.g., lava, tephra, and gas). The 2021 Tajogaite eruption of Cumbre Vieja (La Palma) demonstrated how even hybrid events that are mostly effusive can be associated with widespread and impacting tephra deposits as a result of a complex interplay among gas flux, conduit geometry, and magma feeding rate. In this novel study, direct observations, syn-eruptive and post-eruptive sampling, and statistical analysis of pulsatory activity have been combined to provide new insights into eruption dynamics. They show how rapid gas segregation and high magma ascent rate modulated the gas flux at multiple vents, resulting in short-time fluctuations among the different explosive styles (ash-poor gas puffing, Strombolian, violent Strombolian, and lava fountaining) and unsteady tephra ground accumulation. Various size-selective sedimentation processes were also observed, including particle aggregation and ash fingers, which have impacted the overall tephra dispersal. In fact, even though both local and total grainsize distributions of selected layers, units, and of the whole tephra blanket are unimodal with a low fine-ash content, grainsize analysis of 154 samples suggests no correlation of particles &lt;63 μm with distance from vents. Our analyses demonstrate the need to include a detailed characterization of all products of hybrid eruptions for a comprehensive interpretation of eruptive dynamics and to use multiple classification strategies that can capture eruptive styles at different temporal scales.
Text quality and changing perceptions of teacher feedback and affective-motivational variables: a study with secondary EFL students
Authors: Siekmann Lea , Parr Judy , Van Ophuysen Stefanie , Busse Vera 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionFeedback can support students’ writing and has the potential to enhance writing motivation and reduce writing anxiety. However, for feedback to fulfill its potential, it has to be accepted by students and perceived as motivating.MethodsIn this study, we investigate changes in less proficient English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ (N = 53) writing motivation and affect, as well as their perceptions of teacher feedback and how these relate to students’ argumentative text quality. Measurements were taken before EFL teachers attended a professional learning intervention on feedback (T1) and 8 months later (T2).ResultsFrom T1 to T2, students felt that general feedback quality improved, their writing self-efficacy increased, and their writing anxiety decreased. However, no significant changes in text quality could be observed between T1 and T2, and students continued to struggle with creating structure and coherence in their texts. Regression analyses revealed that feedback perceptions and affective-motivational variables did not predict students’ text quality at T1. Yet at T2, students’ perception of general feedback quality and the effect of feedback on writing motivation were significant predictors of text quality; self-efficacy and writing anxiety were not.DiscussionOur results suggest that more attention needs to be paid to feedback’s motivational impact, especially among less proficient EFL writers.
Ultrasonography-based radiomics and computer-aided diagnosis in thyroid nodule management: performance comparison and clinical strategy optimization
Authors: Xia Mengwen , Song Fulong , Zhao Yongfeng , Xie Yongzhi , Wen Yafei , Zhou Ping 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesTo compare ultrasonography (US) feature-based radiomics and computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) models for predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules, and to evaluate their utility for thyroid nodule management.MethodsThis prospective study included 262 thyroid nodules obtained between January 2022 and June 2022. All nodules previously underwent standardized US image acquisition, and the nature of the nodules was confirmed by the pathological results. The CAD model exploited two vertical US images of the thyroid nodule to differentiate the lesions. The least absolute shrinkage and operator algorithm (LASSO) was applied to choose radiomics features with excellent predictive properties for building a radiomics model. Ultimately, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curves were assessed to compare diagnostic performance between the models. DeLong’s test was used to analyze the difference between groups. Both models were used to revise the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (ACR TI-RADS) to provide biopsy recommendations, and their performance was compared with the original recommendations.ResultsOf the 262 thyroid nodules, 157 were malignant, and the remaining 105 were benign. The diagnostic performance of radiomics, CAD, and ACR TI-RADS models had an AUC of 0.915 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.881–0.947), 0.814 (95% CI: 0.766–0.863), and 0.849 (95% CI: 0.804–0.894), respectively. DeLong’s test showed a statistically significant between the AUC values of models (p &lt; 0.05). Calibration curves showed good agreement in each model. When both models were applied to revise the ACR TI-RADS, our recommendations significantly improved the performance. The revised recommendations based on radiomics and CAD showed an increased sensitivity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, and decreased unnecessary fine-needle aspiration rates. Furthermore, the radiomics model’s improvement scale was more pronounced (33.3–16.7% vs. 33.3–9.7%).ConclusionThe radiomics strategy and CAD system showed good diagnostic performance for discriminating thyroid nodules and could be used to optimize the ACR TI-RADS recommendation, which successfully reduces unnecessary biopsies, especially in the radiomics model.
Dermatologic manifestations of thyroid disease: a literature review
Authors: Cohen Benjamin , Cadesky Adam , Jaggi Shuchie 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThyroid hormone is considered one of the key regulatory hormones for skin homeostasis. Multiple organs are affected by the release of peripheral thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) further regulating various functions at a cellular level. Specifically, skin is considered an important target organ in which the thyroid hormone has a significant impact. Multiple skin diseases are associated with thyroid hormone dysregulation. However, other striking dermatologic manifestations are seen in nails and hair as well. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer can have an array of cutaneous manifestations, and we present the recent updates in this field.MethodsA PubMed search was performed for updates in any new skin disease findings and treatments between 2010 and 2022. Research published in the past decade and previously known foundational skin findings associated with thyroid disease were presented in this review.ConclusionCutaneous manifestations of thyroid disease is one of the first notable signs of thyroid hormone dysregulation. This article reviews the recent updates on the thyroid and skin interplay, and it further discusses overt visible findings and various available treatment modalities.
Dose–response association of Chinese visceral adiposity index with comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among elderly people
Authors: Ren Yongcheng , Cheng Lulu , Qie Ranran , Han Minghui , Kong Lingzhen , Yan Wei , Li Zheng , Li Yiduo , Lei Yicun 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundChinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) is a reliable indicator of visceral obesity, but little is known about the association of CVAI with comorbidity of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to explore the associations of CVAI with HTN-DM comorbidity, HTN or DM, HTN, and DM in elderly people and evaluate the mediating role of insulin resistance in the associations.MethodsA total of 3,316 Chinese participants aged ≥60 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines were applied to explore the dose–response associations. Mediation analyses were used to assess the mediating effect of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in the associations.ResultsThe prevalence rate of HTN-DM comorbidity, HTN or DM, HTN, and DM was 13.78%, 72.26%, 67.16%, and 18.88%, respectively. Linear associations between CVAI and HTN-DM comorbidity, HTN or DM, HTN, and DM were found, and ORs (95%CIs) were 1.45 (1.30–1.61), 1.39 (1.28–1.52), 1.36 (1.25–1.48), and 1.28 (1.16–1.41) for per SD increase in CVAI. Compared with quartile 1 of CVAI, the risk of HTN-DM comorbidity, HTN or DM, HTN, and DM increased 190%, 125%, 112%, and 96% for quartile 4. In addition, we found TyG index playing a key role in the associations of CVAI with HTN-DM comorbidity, HTN or DM, and DM.ConclusionCVAI is linearly and positively correlated with HTN-DM comorbidity, HTN or DM, HTN, and DM. The potential mechanism is insulin resistance largely mediating the associations.
Examining the role of digitalization and gig economy in achieving a low carbon society: an empirical study across nations
Authors: Liu Kai , Feng Zerong , Zhang Qihang 
Published: May 2023

Introduction:This paper investigates the international relationship between digitalization, the gig economy, and low carbon development, providing valuable insights for governments and stakeholders seeking to advance sustainable development and a low-carbon society.Methods:A large dataset comprising countries with varying degrees of digitalization and gig economy prevalence was analyzed to assess the impact of digitalization on the gig economy and its subsequent effects on greenhouse gas emissions.Results:The study reveals that the impact of digitalization on the gig economy varies by income level, exhibiting a positive relationship in high-income countries and a negative relationship in low-income countries. Furthermore, the gig economy demonstrates a significant negative impact on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2 emissions, indicating that its growth may support emissions reduction and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon society. The gig economy also mediates the connection between digitalization and low-carbon development.Discussion:These findings carry substantial policy implications for governments and stakeholders working towards sustainable development and a low-carbon society. Moreover, the study highlights potential areas for future research, such as investigating the heterogeneous effects across income levels, exploring sectoral differences in the gig economy, and examining the dynamic nature of the gig economy and digitalization.
Cell wall composition in Cryptococcus neoformans is media dependent and alters host response, inducing protective immunity
Authors: Upadhya Rajendra , Lam Woei C. , Hole Camaron R. , Vasselli Joseph G. , Lodge Jennifer K. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionCryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycete fungus that can cause meningoencephalitis, especially in immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcus grows in many different media, although little attention has been paid to the role of growth conditions on the cryptococcal cell wall or on virulence.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine how different media influenced the amount of chitin and chitosan in the cell wall, which in turn impacted the cell wall architecture and host response.MethodsYeast extract, peptone, and dextrose (YPD) and yeast nitrogen base (YNB) are two commonly used media for growing Cryptococcus before use in in vitro or in vivo experiments. As a result, C. neoformans was grown in either YPD or YNB, which were either left unbuffered or buffered to pH 7 with MOPS. These cells were then labeled with cell wall-specific fluorescent probes to determine the amounts of various cell wall components. In addition, these cells were employed in animal virulence studies using the murine inhalation model of infection.ResultsWe observed that the growth of wild-type C. neoformans KN99 significantly changes the pH of unbuffered media during growth. It raises the pH to 8.0 when grown in unbuffered YPD but lowers the pH to 2.0 when grown in unbuffered YNB (YNB-U). Importantly, the composition of the cell wall was substantially impacted by growth in different media. Cells grown in YNB-U exhibited a 90% reduction in chitosan, the deacetylated form of chitin, compared with cells grown in YPD. The decrease in pH and chitosan in the YNB-U-grown cells was associated with a significant increase in some pathogen-associated molecular patterns on the surface of cells compared with cells grown in YPD or YNB, pH 7. This altered cell wall architecture resulted in a significant reduction in virulence when tested using a murine model of infection. Furthermore, when heat-killed cells were used as the inoculum, KN99 cells grown in YNB-U caused an aberrant hyper-inflammatory response in the lungs, resulting in rapid animal death. In contrast, heat-killed KN99 cells grown in YNB, pH 7, caused little to no inflammatory response in the host lung, but, when used as a vaccine, they conferred a robust protective response against a subsequent challenge infection with the virulent KN99 cells.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the importance of culture media and pH during growth in shaping the content and organization of the C. neoformans cell wall, as well as their impact on fungal virulence and the host response.
An estrogen response-related signature predicts response to immunotherapy in melanoma
Authors: Lin Min , Du Tian , Tang Xiaofeng , Liao Ying , Cao Lan , Zhang Yafang , Zheng Wei , Zhou Jianhua 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundEstrogen/estrogen receptor signaling influences the tumor microenvironment and affects the efficacy of immunotherapy in some tumors, including melanoma. This study aimed to construct an estrogen response-related gene signature for predicting response to immunotherapy in melanoma.MethodsRNA sequencing data of 4 immunotherapy-treated melanoma datasets and TCGA melanoma was obtained from open access repository. Differential expression analysis and pathway analysis were performed between immunotherapy responders and non-responders. Using dataset GSE91061 as the training group, a multivariate logistic regression model was built from estrogen response-related differential expression genes to predict the response to immunotherapy. The other 3 datasets of immunotherapy-treated melanoma were used as the validation group. The correlation was also examined between the prediction score from the model and immune cell infiltration estimated by xCell in the immunotherapy-treated and TCGA melanoma cases.Results“Hallmark Estrogen Response Late” was significantly downregulated in immunotherapy responders. 11 estrogen response-related genes were significantly differentially expressed between immunotherapy responders and non-responders, and were included in the multivariate logistic regression model. The AUC was 0.888 in the training group and 0.654–0.720 in the validation group. A higher 11-gene signature score was significantly correlated to increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells (rho=0.32, p=0.02). TCGA melanoma with a high signature score showed a significantly higher proportion of immune-enriched/fibrotic and immune-enriched/non-fibrotic microenvironment subtypes (p&lt;0.001)–subtypes with better response to immunotherapy–and significantly better progression-free interval (p=0.021).ConclusionIn this study, we identified and verified an 11-gene signature that could predict response to immunotherapy in melanoma and was correlated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Our study suggests targeting estrogen-related pathways may serve as a combination strategy for immunotherapy in melanoma.
Serum albumin binding knob domains engineered within a VH framework III bispecific antibody format and as chimeric peptides
Authors: Adams Ralph , Joyce Callum , Kuravskiy Mikhail , Harrison Katriona , Ahdash Zainab , Balmforth Matthew , Chia Kelda , Marceddu Cinzia , Coates Matthew , Snowden James , Goursaud Emmanuel , Ménochet Karelle , Elsen Jean van den , Payne Richard J. , Lawson Alastair D. G. , Scott-Tucker Anthony , Macpherson Alex 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundSerum albumin binding is an established mechanism to extend the serum half-life of antibody fragments and peptides. The cysteine rich knob domains, isolated from bovine antibody ultralong CDRH3, are the smallest single chain antibody fragments described to date and versatile tools for protein engineering.MethodsHere, we used phage display of bovine immune material to derive knob domains against human and rodent serum albumins. These were used to engineer bispecific Fab fragments, by using the framework III loop as a site for knob domain insertion. ResultsBy this route, neutralisation of the canonical antigen (TNFα) was retained but extended pharmacokinetics in-vivo were achieved through albumin binding. Structural characterisation revealed correct folding of the knob domain and identified broadly common but non-cross-reactive epitopes. Additionally, we show that these albumin binding knob domains can be chemically synthesised to achieve dual IL-17A neutralisation and albumin binding in a single chemical entity. ConclusionsThis study enables antibody and chemical engineering from bovine immune material, via an accessible discovery platform.