bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between hysterectomy status and stroke risk and cause-specific and all-cause mortality: evidence from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Shen Ruihuan , Wang Jia , Tian Yuqing , Wang Rui , Guo Peiyao , Shen Shuhui , Liu Donghao , Zou Tong 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundPrior research on women who had hysterectomies has shown mixed results on whether or not hysterectomies increased the incidence of stroke and cause-specific or all-cause mortality.MethodsUsing information from the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States, including linked mortality follow-up files available for public access, a multicycle cross-sectional design mortality linkage study was performed.ResultsConducted during the years 2005–2018, the study sample included 14,214 female participants ranging in age from 20 to 85 years. The relationship between the hysterectomy status and the risk of stroke and cause-specific and all-cause mortality was examined using a series of weighted logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazards regressions, respectively. The presence of a hysterectomy was consistently linked to an elevated risk of stroke using weighted logistic regression models. The hysterectomy status, however, consistently showed no effect on survival by adjusted weighted Cox regression analysis.ConclusionOur study found a significant association between hysterectomy and stroke, even after adjusting for other factors that could impact risk, such as the American Heart Association (AHA)'s Life's Simple 7 cardiovascular health score and variables of age, ethnicity, marital status, income, education, and depression severity.
Prognostic significance of white blood cell to platelet ratio in delayed cerebral ischemia and long-term clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Wanwan , Wang Yifei , Zhang Qingqing , Hou Fandi , Wang Lintao , Zheng Zhanqiang , Guo Yong , Chen Zhongcan , Hernesniemi Juha , Feng Guang , Gu Jianjun 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesThe ratio of white blood cell to platelet count (WPR) is considered a promising biomarker in some diseases. However, its prediction of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and prognosis after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has not been studied. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of WPR in DCI after aSAH and its impact on 90-day functional outcome.Materials and methodsThis study retrospectively analyzed the data of blood biochemical parameters in 447 patients with aSAH at early admission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors for DCI. According to multivariate analysis results, a nomogram for predicting DCI is developed and verified by R software. The influence of WPR on 90-day modified Rankin score (mRS) was also analyzed.ResultsAmong 447 patients with aSAH, 117 (26.17%) developed DCI during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that WPR [OR = 1.236; 95%CI: 1.058–1.444; p = 0.007] was an independent risk factor for DCI. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive ability of WPR for DCI, and the cut-off value of 5.26 (AUC 0.804, 95% CI: 0.757–0.851, p &lt; 0.001). The ROC curve (AUC 0.875, 95% CI: 0.836–0.913, p &lt; 0.001) and calibration curve (mean absolute error = 0.017) showed that the nomogram had a good predictive ability for the occurrence of DCI. Finally, we also found that high WPR levels at admission were closely associated with poor prognosis.ConclusionWPR level at admission is a novel serum marker for DCI and the poor prognosis after aSAH. A nomogram model containing early WPR will be of great value in predicting DCI after aSAH.
Internal carotid artery stenosis: hemodynamics in the ipsilateral ACA affects CT angiography manifestations
Authors: Li Chun , Meng Jihong , Xu Baoxin , Li Xiaodong , Li Miaomiao , Du Xue , Li Shaoyi , Ma Weining 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate whether CT angiography (CTA) manifestations in anterior cerebral artery a1 segment (A1) were related to the hemodynamics in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS).MethodsA total of 97 cases were selected. The degree of ICAS and symmetry of A1 were evaluated by CTA examination. Hemodynamic indexes were detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD). The differences in CTA presentations of A1 and hemodynamics between the vessels on the stenotic and contralateral sides were analyzed according to the different degrees of stenosis. The degree of ICAS according to the different manifestations of A1 and the hemodynamics of A1’s adjacent vessels were also analyzed.ResultsIn the case of unilateral ICAS, the difference in Vm of A1 between the stenotic and the contralateral side was the most significant relative to the stenosis degree. When unilateral ICAS was ≥70%, the presentation of A1 on the stenotic side was more slender or non-visualized compared to that on the contralateral side, while in cases with unilateral stenosis &lt;70% or bilateral stenosis with a similar degree of stenosis, A1 were mainly symmetrical. When A1 on the side of ICAS was slender or non-visualized, the Vm of A1 was significantly slower than that on the contralateral side (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe CTA manifestations of A1 on the side of ICAS embodied the overall changes of the intracranial hemodynamics after ICAS. A combination of TCD and CTA examination of A1 can assist in judging the location and degree of ICAS.
Molecular subtypes and tumor microenvironment infiltration signatures based on cuproptosis-related genes in colon cancer
Authors: Luo Hongwei , Zhang Que , Liu Xiangchu , Luo Yue , Jiang Xing , Wang Chao , Chen Bin , He Qiming , Zhang Yingchun , Shu Ou , Dai Penggao , He Chengcheng 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundColon cancer is one of the common cancers, and its prognosis remains to be improved. The role of cuproptosis as a newly discovered form of cell death in the development of colon cancer has not been determined.MethodsBased on 983 colon cancer samples in the TCGA database and the GEO database, we performed a comprehensive genomic analysis to explore the molecular subtypes mediated by cuproptosis-related genes. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was utilized to quantify the relative abundance of each cell infiltrate in the TME. A risk score was established using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO), and its predictive ability for colon cancer patients was verified to explore its guiding value for treatment.ResultsWe identified two distinct cuproptosis-related molecular subtypes in colon cancer. These two distinct molecular subtypes can predict clinicopathological features, prognosis, TME activity, and immune-infiltrating cells. A risk model was developed and its predictive ability was verified. Compared with patients in the high-risk score group, patients in the low-risk score group were characterized by lower tumor microenvironment score, higher stem cell activity, lower tumor mutational burden, lower microsatellite instability, higher sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, and better immunotherapy efficacy.ConclusionThis study contributes to understanding the molecular characteristics of cuproptosis-related subtypes. We demonstrate a critical role for cuproptosis genes in colon cancer s in the TME. Our study contributes to the development of individualized treatment regimens for colon cancer.
Roles of autophagy-related genes in the therapeutic effects of Xuanfei Pingchuan capsules on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on transcriptome sequencing analysis
Authors: Zhang Ye , Xue Xiaoming , Meng Lihong , Li Dian , Qiao Wenxiao , Wang Jinyun , Xie Di 
Published: May 2023

Objective: Autophagy plays an important role in the occurrence and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated the effect of Xuanfei Pingchuan capsule (XFPC) on autophagy-related genes of COPD by a bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification.Methods: The best treatment duration was screened by CCK8 assays. HBE cells were divided into three groups: blank, CSE and XFPC. After intervened by XFPC, HBE cells were collected and sent to Shenzhen Huada Gene Company for transcriptome sequencing. Subsequently, differential expression analyses, target gene prediction, and function enrichment analyses were carried out. Expression changes were verified in HBE cells by real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB).Results: The result of differential expression analysis displayed that 125 target genes of HBE cells were mainly related to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MKK) binding, interleukin 33 binding, 1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase activity, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway. Among the target genes, the core genes related to autophagy obtained by maximum neighborhood component algorithm were CSF1, AREG, MAPK9, MAP3K7, and AKT3. RT-qPCR and WB methods were used to verify the result, it showed similar expression changes in CSF1, MAPK9, MAP3K7, and AKT3 in bronchial epithelial cells to those in the bioinformatics analysis.Conclusion: Through transcriptome sequencing and validation analysis, we predicted that CSF1, MAPK9, MAP3K7, and AKT3 may be the potential autophagy-related genes that play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. XFPC may regulate autophagy by down-regulating the expression of CSF1, MAPK9, MAP3K7, and AKT3, thus achieving the purpose of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The identification of metabolism-related subtypes and potential treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yang Changqing , Wang Guixin , Zhan Wenyu , Wang Yubao , Feng Jing 
Published: May 2023

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is caused by aberrant repair because of alveolar epithelial injury and can only be effectively treated with several compounds. Several metabolism-related biomolecular processes were found to be involved in IPF. We aimed to identify IPF subtypes based on metabolism-related pathways and explore potential drugs for each subtype.Methods: Gene profiles and clinical information were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE70867 and GSE93606). The enrichment scores for 41 metabolism-related pathways, immune cells, and immune pathways were calculated using the Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) package. The ConsensusClusterPlus package was used to cluster samples. Novel modules and hub genes were identified using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves were plotted, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to evaluate the model in the training and validation cohorts. A connectivity map was used as a drug probe.Results: Two subtypes with significant differences in prognosis were identified based on the metabolism-related pathways. Subtype C1 had a poor prognosis, low metabolic levels, and a unique immune signature. CDS2, LCLAT1, GPD1L, AGPAT1, ALDH3A1, LAP3, ADH5, AHCYL2, and MDH1 were used to distinguish between the two subtypes. Finally, subtype-specific drugs, which can potentially treat IPF, were identified.Conclusion: The aberrant activation of metabolism-related pathways contributes to differential prognoses in patients with IPF. Collectively, our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into subtyping IPF based on the metabolism-related pathway and potential treatments, which would help clinicians provide subtype-specific individualized therapeutic management to patients.
Perspectives of international multi-center clinical trials on traditional Chinese herbal medicine
Authors: Wu Shan , Wang Chuanchi , Bai Dong , Chen Nanjie , Hu Jingqing , Zhang Junhua 
Published: May 2023

With the introduction of various subjects, such as clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine, the qualities and levels of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) in China improved substantially, and the processes of internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are further accelerated. Since, a variety of drug products in China have been approved for marketing in other countries, and approximately 10 products have submitted the IND application to FDA of United States, of which various Chinese herbal preparations such as compound Danshen dripping pills, Xingling granules, and HMPL-004 have been approved to be investigated in phase III clinical trials. In general, multi-center studies of TCHM are increasing with years, but most of the studies are performed in some certain country, and the actual international multi-center clinical trials are very rare. Number of SCI literatures on multi-center clinical trials of TCHM that published in the recent decade also showed increasing tendency with years, despite the evident reduction in the past 2 years due to the influence of COVID-19 pandemic. Of the multi-center clinical trials of TCHM that performed by mainland China and other oversees regions, except for Taiwan, China, nearly 70% were focused on classic Chinese medicinal formulae and Chinese patent medicine, while the other 30% were on dietary supplements and plant extracts. Facing the future, the “human experience” has attracted close attentions from researchers throughout the world. Effectively utilizing the historic “human experience” is an important method to vitalize potential of original scientific and technological resources of TCHM. Performing multi-center clinical trials with high qualities is still an essential method for TCHM in accessing the mainstream medicine market. In addition, it is also required to further improve the evaluation techniques and methods that not only meet the international standards but also meet the characteristics of TCHM. Furthermore, we should also focus on the TCHM specific clinical values and scientific reports.
Dual pulse heterodyne distributed acoustic sensor system employing SOA-based fiber ring laser
Authors: Zhang Chunxi , Yang Sufan , Wang Xiaxiao 
Published: May 2023

Distributed Acoustic Sensor (DAS) has potential in applications such as hydroacoustic detection. In this paper, a dual-pulse heterodyne distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) system using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based fiber ring laser (FRL) is proposed. Unlike the previous DAS system configurations, the SOA-based FRL replaces the narrow linewidth laser (NLL) and pulse modulator, reducing costs and simplifying the system. The system is demonstrated theoretically and validated experimentally. The adaptability of the SOA-based FRL in the heterodyne DAS system has been demonstrated in the experiments. Using the dual-pulse heterodyne detection method, the sensor system responds well to distributed acoustic detection and achieves accurate demodulation and positioning. A high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 42.51 dB at 3 kHz is demonstrated as a demodulation result. The system’s frequency range is 5 Hz to 5 kHz with a spatial resolution of 12 m. The proposed approach shows a broad application prospect for low-cost, large-scale, high-SNR distributed acoustic detection in maritime surveillance.
Increasing maternal age associates with lower placental CPT1B mRNA expression and acylcarnitines, particularly in overweight women
Authors: Yong Hannah E. J. , Watkins Oliver C. , Mah Tania K. L. , Cracknell-Hazra Victoria K. B. , Pillai Reshma Appukuttan , Selvam Preben , Islam Mohammad O. , Sharma Neha , Cazenave-Gassiot Amaury , Bendt Anne K. , Wenk Markus R. , Godfrey Keith M. , Lewis Rohan M. , Chan Shiao-Yng 
Published: May 2023

Older pregnant women have increased risks of complications including gestational diabetes and stillbirth. Carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) expression declines with age in several tissues and is linked with poorer metabolic health. Mitochondrial CPTs catalyze acylcarnitine synthesis, which facilitates fatty acid oxidization as fuel. We hypothesized that the placenta, containing maternally-inherited mitochondria, shows an age-related CPT decline that lowers placental acylcarnitine synthesis, increasing vulnerability to pregnancy complications. We assessed CPT1A, CPT1B, CPT1C and CPT2 mRNA expression by qPCR in 77 placentas and quantified 10 medium and long-chain acylcarnitines by LC-MS/MS in a subset of 50 placentas. Older maternal age associated with lower expression of placental CPT1B, but not CPT1A, CPT1C or CPT2. CPT1B expression positively associated with eight acylcarnitines and CPT1C with three acylcarnitines, CPT1A negatively associated with nine acylcarnitines, while CPT2 did not associate with any acylcarnitine. Older maternal age associated with reductions in five acylcarnitines, only in those with BMI≥ 25 kg/m2, and not after adjusting for CPT1B expression. Our findings suggest that CPT1B is the main transferase for placental long-chain acylcarnitine synthesis, and age-related CPT1B decline may underlie decreased placental metabolic flexibility, potentially contributing to pregnancy complications in older women, particularly if they are overweight.
Investigation into the importance of using natural PVCs and pathological models for potential-based ECGI validation
Authors: Bear Laura R. , Bergquist Jake A. , Abell Emma , Cochet Hubert , MacLeod Rob S. , Dubois Remi , Serinagaoglu Yesim 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are one of the most commonly targeted pathologies for ECGI validation, often through ventricular stimulation to mimic the ectopic beat. However, it remains unclear if such stimulated beats faithfully reproduce spontaneously occurring PVCs, particularly in the case of the R-on-T phenomenon. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in ECGI accuracy when reconstructing spontaneous PVCs as compared to ventricular-stimulated beats and to explore the impact of pathophysiological perturbation on this reconstruction accuracy.Methods: Langendorff-perfused pig hearts (n = 3) were suspended in a human torso-shaped tank, and local hyperkalemia was induced through perfusion of a high-K+ solution (8 mM) into the LAD. Recordings were taken simultaneously from the heart and tank surfaces during ventricular pacing and during spontaneous PVCs (including R-on-T), both at baseline and high K+. Epicardial potentials were reconstructed from torso potentials using ECGI.Results: Spontaneously occurring PVCs were better reconstructed than stimulated beats at baseline in terms of electrogram morphology [correlation coefficient (CC) = 0.74 ± 0.05 vs. CC = 0.60 ± 0.10], potential maps (CC = 0.61 ± 0.06 vs. CC = 0.51 ± 0.12), and activation time maps (CC = 0.86 ± 0.07 vs. 0.76 ± 0.10), though there was no difference in the localization error (LE) of epicardial origin (LE = 14 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 11 mm). High K+ perfusion reduced the accuracy of ECGI reconstructions in terms of electrogram morphology (CC = 0.68 ± 0.10) and AT maps (CC = 0.70 ± 0.12 and 0.59 ± 0.23) for isolated PVCs and paced beats, respectively. LE trended worse, but the change was not significant (LE = 17 ± 9 and 20 ± 12 mm). Spontaneous PVCs were less well when the R-on-T phenomenon occurred and the activation wavefronts encountered a line of block.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the differences in ECGI accuracy between spontaneous PVCs and ventricular-paced beats. We also observed a reduction in this accuracy near regions of electrically inactive tissue. These results highlight the need for more physiologically realistic experimental models when evaluating the accuracy of ECGI methods. In particular, reconstruction accuracy needs to be further evaluated in the presence of R-on-T or isolated PVCs, particularly when encountering obstacles (functional or anatomical) which cause line of block and re-entry.
Effects of tailored interventions for anxiety management in choking-susceptible performing artists: a mixed-methods collective case study
Authors: Lubert Veronika J. , Nordin-Bates Sanna M. , Gröpel Peter 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionNot being able to manage performance anxiety and subsequently experiencing a decline in performance have been called “choking under pressure”. High trait anxiety and fear of negative evaluation, as well as low self-efficacy or self-confidence, can put performers especially at risk of experiencing choking. This study, therefore, examined the effects of psychological choking interventions tailored to “choking-susceptible” performing artists individually in a coaching setting.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods (QUANT + QUAL) collective case study with nine performing artists, who each received five individual coaching sessions. The tailored choking interventions comprised acclimatization training, goal setting, and pre-performance routines, including elements such as imagery, self-talk, and relaxation techniques. Before and after the 10-week intervention phase, they filled in questionnaires on trait performance anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and self-efficacy, performed in front of a jury, and were interviewed about their experiences. Transcripts of interviews and coaching sessions were analyzed using thematic analysis. Heart rate measurements, weekly performance videos, and expert evaluations were also part of our comprehensive data.ResultsQuantitative data showed reductions in performance anxiety and fear of negative evaluation, and increases in self-efficacy and performance quality, from before to after the intervention phase. Most participants also had a lower heart rate when performing for the jury. Themes from qualitative analysis comprised managing nervousness and feeling more relaxed, becoming more self-confident, satisfaction with artistic and mental performance, feeling good and enjoying performing, and general positive effects.ConclusionTailoring psychological interventions may provide several benefits for choking-susceptible performing artists.
Working conditions for healthcare workers at a Swedish university hospital infectious disease department during the COVID-19 pandemic: barriers and facilitators to maintaining employee wellbeing
Authors: Veje Malin , Linden Karolina , Sengpiel Verena , Carlsson Ylva , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H. , Degl’Innocenti Alessio , Ahlstrom Linda , Wijk Helle , Akerstrom Magnus 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) at infectious disease departments have held the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to maintaining the employees’ wellbeing that may be used to increase preparedness for future pandemics within ID Departments.MethodsIn September 2020, a web-based survey on demographics and work environment was distributed to all HCWs at the Infectious Disease Department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Results were compared with a pre-COVID-19 survey from October 2019. A quantitative analysis of the overall effects of the pandemic on the working conditions of HCWs was conducted; in addition, a qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses was performed.ResultsIn total, 222 and 149 HCWs completed the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 surveys (84 and 54% response rate), respectively. Overall, we found significant changes regarding increased workload, lack of emotional support in stressful work situations, and inability to recover after shifts. These factors correlated both with younger age and concern of becoming infected. The open-ended answers (n = 103, 69%) revealed five generic categories (Workload; Organizational support; Worry and ethical stress; Capability; and Cooperation and unity) with a total of 14 identified factors representing plausible individual and organizational-level barriers or facilitators to sustained employee wellbeing.ConclusionYounger HCWs as well as those expressing worries about contracting the infection were found to be particularly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic and these groups may require additional support in future outbreaks. Factors both increasing and decreasing the pandemic-induced negative health consequences for HCWs were identified; this knowledge may be utilized in the future.