bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of aortic regurgitation secondary to Behcet's disease
Authors: Hu Hai-Ou , Zhang Chen-Han , Spadaccio Cristiano , Tang Bing , Li Cheng-Nan , Qiao Zhi-Yu , Zheng Tie , Zhu Jun-Ming , Sun Li-Zhong 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAortic regurgitation (AR) related to Behcet's disease (BD) is rare, but usually fatal. Perivalvular leakage (PVL) is high if AR related to BD treated with regular AVR. In this study, we report the surgical management of AR secondary to BD.MethodsBetween September 2017 and April 2022, 38 patients with AR secondary to Behcet's disease had surgery in our center. 17 patients did not have a BD diagnosis before surgery, 2 of them were diagnosed during surgery and received Bentall procedure. The remaining 15 patients received conventional AVR. 21 patients were diagnosed as BD before surgery, all of them received modified Bentall procedures. All patients were followed up by regular outpatient visits, transthoracic echocardiogram and CT angiography were performed to evaluate the aorta and aortic valve.ResultsSeventeen patients did not have a BD diagnosis at the time of surgery. Out of them, 15 patients received conventional AVR, and a total of 13 patients suffered PVL after surgery. Twenty-one patients had a BD diagnosis before surgery. They received modified Bentall procedures and IST and steroids were given both pre- and post-surgery. In this group treated with Bentall procedure no patient suffered PVL during follow up.ConclusionsPVL is a complex scenario after conventional AVR for AR in BD. Modified Bentall procedure seems superior to isolated AVR in these cases. The use of IST and steroids before and after surgery in combination with modified Bentall procedure could have a role in effectively reducing PVL.
Relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular comorbidity, causation or co-occurrence: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Min , Chao Ce , Mei Kun , Di Dongmei , Qian Yongxiang , Wang Bin , Zhang Xiaoying 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundIn recent years, the incidence rates of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and heart disease (HD) have noticeably increased worldwide. Previous studies have found that patients with RA are more likely to develop HD, while the cause and effect have still remained elusive. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to indicate whether there was a potential association between RA and HD.MethodsData of RA, ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and arrhythmia were based on the genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset. No disease group was intersected. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used to calculate MR estimates, and sensitivity analysis was performed.ResultsThe primary MR analysis showed that genetic susceptibility to RA was significantly associated with the risk of IHD and MI, rather than with AF and arrhythmia. Besides, there was no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy between the primary and replicated analyses. There was a significant correlation between RA and the risk of IHD (odds ratio (OR), 1.0006; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.000244–1.00104; P = 0.001552), meanwhile, there was a significant correlation between RA and the risk of MI (OR, 1.0458; 95% CI, 1.07061–1.05379; P = 0.001636). The results were similar to those of sensitivity analysis, and the sensitivity analysis also verified the conclusion. Furthermore, sensitivity and reverse MR analyses suggested that no heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy or reverse causality was found between RA and cardiovascular comorbidity.ConclusionRA was noted to be causally associated with IHD and MI, rather than with AF and arrhythmia. This MR study might provide a new genetic basis for the causal relationship between RA and the risk of CVD. The findings suggested that the control of RA activity might reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Conventional and genetic associations between resting heart rate, cardiac morphology and function as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging: Insights from the UK biobank population study
Authors: Ma Yao , Qi Mengyao , Li Kexin , Wang Yuan , Ren Fuxian , Gao Dengfeng 
Published: March 2023

AimTo examine the direction, strength and causality of the associations of resting heart rate (RHR) with cardiac morphology and function in 20,062 UK Biobank participants.Methods and resultsParticipants underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and we extracted CMR biventricular structural and functional metrics using automated pipelines. Multivariate linear regression adjusted for the main cardiovascular risk factors and Two-sample Mendelian Randomization analyses were performed to assess the potential relationship, grouped by heart rate and stratified by sex. Each 10 beats per minute increase in RHR was linked with smaller ventricular structure (lower biventricular end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume), poorer left ventricular (LV) function (lower LV ejection fraction, global longitude strain and global function index) and unhealthy pattern of LV remodeling (higher values of myocardial contraction fraction), but there is no statistical difference in LV wall thickness. These trends are more pronounced among males and consistent with the causal effect direction of genetic variants interpretation. These observations reflect that RHR has an independent and broad impact on LV remodeling, however, genetically-predicted RHR is not statistically related to heart failure.ConclusionWe demonstrate higher RHR cause smaller ventricular chamber volume, poorer systolic function and unhealthy cardiac remodeling pattern. Our findings provide effective evidence for the potential mechanism of cardiac remodeling and help to explore the potential scope or benefit of intervention.
Efficacy and safety of a 4-year combination therapy of growth hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue in pubertal girls with short predicted adult height
Authors: Dotremont Hilde , France Annick , Heinrichs Claudine , Tenoutasse Sylvie , Brachet Cécile , Cools Martine , De Waele Kathleen , Massa Guy , Lebrethon Marie-Christine , Gies Inge , Van Besien Jesse , Derycke Christine , Ziraldo Mathieu , De Schepper Jean , Beauloye Véronique , Verhulst Stijn , Rooman Raoul , den Brinker Marieke 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesTo improve adult height in pubertal girls with a poor height prediction, treatment with growth hormone (GH) can be used in combination with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), to delay closure of the growth plates. However, there are few studies to support this practice, and they show conflicting results. The objective of this trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of this combination treatment in early pubertal girls with a short predicted height, in comparison with matched controls.Design, patients, and methodsWe designed an open-label, multicenter, interventional case-control study. Early pubertal girls with predicted adult height (PAH) below -2.5 SDS, were recruited in tertiary care centers in Belgium. They were treated for four years with GH and GnRHa. The girls were followed until adult height (AH) was reached. AH vs PAH, AH vs Height at start, and AH vs Target Height (TH) were evaluated, as well as safety parameters. Control data were assembled from historical patient files or from patients who preferred not to participate in the study.ResultsSixteen girls with mean age ( ± SD) at start of 11.0 years (± 1.3) completed the study protocol and follow-up. Their mean height ( ± SD) increased from 131.3 ± 4.1 cm (-2.3 ± 0.7 SDS) at start of treatment to 159.8 ± 4.7 cm (-1.1 ± 0.7 SDS) at AH. In matched controls, height increased from 132.3 ± 4.2 cm (-2.4 ± 0.5 SDS) to 153.2 ± 3.4 cm (-2.1 ± 0.6 SDS) (p&lt;0.001). AH surpassed initial PAH by 12.0 ± 2.6 cm in treated girls; and by 4.2 ± 3.6 cm in the controls (p&lt;0.001). Most treated girls reached normal adult height (&gt;-2SD) (87.5%) and 68.7% reached or superseded the target height (TH), which was the case in only a minority of the controls (37.5% and 6.2%, respectively) (p= 0.003 and 0.001). A serious adverse event possibly related to the treatment, was a fracture of the metatarsals.ConclusionA four-year GH/GnRHa treatment in early pubertal girls with a poor PAH seems safe and results in a clinically relevant and statistically significant increase in AH compared with matched historical controls.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00840944.
Emerging trends and hot spots in subacute thyroiditis research from 2001 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xu Cheng , Jiang Rui , Liu Jiang-yu 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundSubacute thyroiditis (SAT) is the most prevalent self-limiting thyroid disease that causes pain, accounting for about 5% of all clinical thyroid disorders. Numerous clinically noteworthy results have been published in this area over the last 20 years. However, no article has comprehensively assessed the relevant literature yet. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of SAT to provide light on the dynamic nature of scientific advancement and aid researchers in gaining a global perspective while examining research core themes and hotspots.MethodsSAT-related articles and reviews from 2001 to 2022 were retrieved from the Science Citation Index-Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). We analyzed current research trends and hotspots in this area using CiteSpace and Vosviewer.ResultsA total of 568 studies associated with SAT research were published in 282 academic journals by 2,473 authors in 900 institutions from 61 countries/regions. The United States was a crucial link in inter-country/region collaboration and was the most frequently involved country in international cooperation. The University of Missouri System was the top organization, and Braley-Mullen H. was the most productive researcher. Thyroid published the most papers, with 36 publications. The most co-cited article was “Clinical features and outcome of subacute thyroiditis in an incidence cohort: Olmsted County, Minnesota, study” (by Fatourechi V., 2003). The clustered network and timeline view of keywords showed that the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of SAT were the research core themes during the past 20 years. Analysis of keyword bursts indicated that the clinical characteristic and the influence of COVID-19 on SAT appeared to be the current research hotspots.ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis conducted a thorough review of the SAT research. The clinical characteristics and the genetic background of SAT under the influence of COVID-19 are current research hotspots. However, there is still a need for further study and global collaboration. Our findings can aid researchers in understanding the current status of SAT research and immediately pinpoint new directions for further investigation.
Post irradiation examination of a uranium-zirconium hydride TRIGA fuel element
Authors: Keiser Dennis , Jue Jan-Fong , Rice Francine , Woolstenhulme Eric 
Published: March 2023

Low-enriched (LEU) U-ZrH fuel, with a235U content less than 20% of the total uranium, is being evaluated for possible use in different types of reactors, including space nuclear systems, light water reactors (LWRs) and micro-reactors. As a result, it is beneficial to better understand the macrostructural and microstructural changes that occur in this fuel during irradiation. This paper reports the results of the post irradiation examination of an LEU U-ZrH fuel element (30 wt.% U, &lt;20% 235U) using neutron radiography, precision gamma scanning, chemical analysis, optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, where the fuel element was irradiated in a Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics (TRIGA) reactor. Results of microstructural characterization indicated some dehydriding and cracking of the U-ZrH fuel occurred during irradiation; an axial and radial burnup gradient existed in the fuel during irradiation, as measured by gamma scanning and chemical analysis; negligible microstructural changes transpired during irradiation, based on comparison of irradiated and as-fabricated U-ZrH fuel microstructures; and, negligible, fission product-rich, phases could be resolved in a U-ZrH fuel that was irradiated to a calculated 20% depletion of 235U.
Study on the irrigation uniformity of impact sprinkler under low pressure with and without aeration
Authors: Qureshi Waqar Ahmed , Xiang Qingjiang , Xu Zhengdian , Fan Zhizun 
Published: March 2023

The distribution of water deteriorates when the operating pressure of an impact sprinkler (IS) decreases to some level. The aeration jet method is utilized to form an aeration impact sprinkler (AIS), aiming to improve the uniformity of water distribution under low pressure. Based on the structures of a 20PY2 impact sprinkler, an IS and AIS with the same sprinkler discharge were studied under operating pressures range between 150 and 250 kPa. A square test zone was formed by the four sprinklers, and the combined irrigation experiment was conducted under windless conditions. The results showed that the water loss ranged from 3% to 9.5% in all 18 test schemes. The coefficient of uniformity (CU) and distribution uniformity (DU) were used to quantify the degree of uniformity. The AIS had an approximately 3%–7% greater CU than the IS, which resulted in the CU reaching the specified value in the IS standard when the sprinkler functioned under low operating pressure. A linear relationship was found between the CU and DUlq. The uniformity of water distribution clearly changed with the operating pressure (150 kPa, 200 kPa, and 250 kPa) but decreased slightly with the increase in combination spacing (1 R, 1.1 R, and 1.2 R). In addition, the results of field experiment were compared with those of the simulation developed from a single sprinkler indoor experiment based on the water distribution radial curve. The simulated coefficient of uniformity was highly consistent with the experimental data and had an error of &lt;7%. A sprinkler water jet with the aeration method was proven to be a feasible solution to reduce the operating pressure.
Variation characteristics of rainfall erosivity in tropical China and its impact on river sediment load
Authors: Lu Xudong , Chen Jiadong , Guo Jianchao , Qi Shi 
Published: March 2023

Rainfall erosivity is one of the important factors leading to soil and water erosion, affecting the intensity of soil erosion and the variation of river sediment load. This work aimed to explore the distribution and variation characteristics of rainfall erosivity in the Nandu River Basin in tropical China and to clarify the effect of rainfall erosivity on sediment load variation. The daily rainfall data of 13 meteorological stations in the Nandu River Basin during 1971–2020 were used to calculate the rainfall erosivity of the river basin by using the rainfall erosivity model based on the daily rainfall. The analyses were conducted using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric trend/abrupt test, wavelet analysis, inverse distance weighted interpolation and other research methods to determine the temporal and spatial fluctuation patterns of rainfall erosivity and sediment load. The annual mean rainfall erosivity in the Nandu River Basin during 1971–2020 was 16,497.67 MJ mm·ha−1·h−1, which showed an upward trend. The distribution of rainfall erosivity was concentrated from July to September. Except spring, the variation of rainfall erosivity in summer, autumn and winter showed an upward trend. Spatially, rainfall erosivity showed a decreasing trend from south to north. The variation coefficient of each meteorological station ranged from 0.24 to 0.43, showing high regional variability. The correlation between rainfall erosivity and erosive rainfall in the basin was the highest, followed by altitude and latitude. From 1980 to 2020, the sediment load in the Nandu River Basin showed an overall upward trend, with obvious periodic changes. The main change period was 25 years, and the sediment load had a large inter-annual variation. Taking the period before the inflection point of the double accumulation curve of sediment load and rainfall erosivity as the base period, since 2009, the river sediment load increased by 46.36% compared with the base period. The influence of the variation of rainfall erosivity on sediment load is −22.23%, and that of human activities on sediment load is 122.23%. These findings can provide a scientific reference for soil erosion model prediction, soil and water conservation and environmental management in tropical basins of China.
A comprehensive evaluation of the spatiotemporal variation of CO2 and its driving forces over China
Authors: Jin Xiaolong , Deng Xueliang , Chen Jian , Zhu Song , Huo Yanfeng , Dai Rui , Xu Qianqian , Cao Ming , Wu Yue 
Published: March 2023

With the improved accuracy and high spatiotemporal resolution, satellite remote sensing has provided an alternative way for monitoring the variations of CO2 in remote areas where field observations are inadequately sampled but the emissions of CO2 are increasing rapidly. Based on CO2 estimates from satellite remote sensing and the atmospheric tracer transport model, this study assessed the spatiotemporal patterns of atmospheric CO2 and its driving forces across China. Results show a consistent increase in CO2 at all levels of the troposphere, with the growth rate exceeding 2.1 ppm/year. Among them, the near surface witnessed obvious spatial heterogeneity with the highest concentrations of CO2 occurring in East China and the lowest in Northwest China. This strong spatial differentiation disappeared with increase in altitude and is replaced by a distinct south–north gradient difference at the upper troposphere. With regard to vertical variations, the concentration and growth rates of CO2 at the lower troposphere are generally higher than those at the upper troposphere. The driving mechanism analysis indicates that the variation of CO2 at the near surface is primarily caused by anthropogenic and biogenic activities, while air motion dominates the distribution of CO2 at the upper troposphere. The findings of the present study could provide a valuable reference for understanding regional carbon cycles and formulating carbon emission reduction strategies on a national scale.
Challenges of genetic diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism in a major tertiary care center in Lebanon
Authors: Salman Doaa O. , Mahfouz Rami , Bitar Elio R. , Samaha Jinane , Karam Pascale E. 
Published: March 2023

Background: Inborn errors of metabolism are rare genetic disorders; however, these are prevalent in countries with high consanguinity rates, like Lebanon. Patients are suspected, based on a combination of clinical and biochemical features; however, the final confirmation relies on genetic testing. Using next generation sequencing, as a new genetic investigational tool, carries several challenges for the physician, the geneticist, and the families.Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical, biochemical, and genetic profile of inborn errors of metabolism suspected patients, seen at a major tertiary care center in Lebanon, between 2015 and 2018. Genetic testing was performed using next generation sequencing. Genotype-phenotype correlation and diagnostic yield of each testing modality were studied.Results: Out of 211 patients genetically tested, 126 were suspected to have an inborn error of metabolism. The diagnostic yield of next generation sequencing reached 64.3%. Single gene testing was requested in 53%, whole exome sequencing in 36% and gene panels in 10%. Aminoacid disorders were mostly diagnosed followed by storage disorders, organic acidemias and mitochondrial diseases. Targeted testing was performed in 77% of aminoacid and organic acid disorders and half of suspected storage disorders. Single gene sequencing was positive in 75%, whereas whole exome sequencing diagnostic yield for complex cases, like mitochondrial disorders, reached 49%. Good clinical and biochemical correlation allowed the interpretation of variants of unknown significance and negative mutations as well as therapeutic management of most patients.Conclusion: Tailoring the choice of test modality, by next generation sequencing, to the category of suspected inborn errors of metabolism may lead to rapid diagnosis, shortcutting the cost of repeated testing. Whole exome sequencing as a first-tier investigation may be considered mainly for suspected mitochondrial diseases, whereas targeted sequencing can be offered upon suspicion of a specific enzyme deficiency. Timing and modality of gene test remain challenging, in view of the cost incurred by families.
Going to scale—From community-based to population-wide genetic improvement and commercialized sheep meat supply in Ethiopia
Authors: Mueller Joaquin , Haile Aynalem , Getachew Tesfaye , Santos Bruno , Rekik Mourad , Belay Berhanu , Solomon Dawit , Yeheyis Likawent , Rischkowsky Barbara 
Published: March 2023

Community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) have shown, at pilot scale, to be effective and beneficial in achieving genetic progress and in improving livelihoods of smallholder communities. In Ethiopia 134 sheep and goat CBBPs were operational producing their own improved rams and bucks. Based on experience the implementation of further programs is possible with appropriate private and public support. A different challenge is the efficient dissemination of the improved genetics produced in current CBBPs to create population-wide economic impact. We present a framework applied to the Ethiopian Washera sheep breed to meet this challenge. We propose the establishment of a genetic improvement structure that supports a meat commercialization model based on the integration of community-based breeding program cooperatives, client communities and complementary services such as fattening enterprises. We calculated that the recently established 28 community-based breeding programs in the Washera breeding tract can provide genetically improved rams to 22% of the four million head. To reach the whole population 152 additional CBBPs are needed. We simulated the genetic improvements obtainable in the current 28 CBBPs assuming realized genetic progress in CBBPs of a similar breed and calculated the expected additional lamb carcass meat production after 10 years of selection to be 7 tons and the accumulated discounted benefit 327 thousand USD. These benefits could be increased if the CBBPs are linked to client communities by providing them with improved rams: additional meat production would be 138 tons with a value of 3,088 thousand USD. The total meat production of the existing Washera CBBPs was calculated at 152 tons and the joint meat production of CBBPs if integrated with client communities would be 3,495 tons. A full integration model, which includes enterprises purchasing lambs for fattening, can produce up to 4,255 tons of meat. We conclude that Washera CBBPs cooperatives can benefit from a higher level of organization to produce population-wide genetic improvement and economic benefits. Unlike in the dairy and chicken industries, for low input sheep and goat smallholder systems the proposed commercialization model puts breeder cooperatives at the center of the operation. Cooperatives need to be capacitated and supported to become fully functional business ventures.