bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with increased risk of graft failure in kidney transplant recipients: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Kim Chang Seong , Oh Tae Ryom , Suh Sang Heon , Choi Hong Sang , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Jung Jin Hyung , Kim Bongseong , Han Kyung-Do , Kim Soo Wan 
Published: July 2023

BackgroudHypertension is highly prevalent in patients with kidney transplantation caused by transplantation-related immunologic or non-immunologic risk factors. However, whether a strict definition of hypertension (≥130/80 mmHg) and subdivided blood pressure (BP) groups are associated with an increased risk of graft failure after kidney transplantation using a nationwide large cohort study are still unknown.MethodsUsing Korean National Health Insurance Service data, we included 14,249 patients who underwent kidney transplantation from 2002 to 2016. Patients were categorized into five BP groups according to the 2021 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes practice guidelines for BP management: normal BP (&lt;120/80 mmHg), elevated BP (120–129/ &lt; 80 mmHg), incident hypertension (≥130/80 mmHg), and controlled or uncontrolled hypertension with anti-hypertensive medications.ResultsThe primary outcome was graft failure, which occurred in 1934 (13.6%) participants during the 6-year follow-up. After adjusting for covariates, hypertension was associated with a higher risk of graft failure [Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR), 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.48–1.96)] than no-hypertension. The AHR for graft failure was the highest in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (AHR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.80–2.52). The risk of graft failure had a linear relationship with systolic and diastolic BP, and pulse pressure.ConclusionsIn this nationwide population-based study, hypertension ≥130/80 mmHg based on the 2021 KDIGO BP guidelines in kidney transplantion recipients, and elevated systolic and diastolic BP, and pulse pressure were associated with the risk of developing graft failure in kidney transplant recipients.
Identification of biomarkers associated with the invasion of nonfunctional pituitary neuroendocrine tumors based on the immune microenvironment
Authors: Wu Jiangping , Guo Jing , Fang Qiuyue , Liu Yulou , Li Chuzhong , Xie Weiyan , Zhang Yazhuo 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe invasive behavior of nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PitNEts) affects complete resection and indicates a poor prognosis. Cancer immunotherapy has been experimentally used for the treatment of many tumors, including pituitary tumors. The current study aimed to screen the key immune-related genes in NF-PitNEts with invasion.MethodsWe used two cohorts to explore novel biomarkers in NF-PitNEts. The immune infiltration-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained based on high/low immune scores, which were calculated through the ESTIMATE algorithm. The abundance of immune cells was predicted using the ImmuCellAI database. WGCNA was used to construct a coexpression network of immune cell-related genes. Random forest analysis was used to select the candidate genes associated with invasion. The expression of key genes was verified in external validation set using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR).ResultsThe immune and invasion related DEGs was obtained based on the first dataset of NF-PitNEts (n=112). The immune cell-associated modules in NF-PitNEts were calculate by WGCNA. Random forest analysis was performed on 81 common genes intersected by immune-related genes, invasion-related genes, and module genes. Then, 20 of these genes with the highest RF score were selected to construct the invasion and immune-associated classification model. We found that this model had high prediction accuracy for tumor invasion, which had the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value in the training dataset from the first dataset (n=78), the self-test dataset from the first dataset (n=34), and the independent test dataset (n=73) (AUC=0.732/0.653/0.619). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that 8 out of the 20 genes were enriched in multiple signaling pathways. Subsequently, the 8-gene (BMP6, CIB2, FABP5, HOMER2, MAML3, NIN, PRKG2 and SIDT2) classification model was constructed and showed good efficiency in the first dataset (AUC=0.671). In addition, the expression levels of these 8 genes were verified by qRT‒PCR.ConclusionWe identified eight key genes associated with invasion and immunity in NF-PitNEts that may play a fundamental role in invasive progression and may provide novel potential immunotherapy targets for NF-PitNEts.
Comprehensive analysis of ferritinophagy-related genes and immune infiltration landscape in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yu Fenfen , Wang Congyao , Su Yihua , Chen Tingting , Zhu Wenhui , Dong Xia , Ke Wanyi , Cai Leqi , Yang Shasha , Wan Pengxia 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is deemed a microangiopathy and neurodegenerative disorder, which is a primary reason of visual impairment in the world. Ferritinophagy is a critical regulator of ferroptosis and has a vital part in the etiopathogenesis of DR. Nevertheless, its molecular mechanism in DR remains to be expounded.MethodsThe GSE146615 dataset was adopted to identify ferritinophagy-related differentially expressed genes (FRDEGs). The interactions and biological functions of the genes were described by means of functional enrichment analysis (FEA). The enriched gene sets were analyzed utilizing gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA). Identification of hub genes was performed utilizing protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis. mRNA–miRNA, mRNA–transcription factors (TF), mRNA–drugs, mRNA–RNA-binding proteins (RBP) interaction networks were constructed. In addition, datasets GSE60436 and GSE94019 were utilized for validation. The diagnostic performance of FRDEGs was assessed by means of receiver-operating characteristic curve monofactor analysis, followed by immune infiltration analysis. Lastly, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was implemented to analyze the validation of genes.ResultsIn total, the identification of eight FRDEGs was completed utilizing differential expression analysis. FEA mainly implicated the autophagy of mitochondrion, mitochondrion disassembly, autophagosome assembly, and organization pathways. GSEA and GSVA mainly implicated the interferon alpha response, ultraviolet response up, interferon gamma response, apical junction, pical surface, and allograft rejection pathways. BECN1 and HERC2 displayed high diagnostic accuracies in validation sets. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that several immune cells related to ferritinophagy may be play potential roles in DR. Finally, qRT-PCR was utilized to validate the upregulated expression of BECN1 as well as the downregulated expression of BCAT2 and ATG7 in the DR model.ConclusionBECN1, HERC2, ATG7, and BCAT2 act as potential biomarkers for DR and might regulate ferritinophagy and the immune microenvironment to influence its development and progression. This research can provide new insights into pathogenesis of DR related to ferritinophagy.
Thyroid hormones modifications among COVID-19 patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Croce Laura , Zampogna Elisabetta , Coperchini Francesca , Costa Pietro , Pignatti Patrizia , Visca Dina , Spanevello Antonio , Rotondi Mario 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionPatients with severe COVID-19 often experience long-lasting disabilities that can improve after pulmonary rehabilitation. Moreover patients with severe COVID-19 display thyroid function alterations due to a non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). The aim of our study was to evaluate thyroid function parameters among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who were eligible or not to respiratory rehabilitation and their modifications during follow-up.Materials and methodsPost-COVID-19 patients referred to a Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit were evaluated. Outpatients, not candidate for rehabilitation, were enrolled as Control group. Patients who had completed a 4-week-rehabilitation program were enrolled as Rehabilitation Group. All patients were evaluated at T0 (4 weeks after the discharge home in Control Group and after completion of rehabilitation in Rehabilitation Group) and at T1 (3 months after T0).ResultsThe final study group included 39 patients (20 in the Rehabilitation group and 19 in the Control group). Patients in the Rehabilitation Group had more frequently received invasive or non-invasive ventilation, had a longer length-of-stay in referring hospitals, had a higher number of comorbidities and displayed a worse performance at 6-minute-walking-test (6MWT) and Short-Physical-Performance-Battery-test (SPPB). FT3 values were lower at T0 in the Rehabilitation Group, while TSH and FT4 values were similar in the two groups. While no significant modifications in thyroid-function-parameters were observed in the Control Group, a significant increase in FT3 value was observed in the Rehabilitation Group at T1. Participants of both groups had improved the results of 6MWT at T1, while SPPB values improved only in the Rehabilitation Group.ConclusionsCOVID-19 patients after pulmonary rehabilitation experience an increase in FT3 values during follow-up, paralleled with an amelioration of functional capabilities.
Low catestatin as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease – assessment in patients with adrenal incidentalomas
Authors: Zalewska Ewa , Kmieć Piotr , Sobolewski Jakub , Koprowski Andrzej , Sworczak Krzysztof 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundCatestatin (Cts) is a peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of chromogranin A, which exhibits cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Cts has been proposed as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular (CV) disease.Objectivesexamining Cts in patients with incidentally discovered adrenocortical adenomas (AI), and its associations with CV risk factors and blood pressure (BP).Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, 64 AI patients without overt CV disease other than primary hypertension were recruited along with 24 age-, sex-, and body-mass-index (BMI)-matched controls with normal adrenal morphology. Laboratory, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, echocardiography, and common carotid artery sonography examinations were performed.ResultsUnadjusted Cts was higher in AI patients (median 6.5, interquartile range: 4.9-37 ng/ml) versus controls (4.5 (3.5 – 28)), p=0.048, however, the difference was insignificant after adjusting for confounding variables. Cts was lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without it (5.2 (3.9- 6.9) vs. 25.7 (5.8-115) ng/ml, p&lt;0.01), and in men compared to women (4.9 (4-7.4) ng/ml vs. 7 (4.8-100), p=0.015). AI patients in the lower half of Cts levels compared to those in the upper had a higher prevalence of hypertension (OR 0.15, 95% CI: 0.041-0.5, p&lt;0.001) and metabolic syndrome (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.041-0.5, p&lt;0.001). In AI patients Cts correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Spearman’s r=0.31), negatively with BMI (r=-0.31), and 10-year atherosclerotic CV disease risk (r=-0.42).ConclusionsOur data indicate associations between CV risk factors and Cts. More clinical research is needed to apply serum Cts as a biomarker.
Effects of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qiu Linjie , Gao Chunyang , Wang Haonan , Ren Yan , Li Jixin , Li Meijie , Du Xinlei , Li Wenjie , Zhang Jin 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThe aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing the effectiveness and safety of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplement on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).MethodsA comprehensive search for clinical trials was conducted in the following scientific databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China Biological Medicine. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of curcumin supplement for MetS were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance, and efficacy was expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The metabolic syndrome markers that were evaluated in the present study included waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), ultrasensitive c-reactive protein (hsCRP), and malondialdehyde (MDA). By employing the Cochrane tool, RCTs were assessed for bias risk.ResultsA total of 785 participants from 13 RCTs were included, with intervention durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, the curcumin group had positive effects on WC (MD = -2.16, 95% CI: -3.78 to -0.54, p = 0.009, seven studies), FBS (MD = -8.6, 95% CI: -15.45 to -1.75, p = 0.01, nine studies), DBP (MD = -2.8, 95% CI: -4.53 to - 1.06, p = 0.002, five studies), HDL-C (MD = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.58 to 7.38, p &lt; 0.0001, eight studies), TNF-a (MD = -12.97, 95% CI: -18.37 to -7.57, p &lt; 0.00001, two studies), CRP (MD = - 1.24, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.77, p &lt; 0.00001, two studies), and MDA (MD = -2.35, 95% CI: -4.47 to -0.24, p = 0.03, three studies). These improvements were statistically significant. Meanwhile, there was no significant improvement in SBP (MD = -4.82, 95% CI: -9.98 to 0.35, p = 0.07, six studies), TG (MD = 1.28, 95% CI: -3.75 to 6.30, p = 0.62, eight studies), IL-6 (MD = -1.5, 95% CI: -3.97 to 0.97, p = 0.23, two studies), or hsCRP (MD = -1.10, 95% CI: -4.35 to 2.16, p &lt; 0.51, two studies). FBS, SBP, HDL-C, IL-6, CRP, hsCRP, and MDA had a relatively high heterogeneity.ConclusionCurcumin exhibited promising potential in enhancing markers associated with metabolic syndrome, including inflammation. However, additional studies are required to confirm such findings since the included evidence is limited and has a relatively high heterogeneity.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022362553.
Higher levels of serum α-Klotho are longitudinally associated with less central obesity in girls experiencing weight gain
Authors: Carreras-Badosa Gemma , Puerto-Carranza Elsa , Mas-Parés Berta , Gómez-Vilarrubla Ariadna , Gómez-Herrera Bernat , Díaz-Roldán Ferran , Riera-Pérez Elena , de Zegher Francis , Ibañez Lourdes , Bassols Judit , López-Bermejo Abel 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionKlotho is an anti-aging protein that reduces adiposity and increases caloric expenditure, among others. Although associations between secreted α-Klotho levels and obesity have been described, its relationship with central obesity and visceral fat accumulation during childhood is poorly understood. Our objective was to study the longitudinal associations between serum α-Klotho concentrations and obesity-related parameters in apparently healthy children.Subjects and methodsWe studied a cohort of 208 apparently healthy school-age children (107 girls and 101 boys) assessed at baseline (mean age 8.5 ± 1.8 years) and at follow-up 4 years later. Serum α-Klotho concentrations were measured at baseline in all subjects. Obesity-related parameters, such as BMI, waist circumference, body fat, visceral fat, triglyceride levels, HOMA-IR index, and C-reactive protein were studied. Boys and girls were classified into 3 groups according to weight change between baseline and follow-up visits: weight loss, stable weight, or weight gain (based on a BMI-SDS change cut-off &gt; 0.35 SD).ResultsIn girls (N=107), but not in boys, we observed negative associations of serum α-Klotho protein with BMI, waist circumference, body fat, visceral fat, HOMA IR index, and C-reactive protein at baseline and also at follow-up. The associations of α-Klotho and obesity-related parameters were more evident in girls who exhibited weight gain. In such girls, multivariate regression analyses (adjusting for age, puberty and baseline weight/height ratio) showed that α-Klotho protein was negatively associated with follow-up BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat (p = 0.003 to 0.028). For each 1 SD-increase in baseline α-Klotho, follow-up waist circumference decreased by 4.15 cm and visceral fat by 1.38 mm.ConclusionsIn school-age girls, serum α-Klotho concentrations are longitudinally related to a more favorable metabolic profile. In girls experiencing weight gain, α-Klotho may prove to be a protective factor against the accumulation of visceral fat.
Renewable energy, GDP and CO2 emissions in high-globalized countries
Authors: Mirziyoyeva Ziroat , Salahodjaev Raufhon 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Policymakers devote significant efforts to decrease CO2 emissions, as climate change has Q7 numerous adverse impacts on society. While the global level of CO2 emissions has been gradually rising since the 1990s, the highest growth was observed in low- and middle-income economies. This study differs from nascent research as it fills the gap by exploring the GDP-energy-CO2 emissions nexus for the top 50 highly globalized countries under analysis. Our study explores the multidimensional relationship between economic growth, renewable energy, globalization, and climate change, using CO2 emissions as a proxy for air pollution, and focusing on the most globalized countries.Methods: In this study, we rely on dynamic panel estimators such as the two-step system GMM estimator. System GMM estimator is recommended to use with the panel data when 1) the correlation between a dependent variable and its lag is above 0.8; and 2) the number of countries (i.e., 50 countries) exceeds the time frame (i.e., 19 years). As our study design fits these conditions, we use extension of a two-step system GMM estimator which restricts the expansion of instruments. Moreover, a two-step system GMM estimator is especially efficient as it controls for heteroskedasticity.Results: We find that renewable energy and globalization decrease CO2 emissions. If causal, a 1 percentage point increase in the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption leads to a 0.26% decrease in per capita CO2 emissions. Similarly, we find that a larger representation of women in national parliament contributes to the reduction in CO2 emissions. GDP per capita has an inverted U-shaped relationship with CO2 emissions and the turning point is approximately 67,200 international dollars adjusted for PPP.Discussion: Our results suggest that renewable energy significantly contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions while GDP per capita has an inverted U-shaped link with CO2 emissions. Thus, we confirm the presence of the EKC hypothesis for highly-globalized countries. Consequently, our study offers several policy implications. Firstly, it is important for developing countries to increase the share of energy consumed from renewable energy sources. This will have a positive effect not only on air quality, but also on economic growth. Thus, it is essential to increase investment in the renewable energy sector and create conditions and benefits for the rapid adoption of renewable technologies by the private sector and households. Secondly, it is crucial to increase the quality of investment climate. Developing countries can significantly gain from globalization-driven FDI as this can lead to technology transfer, especially in the energy sector. Thirdly, our results suggest that improving female empowerment can significantly reduce the vulnerability to climate change. This can be achieved by increasing women’s human capital and investing in women-led organizations and communities.
Exploring the usage and impact of urban sanitation tools targeting low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Furlong C. , Mugendi A. , Brdjanovic D. 
Published: July 2023

Background: In recent years the number of tools developed to help advance sustainable urban sanitation coverage in low- and middle-income countries has increased significantly, yet no study has been undertaken to determine their usage or impact. This paper explores the usage and impact of four urban sanitation tools: Shit flow Diagram (SFD), City Service Delivery Assessment (CSDA), SaniPath, and the Citywide Planning Tool.Methods: A mixed methodology approach was used which included a questionnaire (n = 87) and interviewing the tools developers (n = 5) and users (n = 25).Results and discussion: There was a high awareness of three of the tools (86%, n = 87), but relatively low usage (53%, n = 87). The questionnaire respondents and interviewees confused the Citywide Planning Tool with other tools, so no usage was found. The CSDA and SaniPath were being used beyond the groups that developed them and by their targeted group, but the main users were found to be researchers in academia. There was evidence that SFDs and CSDAs were evolving beyond their original scope, which was attributed to their use in academia. Their use in academia should not be dismissed as they may lead to future usage and impact. Although impact will take time and it is difficult to directly attribute impact to a specific tool, evidence of the impact of the SFD and SaniPath was found. This impact demonstrates how these tools can lead to improvements in urban sanitation. This study also highlights the need for further research into the drivers of tool usage.
Two case reports and a systematic review of the literature on adult cerebral cortical encephalitis with anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody
Authors: Xu Meihui , Ma Chi , Dong Ming , Guo Chunjie , Yang Simin , Liu Yue , Wang Xu 
Published: July 2023

Background and purposeMyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) has gained recognition in recent years as an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The clinical features and prognosis of MOGAD adult cerebral cortical encephalitis (adult CCE) have not been fully elucidated. This study aims to further characterize the clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and prognosis of CCE with anti-MOG antibody.MethodsWe present two adult cases of CCE with anti-MOG antibody and summarize the clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and prognosis of this phenotype as per a completed systematic review of the literature.ResultsWe found a total of 39 cases of MOGAD adult CCE (36% females; average age of onset of 29 years). Among them, 85% had seizure, 82% had headache, 64% had cortical symptoms, 64% had fever, 54% had changes of consciousness, and 38% had ocular symptoms. All cases demonstrated cerebral cortical T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) lesions on MRI. Of the 25 patients (with seizure or not) who had EEG reports, 76% of patients showed abnormal EEG. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell count of 90% of patients and CSF total protein of 67% of patients were elevated. In 16 patients with available CSF cytology data, 11 (69%) had abnormal cytology findings with monocytic predominance. In the 15 cases for which MOG antibody IgG was tested in both serum and CSF, 14 (93%) demonstrated a higher positive MOG IgG titer in serum than CSF. The majority of patients were treated with immunosuppressive therapy (97% corticosteroids, 15% mycophenolate mofetil, 13% IVIg, 5% azathioprine, and 5% other). The majority of patients had a favorable prognosis after treatment, as exemplified by improved clinical symptoms and imaging. Two patients relapsed.ConclusionsThe clinical presentation and prognosis of adult CCE remain less understood in comparison to more common MOGAD phenotypes. It is important to consider MOGAD as an underlying etiology for adult CCE, as early detection and immunotherapy may improve outcomes.