bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of coagulation proteins upon ICU admission and after one year of recovery from COVID-19: a preliminary study
Authors: Behar-Lagares Raquel , Virseda-Berdices Ana , Martínez-González Óscar , Blancas Rafael , Homez-Guzmán Marcela , Manteiga Eva , Churruca-Sarasqueta Juan , Manso-Álvarez Madian , Algaba Ángela , Resino Salvador , Fernández-Rodríguez Amanda , Jiménez-Sousa María A. 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association of baseline coagulation proteins with hospitalization variables in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU, as well as coagulation system changes after one-year post-discharge, taking into account gender-specific bias in the coagulation profile.MethodsWe conducted a prospective longitudinal study on 49 ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients. Proteins were measured using a Luminex 200™. The association between coagulation protein levels and hospitalization variables was carried out by generalized linear models adjusted by the most relevant covariates.ResultsAt ICU admission, lower factor XII, antithrombin, and protein C levels were linked to the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or its duration (p=0.028; p=0.047 and p=0.015, respectively). Likewise, lower factor XII, antithrombin, and prothrombin levels were associated with longer ICU length of stay (ICU LOS) (p=0.045; p=0.022; p=0.036, respectively). From baseline to the end of the follow-up, factor XII, antithrombin, prothrombin, and protein C levels notably increased in patients with longer ICU LOS. One-year post-discharge, differences were found for factor IX, aPTT, and INR. Gender-stratified analysis showed sustained alterations in males.ConclusionsDepleted specific coagulation factors on ICU admission are associated with increased severity in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Most coagulation alterations recover one-year post-discharge, except for factor IX, aPTT and INR, which remain reduced.
Improving long-term postoperative survival in a porcine cardiac valve surgery model utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass via left thoracotomy: a single-center experience sharing insights
Authors: Xia Qingping , Cao Yong , Li Jialuan , Jiang Jie , Lu Xuan , Deng Li 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to improve long-term postoperative survival in a porcine cardiac valve surgery model by utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via left thoracotomy. The study aimed to share refined techniques and insights accumulated over years at a single-center animal clinical trial facility.MethodA total of 196 Chinese Large White pigs weighing between 60 and 75 kg were used in the study. All animals underwent cardiac valve surgeries via left thoracotomy with CPB. Surgical techniques included mitral valve replacement, mitral valve repair, aortic valve replacement, OZAKI procedure, ascending aorta replacement, and left ventricular assist device implantation. Anesthesia and CPB protocols were optimized to minimize stress and complications. Postoperative care was standardized to enhance recovery and survival.ResultAll 196 pigs survived the surgical procedures, with no deaths reported. The mean surgical duration was 168.55 ± 38.75 min, CPB time was 114.89 ± 32.11 min, and aortic cross-clamp time was 76.75 ± 21.33 min. Automatic heart resumption occurred in 63.8% of pigs, while the remainder required electrical defibrillation or cardiac massage. The postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 2.44 ± 0.58 min, and the average drainage volume at 2 h postoperatively was 27.50 ± 9.70 ml. There were no cases of postoperative hemorrhage complications or blood transfusions, and surgical site infections occurred in only 1.5% of pigs.ConclusionThe surgical approach utilizing left thoracotomy with CPB has proven effective in significantly enhancing long-term survival rates in porcine heart surgeries. The refined techniques and standardized operational procedures described in this study offer valuable insights for researchers aiming to improve the success of porcine heart valve surgical models. However, due to differences in animal anatomy, the applicability of this surgical approach to other animal models still requires further exploration.
Immigration patterns inferred from oxygen isotope analysis of human teeth from the Tylos-period Maqaba burial mounds in Bahrain
Authors: Itahashi Yu , Okazaki Kenji , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Oyabu Yumiko , Saito Kiyohide 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the geographic origin of human remains in the Maqaba burial mounds cluster dating from the Tylos period (approximately 330 BC to AD 300) in Bahrain, using stable oxygen isotope analysis of dental enamel from teeth found in the mounds. During the Tylos period, Bahrain was an important hub for trade routes between the Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, and India. Therefore, immigrants who traveled as merchants for cross-regional trade are possible candidates for the buried remains. In particular, we hypothesized that these tombs are occupied by Palmyrene settlers who migrated from Syria to Bahrain.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we performed a detailed oxygen isotope analysis of dental enamel from skeletons in the mound to infer their geographic origins. Oxygen isotopic signatures of water from modern springs, wells, precipitation, and bottled water sourced from Bahraini wells were used as contemporary proxies for ancient oasis water, allowing a comparison to be made between enamel and water compositions.Results and discussionOur results indicate that many of the individuals interred in the Maqaba burial mounds cluster originated from higher latitudes than that of Bahrain, suggesting that they were immigrants who were involved in trade or administration, rather than native Bahrainis. Future studies are expected to provide more archaeological evidence that will clarify the exact origins of these immigrants.
Association between Metrnl and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Chunmei , Huang Qiongzhu , Zhuang Yanqian , Chen Pin , Lin Yiyang 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major cause of atherosclerosis, as well as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular adverse events. We aimed to evaluate the association of serum Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) level with carotid atherosclerosis as determined by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) status in subjects with T2DM.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 83 T2DM subjects without pre-existing cardiovascular diseases. CIMT was measured by color doppler ultrasonography, while serum Metrnl level was measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) assay. According to the CIMT status, the subjects were divided into two groups: T2DM without atherosclerosis (DM-AS, CIMT&lt;1.0mm) and T2DM with atherosclerosis (DM+AS, CIMT ≥1.0mm or carotid plaque).ResultsSerum Metrnl level was significantly increased in DM+AS group as compared to DM-AS group (0.77 ± 0.24 vs 0.51 ± 0.28 ng/ml, P &lt;0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that T2DM subjects in the fourth quartile of Metrnl levels demonstrated significantly higher risk of the presence of carotid atherosclerosis (P &lt;0.05). The ROC curve used to identify the diagnostic accuracy of serum Metrnl level in the predication of T2DM subjects with carotid atherosclerosis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.742. The optimal cut-off value was 0.61 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 77.6% and a specificity of 58.8%.ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study clearly demonstrated that elevated serum Metrnl level was significantly associated with higher risk of the presence of carotid atherosclerosis. Metrnl is a promising therapeutic target for T2DM and its macro-vascular diseases.
Association between serum uric acid-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease among Chinese children with obesity
Authors: Liu Meijuan , Cao Bingyan , Luo Qipeng , Song Yanning , Liu Kai , Wu Di 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide. The serum uric acid-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) has been recognized as a novel marker for metabolic diseases, including MASLD. However, all previous studies were performed in adults.ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between the UHR and MASLD in Chinese children with obesity.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted including 1284 obese children hospitalized at Beijing Children’s Hospital between January 2016 and December 2022. Logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines were performed to assess the association between the UHR and the odds of MASLD. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to estimate the diagnostic value of UHR for MASLD in children with obesity.ResultsThe prevalence of MASLD was high, which reached 61.76% in children with obesity. UHR levels were higher in obese children with MASLD than those with non-MASLD for both genders. After dividing all individuals into three groups according to the tertiles of UHR, the prevalence rate of MASLD increased progressively from the tertile 1 to tertile 3 of UHR (34.11% vs. 70.56% vs. 80.61%). Logistic regression analysis showed that obese children with higher UHR levels were significantly associated with MASLD risk, independent of confounding factors such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and creatinine (Cr). The non-linear relationship analysis demonstrated that a UHR between approximately 300 and 900 suggested a saturation effect of MASLD risk. ROC analysis indicated that UHR might serve as a predictive marker for diagnosing MASLD in obese children.ConclusionsIn children with obesity, UHR is significantly associated with MASLD and might serve as a novel and useful predictor for MASLD onset.
Utilizing the renal and vertebral contours as landmarks for right adrenal vein localization in primary aldosteronism: a retrospective analysis of 310 cases
Authors: Sha Wei , Du Yun , Rong Shunkang , Yao Yuanqing , Xiong Bo , Liu Han , Qian Jun 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAdrenal Vein Sampling (AVS) is the gold standard for categorizing primary aldosteronism (PA). However, catheterization of the right adrenal vein (RAV) can be technically challenging. This study aimed to investigate the validity of the right renal vertebral contour as fluoroscopic landmarks to help RAV orifice localization during AVS.MethodsImaging data of 310 PA patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into Normal, Overweight, and Obese group based on their body mass index (BMI). A novel Renal-Vertebral-Angle (R-V-A) model was employed to delineate the distribution of the RAV orifice. This model concerned a cruciate cross formed by the upper edge of the right renal and the right edge of vertebral contour under fluoroscopy. The area within a 2 cm×2 cm square in the left upper quadrant of this cross was defined as the R-V-A. The success rate of AVS was compared across different BMI groups, as well as the differences in the distribution of the RAV orifice within the R-V-A.ResultsSuccessful RAV sampling was achieved in 270 cases, while the success rate of RAV sampling was found to be lower in the Obese group. The majority of the RAV orifices were located within the R-V-A region (249/270, 92.2%). There was no significant difference in the distribution of RAV orifices across the BMI groups (Normal vs. Overweight vs. Obese: 92.2% vs. 91.9% vs. 93.3%, p=0.968). In contrast to patients with successful RAV sampling, a significantly lower proportion of sampling site were found within the R-V-A in cases with mis-catheterized cases (92.2% vs. 55.6%, p&lt;0.001).ConclusionThe R-V-A model could be utilized as an anatomical landmark for the RAV orifice localization on fluoroscopy, that might help to narrow down the exploration range for RAV catheterization, and might offer beneficial assistance in enhancing the success rate for AVS.
Unraveling the dual threat: sarcopenia and insufficient physical activity in diabetes risk
Authors: Shi Hui 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the alterations in diabetes risk associated with sarcopenia and insufficient physical activity, as well as the demographic shifts within the diabetic population.MethodUtilizing pertinent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning 2011 to 2018, the criteria for sarcopenia were established by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. These criteria were calculated using lean body mass data in conjunction with body mass index data. Physical activity levels were assessed using the PAQ questionnaire from the NHANES database. The presence of diabetes was determined through the DIQ questionnaire and the laboratory examination within the NHANES database. The analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultThe prevalence of both sarcopenia and insufficient physical activity in the diabetic population was 188% greater than in the non-diabetic population. Sarcopenia and insufficient physical activity were positively correlated with an increased risk of diabetes onset, demonstrating a 1.45-fold heightened risk when both conditions were present (OR=2.45,95%CI,1.35-4.44,P&lt;0.05). This combined effect was significantly greater than the risk associated with sarcopenia alone (OR=1.84,95%CI,1.09-3.11,P&lt;0.05) or insufficient physical activity alone (OR=1.55,95%CI,1.11-2.15,P&lt;0.05).ConclusionA synergistic relationship exists between sarcopenia and insufficient physical activity, resulting in a markedly elevated risk of diabetes when both conditions are present concurrently. Therefore, comprehensive diabetes management strategies should prioritize populations exhibiting both sarcopenia and insufficient physical activity.
Does energy-consuming right trading policy achieve a low-carbon transition of the energy structure? A quasi-natural experiment from China
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhong Bin , Guo Bingnan 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe implementation of energy-consuming right trading (ECRT) policy in 2017 is a major measure to promote the construction of ecological civilization and green development, which also aligns with the global trend towards sustainable energy management and carbon emission reduction.MethodsBased on energy consumption data in China from 2010 to 2021, this paper utilizes the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method to assess the extent and process of the impact of energy consuming right trading policy on the low-carbon transition of the energy structure. The transmission mechanism of industrial structure upgrading and the new-quality productive forces in the impact process was discussed, and the regulatory role of environmental regulations was tested.ResultsThe findings indicate: 1) ECRT has a strong driving effect on the low-carbon transition of the energy structure. 2) ECRT can promote low-carbon transition of the energy structure through the dual channel of promoting industrial structure upgrading and new quality productive forces. 3) The influence of ECRT on the low-carbon transition of the energy structure is different in different regions, and the higher degree of industrial agglomeration and renewable energy-rich regions are more significantly promoted by new quality productivity. 4) Environmental regulation has a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between ECRT and low-carbon transition of the energy structure. 5) Furthermore, the exploratory analysis reveals that the positive impacts of ECRT policies on the low-carbon Transition of the energy structure translates into higher green total factor productivity and lower environmental pollution, which promotes the sustainable development of the low-carbon Transition of the energy structure.DiscussionThis paper responds to the basic question of whether energy use rights policies can promote the low-carbon Transition of the energy structure, and provides empirical evidence and policy reference not only for the development of China’s environmental policy and the direction of energy consumption but also for the international community’s efforts in sustainable energy and environmental governance.
Diagnostic accuracy of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific triple-color FluoroSpot assay in differentiating tuberculosis infection status in febrile patients with suspected tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Lifan , Li Yuanchun , Zou Xiaoqing , Ma Huimin , Gao Mengqiu , Ge Qiping , Zhang Yueqiu , Yang Zhengrong , Song Xinuo , Yang Qiwen , Liu Xiaoqing 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific triple-color FluoroSpot assay (IFN-γ/IL-2/TNF-α) in the differentiation of tuberculosis (TB) infection status in febrile patients.MethodFebrile patients with suspected active TB (ATB) were consecutively enrolled. The frequencies and proportions of MTB-specific T cells secreting IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α were detected at the single-cell level by triple-color FluoroSpot assay. The diagnostic index was fitted with a binary logistic regression model, and the diagnostic accuracy was evaluated according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values (PV), and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated.ResultA total of 210 febrile patients were enrolled, 53 patients were diagnosed with ATB (28 pathogen-confirmed vs. 25 clinically diagnosed) and 157 patients were non-ATB (84 with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) vs. 73 uninfected with MTB). Additionally, 30 pathogen-confirmed ATB patients were assembled. When diagnosing ATB, the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of the MTB-specific triple-color FluoroSpot assay was significantly better than that of T-SPOT.TB (0.882 vs. 0.811, p = 0.017). With the fitted diagnostic index at a cutoff value of 0.378, the sensitivity, specificity, LR+, and LR- were 74.7%, 93.0%, 10.66, and 0.27, respectively. When differentiating ATB from LTBI, the AUROC of the FluoroSpot assay and T-SPOT.TB was 0.878 and 0.692, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). With a diagnostic index of 0.413, the sensitivity, specificity, LR+, and LR were 77.1%, 85.7%, 5.40, and 0.27, respectively.ConclusionThe MTB-specific triple-color FluoroSpot (IFN-γ/IL-2/TNF-α) might be helpful for the differentiation of TB infection status in febrile patients.
Dual in vivo T cell depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide and anti-thymocyte globulin as a third salvage transplant for leukocyte adhesion deficiency with graft failure: a case report
Authors: Kiumarsi Azadeh , Alaei Amirarsalan , Nikbakht Mohsen , Mohammadi Saeed , Ostad-Ali Mohammad Reza , Rasti Zahra , Rostami Tahereh 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundWith recent advances in clinical practice, including the use of reduced-toxicity conditioning regimens and innovative approaches such as ex vivo TCRαβ/CD19 depletion of haploidentical donor stem cells or post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has emerged as a curative treatment option for a growing population of patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). However, despite these promising developments, graft failure (GF) remains a significant concern associated with HSCT in these patients. Although a second HSCT is the only established salvage therapy for patients who experience GF, there are no uniform, standardized strategies for performing these second transplants. Furthermore, even less data is available regarding the outcomes and best practices for a third HSCT as a salvage measure when a second HSCT fails to achieve engraftment.Case presentationA 6-year-old boy with leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I) experienced GF after the first and second HSCT from a matched unrelated donor. As a salvage measure, the patient received a dual in vivo T-cell depleted haploidentical HSCT. The conditioning regimen for this third HSCT included anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and PTCY. Complete donor chimerism was assessed using the short tandem repeat (STR) PCR technique. By day +28 after the transplant, the expression of the leukocyte adhesion molecules CD18, CD11b, and CD11c on the patient’s peripheral blood neutrophils had recovered to over 99%. It remained stable throughout the 18-month follow-up period.ConclusionT-cell replete haploidentical HSCT with ATG and PTCY may be a viable salvage option for LAD patients who have rejected prior HSCT.
Blood immunophenotyping of multiple sclerosis patients at diagnosis identifies a classical monocyte subset associated to disease evolution
Authors: Rodriguez Stéphane , Couloume Laura , Ferrant Juliette , Vince Nicolas , Mandon Marion , Jean Rachel , Monvoisin Celine , Leonard Simon , Le Gallou Simon , Silva Nayane S. B. , Bourguiba-Hachemi Sonia , Laplaud David , Garcia Alexandra , Casey Romain , Zephir Helene , Kerbrat Anne , Edan Gilles , Lepage Emmanuelle , Thouvenot Eric , Ruet Aurelie , Mathey Guillaume , Gourraud Pierre-Antoine , Tarte Karin , Delaloy Celine , Amé Patricia , Roussel Mikael , Michel Laure 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionMyeloid cells trafficking from the periphery to the central nervous system are key players in multiple sclerosis (MS) through antigen presentation, cytokine secretion and repair processes.MethodsCombination of mass cytometry on blood cells from 60 MS patients at diagnosis and 29 healthy controls, along with single cell RNA sequencing on paired blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 5 MS patients were used for myeloid cells detailing.ResultsMyeloid compartment study demonstrated an enrichment of a peculiar classical monocyte population in 22% of MS patients at the time of diagnosis. Notably, this patients’ subgroup exhibited a more aggressive disease phenotype two years post-diagnosis. This monocytic population, detected in both the CSF and blood, was characterized by CD206, CD209, CCR5 and CCR2 expression, and was found to be more frequent in MS patients carrying the HLA-DRB1*15:01 allele. Furthermore, pathways analysis predicted that these cells had antigen presentation capabilities coupled with pro-inflammatory phenotype.DiscussionAltogether, these results point toward the amplification of a specific and pathogenic myeloid cell subset in MS patients with genetic susceptibilities.