bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimated plasma volume status: association with congestion, cardiorenal syndrome and prognosis in precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yogeswaran Athiththan , Richter Manuel J. , Husain-Syed Faeq , Rako Zvonimir , Sommer Natascha , Grimminger Friedrich , Seeger Werner , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Gall Henning , Tello Khodr 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundVolume overload is often associated with clinical deterioration in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, thorough assessment of volume overload is complex and therefore not routinely performed. We examined whether estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) is associated with central venous congestion and prognosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) or chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH).MethodsWe included all patients with incident IPAH or CTEPH enrolled in the Giessen PH Registry between January 2010 and January 2021. Plasma volume status was estimated using the Strauss formula.ResultsIn total, 381 patients were analyzed. Patients with high ePVS (≥4.7 vs. &lt;4.7 ml/g) at baseline showed significantly increased central venous pressure (CVP; median [Q1, Q3]: 8 [5, 11] mmHg vs. 6 [3, 10] mmHg) and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (10 [8, 15] mmHg vs. 8 [6, 12] mmHg), while right ventricular function was not altered. In multivariate stepwise backward Cox regression, ePVS was independently associated with transplant-free survival at baseline and during follow-up (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.24 [0.96, 1.60] and 2.33 [1.49, 3.63], respectively). An intra-individual decrease in ePVS was associated with a decrease in CVP and predicted prognosis in univariate Cox regression. Patients with high ePVS without edema had lower transplant-free survival than those with normal ePVS without edema. In addition, high ePVS was associated with cardiorenal syndrome.ConclusionsIn precapillary PH, ePVS is associated with congestion and prognosis. High ePVS without edema may represent an under-recognized subgroup with poor prognosis.
Development of “LvL UP 1.0”: a smartphone-based, conversational agent-delivered holistic lifestyle intervention for the prevention of non-communicable diseases and common mental disorders
Authors: Castro Oscar , Mair Jacqueline Louise , Salamanca-Sanabria Alicia , Alattas Aishah , Keller Roman , Zheng Shenglin , Jabir Ahmad , Lin Xiaowen , Frese Bea Franziska , Lim Chang Siang , Santhanam Prabhakaran , van Dam Rob M. , Car Josip , Lee Jimmy , Tai E Shyong , Fleisch Elgar , von Wangenheim Florian , Tudor Car Lorainne , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Kowatsch Tobias 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) and common mental disorders (CMDs) are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Lifestyle interventions via mobile apps and conversational agents present themselves as low-cost, scalable solutions to prevent these conditions. This paper describes the rationale for, and development of, “LvL UP 1.0″, a smartphone-based lifestyle intervention aimed at preventing NCDs and CMDs.Materials and MethodsA multidisciplinary team led the intervention design process of LvL UP 1.0, involving four phases: (i) preliminary research (stakeholder consultations, systematic market reviews), (ii) selecting intervention components and developing the conceptual model, (iii) whiteboarding and prototype design, and (iv) testing and refinement. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy and the UK Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions were used to guide the intervention development.ResultsPreliminary research highlighted the importance of targeting holistic wellbeing (i.e., both physical and mental health). Accordingly, the first version of LvL UP features a scalable, smartphone-based, and conversational agent-delivered holistic lifestyle intervention built around three pillars: Move More (physical activity), Eat Well (nutrition and healthy eating), and Stress Less (emotional regulation and wellbeing). Intervention components include health literacy and psychoeducational coaching sessions, daily “Life Hacks” (healthy activity suggestions), breathing exercises, and journaling. In addition to the intervention components, formative research also stressed the need to introduce engagement-specific components to maximise uptake and long-term use. LvL UP includes a motivational interviewing and storytelling approach to deliver the coaching sessions, as well as progress feedback and gamification. Offline materials are also offered to allow users access to essential intervention content without needing a mobile device.ConclusionsThe development process of LvL UP 1.0 led to an evidence-based and user-informed smartphone-based intervention aimed at preventing NCDs and CMDs. LvL UP is designed to be a scalable, engaging, prevention-oriented, holistic intervention for adults at risk of NCDs and CMDs. A feasibility study, and subsequent optimisation and randomised-controlled trials are planned to further refine the intervention and establish effectiveness. The development process described here may prove helpful to other intervention developers.
Triglyceride glucose index, pediatric NAFLD fibrosis index, and triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio are the most predictive markers of the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in overweight/obese adolescent boys
Authors: Furdela Viktoriya , Pavlyshyn Halyna , Shulhai Anna-Mariia , Kozak Kateryna , Furdela Mykhailo 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe prevalence of obesity constantly increases worldwide and definitely increases the risk of premature death in early adulthood. While there is no treatment yet with proven efficacy for the metabolic clamp such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes type 2, and fatty liver disease, it is imperative to find a way to decrease cardiometabolic complications. Early prevention strategies beginning in childhood are the most logical step to reduce future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the most sensitive and specific predictive markers of the metabolically unhealthy phenotype with high cardiometabolic risk in overweight/obese adolescent boys.MethodsThis study was carried out at the Ternopil Regional Children's hospital (Western Ukraine) and involved 254 randomly chosen adolescent overweight or obese boys [median age was 16.0 (15.0,16.1) years]. A control group of 30 healthy children with proportional body weight comparable in gender and age to the main group was presented. A list of anthropometrical markers with biochemical values of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism with hepatic enzymes was determined. All overweight/obese boys were divided into three groups: 51.2% of the boys with metabolic syndrome (MetS) based on the IDF criteria; 19.7% of the boys were metabolically healthy obese (MHO) without hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia; and the rest of the boys (29.1%) were classified as metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) with only one criterion (hypertension, dyslipidemia, or hyperglycemia).ResultsBased on multiple logistic regression analysis that included all anthropometric and biochemical values and calculated indexes in boys from the MHO group and MetS, it was revealed that the maximum likelihood in the prediction of MetS makes the combination of triglyceride glucose index, pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis index (PNFI), and triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (R2 =0.713, p&lt;0.000). By tracing the receiver operating characteristic curve, the model is confirmed as a good predictor of MetS (AUC=0.898, odds ratio=27.111 percentage correct=86.03%) in overweight and obese boys.ConclusionTriglyceride glucose index, pediatric NAFLD fibrosis index, and triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio are a valuable combination of predictive markers of the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in Ukrainian overweight/obese boys.
Comparative genomics of the Leukocyte Receptor Complex in carnivores
Authors: Jelinek April L. , Futas Jan , Burger Pamela A. , Horin Petr 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundThe mammalian Leukocyte Receptor Complex (LRC) chromosomal region may contain gene families for the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and/or leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) collections as well as various framing genes. This complex region is well described in humans, mice, and some domestic animals. Although single KIR genes are known in some Carnivora, their complements of LILR genes remain largely unknown due to obstacles in the assembly of regions of high homology in short-read based genomes.MethodsAs part of the analysis of felid immunogenomes, this study focuses on the search for LRC genes in reference genomes and the annotation of LILR genes in Felidae. Chromosome-level genomes based on single-molecule long-read sequencing were preferentially sought and compared to representatives of the Carnivora.ResultsSeven putatively functional LILR genes were found across the Felidae and in the Californian sea lion, four to five genes in Canidae, and four to nine genes in Mustelidae. They form two lineages, as seen in the Bovidae. The ratio of functional genes for activating LILRs to inhibitory LILRs is slightly in favor of inhibitory genes in the Felidae and the Canidae; the reverse is seen in the Californian sea lion. This ratio is even in all of the Mustelidae except the Eurasian otter, which has a predominance of activating LILRs. Various numbers of LILR pseudogenes were identified.ConclusionsThe structure of the LRC is rather conservative in felids and the other Carnivora studied. The LILR sub-region is conserved within the Felidae and has slight differences in the Canidae, but it has taken various evolutionary paths in the Mustelidae. Overall, the process of pseudogenization of LILR genes seems to be more frequent for activating receptors. Phylogenetic analysis found no direct orthologues across the Carnivora which corroborate the rapid evolution of LILRs seen in mammals.
Relative contribution of the presence of an estuarine dam and land reclamation to sediment dynamics of the Nakdong Estuary
Authors: Chang Jongwi , Lee Guan-hong , Harris Courtney K. , Figueroa Steven Miguel , Jung Nathalie W. 
Published: May 2023

The Nakdong Estuary of Korea is a dramatic example of an urban estuary that has been heavily developed with the installation of two estuarine dams and approximately 17 km2 of tidal flat reclamation. This study aims to understand the relative contribution of the different physical alterations by implementing four model simulations of the COAWST modeling system: (1) present condition, (2) pre-estuarine dam construction, (3) pre-tidal flat reclamation, (4) both pre-estuarine dam construction and pre-reclamation. In Cases 2 and 4, the model grid was modified to extend the Nakdong estuary upriver about 60 km and remove the estuarine dam. In Cases 3 and 4, the model grid was modified to restore the reclaimed tidal flats. All simulations shared the same initial conditions, boundary conditions, and forcing. Then, the simulation results for current velocity, suspended sediment concentration (SSC), and deposition were used to estimate the relative contribution of each alteration. The results showed that the annual, depth-averaged currents for the pre-estuarine dam (Case 2) were 80% faster than the present condition but were 10% slower for Case 3 (no land reclamation case). Likewise, the depth-averaged SSC was higher by about 25 mg/L in the estuary for Case 2, but it was reduced by about 9 mg/L for Case 3. The increase of velocity and SSC for Case 2 resulted from the removal of the estuarine dam, which changed both the tidal properties (tidal amplitude was reduced by about 40 cm) and estuarine circulation (factor of 5 reductions in the vertical salinity gradient), while the decrease for Case 3 was induced by the reduction in sediment accommodation space (15% of water volume) without a change in the circulation. These results also revealed that the estuarine dam enhanced deposition more than the land reclamation that showed very little change. The changes in current velocity, SSC, and deposition for Case 4 (no dam/reclamation) were very similar to Case 2. Overall, this study suggests that the influence of the estuarine dam was larger than that of the land reclamation in the altered Nakdong Estuary. Moreover, the combination of estuarine alterations acted to enhance the effects. These findings can serve as analogs that can be applied to other estuaries where various human alterations have occurred.
Investigating food web structure and system function of an artificial reef ecosystem based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis: implications for reef management
Authors: Feng Jie , Zhao Xiaolong , Bi Fan , Zhao Wei , Zhao Liang , Song Hao , Yang Meijie , Hu Zhi , Zhou Cong , Shi Pu , Hu Pengpeng , Ma Peizhen , Sun Pengfei , Jiang Han , Xu Jiangling , Zhang Tao 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionFood web is an important basis for identifying trophodynamic processes, and evaluating the structural and functional characteristics of ecosystems. The trophodynamics and system function of artificial reef (AR) ecosystems have rarely been examined.MethodsStable isotope analysis was used to investigate the food web structure and functions of an artificial reef (AR) ecosystem in this study.Results and DiscussionThe δ13C and δ15N values of particulate organic matter (POM) in AR showed noticeable seasonal changes, and the δ13C value of POM in autumn was significantly higher than that in other seasons (p&lt;0.05). There were no significant seasonal variations in the δ13C values of solid organic matter (SOM), and no significant difference between SOM and POM was observed except in autumn. Moreover, macroalgae did not significantly affect the δ13C values of SOM. Phytoplankton may be the primary nutrient source in the AR ecosystem. The δ13C values of most crustaceans in the AR were approximately between (-17.03 ± 0.22) ‰ – (-17.74 ± 0.07) ‰, higher than those of most fish, indicating that they may have different basal nutrient sources. The trophic level (TL) of invertebrates was between 2.00 and 3.09, and that of fish was between 2.98 and 3.66. The distribution of δ13C and TLs of crustaceans and fish showed that, except for crustaceans, bivalve shellfish and zooplankton might also be important food sources for fish in the AR ecosystem.ConclusionThe δ13C and δ15N values of most species in the AR showed good continuity, indicating that they may be mainly produced from the AR ecosystem. Migratory species such as Lateolabrax japonicus and Sepiella maindroni showed higher δ13C values, indicating that they may have migrated from other sea areas. To maintain the stability of the ecosystem structure and function of the AR ecosystem, fishing activities should be carried out following the maximum sustainable yield theory. Future research needs to identify the nutritional relationship between AR and its adjacent sea areas, to depict the food web structure of the AR with higher accuracy.
Effectiveness and safety of multidrug therapy containing clofazimine for paucibacillary leprosy and clarithromycin for rifampicin-resistant leprosy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Montezuma Thais , Vernal Sebastian , Andrade Elaine Nascimento , Brandão Jurema Guerrieri , de Oliveira Gustavo Laine Araújo , Gomes Ciro Martins 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe present study aimed to evaluate leprosy cure and relapse rates as primary outcomes related to two additional strategies for leprosy treatment: clofazimine for paucibacillary (PB) leprosy patients and clarithromycin for patients with rifampicin-resistant leprosy.MethodsWe conducted two systematic reviews (protocols CRD42022308272 and CRD42022308260). We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, Virtual Health Library and Cochrane Library databases, registers of clinical trial databases and gray literature. We included clinical trials evaluating the addition of clofazimine to PB leprosy treatment and the use of clarithromycin for treating patients with rifampicin-resistant leprosy. Risk of bias (RoB) in randomized clinical trials was assessed by the RoB 2 tool and that in non-randomized clinical trials was assessed by the ROBINS-I tool; and the certainty of the evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. A meta-analysis of dichotomous outcomes was performed.ResultsFor clofazimine, four studies were included. Cure and relapse rates were not different with the addition of clofazimine to PB leprosy treatment and demonstrated very low certainty of evidence. For clarithromycin, six studies were included. Considerable heterogeneity resulted from the difference between comparators, and studies showed no difference in the assessed outcomes with the addition of clarithromycin to rifampicin-resistant leprosy treatment. Mild adverse events were reported for both drugs but did not significantly impact treatment.DiscussionThe effectiveness of both drugs still needs to be determined. Adding clofazimine to PB leprosy treatment may reduce the repercussions of an incorrect operational classification with no apparent relevant side effects.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022308272; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022308260, identifier: CRD42022308272; CRD42022308260.
Acupuncture for tension-type headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kang Wen-lin , Xiao Xian-jun , Fan Rong , Zhong Dong-ling , Li Yu-xi , She Jian , Li Juan , Feng Yue , Jin Rong-jiang 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundTension-type headache (TTH) is the most common neurologic disease worldwide. Acupuncture is commonly applied to treat TTH, but evidence of acupuncture for TTH is contradictory based on previous meta-analyses. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to update the evidence of acupuncture for TTH and aimed to provide a valuable reference for clinical application.MethodsWe searched 9 electronic databases from their inceptions to July 1, 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for TTH. We also manually searched reference lists and relevant websites, and the experts in this field were consulted for possible eligible studies. Two independent reviewers conducted literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB 2) was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Subgroup analyses were carried out based on frequency of acupuncture, total sessions, treatment duration, needle retention, types of acupuncture and categories of medication. Data synthesis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 16. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Approach (GRADE) was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence of each outcome. Meanwhile, the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) was used to assess the reporting quality of interventions in clinical trials of acupuncture.Results30 RCTs involving 2,742 participants were included. According to ROB 2, 4 studies were considered as low risk, and the rest studies were some concerns. After treatment, compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture had greater effect in improvement of responder rate [3 RCTs, RR = 1.30, 95%CI (1.13, 1.50), I2 = 2%, moderate certainty] and headache frequency [5 RCTs, SMD = −0.85, 95%CI (−1.58, −0.12), I2 = 94%, very low certainty]. In contrast to medication, acupuncture was more effective to reduce pain intensity [9 RCTs, SMD = −0.62, 95%CI (−0.86, −0.38), I2 = 63%, low certainty]. Adverse events were evaluated in 16 trials, and no serious event associated with acupuncture occurred.ConclusionsAcupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment for TTH patients. Due to low or very low certainty of evidence and high heterogeneity, more rigorous RCTs are needed to verify the effect and safety of acupuncture in the management of TTH.
Higher levels of narrativity lead to similar patterns of posterior EEG activity across individuals
Authors: Dini Hossein , Simonetti Aline , Bigne Enrique , Bruni Luis Emilio 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe focus of cognitive and psychological approaches to narrative has not so much been on the elucidation of important aspects of narrative, but rather on using narratives as tools for the investigation of higher order cognitive processes elicited by narratives (e.g., understanding, empathy, etc.). In this study, we work toward a scalar model of narrativity, which can provide testable criteria for selecting and classifying communication forms in their level of narrativity. We investigated whether being exposed to videos with different levels of narrativity modulates shared neural responses, measured by inter-subject correlation, and engagement levels.MethodsThirty-two participants watched video advertisements with high-level and low-level of narrativity while their neural responses were measured through electroencephalogram. Additionally, participants’ engagement levels were calculated based on the composite of their self-reported attention and immersion scores.ResultsResults demonstrated that both calculated inter-subject correlation and engagement scores for high-level video ads were significantly higher than those for low-level, suggesting that narrativity levels modulate inter-subject correlation and engagement.DiscussionWe believe that these findings are a step toward the elucidation of the viewers’ way of processing and understanding a given communication artifact as a function of the narrative qualities expressed by the level of narrativity.
Postnatal development of the relaxin-3 innervation of the rat medial septum
Authors: Ros-Bernal Francisco , Gil-Miravet Isis , Lucerón Jorge , Navarro-Sánchez Mónica , Castillo-Gómez Esther , Gundlach Andrew L. , Olucha-Bordonau Francisco E. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe septal area provides a rich innervation to the hippocampus regulating hippocampal excitability to different behavioral states and modulating theta rhythmogenesis. However, little is known about the neurodevelopmental consequences of its alterations during postnatal development. The activity of the septohippocampal system is driven and/or modulated by ascending inputs, including those arising from the nucleus incertus (NI), many of which contain the neuropeptide, relaxin-3 (RLN3).MethodsWe examined at the molecular and cellular level the ontogeny of RLN3 innervation of the septal area in postnatal rat brains.ResultsUp until P13–15 there were only scattered fibers in the septal area, but a dense plexus had appeared by P17 that was extended and consolidated throughout the septal complex by P20. There was a decrease in the level of colocalization of RLN3 and synaptophysin between P15 and P20 that was reversed between P20 and adulthood. Biotinylated 3-kD dextran amine injections into the septum, revealed retrograde labeling present in the brainstem at P10-P13, but a decrease in anterograde fibers in the NI between P10–20. Simultaneously, a differentiation process began during P10–17, resulting in fewer NI neurons double-labeled for serotonin and RLN3.DiscussionThe onset of the RLN3 innervation of the septum complex between P17–20 is correlated with the onset of hippocampal theta rhythm and several learning processes associated with hippocampal function. Together, these data highlight the relevance and need for further analysis of this stage for normal and pathological septohippocampal development.