bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitral valve aneurysms: echocardiographic characteristics, formation mechanisms, and patient outcomes
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Shuang , Chen Dandan , Li Mengmei , Mi Sulin , Xiong Li , Song Wanwan , Wang Wei , Yin Shanye , Wang Bin 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe accurate etiology of mitral valve aneurysm (MVA) formation is not completely understood, and the most effective management approach for this condition remains controversial.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 20 MVA patients who underwent either surgical interventions or conservative follow-ups at the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between 2017 and 2021. We examined their clinical, echocardiographic, and surgical records and tracked their long-term outcomes.ResultsOf the 20 patients, 12 were diagnosed with MVA using transthoracic echocardiography, seven required additional transesophageal echocardiography for a more definitive diagnosis, and one child was diagnosed during surgery. In all these patients, the MVAs were detected in the anterior mitral leaflet. We found that 15 patients (75%) were associated with infective endocarditis (IE), whereas the remaining patients were associated with bicuspid aortic valve and moderate aortic regurgitation (AR) and mild aortic stenosis (5%), congenital heart disease (5%), elderly calcified valvular disease (5%), mitral valve prolapse (5%), and unknown reasons (5%). Of the 17 patients who underwent hospital surgical interventions, two died due to severe cardiac events. The remaining 15 patients had successful surgeries and were followed up for an average of 13.0 ± 1.8 months. We observed an improvement in their New York Heart Association functional class and mitral regurgitation and AR degrees (P-value &lt; 0.001). During follow-up, only one infant had an increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter, whereas the remaining 14 patients had decreased values (P &lt; 0.001). In addition, none of the three conservatively managed patients experienced disease progression during the 7–24 months of follow-up.ConclusionsWe recommend using echocardiography as a highly sensitive method for MVA diagnosis. Although most cases are associated with IE or AR, certain cases still require further study to determine their causes. A prompt diagnosis of MVA in patients using echocardiography can aid in its timely management.
Establishment and validation of a prognostic nomogram for long-term low vision after diabetic vitrectomy
Authors: Guo Haoxin , Wang Zhaoxiong , Nie Zetong , Zhang Xiang , Wang Kuan , Duan Naxin , Bai Siqiong , Li Wenbo , Li Xiaorong , Hu Bojie 
Published: August 2023

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the risk factors and develop a prognostic nomogram of long-term low vision after diabetic vitrectomy.MethodsThis retrospective study included 186 patients (250 eyes) that underwent primary vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy with a minimum follow-up period of one year. Patients were assigned to the training cohort (200 eyes) or validation cohort (50 eyes) at a 4:1 ratio randomly. Based on a cutoff value of 0.3 in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, the training cohort was separated into groups with or without low vision. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on preoperative systemic and ocular characteristics to develop a risk prediction model and nomogram. The calibration curve and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were used to evaluate the calibration and discrimination of the model. The nomogram was internally validated using the bootstrapping method, and it was further verified in an external cohort.ResultsFour independent risk factors were selected by stepwise forward regression, including tractional retinal detachment (β=1.443, OR=4.235, P&lt;0.001), symptom duration ≥6 months (β=0.954, OR=2.595, P=0.004), preoperative BCVA measurement (β=0.540, OR=1.716, P=0.033), and hypertension (β=0.645, OR=1.905, P=0.044). AUC values of 0.764 (95% CI: 0.699-0.829) in the training cohort and 0.755 (95% CI: 0.619-0.891) in the validation cohort indicated the good predictive ability of the model.ConclusionThe prognostic nomogram established in this study is useful for predicting long-term low vision after diabetic vitrectomy.
Cannabinoid receptor type 1 in the aging gut regulates the mucosal permeability via miR-191-5p
Authors: Lee Yunna , Kim Yuju , Park Soyeong , Heo Gwangbeom , Chung Hae Young , Im Eunok 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAging is associated with a broad loss of function throughout the body, and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction can occur with aging. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays a pivotal role in various GI diseases, and alterations in the eCB system have been observed during brain and skin aging. Therefore, we investigated the putative role of the eCB system in aging-related changes in the intestine.MethodsThe expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) was investigated in rat intestinal tissues using quantitative real-time PCR. Cellular senescence was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyurea (HU) in rat and human intestinal epithelial cells. Cellular permeability was evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement.Results and DiscussionThe expression of CB1 was decreased in the small intestine of aged rats compared to that of young rats. Senescent cells showed reduced TEER values and decreased expression of ZO-1, indicating increased intestinal permeability, which is tightly regulated by the CB1 signaling. In silico miRNA analysis suggested that ZO-1 was a direct target gene of miR-191-5p. Increased expression of miR-191-5p by HU was restored by CB1 agonist ACEA co-treatment. Moreover, NF-κB p65 activation was associated with CB1-related miR-191-5p signaling. In conclusion, aging-induced CB1 reduction leads to increased intestinal permeability and decreased ZO-1 expression via upregulation of miR-191-5p and NF-κB p65 activation. Taken together, these results suggest that CB1 signaling may be a useful strategy to reduce intestinal permeability in aging-related and other inflammatory conditions in the gut.
Development and evaluation of a risk prediction model for diabetes mellitus type 2 patients with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Gong Di , Fang Lyujie , Cai Yixian , Chong Ieng , Guo Junhong , Yan Zhichao , Shen Xiaoli , Yang Weihua , Wang Jiantao 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and evaluate a non-imaging clinical data-based nomogram for predicting the risk of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) in diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) patients.MethodsBased on the baseline data of the Guangdong Shaoguan Diabetes Cohort Study conducted by the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) in 2019, 2294 complete data of T2DM patients were randomly divided into a training set (n=1605) and a testing set (n=689). Independent risk factors were selected through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis on the training dataset, and a nomogram was constructed for predicting the risk of VTDR in T2DM patients. The model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) in the training and testing datasets to assess discrimination, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curves to assess calibration.ResultsThe results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Age (OR = 0.954, 95% CI: 0.940-0.969, p = 0.000), BMI (OR = 0.942, 95% CI: 0.902-0.984, p = 0.007), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR =1.014, 95% CI: 1.007-1.022, p = 0.000), diabetes duration (10-15y: OR =3.126, 95% CI: 2.087-4.682, p = 0.000; &gt;15y: OR =3.750, 95% CI: 2.362-5.954, p = 0.000), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (OR = 1.325, 95% CI: 1.221-1.438, p = 0.000) were independent risk factors for T2DM patients with VTDR. A nomogram was constructed using these variables. The model discrimination results showed an AUC of 0.7193 for the training set and 0.6897 for the testing set. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results showed a high consistency between the predicted and observed probabilities for both the training set (Chi-square=2.2029, P=0.9742) and the testing set (Chi-square=7.6628, P=0.4671).ConclusionThe introduction of Age, BMI, SBP, Duration, and HbA1C as variables helps to stratify the risk of T2DM patients with VTDR.
Going beyond frontiers in household energy transition in Poland—a perspective
Authors: Kubiczek Jakub , Hadasik Bartłomiej , Krawczyńska Dominika , Przedworska Kornelia , Ryczko Aleksandra 
Published: August 2023

Transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable environment is mainly driven by co-participation of households, whereas the residents’ transformation willingness is determined by various factors, including an environmentally-friendly attitude and greater public awareness. Simultaneously, the global push for a climate-neutral economy fuels the increasing emphasis on eco-consciousness and promotion of green investments. However, Poland still heavily relies on coal for energy production, despite the opportunities provided by the EU. Poland faces challenges in transitioning its households to cleaner energy sources, particularly due to historical conditions and the dominance of solid fuel boilers. This article shed light on the inefficiency of the energy transition process in Poland, presenting legal, economic, and social aspects. Despite multiple efforts, energy transition in Poland is not as buoyant as in other EU countries. Among the reasons for this phenomenon are the adverse behavior of residents, or government policies that favor the carbon-centric nature of the economy resulting in the low use of EU and state funds. This may lead to a continuation of the slower pace of change and eventually reaching the Frontier of development in Poland’s energy transition. The multitude of campaigns and initiatives encouraging Poles to switch to green energy should be underscored, but due to their scant ecological awareness and orientation towards economic rather than ecological considerations, existing measures should be reviewed. In view of the above, to ensure an effective transition, it is necessary to recognize and clearly define the incentives that would induce Polish households to use climate-neutral energy sources.Foreword: Monetary data has been standardized and, in view of this, the paper uses the euro (EUR) currency, including in places where the original data was given in a different currency. The exchange rate as of 12 June 2023 was used.
Irreversible electroporation combined with chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade enhanced antitumor immunity for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ma Yangyang , Xing Yanli , Li Hongmei , Yuan Ting , Liang Bing , Li Rongrong , Li Jianyu , Li Zhonghai , Li Shuying , Niu Lizhi 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIrreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel local tumor ablation approach with the potential to stimulate an antitumor immune response. However, it is not effective in preventing distant metastasis in isolation. This study aimed to compare the potential of augmenting the antitumor immune response in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who underwent IRE combined with chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with those who underwent IRE combined with chemotherapy.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on LAPC patients treated either with IRE in combination with chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade (group A) or with IRE with chemotherapy alone (group B) from July 2015 to June 2021. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), with immune responses and adverse events serving as secondary endpoints. Risk factors for OS and PFS were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 103 patients were included in the final analysis, comprising 25 in group A and 78 in group B. The median duration of follow-up was 18.2 months (3.0–38.6 months). Group A patients demonstrated improved survival compared to group B (median OS: 23.6 vs. 19.4 months, p = 0.001; median PFS: 18.2 vs. 14.7 months, p = 0.022). The data suggest a robust immune response in group A, while adverse events related to the treatment were similar in both groups. The multivariate analysis identified the combination of IRE, chemotherapy, and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade as an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS.ConclusionThe addition of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade to the regimen of IRE combined with chemotherapy enhanced antitumor immunity and extended survival in LAPC patients.
Natural killer cells and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine reactogenicity and durability
Authors: Graydon Elizabeth K. , Conner Tonia L. , Dunham Kim , Olsen Cara , Goguet Emilie , Coggins Si’Ana A. , Rekedal Marana , Samuels Emily , Jackson-Thompson Belinda , Moser Matthew , Lindrose Alyssa , Hollis-Perry Monique , Wang Gregory , Maiolatesi Santina , Alcorta Yolanda , Reyes Anatalio , Wong Mimi , Ramsey Kathy , Davies Julian , Parmelee Edward , Ortega Orlando , Sanchez Mimi , Moller Sydney , Inglefield Jon , Tribble David , Burgess Timothy , O’Connell Robert , Malloy Allison M. W. , Pollett Simon , Broder Christopher C. , Laing Eric D. , Anderson Stephen K. , Mitre Edward 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionNatural killer (NK) cells can both amplify and regulate immune responses to vaccination. Studies in humans and animals have observed NK cell activation within days after mRNA vaccination. In this study, we sought to determine if baseline NK cell frequencies, phenotype, or function correlate with antibody responses or inflammatory side effects induced by the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2).MethodsWe analyzed serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 188 participants in the Prospective Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Seroconversion study, an observational study evaluating immune responses in healthcare workers. Baseline serum samples and PBMCs were collected from all participants prior to any SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Spike-specific IgG antibodies were quantified at one and six months post-vaccination by microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay. NK cell frequencies and phenotypes were assessed on pre-vaccination PBMCs from all participants by multi-color flow cytometry, and on a subset of participants at time points after the 1st and 2nd doses of BNT162b2. Inflammatory side effects were assessed by structured symptom questionnaires, and baseline NK cell functionality was quantified by an in vitro killing assay on participants that reported high or low post-vaccination symptom scores.ResultsKey observations include: 1) circulating NK cells exhibit evidence of activation in the week following vaccination, 2) individuals with high symptom scores after 1st vaccination had higher pre-vaccination NK cytotoxicity indices, 3) high pre-vaccination NK cell numbers were associated with lower spike-specific IgG levels six months after two BNT162b2 doses, and 4) expression of the inhibitory marker NKG2A on immature NK cells was associated with higher antibody responses 1 and 6 months post-vaccination.DiscussionThese results suggest that NK cell activation by BNT162b2 vaccination may contribute to vaccine-induced inflammatory symptoms and reduce durability of vaccine-induced antibody responses.
Comprehensive studies on the stability of yogurt-type fermented soy beverages during refrigerated storage using dairy starter cultures
Authors: Ziarno Małgorzata , Zaręba Dorota , Ścibisz Iwona , Kozłowska Mariola 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of utilizing commercially available dairy starter cultures to produce yogurt-type fermented soy beverages and evaluate the fundamental properties of the resulting products.MethodsSixteen different starter cultures commonly used in the dairy industry for producing fermented milks, such as yogurt, were employed in the study. The study investigated the acidification curves, acidification kinetics, live cell population of starter microflora during refrigerated storage, pH changes, water-holding capacity, texture analysis, carbohydrates content, and fatty acid profile of the yogurt-type fermented soy beverage.Results and DiscussionThe results demonstrated that the starter cultures exhibited distinct pH changes during the fermentation process, and these changes were statistically significant among the cultures. The acidification kinetics of different cultures of lactic acid bacteria showed characteristic patterns, which can be used to select the most suitable cultures for specific product production. The study also revealed that the choice of starter culture significantly influenced the starter microorganisms population in the yogurt-type fermented soy beverage. Additionally, the pH values and water-holding capacity of the beverages were affected by both the starter cultures and the duration of refrigerated storage. Texture analysis indicated that storage time had a significant impact on hardness and adhesiveness, with stabilization of these parameters observed after 7–21 days of storage. Furthermore, the fermentation process resulted in changes in the carbohydrate content of the soy beverages, which varied depending on the starter culture used.
The causal relationship between genetically determined telomere length and meningiomas risk
Authors: Yu Weijie , Mei Yunyun , Lu Zhenwei , Zhou Liwei , Jia Fang , Chen Sifang , Wang Zhanxiang 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundStudies have shown that longer leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is significantly associated with increased risk of meningioma. However, there is limited evidence concerning the causal association of LTL with benign and malignant meningiomas or with the location of benign tumors.MethodsWe used three LTL datasets from different sources, designated by name and sample size as LTL-78592, LTL-9190, and LTL-472174. The linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) was used to explore the association between LTL and meningioma. We utilized two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (TSMR) to evaluate whether LTL is causally related to meningioma risk. We adjusted for confounders by conducting multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR).ResultsIn the LTL-78592, longer LTL was significantly associated with increased risk of malignant [odds ratio (OR) = 5.14, p = 1.04 × 10−5], benign (OR = 4.81, p &lt; 0.05), benign cerebral (OR = 5.36, p &lt; 0.05), and benign unspecified meningioma (OR = 8.26, p &lt; 0.05). The same results were obtained for the LTL-9190. In the LTL-472174, longer LTL was significantly associated with increased risk of malignant (OR = 4.94, p &lt; 0.05), benign (OR = 3.14, p &lt; 0.05), and benign cerebral meningioma (OR = 3.59, p &lt; 0.05). Similar results were obtained in the MVMR. In contrast, only benign cerebral meningioma displayed a possible association with longer LTL (OR = 1.01, p &lt; 0.05). No heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected.ConclusionIn brief, genetically predicted longer LTL may increase the risk of benign, malignant, and benign cerebral meningiomas, regardless of the LTL measure, in European populations.
Reliability of a telephone interview for the classification of headache disorders
Authors: Angermaier Anselm , Koennecke Andy , Kloetzer Christine , Strauss Sebastian , Fleischmann Robert 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe study aimed to test the reliability of a semi-structured telephone interview for the classification of headache disorders according to the ICHD-3.BackgroundQuestionnaire-based screening tools are often optimized for single primary headache diagnoses [e.g., migraine (MIG) and tension headache (TTH)] and therefore insufficiently represent the diagnostic precision of the ICHD-3, which limits epidemiological research of rare headache disorders. Brief semi-structured telephone interviews could be an effective alternative to improve classification.MethodsA patient population representative of different primary and secondary headache disorders (n = 60) was recruited from the outpatient clinic (HSA) of a tertiary care headache center. These patients completed an established population-based questionnaire for the classification of MIG, TTH, or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC). In addition, they received a semi-structured telephone interview call from three blinded headache specialists individually. The agreement of diagnoses made either using the questionnaires or interviews with the HSA diagnoses was evaluated.ResultsOf the 59 patients (n = 1 dropout), 24% had a second-order and 5% had a third-order headache disorder. The main diagnoses were as follows: frequent primary headaches with 61% MIG, 10% TAC, 9% TTH, and 5% rare primary and 16% secondary headaches. Second-order diagnosis was chronic migraine throughout, and third-order diagnoses were medication overuse headache and TTH. Agreement between main headaches from the HSA was significantly better for the telephone interview than for the questionnaire (questionnaire: κ = 0.330; interview: κ = 0.822; p &lt; 0.001). Second-order diagnoses were not adequately captured by questionnaires, while there was a trend for good agreement with the telephone interview (κ = 0.433; p = 0.074). Headache frequency and psychiatric comorbidities were independent predictors of HSA and telephone interview agreement. Male sex, headache frequency, severity, and depressive disorders were independently predictive for agreement between the questionnaire and HSA. The telephone interview showed high sensitivity (≥71%) and specificity (≥92%) for all primary headache disorders, whereas the questionnaire was below 50% in either sensitivity or specificity.ConclusionThe semi-structured telephone interview appears to be a more reliable tool for accurate diagnosis of headache disorders than self-report questionnaires. This offers the potential to improve epidemiological headache research and care even in underserved areas.
Impact of 4-week of a restricted Mediterranean diet on taste perception, anthropometric, and blood parameters in subjects with severe obesity
Authors: Cattaneo Camilla , Mambrini Sara Paola , Gilardini Luisa , Scacchi Massimo , Pagliarini Ella , Bertoli Simona 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe study of taste functionality and its relation to human health is receiving growing attention. Obesity has been reported to cause alterations in sensory perception regarding system functionality and preferences. However, a small body of research addresses tastes perception and its modification with the achievement of body mass reduction through surgical intervention. Much fewer efforts have been made to evaluate the impact of mild restrictive nutritional intervention on gustatory functions. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine if a dietary intervention of 4 weeks following a restricted balanced Mediterranean diet would affect the sweet and salty taste thresholds of subjects with severe obesity and could influence their anthropometric and blood parameters.MethodsFifty-one patients with severe obesity (F: 31; age: 43.7 ± 12.5; BMI = 47.6 ± 1.0) were enrolled in the study. The recognition threshold for sweet and salty taste and anthropometric and blood parameters were assessed before and after the 4-week weight loss program.Results and DiscussionThe Mediterranean diet has proven to be an effective treatment, significantly improving all anthropometric and blood parameters (p &lt; 0.05) after 4 weeks of intervention. Moreover, the hypo-sodium treatment associated with the diet significantly improved the salty threshold (p &lt; 0.001). No changes were detected for the sweet threshold. Collectively, these data highlight that dietary treatment might impact taste perception differently. Therefore, a taste-oriented nutritional intervention could represent a novel approach to developing more individualized, taste-oriented follow-up interventions to maintain sustainable and long-term weight loss.