bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between red cell distribution width—albumin ratio and all-cause mortality in intensive care unit patients with heart failure
Authors: Li Ni , Li Junling , Wang Kai 
Published: January 2025

AimThe association between red cell distribution width—albumin ratio (RAR) and the risk of all-cause mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with heart failure remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate this association.MethodsClinical data from MIMIC-Ⅳ (version 2.2) database was utilized for the analysis of ICU patients with heart failure. Patients were categorized into quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on RAR levels. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate adjusted Cox regression models were employed to assess the association between RAR levels and mortality outcomes within 1 year. Subgroup analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic impact of RAR across diverse populations. Restricted cubic spline curves and threshold effect analysis were utilized to quantify the dose-response relationship between RAR levels and mortality. The time-concordance index curve was carried out to explore the additional prognostic value of RAR on mortality over the existing scoring systems, Serial Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ).ResultsThe analysis encompassed a cohort of 4,506 patients, with Kaplan-Meier curves indicating that individuals with higher RAR levels exhibited an elevated risk of all-cause mortality (p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate adjusted Cox regression and subgroup analysis demonstrated that individuals in Q2 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.15, 95%CI 0.98–1.34], Q3 (HR 1.65, 95%CI 1.39–1.96) and Q4 (HR 2.16, 95%CI 1.74–2.68) had an increased risk of mortality compared to individuals in Q1 (p for trend &lt; 0.001), and this relationship was consistently observed across most subgroups, except for different ages. Subsequent analysis revealed that the inclusion of RAR significantly improved the prognostic value on the basis of SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ, and the concordance index increased from 0.636 to 0.658 for SOFA, from 0.682 to 0.695 for APACHE Ⅱ (p &lt; 0.001 for both).ConclusionThe study found that high level of RAR was independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality in ICU patients with heart failure, with a stronger effect in young and middle-aged patients and a threshold effect, which could potentially serve as an early warning indicator for high-risk populations.
Family factors associated with dental caries among 5-year-old preschool children
Authors: Castilho Giovanna Torqueto , Pessoa Marília Narducci , de Oliveira Caroline Correa , de Melo Letícia Santos Alves , Tagliaferro Elaine Pereira Silva , Pardi Vanessa 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAlthough dental caries is largely preventable, it remains highly prevalent among children.AimEvaluate family factors associated with the prevalence of dental caries in 5-year-old children.DesignThis cross-sectional study recruited 5-year-old children from public preschools in Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil. Data on sociodemographic factors, family routines, and oral health practices were gathered via a self-administered questionnaire completed independently by caregivers. Children received a dental clinical examination at school and caries experience was recorded using the dmft and SiC (Significant Caries index) indexes following the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.ResultsData analysis was performed using Chi-square and multiple logistic regression using a significance level of 5%. Of the 578 children in the study, 67.3% were caries-free. The mean dmft index was 1.14 (SD = 2.24), while the SiC index stood at 3.46 (2.69). Factors such as income, caregiver assistance with toothbrushing, caregiver perception of child and parent oral health, and prioritization of dental visits within the family were associated with caries presence.ConclusionsOverall, dental caries prevalence was low in this population, with family factors demonstrating significant associations with dental caries. The attitudes of caregivers regarding oral health appear to wield considerable influence over the dental health of their children.
Determining the status of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in women undergoing menopausal transition
Authors: He Qingfang , Fang Yujia , Wang Lixin , Liang Mingbin , Chen Xiangyu , Hu Ruying , Zhong Jieming 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveResearch on small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) and menopausal status remains scarce. Our aim is to evaluate the relationship between serum sdLDL-C level and different menopausal status in a Chinese women population.MethodsIn 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted including electronic standardized questionnaire surveys, anthropometric measurements, and biological specimen examinations based on communities. Permanent resident adults aged 30–69 years who lived in two communities in Zhejiang Province and participated in a community health examination from May 26 to September 17 were recruited. According to their menopausal status, the eligible women subjects were divided into premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. Logistic regression model by SAS software was used to explore the association with sdLDL-C level and different menopausal status.ResultsA total of 2,062 women subjects were included with a median age of 57 (51, 63) years. There were 451 (21.9%) premenopause, 87 (4.2%) perimenopause, and 1,524 (73.9%) postmenopause women. The median sdLDL-C level was 0.937 (0.685, 1.209) mmol/L, and the sdLDL-C levels showed a gradually and significantly upward trend in premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause women, and this peaked in the postmenopause women. Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling the confounding factors, compared with premenopause, postmenopause was significantly associated with increased sdLDL-C concentration (OR = 1.514, 95% CI: 1.025–2.238), while no significant association was observed either between serum sdLDL-C and perimenopause (compared with premenopause) or between serum sdLDL-C and postmenopause (compared with perimenopause).ConclusionsAn elevated sdLDL-C level was significantly associated with postmenopause and independent of chronological aging. The study supports that sdLDL-C is a promising risk biomarker for menopausal transition. Future studies should consider a broader population and a more rigorous and thorough study design to validate these findings.
Comparison of simulating visibility using XGBoost and IMPROVE method: a case study in East China
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Yue , Zhuang Zibo , Liu Yuxi , Yuan Chengduo , Su Lei , Shao Jingyuan , Chan Pak-Wai 
Published: January 2025

The prediction accuracy of atmospheric visibility significantly impacts daily life. However, there is a relative scarcity of research on post-processing methods for visibility obtained from the WRF-Chem atmospheric chemistry model results. In order to explore a more accurate method for visibility calculation, we conducted a study on the meteorological conditions in the East China region during a heavy pollution period from October 1 to 23 in the year of 2022. The meteorological data were processed using both the XGBoost (XGB) model and the IMPROVE to calculate visibility. The results indicate that XGB outperforms the IMPROVE in various aspects. The visibility improved from a correlation of 0.56–0.71 with the use of XGB. And in comparison with the IMPROVE equation, XGB demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in RMSE by 1.96 km. Even in regions where the IMPROVE performs poorly, XGB demonstrates superior performance. In regions where the correlation simulated by the IMPROVE equation is less than 0.2 (Anqing and Nanyang), XGB still performs well, achieving correlations of 0.69 (Anqing) and 0.68 (Nanyang). Throughout the entire study period, the average visibility results obtained by XGB deviate by only 0.07 km from the observed values. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating the XGBoost model into WRF-Chem visibility simulations, as it significantly improves the accuracy of visibility predictions.
Identification of novel clinical subtypes in patients with microscopic polyangiitis using cluster analysis: multicenter REVEAL cohort study
Authors: Okazaki Ayana , Matsuda Shogo , Kotani Takuya , Fukui Keisuke , Gon Takaho , Watanabe Ryu , Manabe Atsushi , Shoji Mikihito , Kadoba Keiichiro , Hiwa Ryosuke , Yamamoto Wataru , Hashimoto Motomu , Takeuchi Tohru 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify new clinical phenotypes of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) using a principal components analysis (PCA)-based cluster analysis.MethodsA total of 189 patients with MPA between May 2005 and December 2021 were enrolled from a multicenter cohort in Japan (REVEAL cohort). Categorical PCA and cluster analysis were performed based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including all-cause mortality, respiratory-related mortality, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and relapse were compared between each cluster.ResultsEleven clinical variables were transformed into four components using categorical PCA and synthetic variables were created. Additionally, a cluster analysis was performed using these variables to classify patients with MPA into subgroups. Four distinct clinical subgroups were identified: Cluster 1 included the renal involvements and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH)-dominant group (N=33). Cluster 2 comprised the elderly onset systemic inflammation group (N=75). Cluster 3 included patients in the younger-onset limited-organ disease group (N=45). Cluster 4 was comprised of an ILD-predominant group without kidney involvement (N=36). 61 patients died during follow-up, with 32 dying of respiratory-related causes. Additionally, 19 patients developed ESRD and 70 relapsed. Cluster 1 showed the worst ESRD-free survival and relapse rates, whereas Cluster 2 showed the worst overall survival and respiratory-related death-free survival rates among the four groups.ConclusionsOur study identified four unique subgroups with different MPA outcomes. Individualized treatments for each subgroup may be required to improve the prognosis of MPA.
Multilevel subdural and epidural hematoma after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP): a case report and literature review
Authors: Deng Fuyuan , Liu Hailong 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundSerious complications such as intraspinal hematoma after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) are rare, with an incidence of about 1%, which has been reported in relevant literature. However, there are few reports on the simultaneous occurrence of multiple segmental subdural/epidural hematomas (SDH/SEH) after surgery.Case presentationThis case reports a 90-year-old female with lower limb neurological dysfunction after PKP. Emergency thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hematoma compressing the spinal cord. After conservative treatment, the sensory and motor function of the right lower limb returned to normal, and the bowel and urine function returned to normal, but the muscle strength of the left lower limb did not fully recover.ConclusionBlood pressure should be well controlled during the perioperative period for elderly patients with hypertension. This will avoid severe fluctuations in blood pressure caused by pain, anesthesia, and other reasons, reduce the probability of intraspinal vascular rupture, and prevent severe neurological dysfunction caused by acute intraspinal hemorrhage.
An environmental isolate of Pseudomonas, 20EI1, reduces Aspergillus flavus growth in an iron-dependent manner and alters secondary metabolism
Authors: Wyman Elizabeth M. , Grayburn W. Scott , Gilbert Matthew K. , Lebar Matthew D. , Lohmar Jessica M. , Cary Jeffrey W. , Sauters Thomas J. C. , Rokas Antonis , Calvo Ana M. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAspergillus flavus is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that infects oilseed crops worldwide. When colonizing plants, it produces mycotoxins, including carcinogenic compounds such as aflatoxins. Mycotoxin contamination results in an important economic and health impact. The design of new strategies to control A. flavus colonization and mycotoxin contamination is paramount.MethodsThe biocontrol potential of a promising new isolate of Pseudomonas spp., 20EI1 against A. flavus was assessed using bioassays and microscopy. To further elucidate the nature of this bacterial-fungal interaction, we also performed chemical and transcriptomics analyses.ResultsIn the present study, Pseudomonas spp., 20EI1 was able to reduce the growth of A. flavus. Furthermore, we determined that this growth inhibition is iron-dependent. In addition, Pseudomonas 20EI1 reduced or blocked the production of aflatoxin, as well as cyclopiazonic acid and kojic acid. Expression of iron-related genes was altered in the presence of the bacteria and genes involved in the production of aflatoxin were down-regulated. Iron supplementation partially reestablished their expression. Expression of other secondary metabolite (SM) genes was also reduced by the bacteria, including genes of clusters involved in cyclopiazonic acid, kojic acid and imizoquin biosynthesis, while genes of the cluster corresponding to aspergillicin, a siderophore, were upregulated. Interestingly, the global SM regulatory gene mtfA was significantly upregulated by 20EI1, which could have contributed to the observed alterations in SM.DiscussionOur results suggest that Pseudomonas 20EI1 is a promising biocontrol against A. flavus, and provide further insight into this iron-dependent bacterial-fungal interaction affecting the expression of numerous genes, among them those involved in SM.
Metabolic consequences of erastin-induced ferroptosis in human ovarian cancer cells: an untargeted metabolomics study
Authors: Kirkwood-Donelson Kaylie I. , Jarmusch Alan K. , Bortner Carl D. , Merrick Bruce Alex , Sinha Birandra K. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionOvarian cancer has been difficult to cure due to acquired or intrinsic resistance and therefore, newer or more effective drugs/approaches are needed for a successful treatment in the clinic. Erastin (ER), a ferroptosis inducer, kills tumor cells by generating and accumulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cell, resulting in an iron-dependent oxidative damage-mediated ferroptotic cell death.MethodsWe have utilized human ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR-8 and its adriamycin-selected, multi-drug resistance protein (MDR1)-expressing NCI/ADR-RES, both equally sensitive to ER, to identify metabolic biomarkers of ferroptosis.ResultsOur studies showed that ER treatment rapidly depleted cellular glutathione and cysteine and enhanced formation of ophthalamate (OPH) in both cells. Opthalalmate has been proposed to be a biomarker of oxidative stress in cells. Our study also found significant decreases in cellular taurine, a natural antioxidant in cells. Additionally, we found that ER treatment decreased cellular levels of NAD+/NADP+, carnitines and glutamine/glutamate in both cells, suggesting significant oxidative stress, decrease in energy production, and cellular and mitochondrial disfunctions, leading to cell death.ConclusionOur studies identified several potential biomarkers of ER-induced ferroptosis including OPH, taurine, NAD+, NADP+ and glutamate in ovarian cancer cells. Identifying specific metabolic biomarkers that are predictive of whether a cancer is susceptible to ferroptosis will help us devise more successful treatment modalities.
Towards implementing new payment models for the reimbursement of high-cost, curative therapies in Europe: insights from semi-structured interviews
Authors: Desmet Thomas , Michelsen Sissel , Van den Brande Elena , Van Dyck Walter , Simoens Steven , Huys Isabelle 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundNew ways of reimbursement for high-cost, one-shot curative therapies such as advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are a growing area of interest to stakeholders in market access such as industry representatives, legislative and accounting experts, physicians, hospital managers, hospital pharmacists, patient representatives, policymakers, and sickness funds. Due to the complex nature of ATMPs, new payment models and reimbursement modalities are proposed yet not widely applied across Europe.ObjectivesThis study aimed to elicit opinions on and insights into the governance aspect of implementing outcome-based spread payments (OBSP) in Belgium for the reimbursement of innovative therapies. Stakeholders’ responsibilities and roles were analysed and proposed solutions or general beliefs were assessed to identify necessary or sufficient conditions to establish outcome-based spread payments.MethodsSemi-structured interviews (n = 33) were conducted with physicians (n = 2), hospital pharmacists (n = 4), hospital managers (n = 2), Belgian policymakers (n = 6), legislative experts (n = 2), accounting experts (n = 5), representatives of patients (n = 3), of industry (n = 5), and sickness funds (n = 4). The interviews took place between July 2020 and October 2020. The framework method analysis was performed using Nvivo software (version 20.4.1.851). Statements were allocated into six main topics: payment structure, spread payments, outcome-based agreements, governance, transparency, and regulation.ResultsInterviews revealed the necessary conditions that, fulfilled together, are seen to be sufficient for the successful implementation of OBSP, including consensus on pricing, payment logistics, robust data infrastructure and financing, clear agreement terms (duration, outcome parameters, payment triggers), long-term patient follow-up solutions, an external multi-stakeholder governance body, and transparency regarding agreement types.ConclusionDespite the interest, the effective implementation of OBSP falls behind due to a lack of consensus on how this new reimbursement method can be a sustainable solution. By stating the necessary conditions that, when fulfilled together, are deemed sufficient for successful OBSP implementation, this study provides a framework towards overcoming implementation barriers and realizing the potential of OBSP in transforming healthcare reimbursement practices.
Enhanced antitumor efficacy through sustained release of 5-fluorouracil from poly(trimethylene carbonate) membranes
Authors: Wang Zongheng , Hou Zhipeng , Zhang Shuguang , Ren Shuangyi , Yang Liqun , Zhang Qianshi 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionCancer remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in clinical practice today, but its effectiveness is often hampered by rapid drug metabolism and systemic toxicity. To address these limitations, the development of novel drug delivery systems for sustained drug release is essential to improve therapeutic outcomes.MethodsThis study aimed to develop a poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) membrane capable of sustained drug release of 5-FU to enhance its antitumor activity. The membranes were prepared using the solvent-casting method, and their comprehensive properties were characterized.Results and DiscussionWe evaluated the in vitro sustained release capability, as well as the biocompatibility and antitumor activity at both cellular and animal levels. The results demonstrated that the 5-FU-loaded PTMC membranes exhibited effective sustained release capabilities, superior biocompatibility, and enhanced antitumor effects compared to the 5-FU injections. These findings suggested that the 5-FU-loaded PTMC membranes hold great potential for application in cancer patients, offering benefits in chemotherapy treatment.
Effects of exogenous SLs on growth and physiological characteristics of flue-cured tobacco seedlings under different degrees of drought stress
Authors: Wang Xiao-dong , Zhang Yi-nan , Wang Xiao-guo , Zhuang Ye , Ge Shao-hua 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundDrought stress severely affects global crop yields, reduces water availability, and hinders growth. Strigolactones can alleviate damage caused by various abiotic stresses in plants; however, limited research has been conducted on their ability to enhance drought tolerance in tobacco.MethodsThis study evaluated the drought tolerance of ‘Qin Tobacco 96’ (drought-tolerant) and ‘Yun Tobacco 116’ (moisture-sensitive) before and after the application of gibberellic acid lactone at a concentration of 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ under three drought conditions: mild, moderate, and severe. The primary drought tolerance traits were identified from 29 related indicators, including agronomic traits, photosynthetic efficiency, reactive oxygen metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activities, osmotic regulators, and hormone regulation, using affiliation function, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis to categorize the traits. The degree of drought tolerance enhancement in the two tobacco varieties was evaluated under various treatments.ResultsSpraying exogenous strigolactones reduced the adverse effects of drought stress, particularly in the moisture-sensitive Y116 variety. Under drought stress, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters significantly decreased, whereas strigolactone treatment increased both chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. Strigolactones reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of both varieties. Additionally, strigolactones increased the levels of osmoregulatory substances and activated the production of antioxidant enzymes, thereby enhancing drought tolerance. Furthermore, drought stress disrupted the balance of endogenous hormones, decreasing levels of auxin, gibberellic acid, and ribosylzeatin, while increasing abscisic acid levels. Exogenous strigolactones restored this hormonal balance.ConclusionSixteen traits associated with drought tolerance in tobacco were analyzed using principal component analysis, the traits were classified using cluster analysis, and the magnitude of the D-value was determined by calculating the values of the affiliation function and their respective weights. The results indicated that a concentration of 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ of strigolactones enhanced the drought tolerance of tobacco across different levels of drought stress and promoted the growth and development of flue-cured tobacco. However, the interactions between strigolactones and various hormones under drought stress require further investigation to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The application methods of strigolactones should be optimized.