bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of developing severe COVID-19 among hospitalized patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Alkhalifa Hussain Abduljaleel , Darwish Ehab , Alsalman Zaenb , Alfaraj Aman , Alkhars Abdullah , Alkhalifa Fatimah , Algaraash Mohammed , Elshebiny Ahmed Mohammed , Alkhoufi Emad , Elzorkany Khaled Mohamed Amin 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundCOVID-19 poses a significant threat to global public health. As the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection varies among individuals, elucidating risk factors for severe COVID-19 is important for predicting and preventing illness progression, as well as lowering case fatality rates. This work aimed to explore risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 to enhance the quality of care provided to patients and to prevent complications.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province, including all COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older who were hospitalized at Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Hospital in July 2020. Comparative tests as well as both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 and poor outcomes.ResultsBased on the comparative statistical tests patients with severe COVID-19 were statistically significantly associated with older age and had higher respiratory rate, longer hospital stay, and higher prevalence of diabetes than non-severe cases. They also exhibited statistically significant association with high levels of potassium, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The univariate analysis shows that having diabetes, having high severe acute respiratory infection chest X-ray scores, old age, prolong hospitalization, high potassium and lactate dehydrogenase, as well as using insulin, heparin, corticosteroids, favipiravir or azithromycin were all statistically significant associated with severe COVID-19. However, after adjustments in the multivariate analysis, the sole predictor was serum LDH (p = 0.002; OR 1.005; 95% CI 1.002–1.009). In addition, severe COVID-19 patients had higher odds of being prescribed azithromycin than non-severe patients (p = 0.001; OR 13.725; 95% CI 3.620–52.043). Regarding the outcomes, the median hospital stay duration was statistically significantly associated with death, intensive care unit admission (ICU), and mechanical ventilation. On the other hand, using insulin, azithromycin, beta-agonists, corticosteroids, or favipiravir were statistically significantly associated with reduced mortality, ICU admission, and need of mechanical ventilation.ConclusionThis study sheds light on numerous parameters that may be utilized to construct a prediction model for evaluating the risk of severe COVID-19. However, no protective factors were included in this prediction model.
Association of CSF soluble TREM1 levels with hippocampal atrophy in cognitively impaired older adults
Authors: Shu Hao , Ding Gangyu , Xu Xiaona , Huang Xuerong , He Ruqian 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM1) are elevated in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), though the relationship between CSF sTREM1 and hippocampal atrophy remains to be elucidated. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between CSF sTREM1 levels and longitudinal changes in hippocampal volumes, and to determine if this relationship is moderated by cognitive status.MethodsWe included 576 participants, comprising 152 cognitively unimpaired (CU) and 424 cognitively impaired (CI) individuals. In the cross-sectional analyses, Pearson’s correlation tests were conducted to examine the relationship between baseline CSF sTREM1 levels and hippocampal volumes in both CU and CI participants. For the longitudinal analyses, a linear mixed-effects model was employed to assess the significance of the three-way interaction between CSF sTREM1 levels, cognitive status, and follow-up time on adjusted hippocampal volume (aHV). Further stratified analyses based on cognitive status were performed to dissect the specific effects within each group.ResultsOur findings revealed significantly elevated baseline CSF sTREM1 levels in CI participants compared to CU participants. Cross-sectional analyses demonstrated that CSF sTREM1 levels were negatively associated with hippocampal volumes in both CU and CI participants. In the longitudinal analyses, the three-way interaction between CSF sTREM1 levels, cognitive status, and follow-up time was found to be significant for aHV. Stratified analyses indicated that, in CI participants, higher CSF sTREM1 levels were associated with a more accelerated rate of hippocampal atrophy, whereas no such association was observed in CU participants.ConclusionThese results underscore the complex interplay between neuroinflammation, as reflected by CSF sTREM1 levels, hippocampal atrophy, and cognitive decline. The data suggest that neuroinflammation may contribute differently to hippocampal atrophy rates in CI versus CU individuals, highlighting the potential for targeted anti-inflammatory interventions in the prevention and treatment of AD.
Research progresses and hotspots on glucose metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer: a bibliometric analysis over the past two decades
Authors: Huang Lei , Zhao Wenyue , Sun Lamei , Niu Dong , Zhu Xiaodan , Jin Chunhui 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAbnormal energy metabolism is a prominent characteristic of cancers. Increasing evidence has suggested the involvement of glucose metabolism reprogramming in the progression of breast cancer (BC). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC through a bibliometric analysis.MethodsRelevant literatures published from 2004 to 2024 were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection database, and a bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix.ResultsIn total, 957 publications reporting glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC were included, showing an increasing trend in the annual publication outputs. China ranked first in publication outputs, and the United States of America (USA) had a dominant place in citation counts. The research achievements of Thomas Jefferson University in the USA were at the forefront and widely cited. Lisanti, Michael P., and Sotgia, Federica were the most productive authors. Keyword analysis suggested that the mechanisms of glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC and related therapeutic strategies were the research hotspots.ConclusionThis study, for the first time, elucidated the progresses and hotspots of in the research on glucose metabolism reprogramming in BC, highlighting its potential role in treating BC. Considering that the glycolytic reprogramming of BC is a complex biological process, it is imperative for countries to enhance cooperation in the pursuit of effective antimetabolic therapies to overcome challenges in BC treatment.
Cellulose nanofiber reinforced curcumin-infused calcium phosphate silicate cement for various bone-tissue engineering application
Authors: Lu Xiu Guo , Meng Sha Li , Zhou Qiu Jing , Wu Tao , Gong Xing Tian , Wu Qiong 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study utilized a injectable curcumin (Cur)-infused calcium phosphate silicate cement (CPSC) for addressing defects caused by bone cancer, and evaluated its promoting bone regeneration and exerting cytotoxic effects on osteosarcoma cells.MethodsThe material’s physicochemical properties, biocompatibility with osteoblasts, and cytotoxicity toward osteosarcoma cells were rigorously analyzed.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that CPSC-Cur signicantly prolongs the setting time, which can be optimized by adding silanized cellulose nanober (CNF-SH) to achieve a balance between workability and mechanical strength. Biological assessments reveal a pronounced cytotoxic effect on osteosarcoma cells while maintaining minimal toxicity toward pre-osteoblasts, highlighting CPSC-Cur’s potential as a promising material for repairing bone defects following cancer removal.ConclusionThis study lays the groundwork for future investigations into CPSC-Cur’s in vivo efficacy and its role in the clinical treatment of bone cancer.
Tele-ophthalmology as an effective triaging tool for acute ophthalmic concerns
Authors: Townsend Natalie A. , Shah Shalini , Reyes Joshua , Townsend Justin H. , Bozung Alison , Ricur Giselle , Aboumourad Rami J. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to determine baseline demographics and utilization trend of an on-demand, synchronous tele-ophthalmology triage program in evaluating acute ophthalmic concerns during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.MethodsSetting: Single-center retrospective chart review of telemedicine visits conducted by ophthalmologists and optometrists from University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Patient population: 6227 patients comprised 7138 telehealth encounters. All patient encounters were included in the retrospective review without exclusions and only the primary diagnoses were categorized from October 1, 2020 to April 30, 2023. Main outcomes measures: Descriptive statistics of the telemedicine model, utilization trends, baseline patient demographics, and primary diagnoses were performed for all virtual eye care encounters during the study period.ResultsUtilization of the synchronous telemedicine platform increased during the study period. The median age of patients was 51 (IQR, 36-65) years. Patients predominantly self-identified as female (63.27%), White (72.7%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (48.2%). General external adnexa (44.1%), conjunctival disorders (15.5%) and ocular surface symptoms (15.4%), made up 75.0% of the visits during the study period. Furthermore, 63.4% of patients were new to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, 67.1% had never engaged in telemedicine, and 96.5% of encounters were successfully completed through video conferencing.DiscussionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there was significant utilization of an on-demand synchronous ocular telemedicine program to address acute concerns. This retrospective chart review demonstrates the utility of telemedicine as an important and effective tool to triage and provide care during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
Case Report: Prenatal diagnosis of novel compound heterozygous variants in WDR35 gene causing short-rib thoracic dysplasia 7 with or without polydactyly
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Wang Junyu , Huang Zhengping , Chen Yu’e , Chen Chunnuan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundWhole exome sequencing (WES) technology has been increasingly used for the etiological diagnosis of fetuses with ultrasound anomalies. In this article, we report a novel deletion compound combined with a causative variant in WDR35 gene leading to short-rib thoracic dysplasia 7 (SRTD7) with or without polydactyly using WES.MethodsThis study involved a Chinese fetus with clinical features of skeletal dysplasia on ultrasound imaging, in whom chromosome abnormalities and copy number variants (CNVs) were detected by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and sequence variants were detected by WES. The obtained results were further verified by Sanger sequencing or real time quantitative PCR (qPCR).ResultsNo chromosomal abnormality or CNVs were identified in the fetus by CMA. However, WES result revealed a 14.38-kb large novel deletion compound covering exon 7 to exon 12 combined with a missense variant NM_001006657.2:c.932G&gt;T(p.W311l) in WDR35. Both variants were thought of as pathogenic, which was further confirmed by Sanger sequencing and qPCR. In addition, two compound heterozygous variants NM_015102.5:c.[1196A&gt;G(p.E399G)];[1972C&gt;T(p.R658*)] in NPHP4 gene were also identified in the fetus, which may be partially responsible for fetal kidney hyperechogenicity and oligohydramnios.ConclusionThis is the first study reporting a novel deletion compound combined with a causative missense variant in WDR35 leading to SRTD7. This finding may broaden the spectrum of variants of WDR35 gene and provide a valuable reference for clinical counseling of related abnormalities in pregnancies.
Multi-target regulatory effects of rhaponticin in a rat model of hepatic fibrosis revealed by non-targeted metabolomics
Authors: Yang Min , Jiang Dihua , Huang Longfei , Zhang Tao , Guo Wenfen , Lin Wenyan , Zhao Jiali , Wei Yunsheng , Peng Lang , Hao Yong-Jia , Zhou Ying 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionHepatic fibrosis (HF), a progressive chronic liver disease, is a serious threat to global public health. The lack of preventive and therapeutic strategies has created an urgent need for effective anti-fibrosis agents. There is growing evidence that natural products might provide safe and effective interventions for HF. Among them, rhaponticin (RHA), a stilbenoid glucoside natural product isolated from medicinal plants of Rheum L. of Polygonaceae Juss. has many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antithrombotic properties. However, its effects on HF remain unclear.MethodsHerein, we investigated the effects of RHA against HF on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis and the underlying mechanism in rats. Functional, histopathological, and protein-level indicators of liver insult were evaluated. Moreover, serum metabolites were assessed by non-targeted metabolomics.Results and discussionThe results showed that RHA improved liver functions and histopathological features in the liver of CCl4-treated rats, and alleviated the expression of α-SMA and type I collagen. Meanwhile, RHA also modulated endogenous metabolite levels in rats with HF, targeting glycerophospholipid metabolism signaling and other pathways. These findings confirmed the protective effects of RHA against hepatic fibrosis in rats by exerting multi-target effects via multiple signaling and metabolic pathways. Which may be of use in developing more effective RHA-based therapeutic strategies for hepatic fibrosis.
Proposal for a revised Barthel index classification based on mortality risk assessment in functional dependence for basic activities of daily living
Authors: Martín Moreno Vicente , Martínez Sanz María Inmaculada , Martín Fernández Amanda , Guerra Maroto Sara , Sevillano Fuentes Eva , Pérez Rico Elena , Sánchez González Irene , Fernández Gallardo Miriam , Herranz Hernando Julia , Benítez Calderón María Palma , Calderón Jiménez Laura , Sánchez Rodríguez Elena , Recuero Vázquez Miguel , Alonso Samperiz Helena , León Saiz Irene , Marcos Guerra Juana 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionFunctional dependence on the performance of basic activities of daily living (ADLs) is associated with increased mortality. In this study, the Barthel index and its activities discriminate long-term mortality risk, and whether changes in this index are necessary to adapt it to detect mortality risk is examined.MethodsLongitudinal study, carried out at the Orcasitas Health Center, Madrid (Spain), on the functional dependent population (Barthel ≤ 60). It included 127 people, with a mean age of 86 years (78.7% women and 21.3% men). Functional capacity was assessed using the Barthel index, and this index and each item it contains were analyzed as a test in relation to survival at three years, using tools that evaluate precision, discrimination, and calibration. The date of death was obtained from the health system.ResultsGreater dependency to perform chair-to-bed transfers was associated with an increased mortality risk (HR 2.957; CI 1.678–5.211). Also, individuals with severe (HR 0.492; CI 0.290–0.865) and moderate (HR 0.574; CI 0.355–0.927) ADL dependence had a reduced mortality risk when more independent in chair-to-bed transfers. Among people with moderate ADL dependence, this percentage was 48%. Using dependence-independence for chair-to-bed transfer as a screening test for mortality, the test showed high sensitivity (0.91) and specificity (0.83), a positive likelihood ratio of 5.45, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.11. The area under the ROC curve was 0.814 (CI 0.658–0.970; p = 0.001), with a χ2 = 0.235; p = 0.889, according to the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. The concordance C index was 0.814. According to Nagelkerke’s R2, the model explained 53.1% of the variance in survival. As a screening test, “chair-to-bed transfer” was superior to the Barthel index.ConclusionADL dependence for chair-to-bed transfers is an independent risk factor for mortality for any level of dependency. Therefore, a new classification of the Barthel index is proposed, in which “being dependent or requiring great assistance to perform chair-to-bed transfers” is considered severe dependence, even when the total score obtained via the Barthel Index is ≥40. We propose its use as a screening test in parallel to the Barthel index. The study suggests that the Barthel Index may have limitations in adequately discriminating mortality risk.
Neuromodulatory effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on cue reactivity and craving in young adults with internet gaming disorder: an event-related potential study
Authors: Kim Sung Nyun , Choi Jung-Seok , Park Minkyung , Yoo So Young , Choi Areum , Koo Ja Wook , Kang Ung Gu 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThis study assessed the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cue reactivity and craving for game-related cues using event-related potentials (ERPs) in internet gaming disorder (IGD) patients.MethodsAt baseline, a series of game-related and neutral pictures were shown to both IGD and healthy controls (HCs) while ERPs were recorded. Late positive potentials (LPP) were used to investigate cue reactivity. During intervention, IGD patients received 10 sessions (two sessions/day for 5 consecutive days, 2 mA for 20 min/session) of tDCS to the left (anode stimulation) and right (cathode) dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subjectively assessed craving and LPP component was analyzed before stimulation and at the 1-month follow-up after tDCS in IGD.ResultsAt baseline, patients with IGD showed higher LPP amplitudes for game-related cues in the centro-parietal and parietal regions than HCs. After 10 sessions of tDCS, increased LPP amplitudes decreased significantly at 1-month follow-up., as well as subjective craving for gaming.ConclusionThese findings suggest that neurophysiological arousal in response to game-related cues in the IGD group could be modulated by the effects of tDCS. LPP was a significant neurophysiological marker of the neuroplastic response of cue reactivity underlying the therapeutic effect of tDCS on IGD. Based on the present findings, tDCS could be expanded to the treatment of other addictive disorders, including substance use disorder and behavioral addictions.
Challenges in rural maternal health: how received public services and policy awareness affect health knowledge and practices
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Jun , Xie Yuyang , Liu Yunjie , Wu Junhao , Li Yangyuan , Nie Jingchun 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study evaluates the effectiveness of rural maternal health services in improving pregnant women’s health knowledge, practices, and outcomes in northwestern China, focusing on the roles of received public services and policy awareness.MethodsBaseline surveys were conducted in rural Shaanxi Province in 2021 and 2023, involving 1,152 pregnant women from 85 townships, selected via multistage cluster random sampling. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews, covering health knowledge and behaviors. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the impact of maternal health services.ResultsBoth received public services (Coefficient: 0.130, 95% CI: 0.015–0.246) and policy awareness (Coefficient: 0.114, 95% CI: 0.001–0.227) significantly improved nutrition and health knowledge but had limited impact on prenatal checkups or health outcomes. Policy awareness (OR: 3.826, 95% CI: 2.743–5.337) significantly increased picking up free folic acid, however, the rate of taking folic acid remained low.ConclusionWhile received public services and policy awareness improved nutrition and health knowledge, and policy awareness increased picking up free folic acid, they did not significantly influence prenatal checkups or health outcomes. More targeted efforts are needed to foster consistent health practices and improve maternal health outcomes in rural areas.
Standardised activities in wheelchair rugby, comparison between athletes with coordination impairment and athletes with other impairments
Authors: Altmann Viola C. , Janssen Mariska , de Wit Johanna L. J. , van der Slikke Rienk M. A. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionTo determine if athletes with coordination impairment (CI) can continue playing wheelchair rugby (WR), while an evidence-based classification system, including impairment tests for CI is not yet available. This is a defensible practise if they show similar activity limitations as athletes with other eligible impairment types (OI) within the same sports class.MethodsStandardised activities were measured in 58 elite WR athletes; 14 with CI and 44 with OI. Wheelchair activities consisted of 20-meter sprint, 12-meter sprint with full stop, intermittent sprint (3-meter sprint, stop, 3-meter sprint, stop, 6-meter sprint with full stop), sprint-curve-slalom-curve, turn on the spot 180°, turn on the spot 90°, stop, turn 90°in the same direction, X-test (short circuit with sharp turns) without the ball. Ball activities consisted of maximal throwing distance, precision throwing short (25% of maximum throw) and long (75% of maximal throw) distance and X-test with the ball (pick-up the ball and dribble whilst pushing). Descriptive statistics were used and Spearman’s Rank correlation was assessed for athletes with CI and OI for each outcome measure. Differences between athletes with CI and OI were assessed using a Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsMost activities showed a high correlation with the athlete class in both athletes with CI and athletes with OI. Furthermore, outcome measures of athletes with CI overlapped with athletes with OI in the same sports class for all activities. There was a trend for worse performance in athletes with CI in turn on the spot 90°, stop, turn 90°in the same direction, the short distance one handed precision throw (P 0.11)and in the X-test with the ball (P 0.10).DiscussionDespite the current lack of evidence based impairment tests for CI, it is a defensible practise to not exclude athletes with CI from WR with the current classification system. The trends for differences in performance that were found can support athletes and coaches in optimising performance of athletes with CI.