bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel gas sands characterization and improved depositional modeling of the Cretaceous Sembar Formation, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Aftab Furqan , Zafar Mohammad , Hajana Muhammad Iqbal , Ahmad Waqar 
Published: December 2022

The Lower Indus Basin of Pakistan has substantial hydrocarbon potential with the Cretaceous Sembar Formation as its principal source rock. While studies have identified the shale gas potential of the Sembar Formation, no extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of thick packages of sands encountered within it. This study is intended to fill this research gap by identifying the hidden-untapped thick packages of sands of the Sembar Formation for the first time in the Khewari and Gambat areas. We use well log and seismic reflection data to define the thickness, depth distribution, and petrophysical properties for reservoir characterization. This integrated modeling identifies favorable zones for gas production and the spatial distribution of sand packages with excellent reservoir properties in thickness (≈200 m), almost continuous sand packages suitable for hydrocarbon exploration. The Suleman-01 well has a very good hydrocarbon reservoir potential with 70% sand volume, approximately 13% effective porosity, 3.57 millidarcys average permeability, and approximately 58–60% hydrocarbon saturation. We suggest that the post-collisional tectonics of the Indian and Eurasian plates affected the depositional geometry of the Sembar Formation in such a way that it trends from shallower to deeper from western to eastern parts of the study area. Similarly, reservoir quality sands follow the positive upward trend from west to east toward the Indian shield. We propose that the approach implemented in this study is applicable to the entire Lower Indus Basin and further toward the Rajasthan Basin in India in the east and Zagros fold-and-thrust belt in Iran in the west. This approach would help assess the undeveloped hydrocarbon potential of the Sembar Formation sands and related formations in South Asia and worldwide.
Final adult height in children with central precocious puberty – a retrospective study
Authors: Knific Taja , Lazarevič Melisa , Žibert Janez , Obolnar Nika , Aleksovska Nataša , Šuput Omladič Jasna , Battelino Tadej , Avbelj Stefanija Magdalena 
Published: December 2022

Background/AimsCentral precocious puberty (CPP) is due to premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It predominantly affects girls. CPP leads to lower final height (FH), yet the treatment benefit in girls between 6 and 8 years is equivocal. Our main goal was to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) on FH and identify factors that predict FH.MethodsIn a retrospective study, children with CPP (12 boys, 81 girls) that reached FH were included. Their clinical data at diagnosis and up to their final height was compared by descriptive statistics among idiopathic (iCPP) (n=68) and non-idiopathic CPP (nCPP) and between GnRHa treated (n=48) and untreated (n=15) girls with iCPP. The treatment effect of body weight (BW) adjusted GnRHa dosing was evaluated. Univariate linear regression and step-wise multivariable regression including 48 girls with iCPP treated with GnRHa were performed to identify predicting factors for FH.ResultsChildren with idiopathic CPP (iCPP) reached higher FH (p=0.002) than children with non-idiopathic CPP. After the diagnosis, the treated group gained 7.0 cm more than the untreated group. Yet, attributable to individualized decision-making, the FH in both groups was comparable (161.5 cm in treated, 161.0 cm in untreated girls with iCPP), although the onset of menarche was 2.5 years earlier among untreated girls. BW-adjusted dosing suppressed peak luteinizing hormone (LH) below 4.5 IU/L in 95% of children; however, bone age further advanced during therapy in 38% of patients. Predicting factors revealed by multivariable regression were bone age at diagnosis, BMI SDS at diagnosis, LH basal, age at start and cessation of treatment, predicted adult height and target height. (R2 = 0.72).ConclusionChildren with nCPP had worse FH outcome compared to iCPP despite similar CPP onset and therapeutic characteristics. Treatment by GnRHa using BW-adjusted dosing was effective in delaying menarche onset and reaching target height in girls with iCPP. Multiple factors affecting FH outcome indicated individualized decision-making regarding therapeutic intervention remains challenging. In the treated patients, among the factors that can be influenced, height at treatment cessation most significantly influenced the outcome.
Genetic and phenotypic differences between sexes in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH): Large cohort analysis from a single tertiary centre
Authors: Federici Silvia , Cangiano Biagio , Goggi Giovanni , Messetti Dario , Munari Elisabetta Veronica , Amer Myriam , Giovanelli Luca , Hrvat Faris , Vezzoli Valeria , Persani Luca , Bonomi Marco 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundCongenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a condition with a strong genetic background, caused by a deficient production, secretion, or action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Published data on CHH cohorts indicate a male predominance, although this is not supported by our current understandings.AimsIn order to unravel the possible causes or contributors to such epidemiological sex difference, the aim of our study is to investigate differences in genetic background and clinical presentation between males and females in a large cohort of CHH patients.Materials and methodsWe enrolled 338 CHH patients with absent or arrested pubertal development, referred to our Center from 01/2016. Data collection included clinical assessment at diagnosis and genetic analysis performed by next generation sequencing (NGS), employing a custom panel of 28 candidate genes.ResultsAmong 338 patients 94 were female (F) and 244 male (M), with a ratio of 1:2.6. We found that 36.09% (122/338) of patients harbored potentially pathogenic rare genetic variants (RVs) with no significant differences between sexes; on the other hand, a significantly higher frequency of oligogenicity was observed in females (F 9,57% 9/94 vs M 3,69% 9/244, P = 0.034). The prevalence of non-reproductive phenotypic features was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in males (53/228, 23.2%) than in females (10/93, 10.8%): in particular, kidney abnormalities affected only male patients and midline defects had a significantly higher prevalence in males (P = 0.010). Finally, BMI SDS was -0.04 ± 1.09 in females and 0.69 ± 1.51 in males, with a statistically significant difference between groups (P = &lt;0.001).ConclusionOur data confirm the male predominance in CHH and identify some differences with regard to the clinical presentation between males and females that could indicate a variable expression of genetic rare variants and a dimorphic modulation of phenotype according to metabolic/behavioral factors, which will need to be substantiated and investigated by further studies.
Khat use and associated factors during pregnancy in eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Misgana Tadesse , Tesfaye Dejene , Alemu Daniel , Gebremichael Berhe , Tamiru Dawit , Tariku Mandaras , Weldesenbet Adisu Birhanu , Dheresa Merga 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionWomen of reproductive age are increasingly using khat. The use of khat is associated with prelabor rupture of membranes, anemia among pregnant women, and other problems related to motherhood and infanthood. Most of the previous studies performed at the facility level revealed that different factors were associated with khat use among pregnant women. Lower educational status, low wealth index, and the age of the mother were the factors significantly associated with maternal khat use. Partner substance use also has a significant association with maternal khat use. However, there is limited information about khat use and its associated factors among pregnant women in the study area.ObjectiveThis study aims at assessing the prevalence of khat use and associated factors among pregnant women in Kersa and Haramaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System Sites, eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among randomly selected 1,015 pregnant women from an open cohort from Kersa and Haramaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System Sites in Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from January 30 to April 30, 2021, using Open Data Kit (ODK) software and analyzed using SPSS v-26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of pregnant women. Factors associated with khat use were identified by bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses; an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. Statistical significance was declared atp &lt; 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of khat use among pregnant women was 15.5% (95% CI, 13.3–17.7). Age of the pregnant women; being in the age group between 25 and 35 years (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI, 1.33–4.89) and 35 years and greater (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI, 1.29–4.20); having a chronic medical illness (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI, 1.27–8.48); and having a history of abortion (AOR = 2.87 95% CI, 1.73–4.76) significantly increased the likelihood of khat use among pregnant women.ConclusionThe current study revealed a relatively high magnitude of khat use in pregnant women as compared with previous studies. The age of the pregnant women, history of medical illness, and history of abortion were significantly associated with khat use during pregnancy.
Single-cell profiling of T cells uncovers a tissue-resident memory-like T-cell subset associated with bidirectional prognosis for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lai Wenpu , Wang Xiaofang , Liu Lian , Xu Ling , Mao Lipeng , Tan Jiaxiong , Zha Xianfeng , Zhan Huien , Lei Wen , Lan Yu , Chen Guobing , Li Yangqiu , Luo Oscar Junhong 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe character and composition of leukemia-related T cells are closely related to the treatment response and prognosis for patients. Though B cell-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients have benefited from immune-based approaches, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells therapy, some of them still end with poor prognosis, especially for adult patients. Therefore, deep understanding of the developmental relationship between T cell subtypes in relation to B-ALL patient prognosis is urgently needed.MethodsWe analyzed the peripheral blood T cell single-cell RNA sequencing data of three B-ALL patients, using data from 11 healthy individuals as controls. In total, 16,143 and 53,701 T cells from B-ALL patients and healthy adults, respectively, were objectively analyzed for detailed delineation of 13 distinct T cell clusters. Cluster-specific genes were used as marker genes to annotate each T cell subtype.ResultsUnbiased analysis enabled the discovery of circulating CD103+ T cell (CD3+CD103+MKI67+), also defined as tissue-resident memory-like T (Trm-like) cell, populations were elevated in B-ALL patients, which expressed high level of cell proliferation and exhaustion related genes. In addition, cell fate trajectory analysis showed these Trm-like cells, which shared T-cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes with exhausted T (Tex) cells and effector T (Teff) cells, were supposed to transition into Teff cells; however, mainly transformed into Tex cells in leukemia environment. More importantly, Trm-like cells transformation into Teff cells and Tex cells potentially led to favorable or poor prognosis for B-ALL patients, respectively.ConclusionIn sum, a circulating Trm-like cell subset with high level expression of cell proliferation and exhaustion related genes was elevated in B-ALL patients. The bidirectional developmental potential of these T cells into Teff or Tex is closely associated with favorable or poor prognosis, respectively. Together, our study provided a unique insight of alteration of leukemia related T cells, also showed a potential immunotherapy direction and prognosis assessment model for B-ALL patients.
Hypodense regions in the peripapillary region increased the risk of macular retinoschisis detected by optical coherence tomography
Authors: She Xiangjun , Zhou Congying , Liang Zhi , Xie Jin , Zhao Shixin , Tao Jiwei , Zhang Yun , Mao Jianbo , Chen Yiqi , Shen Lijun 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical features of peripapillary regions in patients with myopic macular retinoschisis (MRS) and its association with the development of retinoschisis (RS).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, high-myopic patients with or without MRS were recruited, and the hypodense regions were analyzed in the peripapillary regions. The vitreoretinal adhesions around both macular and paravascular arcades were compared between groups. The risk factors for the development of MRS were analyzed by logistic regression.ResultsOf 88 myopic eyes, MRS was detected in 45 eyes (51%). The eyes with MRS showed a higher rate of peripapillary and paravascular retinoschisis (P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.006). Hypodense regions were detected in 25 eyes (20.35%). Higher rates of horizontal and vertical macular MRS were detected in the hypodense group (P = 0.012 and P = 0.002). Lower refractive error, longer axial length, and higher rates of outer retinoschisis both in horizontal and vertical macular regions were observed in the hypodense group (P = 0.012, P = 0.006, P = 0.038, and P = 0.034). Higher rates of inner and outer retinoschisis, vitreoschisis, and microfolds along superior vascular arcade were detected in the hypodense group (P = 0.005, P = 0.001, P = 0.014, and P = 0.014). Higher rates of internal limiting membrane (ILM) detachment, inner and outer RS were detected along the inferior vascular arcade in the hypodense group (P = 0.008, P = 0.001, and P = 0.028). Hypodense regions, the axial length and PICC (peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation) were significantly correlated with the severity of MRS (Odds ratio = 0.207, P = 0.010; Odds ratio = 1.399, P = 0.016; Odds ratio = 0.142, P = 0.010).ConclusionsThe hypodense regions were likely to affect outer retinoschisis both in macular and paravascular regions. It was a risk factor for the development of MRS.
Efficacy of prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccines on cervical cancer among the Asian population: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ren Xinyu , Hao Yubing , Wu Beike , Jia Xinhua , Niu Meili , Wang Kunbo , Li Zhifang 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveWe conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines against cervical cancer precursors and HPV persistent infection among Asian populations.MethodsRandomized controlled clinical trials conducted in Asian countries were identified from three electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library). Publication retrieval was performed on September 1, 2022 and only those written in English were included. The data were analyzed with Cochrane Review Manager (version 5.3) and Stata/SE (15.1). Effect sizes were presented as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsTen articles were considered in the meta-analysis, without significant heterogeneity among them. The fixed-effect RRs and 95% CIs for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1+) and CIN2+ were 0.10 (0.05–0.21) and 0.11 (0.04–0.27), respectively. Positive effect of HPV vaccination on 6- and 12-month persistent infection were observed, with the respective pooled RRs of 0.05 (95% CI: 0.03–0.09) and 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05–0.15). HPV vaccination has a positive effect on the incidence of cytological abnormalities associated with HPV 16/18 (RR, 0.13; 95% CI (0.09–0.20)). Positive effects of HPV vaccination were also observed for HPV 16- and 18-specific immunogenicity (RR, 235.02; 95% CI (82.77–667.31) and RR, 98.24; 95% CI (50.36–191.67), respectively). Females receiving an initial vaccination showed significant decreased incidences of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, HPV persistent infection and cytological abnormalities and a significantly higher antibody positive conversion rate compared with non-vaccination counterparts.ConclusionProphylactic HPV vaccines are highly efficacious in preventing cervical cancer in Asian females. The government should accelerate the processes of vaccine introduction and vaccination implementation by prioritizing them in public health policies, which should be helpful to enhance Asian females’ awareness of receiving HPV vaccination volitionally.
The association between albumin levels and survival in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guven Deniz Can , Sahin Taha Koray , Erul Enes , Rizzo Alessandro , Ricci Angela Dalia , Aksoy Sercan , Yalcin Suayib 
Published: December 2022

Background: The albumin levels may potentially be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients with cancertreated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to its close relationship with nutritional and inflammatory status. However, the available data is limited with heterogeneous patient cohorts, sample sizes and variable cut-offs. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between survival outcomes and albumin levels in patients treated with ICIs.Methods: We conducted a systematic review using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases to filter the published studies up to 1 June 2022. The meta-analyses were performed with the generic inverse-variance method with a random-effects model due to the high degree of heterogeneity. The primary outcome measure was hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The study protocol was registered with the PROSPERO registry (Registration Number: CRD42022337746).Results: Thirty-six studies encompassing 8406 cancer patients with advanced disease were included in the meta-analyses. Almost half of the studies were conducted in NSCLC cohorts (n = 15), and 3.5 gr/dL was the most frequently used albumin cut-off in the included studies (n = 20). Patients with lower albumin levels had a significantly increased risk of death (HR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.52–1.80, p &lt; 0.0001) than patients with higher albumin levels. Subgroup analyses for study location, sample size, tumor type and albumin cut-off were demonstrated consistent results. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis of eight studies using albumin levels as a continuous prognostic factor, every 1 gr/dL decrease in albumin levels was associated with significantly increased risk of death by a factor of 10% (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05–1.16, p = 0.0002). Similar to analyses with overall survival, the patients with lower albumin levels had an increased risk of progression or death compared to patients with higher albumin levels (HR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.40–2.21, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: The available evidence demonstrates that albumin levels may be a prognostic biomarker in advanced cancer patients treated with ICIs. Further research is needed to delineate the role of albumin levels in patients treated with ICIs in the adjuvant setting, as well as the possible benefit of therapeutic approaches to improve hypoalbuminemia.
Genetic loci, rs17817449 and rs6567160, known for obesity and the risk of stroke events among middle-aged and older Chinese people
Authors: Zhong Qiong-Qiong , Zhu Feng 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundFat Mass and Obesity-Associated (FTO) and the Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) genes are strongly associated with obesity, an established risk factor for stroke. We aimed to assess the associations between rs17817449 at the FTO and rs6567160 at the MC4R and the risk of stroke events in middle-aged and older Chinese people.Materials and methodsStudy data were obtained from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study; a total of 148 participants with a self-reported history of stroke and an equal volume of age- and sex-matched participants were selected as the cases and the controls in a case-control study; a total of 13,967 participants at the first follow-up and all participants with fatal stroke (up to April 2021) were included in a retrospective cohort study. Conditional logistic regression and the Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to assess the associations of the two genetic loci with the risk of stroke events.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex, education, job, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, rs17817449 and rs6567160 shared minor alleles G and C, respectively, in the case-control analyses. The genotypes GG+GT of rs17817449 at the FTO were significantly associated with a decreased risk of fatal stroke occurrence, with fatal all strokes having an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.71 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.52-0.97, P = 0.04) and fatal ischemic stroke having an aHR of 0.64 (95% CI 0.41–1.00, P = 0.05), when the genotype TT was taken as a reference and a series of multiplicities were adjusted; the risk of fatal all strokes was lowered by dyslipidemia (aHR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.39–1.00, P = 0.05) and non–diabetes (aHR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.46–0.99, P = 0.049) in the retrospective cohort analyses. Significances were observed neither in the associations between rs6567160 and the risk of stroke events nor in an interaction between rs17817449 and rs6567160 in the two-stage analyses.ConclusionThe G allele of rs17817449 at the FTO, not rs6567160 at the MC4R, was associated with a decreased risk of fatal stroke occurrence; its functional role in stroke should be explored in relatively healthy middle-aged to older Chinese people.
Long-term efficacy of dexamethasone treatment via tympanic antrum catheterization for intractable Meniere's disease
Authors: Lyu Yafeng , Guo Jia , Li Xiaofei , Jian Huirong , Li Yawei , Wang Jing , Fan Zhaomin , Wang Haibo , Zhang Daogong 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the long-term efficacy and safety of dexamethasone treatment via tympanic antrum catheterization (TAC) in intractable Meniere's disease (MD).MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, 60 unilateral intractable MD patients treated with TAC in our hospital from January 2020 to August 2020 were followed for 2 years. Fifty patients who underwent endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) and 50 patients who accepted intratympanic steroids (ITS) were established as the control groups. Vertigo control, hearing level, tinnitus, aural fullness and functional level were assessed during the study.ResultsThe effective vertigo control rate of intractable MD patients with TAC treatment was 76.7% (46/60) after 2 years follow-up, with a complete control rate of 58.3% (35/60) and a substantial control rate of 18.3% (11/60). The vertigo control rate of TAC was comparable to that of ESD (χ2 = 0.313, p &gt; 0.05), and significantly higher than that of ITS (χ2 = 4.380, p &lt; 0.05). The hearing loss rate of these patients was 10.8% (4/37), which was not significantly different from the control groups (χ2 = 2.452, p &gt; 0.05). The tinnitus improvement rate of patients with TAC was 56.7% (34/60), which was significantly higher than that of patients with ESD (χ2 =11.962, p &lt; 0.001) and ITS (χ2 =15.278, p &lt; 0.001). The aural fullness improvement rate in the TAC group was 56.7% (34/60), which was significantly higher than that in the ESD (χ2 = 11.962, p &lt; 0.001) and ITS groups (χ2 = 5.635, p &lt; 0.05). The functional level improvement rate in the TAC group was 71.7% (43/60), which was much higher than that in the ITS group (χ2 = 17.256, p &lt; 0.001), but there was no significant difference between TAC and ESD (χ2 = 0.410, p &gt; 0.05). No patients had complications or adverse reactions following TAC treatment.ConclusionDexamethasone treatment via TAC can effectively control vertigo attacks and improve related symptoms of intractable MD patients, providing valuable new insights into the treatment of MD.