bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Nomogram-Based Prognostic Model to Predict High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents—Findings From 342,736 Individuals in China
Authors: Liang Jing-Hong , Zhao Yu , Chen Yi-Can , Huang Shan , Zhang Shu-Xin , Jiang Nan , Kakaer Aerziguli , Chen Ya-Jun 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesPredicting the potential risk factors of high blood pressure (HBP) among children and adolescents is still a knowledge gap. Our study aimed to establish and validate a nomogram-based model for identifying youths at risk of developing HBP.MethodsHBP was defined as systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure above the 95th percentile, using age, gender, and height-specific cut-off points. Penalized regression with Lasso was used to identify the strongest predictors of HBP. Internal validation was conducted by a 5-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping approach. The predictive variables and the advanced nomogram plot were identified by conducting univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram was constructed by a training group comprised of 239,546 (69.9%) participants and subsequently validated by an external group with 103,190 (30.1%) participants.ResultsOf 342,736 children and adolescents, 55,480 (16.2%) youths were identified with HBP with mean age 11.51 ± 1.45 years and 183,487 were boys (53.5%). Nine significant relevant predictors were identified including: age, gender, weight status, birth weight, breastfeeding, gestational hypertension, family history of obesity and hypertension, and physical activity. Acceptable discrimination [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.742 (development group), 0.740 (validation group)] and good calibration (Hosmer and Lemeshow statistics, P &gt; 0.05) were observed in our models. An available web-based nomogram was built online on https://hbpnomogram.shinyapps.io/Dyn_Nomo_HBP/.ConclusionsThis model composed of age, gender, early life factors, family history of the disease, and lifestyle factors may predict the risk of HBP among youths, which has developed a promising nomogram that may aid in more accurately identifying HBP among youths in primary care.
Clinical Validation of Automated Corrected QT-Interval Measurements From a Single Lead Electrocardiogram Using a Novel Smartwatch
Authors: Mannhart Diego , Hennings Elisa , Lischer Mirko , Vernier Claudius , Du Fay de Lavallaz Jeanne , Knecht Sven , Schaer Beat , Osswald Stefan , Kühne Michael , Sticherling Christian , Badertscher Patrick 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionThe Withings Scanwatch (Withings SA, Issy les Moulineaux, France) offers automated analysis of the QTc. We aimed to compare automated QTc-measurements using a single lead ECG of a novel smartwatch (Withings Scanwatch, SW-ECG) with manual-measured QTc from a nearly simultaneously recorded 12-lead ECG.MethodsWe enrolled consecutive patients referred to a tertiary hospital for cardiac workup in a prospective, observational study. The QT-interval of the 12-lead ECG was manually interpreted by two blinded, independent cardiologists through the tangent-method. Bazett’s formula was used to calculate QTc. Results were compared using the Bland-Altman method.ResultsA total of 317 patients (48% female, mean age 63 ± 17 years) were enrolled. HR-, QRS-, and QT-intervals were automatically calculated by the SW in 295 (93%), 249 (79%), and 177 patients (56%), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of SW-ECG for detection of QTc-intervals ≥ 460 ms (women) and ≥ 440 ms (men) as quantified by the area under the curve was 0.91 and 0.89. The Bland-Altman analysis resulted in a bias of 6.6 ms [95% limit of agreement (LoA) –59 to 72 ms] comparing automated QTc-measurements (SW-ECG) with manual QTc-measurement (12-lead ECG). In 12 patients (6.9%) the difference between the two measurements was greater than the LoA.ConclusionIn this clinical validation of a direct-to-consumer smartwatch we found fair to good agreement between automated-SW-ECG QTc-measurements and manual 12-lead-QTc measurements. The SW-ECG was able to automatically calculate QTc-intervals in one half of all assessed patients. Our work shows, that the automated algorithm of the SW-ECG needs improvement to be useful in a clinical setting.
Study on Surrounding Rock Deformation Laws of an Argillaceous Soft Rock Roadway Based on the Creep Damage Model
Authors: Chen Fengbin , Su Rui , Yang Liuhua , Yang Xiaolin , Jiao Huazhe , Zhu Changxing 
Published: June 2022

The indexes of argillaceous soft rocks in Western China, such as rock strength and softening coefficient, are much smaller than those of soft rocks commonly seen in other areas. Such argillaceous soft rocks are susceptible to a more serious creep phenomenon if encountering water. Accordingly, the study theoretically constructed a constitutive creep model considering the weakening coefficient and damage of surrounding rocks. Next, the viability of this model was verified by combining numerical simulation and field monitoring. Accordingly, this study conducted a comparative analysis on the creep range and cross-sectional deformation of argillaceous surrounding rocks of a roadway in a titled stratum under dry and damp states. Results showed that the Cvisc model considering the weakening coefficient of surrounding rocks was applicable to the decay creep and uniform creep stage, and that considering the damage of surrounding rocks was applicable to the accelerated creep stage. During the creep process, the argillaceous surrounding rocks were prone to viscoelastic deformation. The damp state had an obvious time effect on the damage of surrounding rocks. Specifically, the creep range was expanded under a damp state at 18 days compared with that under a dry state, and the change in the left and upper displacements was especially significant. The roadway cross-section changed asymmetrically under both dry and damp states, where it was changed into an approximate deflected rhombic shape under the dry state and into an approximate deflected trapezoidal shape under the damp state. Additionally, the roadway cross-sectional change under the humid state was evidently greater than that under the dry state.
The Optimal Axial Anatomical Site for a Single-Slice Area to Quantify the Total Volume of Visceral Adipose Tissue in Quantitative CT
Authors: Chen Sihui , Ma Duoshan , Su Danyang , Li Yali , Yu Xi , Jiang Yaojun , Gao Jianbo , Wu Yan 
Published: June 2022

PurposeDetermine the association between cross-sectional visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area of different anatomic locations and total abdominopelvic VAT volume; identify the optimal measurement site in a single-slice to quantify the total VAT volume.MethodParticipants who underwent non-contrast abdominal scan by quantitative CT (QCT) were enrolled from May 2021 to October 2021. The VAT area (cm2) at different anatomic sites as upper-pole, lower-pole, and hilum of the kidney, intervertebral disc of L2/L3 and L5/S1, and umbilical level were measured on QCT PRO BMD workstation (Mindways QCT PRO workstation). The total VAT volume (cm3) from the upper pole of kidney to the L5/S1 intervertebral disc of the pelvis (abdominopelvic region) was obtained by using Siemens Healthineers Syngo via Frontier cardiac risk assessment. Regression models were used to identify the optimal single-slice in different gender for estimating VAT volume. Statistical significance was established at P &lt; 0.05.ResultsTotal of 311 Chinese participants including 179 men [age, 55.1 ± 14.9 years; body mass index (BMI), 24.2 ± 3.2 kg/m2; total VAT volume, 2482.6 ± 1276.5 mL] and 132 women [age, 54.3 ± 14.9; BMI, 23.5 ± 2.9; total VAT volume, 1761.5 ± 876.4]. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong association between the VAT area and total abdominopelvic VAT volume at the hilum of the kidney in both men (r=0.938, P&lt;0.001) and women (r=0.916, P&lt;0.001). Adjust for covariates including age, BMI, and waist circumference make a relatively small effect on predicting the total VAT volume.ConclusionsMeasurement of cross-sectional areas at the hilum of the kidney in both genders showed a strongest relation to TVAT volume. Our results may provide an identifiable and valuable axial landmark for measuring visceral adipose tissue in clinical practice.
LncRNA MALAT1 Aggravates Renal Tubular Injury via Activating LIN28A and the Nox4/AMPK/mTOR Signaling Axis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Song Panai , Chen Yinyin , Liu Zhiwen , Liu Hong , Xiao Li , Sun Lin , Wei Jiali , He Liyu 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication among patients with diabetes. Elucidating its pathogenesis is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for DN.MethodsDN tissues were harvested for examining MALAT1, LIN28A and Nox4. Human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells were treated with high glucose (HG) for establishing a cell model of DN. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay. HG-induced cell apoptosis and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 were analyzed by TUNEL and ELISA assays, respectively. RIP and RNA pull-down assays were applied to analyze the interaction between MALAT1, LIN28A and Nox4 in HK-2 and human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK-293T) cells. A rat model of DN was established to determine the role of MALAT1 in DN in vivo.ResultsMALAT1, LIN28A and Nox4 were upregulated in DN tissues and HG-treated HK-2 cells. Overexpression of MALAT1, LIN28A or Nox4 reduced cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis, ROS generation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in HG-treated HK-2 cells, whereas knockdown of MALAT1, LIN28A or Nox4 exerted opposite effects. Furthermore, MALAT1 directly interacted with LIN28A. Moreover, MALAT1 facilitated the interaction between LIN28A and Nox4 to increase Nox4 stability. Knockdown of Nox4 relieved HG-induced injury by suppressing the AMPK/mTOR signaling in HK-2 cells. Knockdown of MALAT1 alleviated renal tubular epithelial injury by suppressing LIN28A and the Nox4/AMPK/TOR signaling in DN.ConclusionMALAT1 activates the AMPK/mTOR signaling via interacting with LIN28A to stabilize Nox4 mRNA, thereby aggravating high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial injury. Our findings provide potential therapeutic targets for DN.
Chemometric Optimization of Solid-Phase Extraction Followed by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Ultraviolet Filters in an Urban Recreational Lake
Authors: Lukić Jelena , Radulović Jelena , Lučić Milica , Đurkić Tatjana , Onjia Antonije 
Published: June 2022

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) of eleven ultraviolet filters (UVFs): benzophenone-1 (BP-1); benzophenone-3 (BP-3); benzophenone-4 (BP-4); isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate (IAMC), homosalate (HMS); 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HB); 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC); octocrylene (OC); octyl dimethyl-p-aminobenzoate (OD-PABA); 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC); and avobenzone (AVO), has been optimized using Plackett-Burman design, Box-Behnken design, and Derrindzer desirability function. Of the six SPE variables studied, the most influencing is the type of eluent followed by pH and the methanol content in the rinsing solvent. A method with good analytical performance was obtained by applying optimal SPE conditions and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with the method detection limit ranging from 0.1 to 5 ng/L, recovery from 44% to 99%, and relative standard deviation (RSD) within 19%. This method was used to analyze the content of UVFs in an urban lake (Sava Lake, Serbia). UVFs occurrence, geostatistical distribution, and associated environmental risk are highly dependent on recreational activities. The average concentrations of UVFs ranged from 0.3 to 113 ng/L, and the most present substance was EHMC, followed by 4-MBC and BP-3. The spatial distribution of the risk quotient (RQ = 0.04–1.7) inside the lake is highly correlated with the number of people bathing and swimming. Human exposure through the dermal pathway is higher than ingestion for most UVFs. Monte Carlo simulation of probabilistic risk assessment estimated the percentile P10, P50, P90 of 12.7; 17.3; 47.5 and 20.1; 27.6; 77.5 ng/kg∙day for total human exposure of adults and children, respectively. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the health risk estimate depends mostly on the content of EHMC, HMS, and 4-MBC, while the most influential exposure variables were human body weight and skin surface area. There is no serious concern to human health due to UVFs in the short term; however, a high ecological risk in some parts of the lake is estimated.
Identification of Haplotypes Associated With Resistance to Bacterial Cold Water Disease in Rainbow Trout Using Whole-Genome Resequencing
Authors: Liu Sixin , Martin Kyle E. , Gao Guangtu , Long Roseanna , Evenhuis Jason P. , Leeds Timothy D. , Wiens Gregory D. , Palti Yniv 
Published: June 2022

Bacterial cold water disease (BCWD) is an important disease in rainbow trout aquaculture. Previously, we have identified and validated two major QTL (quantitative trait loci) for BCWD resistance, located on chromosomes Omy08 and Omy25, in the odd-year Troutlodge May spawning population. We also demonstrated that marker-assisted selection (MAS) for BCWD resistance using the favorable haplotypes associated with the two major QTL is feasible. However, each favorable haplotype spans a large genomic region of 1.3–1.6 Mb. Recombination events within the haplotype regions will result in new haplotypes associated with BCWD resistance, which will reduce the accuracy of MAS for BCWD resistance over time. The objectives of this study were 1) to identify additional SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with BCWD resistance using whole-genome sequencing (WGS); 2) to validate the SNPs associated with BCWD resistance using family-based association mapping; 3) to refine the haplotypes associated with BCWD resistance; and 4) to evaluate MAS for BCWD resistance using the refined QTL haplotypes. Four consecutive generations of the Troutlodge May spawning population were evaluated for BCWD resistance. Parents and offspring were sequenced as individuals and in pools based on their BCWD phenotypes. Over 12 million SNPs were identified by mapping the sequences from the individuals and pools to the reference genome. SNPs with significantly different allele frequencies between the two BCWD phenotype groups were selected to develop SNP assays for family-based association mapping in three consecutive generations of the Troutlodge May spawning population. Among the 78 SNPs derived from WGS, 77 SNPs were associated with BCWD resistance in at least one of the three consecutive generations. The additional SNPs associated with BCWD resistance allowed us to reduce the physical sizes of haplotypes associated with BCWD resistance to less than 0.5 Mb. We also demonstrated that the refined QTL haplotypes can be used for MAS in the Troutlodge May spawning population. Therefore, the SNPs and haplotypes reported in this study provide additional resources for improvement of BCWD resistance in rainbow trout.
Peptidome Surveillance Across Evolving SARS-CoV-2 Lineages Reveals HLA Binding Conservation in Nucleocapsid Among Variants With Most Potential for T-Cell Epitope Loss in Spike
Authors: Wnuk Kamil , Sudol Jeremi , Spilman Patricia , Soon-Shiong Patrick 
Published: June 2022

To provide a unique global view of the relative potential for evasion of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells by SARS-CoV-2 lineages as they evolve over time, we performed a comprehensive analysis of predicted HLA-I and HLA-II binding peptides in Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) protein sequences of all available SARS-CoV-2 genomes as provided by NIH NCBI at a bi-monthly interval between March and December of 2021. A data supplement of all B.1.1.529 (Omicron) genomes from GISAID in early December was also used to capture the rapidly spreading variant. A key finding is that throughout continued viral evolution and increasing rates of mutations occurring at T-cell epitope hotspots, protein instances with worst-case binding loss did not become the most frequent for any Variant of Concern (VOC) or Variant of Interest (VOI) lineage; suggesting T-cell evasion is not likely to be a dominant evolutionary pressure on SARS-CoV-2. We also determined that throughout the course of the pandemic in 2021, there remained a relatively steady ratio of viral variants that exhibit conservation of epitopes in the N protein, despite significant potential for epitope loss in S relative to other lineages. We further localized conserved regions in N with high epitope yield potential, and illustrated heterogeneity in HLA-I binding across the S protein consistent with empirical observations. Although Omicron’s high volume of mutations caused it to exhibit more epitope loss potential than most frequently observed versions of proteins in almost all other VOCs, epitope candidates across its most frequent N proteins were still largely conserved. This analysis adds to the body of evidence suggesting that N may have merit as an additional antigen to elicit immune responses to vaccination with increased potential to provide sustained protection against COVID-19 disease in the face of emerging variants.
A Predictive Web-Based Nomogram for Elderly Patients Newly Diagnosed as Uveal Melanoma: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Lv Meng , Yan Xinhua , Tu Yuanxing 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundUveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent primary intraocular tumor in adults. This study aims to develop a nomogram and an individualized web-based calculator to predict the overall survival (OS) of elderly patients with UM.MethodsPatients aged more than 60 years and diagnosed with UM were derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2004–2015. The selected patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. In the training cohort, the univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were carried out to determine the independent prognostic factors, and the predictors were integrated to establish a nomogram for predicting the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS of elderly patients with UM. The discrimination of the nomogram was validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC). The clinical practicability and accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated by the calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). A web-based survival calculator was then constructed using a fitted survival prediction model (https://yuexinupup.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/).ResultsA total of 1,427 patients with UM were included in this study. Age, T stage, N stage, M stage, marital status, sex, and radiotherapy (RT) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Based on the abovementioned factors, the nomogram was then constructed. The AUC values of the nomogram predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were 0.841, 0.801, and 0.768 in the training cohort, and 0.745, 0.717, and 0.710 in the validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curves and DCA also indicated the good performance of the predictive model.ConclusionThis study established and validated a novel nomogram risk stratification model and a web-based survival rate calculator that can dynamically predict the long-term OS for elderly patients with UM.
Comparison of Vault Measurements Using a Swept-Source OCT-Based Optical Biometer and Anterior Segment OCT
Authors: Du Yali , Jin Chuang , Yin Shengjie , Wang Geng , Ma Qian , Li Yuancun , Chen Binyao , Wang Hongxi , Qiu Kunliang , Zhang Mingzhi 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundTo newly describe the vault measurement by using a widely used swept-source OCT-based optical biometer (IOLMaster700) and accessd the accuracy of vault measurement.MethodsThis was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. All patients underwent implantable Collamer lens (ICL) implantation surgery without complications. IOLMaster700 and AS-OCT analyses were conducted for each eye on the same day in the same condition. Measurements of anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal-ICL (C-ICL), and vault values were made and recorded. The repeatability of the IOL Master700 measurements was quantified based upon intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values. Correlations between IOL Master700 and AS-OCT measurements made with these different analytical approaches were assessed. The agreement of instruments was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots.ResultsThe IOLMaster700 instrument yielded highly reliable measurements of vault, C-ICL, and ACD (ICC = 0.996, 0.995, 0.995, respectively). Vault, C-ICL and ACD values as measured using the IOLMaster700, was slightly smaller than that measured via AS-OCT, but these differences were not significant (p = 0.652, p = 0.121 and p = 0.091, respectively). The vault, C-ICL, and ACD measurements by these two instruments were strongly correlated (r = 0.971, r = 0.944, and r = 0.963, respectively; all p &lt; 0.001). The 95% limits of agreement for vault, C-ICL, and ACD measurements between the two devices were−0.08 to 0.08 mm,−0.14 to 0.11 mm, and−0.13 to 0.10 mm, respectively.ConclusionsThe IOLMasrer700 can measure implanted ICL vault with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability. Good correlations and agreement were observed between IOLMaster700 and AS-OCT in measuring vault, C-ICL, and ACD measurements.
The Severity of Acute Kidney and Lung Injuries Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture Is Attenuated by Menthol: Role of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and Apoptotic Markers
Authors: Anter Aliaa , Ahmed Al-Shaimaa F. , Hammad Asmaa S. A. , Almalki Waleed Hassan , Abdel Hafez Sara Mohamed Naguib , Kasem AlShaimaa W. , El-Moselhy Mohamed A. , Alrabia Mohammad W. , Ibrahim Ahmed R. N. , El-Daly Mahmoud 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveSepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are major causes of mortality. Menthol is a natural compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions. Since exaggerated inflammatory and oxidative stress are characteristics of sepsis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of menthol against sepsis-induced mortality, ALI, and AKI.MethodsThe cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure was employed as a model of sepsis. Rats were grouped into sham, sham-Menthol, CLP, and CLP-Menthol (100 mg/kg, p.o).Key FindingsA survival study showed that menthol enhanced the survival after sepsis from 0% in septic group to 30%. Septic rats developed histological evidence of ALI and AKI. Menthol markedly suppressed sepsis induced elevation of tissue TNF-a, ameliorated sepsis-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and restored the antiapoptotic marker Bcl2.SignificanceWe introduced a role of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in these tissues with a possible link to the damage induced by sepsis. PCNA level was markedly reduced in septic animals and menthol ameliorated this effect. Our data provide novel evidence that menthol protects against organ damage and decreases mortality in experimental sepsis.