bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Cystatin C Trajectory Is a Marker Associated With Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Nana , Lu Zhenyu , Zhang Wei , Bai Yu , Pei Dongmei , Li Ling 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the association of the trajectory of serum Cystatin C (Cysc) with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a retrospective cohort study of Chinese subjects was carried out.MethodA review of 2,928 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients admitted to the clinic and ward of the Endocrinology Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 was performed. Subsequent visits to the hospital were followed until December 31, 2020. The primary endpoint was the incidence of DKD as diagnosed by urinary albumin/creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Healthy control subjects were identified from a health checkup database in Shengjing Hospital from 2016 to 2019. The latent class growth mixed modeling (LCGMM) method was used to analyze latent classes of serum Cysc in healthy and DM subjects. Finally, the hazard ratios (HRs) of latent classes of Cysc in DM subjects were analyzed by Cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 805 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 349 healthy subjects were included in the trial. The HRs of quartiles of baseline Cysc in T2DM subjects were 7.15 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.79 to 25.57], 2.30 (95% CI, 1.25 to 4.24), and 2.05 (95% CI, 1.14 to 3.70), respectively, for quartile 4 (Q4), Q3, and Q2 when compared with Q1. Through LCGMM, a 1-class linear model was selected for the Cysc latent class in healthy subjects. In contrast, a 3-class linear model was selected for that in DM subjects. The slopes of the three latent classes in T2DM subjects were larger than the slope in healthy subjects. The HRs of incident DKD were 3.43 (95% CI, 1.93 to 6.11) for the high-increasing class and 1.80 (95% CI, 1.17 to 2.77) for the middle-increasing class after adjusting for confounding variables.ConclusionsPatients with T2DM had a higher velocity of increase in Cysc than healthy subjects. Patients with high baseline Cysc values and high latent increasing velocity of Cysc had a higher risk of developing DKD in later life. More attention should be paid to patients with these high-risk factors.
Time-Lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography Imaging of Buried Human Remains in Simulated Mass and Individual Graves
Authors: Doro Kennedy O. , Emmanuel Efemena D. , Adebayo Moses B. , Bank Carl-Georg , Wescott Daniel J. , Mickleburgh Hayley L. 
Published: May 2022

Electrical resistivity has been used as a noninvasive geophysical technique for locating clandestine graves and monitoring human decay within the subsurface. Detailed studies assessing resistivity anomalies due to soil disturbances and decay products associated with graves have relied on the use of proxies, such as pigs, with limited studies using real human cadavers and simulating a mass grave setting and none assessing the anomalies in 3D. In this study, we used time-lapse 2D and quasi-3D electrical resistivity distribution measured over an experimental mass grave and individual graves containing human cadavers to assess resistivity anomalies resulting from graves and the presence of decaying human remains in them. This study is part of a novel multidisciplinary mass grave experimental study with six graves consisting of a mass grave with six human cadavers, a controlled mass grave with none, three individual graves with one human cadaver each, and a control individual grave with none. Nine parallel resistivity transects which allow us to image these graves in their 3D context were acquired prior to excavation and 2 days, 1, 2, and 6 months after burial using a dipole–dipole electrode array, a unit electrode spacing of 0.5 m, and an interprofile spacing of 1m. The value of different electrode arrays and spacings in identifying the contrast between the graves was also assessed using forward models and field data. Soil sensors were installed at different locations in the graves to monitor soil electrical conductivity, moisture content, and temperature. The results of this study show an increase in electrical resistivity 2 days after burial in all graves with human remains and the control graves, which we attribute to increased soil aeration where disturbed pores are filled with air. The resistivity decreases thereafter in graves with human remains which we attribute to the formation of conductive leachates. This study validates the potential of electrical resistivity as a forensic search tool for locating both clandestine mass and individual graves and as a noninvasive monitoring technique to support human decomposition research.
Microstructure and Corrosion Properties of Electrodeposited CoCrFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy Coatings
Authors: Yoosefan Fateme , Ashrafi Ali , Monir Vaghefi Seyed Mahmoud 
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the effect of potential change on the microstructure and corrosion properties of CoCrFeMnNi HEA coatings synthesized by the electrochemical deposition method. The films were precipitated in an electrolyte based on a DMF-CH3CN organic system comprising Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni cations. GIXRD pattern in all samples showed a single face-centered-cubic structure. SEM-EDS results show that the coating morphology and the elements value in alloy composition vary at different coating potentials. Coatings were uniform and crack-free surfaces. The results of the wettability test showed all coatings were super-hydrophilic. All the alloys exhibited similar passivation and negative hysteresis processes in the CPP test. However, the 5 V sample exhibited a lower Epit value than the 6 V, and none of the samples were sensitive to pitting corrosion. The CPP test result showed that the corrosion current density of the 5 V sample was 0.0525 μA/cm2, the minimum corrosion rate for the coated samples, and has improved the corrosion resistance of the substrate by about 44 times. The EIS test results showed the excellent performance of the coatings in enhancing the corrosion resistance compared to Cu substrate and similar alloy samples in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, as the protection efficiency was about 90%. These High entropy alloy coatings are suitable for engineering applications in which higher corrosion protection is needed.
Glucocorticoids Improve the Pregnancy Rate and Outcome in Women With Unexplained Positive Autoantibodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Ting , Yuan Yilin , Liu Huixin , Lu Qun , Mu Rong 
Published: May 2022

The effect of glucocorticoid therapy on women with unexplained positive autoantibodies is under debate. This systemic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate whether glucocorticoid administration can improve the pregnancy outcome of this population. Relevant publications were searched from databases, and a total of seven prospective and retrospective cohort studies that investigated the effects of glucocorticoid administration on women with unexplained positive autoantibodies, were included. The outcomes of our systematic review and meta-analysis were measured in terms of risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using fixed or random effect models. We found that glucocorticoid treatment improved the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.64–2.92) and live birth rate (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17–3.16), especially when glucocorticoid administration was started before pregnancy (clinical pregnancy rate: RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.58–3.34; live birth rate: RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.58–3.34). However, no effect of glucocorticoids on the miscarriage rate was found (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55–1.02) regardless of the time of drug administration. Our systematic review and meta-analysis support the rational use of glucocorticoids in women with unexplained positive autoantibodies.Systematic Review Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [CRD42019124442].
Investigating the Association Between Polygenic Risk Scores for Alzheimer’s Disease With Cognitive Performance and Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ibnidris Aliaa , Fußer Fabian , Kranz Thorsten M. , Prvulovic David , Reif Andreas , Pantel Johannes , Albanese Emiliano , Karakaya Tarik , Matura Silke 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology is present many years before the onset of clinical symptoms. AD dementia cannot be treated. Timely and early detection of people at risk of developing AD is key for primary and secondary prevention. Moreover, understanding the underlying pathology that is present in the earliest stages of AD, and the genetic predisposition to that might contribute to the development of targeted disease-modifying treatments.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to explore whether genetic disposition to AD in asymptomatic individuals is associated with altered intrinsic functional connectivity as well as cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests.MethodsWe examined 136 cognitively healthy adults (old group: mean age = 69.32, SD = 4.23; young group: mean age = 31.34, SD = 13.12). All participants had undergone resting-state functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRI), DNA genotyping to ascertain polygenic risk scores (PRS), and neuropsychological testing for global cognition, working memory, verbal fluency, and executive functions.ResultsTwo-step hierarchical regression analysis revealed that higher PRS was significantly associated with lower scores in working memory tasks [Letter Number Span: ΔR2= 0.077 (p&lt; 0.05); Spatial Span: ΔR2= 0.072 (p&lt; 0.05)] in older adults (&gt;60 years). PRS did not show significant modulations of the intrinsic functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) with other regions of interest in the brain that are affected in AD.ConclusionAllele polymorphisms may modify the effect of other AD risk factors. This potential modulation warrants further investigations, particularly in cognitively healthy adults.
Racial Differences in Associations of Cognitive Health Status With Happiness, Helplessness, and Hopelessness Among Older Adults: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Umucu Emre , Lee Beatrice , Wyman Mary , Gooding Diane Carol , Van Hulle Carol Ann , Johnson Adrienne , Ferrer Simo Carola A. , Carter Fabu , Salazar Hector , James Taryn T. , Bouges Shenikqua , Lambrou Nicholas H. , Johnson Sterling C. , Asthana Sanjay , Gleason Carey E. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe relationship between healthy and positive aging and dementia and cognitive impairment has received limited attention in the field of aging. Affect impacts cognitive changes and processes, and cognitive impairment is associated with affective comorbidities. The purpose of the study was to examine (a) whether happiness, helplessness, and hopelessness are linked to cognitive health status, and (b) whether these associations differ by race.MethodsParticipants were enrollees in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s Clinical Core (ADRC). Average age at baseline was 60.85 (SD = 8.65), 73.70 (SD = 8.02), and 73.80 (SD = 9.59) years for cognitively normal individuals, individuals with MCI, and individuals with dementia, respectively.ResultsIn the full sample, chi-square test results revealed associations between Cognitive Health Status (CHS) and (a) happiness, χ2(2) = 6.06, p &lt; 0.05, (b) helplessness, χ2(2) = 6.44, p &lt; 0.05, and (c) hopelessness, χ2(2) = 14.11, p &lt; 0.01.ConclusionThis study provides support for the association of both positive and negative affect with cognitive health status in middle- to older-aged adults.
Higher Intake of Dietary Magnesium Is Inversely Associated With COVID-19 Severity and Symptoms in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nouri-Majd Saeedeh , Ebrahimzadeh Armin , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Zargarzadeh Nikan , Eslami Mina , Santos Heitor O. , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Milajerdi Alireza 
Published: May 2022

Background and AimsMagnesium is an anti-inflammatory mineral that plays a role in the innate immune system, and the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle warrants additional attention in COVID-19. This study examined the association between magnesium intake and COVID-19 severity and related symptoms in hospitalized patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done enrolling 250 COVID-19 patients aged 18 to 65 years. A validated 168-item online food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary magnesium intake. COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines were used to determine COVID-19 severity, and symptoms were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed (Model 1: age, sex, and energy intake; Model 2: Model 1 + physical activity, supplements, corticosteroids, and antiviral drugs; Model 3: Model 2 + body mass index).ResultsThe mean age of participants was 44.1 ± 12.1 years, and 46% of them had severe COVID-19. Patients at the highest tertile of dietary magnesium intake had lower serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including CRP (11.8 ± 2.2 vs. 29.5 ± 2.1 mg/L, p &lt; 0.001) and ESR (15.8 ± 2.4 vs. 34.7 ± 2.4 mm/hr, p &lt; 0.001), than those at the lowest tertile. After controlling for potential confounders, we observed that a higher dietary magnesium intake was associated with a lower odds of severe COVID-19 (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.15–0.70). Also, we found a significant inverse association between dietary magnesium intake and odds of COVID-19 symptoms.ConclusionWe found that higher intake of dietary magnesium was inversely associated with COVID-19 severity and symptoms.
The Roles of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Parameters in Preoperative Evaluation of Pathological Grades and Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Fei , Yan Chun yue , Wang Cai hong , Yang Yan , Zhang Dong 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundCurrently, there are disputes about the parameters of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting pathological grades and microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of our study was to investigate and compare the predictive power of DKI and IVIM-DWI parameters for preoperative evaluation of pathological grades and MVI in HCC.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies published from inception to October 2021. Review Manager 5.3 was used to summarize standardized mean differences (SMDs) of mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), tissue diffusivity (D), pseudo diffusivity (D*), perfusion fraction (f), mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean), and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin). Stata12.0 was used to pool the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Overall, 42 up-to-standard studies with 3,807 cases of HCC were included in the meta-analysis.ResultsThe SMDs of ADCmean, ADCmin, and D values, but not those of D* and f values, significantly differed between well, moderately, and poorly differentiated HCC (P &lt; 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the MK, D, ADCmean, and ADCmin for preoperative prediction of poorly differentiated HCC were 69%/94%/0.89, 87%/80%/0.89, 82%/75%/0.86, and 83%/64%/0.81, respectively. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the D and ADCmean for preoperative prediction of well-differentiated HCC were 87%/83%/0.92 and 82%/88%/0.90, respectively. The SMDs of ADCmean, ADCmin, D, MD, and MK values, but not f values, showed significant differences (P &lt; 0.01) between MVI-positive (MVI+) and MVI-negative (MVI-) HCC. The sensitivity and specificity of D and ADCmean for preoperative prediction of MVI+ were 80%/80% and 74%/71%, respectively; the AUC of the D (0.87) was significantly higher than that of ADCmean (0.78) (Z = −2.208, P = 0.027). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of the above parameters were stable and reliable, and subgroup analysis confirmed a good prediction effect.ConclusionDKI parameters (MD and MK) and IVIM-DWI parameters (D value, ADCmean, and ADCmin) can be used as a noninvasive and simple preoperative examination method to predict the grade and MVI in HCC. Compared with ADCmean and ADCmin, MD and D values have higher diagnostic efficacy in predicting the grades of HCC, and D value has superior diagnostic efficacy to ADCmean in predicting MVI+ in HCC. However, f value cannot predict the grade or MVI in HCC.
The Association Between Oxygenation Status at 24 h After Diagnosis of Pulmonary Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and the 30-Day Mortality among Pediatric Oncological Patients
Authors: Huang Xueqiong , Xu Lingling , Pei Yuxin , Huang Huimin , Chen Chao , Tang Wen , Jiang Xiaoyun , Li Yijuan 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundPediatric oncology patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to pneumonia are at high risk of mortality. Our aim was to describe the epidemiology of ARDS in this clinical population and to identify the association between the oxygenation status at 24 h after diagnosis and the 30-day mortality rates, stratified by the severity of ARDS.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 82 pediatric oncology patients, with a median age of 4 years, admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of ARDS between 2013 and 2021. Demographic and clinical factors were compared between the survivor (n = 52) and non-survivor (n = 30) groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the association between the oxygenation status at 24 h after diagnosis and the 30-day mortality rates.ResultsThe mean airway pressure at ARDS diagnosis, PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio, oxygenation index (OI) value, peak inspiratory pressure, and lactate level at 24 h after ARDS diagnosis, as well as complications (i.e., septicemia and more than two extrapulmonary organ failures) and adjunctive continuous renal replacement therapy, were significant mortality risk factors. After adjusting for other covariates, the oxygenation status P/F ratio (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96–1.00, P = 0.043) and OI value (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02–1.23, P = 0.016) at 24 h remained independent mortality risk factors. According to the Kaplan–Meier survival curve, a low P/F ratio (≤ 150) and high OI (&gt;10) were associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality (50.9 and 52.9%, respectively; both P &lt; 0.05)ConclusionThe P/F ratio and OI value measured at 24 h after ARDS diagnosis can provide a better stratification of patients according to ARDS disease severity to predict the 30-day mortality risk.
Predicting Word Reading Deficits Using an App-Based Screening Tool at School Entry
Authors: Schöfl Martin , Steinmair Gabriele , Holzinger Daniel , Weber Christoph 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundReading is a crucial competence associated with academic development, mental health, and social adaptation. Reading difficulties are often detected at a late stage, with a possible negative impact on long-term reading development and secondary developmental disadvantages. The first manifestations of reading difficulties can be identified by word reading deficits in first and second grade, paving the way for specific interventions. For widespread implementation, instruments must be easy to use and motivating for children.ObjectivesDevelopment and validation of an economical, well-accepted, and accurate screening tool composed of the domains of phonological information processing, language skills, and non-verbal intelligence in regular school settings.DesignIn 2020, the screening tool was used on a sample of 409 first graders between the second and fifth weeks of school in a one-to-one setting. Additionally, information on parental education and the use of German and/or other languages by the child was collected using a parental questionnaire. A follow-up involving the use of established standardized word reading tests was conducted at the end of the first school year.ResultsA five-variable screening tool consisting of the dimensions of phonological information processing (letter knowledge, rapid naming, and phonological awareness) and linguistic skills (receptive vocabulary and morphosyntax) showed statistical relevance (AUC = 0.78; sensitivity 0.80, specificity 0.74) for predicting word reading problems concerning reading speed (&lt;16th percentile) at the end of first grade, whereas gender, first language, and age of first exposure to the German language did not contribute to the prediction. The instrument was well accepted by the children and screeners and can be administered within an acceptable time frame.ConclusionWord reading deficits at the end of first grade can be predicted by the use of an app-based screening tool at school entry that includes phonological information processing and language skills. Further validation and assessment of empirical feasibility data are needed to support the screening instrument for German orthography.
Enteral Feeding Practices for Very Preterm and Very Low Birth Weight Infants in Nigeria and Kenya
Authors: Tongo Olukemi O. , Olwala Macrine A. , Talbert Alison W. , Nabwera Helen M. , Akindolire Abimbola E. , Otieno Walter , Nalwa Grace M. , Andang'o Pauline E. A. , Mwangome Martha K. , Abdulkadir Isa , Ezeaka Chinyere V. , Ezenwa Beatrice N. , Fajolu Iretiola B. , Imam Zainab O. , Umoru Dominic D. , Abubakar Ismaela , Embleton Nicholas D. , Allen Stephen J. 
Published: May 2022

Background:Optimizing nutrition in very preterm (28–32 weeks gestation) and very low birth weight (VLBW; 1,000 g to &lt;1,500 g) infants has potential to improve their survival, growth, and long-term health outcomes.AimTo assess feeding practices in Nigeria and Kenya for very preterm and VLBW newborn infants.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study where convenience sampling was used. A standard questionnaire was sent to doctors working in neonatal units in Nigeria and Kenya.ResultsOf 50 respondents, 37 (74.0%) were from Nigeria and 13 (26.0%) from Kenya. All initiated enteral feeds with breastmilk, with 24 (48.0%) initiating within 24 h. Only 28 (56.0%) used written feeding guidelines. Starting volumes ranged between 10 and 80 ml/kg/day. Median volume advancement of feeds was 20 ml/kg/day (IQR 10–20) with infants reaching full feeds in 8 days (IQR 6–12). 26 (52.0%) of the units fed the infants 2 hourly. Breastmilk fortification was practiced in 7 (14.0%) units, while folate, iron, calcium, and phosphorus were prescribed in 42 (84.0%), 36 (72.0%), 22 (44.0%), 5 (10.0%) of these units, respectively. No unit had access to donor breastmilk, and only 18 (36.0%) had storage facilities for expressed breastmilk. Twelve (24.0%) used wet nurses whilst 30 (60.0%) used formula feeds.ConclusionFeeding practices for very preterm and VLBW infants vary widely within Nigeria and Kenya, likely because of lack of locally generated evidence. High quality research that informs the feeding of these infants in the context of limited human resources, technology, and consumables, is urgently needed.