bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of FGF23 on Cardiac Hypertrophy Is Not Mediated by Systemic Renin-Angiotensin- Aldosterone System in Hemodialysis
Authors: Dörr Katharina , Kammer Michael , Reindl-Schwaighofer Roman , Lorenz Matthias , Marculescu Rodrig , Poglitsch Marko , Beitzke Dietrich , Oberbauer Rainer 
Published: April 2022

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease and contributes to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aim of the analysis was to determine whether this effect is mediated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in hemodialysis. Serum samples from 62 randomized hemodialysis patients with LVH were analyzed for plasma renin activity (PRA-S), angiotensin II (AngII), and metabolites, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and aldosterone using a high throughput mass spectrometry assay. Compared to healthy individuals, levels of the RAAS parameters PRA-S, AngII and aldosterone were generally lower [median (IQR) PRA-S 130 (46–269) vs. 196 (98, 238) pmol/L; AngII 70 (28–157) vs. 137 (76, 201) pmol/L; Aldosterone 130 (54, 278) vs. 196 (98, 238) pmol/L]. We did not find an indication that the effect of FGF23 on LVH was mediated by RAAS parameters, with all estimated indirect effects virtually zero. Furthermore, FGF23 was not associated with RAAS parameter levels throughout the study. While there was a clear association between FGF23 levels and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at the end of the study and in the FGF23 fold change and LVMI change analysis, no association between RAAS and LVMI was observed. Serum concentrations of PRA-S, AngII, and aldosterone were below the ranges measured in healthy controls suggesting that RAAS is not systemically activated in hemodialysis patients. The effect of FGF23 on LVMI was not mediated by systemic RAAS activity. These findings challenge the current paradigm of LVH progression and treatment with RAAS blockers in dialysis.Clinical Trial Registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03182699], identifier [NCT03182699].
The Relationship Between Fat-Free Mass and Glucose Metabolism in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Lijun , Chen Fangfang , Liu Junting , Hou Dongqing , Li Tao , Chen Yiren , Liao Zijun 
Published: April 2022

PurposeTo assess the relationship between fat-free mass (FFM) and glucose metabolism in children 0–18 years of age.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the literature on Medline/PubMed, SinoMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to 12 October 2021; this encompassed observational studies in which the relationship between FFM and glucose metabolism was assessed. Correlation coefficient (r), regression coefficient (β), and odds ratio (OR) values in the studies were extracted and recorded as the primary data. “Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality” quality-assessment forms recommended for cross-sectional/prevalence studies were applied to evaluate the quality of the selected studies, and we executed R software to combine the pooled data.ResultsWe included eight studies comprising 13,282 individuals, five of which involved the assessment of the relationship between FFM and blood glucose, and four on the relationship between FFM and insulin resistance (IR). Our results showed that FFM was significantly associated with fasting plasma insulin levels (r = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.30–0.39, P &lt; 0.001). Due to high heterogeneity or insufficient quantity of data, the studies of the relationship between FFM and fasting plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, or HbA1c were not congruent, and were therefore not suitable for meta-analysis.ConclusionOur results indicated that FFM was significantly associated with fasting plasma insulin levels. As far as we have determined, this is the first-ever systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations between FFM and glucose metabolism in children and adolescents; and our results thus provide novel information to fill a gap in the literature in this area.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020150320, PROSPERO CRD42020150320.
HMGB1 in Pediatric COVID-19 Infection and MIS-C: A Pilot Study
Authors: Petrarca Laura , Manganelli Valeria , Nenna Raffaella , Frassanito Antonella , Ben David Shira , Mancino Enrica , Garofalo Tina , Sorice Maurizio , Misasi Roberta , Midulla Fabio 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveSince the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a novel syndrome known as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was reported in previously healthy children. A possible pro-inflammatory molecule, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), may be assumed to play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of MIS-C. We described the clinical picture of patients with MIS-C and we also aimed to test and compare HMGB1 serum levels of MIS-C patients with those of patients with previous SARS-CoV2 infection and healthy children.Study designWe determined HMGB1 levels by Western blot in 46 patients and divided them into three groups, namely, five patients with MIS-C (median age: 8.36 years), 20 children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (median age: 10.45 years), and 21 healthy children (controls) (median age: 4.84 years), without evidence of respiratory infection in the last 3 months.ResultsThe median level of HMGB1 in the serum of five patients with MIS-C was found to be significantly higher compared with both patients with a recent history of COVID-19 (1,151.38 vs. 545.90 densitometric units (DU), p = 0.001) and control (1,151.38 vs. 320.33 DU, p = 0.001) groups. The HMGB1 level in MIS-C patients with coronary involvement had a slightly higher value with respect to patients without coronary dilatation (1,225.36 vs. 1,030.49 DU, p = 0.248). In two of the five children with MIS-C that performed a follow-up, the HMGB1 value decreased to levels that were superimposable to the ones of the control group.ConclusionThe significantly high level of HMGB1 protein found in the serum of COVID-19 and patients with MIS-C supports its involvement in inflammatory manifestations, suggesting HMGB1 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with severe illness.
Immune-Associated Gene Signatures and Subtypes to Predict the Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaques Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Yang Yujia , Yi Xu , Cai Yue , Zhang Yuan , Xu Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2022

Objective: Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Our study was conducted for uncovering the roles of immune-associated genes during atherosclerotic plaque progression.Methods: Gene expression profiling of GSE28829, GSE43292, GSE41571, and GSE120521 datasets was retrieved from the GEO database. Three machine learning algorithms, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO), random forest, and support vector machine–recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) were utilized for screening characteristic genes among atherosclerotic plaque progression- and immune-associated genes. ROC curves were generated for estimating the diagnostic efficacy. Immune cell infiltrations were estimated via ssGSEA, and immune checkpoints were quantified. CMap analysis was implemented to screen potential small-molecule compounds. Atherosclerotic plaque specimens were classified using a consensus clustering approach.Results: Seven characteristic genes (TNFSF13B, CCL5, CCL19, ITGAL, CD14, GZMB, and BTK) were identified, which enabled the prediction of progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Higher immune cell infiltrations and immune checkpoint expressions were found in advanced-stage than in early-stage atherosclerotic plaques and were positively linked to characteristic genes. Patients could clinically benefit from the characteristic gene-based nomogram. Several small molecular compounds were predicted based on the characteristic genes. Two subtypes, namely, C1 immune subtype and C2 non-immune subtype, were classified across atherosclerotic plaques. The characteristic genes presented higher expression in C1 than in C2 subtypes.Conclusion: Our findings provide several promising atherosclerotic plaque progression- and immune-associated genes as well as immune subtypes, which might enable to assist the design of more accurately tailored cardiovascular immunotherapy.
Performance and Robustness Testing of a Non-Invasive Mapping System for Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Lesina Krista , Szili-Torok Tamas , Peters Emile , de Wit André , Wijchers Sip A. , Bhagwandien Rohit E. , Yap Sing-Chien , Hirsch Alexander , Hoogendijk Mark G. 
Published: April 2022

Background: The clinical value of non-invasive mapping system depends on its accuracy under common variations of the inputs. The View Into Ventricular Onset (VIVO) system matches simulated QRS complexes of a patient-specific anatomical model with a 12-lead ECG to estimate the origin of ventricular arrhythmias. We aim to test the performance of the VIVO system and its sensitivity to changes in the anatomical model, time marker placement to demarcate the QRS complex and body position.Methods: Non-invasive activation maps of idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) using a patient-specific or generic anatomical model were matched with the location during electrophysiological studies. Activation maps were analyzed before and after systematically changing the time marker placement. Morphologically identical PVCs recorded in supine and sitting position were compared in a subgroup.Results: Non-invasive activation maps of 48 patients (age 51 ± 14 years, 28 female) were analyzed. The origin of the PVCs as determined by VIVO system matched with the clinical localization in 36/48 (75%) patients. Mismatches were more common for PVCs of left than right ventricular origin [11/27 (41%) vs. 1/21 (5%) of cases, p &lt; 0.01]. The first 32 cases were analyzed for robustness testing of the VIVO system. Changing the patient-specific vs. the generic anatomical model reduced the accuracy from 23/32 (72%) to 15/32 (47%), p &lt; 0.05. Time marker placement in the QRS complex (delayed onset or advanced end marker) or in the ST-segment (delaying the QRS complex end marker) resulted in progressive shifts in origins of PVCs. Altered body positions did not change the predicted origin of PVCs in most patients [clinically unchanged 11/15 (73%)].Conclusion: VIVO activation mapping is sensitive to changes in the anatomical model and time marker placement but less to altered body position.
Early Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes and Its Effectiveness in Terms of Morbidity and Clinical Treatment: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort
Authors: Chung Yu-Chien , Xu Ting , Tung Tao-Hsin , Chen Mingchih , Chen Pei-En 
Published: April 2022

PurposeTo characterize the association between the frequency of screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the detection of DR in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis nationwide population-based cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database to identify adult patients who were newly diagnosed with T2DM between 2000 and 2004. Data from their follow-up Diabetic retinopathy (DR) treatments over the next 10 years following diagnosis were also analyzed.ResultsThe 41,522 subjects were respectively assigned to a periodic screening group (n = 3850) and nonperiodic screening group (n = 37,672). Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), sex, DR treatment, and the prevalence of DR. The association between periodic screening and DR treatment, only the elderly, female, and patient with severe CCI status showed the significance in the further stratified analysis.ConclusionPeriodic screening (annual or biannual screening in the first 5 years) was more effective than nonperiodic screening in detecting instances of DR in the middle-to-advanced aged group but not among younger patients. Screening pattern did not have a significant effect on the likelihood of DR-related treatment during the 5-year follow-up. It appears that a tight screening schedule for the first 5 years after diagnosis with diabetes is not necessary.
FAS—A Fully Actuated Segment for Tendon-Driven Continuum Robots
Authors: Grassmann Reinhard M. , Rao Priyanka , Peyron Quentin , Burgner-Kahrs Jessica 
Published: April 2022

We propose a segment design that combines two distinct characteristics of tendon-driven continuum robots, i.e. variable length and non-straight tendon routing, into a single segment by enabling rotation of its backbone. As a result, this segment can vary its helical tendon routing and has four degrees-of-freedom, while maintaining a small-scale design with an overall outer diameter of 7 mm thanks to an extrinsic actuation principle. In simulation and on prototypes, we observe improved motion capabilities, as evidenced by position redundancy and follow-the-leader deployment along spatially tortuous paths. To demonstrate the latter on a physical prototype, a simple, yet effective area-based error measure for follow-the-leader deployment is proposed to evaluate the performance. Furthermore, we derive a static model which is used to underpin the observed motion capabilities. In summary, our segment design extends previous designs with minimal hardware overhead, while either archiving similar accuracy in position errors and planar follow-the-leader deployment, or exhibiting superior motion capabilities due to position redundancy and spatial follow-the-leader deployment.
Experimental Thermofluidic Characterization of Different Metallic Regenerators Crossed by Alternating Air Flow
Authors: Kahaleras Mohamed Said , Layes Guillaume , Lanzetta François , Djetel-Gothe Steve 
Published: April 2022

The regenerator is one of the most important elements of a thermal machine operating in an alternating flow regime. The present study constituted an experiment on the dynamic characterization of different metallic regenerators crossed by alternating air flow. During an experiment, gas temperature, velocity, and pressure were measured at both ends of the regenerator. The acquisition frequency was set at 1 kHz for each temperature, pressure, and velocity signal. This enabled us to fully characterize an oscillating flow cycle. Experiments were performed for different regenerators (structures and porosities), frequencies, temperature gradients, and displaced air volumes. The experimental results showed that the density ratio is significant at high frequencies for all structures. The friction coefficient is determined based on a classical correlation at the time of maximum velocity. The friction factor f seems to decrease with the kinetic Reynolds number Reω for a 30% porosity regenerator. For the other tested regenerators (35% and 40% porosity), we observed that it is almost constant with a little dispersion. To minimize the dispersion effects, another definition was proposed to calculate the friction factor at the time of maximum pressure drop. The results showed that for all regenerators a single clear trend is the function of the kinetic Reynolds number. A significant phase shift was observed between the velocity and pressure drop. It increases with the increasing kinetic Reynolds number. It was found that the phase shift only depends on frequency. Finally, a correlation equation was proposed to predict the phase shift of different regenerator structures. It was found that the effect of the kinetic Reynolds numberReω on the phase shift is more dominant than that of the hydraulic diameter to length ratio Dh/L.
Most patients with severe obesity has liver fibrosis even without Metabolic Syndrome/ A maioria dos pacientes com obesidade grave apresenta fibrose Hepática mesmo sem Síndrome Metabólica
Authors: Carvalho Kellyane Santana Dias , Cotrim Helma Pinchemel , Daltro Carla Hilário da Cunha , Sousa Claudia Daltro de , Rocha Raquel , Freitas Luiz Antonio Rodrigues de , Castro Ana Paula Berbert de 
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition commonly associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). This association is frequently found in people with severe obesity, yet some who are diagnosed with NAFLD do not fulfill the criteria for MS. We aimed to compare the clinical and histological characteristics of NAFLD in patients with obesity with and without MS.METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study with patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥35kg/m2) diagnosed with NAFLD on liver biopsy during bariatric surgery between Sep/2014 and May/2015. Patients with a history of chronic alcohol consumption and other liver diseases were excluded. MS diagnosis was based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square and t tests. P0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The simple included 170 patients with severe obesity with histological diagnosis of NAFLD. The mean BMI (body mass index) was 43.2±5.3 kg/m2; 60% were female and the mean age was 37.1±10.7 years. Dyslipidemia (81.7%) and arterial hypertension (48.2%) were the most frequent NAFLD risk factor associated with obesity in these patients. A total of 75 of them (44.1%) did not meet the criteria for MS. They were younger than those with MS [33.8 (9.9) vs 39.7 (10.8) years; p0.001], and 68.0% (51) of them had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The results reinforce the relevance to evaluate NAFLD in people with severe obesity, even those without MS. Despite not presenting MS, these patients with severe obesity already had NASH with fibrosis and can potentially evolve to cirrhosis.
Keberpihakan Terhadap Orang Miskin Sebagai Tindakan Kenosis
Authors: Daryanto Agustinus 
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This paper aims to show that preferential option for the poor is an act of kenosis. Kenosis is often understood as an act of self-emptying. However, in the contemporary context a question arises regarding the absence of human agency and human freedom in the face of the act of self-emptying. Marxism, for example, criticizes Christian morality based on this kind of kenosis as an opium for the poor. On the other hand, liberation theology sometimes places too much emphasis on agency and freedom, so that it is accused of being a Marxist. Pope Francis said that preferential option for the poor is more of a theological category rather than a sociological, philosophical or political one. Through Hans Urs von Balthasar's kenosis theology, the vision of preferential option for the poor has a new meaning. This means that, one must not fall to one of the extremes, either as a passive act or an overly aggressive action. Freedom and agency are understood in a new way in terms of Divine love as seen in the Trinitarian love relationship. The struggle for justice and the suffering of the poor empowers the poor as concrete historical subjects. They are not passive objects deceived by self-emptying.

Abstrak: Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menunjukkan bahwa keberpihakan terhadap orang miskin merupakan sebuah tindakan kenosis. Kenosis sering dipahami sebagai tindakan pengosongan diri. Namun, dalam konteks kontemporer muncul pertanyaan mengenai hilangnya agensi dan kebebasan manusia di hadapan tindakan pengosongan diri. Marxisme misalnya mengkritik moralitas Kristiani yang didasarkan pada kenosis ini sebagai candu bagi orang miskin. Di sisi lain teologi pembebasan kadangkala terlalu menekankan agensi dan kebebasan, sehingga dituduh sebagai Marxis. Paus Fransiskus mengatakan bahwa keberpihakan terhadap orang miskin lebih merupakan kategori teologis daripada sosiologis, filosofis, maupun politis. Melalui teologi kenosis Hans Urs von Balthasar, visi keberpihakan terhadap orang miskin mendapatkan makna baru. Artinya, tidak jatuh pada salah satu ekstrem, baik sebagai tindakan pasif maupun tindakan yang terlalu agresif. Kebebasan dan agensi dipahami secara baru berdasarkan ukuran cinta Ilahi sebagaimana nampak dalam relasi cinta Trinitaris. Perjuangan terhadap keadilan dan penderitaan orang miskin memberdayakan orang miskin sebagai subyek sejarah yang konkrit. Mereka bukan objek pasif yang diperdaya oleh pengososan diri.
Relationship between Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Measures against Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Community
Authors: Sillia Istiyarsih , Umboh Adrian , Rampengan Novie H. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract: North Sulawesi Province is included in the category with the highest cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between know-ledge, attitude, and preventive measures against DHF in the community. Thia was an analytical and descriptive study with a cross sectional design. Respondents were people who lived in Puskesmas (primary health center) Kelurahan Sario Kotabaru Kota Manado area. There were 89 respondents in this study obtained by using incidental sampling technique. The results showed that DHF occurred in 5 respondents (5.6%). The majority of respondents had moderate knowledge (52.8%), agreeable attitude (70.8%), and moderate preventive measures (55.1%). Bivariate analysis resulted in significant relationship between knowledge and the occurrence of DHF (p=0.020); attitude and the occurrence of DHF (p=0.001); and preventive measures and the occurrence of DHF (p=0.016). Multivariate analysis using linear regression showed that attitude was the most related factor to DHF occurrence (Exp B=-0.034, regression coefficient =-0.140, p= 0.002). In conclusion, there is a relationship between knowledge, attitude, and preventive measures with DHF occurrence. Attitude is the most related factor to the occurrence of DHF in the community at Puskesmas Kotabaru area. Keywords: dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF); knowledge; attitude; preventive measures Abstrak: Sulawesi Utara termasuk dalam salah satu provinsi di Indonesia dengan kategori kasus demam berdarah dengue (DBD) tertinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pengetahuan, sikap, dan tindakan pencegahan masyarakat terhadap DBD. Jenis penelitian ialah analitik deskriptif dengan desain potong lintang. Responden penelitian ialah masyarakat di wilayah Puskesmas Kelurahan Sario Kotabaru Kota Manado sebanyak 89 orang diperoleh dengan menggunakan teknik sampling insidental. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kejadian DBD terdapat pada 5 responden (5,6%). Responden paling banyak terdistribusi pada pengetahuan cukup (52,8%), sikap setuju (70,8%), tindakan pencegahan cukup (55,1%). Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukkan adanya hubungan bermakna antara pengetahuan dengan kejadian DBD (p=0,020), sikap dengan kejadian DBD (p=0,001), dan tindakan pencegahan dengan kejadian DBD (p=0,016). Analisis multivariat menggunakan regresi liniear mendapatkan bahwa sikap merupakan faktor yang paling berhubungan dengan kejadian DBD (Exp B=-0,034, koefisien regresi=-0,140, dan nilai p=0,002). Simpulan penelitian ini ialah pada masyarakat di wilayah Puskesmas Kelurahan Sario Kotabaru terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan, sikap, dan tindakan pencegahan dengan kejadian DBD. Sikap merupakan faktor yang paling berhubungan dengan kejadian DBD.Kata kunci: demam berdarah dengue (DBD); pengetahuan; sikap; tindakan pencegahan