bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of bioabsorbable screw versus metallic screw fixation for tibial tubercle fractures in adolescents: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Tian , Wen Yuwei , Zhu Danjiang , Feng Wei , Song Baojian , Wang Qiang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Displaced tibial tubercle (TT) fractures in adolescents are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation. While metallic screw (MS) fixation provides strong stability, it often results in a high incidence of postoperative screw head protrusion or irritation, leading to additional removal surgery. Bioabsorbable screw (BS) fixation presents an alternative that may avoid these issues, though its stability has not yet been extensively documented in the literature. This study aims to compare the efficacy of BS versus MS in the fixation of TT fractures.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on adolescent patients with TT fractures who underwent surgical treatment from September 2015 to September 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the fixation method: The BS group and the MS group. Data collected included patient demographics, fracture details, treatment strategies, radiological and clinical rehabilitation outcomes, and postoperative complications. Knee joint function was evaluated using the Lysholm and Tegner scores. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences between the variables of the two groups.
Results: A total of 30 patients with 32 fractures were included, with 15 fractures in the BS group and 17 in the MS group. The average follow-up period was 42.1 (range: 12.0-109.5) months. The demographic characteristics, fracture details, and treatment strategies were comparable between the two groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups in fracture healing time, time to return to pre-injury activities, or knee joint function as assessed by the Lysholm and Tegner scores at the final follow-up. However, compared with the MS group, the BS group showed a shorter time to regain full range of motion (ROM) in the knee joint and experienced lower rates of postoperative hardware irritation and joint stiffness.
Conclusions: Both BS and MS fixations are safe and effective for treating adolescent TT fractures. BS fixation has the advantages of avoiding hardware irritation, facilitating earlier recovery of knee joint ROM, reducing the incidence of joint stiffness, and eliminating the need for additional removal surgery.
Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (Anti-MDA5) antibody dermatomyositis: Clinical features and outcomes in a racially diverse patient cohort
Authors: Koyoda Sai K. , Ezzy Fatema , Wahezi Dawn , Kumthekar Anand , Xie Xianhong , Tagoe Clement E. , Ayesha Bibi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
The anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5) antibody dermatomyositis is known for its association with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) and ulcerative skin lesions, often presenting with or without muscle involvement. The aim of this study was to identify distinct clinical and laboratory features that could be used to evaluate disease progression in an ethnically diverse cohort of anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis patients at a U.S. academic center.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted on dermatomyositis patients hospitalized at our institution between January 2014 and June 2023. The data were analyzed via Fischer’s exact test and a t test.
Results
Among the 195 dermatomyositis patients reviewed, 22 tested positive for the MDA5 antibody, comprising thirteen adults and nine pediatric patients. Among these individuals, ten adults exhibited ILD, three of whom were classified as having RP-ILD. Notably, all pediatric patients displayed some level of muscle weakness. The five pediatric patients diagnosed with ILD had a higher prevalence of myositis. The incidence of ILD was significantly greater in the adult Black Hispanic and African American populations (10/15 cases, p = 0.035) than in the other ethnicities, with three cases resulting in fatal RP-ILD. The overall mortality rate of 13.6% was more favorable than the previously reported 40–60% rates.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the general disease characteristics were similar between adult and pediatric patients, myositis was more prevalent in the pediatric population. Adults, particularly those from Black and African American backgrounds, experienced a greater incidence of ILD, leading to poorer outcomes.
Investigating resting-state functional connectivity changes within procedural memory network across neuropsychiatric disorders using fMRI
Authors: Mohammadkhanloo Mahdi , Pooyan Mohammad , Sharini Hamid , Yousefpour Mitra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Cognitive impairments are common in neuropsychiatric disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ). While previous research has focused on specific brain regions, the role of the procedural memory as a type of long-term memory to cognitive function in these disorders remains unclear. This study investigates the association between cognitive impairments and alterations in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) within procedural memory network in patients with these disorders.
Methods
This study analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from 40 individuals with ADHD, 49 with BD, 50 with SZ, and 50 healthy controls (HCs). A procedural memory network was defined based on the selection of 34 regions of interest (ROIs) associated with the network in the Harvard-Oxford Cortical Structural Atlas (default atlas). Multivariate ROI-to-ROI connectivity (mRRC) was used to analyze the rs-FC between the defined network regions. Significant differences in rs-FC between patients and HCs were identified (P < 0.001).
Results
ADHD patients showed increased Cereb45 l - Cereb3 r rs-FC (p = 0.000067) and decreased Cereb1 l - Cereb6 l rs-FC (p = 0.00092). BD patients exhibited increased rs-FC between multiple regions, including Claustrum r - Caudate r (p = 0.00058), subthalamic nucleus r - Pallidum l (p = 0.00060), substantia nigra l - Cereb2 l (p = 0.00082), Cereb10 r - SMA r (p = 0.00086), and Cereb9 r - SMA l (p = 0.00093) as well as decreased rs-FC in subthalamic nucleus r - Cereb6 l (p = 0.00013) and Cereb9 r - Cereb9 l (p = 0.00033). SZ patients indicated increased Caudate r– putamen l rs-FC (p = 0.00057) and decreased rs-FC in subthalamic nucleus r – Cereb6 l (p = 0.000063), and Cereb1 r – subthalamic nucleus r (p = 0.00063).
Conclusions
This study found significant alterations in rs-FC within the procedural memory network in patients with ADHD, BD, and SZ compared to HCs. These findings suggest that disrupted rs-FC within this network may contribute to cognitive impairments observed in these disorders.
Analysis of Lifelong Education Practice Experiences through Grounded Theory
Authors: YOON OK HAN 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study aims to provide insights into the direction of lifelong education practice by analyzing the experiences of lifelong education practice through grounded theory to enhance the professionalism of lifelong educators. To achieve the research objective, interviews with seven participants in lifelong education practice were analyzed using grounded theory, and the results are as follows. First, the central phenomenon regarding the experience of lifelong education practice was the re-establishment of the concept of lifelong education. Second, the process analysis using grounded theory revealed that the prospective lifelong educators went through stages of exploration, acceptance, adjustment, and establishment during their practice. Third, the core category that integrates and connects the categories in this study, which is also the central phenomenon, is the re-establishment of the concept of lifelong education. The outcomes include heightened expectations for lifelong education and the achievement of self-realization through lifelong education.
Semaphorin-4D Signaling in Recruiting Dental Stem Cells for Vascular Stabilization
Authors: Zhang Lili , Thalakiriyawa Dineshi Sewvandi , Liu Jiawei , Yang Shengyan , Wang Yan , Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Achieving a stable vasculature is crucial for tissue regeneration. Endothelial cells initiate vascular morphogenesis, followed by mural cells that stabilize new vessels. This study investigates the in vivo effects of Sema4D-Plexin-B1 signaling on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED)-supported angiogenesis, focusing on its mechanism in PDGF-BB secretion. We also explore macrophages as an endogenous source of Sema4D for vascular stabilization.
Methods
The in vivo Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay was conducted to examine the impact of Sema4D on vessel formation and stabilization supported by SHED. Knockdown of Plexin-B1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the application of PDGFR-β inhibitors were utilized to explore the fundamental regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, the m6A methylation levels of total RNA and the expression of Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) were assessed under conditions of Sema4D treatment in vitro. An ELISA was employed to measure the levels of Sema4D in the supernatants derived from THP-1 cell-mediated macrophages. Additionally, a three-dimensional vasculature-on-a-chip microfluidic device was employed to investigate the role of M2c macrophage-derived Sema4D in the stabilization of vascular structures.
Results
Sema4D induced the formation of a greater number of perfused vessels by HUVECs and enhanced the coverage of these vessels by SM22α-positive SHED (SM22α+SHED). Conversely, the knockdown of the Plexin-B1 receptor in HUVECs or inhibition of PDGFR-β reversed the Sema4D-induced vascular stabilization, thereby confirming the regulatory role of the Plexin-B1/PDGF-BB axis in the recruitment of mural cells mediated by Sema4D. Mechanistically, Sema4D was found to upregulate the expression of methyltransferases, specifically METTL3, and to elevate the level of m6A modification in HUVECs. This modification was determined to be critical for enhancing PDGF-BB secretion, suggesting that Sema4D activates an epigenetic regulatory mechanism. Additionally, we investigated the secretion of Sema4D by various macrophage phenotypes, identifying that M2c macrophages secrete significant levels of Sema4D. This secretion recruits SM22α+SHED as mural cells by inducing endothelial PDGF production on a vasculature-on-a-chip platform, indicating a potential role for macrophages in facilitating vascular stabilization.
Conclusions
Sema4D acts on Plexin-B1, inducing METTL3-mediated PDGF-BB secretion to recruit SHED to stabilize vessels. Macrophages could be a key source of Sema4D for vascular stabilization.
CFD-based Aerodynamic Optimization of the Fairing for a High- Speed Elevator
Authors: Shen Xiawei , Wang Aimin , Wanbing Liu , Wang Rongyang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the external flow field of a high-speed elevator car. A fairing with a varying cross-section is designed to improve the aerodynamics of the high-speed elevator car. An optimization study of the fairing is performed by combining the parametric optimization method and CFD. The cross-section of the fairing is parameterized by NURBS curves; then, the Latin experimental design method is used to generate test sample points, a mathematical model is formulated utilizing the response surface model approximation, and global optimization is conducted through the application of a multi-island genetic algorithm. The results show that by empirically adding the fairing, the aerodynamic resistance of the high-speed elevator car can be significantly reduced by 36.6% compared to that of the original model; moreover, by optimizing the designed fairing through modern optimization methods, the aerodynamic resistance of the high-speed elevator car can be further reduced by 39.3% compared to that of the original model. The structural parameters of the fairing have a significant impact on the aerodynamic performance of the high-speed elevator.
Fault analysis and Fault degree evaluation via an improved ResNet method for Aircraft Hydraulic System
Authors: Shen Kenan , Zhao Dongbiao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The hydraulic system is crucial for the safety of the aircraft, which is the key to ensuring the safety of both the aircraft and passengers. It is necessary to study and analyze the normal and fault mode of the system to provide a way for evaluating the fault degree of the hydraulic system. Therefor an improved ResNet based fault degree evaluation method was proposed to evaluate the fault degree of the aircraft hydraulic system. First, the aircraft hydraulic system is constructed by the AMESim, one normal and five fault modes are simulated. Then the effects of the parametric variations for the five fault models are studied, in which pump oil leakage is chosen for analysis. After the analysis of the 5 kinds of faults, each of them is divided to 3 different fault degree, then 16 kinds of states are definition. Second, using the SE-ResNet based method to evaluate the system fault degree. The structure of the two improved ResNet blocks are designed, after that the whole structure of the SE-ResNet fault degree evaluation model is given. Then the parameters of the SE-ResNet are optimization by simulation. After that the evaluate results are given and analysis, moreover the comparison between the SE-ResNet method with the other machine learning methods are given. The results show that the method in this paper has the best accuracy and shortest test time, therefor the method proposed in this paper has effective measures to improve the reliability of the aircraft hydraulic system.
Mechanical properties and damage constitutive model of frozen brain tumors under cryogenic-mechanical coupling effect
Authors: Hu Wenxuan , Wang Suran , Chen Youliang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Cryoablation, as an important method for tumor treatment, possesses the advantages of safety, efficiency, and minimally invasive characteristics. However, the phenomenon of intracranial pressure fluctuation caused by brain tumor cryoablation has not received sufficient attention. Investigating the mechanism behind the interaction between intracranial temperature and pressure may contribute to addressing this issue. Considering the coupling effect of temperature and confining pressure, the evolution equation and constitutive model of tumor mechanical damage after freezing were constructed to evaluate the influence of freezing on mechanical properties and damage law of biological tissues in a low temperature environment. Based on the Lemaitre's strain-equivalence principle, the microelement strength of tumor ice body under the coupling of low temperature and confining pressure is assumed to follow a Weibull distribution. The thermal and mechanical damage variables are introduced using continuous damage mechanics and statistical theory, and the microelement failure is in accordance with the SMP criterion. Adopts the numerical simulation of intracranial glioma cryoablation COMSOL temperature - mechanical coupling response mechanism, by numerical simulation and theoretical derivation method to obtain the required constitutive model parameters, the theory of stress-strain curve compared with simulated curve, accord well with those of two kinds of curve. The results show that the established damage statistical constitutive model can accurately reflect the stress-strain characteristics of biological tissues after freezing, and verify the rationality and reliability of the model and its parameter determination method.
A parametric investigation of binaural beats for brain entrainment and enhancing sustained attention
Authors: Melnichuk Anastasiia , Cooper Robert K. , Hawk Larry W. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Binaural beats (BBs) have garnered attention as a highly accessible, noninvasive method to enhance cognitive performance, putatively via brain entrainment. However, the few studies that have directly examined the impact of BBs on sustained attention report inconsistent findings, perhaps due to wide variation in methodology. This study experimentally varied BB parameters while testing the effects of BBs on both sustained attention and brain entrainment. Eighty undergraduate students participated in a within-subjects cross-over comparison of the effects of BBs vs. control auditory stimulation on a continuous performance task to measure sustained attention. Participants were randomized to different auditory stimulation parameters: beats frequency (beta or gamma), carrier tone (340 or 400 Hz), onset time (before or with task onset), and background masking noise (present or absent). EEG data were collected to validate brain entrainment. Gamma frequency BBs with a low carrier tone and white noise background improved general attention performance but did not reduce the vigilance decrement over time, suggesting BBs may modulate other cognitive aspects rather than sustained focus. EEG results confirmed brain entrainment, though entrainment varied with BB parameters and background noise. Further research should explore the interactions between BB parameters to optimize their use for cognitive enhancement.
The triglyceride-glucose index trajectories are associated with cardiovascular diseases in people living with HIV: evidence from a prospective cohort study in China, 2005-2022
Authors: Luo Yinsong , Sun Liqin , He Yun , Zhao Fang , Shan Duo , Bu Fan , Ge Lingyun , Li Xiaorui , Hu Yiyao , Xiao Xi , Lu Hongzhou , Liu Jiaye 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been validated as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the prospective relationship between baseline and long-term trajectories of the TyG index and CVD risk in people living with HIV (PLWH) remains unexplored.
Methods
This cohort study included 16,122 treatment-naive PLWH who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen from 2005 to 2022. The TyG index was calculated as Ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct TyG index trajectories over the follow-up period. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association between TyG index trajectories and CVD risk. Nonlinear relationships were investigated using a restricted cubic spline plot. Subgroup analysis was conducted to examine whether the association between the TyG index and CVD risk differed across various subgroups.
Results
During a median follow-up of 70 months, 214 PLWH developed CVD. Each 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in the baseline TyG index was associated with a 33% higher risk of CVD (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.18–1.51) after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors. Participants were categorized into four distinct TyG trajectory groups: low-stable, low-moderate-stable, high-moderate-stable, and high-increasing. After multivariate adjustment, the high-increasing trajectory group had a 2.72-fold (95% CI 1.58–4.69) increased risk of CVD compared to the low-stable group. The restriction cubic spline plot showed an upward trend between the baseline TyG index and the CVD occurrence (P < 0.001), with the threshold at 8.479. Significantly positive correlations between the TyG index and CVD were observed both below the TyG threshold with HR 3.71 (95% CI 1.18, 11.68) and above the threshold with HR 1.39 (95% CI 1.03, 1.87) (both P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Higher baseline TyG index levels and the high-increasing trajectory were significantly associated with increased CVD risk in PLWH. Long-term trajectories of the TyG index could aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of CVD, highlighting the importance of incorporating TyG index monitoring into routine clinical assessments for tailored prevention strategies.
Stigma in Type 2 diabetes: a study from Southern India
Authors: Sri Aruna , Lakshmi Gumpeny , Srid Gumpeny Ramachandra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Among the many psychological and psychiatric disturbances in diabetes, stigma due to the disease (‘Diabetes stigma’) is one. It has been studied principally in subjects with type 1 diabetes. We report diabetes stigma in subjects with type 2 diabetes from southern India, in relation to demographic and lifestyle variables.
Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus presenting to a tertiary care diabetes and endocrine center in southern India were recruited (n:333; 196 men, 137 women age range 25-78 years). structured interview form to provide demographic, clinical and life style related information. They completed Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale-2 (DSAS-2) to assess diabetes stigma.
ANOVA and t-test results showed that the tested demographic variables (age, gender, occupation, level of education and income), clinical and life style variables (diabetes duration, no. of stressors and exercise) had significant influence on the experience of diabetes stigma. When these associations were tested using two separate multiple regression models, only age was found to be a significant predictor of stigma in terms of total stigma experience, perception of being treated differently by others, self-stigma and blame & judgment by others. Interestingly, participants’ gender didn’t make any significant difference in this experience of stigma. Similarly, all the three tested clinical and life style variables emerged as significant predictors of various domains of diabetes stigma.
Diabetes stigma is closely linked with age and life style factors such as duration of diabetes, number of stressors being experienced and physical exercise among people with Type 2 diabetes.