bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of rock bolt reinforcement on shear behaviour of a nonpersistent joint plane
Authors: Xue Hongyun , Yang Xuxu , Kulatilake Pinnaduwa HSW , Qu Guanglin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The impact of rock bolts on the mechanical behavior of nonpersistent joints, including the intricate interactions between the joints, rock bridges, and rock bolts, has received limited investigation despite their effectiveness in reinforcing rock mass discontinuities. In order to tackle this issue, a variety of normal stresses were applied during direct shear tests conducted on artificial rock-like specimens with nonpersistent joints, both bolted and unbolted. The findings indicated that the local shear deformation-shear displacement curves, whether with or without rock bolts, can be categorized into five distinct stages. Application of the rock bolts on the nonpersistent joint plane resulted in making the following two important statements: (a) The rock bolts delay the shear stress transmission along the joint plane from the joint parts to the rock bridge area; (b) The rock bolts limit the dilatancy occurring in both the joint parts and at the rock bridge area. Furthermore, the shear displacement of the bolted nonpersistent joint specimen at the peak shear strength was found to be greater than that of the unbolted nonpersistent joint specimen indicating protection of the rock bridge by the rock bolts. Whether bolted or unbolted, the stiffness values seem to be the same for the nonpersistent joint plane for a selected normal stress; this observation is significantly different from that observed for the persistent joint plane.
Dentoskeletal Effects of Aesthetic and Conventional Twin Block Appliances in the Treatment of Skeletal Class II Malocclusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alsilq Mohamed Najati , Youssef Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This clinical trial evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes resulting from a modified twin block (aesthetic twin block) (ATB) in comparison with conventional twin block (CTB). Two-arm parallel group randomized clinical trial was performed at Department of Orthodontics, University of Damascus, Syria. Fifty-two patients (33 females and 19 males) aged 12.23±0.77 years with skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion caused by mandibular retrognathism. The participants were randomly assigned to a study group according to a simple randomization method using a numbered and sealed envelope. The experimental group were treated with aesthetic twin block, and control group were treated with conventional twin block. Sixteen angular variables and eleven linear variables (measured in millimeters) were evaluated before the treatment (T0) and at the end of the active phase of the treatment (T1) on lateral cephalometric radiographs to study the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes. There was a statistically significant change in ANB angle between the ATB group (-2.70±0.84) and the CTB group (-1.92±0.81°) (P = 0·002), and SNB angle the ATB group (2.72±1.54°) and the CTB group (1.72±1.41°)(P = 0·02). The Jarabak ratio decreased significantly in the CTB group by (-0.65±1.37%) (P = 0.02) and increased significantly in the ATB group by (0.84±1.44%) (P =0.007), with significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.000). The change in upper incisor angulation was (0.36±5.91°) for the ATB group and (-3.5±4.18°) for the CTB group, which was statistically significant (P = 0·01). The change in lower incisor angulation was (1.34±2.08°) for the ATB group and 3.88±2.47° for the CTB group, which was statistically significant (P = 0·000). ATB had greater skeletal effectswith more control of vertical growth, and greater control of lower and upper incisor angulation.
Trial Registration: (NCT05418413) (14/06/2022).
Clinical features and Prognostic Factors of Patients with Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors
Authors: Qu Xiang , Yang Jie , Wu Ming , Yang Xiaoliang , Tian Bozhen , Qiao Yu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are associated with poor prognosis, and their treatment remains a challenge. However, research on PNET patients is relatively limited. Therefore, we aim to investigate the prognosis of this specific cohort and identify independent prognostic factors.
Methods
This study screened a cohort of PNET patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute from 2000 to 2020. Prognostic analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Results
A total of 941 eligible PNET patients were included, with the most common site of occurrence being the brain (57.07%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates for the entire study population were 51.1% and 54.2%, respectively, while the 10-year OS and CSS were 44.7% and 48.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, age, marital status, tumor stage, surgery, and chemotherapy had significant impacts on patient survival outcomes. In the multivariate analysis, age and the presence of metastasis at initial staging were identified as independent poor prognostic factors for both OS and CSS, while surgery and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS, with surgery also being an independent prognostic factor for CSS.
Conclusion
Surgery combined with chemotherapy showed survival benefits for PNET patients and is recommended. Radiotherapy did not improve patient survival, which requires further investigation in future studies.
Strains of a Virtuoso: Pacemaker Infection and Ventricular Tachycardia in a Violinist
Authors: Chen Yuanguo , Zhang Haibo , Qiao Qi , Ma Lian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Pacemaker-related infections are serious complications of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs)1–5. This case report aims to describe the occurrence of pacemaker pocket infection and recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) in a Chinese amateur violinist with sick sinus syndrome (SSS), and to explore the possible connection between occupational habits and the infection, as well as VT.
Methods
A 76-year-old male violinist with a Biotronik Evia DR dual-chamber pacemaker presented with syncope and signs of a pacemaker pocket infection three years after implantation. Despite initial antibiotic treatment, the infection persisted with slightly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and negative cultures. The VT originated from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), as confirmed by echocardiography and ECG findings. The infection was treated with debridement and extraction of the pacemaker and leads.
Results
Debridement and extraction of the pacemaker and leads successfully resolved both the VT and the infection. The VT was likely linked to the infected lead, while the pacemaker infection was attributed to the patient’s violin playing, which caused mechanical stress and skin damage at the pacemaker site. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no recurrence of infection or arrhythmias at follow-up.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of considering a patient’s occupational habits when selecting pacemaker pocket sites to prevent infections and complications. In this case, the patient's violin playing likely contributed to mechanical stress at the pacemaker site, leading to infection. Early identification and appropriate management, including device removal, are crucial to prevent further complications.
The Assessment of Sub-Saharan Africa's GHG emission from cropland in comparison to some developing nations, its environmental economic impacts, and mitigation measures
Authors: Igwe Emmanuel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Croplands are one of the world's leading single major contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with more than 20% share of the emitted GHG, at the same time depending on the climate to produce its yields, this situation is significantly felt in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to the unavailability of mitigating technologies. Satellite image of sentinel-7 was deployed to capture real-time virtual images of land use land cover (LULC) showing a proportion (58%) of massive agricultural land in the region still lies uncultivated due to its losses to climate catastrophe that endangers and rendered between 0–40% usefulness for food production valueless. This study deploys various measuring metrics to examine the intensity of climate variability using panel data, as well as real-time data from remote sensing (RS) to verify and make a comparison of CO2eqKg emitting capacity from leading croplands major countries in SSA. Estimate stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) was used to compute and assemble from 1988 to 2022. The result revealed within the six closely monitored countries their emitting rate with South Africa led as the highest emitter of CO2 equivalent in kg in these years, with its peak annually recorded in 1990 at an estimated value of 64kg CO2eqKg followed by 2017 with a value of about 58 kg CO2eqKg while Ethiopia came second with its second-highest emitting rate in 2007 with a value of 24kg CO2eqKg followed by Nigeria with mean contributory value of 21Kg CO2eqKg. It unveiled an estimated total cropland of 10881657.5 square hectares in North central Tier 2 (Nigeria, Niger) and North central Tier 3 (Sudan, Ethiopia) as the hotspot of the GHG emission index. The study further presented 2013–2022 as the most diminution years in the region with a forecasted 21% ecological resources (aquatic species) decline in the coming year with a burden of more disastrous ecological resources in most likely affected nations such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Mali, and Burundi, Zambia as they are mapped as the most vulnerable to these unforeseen longtime environmental consequences. The study suggests adopting locally developed innovative technologies compatible with current climate resilience strategies, to be implemented through a comprehensive approach.
Identification of key regulatory factors for m6A in myasthenia gravis and characteristics of the immune characteristics
Authors: Wu Yaoqi , Cai Xiaoqing , Jiao Yingying , Zhao Lina , Jiang Qilong , Chen Tongkai , Yang Peidan , Huang Tingjuan , Yang Jie , Song Yafang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder, presents a complex pathogenesis involving various immune molecules. The modification of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulates diverse immune metabolic and immunopathological processes; however, its role in MG remains unclear. We downloaded dataset GSE85452 from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes regulated by m6A. The Random Forest (RF) method was utilized to identify pivotal regulatory genes associated with m6A modification. Subsequently, a prognostic model was crafted and confirmed using this gene set. Patients with MG were stratified according to the expression levels of these key regulatory genes. Additionally, MG-specific immune signatures were delineated by examining immune cell infiltration patterns and their correlations. Further functional annotation, protein-protein interaction mapping, and molecular docking analyses were performed on these immune biomarkers, leading to the discovery of three genes that exhibited significant differential expression within the dataset: RBM15, CBLL1, and YTHDF1.The random forest algorithm confirmed these as key regulatory genes of m6A in MG, validated by constructing a clinical prediction model. Based on key regulatory gene expression, we divided MG patients into two groups, revealing two distinct m6A modification patterns with varying immune cell abundances. We also discovered 61 genes associated with the m6A phenotype and conducted an in-depth exploration of their biological roles. RBM15, CBLL1, and YTHDF1 were found positively correlated with CD56dim natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, and type 1 helper T cells. These genes were stable diagnostic m6A-related markers in both discovery and validation cohorts. Our findings suggest RBM15, CBLL1, and YTHDF1 as immune markers for MG. Further analysis of these genes may elucidate their roles in the immune microenvironment of MG.
Association between glycolipid metabolism disorder and coronary microvascular disease: inflammatory indices mediated a partial mesomeric effect model
Authors: Wen Wei , Chi Yi , Liu Mingwang , Gao Mengjie , Xie Beili , Yan Yuxin , Jin Zhidie , Jiang Lulian , Zhang Yiqing , Chen Keji , Zhao Fuhai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) is associated with abnormalities in glucose-lipid metabolism. And the triglyceride to high density lipoprotein (HDL) (TG/HDL) ratio can be used to characterize levels of glycolipid metabolism. Therefore, it is hypothesized that increased TG/HDL may trigger CMVD.
Methods
This study enrolled patients with angina pectoris but negative coronary angiograms to explore inflammatory factor-mediated disorder of glycolipid metabolism triggers CMVD. Logistics regression model and subgroup analysis were constructed to explore the associations between TG/HDL and CMVD. Restricted cubic splines were applied to further the associations of TG/HDL with CMVD. Given inflammatory factors as intermediary factor, we investigate the mediating effects of TG/HDL on CMVD.
Results
242 patients were eventually recruited and 150 patients were diagnosed with CMVD. In the multivariable-adjusted model, TG/HDL and inflammatory indexes including the C-reaction protein (CRP), C-reaction protein to lymphocyte ratio (CLR) and inflammatory burden index (IBI) were positively related to CMVD (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.69–4.25; OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.32–2.68; OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.56–4.89; OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.37, respectively). Mediation analysis indicated that CRP, CLR and IBI mediated 26.37%, 16.89% and 10.45% of the association of TG/HDL with CMVD.
Conclusion
TG/HDL is positively associated with CMVD. And this association appeared to be partially mediated through inflammatory indices.
Enhancing support for patients with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: Insights and Educational Resources from the LARSCAT Project
Authors: Ribas Yolanda , Muñoz-Duyos Arantxa , Franquet Marta , Guerreiro Isabel , Perau Jordi , Porras Oscar , Rodríguez Dolores , Rojo Jorge , Ramírez Lucia , Rubio Mercè , Marinello Franco , Jiménez-Toscano Marta , Romero Clara 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To address the educational gaps and support needs of patients with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery. The LARSCAT project aimed to develop comprehensive resources to better inform patients and enhance their quality of life.
Methods:
A qualitative study was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. Seven focus groups were formed, including six patients, two surgeons, and three nurses. Patients had undergone rectal cancer surgery with stoma reversal 2 to 12 years earlier, and all experienced major LARS. The focus groups, held in-person and online, explored the impact on daily life, social and sexual health, mood, rest, and relationships. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key issues and support strategies following the COREQ guidelines.
Results:
Participants reported insufficient information regarding potential dysfunctions after rectal cancer surgery, and difficulties finding reliable information online. The timing of receiving information varied according to individual coping mechanisms. LARS symptoms significantly impacted daily life, social activities, sexual health, and mood. Patients emphasised the need for more tailored information and supplementary written materials to read at their own pace. Consequently, three comprehensive documents were created and made available online.
Conclusion:
This study highlights a significant gap in patient education on the long-term effects of rectal cancer surgery. The resources developed by the LARSCAT project aim to provide essential support to patients and healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on integrating these resources into routine care and evaluating their impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.
Construction and Validation of a Seven-Gene Signature for Predicting Prognosis and treatment response of Melanoma Based on Parkinson's Disease Family Genes
Authors: He Zhiqiang , Zhang Weinan , Li Yanqi , Zhao Xiang , Xie Jinqing , Xie Luoyingzi , Zheng Hong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients generally have a lower cancer risk, except for an increased melanoma risk, suggesting a link between PD genes and melanoma development.However, comprehensive research on the expression and function of the Parkinson's gene family in melanoma is currently lacking. Here, this study aimed to explore the expression of Parkinson's genes in melanoma and their predictive value for prognosis and treatment response will aid in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic markers for melanoma. Using LASSO regression analysis, we obtained a seven Parkinson's genes signature melanoma prognosis model, including LRRK2, UCHL1, SNCA, VPS13C, SPR, EIF4G1, and FBXO7. Subsequently, internal verification with TCGA cohort and external verification with GEO cohort showed that the seven-gene prognostic model could effectively predict the prognosis for patients with melanoma. Paitents with high risk score had worse overall survival than those with high risk score. The signaling pathways related to anti-tumor immunity, such as interferon α/γ, were significantly activated in the low-risk group. Cancer-related signaling pathways are mainly enriched in high-risk group, such as mTOR, WNT/β-catenin, and Notch pathways. Moreover, low-risk melanoma patients have a higher infiltration of CD8+ T, cytotoxic, and Th1 cells within the tissue as compared with high-risk patients. Melanom patients in the low-risk group had a higher response rate and longer survival after PD-1 treatment, and were more sensitive to drug treatment, such as Nilotinib. We have successfully constructed a 7-gene signature based on Parkinson's disease familial genes, which can efficiently predict the prognosis of melanoma and treatment response.
Ursodeoxycholic acid reduces ACE-2 activity in COVID-19 patients and Calu- 3 cells
Authors: Tong Zhaowei , Zhong Jianfeng , Wang Qi , Qian Fuchu , Zhao Lili , Wang Weihong , Qin Kefeng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Reportedly, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) decreases Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activities by inhibiting FXR to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods
Covid-19 patients (n=142, male=72, female=70) from January to May 2023 were divided into UDCA-free (n=53) and UDCA (n=89) groups and treated withnirmatasvir/ritonavir or molnupiravir for 5 days. Patients in the UDCA group were additionally given UDCA for 10 days. ACE2 was detected and clinical outcomes were assessed. Calu-3 cells were infected with the Covid-19 Spike (XBB.1.5) pseudovirusand incubated with or without UDCA.
Results
On day 0 (before treatment), 3, 6, 9 (after anti-viral drug and/or UDCA treatment), ACE2 in serum and plasma in UDCA-free group was ~41 ng/ml (p=0.9962), and ~68ng/ml (p=0.6179); in UDCA group from 40.1±9.6 to 20.8±5.8 ng/ml (p=0.0000), and 68.8±15.6 to 30.2±7.7 ng/ml ( p=0.0000). In UDCA group, ACE2 mRNA in blood cells was from ~100% to 58.5±13.2% (p=0.000) on day 6 and time for fever return to normal shorter (p=0.0001). In Calu-3 cells, UDCA reduced ACE2 protein and mRNA, and blocked Covid-19 pseudovirus infection.
Conclusion
UDCA reduces ACE2 activity in Covid-19 patients and Calu-3 cells, blocks Covid-19 pseudovirus infection in Calu-3 cells and improves the clinical outcomes. UDCA may be a potential drug for prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Outcomes following second allogeneic stem cell transplant for graft failure or poor graft function: a single centre experience
Authors: Kim Jowon L. , Joe Moss A. Bruton , Chung Shanee , Cherniawsky Hannah , Forrest Donna L , Kuchenbauer Florian , Lad Deepesh , Nantel Stephen H , Narayanan Sujaatha , Nevill Thomas J , Judith Rodrigo , Sanford David , Song Kevin W , Stubbins Ryan J , Toze Cynthia L , White Jennifer , Mourad Yasser Abou , Roy Claudie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Graft failure is a rare but life-threatening complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We aim to review the outcomes of patients who underwent a second allogeneic HSCT (HSCT2) for graft failure or poor graft function following a previous allogeneic HSCT (HSCT1) at our centre. This restrospectve study included adult patients receiving HSCT2 for graft failure or poor graft function between February 2001 and July 2021. Survival functions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Twenty-one patients were identified, 11 with primary and 10 with secondary graft failure. In the 14 patients for whom chimerism data was available, 10 had loss of donor chimerism, 2 had mixed chimerism, and 2 had full donor chimerism. The median time between HSCT1 and HSCT2 was 55 days (range 38-168 days) and 278 days (range 75-3074 days) for PGF and SGF, respectively. For HSCT2, matched unrelated donor was the most common donor type (33%) and the same donor as HSCT1 was used in 24%. Most patient received peripheral blood stem cell source (81%) and reduced intensity conditioning (100%) for HSCT2. Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was calcineurin inhibitor-based with either methotrexate or mucophenolate mofetil.
The median follow-up for survivors was 120 months (range 7-170). Overall survival was 52% at 2 years, and 46% at 5 years. Death before day+30 occurred in 5 patients (24%). Non-relapse mortality (NRM) was the major cause of treatment failure, with 2-year NRM of 48%. Infectious complications was the most common cause of death. Relapse occurred in 3 patients (14%). All patients who lived beyond day+30 successfully engrafted, with a median time to neutrophil recovery of 22 days (range 11-31). The incidence of acute GVHD was 50% in the 16 patients who survived beyond day+30, and chronic GVHD was 50% in the 14 patients who survived beyond day+100. Two patients subsequently developed SGF and both underwent a third allotransplant.
Our real-world data confirms that a second allogeneic HSCT for graft failure or poor graft function is associated with high NRM and early mortality. Nonetheless, there are long-term survivors and further studies should focus on reducing NRM in these patients.