bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of leaflet resection technique on mitral valve mobility after mitral valve repair assessed by echocardiography
Authors: Yuge Norihisa , Manabe Susumu , Hirayama Daiki , Yamada Ryuki , Hori Mariko , Sugimura Koichiro , Ushijima Teruaki , Shimokawa Hiroaki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Two surgical techniques, leaflet resection and leaflet preservation, are widely used for mitral valve repair insevere mitral regurgitation due to posterior mitral leaflet prolapse. However, which technique is superior remains unclear. The leaflet resection technique may affect the postoperative mitral valve function differently from the leaflet preservation technique because it causes anatomical alterations in the corrected leaflet. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the leaflet resection technique on mitral valve mobility, compared with that of the leaflet preservation technique.
METHODS: Forty-one patients underwent mitral valve repair for P2 prolapse. Among them, 27 underwent leaflet preservation and 14 underwent leaflet resection. We examined the effects of the leaflet resection technique on the mitral valve mobility.
RESULTS: Postoperatively, the mobility of the corrected leaflet was significantly decreased in the leaflet resection group (leaflet preservation: 35.1±13.8% vs. leaflet resection: 22.7±13.7%, p=0.009). Particularly, the maximum closed angle was significantly decreased (leaflet preservation: 29.1±11.4% vs. leaflet resection: 40.7±12.0%, p=0.004). Therefore, the closing motion of the resected leaflet was more restricted than its opening motion. Mitral valve function, including mitral valve area, and peak and mean transmitral pressure gradients were comparable in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no differences in the mitral valve function, the leaflet preservation technique may be more effective than the leaflet resection technique at preserving the corrected leaflet mobility.
Quality of registration and adherence to guidelines for blood management in CABG surgeries: a case study
Authors: De Luca Giulia M.R. , Vlot Eline , Dijk Thomas van 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In many hospitals, patients undergoing cardiac surgery receive a higher amount of blood products transfusions compared to other disciplines. Blood transfusion relates with increased morbidity and mortality across different patient groups. Furthermore, blood products are scarce and the new blood safety technologies come at high costs. More specifically patients undergoing cardiac surgery that received perioperative blood transfusions show higher risk of mortality and in general worse morbidity outcomes than non-transfused patients do, with a dose-dependent association between transfusion and development of postoperative infection. Patient Blood Management (PBM) practices focus on the application of evidence based medical and surgical concepts in order to preserve the patient’s own blood. Unfortunately, studies suggest that only a small fraction of published guidelines are implemented and followed into daily clinical practice. Many barriers limit the translation of guidelines for PBM into clinical practice worldwide, such as clear guidance, concerns about risks, and lack of knowledge, interdisciplinary commitment or resources. The widespread adoption of electronic health record (EHR) offers the opportunity to improve clinical outcomes through use of decision support system to guide the healthcare providers through best practices and guidelines. Decision support systems can be active, data-based, patient-specific and act timely, and can be more useful that adding new clinical practice guidelines. This case study quantifies the quality of the data registration and provides the results for adherence to perioperative PBM guidelines for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures during a three-year period (2018 to 2020), in the St. Antonius hospital, a single heart center that performs over 10% of the total number of heart operations in the Netherlands. With this case study we identify some of the possible improvement factors for PBM in our center. We also quantify the impact of the quality of the registration in the EHR on the analysis results and on possible implementation of decision support systems.
Hypermethylated CACNB2 Predicts Poor Prognosis And Promotes Proliferation, Invasion and Apoptotic Resistance in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jia Xiya , Li Meng , Deng Jixiang , Liu Qin , Ren Zhonggan , Dai Sheng , Chen Bing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant cancers and its 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. DNA-methylation emerges as a pivotal factor in the carcinogenesis, progression and chemoresistance of PDAC. However, numerous methylation-regulated genes and their tumor-promoting mechanisms remain largely unknown.
Methods
The TCGA database was analyzed to identify CACNB2 with high methylation levels, which is significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis and clinical characteristics. Low CACNB2 expression in PDAC and its clinical value were further evaluated through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on our tissue microarray. Functional experiments, including CCK-8, colony formation assay, invasion assay, and flowcytometry analysis for apoptosis and cell cycle, were conducted to reveal the oncological value of CACNB2 in PDAC cell lines. Bisulfate sequencing was used to detect DNA methylation level of CACNB2, while transcriptome sequencing and western blotting were used to uncover underlying molecular mechanisms.
Results
CACNB2 promoter was hypermethylated, which was negatively correlated with its expression in both PDAC samples from TCGA and PDAC cell lines. Downregulated CACNB2 independently predicted an unfavorable prognosis and was associated with inferior clinicopathological features, including poor tumor differentiation, advanced T stage, advanced N stage, and advanced AJCC stage, in PDAC patients from TCGA and our center. The overexpression of CACNB2 exerted inhibitory effects on proliferation and invasion, while promoting apoptosis and tumor-suppressing pathways, including ANKRD1, CDKN1A and phosphorylated p53, in PDAC cell lines. Moreover, PDAC cell lines could recover the CACNB2 expression via decitabine-induced demethylation.
Discussion
These data suggested that CACNB2 hypermethylation contributed to PDAC progression and it might be a potential therapeutic target for treating PDAC.
A Case Report of Rosai-Dorfman Disease in a 9-Year-Old Girl with Left Tibia Involvement: Insights into Etiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment Advances
Authors: Ali Khan Akhtar , Bao Xin , Li Mi , safari Elaheh , Huang Hui , Li Hao , Li Xiaojuan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This case report describes the medical journey of a 9-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), a rare disorder characterized by the overproduction of histiocytes within the lymph nodes. The patient was diagnosed with RDD after experiencing left calf pain and discomfort. Initial imaging revealed abnormal signals and localized low-density foci in the left tibia, and subsequent MRI scans indicated a possible tumor. The diagnosis was confirmed through a puncture biopsy, which revealed granulomatous tissue consistent with RDD. The patient's treatment focused on immobilizing the affected limb without surgical intervention. Follow-up imaging showed a reduction in the extent of the initial abnormalities and periosteal reaction. This case emphasizes considering Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) in pediatric bone lesion diagnoses and highlights the effectiveness of conservative management. The study provides a comprehensive overview of RDD in the skeletal system, including etiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies, serving as a valuable reference for clinicians and future research.
Analysis of Filial Ethics of Offspring in the Care Process of Disabled Elderly in the Context of Low Birth and Aging Population: A Cross‑sectional Study
Authors: Ma Xiaobin , Deng Huanhuan , Chen Changxiang , hao xijun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
With the rapid aging of the population and a significant decline in fertility rates, elderly individuals with disabilities face enormous pressure to meet their old-age needs. The filial beliefs and behaviors of offspring play a crucial role in the physical and mental health of elderly disabled parents. We conducted a survey with the aim of assessing and analyzing the factors influencing the ethical status of filial piety among offspring caregivers of the elderly individuals with disabilities.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 528 offspring caregivers of the disabled elderly hospitalized in three secondary hospitals and three tertiary hospitals in Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China, and the questionnaire prepared and validated in advance by the subject group to investigate the filial piety ethics of the offspring caregivers of the disabled elderly. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data; t-test and ANOVA were used to compare differences between groups. Variables with a significance level of 0.05 in the univariate analysis were entered into the multivariate regression analysis to determine the predictors.
Results
The filial elder ethics score of the offspring caregivers was (105.23 ± 0.515), which is above average. The Educational level of the offspring caregivers, self-perceived economic status, age of the disabled elderly, disability status in the disabled elderly, support and care of the couple of the offspring caregivers, whether or not the neighbors provide caregiving assistance, and the cost of medication, medical treatment, and caregiving accounts for the proportion of economic expenditure of the offspring caregivers were the factors affecting the level of filial old age ethic (β = -2.356, -1.760, -2.657, -7.550, 1.167, -3.521, -2.291, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The ethical status of filial piety of the offspring's caregivers needs to be further improved, and individuals, families, and community、governments need to work together to improve the ethical status of filial ethics of the offspring's caregivers of the disabled elderly.
Trial registration
Not applicable.
A novel high-conjugated probe of 4-(acridone-10-yl)-phenylethyl chloroformate (ABE-Cl) for rapid detection of amino compounds Using HPLC with Fluorescence detection
Authors: Lou Yingying , Xiao Huiquan , Zou Xiaocong , Xu Zenghui , Sun Zhiwei , Li Zan , Ji Zhongyin , You Jinmao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The fluorescence detection of amino compounds and the evaluation of their content in environmental samples are vital, not only for assessing food quality but also for studying soil organic matter. Here, we present the synthesis and application of a novel fluorescent probe, 4-(9-acridone)benzylmethyl carbonochloride (APE-Cl), for detecting amino compounds via a chloromate reaction with fluorescence detection. The complete derivatization reaction of APE-Cl with amino compounds can be accomplished in aqueous acetonitrile within 5 minutes at room temperature, using 0.2 M borate buffer (pH = 9.0). APE-amine derivatives exhibited intense fluorescence with an excitation maximum at λex 254 nm and an emission maximum at λem 418 nm. All derivatives demonstrated high stability, strong fluorescence, and elevated ionization potential under atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI-MS) in positive ion detection mode. The method, combined with gradient elution, provides baseline resolution of common amine derivatives on a reversed-phase C18 column. The LC separation for the derivatized amines shows good reproducibility with aqueous acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The relative standard deviations (n = 6) for each amine derivative are < 3.99%. The detection limits (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3) per injection ranged from 1.68 to 11.2 femtomole. The established pre-column derivatization method for determining amino compounds in practical samples proved to be satisfactory.
Prevalence Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Kagera Region, Tanzania.
Authors: MALUGU FRANK , MUGUSI SABINA , AMOUR MARYAM , MAKUKA GERALD , SARAKIKYA EMMANUEL , KIRAVU ANNA 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Globally and within the African region there is limited knowledge on the double burden of Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (TB-DM). The risk of acquiring TB among DM patients is three (3) times higher than in the general population. Patients having DM not only have a high risk of getting TB disease but also have poor treatment outcomes.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among patients attending diabetic clinics in the Kagera region, Tanzania. Sampling was done using a multi-stage sampling technique to select study participants from hospitals with DM clinics. Data for this study were gathered through the administration of a structured questionnaire and were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Logistic regression was utilized to investigate any associations and control for confounding variables. A p-value below 0.05 was deemed statistically significant in determining the results.
Results: The prevalence of TB among patients with DM in the Kagera region was 14%. Among the socio-demographic findings sex, level of education, residence, facility level, and alcohol consumption were highly associated with TB. In the multivariate analysis, male sex, lack of formal education, lower facility level, private facility ownership, and being co-infected with HIV were significantly associated with a TB diagnosis among the DM patients (p<0.005).
Conclusion: The findings revealed a high prevalence of TB among DM patients in the region, indicating the substantial burden of TB-DM comorbidity. Multiple risk factors were identified leading to a TB diagnosis among the DM patients. Henceforth, public health officials should educate the public on the substantial burden of TB-DM co-infection, and encourage individuals with diabetes to take measures to prevent TBinfection.
Biocomputational analysis to evaluate stacking dual-targeting antibodies in agricultural tobacco plant
Authors: Hwang Hyunjoo , Kim Minkue , Kang Yangjoo , Kim Kibum , Kim Yerin , Lee Dae Hwan , Lee Jeong Hwan , Hinterdorfer Peter , Ko Kisung 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study explored the application of tobacco plant expression system for production of dual target monoclonal (mAb) proteins and computational analysis to evaluate their biochemical characteristics. The murine anti-colorectal cancer large single-chain antibody (CL) and H-13F6 human anti-Ebola virus full-size monoclonal antibody (EF) or anti-Ebola large single-chain antibody (EL) co-expressed in F1 plant through crossbreeding transgenic plants expressing each specific antibody. The binding activities of these antibodies to their respective target antigens were then examined. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the CL gene and the heavy (HC) and light chain (LC) genes of EF in F1 plants resulting from the crossbreeding. Additionally, both CL and EL genes were identified in F1 plants produced through the crossbreeding of transgenic plants expressing each CL and EL. RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses confirmed the mRNA and protein expression of all transgenes in F1 plants. CL, EF, and EL were successfully purified from F1 plants. Indirect ELISA analysis revealed that CL × EF proteins exhibited binding activity to Ebola virus-specific antigenic protein, whereas CL × EL lost this binding activity. Conversely, both CL × EF and CL × EL proteins exhibited enhanced binding activity to the colorectal cancer-specific antigenic protein GA733. In addition, computational analyses [Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) approach] were performed for EBOV antigen-antibody complexes and possible three combinations of Fc consistent with experimental results, supporting our assumption and interpretation.
Integrated Treatment of textile wastewater and Methyl Orange Azo Dye: Constructed Wetland-based Remediation Enhanced by Bacterial Treatment
Authors: Bhargawa Pawan Kumar , Tiwari Shweta , Kumar Saroj , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The textile industry significantly contributes to environmental pollution through the discharge of dye-laden wastewater. Among these dyes, methyl orange, an azo dye, is particularly challenging to remove due to its stability and potential toxicity. This study explores an integrated treatment approach combining constructed wetland-based remediation with bacterial treatment to effectively degrade methyl orange and other pollutants in textile wastewater. Textile wastewater was collected from Bhadohi Nagar Palika, Uttar Pradesh, India, and subjected to physicochemical analysis. The initial wastewater exhibited a pH of 9.6 ± 0.12, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 1008 ± 0.75 mg/l, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 2035 ± 0.61 mg/l, all exceeding Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. An 80-liter constructed wetland system planted with Typha latifolia and Phragmites karka was implemented, followed by bacterial treatment. The integrated system reduced the pH to 7.21 ± 0.38, BOD to 54 ± 0.25 mg/l, and COD to 134 ± 0.74 mg/l. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed significant reductions in organic pollutants and dye components. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene analysis identified key bacterial strains contributing to biodegradation, including Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis. Further, the treatment system also achieved a notable shift in methyl orange dye absorbance from 538 nm to 201 nm, indicating substantial decolorization. These findings demonstrate the potential of combined wetland and bacterial treatment for effective remediation of textile wastewater.
Rapid search for the parameterized equilibrium of the state-dependent delay differential equation in robotic milling
Authors: Mao SiHao , Jiang YanRu , Ye SongTao , Zhang XiaoJian , Yan SiJie , Ding Han 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The large forced vibration significantly impacts the tool-workpiece interaction in robotic milling, resulting in the state-dependent delay stability problem (SDD-SP). To solve SDD-SP, it is necessary to search the equilibrium by minimizing the residual of the state-dependent delay differential equation (SDD-DE) with periodic boundary conditions.Previous research has shown that it is complicated and time-consuming because of the nonanalytic iteration process and reduplicative root-finding for SDD.This paper introduces a rapid algorithm for searching for equilibrium using time-domain harmonic-balance-like methods (TDHBM). To solve the time-consuming challenge, the parameterized form of the equilibrium is initially obtained based on Fourier expansion, which spontaneously meets the periodic boundary condition.Then, by substituting the parameterized form into the SDD-DE, the semi-analytic Jacobian matrix for optimization is derived to improve iteration efficiency. Meanwhile, the iteration count for root-finding is significantly reduced by substituting numerical integration of the first-order differential SDD for root-finding.As a result of the simulation, the TDHBM reduces the computation time of searching for the equilibrium by 80% compared with the shooting method (SM), and the equilibrium maintains higher accuracy with the same collocation number.
Assessing Brain Network Dynamics during Postural Control Task using EEG Microstates
Authors: Gelormini Carmine , Guerrini Lorena , Pescaglia Federica , Aubonnet Romain , Jónsson Halldór , Petersen Hannes , Lorenzo Giorgio Di , Gargiulo Paolo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The ability to maintain our body’s balance and stability in space is crucial for performing daily activities. Effective postural control (PC) strategies rely on integrating visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory inputs. While neuroimaging has revealed key areas involved in PC—including brainstem, cerebellum, and cortical networks—the rapid neural mechanisms underlying dynamic postural tasks remain less understood. Therefore, we used EEG microstate analysis within the BioVRSea experiment to explore the temporal brain dynamics that support PC. This complex paradigm simulates maintaining an upright posture on a moving platform, integrated with virtual reality (VR), to replicate the sensation of balancing on a boat. Data were acquired from 266 healthy subjects using a 64-channel EEG system. Using a modified k-means method, five EEG microstate maps were identified to best model the paradigm. Differences in each microstate maps feature (occurrence, duration, and coverage) between experimental phases were analyzed using a linear mixed model, revealing significant differences between microstates within the experiment phases. The temporal parameters of microstate C showed significantly higher levels in all experimental phases compared to other microstate maps, whereas microstate B displayed an opposite pattern, consistently showing lower levels. This study marks the first attempt to use microstate analysis during a dynamic task, demonstrating the decisive role of microstate C and, conversely, microstate B in differentiating the PC phases. These results demonstrate the use of microstate technique for studying temporal brain dynamics during PC with potential application in the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
Determinants of Public Oral Healthcare Utilization in Malaysia – A Multivariate Time-Series Analysis from 1992 to 2019
Authors: TAN Yeung R’ong , LOKMAN Najihah , MARHAZLINDA Jamaludin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Oral healthcare utilization is a key indicator of population health, influenced by various socio-economic and demographic factors. In Malaysia, while public oral healthcare services have expanded, understanding the determinants of healthcare utilization remains crucial for ensuring equitable access. This study aims to identify the factors associated with public oral healthcare utilization among the overall population in Malaysia.
Methods
A multivariate time series analysis was conducted using secondary data from various sources, including the Ministry of Health’s Health Information Management System, Malaysian Dental Council, Department of Statistics Malaysia, and United Nations Food Balance Sheets, spanning the period from 1992 to 2019. Factors examined include literacy rate, sugar consumption, median household income, poverty incidence, GDP per capita, employment ratio, internet access, and access to dental care (measured by population per dental unit and per capita dentist). These variables were analyzed through multiple linear regression using EViews 12, with a focus on exploring predisposing, enabling, and need factors influencing oral healthcare utilization, based on Andersen’s model of healthcare service utilization.
Results
The analysis identified three statistically significant factors associated with public oral healthcare utilization. The employment ratio (β = 1.069, 95% CI [0.306, 1.832], p = 0.008) was positively associated with utilization, indicating that a 1% increase in the employment rate was associated with a 1.069% increase in public oral healthcare utilization. Conversely, the number of populations per available dental unit (β = -0.176, 95% CI [-0.275, -0.078], p = 0.001) had a negative association, where a 1% increase in the rate of change of dental units led to a 0.176% decrease in utilization. Internet usage (β = -0.011, 95% CI [-0.018, -0.003], p = 0.007) also had a slight but statistically significant negative effect on utilization.
Conclusions
Employment plays a critical role in enhancing access to public oral healthcare, while internet access and dental infrastructure trends may reflect alternative care-seeking behaviors. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies to address both economic and structural barriers to equitable oral healthcare access in Malaysia.