bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of steroid injection with endoscopic dilatation in pediatric refractory benign esophageal stricture: a Clinical trials
Authors: Anwar Mohamed , Elhady Sayed , Shahin Mohamed , Daboos Mohammad , Magid Mohamed , Azab Ahmed , Abdelaziz Ahmed , Asla Amir 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: While dilation therapy is the primary treatment for benign esophageal strictures, the recurrence or lack of responsiveness of strictures to this treatment can necessitate additional or repeated treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intralesional steroid injections (ISIs) in addition to dilation in patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures. Methods: The clinical trial included 21 pediatric patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was conducted to the level of the stricture, after which esophageal dilation was performed. Subsequently, endoscopy was repeated, and a steroid was injected intralesionally under direct endoscopic vision. The procedure's efficacy was evaluated over 12 months by assessing several parameters, including the number of dilatations, maximum dilator size, periodic dilatation index (PDI), and dysphagia score. Results: The response to steroids was successful in 17 patients (81%) and unsuccessful in 4 patients (19%). The number of dilatations, PDI, and dysphagia score were significantly reduced following ISIs in comparison to pre-injection. Conversely, the maximum dilator size demonstrated a significant increase following ISIs compared to the pre-injection period. No side effects following steroid injections in children with esophageal strictures were reported in this study. Conclusion: Endoscopic dilatation followed by steroid injection is a useful strategy for the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures.
Patterns of injury associated with multiligamentous knee injury: 15-year experience at a major trauma center
Authors: Sim Jae Ang , Lee Byung Hoon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to compare the incidence rates of concomitant injuries, including meniscal and cartilage injuries, between multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKI) with and without dislocation based on our 15-year experience of knee dislocation and MLKI at a level 1 trauma center.
Methods
We retrospectively identified 100 patients (115 knees) with MLKIs and/or dislocations at our trauma center between 2007 and 2021. Magnetic resonance imaging was routinely performed to evaluate the injured structures and extent of injury. The anatomic structures of the knee were categorized into anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL) and medial and posterolateral structures, and further classified according to the modified Schenck classification. The study participants were divided into two groups: 40 and 75 knees classified as MLKI with and without dislocation, respectively.
Results
MLKIs with dislocations showed 13 and 18% incidence, whereas MLKIs without dislocation showed 15 and 13% incidence of medial and lateral meniscal tears respectively. The two groups also had a significant discrepancy in the patterns of meniscal tears. For medial meniscal tears, radial tears were more prevalent in MLKIs with dislocation, and longitudinal tears in MLKIs without dislocation. For lateral meniscal tears, anterior horn or totally detached tears were more prevalent in MLKIs with dislocation, and radial tears in MLKIs without dislocation. Additionally, complete rupture of all four major ligaments was found in 38% of the cases with dislocation, with the majority showing complete ruptures of both the ACL and PCL. Concomitant serious injuries, such as popliteal artery injury and fractures, were observed only in cases involving high-energy trauma and dislocation.
Conclusions
MLKIs associated with dislocation demonstrate distinct patterns of ligament damage and meniscal tears compared with MLKIs without dislocation. The initial distinction in the severity of MLKIs, along with the anatomical classification, have practical implications in identifying associated meniscal tears and injuries to structures surrounding the knee joint.
Clinical Relevance: The initial distinction in the severity of MLKIs, along with the anatomical classification, have practical implications in identifying associated meniscal tears and injuries to structures surrounding the knee joint.
Level of Evidence: IV Retrospective comparative study
GhMAC3e is involved in plant growth and defense response to Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Han Zhenghong , Qiu Yuanyuan , Pan Ting , Wang Longjie , Wang Jing , Liu Kang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The MOS4-Associated Complex (MAC) is a highly conserved protein complex involved in pre-mRNA splicing and spliceosome assembly, which plays a vital role in plant immunity. It comprises key components such as MOS4, CDC5, and PRL1. MAC3A/B, as U-box E3 ubiquitin ligases, are crucial for various plant processes including development, stress responses, and disease resistance. However, their roles in cotton remain largely unknown. In this study, we first cloned the GhMAC3e gene from cotton and explored its biological functions by using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cotton and transgenic overexpression in Arabidopsis. The results showed that GhMAC3e is ubiquitously expressed in cotton tissues and could be induced by salt stress, Verticillium dahliae (VD) infection, PEG, ABA, ETH, GA3, MeJA, and SA. Silencing GhMAC3e retarded primary stem growth and reduced biomass of cotton coupled with the reduced auxin content in the petioles and veins. Silencing GhMAC3e up-regulated expression of cell growth-related genes GhXTH16 and Gh3.6, while down-regulated GhSAUR12 expression. Ectopic expression of GhMAC3e in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced its resistance to Verticillium wilt (VW) in terms of decreased pathogen biomass and lowered plant mortality. Overexpression of GhMAC3e dramatically upregulated AtPR1 by around 15 fold and more than 262 fold under basal and VD inoculation condition, respectively. This change was not associated with the expression of GhNPR1. In conclusion, GhMAC3e may not only regulate plant growth by influencing auxin distribution and growth-related gene expression, but also play important roles in VW resistance via mediating SA signaling independent of NPR1 transcription level.
Process of rockslide induced by underground mining and penetration: A case study of Pusa rockslide in Nayong County, China
Authors: Fulin Wang , Xingyuan Jiang , Hongsen Hu , Yi Yang , Di Wu , Junwei Tian , Zhenxian Zhao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To explore the disaster mechanism of the slope with steep upper structure and slow lower structure in the karst mountainous area of southwest China. Take the Pusa Rockslide as an example. The deformation and failure characteristics of the slope under the action of dead weight, mining and rainfall were studied by Continuum－Discontinuum Element Method (CDEM) numerical simulation based on field geological investigation. The results show that the evolution process of the Pusa rockslide can be divided into six stages as follows:(1) Natural Evolution: The upper limestone is dissolved, which creates favorable conditions for the generation and development of cracks; (2) Disturbance Deformation: The mountain is affected by underground mining, which causes the slope to produce a subsidence deformation of about 2m; (3) Collapse Deformation: The roof of the goaf bends, sinks and collapses. A deep and large crack of about 200 m is formed at the trailing edge of the slope; (4) Extrusion Deformation: The formation of potential collapse failure surface－Similar Cantilever; (5) Instability and Failure: The landslide mass breaks through the "locking section"; (6) Energy Dissipation: The rockslide mass is broken and scrapes the rock and soil along the way to form a debris flow. The instability mechanism of the slope is Goaf－Tensile Crack－Creep－Shearing (Toppling)－Energy Dissipation－Accumulation.
Fungal endophytes promote wheat (Triticum aestivum L., genotype-PBW-343) growth and enhance salt tolerance through improvement of ascorbate-glutathione cycle and gene expression
Authors: KHARWAR RAVINDRA NATH , Prajapati Priyanka , Pandey Prashasti , Kumar Deepak 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and aims

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) faces considerable challenges in terms of growth and productivity due to soil salinity, which is a major constraint to agricultural success. This study investigated the potential of fungal endophytes to enhance wheat growth and improve salt tolerance by influencing the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and gene expression.

Methods

Experiments were conducted, usingwheat seedlings (PBW-343) inoculated with endophytic fungi (Cladosporium parahalotolerant and Aspergillus medius)isolated from salt-tolerant wheat genotypes (KRL-210, KRL-213 and KRL-19) fromthe previous study. Endophytic fungi were used individually and in combination. Fifteen days seedlings exposed to 100 mM NaCl in the presence and absence of fungal endophytes. To elucidate the molecular mechanism, gene expression analysis was performed on key genesAPX, SOD, GR, DHAR, and MDHAR.

Results

Seedlings treated with endophytic fungi (consortia form)significantly enhanced the sugar, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm)compared to control under salt stress. The O2- and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced in plants inoculated with fungal endophytes. Salt stress increased APX, SOD activities and decreased GR, MDHARand DHAR activities.Endophytic fungi inoculated with salt-stressed seedlings enhanced the above-mentioned indicators compared to the salt-stressed plants without fungal endophytes, as well as in the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG.Endophytic fungienhanced the transcript levels of SOD, DHAR, APX, GR, and MDHAR genes compared to the control

Conclusions

The present study found that the expression levels of several genes associated with the ascorbate-glutathione cycle were upregulated in endophyte-inoculated plants, indicating a more efficient antioxidant system capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species.
Development and External Validation of Machine Learning Models to Predict Postoperative Transitional Cell Carcinoma Mortality: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Salehi Asal , Saleh Kianmehr , Rahimi Mohammad , Golparian Mitra , Tarokhian Aidin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, also known as urothelial carcinoma, is the most common type of bladder cancer. The primary objective of this study was to develop machine learning (ML) models to predict the survival outcomes of bladder cancer patients.
Methods
This study utilized the SEER dataset to develop an ML model for predicting postoperative disease-specific overall survival in TCC patients. This retrospective study included patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 for model training and validation and patients diagnosed after 2018 for external validation. The performance was assessed via sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, likelihood ratios, predictive values, ROC-AUC, and the Brier score. SHAP values and partial dependence plots were used to evaluate feature importance and interactions.
Results
The deep neural network model slightly outperformed the other models (linear regression and gradient boosting) across all the datasets. For the external validation dataset, the model had a sensitivity of 69.40% (95% CI: 67.72–71.05%), specificity of 85.32% (95% CI: 84.91–85.72%), and accuracy of 83.84% (95% CI: 83.43–84.24%). The ROC-AUC was 0.8758 (95% CI: 0.8698 to 0.8816). The model demonstrated a negative likelihood ratio of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.34 to 0.38) and a positive likelihood ratio of 4.73 (95% CI: 4.56 to 4.90). The use of external validation indicated minimal overfitting. The key features influencing mortality included tumor stage, age, tumor size, and grade.
Conclusion
Machine learning models, particularly deep neural networks, can accurately predict mortality in individuals with TCC of the bladder.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Video and Breastfeeding Simulator Support to Mothers Who Could Not Breastfeed Their Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Metin Hatice Tetik , Yiğit Feride 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding behavior development training involving the use of videos and simulators with mothers whose babies were in the neonatal intensive care unit and who were staying in mothers’ hotels. The study was conducted in June 2022 and March 2023 in a state hospital with 100 volunteer participating mothers. Study control group (n=33), video training group (n=33), simulator training group (n=34). The study was conducted with a randomized controlled pretest/posttest control group trial model. Data were collected with a sociodemographic information questionnaire, a breastfeeding self-efficacy scale (short form), and a maternal attachment scale. Pretest scores did not significantly differ between groups (p>0.05). The breastfeeding self-efficacy, maternal attachment and retest mean scores significantly increased in the simulator group (p<0.05). This study revealed that breastfeeding training given to women with simulator support was more effective than training given via video methods in terms of breastfeeding success, the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy, and maternal attachment.
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in the raphe nuclei of patients with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Iwata Keiko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Ishiwata Keisuke , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Kameno Yosuke , Hata Kenichiro , Matsuzaki Hideo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a strong genetic basis, yet its genetic complexities remain elusive. Current research highlights environmental factors and epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, as crucial in ASD development. This study explored epigenetic modifications using postmortem brain samples from ASD subjects and controls.Methods: We comprehensively analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in the dorsal raphe brain region using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina). In addition, quantitative PCR was used to investigate mRNA expression levels of genes that demonstrated differential methylation in ASD.Results: We identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and individual-specific DMRs (IS-DMRs) between ASD and control subjects. These DMRs and IS-DMRs were located across various genomic regions, including promoters, gene bodies, 3ʹ UTRs, and intergenic regions. Notably, we found hypermethylation in genes related to olfaction (e.g., OR2C3), which is regulated by serotonin. Hypomethylated genes in IS-DMRs were linked to ASD and developmental disorders. Additionally, we observed that the hypomethylation of promoter-associated CpG islands in RABGGTB, a gene related to autophagy and synaptic function, corresponded with its increased expression.Conclusions: Our findings reveal extensive DNA methylation changes in critical genomic regions, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying ASD. The identification of RABGGTB as a novel candidate gene, not listed in the SFARI database, underscores its significance and warrants further research to explore its role in ASD diagnosis. This study enhances our understanding of the epigenetic landscape in ASD, emphasizing the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in its pathophysiology.
Higher subcutaneous adipose tissue radiodensity is associated with an increased risk of the onset of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Yuan Yu-Hang , Zhang Wu-Xi , Wang Jing-Yu , Dong Dong , Xiao Han , Wang Yan-Tian , Xu Wei-ling 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Body composition plays a significant role in the development and progression of disease in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Previous studies have identified the psoas muscle index (PMI) as an independent risk factor for predicting one-year mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the relationship between adipose tissue, another component of body composition, and disease progression in patients with ACLF remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between computed tomography (CT)-derived adipose tissue characteristics and the occurrence of ACLF and to develop a predictive model for ACLF.
Methods
This study included 343 adult patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis who underwent abdominal CT examinations at our center between 2018 and 2022. Clinical laboratory test results and CT-derived adipose tissue characteristics were analyzed. Disease progression within 7 days was monitored, and a predictive model for ACLF occurrence incorporating adipose tissue information was developed.
Results
A total of 42 patients progressed to ACLF within 7 days. Significant differences in adipose tissue density were observed between the ACLF occurrence and non-occurrence groups. The subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) radiodensity in the ACLF occurrence group was − 75.79 (SD ± 16.35) HU, compared to -86.08 (SD ± 14.35) HU in the non-occurrence group. Ultimately, the predictive model comprising four variables—direct bilirubin (DBIL), prothrombin activity (PTA), sodium ion (NA+), and SAT radiodensity—demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93 and 0.91 in the training and test sets, respectively.
Conclusions
Patients with high SAT radiodensity are at a higher risk of developing ACLF. The newly established model can accurately identify individuals at higher risk of ACLF among patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis, thereby facilitating early clinical intervention and improving patient survival rates.
Risk for human papillomavirus-associated gynecologic cancer among women of childbearing age with rheumatic diseases: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Lee Jisoo , Baek In-Woon , Lim Hyunsun , Chung Min Kyung , Park Pil Gyu , Lee Chan Hee , Park Jin Su 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Evaluate the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated gynecologic cancer in women with rheumatic diseases (RD) during their childbearing years.
Methods
Using Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database data (2011−2021), we conducted a cohort study of 40,514 women with RD and 199,366 women without RD aged 20–49 years. The RD cohort included 9,932 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 23,731 with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (SPRA), and 6,851 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Incidence rates and hazard ratios for HPV-associated gynecologic cancer, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3, and cervical, vaginal, and vulva cancers, were estimated using Cox regression.
Results
Over the mean (standard deviation) follow-up period of 67.5 (37.7) months, the incidence rate of HPV-associated gynecologic cancer was 111.5/100,000 person-years in the RD cohort and 73.2/100,000 person-years in the non-RD cohort. Among the RD subcohorts, the incidence rate/100,000 person-years of HPV-associated gynecologic cancer were higher in SLE (223.6) and SPRA (83.1), and lower in AS (69.1) compared with non-RD. The fully adjusted hazard ratio for HPV-associated gynecologic cancer was higher in the RD cohort (2.95 [95% CI 2.44–3.57]) and all the RD subcohorts (SLE 1.85 [95% CI 1.33–2.57], SPRA 4.10 [95% CI 3.03–5.55] and AS 1.91 [95% CI 1.06–3.43]). After adjusting for comorbidities and medication use, hazard ratios increased in SPRA and AS but decreased in SLE.
Conclusion
Korean women of childbearing age with RD have a threefold increased risk for HPV-associated gynecologic cancer compared with those without RD. The risk may be influenced by comorbidities and medication use in SLE. Improved screening strategies are needed for these women.
Resolving the Structure and Magnetic Properties of FePc/CdSe Organic/Inorganic Semiconducting Nanocomposite
Authors: Gabrouny Esraa , Said Shimaa A. , Mahdy Manal A. , Amer Taghreed Zaghloul , El-Bahnasawy Hany H. , El-Sayed Afaf 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The exploration of diverse methodologies for creating hybrid organic/inorganic semiconducting nanocomposites represents a significant area of scientific inquiry, driven by the escalating demand to cater to magnetic-based technologies. In this work, we employed a straightforward solid-state calcination process to fabricate FePc/CdSe QDs nanocomposites with two distinct ratios, specifically 1:1 and 3:5. Structural analysis and the assessment of magnetic properties of these nanocomposites were conducted utilizing a comprehensive array of techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Our investigation substantiates the formation of nanocomposites comprising FePc molecules, CdSe QDs, and γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Notably, these nanocomposites demonstrate a soft ferromagnetic behaviour, serving as a stark contrast to the diamagnetic behaviour observed in original CdSe QDs.
A comparative study of target fabrication strategiesfor microgram muonic atom spectroscopy
Authors: Antwis Luke , Bara Silvia , Bruhn Camillo , Cocolios Thomas E. , Deseyn Marie , Doinaki Anastasia , Düllmann Christoph E. , Fletcher Julian , Heines Michael , Heller René , Indelicato Paul , Kentsch Ulrich , Kieck Tom , Kirch Klaus , Knecht Andreas , Maugeri Emilio A. , Niikura Megumi , Ouf Ahmed , Pereira Lino M.C. , Phyo War War Myint Myat , Pohl Randolf , Renisch Dennis , Ritjoho Narongrit , Vantomme André , Vogiatzi Stergiani M. , von Schoeler Katharina , Wauters Frederik , Zendour Aziza , Zweidler Sami 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Muonic atom spectroscopy is a method that can determine absolute nuclear charge radii with typical relative precision of 10-3. Recent developments have enabled to extend muonic atom spectroscopy to microscopic target quantities as low as 5 µg. This substantial reduction from the traditional limit of the order of 100 mg is based on a transfer mechanism in a high-pressure hydrogen gas cell, which transports the muon to the surface of the target material rather than stopping it over a broad depth range. This approach enables the measurement of absolute nuclear charge radii of long-lived radioactive isotopes (half-life above ~20 years), but the production of appropriate targets for the technique has presented some major challenges, such as the formation of organic layers on the substrate. This study presents a systematic investigation of the stopping efficiency for different target preparation methods: ion implantation, drop-on-demand printing, and molecular plating. Notable differences between the three methods were discovered in terms of their performance allowing to further fine tune the method of choice for future target preparations. Our findings show that implantation provides appropriate targets for our method with negligible losses. This achievement opens the landscape of potential measurements to isotopes where high mass separation is required not achievable with other methods. Furthermore, molecular plated targets performed substantially better than those prepared using drop-on-demand printing.