bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 mortality in different areas of Chinese mainland as of March 10, 2022
Authors: Wang Yuehai , Yu Jinghong , Wang Xinzheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
We have reported the difference of COVID-19 morbidity in different areas of Chinese mainland.
Objective
This paper aims to discover COVID-19 mortality difference among different areas and epidemic phases of Chinese mainland, and discuss the timing of the termination of strict quarantine measures.
Methods
Chinese mainland was divided into area I-III, the epidemic process was divided into phase I-IV. Daily COVID-19 death, cumulative death, death ratio, and daily severe case data were collected.
Results
Before April 15, 2020, during each epidemic phases, area I had the highest daily death and death ratio, while area III had the lowest. In phases III, the daily deaths in area I-III were higher than in phase II, and the death ratios in area II and III were higher than in phase II. After April 14, 2020, only two deaths in Chinese mainland occurred in area III; And severe case ratio dropped to almost all below 10%, especially after May 29, 2020, the ratio dropped to 0-4.76%.
Conclusion
Before mid-April 2020, the most serious COVID-19 death period in Chinese mainland is Phase III; And the most serious COVID-19 death area is Wuhan, with a mortality rate of about 0.0769 during outbreak phase. Due to adequate treatment, severe case ratio and death ratio dropped quickly, with almost zero of COVID-19 death ratio after mid-April 2020. At this time or after May 29, relaxed quarantine measure may be feasible. The intensification of SARS-CoV-2 contagiousness has led to ‘dynamic zeroing’ policy failure.
Formononetin protects against sepsis-induced lung injury by directly inhibiting receptor for advanced glycation end products signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Guoyong , Han Xin , Xu Honglin , Jin Xi , Xie Lingpeng , Xu Tong , Pang Mingjie , Hu Changlei , Chen Guanghong , Hua Yue , Zhang Jiayi , Wu Yuting , Liu Bin , Zhou Yingchun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Excessive inflammatory response is the pathological basis of septic lung injury. Although formononetin (FMN) exerts an anti-inflammatory activity, its effect on sepsis-induced lung injury and the associated mechanisms remain unknown. Hence, in this study, we explored how FMN affected septic lung injury and the underlying mechanisms. We constructed mouse model of sepsis-induced lung injury through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in vivo, and utilized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate RAW 264.7 cells for simulating inflammatory environment during septic condition in vitro. Specifically, FMN treatment significantly suppressed the generation of inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In addition, FMN treatment alleviated lung pathological damage, inhibited apoptosis, and improved lung barrier dysfunction. Moreover, FMN administration markedly reduced the protein level of RAGE, and inhibited the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB (p65), IκBα, JNK, ERK, and p38. Surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) and molecular docking revealed that FMN could bind to RAGE protein and form a stable connection with RAGE. Meanwhile, silencing RAGE significantly abolished FMN’s activity against inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells. FMN combined with RAGE inhibitor treatment did not further increase FMN’s protective effect against septic lung injury mice. In conclusion, FMN protects against septic lung injury through directly suppressing RAGE signaling pathway. These results suggest that FMN exhibits potential as a viable drug candidate for treating septic lung injury.
What are the optimal disc height changes for successful indirect decompression with OLIF?
Analysis of pre- and postoperative parameter changes up to 1 year
Authors: Hwang Yoonjoong , Park Jihun , Hong Jae-Young , Park Jiwon , Soh Jaewan , Suh Dong Hun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Study design: Retrospective study. Objective: To evaluate the associated factors for successful indirect decompression by assessing the changes in disc height and spinal canal width. Methods: This study included 63 patients and 104 involved surgical levels. The efficacy of OLIF for lumbar spinal stenosis on spinal canal and foramen before and after surgery was analyzed up to 1 year. Radiologic parameters were anterior disc height (ADH), posterior disc height (PDH), lumbar lordotic angle (LL), segmental lordotic angle (SL), foraminal height (FH), cross-sectional area (CSA) of the spinal canal, cross-sectional foraminal area (CSF), and subsidence (SD). Results: Comparing pre- and postoperative values, the mean CSA and CSF were significantly increased (p < 0.001). FH increased from 15.23 ± 3.48 mm to 18.78 ± 2.93 mm and was stable for up to 1 year (p < 0.0001). The VAS leg and ODI scores significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.05). Changes of immediate postoperative and 1-year FH were significantly related to 1 year ADH, PDH, and VAS leg changes (P < 0.05). The group showing 1-year FH improvement (positive(+) group) demonstrated significantly larger immediate postoperative ADH and PDH changes compared with the FH negative(-) group (6.46 mm vs. 4.52 mm, p = 0.038; 3.59 vs. 2.40, P < 0.001, respectively). The CSF positive(+) group also showed significantly higher immediate postoperative ADH and PDH changes (6.24 mm vs. 4.55 mm, p = 0.043; 3.00 vs. 1.57, P = 0.010, respectively). Conclusions OLIF provided satisfactory indirect decompression up to 1 year. Considering the increase of foraminal height, we recommend more than 3.0 mm of immediate postoperative PDH increase, avoiding over-distraction of disc space.
Assessing platelet-lymphocyte ratio in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: An analysis across TKI generations.
Authors: Cooper Ryan , Ramaswami Dhruv , Thomas Jacob , Nieva Jorge , Hsu Robert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The prognostic utility of laboratory markers in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is an ongoing area of research. The utility of the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients treated with osimertinib is undetermined.
Methods: 151 patients treated with EGFR TKIs in Los Angeles were grouped into one of two groups according to generation of TKI. Differences in progression free survival (PFS) by stratification by PLR was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Differences in median change in laboratory markers by generation of TKI was analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests. Cox Hazard Regression was used to perform multivariate analysis.
Results: Median PFS of those managed with 1st or 2nd generation TKIs was significantly lower in patients with a PLR ≥ 180 (10.5 months) compared to those with PLR < 180 (16.6 months, p = 0.0163). Median PFS was comparable in those treated with osimertinib regardless of PLR. Patients managed with osimertinib had a significant decrease in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at 6 weeks and in platelets at 6 weeks and 3 months compared to those managed with 1st or 2nd generation TKIs.
Discussion: The prognostic value of PLR was more apparent in patients treated with 1st or 2nd generation TKIs compared to those treated with osimertinib. Third generation EGFR TKIs may be more efficacious in treating patients with laboratory findings previously shown to predict poor survival. The significant changes in peripheral cell counts suggest variability tumor microenvironment changes dependent on the generation of TKI received.
Identification of molecular patterns of anoikis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-combined index for colorectal cancer and the regulatory role of LTBP1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiuyuan , Ye Qizhen , Ding Yuwei , Zhu Ning , Weng Shanshan , Chen Jiaqi , Dong Caixia , Yuan Ying 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common digestive tumor, and patients with advanced CRC have a very poor prognosis. Anoikis is a form of apoptosis induced by the loss of cell attachment or the interruption of adhesion-dependent signaling pathways and tumor cells can become resistant to anoikis when detached from the stroma. Anoikis resistance (AR) is a prerequisite for and an important indicator of the metastatic potential of tumor cells. While AR and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) play important roles in the progression of CRC, the joint role of the two is not clear in CRC. In this study, based on anoikis and EMT-related genes, CRC patients were divided into two groups, AERG clusters A and B, by consensus clustering. Survival and enrichment analyses revealed that the cluster B group had a shorter survival and was more inclined to have AR and EMT characteristics. We established an AERG score based on a cluster of seven genes. Comprehensive analyses, including survival analysis, immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and gene mutation analysis, indicated that the AERG score holds significant clinical relevance. The signature gene of AERG score, LTBP1, is highly expressed in CRC and is associated with poor prognosis. Subsequently, in vitro and in vivo experiments verified the biological function of LTBP1, and the knockdown of LTBP1 can inhibit CRC cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis resistance. In addition, our findings suggest that LTBP1 could be instrumental in CRC, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine HuoXue LiShui Formula for Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CHARM): Study Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Liang , Tong Yanping , Li Yunfei , Gao Dezhu , Wei Wei , Zhang Hongbing , Zhou Hui , Fan Yongping , Liu Weiming 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions and occurs mainly in elderly individuals. Surgical evacuation is usually effective for this pathology but commonly carries significant risks, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. Therefore, interest in nonsurgical treatment with medications such as tranexamic acid, atorvastatin, and dexamethasone is increasing. However, the efficacy of all these medications is still uncertain in patients with CSDH. According to the literature, the operative rate at 24 weeks is 5–33%. In our retrospective study, the Chinese herbal medicine HuoXue LiShui (HXLS) formula significantly reduced the necessity for surgery in patients with CSDH. The results demonstrated that HXLS can achieve low operative rates and good outcomes.
Methods/design
This is a prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, blinded endpoint, randomized controlled trial designed to include 160 participants 18–90 years of age presenting with CSDH verified via computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The participants will be randomly allocated to receive HXLS granules (treatment group) or placebo (control group) after enrollment two times daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint will be the incidence of hematoma progression requiring surgery or recurrence requiring reoperation; the secondary outcomes will include CSDH volume, thickness, neurological outcome, cognitive function, performance in activities of daily living, and quality of life at 24 weeks.
Discussion
This trial will validate the efficacy and safety of the Chinese herbal medicine HXLS formula in reducing operative rates, improving clinical outcomes in patients with CSDH, and improving nonsurgical management.
Trial registration
This trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov with NCT06427980 on August 17, 2024. (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT06427980.)
Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Qatar: Eight-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nader Joanne , Albalushi Sara , Chaponda Masautso , Howady Faraj , Alsoub Hussam , Hashim Samar , Maslamani Muna Al 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. This retrospective cohort study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological landscape of TB in Qatar over an eight-year period, from 2016 to 2023. Data were collected from the Communicable Disease Center (CDC) TB registry, encompassing individuals with confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Demographic characteristics, incidence rates, mortality trends, drug resistance patterns and associated factors were analyzed.
Results: TB incidence rate in Qatar remained below the global average and WHO 2025 milestone target. Across all age groups, TB incidence showed a notable variation, with a peak among individuals aged 25-54 years. Males had higher TB incidence rates. A significant proportion of TB cases originated from high-incidence countries. Qatar demonstrated fluctuations in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases over the study period, the percentage remained below the global average, indicating effective TB control efforts.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of TB in Qatar, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate TB transmission and improve control measures in high-risk populations.
Low-dose versus high-dose intravenous nitroglycerin in the treatment of sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema: A systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on efficacy, safety, and outcomes
Authors: Pramudyo Miftah , Kamarullah William , Pranata Raymond , Prameswari Hawani Sasmaya , Iqbal Mohammad , Dewi Triwedya Indra , Akbar Mohammad Rizki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Backgound
Sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema (SCAPE) is a menacing medical emergency that manifests as a severe conundrum of acute heart failure (AHF), characterized by an increase in systemic vascular resistance, which results in rapid redistribution of fluid to the pulmonary circulation. While the use of high-dose nitroglycerin (NTG) is gaining traction amid this patient subset, evidence on its efficacy and safety remains scarce and therefore lack of accuracy. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety between high- and low-dose NTG in patients with SCAPE.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Europe PMC, and ScienceDirect for trials comparing the outcomes of high-dose NTG in SCAPE patients to low-dose NTG. Pre-defined efficacy (symptoms resolution rate within 6 hours, mechanical ventilation rates, length of hospital stay, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)) and safety outcomes were summarized throughout the studies.
Results
A total of 4 studies involving 185 participants were included. Compared to low-dose NTG, high-dose subset appeared to result in shortened hospital length of stay and faster symptoms alleviation within 6 hours of admission. The primary combined endpoint of mechanical ventilation was notably reduced in high-dose as compared to low-dose group. There was no statistically significant difference in MACE risk between high- and low-dose subgroups. No adverse event (hypotension) was observed in both groups.
Conclusion
Current evidence suggests that high-dose NTG (≥100 mcg/min) delivers a modest but superior improvement in several clinical parameters and is a viable alternative to low-dose NTG in the management of SCAPE patients.
Development of a scoring system for Author placement in Manuscript writing
Authors: Onyinye . Uchenna Anyanwu , Chinonyelum . Thecla Ezeonu , Obumneme . Beniah Ezeanosike , Maria-Lauretta . Chito Orji 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and objectives:The author placement in a manuscript should reasonably correspond to their contribution to the work. Despite its importance, author placement had been done arbitrarily without objectivity. This study aims to study the importance, and contributions of an author in a collaborative research based on their placement as well as to develop a scoring system for authorship order. Hopefully this would provide a structured method of proposing authorship order in a scientific manuscript.
Methods:A sequential mixed qualitative and quantitative method was used with consecutive sampling of 100participants. Key informant interviews were conducted on importance, credibility and parts of a research/manuscript writing process. A 14-item step for generation of a manuscript was developed which was given to researchers to score 1-5 based on importance. Manual analysis was used for qualitative part, while quantitative data analysis was done with IBM SPSS-22. The mean+ SD Score of each item was obtained and percentage agreement calculated.
Results:There was a uniform list of various parts to develop a manuscript from start to publishing. Conceptualization of study, preparation of manuscript, received scores 5 and 4.4 while financial contribution, analysis of results, proof reading/editing of manuscript were scored 1 respectively.All participants scored same for conceptualization(score 5) and financial contribution(score1).
Conclusion:Conceptualization of study and preparation of manuscripts had the largest scores for placements of authors, while financial contribution; proof reading/editing of manuscripts and data analysis had the least scores. Proper placement for authors in manuscript writing using this guide is thereby recommended.
Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery with Sequential ECMO Therapy for the Management of Aortic Dissection Complicated with Myocardial Infarction: a case report
Authors: Honghao H , Gao Geng , Jinbao Z , Xiaohong W , Li J , Shunbi L , Yang Ke , Xin Mei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Aortic dissection, a critical cardiovascular condition, poses a significantly high risk of mortality. The clinical manifestations associated with myocardial infarction can complicate the diagnosis of aortic dissection, thereby hindering timely and comprehensive treatment administration and aggravating patient prognosis. However, the administration of ECMO therapy postoperatively for aortic dissection has been shown to effectively enhance patient outcomes.
Case presentation
A 45-year-old male patient presented to our hospital's emergency department complaining of back pain. Upon urgent electrocardiogram examination, he was diagnosed with acute inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by third-degree atrioventricular block. Promptly, the patient underwent treatment for acute myocardial infarction and was urgently transferred to the interventional catheterization laboratory. Coronary angiography revealed a 60% stenosis in the distal portion of the circumflex artery, attributed to plaque accumulation. Despite the subsequent performance of balloon angioplasty and thrombectomy, the patient's precordial pain persisted. Subsequently, an emergency thoracic aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) and echocardiography were conducted, revealing the presence of a DeBakey Type I aortic dissection. Prompt action was taken, and the patient was immediately transferred to the cardiac surgery department. There, he underwent an emergency surgical procedure involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for the replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic sinus. Postoperatively, he was supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and gradually regained consciousness under the intensive care unit's vigilant supervision. Once hemodynamic stability was achieved, ECMO support was discontinued. The patient ultimately recovered and was successfully discharged from the hospital.
Conclusion
This case underscores that precordial pain is not exclusively confined to myocardial infarction, but may also coexist with aortic dissection. The implementation of ECMO therapy postoperatively can effectively mitigate adverse prognoses stemming from myocardial infarction, cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, prolonged cardiac arrest, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, individualized treatment holds utmost significance in managing complex aortic dissections.
Characterization, optimization and scaling up of submerged Inonotus hispidus mycelial fermentation for enhanced biomass and polysaccharide production
Authors: Shen Ke , Liu Yuanshuai , Liu Liyan , Khan Abdul Waheed , Normakhamatov Nodirali , Wang Zhaomei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study was to establish an efficient strategy based on inoculum-morphology control for the submerged mycelial fermentation of an edible and medicinal fungus, Inonotus hispidus. Two major morphological forms of mycelial inoculum were compared, dispersed mycelial fragments versus aggregated mycelial clumps. The dispersed one was more favorable for the fermentation, starting with a shorter lag period and attaining a higher biomass yield and more uniform mycelium pellets in shake-flasks. The mycelial pellets taken from the shake-flask culture on day 6 were fragmented at 26,000 rpm in a homogenizer, and shear time 3 min provided the optimal inoculum. The inoculum and culture conditions were further verified in 5-L stirred-tank fermenters and then the fermentation was scaled-up in a 100 L stirred-tank. With the optimized inoculum and process conditions plus a fed-batch operation, much higher productivities, including 22.23 g/L biomass, 3.31g/L EPS, 5.21g/L IPS, were achieved in the 100-L fermenter than in the flask culture. Composition analysis showed that the I. hispidus mycelium produced by the fermentation was rich in protein, dietary fiber, and polysaccharides which may be benefitical to health. Overall, the results have shown that the inoculum characteristics including age, morphology and state of aggregation have significant impact on the productivity of mycelial biomass and polysaccharides in submerged mycelial fermentation of I. hispidus fungus.
Muscle pre-activation using photobiomodulation attenuates slow component amplitude during running in heavy domain
Authors: Mezzaroba Paulo Victor , Filho Dalton Muller Pessôa , Machado Fabiana Andrade 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM) using light emitting diode (LED) or laser sources has been associated with physical exercise, affecting positively the uptake, transportation, and use of oxygen (O2). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to verify the effect of PBM with application of LED on the response of the fundamental and slow components of the oxygen uptake (V̇O2) kinetics during the rest-to-work running exercise transition in heavy domain. Twenty-six healthy, physically active, young men, aged between 20 and 30 years volunteered to take part in this study. Participants performed a maximal incremental running tests on a motorized treadmill to determine the gas exchange threshold and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and using these data they went through two running conditions on square wave transitions in a heavy intensity domain: placebo (PLA) and LED. For each square wave test, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and gas exchanges were monitored. PLA and LED conditions were compared using the dependent Student t-test, using the statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The main results showed an increase in V̇O2, reduction in RPE and HR during heavy intensity constant exercise performed after the application of LED, when compared to the placebo condition. Furthermore, the analysis of V̇O2 kinetics also showed the reduction in the contribution of the V̇O2 slow component in response to the intervention with LED. In conclusion, LED induced ergogenic effect for the aerobic performance on the heavy domain.