bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early B lymphocyte subsets in blood predict prognosis in sepsis
Authors: Sun Yingqian , Lu Yan , Pan Xinling , Zhang Chengliang , Wang Liang , Zhang Longyi 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundB lymphocytes play a key role in immunosuppression. This study investigated the prognostic value of B cell subsets in sepsis.MethodsFlow cytometry was used to assess peripheral B cell subsets from patients with sepsis on the first and seventh days following admission, as well as 111 healthy controls. The patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors, based on 28-day prognosis.ResultsThe analysis showed abnormal distribution and selective depletion of B cells and its subsets in the early stages of sepsis. On day 1, compared with survivors, non-survivors showed significant decreases in the proportion and absolute count of transitional (Tr) B cells, reductions in the proportion of CD5+ B cells, and increases in the proportion of double-negative (DN) B cells. On day 7, the proportions and absolute counts of Tr and CD5+ B cells significantly decreased whereas the proportion of DN B cells significantly increased in non-survivors. Ninety-four survivors and 15 non-survivors were included in our paired-sample rank-sum test. Compared to day 1, only the survivors showed significant increases in absolute B, Tr B, and CD5+ B cell counts by day 7. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the proportion of DN B cells on day 1 (hazard ratio = 1.092 [95% confidence interval: 1.035–1.152], P = 0.001) was a risk factor for mortality, and Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with proportions of DN B cells &gt; 11.81% on day 1 had poorer prognoses. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that B cell subset parameters could predict mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.741) and enhanced the prognostic value of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (AUC, 0.840).ConclusionOur study revealed that deficiencies of B, Tr B, and CD5+ B cells, as well as a persistent increase in the proportion of DN B cells, were associated with poor prognosis—and that B cell subsets showed predictive value to mortality. These results provide new insights into the roles of B cell subsets in sepsis, as well as ways to better manage its progression and predict its course.
The small incisions combined with interrupted buried suture blepharoplasty: flexible-rigid fixation
Authors: Cao Jingjing , Yan Lingling 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe traditional full incision blepharoplasty is the most commonly used in Asia. However, it has significant drawbacks like long recovery period, excessive surgical marks etc. We offer a new suture idea and combine it with interrupted suture buried blepharoplasty to improve these disadvantages.MethodsIn our procedure, the orbital septum is opened and separating the levator aponeurosis-the retro-orbital septum complex under this 3–5 millimeters small incision, a flexible-rigid fixation would be made: suture fixation was made to the tarsus-the complex-lower lip orbicularis oculi muscle. We interrupted bury the sutures in the uncut skin between the two small incisions.ResultsThis paper included 333 patients divided into small incision groups using flexible-rigid fixation (n = 244, 73.3%) and full incision groups using rigid fixation (n = 89, 26.7%). Both at 6-month and at 5-year postoperative follow-up, the satisfaction of small incision group was statistically higher than the full incision group. The overall postoperative complication rate was statistically significantly less in the small incision. The permanence was not statistically different. For Assignment of Postoperative Effort Score (PES) results, at 6 months postoperatively, the mean score was 8.29 ± 1.32 in the small incision group, 7.86 ± 1.54 in the full incision group. At 5 years postoperatively, the mean score was 7.48 ± 1.45 in the small incision group, 7.51 ± 1.73 in the full incision group. None were statistically different.ConclusionThe small incisions group achieves a higher level of patient satisfaction and more mild trauma in the surgical area, has a low complication rate, and a decent degree of durability.
The development of a machine learning model to train junior ophthalmologists in diagnosing the pre-clinical keratoconus
Authors: Jiang Yang , Jiang Hanyu , Zhang Jing , Chen Tao , Li Ying , Zhou Yuehua , Chen Youxin , Li Fusheng 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a machine learning model (ML model) to train junior ophthalmologists in detecting preclinical keratoconus (PKC).MethodsA total of 1,334 corneal topography images (The Pentacam HR system) from 413 keratoconus eyes, 32 PKC eyes and 222 normal eyes were collected. Five junior ophthalmologists were trained and annotated the images with or without the suggestions proposed by the ML model. The diagnostic performance of PKC was evaluated among three groups: junior ophthalmologist group (control group), ML model group and ML model-training junior ophthalmologist group (test group).ResultsThe accuracy of the ML model between the eyes of patients with KC and NEs in all three clinics (99% accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve AUC of 1.00, 99% sensitivity, 99% specificity) was higher than that for Belin-Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display total deviation (BAD-D) (86% accuracy, AUC of 0.97, 97% sensitivity, 69% specificity). The accuracy of the ML model between eyes with PKC and NEs in all three clinics (98% accuracy, AUC of 0.96, 98% sensitivity, 98% specificity) was higher than that of BAD-D (69% accuracy, AUC of 0.73, 67% sensitivity, 69% specificity). The diagnostic accuracy of PKC was 47.5% (95%CI, 0.5–71.6%), 100% (95%CI, 100–100%) and 94.4% (95%CI, 14.7–94.7%) in the control group, ML model group and test group. With the assistance of the proposed ML model, the diagnostic accuracy of junior ophthalmologists improved with statistical significance (p &lt; 0.05). According to the questionnaire of all the junior ophthalmologists, the average score was 4 (total 5) regarding to the comprehensiveness that the AI model has been in their keratoconus diagnosis learning; the average score was 4.4 (total 5) regarding to the convenience that the AI model has been in their keratoconus diagnosis learning.ConclusionThe proposed ML model provided a novel approach for the detection of PKC with high diagnostic accuracy and assisted to improve the performance of junior ophthalmologists, resulting especially in reducing the risk of missed diagnoses.
Green manure (Ophiopogon japonicus) cover promotes tea plant growth by regulating soil carbon cycling
Authors: Shao Shuaibo , Li Zhongwei , Zhu Yanqi , Li Yi , Li Yuanping , Wu Linkun , Rensing Christopher , Cai Pumo , Wang Caihao , Zhang Jianmin , Li Qisong 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionIn mountainous tea plantations, which are the primary mode of tea cultivation in China, issues such as soil erosion and declining soil fertility are particularly severe. Although green manure cover is an effective agricultural measure for restoring soil fertility, its application in mountainous tea plantations has been relatively understudied.MethodsThis study investigated the effects of continuous green manure cover using the slope-protecting plant Ophiopogon japonicus on tea plant growth and soil microbial community structure. We implemented three treatments: 1 year of green manure coverage, 2 years of coverage, and a control, to study their effects on tea plant growth, soil physicochemical properties, and soil bacterial and fungal communities.ResultsResults demonstrate that green manure coverage significantly promote the growth of tea plants, enhanced organic matter and pH levels in soil, and various enzyme activities, including peroxidases and cellulases. Further functional prediction results indicate that green manure coverage markedly promoted several carbon cycling functions in soil microbes, including xylanolysis, cellulolysis, degradation of aromatic compounds, and saprotrophic processes. LEfSe analysis indicated that under green manure cover, the soil tends to enrich more beneficial microbial communities with degradation functions, such as Sphingomonas, Sinomonas, and Haliangium (bacteria), and Penicillium, Apiotrichum, and Talaromyce (fungi). In addition. Random forest and structural equation models indicated that carbon cycling, as a significant differentiating factor, has a significant promoting effect on tea plant growth.DiscussionIn the management practices of mountainous tea plantations, further utilizing slope-protecting plants as green manure can significantly influence the soil microbial community structure and function, enriching microbes involved in the degradation of organic matter and aromatic compounds, thereby positively impacting tea tree growth and soil nutrient levels.
Cognitive processing speed improvement after cochlear implantation
Authors: Mosnier Isabelle , Belmin Joël , Cuda Domenico , Manrique Huarte Raquel , Marx Mathieu , Ramos Macias Angel , Khnifes Riad , Hilly Ohad , Bovo Roberto , James Chris J. , Graham Petra L. , Greenham Paula 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundUntreated hearing loss has an effect on cognition. It is hypothesized that the additional processing required to compensate for the sensory loss affects the cognitive resources available for other tasks and that this could be mitigated by a hearing device.MethodsThe impact on cognition of cochlear implants (CIs) was tested in 100 subjects, ≥60 years old, with bilateral moderately-severe to profound post linguistic deafness using hearing aids. Data was compared pre and 12 and 18 months after cochlear implantation for the speech spatial qualities questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail making test B (TMTB) and digit symbol coding (DSC) from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale version IV and finally the timed up and go test (TUG). Subjects were divided into young old (60–64), middle old (65–75) and old old (75+) groups. Cognitive test scores and times were standardized according to available normative data.ResultsHearing significantly improved pre- to post-operatively across all age groups. There was no change post-implant in outcomes for TMTB, TUG or MMSE tests. Age-corrected values were within normal expectations for all age groups for the TUG and MMSE. However, DSC scores and TMTB times were worse than normal. There was a significant increase in DSC scores between baseline and 12-months for 60- to 64-year-olds (t[153] = 2.608, p = 0.027), which remained at 18 months (t[153] = 2.663, p = 0.023).DiscussionThe improved attention and processing speed in the youngest age group may be a consequence of reallocation of cognitive resources away from auditory processing due to greatly improved hearing. The oldest age group of participants had cognition scores closest to normal values, suggesting that only the most able older seniors tend to come forward for a CI. Severe to profoundly deaf individuals with hearing aids or cochlear implants were still poorer than age-equivalent normally hearing individuals with respect to cognitive flexibility, attention, working memory, processing speed and visuoperceptual functions. Due to a lack of data for the TUG, TMTB and DSC in the literature for hearing impaired individuals, the results reported here provide an important set of reference data for use in future research.
Lower extremity muscle activity during reactive balance differs between adults with chronic traumatic brain injury and controls
Authors: Cesar Guilherme M. , Buster Thad W. , Burnfield Judith M. 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundControl of reactive balance is key to achieving safe independent walking and engagement in life activities. After traumatic brain injury (TBI), motor impairments and mobility challenges are persistent sequelae. To date, no studies have explored muscle activity of individuals with chronic TBI during a task that requires reactive control of balance.ObjectiveTo investigate lower extremity muscle activity during a reactive balance test performed by adults with chronic severe TBI and matched controls. We hypothesized that abnormal activity of lower extremity muscles would be related with poorer reactive balance performance. Also, we performed an exploratory analysis for those with TBI investigating the impact of unilateral versus bilateral lower extremity involvement in the control of reactive balance.MethodsTen adults with chronic severe TBI who were independent community ambulators and ten matched controls performed the computerized reactive balance test (Propriotest®) while lower extremity muscle activity was recorded. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was contrasted (Mann–Whitney U Test) between groups across each 10 s epoch of the 120 s test. Additionally, test scores were correlated (Spearman) with lower extremity composite EMG activity to distinguish muscle activity patterns related with reactive balance performance. Lastly, reactive balance test scores were correlated with reactive balance test scores and clinical functional measures only for the TBI group.ResultsAlthough the TBI group exhibited greater EMG activity across the entire test compared with the control group, significant differences were not observed. Greater composite EMG activity correlated significantly with poorer reactive balance performance across most of the 10 s windows of the test.ConclusionGreater muscle activity exhibited during the reactive balance test by individuals with chronic severe TBI compared to those without disabilities, particularly at small unexpected perturbations, highlights the greater physiologic effort required to control reactive balance even after independent ambulation is achieved.
Identification of potential biomarkers of cuproptosis in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Qin Lihua , Cao Xi , Huang Tengjia , Liu Yixin , Li Sheng 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveCerebral ischemia can cause mild damage to local brain nerves due to hypoxia and even lead to irreversible damage due to neuronal cell death. However, the underlying pathogenesis of this phenomenon remains unclear. This study utilized bioinformatics to explore the role of cuproptosis in cerebral ischemic disease and its associated biomarkers.MethodR software identified the overlap of cerebral ischemia and cuproptosis genes, analyzed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and explored hub genes. Expressions and localizations of hub genes in brain tissue, cells, and immune cells were analyzed, along with predictions of protein structures, miRNAs, and transcription factors. A network was constructed depicting hub gene co-expression with miRNAs and interactions with transcription factors. Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) expression was determined using qRT-PCR.ResultsTen cuproptosis-related genes in cerebral ischemia were identified, with GO analysis revealing involvement in acetyl-CoA synthesis, metabolism, mitochondrial function, and iron–sulfur cluster binding. KEGG highlighted processes like the tricarboxylic acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Using the Human Protein Atlas, eight hub genes associated with cuproptosis were verified in brain tissues, hippocampus, and AF22 cells. Lipoyl(octanoyl) transferase 1 (LIPT1), was undetected, while others were found in mitochondria or both nucleus and mitochondria. These genes were differentially expressed in immune cells. FDX1, lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit alpha 1 (PDHA1), PDHB, and glutaminase (GLS) were predicted to target 111 miRNAs. PDHA1, FDX1, LIPT1, PDHB, LIAS, DLAT, GLS, and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) were predicted to interact with 11, 10, 10, 9, 8, 7, 5, and 4 transcription factors, respectively. Finally, FDX1 expression was significantly upregulated in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats with ischemia.ConclusionThis study revealed an association between cerebral ischemic disease and cuproptosis, identifying eight potential target genes. These findings offer new insights into potential biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cerebral ischemia, and provide avenues for the exploration of new medical intervention targets.
Association of inflammation/nutrition-based indicators with Parkinson’s disease and mortality
Authors: Jia Huafang , Yin Kaixiang , Zhao Jihu , Che Fengyuan 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThe study explores the association between inflammation/nutrition-based indicators, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and all-cause mortality among adult participants.MethodsThe analysis included 38,091 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018. Inflammation/nutrition-based indicators were derived from a comprehensive set of parameters, including neutrophil-albumin ratio (NAR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), monocyte-albumin ratio (MAR), red cell distribution width-albumin ratio (RAR), hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score, advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI), geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI), and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score. PD status was determined based on self-reported anti-parkinsonian medication use. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index, linked up to December 30, 2019.ResultsAfter multivariate adjustment, all inflammation/nutrition-based indicators showed significant associations with all-cause mortality among adult participants. The random survival forest emphasized the importance of inflammation/nutrition-based indicators and their components in predicting mortality, with PNI and RAR being the most important indicators for predicting all-cause mortality. Individuals with PD have a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without PD (HR = 1.747 [1.363–2.238], P &lt; 0.001) among adults. Additionally, elevated levels of inflammation/nutrition-based indicators are associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality among individuals with PD compared to those without PD. This suggested a synergistic effect of PD and elevated levels of inflammatory/nutritional indicators on mortality risk. Specifically, individuals with PD and elevated NAR (HR = 2.066 [1.398–3.052], P &lt; 0.001), MAR (HR = 2.249 [1.612–3.138], P &lt; 0.001), RAR (HR = 1.617 [1.179–2.218], P = 0.003), ALI (HR = 1.763 [1.225–2.537], P = 0.002) and CONUT (HR = 2.221 [1.434–3.440], P &lt; 0.001), and not elevated PNI (HR = 1.771 [1.295–2.423], P &lt; 0.001), HALP (HR = 1.738 [1.242–2.432], P = 0.001), and GNRI (HR = 2.689 [1.898–3.811], P &lt; 0.001) have a substantially higher risk of mortality compared to those without PD.ConclusionInflammation and nutrition status play crucial roles in predicting all-cause mortality among adults, particularly in the context of PD. The study underscores the importance of considering both factors in mortality risk assessment and provides valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.
Plasma fatty acid levels and risk of non-small cell lung cancer: a large-scale prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Hua-Long , Lin Qiu-Yan , Feng Jie-Ni , Zheng Wei-E , Yang Chuang , Yuan Shao-Fei 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ranks among the most prevalent and lethal malignancies globally. Fatty acids (FAs) play a significant role in diverse physiological and pathological mechanisms, yet their precise involvement in NSCLC remains poorly understood.MethodsThis study utilized a large-scale prospective cohort of 249,132 participants, observed over an average of 12 years, to investigate the relationship between different FAs and NSCLC risk. Analytical approaches included Cox proportional hazards regression, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, accelerated failure time (AFT) modeling, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 1,460 participants were diagnosed with NSCLC. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that elevated levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid (LA), and omega-3 were inversely associated with NSCLC risk. Kaplan–Meier curves, along with AFT models, corroborated that elevated concentrations of DHA and LA significantly delayed NSCLC onset. Additionally, RCS analysis uncovered nuanced dose–response relationships between these FAs and NSCLC. Stratified analyses highlighted variability based on smoking status, gender, and body mass index subgroups.ConclusionThe concentration of specific FAs exhibits a significant association with NSCLC risk. These results offer a foundation for devising dietary FA composition adjustments aimed at reducing NSCLC risk.
Influence of catheter thickness on respiratory physiology during less invasive surfactant administration in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Gunatilaka Chamindu C. , Xiao Qiwei , Bates Alister J. , Franz Axel R. , Poets Christian F. , Maiwald Christian A. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionDelivering surfactant via thin catheters (minimal-invasive surfactant therapy (MIST); less invasive surfactant administration (LISA)) has become a common procedure. However, the effect of tracheal obstruction caused by catheters of different sizes on tracheal resistance in extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) is unknown.MethodsTo investigate the effect of catheters size 3.5, 5 and 6 French on airway resistance in ELGANs of 23–28 weeks gestational age during LISA, we performed calculations based on Hagen-Poiseuille's law and compared these with a clinically and physically more accurate method: computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of respiratory airflow, performed in 3D virtual airway models derived from MRI.ResultsThe presence of the above catheters decreased the cross-sectional area of the infants' tracheal entrance (the cricoid ring) by 13–53%. Hagen-Poiseuille's law predicted an increase in resistance by 1.5–4.5 times and 1.3–2.6 times in ELGANs born at 23 and 28 weeks, respectively. However, CFD simulations demonstrated an even higher increase in resistance of 3.4–85.1 and 1.1–3.5 times, respectively. The higher calculated resistances were due to the extremely narrow remaining lumen at the glottis and cricoid with the catheter inserted, resulting in a stronger glottal jet and turbulent airflow, which was not predicted by Hagen-Poiseuille.ConclusionCatheter thickness can greatly increase tracheal resistance during LISA-procedures in ELGANs. Based on these models, it is recommended to use the thinnest catheter possible during LISA in ELGANs to avoid unnecessary increases in airway resistance in infants already experiencing dyspnea due to respiratory distress syndrome.