bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative diagnostic value of multimodal spectral CT for patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Yu Na , Hong Yuqin , Lv Xue , Liu Qiao , Yan Min 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveDelayed enhancement cardiac computed tomography (CT) empowers the diagnosis of left atrial appendage thrombus while limited to scanning heterogeneity. We optimized the spectral CT scan and post-process protocols, incorporating delayed enhancement and spectral iodine analysis to discriminate left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus with better morphological relationships between the left atrium, pulmonary vein, and esophagus.MethodsA total of 278 consecutive patients were retrieved from January 2019 to June 2023. All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and spectral CT scan of the left atrial and pulmonary vein, with a complete period including the pulmonary venous phase and three delay phases. TEE diagnosis was used as the standard reference. For patients exhibiting LAA filling defects during the pulmonary venous phase, a delayed scan of 30 s (phase I) was performed. If the filling defects persisted, a further delayed scan of 1 min (phase II) was conducted. In cases where the filling defects persisted, an additional delayed scan of 2 min (phase III) was carried out. Iodine concentration in the filled defect area of LAA and the left atrium was measured in phase III. Moreover, 30 patients were randomly selected for water-swallowing and the other 30 for calm breathing. The image quality and esophageal dilation of the two groups were assessed by two experienced surgeons specializing in radiofrequency ablation.ResultsIn total, 14 patients were diagnosed with thrombi by TEE. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and AUC of phase III delayed combined with iodine quantification for thrombi diagnosis were all 100%. The water-swallowing group exhibited significantly greater esophageal filling and expansion than the calm-breathing group, contributing to a better morphology assessment with no significant difference in image quality.ConclusionCombined with iodine quantification, delayed enhancement of spectral CT imaging presents a promising diagnostic potency for LAA thrombus. Incorporating water swallowing into the CT scan process further enables anatomical visualization of the esophagus, left atrium, and pulmonary vein, thereby providing more objective and authentic imaging evidence to assess the esophageal morphology and positional relationships.
Formation of self-nanoparticles and the immune effect on tumors after injection of ferric chloride with H2O2 under magnetic field therapy
Authors: Yu Baofa , Han Yan , Zhang Jian , Chen Dong 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveNanotechnology offers many advantages in various fields of cancer therapy. This study describes a new method of self-forming nanoparticles (self-nano) using ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to form the self-nanoparticles in an in vivo tumor. The treatment effect is evaluated.MethodA solution of 3% FeCl3 (0.5 mL) and 1.8% H2O2 (1.0 mL) was injected into the tumor. At various time points post-injection, tumors were collected, and sections were prepared for electron microscopy to evaluate the size of the self-nano particles. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to analyze the immune changes and their effect on tumor growth.ResultThe formation of self-nano in vitro was observed and confirmed, with particles averaging 421 nm in size for the FeCl3 + H2O2 solution. Over time points ranging from 1 to 14 days, the formed self-nano remained stable at a regular size of 421 ± 8 nm. The self-nano, primarily consisting of iron, induced ferroptosis under the influence of an external magnetic field, leading to tumor growth control through iron-induced cell death and immune reactions. These self-nanoparticles also showed stronger enrichment of pathways related to CD8+ T effect cells (Teff), T cell activation, and regulation of T cell proliferation.ConclusionThe FeCl3 + H2O2 solution can form Fe₂O₃-based self-nanoparticles within tumors through H2O2-incubated oxidation of FeCl3. The self-nano remains effective for over 14 days, inducing ferroptosis and upregulating immune cells under magnetic field treatment. This method offers a novel approach for cancer treatment that can be combined with other modalities.
Case Report: Cerebral folate deficiency caused by FOLR1 variant
Authors: Wang Qian , Yang Jie , Yu Chunmei , Deng Yao , Wen Qianhui , Yang Hua , Liu Hao , Luo Rong 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCerebral folate transport deficiency (CFD) is a rare neurological disease characterized by a deficiency in 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in the cerebrospinal fluid, with a normal peripheral total folate level. Late infantile-onset refractory seizures, ataxia, movement disorders, hypotonia, developmental delays, and developmental regression characterize CFD. Some patients present with visual and hearing impairments and autism-like manifestations. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical features, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic outcomes in siblings with CFD due to FOLR1 variants, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.Case presentationWe reported the cases of two siblings with CFD caused by a new variant in FOLR1. They presented with intractable epilepsy, developmental regression, and ataxia, and the younger sibling developed autism. Whole-exon sequencing revealed a c.148G&gt;A homozygous variant, resulting in a change in the amino acid sequence (p.Glu50Lys). Low 5-MTHF levels were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid.ConclusionsThis report illustrates that CFD was caused by FOLR1 variants in two siblings. They had intractable epilepsy, developmental regression, and ataxia, and a diagnosis of CFD was confirmed by a c.148G&gt;A (p.Glu50Lys) variant in FOLR1, a new pathogenic variant in FOLR1. Early diagnosis is essential and can improve outcomes in affected patients.
Correlation of anterior cerebral artery resistive index with early comorbidities in preterm neonates
Authors: Gill Karambir Singh , Gupta Bhavna , Pooni Puneet A. , Bhargava Siddharth 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study was undertaken to find the clinical correlation of resistive index (RI) in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) of preterm neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) with comorbidities such as perinatal asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).MethodsAn observational analytical study was conducted, including preterm neonates (&lt;35 weeks) admitted to the NICU. Ultrasound cranium scans were performed on days 1–3 and 7 of life as per the study protocol. Baseline and clinical data of asphyxia, sepsis, and NEC were obtained. Images were acquired using a 4–8-MHz probe on a Sonosite M-turbo machine (Bothell, WA, USA). All statistical calculations were done using SPSS version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) with the application of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and the Mann–Whitney test.ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 739 neonates were admitted. Of these, 73 neonates constituted the study group. Among the 73 patients, 33 were preterm neonates without comorbidities and 40 neonates had comorbidities such as perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, and NEC stage 2 and 3 (necrotizing enterocolitis). In the present study, the mean RI on day 3 of life was 0.76 ± 0.04 in neonates without comorbidities and 0.77 ± 0.04 in neonates with comorbidities, with a p-value of 0.247. On the 7th day of life, the mean RI was 0.82 ± 0.03 in both groups, with a p-value of 0.42.ConclusionWe could not find any significant clinical correlation of RI in the ACA of preterm neonates &lt;35 weeks of gestation with comorbidities.
Inhibitory effects of calcium channel blockers nisoldipine and nimodipine on ivacaftor metabolism and their underlying mechanism
Authors: Xia Hailun , Xu Xinhao , Chen Jie , Wu Hualu , Shen Yuxin , Chen Xiaohai , Xu Ren-ai , Wu Wenzhi 
Published: September 2024

Ivacaftor is the first potentiator of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein approved for use alone in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Ivacaftor is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 and therefore may interact with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates, resulting in changes in plasma exposure to ivacaftor. The study determined the levels of ivacaftor and its active metabolite M1 by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). We screened 79 drugs and 19 severely inhibited ivacaftor metabolism, particularly two cardiovascular drugs (nisoldipine and nimodipine). In rat liver microsomes (RLM) and human liver microsomes (HLM), the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of nisoldipine on ivacaftor metabolism were 6.55 μM and 9.10 μM, respectively, and the inhibitory mechanism of nisoldipine on ivacaftor metabolism was mixed inhibition; the IC50 of nimodipine on ivacaftor metabolism in RLM and HLM were 4.57 μM and 7.15 μM, respectively, and the inhibitory mechanism of nimodipine on ivacaftor was competitive inhibition. In pharmacokinetic experiments in rats, it was observed that both nisoldipine and nimodipine significantly altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of ivacaftor, such as AUC(0-t) and CLz/F. However, this difference may not be clinically relevant. In conclusion, this paper presented the results of studies investigating the interaction between these drugs and ivacaftor in vitro and in vivo. The objective is to provide a rationale for the safety of ivacaftor in combination with other drugs.
Exogenous gibberellin suppressed taproot secondary thickening by inhibiting the formation and maintenance of vascular cambium in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Meng Ge , Yong Mingli , Zhang Ziyue , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Yahui , Xiong Aisheng , Su Xiaojun 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe thickening of radish taproots is primarily determined by secondary growth driven by the vascular cambium and is a highly intricate process regulated by plant hormones, transcription factors, and many metabolic pathways. Gibberellin (GA), a plant hormone associated with cell elongation, is essential in secondary growth. However, the mechanism through which exogenous GA3 regulates secondary taproot growth in radishes remains unclear.MethodsIntegrated morphological, anatomical, hormonal, and transcriptomic analyses of taproots in radishes treated with GA3 and its biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ) were performed to explore their effects on taproot secondary growth and key regulatory pathways.ResultsGA3 significantly hindered taproot thickening by inhibiting the formation and maintenance of the vascular cambium, and PBZ promoted root development by increasing root length rather than root diameter. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2,014, 948, and 1,831 differentially expressed genes identified from the control vs. GA3, control vs. PBZ, and GA3 vs. PBZ comparisons, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were primarily involved in the biosyntheses of secondary metabolites and metabolic pathways. GA3 significantly increased the levels of endogenous indole-acetic acid and the expression of auxin synthesis and signal transduction genes.DiscussionExogenous GA3 significantly inhibited the expression of genes involved in the maintenance and differentiation of vascular cambium, including WOX14, ER/ERL1, and XCP2. Exogenous GA3 affects root thickening in radishes primarily by regulating hormone signal transduction pathways, vascular cambium activity, and substance and energy metabolisms. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying taproot thickening in radishes and provide a valuable gene database for future studies.
Mental health literacy and help-seeking intention among Chinese elite athletes: the mediating roles of stigma and social support
Authors: Bu Danran , Zhang Chun-Qing , Liang Wei , Han Zhe , Yi Nian , Su Ning , Huang Zhijian 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesConsidering the importance of mental health help-seeking, researchers have closely examined the relationship between mental health literacy (MHL) and help-seeking intention (HSI). Furthermore, the high impact of stigma and the potential value of social support on HSI have been recognised. However, the relationship between these variables has not been fully tested within the context of Chinese elite athletes. This study addressed this gap by examining the relationship between MHL and HSI. Furthermore, it explored the mediating effects of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support on the relationship between MHL and HSI among Chinese elite athletes.Methods450 Chinese elite athletes (Mage = 18.12, SD = 3.20, 46.2% female) self-reported their MHL, public stigma, self-stigma, social support, and HSI. Mediation analysis was conducted using the bootstrap approach of the PROCESS macro version 3.3 of SPSS 25.ResultsThe results showed a significant positive correlation between MHL and HSI (r = 0.348). The results also demonstrated that MHL was a predictor of HSI (β = 0.337, 95%CI [0.249, 0.425], p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, 1) the indirect effect of MHL → public stigma→HSI was 0.024 and a 95%CI [0.003, 0.053]. Specifically, MHL predicted public stigma (Estimate = −0.151, 95%CI [−0.187, −0.045], p &lt; 0.001), and public stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = −0.161, 95%CI [− 0.549, −0.164], p &lt; 0.001); 2) the indirect effect of MHL → self-stigma→ HSI was 0.016 and 95%CI [0.002, 0.038]. Specifically, MHL predicted self-stigma (Estimate = −0.137, 95%CI [−0.069, −0.013], p &lt; 0.01), and self-stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = −0.120, 95%CI [−1.181, −0.186], p &lt; 0.01); as well as 3) the indirect effect of MHL → social support→HSI was 0.029 and a 95%CI [0.009, 0.055]. Specifically, MHL predicted social support (Estimate = 0.208, 95%CI [0.018, 0.047], p &lt; 0.001), and social support predicted HSI (Estimate = 0.141, 95%CI [0.578, 2.442], p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, the direct effects from MHL to HSI is (β = 0.452, 95%CI [0.304, 0.600], p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionOur findings provide empirical support for the roles of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support as mechanisms of behavioural change in MHL interventions. These factors increase HSI among elite athletes. Future studies should further test these mediating effects using experimental designs.
Mannerisms and stereotypies in catatonia: beyond simple motor movements
Authors: Mahgoub Yassir , Pathare Aum , Hamlin Dallas , Kindt Hailey , Francis Andrew 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCatatonia is a complex syndrome with prominent psychomotor, cognitive, and affective manifestations. Among the commonly described manifestations of catatonia are mannerisms and stereotypies. Kahlbaum, who coined the term catatonia, described several presentations of mannerisms and stereotypies as complex behaviors in his monograph. However, most of the subsequent psychiatric literature has described both phenomena in the context of simple motor movements or actions.Study design or methodWe identified complex behavioral presentations of mannerisms and stereotypies described by Kahlbaum in his monograph. We summarize the development and use of mannerisms and stereotypies as psychiatric terminology since Kahlbaum, emphasizing the spectrum of behavior captured early in this usage. We list the inconsistent and interchangeable use of these terms in subsequent literature and describe recent examples of complex behavioral manifestations of mannerisms and stereotypies in the context of catatonia.Study resultsWe propose a new framework for mannerisms and stereotypies that utilizes descriptive psychopathology factors in various normative references, the context of the behavior examined, and critical pathological processes identified in mannerisms and stereotypies to identify and describe complex manifestations of these phenomena.ConclusionCatatonia continues to remain under-recognized and under-treated. Our current diagnostic tools can make mannerisms and stereotypies complex and challenging to recognize. We suggest defining stereotypies as non-contextual repetitive activities while mannerisms as non-contextual peculiarities of activities. Utilizing our proposed framework and definitions can improve the description, recognition, and treatment of catatonia.
Low hand grip strength as an indicator of depression in the Korean population: a large-scale cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Bum Ju 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundDepression is one of the leading global mental health problems, and hand grip strength (HGS) is associated with depression. However, there have been no studies assessing the association between depression and relative HGS indices combined with waist circumference (WC) and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). The objective of this study was to examine the association of depression with absolute and relative HGS indices.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 to 2019. A total of 20,649 participants (8,959 men, 43.4% and 11,690 women, 56.6%) were included. The associations between depression and the HGS indices were analyzed through complex sample binary logistic regression models, which were adjusted for age in Model 1 and various covariates in Model 2.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 4.58%, with rates of 2.29% for men and 6.34% for women. The prevalence of depression in women was 2.76 times greater than that in men. In men, the mean HGS values in the dominant hand were 35.48 ± 0.75 kg in the depression group and 38.73 ± 0.11 kg in the non-depression group; in women, they were 21.37 ± 0.22 kg in the depression group and 22.77 ± 0.07 kg in the non-depression group. In men, relative HGS indices as HGS/WC, HGS/body mass index, and HGS/WHtR were more strongly associated with depression than were the absolute HGS indices; however, in women, the associations were similar for both absolute and relative HGS indices. The magnitude of the association was greater for men than for women. In both sexes, all the anthropometric indices had a lower association with depression than did the HGS indices.ConclusionLow absolute and relative HGS were negatively associated with depression in the Korean population. But, relative HGS indices were more strongly associated with depression than were absolute HGS and anthropometric indices in men but not in women.
The Properties and Behavior of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: The Effects of Aggregate Volume Content and Particle Size
Authors: Matiushin Evgenii , Sizyakov Ivan , Shvetsova Victoria , Soloviev Vadim 
Published: September 2024

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) and Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) represent promising materials in the field of construction, offering exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for the development of a wide range of infrastructure projects. One of the goals is to better understand the impact of each component of the materials on their key properties in the hardened state. This work examines the effect of the aggregate on the properties of UHPC and UHPFRC. This article provides test results for five compositions without fiber, and five compositions with 2% corrugated steel fiber. Three aggregate concentrations (0, 0.2, and 0.4 m3) and quartz sand with different maximum particle sizes (0.4 and 0.8 mm) were selected. It was found that the mechanical properties of the material, such as the steel fiber bond strength, compressive and axial tensile strength, fracture energy, and critical stress intensity factor, depend on both the concentration of the aggregate and the size of its particles. A novel mix-design parameter was proposed, which reflects the total surface area of the aggregate in the composition (Sagg,tot). The relationships between the parameter Sagg,tot and the mechanical characteristics of UHPC and UHPFRC were established. The steel fiber bond strength, axial tensile strength, and fracture energy-related parameters grew non-linearly when the parameter Sagg,tot increased. When the parameter Sagg,tot was changed from 0 to 12.38 · 103 m2, the fiber bond strength increased by 1.38 times. The axial tensile strength and total fracture energy of the UHPFRC increased by 1.48 and 1.63 times, respectively. The compressive strength changed linearly and increased by 1.12 times. The improvement in the mechanical properties of the material was associated with an increase in the friction force between the fiber and the matrix, which was confirmed by the formation of a greater number of scratches on the surface of the fiber with an increasing value of the parameter Sagg,tot. The deformation characteristics, such as modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, and drying shrinkage strain, were determined solely by the volumetric concentration of the aggregate, as in conventional concrete. An increase in the aggregate volume content from 0 to 0.4 m3 led to an increase in the modulus of elasticity of 1.41–1.44 times, and a decrease in the ultimate shrinkage strain of almost 2 times. The dependencies obtained in this work can be used to predict the properties of UHPC and UHPFRC, taking into account the type and volume concentration of the aggregate.