bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unusually Large Gartner Cyst in a 30-Year-Old Female: “Case Report”
Authors: Dixit Anjani , Hood Mitesh Mohan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Gartner cysts are typically small and asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally. The present case report describes a rare instance of a large symptomatic Gartner cyst in a 30-year-old female, highlighting the clinical implications of such a rare presentation.
Case Presentation: A 30-year-old female presented with a significant vaginal swelling that developed postpartum and persisted for three years. The cyst, measuring 9 cm, caused considerable discomfort, affecting her daily activities and quality of life. Due to financial constraints, advanced imaging was not performed. Surgical intervention was undertaken, leading to the successful removal of the cyst and resolution of symptoms. Histopathological examination confirmed the cyst as a mesonephric remnant.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering Gartner cysts in differential diagnoses for vaginal swellings, especially when they present with significant symptoms. Surgical excision proved to be an effective treatment, leading to symptom resolution and an improved quality of life for the patient.
Use of Intraoperative Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Superposition of Preoperative Data in Pediatric Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Rubio-Palau Josep , García-Piñeiro Andrés , Malet-Contreras Albert , Adell-Gómez Núria , Valls-Esteve Arnau , Gómez-Chiari Marta , Munuera-Cerro Josep , Muchart-López Jordi , Valls-Ontañón Adaia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose Over the last years, there has been an increase of utilization of intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (ICBCT) in maxillofacial surgery. Additional superimposition of preoperative data has proven to increase accuracy and reduce the necessity of secondary surgeries. The aims of this study were to describe the ICBCT protocol, its indications and surgical revision rate, as well as to discuss its advantages and disadvantages after two-years of experience.Methods A retrospective collection of all maxillofacial procedures using ICBCT in a pediatric maxillofacial surgery department from October 2020 to October 2022 was performed. A total of 106 patients were included.Results The total revision rate was 18.87%, but only 7.55% required a surgical major revision. A specific protocol for maxilla-mandibular surgery is described. Main advantages of ICBCT were improving surgical accuracy while decreasing the need for secondary corrective surgeries, avoiding extensive approaches; good bone image quality with low radiation exposure. On the other hand, main disadvantages were elevated costs, poor soft tissue image quality and increasing operative time.Conclusions ICBCT in combination with superimposition of preoperative data could be implemented in the daily routine of maxillofacial surgeries to increase surgical accuracy.
A structural MRI marker predicts individual differences in impulsivity and classifies patients with behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia from matched controls
Authors: Godefroy Valérie , Durand Anaïs , Simon Marie-Christine , Weber Bernd , Kable Joseph , Lerman Caryn , Bergström Fredrik , Levy Richard , Batrancourt Bénédicte , Schmidt Liane , Plassmann Hilke , Koban Leonie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Impulsivity and higher preference for sooner over later rewards (i.e., delay discounting) are transdiagnostic markers of many psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, their neurobiological basis is still debated. Here, we aimed at 1) identifying a structural MRI signature of delay discounting in healthy adults, and 2) validating it in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD)—a neurodegenerative disease characterized by high impulsivity. We used a machine-learning algorithm to predict individual differences in delay discounting rates based on whole-brain grey matter density maps in healthy male adults (Study 1, N = 117). This resulted in a cross-validated prediction-outcome correlation of r = 0.35 (p = 0.0028). We tested the validity of this brain signature in an independent sample of 166 healthy adults (Study 2) and its clinical relevance in 24 bvFTD patients and 18 matched controls (Study 3). In Study 2, responses of the brain signature did not correlate significantly with discounting rates, but in both Studies 1 and 2, they correlated with psychometric measures of trait urgency—a measure of impulsivity. In Study 3, brain-based predictions correlated with discounting rates, separated bvFTD patients from controls with 81% accuracy, and were associated with the severity of disinhibition among patients. Our results suggest a new structural brain pattern—the Structural Impulsivity Signature (SIS)—which predicts individual differences in impulsivity from whole-brain structure, albeit with small-to-moderate effect sizes. It provides a new brain target that can be tested in future studies to assess its diagnostic value in bvFTD and other neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions characterized by high impulsivity.
Novel Co-culture Model of T Cells and Midbrain Organoids for Investigating Neurodegeneration in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: prots iryna , Gerasimova Elizaveta , Beenen Amke , Kachkin Daniil , Regensburger Martin , Zundler Sebastian , Blumenthal David , Lutzny-Geier Gloria , Winner Beate 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Recent studies demonstrate that brain infiltration of peripheral immune cells and their interaction with brain-resident cells contribute to Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology. To investigate an interaction of T cells and brain-resident cells in the midbrain in spatial manner, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) human model comprising stem cell-derived human midbrain organoids (hMO) and peripheral blood T cells. We demonstrated that the complex 3D structure of organoids consists of multiple midbrain-specific cell types, allowing to study T cell motility and T cell interactions with midbrain tissue in a spatially organized microenvironment. We tested different co-culture conditions and determined optimal settings for studying T cell driven effects on hMO. T cells infiltrate hMO tissue and cause neural cell loss in hMO. Our work establishes a novel 3D cell co-culture model as a promising tool to investigate the effect of the adaptive immune system on midbrain in the context of PD.
MRI changes and clinical results of low-energy semiconductor percutaneous laser disc decompression（LS-PLDD） for lumbar disc herniation in adolescents
Authors: Shiwen Li , Tianyu Hu , Valentinovich Ivanenko , Jiayuan Xu , Wenyu Wang , Quan Qi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Low-energy semiconductor percutaneous laser disc decompression (LS-PLDD) is a minimally invasive surgical method that uses a laser to treat lumbar disc herniation. However, there is currently no clinical efficacy evaluation of this surgical method for treating lumbar disc herniation in adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of LS-PLDD compared with percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PELD) in the treatment of adolescent LDH patients.
Methods
collected data on 30 adolescent LDH patients who received LS-PLDD in our center, 60 adolescent LDH patients who received PELD in our center were matched based on age and gender. The lumbar ODI and back pain VAS score before surgery and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery were collected to evaluate the clinical outcome of two groups. And we also compared the lumbar MR imaging examinations before surgery and 3 months after surgery to observe the changes of MR of disc.
Results
The preoperative back VAS scores were (7.0 ± 0.91) and (7 ± 0.8) in the LS-PLDD group and PELD group respectively, with no significant statistical difference (P = 0.779). The VAS scores of both groups had improvement after surgery. At the last follow-up, the VAS scores of both groups were (2.0 ± 1.3) and (1.0 ± 0.8) respectively ( P < 0.01). The VAS scores of patients in PELD group improved most significantly in the first week after surgery and then gradually stabilized, while that in LS-PLDD group improved more gradually during 6 months after surgery. The preoperative ODI scores of the LS-PLDD group and PELD group were (71.1 ± 7.9)% and (68.0 ± 7.3)% (P = 0.061), at the last follow-up, the ODI scores were (28.0 ± 13.1)% and (19.0 ± 8.4)% (P < 0.01). The preoperative canal cross-sectional areas in the LS-PLDD group and PELD group were (1373.0 ± 376.6) and (1457 ± 415.9) respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.157), at the last follow-up, the canal cross-sectional area of the surgical segments were (1373 ± 476.6) and (1457 ± 579.1) (P = 0.227)respectively.
Conclusions
This study shows that low-energy semiconductor laser LS-PLDD is a safe and effective treatment method for adolescent LDH. It can achieve sustained retraction of the herniated disc and retain the intact structure of the disc.
Screening and Diagnosis of hemolytic anemia in North Indian population: Challenges faced
Authors: Kumar Manisha , Goel Rajeev , Debnath Ekta , Malhotra Seema , Balyan Kirti , Zaidi Mahrukh , Kargwal Vani , Yadav Reena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are a common group of inherited disorders responsible for a significant global healthcare burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
Objective: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate epidemiological, clinical, and genetic aspects of hemolytic anemia in the antenatal population attending a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.
Material and Method: A total of 7077 antenatal women were investigated over four years, revealing an overall prevalence of Beta Thalassemia Trait (BTT) of 4.55%. The screening algorithm involved complete blood count and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the women, followed by mutation testing using Multiplex ARMS PCR for four common mutations: IVS1-5, CD 41-42, CD 8-9, and Del 619 bp, additionally ARMS PCR, MPLA, and Sanger sequencing were also used. In cases where abnormal HPLC results were found, further testing of the husbands was done to guide counseling and decisions regarding prenatal testing.
Results:IVS1-5 was identified as the most common mutation. CD 26 exhibited the lowest hemoglobin and highest HbA2 values among all mutations. The study underscores the challenges of using RBC indices, especially in cases with overlapping Nutritional Deficiency Anemia (NDA) and Hemolytic Anemia (HA). Similar challenges were observed with HbD and HbE due to their high MCV and MCH values, the algorithm for antenatal screening and diagnosis for LMIC was ascertained.
Conclusion:The study provides data on the relative distribution of HA mutation in the antenatal population and emphasizes the importance of targeted screening strategies and genetic counseling to reduce the impact of hemoglobinopathies in the region effective.
Study of Rheumatoid Arthritis in older patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: SAH RAMESH KUMAR , Dey Aparajit Ballav , Chakrawarty Avinash , Kumar Uma , Dwivedi Sada Nand , Das Chandan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory arthritis causing severe disability and impacting patients' physical, psychological, and social health, as well as society due to healthcare costs and decreased productivity. This study analyzes RA in older patients focusing on clinical, radiological, immunological profiles, disease activity, severity, disability, comorbidities, and the diagnostic utility of a new serum marker, 14-3-3η.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study recruited 200 arthritis patients over sixty years old and 40 controls. Anti-CCP and serum 14-3-3η levels were measured. Descriptive analysis was performed for all variables. Quantitative variables were compared using unpaired t-test or Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, and categorical variables using Chi-Square or Fisher exact test. Spearman’s correlation coefficient assessed associations between continuous variables. ROC curves determined optimal cut-off values for serum ACCP and 14-3-3η levels.
Results: The most common complaints were joint pain (100% small and large joints, 31.7%), fatigue (71.4%), myalgia (61.4%), fever (55.56%), weight loss (46.03%), neuropathy (25.4%), and PMR-like symptoms (19.05%). Impaired ADL and IADL were noted in 17.5% and 73.2%, respectively. Impaired HMSE and GDS were found in 36.5% and 41.2%, respectively.
The mean age of RA onset was 55.8 years, and the mean RA duration was 7.8 years. The mean number of joints involved was 3.6, and EMS was 28.8 minutes. TJC and SJC means were 8.6 and 2.17, respectively. The mean VAS, CRP, ESR, DAS28ESR, and DAS28CRP were 39, 6.9, 33.3, 6.12, and 2.2, respectively. Serum ACCP and 14-3-3η means were 4.4 and 2.2, respectively. Common deformities were swan neck (30.19%), ulnar deviation (20.63%), and boutonniere (19.05%).
For ACCP, a cut-off value of ≥ 0.5098 U/mL had 77.7% sensitivity and 76.64% specificity. For 14-3-3η, a cut-off value of ≥ 1.471 U/mL had 55.56% sensitivity and 54.74% specificity. Using both markers, 88.88% of RA patients were positive for one of the tests.
Conclusion: RA is prevalent in the elderly, especially in women, and is associated with impaired CGA scores and comorbidities like hypothyroidism and osteoporosis. PMR-like symptoms are common, indicating an acute onset and severe course. DMARDS remain the main treatment. Plasma 14-3-3η is a useful diagnostic marker, especially when combined with ACCP, warranting further investigation for early RA diagnosis.
Interleukin-34 orchestrates bone formation through its binding to Bone Morphogenic Proteins
Authors: Heymann Dominique , Lézot Frédéric , Munoz-Garcia Javier , Vargas-Franco Jorge , Schiavone Kristina , Keatinge Marcus T. , Young Robin , Amiaud Jérôme , Fradet Laurie , Jégou Jean-François , Yagita Hideo , Blin-Wakkach Claudine , Wakkach Abdelilah , Cochonneau Denis , Ollivier Emilie , Pugière Martine , Henriquet Corinne , Legendre Marie , Giurgea Irina , Amselem Serge , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Télétchéa Stéphane 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

During growth, the contribution of IL34, a ligand of MCSFR, have not been established. The aim of this work was therefore to establish these implications using two models of IL34 invalidation generated in zebrafish and mouse. Significant growth delay and hypo-mineralization of skeletal elements were observed in both models, as well as craniofacial dysmorphoses in mice. With regard to bone cells, an unexpected increase in the number of osteoclasts and an accumulation of pre-osteoblasts were observed. In vitro analyses complemented by protein binding and molecular docking studies established that IL34 interacts directly with certain Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, modulating their various activities such as the stimulation of osteoblast differentiation. A new mechanism of action for IL34 has thus been characterized, opening up new therapeutic perspectives.
Self-rated health and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation: Ansung-Ansan cohort of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study
Authors: Lee Yonggu , Kim Jae Han , Park Jin-Kyu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
The association between Self-Rated Health (SRH) and development of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is not well studied in the general population.
Methods
We reviewed the data of 9,895 participants in the Ansung-Ansan cohort study, a community-based Korean study. SRH was categorised as “Poor”, “Fair”, or “Good”. Newly developed AF was identified using biennially performed ECGs and/or a self-rated history of physician-determined diagnoses. AF-free survival times among the SRH groups were compared using the log-rank test, and Hazard Ratios (HRs) and Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model. The performance of the prediction models with the SRH variable was evaluated using Harrell’s C-index.
Results
Over a median follow-up period of 11 years, 149 participants (1.5%) developed AF. Compared to the “Good” group, the “Poor” group had a higher risk of incident AF (adjusted HR 1.85; 95% CI 1.19–2.87). Old age, female sex, lower education, smoking, cardiovascular disease (hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease), and inflammation were associated with “Poor” SRH. Along with SRH, age, male sex, urban residence, hypertension, and myocardial infarction were associated with a higher risk of incidental AF. Compared to a model with conventional AF risk factor, the combined model with conventional risk factors and SRH performed marginally better to predict incident AF (C-index 0.708 vs. 0.719, P = 0.058).
Conclusion
Poor SRH is independently associated with the developed of AF in a general population. However, SRH alone has a limited role in AF surveillance when combined with conventional AF risk factors.
The role of the intercondylar notch’s morphology in anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: KACEM Med Samih , JHIMI Ali , BAHROUN Sami , ALOUI Ala , BOUAZIZ Anis , DAGHFOUS Med Samir 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The relationship between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and the morphology of the intercondylar notch remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine which morphometric characteristics of the intercondylar notch contribute to the ACL injury using MRI images.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted in which 107 knee joint magnetic resonance images (MRI) of healthy, active males were compared. The patients were distributed between 55 ACL-injured patients and 52 matched control subjects. A descriptive and analytical study studied the effects of the following variables on the risk of ACL injury: notch width index; notch shape index notch; notch angle, notch height index on the axial and the coronal planes (axial NWI, coronal NWI, axial NSI, coronal NSI, axial NA, coronal NA, axial NHI and coronal NHI respectively), the Blumensaat alpha angle and the shape of the notch as described by Hirtler. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted for the significative parameters to determine their cut-off values.
Results
The coronal NWI (p = 0.048, cut-off = 0.25), the axial NSI (p = 0.004, cut-off = 0.43) and the axial NA (p = 0.048, cut-off = 47°) were significant risk factors for ACL injury, the other studied parameters were not associated with increased risk of ACL injury.
Conclusions
The coronal NWI, the axial NSI and the axial notch angle are independent anatomical risk factors for ACL injury and express a narrow intercondylar notch in young active males.
Simulation of floods under the influence of effective factors in hydraulic and hydrological models using HEC-RAS and MIKE 21
Authors: Ansarifard Sara , Eyvazi Morteza , kalantari Mahsa , mohseni behrooz , Ghorbanifard Mahdi , Moghaddam Hadi Jafakesh , Nouri Maryam 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Simulating floods and creating vulnerability maps are essential in urban watershed management systems. The present research aimed to simulate floods and assess floodplain risk in the Khalkai watershed located in Gilan Province, Iran. This river is characterized by extensive agricultural areas and urban areas that become flooded during most rainy seasons. Hence, investigating this topic is important. In this research, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling approach was used to simulate floods with probability return periods of 50, 100, and 500 years, under the influence of GPS topographic mapping compared with DEMs extracted from satellite images. Therefore, MIKE21 and HEC-RAS 6.3 software were utilized to construct flood inundation maps and select the best model for the Khalkai watershed. The following objectives were considered in this study: 1. The impact of the roughness coefficient index and curve number was examined due to increasing simulation accuracy, so the modeling was carried out for both steady and flood flows. By examining the rate of change in the roughness coefficient index and the curve number, it was shown that these two factors vary depending on the type of flow state in the simulation. The main reasons for this difference are the flow velocity, infiltration, and flow regime in the area, which are under critical conditions due to human interventions such as bridge and wall construction, which increase the probability of significant damage. 2. The accuracy of floodplain estimation was evaluated using the abovementioned models with Sentinel satellite images taken during a 25-year flood event. The accuracy of the models used in estimating the floodplain density was subsequently assessed.
Association between the oxidative balance score and cognitive function: evidence from NHANES 2011-2014
Authors: Wei Shouxin , Yu Sijia , Lan Yunsheng , Jia Yingdong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
With the global aging population, the prevalence of Cognitive impairment (CI) has significantly increased. Despite extensive research, the role of oxidative stress in CI remains underexplored, with limited studies directly linking oxidative balance score (OBS) to cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the association between OBS and cognitive function using data from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Methods
Data from 2103 participants aged 60 years and older were analyzed in this study. OBS was calculated using 16 dietary components and 4 lifestyle factors.Cognitive function was assessed by a combination of tests such as CERAD, AFT and DSST. The association between OBS and cognitive function was assessed using logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses after adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, and comorbidities.
Results
Key findings indicate a significant positive association between higher OBS and better cognitive function across all assessed domains, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analyses revealed that this association was particularly pronounced in individuals with liver disease and stroke, suggesting that oxidative stress might have a more detrimental impact on cognitive function in these populations.
Conclusion
The present study provides strong evidence that higher OBS is significantly associated with better cognitive function in older adults. Dietary and lifestyle interventions to improve oxidative balance may be an effective strategy to protect cognitive health.
Multivalent MMP-12 inhibitors as a valuable approach to counteract the intestinal epithelial barrier impairment and inflammation in an in vitro model of obesity
Authors: Cuffaro Doretta , D'Antongiovanni Vanessa , Mangini Camilla , Salvo Clelia Di , Benvenuti Laura , Vandooren Jennifer , Macchia Marco , Antonioli Luca , Rossello Armando , Fornai Matteo , Nuti Elisa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) impairment represents a prodromal event underlying obesity and related systemic inflammation. In this context, metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) has been reported to increase the IEB permeability through the reduction of tight junction protein expression. Herein we report our effort to develop a small series of MMP-12 inhibitors as potential agents able to counteract the IEB alterations and intestinal inflammation associated with obesity. Three multivalent and gut-restricted carboxylate-based selective inhibitors of MMP-12 were synthesized and tested first on human recombinant MMP-12 isolated enzyme and then on human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells treated with palmitate (PA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to mimic the in vivo exposure to hypercaloric diet. Trimeric derivative 2 in particular showed a nanomolar activity against MMP-12 and was able to increase both ZO-1 and claudin-1 tight junction expression in a concentration-dependent manner, already at a concentration of 50 nM. This compound was also the most effective in reducing interleukin-1β release from Caco-2 cells treated with PA and LPS. This preliminary work indicates that a pharmacological modulation of MMP-12 represents a promising strategy to counteract the impairment of IEB integrity and intestinal inflammation associated with obesity.