bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthy and diabetic primary human osteoblasts exhibit varying phenotypic profiles in high and low glucose environments on 3D-printed titanium surfaces
Authors: Allen Nicholas , Aitchison Alexandra Hunter , Abar Bijan , Burbano Julian , Montgomery Mark , Droz Lindsey , Danilkowicz Richard , Adams Samuel 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe revolution of orthopedic implant manufacturing is being driven by 3D printing of titanium implants for large bony defects such as those caused by diabetic Charcot arthropathy. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing of orthopedic implants, 3D printing fuses titanium powder layer-by-layer, creating a unique surface roughness that could potentially enhance osseointegration. However, the metabolic impairments caused by diabetes, including negative alterations of bone metabolism, can lead to nonunion and decreased osseointegration with traditionally manufactured orthopedic implants. This study aimed to characterize the response of both healthy and diabetic primary human osteoblasts cultured on a medical-grade 3D-printed titanium surface under high and low glucose conditions.MethodsBone samples were obtained from six patients, three with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and three without. Primary osteoblasts were isolated and cultured on 3D-printed titanium discs in high (4.5 g/L D-glucose) and low glucose (1 g/L D-Glucose) media. Cellular morphology, matrix deposition, and mineralization were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and alizarin red staining. Alkaline phosphatase activity and L-lactate concentration was measured in vitro to assess functional osteoblastic activity and cellular metabolism. Osteogenic gene expression of BGLAP, COL1A1, and BMP7 was analyzed using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsDiabetic osteoblasts were nonresponsive to variations in glucose levels compared to their healthy counterparts. Alkaline phosphatase activity, L-lactate production, mineral deposition, and osteogenic gene expression remained unchanged in diabetic osteoblasts under both glucose conditions. In contrast, healthy osteoblasts exhibited enhanced functional responsiveness in a high glucose environment and showed a significant increase in osteogenic gene expression of BGLAP, COL1A1, and BMP7 (p&lt;.05).ConclusionOur findings suggest that diabetic osteoblasts exhibit impaired responsiveness to variations in glucose concentrations, emphasizing potential osteoblast dysfunction in diabetes. This could have implications for post-surgery glucose management strategies in patients with diabetes. Despite the potential benefits of 3D printing for orthopedic implants, particularly for diabetic Charcot collapse, our results call for further research to optimize these interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Effects of rubber intercropping with native trees on litterfall and litter main nutrient return in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Qi Dongling , Wu Zhixiang , Sun Rui , Yang Chuan , Zhang Xian , Li Shaobin , Che Xiufen 
Published: July 2024

Understanding the process of litterfall production is crucial for sustainable development of plantations. However, the underlying dynamics of litterfall and its nutrient return in plantation agroforestry systems remain unclear. In this study, we investigated litterfall, including leaves, branches, flowers, and fruits, in three patterns: Hevea monoculture system (RM), Hevea–Michelia intercropping system (RAS1), and Hevea–Mytilaria intercropping system (RAS2) in Hainan Island, China. Our findings indicate that total litterfall was significantly higher in RAS1 (27,309 kg ha−1) and RAS2 (34,477 kg ha−1) than in RM (22,364 kg ha−1) and was predominantly composed of leaf litterfall in all three patterns, followed by branches, flowers, and fruits. The seasonal dynamics litterfall production of RM, RAS1, and RAS2 showed characteristic patterns. Litterfall nutrients exhibited peak and sub-peak monthly dynamics, peaking from February to March, during the dry season. Total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) content of annual litterfall in RAS1 significantly increased by 120 kg ha−1, 30 kg ha−1, and 139 kg ha−1, respectively, compared to those in RM, with percentage increases of 67.88%, 122.79% and 96.27%, respectively. Similarly, TN, TP, and TK content of annual litterfall in RAS2 significantly increased by 185 kg ha−1, 35 kg ha−1, and 170 kg ha−1, respectively, with percentage increases of 103.70%, 159.15% and 139.46%, respectively, for the abovementioned in RM. Litterfall showed a strong correlation with monthly average temperature, monthly minimum temperature, and monthly average wind speed, contributing 80.5%, 75.5%, 69.8%, and 69.6% to the total litterfall and its components, respectively. Further analysis indicated that monthly average temperature, monthly minimum temperature, and monthly average wind speed contributed 73.9%, 43.0%, and 66.6%, respectively, to TN, TP, and TK content of the annual litterfall, highlighting the significant influence of temperature and wind speed. These findings enhance our understanding of carbon and nutrient cycling and contribute to the sustainable management of tropical plantation ecosystems.
Causality of metabolites and metabolic pathways on cholestatic liver diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wei Zhengxiao , Liu Yingfen , Xiong Qingqing , Mei Xue , Li Jinghong , Wu Zhangjun 
Published: July 2024

Background and AimsBlood metabolite abnormalities have revealed an association with cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs), while the underlying metabolic mechanisms have remained sluggish yet. Accordingly, the present evaluation aims to investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and the risk of two major CLDs, including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).MethodsUnivariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches were employed to uncover potential causal associations between blood metabolites and 2 CLDs, including PBS and PSC, through extracting instrumental variables (IVs) for metabolites from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted on European individuals. The GWAS summary data of PBC or PSC were sourced from two distinct datasets. The initial analysis employed inverse variance weighted (IVW) and an array of sensitivity analyses, followed by replication and meta-analysis utilizing FinnGen consortium data. Finally, a multivariable MR analysis was carried out to ascertain the independent effects of each metabolite. Furthermore, the web-based tool MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used to perform metabolic pathway examination.ResultsA genetic causality between 15 metabolites and CLDs was recognized after preliminary analysis and false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Subsequently, 9 metabolites consistently represented an association through replication and meta-analysis. Additionally, the independent causal effects of 7 metabolites were corroborated by multivariable MR analysis. Specifically, the metabolites isovalerylcarnitine (odds ratio [OR] = 3.146, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.471–6.726, p = 0.003), valine (OR = 192.44, 95%CI: 4.949–7483.27, p = 0.005), and mannose (OR = 0.184, 95%CI: 0.068–0.499, p &lt; 0.001) were found to have a causal relationship with the occurrence of PBC. Furthermore, erythrose (OR = 5.504, 95%CI: 1.801–16.821, p = 0.003), 1-stearoylglycerophosphocholine (OR = 6.753, 95%CI: 2.621–17.399, p = 7.64 × 10−5), X-11847 (OR = 0.478, 95%CI: 0.352–0.650, p = 2.28 × 10−6), and X-12405 (OR = 3.765, 95%CI: 1.771–8.005, p = 5.71 × 10−4) were independently associated with the occurrence of PSC. Furthermore, the analysis of metabolic pathways identified seven significant pathways in two CLDs.ConclusionThe findings of the present study have unveiled robust causal relationships between 7 metabolites and 2 CLDs, thereby providing novel insights into the metabolic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for these disorders.
Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of the injured proximal and distal human digital nerve ends
Authors: Frostadottir Drifa , Welinder Charlotte , Perez Raquel , Dahlin Lars B. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionProteomic analysis of injured human peripheral nerves, particularly focusing on events occurring in the proximal and distal nerve ends, remains relatively underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the molecular patterns underlying a digital nerve injury, focusing on differences in protein expression between the proximal and distal nerve ends.MethodsA total of 26 human injured digital nerve samples (24 men; 2 women; median age 47 [30–66] years), harvested during primary nerve repair within 48 h post-injury from proximal and distal nerve ends, were analyzed using mass spectrometry.ResultsA total of 3,914 proteins were identified, with 127 proteins showing significant differences in abundance between the proximal and the distal nerve ends. The downregulation of proteins in the distal nerve end was associated with synaptic transmission, autophagy, neurotransmitter regulation, cell adhesion and migration. Conversely, proteins upregulated in the distal nerve end were implicated in cellular stress response, neuromuscular junction stability and muscle contraction, neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release, synaptic vesicle recycling and axon guidance and angiogenesis.DiscussionInvestigation of proteins, with functional annotations analysis, in proximal and the distal ends of human injured digital nerves, revealed dynamic cellular responses aimed at promoting tissue degeneration and restoration, while suppressing non-essential processes.
Evaluation of Ethos intelligent optimization engine for left locally advanced breast cancer
Authors: Prunaretty Jessica , Lopez Laura , Cabaillé Morgane , Bourgier Céline , Morel Aurélie , Azria David , Fenoglietto Pascal 
Published: July 2024

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility to use a standard Ethos planning template to treat left-sided breast cancer with regional lymph nodes.Material/MethodsThe tuning cohort of 5 patients was used to create a planning template. The validation cohort included 15 patients treated for a locally advanced left breast cancer randomly enrolled. The Ethos planning template was tuned using standard 3 partial arc VMAT and two collimator rotation configurations: 45/285/345° and 30/60/330°. Re-planning was performed automatically using the template without editing. The study was conducted with a schedule of 42.3 Gy in 18 fractions to the breast/chestwall, internal mammary chain (IMC) and regional lymph nodes (“Nodes”). The PTV was defined as a 3D extension of the CTV with a margin of 7 mm, excluding the 5mm below the skin. The manual treatment plans were performed using Eclipse treatment planning system with AAA and PO algorithms (v15.6) and a manual arc VMAT configuration and imported in Ethos TPS (v1.1) for a dose calculation with Ethos Acuros algorithm. The automated plans were compared with the manual plans using PTV and CTV coverage, homogeneity and conformity indices (HI and CN) and doses to organs at risk (OAR) via DVH metrics. For each plan, the patient quality assurance (QA) were performed using Mobius3D and gamma index. Finally, two breast radiation oncologists performed a blinded assessment of the clinical acceptability of each of the three plans (manual and automated) for each patient.ResultsThe manual and automated plans provided suitable treatment planning as regards dose constraints. The dosimetric comparison showed the CTV_breast D99% were significantly improved with both automated plans (p&lt; 0,002) while PTV coverage was comparable. The doses to the organs at risk were equivalent for the three plans. Concerning treatment delivery, the Ethos-45° and Ethos-30° plans led to an increase in MUs compared to the manual plans, without affecting the beam on time. The average gamma index pass rates remained consistently above 98% regardless of the type of plan utilized. In the blinded evaluation, clinicians 1 and 2 assessed 13 out of 15 plans for Ethos 45° and 11 out of 15 plans for Ethos 30° as clinically acceptable.ConclusionUsing a standard planning template for locally advanced breast cancer, the Ethos TPS provided automated plans that were clinically acceptable and comparable in quality to manually generated plans. Automated plans also dramatically reduce workflow and operator variability.
Lycium ruthenicum water extract preserves retinal ganglion cells in chronic ocular hypertension mouse models
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Zhou Lina , Wu Xueping , Chen Zihang , Zheng Xiaofei , Wang Huajun , So Kwok Fai , Ma Lan , Wang Jiantao , Chiu Kin 
Published: July 2024

Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LR), known as “black goji berry” or “black wolfberry”, is widely utilized in chinese herbal medicine. LR fruit showed its antioxidant and/or anti-inflammation activity in treating cardiac injury, experimental colitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, fatigue, and aging. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Besides elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress and neuroinflammation were recognized to contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma. This study investigated the treatment effects of LR water extract (LRE) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) threatened by sustained IOP elevation in a laser-induced chronic ocular hypertension (COH) mouse model and the DBA/2J mouse strain. The antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects of LRE were further tested in the H2O2-challenged immortalized microglial (IMG) cell line in vitro. LRE oral feeding (2 g/kg) preserved the function of RGCs and promoted their survival in both models mimicking glaucoma. LRE decreased 8-hydroxyguanosine (oxidative stress marker) expression in the retina. LRE reduced the number of Iba-1+ microglia in the retina of COH mice, but not in the DBA/2J mice. At the mRNA level, LRE reversed the COH induced HO-1 and SOD-2 overexpressions in the retina of COH mice. Further in vitro study demonstrated that LRE pretreatment to IMG cells could significantly reduce H2O2 induced oxidative stress through upregulation of GPX-4, Prdx-5, HO-1, and SOD-2. Our work demonstrated that daily oral intake of LRE can be used as a preventative/treatment agent to protect RGCs under high IOP stress probably through reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting microglial activation in the retina.
Using exploratory graph analysis (EGA) in validating the structure of the Perth alexithymia questionnaire in Iranians with chronic pain
Authors: Sheykhangafshe Farzin Bagheri , Farahani Hojjatollah , Watson Peter 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundChronic pain’s influence on emotional well-being can be significant. It may evoke feelings of despair, frustration, nervousness, and melancholy in individuals, which often manifest as reactions to enduring pain and disruptions in their daily lives. In this study, we seek to perform Bootstrap Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) on the Persian Version of the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) in a cohort of people with chronic pain.MethodsThe research concentrated on the population of individuals encountering chronic pain within Tehran province from 2022 to 2023. Ultimately, the analysis comprised information from 234 male participants (with a mean age of 30.59, SD = 6.84) and 307 female participants (with a mean age of 30.16, SD = 6.65). After data collection, statistical analysis was conducted using the EGAnet2.0.4 package in R.4.3.2 software.ResultsThe outcome of bootstrapped EGA unveiled a two-dimensional configuration of the PAQ comprising Factor 1 denoted as negative difficulty in describing and identifying feelings (N-DDIF) and Factor 2 characterized as general-externally orientated thinking (GEOT), representing robust structural integrity and item consistency (all items have stabilities &gt; 0.70).ConclusionThese findings endorse the validity of the PAQ, as evidenced by its confirmation in a broader sample using a novel methodology consistent with existing literature on two-factor decentering models.
Online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for treatment-resistant depression: a parallel-arm randomized controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Rodrigues Michele Ferreira , Quagliato Laiana , Appolinario Jose Carlos , Nardi Antonio E. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) presents a significant challenge, affecting approximately 30% of individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder and leading to poor treatment responses. Innovations in digital mental health, especially online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT), offer promising avenues for enhancing access to effective mental health care for individuals with TRD in a clinical setting.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of eMBCT in an individual clinical context to decrease depressive symptoms for TRD.MethodsConducted at the Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this parallel-arm, randomized controlled feasibility trial involved outpatients diagnosed with TRD, aged 18 and above. Of the 39 outpatients invited, 28 were randomized into two groups: an intervention group receiving the eMBCT program (n = 15) and a control group (n = 13). The intervention, consisting of an 8-week course, was delivered via live video sessions. Following the assessment period, participants in the control group were offered the eMBCT intervention. Assessments using standardized questionnaires were conducted at the start and end of the study.ResultsWithin the eMBCT group, improvements were observed in depression symptoms (Z = −3.423; p = 0.001; effect size r = 0.78), anxiety symptoms (Z = −3.361; p = 0.001; effect size r = 0.77), with no significant changes in the control group. Comparatively, the eMBCT group showed significant reductions in depression symptoms and improvements in clinical global impressions over the control group (BDI2: U = 30.5; p = 0.015; effect size r = 0.47, CGI1: U = 21.0; p = 0.004; effect size r = 0.56).ConclusioneMBCT in an individual format combined with medication, appears to be a feasible treatment for TRD, decreasing symptoms of depression. In a future trial the control group may have a manualized intervention.Clinical trial registrationThe Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-6zndpbv) and RBR-6zndpbv.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of patients with oral diseases toward oral examinations: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Wang Wei 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundProperly adhering to oral hygiene and medical care is an important public health issue. Several studies examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward oral care in various populations and generally reported relatively sufficient knowledge but unfavorable attitudes and poor practice. However, no previous studies have examined the KAP toward oral examinations among Chinese patients with oral diseases. This study aimed to examine the KAP toward oral examinations among patients with oral diseases in China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with oral diseases who visited The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Tongji University between December 2023 and February 2024. Data collection and KAP scores assessment were performed using a self-designed questionnaire.ResultsA total of 519 valid questionnaires were included, with 292 females. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 6.42 ± 2.47 (possible range: 0–9 points), 35.04 ± 5.68 (possible range: 10–50 points), and 16.22 ± 2.05 (possible range: 4–20 points), respectively, indicating sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practice. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that knowledge was positively correlated to attitude (r = 0.468, p &lt; 0.001) and practice (OR = 0.416, p &lt; 0.001). Attitude was positively correlated to the practice (r = 0.503, p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, the structural equation model showed that knowledge influenced attitude (estimate = 1.010, p &lt; 0.001) and practice (estimate = 0.169, p &lt; 0.001). Attitude influenced practice (estimate = 0.122, p &lt; 0.001). The frequency of oral examination per year influenced knowledge (estimate = −0.761, p &lt; 0.001) and practice (estimate = −0.515, p &lt; 0.001). Expenses for oral disease per year influenced attitude (estimate = 0.537, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionPatients with oral disease might have sufficient knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice toward oral examinations. Specific knowledge items were identified to require improvements.
Prevalence of neurological diseases associated with cervical pain and/or signs of cervical myelopathy in French bulldogs: a retrospective analysis of 105 cases
Authors: Capasso Michele , Canal Sara , Balducci Federica 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionFrench bulldogs can be affected by several neurological diseases, with myelopathies representing the most frequent cause of neurological signs. Studies focusing on the epidemiology of cervical diseases in this breed are lacking. This study aims to describe the prevalence of neurological pathologies responsible for cervical pain and/or signs of cervical myelopathy, assuming that intervertebral disc herniation represents the most common disease; a second aim was to evaluate how often different pathologies coexist in this spinal region in French bulldogs.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of medical records from the database of a single referral center (AniCura I Portoni Rossi Veterinary Hospital—Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy) was performed, including French bulldogs presented for neck pain and/or neurological deficits consistent with cervical myelopathy. Clinical and imaging data were reviewed and used as inclusion criteria. Based on the number of MRI-diagnosed diseases, the eligible dogs were divided into three groups.ResultsOne hundred five French bulldogs met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly diagnosed condition was an intervertebral disc herniation (66.9%), followed by C2 idiopathic hypertrophic ganglioneuritis (15.1%), cervical syringomyelia (11.5%), congenital osseous malformations (1.4%), spinal arachnoid diverticula (1.4%), neoplasms (1.4%), steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (0.7%), traumatic vertebral fractures (0.7%), and other (0.7%). For the vast majority of dogs (75/105) a single pathology was diagnosed, with intervertebral disc herniations accounting for 86.7% of cases, involving C3–C4 IVD most commonly. In the remaining 30 dogs, two or three different and concurrent diseases were detected. Among these 30 dogs, intervertebral disc herniations still remained the most diagnosed condition, in combination with C2 idiopathic hypertrophic ganglioneuritis and syringomyelia in 19 and seven cases, respectively.ConclusionThe results of this study highlight that different pathologies can affect the cervical spinal cord in French bulldogs, with intervertebral disc herniations representing the most frequent condition, as previously described in the veterinary literature. In almost a third of cases, different pathologies can coexist at the cervical level. However, for cases in which different pathologies are present at the same time, it is not always possible to clearly establish their clinical significance.