bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study on the preparation of antler powder/chitosan/β-glycerophosphate sodium/polyvinyl alcohol porous hydrogel scaffolds and their osteogenic effects
Authors: Abudukelimu Kudelaiti , Aierken Aikepaer , Tuerxuntayi Ailifeire , Yilihamu Yilizhati , Abulizi Saierdaer , Wufuer Duolikun , Dong Hongbin 
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The production of bone-like structural scaffolds through bone tissue engineering technology is a promising method for bone regeneration to repair bone defects. Deer antler, an easily harvested and abundantly sourced initial bone tissue structure, resembles the composition and structure of human cancellous bone and can serve as a new material for allogeneic bone transplantation.Methods: This study involved the preparation and characterization of antler powder/chitosan/β-glycerophosphate sodium/polyvinyl alcohol (AP/CS/β-GP/PVA) porous hydrogel scaffolds to verify their material properties and osteogenic mechanisms. The microstructure, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurement, and a universal material testing machine. The interactions between the various components were investigated using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Biocompatibility, osteogenic properties, and expression of osteogenesis-related proteins of the scaffolds were evaluated through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, alkaline phosphatase staining, Alizarin Red staining, live/dead cell staining, and Western blot analysis.Results: The results showed that as the content of deer antler powder increased, both the hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the scaffold materials improved, while the porosity slightly decreased with an increase in deer antler powder content. Cell culture experiments demonstrated that scaffolds with a higher proportion of deer antler powder were beneficial for the proliferation and differentiation of mouse pre-osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells, with the scaffolds containing 10% and 8% deer antler powder showing the best effects. The upregulation of RUNX2, OCN, OSX, and OPN protein expression may promote differentiation.Discussion: Therefore, the AP/CS/β-GP/PVA hydrogel scaffolds have the potential to become a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.
Genetically predicted inflammatory proteins and the risk of atrial fibrillation: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Zhiqiang , Chen Qiao , Liu Ziyuan , Li Xueyu , Zhang Huaming , Feng Xi 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe causal associations between inflammatory factors and atrial fibrillation (AF) remained unclear. We aimed to investigate whether genetically predicted inflammatory proteins are related to the risk of AF, and vice versa.MethodsA bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study was performed. The genetic variation of 91 inflammatory proteins were derived from genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of European ancestry (n = 14,824). Summary statistics for AF were obtained from a published meta-analysis study (n = 1,030,836) and the FinnGen study (n = 261,395).ResultsGenetically predicted fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) was significantly positively associated with risk of AF [[odds ratio (OR): 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04–1.10; P &lt; 0.01], and CD40l receptor was significantly negatively associated with risk of AF (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92–0.98; P = 0.02) in the meta-analysis study. In the FinnGen study, similar results were observed in FGF5 (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06–1.16; P &lt; 0.01) and CD40l receptor (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89–0.97; P = 0.03) for AF. In the FinnGen study, TNF-beta was significantly positively associated with risk of AF (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09; P = 0.03) and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor was significantly negatively associated with risk of AF (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80–0.91; P = 0.001). The causal effect of AF on inflammatory proteins was not observed.ConclusionOur study suggested that FGF5 and CD40l receptor have a potential causal association with AF, and targeting these factors may help in the treatment of AF.
Endovascular comprehensive treatment of post-traumatic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula: case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Zheng Kai , Nie Qiangqiang , Yang Bo , Fan Xueqiang , Liu Peng , Ye Zhidong 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula is a rare and difficult complication after abdominal trauma. Utilizing comprehensive endovascular treatment represents an effective approach to managing this condition.Case presentationWe report a case involving a 53-year-old female with a history of trauma who presented with complaints of abdominal pain, malaise, and melena. A computed tomographic scan revealed the presence of a superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula. The fistula was occluded using four Interlock detachable coils, and a covered stent was positioned over the arteriovenous fistula in the superior mesenteric artery. Following endovascular treatment, the patient's abdominal pain and melena symptoms disappeared.ConclusionUtilizing covered stents and Interlock detachable coils for endovascular treatment of a superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula proves to be both feasible and highly effective.
The clinical characteristics and pathogenic variants of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease in 210 patients: a systematic review
Authors: Sun Julian , Ding Lin , He Liping , Fu Hang , Li Rui , Feng Jing , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin 
Published: June 2024

AimsPrimary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD), as a rare kind of Cushing’s syndrome, is frequently misdiagnosed. To get a better understanding of the disease, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and pathogenic variants of PPNAD.MethodsDatabases were searched, and the pathogenic variants and clinical manifestations of patients were summarized from the relevant articles.ResultsA total of 210 patients in 86 articles were enrolled with a median age of 22 and a female-to-male ratio of 2:1. Sixty-six (31.43%) patients were combined with Carney complex (CNC) and 94.29% were combined with osteoporosis/osteopenia. Among 151 patients who underwent genetic testing, 87.42% (132/151) had pathogenic variants. Six gene mutations (PRKAR1A, PDE11A, PRKACA, CTNNB1, PDE8B, and ARMC5) were detected in the patients. The most common mutation was PKAR1A, accounting for 79.47% (120/151). There was a significant correlation between PRKAR1A pathogenic variant and spotty skin pigmentation in CNC concurrent with PPNAD (p &lt; 0.05). Among pregnant patients with PPNAD, those without surgical treatment and with bilateral adrenalectomy suffered from a high-risk perinatal period. However, patients with unilateral adrenalectomy presented a safe perinatal period.ConclusionsFor young patients with Cushing’s syndrome, especially female patients with spotty skin pigmentation and osteoporosis/osteopenia, PPNAD should be considered. Unilateral adrenal resection may be considered as an option for women with fertility needs. In view of the difficulty of PPNAD diagnosis, genetic testing before surgery might be a reasonable option. Patients with PPNAD with spotty skin pigmentation should consider the PRKAR1A pathogenic variant and pay attention to CNC.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023416988.
Association between blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio and in-hospital mortality in critical patients with diabetic ketoacidosis: a retrospective analysis of the eICU database
Authors: Chen Hua , Wang Yufei , Ji Rong , Li Minghui 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the association between blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio (BAR) and the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.MethodsA total of 3,962 diabetic ketoacidosis patients from the eICU Collaborative Research Database were included in this analysis. The primary outcome was in-hospital death.ResultsOver a median length of hospital stay of 3.1 days, 86 in-hospital deaths were identified. One unit increase in LnBAR was positively associated with the risk of in-hospital death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.82 [95% CI, 1.42–2.34]). Furthermore, a nonlinear, consistently increasing correlation between elevated BAR and in-hospital mortality was observed (P for trend =0.005 after multiple-adjusted). When BAR was categorized into quartiles, the higher risk of in-hospital death (multiple-adjusted HR, 1.99 [95% CI, (1.1–3.6)]) was found in participants in quartiles 3 to 4 (BAR≥6.28) compared with those in quartiles 1 to 2 (BAR&lt;6.28). In the subgroup analysis, the LnBAR-hospital death association was significantly stronger in participants without kidney insufficiency (yes versus no, P-interaction=0.023).ConclusionThere was a significant and positive association between BAR and the risk of in-hospital death in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Notably, the strength of this association was intensified among those without kidney insufficiency.
Land use and land cover changes and their effect on ecosystem service values in the Bale Ecoregion, southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Haileslassie Amare , Taye Meron Teferi , Diyessa Merga , Mekuria Wolde 
Published: June 2024

The Bale Ecoregion (BER) is known for its global importance in biodiversity and as a water tower for East African drylands. Land use and land covers (LULC) have been changing for decades, affecting forest ecosystem service values (ESVs), but available information is limited. The present study addresses these gaps by using contrasting watersheds representing the highland, midland, and lowland agroecologies in the BER. LULC classifications were performed using GIS and remote sensing tools. Multisite imagery data (using Landsat image resolution 30 m × 30 m) were generated for four observation periods: 1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022. A recently updated global ESV coefficient and the value transfer valuation method were applied to estimate the changes in ESVs related to LULC changes. The result demonstrates that between 1992 and 2022, forest land has decreased by 3%, 63%, and 22% in the highland, midland, and lowland areas, respectively. Different degrees of loss of ESVs were observed across the study periods and LULC. Of the 21 specific ESVs investigated, the highest annual losses were recorded for water ecosystem services both in the midland and lowland landscape positions. Increased ESVs for cultivated land could not offset losses in food ESVs at the scale of agroecology. Significant impacts of LULC changes on specific ecosystem services, such as water, and changes in natural connectivity between the highland and lowland areas were observed. The result suggests that stakeholders need to co-plan and manage the BER. This evidence provides a scientific underpinning for understanding the connection between LULC change and ESVs and supports informed policy decisions.
Association of ankylosing spondylitis with cardiovascular disease: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Pengyu , Shang Juju , Qi Zhi , Qiu Shenglei , Lai Xiaolei , Shi Lixiao , Zhang Zhenmin , Li Mingxuan , Yang Linjing 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundsCurrent observational investigations hint at a potential linkage between ankylosing spondylitis and cardiovascular wellness. However, the nature of this causality remains to be elucidated. Consequently, this study is designed to evaluate the causal interconnection between ankylosing spondylitis and cardiovascular-related conditions utilizing a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) methodology.MethodsIn this study, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. The fixed-effects inverse variance weighted (IVW) model was used as the primary analysis method, and MR-Egger regression and the weighted median method were employed as supplementary approaches. Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity were evaluated using various statistical tests, including MR-PRESSO global test, MR-Egger intercept, and Cochran’s Q test.ResultsThe MR result demonstrated an increased risk of heart failure in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (OR: 1.0132, 95% CI = 1.0043-1.0221, p = 0.003). The MR analysis results did not demonstrate a causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and other cardiovascular diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and valvular heart disease (all p &gt; 0.05). No evidence of reverse causality was found between ankylosing spondylitis and mentioned cardiovascular diseases in reverse MR analyses. Sensitivity analysis verified the reliability of the results.ConclusionOur MR study indicates a relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and an increased risk of heart failure. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.
The mammosphere-derived epithelial cell secretome modulates neutrophil functions in the bovine model
Authors: Harman Rebecca M. , Sipka Anja , Oxford Kelly A. , Oliveira Leane , Huntimer Lucas , Nydam Daryl V. , Van de Walle Gerlinde R. 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundInnovative therapies against bacterial infections are needed. One approach is to focus on host-directed immunotherapy (HDT), with treatments that exploit natural processes of the host immune system. The goals of this type of therapy are to stimulate protective immunity while minimizing inflammation-induced tissue damage. We use non-traditional large animal models to explore the potential of the mammosphere-derived epithelial cell (MDEC) secretome, consisting of all bioactive factors released by the cells, to modulate host immune functions. MDEC cultures are enriched for mammary stem and progenitor cells and can be generated from virtually any mammal. We previously demonstrated that the bovine MDEC secretome, collected and delivered as conditioned medium (CM), inhibits the growth of bacteria in vitro and stimulates functions related to tissue repair in cultured endothelial and epithelial cells.MethodsThe immunomodulatory effects of the bovine MDEC secretome on bovine neutrophils, an innate immune cell type critical for resolving bacterial infections, were determined in vitro using functional assays. The effects of MDEC CM on neutrophil molecular pathways were explored by evaluating the production of specific cytokines by neutrophils and examining global gene expression patterns in MDEC CM-treated neutrophils. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the concentrations of select proteins in MDEC CM and siRNAs were used to reduce the expression of specific MDEC-secreted proteins, allowing for the identification of bioactive factors modulating neutrophil functions.ResultsNeutrophils exposed to MDEC secretome exhibited increased chemotaxis and phagocytosis and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and extracellular trap formation, when compared to neutrophils exposed to control medium. C-X-C motif chemokine 6, superoxide dismutase, peroxiredoxin-2, and catalase, each present in the bovine MDEC secretome, were found to modulate neutrophil functions.ConclusionThe MDEC secretome administered to treat bacterial infections may increase neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection, stimulate pathogen phagocytosis by neutrophils, and reduce neutrophil-produced ROS accumulation. As a result, pathogen clearance might be improved and local inflammation and tissue damage reduced.
The relationship between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and autoimmune diseases
Authors: Lin Jie , Xue Binbin , Li Jia , Xie Dewei , Weng Yiyun , Zhang Xu , Li Xiang , Xia Junhui 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThere have been reports of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) coexisting with connective tissue disorders. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of NMOSD coexisting with autoimmune diseases (AID).MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated NMOSD patients with and without AID. The enrolled patients had at least one attack, with duration of more than 1 year. Data on the demographics, clinical features, and laboratory findings were assessed. The Poisson model was used to investigate the risk factors associated with the annualized relapse rate (ARR), whereas the Cox model was used to evaluate the risk factors for the first relapse.ResultsA total of 180 patients (154 women and 26 men) with NMOSD were identified: 45 had AID and 135 did not. Female patients had a higher prevalence of concomitant AID (p = 0.006) and a greater relapse rate within the first year. There were no statistically significant differences in the characteristics of patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that NMOSD patients with seropositive aquaporin 4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab; log-rank: p = 0.044), had a shorter time to relapse. Patients seropositive for AQP4-Ab (HR = 2.402, 95%CI = 1.092–5.283, p = 0.029) had a higher risk of suffering a first relapse, according to the Cox model. Patients with and without AID showed a similar declining tendency in terms of change in ARR throughout the first 5 years of the disease. The ARR was greater in the first year [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.534, 95%CI = 1.111–2.118] and the first 2 years (IRR = 1.474, 95%CI = 1.056–2.058) in patients with coexisting AID diagnosis prior to the NMOSD onset.ConclusionsPatients with NMOSD with coexisting AID had similar characteristics when compared with those without AID. NMOSD patients with AID diagnosed before onset had a higher risk of relapse in the early stage of the disease.
MRI radiomics-based interpretable model and nomogram for preoperative prediction of Ki-67 expression status in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Endong , Yang Yun-Feng , Bai Miaomiao , Zhang Hao , Yang Yuan-Yuan , Song Xuelin , Lou Shiyun , Yu Yunxuan , Yang Chao 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the value of interpretable machine learning model and nomogram based on clinical factors, MRI imaging features, and radiomic features to predict Ki-67 expression in primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL).Materials and methodsMRI images and clinical information of 92 PCNSL patients were retrospectively collected, which were divided into 53 cases in the training set and 39 cases in the external validation set according to different medical centers. A 3D brain tumor segmentation model was trained based on nnU-NetV2, and two prediction models, interpretable Random Forest (RF) incorporating the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method and nomogram based on multivariate logistic regression, were proposed for the task of Ki-67 expression status prediction.ResultsThe mean dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) score of the 3D segmentation model on the validation set was 0.85. On the Ki-67 expression prediction task, the AUC of the interpretable RF model on the validation set was 0.84 (95% CI:0.81, 0.86; p &lt; 0.001), which was a 3% improvement compared to the AUC of the nomogram. The Delong test showed that the z statistic for the difference between the two models was 1.901, corresponding to a p value of 0.057. In addition, SHAP analysis showed that the Rad-Score made a significant contribution to the model decision.ConclusionIn this study, we developed a 3D brain tumor segmentation model and used an interpretable machine learning model and nomogram for preoperative prediction of Ki-67 expression status in PCNSL patients, which improved the prediction of this medical task.Clinical relevance statementKi-67 represents the degree of active cell proliferation and is an important prognostic parameter associated with clinical outcomes. Non-invasive and accurate prediction of Ki-67 expression level preoperatively plays an important role in targeting treatment selection and patient stratification management for PCNSL thereby improving prognosis.
Case report: Advanced modified pneumatic retinopexy for treating simultaneous bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Guo Shenchao , Zhu Tiepei , Zhang Xin , Li Gaochun , Xiang Zhenyang , Li Enhui 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundSimultaneous bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a rare and challenging condition in ophthalmology. This case report focuses on a modified pneumatic retinopexy technique, designed to improve treatment outcomes for this difficult condition.Case presentationA 59-year-old male presented with decreased visual acuity in his right eye for one week. Examination revealed extensive retinal detachment in the right eye with multiple superior breaks and macula off, separated by approximately 3 clock hours. The left eye exhibited one quartile of retinal detachment with superior breaks and macula on. Bilateral simultaneous PR was performed for retinal repair. In the modified PR procedure, 0.7 ml of low-concentration perfluoropropane and 0.7 ml of filtered pure air were intravitreally injected into the right and left eyes, respectively. A head position maneuver was then employed to sequentially close retinal breaks, followed by laser photocoagulation once the surrounding retina reattached. Two days after gas injection, both retinas were completely reattached. Best corrected visual acuity improved to 0.6 in the right eye and 0.9 in the left eye at the 8-month follow-up.ConclusionThe innovative modified pneumatic retinopexy technique presented in this case report offers a promising new approach for effectively treating simultaneous bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
Intelligent tumor tissue classification for Hybrid Health Care Units
Authors: Butt Muhammad Hassaan Farooq , Li Jian Ping , Ji Jiancheng (Charles) , Riaz Waqar , Anwar Noreen , Butt Faryal Farooq , Ahmad Muhammad , Saboor Abdus , Ali Amjad , Uddin Mohammed Yousuf 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionIn the evolving healthcare landscape, we aim to integrate hyperspectral imaging into Hybrid Health Care Units to advance the diagnosis of medical diseases through the effective fusion of cutting-edge technology. The scarcity of medical hyperspectral data limits the use of hyperspectral imaging in disease classification.MethodsOur study innovatively integrates hyperspectral imaging to characterize tumor tissues across diverse body locations, employing the Sharpened Cosine Similarity framework for tumor classification and subsequent healthcare recommendation. The efficiency of the proposed model is evaluated using Cohen's kappa, overall accuracy, and f1-score metrics.ResultsThe proposed model demonstrates remarkable efficiency, with kappa of 91.76%, an overall accuracy of 95.60%, and an f1-score of 96%. These metrics indicate superior performance of our proposed model over existing state-of-the-art methods, even in limited training data.ConclusionThis study marks a milestone in hybrid healthcare informatics, improving personalized care and advancing disease classification and recommendations.