bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Computational Approach to Assess Microcirculatory Resistance for assessing microcirculatory resistance in patients with non-obstructed vessels
Authors: Bing Ji , Ye Zi , Tong Jing , Gao yanhua , Ping Fan , Lai Yan , Liu Xue bo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
An intracoronary wire equipped with a transducer and at least 3 to 4 ml of room-temperature saline injected into the coronary artery during prolonged congestion are often used to assess the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). This is a time-consuming and expensive procedure.
Methods
With the invasive wire-based IMR serving as the reference standard, this prospective, single-center, randomized study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the novel single-view, pressure-wire- and adenosine-free angiographic microvascular resistance (AMR) index in patients with suspected myocardial ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries.
AMR was blindedly and independently computed from the diagnostic coronary angiography. An independent core laboratory determined AMR on-site in real-time and compared it blindly to wire-based IMR, interpreting wire-based IMR of ≥25 units as abnormal coronary microcirculatory resistance. The main outcome, measured against wire-based IMR as a reference, was AMR's diagnostic accuracy.
Using pressure wire-based IMR, 200 patients (200 vessels) were studied. The criteria for microvascular dysfunction (CMD) was IMR ≥ 25. AMR was blindedly and independently computed from the diagnostic coronary angiography.
Results
The mean AMR was 2.44±0.68 and showed good correlation (r = 0.6672, p < 0.001) with IMR. A least-squares fit shows a relationship: AMR=1.8+0.024 IMR (regression coefficient 95% CI: 0.011-0.037, P=0.001). According to microcirculatory status, Two groups were divided: low IMR (<25 U, non-CMD group) and high IMR (≥25 U, CMD group). AMR values were found to be significantly higher in the CMD group than in the non-CMD group (2.78±0.68 vs 2.03±0.40,P=0.004).The AUC for the diagnosis of CMD by ROC curve analysis of AMR was 0.889 (95% CI: 0.707-1.0).
Conclusion
AMR derived from angiographic views is a viable computational alternative to pressure line-based IMR, with good diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of CMD.
A new approach for risk assessment of pulmonary toxicants: a preliminary study using didecyldimethylammonium chloride
Authors: Kim Jun Woo , Han Yu Bin , Chung Kyu Hyuck , Park Yong Joo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Recently, interest in alternative toxicity testing methods to reduce the number of animals used in toxicity evaluations has increased. A more accurate approach is required for human risk assessments, which currently uses animal toxicity data to determine point of departure (POD) values and applies uncertainty factors. Therefore, in this study, we propose an approach for an inhalation toxicity risk assessment using in silico and in vitro methods. Human primary alveolar epithelial cells were treated with aerosolized didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) to determine cytotoxicity, then transcriptome analysis and biological pathway investigation was combined based on adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) to calculate the POD. Human DDAC exposure was simulated using a multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model to predict the exposure level of human alveolar area to inhalation of DDAC in silico. These in silico and in vitro results were compared, and a risk assessment was performed. The POD for oxidative stress, inflammation, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy, which are key AOP452 events, were between 19.0 and 23.89 ng/cm2 according to benchmark dose calculation tools. The human exposure to DDAC in alveolar epithelial cells was 0.164 ng/cm2/day, resulting in a margin of exposure (MOE) range of 121–145. This study proposes a novel risk assessment method that involves comparing the exposure of human lung alveolar epithelial cells through inhalation using the human equivalent concentration method through in vitro experiments. This study demonstrated that it is possible to perform human risk assessments using both in silico and in vitro methods.
Automated Assessment of Simulated Laparoscopic Surgical Skill Performance using Deep Learning
Authors: Power David , Burke Cathy , Madden Michael G. , Ullan Ihsan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve healthcare and patient safety and is currently being adopted across various fields of medicine and healthcare. AI and in particular computer vision (CV) are well suited to the analysis of minimally invasive surgical simulation videos for training and performance improvement. CV techniques have rapidly improved in recent years from accurately recognizing objects, instruments, and gestures to phases of surgery and more recently to remembering past surgical steps. Lack of labeled data is a particular problem in surgery considering its complexity, as human annotation and manual assessment are both expensive in time and cost, and in most cases rely on direct intervention of clinical expertise. In this work, a newly collected simulated laparoscopic surgical dataset (LSPD) is presented that will initiate the research in automating this problem and avoiding manual expert assessments. LSPD statistical analyses are given to show similarities and differences between different expertise levels (on Stack, Bands, and Tower Skills). In addition, a 3-dimensional convolutional neural network (3DCNN) is used to classify the experience level of the surgeons, novices, and trainees and is found to achieve good results at distinguishing these, with F1 score of 0.91 and AUC of 0.92.
Exploring the effect and mechanism of DaYuan Yin against acute lung injury by Network Pharmacology,molecular docking and experiment validation
Authors: ZHANG Lei , Zhu Wei , Zhang Cong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: DayuanYin (DYY) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of lung diseases.However, the substance and mechanism of its improvement on acute lung injury (ALI) still need to be studied.
Methods: DYY's effective components and potential targets were identified using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TCMSP), and a network of herb-component-targets was created with Cytoscape3.7.2. The target genes for ALI were sourced from GeneCards, DisGeNET, and DrugBank databases. The drug-disease target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and core targets were visually identified with Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted using Metscape database.The effective components of DYY were further identified by UHPLC-MS/MS. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect of DYY on ALI and its possible mechanism were studied in LPS-induced ALI rats. Finally, the interaction between nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-associated factor 2(Nrf2), Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) and active components was evaluated by molecular docking.
Results: A total of 95 active compounds, 234 potential therapeutic targets and 2529 ALI related target genes were obtained. DYY and ALI share a target number of 111. KEGG analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways and their mediated oxidative stress pathways are closely related to ALI, which may be the potential mechanism of DYY anti-ALI. Network pharmacology and UHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that the active ingredients included quercetin, OroxylinA, Magnolol, Wogonin, Glabrone, Honokiol and LicochalconeA. Animal experiments have shown that DYY can reduce the lung wet-to-dry (W/D) ratio, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung tissue of LPS-treated rats. It is worth noting that DYY promotes the expression of Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) mRNA in vivo, increases the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, and then inhibits the pro-inflammatory mediators mediated by TLR4. Molecular docking analysis showed that the main components of DYY had strong binding ability with HO-1.
Conclusions: This study shows that DYY can alleviate inflammation, oxidative stress and pathological changes of ALI by targeting Nrf2/HO-1 mediated TLR4 signaling pathway, which has important implications for developing effective ALI treatments.
“It’s within your own power”: Shared Decision-Making to Support Transitions to Buprenorphine
Authors: Williams Beth E. , Martin Stephen A. , Hoffman Kim A. , Andrus Mason D. , Dellabough-Gormley Elona , Buchheit Bradley M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Buprenorphine is an effective first-line treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) that substantially reduces morbidity and mortality. For patients using illicitly-manufactured fentanyl (IMF), however, transitioning to buprenorphine can be challenging. Evidence is lacking for how best to make this transition in the outpatient setting. A shared decision-making (SDM) approach has been found to benefit patients with OUD but has not been studied for buprenorphine initiation. We sought to explore participants’ experiences with a SDM approach to buprenorphine initiation.
Methods:
Participants were beginning care at a low barrier, telehealth buprenorphine clinic. Clinicians implemented a standardized SDM approach whereby they offered patients using IMF four options for buprenorphine initiation (traditional, rapid low-dose, standard low-dose, and QuickStart). They elicited patient goals and preferences and discussed the pros and cons of each method to come to a shared decision. Patients meeting study criteria were invited to participate in semi-structured qualitative interviews 1-2 weeks after the initial visit. Interviews focused on experiences with the clinical visit, suggestions for enhancing the treatment experience, and patient factors affecting the method they chose. Interviews were coded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
Twenty participants completed interviews. Participants’ mean age was 33, they were 50% female, predominantly White (16 [80%]), and most had Medicaid insurance (19 [95%]).
Three themes emerged. First, participants found SDM acceptable and a positive addition to their OUD treatment. They felt their opinion mattered and reported that SDM gave them important control over their care plan. Second, patient goals, preferences, and past experiences with buprenorphine-associated withdrawal impacted what type of buprenorphine initiation method they chose. Finally, participants had advice for clinicians to improve SDM counseling. Participant recommendations included ensuring patients are informed that withdrawal (or “feeling sick”) can occur with any initiation method, that buprenorphine will eventually “block” fentanyl effects once at a high enough dose, and that clinicians provide specific advice for tapering off fentanyl during a low dose initiation.
Conclusions:
Shared decision-making is an acceptable approach to buprenorphine initiation in the outpatient setting. It can enhance patient autonomy and lead to an individualized approach to OUD care.
Detection of Rickettsia spp. in questing ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from forest fragments adjacent to agricultural and livestock farms in Casanare, Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez-Bautista José Luis , Fuya-Oviedo Patricia , Nijhof Ard Menzo , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Obara Isaiah , Fonseca Adivaldo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the diversity of ixodid tick species in rural forest areas of Yopal and Aguazul, Department of Casanare, Colombia, and to evaluate the presence of tick-borne Rickettsia sp., potentially impacting animal and human health. A cross-sectional study was conducted on questing ticks collected from forested farm areas that keep livestock and/or conduct agricultural activities. All ticks were subjected to DNA extraction and tested by PCR amplifying fragments of three rickettsial genes: gltA, htrA, and ompA. A total of 852 individual ticks (larvae, nymphs, and adults) and 15 additional larvae clusters were collected and identified as Amblyomma mixtum, Amblyomma cf. parvum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma spp., and Dermacentor spp. Rickettsia organisms were detected by PCR in 7.0% (16/230) of the individual larvae, 0.2% (1/488) of the nymphs, and 1.5% (2/134) of the adults. “Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi” and Rickettsia amblyommatis were detected in 1.52% (13/852) and 0.47% (4/852) of the ticks, respectively. In addition, a novel genotype, Rickettsia sp. genotype Yopal, phylogenetically closest to Rickettsia canadensis, was identified in two A. mixtum males. Several tick and Rickettsia species were found in the study areas, suggesting the need for an in-depth study of rickettsiosis in the Department of Casanare and across Colombia. Priority areas for future studies include investigating the molecular, clinical, and epidemiological features of the presentation of tick species and the possible participation of “Ca. R. colombianensi”, R. amblyommatis, and “Rickettsia sp. Yopal genotype of A. mixtum” to understand their role in human rickettsiosis in the study region.
Space-based inversion tracks and attributes Shanxi's under-estimated carbon monoxide emissions
Authors: Cohen Jason , Li Xiaolu , Tiwari Pravash , Wu Liling , Wang Shuo , He Qin , Yang Hailong , Qin Kai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A space-based mass-conserving framework using observed carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde (HCHO) columns quantifies day-to-day and grid-to-grid CO emissions over energy-consuming Shanxi. Annualized total emissions are 8 times higher than a priori datasets, especially over low emission areas, resulting in an at least 7% increase in CO2 emissions. Significant forcings include atmospheric lifetime of CO (0.3–16.5 d) and HCHO (0.1-6.5h), and transport. Annual CO emissions decreased year-by-year, although this is only obvious when considering the two to three highest months. The ratio of top-down CO to NOx emissions show source attribution is possible over rural, urban, and five industrial areas (including power, iron/steel, and coke). Cross-border transport of CO is important in the peak emission months, including evolving sources from central Shaanxi and western Hebei. The major reason for the significant increase CO emissions is the fractional increase in non-high emitting area’s energy consumption, resulting in a spatial mis-alignment.
Sedative Effects of Dexmedetomidine in Combination with Propofol in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Electrical Cardioversion following Catheter Ablation
Authors: Liu Chao , Peng Rongbing , li Xiaolong , Yu Manli , Guo Zhifu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
To observe the safety and effectiveness of sedation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing electrical cardioversion following catheter ablation using a combination of propofol and dexmedetomidine (P-D group) versus propofol alone (P group).
Methods
A total of 120 AF patients undergoing electrical cardioversion post-catheter ablation were enrolled from October 2020 to August 2022. They were randomly assigned to either the observation group (P-D group) or the control group (P group), with 60 patients in each group. Vital signs, adverse events, analgesic effects, and awakening time were assessed at different stages (T0-T4) in both groups.
Results
In P-D group, HR was lower than T0 in T1-4, the MAP and SpO2 began to decreased in T2-3.In P group, SpO2, HR and MAP in T2-4 were all inferior to baseline period of T0. Whereas, in P-D group, the descend range of MAP and SpO2 of T2, and the SpO2 of T3 were distinctly less than the P group. The adverse events including respiratory depression and bradycardia in P-D group were inferior to the P group (16.7% vs 40% P = 0.045; 13.3% vs 3.3%; P = 0.35). The satisfaction of analgesia in P-D group was apparently prominent than P group (93.3% vs 73.3%;P < 0.05).
Conclusion
In AF patients requiring electrical cardioversion, the combination of propofol and dexmedetomidine demonstrates good sedative and analgesic effects, significantly reducing the propofol dosage and lowering the incidence of clinical adverse events, thereby enhancing medication safety.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Kenaf leaves extract and their antibacterial potential in acne management.
Authors: Ong Wei Ting Jess , Yeap Swee Pin , Haque Jahurul , Nyam Kar Lin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Acne vulgaris affects approximately 9.4% of the world population and was ranked 8th most prevalent disease. Concurrently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely explored for their profound antibacterial properties which are ideal for acne management. With the current search for natural alternatives in both cosmetics and nanotechnology, plant extracts have garnered tremendous attention in the synthesis of AgNPs. Therefore, this study utilized Kenaf leaves extract (KLE) as a novel, natural reducing agent for the synthesis of AgNPs. The effects of different synthesis parameters were studied and KLE-synthesised AgNPs (KLE-AgNPs) were further analysed for their physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficiency. Results showed that small-sized (60.32±2.41nm), stable (-43.03±2.55 mV) and monodispersed (0.28±0.01) KLE-AgNPs were successfully formed with 3mM silver nitrate, and 3mg/mL KLE along with the optimal conditions at pH 11, 48 hours incubation time, reaction temperature of 37°C, and centrifugation at 10000g for purification. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups that aid in the formation of AgNPs. Additionally, XRD result demonstrated that KLE-AgNPs recorded crystalline size of 58.59nm. The FESEM and EDX analyses displayed that the particles were spherical and silver was the main element respectively. The antimicrobial analysis proved that a lower dose of KLE-AgNPs demonstrated better antimicrobial effect on the three acne-causing bacteria compared to commercial AgNPs and chemically synthesized-AgNPs. The outcome of this research amplifies the role of KLE as a natural reducing agent in the synthesis of AgNPs for the development of hybrid nanocosmetics with increased efficacy due to the synergistic effect of KLE and AgNPs.
Phytochemical Changes in Ginseng (Withania somnifera) Hairy Roots with Endophytic Fungi
Authors: Soltaninejad Nasibeh , Sadat-Noori Seyed Ahmad , Izadi-Darbandi Ali , Amini Fatemeh , Mirjalili Mohammad hossein 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Withania somnifera is of high medicinal importance due to the presence of the anti-cancer substance withanolide. The southern regions of Iran are suitable for growing this plant. Growth, physiology, and production of phytochemicals in hairy roots are significantly influenced by biological elicitors such as endophytic fungi. The best strain for hairy root induction was the A4 strain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three strains of endophytic fungi extracted from the roots of W. somnifera (Aspergillus lentulus, Chaetomium sp, Ascochyta rabiei) on Growth, physiology, and production of phytochemicals in hairy roots of this plant. The treatments included 3 strains of endophytic fungi at 24, 48, and 72 hours and in two concentrations of 10 and 20 mg in one cc of culture medium. The experiment was conducted as a factorial in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. All 3 strains increased the growth index and increased the activity of enzymes and phytochemicals. Chaetomium sp strain showed higher fresh weight (4.05 times the increase compared to the control) and higher dry weight (1.59 times the increase compared to the control). The strain of A. lentulus greatly increased the activity of phytochemical enzymes, and the strain of A. rabiei increased the amount of protein (1.76 times) in hairy roots compared to the control.
Induction of territorial behavior and dominance hierarchies in laboratory mice
Authors: Battivelli Dorian , Boldrini Lucas , Jaiswal Mohit , Patil Pradnya , Torchia Sofia , Engelen Elizabeth , Spagnoletti Luca , Kaspar Sarah , Gross Cornelius T. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Territorial behaviors comprise a set of coordinated actions and response patterns found across animal species that promote the exclusive access to resources. House mice are highly territorial with a subset of males consistently attacking and chasing competing males to expel them from their territories and performing urine marking behaviors to signal the extent of their territories. Natural variation in territorial behaviors within a mouse colony leads to the formation of dominance hierarchies in which subordinate males can reside within the territory of a dominant male. While the full repertoire of such territorial behaviors and hierarchies has been extensively studied in wild-derived mice in semi-natural enclosures, so far they have not been established in the smaller enclosures and with the genetically-defined laboratory strains required for the application of neural recording and manipulation methods. Here, we present a protocol to induce an extensive repertoire of territorial behaviors in small enclosures in laboratory mice, including a method for the simultaneous tracking of urine marking behavior in mouse pairs. Using this protocol we describe the emergence of robust dominant-subordinate hierarchies between pairs of CD1 outbred or CD1xB6 F1 hybrid mice, but unexpectedly not in C57BL/6 inbred animals. Our behavioral paradigm opens the door for neurocircuit studies of territorial behaviors and social hierarchy in the laboratory.
Endourological treatment of ureteral strictures with the use of self-expanding stents: is it possible to completely cure the stricture endoscopically? A report on the experience with implantation of 35 stents with a two-year follow-up period; a retrospect study
Authors: Kowalski Filip , Kuffel Błażej , Późniak Michał , Lipowski Pavel , Czarnogorski Michal , Wilamowski Jacek , Ostrowski Adam , Adamowicz Jan , Drewa Tomasz 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
The current results of endoscopic treatment of ureteral strictures are characterized by very divergent treatment results, which is due to a wide range of criterion for including patients in the analyses and different definitions of effective treatment. In this retrospect study we wanted to introduce a possibility of curing ureteral strictures depending on their type and degree with the use of self-expanding ureteral stents (SUS).
Methods:
33 patients with ureteral strictures received endourological treatment with the use of Allium® SUS (2 patients with SUS placed on both sides). Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with uncomplicated strictures (Grp 1) and patients with complicated strictures (Grp 2). Uncomplicated stricture was defined as a single stricture below 2 cm. A complicated stricture was defined as a stricture over 2cm and/or as multiple strictures. The follow-up time was 24 months. All patients were scheduled for renoscyntygraphy during the treatment. A full therapeutic success was defined as no tight stenosis in renoscyntygraphic examination after SUS explantation.
Results:
In Grp 1, full therapeutic success was achieved in 80% of patients, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001) compared to Grp 2. Serious complications (Clavien-Dindo > 3a) occurred significantly more often in Grp 2 (p = 0.046). Renal outflow during stenting was present in 70% of the patients in Grp 2.
Conclusions:
A full therapeutic success of endoscopic SUS-assisted treatment can be achieved in patients with a short, single ureteral stricture. In long and/or multiple strictures SUS can be used as drainage element.