bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic assessment for cardiopulmonary function in patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Yang Lifang , Luo Dongling , Huang Taoran , Li Xiaoshan , Zhang Guolin , Zhang Caojin , Fei Hongwen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
For patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHD-PAH), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can reflect cardiopulmonary reserve function. However, CPET may not be readily accessible for patients with high-risk conditions or limited mobility due to disability. Echocardiography, on the other hand, serves as a widely available diagnostic tool for all CHD-PAH patients. This study was aimed to identify the parameters of echocardiography that could serve as indicators of cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity.

Methods
A cohort of 70 patients contributed a total of 110 paired echocardiogram and CPET results to this study, with 1 year interval for repeated examinations. Echocardiography and exercise testing were conducted following standardized procedures, and the data were collected together with clinically relevant indicators for subsequent statistical analysis. Demographic comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential predictors of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and the carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent slope (VE/VCO2 slope). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of the parameters.

Results
The ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) was found to be the only independent indicator significantly associated with both peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope (both p < 0.05). Additionally, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular fractional area change (FAC) were independently correlated with the VE/VCO2 slope (both p < 0.05). TAPSE/PASP showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting both a peak VO2 ≤ 15 mL/kg/min and a VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 36 (AUC = 0.91, AUC = 0.90, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of TAPSE/PASP at the optimal threshold exceeded 0.85 for both parameters.

Conclusions
TAPSE/PASP may be a feasible echocardiographic indicator for evaluating exercise tolerance.
Efficacy of budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder in treating viral pneumonia in children
Authors: Lin Zi-Liang , Xu Xu , Yang Jiao-Jiao , Lu Li-Qiang , Huang Heng , Hua Xiao-Zhen , Lu Li-Dang 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
Respiratory viruses are increasingly detected in children with community-acquired pneumonia. Further strategies to limit antibiotic use in children with viral pneumonia are warranted.
AIM
To explore clinical efficacy of budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder for viral pneumonia in children and its impact on cellular immunity and inflammatory factor production.
METHODS
A total of 60 children with viral pneumonia were recruited: 30 receiving budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder and 30 conventional symptomatic treatment. Outcome measures included peripheral blood levels of inflammatory cytokines, CD4+, CD8+, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg, clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant reduction in interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels after treatment. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant increase in CD4+/CD8+ and Th1/Th2 levels, and a decrease in Th17/Treg levels after treatment. The total effective rates in the observation group and the control group were 93.75% and 85.00%, respectively, which was a significant difference (P = 0.003).
CONCLUSION
Budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder significantly improved therapeutic efficacy for viral pneumonia in children. The mechanism of action may be related to downregulation of the inflammatory response and improved cellular immune function.
Clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large kidney stones: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Wang Qiu-Lian , Liu Jun-Qiang , Cao Juan , Ding Jun 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
Renal stones ranging 20–40 mm are very common in China. Although no large-sample clinical studies have confirmed the clinical efficacy and safety of this method, there is also a lack of comparative data with traditional treatment.
AIM
To investigate the clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by postoperative stone clearance and changes in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) levels in patients with large kidney stones (> 2 cm in diameter).
METHODS
This single-center observational study was performed at a Chinese hospital between January 1, 2021, and October 30, 2023. All 250 enrolled patients were diagnosed with large kidney stones (> 2 cm) and divided into a FURS group (n = 145) and a PCNL group (n = 105) by the surgical method. The FURS group was treated with flexible ureteroscopy and the PCNL group was treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The operation time, time to palinesthesia, intraoperative blood loss, drop in hemoglobin, length of hospital stay, stone clearance rate, and complications were recorded in the two groups. Preoperative and postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urine KIM-1 levels, preoperative and postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Wisconsin quality of life questionnaire (WISQOL) scores were also documented.
RESULTS
All 250 eligible patients completed the follow-up. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time in the FURS group was significantly greater than that in the PCNL group. The time to ambulation, intraoperative blood loss, decrease in hemoglobin, and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group. The FURS group also had a significantly higher stone clearance rate and a lower incidence of postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in antibiotic use between the groups. Postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels, urine KIM-1 levels, and VAS scores were lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group, but postoperative ESR and WISQOL scores were greater in the FURS group than in the PCNL group.
CONCLUSION
FURS demonstrated superior clinical efficacy in treating large kidney stones (> 2 cm in diameter) compared PCNL. It not only improved the postoperative stone clearance rate and reduced complications and recovery time but also positively affected serum SCM-1, ESR, and urine KIM-1 levels, subsequent improvement of patient quality of life.
Factors influencing further vertebral height loss following percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Tang Zhong-Qiu , He Shao-Bo , Yu Dong-Yang , Luo Hai-Mao , Xing Xue-Hong , Zhou Yong-Wen 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) contribute to back pain and functional limitations in older individuals, with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) emerging as a minimally invasive treatment. However, further height loss post-PVP prompts investigation into contributing factors.
AIM
To investigate the factors associated with further height loss following PVP with cement augmentation in OVCF patients.
METHODS
A total of 200 OVCF patients who underwent successful PVP between January 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study. “Further height loss” during 1 year of follow-up in OVCF patients with bone edema was defined as a vertical height loss of ≥ 4 mm. The study population was divided into two groups for analysis: The “No Further Height Loss group (n = 179)” and the “Further Height Loss group (n = 21).”
RESULTS
In comparing two distinct groups of patients, significant differences existed in bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral compression degree, prevalence of intravertebral cleft (IVF), type of bone cement used, and cement distribution patterns. Results from binary univariate regression analysis revealed that lower BMD, the presence of IVF, cleft distribution of bone cement, and higher vertebral compression degree were all significantly associated with further height loss. Notably, the use of mineralized collagen modified-poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of further height loss. In multivariate regression analysis, lower BMD and the presence of IVF remained significantly associated with further height loss.
CONCLUSION
Further height loss following PVP in OVCF patients is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, especially lower BMD and the presence of IVF. These findings underscore the importance of assessing and managing these factors when addressing height loss following PVP in OVCF patients.
Application value research of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke
Authors: Xu Huan , Chen Mei , Wu Yu-Li , Lu Ya-Fen , Wang Xin , Jiang Wei , Zhang Yuan-Ying 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
Stroke is a common disabling disease, whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke, both can result in neuronal damage, leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction.
AIM
To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke.
METHODS
This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects. They were divided into a control group (n = 43) and an observation group (n = 43) according to the treatment. The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training, while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training. Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment.
RESULTS
The total effective rate in the observation group (93.02%) was higher than that in the control group (76.74%) (P = 0.035). After intervention, the oral transit time, swallowing response time, pharyngeal transit time, and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention. In the observation group, the oral transit time, swallowing response time, and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention. However, the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group (P = 0.142). After intervention, average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups. After intervention, the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups. However, the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention. Additionally, the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels, with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention (P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%, which is lower than the 27.91% in the control group (P = 0.027).
CONCLUSION
The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group, enhance swallowing function, and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.
Surgical treatment of liver cancer and pancreatic cancer under the China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system
Authors: Hu Yun-He , Yu Fan , Zhou Yu-Zhuo , Li Ai-Dong 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
Data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that China had the highest prevalence of cancer and cancer deaths in 2022. Liver and pancreatic cancers accounted for the highest number of new cases. Real-world data (RWD) is now widely preferred to traditional clinical trials in various fields of medicine and healthcare, as the traditional research approach often involves highly selected populations and interventions and controls that are strictly regulated. Additionally, research results from the RWD match global reality better than those from traditional clinical trials.
AIM
To analyze the cost disparity between surgical treatments for liver and pancreatic cancer under various factors.
METHODS
This study analyzed RWD 1137 cases within the HB1 group (patients who underwent pancreatectomy, hepatectomy, and/or shunt surgery) in 2023. It distinguished different expenditure categories, including medical, nursing, technical, management, drug, and consumable costs. Additionally, it assessed the contribution of each expenditure category to total hospital costs and performed cross-group comparisons using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test. This study used the Steel–Dwass test for post-hoc multiple comparisons and the Spearman correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between variables.
RESULTS
The study found that in HB11 and HB13, the total hospitalization costs were significantly higher for pancreaticoduodenectomy than for pancreatectomy and hepatectomy. Although no significant difference was observed in the length of hospital stay between patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy, both were significantly longer than those who underwent liver resection. In HB15, no significant difference was observed in the total cost of hospitalization between pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy; however, both were significantly higher than those in hepatectomy. Additionally, the length of hospital stay was significantly longer for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy than for those who underwent pancreatectomy or liver resection.
CONCLUSION
China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system positively impacts liver and pancreatic cancer surgeries by improving medical quality and controlling costs. Further research could refine this grouping system and ensure continuous effectiveness and sustainability.
Granulomatous lobular mastitis treated by a combined internal and external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine: A case report
Authors: Meng Tian , Chu Mei-Ling , Wang Bing , Ye Mei-Na , Cheng Yi-Qin , Chen Hong-Feng 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a rare benign inflammatory disease of the breast and is classified under comedo mastitis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The etiology of this disease is unknown, and it mainly occurs in women of childbearing age. The diagnosis depends on histopathological biopsy. At present, there is no systematic and standardized treatment plan for GLM. In the absence of evidence supporting an infectious etiology, affected patients might continue to receive multiple courses of antibiotics and unnecessary surgery.
CASE SUMMARY
A 37-year-old Chinese woman with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 infection presented with swelling and pain in the left breast. She also had erythema, nodules in the lower extremities, arthritis in both knees, cough, and headache. In the early stage of GLM, the mass was not significantly reduced by conservative treatment with internal application of TCM; hence, surgical treatment was carried out. The aim of postoperative treatment was to drain the pus, eliminate the necrosed tissue, and expand the muscles; fumigation and washing using TCM was applied.
CONCLUSION
Combined internal and external treatment with TCM, following the principle of “Prioritize internal treatment before ulceration and emphasize external treatment after ulceration,” was effective in our patient with GLM. The prognosis was good. We believe that TCM offered valuable therapeutic benefits in this disease.
Paragonimiasis misdiagnosed as liver abscess: A case report
Authors: Zheng Ying-Qi , Guo Gong-Bing , Wang Mei-Fang , Zhu He-Zhong , Zhou Chan , Li Lin-Hong , Zhang Lu , Liu Yu-Quan 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
Paragonimiasis is a typical food-borne zoonotic disease. Hosts acquire Paragonimus infection through the ingestion of raw or undercooked crayfish and crab. The clinical manifestations of the disease are varied, and it is often misdiagnosed or missed. The diagnosis of paragonimiasis should be considered comprehensively. Praziquantel is the first choice for treatment, and albendazole can be used in combination with repeated courses in severe cases.
CASE SUMMARY
We report a case of liver paragonimiasis that was misdiagnosed as an abscess. The patient presented with fatigue and poor appetite for 2 months, and was diagnosed with liver abscess in the local hospital. After 6 months, the patient visited our hospital because of recurrent abdominal pain and was diagnosed with liver paragonimiasis based on epidemiological history, clinical presentations, and laboratory findings. He was treated with praziquantel (25 mg/kg) three times a day for 3 days; however, the symptoms still presented after treatment. He was treated with oral praziquantel and albendazole for one further course. Follow-up suggested that the treatment was effective and the symptoms improved.
CONCLUSION
The combination of albendazole and praziquantel may improve the therapeutic efficacy of paragonimiasis.
The endocrine basis of the cardio‐renal axis: New perspectives regarding corin
Authors: Abassi Zaid , Hamo‐Giladi Dalit B. , Kinaneh Safa , Heyman Samuel N. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe central role of natriuretic peptides (NPs) in the complex cardio‐renal integrated physiology and organ failure has been revealed over the last four decades. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), the oldest representative of the NPs family, is produced through conversion of proANP to the mature peptide by corin, a trans‐membrane protease localized to the cardiac myocyte membrane. Similarly, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is generated by furin, which cleaves proBNP to BNP in myocytes. Though the components of NPs system, their synthesis and target organs are well established, understanding their role in the interplay between the heart and the kidney is steadily evolving. In this context, Feldman et al. (New England Journal of Medicine, 389, 1685) recently described patients with hypertension, cardiomyopathy, atrial arrhythmia and left atrial fibrosis, associated with a homozygous loss‐of‐function variant of the gene encoding corin (Cor−/−). Notably, reduced baseline urinary electrolyte and creatinine excretion have been observed in one of the studied patients. This renal excretory functional impairment could be attributed to the lack of cardiac‐derived ANP in these patients, as implied by Feldman et al. Yet, in this mini‐review we suggest that this aberrant renal manifestation may principally stem from lack of local ANP production at renal tissue, as corin is normally expressed in proximal tubules, Henle's loop and collecting ducts, with locally produced ANP provoking Na+ and water exertion. Collectively, it seems that beside the classic well‐established cardio‐renal axis, the renal NPs system functions as local endocrine machinery in the regulation of sodium excretion.
BMAL1 sex‐specific effects in the neonatal mouse airway exposed to moderate hyperoxia
Authors: Bartman Colleen M. , Nesbitt Lisa , Lee Kenge K. , Khalfaoui Latifa , Fang Yun‐Hua , Pabelick Christina M. , Prakash Y. S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSupplemental O2 (hyperoxia) is a critical intervention for premature infants (<34 weeks) but consequently is associated with development of bronchial airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and asthma. Clinical practice shifted toward the use of moderate hyperoxia (<60% O2), but risk for subsequent airway disease remains. In mouse models of moderate hyperoxia, neonatal mice have increased AHR with effects on airway smooth muscle (ASM), a cell type involved in airway tone, bronchodilation, and remodeling. Understanding mechanisms by which moderate O2 during the perinatal period initiates sustained airway changes is critical to drive therapeutic advancements toward treating airway diseases. We propose that cellular clock factor BMAL1 is functionally important in developing mouse airways. In adult mice, cellular clocks target pathways highly relevant to asthma pathophysiology and Bmal1 deletion increases inflammatory response, worsens lung function, and impacts survival outcomes. Our understanding of BMAL1 in the developing lung is limited, but our previous findings show functional relevance of clocks in human fetal ASM exposed to O2. Here, we characterize Bmal1 in our established mouse neonatal hyperoxia model. Our data show that Bmal1 KO deleteriously impacts the developing lung in the context of O2 and these data highlight the importance of neonatal sex in understanding airway disease.
Preparation of cardanol-based curing agent for underwater drainage pipeline repairs
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Guoqing , Guo Yali , Fang Ning , Li Jingxiang , Li Zheng , Li Junhan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The underwater curing agents have demonstrated promising potential in various applications, especially in underwater repair engineering, yet have proven considerable challenging. Here, we report a cardanol-based curing agent for epoxy resin that achieves robust adhesion to steel and concrete substrates both in air and underwater. Cardanol, paraformaldehyde, and m-phenyldimethylamine are selected as the polymeric monomers to synthesize curing agent by Mannich reaction in the absence of chemical cross-linker agents. The coating is completely cured within 46 ± 1 min in air and 54 ± 2 min under water with an adhesion of 0 or 1 and a hardness of 5H. The impact strength, shear strength, and tensile strength of coating on underwater concrete were 9.58 ± 0.41 kJ·m−2, 13.1 ± 0.3, and 10.5 ± 0.2 MPa, respectively, demonstrating exceptional flexibility and mechanical strength as well as favorable hydrophobicity. This work paves the way for the rehabilitation of underwater drainage network for urban infrastructure and water conservancy projects.
Preparation of lightweight PBS foams with high ductility and impact toughness by foam injection molding
Authors: Xu Jiangbin , Xing Jinfu , Luo Mei , Li Tingyu , Liu Bujin , Zeng Xiangbu , Jiang Tuanhui , Wu Xian , He Li 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Lightweight and highly tough polymer foams play a crucial role in resource conservation and environmental protection. One such biodegradable material that has garnered attention for its excellent processability and mechanical properties is polybutylene succinate (PBS). However, achieving PBS foams with superior mechanical properties remains a significant challenge. In this study, we prepared PBS foams with higher ductility and impact toughness using foam injection molding. The improved ductility of these foams can be attributed to the highly oriented cellular structure along the direction of the tensile load, transforming from regular circular shapes to tubular ones. This cellular structure effectively blunts crack tips, thereby enhancing impact performance. When the mold-opening distance is 0.4 mm, the fracture elongation of PBS foams is 486%, the tensile toughness is 4,586 MJ·cm−3, and the impact strength is 12.73 kJ·m−2. These values are 98%, 53%, and 29% higher than those of unfoamed PBS, respectively. As the mold-opening distance increases, the relative density of PBS foams decreases, leading to a reduction in fracture elongation, tensile toughness, and impact strength. Interestingly, the specific impact strength of PBS foams consistently surpasses that of unfoamed PBS, and increases proportionally to the mold-opening distance.