bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain activity during intraoperative general anesthesia using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging ~Feasibility study~
Authors: Wakabayashi Junji , Oshiro Yoshitetsu , Kan Shigeyuki , Kohta Masaaki , Taniguchi Masaaki , Obata Norihiko , Okada Masako , Kohmura Eiji , Sasayama Takashi , Mizobuchi Satoshi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitors are widely used to evaluate depth of anesthesia. However, EEG monitors have problems such as differences in evaluation depending on the type of anesthetic and influences from drugs other than anesthetic agents. Monitoring of brain activity using intraoperative resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) would be expected to improve evaluation of the depth of anesthesia in EEG monitoring. We examined the feasibility of evaluating the effects of general anesthesia with sevoflurane using rs-fMRI during neurosurgery. We enrolled 20 adult patients scheduled for transsphenoidal surgery. We compared differences between before and during general anesthesia in terms of brain functional connectivity of the thalamus by seed-to-voxel correlation analysis and local neural activity using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) analysis. An exclusion mask was applied to exclude brain areas showing intraoperative spatial artifacts and correct for differences in the magnitude of intra- and preoperative head movements. We analyzed 16 patients. Functional connectivity of the thalamus to the contralateral thalamus, bilateral caudate nuclei and globi pallidi was significantly decreased during anesthesia. The precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex showed significantly decreased fALFF values during anesthesia. These findings were consistent with previous studies and indicate the feasibility of intraoperative rs-fMRI during deep anesthesia.
Risk Factors for Renal Function Progression in Patients with CKD Complicated by COPD
Authors: Zhu Fan , Gan Wenyuan , Liu Hui , Chen Wenli , Zeng Xingruo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic diseases rarely occur in isolation, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is no exception. There has been considerable research on the interplay between the heart and kidneys, but studies on the relationship between the lungs and kidneys are less common. The interaction between pulmonary and renal functions in areas such as acid-base metabolism, chronic inflammation, and bone metabolism is increasingly gaining clinical attention.
Method
In this cohort study, we examined 480 patients with stages 3–4 CKD and COPD (GOLD stages 1 and 2) to identify risk factors that contribute to the progression of renal function to a composite endpoint, which includes a 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the onset of end-stage renal disease during follow-up periods. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to investigate the risk factors associated with the timing of renal event endpoints in the study population. Additionally, the restricted cubic spline method was used to explore the relationship between quantitative variables and survival risk.
Results
Our study included 480 eligible patients with an average follow-up period of 21.41 ± 14.90 months, during which 224 individuals (46.7%) experienced the composite renal endpoints. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) [1.10 (1.04–1.18), p = 0.002], hemoglobin (Hb) [HR 0.89 (0.83–0.96), p = 0.002], albumin (Alb) [0.96 (0.93–0.99), p = 0.009], and edema [1.73 (1.29–2.33), p < 0.001] were independent risk factors for the renal endpoints.
Conclusion
The adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that elevated SBP and edema were factors that promoted the occurrence of composite endpoints, while higher levels of Hb and Alb were protective factors.
Isolation Method of Brain Microvessels from Minimal Frozen Human Brain Tissue for Blood-Brain Barrier Protein Expression Analysis
Authors: Ogata Seiryo , Ito Shingo , Masuda Takeshi , Ohtsuki Sumio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Protein expression analysis of isolated brain microvessels provides valuable insights into the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the isolation of brain microvessels from human brain tissue, particularly in small amounts, poses significant challenges. This study presents a method for isolating brain microvessels from a minimal amount of frozen human brain tissue, using techniques from an established mouse brain capillary isolation method.Methods The human brain microvessel fraction was obtained from approximately 0.3 g of frozen human brain (frontal cortex) using a bead homogenizer for homogenization and a combination of cell strainer and glass beads for purification. Protein expression in human microvessel fractions and whole-brain lysates was analyzed by western blot and proteomic analysis.Results Microscopic images showed successful isolation of brain microvessels from a frozen human brain. Protein assays indicated that sufficient protein was extracted from the microvessel fraction for detailed expression analysis. Western blot analysis showed enrichment of BBB-selective proteins (MDR1/ABCB1, GLUT1/SLC2A1, and CLDN5) in the brain microvessel fraction compared to whole-brain lysates. In addition, multiple reaction monitoring quantification of six BBB-selective proteins (MDR1, BCRP/ABCG2, GLUT1, MCT1/SLC16A1, transferrin receptor, and CLDN5) revealed expression levels consistent with those observed in larger human brain samples. Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS)-based quantitative proteomics further revealed significant enrichment of human microvascular endothelial cells within the isolated fraction, mirroring the findings in mouse models.Conclusions The developed method successfully isolated brain microvessels from a small volume of frozen human brain tissue, facilitating the study of BBB proteome changes due to aging or pathological conditions. This technique provides valuable insights into BBB dysfunction in central nervous system disorders and may improve drug delivery strategies in the brain.
Short and mid-term outcomes of ductal graft with bilateral pulmonary banding in hypoplastic left heart syndrome and variants
Authors: Oktay Ayla , Arnaz Ahmet , Ayabakan Canan , Sarioglu Tayyar , Yalcinbas Yusuf Kenan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study evaluates a novel surgical technique inspired by the hybrid Norwood procedure, which involves ductal graft placement and bilateral pulmonary artery banding. This technique is designed to avoid the high risk classical Norwood stage 1 operation and to avoid the need for first stage invasive catheter interventions and interstage catheter interventions when ductal stent placement is not feasible in developing countries with limited resources.
Methods
Between June 2015 and December 2022, 14 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and variants were treated using this procedure at our center. Polytetrafluoroethylene graft was used for ductal graft procedure and polytetrafluoroethylene bands were used for bilateral pulmonary banding. Atrial septectomy was done selectively. Patients with adequate left heart growth underwent biventricular repair and pulmonary debanding. Patients without left heart growth underwent cavopulmonary anastomosis or necessary intermediate surgical revisions.
Results
Seven patients out of 14 reached the second stage. Two received biventricular repair, three underwent bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis, and two required repeat palliations other than bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis.
Conclusions
Modifications of the Norwood procedure is an ongoing process due to the complex nature of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and variants. As experience grows, the mortality associated with ductal graft and bilateral pulmonary banding procedure may decrease, making this technique an alternative for centers where classical Norwood operation or hybrid palliation is not possible, especially in developing countries with limited resources. We might predict promising outcomes, especially for patients with hypoplastic left heart complex where biventricular repair is expected.
Association of Robotic Surgery with Early Discharge, Readmission, and Complications in Elective Colectomy: An Analysis of NSQIP Data from 2012-2021
Authors: Hsu Angela Ting-Wei , Zion Mofi , Powell Jocelyn , D’Adamo Christopher R. , Feinman Marcie , Felton Jessica , Wolf Joshua H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Early discharge (ED) after colectomy has become a target outcome for multiple reasons, but the factors associated with ED are not well characterized. This study investigated the factors associated with ED and evaluated the impact of ED on overall outcome.
Methods: Data from ACS-NSQIP were used to identify patients who underwent non-emergent colectomy from 2012 to 2021. ED was defined as length of stay ≤2 days. Unpaired t-tests, chi-square tests and adjusted multivariate logistic regression modeling were used to estimate associated factors for ED. Bounceback readmission was defined as readmission within 7 days of discharge.
Results: In this cohort of 282,490 patients, 43,137 (15.3%) met the criteria for ED. Robotic colectomy (OR 14.35; 95%CI [13.63-15.12]) was more strongly associated with ED than any other patient characteristic, including laparoscopic colectomy (6.82 [6.51-7.14], ref open colectomy). ED vs. non-ED patients had lower rates of 30-day (5.84 vs. 10.37%, P<0.01) and bounceback (3.56 vs. 5.75%, P<0.01) readmissions, overall complications (5.65 vs. 18.63%, P<0.01) and post-discharge complications (4.21 vs. 7.49%, P<0.01).
Conclusions: Robotic surgery was the variable most strongly associated with ED, and had twice the odds of ED compared to laparoscopic colectomy. Patients who had ED after robotic surgery had lower rates of complications and readmission compared to non-ED patients.
Prevalence, severity, and determinants of depressive disorder among patients with low back pain in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Naif Abdullah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread health problem that poses a severe economic burden on both affected patients and their societies. A bidirectional relationship between depression and other chronic illnesses, including chronic LBP, has been suggested. However, the exact association between them remains unclear.
Objectives: To investigate the association between depressive disorder and low back pain and its impact on disability of patients.
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in the orthopedic clinics of AlBadaya General Hospital, Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, among a sample of patients with LBP throughout the period of the study (April-June 2024,). An interview questionnaire composed of four parts was utilized: personal information, medical history, and habits, the Arabic-validated version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 to assess depression.
Results: A total of 365 patients were included in this study. Their age ranged between 18 and 85 years, with an arithmetic mean of 47.9 and a standard deviation (SD) of 10.4 years. Females represented 55.6% of them. The overall prevalence of depressive disorder among the participants was 56.2%, being mild in 40.3% of patients and moderately severe or severe among 2.7% of them. The disability score ranged between 0 and 24 with an arithmetic mean of 10.7 and SD of 6.2, while its median 1 value was 11, and its interquartile range was 6-15.5. Patients with moderately severe/severe depression had the highest disability score (median value was 15 and the mean rank was 243.25), while those with no depression had the lowest disability score (median value was seven and mean rank was 130.62), p<0.001. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that with each unit increase in disability score, there was a 20% increase in depression (Adjusted odds ratio "AOR" =1.20; 95% confidence interval "CI": 1.14-1.26), p<0.001.
Conclusion: Depression is very commonly associated with chronic LBP, although it is mostly mild. Disability is a serious complication of chronic LBP, and its severity is associated with the degree of depression. Therefore, patients with chronic LBP should be screened for depression.
Oxidative stress controls lncRNA-mediated granulosa cell functions in a FoxO1-dependent manner
Authors: Sheng Wenmin , Wang Miaomiao , Li Yuqi , Sun Zhenyu , Du Xing , Li Qifa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Oxidative stress (OS) is intensely involved in female low fertility by altering the multi-omics such as transcriptome, miRome, and lncRNome in follicular cells and follicular fluid. However, the mechanism by which OS affects multi-omics dynamics is largely unknown. Here, we report that OS induces lncRNome dynamics in sow granulosa cells (sGCs) partially depending on the transcription factor activity of its effector FoxO1.
Results
2283 putative FoxO recognition elements (FREs) were identified in the promoters of 394 lncRNAs, accounting for 91.20% (394/432) of the lncRNAs stimulated by OS. ChIP and reporter assays showed that effector FoxO1 mediates OS regulation of the transcription activity of lncRNAs in a transcription factor activity-dependent manner. In sGCs, OS induces the transcription of NORSF, a nuclear lncRNA involved in sGCs functions and its mediated cell apoptosis via FoxO1. Furthermore, FoxO1 was identified as a transcription activator of NORSF in sGCs by interacting with the FRE motif of its promoter. Meanwhile, OS reduces the transcription of CYP19A1, which encodes an essential enzyme for estrogen synthesis, and 17β-estradiol (E2) release by sGCs via the FoxO1 and NORSF axis. Phenotypically, transcriptional dysregulation of NORSF transcription caused by two novel adjacent transitions in the promoter leads to decreased sow fertility.
Conclusion
These results suggest a model of OS-stimulated lncRNome dynamics of sGCs, and a new signaling pathway of OS influences sGC functions and sow fertility.
Prognostic significance of CEA reduction rate in patients with abnormally high preoperative CEA levels who underwent surgery for lung cancer
Authors: Tamura Masaya , Furukawa Naoki , Sakai Takashi , Yamamoto Marino , Miyazaki Ryohei , Okada Hironobu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The aim of this research was to investigates the prognostic importance of change in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (particularly abnormal high concentration) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between before and after surgery.
Methods
The study involved 68 patients with NSCLC ( preoperative CEA value ≥ 10ng/ml) who received curative operation from 2012 to 2020. Preoperative and postoperative serum CEA levels, CEA reduction, and other clinicopathological factors were determined on medical records. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate cut-off levels for prognostic markers. Multivariate analyses with a Cox proportional hazards regression model were performed to identify Independent prognostic variables
Results
The optimal cut-off was value for the CEA reduction rate was 77.3%. The area under the curve for the CEA reduction rate was greater compared with those for preoperative and postoperative CEA levels. The Kaplan-Meier method revealed a significantly worse prognosis in the low CEA reduction rate group versus the high CEA reduction rate group regarding overall survival (OS) (p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, the CEA reduction rate (hazard ratio: 3.36, 95% confidence interval : 1.32-8.51, p = 0.011) was identified as an independent and exclusive prognostic marker for OS.
Conclusions
In NSCLC, which is characterized by high preoperative CEA levels, the CEA reduction rate after surgery is a useful prognostic factor. Importantly, it is a more powerful indicator for OS compared with postoperative CEA levels. This factor may be used to clarify the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy in such cases in the future.
Effects of COVID-19 on Heart Failure and Its Risk Factors: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Yiheng , Huang Mingsheng , Sun Yue , Dai Weiran 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction Previous studies suggest a potential link between COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure (HF), but causal relationships remain unclear. This study uses bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate these associations.Materials and methods We selected genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets detailing COVID-19 phenotypes as exposures, while traits associated with HF and its risk factors constituted the outcomes. Our primary estimation method involved utilizing the inverse-variance weighted technique for it could provide a precise estimation by giving more weight to studies with less variance. Alongside, we deployed the weighted median, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO global test, and Cochran’s Q statistic to address biases, detect and correct for pleiotropy, and assess heterogeneity. Furthermore, we conducted bidirectional MR analysis to ascertain the directional causality.Results Based on the bidirectional MR analysis, our findings indicate a higher likelihood of developing into HF among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as well as an increased propensity for HF development in individuals with all COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the presence of HF increases the prevalence of COVID-19, escalates the severity of COVID-19, and raises the hospitalization rate in those affected by COVID-19. COVID-19 does not directly escalate the incidence of the risk factors of HF, but type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could increases the hospitalization and severity rates of COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, chronic kidney disease (CKD) contributes to increased hospitalization rates among COVID-19 patients.Conclusion This study provides evidence of a bidirectional causal link among COVID-19 and HF and its risk factors. These findings suggest clinical implications for early detection and management of HF in COVID-19 patients and highlight the need for targeted healthcare resources.
Enhancing Volumetric Segmentation in Wide-Field OCT Images with a Semi- Supervised Learning Framework: Cross-Teaching CNN and Transformer Integration
Authors: Wong Damon , Sr Syna , Phuong Pham Duc Nam , Gani Nur Fidyana Binte Abdul , Chua Jacqueline , Nongpiur Monisha Esther , Aung Tin , Husain Rahat , Schmetterer Leopold , Ramesh Padmini 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging can enable monitoring of peripheral changes in the retina, beyond the conventional fields of view used in current clinical OCT imaging systems. However, wide-field scans can present significant challenges for retinal layer segmentation. Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have shown strong performance in medical imaging segmentation but typically require large-scale, high-quality, pixel-level annotated datasets to be effectively developed. To address this challenge, we propose an advanced semi-supervised learning framework that combines the detailed capabilities of convolutional networks with the broader perspective of transformers. This method efficiently leverages labelled and unlabelled data to reduce dependence on extensive, manually annotated datasets. We evaluated the model performance on a dataset of 74 volumetric OCT scans, each performed using a prototype swept-source OCT system following a wide-field scan protocol with a 15x9 mm field of view, comprising 11,750 labelled and 29,016 unlabelled images. Wide-field retinal layer segmentation using the semi-supervised approach show significant improvements (P-value < 0.001) of up to 11% against a UNet baseline model. Comparisons with a clinical spectral-domain-OCT system revealed significant correlations of up to 0.91 (P-value < 0.001) in retinal layer thickness measurements. These findings highlight the effectiveness of semi-supervised learning with cross-teaching between CNNs and transformers for automated OCT layer segmentation.
Lifestyle and Bone Health: Analyzing the Association Between LE8 Scores and BMD
Authors: Cui¹ Yuyu , Xu¹ Zhening , Cui¹ Zhaoshu , Guo¹ Yuanyuan , wu Peiwei , Zhou Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the association between Life's Essential 8 scores(LE8) and bone mineral density(BMD) in adults aged 20–59 years.Methods This cross-sectional study utilized nationally representative data from NHANES 2011–2018. Weighted multiple linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between LE8 scores and different levels of cardiovascular health(CVH) with BMD. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the differences in the impact of LE8 scores on BMD across different age groups, genders, races, socioeconomic statuses, and BMI.Results A total of 2,159 participants were included in the study. After adjusting for all covariates, LE8 scores were significantly and positively linearly associated with lumbar spine BMD, thoracic spine BMD, trunk BMD, and total BMD (P < 0.05). Compared to the low CVH group, individuals in the medium and high CVH groups had higher BMD (P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that this relationship was more pronounced in the 20–35 age group and within the normal BMI range (P < 0.05). In females, thoracic spine BMD was more sensitive to changes in LE8 scores (P < 0.05).Conclusion This study reveals a positive linear relationship between LE8 and BMD. Higher LE8 scores are associated with greater BMD in adults aged 20–59 years, suggesting that lifestyle interventions can effectively prevent and treat OP.
Examining the Structural, Dielectric, and Electrical Characteristics of Sol-Gel
Authors: Tayari Faouzia , Teixeira Silvia Soreto , Graça M. P. F. , Essid Manel , Nassar Kais Iben 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Creating perovskite ceramic with electrical and dielectric properties appropriate for energy storage, medical uses, and electronic devices is the goal of this research. A bismuth ferric titanate, Bi₀.₇Ba₀.₃(FeTi)₀.₅O3, doped with barium and crystalline, was effectively synthesized at the A-site via sol-gel synthesis. A rhombohedral structure emerged in 12 the R 3́ C space group, which was confirmed by room-temperature X-ray studies. An average grain size of 263 nm and a homogeneous grain distribution and chemical composition were confirmed by the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The relationship between temperature and frequency and electrical properties was found. Impedance spectroscopy and electrical modulus measurements, performed in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 1 MHz and at temperatures ranging from 200 K to 360 K, demonstrated a non-Debye type of relaxation. Furthermore, once the material was produced at various temperatures, its frequency-dependent electrical conductivity was examined using Jonscher's law. Over the complete temperature range, consistent conduction and relaxation mechanisms were discovered. These findings suggest that the chemical may find widespread applicability across a broad temperature range, including electrical fields and capacitors.