bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic Assessment of Postoperative Outcomes in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve displacement, cross-sectional area and bowing of flexible retinaculum are predictable findings of successful carpal tunnel release
Authors: Lee Alvin Kai-Xing , Hsu Cheng-En , Chen Yu-Fang , Yeh Chen-Wei , Ho Tsung-Yu , Wang Wei-Chih , Liu Dung-Huan , Wu Pei-Ching , Chiu Yung-Cheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition characterized by median nerve compression, impacting a significant portion of the population worldwide. While neurophysiological testing has been traditionally employed for diagnosis, recent advancements in ultrasonography have shown promise in offering a non-invasive alternative. In this study, we aimed to (1) evaluate the postoperative statistical changes of the median nerve and flexor retinaculum, (2) share our ultrasonographic measurement methodologies for standardized reporting, and (3) suggest a set of ultrasonographic parameters for postoperative tracking.
Methods
A prospective cohort of 18 patients with 24 CTS-affected hands underwent comprehensive evaluations including ultrasonography, nerve conduction studies, and functional assessments before and six months after surgical intervention. Various ultrasonographic parameters such as cross-sectional area (CSA), bowing of the flexor retinaculum, displacement of median nerve, and flattening ratio were measured at inlet and outlet levels of the carpal tunnel. Additionally, functional outcomes including grip strength, pinch strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (DASH), visual analog scale (VAS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life score (WHOQOL) were assessed.
Results
A total of 18 patients (24 wrists) with CTS were included in this study. In this study, there were 15 females and 3 males, with 18 single-sided surgeries and 6 double-sided surgeries. The mean age was 45 years old with a mean duration of symptoms of 26 months. There were no complications and no reoperations during the follow-up period. Improvements in all postoperative parameters were recorded, with statistically significant improvements noted in CSA (outlet), bowing (outlet), displacement (inlet and outlet), and functional scores.
Conclusions
In this study, we reported on the postoperative statistical changes after carpal tunnel release. In addition, we shared detailed descriptions of our ultrasonographic methodologies for standardized reporting in the future. After cross-referencing with other publications, we also proposed a set of postoperative ultrasonographic parameters for determining successful release of carpal tunnel. In conclusion, we recommended that ultrasonography could be used as a reliable tool for postoperative tracking and could act as a tool for patient communication.
Trial registration
This study was approved by the ethics committee of China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan and conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration (IRB approval number CMUH109-REC2-184).
Changes in AH cytokines and metabolomics in contralateral eyes of ARC patients following unilateral surgery reveal effects on the contralateral eye's intraocular environment stability
Authors: Li Yang , Cheng Taiying , Zhou Sujun , Li Fayuan , Guo Wenjun , Li MingboTaixiang , Liu Taixiang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: For patients with bilateral age-related cataracts, sequential phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation is a common treatment. However, it remains unclear whether surgery on the first eye affects the outcome of the second eye, as current research results are inconsistent. This study will explore whether surgery on one eye affects the non-operated eye by analyzing changes in aqueous humor biomarkers and metabolomics in the second eye. Methods: A rabbit model of unilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was established. The experimental group consisted of 15 rabbits undergoing this procedure. Postoperatively, rabbits were divided into five subgroups (three rabbits per subgroup), and aqueous humor was collected from both the operated and non-operated eyes at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after surgery. Additionally, 5 rabbits were selected as a control group, from which aqueous humor was extracted. Levels of IL-1a, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, and VEGF in the aqueous humor were compared. In the clinical study, preoperative aqueous humor samples were collected from 22 patients undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Among them, 11 patients were tested for the aforementioned 10 cytokines, while the other 11 patients underwent untargeted metabolomics research.
Results: In the animal experiment, levels of all 10 cytokines in the operated eyes were significantly higher compared to both the control and non-operated eyes groups (P < 0.05). In the non-operated eyes, IL-1β and IL-2 levels were also elevated compared to the control (P < 0.05). IL-1β remained elevated at 3 weeks post-surgery, while IL-2 returned to baseline after 3 days.In the clinical study, no significant differences were found in cytokine levels between the two eyes.In the untargeted metabolomics analysis, 354 metabolites showed differential expression—280 were upregulated and 74 were downregulated. Notably, Adenine and 2-Aminopurine were significantly downregulated, highlighting Purine metabolism as the most impacted pathway.
Conclusions: Animal experiments showed a significant increase in IL-1β and IL-2 levels in the non-operated eyes postoperatively, reflecting systemic and local inflammatory responses. In clinical experiments, although no significant changes in cytokines were observed in the aqueous humor of both eyes, differential expression of metabolites indicated metabolic adjustments in the non-operated eye following surgery on the first eye. These findings suggest potential metabolic effects of surgery on the non-operated eye at the metabolic level.
Comprehensive Assessment of Heavy Slow Resistance Training and High-Dose Therapeutic Ultrasound in Managing Patellar Tendinopathy
Authors: Xiao Liufeng , Zhou Heng , He Jia , Liu Hua , Li Yongchao , Liu Ziyi , Hu Hao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a common sports-related injury that often recurs. Heavy Slow Resistance Training (HSR) and High-Dose Therapeutic Ultrasound (TUS) are commonly used to treat PT. However, there is a lack of research on the combined effectiveness of these treatments.
Methods: In this study, fifty-one college students aged 18 to 25, diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy using musculoskeletal ultrasound, were randomly assigned to three groups: a Combined HSR and high-dose TUS treatment group (n=17), an HSR training group (n=17), and a high-dose TUS treatment group (n=17). The intervention lasted for 8 weeks and various assessments were conducted including the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Y-balance Test (YBT), Modified Thomas Test (MTT), Horizontal Jumping Distance, Maximum Isometric Muscle Strength Test, musculoskeletal ultrasound for patellar tendon thickness and blood flow, and electromyography (EMG) of lower extremity muscles. Results showed significant improvement in knee joint function across all intervention methods, with the Combined group showing the most improvement. Follow-up at week 16 indicated continued improvement in VISA-P scores for the Combined and HSR groups, while a decrease was observed in the TUS group. Compared to pre-intervention, all groups showed significant differences in post-intervention VAS scores (p < 0.01), indicating a reduction in pain. While no significant differences in VAS scores were present among groups pre-intervention, post-intervention results revealed significant differences between the Combined and HSR groups (p < 0.05), as well as between the Combined and TUS groups (p < 0.01). The MTT test demonstrated notable improvements in joint mobility and quadriceps flexibility in the Combined and HSR groups after the 8-week intervention (p < 0.01), with no significant changes observed in the TUS group. Inter-group comparisons did not show significant differences both before and after the intervention. YBT test results also indicated significant differences.
Conclusion: Both exercise intervention and high-dose TUS can moderately decrease pain and improve motor capacity in patients with patellar tendinopathy. However, the therapeutic effect of high-dose TUS alone is relatively limited compared to exercise intervention. The combined application of both methods results in the most significant improvement in pain relief and motor function enhancement. The trial was registered on ISRCTN11447397 (www.ISRCTN.com) on 17/02/2024（Retrospectively registered）.
The efficacy of topological properties of functional brain networks in identifying major depressive disorder
Authors: xu Kejie , Long Dan , Zhang Mengda , Wang Yifan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, and its pathophysiology remains to be explored. In this study, we aimed to explore the efficacy of brain network topological properties (TPs) in identifying MDD patients, revealing variational brain regions with efficient TPs. Functional connectivity (FC) networks were constructed from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Small-worldness did not exhibit significant variations in MDD patients. Subsequently, two-sample t-tests were employed to screen FC and reconstruct the network. The discriminative ability of TPs between MDD patients and healthy controls was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), ROC analysis showed the small-worldness of binary reconstructed FC network (p < 0.05) was reduced in MDD patients, with area under the curve (AUC) of local efficiency (Le) and clustering coefficient (Cp) as sample features having AUC of 0.6351 and 0.6347 respectively being optimal. The AUC of Le and Cp for retained brain regions by T-test (p < 0.05) were 0.6795 and 0.6956 respectively. Further, support vector machine (SVM) model assessed the effectiveness of TPs in identifying MDD patients, and it identified the Le and Cp in brain regions selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), with average accuracy from leave-one-site-out cross-validation being 62.03% and 61.44%. Additionally, shapley additive explanations (SHAP) was employed to elucidate variations in TPs across brain regions, revealing that predominant variations among MDD patients occurred within the default mode network. These results reveal efficient TPs that can provide empirical evidence for utilizing nodal TPs as effective inputs for deep learning on graph structures, contributing to understanding the pathological mechanisms of MDD.
Effect of IMA Ligation Technique on Bleeding Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Total Mesorectal Excision
Authors: Winland Ama J. , Suresh Reena S. , Stem Miloslawa , Maturi Jay R. , Gearhart Susan L. , Gabre-Kidan Alodia , Efron Jonathan E. , Obias Vincent J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Inferior mesenteric artery ligation techniques for left colon and rectal resections include stapling, using an energy device, or suture ligation based on surgeon preference. To our knowledge, no studies have demonstrated superiority of one technique over the other.
Methods
This retrospective study utilized an institutional database for adult rectal cancer patients undergoing total mesorectal excision (2006–2021). The association between IMA ligation technique (stapled, energy, or suture ligation) and primary outcomes of intra- and 30-day post-operative bleeding complications necessitating transfusion were assessed. Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson's Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test when appropriate.
Results
Among the 769 rectal cancer patients included, 69 (8.97%) underwent stapled ligation, 281 (36.54%) underwent energy ligation, and 419 (54.59%) underwent suture ligation. Patients in the suture ligation group more frequently underwent open procedures (17.39% vs 19.22% vs 92.84%; p < 0.001) compared to the stapled and energy groups, respectively. There were no differences in intra- (5.80%, 3.20%, 7.16%; p = 0.082) or post-operative bleeding necessitating transfusion (7.25%, 7.47%, 5.73%; p = 0.634). However, there was significantly more bleeding post-operatively for patients in the energy cohort compared to the suture ligation cohort when receiving an open approach (14.81% vs 5.91%: p = 0.016). There were no differences in 30-day overall morbidity, readmission, reoperation, or length of stay between groups.
Conclusions
Energy and stapling of the IMA is as safe as traditional IMA suture ligation, with potential benefit of suture ligation over bipolar energy in decreasing post-operative bleeding when undergoing an open approach.
Deep Learning-Based Land Use and Land Cover Classification for Change Detection Studies
Authors: Pushpalatha V , Mallikarjuna P B , Mahendra H N , Subramoniam Rama , Mallikarjunaswamy S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Accurate land use land cover (LULC) classification is crucial for monitoring environmental changes, urban planning, and natural resource management. Traditional methods and conventional machine learning algorithms can be time-consuming and less effective in handling large datasets. Hence, this paper presents the deep learning-based classification method, to classify Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor-III ((LISS-III) satellite imagery into various land cover categories with improved accuracy and efficiency. We developed a Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)-based deep learning model and trained on a diverse dataset of LISS-III images, covering the geographical region of Nanjangud taluk, Myusuru district, India. The developed model is applied to LISS-III images of the two years 2010 and 2020 respectively for LULC classification. Further, classified maps are used for change detection studies to identify and quantify land cover changes over time. The results indicate that the CNN approach achieved an overall accuracy of 94.08% for the 2010 data and 95.30% for the 2020 data, demonstrating the model's robustness and precision in LULC classification. The results highlight significant improvements in detecting small and large-scale changes, thereby providing valuable insights for environmental monitoring and policy-making.
Predicting patient outcomes after major abdominal surgery: the role of shock index and heart rate
Authors: Mostafa Maha , Hasanin Ahmed , Awad Mahmoud , Zaki Rana M , Abdallah Ahmed S , Elbrashy Assem A , Raafat Heba 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of postoperative vital signs and risk scores in identification of postoperative complications and mortality after major abdominal surgery.
Methods
This prospective observational study included adults (aged ≥ 18 years) after elective major abdominal surgery. Heart rate and shock index were recorded at day-zero and day-one postoperatively. Patients were followed up for any postoperative medical and/or surgical complications until discharge from hospital. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo grading system and a score > II was classified as severe complications. Outcomes were the ability of shock index (primary outcome) and heart rate, at day-one postoperatively, in predicting severe postoperative complication and in-hospital mortality using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results
The final analysis included 133 patients. The number of patients who developed severe postoperative complications was 27/133 (20%) and in-hospital mortality was 16/133 (12%). Shock index and heart rate, at day-one postoperatively showed good predictive ability for severe complications (AUC [95% confidence interval]: 0.85[0.77–0.90] and 0.82[0.76–0.89], respectively) and in-hospital mortality (AUC [95% confidence interval]: 0.85[0.78–0.91] and 0.83[0.75–0.89], respectively). a cutoff value of 0.75 for shock index had negative predictive values of 97 and 98% for severe postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality, respectively. Cutoff values for heart rate of 102 and 104 had negative predictive values of 95 and 99% for severe postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality, respectively.
Conclusion
Shock index and heart rate at day-one postoperatively accurately predicted severe complications and in-hospital mortality after major abdominal surgery. Shock index ≤ 0.75 and heart rate < 104 bpm can rule out in-hospital mortality with 98–99% accuracy.
Disparities in Clinical Outcomes and Risk Profiles Among Male and Female Chemotherapy Patients During COVID-19: An Observational Study
Authors: Lima Giérisson Brenno Borges , Lima Gabriel Santos de Castro e , Silva Flaviana Santos de Sousa , Araújo Luis Felipe Castro , Pereira Thaís da Conceição Tavares , Macedo Michel Monteiro , Rosa Thiago dos Santos , Corrêa Hugo de Luca , Amorim Carlos Eduardo Neves 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate and describe clinical parameters and risk factors in patients undergoing chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing men and women.
Methods
The sample comprised 106 cancer patients, mean age 54.12 (SD 16.18), both sexes (71 women and 35 men), with different types of cancer, all undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Assessments included anthropometric measurements, tetrapolar bioimpedance (phase angle), handgrip dynamometry, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
Results
After analysis, 49% of the patients showed deviations from the ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) (13% below and 36% above ideal). The waist-hip ratio was adversely altered in 90.9% of patients, indicating a moderate to very high cardiovascular disease risk (27.3% moderate, 36.4% high, and 27.3% very high). Notably, no women exhibited a low risk, unlike men (31%) (p = 0.007). Reduced calf circumference was observed in 76% of patients. Regarding body composition, 62.9% of patients displayed significant changes in body fat percentage. The majority also exhibited inadequate handgrip strength levels (63.6%), with men being approximately four times more likely to have insufficient strength (p = 0.008, OR = 3.910). A phase angle below the recommended level was found in 94.8% of the sample. Physical activity assessment revealed a 100% sedentary lifestyle rate.
Conclusion
Patients undergoing chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic had insufficient physical activity levels, inadequate handgrip muscle strength, and anthropometric indices and body composition with adverse changes, increasing cardiovascular risk and low phase angle reference values in the majority of the sample, with women displaying the most unfavorable profile.
The research project was approved by the institutional review board, no. 5.069.269.
Central and peripheral dual neuromodulation strategy in pain management of zoster-associated pain：a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xuelian , Zhang Huaxiang , Zhang Xu , Ma Ke , Lv Yan , Song Tao , Guo Gangwen , Huang Dong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has shown effectiveness in relieving zoster-associated pain (ZAP), but some patients still experience moderate or severe pain after SCS treatment. This study aims to evaluate the impact of SCS combined with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) as a dual neuromodulation strategy on the prognosis of ZAP.The clinical records of patients diagnosed with ZAP who underwent SCS (SCS group) or SCS combined with PRF (SCS + PRF group) at The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, were retrospectively analyzed to compare the effectiveness of the two treatment approaches for ZAP. Outcome measures included changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores before and after neuromodulation treatment, response rates, and incidence of progression to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).13 SCS patients and 15 SCS + PRF patients were analyzed. Admission VAS scores were similar (P = 0.934). Upon discharge, no significant differences in VAS or response rates were observed (P > 0.05). However, at 6-month follow-up, the SCS + PRF group had lower VAS scores (1.53 ± 1.06 vs. 3.23 ± 1.50, P < 0.001) and a lower proportion of residual moderate pain (P = 0.041). None in the SCS + PRF group progressed to PHN in the acute/subacute phases, differing significantly from the SCS group (P = 0.038).Therefore,SCS combined with DRG PRF is feasible and effective in the treatment of ZAP. This dual neuromodulation strategy may be a more appropriate regimen for the treatment of ZAP.
Identification of plasma cell subsets and molecular markers of Alzheimer's disease based on single-cell weighted gene co-expression network analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Xin Chao , Zhi Hong-Wei , Ding Peng-Li , Wang Ya-Han , Wang Zhong-Lin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a multifactorial pathogenesis, comprising gene expression alterations and abnormal immune cell infiltration. In this study, we aimed at further exploring AD pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets. We downloaded GSE181279 dataset-derived single-cell data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, then processed and analyzed it using various bioinformatic methods. We screened, standardized, homogenized, and processed the data using principal component analysis and harmony. We identified subgroups using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis. For the single-cell data, we performed cell-type annotation and marker analysis, and compared cell proportions between the groups. After confirming the plasma cell subtype, we screened the disease-associated gene modules via high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis and identified key genes using pathway, Mendelian randomization (MR), sensitivity, and immune cell infiltration analyses. Finally, we analyzed the transcription factor regulatory network and the correlation between key genes, identifying 21 subgroups. The plasma cell subtype proportion significantly increased in patients with AD. We identified brown- and blue-module disease-associated genes. Further pathway and MR analyses identified four key genes (COX4I1, MAL, RGS1, and RPS5) and confirmed their association with AD. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that the key genes are closely related to immune cells, underlining their potentially important roles in AD-related immune regulation. This study explored various AD pathogenesis-related aspects and identified disease-associated key genes and biological pathways. Our results provide important clues for upcoming AD pathophysiological mechanism-related studies and AD therapeutic target assessments.