bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The functional graphene/epoxy resin composites prepared by novel two-phase extraction towards enhancing mechanical properties and thermal stability
Authors: Zhu Wenfeng , Wang Qianxi , Zhang Pengchao , Li Lei , Zhang Li , Li Houbu , Ding Lekang , Jin Zunlong , Li Peipei , Zhang Jiaoxia 
Published: August 2024

Epoxy resins, known for their excellent properties, are widely used thermosetting resins, but their tendency towards brittle fracture limits their applications. This study addresses this issue by preparing graphene oxide via the Hummer method, modifying it with hyperbranched polyamide ester, and reducing it with hydrazine hydrate to obtain functionalized graphene. This functionalized graphene improves compatibility with epoxy resin. Using a novel two-phase extraction method, different ratios of functionalized graphene/epoxy composites were prepared and tested for mechanical properties and thermal stability. The results showed significant improvements: the tensile strength of composites with 0.1 wt% functionalized graphene increased by 77% over pure epoxy resin, flexural strength by 56%, and glass transition temperature by 50°C. These enhancements, attributed to the improved compatibility between graphene and epoxy resin, demonstrate the potential of functionalized graphene to mitigate the brittleness of epoxy resins, expanding their application potential.
Effect of venous foot pump intervention on prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with major orthopedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tong Yahui , Ying Rulan , Niu Meier , Xu Lan 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after major orthopedic surgery. The venous foot pump (VFP) is an effective mechanical preventive measure against VTE in patients. However, the differences in effectiveness based on varying usage times of VFP remain unclear.ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of VFP with different usage times in preventing VTE in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.MethodsNine databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, CBM, VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang) were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating VFP interventions for VTE prevention in major orthopedic surgery patients. The risk of bias in each study was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3.ResultsA total of 36 RCTs involving 3,791 patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery were included. Meta-analysis revealed significant differences in VTE incidence between the VFP and blank control groups (RR = 0.27, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.19–0.38, P &lt; 0.001) and between the VFP plus chemoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis alone groups (RR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.29–0.53, P &lt; 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the VFP and the LMWH groups (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.54–1.61, P = 0.8). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in effectiveness based on different VFP usage durations (VFP vs. Blank: Chi-square = 0.54, P = 0.46, I2 = 0%; VFP Plus chemoprophylaxis vs. chemoprophylaxis alone: Chi-square = 1.93, P = 0.86, I2 = 0%).ConclusionThe current evidence indicates that VFP significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative VTE in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. VFP can be considered an add-on strategy to LMWH for patients at low risk of bleeding and an alternative strategy to LMWH in patients at high risk of bleeding. This study found no significant difference in effectiveness between various VFP usage interventions. Future research should focus on economic cost-effectiveness and patient acceptance to help policymakers determine the most efficient usage duration, providing practical guidance for thromboprophylaxis.
Association between gut microbiota and diabetic microvascular complications: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Peipei , Hao Zhenning , Chen Yu , Zhang Ziqi , Xu Weilong , Yu Jiangyi 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundGut microbiota (GM) homeostasis in the human body is closely associated with health, which can be used as a regulator for preventing the onset and progression of disease. Diabetic microvascular complications bring about not only a huge economic burden to society, but also miserable mental and physical pain. Thus, alteration of the GM may be a method to delay diabetic microvascular complications.ObjectiveA two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to reveal the causal inference between GM and three core diabetic microvascular complications, namely, diabetic kidney disease (DKD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and diabetic neuropathy (DNP).MethodsFirst, genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for GM from the MiBioGen consortium and three main diabetic microvascular complications acquired from the FinnGen research project were assessed. Second, a forward MR analysis was conducted to assess the causality of GM on the risk of DKD, DR, and DNP. Third, a series of sensitivity studies, such as heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy evaluations, and leave-one-out analyses, were further conducted to assess the accuracy of MR analysis. Finally, Steiger tests and reverse MR analyses were performed to appraise the possibility of reverse causation.ResultsA total of 2,092 single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to 196 bacterial traits were selected as instrumental variables. This two-sample MR analysis provided strongly reasonable evidence that 28 genetically predicted abundance of specific GM that played non-negligible roles in the occurrence of DKD, DR, and DNP complications were causally associated with 23 GM, the odds ratio of which generally ranged from 0.9 to 1.1. Further sensitivity analysis indicated low heterogeneity, low pleiotropy, and high reliability of the causal estimates.ConclusionThe study raised the possibility that GM may be a potential target to prevent and delay the progression of diabetic microvascular complications. Further experiments of GM therapy on diabetic microvascular complications are warranted to clarify their effects and specific mechanisms.
High serum prevalence of autoreactive IgG antibodies against peripheral nerve structures in patients with neurological post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome
Authors: Arlt Friederike A. , Breuer Ameli , Trampenau Elli , Boesl Fabian , Kirchner Marieluise , Mertins Philipp , Sánchez-Sendín Elisa , Nasouti Mahoor , Mayrhofer Marie , Blüthner Martin , Endres Matthias , Prüss Harald , Franke Christiana 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPatients suffering from neurological symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination (post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PCVS)) have imposed an increasing challenge on medical practice, as diagnostic precision and therapeutic options are lacking. Underlying autoimmune dysfunctions, including autoantibodies, have been discussed in neurological disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Here, we describe the frequency and targets of autoantibodies against peripheral nervous system tissues in PCVS.MethodsSera from 50 PCVS patients with peripheral neurological symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination and 35 vaccinated healthy controls were used in this study. IgG autoreactivity was measured via indirect immunofluorescence assays on mouse sciatic nerve teased fibers. The frequencies of autoantibodies were compared between groups using Fisher’s exact test. Serum anti-ganglioside antibodies were measured in ganglioside blots. Autoantibody target identification was performed using immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry. Subsequent target confirmation was conducted via cell-based assays and ELISA.ResultsCompared with controls, PCVS patients had a significantly greater frequency of autoantibodies against peripheral nervous system structures (9/50(18%) vs 1/35(3%); p=0.04). Autoantibodies bound to paranodes (n=5), axons (n=4), Schmidt-Lanterman incisures (n=2) and Schwann cell nuclei (n=1). Conversely, antibodies against gangliosides were absent in PCVS patients. Target identification and subsequent confirmation revealed various subunits of neurofilaments as well as DFS-70 as autoantibody epitopes.ConclusionOur data suggest that autoantibodies against nervous system tissue could be relevant in PCVS patients. Autoantibodies against neurofilaments and cell nuclei with so far non-established links to this disease spectrum should be further elucidated to determine their biomarker potential.
Swept-source optical coherence tomography in ocular surface diseases: anterior segment analysis repeatability and its limits
Authors: Recchioni Alberto , Venkataraman Abinaya Priya , Rauz Saaeha , Domínguez-Vicent Alberto 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the repeatability of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in diverse ocular surface disorder (OSD) cohorts, exploring various anterior segment parameters and their accuracy in different disease groups.MethodsA total of 239 participants across six distinct OSD groups and healthy controls underwent nonmydriatic AS-OCT imaging using the Tomey CASIA 2 device. Anterior segment parameters including anterior chamber depth, width, angle metrics, corneal thickness, keratometry, lens vault, and others were meticulously assessed. Statistical analyses determined repeatability limits and coefficients of variation for each parameter within the different OSD cohorts.ResultsRepeatability for anterior chamber and corneal parameters remained consistent across all OSD groups, indicating minimal impact of ocular surface disease on accuracy. The coefficient of variation (CoV) for the trabecular iris-space area was about 20% for all cohorts. Ocular surface inflammation emerged as a key factor in dry eye, affecting immune-mediated and non-immune conditions alongside age-related ocular surface changes. While anterior chamber depth measurements showed variations, particularly in immune (CoV = 2.5%) and non-immune (CoV = 3.8%) OSD groups, parameters like anterior chamber width and angle to angle showed similar values among the cohorts. Keratometry measures remained stable despite OSD (CoV lower than 1%).ConclusionThe Tomey CASIA 2 demonstrated reliable repeatability for measuring anterior segment parameters in diverse OSD cohorts. Despite challenges posed by dry eye conditions, this technology holds promise in assessing OSD, suggesting potential clinical protocols similar to those in healthy controls.
Association between serum osmolality and risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Hu Zhaosuo , Sha Quan 
Published: August 2024

AimThis study aimed to analyze the association between serum osmolality and the risk of in-hospital mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, data of a total of 1,837 ICH patients aged ≥18 years were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV). Serum osmolality and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)-to-creatinine (Cr) ratio (BCR) were used as the main variables to assess their association with the risk of in-hospital mortality in ICH patients after first intensive care unit (ICU) admission using a univariable Cox model. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied to explore the associations between serum osmolality, BCR, and in-hospital mortality of ICH patients. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsThe median survival duration of all participants was 8.29 (4.61–15.24) days. Serum osmolality of ≥295 mmol/L was correlated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with ICH (HR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.14–1.78). BCR of &gt;20 was not significantly associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality in ICH patients. A subgroup analysis indicated an increased risk of in-hospital mortality among ICH patients who were women, belonged to white or Black race, or had complications with acute kidney injury (AKI).ConclusionHigh serum osmolality was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality among ICH patients.
Degree of fear of needles and preferred allergy immunotherapy treatment among children with allergic rhinitis: caregiver survey results
Authors: Rance Karen , Blaiss Michael , Gupta Payel , Nolte Hendrik , Scott Erin P. , Gardner Donna D. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionA child's fear of needles may impact the preferred route of allergy immunotherapy (AIT) when choosing between subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). A survey was conducted to understand caregiver health-seeking behavior for children with allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis (AR/C) and explore if fear of needles impacted AIT decisions.MethodsCaregivers of children ages 5–17 years with AR/C were recruited from the Dynata US research panel to participate in an online survey from May-June 2023. The survey received institutional review board exemption status. SLIT-tablets were described as “under-the-tongue tablets”.ResultsAbout a third (34%) of surveyed caregivers (n = 437) reported their child had a severe fear of needles and 47% reported moderate fear. Of surveyed caregivers, 53% and 43% reported they had discussed allergy shots and SLIT-tablets, respectively, with their child's physician. SLIT-tablets were preferred by 84% of caregivers; 6% preferred injections and 10% had no preference. Caregivers of children with a severe fear of needles had the highest preference for SLIT-tablets (95%) vs. injections (2%); 85% and 60% of caregivers of children with moderate and low fear, respectively, preferred SLIT-tablets. Among caregivers of children with a severe fear of needles, a higher percentage agreed that their child would welcome taking SLIT-tablets than that their child would accept taking an ongoing series of allergy shots (93% vs. 43%, respectively).ConclusionsMost caregivers preferred SLIT-tablets over allergy shots for their child with AR/C. Preference for SLIT-tablets corresponded with the child's degree of fear of needles. Fear of needles should be included in AIT shared decision-making conversations.
Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Ru’ai Shuhou recipe for the prevention of lung metastases from breast cancer: a retrospective study based on propensity score matching
Authors: Du Nan-Nan , Shao Shi-Jun , Feng Jia-Mei , Wan Hua , Wu Xue-Qing 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundBreast cancer lung metastasis occurs at a high rate and at an early stage, and is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ru’ai Shuhou Recipe (RSR) intervention on the occurrence of recurrent metastases, especially lung metastases, in postoperative patients with breast cancer.Materials and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was implemented at Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China between January 2014 to January 2019. Female patients were included according to the propensity score matching (PSM) method and balanced on the basis of general and clinical information such as age, body mass index, neo-adjuvant therapy, and surgical approach. Patients with pathological diagnosis of breast cancer were included in this study. Breast cancer patients were divided into exposed and non-exposed groups according to whether they took RSR-based botanical drugs after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox survival analysis to explore the relationship between RSR and 5-year disease-free survival and incidence of lung metastases in breast cancer patients after surgery.Results360 female patients were assessed and 190 patients were included in the study after PSM (95 in each of the exposed and non-exposed groups). Of the 190 patients after PSM, 55.79% were over 50 years of age. The mean follow-up time was 60.55 ± 14.82 months in the exposed group and 57.12 ± 16.37 months in the non-exposed group. There was no significant baseline characteristics difference between two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 5-year incidence of lung metastases was significantly lower in the exposed group, and the disease-free survival of patients was significantly longer. Cox univariate and multivariate analysis showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for the development of breast cancer lung metastasis, with risk ratios of 17.188 and 5.812, while RSR treatment was an independent protective factor against the development of breast cancer lung metastasis, with a risk ratio of 0.290.ConclusionStandard biomedical treatment combined with RSR intervention can better prevent breast cancer recurrence and metastasis, reduce the incidence of lung metastasis in patients, and improve long-term prognosis.
Oncoproteins E6 and E7 upregulate topoisomerase I to activate the cGAS-PD-L1 pathway in cervical cancer development
Authors: Luo Ying , Niu Mengda , Liu Yanfei , Zhang Miaochang , Deng Yuanyuan , Mu Dan , Xu Junfen , Hong Shiyuan 
Published: August 2024

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) stands as a significant health threat to women globally, with high-risk human papillomaviruses as major etiologic agents. The DNA damage repair (DDR) protein topoisomerase I (TOP1) has been linked to various cancers, yet its distinct roles and mechanisms in CC are not fully elucidated.Methods: We investigated TOP1 expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and CC tissues utilizing qRT-PCR and IHC, correlating findings with patient prognosis. Subsequent knockdown studies were performed in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the influence of TOP1 on tumor growth, DNA repair, and inflammatory responses.Results: TOP1 was highly expressed in CIN and CC, negatively correlating with patient prognosis. Inhibition of TOP1 impeded CC cell growth and disrupted DNA repair. TOP1 was shown to regulate tumor-promoting inflammation and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) production in a cGAS-dependent manner. HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 upregulated TOP1 and activated the cGAS-PD-L1 pathway.Conclusions: TOP1 acts as a DNA repair mediator, promoting CC development and immune evasion. Targeting the TOP1-cGAS-PD-L1 axis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CC.
How fear emotion impacts collective motion in threat environment
Authors: Lü Yi-Xuan , Zhang Si-Ping , Meng Guan-Yu , Guo Bing-Hui , Liang Xiao-Long , Wu Zhi-Xi , Huang Zi-Gang 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The emergence of collective behavior often depends on the adequate interaction of individuals through self-organization and the exchange of local information. When facing external threats, communication among individuals requires both rapid and effective information exchange to characterize sudden events. In this paper, we introduce the mechanism of emotions into the modeling of dynamics to study collective avoidance behavior in response to threats.Methods: A scenario involving a hidden dynamic threat is constructed to test the avoidance and survival capabilities of the collective when faced with a lack of effective information. By employing the activation and spread of emotion in modeling, the collective may self-organized and adeptly mitigate risks and enhance their own benefits.Results: Through adjustments to the intensity of emotional activation, spread, and decay, rich behaviors emerge. Relying on the regulation of emotion, the collective exhibits different response strategies and action patterns when facing threats, in which the optimal performance from the macroscopic level is expectable.Discussion: By analyzing these phenomena, it can enhance our understanding of the emotional states of collective in response to threats and the methods of controlling in intelligent collective motion.
Ling-gui-zhu-gan granules reduces obesity and ameliorates metabolic disorders by inducing white adipose tissue browning in obese mice
Authors: Li Yuxiu , Ye Zimengwei , Zhao Yi , Xu Bingrui , Xue Wanying , Wang Zhufeng , An Ran , Wang Fan , Wu Rui 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundLing-gui-zhu-gan (LGZG) formula has been demonstrated to effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients with obesity or metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to explore both the effect and the underlying mechanisms of LGZG against obesity.MethodsMale C57BL/6N mice were randomized into four groups (n = 8): normal control (NC), obese (OB), metformin (Met), and LGZG. After 8 weeks of gavage administration, the pharmacological effects of LGZG on obesity and metabolism were investigated using biochemical parameters, histomorphological examination, and lipidomics techniques. Pivotal factors associated with white adipose tissue browning were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.ResultsThe results revealed that LGZG reduced the levels of obesity markers, including body weights, body fat mass and food intake in obese mice. Further evaluations highlighted that LGZG restored glucose homeostasis and significantly improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Importantly, LGZG could adjust serum lipid profiles and regulate the lipidomic spectrum of intestinal contents, with noticeable shifts in the levels of certain lipids, particularly diacylglycerols and monoacylglycerols. Histopathological examinations of LGZG-treated mice also revealed more favorable adipose tissue structures than their obese counterparts. Furthermore, we found that LGZG upregulated the expression of several key thermogenesis-related factors, such as UCP1, PRDM16, PGC-1α, PPARα, PPARγ, CTBP1, and CTBP2 in white adipose tissues.ConclusionOur findings position LGZG as a novel strategy for preventing obesity and improving metabolic health.
The differing relationships between academic discipline, sleep hygiene, and dysfunctional sleep attitudes on sleep quality and duration in Canadian university students
Authors: Kuhn Tara , Karsan Sameena , Heisz Jennifer J. , Middleton Laura E. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThis study sought to understand how university student’s academic discipline relates to sleep factors including attitudes, hygiene, quality, and duration.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional approach, a 30-min survey was advertised to students at two Canadian universities in March of 2022. Sleep measures included the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes Scale, the Sleep Hygiene Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Academic discipline was categorized into four groups: Health, Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate (1) the effect of academic discipline on sleep measures, and (2) the effect of academic discipline, dysfunctional sleep attitudes, and sleep hygiene practices on insomnia, sleep quality and duration.Results1,566 students completed the survey (69.4% women; 80.3% undergraduates). Compared to Health students, Art students had worse dysfunctional sleep attitudes, hygiene, quality, and insomnia severity (p &lt; 0.001). This relationship disappeared after controlling for differences in mental health (p ≥ 0.05). Art students had longer sleep durations (p &lt; 0.01), whereas Engineering students had shorter sleep durations (p &lt; 0.05). When dysfunctional sleep attitudes and hygiene were included in the model, both academic discipline (p &lt; 0.05) and sleep hygiene (p &lt; 0.001) were associated with sleep duration. Sleep hygiene and attitudes were also associated with sleep quality and insomnia severity (p &lt; 0.001), while academic discipline was not (p ≥ 0.05).DiscussionThese results suggest differences in sleep quality across academic discipline are impacted by dysfunctional sleep attitudes, sleep hygiene, and mental health, whereas differences in sleep duration appear to be independent of these factors. Overall, students in different academic disciplines have unique relationships with sleep and thus may require targeted approaches to improve their sleep. Future interventions should focus on supporting sleep hygiene and attitudes to improve students’ sleep and well-being.