bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific static and dynamic functional network connectivity changes in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and it predictive values using machine learning
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhong Yu-Lin , Huang Xin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by ocular symptoms like eyelid retraction and exophthalmos. Prior neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional brain abnormalities in TAO patients, along with central nervous system symptoms such as cognitive deficits. Nonetheless, the changes in the static and dynamic functional network connectivity of the brain in TAO patients are currently unknown. This study delved into the modifications in static functional network connectivity (sFNC) and dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) among thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy patients using independent component analysis (ICA).MethodsThirty-two patients diagnosed with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and 30 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning. ICA method was utilized to extract the sFNC and dFNC changes of both groups.ResultsIn comparison to the HC group, the TAO group exhibited significantly increased intra-network functional connectivity (FC) in the right inferior temporal gyrus of the executive control network (ECN) and the visual network (VN), along with significantly decreased intra-network FC in the dorsal attentional network (DAN), the default mode network (DMN), and the left middle cingulum of the ECN. On the other hand, FNC analysis revealed substantially reduced connectivity intra- VN and inter- cerebellum network (CN) and high-level cognitive networks (DAN, DMN, and ECN) in the TAO group compared to the HC group. Regarding dFNC, TAO patients displayed abnormal connectivity across all five states, characterized by notably reduced intra-VN connectivity and CN connectivity with high-level cognitive networks (DAN, DMN, and ECN), alongside compensatory increased connectivity between DMN and low-level perceptual networks (VN and basal ganglia network). No significant differences were observed between the two groups for the three dynamic temporal metrics. Furthermore, excluding the classification outcomes of FC within VN (with an accuracy of 51.61% and area under the curve of 0.35208), the FC-based support vector machine (SVM) model demonstrated improved performance in distinguishing between TAO and HC, achieving accuracies ranging from 69.35 to 77.42% and areas under the curve from 0.68229 to 0.81667. The FNC-based SVM classification yielded an accuracy of 61.29% and an area under the curve of 0.57292.ConclusionIn summary, our study revealed that significant alterations in the visual network and high-level cognitive networks. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms in individuals with TAO, offering a valuable target for exploring future central nervous system changes in thyroid-associated eye diseases.
Age-related changes in the architecture and biochemical markers levels in motor-related cortical areas of SHR rats—an ADHD animal model
Authors: Bogdańska-Chomczyk E. , Wojtacha P. , Tsai M. L , Huang A. C. W , Kozłowska A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose exact pathophysiology has not been fully understood yet. Numerous studies have suggested disruptions in the cellular architecture and neuronal activity within brain structures of individuals with ADHD, accompanied by imbalances in the immune system, oxidative stress, and metabolism.MethodsThis study aims to assess two functionally and histologically distinct brain areas involved in motor control and coordination: the motor cortex (MC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Namely, the morphometric analysis of the MC throughout the developmental stages of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto Rats (WKYs). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the levels and activities of specific immune, oxidative stress, and metabolic markers in the PFC of juvenile and maturing SHRs in comparison to WKYs.ResultsThe most significant MC volume reductions occurred in juvenile SHRs, accompanied by alterations in neuronal density in these brain areas compared to WKYs. Furthermore, juvenile SHRs exhibit heightened levels and activity of various markers, including interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-6, serine/threonine-protein mammalian target of rapamycin, RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, glucocorticoid receptor β, malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl groups, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glucose, fructosamine, iron, lactic acid, alanine, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase.DiscussionSignificant changes in the MC morphometry and elevated levels of inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic markers in PFC might be associated with disrupted brain development and maturation in ADHD.
Hypoxic-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles inhibit neuronal death after spinal cord injury by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Rao Jian , Xie Haishu , Liang Zeyan , Yang Zhelun , Chen Pingping , Zhou Maochao , Xu Xiongjie , Lin Yike , Lin Fabin , Wang Rui , Wang Chunhua , Chen Chunmei 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundOxidative stress and apoptosis of neurons significantly contribute to the pathophysiological cascade of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the role of hypoxic-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (H-sEVs) in promoting SCI repair remains unclear. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of H-sEVs on neuronal oxidative stress and apoptotic responses following SCI.MethodsThe administration of H-sEVs of SCI rats was assessed using behavioral evaluations such as Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores, neuroelectrophysiological monitoring, and Catwalk gait analysis. Indices of oxidative stress (including superoxide dismutase [SOD], total antioxidant capacity [T-AOC], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were measured. Neuronal survival was evaluated through Nissl staining, while the expression level of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was examined using immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, histological evaluation of lesion size was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Tunel cell apoptosis staining and analysis of apoptosis-associated proteins (B-cell lymphoma-2 [Bcl2] and BCL2-Associated X [Bax]) were conducted through immunofluorescence staining and western blot, respectively. Furthermore, the model of oxidative stress was established using PC12 cells, and apoptosis levels were assessed via flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Importantly, to ascertain the critical role of SIRT1, we performed SIRT1 knockout experiments in PC12 cells using lentivirus transfection, followed by western blot.ResultsUsing those behavioral evaluations, we observed significant functional improvement after H-sEVs treatment. Nissl staining revealed that H-sEVs treatment promoted neuronal survival. Moreover, we found that H-sEVs effectively reduced oxidative stress levels after SCI. HE staining demonstrated that H-sEVs could reduce lesion area. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that H-sEVs enhanced SIRT1 expression. Furthermore, Tunel cell apoptosis staining and western blot analysis of apoptosis-related proteins confirmed the anti-apoptotic effects of H-sEVs. The PC12 cells were used to further substantiate the neuroprotective properties of H-sEVs by significantly inhibiting neuronal death and attenuating oxidative stress. Remarkably, SIRT1 knockout in PC12 cells reversed the antioxidant stress effects induced by H-sEVs treatment. Additionally, we elucidated the involvement of the downstream Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.ConclusionOur study provides valuable insights into the effects of H-sEVs on neuronal oxidative stress and apoptosis after SCI. These findings underscore the potential clinical significance of H-sEVs-based therapies for SCI.
Enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of chlorogenic acid via folic acid-TPGS-modified liposomes encapsulation: characterization and In vivo evaluation on colitis mice
Authors: Li Qing-qing , Yan Jia-hui , Zhou Zhi-e , Geng Xiang , Xiong Jian-hua 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionChlorogenic acid (CGA) has been identified to possess salient anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer attributes. However, its application is limited by its instability and low bioavailability. Liposomes have been considered effective pharmaceutical delivery vehicles due to their ability to continuously release loaded drugs, improve drug stability, and display good biocompatibility. They can be easily modified by other small molecules to acquire additional biological functions. In this study, we developed and characterized folic acid-TPGS-modified chlorogenic acid liposome (FTCLP) and evaluated its anti-inflammatory activity.MethodsThe successful encapsulation of CGA within FTCLP was confirmed through examination using electron microscopy, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The in vitro release characteristics of FTCLP were evaluated using the dialysis bag membrane method. Meanwhile, a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) -induced colitis model was employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of FTCLP and its mechanism.ResultsThe FTCLP exhibited an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 84.85 ± 1.20% and a drug loading (DL) of 11.67 ± 0.04%. The particle size of FTCLP was determined to be 150.63 ± 0.71 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.198 ± 0.02 and a zeta potential of 2.61 ± 0.38 mV. The in vitro release profile followed the Higuchi model, indicating sustained-release characteristics. The in vivo study demonstrated that FTCLP treatment was effective in improving the symptoms of DSS-induced inflammatory response, as evidenced by mitigation of weight loss, reduction in the disease activity index (DAI) score, restoration of colon length, and attenuation of colon tissue damage. Furthermore, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interferon-gamma (INF-γ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were markedly diminished in both the serum and colon tissue. FTCLP was also observed to suppress the expression of INF-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, while concomitantly upregulating the expression of Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Besides, the administration of FTCLP was found to result in an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae, while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Helicobacteraceae.ConclusionFollowing encapsulation of CGA within liposomes, FTCLP revealed favorable stability and sustained release properties, and enhanced the anti-inflammatory effects by modulating multiple inflammation-related biomarkers. FTCLP has the potential to be a safe and effective drug for targeted therapy of colitis.
The formation pattern, causes, and governance of network public opinion on university emergencies
Authors: Gao Xiaoning , Li Zhuoya , Zhang Ke , Bi Chongwu 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundUniversity emergencies, garnering significant public attention and shaping network opinions, pose a crucial challenge to universities’ management and societal stability. Hence, network public opinion on university emergencies is a vital issue. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism has not been fully explored and cannot be efficiently controlled. This study aimed to explore the formation pattern of network public opinion on university emergencies, analyze its causes, and provide scientific governance strategies for coping with this issue.MethodsBased on a sample set of 204 cases from the Zhiwei Data Sharing Platform, this study classifies network public opinion on university emergencies into six types and visually analyzes their characteristics: time distribution, subject, duration, and emotion. By integrating the theory of the network public opinion field, this study develops a network public opinion field model of university emergencies to reveal its formation pattern. Furthermore, it analyzes the causes of network public opinion on university emergencies from the perspective of the public opinion lifecycle and proposes corresponding governance strategies.ResultsThe sample consisted of 304 cases of real-life public opinion, and the visualization results show that public opinion on mental health and teacher–student safety constitutes the predominant types, accounting for 83.3%. High-occurrence subjects are public universities (88.24%) and students (48%). The most frequent months are July and December. 90.20% of the public opinions have a lifespan of less than 19 days, with an impact index ranging from 40 to 80. The public’s emotional response to different types of public opinion varies, with negative emotions dominating.ConclusionThis study provides novel insights for understanding their formation and dissemination. It also provides practical implications for relevant departments to govern network public opinion on university emergencies.
Effects of conservative treatment strategies for iliotibial band syndrome on pain and function in runners: a systematic review
Authors: Sanchez-Alvarado Alberto , Bokil Chaitrali , Cassel Michael , Engel Tilman 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThis systematic review summarizes the efficacy of conservative treatment strategies on pain and function in runners with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), a prevalent running injury constituting about 10% of all running-related injuries. The multifactorial nature of ITBS necessitates diverse treatment approaches; yet, a consensus on an optimal conservative regimen remains unreported. This review seeks to update and expand upon existing literature with recent rehabilitative approaches.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Medline, Web of Science, and CINHAL databases, from inception to June 31, 2024. Inclusion criteria were: (1) reporting of conservative treatments for ITBS in adult runners and (2) pain and function defined as main outcome parameters. The methodological quality was evaluated using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool.ResultsThirteen out of 616 records met the inclusion criteria (201 participants), including five randomized controlled trials, one case-control study, one pre-test post-test study, and six case studies. Different active and passive treatment strategies were applied as single (five studies) or combined (eight studies) treatments. The average methodological quality was deemed good. Large between-study heterogeneity was present, impeding a meta-analysis to be performed. Hip abductor strengthening (HAS) exercise emerged as a common strategy. The intervention effects on pain reduction ranged from 27% to 100%, and functional improvement from 10% to 57%, over 2 to 8 weeks.ConclusionA conservative treatment approach incorporating HAS exercises, possibly augmented by shockwave or manual therapy, is effective for mitigating pain and enhancing function in ITBS-afflicted runners. Finally, the potential of emerging strategies like gait retraining requires further exploration through rigorous trials and comprehensive evidence. Addressing these gaps could refine ITBS management, enhancing treatment outcomes and facilitating runners’ return to sport.
Case Report: Exacerbation after fat grafting in patients with active localized scleroderma
Authors: Han Shunxin , Liu Juzi , Lu Feng , Cai Junrong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe application of autologous fat transplantation in facial lesions of patients with localized scleroderma (LoS) has been reported in recent years.ObjectiveThe authors report a case of worsening of active localized scleroderma after autologous fat transplantation.MethodsA man presented with neck and facial skin atrophy and pigmentation with a history of LoS. Appearing 1.5 years ago, the lesion had progressively grown in size and shape. Consent was obtained after the patient was informed of the possible surgical risks during the active phase of the disease. He underwent autologous fat grafting into the right cheek with about 30 ml Coleman fat graft.ResultsSkin dyspigmentation and atrophy progressively deteriorated 1 month into therapy, with slightly increased erythema and enlargement of the lesion. Six months after the therapy, the localized scleroderma-related score worsened.LimitationsThere are different factors, such as that systemic medications could affect the treatment of localized scleroderma by autologous fat transplantation. Meanwhile, considering the limitation of the 6-month follow-up period, obtaining long-term follow-up data is necessary to evaluate sustained outcomes and potential complications.ConclusionMore clinical research is needed to determine the time interval between disease inactivity and the application of any surgical procedures to avoid reactivation.
Client-based evaluation of the effects of localized vibration therapy on pain and mobility scores in dogs with radiographic bilateral hip dysplasia
Authors: Turner Kristal F. , Canapp Sherman O. , Canapp Debra A. , Sutton Angela M. , Canapp Allyson , Jimenez Isabel A. , Gerardi Joyce 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThis study evaluated the effects of localized vibration (LV) in 37 dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia (HD). HD is a common cause of lameness in dogs, and is a contributory factor to osteoarthritis, which can reduce the dog’s overall quality of life.Materials and methodsThis was a multi-center, prospective survey-based study of 37 dogs with bilateral HD and no prior history of surgical management. Dogs were given LV therapy daily for 14 consecutive days using the same commercially available handheld vibration device. Canine Brief Pain Index (CBPI) data was collected prior to the initiation of therapy, then for 14 days following daily LV therapy. The dogs’ medications, supplements, additional rehabilitation modalities, and activity level were unchanged during the study period. Baseline CBPI pain severity and pain interference scores were compared to scores after 7 or 14 days of LV.ResultsThere were significant decreases in average pain severity and average pain interference CBPI scores in response to 7 and 14 days of therapy compared to baseline. When response to therapy was defined as a decrease in both pain severity score and pain interference score, 62% (23/37) of dogs responded to therapy at 7 days of treatment and 73% (27/37) responded at 14 days of treatment. Of the individuals that responded to treatment at 7 days, 91% (21/23) continued to respond at 14 days.ConclusionDaily LV resulted in a significant reduction in CBPI scores in 73% of dogs with bilateral HD in this study. Randomized and blinded studies should be performed to further assess daily LV as a treatment modality for canine HD.
Study of Neutron-, Proton-, and Gamma-Irradiated Silicon Detectors Using the Two-Photon Absorption–Transient Current Technique
Authors: Pape Sebastian , Fernández García Marcos , Moll Michael , Wiehe Moritz 
Published: August 2024

The Two-Photon Absorption–Transient Current Technique (TPA-TCT) is a device characterisation technique that enables three-dimensional spatial resolution. Laser light in the quadratic absorption regime is employed to generate excess charge carriers only in a small volume around the focal spot. The drift of the excess charge carriers is studied to obtain information about the device under test. Neutron-, proton-, and gamma-irradiated p-type pad silicon detectors up to equivalent fluences of about 7 × 1015 neq/cm2 and a dose of 186 Mrad are investigated to study irradiation-induced effects on the TPA-TCT. Neutron and proton irradiation lead to additional linear absorption, which does not occur in gamma-irradiated detectors. The additional absorption is related to cluster damage, and the absorption scales according to the non-ionising energy loss. The influence of irradiation on the two-photon absorption coefficient is investigated, as well as potential laser beam depletion by the irradiation-induced linear absorption. Further, the electric field in neutron- and proton-irradiated pad detectors at an equivalent fluence of about 7 × 1015 neq/cm2 is investigated, where the space charge of the proton-irradiated devices appears inverted compared to the neutron-irradiated device.
Safety issues of subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator systems. Is everything so simple and definitely?
Authors: Amanatova V. A. , Uskach T. M. , Grishin I. R. , Sapelnikov O. V. , Kostyleva O. V. 
Published: August 2024

Aim. To evaluate the safety of subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator (SCD) systems.Methods. Fifty-six patients underwent implantation of a SCD. The follow-up period for patients was 18 months. The number of early and late complications, as well as the number of episodes of shock therapy, were assessed.Results. During observation, complications were recorded in 5 patients, which amounted to 0.9% of the total number of surgical interventions performed. Three complications occurred in the early postoperative period. In the late post-operative period, complications occurred in 2 (3.5%) patients. The number of inappropriate shocks in the total sample of patients was 6 episodes (10.7%).Conclusion. SCD systems are effective for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Implantation of these systems is associated with a low number of perioperative complications, as well as a low percentage of inappropriate shock therapy.
Prognostic factors for the effectiveness of catheter ablation of focal atrial tachycardia in school-age children: data from a single-center registry study
Authors: Kovalchuk T. S. , Tatarsky R. B. , Alekseeva D. Yu. , Mikhailov E. N. , Lebedev D. S. , Gureev S. V. , Chueva K. A. , Peregudina O. L. , Marapov D. I. , Vasichkina E. S. 
Published: August 2024

Aim. To identify factors associated with the effectiveness of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of focal atrial tachycardia (AT) in school-aged patients in the long-term period.Methods. The study group consisted of 57 children aged 11 to 17 years 11 months (Me 15.83, IQR 14.63-17.0), who underwent catheter ablation, including repeated, for focal AT in the Almazov National Medical Research Centre from December 2009 until April 2023. We analyzed clinical and demographic data, laboratory data, parameters of tachyarrhythmia, electrophysiological study and RFA. Structural heart diseases were present in 13 children, and idiopathic arrhythmia was present in 44 patients. The criterion for intraoperative effectiveness were the absence of arrhythmia at the end of the waiting period in the X-ray operating room, delayed - within 12 months after the procedure.Results. Intraoperative effectiveness of RFA was achieved in 51 patients (89.5%), long-term - in 32 patients (56.1%). Based on the data obtained, a prognostic model of the delayed effectiveness of RFA of focal AT in school-age children was developed (p<0.001). Predictors included in the model: percentage of arrhythmia during the day (odds ratio (OR): 0.981; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.962-0.999; p=0.043), presyncope (OR: 0.177; 95% CI 0.035-0.903; p=0.037), number of ectopic foci (OR: 0.289; 95% CI 0.128-0.649; p=0.003), right atrium localization (OR: 0.097; 95% 0.013-0.699; p=0.021). The area under the ROC curve corresponding to the association of the absence of arrhythmia after ablation and the values of the logistic regression function was 0.843±0.54 with 95% CI: 0.738-0.938. The sensitivity was 81.3%, specificity - 76.0%. No significant association with effectiveness of RFA was found between the method of arrhythmia induction and the use of drug sedation.Conclusion. It was established that factors such as percentage of arrhythmia during the day, the presence of presyncope, the number of ectopic foci and the presence of an ectopic foci in the right atrium had an inverse relationship with the effective outcome of RFA.