bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation in geriatric patients
Authors: Qin Rongqing , Guan Anhong , Zhu Min , Liu Hongpeng , Zhou Pin , Zhou Bing , Zhou Ruihua , Guan Zaiyong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the surgical efficacy and safety of percutaneous unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy(UBED)for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in geriatric patients.
Methods
72 geriatric patients with single or two-level LDH who underwent UBED from January 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Ages of them ranged from 65 to 86 years (mean 73.2 years). Clinical outcomes were evaluated by operation time, total blood loss, hospital stay, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for leg pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, modified Macnab criteria and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Results
Surgery was successfully treated in all geriatri patients with an mean operation time of 46 minutes (range: 32-68 minutes). All patients were followed up for a average duration of 14.2 ±1.9 months (range: 12-16 months). The leg pain VAS score was decreased from 8.37±1.21 preoperatively to 2.03±0.61, 1.56±0.32, 1.16±0.45 and 0.91±0.26 at immediately after surgery and 1, 6, 12 months postoperatively. The ODI score was also dropped from 61.21±11.06 preoperatively to 27.52±10.41, 19.12±7.05, 12.17±5.21 and 8.56±4.32 at immediately after surgery and 1, 6, 12 months postoperatively. Significantly statistical difference was observed in both VAS and ODI score at each follow-up time point when compared with the preoperative parameters (P<0.01). And there were 53 excellent cases, 12 good cases and 7 fair cases based on the modified MacNab criteria at 12 months postoperatively, with an excellent and good rate of 90.2%. Only 2 cases were found complicated with low extremity numbness, which were recovered via conservative treatment in three weeks. No infection or iatrogenic neurological deficit was occured in all patients.
Conclusions
We considered that UBED achieved satisfactory results and provided a minimally invasive, effective and safe alternative for the treatment of symptomatic LDH in geriatric patients.
Human-like object concept representations emerge naturally in multimodal large language models
Authors: He Huiguang , Du Changde , Fu Kaicheng , Wen Bincheng , Sun Yi , Peng Jie , Wei Wei , Gao Ying , Wang Shengpei , Zhang Chuncheng , Li Jinpeng , Qiu Shuang , Chang Le 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The conceptualization and categorization of natural objects in the human mind have long intrigued cognitive scientists and neuroscientists, offering crucial insights into human perception and cognition. Recently, the rapid development of Large Language Models (LLMs) has raised the attractive question of whether these models can also develop human-like object representations through exposure to vast amounts of linguistic and multimodal data. In this study, we combined behavioral and neuroimaging analysis methods to uncover how the object concept representations in LLMs correlate with those of humans. By collecting large-scale datasets of 4.7 million triplet judgments from LLM and Multimodal LLM (MLLM), we were able to derive low-dimensional embeddings that capture the underlying similarity structure of 1,854 natural objects. The resulting 66-dimensional embeddings were found to be highly stable and predictive, and exhibited semantic clustering akin to human mental representations. Interestingly, the interpretability of the dimensions underlying these embeddings suggests that LLM and MLLM have developed human-like conceptual representations of natural objects. Further analysis demonstrated strong alignment between the identified model embeddings and neural activity patterns in many functionally defined brain ROIs (e.g., EBA, PPA, RSC and FFA). This provides compelling evidence that the object representations in LLMs, while not identical to those in the human, share fundamental commonalities that reflect key schemas of human conceptual knowledge. This study advances our understanding of machine intelligence and informs the development of more human-like artificial cognitive systems.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Infections in First Week of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Kumbhar Gauri , Kurien Reuben Thomas , Joseph A J , Simon Ebby George , Dutta Amit Kumar , Goel Ashish , Whitcomb David , Chowdhury Sudipta Dhar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Differentiating infections from sterile inflammation is crucial in early AP management.
Aim
This study aimed to analyse the source, microbiological profile, and impact of infections in AP and to assess the capability of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio(NLR) and procalcitonin to discriminate between sterile inflammation and infections in the first week of illness.
Methods
Consecutive patients presenting within 5 days of symptom onset were included. Microbiological profiles and serious adverse events(SAEs:in-hospital mortality or discharge in critical state)were analysed. Blood count obtained at fever onset was used for calculating the NLR. The ability of NLR and procalcitonin to discriminate infection from sterile inflammation in the first week was assessed.
Results
Of 505 AP patients, 150 developed fevers. 48(32%)had sterile inflammation while 102(68%)had infections. Within infections,44 had infected pancreatic necrosis, 68 had extra-pancreatic infections,and 10 had both.Lower respiratory tract infection was the most common extra-pancreatic infection.Of 54 patients with culture-positive infections, 36(66.7%)had grown multidrug-resistant(MDR) organisms. Fungal isolates were identified in 5 patients. Patients with infections had higher SAE incidence(21.6% vs 4.2%,p = 0.007)than those with sterile inflammation. The SAE incidence was higher with MDR infections than those without MDR(37.5% vs 9.3%,p < 0.01).Most patients(n = 98,65.3%) developed fever during the first week of illness(sterile inflammation(n = 43)& infections(n = 55)).NLR demonstrated good accuracy in discriminating infections from sterile inflammation in the first week(AUROC 0.70,p = 0.001),outperforming procalcitonin(AUROC 0.54,p = 0.58).
Conclusions
Infections in AP occur early in the course of illness. NLR could serve as a reliable biomarker to distinguish infections from sterile inflammation in the early course of AP,aiding timely management. Patients with MDR infections have higher serious adverse outcomes.
Health Risk Behaviors in the United States: A Socio-demographic Perspective
Authors: Jaferian Sohrab , Farhadian Lian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Health disparities are ongoing challenges in the United States, with one of the underlying factors being the variation in health risk behaviors across different socioeconomic and demographic communities. In this study, utilizing zip code-level data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we conducted generalized linear model regressions to explore the associations between race, poverty, education, and urban/rural status in areas. Our analysis indicated that areas with a higher prevalence of Black population and higher poverty levels are associated with a more significant number of unique health risk behaviors. Conversely, other racial groups were associated with fewer unique health risk behaviors, although they may still engage in higher levels of specific behaviors. These insights underscore the need for tailored public health strategies to address the disparities in health risk behaviors across different sub-populations in the US. Additionally, we employed Finite Mixture Modeling (FMM) to identify distinct sub-populations in the United States based on health risk behaviors, specifically binge drinking, smoking, sleep deprivation, and physical inactivity, which are essential risk factors for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. We identified four clusters and conducted an in-depth analysis of the demographics and socioeconomic characteristics of the identified clusters. Our findings reveal that one cluster, characterized by the worst health risk behaviors, exhibited the highest poverty rate, the least favorable health insurance profile, and the lowest frequencies of post-secondary education attainment compared to the other three clusters. This cluster, therefore, warrants targeted public health interventions.
Phytochemical screening, UPLC analysis, evaluation of synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial efficacy of three medicinal plants used in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo
Authors: Ngolo Lyz Makwela , Faraja Francis Mubigalo , Ngandu Odette Kabena , Kapepula Paulin Mutwale , Mutombo Sephora Mianda , Tshitenge Tania Bishola 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Plant extracts are used worldwide for treating microbial diseases due to their biologically active compounds. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and the synergistic antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of three medicinal plants namely Ocimum gratissimum, Tetradenia riparia, and Dysphania ambrosioides. Antibacterial studies against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were performed using the broth dilution method. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH method. UPLC analysis identified several metabolites in the plant extracts, including phenolics and flavonoids. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, iridoids, and anthraquinones in all extracts. The extract of T. riparia had the highest phenolic content (299.146 ± 0.143 mg GAE/g extract), while O. gratissimum had the highest flavonoid content (138.256 ± 0.277 mg QE/g extract). Decocted extracts of O. gratissimum exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The combination of O. gratissimum + T. riparia demonstrated synergistic antioxidant activity (CI = 0.57). Antibacterial activity was highest with percolated extracts of O. gratissimum and T. riparia against S. aureus (MIC = 500 µg/mL), with their combination showing additive antibacterial activity (FICI = 1). This study concludes that these plant extracts are promising sources of natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents for pharmaceutical and food industries.
Hybrid post-processing effects of electropolishing-assisted magnetic abrasive finishing using CNTs-Co abrasive on stainless steel 316 surface
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Kwak Jae-Seob 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process has potential as an advanced surface finishing technique, capable of achieving micro/nano-level finishes with minimal residual effects. However, it faces limitations in surface accuracy and finishing efficiency, especially with advanced materials used in engineering industries. To address these issues, recent trends in the MAF process focus on hybridizations that integrate techniques such as chemo-assisted MAF, electrochemical-assisted MAF, and ultrasonic-assisted MAF. These approaches aim to increase the material removal rate and obtain better surface conditions. This study examined an electropolishing-assisted MAF process using carbon nanotubes and cobalt composites to achieve fine surfaces on stainless steel (SS) 316. The experimental approach explored the effects and interactions of process parameters, which affect mechanical finishing and electrochemical reactions on surface improvement. It was concluded that the main contribution was the magnetic flux density for 30 minutes. In addition, a 32.9% reduction in surface roughness Rα from 0.210 µm to 0.141 µm was obtained under the optimal condition. Thus, it demonstrates that the proposed hybrid finishing process significantly improves the surface quality of SS316 and has potential for various industrial applications.
Knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards tuberculosis in shanghai：a population based study
Authors: Ning Chenxi , Chen Jing , Shen Xin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background China is one of the countries with a high burden of tuberculosis in the world. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards tuberculosis(TB) in the general population of shanghai.Materials and methods A multistage random sampling was used to collect data at 2020 with a self-designed questionnaire from 6022 whole people living in Shanghai, and 5604 questionnaires were effective, with an effective rate of 93.1%. We also compared the investigation with 2013 and 2015. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the factors associated with TB knowledge.Results Initially, a total of 16153 samples were included analysis in this study, yielding a response rate of 91.1%. There were 5003 in 2013, 5,546 in 2015 and 5,604 in 2020, and the total knowledge rate of the respondents was 71.2%, 81.3% and 83.6%, separately. The official account of WeChat with high acceptance by participants emerged to publicize TB prevention and control knowledge in 2020. In 2020, occupation (medical staff: OR = 6.20, p < 0.0001, 95%CI: 2.97 ~ 12.94) and income (3000 ~ RMB: OR = 2.40, p = 0.037, 95%CI: 1.06 ~ 5.45;5000 ~ RMB: OR = 3.71, p = 0.002, 95%CI: 1.64 ~ 8.37; >10000 RMB: OR = 4.21, p = 0.001, 95%CI: 1.85 ~ 9.59). were associated with knowledge of TB.Conclusions Knowledge of TB among respondents was improved as time as go. New media will play an important role in health promotion. Except medical staff, other people needed more health education to improve the awareness level of tuberculosis. Strengthening the education in low-income groups also important.
The Pro-Apoptotic Effect of Gemcitabine in Glioblastoma Multiform Cancer Model Induces by Tankyrase (TNKS) 1 Inhibitor XAV939 Through Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Nooshabadi Mohammad Reza Rashidi , Abdollahnezhad Alireza , Badreh Firuzeh , Saki Hasan , Nesari Ali , Igder Somayeh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a global malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates, largely due to the lack of effective therapeutic alternatives. Gemcitabine (GEM) is primarily used for treating GBM cancer patients, but its effectiveness is limited by chemoresistance. Urgently, a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of GBM is needed. Recent research has redirected the focus of XAV939, a small-molecule inhibitor, towards its potential as an anti-cancer agent for lung, breast, colon, and GBM cancer. However, information regarding the combination therapy of GEM and XAV939 is currently unavailable. The present study revealed that the co-administration of GEM and XAV939 resulted in a significant enhancement in the BAX to Bcl2 ratio, caspase3, and 9 activities, as well as the inhibition of GBM cancer tumor growth, induction of apoptosis, and cessation of cell survival. The combination of GEM and XAV939, which inhibited autophagy, led to a decrease in the concentrations of proteins Beclin1, LC3II, and p62. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of GEM and XAV939 in vivo on tumor growth was synergistic and superior to that of GEM alone. XAV939 inhibits endothelial vascular invasion, necrosis, and tumor proliferation, thereby augmenting the antitumor activity of GEM in GBM cancer; this finding suggests that XAV939 may have therapeutic potential in treating GBM cancer.
Genome-wide association and expression analyses of programmed cell death provide novel insights into therapeutic targets in differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Qinnan , An Nan , Li Xueqing , Zhang Panpan , Wang Kai , Zha Bingbing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been increasing in recent years with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Inducing programmed cell death (PCD) is one of the most promising therapy in the development of novel anti-DTC agents. The purpose of this study is to establish a comprehensive PCD relevant signature in genomic and transcriptomic backgrounds to predict susceptible genes and the checkpoints of immunotherapy in DTC patients.
Methods
Based on 14 kinds of PCD patterns, we leveraged Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis, integrating expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) from blood and thyroid to identify hub genes causally associated with the pathogenesis of DTC preliminarily. ScRNA-seq analysis was linked to individual genetic variations to reveal cell specificity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor microenvironment, respectively. Furthermore, we analyzed the degree of immune infiltration and clinical correlation with TNM stages.
Results
SMR analysis suggested that 6 genes were replicated in both blood and thyroid tissues, which were associated with 3 distinct PCD patterns: Apoptosis (NFATC4, RPS3 and TM2D1), Lysosome-dependent cell death (CTNS and GCC2), Autophagy (TPCN2). Besides, scRNA-seq and expression analysis found the expression of RPS3 in the old (> 65 years old) were significantly lower than those in young. And it was worth noting that the expression levels of CTNS, GCC2, TM2D1 and TPCN2 gradually decreased with the increase of T stage.
Conclusions
This study uncovered several PCD related genes serving important roles in protecting against the development of DTC. Intensive transcriptome analysis provided comprehensive bioinformatic basis for further investigations to explore the detailed regulatory mechanisms, which might open up new therapeutic targets among patients with DTC.
A comparative genomic analysis at the chromosomal-level reveals evolutionary patterns of aphid chromosomes
Authors: Li Gang , Huang Chen , Ji Bingru , Shi Zhaohui , Wang Jiangyue , Yuan Jiaqing , Yang Peng , Xu Xiao , Jing Haohao , Xu Lulu , Fu Jing , Ren Yandong , Guo Kun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Genomic rearrangements are primary drivers of evolution, promoting biodiversity and differentiation. Aphids, an agricultural pest with high species diversity, exhibit rapid chromosomal evolution and a wide range of nuclear chromosomal karyotype variations. These variations have been attributed to their unique holocentric chromosomes and parthenogenetic generations, though this hypothesis has also faced scrutiny. An in-depth comparative genomics analysis of aphid genomic rearrangements will enhance our understanding of species diversity and evolution. In this study, by generating a chromosomal-level reference genome assembly of the celery aphid (Semiaphis heraclei) and conducting comparative genomic analysis, we revealed varying chromosomal evolution rates among aphid lineages, positively correlating with species diversity. Aphid X chromosomes have undergone frequent intra-chromosomal recombination, while autosomes show accelerated inter-chromosomal recombination. Moreover, considering both inter- and intra-chromosomal rearrangements, the increased autosomal rearrangement rates may be common across the Aphidomorpha lineage. Additionally, the expansion of DNA and SINE-type transposable elements, along with gene loss and duplication associated with karyotypic instability (such as, RIF1, BRD8, DMC1, and TERT), may play crucial roles in aphid chromosomal evolution. Our results provide new insights into aphid chromosomal evolutionary patterns, which are helpful for understanding the genetic mechanisms behind species diversity and adaptive evolution.
Drivers and Frictions in Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Healthcare Services. Healthcare Ecosystem Perspective
Authors: Pundziene Asta , Sermontyte-Baniule Rima , Perpiña Isabel Narbón , Macijauskiene Jurate 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Worldwide, healthcare systems utilize a small part of digital healthcare potential. Despite digital healthcare services advances during COVID-19, the progress is unsatisfactory and sometimes experiences drawbacks. Scholars have discussed diverse factors motivating or preventing healthcare providers from adopting digital healthcare services; however, drivers and frictions in the healthcare ecosystem are yet to be elicited. We mitigate this knowledge gap by answering the question of what are the drivers and frictions in the healthcare ecosystem facilitating or impeding the adoption of digital healthcare services.
Method
We address the research question by deploying multiple embedded case studies representing private, public, and mixed healthcare systems in the US, Spain, and Lithuania. We conducted 63 interviews with healthcare professionals and managers and analyzed 25 publicly available including archival documents of healthcare providers and healthcare policies to triangulate the information provided by the interviews.
Results
We propose a healthcare ecosystem dynamic model identifying drivers and frictions supporting and impeding the adoption of digital healthcare innovations. The model extends public healthcare knowledge by spotlighting specific drivers and frictions across individual, organizational, technological, and policy stakeholders. The model provides a holistic view on needed changes across healthcare ecosystems to boost the adoption of digital healthcare innovations.
Conclusions
The paper answered the research question of what are the drivers and frictions in the healthcare ecosystem facilitating or impeding the adoption of digital healthcare services. The three drivers are patient empowerment, the advanced functionality of digital healthcare innovations, and prevailing value-based healthcare policies. The three frictions are lack of feedback across all ecosystem stakeholders, mismatched actors' capabilities to prevailing digital technologies, and lack of embeddedness of digital healthcare innovations in the healthcare ecosystem.
Genome-wide association and transcriptomic analysis and the identification of growth-related genes in Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Gao Zijian , Zhang Wenyi , Jiang Sufei , Qiao Hui , Xiong Yiwei , Jin Shubo , Fu Hongtuo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Macrobrachium nipponense is a commercially important freshwater species of prawn that is widely distributed across Asian countries. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms of growth in M. nipponense, and to provide a foundation for molecular breeding, we used genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and transcriptomic analysis to screen polymorphisms and genes related to growth traits. We recorded the growth traits of 100 adult M. nipponense at the same growth stage, and each individual genotype was evaluated by whole genome resequencing. GWAS of growth traits detected 12 growth-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and eight growth-related genes from 49 chromosomes. Of the 100 individuals, we sampled muscle tissue from a total of 18 female and male M. nipponense exhibiting large differences in growth rate for RNA-seq. Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 27,996 unigenes; of these, 33 and 60 differentially expressed genes were identified from males and females, respectively. Of these, we identified 12 genes associated with energy metabolism and cytoskeletal pathways as growth-related genes. Notably, genes from the actin family and the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 2 (UCH2) gene were identified by both GWAS and transcriptomic analysis. Two growth-related SNPs, S40_12327385 and S40_12327391, were found to be mapped to the ACTB gene. The ACTA1 gene, also from the actin family, was up-regulated in fast-growing males and females, while the ACT57B was down-regulated. In addition, the growth associated SNP S7_35313774 was located in the UCH2 gene; transcriptomics analysis revealed that the UCH2 gene was up-regulated in female individuals exhibiting high growth rates. Overall, our results provided a set of markers and candidate genes related to the growth of M. nipponense. These findings could facilitate the breeding of this species and help us to further understand the genetic mechanisms of growth in crustaceans.