bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study Protocol for low-temperature radiofrequency coblation micro-tenotomy for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy: a multicentre, prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Ling Samuel Ka-Kin , CHOW Esther Man-Wai , KO Violet Man-Chi , ZUO Yuxin , Li Charles Churk-Hang , Ho Angela Wing-Hang , Lam Hoi-Yan , YUNG Patrick Shu-Hang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the heel region and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Despite being a prevalent problem, no gold standard treatment for AT exists. This has led to exploring novel treatment options, one of which is low-temperature radiofrequency coblation micro-tenotomy. Radiofrequency micro-tenotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses low-temperature energy to disrupt tissue and induce controlled damage to promote healing. This technology has shown promising results in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including AT.Methods: The study will involve 48 participants diagnosed with AT, randomly allocated to either the treatment or control group. The treatment group will receive a single session of radiofrequency micro-tenotomy with standard endoscopic debridement, while the control group will only receive endoscopic debridement. The primary outcome measure will be symptoms measured using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) tool. Ultrasonographic changes to the Achilles tendon will also be documented alongside object measures of calf muscle strength. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 1 week, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year post-treatment. The study hypothesizes that radiofrequency micro-tenotomy will significantly improve Achilles tendon function, thickness, vascularity, and calf muscle strength. The results of this trial could potentially establish radiofrequency micro-tenotomy as a data-proven treatment option for AT.Discussion: This study aims to address the limited treatment options available for AT by investigating a minimally invasive approach. If successful, radiofrequency microtenotomy could offer a simple and less invasive management option for this condition. Additionally, the results of this trial may influence future research and treatment protocols for other tendinopathy regions and strategies for regenerative medicine. Overall, this randomized controlled trial of radiofrequency microtenotomy for AT aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and safety of this treatment option. The findings of this study have the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with this chronic, debilitating condition; thus it is crucial to consider this research when developing treatment plans for future Achilles tendinopathy patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06342245). Registered on 2ndApril 2024
1p19q co-deletion is an independent prognostic factor in glioma with TERT promoter mutations
Authors: Wan Dan , Zhang Benyan , Xie Jialing , Zhang Yutao , Yang Xianwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Various genetic variants, such as telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations (TERTmut) and 1p/19q co-deletion, are linked to gliomas; however, their prognostic significance remains uncertain. Here, we investigated the prevalence of TERTmut in gliomas, their correlation with clinicopathological features and molecular abnormalities, and prognostic implications of molecular abnormalities. Clinicopathological data were retrospectively collected from 161 patients diagnosed with glioma. An increased incidence of TERTmut was found in patients older than 50 years. Oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas exhibited a higher susceptibility to TERT promoter mutations than astrocytomas. TERT promoter mutation rates were higher in WHO grade 3 and 4 tumors than in grade 1 and 2 tumors. The TERTmut group demonstrated a higher incidence of 1p19q co-deletion than the TERT wild-type group. Prognosis within the TERTmut group was closely correlated with histological type and glioma grade, along with IDH1/2 mutation, 1p19q co-deletion, and MGMT methylation, all indicative of a favorable prognosis. 1p19q co-deletion, and not IDH1/2 mutation, was identified as an independent prognostic factor for TERTmut glioma. The ensemble prognostic signature, incorporating 1p19q co-deletion, could aid in risk stratification and survival prediction in gliomas with TERTmut. Our findings establish a reliable and practical protocol for developing individualized surgical and treatment strategies.
Olive Mills Wastewater Effect on Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plants: Gaza Strip Case Study
Authors: Manama Ahmed Al , AlShawa Izziddin , Albahnasavi Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The improper disposal of olive mill wastewater (OMW) poses a substantial environmental challenge for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Gaza Strip. This study examines the impact of OMW on WWTPs facilities. Samples were collected from both olive mills and WWTPs across the Gaza Strip and analyzed for key biological wastewater parameters: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), phenols, oil and grease, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The findings reveal that the olive oil production process generates significant quantities of pollutants, including 3374.76 tons of COD, 797.55 tons of BOD5, 1.33 tons of phenol, 184.42 tons of oil and grease, and 1204.99 tons of TSS. During the olive harvesting season, there was a notable increase in influent pollutant levels. The Gaza Central WWTP recorded the highest levels, with BOD at 1382 mg/L, COD at 3040 mg/L, and TSS at 1810 mg/L. This spike is attributed to the high concentration of olive mills in the area. Conversely, the North Gaza WWTP, which serves a region with fewer olive mills, reported lower pollutant values: BOD at 760 mg/L and TSS at 933 mg/L. By the end of December, influent pollutant levels returned to normal domestic sewage ranges, indicating that the impact of OMW is temporary and closely associated with the olive harvesting season and related activities.
Single-cell transcriptomic analyses reveal heterogeneity and key subsets associated with survival and response to PD-1 blockade in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: zhao Qitai , Li Xia , Zhao Zhao , Cheng Yanmei , Yan Jiaqin , Ren Fang , Jia Yanyan , Li Juanhua , Wang Binhui , Liu Junqi , Wang Chenyin , Gao Meimei , Gu Hao , Fan Mingliang , Shi Huirong , Ji Mei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Understanding the intricate tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and its response to anti-PD-1 therapy. In this study, we characterized 50,649 cells obtained from CSCC for single-cell RNA sequencing and integrated bulk sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and clinical specimens to explore cell composition, metabolic processes, signaling pathways, specific transcription factors, lineage tracking and response to immunotherapy. We identified 31 subsets of stromal and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and observed distinct patterns in the metabolic processes and signaling pathways of these cells between tumor and normal tissues. Collagen signaling was found to be crucial for the interaction between stromal and immune cells. Furthermore, PCLAF-TAEpis were negatively correlated with CXCL13+CD8+ tumor-reactive T cells, overall survival, and the response to anti-PD-1therapy in patients with CSCC. In vivo experiments demonstrated that PCLAF-TAEpis promoted tumor growth and hindered the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment by inhibiting the infiltration and function of T cells. Collectively, our findings illuminate the heterogeneity of the complex TME in CSCC and offer evidence supporting PCLAF-TAEpis as a promising therapeutic target.
Can the supplementation of autolyzed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) affect the diet digestibility, feeding behavior, levels of blood metabolites, and performance of Dorper × Santa Ines lambs finished in feedlot?
Authors: Schuh Bruno Raphael Fasolli , Bernardi Amauri , Daley Veridiana Lourenço , Fernandes Sergio Rodrigo , de Freitas José Antônio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of autolyzed yeast (obtained from culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in sugarcane derivatives) supplementation on diet digestibility, ingestive behavior, levels of blood metabolites associated with protein and energy metabolism, and performance of Dorper × Santa Ines lambs finished in feedlot. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs with a mean age of 4 months and a body weight (BW) of 19.49 ± 3.08 kg were allocated to individual pens. The trial was set out in a completely randomized design with two treatments and twelve replicates. The treatments consisted of a diet without (Control) and other with yeast culture (RumenYeast®), which was supplemented at a dose of 5 g/animal/day. Lambs were fed ad libitum with a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of 400 g/kg DM of Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and 600 g/kg DM of concentrate feed, and contained 146 g/kg DM of crude protein (CP) and 2.30 Mcal/kg DM of metabolizable energy (ME). The experimental period lasted 70 days, and was divided in two phases: the first was the performance test, which occurred between 1–63 days; and the second was the digestibility test, which occurred between 64–70 days. The supplementation with autolyzed yeast did not affect the rumen pH and fecal pH; the dry matter digestibility; the times spent in feeding, rumination, water intake, and idleness; the serum levels of albumin, creatinine, and urea, and the plasma level of glucose; and the performance of lambs. The mean values for final BW, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were 37.52 kg, 1.051 kg/day, 0.286 kg/day, and 3.74 kg DM/kg gain, respectively. The supplementation of 5 g/animal/day of autolyzed yeast does not affect the diet digestibility, ingestive behavior, levels of blood metabolites, and performance of lambs finished in feedlot.
Carbon Sequestration Potential of Himalayan Cypress Stands of Kumaun Central Himalaya, India
Authors: Upreti Disha , Tewari Lalit Mohan , Tewari Ashish , Pandey Naveen Chandra , Chaturvedi R. K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Forests play a substantial role in sequestering carbon and regulating the global carbon balance. Himalayan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa D. Don) from an ecological and economic stand point is a least explored evergreen conifer of Central Himalaya that often forms either pure stands or sometimes association with other tree species. However, very little information is known about the carbon sequestration potential of these Cypress stands. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to quantify carbon stocks and carbon sequestration potential of six Cypress stands distributed along the altitudinal gradients of 1600–2500 m asl in Kumaon Central Himalaya. A total of 120 circular plots of 5.65 m radius were laid systematically in six Cypress stands with 20 sample plots in each. Soil physical and chemical properties were also assessed. Results revealed that total tree density and basal area in cypress stand ranged from 440–1050 individuals ha-1 and 30.84–60.79 m2 ha-1, respectively. The total carbon stock ranged between 151–285 Mg C ha-1, respectively. Carbon sequestration rate across stands fluctuated between 2.42 and 4.87 Mg C ha-1 yr-1. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available potassium (K) levels were higher in high altitude stands. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (for soil depth 0-60 cm) ranged from 155.58–398.80 Mg ha-1. Altitude and soil physico-chemical factors showed no significant (p>0.05) impact on carbon stocks of Cypress stands. Overall, the carbon reserves in the soil across stands were 9-57% higher than those in the trees' biomass. These estimates indicate that the value of cypress forests lies not only in their ability to sequester biomass carbon but primarily in their extensive soil carbon reserves. This study provides useful background for future research to assess the trend of carbon sequestration in Cypress stands.
Risk factor analysis and prediction model construction for contralateral central lymph node metastasis in unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Qin jihao , Fang Xiaowen , Liang Chenxi , Li Siyu , Zeng Xueyu , Jiang Hancheng , Chen Zhu , Li Jie-Hua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate contralateral central lymph node metastasis (CCLNM) in patients with unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (UPTC). To provide a reference for clinical decision-making, a prediction model for the probability of contralateral central lymph node metastasis was established.
Method
The clinicopathological data of 221 UPTC patients who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors for CCLNM according to clinicopathological characteristics, construct a prediction model to construct a visual nomogram, and evaluate the model.
Results
According to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, sex (P = 0.01, OR: 3.790, 95% CI: 1.373–10.465), extrathyroidal tumor extension (ETE) (P = 0.040, OR: 6.364, 95% CI: 1.083–37.381), tumor diameter (P = 0.010, OR: 3.674, 95% CI: 1.372–9.839) and ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis (ICLNM) (P < 0.001, OR: 38.552, 95% CI: 2.675–27.342) were found to be independent risk factors for CCLNM and were used to construct a nomogram for internal verification. The ROC curve had an AUC of 0.852 in the training group and an AUC of 0.848 in the verification group, and the calibration curve indicated that the prediction probability of the model was consistent with the actual probability. Finally, the analysis of the decision curve showed that the model has good application value in clinical decision-making.
Conclusion
Sex, ETE, tumor size, and ICLNM emerged as independent risk factors for CCLNM in UPTC patients. A predictive model was therefore developed, harnessing these variables to enable an objective, personalized estimation of CCLNM risk. This tool offers valuable insights to inform surgical planning and optimize treatment strategies for UPTC management.
Are you a Bot or Human? Classifying Joint Actions using Sensing Data
Authors: Arima Yoshiko , Harada Yuki , Okada Mahiro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of joint activities on the joint Simon effect (JSE) when the collaborator is a human or bot. In human-activity-recognition research, sensing data from a virtual reality (VR) environment are used to classify a pair’s activities as a target tag of cooperation, conformity, and competition. The collaborator performing the JSE task in VR space is replaced with bots during the sessions without the participant’s notice, thereby creating a human or bot experimental condition. Analysis results show that cooperative activity is observed under human conditions, whereas a higher proportion of conformity is observed under bot conditions. The synchrony index, as calculated based on important features for classification, is lower in the bot condition compared with that in the human condition. In conclusion, our classification model successfully classifies interpersonal activities using VR sensor data and can distinguish between humans and bots. (143 words)
Real-world Efficacy of Acupoint Stimulation on Clinical Pregnancies Among Women Following Frozen-Thawed Single Blastocyst Transfer: a retrospective cohort study of 4863 cycles
Authors: Teng Yili , Pan Peipei , Yang Haiyan , Huang Xuefeng , Chen Xia , Zhang Huan , Lin Shiyi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Acupoint stimulation is a frequently used complementary treatment among individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technology, however, the evidence for its efficacy remains a subject of considerable debate.
Methods
A single-center retrospective cohort study of 4863 cycles was to determine the efficacy of varying acupoint stimulation protocols on clinical pregnancies among 3,907 women aged < 43 years during single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Based on the timing and dosage of acupoint stimulation they fulfilled, the participations were categorized into four groups: group T0 (n = 1227) without acupoint stimulation, group T1(n = 1607) with one session of acupoint stimulation administered within 2 hours prior to embryo transfer procedure, group T2-3 (n = 1600) with a total of 2–3 sessions of acupoint stimulation conducted during the period from progesterone administration day to 2 hours prior to transfer procedure, and group T ≥ 4 (n = 429) having at least 4 sessions of acupoint stimulation from the 5th day of exogenous estrogen initiated and continuing until 2 hours prior to the embryo transfer procedure. In this study acupoint stimulation was facilitated through the application of medicated patches in conjunction with electromagnetic wave heat therapy (AMP-EWH). The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy, with 8 weeks of pregnancy follow-up.
Results
Clinical pregnancies occurred among 734 of 1227 cycles in group T0(59.8%), 1030 of 1607 cycles in group T1(64.1%), 999 of 1600 cycles in group T2-3(62.4%), and 289 of 429 cycles in group T ≥ 4(67.4%). Upon various statistical analysis models compared to the CPR of group T0, group T1 showed OR 1.199,(95%CI,1.029 to 1.397), p = 0.020, in Model crude; 1.173,(0.999 to 1.376),0.054 ,Model 1;1.184,(1.008 to 1.391),0.040, Model 2;1.170,(0.985 to 1.390),0.074, Model PSM; group T2-3 showed CPR OR 1.116, (95%CI, 0.959 to 1.300), p = 0.157, in Model crude; 1.062, (0.905 to 1.300), 0.460, Model 1; 1.076 (0.916 to 1.265), 0.373, Model 2; and 1.069 (0.898 to 1.274), 0.454, Model PSM; and group T ≥ 4 showed CPR OR 1.387, (95%CI, 1.100 to 1.748), p = 0.006, in Model crude; 1.380, (1.084 to 1.758), 0.009, Model 1; 1.394 (1.093 to 1.778), 0.008, Model 2; and 1.672 (1.219 to 2.295), 0.001, Model PSM.
Conclusions
AMP-EWH administrated at least 4 sessions resulted in a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate of single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer among women under 43 years old. These findings support the use of AMP-EWH as an effective adjunct to frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer for enhancing clinical pregnancy rates.
Joint Fluid Multi-Omics Improves Diagnostic Confidence During Evaluation of Children with Presumed Septic Arthritis
Authors: Lopez Yolanda Pena , Tareen Naureen G , Zhang Bo , Raman Indu , Arana Carlos , Zhu Chengsong , Liu Yang , Selvakumar Pratibha , Oers Nicolai S.C. van , Morris Simrat , Hooper Lora , Copley Lawson A.B. , RAJ PRITHVI 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the potential clinical value of multi-omics approach to guide clinical decision-making for children suspected to have presumed septic arthritis.
Study design: Twelve children with suspected septic arthritis were prospectively enrolled to conduct standard of care culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of knee joint fluid specimen. A rapid multi-omics approach that combines metagenomics and host-immune response proteomics and single cell transcriptomics of the synovial fluid was explored to enhance the diagnostic confidence for children with both culture- and PCR-negative results.
Results: Ten children had suspected primary septic arthritis and two had acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) diagnosis. Joint fluid cultures were positive for 6/12 (50%) patient, whereas remaining 50% samples were both culture- and PCR-negative. Metagenomics sequencing results were 100% concordant with the culture. Many inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-17A, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-2, IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a, etc. were significantly elevated in the joint-fluid of children with bacteremia as compared to the infection negative subset. Interestingly, children without any bacteremia exhibited strong signature of autoantibodies (IgGs) in the joint-fluid. These autoantibodies were targeted to several nuclear i.e. dsDNA, histones, Jo-1, scl-70, Ro/SS-A, SmDs, CENP-A and non-nuclear antigens i.e. Albumin, Collagens, Myosin, Laminin, etc.. Furthermore, single cell transcriptomics confirmed the abundance of autoreactive CD8+ T cells and B cells in autoantibody positive subject as potential drivers of autoimmune pathology. The results from all three assays, including 16S sequencing (p=0.006), cytokine profile (p=0.009) and autoantibody profile (p=0.02) were significantly differential between children with infection vs those without. Out of six infection negative children, multiomics analysis characterized two children with inflammatory arthritis with potential Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and one child with Post-Streptococcal Reactive Arthritis. These three children were immediately referred to Rheumatology clinic for further investigation. Overall, this improved the diagnostic confidence for 9 of 12 (75%) children and provided crucial data to further guide the diagnosis especially in the infection negative subset.
Conclusions: The multiomics approach rapidly stratifies children with bacterial infections and potentially reactive or autoimmune inflammatory conditions, and thus help guide the appropriate evaluation and treatment strategies in a higher percentage of cases than previously possible using standard evaluation strategies.
Rapamycin improves the therapeutic regenerative potentials of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells
Authors: Veret Damien , Tejedor Gautier , PEREZ Esther , Chomette Alison , Farno Maylis , Ferreira-Lopez Rosanna , Dagneaux Louis , Pers Yves-Marie , Jorgensen Christian , Gondeau Claire , Brondello jean-marc 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The regenerative potential of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) has been extensively studied in clinical trials over the past decade. Despite the promising regenerative properties documented in preclinical studies, such as those for osteoarthritis (OA), the therapeutic translation of these results in patients has not been fully conclusive. One factor contributing to this therapeutic barrier could be the presence of senescent cells in the OA joint.
Methods: This study explores a novel approach to the treatment of OA by combining the therapeutic potential of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) with Rapamycin, a clinically approved immunosuppressive drug with anti-senescent properties. We first investigated the effects of Rapamycin on senescence and fibrosis markers in freshly isolated OA chondrocytes by immunostaining. We next evaluated the in vitro differentiation capacities of AD-MSCs, their regulatory immune functions on activated immune cells and their regenerative effects on OA chondrocyte signature in presence of Rapamycin.
Results: Rapamycin was found to reduce in OA chondrocytes the senescence marker p15ink4b
and the fibrotic marker COL1A1 in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the expression of the master chondrogenic markers SOX9 and COL2. The drug enhanced the differentiation of AD-MSCs into chondrocytes and reduced their adipogenesis. In addition, Rapamycin improved the immunoregulatory functions of AD-MSCs by promoting the expression of immunosuppressive elements such as IDO1, PTGS2, and PDL-1/CD274, the latter at the cell surface. Finally, by comparative RNA sequencing analysis, we revealed that AD-MSCs in presence of Rapamycin exhibited an improved chondroprotective regenerative effects on cocultivated OA chondrocytes.
Conclusions: Our findings propose that the combination of Rapamycin and AD-MSCs enhances the therapeutic efficacy of these cells on senescence-driven degenerative diseases such as OA. Overall, our data also open avenue for the identification of some factors that could contribute to the enhanced anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties of AD-MSCs in response to Rapamycin.