bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with tibial intramedullary nail as last resort treatment in 11 elderly patients with knee joint bone infection
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Lei , li Yang , chen Yong , Xie Zhao , Zhuang Quankui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background The management of bone infections has always posed a challenge in the field of orthopedics, and geriatric knee joint bone infections are even more difficult. In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of using antibiotic-loaded bone cementcombined with tibial intramedullary nail as a last resort treatment option for geriatric knee joint bone infection patients.
Methods The retrospective study was conducted on 11 elderly patients with knee joint bone infection. The cohort comprised 3 male and 8 female patients, with an average age of 74.27±3.47years. Of these patients, 4 patients experienced reinfection after knee revision replacement, while 7 patients had knee joint bone infection.After stage-1 infection control, all patients underwent a stage-2 treatment using antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with tibial intramedullary nail as the ultimate treatment approach.
Results All patients’ infections were effectively controlled. The average length of bone defect after debridement was 12.09±1.22cm. The duration of the stage-2 operation averaged180.27±11.06minutes. Postoperatively, there was no significant discrepancy in the length of the patients’ lower limbs. All patients experienced a significant enhancement in knee joint function, as indicated by the decrease in WOMAC scores from 141.45±11.75preoperatively to 79.09±0.34postoperatively. Pain levels saw a profound reduction, plummeting from 26.27 ± 2.45 to a non-existent 0.00 ± 0.00. Additionally, there was a substantial improvement in performing daily activities, rising impressively from 59.09 ± 0.34 to 100.55 ± 8.37. However, an increase in joint stiffness was noted, worsening slightly from 15.45 ± 1.63 to 20.00 ± 0.00.One case of peri-implant fracture occurred.
Conclusion Antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with tibial intramedullary nailing as last resort treatment can be considered as an alternative surgical option for elderly patients with knee joint bone infection who have experienced multiple failed operations and long-term knee stiffness.
Energy partitioning under different spectral-quality light conditions in soybean.
Authors: Martínez-Moré Mauro , Simondi Sebastián , Sainz María Martha , Bonnecarrère Victoria , Fernández Sebastían , Quero Gaston Eduardo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Abstract
Light intensity and spectral quality determine photosynthesis and thus plant growth and development. Both parameters, collectively referred to as the light environment, influence the composition and structure of the photosystem II, defining energy partitioning. This partitioning is the destination of the absorbed energy to photochemical and dissipative processes and is measured by quantum yield parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the photosynthetic performance of two soybean genotypes under four light environments with different spectral qualities (white light, red light-enriched white light, blue light, and red light) and the same energy flux. It was observed that plants growing only in red light had lower photosynthetic efficiency and higher photodamage after prolonged exposure. This phenomenon, called "red-light syndrome"; varied depending on the soybean genotype analyzed. Furthermore, it was found that spectral deficiency during leaf development has the main effect on photosystem functional capacity. Finally, a multivariate analysis of the energy partitioning parameters provided insight into the relevance of constitutive thermal dissipation processes in the plant acclimation to different light environments.
The Turkish Validation of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (Epic) in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Tilki Burak , Hurmuz Pervin , Yuce Deniz , Ozyigit Gokhan , Akyol Fadil 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) is a symptom scale that measures health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. This scale is translated into different languages and used in daily practice. This study aimed to translate the EPIC scale into Turkish and provide Turkish validation by conducting validity and reliability analyses.
Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven PCa who received definitive or postoperative radiotherapy (RT) at our department were included. All participants were evaluated using the Turkish EPIC, The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ) C30, and EORTC-QLQ PR25 questionnaires at five different time intervals. First, the original English version of the EPIC was translated into Turkish, and then, two reliability and five validity analyses were performed.
Results: One hundred-five patients were included in the study. In the reliability analyses, Cronbach's alpha values of the whole scale were measured at 0.866, and the main scales' Cronbach's alpha values were measured between 0.654 and 0.969. In the test-retest analysis, the correlation values of the main scales were measured between 0.413 and 0.861. The pilot study with 20 patients was completed, thus providing face validity. Sensitivity to change analysis, interscale correlation, criterion validity, and explanatory factor analyses were performed, and results proving the scale's validity were obtained in all analyses.
Conclusion: The Turkish EPIC scale is applicable for patients in the Turkish population diagnosed with PCa who received either definitive or postoperative RT.
Impact of Mitochondrial-Associated Proteins on Erectile Dysfunction: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Lv Bodong , Zhang Xin , Wang Jie , Fu Yijia , Ma Jianxiong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, establishing a causal relationship remains challenging. This study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the potential causal associations between mitochondria-associated proteins and ED. Association data on mitochondria-associated proteins from the IEU OpenGWAS database were used for exposure, whereas ED association data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen databases served as the outcome. Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted separately, primarily employing the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and supplemented by the MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analyses included Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger test, and leave-one-out analysis with MR-PRESSO. A meta-analysis of both databases was conducted to enhance the credibility of the results.Meta-analysis revealed a significant causal relationship between five mitochondria-related proteins and ED: 39S ribosomal protein L33 (RPL33; P = 0.013; odds ratio [OR] = 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–0.99), mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase activator of NFKB-1 (MULAN1; P = 0.039; OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00–1.16), nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X motif -8 (NUDT8; P = 0.035; OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.84–0.99), pyruvate dehydrogenase (acetyl-transferring) kinase isozyme-1 (PDK1; P = 0.047; OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.00–1.14), and serine-tRNA ligase (SerRS; P = 0.005; OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.05–1.33). Sensitivity analyses revealed no abnormalities. RPL33 and NUDT8 exhibited potential protective effects against ED, whereas MULAN1, PDK1, and SerRS may increase the risk of developing ED. These findings offer new insights into the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in ED pathogenesis and may guide the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Prognostic role of YBX1 and its correlation with immune infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Huang Huasheng , Fan Jun , Zheng Dong ining , Wang Rui , Zhou Xin , Li Bo , Peng Tao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The current immunotherapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been overall unsatisfactory. The Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) functions as an oncogene in several cancers, and is associated with the infiltration of specific immune cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of YBX1 in the prognosis and immune infiltration of HCC. YBX1 expression data of various cancers was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. YBX1 expression and its influence on tumor prognosis were analyzed by online database like Kaplan-Meier plotter. The correlation between YBX1 expression and immune infiltration was evaluated using the TIMER and TISIDB databases and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Furthermore, the relationship between the expression of YBX1 and the response to immunotherapy was analyzed by using 12 conversion therapy specimens. YBX1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues, and also correlated with the clinicopathological parameters in HCC patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a negative correlation between YBX1 expression level and overall survival (OS) of HCC patients. Additionally, we also observed a significant positive correlation between YBX1 expression and the infiltration of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes in HCC tissues. Patients with low YBX1 RNA expression had better objective response rate through mRECIST criteria after immunotherapy. These findings demonstrate that elevated YBX1 expression is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in HCC and correlates with the tumor infiltration of immune cells.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Septicyte Rapid to Discriminate Sepsis From Sterile Inflammation in Patients Meeting Sepsis Criteria According to Sepsis-3 Definition at ICU Admission
Authors: Bulnes María Luisa Cantón , Garmendia José Luís García , Estella Ángel , Galilea Adela Fernández , Blanco Isidro , Foncea Mª Antonia Estecha , Resina Marina Gordillo , Gómez Jorge Rodríguez , Capitán Juan Jesús Pineda , Fernández Carmen Martínez , Ortega Ana Escoresca , Villar Rosario Amaya , Ordóñez Juan Mora , Soto Sara González , Garnacho-Montero José 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to validate the SeptiCyte® RAPID assay, a molecular test to distinguish sepsis from sterile inflammation, by determining its diagnostic accuracy in critically ill patients who meet criteria for sepsis according to Sepsis-3 definition on ICU admission.
Methods: This is an observational, prospective, and multicenter study carried out in seven hospitals in Andalusia (Spain). A 2.5 mL whole blood sample was collected and tested in a SeptiCyte RAPID kit on a real time PCR platform (IdyllaTM). A score from 0 to 15 (SeptiScore™) was generated that falls into four bands based on the increasing likelihood of infection-positive systemic inflammation.
Results: We enrolled 354 patients, of whom 86 (24.3%) did not present sepsis at the researchers´ discretion. SeptiCyte® RAPID showed an AUC of [0.84 (CI95% 0.79-0.87)] for differentiating sepsis from sterile systemic inflammation. SeptiCyte® RAPID was significantly better for sepsis diagnosis than CRP [0.75 (CI95% 0.70-0.80)] (p =0.003) but without significant differences with PCT [0.80 (CI95% 0.75-0.84)]. SeptiScore distribution in patients with sepsis was higher than patients with sterile inflammation, with a PPV of 68.8% and 92.2% (Bands 3 and 4) for sepsis diagnosis and a PPV of 100% for sterile inflammation (Band 1). Independent risk factors for sepsis were estimated probability of sepsis [OR 8.02 (CI 95% 4.50-14.28), p<0.001], SeptiScore [OR 1.64 (CI 95% 1.35-1.99), p<0.001], and log procalcitonin [OR 1.68 (CI 95% 1.09-2.59), p=0.020].
Conclusion: SeptiCyte® RAPID discriminates sepsis from sterile inflammation in critically ill adults, adding value to the diagnosis of sepsis.
Structures and Strategies for Retaining an International Pediatric Cohort from Birth: Lessons from The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) Study
Authors: Gesualdo Patricia , Melin Jessica , Karban Rachel , Crouch Claire , Killian Michael , Hopkins Diane , Adamsson Annika , Stock Joanna , Johnson Suzanne Bennett , Baxter Judith 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Retention of study participants in observational studies is essential to maintaining the representativeness of the population, minimizing selection bias, and assuring sufficient statistical power. The aim of this report is to describe the structures and strategies used to retain participants in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) Study, an observational study of children at increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes followed in an intense protocol with frequent clinic visits from birth until age 15.
Methods: A systematic review of methodologies used to retain research subjects identified four domains: barrier reduction strategies; community building strategies; follow-up/reminder strategies; and tracing strategies. Independent reviewers categorized the retention strategies implemented by the TEDDY Study into each of these domains. Strategies not fitting into any of these categories were placed into a fifth category unique to TEDDY.
Results: TEDDY identified over one hundred retention strategies used during the 15 years of follow-up; most could be categorized in these domains. Those unique to TEDDY included (1) study organization and structures to support retention; (2) efforts to meet the changing developmental needs of the TEDDY population, (3) implementation of efforts to address protocol challenges in real-time; and (4) employment of a re-engagement protocol for those who had dropped out of the study.
Conclusion: Pediatric cohort studies should include strategies, structures, and resources addressing retention at the study's initiation. It is recommended that child and parent engagement in addition to the developmental needs of the child be an integrated focus of all strategies. Putting mechanisms in place to address protocol and retention challenges in real time would facilitate effectively addressing challenges as they arise.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00279318
Comparison of Breast Parenchyma in Chest Radiotreated Survivors of Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Healthy Women with Brca Mutation Carriers: A Case Control Study
Authors: Laddaga Filomena Emanuela , Telegrafo Michele , Garzillo Carmela , Ciliberti Maria Paola , Turi Barbara , Sardaro Angela , Fiorentino Alba , Moschetta Marco , Gaudio Francesco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Increased background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) is an imaging biomarker of higher risk of BC. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the distribution of BPE patterns and the possible onset of BC in long-term HL survivors treated with chemotherapy and RT and to compare them with age-matched women with BRCA mutation carriers and without a history of cancer. 62 women, long-term survivors of HL for at least 15 years and 62 consecutive women of the same age with BRCA mutation carriers, underwent screening with dynamic contrast magnetic resonance imaging. BPE was comparable in the two groups: 31 cases (50%) of moderate and marked BPE in the long-surviving HL group and 30 (48%) in the BRCA carrier control group. In the long-surviving HL group, 3 (5%) malignant lesions were found, two of these (ductal carcinoma in situ-DCIS, n = 1; non-special type-NST, n = 1) had moderate BPE lesions in the contralateral breast and one (NST ) marked BPE. We found a BPE comparable to healthy women at high risk for BC with BRCA mutation carriers. Future research should be directed at examining the underlying cancer biology and genetic susceptibility of treatment-induced tumors.
Sotrovimab in Severe COVID-19 anti-S Seronegative Immunocompromised Patients: Multicenter Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Lobato-Cano Rubén , Romero-Palacios Alberto , Prinet Laurine , Martín-Peral M. Paula , Flor-Fuentes Antonia M. , Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen , García-Ocaña Paula Patricia , Hidalgo-Castellón Antonio , Gerez-Neira Desiree Victoria , Corrales-Cuevas Manuel , López-Cárdenas Salvador 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Sotrovimab’s effectiveness remains uncertain in severely immunocompromised inpatients with COVID-19, particularly amidst the emergence of Omicron subvariants. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical progress and safety of severe COVID-19 at-risk inpatients treated with sotrovimab.
Methods: Retrospective multicentric cohort study (four teaching hospitals from Andalusian Health System) that included adult inpatients with inmunosupression with severe COVID-19 and negative anti-S serology who received sotrovimab from December 2021 to March 2023. Primary outcomes focused on respiratory progression (High-flow oxygen/Invasive and Non-invasive respiratory support and mortality at 28-day) while secondary variables encompassed hospital stay duration and readmission reasons.
Results: 79 patients were included, 58.2% were male, with a median age of 72 years (P25-P75 65-79). Significant immunosuppression factors included hematologic neoplasms in 51.9% of patients, solid organ transplants in 17.7%, and 13.9% with systemic autoimmune diseases. The median interval between symptom onset and sotrovimab infusion was 12 days (P25-P75 8-22), with a median hospital stay of 13 days (P25-P75 13-26). 36.7% of patients deceased, with 32.9% attributed directly to COVID-19. No adverse reactions to sotrovimab were reported. Univariate analysis linked age and severity at admission to COVID-19 clinical progression (p<0.05). Patients included in the study were distributed among dominant subvariants across five periods: BA.1 (15%), BA.2 (25%), BA.3 (31.3%), BQ.1 (16.3%), and XBB.1.5 (11.4%).
Conclusions The study underscores the need for further investigations to establish sotrovimab's efficacy in severe COVID-19 cases among immunocompromise. Early treatment initiation may be crucial considering potential limitations in its use for advanced clinical forms.
Exploring the Efficacy of Auricular Acupuncture in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Utilizing Freestyle Libre Pro Continuous Glucose Monitoring as the Primary Outcome Measure: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: P Syam Kumar C , T Venketeswaran S , Sankar Geethanjali , Hussain Jaheer , G Keerthika 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 diabetes, poses a significant global health challenge with increasing prevalence rates. Despite available treatments, achieving optimal glycemic control remains a challenge. Acupuncture, an ancient therapy, has shown promise in managing diabetes. However, its efficacy on specific auricular acupuncture points in Type 2 diabetes remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of auricular acupuncture targeting the pancreas point, endocrine point, and point zero in improving glycemic control in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, utilizing Freestyle Libre Pro continuous glucose monitoring. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial design will be employed. Twenty participants aged 30–60 years with confirmed Type 2 diabetes will be recruited and randomized into two groups: a study group receiving auricular acupuncture and a control group receiving sham acupuncture. The primary outcome will be changes in mean glucose levels assessed via Freestyle Libre Pro continuous glucose monitoring. Secondary outcomes include changes in insulin sensitivity measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) scores. Data analysis will be conducted using appropriate statistical tests to determine the efficacy of auricular acupuncture on glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in managing Type 2 diabetes, particularly focusing on auricular acupuncture points. The findings may have implications for improving diabetes care and warrant further investigation in larger clinical trials.
A novel disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signature in colorectal cancer for predicting prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment features and drug sensitivity
Authors: Qi Yuewen , Zhang Wenzheng , Qi Haowen , Wang Lei , Li Bingqing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer with high mortality rates worldwide. Disulfidptosis is an emerging mode of cancer cell death. In this study, disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs were identified by screening and incorporated into a prognostic model to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of colorectal cancer (CRC), providing a new and effective guide for clinical decision making. Transcriptome and clinical data of CRC patients and normal controls were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Pearson correlation, Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were used to identify disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs. A risk scoring model was constructed, and its predictive performance was comprehensively validated. An accurate nomogram was constructed for CRC prognosis prediction. Model reliability was verified via principal component, survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. GO analysis and GSEA were used to identify cellular pathways relevant to the model. Immune cell infiltration was studied via the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. The association of tumor mutational burden (TMB) with the model-derived risk scores was assessed using single-nucleotide variant data. Finally, tThe clinical value of the model was evaluated through the GDSC and CTRP databases, and effective drugs were predicted. A prognostic risk model containing 9 disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (ATP2A1-AS1, AC011815.1, AC013652.1, AC109992.2, AC069549.1, AC005034.5, SUCLG2-AS1, AP003555.1 and AL590101.1) was successfully constructed. There were significant difference in survival rates between the high-risk and low-risk groups (based on the median risk score) in the training and validation datasets. The risk score serves as an independent prognostic factor when combined with clinical variables. GSEA revealed that the high-risk group was enriched in the cellular processes of epidermis development, kidney differentiation and skin development. The prognostic model could stratify CRC patients into two distinct risk score groups. A high risk score independently predicted poor overall survival and was correlated with reduced immune cell infiltration, high TMB, and decreased tumor immune response activity. Immune checkpoint blockade might improve survival in high-risk CRC patients, whereas low-risk patients might be more responsive to targeted therapy and diverse kinase inhibitors. In summary, we established a disulfidptosis-related lncRNA model that holds promise as a reliable marker of CRC prognosis and immunotherapy response and can be also be used to predict the immune cell infiltration landscape and targeted therapy response.