bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safe Use of Contrast Media in Radiology (Clinical Guidelines)
Authors: Sinitsyn V. E. , Tyurin I. E. , Shimanovskiy N. L. , Karmazanovskiy G. G. , Bychenko V. G. , Rubtsova N. A. , Filatova D. A. 
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the frequency of contrast-enhanced radiological studies has increased significantly, and the issues of their selection and rational use do not lose their relevance. These methodological recommendations represent a complete up-to-date guide for using contrast agents (CA) in radiology. Types of currently used CA in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound examinations are described. Safety rules for injection of each CA type are systematized, the principles of dosing and possible side effects are explained. In addition, it is important to highlight the issues of interactions between CA and other drugs that patient might take, in particular, the possible deterioration of renal function when using CA in diabetes mellitus patients taking metformin. It should be noted that these recommendations have undergone significant changes in recent years. Also questionnaire templates for patients prior to the contrast-enhanced study are given in the supplements. The methodological guidelines are based on current publications of international experts on CA use in radiology as well as on the data of two major guidelines: American College of Radiologists (ACR) Guidelines (2023) and European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Safety Recommendations (2018, version 10). Thus, the information presented is validated, which provides grounds for its application in real clinical practice. The guidelines will be actualized as new scientific evidence becomes available, but to date they appear to be the most relevant.
Analysis of the comparative evaluation of efficacy of three different loops for bodily protraction of mandibular molar – a finite element analysis
Authors: Mehta Aditi , Shah Alap , Prasad Anisha , Jani Bharvi , Shah Kinnari , Kulkarni Anirudh , Chantarapanich Nattapon , Inglam Samroeng , Marya Anand 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to compare three different loops (T loop, Cherry loop, and Open helical loop) and optimal tip back angle (10°, 15°, 20°) for protraction of mandibular second molar using Finite Element Model (FEM).
Materials and Methods
A CBCT scan of a 20-year-old patient was recorded. It was converted into a CAD file and then into a FEM. A FEM model developed was used to find out the efficacy of the loops and optimal tip-back angles. Displacement of the molar was measured at four reference points: the mesiobuccal cusp, distobuccal cusp, mesial root, and the distal root of the first molar.
Results
No significant difference was seen in the displacement for all three loops. At a 10° angle, there was more mesial tipping (5.9°) and molar extrusion. At a 15° angle, there was less mesial tipping (2.9-3°) and no changes in the vertical plane. At a 20° angle, there was bodily movement and intrusion of molars.
Conclusions
All three loops are equally effective in the protraction of mandibular molar. A 15° tip back angle was most effective in protracting the mandibular molar as only a negligible amount of mesial tipping of the molar was seen, and there was no extrusion or intrusion of the molar, thus maintaining the occlusal plane.
Clinical Relevance:
Loop mechanics are preferred over the use of power chains as these help maintain better control over the molar position during protraction. Loops are very effective at avoiding mesial tipping and extrusion of molars during mesialization to close spaces.
Foxk1 promotes bone formation through inducing aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Peng Songlin , Liu Chungeng , Feng Naibo , Wang Zhenmin , Zheng Kangyan , Xie Yongheng , Wang Hongyu , Li Zhizhong , Long Houqing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Transcription factor Foxk1 can regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and promote skeletal muscle regeneration and cardiogenesis. However, the roles of Foxk1 in bone formation is unknown. Here, we showed that the expression of Foxk1 decreased in the bone tissue of aged mice and osteoporosis patients. Knockdown of Foxk1 in primary murine calvarial osteoblastssuppressedosteoblast differentiation and proliferation. Conditional knockout of Foxk1 in preosteoblasts and mature osteoblasts in mice exhibited decreased bone mass and mechanical strength due to reduced bone formation.Mechanistically, we identified Foxk1 targeted the promoter region of many genes of glycolytic enzyme by CUT&Tag analysis. Lacking of Foxk1 in primary murine calvarial osteoblasts resulted in reducing aerobic glycolysis. Inhibition of glycolysis by 2DG hindered osteoblast differentiation and proliferation induced by Foxk1 overexpression. Finally, specific overexpression of Foxk1 in preosteoblasts, driven by a preosteoblast specific osterix promoter, increased bone mass and bone mechanical strengthof aged mice, which could be suppressed by inhibiting glycolysis. In summary, these findings reveal that Foxk1 plays a vital role in the osteoblast metabolism regulation and bone formation stimulation, offering a promising approach for treating osteoporosis in the elderly.
Perceptions of Undergraduate Students towards Utilization of Clinical Simulation in Teaching and Learning in Rural Universities in Uganda: A Mixed method study
Authors: Adongo Pamella Rosset , Epuitai Joshua , Oboth Paul , Apili Felister , Kumakech Edward , Owusu-Sekyere Samuel , Wandabwa Julius N. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Simulation is a new pedagogical method in Africa that underscores the need to operationalize it and generate context-specific scholarship regarding clinical simulation in Africa. Despite the superior learning outcomes of using simulation in medical education, its use in developing countries is often limited, compounded by limited scholarship on simulation especially relevant to an African context. The research aimed to explore perceptions surrounding the use of simulation among undergraduate students.
Methods: A mixed method convergent parallel design was used in which both the quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed currently to explore the perception of the undergraduate students towards the use of clinical simulation in teaching and learning. The quantitative approach assessed the perception of the students on a five-point Likert from strongly disagree to strongly agree scale while the qualitative approach employed a focused group discussion to explore the perception of the students in regards to clinical simulation. Quantitative data was analyzed using Stata Version 17. Qualitative results were analyzed through thematic analysis by Brauna and Clark.
Results: 298 participants were recruited into the study. The mean age of the participants was 27 years with a standard deviation of 5.81 years. The majority 152(51.01%) of the participants were males. Most 111(37.25%) of the participants were pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. The grand mean of the perception scores of the students towards the use of simulation in clinical teaching was 3.875269 ±0.5281626. The participants strongly agreed that it is incredibly helpful to have someone who works in the field debrief with them after completing a scenario and their overall perception towards this was high (Mean =4.65241±0.6617337).
Conclusion
This exploratory study revealed that medical, nursing, and midwifery students from the rural Universities of Busitema and Lira demonstrated a positive perception of the use of clinical simulation in teaching and learning. The results conclude that simulations help students better understand concepts in clinical settings, provide them with valuable learning experiences, and help them stimulate critical thinking abilities. Further, the participants perceive simulation to be realistic, and knowledge gained could be transferred to the clinical areas.
Fluorescence visualization of endoplasmic reticulum Carboxylesterase in living cells with a small-molecule probe
Authors: Zha Jun , Xiong Nanqian , Wang Meixia , Chen Lanfang , You Ganhua , Liu Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Specific molecular probes for reporting of CEs activity and pH are very rare in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Herein, a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe for sensing endogenous CEs in ER was proposed and synthesized particularly. The methylfluorescein was selected as a new fluorogenic substrate exhibited excellent sensing properties, such as good membrane permeability, biocompatibility, photostability and low toxicity, considering the higher binding ability and elimination efficiency. In addition, with organelle targeting unit, the probe possessed ER-targeting ability and could be applied for the imaging of CEs level changes in cancer cells. Notably, all of these findings suggest that the probe holds potential advantages for further applications in biosystems in the future.
Impact of inflammatory response in the acute phase of COVID-19 on predicting objective and subjective post-COVID fatigue
Authors: Péron Julie , Nuber-Champier Anthony , Breville Gautier , Voruz Philippe , de Alcântara Isabele Jacot , Lalive Patrice , Allali Gilles , Benzakour Lamyae , Braillard Olivia , Nehme Mayssam , Coen Matteo , Serratrice Jacques , Reny Jean-Luc , Pugin Jérôme , Guessous Idris , Landis Basile , Assal Frédéric , Peron Julie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The biological predictors of objective and subjective fatigue in individuals with post-COVID syndrome remains unclear. This study aims to ascertain the predictive significance of the immune response measured during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection on various dimensions of fatigue 6–9 months post-infection. We examined the association between immune markers obtained from the serum of 54 patients (mean age: 58.69 ± 10.90; female: 31%) and objective and subjective chronic fatigue using general linear mixed models. Level of IL-1RA, IFNγ and TNFα in plasma and the percentage of monocytes measured in the acute phase of COVID-19 predicted physical and total fatigue. Moreover, the higher the concentration of TNFα (r=-0.40 ; p = .019) in the acute phase, the greater the lack of awareness of cognitive fatigue 6–9 months post-infection. These findings shed light on the relationship between acute inflammatory response and the persistence of both objective and subjective fatigue.
Distribution of spinal damage in patients with axial spondyloarthritis as assessed by MRI: a prospective and blinded study
Authors: Haidmayer Andreas , Adelsmayr Gabriel , Spreizer Christopher , Klocker Eva Valentina , Quehenberger Franz , Fuchsjaeger Michael , Thiel Jens , Hermann Josef 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) leads to structural bone lesions in every part of the vertebral column. These lesions are only partially visualized on conventional radiographs omitting posterior parts of the vertebral column and the thoracic spine. We therefore evaluated the distribution of structural bone lesions which are partly responsible for immobility and impaired function of the spine in patients with axial SpA based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods
In this prospective and blinded investigation, we assessed the distribution of structural spinal bone lesions using MRI in patients with axial SpA classified according to the Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria of axial SpA. After clinical examination, collection of data of spinal mobility and function two blinded radiologists independently evaluated MRIs of 23 vertebral units of the spine in every patient. Non-parametric statistical methods and Spearman‘s correlation was used to analyze lesion distribution and the relationship with clinical spinal mobility and function parameters.
Results
In 55 patients with axial SpA (13 females, average disease duration 14.9 years) 657 ventral and 139 dorsal vertebral body structural bone lesions and, notably, 534 facet joint lesions could be visualized. The median number of lesions per patient was higher in the thoracic (8.5, range 1.0–41.0) than in the lumbar (7.5, range 0.0-27.5) and the cervical spine (3.5, range 0.0-24.5); each with p < 0.005. A negative correlation was noted between the number of osteoproliferative structural bone lesions and impairment of spinal mobility and function.
Conclusion
This MRI-based study revealed a high prevalence of structural bone lesions in dorsal parts of the vertebral column and in the thoracic spine of axial SpA patients that are not adequately visualized on conventional radiographs. These findings may further contribute to a better understanding of reduced mobility of the spine typically associated with axial SpA and may support rheumatologists with the diagnosis.
A Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Oncogenic Role of Transcription Factor 3 in Human Tumors
Authors: Chen Yawen , Gao Yunhe , Qiao Zhi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: It has been proposed that transcription factor 3 (TCF3) is involved in the development of lymphocytic malignancies. However, no systematic pan cancer analysis has been conducted, and the role of TCF3 in human cancer prognosis and immunology is still largely unknown.
Methods: Here, we use TCGA (cancer genome map), GEO (gene expression synthesis) dataset, human protein map (HPA) and some bioinformatics tools to explore the role of TCF3 in 33 tumor types.
Results: We evaluated the expression of TCF3 in tumors. We found that for tumors with high expression of TCF3, such as Adrenocortical carcinoma, Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, Liver hepatocellular carcinoma, Mesotellioma, Prostate adenocarcinoma and Sarcoma, the overexpression of TCF3 usually indicates poor OS. We also evaluated the mutation load of TCF3 in cancer and TCF3 related survival rate of cancer patients, and compared the phosphorylation of TCF3 in primary tumors and normal tissues. In conclusion, from the comprehensive pan cancer analysis of TCF3, we found that there was a significant statistical correlation between the expression of TCF3 and the clinical prognosis, protein phosphorylation, immune cell infiltration, pan cancer immune subtypes and molecular subtypes, tumor mutation burden or microsatellite instability of a variety of human cancers.
Conclusions: TCF3 may be a potential prognostic and immune biomarker of pan cancer. In addition, TCF3 may be a new target for tumor immunotherapy.
Repeatability and Consistency of Multispectral Refraction Topography in School Children Before and After Cycloplegia
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Zang Wansheng , Wang Anken , Yang Chenhao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the repeatability and consistency of multispectral refraction topography (MRT) in measuring retinal refraction before and after cycloplegia in children.
Methods
Children aged 7 to 18 years old were recruited in this prospective research. The central and peripheral retinal refraction were measured three times using multispectral refraction topography (MRT) before and after cycloplegia. The retinal deviation value (RDV) was used to describe retinal refraction. In addition, objective refraction (OR) and subjective refraction (SR) measurements were also performed.
Results
A total of 60 children with mean age of 10.50 ± 1.81 years were enrolled. Before cycloplegia, all the central and peripheral retinal refraction parameters showed good repeatability (lowest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.78 in RDV 45–53). After cycloplegia, the repeatability of MRT was significantly enhanced (lowest ICC = 0.91 in RDV-I). The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) of the central refraction and OR ranged from − 2.1 to 1.8 D before cycloplegia, and from − 1.69 to 0.27 D after cycloplegia. The 95% LoA of the central refraction and SR ranged from − 1.57 to 0.36 D after cycloplegia. All the 95% LoA showed high consistency.
Conclusions
MRT shows high consistency with autorefractometry, experienced optometrist in measuring central refraction. In addition, MRT provides good repeatable measurements of retinal peripheral refraction before and after cycloplegia in schoolchildren .
Colour Brightness Recognition of Extremely Severe Amblyopia Children in Indoor Environment
Authors: GU Yan , LI Yuhang , Zhu Xiaodong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study examined the impact of indoor lighting conditions and distances on color recognition in visually impaired children. A total of ten participants from a special education school were selected to identify the brightness of five colors under varying lighting(natural and artificial) and distance conditions(3 m and 5 m). Each color was presented at six different brightness levels, which were classified into three groups: low brightness, standard brightness, and high brightness. The participants were instructed to identify the top three brightness levels they considered most attractive, with each rating assigned a weighted score. The findings indicated that: (1) Visually impaired children are able to recognize color brightness in both natural and artificial lighting situations. In indoor settings, the low-brightness group demonstrated superior recognition abilities compared to the high-brightness group. The purple did not exhibit a clear pattern, as colors from the high-brightness, low-brightness, and standard-colour groups were all preferred. (2) A significant difference was observed in the brightness recognition of visually impaired children at distances of 3 m and 5 m. Recognition of low-brightness colors improved with distance, in contrast to high-brightness scores, which declined. Nevertheless, no significant variation was observed in the perception of green with distance changes.
Association of Fear of Falling and Low Physical Activity with Fall Risk among Older Taiwanese Community-dwellers
Authors: Tsai Yih-Jian , Sun Wen-Jung , Yang Yi-Ching , Wei Mei-Yu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose
Fear of falling and low physical activity become prevalent in an aged society, but their association with fall risk warrants further investigation.
Methods
Our study involved 600 individuals aged 70.8–96.1 years who completed two rounds of community surveys. During the second survey, we analyzed the correlations between fall incidents and a range of factors, including age, sex, gait maneuverability, vision, comorbidity count, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, history of falls, fear of falling, and physical activity level. The chi-square test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used, with further analyses either adjusted for or stratified by the full-factor combinations of fear of falling (with versus without) and low physical activity (low versus moderate-to-high).
Results
Falls exhibited a prevalence rate of 13.8%. A fall risk gradient by the full-factor combinations was observed. Multivariate logistic regression modeling identified independent risk predictors for falls, including the number of comorbidities, depressive symptoms, a history of falls, and fear of falling. Fear of falling and low physical activity presented a synergistic effect to increase the fall risk by two- and one-third times (adjusted odds ratio: 2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–4.83). Depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and a history of falls remained as significant risk predictors for older adults with both factors, those with fear of falling only, and those with neither, respectively, when the models were further stratified.
Conclusion
Fear of falling and low physical activity presented likely synergism to increase the fall risk. Those older community-dwellers with both risk factors warrant fall prevention resources as a priority over those with either or neither.
Availability of mental health care and mental health disorders in Brazil
Authors: De Boni Raquel B. , Mota Jurema Correa da , Alves Julio Castro , de Oliveira Ricardo A. Dantas , Baldez Daniel Prates , Silva Pedro L. D. Nascimento , Bastos Francisco Inacio , Kapczciznki Flavio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose We aimed to describe the prevalence of 12-month reported MHD and evaluate associations with availability mental health (MH) care in Brazil.Methods Data from a nationwide probability survey (n = 16,273) and from the National Registry of Health Services have been analyzed. The main outcomes were 12-month reported diagnosis/treatment for anxiety, depression, and severe MHD. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the associations of the rates of psychiatrists, outpatient MH services (CAPS) and primary health care services (PHC) with the outcomes.Results The overall prevalence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were 15.5% (95%CI:14.4–16.6), 7.3% (95%CI:6.6–7.9), 1.0% (95%CI:0.8–1.3), and 0.4% (95%CI 0.3–0.5), respectively, with lower prevalences observed in less developed macroregions. The rate of psychiatrists varied from 1.52 (North) to 12.26 (South)/100,000 inhabitants, the rate of CAPS from 1.52 (North) to 2.72 (Northeast), and the rate of PHC from 26.12 (Southeast) to 52.25 (Northeast). Individuals living in regions with higher rates of psychiatrists and PHCs were more likely to report anxiety and depression, while those living in regions with higher rates of CAPS were more likely report severe MHD.Conclusion The distribution of services mirrors the emphasis on PHC and CAPS to enhance equity within the Brazilian Universal Health System. However, diagnostic and treatment rates remain elevated in regions with larger psychiatrist presence. Addressing information gaps is imperative to optimize MH policies and resources allocation.
Advancing rapid urban flood prediction: a spatiotemporal deep learning approach with uneven rainfall and attention mechanism
Authors: Shao Yu , Chen Jiarui , Zhang Tuqiao , Yu Tingchao , Chu Shipeng 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Urban floods pose a significant threat to human communities, making its prediction essential for comprehensive flood risk assessment and the formulation of effective resource allocation strategies. Data-driven deep learning approaches have gained traction in urban emergency flood prediction, addressing the efficiency constraints of physical models. However, the spatial structure of rainfall, which has a profound influence on urban flooding, is often overlooked in many deep learning investigations. In this study, we introduce a novel deep learning model known as CRU-Net equipped with an attention mechanism to predict inundation depths in urban terrains based on spatiotemporal rainfall patterns. This method utilizes eight topographic parameters related to the height of urban waterlogging, combined with spatial rainfall data as inputs to the model. Comparative evaluations between the developed CRU-Net and two other deep learning models, U-Net and ResU-Net, reveal that CRU-Net adeptly interprets the spatiotemporal traits of rainfall and accurately estimates flood depths, emphasizing deep inundation and flood-vulnerable regions. The model demonstrates exceptional accuracy, evidenced by a root mean square error of 0.054 m and a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.975. CRU-Net also accurately predicts over 80% of inundation locations with depths exceeding 0.3 m. Remarkably, CRU-Net delivers predictions for 3 million grids in 2.9 s, showcasing its efficiency.