bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enterotoxin‐related genes PPFIA4 and SCN3B promote colorectal cancer development and progression
Authors: Zheng Feng‐Xian , Yang Cheng‐Rui , Sun Fang‐Yuan , Zhang Yan‐Zhong , Wang Yan‐Liang , Li Xu‐Zhao , Wu Xiao‐Yong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo identify the role of enterotoxin‐related genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. Upregulated differentially expressed genes shared by three out of five Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets were included to screen the key enterotoxin‐induced oncogenes (EIOGs) according to criteria oncogene definition, enrichment, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, followed by prognosis survival, immune infiltration, and protential drugs analyses was performed via integration of RNA‐sequencing data and The Cancer Genome Atlas‐derived clinical profiles. We screened nine common key EIOGs from at least three GEO data sets. A Cox proportional hazards regression models verified that more alive cases, decreased overall survival, and highest 4‐year survival prediction in CRC patients with high‐risk score. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type F polypeptide‐interacting protein alpha‐4 (PPFIA4), STY11, SCN3B, and SPTBN5 were shared in the same PPI network. Immune infiltration results showed that SCN3B and synaptotagmin 11 expression were obviously associated with B cell, macrophage, myeloid dendritic cell, neutrophils, and T cell CD4+ and CD8+ in both colon adenocarcinoma and rectal adenocarcinoma. CHIR‐99021, MLN4924, and YK4‐279 were identified as the potential drugs for treatment. Finally, upregulated EIOGs genes PPFIA4 and SCN3B were found in colon adenocarcinoma and PPFIA4 and SCN3B were proved to promote cell proliferation and migration in vitro. We demonstrated here that EIOGs promoting a malignancy phenotype was related with poor survival and prognosis in CRC, which might be served as novel therapeutic targets in CRC management.
Analysis of MRI features and associated factors of the pituitary neuroendocrine tumor streaky sign
Authors: Zhong Jiansheng , Zhang Heng , Chen Yuyang , Li Jun , Wei Liangfeng , Wang Shousen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesObservation of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with streaky sign on MRI, analysis of their features on imaging and further investigation of the relationship between the direction of the streak sign and the direction of optimal tumor expansion.MethodsThe MR images of 237 patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumors were retrospectively analyzed. The streaky‐like high signal with a substantial length of more than 10 mm and obvious enhancement on T1WI was defined as the streaky sign. Finally, 66 patients were included in the study, comprising 33 patients with streaky sign pituitary neuroendocrine tumors and 33 randomly selected patients with non‐streaky sign pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. The general condition of these 66 patients, the imaging features of the tumor, and the measurement and analysis of the direction of the streaky sign in relation to the direction of optimal tumor extension were observed and analyzed.ResultsOn MRI, 85 streaky signs were observed. The average deviation between the direction angle of all the streaky signs and the optimal extension direction angle of the tumor was approximately 11°. The longest streaky sign angle was positively correlated with the optimal extension angle of the tumor, with a correlation coefficient of 0.967.ConclusionThe presence of a streaky sign of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors may indicate a dilated sinus or a small blood vessel. Its direction is highly consistent with the optimal extension direction of the tumor, which has a certain supporting effect on the long‐distance growth of the tumor.
Novel report on soil infection with Metarhizium rileyi against soil‐dwelling life stages of insect pests
Authors: Vivekanandhan Perumal , Kamaraj Chinnaperumal , Alharbi Sulaiman A. , Ansari Mohammad J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEntomopathogenic fungi are the most effective control remedy against a wide range of medical and agricultural important pests. The present study aimed to isolate, identify, and assess the virulence of Metarhizium rileyi against Spodoptera litura and Spodoptera frugiperda pupae under soil conditions. The biotechnological methods were used to identify the isolate as M. rileyi. The fungal conidial pathogenicity (2.0 × 107, 2.0 × 108, 2.0 × 109, 2.0 × 1010, and 2.0 × 1011 conidia/mL−1) was tested against prepupae of S. litura and S. frugiperda at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after treatments. Additionally, the artificial soil‐conidial assay was performed on a nontarget species earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae, using M. rileyi conidia. The present results showed that the M. rileyi caused significant mortality rates in S. litura pupae (61‐90%), and S. litura pupae were more susceptible than S. frugiperda pupae (46%–73%) at 12 day posttreatment. The LC50 and LC90 of M. rileyi against S. litura, were 3.4 × 1014–9.9 × 1017 conidia/mL−1 and 6.6 × 105–4.6 × 1014 conidia/mL−1 in S. frugiperda, respectively. The conidia of M. rileyi did not exhibit any sublethal effect on the adult stage of E. eugeniae, and Artemia salina following a 12‐day treatment period. Moreover, in the histopathological evaluation no discernible harm was observed in the gut tissues of E. eugeniae, including the lumen and epithelial cells, as well as the muscles, setae, nucleus, mitochondria, and coelom. The present findings provide clear evidence that M. rileyi fungal conidia can be used as the foundation for the development of effective bio‐insecticides to combat the pupae of S. litura and S. frugiperda agricultural pests.
Unveiling the Associative Mechanisms Underlying the Additive Bias: Using an Implicit Association Test to Gain Insight into People's Preference for Additive Actions
Authors: Neroni Maria Adriana , Crilly Nathan , Brandimonte Maria Antonella 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTWhen faced with the need to transform an object, idea, or situation, people have a tendency to favor adding new components rather than removing existing ones. This is called the additive bias. Previous research, along with historical and anecdotal examples, shows that this bias may significantly reduce problem‐solving abilities and have a detrimental impact on the innovation process. In this study, our objective was to develop a novel tool, the additive bias implicit association test (ad‐IAT), to investigate the reasons underlying people's preference for additive actions. By using this tool, we empirically demonstrated that people displayed an inherent tendency to assign a positive valence to additive concepts and to perceive additive actions as safer and more functional than subtractive concepts. Importantly, we also found that implicit preference for addition resulted in participants favoring additive actions while neglecting subtractive alternatives when engaged in a problem‐solving task. Collectively, our series of experiments substantiated the effectiveness of our ad‐IAT in uncovering and quantifying the additive bias. This, in turn, provided a deeper comprehension of the underlying factors contributing to the bias and its impact on people's behavior.
Standardizing steroid protocols for newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease patients: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Lendner Nuphar , Perry Sharon , Sferra Thomas J. , Moses Jonathan , Young Denise D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesSystemic steroids can be used for induction of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but are not recommended as long‐term therapy. Steroid weaning requires rigorous monitoring of symptoms, which may be cumbersome and lead to missed opportunities. We aim to describe our local quality improvement (QI) initiative to improve and standardize the steroid weaning process.MethodsAfter identifying drivers of steroid weaning, a protocol was developed and implemented for newly diagnosed IBD patients started on steroids and subsequently initiated on anti‐TNF‐α therapy. Interventions included development of a tapering schedule, and standardizing communication with patients and evaluation of symptoms. The primary aim was to increase the percent of patients called on a weekly basis by 20%; secondary aims were to decrease the median steroid days by 25% and to increase the number of our patients weaned off steroids at 8 weeks from 35% to 75% by 1 year after the initiative.ResultsThe median percent of patients called on a weekly basis to assess clinical symptoms and to wean steroids increased to 80% after 1 year. The median number of systemic corticosteroid days decreased from 67.5 to 50.5 days post‐protocol implementation with 61.1% patients weaned off by 8 weeks from discharge. Zero patients were admitted for flares with the protocol implementation.ConclusionOur experience illustrates that QI methodology can be used successfully to improve and standardize the steroid weaning process, leading to shortened steroid duration and without increased flares and hospitalizations.
MRI and SPECT/CT demonstrate, with low certainty of evidence, the highest diagnostic accuracy for aseptic knee arthroplasty loosening: A systematic comparative diagnostic test review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Buijs George S. , Kooijenga Anne C. , Rikken Quinten G. H. , Schafroth Matthias U. , Kievit Arthur J. , Blankevoort Leendert 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of modalities used to aid the diagnosis of aseptic knee arthroplasty loosening.MethodsA comparative diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted following the Cochrane and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for original articles evaluating diagnostic modalities up to March 2024. Included studies compared the modality (index test) to the intraoperative finding as reference test. The QUADAS‐C (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐Comparative) tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Level of evidence was evaluated using the Oxford Levels of Evidence tool. The primary outcome was the summary of diagnostic accuracy metrics for each modality as demonstrated by a summary receiver‐operating characteristic (SROC) curve.ResultsThe search yielded 467 articles. Of these, 14 articles were included. These 14 articles evaluated a total of five different diagnostic modalities: bone scintigraphy (three studies, 146 cases), 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (two studies, 50 cases), single‐photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) (seven studies, 371 cases), radionuclide arthrogram (three studies, 196 cases) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (one study, 116 cases). Nine studies exhibited a high risk of bias in patient selection, and all studies showed a high risk of bias related to the reference test. The majority of the included studies were classified as Level III evidence, leading to an overall low level of certainty in the evidence. The most accurate tests, as demonstrated by the SROC analysis, were MRI and SPECT/CT, with sensitivities ranging from 0.00 to 1.00 and 0.33 to 1.00 and specificities between 0.31–1.00 and 0.00–1.00, respectively.ConclusionsThis review and meta‐analysis evaluated available diagnostic modalities to aid the diagnosis of knee arthroplasty loosening and based on a low certainty of evidence suggests that MRI and SPECT/CT are currently the most accurate modalities available to aid the diagnosis of aseptic loosening of knee arthroplasty components.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Magnetic resonance imaging should be the first‐line imaging modality for investigating suspected proximal hamstring avulsion injuries
Authors: Lefèvre Nicolas , Coughlan Adam , Valentin Eugénie , Sezer Hasan B. , Bohu Yoan , Moussa Mohamad K. , Hardy Alexandre 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate how the initial diagnostic tool used—specifically ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—for diagnosing proximal hamstring avulsion injury affects the delay before surgery and, secondarily, the outcomes of these injuries.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data (2012–2020). It targeted patients primarily treated for proximal hamstring avulsion injury. It included all patients with a preoperative US and/or MRI. Patients were divided into two groups based on the initial diagnostic tool used (US‐first vs. MRI‐first groups). The primary outcomes measure was the time from initial injury to surgical intervention (surgical delay). The secondary outcomes were the Parisien Hamstring Avulsion Score, as well as the activity level as measured by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale and Tegner Activity Scale.ResultsThe analysis included 392 patients with a mean age of 43.8 ± 13.6 years for the MRI‐first group and 47.6 ± 12.0 years for US‐first group. Patients in the MRI‐first group had a significantly shorter median time from injury to surgery of 20.0 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 11.0–61.0) compared to 30 days (IQR: 18–74) in the US‐first group. At the final follow‐up (4.2 ± 2.2 years for the MRI‐first group and 5.1 ± 1.9 years for the US‐first group), the MRI‐first group had significantly higher mean Tegner Activity Scale and UCLA scores than the US‐first group: The Tegner Activity Scale was median 5 (IQR: 3–7) for the MRI‐first group versus median 4 (IQR: 2–6) for the US‐first group (p < 0.05). The UCLA scores were 7.9 ± 2.4 for the MRI‐first group compared to 7.3 ± 2.4 for the US‐first group (p < 0.05). This difference was more pronounced when comparing the MRI‐first group with the patient‐false negative initial ultrasound. No difference was found regarding the Parisien Hamstring Avulsion Score.ConclusionMRI as the initial diagnostic tool for proximal hamstring avulsion injury is associated with a shorter time to surgery and better postoperative outcomes in Tegner Activity Scale and UCLA scores, compared to US.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Outcomes from different aspects indicate the all‐inside technique may serve as an ideal option for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Cai Zijun , Liu Di , Yang Yuntao , Lu Wenhao , Pan Linyuan , Liu Xu , Liu Gaoming , Vithran Djandan Tadum Arthur , Li Yusheng , Xiao Wenfeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the postoperative outcomes of the all‐inside technique in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).MethodsPatients who underwent ACLR using the all‐inside technique between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively assessed. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years. Functional recovery and pain relief were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Instrumented laxity was assessed via side‐to‐side difference using the Kneelax3 arthrometer. Graft maturity was estimated using the signal‐to‐noise quotient value based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Adverse events during and after the surgery were recorded.ResultsA total of 78 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 28.1 ± 7.6 years. The IKDC (p < 0.001), Lysholm (p < 0.001) and KOOS (p < 0.001 for all subgroups) scores at the final follow‐up were significantly higher than those before the surgery. The VAS scores (p < 0.05) were significantly lower than those before surgery. The side‐to‐side difference results indicated that 50 patients had a difference of less than 3 mm, indicating a tight graft, whereas only 1 patient had a difference of >5 mm, indicating a loose graft. The median signal‐to‐noise quotient of the graft on MRI was 1.4 (P25, P75: 1.0, 2.0). No intraoperative adverse events were observed. Postoperative adverse events included three cases of infection, three cases of graft rerupture, two cases of cyclops lesion and one case of surgical intervention for a meniscal tear.ConclusionACLR using the all‐inside technique offers promising results in patients with ACL rupture.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Nonanatomical femoral tunnel positioning in isolated MPFL reconstruction is not associated with an increased risk of patellofemoral osteoarthritis after a minimum follow‐up of 10 years
Authors: Erard Julien , Olivier Joris , Gunst Stanislas , Shatrov Jobe , Batailler Cécile , Lustig Sébastien , Servien Elvire 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThe association between the prevalence of patellofemoral arthritis (PFA) and femoral tunnel positioning following isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr) has not been well described. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between femoral tunnel positioning and the prevalence of PFA.MethodsThis was a single‐centre study of patients undergoing an isolated MPFLr between 2006 and 2011 with a minimum of 10 years of follow‐up. Outcomes assessed were the presence of PFA on radiographs, recurrence of instability requiring revision surgery and patient‐reported outcomes, including Kujala, Tegner and IKDC scores. Tunnel positioning was assessed on postoperative radiographs using two radiographic methods: Schöttle's point and the grid method to localise the femoral tunnel. Patients were grouped based on tunnel positioning and compared.ResultsFifty patients were analysed at a mean follow‐up of 12.4 years. Thirty‐three patients (66%) had a femoral tunnel position within 7 mm of Schöttle's point and 39 (78%) within the anatomic quadrant, with the most common location according to the grid method in D4 (28%) and E4 (26%), respectively. Thirty‐seven patients (74%) had a satisfactory (>80 versus <80) Kujala score at long‐term follow‐up. None of the examined tunnel assessment methods demonstrated a significant relationship with Tegner, Kujala or International Knee Documentation Committee scores. Patients with a femoral tunnel position >7 mm outside Schöttle's point or were considered to be in a nonanatomic position were not significantly more likely to result in unsatisfactory Kujala scores at the last follow‐up. Tunnel positioning and the other tested parameters were not found to be significantly associated with the development of PFA.ConclusionNo correlation between femoral tunnel position and risk of PFA or poor outcomes was observed in patients undergoing isolated MPFLr at long‐term follow‐up. The impact of femoral tunnel placement on long‐term outcomes in patients with PFI may be less significant than originally considered.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
High incidence of medial meniscus root/radial tears and extrusion in 253 patients with subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee
Authors: Clark Sean C. , Pareek Ayoosh , Hevesi Mario , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Saris Daniel B. F. , Camp Christopher L. , Krych Aaron J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThe demographic and radiological risk factors of subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee (SIFK) continue to be a subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to associate patient‐specific factors with SIFK in a large cohort of patients.MethodsInclusion criteria consisted of patients with SIFK as verified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All radiographs and MRIs were reviewed to assess characteristics such as meniscus tear presence and type, subchondral oedema presence and location, location of SIFK, mechanical limb alignment, osteoarthritis as assessed by Kellgren–Lawrence grade and ligamentous injury. A total of 253 patients (253 knees) were included, with 171 being female. The average body mass index (BMI) was 32.1 ± 7.0 kg/m2.ResultsSIFK was more common in patients with medial meniscus tears (77.1%, 195/253) rather than tears of the lateral meniscus (14.6%, 37/253) (p < 0.001). Medial meniscus root and radial tears of the posterior horn were present in 71.1% (180/253) of patients. Ninety‐one percent (164/180) of medial meniscus posterior root and radial tears had an extrusion ≥3.0 mm. Eighty‐one percent (119/147) of patients with SIFK on the medial femoral condyle and 86.8% (105/121) of patients with SIFK on the medial tibial plateau had a medial meniscus tear. Varus knees had a significantly increased rate of SIFK on the medial femoral condyle in comparison to valgus knees (p = 0.016).ConclusionIn this large cohort of patients with SIFK, there was a high association with medial meniscus root and radial tears of the posterior horn, meniscus extrusion ≥3.0 mm as well as higher age, female gender and higher BMI. Additionally, there was a particularly strong association of medial compartment SIFK with medial meniscus tears. As SIFK is frequently undiagnosed, identifying patient‐specific demographic and radiological risk factors will help achieve a prompt diagnosis.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Reference ecosystem construction and adaptive restoration effect evaluation: A case study of a small watershed in the loess hilly region
Authors: Li Qiang , Shi Xueyi , Zhao Zhongqiu , Wu Qingqing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe loess hilly region is one of the most fragile areas in China. Many ecological restoration projects in this region are equivalent to simple afforestation and grass planting, with large investment and low benefits. Based on the concept of reference ecosystem, this study uses remote sensing data and vegetation community survey of Wanhuigou catchment, and applies methods such as redundancy analysis and GeoDetector to explore the characteristics of topography, soil, and vegetation of reference ecosystem, so as to provide restoration standards for damaged or degraded ecosystems in a small watershed. Thirteen typical and representative areas are selected to evaluate the degree of ecosystem damage and resilience, and divided into four categories according to the evaluation results and characteristics of ecosystems. Corresponding restoration measures such as protection and conservation, natural restoration, auxiliary regeneration, and ecological reconstruction are adopted for ecosystems under different scenarios with reference ecosystems as the target, and the effectiveness of implementation is assessed. The results show that the combination conditions of elevation and slope have a very important influence on the distribution of ecosystems. In the process of ecological restoration, it is necessary to deeply grasp the characteristics of soil and species diversity within the same community and among different communities, as well as their interrelationships. Adaptive restoration measures for ecosystems in different situations are conducive to the sustainability and effectiveness of ecosystem restoration. Given the complexity and diversity of habitat conditions and plant community types in Wanhuigou catchment, the results have certain universality, which can provide reference for the comprehensive management of other small watersheds in the loess hilly region, so as to achieve sustainable construction and restoration of ecosystems as well as harmonious development between humans and nature.