bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Noninvasive Diagnostic Method for Suspicious Cervical Lymph Nodes— Superb Microvascular Imaging
Authors: Xu Lilong , Zhou Ling , Yu Xiaoli , Zheng Lin-lin , Fan Gonglin , Zhang Min , Li Shiyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
To explore the diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) for ultrasonically uncertain lymph nodes (LNs).
Methods
Our center prospectively collected clinical and imaging data of 74 patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy and thyroglobulin measurement from January 2022 to June 2022. First, univariate analysis was performed to obtain relevant variables that differed between benign and malignant LN groups. Then spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation between effective variables and pathological results. Finally, receiver operating characteristic was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of effective variables.
Results
In this study, there were 43 benign LNs and 31 malignant LNs. In univariate analysis, gender, age, CDFI diagnosis results and SMI diagnosis results were significantly different in the differentiation of benign and malignant LNs (P = 0.026, P = 0.041, P = 0.001, P < 0.001). CDFI and SMI diagnosis results had good correlated with pathological findings (r = 0.403, P < 0.001, r = 0.707, P < 0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of SMI (AUC = 0.856, P < 0.001) was higher than that of CDFI (AUC = 0.704, P = 0.003). And the diagnostic results of SMI were superior to those of CDFI. The number of feeding vessels showed by CDFI and SMI in malignant LNs was higher than that in benign LNs (2.00 vs. 1.00, 3.00 vs. 2.00, all P < 0.001). In all enrolled LNs, SMI showed significantly more vessels than CDFI (2.53 ± 1.47 vs. 1.50 ± 1.13, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
SMI is better than CDFI in displaying small feeding vessels and has important diagnostic value in judging the nature of LNs with ultrasound uncertainty.
Associations between maternal characteristics, infant sleep, and perceived infant temperament in the first year of life: A longitudinal study
Authors: Hairston Ilana S , Mijalevich-Soker Elad , Handelzalts Jonathan E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Maternal factors, such as her sleep, mood and bonding to her infant, are closely linked to her perceptions of the infant. As mothers tend to be the primary informants on their child’s health and behaviors in research, education and medical settings, a better understanding of the factors that influence maternal perceptions could improve methodologies for assessing infants’wellbeing in the absence of direct measurements. The present study examined the associations between maternal characteristics and perceptions of their infant’s sleep and temperament in the first year of life.
Methods: The participants were 195 mothers of 4- to 8-month-old infants (T0), 76 of whom completed questionnaires six months later (T1). The T0 questionnaires assessed infant sleep, mother’s sleep, postpartum depression, and mother-infant bonding. The T1 questionnaires were the same except for postpartum depression, with the addition of an infant temperament questionnaire.
Results: Despite increased total sleep time and decreased nighttime awakening, mothers’ perceptions of infant sleep problems remained stable across time points. Perceived infant sleep difficulties were primarily associated with concurrent measures of infants’ and mothers’ sleep, whereas perceived difficult temperament was associated with maternal postpartum depression symptoms and bonding difficulty.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that from mothers’ perspective, sleep problems and difficult temperament are different cognitive constructs related to their child’s behavior and personality. Mothers’ perceptions of their infant sleep behaviors are grounded in temporally proximal infant sleep behaviors, whereas perceptions of the infant’s temperament, particularly negative affect, may reflect more long-term effects of maternal mental health.
Mining Tamarix ramosissima roots for endophytic growth promoting fungi to improve wheat root growth
Authors: Ebadi Mostafa , Najari Solmaz , Miandoab Leila Zarandi , Chaparzadeh Nader , Ebadi Ali 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Endophytic fungi are commonly found in the root endosphere and can enhance plant growth through various mechanisms. The aim of this study was to isolate cultivable endophytic fungi associated with the roots of Tamarix ramosissima and to evaluate their plant growth promoting properties. About 35 isolated fungal endophytes belonging to the Ascomycota from four different genera were isolated from the endosphere of T. ramosissima: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Talaromyces. These fungal endophytes showed different abilities to solubilize phosphate and produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The fungal isolates of T. allahabadensis (T3) and A. niger (T4) showed different efficiency in solubilizing phosphate. Almost all fungal isolates were able to produce IAA, and the highest value (0.699 µg/ml) was found in the isolate of F. solani (T11). Inoculation of wheat seeds with endophytic fungi significantly increased the initial growth of wheat roots. The results showed that inoculation with the endophytic fungus A. fumigatus T15 significantly increased root length by 75%. The extensive root system of T. ramosissima may be due to symbiosis with IAA-producing endophytic fungi, which enhance root development and water uptake in dry conditions. These fungi can also boost soil phosphorus levels, promoting plant growth.
Effect of Estradiol Supplementation on Luteal Support Following a Significant Reduction in Serum Estradiol Levels After hCG Triggering: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Na , Huang Yu , Fang LiJuan , Shi Zan , Cai He , Shi JuanZi , Wang Hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding 4mg estradiol valerate to progesterone for luteal support on pregnancy rates in IVF cycles following a long protocol with reduced luteal serum estradiol levels post-hCG triggering.
Design, setting, and participants
The prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at a public tertiary hospital reproductive center with 241 patients who experienced a significant decrease in serum estrogen levels post-oocyte retrieval.
Interventions
Participants received either a daily 4 mg dose of estradiol valerate in addition to standard progesterone or standard progesterone alone for luteal support.
Results
The ongoing pregnancy rate did not show a significant difference between the E2 group and the control group (56.6% vs. 52.2%, with an absolute rate difference (RD) of 4.4%, 95% CI -0.087 to 0.179, P= 0.262). Similarly, the live birth rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early abortion rate, and severe OHSS rate were comparable between the two groups. Notably, the E2 group had no biochemical miscarriages, contrasting significantly with the control group (0.0% vs. 10.7%, RD -10.7%, 95% CI -0.178 to -0.041, P=0.000). In the blastocyst stage category, the clinical pregnancy rate was notably higher in the E2 group compared to the control group (75.6% vs. 60.8%, RD 14.9%, 95% CI 0.012 to 0.294, P=0.016).
Conclusion
Adding 4 mg estradiol valerate to progesterone for luteal support does not affect the ongoing pregnancy rate in embryo transfer cycles using a long protocol with a significant decrease in serum estradiol levels after hCG triggering. However, it may reduce biochemical miscarriages and positively impact clinical pregnancy rates in blastocyst embryo transfer cycles.
Trial registration：ChiCTR1800020342
Research on Photovoltaic MPPT Under Complex Conditions Based on an Advanced Great Wall Construction Algorithm Method
Authors: Wei Liming , Cao Linghao , Jia Hongdan , Wang Kaishuo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To mitigate the challenges posed by the non-linear multi-peak power-voltage output characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems operating under partial shading conditions, which often lead to suboptimal performance of conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms, a novel approach was introduced. The method, named LGWGWCA-P&O, combines the enhanced Great Wall Construction Algorithm (GWCA) with the Perturbation and Observation (P&O) technique, providing a robust solution for addressing PV MPPT challenges. The LGWGWCA-P&O method enhances the GWCA by integrating a positional update strategy from the Grey Wolf Algorithm (GWO) for the optimized distribution of solution agents. Moreover, it incorporates a Levy flight strategy to mitigate the issue of excessive randomness during the replacement and recombination of worker individuals, thereby enhancing the speed of tracking. Furthermore, as the algorithm nears the maximum power point of PV power generation, it transitions to the perturbation observation approach to capitalize on its swift convergence capability, thereby facilitating a quicker and more precise identification of the maximum power point.
Replacement or complement: A niche analysis of Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and TikTok
Authors: YANG J ING 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Using Dimmick niche theory as a theoretical framework, this study investigated the competition among three social media, Weibo, Xiaohongshu and Tiktok, using the satisfaction and satisfaction opportunities obtained among them. In this study, an online questionnaire survey was conducted nationwide and 565 valid questionnaires were collected. This study drew three conclusions from the data analysis. (1) This study found that Xiaohongshu and Tiktok belong to generalist, while Weibo belongs to specialist. (2) Among them, Weibo and Tiktok have the most intense competition, but the three social media have different competitive advantages. Therefore, this study predicts that these three social media can coexist in the Chinese social media market. (3) Among the three media, Tiktok is the most competitive, Xiaohongshu is the second most competitive, and Weibo is the weakest.
Massive pulmonary embolism during the induction of labor in a middle-aged obese nulliparous woman – a case report
Authors: Killinger Kristina , Riedel Fabian , Fiedler Mascha O. , Müller Thomas , Wallwiener Markus , Wallwiener Stephanie , Elsässer Michael , Weigand Markus A. , Böckler Dittmar , Erhart Philipp , Grieshaber Philippe , Hackert Thilo , Germann Günter , Scholz Anna Sophie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Massive pregnancy-related pulmonary embolism is a rare but potentially life-threatening event. We report the sudden onset of dyspnea and loss of consciousness in a middle-aged obese nulliparous woman at 39 weeks of gestation during first stage of labor. Shortly after delivery by emergency cesarean section cardiac arrest was recorded. Transesophageal echocardiography during resuscitation showed right ventricular failure leading to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved after emergency administration of thrombolysis with alteplase. Uterine hemorrhage, coagulopathy and persistent right ventricular failure resulted in persistent hemodynamic instability leading to supracervical hysterectomy and veno-arterial extracorporal life support. Both mother and baby survived without hypoxic brain injury. Our literature review highlights the crucial importance of individual and interdisciplinary decision-making during emergency situations in pregnant women. Therefore, we conducted a literature review to estimate the extent of evidence on the emergency management of pregnant women with pulmonary embolism. Manuscript
Impact of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Weathering and Disintegration Rates of Coal Gangue
Authors: Gong Chuangang , Yang Liya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Coal extraction in China is increasingly moving towards colder regions such as Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. However, these mines face land restoration challenges due to a scarcity of fertile topsoil. This study explores the potential of coal gangue, a mining byproduct, as a viable substitute for topsoil. The study examines the effects of humidity fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles, both individually and in combination, on the weathering disintegration of coal gangue. Fourteen interventions were analysed, and the findings indicate that the combined application of humidity and freeze-thaw cycles significantly accelerates the disintegration process, outperforming the individual interventions. In addition, it was found that significant temperature variations cause moisture and salts within the gangue to expand, which affects the rate of disintegration. The study showed that the rate of weathering disintegration was significantly higher in conditions of saturated humidity-freeze-thaw cycles compared to unsaturated humidity conditions. This highlights the essential role of ice crystals in accelerating the weathering process during temperature fluctuations. The study highlights the importance of humidity over temperature in the weathering and disintegration of coal gangue. It also suggests that freeze-thaw cycles can enhance this process.
Mortality in Surgical Site Infections Post-cardiac Surgery - a Prospective, International Id-iri Study
Authors: Erdem Hakan , Ankarali Handan , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Angamuthu Kumar , Piljic Dragan , Umihanic Ajdin , Dayyab Farouq , Karamanlioğlu Dilek , Pekok Abdullah Umut , Sonmezer Meliha Cagla , El-Kholy Amani , Gad Maha Ali , Velicki Lazar , Akyildiz Ozay , Altindis Mustafa , Başkol-Elik Dilşah , Erturk-Sengel Buket , Kara İbrahim , Kahraman Umit , Özdemir Mehmet , Caskurlu Hulya , Cag Yasemin , Al-Khalifa Abdulwahab , Hakamifard Atousa , Batinjan Marina Kljaković-Gašpić , Tahir Muhammad , Tukenmez-Tigen Elif , Zajkowska Joanna , ElKholy Jehan , Gašparović Hrvoje , Gul Ozlem , Tehrani Hamed Azhdari , Doyuk-Kartal Elif , Aybar-Bilir Yesim , Kahraman Hasip , Mikulić Hrvoje , Dayan Saim , Cascio Antonio , Yurdakul Eray Serdar , Colkesen Fatma , Karahangil Kadriye , Espinosa Angel , Rahimi Bilal Ahmad , Vangel Zdraveski 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Surgical site infections (SSIs) after cardiac surgery increase morbidity and mortality. This multi-center study aimed to identify mortality risk factors associated with SSIs following heart surgery.
METHODS
Conducted from January to March 2023, this prospective study included 167 patients aged > 16 with post-heart surgery SSIs. The primary focus was on 30-day mortality. Univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model, utilizing the Backward elimination method, were employed to establish the final model.
RESULTS
A number of factors had substantial correlations to death. These included urinary catheterization [OR 14.197 (90% CI 12.198–91.721)], emergent surgery [OR 8.470 (90% CI 2.028–35.379)], valvular replacement [OR 4.487 (90% CI 1.001–20.627)], higher qSOFA scores [OR 3.147 (90% CI 1.450–6.827)], advancing age [OR 1.075 (90% CI 1.020–1.132)] and postoperative re-interventions within 30 days following SSI [OR 14.832 (90% CI 2.684–81.972)]. No pathogen was isolated from wound cultures in 53 (31.7%) patients. 43.1% of SSIs (n = 72) were due to Gram-positive microorganisms, while 27.5% of cases (n = 46) involved Gram-negatives. Among Gram-positives, Staphylococci (n = 30, 17.9%) were the predominant microorganisms, while Klebsiellae (n = 16, 9.6%), Escherichia coli (n = 9, 5.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 7, 4.2%), and were the most prevalent among Gram-negatives. Colonization with VRE, MRSA, carbapenem resistant enteric bacteria on admission was detected in 9 (6.1%) cases.
CONCLUSION
To mitigate mortality following heart surgery, stringent infection control measures, preoperative screening, and effective surgical antisepsis are crucial. Timely detection of bloodstream infections and the clinical progression of the disease reflected by qSOFA score, and effective treatment are other essential components of SSI management.
Comparative analysis of myoelectric activity and mandibular movement in healthy and temporomandibular disorder subjects
Authors: Xiaojie Xing , Yiling Cheng , Honglei Lin , Jiamei Peng , Xiaoyong Wu , Hao Yu , Hui Cheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are one of the leading causes of craniofacial pain, and a high incidence of TMD in young adults has been reported. Previous studies have used surface electromyography (sEMG) and mandibular kinematic analysis to diagnose TMD. This study aimed to provide normal reference values of sEMG and mandibular kinematics in Chinese young adults, compare the sex differences and assess the diagnosis value of these indices.
Materials and methods: This was an observational study that 90 healthy young adults (49 women and 41 men) with individual normal occlusion were strictly selected by diagnosis standard, and 26 TMD patients with disc displacement (13 with reduction and 13 without reduction) were recruited. The sEMG signals of the anterior temporalis (TA), masseter (MM), and sternocleidomastoid and digastric were recorded in the mandibular postural positions (MPP) and during maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) with K7 electromyograph. Mandibular kinematics, including maximum opening and opening/closing velocities, were assessed by K7 kinesiograph.
Results: In healthy subjects, the sEMG reference values ranged from 3.0 to 4.3 μV in the MPP. The sEMG values during MVC, maximum opening, and opening velocity were significantly higher in males than in females, and also these indices showed good diagnostic efficiency for articular TMD.
Conclusions: Reference values and sex differences in sEMG and mandibular kinematics in healthy subjects were determined. Compared with them, TMD patientsshowed significantly lower myoelectric activity during maximal biting and restricted mouth opening range and velocity, which may assist in TMD diagnosis.
Clinical relevance: By analyzing sEMG of masticatory muscle and mandibular kinematics data from healthy Chinese young adults and TMD patients with disc displacement, this study evaluated the sex difference and diagnosis value of these indices for TMD.
Clinical Trial Registration ID: NCT06372769
ALK5/Smad signaling mediates rapamycin therapeutic response and TET2-dependent chromatin remodeling in vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation
Authors: Martin Kathleen , Chakraborty Raja , Chatterjee Payel , Dave Jui , Lezon-Geyda Kimberly , Joshi Divyesh , O'Brien Brendan , Greif Daniel , Hwa John , Schulz Vincent , Gallagher Patrick 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching contributes to vascular repair and remodeling but also to pathologies including intimal hyperplasia. The mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin is an effective drug-eluting stent agent that promotes VSMC differentiation. TGFβ also promotes VSMC differentiation through SMAD transcription factors. We investigated unexpected convergence between these pathways in VSMC plasticity.
Methods: We assessed the interactions between rapamycin and the Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor 1 (ALK5) signaling in human coronary artery SMCs (hCASMCs) and in vascular remodeling using inducible SMC–specific knockout mice (ALK5iKO).
Results: Genome-wide histone H3K27 acetylation analysis unexpectedly identified SMAD binding elements (SBE) as the motif most enriched after rapamycin treatment of hCASMCs. We found that rapamycin treatment promotes rapid phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 (pSMAD2/3). Signaling studies revealed this phosphorylation required ALK5 activity but not TGF-β ligand, and ALK5 and SMAD2/3 were both required for rapamycin-induced differentiation. We determined that rapamycin relieves FKBP12 inhibition of ALK5 to promote ligand-independent Smad signaling, and FKBP12 knockdown was sufficient to induce contractile genes. Notably, rapamycin treatment induced an interaction between TET2 and SMAD2/3, and these SMADs were required for differentiation-associated chromatin remodeling, including DNA hydroxymethylation and histone acetylation at contractile genes, suggesting that SMADs and TET2 function in concert at SBE- and CArG-containing promoter regions. We also found that mTORC1 inhibition with Raptor knockdown induces TET2 expression but fails to induce chromatin remodeling and SMC differentiation in the absence of SMAD2/3. In vivo, ALK5iKO mice exhibited severe intimal hyperplasia after carotid artery injury compared to controls and were entirely resistant to the therapeutic effect of rapamycin, despite persistent inhibition of mTORC1. Consistent with the in vitro findings, rapamycin treatment elevated pSMAD3 staining post-injury in the medial layer of control but not ALK5iKO mice.
Conclusions: We report the unexpected observation that rapamycin requires FKBP12/ALK5/SMAD2/3 signaling to promote TET2-dependent chromatin remodeling and VSMC differentiation. Understanding these mechanisms may provide new avenues to modulate VSMC phenotype and may hold therapeutic promise for cardiovascular diseases.
Health-related quality of life and associated factors among patients with liver cancer
Authors: Du Xiangyu , Liao Anque , Li Jia , Ye Ziping , Li Jiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Chinese liver cancer patients. The research considers socio-demographic and clinical determinants and incorporates generic (EQ-5D-5L) and disease-specific (EORTC QLQ-C30) instruments for a more nuanced analysis.
Methods
A cross-sectional study involved 229 liver cancer patients treated at two prominent Chinese hospitals from February to July 2023. The study utilized generic instruments EQ-5D-5L and the disease-specific HCC18 tool for QoL assessment. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and multivariate linear regression.
Results
Factors such as ECOG PS, Child-Pugh class, BCLC, and CNLC stages significantly impacted HRQoL scores. Age, education, alcohol consumption, ALB levels, and hypertension influenced EQ-5D-5L VAS scores. Living status, TBil levels, ALB levels, PVTT, and treatment type affected EQ-5D-5L utility and QLQ-C30 summary scores. Notably, living alone correlated with higher utility values. Multivariate analysis revealed consistent influences of ECOG PS and CNLC stage on EQ-5D-5L VAS, utility, EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL, and summary score.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of HRQoL in Chinese liver cancer patients, integrating generic and disease-specific instruments. ECOG PS and CNLC stage emerged as crucial determinants of HRQoL. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to enhance HRQoL in this population. Future research can explore variations in utility values under different sets and optimize health economic assessments.