bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upper Gastrointestinal Involvement in Crohn's Disease as an Independent Predictor of New-Onset Strictures: Insights from a Extensive Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Hsu Wei-Chun , Chen Chien-Ming , Kuo Chia-Jung , Tsou Yung-Kuan , Yeh Pai-Jui , Lai Ming‑Wei , Wu Ren-Chin , Chiu Cheng-Tang , Su Ming‑Yao , Pan Yu-Bin , Le Puo-Hsien 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background/Aims:
Crohn's Disease (CD) can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the upper sections (UGI), which is often overlooked, especially in Asian populations. There's a notable gap in research regarding the impact of UGI involvement on the intricate landscape of ensuing complications. This study aims to address this gap.
Methods:
Conducting a retrospective study at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 2001 to September 2023, we compared CD patients with UGI (Montreal L4) involvement against non-L4 counterparts, focusing on baseline characteristics, post-diagnosis complications, and overall outcomes.
Results:
The study included 212 CD patients, 111 in the L4 group and 101 in the non-L4 group, with an average follow-up of 40.8 months. At baseline, individuals in the L4 category demonstrated elevated smoking rates, increased Crohn’s Disease Activity Index scores, a higher prevalence of strictures, and a more prevalent usage of biologics and proton pump inhibitors. Moreover, this group was characterized by reduced albumin levels. Upon concluding the follow-up, those with L4 involvement continued to show escalated CDAI scores and hospitalization frequencies, alongside heightened C-reactive protein levels and diminished albumin concentrations. Additionally, the occurrence of UGI involvement, structuring disease at the time of diagnosis, and a younger age at the onset of CD were pinpointed as independent predictors for the development of new-onset strictures.
Conclusions:
CD patients with UGI involvement exhibit elevated disease activity and serve as independent predictors for the development of intestinal strictures. Thorough UGI evaluations at the time of diagnosis, coupled with assertive treatment strategies, are essential for managing these patients effectively.
Evaluation of Electrical Discharge Machining of Radial Inner Flow Channel Holes Using Soft Shaft Electrodes
Authors: Qiu Mingbo , Yao Zongxiu , Wu Entao , Zhang Yimiao , Li Jingtao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To reduce the difficulty in machining inner holes and break the limitation of cavity size on hole depth, a technique using soft shaft electrodes to machine the radial inner flow channel holes was proposed and developed. This technique was used to directly EDM machine inside the cavity after the electrodes were bent. First, the designed soft shaft electrode structure reduced the bending stiffness of the electrode, making the radius of curvature of the soft shaft electrode was less than 10% that of a cylindrical electrode under the same conditions. Second, the effect of the working fluid on EDM machining with soft shaft electrodes was studied, and Na2CO3 solution was selected as the working fluid to eliminate the taper shape and inlet fillet of the holes. Then, the effects of processing parameters, including voltage, pulse width, and duty cycle, on processing time were studied. Finally, a radial inner flow channel hole over 25 mm deep was machined inside the 20 mm diameter circular cavity. The experiment results showed that the soft shaft electrode could directly machine the radial inner flow channel hole with small diameter and large depth-diameter ratio inside the cavity, and solved the contradiction among the part structure, electrode size and the depth of the inner hole. The use of Na2CO3 solution as the working fluid prevented electrolysis on the machined surface, optimized removal conditions of debris, improved processing speed and processing quality, and reduced electrode loss length.
Comparison of tear MMP9 with Schirmer’s test in ocular surface disorders &amp; formulation of a treatment algorithm based on the results
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Shankar Sandeep , Bhatta Sunandan , Mishra Avinash , Singh Ankita 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To correlate the tear levels of MMP9 with Schirmer’s test in patients with Ocular surface disorder (OSD) & to evaluate treatment with lubricants, steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs based on MMP-9 results.
Methods: 100 eyes with OSD underwent Schirmer’s test & MMP9 estimation. All cases were evaluated on ocular symptomology score (OSS). Association of MMP-9 results with three groups of dry eyes, improvement in objective and subjective parameter in Group I(MMP-9 positive) and Group II(MMP-9 negative) with lubricants and need for additions steroids & Cyclosporine was evaluated.
Results: Out of 100 eyes, 40 eyes tested positive for MMP9. MMP9 positive patients had a mean Schirmer’s value of 12.85 + 7.07 as against MMP9 negative patients who had a mean value of 19.18 + 8.941. 80% were MMP9 positive in severe, 55.6% in moderate and only 22.5% with normal tear secretion were MMP9+ve. No definite Association was found between MMP9 positivity and OSS (chi square test: p>0.05). All MMP9 positive patients were started on lubricants. At 06 months, 85% eyes were continued on lubricants. In 6 eyes (15%) an addition of steroids/Cyclosporine was needed. All patients who were MMP9 negative were started on lubricants, at of 06 months, 96.7% eyes (58 eyes) were continued on lubricants. In 2 eyes (3.3%), addition of Steroid/Cyclosporine was needed.
Conclusion: Results show a trend to evaluate all cases of OSD with MMP- 9 test and treat them depending on results of this test. There is also a case for starting steroids early in cases which are MMP-9 positive.
Factors Affecting Symptom Severity And Quality Of Life In Patients With Outlet Obstructive Constipation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xie Xingjie , Li Qing , Zheng Huichao , Huang Bin , Wang Li , Li Fan , Tong Wd 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Outlet obstruction constipation is the main type of chronic constipation, and has a serious impact on people's lives. However, the factors affecting symptom severity and quality of life are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting symptom severity and quality of life in patients with outlet obstructive constipation.
Methods
General clinical information of patients with outlet obstructive constipation from July 2021 to January 2023 were collected continuously by means of a cross-sectional survey. Symptom severity was assessed by the Obstructive Defecation Syndrome scale, and quality of life was assessed by the Patient Assessment of Constipation -Quality of Life scale.
Results
The multiple linear regression analysis showed that: Delivery times (β = 0.114, p = 0.011), drinking less than 1000 ml of water per day (β = 0.106, p = 0.007), lower intake of vegetables and fruits (β = 0.118, p = 0.004), higher SAS score (β = 0.230, p < 0.001), lean (β = 0.088, p = 0.009), smoking history (β = 0.129, p = 0.002), laxative use (β = 0.273, p < 0.001), disease duration > 10 years (β = 0.237, p < 0.001), and perianal disease (β = 0.072, p = 0.042) were independent risk factors for ODS scores; Delivery times (β = 0.114, p = 0.011), drinking less than 1000 ml of water per day (β = 0.113, p = 0.007), intake of fewer vegetables and fruits (β = 0.123, p = 0.004), higher SAS score (β = 0.389, p < 0.001), lean (β = 0.099, p = 0.006), laxative use (β = 0.198, p < 0.001), squatting stool (β = 0.136, p < 0.001), disease duration > 10 years (β = 0.159, p < 0.001), and perianal disease (β = 0.082, p = 0.028) were independent risk factors for PAC-QOL scores.
Conclusions
There are several independent risk factors that significantly impact symptom severity and quality of life in individuals with outlet obstructive constipation.
Combined influence of oral health behaviors and nutritional and inflammatory status on risk of all-cause mortality among US population, NHANES 2011-2018
Authors: Deng Wanjun , Han Peng , Liu Qi , Zhang Yongjian , Zuo Tao , Xiong Huihua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Oral health and inflammation and nutritional status are interconnected, each bearing significant correlation with long-term prognoses in populations. We investigated the interactions and correlations among nutritional and inflammatory indictors, oral health, and all-cause mortality.
Methods: A nationally representative prospective cohort sample was recruited from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted in the United States from 2011 to 2018, selecting individuals aged 40 or above (n=10573; weighted population: 7229522) with comprehensive oral health assessments and related biomarkers. Oral health was quantified using multiple indicators to construct an Oral Health Index (OHI), and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was employed to reflect general inflammatory and nutritional status. The independent effects of OHI and PNI on all-cause mortality were examined across the population, alongside their interactive prognostic implications.
Results: The study included 10573 participants with complete oral health and related data. Adjusted models revealed that better self- assessed oral health (HR=0.80; 95%CI: 0.67-0.96) and more frequent use of dental floss (HR=0.94; 95%CI: 0.91-0.98) were associated with lower all-cause mortality rates. Conversely, individuals with dental visits exceeding five years (HR=1.35; 95%CI: 1.13-1.62), occupational oral health hazards (HR=1.33; 95%CI: 1.00-1.76), or no history of periodontal cleaning or treatment (HR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.09-1.73) faced higher mortality rates. A higher PNI indicated a lower all-cause mortality risk (HR=0.9; p<0.001). The correlation between the constructed OHI and all-cause mortality was confirmed (HR=0.99, P<0.001), with interaction analysis showing a significantly increased impact of OHI on prognosis at lower PNI levels.
Conclusion: This cohort study observed the effects of oral health and nutritional/inflammatory statuses on all-cause mortality, identifying the lowest risk of mortality among populations with high OHI and PNI levels.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects bovine ruminal epithelial cells against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory damage by activating autophagy
Authors: Zhao Wanli , Shen Taiyu , Huo Yihui , Li Moli , Aernouts Ben , Loor Juan J. , Xu Chuang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background：In non-ruminants, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major bioactive ingredient of green tea, is well-known to alleviate inflammation. Whether EGCG confers protection against subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA)-induced inflammation and the underlying mechanisms are unknown.
Results：Eight ruminally cannulated Holstein cows in mid-lactation were randomly assigned to either a low-concentrate (40%) diet (CON) or a high-concentrate (60%) diet (HC) for 3 weeks to induce SARA. Cows with SARAhad greater concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-6, and epithelium showed histological signs of damage. Lipopolysacharide was used in vitro to simulate the inflammatory damage caused by SARA uisng immortalized bovine rumen epithelial cells (BREC). Increased phosphorylation of IκBα and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 due to 10 µg/mL LPS for 6 h revealed a successful chronic inflammatory response in BREC. Pre-treatment of BREC with 50 µM EGCG for 6 h before LPS challenge promoted the degradation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome through activation of autophagy, which further repressed activation of NF-κB pathway targeting Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4). The ECGG also upregulated tight junction (TJ) protein expression upon incubation with LPS.
Conclusions：Subacute ruminal acidosis causes ruminal epithelium injury and systemic inflammation in dairy cows. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of EGCG help preserve the integrity of the epithelial barrier through activating autophagy when BREC are exposed to LPS. Thus, EGCG could potentially serve as an effective therapeutic agent for SARA-associated inflammation.
miR-17~92 cluster inhibited meniscal calcification by targeting HIF-1α
Authors: Zhang Yun , Sun Ruizhu , Lu Laiya , Huang Jiefeng , Zhao Cheng , Lu Wuyan , Wang Qian , Ren Jiaxin , Li Shuaijun , Cui Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Research background: The meniscus functions as a vital component in maintaining the homeostasis of joint biomechanics, and its pathological calcification leads to cartilage destruction. The cluster of miR-17~92 plays an important role in skeletal development. However, the impact of miR-17~92 on meniscal calcification remains unclear.
Methods: To determine the function of miR-17~92 in meniscus, the expression of miR-17~92 in meniscus was deleted by crossing miR-17~92fl/fl mice with transgenic mice Col2-CreERT. Safranin-O, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the effects of miR-17~92 loss on meniscal calcification. In vitro, we explored the mechanism by knockdown or overexpression of miR-17~92 or hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in meniscal cells.
Results: Our investigation revealed decreased expression of miR-17, miR-19b, and miR-92a in IL-1β-treated meniscal cells, which corresponded to a significant increase in the expression of calcification-related genes such as COL10A1, RUNX2, MMP13, and VEGFA, as well as a reduction in the expression of COL1A1 and COL2A1. Particularly, miR-17 exhibited a more pronounced inhibitory effect on calcification compared to the other two microRNAs. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that IL-1β stimulation led to heightened expression of HIF-1α in meniscal cells. Subsequent experiments involving the administration of prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2) inhibitor (IOX2) resulted in a significant increase in the expression of calcification genes, whereas the supplementation of miR-17 decreased HIF-1α expression and reversed these changes. Conversely, treatment with a HIF-1α inhibitor (PX-478) effectively suppressed the calcification phenotype and restored collagen expression.
Conclusion: Our data suggests that miR-17 plays an essential role in suppressing meniscal calcification and maintaining the anabolic activities of meniscal cells through its targeting of HIF-1α, thereby underscoring miR-17 as a prospective therapeutic target for addressing meniscal calcification.
Corneal Densitometry Measurements Comparison between Anterior Segment OCT and Scheimpflug Imaging
Authors: Lupardi Enrico , Moramarco Antonio , Cassini Federico , Febbraro Simone , Savini Giacomo , Fontana Luigi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the repeatability of corneal densitometry (CD) measurements obtained using both an anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) device and a Scheimpflug camera system, while also assessing the level of agreement. The study also sought to investigate the correlation of CD with age, gender, and central corneal thickness (CCT) in normal eyes.
Methods: CD measurements were obtained using the Casia 2 and the Pentacam AXL Wave. Data were collected on total corneal densitometry (TCD) and 4 concentric corneal annular areas, these are referred to as zone 1, denoting the central area, through to zone 4, designating the outermost peripheral region. Repeatability was assessed using intra-session test-retest variability, coefficient of variation (CoV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The agreement was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. Correlation analysis was performed between CD, age, gender, and CCT.
Results: The study included 96 healthy volunteers. The Casia 2 demonstrated high repeatability and lower CoV values compared to the Pentacam AXL Wave. Agreement between the instruments was high in all corneal zones except for zone 1. CD values were positively correlated with age, except for zone 1 with the Pentacam.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Casia 2 can be a reliable tool for assessing corneal transparency in healthy individuals, however its measurements are not interchangeable with those provided by the Pentacam. The AS-OCT device may be more sensitive in detecting subtle age-related changes in CD within the central zone.
GITalk: Communication Skills Training for Gastroenterology Fellows Improves Self-Assessed Preparedness for Serious Illness Conversations
Authors: Noll Alan , Patel Arpan A , Claxton Rene , Arnold Robert M , Rogal Shari S , Bansal Amar D 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite caring for conditions associated with high symptom burden and mortality, GI fellows rarely receive communication training.
Aims
To describe the development, implementation, and assessment of GITalk, a novel communication curriculum for gastroenterology (GI) fellows.
Methods
GITalk was designed to improve the skills needed to have effective serious illness conversations frequently encountered in clinical practice. Participants practiced encounters using two cases with simulated actors. One case involved delivering news that a patient with decompensated cirrhosis will no longer be a candidate for liver transplant, and the second case involved counseling the family of a patient with moderate to severe dementia on the risks and benefits of inserting a percutaneous feeding tube for artificial enteral nutrition.
Results
Annual training sessions were held for four consecutive years, representing a total of 23 GI fellows. Prior to participation in GITalk, few participants reported having had prior formal teaching in serious illness conversations. Paired sample t-tests showed that participants had significantly higher mean post-training preparedness scores compared to pre-training across all 9 survey questions. 91% of participants strongly agreed with the statement: “I would recommend this training to other fellows.” 78% strongly agreed with, “This training should be required of all GI fellows.”
Conclusions
Participants had little formal training in serious illness conversation prior to participation in GITalk. They reported substantial improvement in their self-assessed preparedness for discussing common clinical scenarios encountered in gastroenterology. GITalk can serve as a model for improvements in the Interpersonal and Communication Skills core competency for gastroenterology trainees.
Unveiling Adolescent Suicide Cases in Indonesia through the Lens of Maslow's Needs Theory
Authors: Wardhani Yurika Fauzia , Paramita Astridya , Machfutra Eka Denis , Oktarina Oktarina , Irmansyah Irmansyah , Nurjana Made Agus , Hartini Nurul , Rahmasari Diana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to identify factors that influence suicidal thoughts and behaviour based on whether adolescents' needs are met according to Maslow's needs theory.
Methods
Data was obtained from the Google web news search engine by entering keywords related to suicide, known as web scraping. The data was processed descriptively.
Results
Most of the characteristics of suicide victims are male adolescence, aged about 17–25 years, and their current type of work is as a student. Based on Maslow's needs theory, the reason for most victims committing suicide is unfulfilled "love and belonging needs" (41.4 percent), of which romantic problems are the most current case (37.2 percent).
Conclusions
Suicide attempts by adolescents are essentially rooted in unmet needs. When their problems remain unsolved and there is nothing that can be done, they take a shortcut to escape from the problem by choosing suicide.
Hypertension in India: A Gender-based Study of Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Mohammad Raza , Bansod Dhananjay W. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertension, a major non-communicable disease, is responsible for a significant number of global deaths, including approximately 17.9 million yearly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 19% of global deaths are attributed to elevated blood pressure. India, with a population of over 1.3 billion, is facing a serious challenge in combating this silent killer. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of hypertension in India and explore its associated risk factors using data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
Methods
NFHS-5 collected data from 636,699 households across all states and union territories. The study includes standardized blood pressure measurements for 1,708,241 individuals aged 15 and above. The data were analyzed using Stata 17.0, employing descriptive statistics for the assessment of the prevalence and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of hypertension.
Results
The study found the overall prevalence of hypertension in India to be 22.6%, with men (24.1%) having a higher prevalence than women (21.2%). Prevalence increased with age, reaching 48.4% in individuals aged 60 and above. Urban residents had a slightly higher prevalence (25%) than rural residents (21.4%). Regional variations were observed, with the highest prevalence in Sikkim (37.9%) and the lowest in Rajasthan (16.5%). Increasing age, urban residence, belonging to certain religions (Muslim and other than Hindu or Muslim), and being classified as Scheduled Tribe (ST) were associated with a higher likelihood of hypertension. Conversely, belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC), being currently unmarried, and having higher education were associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension. Wealth index analysis revealed that those in the richest quintile were more likely to have hypertension. Tobacco use showed a negative correlation with hypertension, while alcohol consumption exhibited a positive association. BMI was a significant risk factor, with overweight and obese individuals having higher odds of hypertension.
Conclusions
Hypertension is a significant health burden in India, affecting both men and women. Age, BMI, urban residence, alcohol use, and education level emerged as major predictors. Health education and awareness campaigns are critical to combat this growing epidemic. Policymakers must focus on preventive measures, targeting lifestyle changes and improved access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. By addressing these risk factors, India can make significant progress in controlling hypertension and reducing its impact on public health.