bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and development of a nurse-led program for the management of bariatric surgery patients - The NURLIFE program
Authors: Mendes Cláudia , Carvalho Manuel , Martins Catarina , Rodrigues Luís Monteiro , Gregório João 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: A nurse-led case-management intervention program may improve the patients' management of the bariatric surgery process. Close collaboration with the healthcare team may improve health and facilitate the adoption of healthy lifestyles, which may enhance surgical results. Completing this project will allow the deepening and exploration of a network, including other areas of assistance, namely mental health and rehabilitation, as well as primary care.
Aim The program's primary focus is expected to be health education and motivation for lifestyle changes, promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity. The improvement of anthropometric data, the lessening of the metabolic risk factors, and quitting smoking and alcohol habits will also be our main achievements.
Methods This randomized clinical trial has participants divided into two groups. We use a quantitative outcome evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and to anticipate indications for future implementation in different clinical settings.
Discussion This project aims to be the first study to investigate the effect of a specialist nurse interventions on patient candidates for bariatric surgery, based on practice-based evidence, while using mixed programs, face-to-face and e-health, on the management and results of bariatric surgery. As such, the contribution of a multidisciplinary team managed by a case manager may be the most efficient intervention.
Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06020105) July 10, 2023.
Effect of infrequent severe defoliation of forest cover on some selected soil properties, temperatures, and herbaceous vegetation on the topsoil and the possibility of their recovery in a short time
Authors: Sağlam Reyhan , Gökbulak Ferhat 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Harvesting or degradation of forest ecosystems directly affects the microclimate, causing changes in air and soil temperatures and soil moisture in the forestlands. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of infrequent heavy defoliation of forest cover on some selected soil properties, ambient and soil temperatures, soil moisture, and herbaceous vegetation cover and determine their recovery in a short period in the area subject to infrequent clearcutting under the powerline corridors (PLCs). The study was conducted in the research forest of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Forestry. The treatment plots were selected from the clearcut area and control plots were selected from an untouched oak-hornbeam forestland. Soil temperature and moisture, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures were measured in the treatment and control plots between 2020 and 2021 and topsoil was sampled between 2019 and 2021 years. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the effects of clearcutting on some selected soil properties in the short term after cutting. The clearcutting caused a significant increase in soil bulk density (BD), a decrease in the soil total porosity (TP) and soil hydraulic conductivity (HC), and saturation capacity (SC). Forest cover removal significantly decreased the soil organic matter (SOM) content by 3%, increased average soil temperature by 2.1 °C, and the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures by 8.8 °C. Additionally, clearcutting reduced the average soil moisture from 36% to 35%. The findings revealed that clearcutting negatively affected some hydro-physical soil properties and soil microclimate conditions that may not recover to their previous states within the next few years.
SDEvelo: a deep generative approach for transcriptional dynamics with cell-specific latent time and multivariate stochastic modeling
Authors: Liu Jin , Liao Xu , Ji Hongkai , Jiao Yuling , Kang Lican , Peng Yihao , Chai Xiaoran , Lin Chengqi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recently, RNA velocity has driven a paradigmatic change in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies, allowing the reconstruction and prediction of directed trajectories in cell differentiation and state transitions. However, most existing methods use dynamic modeling via ordinary differential equations (ODE) for individual genes in sequence and can lead to erroneous results, as they are inadequately able to fully capture the intrinsically stochastic nature of transcriptional dynamics governed by a cell-specific latent time across multiple genes. Here, we present SDEvelo, a novel deep generative approach to inferring RNA velocity by modeling the dynamics of unspliced and spliced RNAs via multivariate stochastic differential equations (SDE). Uniquely, SDEvelo explicitly models inherent uncertainty in transcriptional dynamics while estimating a cell-specific latent time across genes. Using both simulated and four scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics datasets, we show that SDEvelo can model the random dynamic patterns of mature-state cells while accurately detecting carcinogenesis. Additionally, the estimated gene-shared latent time can facilitate many downstream analyses for biological discovery. We demonstrate that SDEvelo is computationally scalable and applicable to both scRNA-seq and sequencing-based spatial transcriptomics data.
Using Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics methods to explore the causal effect of hypothyroidism on urticaria
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Yang Ting , Qiu Shifeng , Xiao Min 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Observational studies connect hypothyroidism with urticaria, but causality is unclear. This study explores genetic variations in hypothyroidism and their potential influence on urticaria risk.We collected statistical data from open genome-wide association studies in the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU OpenGwas) project, analyzed genetic data from patients with hypothyroidism and urticaria to study their causal relationship using various methods such as the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method, MR-Egger method, weighted median estimator (WME) method, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis through gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network evaluation.Our research identified SNPs that significantly elevate urticaria risk in hypothyroidism. GO analysis highlighted crucial genes regulating immune cell function, adhesion, growth, and cytokine production. KEGG analysis demonstrated enrichment of these genes in immune response and autoimmune pathways. PPI network analysis pinpointed key genes involved in these processes. The study provides strong genetic evidence that there is a causal relationship between hypothyroidism and an increased incidence of urticaria. This finding is expected to help develop more effective treatment strategies for urticaria patients.
Togetherness Reminded by the Earthquake: Relationship Between Stress and Peptic Ulcer Perforation
Authors: YÖNDER Hüseyin , BERHUNİ Mehmet Sait , ELKAN Hasan , TATLI Faik , KOCAOĞLU Mehmet , ERDOĞDU Hamza , ÇİFTÇİ Felat , ERKMEN Fırat , ÖZGÖNÜL Abdullah , UZUNKÖY Ali 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

İntroduction:
Severe stress is one of the leading causes of peptic ulcer perforations. This study aimed to investigate the effects of social stress caused by earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on peptic ulcer perforations.
Materials-Methods:
Based on the earthquakes that happened on February 6, 2023, 66 peptic ulcer perforation patients operated on in three centers in Şanlıurfa in the 6-month periods before and after the earthquake were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were evaluated based on their age, gender, diagnostic method, perforation diameter, perforation location, surgical technique, duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, and mortality. The study also included laboratory parameters, such as white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, and albumin levels.
Results
In the 6 months before the earthquake, 21 patients were operated on for peptic ulcer perforation, whereas 45 patients were operated on 6 months later for the same reason. Each group had two fatalities. The number of patients who operated on after the earthquake was significantly higher than those who operated on before the earthquake.
Conclusion
Stress has a crucial role in the development of peptic ulcer perforation. When planning peptic ulcer treatment, it is important to update the medical treatment accordingly, mainly when the stress factor is severe.
Acanthamoeba Keratitis in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Central China: Demographics, Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, Treatments and Outcomes
Authors: Wang Jia-Song , Zhao Dan , Yao Tian-Yu , Xie Hua-Tao , Zhang Ming-Chang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the demographics, risk factors, clinical presentation, treatments and outcomes of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in a tertiary referral hospital in central China.
Methods: In this noncomparative, retrospective study, patients diagnosed with AK at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei province from April 2020 to March 2022 were included.
Results: A total of 21 AK patients were enrolled between April 2020 and March 2022 at a tertiary referral hospital in central China. The most common potential predisposing factors were contact lens wearing (71.4%), mostly were students, and organic trauma (23.8%), mainly by outdoor workers. And 80.9% of patients were initially misdiagnosed with herpes keratitis. The clinical features were radial keratoneuritis 42.8% (n = 9), crude salt-like granular dense infiltration 28.6% (n = 6), and corneal ring infiltration28.6% (n = 6). Fifteen patients were completely cured by medical therapy, and six patients with corneal ring infiltration feature were performed conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS), three of them later underwent secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). All patients completed their follow-up at the Union Hospital, with a total of 20 patients (95.2%) had improved visual acuity after treatment, 1 had no change. Corneal scarring and vascularization were the two most common complications of AK in this study, with incidence rates of 85.7% and 28.6%, respectively.
Conclusions: In central China, AK occurred predominantly in contact lens wearers, mainly in students with myopia prevention and control, sufficient attention should be paid to this population, and whom surprisingly without severe ocular pain. We also have found that the timely diagnosis and initiation of standardized antiamoebic therapies improves visual outcomes, decreases the duration of treatment, and reduces the chances of needing surgical intervention. Clinical feature radial keratoneuritis and crude salt-like granular dense infiltration are largely treatable with medications, whereas corneal ring infiltration requires prompt surgical intervention, and have a higher risk of corneal perforation, the two-step strategy (conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS) combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)) is effective for patients with high-risk AK in this condition.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Translational Model in Sheep Using Bio- Integrative Mineral Fiber-Reinforced Screws
Authors: Cole Brian J. , Easley Jeremiah T. , Nyska Abraham , Rousselle Serge 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the more common procedures performed worldwide and perhaps the most widely studied construct in orthopedic literature. Interference screws are reliable and frequently used for ligament reconstruction, providing rigid fixation and facilitates graft incorporation allowing for the physiologic loads of early rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to determine the bio-integration profile of mineral fiber-reinforced screws and evaluate the quality of soft tissue fixation. Nine sheep underwent ACLR using harvested autologous tendon graft fixated with 4.75mm screws made of continuous mineral fibers. Histopathology and imaging evaluation at 28, 52, 104, 132-weeks (W) demonstrated mesenchymal tissue ingrowth into the implant wall at 28W, which increased at 52W and peaked at 104W. At 132W, implants were fully replaced by newly remodeled bone. Graft cellularity was evident at 28W and continued to increase through 132W as the tendon ossified sites of bone contact. Pro-healing M2 macrophages and giant cells remained infrequent, with minor increases between 52W and 104W, attributed to expected phagocytic response. Pro-inflammatory cells (i.e., M1 macrophages, polymorphonuclears) were absent through the entire study course. In conclusion, bio-integrative screws provide secure soft tissue fixation with replacement by bone demonstrating graft cellularization over time.
The experience of patients undergoing aseptic, elective revision knee joint replacement surgery: a qualitative study.
Authors: Nicolson Philippa , Toye Francine , Sabah Shiraz , Price Andrew , Alvand Abtin , Barker Karen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Around 6,000 revision knee replacement procedures are performed in the United Kingdom each year. Three-quarters of procedures are for aseptic, elective reasons, such as progressive osteoarthritis, prosthesis loosening/wear, or instability. Our understanding of how we can best support these patients undergoing revision knee replacement procedures is limited. This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of having a problematic knee replacement and the impact of undergoing knee revision surgery for aseptic, elective reasons.
Methods
Qualitative semi structured interviews with 15 patients (8 women, 7 men; mean age 70 years: range 54–81) who had undergone revision knee surgery for a range of aseptic, elective indications in the last 12 months at an NHS Major Revision Knee Centre. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
We developed six themes: (1) Soldiering on; (2) The challenge of navigating the health system; (3) I am the expert in my own knee; (4) Shift in what I expected from surgery; (5) I am not the person I used to be; (6) Lingering uncertainty.
Conclusions
Living with a problematic knee replacement and undergoing knee revision surgery has significant impact on all aspects of patients’ lives. Our findings highlight the need for patients with problematic knee replacements to be supported to access care and assessment, and for long-term psychological and rehabilitation support before and after revision surgery.
Support provided by outreach team leaders to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in the North-West Province of South Africa
Authors: Molato Boitumelo J. , Moloko-Phiri Salaminah S. , Koen Magdalena P. , Matsipane Molekodi J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic have left an overwhelming impact on communities worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its effects on family structures are particularly pronounced. Caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS encounter challenges in fulfilling their caring duties. Consequently, they rely on the outreach team leaders (OTLs) for support to care for HIV/AIDS orphans.
Aim
This study aimed to explore and describe support provided by OTLs to caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the North West Province of South Africa.
Methods
The exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to realize the objectives of this study. The study was conducted in five local municipalities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district of the North West Province of South Africa. Ward-based outreach nurses were participants in the study. Semi-structured focus group interviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Throughout the study, ethical principles were adhered to. The study also adhered to four trustworthiness principles: credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability.
Results
Three main themes emerged from this study: the conduction of home visits to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans, the coordination of a multidisciplinary team for support, and the facilitation of support groups.
Conclusions
The study revealed support provided by OTLs to the caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Caregivers benefitted from the support provided and, therefore, experienced less stigma. Moreover, discrimination was reduced, disclosure was done on time, and medication adherence improved.
Mechanistic study of exosomal high expression of miRNA-29b-3p promoting epithelial mesenchymal transition through hypomethylation in biliary atresia liver fibrosis
Authors: zhao xiaohuan , Liao Yu , Qin Xudong , Huang Lu , Zheng Zebing , Zhang Kaizhi , Tang Chengyan , zhu daiwei , Du Qing , Li Zheping , Gong Yuan , Liu Yuanmei , Jin Zhu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the most common diseases of the hepatobiliary system in infants and children, but its etiology and associated pathogenesis remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism related to the regulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) through methylation of miRNA-29b-3p, which is highly expressed in exosomes and leads to hepatic fibrosis in BA. In our study, we found that there was abundant expression of miRNA-29b-3p in exosomes of children with BA. Further analysis of the livers of 30 children with BA and 30 children with non-BA congenital choledochal cysts (CC) revealed that the overall methylation level was reduced in the livers of children with BA, and miRNA-29b-3p was associated with the expression level of DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a and DNMT3b. Jurkat cells were infected with lentivirus expressing miRNA-29b-3p mimics, and exosomes from Jurkat cells were extracted and co-cultured with hepatocytes (L02), in which miRNA-29b-3p expression was elevated in the miRNA-29b-3p mimic group while DNMT3a and DNMT3b expression was decreased in the L02 cells. In addition, expression of Fibronectin and Snail, which are indicators of EMT, was elevated, as was α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression, an indicator of fibroblast activation, indicating that fibrosis had occurred. DNMT3a and DNMT3b were identified as target genes of miRNA-29b-3p by dual luciferase reporter assay, and after bisulfite assays were performed, it was found that down-regulation of DNMTs led to hypomethylation of the promoter region of Fibronectin and Snail and the occurrence of EMT, which was then involved in BA liver fibrosis. By constructing an animal model of BA in mice, it was further verified that BA mice developed fibrosis in the liver, with elevated expression of Fibronectin, Snail, and α-SMA, and showed high expression of EMT-related molecular markers DDR2 and FSP1, which are involved in the process of BA liver fibrosis. This study has thus suggested a new hypothesis to determine the pathogenesis of BA.
Quantifying the Ultimate Limit of Plasmonic Near-field Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Shunping , lu zhengyi , Ji Jiamin , Ye Haiming , Zhang Hao , Xu Hongxing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Quantitatively probing the ultimate limit of near-field enhancement around plasmonic nanostructures remains elusive, despite more than five decades since the discovery of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Theoretical calculations have predicted an ultimate near-field enhancement exceeding 1000 using the best plasmonic material Ag, but experimental estimations disperse by orders of magnitude. Here, we design a high-quality Ag plasmonic nanocavity with atomic precision and precisely quantify the upper limit of near-field enhancement in ~ 1 nm junctions. A hot-spot averaged SERS enhancement of 4.29×1010 is recorded with a small fluctuation, corresponding to an averaged electric field enhancement larger than 1000 times. This result quantitatively delineates the ultimate limit of plasmonic field enhancement around plasmonic nanostructures, establishing a foundation for diverse plasmon-enhanced processes and strong light-matter interactions at the atomic scale.
Brain-targeted autoimmunity is strongly associated with Long COVID and its chronic fatigue syndrome as well as its affective symptoms
Authors: Almulla Abbas F. , Maes Michael , Zhou Bo , Al-Hakeim Hussein K. , Vojdani Aristo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Autoimmune responses contribute to the pathophysiology of Long COVID, affective symptoms and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Objectives To examine whether Long COVID, and its accompanying affective symptoms and CFS are associated with immunoglobulin (Ig)A/IgM/IgG directed at neuronal proteins including myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), synapsin, α + β-tubulin, neurofilament protein (NFP), cerebellar protein-2 (CP2), and the blood-brain-barrier-brain-damage (BBD) proteins claudin-5 and S100B. Methods IgA/IgM/IgG to the above neuronal proteins, human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were measured in 90 Long COVID patients and 90 healthy controls, while C-reactive protein (CRP), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in association with affective and CFS ratings were additionally assessed in a subgroup thereof. Results Long COVID is associated with significant increases in IgG directed at tubulin (IgG-tubulin), MBP, MOG and synapsin; IgM-MBP, MOG, CP2, synapsin and BBD; and IgA-CP2 and synapsin. IgM-SARS-CoV-2 and IgM-HHV-6 antibody titers were significantly correlated with IgA/IgG/IgM-tubulin and -CP2, IgG/IgM-BBD, IgM-MOG, IgA/IgM-NFP, and IgG/IgM-synapsin. Binary logistic regression analysis shows that IgM-MBP and IgG-MBP are the best predictors of Long COVID. Multiple regression analysis shows that IgG-MOG, CRP and AOPP explain together 41.7% of the variance in the severity of CFS. Neural network analysis shows that IgM-synapsin, IgA-MBP, IgG-MOG, IgA-synapsin, IgA-CP2, IgG-MBP and CRP are the most important predictors of affective symptoms due to Long COVID with a predictive accuracy of r = 0.801. Conclusion Brain-targeted autoimmunity contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of Long COVID and the severity of its physio-affective phenome.