bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Accuracy of Three Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Automatic Cobb Angle Measurement in Scoliosis: An Analysis Using Disease-specific Teaching Data
Authors: Kato Shuzo , Maeda Yoshihiro , Nagura Takeo , Nakamura Masaya , Watanabe Kota 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Spinal deformities, including adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and adult spinal deformity (ASD), affect many patients. The measurement of the Cobb angle on coronal radiographs is essential for their diagnosis and treatment planning. To enhance the precision of Cobb angle measurements for both AIS and ASD, we developed three distinct artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms: AIS/ASD-trained AI (trained with both AIS and ASD cases); AIS-trained AI (trained solely on AIS cases); ASD-trained AI (trained solely on ASD cases). We used 1,612 whole-spine radiographs, including 1,029 AIS and 583 ASD cases with variable postures, as teaching data. We measured the major and two minor curves. To assess the accuracy, we used 285 radiographs (159 AIS and 126 ASD) as a test set and calculated the mean absolute error (MAE) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between each AI algorithm and the average of manual measurements by four spine experts. The AIS/ASD-trained AI showed the highest accuracy among the three AI algorithms. This result suggested that learning across multiple diseases rather than disease-specific training may be an efficient AI learning method. The presented AI algorithm has the potential to reduce errors in Cobb angle measurements and improve the quality of clinical practice.
Reversible in-situ assembly of PROTACs using iminoboronate conjugation
Authors: Yang Ce , Xie Yayun , Yang Xiaoxiao , Yin Jun , Wang Binghe 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer a promising degradation-based alternative to classical inhibition-based therapeutic interventions. PROTACs are hetero-bifunctional molecules, which incorporate a ligand for the target protein, an E3 ubiquitin ligase recruiting group, and a linker to bring together ubiquitinating machinery and the target protein for degradation. Such bifunctional molecules generally have molecular weights in a significantly higher range than “mono-functional” inhibitors of various targets. The high molecular weight of PROTACs can limit cellular permeation and other drug-like properties. With these challenges in mind, we envision the idea of reversible covalent assembly of PROTAC molecules to allow for cellular penetration of individual components and then in-situ assembly at the site of action. A key to the realization of this idea is to select the right “assembly chemistry,” which offers the appropriate affinity for dissociation for cellular penetration and yet assembly on-site. For this, we resort to neighboring-group (boronic acid) assisted conjugation of a carbonyl group with an oxyamine or hydrazine for the assembly of hetero-bifunctional PROTACs, the use of a GFP-fused HaloTag as a model system for studying protein degradation, and ligands for cereblon and VHL as the E3 ligands. These options lead to several combinations and thus different PROTAC assemblies. In this initial feasibility study, we demonstrate the reversible assembly of the two components, as designed. We further demonstrate the ability of such assemblies to induce protein degradation by flow cytometry and western blot studies. Varying degree of potencies for the different assemblies were observed, demonstrating the need for further optimization.
Clinical characteristics of membranous nephropathy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a real-world multicenter study
Authors: Jin Yue , Zhao Peng , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Ye Yi-Shan , Zhou Fang , Wan Ding-Ming , Chen Yi , Zhou Jian , Li Xin , Wang Yan , Liu Yue , Bian Zhi-Lei , Yang Kai-Qian , Li Zhen , Zhang Jian , Xu Wen-Wei , Zhou Jian-Ying , An Zhuo-Yu , Fu Hai-Xia , Chen Yu-Hong , Chen Qi , Wu Jin , Wang Jing-Zhi , Mo Xiao-Dong , Chen Huan , Chen Yao , Wang Yu , Chang Ying-Jun , Huang He , Huang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Xiao-Hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a rare complication that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). MN patients may develop nephrotic syndrome or even kidney failure, which greatly affects their quality of life and prognosis. However, current information regarding MN after allo-HSCT is very limited. Thus, a multicenter nested case‒control study was conducted. Patients who had been diagnosed with MN after allo-HSCT were retrospectively identified at 8 HSCT cent res. A total of 51 patients with MN after allo-HSCT were included. The median age of MN patients after allo-HSCT was 38 years, and the median duration from HSCT to MN was 18 months. The use of HLA-matched donors (P = 0.0102) and peripheral blood as the graft source (P = 0.0060) were identified as independent predisposing risk factors for the onset of MN after allo-HSCT. Compared with those in the control group, the incidence of extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease was greater in the MN patients (P = 0.001). A total of 31 patients developed nephrotic syndrome. Patients receiving combination treatments of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants appeared to have better outcomes. In conclusion, MN is a rare but occasionally severe complication following HSCT and may require active treatment.
“I mean, it kind of saved my life, to be honest”: a qualitative study of participants’ views of dialectical behaviour therapy for Multiproblematic Eating Disorders Group Programme
Authors: McColl Carrie , Hindle Shelly , Donkin Liesje 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the increasing use of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) as a treatment for eating disorders (EDs), there is little published evidence of its effectiveness for treating restrictive eating disorders. DBT for EDs may be particularly helpful for those who live with severe and enduring eating disorders (SE-EDs) given that it targets those for whom first-line treatments have not been effective, its focus on factors thought to maintain symptoms and its focus on improving quality of life. This study sought to evaluate the experiences of participants in a comprehensive DBT programme for people with SE-EDs.
Methods
Semistructured interviews were conducted with seven female participants who were treated in the ‘DBT for Multidiagnostic Eating Disorders (MED-DBT)’ programme at a regional eating disorders service in New Zealand. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed via thematic analysis.
Results
The findings indicate that the MED-DBT programme was perceived as effective by participants. The skills learned provided participants with valuable tools that could be used to better manage emotions, crises, and tasks of daily life, which improved their quality of life and improved their management of their eating disorder symptoms. Several participants reported that the programme saved their lives. A key component of the MED-DBT programme was having access to phone coaching that supported participants with the acquisition and consolidation of skills to reduce crises and solidify learning of the skills. These skills have continued to be used by participants more than five years posttreatment.
Conclusions
The qualitative findings of the present study suggest that the MED-DBT programme is an effective and valuable treatment for participants. All participants endorsed the MED-DBT programme for ED treatment. The treatment programme was seen as a highly beneficial and feasible treatment that could provide greater options for treating complex clients with severe and enduring eating symptomology with confidence.
Quest for good vision without peripheries - behavioral and fMRI evidence
Authors: Ninghetto Marco , Kozak Anna , Gałecki Tomasz , Szulborski Kamil , Szaflik Jacek P , Ołdak Monika , Marchewka Artur , Burnat Kalina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In healthy vision, bright slow-motion stimuli are primarily processed by regions of the visual system receiving input from the central part of the scene, while processing of the dark fast-motion stimuli is more dependent on the peripheral visual input. We tested 31 retinitis pigmentosa patients (RP) with long-term loss of peripheral photoreceptors and healthy controls with temporarily limited peripheral vision. We measured motion-based acuity, using random-dot kinematograms, establishing individual thresholds for differentiating circle from an ellipse. fMRI session with the task difficulty set at the constant level followed. We showed that limiting vision in controls does not affect the motion-acuity thresholds, but results in brain activations, different from RP patients, indicating prompt implementation of the perceptually successful strategy. Impaired motion-acuity in RP patients led to decreased brain activations compared to controls with full and limited vision and included strong response within peripheral primary visual areas V1-3. Importantly, lower activations in MT+/V5, in salience-processing cortices and in superior temporal cortex in RP patients were also detected in controls with limited peripheral vision, revealing brain networks which compensate for loss of peripheral vision.
Improving Bifurcated Scaffold Morphologies: The Feasibility of Culotte Techniques with Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds
Authors: Tu Sheng , Zhang Linlin , Tian Qingqing , Hu Fudong , Wang Mengru , Chen Lianglong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) performance with culotte stenting techniques and evaluate bifurcated scaffold morphologies.
Methods: Conventional culotte stenting (CCS), double kissing mini-culotte stenting (DKMCS), and double kissing single-ring culotte stenting (DKSRCS) were executed in silicone bifurcated models. Procedures concluded with final kissing balloon inflation and proximal optimization technique. Microcomputed tomography assessed morphological parameters like side branch (SB) residual ostial stenosis and neocarina length (LNC) quantitatively. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measured strut malapposition rates (SMR).
Results: Quantitative assessments showed that BVS, in comparison with CCS, had significantly enhanced scaffold expansion at the SB ostium (6.29 ± 0.36 mm2 vs 6.71 ± 0.37 mm2, P = 0.05; 6.29 ± 0.36 mm2 vs 6.78 ± 0.26 mm2, P = 0.05, respectively), and decreased SB ostial stenosis(0.14% ± 0.04% vs 0.08% ± 0.04%, P < 0.05; 0.14% ± 0.04% vs 0.08 ± 0.03%, P < 0.05, respectively), LNC (0.49 ± 0.10 mm vs 0.30 ± 0.08 mm, P < 0.05; 0.49 ± 0.10 mm vs 0. 28 ± 0.06 mm, P < 0.05, respectively) and gap width(1.48 ± 0.06 mm vs 1.21 ± 0.06 mm, P < 0.05; 1.48 ± 0.06 mm vs 1.10 ± 0.04 mm, P < 0.05, respectively) in both DKMCS and DKSRCS. Notably, DKMCS and DKSRCS demonstrated reduced SMR, especially in scaffold overlap areas, as revealed by OCT.
Conclusions: DKMCS and DKSRCS offer superior morphological outcomes for BVS models than CCS, suggesting BVS as a viable and effective technique for culotte stenting.
Role of HTK cardioplegic solution in reducing inflammatory response during cardiac arrest: a rat model with a right thoracotomy
Authors: Qiu BingMei , Wang Lei , Ding PeiCheng , Wang AnLi , Zhang Xing , Wang ChangTian , Feng ShanWu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to develop a rat model for CPB that was both elementary and cost-effective while also being characterized by minimal inter-individual variability.
Materials and methods: Thirty rats were randomly assigned to three groups: the HTK, 4:1 blood cardioplegia (BC) and del Nido cardioplegia (DN) groups. The CPB procedure was established and post-CPB was persevered for a period of 2 hours and then samples of heart and blood were collected for analysis.
Results: During CPB, the average hematocrit level was significantly below the typical physiological range (P<0.001). Histopathological scores were notably reduced in the HTK group in contrast to the BC group (P<0.001) or the DN group (P<0.001). At 2 hours after CPB, the levels of CK and CKMB in the DN and BC groups were notably elevated compared to the HTK group (P < 0.001). The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α proteins were notably increased in all three groups (P<0.001), with the BC and DN groups showing higher increases compared to the HTK group (P<0.001).
Conclusions: The rat model was capable of reflecting the real organ injury of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and HTK was more beneficial in reducing inflammatory response.
Cerebellar atrophy and ataxia caused by "White Pill" (phenytoin) poisoning: A case report
Authors: Wei Wan , Shi Huanqing , Zhang Zheng , Liu Fei , Li Lingfei , Nie Tian , Jiang Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Phenytoin is associated with acute and chronic toxic effects due to its narrow range of therapeutic index, and clinical symptoms and imaging changes of phenytoin toxicity are difficult to recover.
Case presentation
We present a case of a 23-year-old female who is a known case of generalized tonic-clonic seizures on phenytoin for 4 years and had developed cerebellar symptoms due to the cerebellar toxicity and atrophy caused by prolonged use of phenytoin. Patient’s symptoms improved upon gradually withdrawal of the drug.
Conclusions
We should recommended Epileptic to go to a regular hospital for treatment, regular monitoring drug concentration level of phenytoin, avoiding irreversible damage caused by phenytoin toxicity.
Analysis of Glass Fibre Reinforced Composites Leaf Spring in Light Commercial Vehicle
Authors: Aggarwal Shivam , Kumar Krishan , Aggarwal M.L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Leaf spring is designed to bear load as well as shocks in automotive vehicles. Two leaves of glass fibre-reinforced composite (GFRC) of various shapes sandwiched between steel plates have been analysed for application in a minitruck. Computer-aided engineering analysis was done for five different types of GFRC material leaf springs: both flat leaf, flat and parabolic leaf, both parabolic leaf, both parabolic leaf springs with aluminium alloy bush at eye-end and spring steel multi-leaf springs. A silencer pad was used in the parabolic leaf spring to reduce delamination and vibration at contact points of the mating leaf. Various shapes and combinations of leaf, provided varying parameters of deformation, maximum equivalent strain, maximum equivalent stress and fatigue life. CAE results show that the flat leaf and parabolic leaf combination provided maximum equivalent strain, maximum equivalent stress and fatigue life as compared to other cases.
Short-term Changes in Tnf-alpha, Il-6 and Adiponectin Following Bariatric Surgery in Romanian Obese Adults – an Observational Case-control Study
Authors: Ion Răzvan Marius , Hutanu Adina , Sala Daniela Tatiana , Constantin Calin , Fodor Stefania , Septimiu Voidazan , Muresan Mircea Gabriel , Neagoe Radu Mircea 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Bariatric surgery plays an impotant role in immnological modulation by reducing levels of systemic inflammatory markers, such as interkleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha.
The goal of this study is to establish the possible correlations between obesity-linked chronic systemic inflammation, materialized objectived through the cytokine plasma profile and weight loss process after metabolic surgery.
Materials and methods:
An observational cohort study included two categories: patients with obesity – bariatric group and patients without obesity – control group between February 1, 2021 and March 1, 2023. Baseline characteristic, anthropometric measurements, biochemical assessments and inflammatory biomarkers were taken both before surgery and one year after the procedure. The bariatric group undergo two types of bariatric procedures: majority were performed to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy whereas a select few of patients underwent one anastomosis laparoscopic gastric bypass.
Results:
A prospective study comprising 55 Caucasian patients - 33 patients with morbid obesity mean age of 41.76±10.78 and mean BMI of 43.34± 7.51 kg/m2. We note that preoperative levels of IL-6 have a positive correlation with WC (r=0.354, p=0.043), weight (r=0.549, p=0.001) and BMI (r=0.520, p=0.002). After applying the Kruskal Wallis Test and Dunn’s Test significant differences for IL-6 (p=0.010, p<0.05) and adiponectin (p=0.024, p<0.05) were obtained. No correlation was found between adiponectin, IL-6, TNF- α and anthropometric indices after surgery.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated that bariatric surgery significantly changes the level of inflammatory cytokines one year after operation. We failed to demonstrate the predictive role of preoperative plasma cytokine profile for the weight loss process after metabolic procedures.
Clinical study of alveolar bone mucosa-periosteal bone flap as horizontal bone augmentation
Authors: Xu Xinghuanyu , Xu Pu , Liu Shuangxi , Cheng Yanan , Zhang WenBai , Yu Dou , Lu Liying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background The present work focused on observing the efficacy of alveolar bone mucosa- periosteal bone flap in alveolar ridge horizontal bone augmentation with dental implant placement. Methods This was a retrospective study involving 49 patients with 99 implants, which was conducted to measure the alveolar ridge widths pre- and post-operatively. The alveolar ridge widths were 4.77 ± 1.49 mm preoperatively and 7.68 ± 1.60 mm postoperatively. Results There was a significant difference in alveolar ridge width before and after operation (P < 0.05), to be specific, the alveolar ridge width increased by 2.91 ± 0.11 mm after operation. Conclusion These results suggest that alveolar bone mucosa-periosteal bone flap technique is an effective method to increase the alveolar ridge width with the simultaneous placement of dental implants, which is worthy to be recommended in clinical practice.
Geometry Modeling of a Spur Gear using Parametric Equation &amp; Global Variables.
Authors: Rahman Anayatur , Kumar Arun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Spur Gears are most commonly used gears which are having teeth with involute profile. The involute is a specific geometry which is relatively difficult to draw and it is time consuming also. This paper describes a step wise procedure to develop a standard template in SolidWorks software to model a spur gear using gear parameters such as module, no of teeth& pressure angle as a global variables & equations. The involute curve of the gear is generated using parametric driven equation. The standard template may be used to generate solid CAD (Computer Aided Design) model of the spur gear of any size efficiently by just changing the gear parameters.
Investigating the use of nerve fiber diameter for a more accurate diagnosis of the length of the aganglionic segment in patients with Hirschsprung's disease compared to intraoperative biopsy
Authors: Talebi Ali , Kahdouei Mohammadsadegh Talebi , Memar Elmira Hajiesmaeil , Ashjaei Bahar , Raji Hojatollah , Adel Maryam Ghavami 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of utilizing nerve fiber diameter in accurately diagnosing the length of the aganglionic segment in patients definitively diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease.
Results:
In this study, 40 patients (19 males, 21 females; mean age 2.5±2.2646 years) were assessed for Hirschsprung's disease. Constipation was the main symptom (75%), followed by abdominal issues. All underwent contrast enema and rectal suction biopsy for diagnosis, followed by surgery (predominantly Soave and Swensen techniques). Majority (85%) had rectosigmoid involvement. Neural fiber diameter was measured, with 52.5% ≤40 µm and 47.5% >40 µm. Statistical analysis showed 40% sensitivity(CI:95%) and 47% specificity(CI:95%) with a cutoff of 40.5 µm. Cohen's kappa index for aganglionic segment size was 0.7.
Negative Pathway of Wandering Minds: Serial Mediation Effect Between Mind Wandering and Internalising Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Guan Siqing , Takahashi Toru , Tomita Nozomi , Kumano Hiroaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Abnormal self-referential processing, such as ruminating and worrying, has been shown to sustain internalising symptoms including depression and anxiety. However, examinations of the specific types of dysfunctional mind wanderings (MWs), which are real-time and fluctuating internally-oriented thoughts that trigger abnormal self-referential processing, and the cognitive processes that contribute to internalising symptoms have been limited. This study aimed to identify dysfunctional MWs associated with psychological symptoms by differentiating between intentionality and MW content. This study found that high-frequency intentional MW, particularly focused on past experiences or positive/neutral content, was not associated with internalising symptoms and led to lower levels of worry. The results indicate that rumination and worrying sequentially mediate the link between unintentional MW, which encompasses vague, future-oriented, and negative content and internalisation of symptoms. However, regarding negative unintentional MW and internalising symptoms, pathways in which worry alone served as a mediator were also observed along paths in which rumination and worry were sequentially mediated. This study’s results help us understand that individual traits of rumination and worry play distinct roles in abnormal self-referential processing, particularly within the realm of dysfunctional MW types and their involvement in symptom internalisation.
Plasma SQSTM1/p62 act as a biomarker for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Hou Wenyuan , Peng Peng , Xiao Fangjun , Tian Jiaqing , He Xianshun , lu Shun , Xiao Huan , He Mincong , Wei Qiushi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Autophagy is closely associated with the onset and progression of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SIONFH). SQSTM1/p62 is an important indicator of autophagic activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of SQSTM1/p62 in the development of SIONFH.
Methods: From May 2021 through November 2021, 36 patients diagnosed with SIONFH and 36 healthy controls were recruited for this study. Evaluations included imaging and pathologic assessment of clinical bone tissue, location and level of SQSTM1/p62 expression, plasma SQSTM1/p62 levels, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: We observed that the expression level of SQSTM1/p62 in bone samples decreased with the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) phase. Plasma SQSTM1/p62 levels were significantly higher in the SIONFH group compared to healthy controls. Plasma SQSTM1/p62 levels were higher in pre-crash patients than in post-crash patients, and lower plasma SQSTM1/p62 levels were associated with elevated ARCO stage.
Conclusion: Plasma SQSTM1/p62 may represent a potential biomarker for different stages during SIONFH. Lower plasma SQSTM1/p62 levels indicate an advanced stage of SIONFH. This study provides new clues for early diagnosis of SIONFH.