bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal injury repair and the potential involvement of ZEB1
Authors: Jin Lin , Zhang Lijun , Yan Chunxiao , Liu Mengxin , Dean Douglas C. , Liu Yongqing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe cornea, consisting of three cellular and two non-cellular layers, is the outermost part of the eyeball and frequently injured by external physical, chemical, and microbial insults. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the repair of corneal injuries. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), an important transcription factor involved in EMT, is expressed in the corneal tissues. It regulates cell activities like migration, transformation, and proliferation, and thereby affects tissue inflammation, fibrosis, tumor metastasis, and necrosis by mediating various major signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Dysfunction of ZEB1 would impair corneal tissue repair leading to epithelial healing delay, interstitial fibrosis, neovascularization, and squamous cell metaplasia. Understanding the mechanism underlying ZEB1 regulation of corneal injury repair will help us to formulate a therapeutic approach to enhance corneal injury repair.
Blood pressure and heart failure: focused on treatment
Authors: Chun Kyeong-Hyeon , Kang Seok-Min 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHeart failure (HF) remains a significant global health burden, and hypertension is known to be the primary contributor to its development. Although aggressive hypertension treatment can prevent heart changes in at-risk patients, determining the optimal blood pressure (BP) targets in cases diagnosed with HF is challenging owing to insufficient evidence. Notably, hypertension is more strongly associated with HF with preserved ejection fraction than with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Patients with acute hypertensive HF exhibit sudden symptoms of acute HF, especially those manifested with severely high BP; however, no specific vasodilator therapy has proven beneficial for this type of acute HF. Since the majority of medications used to treat HF contribute to lowering BP, and BP remains one of the most important hemodynamic markers, targeted BP management is very concerned in treatment strategies. However, no concrete guidelines exist, prompting a trend towards optimizing therapies to within tolerable ranges, rather than setting explicit BP goals. This review discusses the connection between BP and HF, explores its pathophysiology through clinical studies, and addresses its clinical significance and treatment targets.
Sympathetic overactivity and nocturnal diuresis in obstructive sleep apnea alter the response to hypertension therapy
Authors: Ziegler Michael G. , Milic Milos , Dimsdale Joel E. , Mills Paul J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with high blood pressure that responds poorly to usual antihypertensive therapy.

Methods and results
Forty-one subjects with OSA had 25% higher plasma norepinephrine and 42% higher epinephrine measured every 2 h over 24 h than 20 control subjects. They also excreted more sodium during sleep. This suggested that that a sympatholytic would be a more successful antihypertensive than a diuretic. To test this hypothesis we treated a second group of 23 hypertensive apneics with placebo, 6 weeks of the sympatholytic guanfacine and 6 weeks of hydrochlorothiazide in a crossover study. Guanfacine lowered 24-hour blood pressure by 9.6/6.7 mmHg, more than the 5.4/2.9 mmHg effect of hydrochlorothiazide (P < 0.05). Nighttime systolic blood pressure dipping was poor at 6.6 ± 1.8%. Hydrochlorothiazide did not alter blood pressure dipping but guanfacine improved dipping to 9.1 ± 1.2%, a better result (P = 0.03) than from the diuretic. Central aortic pressure by pulse wave analysis was 120/84 mmHg on hydrochlorothiazide and 109/72 on guanfacine, (P < 0.05). Guanfacine, but not hydrochlorothiazide, improved baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability and flow mediated vascular dilation, suggesting that decreasing the elevated sympathetic nerve activity of obstructive sleep apnea returned vascular function toward normal.

Conclusions
OSA is the most common condition associated with antihypertensive treatment failure. It increased sympathetic nerve activity day and night. Drugs that block sympathetic nerve function are not among the 4 most commonly recommended classes of antihypertensives but diuretics are. Sympatholytic therapy was superior to diuretic treatment for hypertension associated with sleep apnea.

Trial registration
NCT, NCT02699125, Registered 26 February 2016 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02699125.
Unveiling the potential impact of vitamin C in postoperative spinal pain
Authors: Ranjbari Fatemeh , Alimohammadi Ehsan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Spinal surgery is a common procedure associated with significant postoperative pain, and identifying effective interventions to manage this pain is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. This review assesses the existing literature to determine the overall impact of vitamin C supplementation on spinal postoperative pain.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes. It functions as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress within the body. Furthermore, vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen synthesis, a crucial component of connective tissues, including those found in the spinal structures. Given its antioxidant and collagen-promoting properties, vitamin C has piqued interest as a potential therapeutic option for postoperative spinal pain.
Based on the available evidence, vitamin C may have a beneficial effect on postoperative spinal pain, including reducing pain scores, analgesic consumption, and the incidence of complications such as complex regional pain syndrome. However, more research is needed to fully understand the optimal dosage and duration of vitamin C supplementation for postoperative pain management.

Conclusion
Vitamin C could be considered a potentially beneficial adjunctive therapy for managing spinal postoperative pain, but its routine use requires further investigation.
Does using a higher dialysate sodium concentration result in lower sodium losses with dialysis treatments?
Authors: Chhabra Roohi , Davenport Andrew 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Many dialysis centres prescribe a uniform dialysate sodium (DialNa) concentration, but as there is no consensus on the choice of a universal DialNa, we wished to determine dialysate sodium balance comparing DialNa of 140 and < 140 mEq/L.

Methods
Waste dialysate was continuously collected during sessions and thoroughly mixed, and sodium was measured in both the waste and fresh dialysate. Sodium removal was calculated as the difference in concentrations, dialysate flow rate, session time and ultrafiltration.

Results
Dialysate sodium balance was measured during 139 dialysis treatments (34 DialNa 140 versus 105 DialNa < 140, median 136 mEq/L), in 111 patients, 63% male, mean age 64.0 ± 16.2 years and 33.3% diabetic. There was no difference using the higher DialNa [net loss median 482 (238–573) versus 312 (124–599) mEq], ultrafiltration losses [226 (131–280) versus 204 (125–290)mEq] and non-ultrafiltration losses [217 (0–384) versus 173 (−90 to 350)mEq]. We also compared haemodiafiltration and haemodialysis (118 versus 23 sessions), and there were no differences in net loss [311 (91–608) versus 381 (167–597)], ultrafiltration [212 (127–290) versus 169 (110–258)mEq] and non-ultrafiltration losses [180 (−51 to 386) versus 192 (−74 to 387)mEq].

Conclusions
Although most dialysis centres prescribe a universal dialysate sodium concentration, there is no consensus on the optimum universal concentration. We found no difference in net dialysate sodium balance when comparing patients dialysing with a dialysate sodium concentration of 140 or < 140 mEq/L. Similarly, we found no differences in dialysate sodium balance between haemodiafiltration and haemodialysis sessions.
The gut microbiota patterns of patients with COVID-19: protocol for a case-control study
Authors: Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad Ehsan , Fazlollahi Asra , Pirsadeghi Ali , Khalili Ainaz , Ebrahimi Rasoul , Rezaei Nima 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
SARS-CoV-2 caused an outbreak in late December 2019. It has been suggested that gut microbiota dysbiosis influences the severity, mortality, and quality of life of patients with COVID-19. So, identifying the gut microbiota pattern could be helpful to determine the prognosis of the disease, and maybe determine some potential treatment approaches. Our aim will be to compare gut microbiota patterns between patients with severe or non-severe COVID-19, and healthy controls.

Methods
We will include 183 samples: 122 samples from COVID-19 patients, including 61 severe patients and 61 non-severe patients, and 61 samples from healthy controls. Total bacterial DNA will be extracted from samples and 16 S rRNA gene will be amplified through two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) stages. Fecal samples will be analyzed using a targeted metabolomics technique. The differences in each RNA or DNA expression between patients with severe COVID-19, patients with non-severe COVID-19, and controls will be compared. Also, we will assess the relationships between each DNA or RNA and the risk of COVID-19 severity, sort of clinical manifestations, and comorbidities. Concurrent medication data will be collected and patients will also be grouped based on their drug history.

Results
We hypothesize that the gut microbiota composition will be affected by the COVID-19 severity and there might be differences in terms of sex and age.

Conclusions
The results of our study could be the backbone for further trials which might lead to the development of prognostic factors and treatment options. Further studies can also consider the limitations of the study like potential confounders and selection and recall biases.
Fibrotic remodeling in joint diseases: induction and inhibition of fibrosis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Madsen Sofie Falkenløve , Madsen Sarah Spliid , Madrid Alexander Scheller , Andersen Mikkel Rathsach , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Thudium Christian S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
We aimed to investigate the development of synovial fibrosis in vitro and how the fibrosis can be halted. Synovial fibrosis causes joint stiffness in arthritic diseases. The pathway of the fibrotic growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), has been associated with joint pain in osteoarthritis (OA) and with the fibroid phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This suggests that synovial fibrosis, thus accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, plays a role in the clinical manifestations of the diseases. Improving our understanding of fibrotic development may aid in selecting appropriate treatments and development of drugs that can target synovial fibrosis.

Methods
We isolated primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from the synovial membrane of patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. To investigate the development of synovial fibrosis, the FLS were cultured in a crowded in vitro model mimicking the ECM. TGF-β1 was used as the fibrotic initiator, the activin receptor-like kinase 5 inhibitor (ALK5i), the anti-fibrotic drug nintedanib, and the anti-inflammatory drug tofacitinib were used as fibrotic inhibitors. The ECM protein formation was quantified in the conditioned media using specific biomarkers of type I, III, and VI collagen formation and fibronectin turnover.

Results
The TGF-β stimulation inducted fibrogenesis by increasing the biomarkers of fibronectin turnover, type I, III, and VI collagen formation. ALK5i and nintedanib inhibited the TGF-β response across all biomarkers. Tofacitinib trended towards inhibiting TGF-β response with up to 78% inhibition. All the treatments preserved cell viability.

Conclusion
We have established an in vitro model for assessing fibrogenesis in primary FLS, which can be used to assess the anti-fibrotic effect of multiple drug types. Our study implies that synovial fibrosis can be induced by TGF-β, which additionally can be halted by both direct and indirect inhibition with anti-fibrotic substances. The anti-inflammatory drug tofacitinib also halted the fibrogenesis to some extent; thus, it may exert an anti-fibrotic effect.
Absolute quantitation of sympathetic nerve activity using [123I] metaiodobenzylguanidine SPECT-CT in neurology
Authors: Saito Shintaro , Nakajima Kenichi , Komatsu Junji , Shibutani Takayuki , Wakabayashi Hiroshi , Mori Hiroshi , Takata Aki , Ono Kenjiro , Kinuya Seigo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background and purpose
The ability of [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) sympathetic nerve imaging with three-dimensional (3D) quantitation to clinically diagnose neurological disorders has not been evaluated. This study compared absolute heart counts calculated as mean standardized uptake values (SUVmean) using conventional planar imaging and assessed the contribution of [123I]MIBG single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-CT to the diagnosis of neurological diseases.

Methods
Seventy-two patients with neurological diseases were consecutively assessed using early and delayed [123I]MIBG SPECT-CT and planar imaging. Left ventricles were manually segmented in early and delayed SPECT-CT images, then the SUVmean and washout rates (WRs) were calculated. Heart-to-mediastinum ratios (HMRs) and WRs on planar images were conventionally computed. We investigated correlations between planar HMRs and SPECT-CT SUVmeans and between WRs obtained from planar and SPECT-CT images. The cutoff for SPECT-CT WRs defined by linear regression and that of normal planar WRs derived from a database were compared with neurological diagnoses of the patients. We assigned the patients to groups according to clinical diagnoses as controls (n = 6), multiple system atrophy (MSA, n = 7), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP, n = 17), and Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies (PD/DLB, n = 19), then compared SPECT-CT and planar image parameters.

Results
We found significant correlations between SPECT-CT SUVmean and planar HMR on early and delayed images (R2 = 0.69 and 0.82, p < 0.0001) and between SPECT-CT and planar WRs (R2 = 0.79, p < 0.0001). A threshold of 31% for SPECT-CT WR based on linear regression resulted in agreement between planar and SPECT-CT WR in 67 (93.1%) of 72 patients. Compared with controls, early and delayed SUVmean in patients with PSP and MSA tended more towards significance than planar HMR. This trend was similar for SPECT-CT WRs in patients with PSP.

Conclusions
Absolute heart counts and SUVmean determined using [123I]MIBG SPECT-CT correlated with findings of conventional planar images in patients with neurological diseases. Three-dimensional quantitation with [123I]MIBG SPECT-CT imaging might differentiate patients with PSP and MSA from controls.
A comprehensive examination of camel (Camelus Dromedaries) otic prominence through morphological and CT imaging studies
Authors: El-Sherif Mohamed W. , Nazih Mohamed A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
This study explored the morphological anatomy of otic prominences in camels using advanced computed tomography (CT). Nine adult cadaver camel heads underwent CT scanning to generate detailed images of the otic prominences, mastoid process, styloid process, stylomastoid foramen, external acoustic meatus, bulla tympanica, and muscular processes. The morphological anatomy of otic prominences was studied in nine skulls.

Results
The anatomical features were analyzed, revealing a compact and closely collected configuration of otic prominences. Unique characteristics of the mastoid process, bulla tympanica, and styloid process were observed, challenging the conventional descriptions.

Conclusions
This study underscores the value of CT scans in enhancing anatomical studies and provides insights into comparative veterinary anatomy, facilitating the evaluation of various conditions and disorders in camels.
HSS: enhancing IoT malicious traffic classification leveraging hybrid sampling strategy
Authors: Luo Yuantu , Tao Jun , Zhu Yuehao , Xu Yifan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing deep learning models to deal with the classification tasks in network traffic offers a new approach to address the imbalanced Internet of Things malicious traffic classification problems. However, the employment difficulty of these models may be immense due to their high resource consumption and inadequate interpretability. Fortunately, the effectiveness of sampling methods based on the statistical principles in imbalance data distribution indicates the path. In this paper, we address these challenges by proposing a hybrid sampling method, termed HSS, which integrates undersampling and oversampling techniques. Our approach not only mitigates the imbalance in malicious traffic but also fine-tunes the sampling threshold to optimize performance, as substantiated through validation tests. Employed across three distinct classification tasks, this method furnishes simplified yet representative samples, enhancing the baseline models’ classification capabilities by a minimum of 6.02% and a maximum of 182.66%. Moreover, it notably reduces resource consumption, with sample numbers diminishing to a ratio of at least 83.53%. This investigation serves as a foundation, demonstrating the efficacy of HSS in bolstering security measures in IoT networks, potentially guiding the development of more adept and resource-efficient solutions.
The Bulgarian ethnic tradition of manufacturing rakia: a cultural heritage and a potential functional food resource
Authors: Nashar Milka , Ivanova Diana 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEthnic foods and beverages are cultural heritage. This review summarizes the available data about the manufacturing, flavouring, and colouring of the homemade Bulgarian ethnic alcoholic beverage rakia, including information from scientific and grey literature, published surveys, traditional old recipe books, and field observations and interviews with local producers of homemade rakia. Taking into consideration the scarce scientific evidence available on the subject, this study aims to contribute to the preservation of a valuable Bulgarian tradition and cultural heritage for future generations. A detailed description of the process of manufacturing homemade rakia is presented, and the role of this ancient technology in the extraction of bioactive compounds is discussed. Different aspects of the consumption of alcoholic beverages and their dual metabolic effects on human health are elucidated. The centuries-old knowledge about the preparation of the homemade beverage rakia, flavoured and coloured using arboreal species, is discussed as a basis for the development of low-alcohol or non-alcoholic functional beverages with high content of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects.
Injectable hyaluronate/collagen hydrogel with enhanced safety and efficacy for facial rejuvenation
Authors: Song Lu , Qiu He , Chen Zhiru , Wang Jing , Xu Yang , Liu Zhanhong , Liu Shuo , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhu Xiangdong , Zhang Kai , Lin Hai , Zhang Xingdong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCollagen, known for its excellent biocompatibility and biological properties, has limited in vivo maintenance duration after implantation, while hyaluronic acid faces challenges such as various complications and insufficient support for cell proliferation. In this study, an injectable hyaluronic acid/collagen (HCol) hydrogel was developed to achieve enhanced cell-material interactions and accelerated skin regeneration. Physical and chemical characterizations demonstrated that the HCol hydrogel was injectable and stable after the implantation. In vitro cell culture results illustrated that the hydrogel promoted the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts, extracellular matrix expression and angiogenesis. The subcutaneous implantation in rats showed the superior biocompatibility of HCol hydrogel and enhanced secretion and deposition of extracellular matrix, compared with commercial hyaluronic acid dermal filler. MRI analysis showed that the hydrogel stably remained in vivo for at least three months. The histological examination and SHG signals further demonstrated that the hydrogel modulated fibroblast phenotype and stimulated vascular ingrowth and collagen synthesis, without inducing significant inflammation, swelling or erythema in vivo.
Graphical Abstract
Effectiveness of albumin infusion for the management of hyponatremia in decompensated cirrhosis: a systematic review
Authors: Roy Akash , Giri Suprabhat , Sharma Sanchit , Singh Surender , De Arka , Jalal Prasun , Goenka Mahesh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Hyponatremia portends a poor prognosis in decompensated cirrhosis and is an independent predictor of mortality. Multiple modalities have been evaluated in the management of hyponatremia, including albumin infusion. However, the effect of albumin infusion on the resolution of hyponatremia is unclear. We conducted a systematic review to explore the available literature on the use of albumin infusion in hyponatremia.

Methods
We performed a comprehensive search up to 31st December 2022 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus for studies reporting the effectiveness of albumin infusion in the resolution of hyponatremia. The impact of albumin infusion of any dose, administration frequency, and duration of therapy was recorded. The study protocol was prospectively registered (CRD42021245914).

Results
The literature search yielded 1322 references after duplicate removal. Only seven studies (three randomized trials, three cohort studies, and one case series) satisfied the predefined selection criteria after a full-text review. While hyponatremia was clearly defined as serum sodium < 130 meEq/L in all studies, two studies explicitly defined hyponatremia resolution (serum sodium > 135 mEq/L). No differentiation was made between the types of hyponatremia. The strength of the albumin infusion used was 5% and 20%. All but one study reported significant improvement in hyponatremia with albumin infusion. A subgroup analysis showed albumin infusion improved 30-day survival (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.25–0.74, I2 = 0.) No studies reported adverse events or the impact of concomitant associations (diuretic withdrawal, lactulose use, sepsis).

Conclusion
Despite available literature on the use of albumin infusion for the resolution of hyponatremia, the level of evidence remains low. Large prospective studies with pre-defined selection criteria and endpoints are required to generate the evidence.
The analytical model of crimping springback for large-diameter longitudinal welded pipe
Authors: Zhang Ji , Sun Kai 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe crimping technique is widely used in the manufacturing process of large-diameter longitudinal welded pipe. In the bending process, the springback is the critical problem affecting the shape, which is the key index of forming quality. So, crimping faces more challenges in accurate springback prediction for difficult-to-form metals such as pipeline steels and non-circular nature of the punch. This paper has established an analytical model of crimping springback for the longitudinal welded pipe. Firstly, the crimping process mathematical model which considered the impact of elastic modulus attenuation on springback calculation during plastic deformation is established, and the cross-section bending moment is calculated based on Hill’s bending theory. Secondly, a semi-analytical and semi-numerical method for calculating the crimping shape is presented. Finally, the comparison of the crimping shape of the real product shows that the calculation accuracy and efficiency of this method can meet the requirements of engineering applications. The relative error of the springback angle calculated by the analytical model is −5.84%, and the absolute error is 0.3°. This method can accurately predict the springback of longitudinal welded pipe after crimping and provide a reference for crimping process optimization.