bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case report of rare Zinner syndrome: An ejaculatory duct cyst was present Instead of an ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst
Authors: Tang Guixing , Feng Yanhua , Wang Zhaohui , Yang Yu , Liu Yupin , Bai Zunguang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a malformed triad of congenital mesonephric (Wolffian) duct dysplasia that was first described by Zinner in 1914. ZS consists of unilateral renal hypoplasia or dysplasia, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cysts, and obstruction of the ejaculatory duct. The present case is a rare type of syndrome in which an ejaculatory duct cyst was observed rather than an ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst. The ejaculatory duct cyst involved the vas deference bilaterally, resulting in bilateral seminal vesicle gland atrophy or erosion, without apparent seminal fluid, which caused azoospermia and infertility.
Case presentation:
The patient had only a feeling of incomplete defecation, accompanied with a little anal distension before surgery. No sperm were found on two semen examinations, and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance urography (MRI/MRU) suggested the absence of a left renal component and the possibility of a seminal vesicle cyst. We considered that the azoospermia was caused by compression of the contralateral ejaculatory duct by a seminal vesicle cyst on the affected side, so we decided on laparoscopic resection. No seminal vesicle cyst was found during the operation, but an ejaculatory duct cyst was detected in which the bilateral vasa deferentia merged with no other outlet. We resected the cyst. After surgery, the patient's clinical symptoms disappeared, but the infertility problem could not be solved.
Conclusion
Although we had a preliminary confirmation of the ZS diagnosis with azoospermia before surgery, it exhibited a variation that has not been reported in the literature, and such a variation could not be resolved by surgical resection alone. Preoperative deferento-vesiculography(DVG) is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Assisted reproductive technology could be utilized for the azoospermia caused by the ZS.
Nature's Valuable Resource: Moringa Phytochemicals Targeting TCF7L2 in Drug Design Revealed through MD Simulation and MMGBSA
Authors: Saleem Amna , Mubeen Hira , Ali Nouman , Razzaq Hafiza Tuba , Seher Rijaab , Ishaq Anam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a multifactorial disorder, is rapidly evolving into a global epidemic, driven by changes in lifestyle and urbanization. Understanding its genetic underpinnings is essential to developing effective preventive strategies. While genome-wide association studies have identified chromosome 10q25.3 as relevant to type 2 diabetes, the specific causal variations remain elusive. This study focuses on elucidating the role of TCF7L2, a protein implicated in diabetes pathogenesis, through protein network analysis. Additionally, it investigates carvacrol, a compound found in Moringa, as a potential therapeutic agent. Using computational pharmacology, carvacrol demonstrates promising properties such as favorable pharmacokinetics, blood-brain barrier permeability, and low oral toxicity. Molecular docking studies reveal strong binding interactions between TCF7L2 and carvacrol with a binding energy of -5.5 kcal/mol, indicating its potential as a lead drug candidate. Molecular dynamics simulations further support the stability of this interaction over time. Despite these promising findings, laboratory validation is imperative to assess the safety and efficacy of carvacrol as a therapeutic agent for diabetes mellitus. This research underscores the potential of computational approaches in drug discovery and highlights carvacrol as a promising avenue for further investigation in addressing the challenges posed by diabetes mellitus.
Pediatric Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy – the Role of Ear Pathology
Authors: Cozacov Tal , Cooper Shiri , Vardy Yoav , Hoffer Vered , Levinsky Yoel , Ulanovski David , Raveh Eyal , Scheuerman Oded , Landau Daniel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Nearly half of the acquired cases of peripheral facial nerve palsy (PFNP) are of unknown etiology, a condition termed Bell's palsy (BP). PFNP in children can often be associated with acute otitis media (OM). Differences between the clinical course and prognosis in OM-associated PFNP (OM-PFNP) and BP in children are not well characterized.
Methods: Retrospective review of all children hospitalized in a tertiary care children's hospital between January 2006 and December 2020 with a diagnosis of non-traumatic and non-surgery associated PFNP.
Results: Out of 177 children hospitalized with facial nerve palsy, 46 were excluded (central origin: 28; underlying neurologic condition 12; traumatic etiology: 6). A total of 131 cases of PFNP were included in the study, 80 with OM-PFNP and 51 with BP. Children with OM-PFNP were younger at presentation (38.8±50.4 Vs 96.6±74.7 months, p <0.001), presented more frequently during the winter months (32.5% Vs 25.5%, p< 0.05) and had a higher CRP value [median (IQR): 1.3 (0.18-4.2) Vs 0 (0-0) mg/dL, p< 0.005]. There was no significant difference in the corticosteroid use rate (87.5% Vs 88.2%, p=0.9). Four children with OM-PFNP (and none of the BP group) had an additional underlying pathology (petrous bone osteomyelitis, cholesteatoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma).
Conclusions: Children with OM-PFNP are younger at presentation and should be assessed for the presence of a significant associated middle ear/ petrous bone pathology.
Topical Tranexamic Acid in Hip and Knee Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tantavisut Saran , Artykbay Sanzhar , Tangwiwat Pasawiss , Susantitaphong Paweena 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Tranexamic Acid (TXA) has been widely used in orthopedic operations, including hip and knee surgery, to decrease blood loss. However, the optimal tranexamic acid regimen is still debated between topical or systematic such as oral or intravenous. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compare the efficacy and safety of the topical application of transamine in hip and knee surgery with other routes. Outcomes of interest were the comparative aspects of bleeding, hospitality, and morbidity associated with topical TXA, in contrast to alternative administration routes. Eighty RCTs, involving 13,969 patients, assessed the outcomes of topical tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery, hip arthroplasty, and knee arthroplasty, comparing it with intravenous, oral, and placebo administration. Overall, topical TXA decreased total blood loss [-353 mL (95%CI -395, -311), P<0.001], drainage volume [-239.802 mL (95% CI -298.744, -180.859), P<0,001], intraoperative blood loss [-14.994 mL (95% CI -34.370, 4.382), P<0.001], hidden blood loss [-123.711 mL (95% CI -153.703, -93.719), P<0.001], total hemoglobin loss [-0.970 gr/dL (95% CI -1.289, -0.651), P<0.001], total hematocrit loss [-0.937 (95% CI -1.289, -0.584), P<0.001], and blood transfusion rate [RR diff. 0.480 (95% CI 0.386, 0.597), P<0.001] compared to placebo. Topical TXA administration consistently demonstrated significant reductions in total blood loss, drain volume, intraoperative blood loss, total hemoglobin loss, and the need for blood transfusions compared to the placebo group. Subgroup analysis results also indicated that topical TXA performed better than placebo and was comparable to intravenous and oral routes.
Potential Utility of ADNP in Circulating Tumor Cells as Biomarker for Prognostics in Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wen Yuheng , Ming Zhihao , Li Hong , Zhu Shuai , Cao Jian , Ye Mingji , Gan Tian , She Xiangqun , Zeng Yong , Xie Yu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to evaluate the prognostic utility of Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) expression in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) inpatients with Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) undergoing Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT).
Methods
A prospective cohort of 74 bladder cancer patients and 22 non-cancer controls were enrolled. The expression of ADNP mRNA was detected by immunomagnetic beads-droplet digital PCR. The ADNP mRNA expression was evaluated in patients with high-risk NMIBC and those with indeterminate invasion depth post 2nd TURBT. Primary cultured bladder cancer cells and PBMCs from healthy donors were immunofluorescence stained.
Results
Our findings suggest that baseline ADNP mRNA level in CTCs shows potential as a prognostic marker for NMIBC with a sensitivity of 83.33% and a specificity of 73.58%. In comparison to baseline, ADNP mRNA expression increased post 2nd TURBT in 5 patients, where 2 experienced recurrence. Meanwhile, among the 12 patients with decreased levels, only one patient relapsed. A considerable limitation of this study entails the small sample size.
Conclusions
The Immuno-magnetic beads-ddPCR technique provided a viable method for ADNP mRNA detection in CTCs from bladder cancer patients. The preoperative ADNP mRNA level in CTCs was identified as a prognostic indicator for NMIBC. Longitudinal monitoring of ADNP mRNA in CTCs of bladder cancer patients shows promise in evaluating treatment responses and predicting prognosis.
Detection of Ubiquitous Circumbinary Matter Formed from Common-Envelope Ejections
Authors: Han Zhanwen , Li Jiangdan , Wolf Christian , Luo Yangpin , Li Jiao , Zhao Jingkun , Chen Xuefei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The formation of compact binary systems is canonically explained by evolution through a common envelope (CE) phase. While such binaries are ubiquitous and important, e.g., as progenitors of type Ia supernovae and black hole mergers, direct observational evidence for the CE material is elusive. The short-lived and dynamic nature of CEs poses challenges in their detection and detailed study. Numerical simulations predict that a fraction of the envelope may remain bound after CE ejections. In this article, we report for the first time the detection of such bound matter across a sample of 281 hot subdwarf binary candidates, believed to have formed in recent CE ejections. In their LAMOST spectra, we find anomalously strong calcium (Ca) II K lines arising from circumbinary matter. As expected, the radial velocities are close to the systemic velocities of the binaries, with a possible tendency for slow outflows.
Host Response in Critically Ill Patients Aged 65 Years or Older: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lian Hui , Wang Guangjian , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Xiaoting , Zhang Shuyang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The host response is a common pathway for all critical illness. Aging, a global trend, leads to changes in host response, which might be crucial for diagnosis and therapy in intensive care unit.
Methods
All patients aged 65 years or older admitted to our geriatric intensive care unit were included in the study. Demographic, clinical and medication data were collected from the electronic medical records system. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, while secondary endpoints included length of in-hospital stay (LOS), and length of ICU stay. Generalized Additive Mix Model was used to conduct analysis, and nomogram analysiswas used to establish a prediction model for mortality.
Results
A total of 1, 204 patients admitted to our geriatric ICU (GICU) during the study period. Their mediam age was 75 years, while the maximum age was 110 years old. Host response biomarkers were relatively lower in those very old patients (VOPs, over the age of 85). White blood cell (WBC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were positively associated with mortality, while platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was negatively associated with mortality. Lymphocyte count was a risk factor for mortality, risk ratio (RR) 1.2181. Elevated host response biomarkers were negatively associated with length of in-hospital stay and ICU stay. The prediction model combining all the host response biomarkers had an ideal predictive performance.
Conclusion
Our study discovered that age significantly affects the host response in critically ill patients. Critically ill older patients generally had lower levels of host response biomarkers accompanied by a higher level of mortality, especially in VOPs. Some host response biomarkers were positively associated with in-hospital mortality, and a predictive model was constructed to comprehensively evaluate the prognosis of critically ill older patients by including these inflammation, immunity, and coagulation with good predictive value.
Foliar application of abscisic acid and glycine betaine triggers drought tolerance modulating physiology, yield and antioxidative defense system in wheat
Authors: Haque Md. Sabibul , Hossain Kh Sabbir , Baroi Artho , Alamery Salman , Attia KOTB M , Hafez Yaser M , Hussain Tanveer , Uddin Md. Nesar , Hossain Md. Alamgir 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Global climate model predicts frequent and severe drought in the future resulting in limited crop production affecting growth and yield. The extent of drought tolerance in two wheat cultivars (WMRI-1 and BARI GOM-33) was investigated by foliar application of abscisic acid (ABA) and glycine betaine (GB) at the anthesis and grain filling stages. A pot experiment maintaining completely randomized design with four replications was set in the field laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of four treatments were followed such as i) Control (20–22% moisture content) ii) Drought (8–10% moisture content) iii) Drought + ABA and iv) Drought + GB. The plants at the reproductive stage were sprayed weekly with ABA (20 µM) and GB (50 mM) under drought conditions. Drought stress significantly declined chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate in comparison to control. However, the foliar application of ABA and GB under drought considerably increased the rate of photosynthesis and pigment contents in the flag leaves compared to the plants grown under individual drought conditions. A considerable increase in lipid peroxidation and H2O2 contents in flag leaves were recorded in all drought conditions, while these values were reduced in ABA and GB treatments. ABA and GB application significantly enhanced the catalase and peroxidase enzymes activities and total antioxidant capacity exhibiting reduction in oxidative damage and increased grain yield. Heatmap using stress tolerance index (STI) showed that Drought + ABA and Drought + GB secured higher STI scores suggesting a greater degree of drought tolerance in both cultivars. In conclusion, foliar spraying of ABA and GB enhanced drought tolerance in both wheat cultivars by altering physiology and antioxidative defense suggesting a declined state of oxidative damage with increased yield.
Research and application of urban 3D geologic modeling technology based on multivariate complex geologic structures——Take Chengdu as an example
Authors: Hao Ming , Zhang Yuxiang , Zhan Qiqi , Wang Donghui , Liu Zhaoxin , Lei Chuanyang , Fan Min 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) geological models can visually present various underground geological body forms, geological structures, geological hazards, which is of great significance for urban spatial planning and urban geological hazard prevention and control. To overcome technical difficulties such as poor accuracy, poor aesthetics and the difficulty to modify and improve the model afterwards, the 3D model of urban geology under complex geological conditions was constructed. This paper proposes a 3D modeling technology for urban geology with multiple complex geological structures based on multi-source heterogeneous data with the common constraints of geological priori knowledge and geological laws. This technique can utilize various modeling data, such as DEM data, planimetric geological maps, comprehensive geological profiles, borehole data, geophysical interpretation data and tectonic outline maps. Under the common constraints of geological prior knowledge and geological laws, the block modeling technique is used to complete the construction of 3D urban geological models under complex geological conditions. Taking the construction of 3D geological model in Chengdu as an example, this paper focuses on the theory and algorithm of 3D modeling of urban geology, the geological background of the demonstration area, the preparation and pre-processing of 3D modeling data, and the research and demonstration application of 3D modeling technology for urban geology. The construction of a 3D geological model of Chengdu was completed using a 3D modeling technology of a multi-complex urban geological structure.
Networking the desert plant microbiome, bacterial and fungal symbionts structure and assortativity in co-occurrence networks
Authors: Maurice Kenji , Laurent-Webb Liam , Bourceret Amélia , Boivin Stéphane , Boukcim Hassan , Selosse Marc-André , Ducousso Marc 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In nature, microbes do not thrive in seclusion but are involved in complex interactions within- and between-microbial kingdoms. Among these, symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria are namely known to improve plant health, while providing resources to benefit other microbial members. Yet, it is not clear how these symbionts interact between each other or how they impact the microbiota network architecture. We used an extensive co-occurrence network analysis, including rhizosphere and roots samples from six plant species in a natural desert in AlUla (KSA) and described how these symbionts were structured within the plant microbiota network. We found that plant species was a significant driver of its microbiota composition and also of the specificity of its interactions at the taxa level. Despite this specificity, a covariance motif was conserved across all networks, i.e., mycorrhizal fungi highly covaried with other mycorrhizal fungi, especially in plant roots — this pattern is known as assortativity. This structural property might reflect their ecological niche preference or their ability to opportunistically colonize roots of plant species considered non symbiotic. Furthermore, these results are consistent with previous findings regarding the architecture of the gut microbiome network, where we also identified a high level of assortativity at the level of bacterial and fungal orders, suggesting the existence of general rules of microbiome assembly. Otherwise, the bacterial symbionts Rhizobiales and Frankiales covaried with other bacterial and fungal members, and were highly structural to the intra- and inter-kingdom networks. Our extensive co-occurrence network analysis of plant microbiota and study of symbiont assortativity, provided further evidence on the importance of bacterial and fungal symbionts in structuring the global plant microbiota network.
The Canadian Prospective Pragmatic Perilunate Outcomes (C3PO) Trial; A Protocol
Authors: Mitchell Eric C , Tottenham Isabelle , Grewal Ruby , Curran Matthew WT , White Neil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Perilunate spectrum injuries (PSI) are uncommon, but high-energy injuries that result in significant functional implications for patients. The existing literature on PSI is limited to small case-series and there are no evidence-based guidelines for management.
Methods
This manuscript outlines a protocol for a three-armed, national, multi-centre study, which includes a patient injury registry for PSI, as well as associated retrospective and prospective arms. The primary objective is to establish a national injury registry for patients who present with PSI. The secondary objectives are to examine the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of PSI, evaluate progression of these outcomes over time, and to examine the impact of specific operative and injury related factors on outcomes.
Discussion
This paper describes the protocol for a three-armed, multi-centre study of PSI. It outlines the rationale for the study as well as the relevant methodological details. An injury registry involving multiple centres is valuable given this is an uncommon injury with many potential variables affecting outcomes. Registry-based retrospective and prospective studies will benefit from the large clinical database provided by the registry and could be used to guide evidence-based treatment guidelines which are currently lacking in the literature.
Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04370626
Linkage between vertical coupling and storage flux: Insights from urban tall-tower eddy covariance measurement
Authors: Lan Changxing , Holst Christopher , Grünwald Thomas , Mauder Matthias 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The storage flux, corresponding to disequilibrium between observed flux and net surface emissions, poses a significant source of uncertainty in tower-based eddy covariance (EC) measurements over urban and forest ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the coupling between the urban inertial sub-layer (ISL) and roughness sub-layer (RSL) and its influence on nighttime storage flux, leveraging tower-EC together with collocated wind profile measurements. Our findings demonstrate that substantial storage flux occurs when turbulent kinetic energy accumulates within the RSL, indicating decoupling between ISL and RSL. With increasing wind speed, turbulent eddies generated by bulk wind shear directly interact with the surface, conducive to the recoupling between ISL and RSL and resulting in decreased storage flux. Conversely, when turbulent kinetic energy is not accumulated within the RSL, the storage flux remains low and relatively insensitive to wind speed. The derived diagnostic relation further confirms the predominant influence of stability and turbulent intensity gradient on regulating the storage flux. These results provide valuable insights as a complement to prior storage flux studies in forest ecosystems.
Contrast-enhanced CT-based deep radiomics strategy reveals the lymph node status in bladder cancer and its biological significance
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Liu Zixiao , Wang Yang , Tang Xing , Huang Haolin , Hu Wei , Liu Yang , Qin Weijun , Xu Xiaopan , Lu Hongbing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To precisely evaluate bladder cancer (BCa) lymph node (LN) status, we proposed a deep radiomics model that combines local and global information on the contrast-enhanced (CECT) images, and investigated the biological significance of image features for LN metastasis prediction.
Methods: Patients’ pretherapy CECT images with pathologically confirmed LN status of BCa were retrospectively collected from four clinical centers and publicly shared on TCIA. Radiomics models, deep learning models, and hybrid models integrating both radiomics and deep learning features with different classifiers were developed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis, Mann–Whitney U tests, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used for diagnostic performance evaluation. Finally, weighted correlation network analysis and functional enrichment analysis were adopted to determine the biological pathways significantly associated with these image features.
Results: Eighty patients were finally enrolled in this study. The hybrid model with support vector machine classifier obtained the best performance, with the sensitivity of 0.923 and area under the curve of 0.960 (95% CI: 0.884, 1.000) after 20-round 5-fold cross-validation, which significantly (p < 0.05) outperformed the other models for the LN metastasis prediction. DCA further showed great clinical benefit of the hybrid model for the prediction task. Additionally, Six biological pathways associated with immune inflammatory response, tumor transformation and lymphatic metastasis were significantly correlated with these image features for the LN status identification.
Conclusion: The hybrid model could achieve favorable sensitivity and precision for BCa LN metastasis prediction. Key biological pathways were closely associated with image features in the hybrid model for LN metastasis prediction.