bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for immunological non-responder in HIV/AIDS combined with Amphetamine abuse: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Tao , Liu Jun Jun , Li Zuoliang , Wang Shoujun , Zhang Su , Zhou Xin , Ren Yulan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background:
Amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) abuse is strongly associated with an elevated risk of HIV infection and transmission. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) serves as the primary approach for managing HIV infection and AIDS progression. However, ATS abuse diminishes the efficacy of ART in HIV/AIDS patients, amplifying the vulnerability to immunological non-response (INR) and ultimately increasing the incidence rate and mortality of opportunistic infections. Currently, no effective interventions targeting INR exist. Acupuncture has demonstrated promise in bidirectionally modulating the body's immune response and may be beneficial for INR in HIV/AIDS combined with ATS abuse. Nevertheless, further research and comprehensive evaluation are imperative to substantiate these findings.
Methods:
This study is a two-center, randomized, non-acupoint controlled, single-blind clinical trial. It will be conducted in two large drug rehabilitation centers in western China, involving 114 INR patients receiving ART. The participants will be randomly assigned to either the Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) + ART group or the sham-TEAS + ART group, in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive a 48-week treatment. The primary outcome measure assessed after treatment is the CD4 + T cell count. Secondary outcome measures include the immune reconstitution efficiency of HIV patients, CD4/CD8 ratio, CD4 + CD45RA + and CD4 + CD45RO + counts, CD4 + CD28 + counts, CD4 + CD38 + and CD8 + CD38 + counts, CD4 + ki67 + and CD8 + ki67 + counts, the incidence of opportunistic infections, and the HIV/AIDS PRO scale. Adverse events occurring during the study observation period will be documented.
Discussion
This study will investigate the effect of TEAS on immune reconstitution in patients with amphetamine abuse and HIV infection.
Trial registration
Registered on October 7, 2023 at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR 23000776363.
Can Extensive Resection of Butterfly Glioblastomas Prolong Life Expectancy and Quality? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hekimoglu Mehdi , Basak Ahmet Tulgar , Ozer Hıdır , Akgun Mehmet Yigit , Ozgen Utku , Cerezci Onder , Yıldız Gizem , Maleki Raha , Oktenoğlu Tunc , Ozer Ali Fahir , Sasani Mehdi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The retrospective cohort study, spanning from 2014 to 2022, aimed to assess the effects of extensive surgical resection on patients diagnosed with butterfly glioblastomas (B-GBM). Encompassing 723 GBM patients, among whom 41 met the IDH wild-type B-GBM criteria, the study's methodology involved the classification of surgical cases into two groups of partial and extensive surgery that were performed by two different surgeons. Various factors such as age, sex, tumor location, and corpus callosum involvement were considered during the categorization process. Extensive resection yielded significantly longer time to recurrence/tumor-free period (TR/TFP) and overall survival (OS) when contrasted with partial resection. Despite the association of TERT gene mutation and EGFR amplification with shorter TR/TFP and OS, the findings underscore the potential of extensive surgical resection in enhancing the quality of life and extending TR/TFP for B-GBM patients, even in the context of adverse gene mutations. Notably, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores indicated a superior quality of life post-extensive resection, with sustained improvement observed even upon recurrence. However, extensive resection's impact on OS was not statistically significant; nevertheless, it notably augmented TR/TFP.
A partitioned polygenic risk score reveals distinct contributions to psoriasis clinical phenotypes across a multi-racial cohort
Authors: Orcales Faye , Kumar Sugandh , Bui Audrey , Johnson Chandler , Liu Jared , Huang Zhi-Ming , Liao Wilson 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with a polygenic mode of inheritance. There are few studies that explore the association of a psoriasis Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) with patient clinical characteristics, and to our knowledge there are no studies examining psoriasis PRS associations across different races. In this study, we used a multi-racial psoriasis cohort to investigate PRS associations with clinical phenotypes including age of onset, psoriatic arthritis, other comorbidities, psoriasis body location, psoriasis subtype, environmental triggers, and response to therapies. We collected patient data and Affymetrix genome-wide SNP data from a cohort of 607 psoriasis patients and calculated an 88-loci PRS (PRS-ALL), also partitioned between genetic loci within the HLA region (PRS-HLA; 11 SNPS) and loci outside the HLA region (PRS-NoHLA; 77 SNPS). We used t-test and logistic regression to analyze the association of PRS with clinical phenotypes. We found that PRS-HLA and PRS-noHLA had differing effects on psoriasis age of onset, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis located on the ears, genitals, nails, soles of feet, skin folds, and palms, skin injury as an environmental trigger, cardiovascular comorbidities, and response to phototherapy. In some cases these PRS associations were race specific. Overall, these results show that the genetic basis for clinical manifestations of psoriasis are driven by distinct HLA and non-HLA effects, and that these PRS associations can be dependent on race.
Relationship between rehabilitation duration, functional independence measure performance index, and health-related quality of life in stroke survivors in Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Muranaka Junichiro , Sasada Satoshi , Ikeda Kohei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the relationship between the duration of rehabilitation of stroke survivors and the functional independence measure (FIM) performance index and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
Methods
The study included stroke patients from 66 medical institutions in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan who were admitted to and discharged from convalescent rehabilitation wards. Data on the FIM and HRQOL scores and duration of rehabilitation at discharge were collected for analysis, which included correlation analysis and statistical tests for differences.
Results
The study analysed data from 160 participants (103 men and 57 women), with the results showing that an extended rehabilitation duration had a negative effect on the FIM performance index and HRQOL (correlation between rehabilitation duration and FIM performance index :r= -0.43, P < 0.01; correlation between rehabilitation duration and HRQOL:r= -0.26, P < 0.01). Conversely, a small but significant positive correlation was observed between the FIM gain and the EQ-5D-5L HRQOL measure (r = 0.34, P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The study findings suggest that excessively prolonged rehabilitation may adversely affect FIM performance index and HRQOL in stroke survivors, highlighting the importance of optimizing rehabilitation duration to improve outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.
Purpureocillium Lilacinum-Related Endophthalmitis: Case Report
Authors: Ros-Sánchez Elena , Oliver-Gutierrez David , Buck Paul , Goncharova Tetiana , Distefano Laura , Kirkegaard Eric 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
To report a case of Purpureocillium lilacinum endophthalmitis
METHODS
The case of a fungal endophthalmitis caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum documented in an immunocompetent patient with no apparent trigger.
RESULTS
A 64-year-old male with a two-month history of panuveitis in his left eye was referred to our hospital. Initially misdiagnosed as sympathetic ophthalmia due to a previous surgery on his right eye 4 months before the onset of the left ocular picture, the patient received corticosteroid treatment, leading to a rapid deterioration of the left eye condition. An urgent exploratory vitrectomy was performed to identify the underlying cause, revealing endophthalmitis. Microbiological investigation yielded Purpureocillium lilacinum as the causative agent. Despite intensive treatment, including intravitreal antibiotics and antifungals, along with another surgical intervention, clinical evolution remained unfavourable, ultimately leading to the evisceration of the affected eye.
CONCLUSIONS
Purpureocillium lilacinum poses a rare yet sever threat as a causative agent of fungal endophthalmitis. Managing such cases is challenging due to the delayed identification, fungus’s resistance to common antifungals, and its association with prior corticosteroid misuse in most patients. This case underscores the crucial importance of heightened clinical suspicion, early diagnosis, and the exploration of alternative treatment strategies in addressing Purpureocillium lilacinum endophthalmitis. The challenges posed by this rare fungal pathogen emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach and continued research to improve outcomes in these complex cases.
Patient and Parental Satisfaction Following Treatment of Anterior Crossbite in Mixed Dentition: A Comparative Study of cemented lower inclined plane (CLIP) and removable anterior expansion screw (RAES)
Authors: ElKhatib Amira , Gad Asser 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior crossbite in mixed dentition is one of the problems that require early intervention aiming at stimulating well balance growth and occlusal development.
Aim: of the comparative study was to assess patient and parental satisfaction following the treatment of anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition using: cemented lower inclined plane (CLIP) and removable anterior expansion screw (RAES).
Methods: Thirty-four children (17 per group) who had received either CLIP or RAES for the correction of anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition. Patient and parental satisfaction was assessed using a validated questionnaire, which included items related to treatment experience, and overall satisfaction. Statistical analysis: Fisher’s exact or χ2 test, for categorical variables, and a two-sample Wilcoxon rank sum (Mann–Whitney) test for continuous data were performed to investigation differences between the two groups.
Results: In terms of treatment duration, RAES appliance, with most participants who received RAES appliance reported that the treatments lasted longer than expected compared to the CLIP (p-value: <0.001). Parents reported that RAES appliances were more enjoyable to wear by children. Regarding functional improvement, both groups reported similar levels of satisfaction. (CLIP: 94%, RAES: 92%). Overall, patient satisfaction was comparable between the two study arms.
Conclusion: Both CLIP and RAES treatment modalities were effective in the treatment of anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition, and showed high levels of patient and parental satisfaction. CLIP was notably perceived as a more painful intervention than RAES.
A Data-Efficient Hierarchical Deep Learning Approach for Diagnosing Impacted Canine-Induced Root Resorption via Cone-beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Pirayesh Zeynab , Mohammad-Rahimi Hossein , Motamedian Saeed Reza , Afshar Sepehr Amini , Abbasi Reza , Rohban Mohammad Hossein , Mahdian Mina , Ahsaie Mitra Ghazizadeh , Alamdari Mina Iranparvar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Impacted canines can cause canine-induced root resorption (CIRR), potentially leading to root resorption and even incisor loss. The aim of this study was to usedeep learning to automatically evaluate the diagnosis of CIRR in maxillary incisors more accurately using CBCT images.
Methods: A total of 50 CBCT images and 176 incisors were selected for the present study. The maxillary incisors were manually segmented from the CBCT images and labeled by two independent radiologists as either healthy or having root resorption induced by the impacted canines. We used five different strategies for training the model: A) classification using 3D ResNet50 (Baseline), B) classification of the segmented masks using the outcome of a 3D U-Net pretrained on the 3D MNIST, C) training a 3D U-Net for the segmentation task and use its outputs for classification, D) pretraining a 3D U-Net for the segmentation and transfer of the model, and E) pretraining a 3D U-Net for the segmentation and fine-tuning the model with only the model encoder. The segmentation models were evaluated using the mean intersection over union (mIoU) and Dice coefficient. The classification models were evaluated in terms of classification accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score.
Results: The segmentation model achieved a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 0.641 and a Dice coefficient of 0.901, indicating good performance in segmenting the tooth structures from the CBCT images. For the main classification task of detecting canine-induced root resorption (CIRR), Model C (classification of the segmented masks using 3D ResNet) and Model E (pretraining on segmentation followed by fine-tuning for classification) performed the best, both achieving 82% classification accuracy and 0.62 F1-scores on the test set. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical, data-efficient deep learning approaches in improving the accuracy of automated CIRR diagnosis from limited CBCT data compared to the 3D ResNet baseline model.
Conclusion: The proposed approaches are effective at improving the accuracy of classification tasks and are helpful when the diagnosis is based on the volume and boundaries of an object. The study demonstrated that the proposed approaches improve the accuracy of medical image classification tasks.
Single-centre results of a randomised controlled trial comparing the Gamma3 nail and a sliding hip screw to treat AO type 31-A1 and 31-A2 trochanteric fractures
Authors: Hempel Eva Katharina , Wendlandt Robert , Unger Andreas , Frese Jasper , Wilde Erik , Schulz Arndt Peter 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose The primary goal of this randomised controlled trial was to investigate whether there are differences in the outcome between the Gamma3 nail and a sliding hip screw (SHS) regarding quality of life 1 year after surgery.Methods In a controlled randomised trial, we compared the Gamma3 nail (Stryker) and a SHS in the treatment of 193 patients with pertrochanteric fractures. The follow-up period was 12 months. The outcomes included the surgical duration, health-related quality of life, measured with the EQ-5D Index and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the living situation and use of walking aid before trauma and 52 weeks after surgery; the Parker Mobility Score; the Harris Hip Score; and the revision, complication and mortality rates.Results The Gamma3 group had a significantly shorter surgical duration than the SHS group (p < 0.0001). Implant-related complications were significantly lower in the Gamma3 group (p > 0.05). The revision rate was significantly lower in the Gamma3 group based on intention-to-treat (p = 0.0336) as well as as-treated (p = 0.0302) analyses. Otherwise, we did not find significant difference between the two groups regarding the EQ-5D Index and VAS scores, the Parker Mobility Score, the Harris Hip Score, the mortality rate, the use of walking aids and the living situation.Conclusion There were no detectable differences between the groups in terms of quality of life and clinical scores 12 months after surgery. The surgical duration and revision rate were superior for the Gamma3 group.
The ATP-P2X signaling pathway mediates the effect of electroacupuncture on excessive bladder detrusor muscle contraction in a rat model of neurogenic bladder
Authors: Liu Qiong , Xu Ming , Zhan Li-Fen , Qu Qi-Rui , Tang Li-Ya , Zhuo Yue , Deng Shi-Feng , Zhang Hong , Liu Xia , Ai Kun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Neurogenic bladder (NB) is a type of neurological bladder dysfunction characterized by increased detrusor muscle contraction. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-P2X receptor signaling plays a role in muscle contraction. This study aimed to explore whether ATP-P2X signaling is involved in the mechanism through which electroacupuncture (EA) affects excessive detrusor muscle contraction in NB.
Methods: Forty rats were divided into CON, NB, SHAM, PPADS (a P2X1/2 receptor antagonist), and EA groups. The NB model was induced using the modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method. After one week of EA treatment, urodynamic tests were used to assess bladder function, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to evaluate morphological changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure ATP concentrations, and Western blotting was used to analyze the protein levels of P2X1, P2X2, phosphorylated myosin light chain kinase (p-MLCK), and phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC).
Results: NB treatment led to morphological abnormalities, impaired urodynamics, increased ATP/P2X1/P2X2/p-MLC levels (P<0.01), and decreased p-MLCK protein levels (P<0.01). Both EA and the P2X1/2 receptor antagonist reversed these changes induced by NB dysfunction (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the ATP-P2X signaling pathway is involved in the therapeutic effect of EA on excessive detrusor contraction in a rat model of NB.
Reliable unit strength correlations to predict the compressive strength of grouted concrete masonry
Authors: Thamboo Julian , Sathurshan Mathavanayakam , Zahra Tatheer 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Compressive strength of grouted concrete masonry is an important parameter to design reinforced/grouted concrete masonry walls. The design standards stipulate two methods to determine the compressive strength of masonry (1) using tabulated unit strength and mortar type, and (2) testing representative masonry prisms. The compressive strength prediction of grouted concrete masonry is influenced by compressive strength characteristics of hollow blocks, mortar and grout used. Due to insufficient test data, research in this area is limited. Therefore, a multi-level approach was employed in this study to improve the existing unit strength correlations of the standards for more accurate prediction of compressive strengths of grouted concrete masonry. Initially, the existing methods to determine the compressive strength of grouted masonry were critically appraised and a database of compression tests of grouted concrete masonry prisms/wallettes was developed. This database was then used to evaluate the correlations between the compressive strengths of block, mortar, grout and masonry. The applicability of existing unit strength correlations from the design standards and literature were assessed and their relevancy and limitations are highlighted. Subsequently, updated sets of unit strength correlations are proposed in this study, through statistical reliability analyses of the predictions against the experimental results included in the database. The proposed unit strength correlations were classified according to the mortar type/strengths (≤ 10 MPa and > 10 MPa). It has been shown that the new correlations are more reliable than the existing unit strength correlations through comparing the 95th percentile error values.
Paeoniflorin inhibiting the angiogenesis via decreasing MEF2A level to downregulate the expression of LncRNA MALAT1 of exosomes in multiple myeloma
Authors: Fu Jiaqi , Zhang Jie , Sun Runjie , Yu Manya , Wu Muyun , Cui Xing , wang junqiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Angiogenesis is a pivotal mechanism driving tumor proliferation, and the epigenetic regulation of angiogenesis represents a cutting-edge area of current research in multiple myeloma (MM).
Methods
High-throughput sequencing was carried out to detect the cargos of exosomes from clinical serum and U266 cells, then GSE5900 database was analysed for the finding of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The intersect set was made based on the three gene sets. The clinical features of Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1)were verified through GEO and clinicopathological data analyses. Cell viability, tube formation assay, level of MALAT1 and VEGFA were used to evaluate the effect of U266 exosome pretreated with or without paeoniflorin (PF) on angiogenesis in HUVEC cells. Subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice were established by injection U266 cells and exosomes derived from U266 cells which pretreated with or without PF. Tumor size, HE staining, analysis of MALAT1 and VEGFA levels, as well as IHC staining for VEGFA, CD31, and Ki67 were performed to evaluate the in vivo effects of PF. The interactions between MALAT1, VEGFA, and microRNAs were demonstrated. Furthermore, network pharmacology was employed to predict transcription factors (TF) associated with MALAT1 and analyze the binding sites between PF and these transcription factors. The validation of PF effect on TF was conducted.
Results
Clinical studies indicated a notable positive correlation between MALAT1 level and VEGFA, CD31 expression,moreover, the high MALAT1 level is closely related to poor prognosis of MM. We demonstrated that MALAT1 was the highest expression linear RNA in U266 exosomes and could be transported to HUVEC cells through exosomes, promoting HUVEC cells differentiation and angiogenesis by stimulating VEGFA expression, and the tube formation could be blocked if we knockout the MALAT1 in U266 exosome. It was also proved that this pathological process can be blocked by PF in vitro and in vivo experiments.The ceRNA mechanism in MALAT1/miR-17/VEGFA was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. The docking site was determined between PF and MEF2A of MALAT1, then the effect of PF on MEF2A/MALAT1 was confirmed by WB or PCR test.
Conclusion
To summarize, our study revealed that myeloma cells can increase the angiogenesis by release exosome to influence the endothelial cells. The MALAT1 from myeloma cells is the crucial factor in this pathological process. PF can obstruct this process by intervene the MEF2A/MALAT1 in myeloma cells.
Upright CT-based evaluation of the effects of posture on skull-base reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal surgery
Authors: Takahara Kento , Mizutani Katsuhiro , Yamada Yoshitake , Yamada Minoru , Yokoyama Yoichi , Yoshida Keisuke , Kosugi Kenzo , Ueda Ryo , Toda Masahiro , Jinzaki Masahiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common complication associated with endoscopic endonasal skull-base surgery (EESBS). Postoperative mobilization-associated postural changes are considered to cause CSF leakage. However, no study has demonstrated a robust relationship between postural changes and CSF leakage. We used upright computed tomography (CT) to clarify the effects of postural changes on the reconstructed skull base (RSB) after EESBS. Thirty patients who underwent EESBS at our institution were prospectively included, and their upright and supine CTs were compared to measure morphological changes in the RSB. Patient clinical data were also collected from medical charts and surgical videos, and their relationships with morphological changes were assessed. In upright CTs, the RSB shifted intracranially by 0.94 (0.0–2.9) mm on average. This shift was larger in cases with lesions extending to the sphenoid sinus, dural defects, intraoperative pulsation of the RSB, and large bone windows. The direction of the change was opposite to intuitive movement driven by gravity because of reduced intracranial pressure in the sitting position. Thus, these shifts can be directly associated with postoperative CSF leakage caused by reconstruction material displacement. Skull-base reconstruction and postoperative postural management accounting for these morphological changes may be necessary for preventing CSF leakage.