bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the influence of gastrocnemius reconstruction on stress distribution of femoral tumor rotating hinge knee prosthesis via finite element analysis
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zeng Fanwei , Tang Xiaodong 
Published: April 2024

Background:After femoral oncological knee arthroplasty, some patients suffer from rotating axis fracture, which significantly impacts the life span of the rotating hinge knee (RHK) prosthesis. This research aimed to analyze the biomechanical response of anatomical gastrocnemius reconstruction and assess whether it could reduce the risk of rotating axis breakage by finite element (FE) analysis.Methods:A femur-prosthesis-tibia FE model was established using the data from CT scans. The mechanical properties of the RHK implant were quantitatively compared before and after gastrocnemius reconstruction at 6 angles: 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°.Results:Our results showed that gastrocnemius reconstruction effectively altered the stress distribution around the rotating axis, considerably relieving the stress in the fracture-prone region. In addition, the peak stress in the rotating axis, bending axis, prosthesis stem, and femoral condyles decreased variably.Conclusion:In distal femoral resection knee arthroplasty, the rebuilding of gastrocnemius substantially improved the stress distribution within the prosthesis, thereby having the potential to reduce the risk of prosthetic fracture and prolong the overall durability of the prosthesis.
Phenotypic and genomic characterisation of performance of tropically adapted chickens raised in smallholder farm conditions in Ethiopia
Authors: Morris Katrina M. , Sutton Kate , Girma Mekonnen , Sánchez-Molano Enrique , Solomon Bersabhe , Esatu Wondmeneh , Dessie Tadelle , Vervelde Lonneke , Psifidi Androniki , Hanotte Olivier , Banos Georgios 
Published: April 2024

Background:In sub-Saharan Africa, 80% of poultry production is on smallholder village farms, where chickens are typically reared outdoors in free-ranging conditions. There is limited knowledge on chickens’ phenotypic characteristics and genetics under these conditions.Objective:The present is a large-scale study set out to phenotypically characterise the performance of tropically adapted commercial chickens in typical smallholder farm conditions, and to examine the genetic profile of chicken phenotypes associated with growth, meat production, immunity, and survival.Methods:A total of 2,573 T451A dual-purpose Sasso chickens kept outdoors in emulated free-ranging conditions at the poultry facility of the International Livestock Research Institute in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, were included in the study. The chickens were raised in five equally sized batches and were individually monitored and phenotyped from the age of 56 days for 8 weeks. Individual chicken data collected included weekly body weight, growth rate, body and breast meat weight at slaughter, Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) titres and intestinal Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels recorded at the beginning and the end of the period of study, and survival rate during the same period. Genotyping by sequencing was performed on all chickens using a low-coverage and imputation approach. Chicken phenotypes and genotypes were combined in genomic association analyses.Results:We discovered that the chickens were phenotypically diverse, with extensive variance levels observed in all traits. Batch number and sex of the chicken significantly affected the studied phenotypes. Following quality assurance, genotypes consisted of 2.9 million Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers that were used in the genomic analyses. Results revealed a largely polygenic mode of genetic control of all phenotypic traits. Nevertheless, 15 distinct markers were identified that were significantly associated with growth, carcass traits, NDV titres, IgA levels, and chicken survival. These markers were located in regions harbouring relevant annotated genes.Conclusion:Results suggest that performance of chickens raised under smallholder farm conditions is amenable to genetic improvement and may inform selective breeding programmes for enhanced chicken productivity in sub-Saharan Africa.
The immune landscape of sepsis and using immune clusters for identifying sepsis endotypes
Authors: Tang Guoxing , Luo Ying , Song Huijuan , Liu Wei , Huang Yi , Wang Xiaochen , Zou Siyu , Sun Ziyong , Hou Hongyan , Wang Feng 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe dysregulated immune response to sepsis still remains unclear. Stratification of sepsis patients into endotypes based on immune indicators is important for the future development of personalized therapies. We aimed to evaluate the immune landscape of sepsis and the use of immune clusters for identifying sepsis endotypes.MethodsThe indicators involved in innate, cellular, and humoral immune cells, inhibitory immune cells, and cytokines were simultaneously assessed in 90 sepsis patients and 40 healthy controls. Unsupervised k-means cluster analysis of immune indicator data were used to identify patient clusters, and a random forest approach was used to build a prediction model for classifying sepsis endotypes.ResultsWe depicted that the impairment of innate and adaptive immunity accompanying increased inflammation was the most prominent feature in patients with sepsis. However, using immune indicators for distinguishing sepsis from bacteremia was difficult, most likely due to the considerable heterogeneity in sepsis patients. Cluster analysis of sepsis patients identified three immune clusters with different survival rates. Cluster 1 (36.7%) could be distinguished from the other clusters as being an “effector-type” cluster, whereas cluster 2 (34.4%) was a “potential-type” cluster, and cluster 3 (28.9%) was a “dysregulation-type” cluster, which showed the lowest survival rate. In addition, we established a prediction model based on immune indicator data, which accurately classified sepsis patients into three immune endotypes.ConclusionWe depicted the immune landscape of patients with sepsis and identified three distinct immune endotypes with different survival rates. Cluster membership could be predicted with a model based on immune data.
The time-dependent changes in serum immunoglobulin after kidney transplantation and its association with infection
Authors: Jo Eun-Ah , Min Sangil , Jo Ae jung , Han Ahram , Ha Jongwon , Song Eun Young , Lee Hajeong , Kim Yong Chul 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionKidney transplant recipients often experience significant alterations in their immune system, which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. This study aimed to analyze time-dependent changes in serum immunoglobulin and complement levels and determine the risk factors associated with infection.MethodsA retrospective analysis of serum samples from 192 kidney transplant recipients who received transplantations between August 2016 and December 2019 was conducted. The serum samples were obtained at preoperative baseline (T0), postoperative 2 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), and 1 year (T3). The levels of serum C3, C4, IgG, IgA, and IgM were measured to evaluate immune status over time.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant decreases in IgG and IgA levels at T1. This period was associated with the highest occurrence of hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG) and hypocomplementemia (HCC), as well as an increased incidence of severe infection requiring hospitalization and graft-related viral infections. Using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for time-varying confounders, HGG was significantly associated with an increased risk of infection requiring hospitalization (HR, 1.895; 95% CI: 1.871–1.920, P-value&lt;0.001) and graft-related viral infection (HR, 1.152; 95% CI: 1.144–1.160, P-value&lt;0.001).DiscussionThe findings suggest that monitoring serum immunoglobulin levels post-transplant provides valuable insights into the degree of immunosuppression. Hypogammaglobulinemia during the early post-transplant period emerges as a critical risk factor for infection, indicating that serum immunoglobulins could serve as feasible biomarkers for assessing infection risk in kidney transplant recipients.
Incidence and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a population-based study
Authors: Yoon Bora , Sa Ho-Seok , Kim Hwa Jung 
Published: April 2024

Background and objectiveThe association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Parkinson’ disease (PD) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence of AMD in patients with PD, elucidate differences by age and sex, and investigate potential risk factors for AMD.MethodsData were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance System database, which covers 97% of the Korean population (2002 through 2019). We calculated the incidence of newly diagnosed AMD in patients with PD and used Cox proportional-hazards models to estimate risk factors for AMD, presenting adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOf 172,726 patients with PD, 15,800 were newly diagnosed with AMD during the follow-up, including 5,624 men and 10,176 women. The overall incidence of AMD in patients with PD was 13.59 per 1,000 person-years. Stratified by age group and sex, the incidence was higher in women aged 40–69, and conversely higher in men aged 70–89. Risk of AMD was high in older age groups (aHR = 4.36, 95% CI: 3.74–5.09 in the 70 s), female sex (aHR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04–1.11), patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (aHR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.10–1.18), and patients with hyperlipidemia (aHR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.13–1.21).ConclusionOur findings suggest that the AMD incidence is higher in patients with PD than in the general population, with varying patterns of sex differences across age groups. Particularly, old age, female sex, presence of DM, and hyperlipidemia are potential risk factors. Therefore, clinicians should pay greater attention to AMD in patients with PD.
Interaction of functionalized graphene with cellular membranes: an in silico investigation of graphene-based nanovehicle toward biomedical applications
Authors: Gholami Maryam , Zaboli Ameneh , Hashemzadeh Hassan , Shirshahi Vahid 
Published: April 2024

Nanomaterials, especially graphene derivatives, have become major tools in the biomedical area. Understanding the way that graphene interacts with component elements of biological systems, like biological membranes, is critical for the development of successful biomedical applications. The interaction mechanism of graphene sheets with a model cell membrane was investigated in this study using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations under three different conditions: pristine graphene (PG), carboxyl group-functionalized graphene (G-COOH), and amine group-functionalized graphene (G-NH2). The MD simulations demonstrated that functional groups on graphene surfaces improve their interaction with the head groups of the membrane. In 200 nanoseconds, PG reached equilibrium outside and near the phospholipid membrane. G-NH2 was positioned away from the model membrane’s surface, while G-COOH and G-NH2 also achieved equilibrium outside the membrane. It was shown by molecular dynamics simulations that after 200 ns, all three systems had attained their stable states. Crucially, it is discovered that the kind of functional groups greatly affected how the nanoparticles and membrane interacted. Each and every nanocarrier has a strong propensity to break through the membrane. The van der Waals interaction energies for the PG, G-NH2, and G-COOH systems were further shown by the obtained data to be roughly −400.66, −397.52, and −876.36 kJ/mol, respectively. These results support the notion that G-COOH interacts with the model cell bilayer more strongly than PG and G-NH2. This work highlights the influence of functional groups on the interaction of graphene sheets with biological membranes, offering important insights into the equilibrium behavior and entry mechanism of graphene sheets in a model cell membrane.
Grid codes vs. multi-scale, multi-field place codes for space
Authors: Dietrich Robin , Waniek Nicolai , Stemmler Martin , Knoll Alois 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionRecent work on bats flying over long distances has revealed that single hippocampal cells have multiple place fields of different sizes. At the network level, a multi-scale, multi-field place cell code outperforms classical single-scale, single-field place codes, yet the performance boundaries of such a code remain an open question. In particular, it is unknown how general multi-field codes compare to a highly regular grid code, in which cells form distinct modules with different scales.MethodsIn this work, we address the coding properties of theoretical spatial coding models with rigorous analyses of comprehensive simulations. Starting from a multi-scale, multi-field network, we performed evolutionary optimization. The resulting multi-field networks sometimes retained the multi-scale property at the single-cell level but most often converged to a single scale, with all place fields in a given cell having the same size. We compared the results against a single-scale single-field code and a one-dimensional grid code, focusing on two main characteristics: the performance of the code itself and the dynamics of the network generating it.ResultsOur simulation experiments revealed that, under normal conditions, a regular grid code outperforms all other codes with respect to decoding accuracy, achieving a given precision with fewer neurons and fields. In contrast, multi-field codes are more robust against noise and lesions, such as random drop-out of neurons, given that the significantly higher number of fields provides redundancy. Contrary to our expectations, the network dynamics of all models, from the original multi-scale models before optimization to the multi-field models that resulted from optimization, did not maintain activity bumps at their original locations when a position-specific external input was removed.DiscussionOptimized multi-field codes appear to strike a compromise between a place code and a grid code that reflects a trade-off between accurate positional encoding and robustness. Surprisingly, the recurrent neural network models we implemented and optimized for either multi- or single-scale, multi-field codes did not intrinsically produce a persistent “memory” of attractor states. These models, therefore, were not continuous attractor networks.
Neutrophil extracellular trap biomarkers in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: early decline of DNase 1 activity associated with delayed cerebral ischemia
Authors: Hendrix Philipp , Witsch Jens , Spalart Valérie , Schneider Hauke , Oertel Joachim , Geisel Jürgen , Martinod Kimberly , Hemmer Sina 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionHigh-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a critical mediator of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (NETosis). Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA complexes, a biomarker of NETs, and HMGB1 have been associated with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Additional mechanistic NET-related biomarkers and their role in the neuroinflammatory cascade surrounding DCI remain to be explored.MethodsA post-hoc analysis of a prospective, blinded, single-center biomarker observational study was performed. De novo measurements of serum citrullinated histone H3-DNA complexes (H3Cit-DNA), peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), cell-free DNA (cf-DNA), and DNase 1 activity were conducted on admission (D0) and day 4 (D4). Delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) was defined as new cerebral infarction on CT head not present on the post-treatment scan.ResultsH3Cit-DNA, PAD4, cf-DNA, and DNase 1 activity were within quantifiable ranges in all serum samples analyzed at D0 and D4. Admission biomarker levels were not associated with DCI development. From D0 to D4, in both the DCI and the non-DCI groups, H3Cit-DNA levels significantly decreased, cf-DNA levels significantly increased, and PAD4 levels remained stable. In contrast, DNase 1 activity significantly decreased from D0 to D4 in the DCI group (p &lt; 0.001) but not in the non-DCI group.ConclusionThis exploratory analysis demonstrated NET-related biomarkers such as H3Cit-DNA, PAD4, cf-DNA, and DNase 1 activity in all aSAH patients. A decline of systemic DNase 1 activity in the early phase might increase the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia.
Real-world data of tenecteplase vs. alteplase in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: a single-center analysis
Authors: Yao Yu , Wu Yuefei , Zhang Xiaoqin , Liu Chang , Cai Lingling , Ying Yisha , Yang Jianhong 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThis retrospective observational cohort study aimed to evaluate whether tenecteplase’s use for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has time management advantages and clinical benefits.Methods144 AIS patients treated with alteplase and 120 with tenecteplase were included. We compared baseline clinical characteristics, key reperfusion therapy time indices [onset-to-treatment time (OTT), door-to-needle time (DNT), and door-to-puncture time (DPT)] and clinical outcomes (24-h post-thrombolysis NIHSS improvement, and intracranial hemorrhage incidence) between the groups using univariate analysis. We assessed hospital stay durations and used binary logistic regression to examine tenecteplase’s association with DNT and DPT target times, NIHSS improvement, and intracranial hemorrhage.ResultsBaseline characteristics showed no significant differences except hyperlipidemia and atrial fibrillation. OTT (133 vs. 163.72, p = 0.001), DNT (36.5 vs. 50, p &lt; 0.001) and DPT (117 vs. 193, p = 0.002) were significantly faster in the tenecteplase group. The rates of DNT ≤ 45 min (65.83% vs. 40.44%, p &lt; 0.001) and DPT ≤ 120 min (59.09% vs. 13.79%, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the tenecteplase group. Tenecteplase was an independent predictor of achieving target DNT (OR 2.951, 95% CI 1.732–5.030; p &lt; 0.001) and DPT (OR 7.867, 95% CI 1.290–47.991; p = 0.025). Clinically, the proportion NIHSS improvement 24 h post-thrombolysis was higher in the tenecteplase group (64.17% vs. 50%, p = 0.024). No significant differences were observed in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) or any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Patients receiving tenecteplase had shorter hospital stays (6 vs. 8 days, p &lt; 0.001). Tenecteplase was an independent predictor of NIHSS improvement at 24 h (OR 1.715, 95% CI 1.011–2.908; p = 0.045). There was no significant association between thrombolytic choice and sICH or any ICH.ConclusionTenecteplase significantly reduced DNT and DPT. It was associated with early neurological function improvement (at 24 h), without compromising safety compared to alteplase. The findings support tenecteplase’s application in AIS.
Clinical features of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with seizures: a systematic literature review
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Ling Ling , Xiang Lei , Li Wenxia , Bao Pengnan , Yue Wei 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundInfant, junior, and adult patients with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) present with various types of seizures. We aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on the clinical characteristics of NIID with seizures to provide novel insight for early diagnosis and treatment and to improve prognosis of these patients.MethodsWe used keywords to screen articles related to NIID and seizures, and data concerning the clinical characteristics of patients, including demographic features, disease characteristics of the seizures, treatment responses, imaging examinations, and other auxiliary examination results were extracted.ResultsThe included studies comprised 21 patients with NIID with seizures. The most common clinical phenotypes were cognitive impairment (76.20%) and impaired consciousness (57.14%), and generalized onset motor seizures (46.15%) represented the most common type. Compared with infantile and juvenile cases, the use of antiepileptic drugs in adults led to significant seizure control and symptom improvement, in addition to providing a better prognosis. The number of GGC sequence repeats in the NOTCH2NLC gene in six NIID patients with seizures who underwent genetic testing ranged 72–134.ConclusionThe most common clinical phenotypes in patients with NIID with seizures were cognitive impairment and consciousness disorders. Patients with NIID presented with various types of seizures, with the most common being generalized onset motor seizures. Adult patients had a better prognosis and were relatively stable. The early diagnosis of NIID with seizures is of great significance for treatment and to improve prognosis.
Dietary intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in semi-professional female soccer players: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Modena Alessandro , Casiraghi Maria Cristina , Erba Daniela 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAdequate energy and nutrient intakes in athletes contribute to optimal performance and recovery, decrease the risk of injury, and help preserve athletes’ health. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered suitable for covering the nutritional needs of athletes, while contributing to improve eating habits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the energy and nutrient intakes of semi-professional female soccer players and their adherence to the MD, during the competitive season.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted on twenty-three female soccer players, who were invited to fill in a 3-day food diary twice, one month apart, to assess their energy and nutrient intakes and a validated questionnaire (MEDI-LITE) to evaluate their adherence to MD. Exercise energy expenditure during three training and match-play days was monitored by GPS.ResultsOn average, the participants consumed 1,981 kcal/day, with 44% of their energy deriving from carbohydrates, 21% from protein, and 34% from fat; the mean MD adherence score was 10.1 ± 1.8, corresponding to a good MD adherence. A substantial percentage of athletes were at risk of insufficient nutrient intakes for vitamin D (100%), iodine (87%), potassium (87%), vitamin E (39%), iron and zinc (17 and 30%, respectively).ConclusionThe evaluation of the dietary intake in female soccer players showed energy deficiency in relation to training level, mainly due to the insufficient intake of carbohydrates, and micronutrient deficiencies. The technical staff should promote adequate consumption of starchy foods in female athletes and emphasize the importance of a proper distribution of energy intake among different eating occasions, including snacks. Periodic monitoring of the nutritional status of micronutrients (vitamin D and some minerals) could help reduce deficiency risk. Over all, nutrition education to improve eating habits of athletes seems worthy of attention, in order to preserve athletes’ health and performance.