bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An analysis of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios with six-month prognosis after cerebral contusions
Authors: Zhang Dangui , Zhuang Dongzhou , Li Tian , Liu Xueer , Zhang Zelin , Zhu Lihong , Tian Fei , Chen Xiaoxuan , Li Kangsheng , Chen Weiqiang , Sheng Jiangtao 
Published: March 2024

Background and purposeNeutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) have been identified as potential prognostic markers in various conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes of NLR and MLR following cerebral contusion and their associations with six-month outcomes.MethodsRetrospective data were collected from January 2016 to April 2020, including patients diagnosed with cerebral contusion and discharged from two teaching-oriented tertiary hospitals in Southern China. Patient demographics, clinical manifestations, laboratory test results (neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts) obtained at admission, 24 hours, and one week after cerebral contusion, as well as outcomes, were analyzed. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) of 0-3 at six months. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of prognosis, while receiver characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff values for NLR and MLR.ResultsA total of 552 patients (mean age 47.40, SD 17.09) were included, with 73.19% being male. Higher NLR at one-week post-cerebral contusion (adjusted OR = 4.19, 95%CI, 1.16 - 15.16, P = 0.029) and higher MLR at admission and at 24 h (5.80, 1.40 - 24.02, P = 0.015; 9.06, 1.45 - 56.54, P = 0.018, respectively) were significantly associated with a 6-month unfavorable prognosis after adjustment for other risk factors by multiple logistic regression. The NLR at admission and 24 hours, as well as the MLR at one week, were not significant predictors for a 6-month unfavorable prognosis. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal thresholds of NLR at 1 week and MLR at admission after cerebral contusion that best discriminated a unfavorable outcome at 6-month were 6.39 (81.60% sensitivity and 70.73% specificity) and 0.76 (55.47% sensitivity and 78.26% specificity), respectively.ConclusionNLR measured one week after cerebral contusion and MLR measured at admission may serve as predictive markers for a 6-month unfavorable prognosis. These ratios hold potential as parameters for risk stratification in patients with cerebral contusion, complementing established biomarkers in diagnosis and treatment. However, further prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings.
Long-term analysis of humoral responses and spike-specific T cell memory to Omicron variants after different COVID-19 vaccine regimens
Authors: Ho Chia-Lo , Yen Li-Chen , Huang Hong-Wei , Lu Chun-Chi , Hung Yi-Jen , Liao Ching-Len , Hung Chin-Mao , Chiu Kuo-Chou 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns about the sustainability of vaccine-induced immunity. Little is known about the long-term humoral responses and spike-specific T cell memory to Omicron variants, with specific attention to BA.4/5, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.MethodsWe assessed immune responses in 50 uninfected individuals who received varying three-dose vaccination combinations (2X AstraZeneca + 1X Moderna, 1X AstraZeneca + 2X Moderna, and 3X Moderna) against wild-type (WT) and Omicron variants at eight months post-vaccination. The serum antibody titers were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and neutralizing activities were examined by pseudovirus and infectious SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assays. T cell reactivities and their memory phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry.ResultsWe found that RBD-specific antibody titers, neutralizing activities, and CD4+ T cell reactivities were reduced against Omicron variants compared to WT. In contrast, CD8+ T cell responses, central memory, effector memory, and CD45RA+ effector memory T cells remained unaffected upon stimulation with the Omicron peptide pool. Notably, CD4+ effector memory T cells even exhibited a higher proportion of reactivity against Omicron variants. Furthermore, participants who received three doses of the Moderna showed a more robust response regarding neutralization and CD8+ T cell reactions than other three-dose vaccination groups.ConclusionReduction of humoral and CD4+ T cell responses against Omicron variants in vaccinees suggested that vaccine effectiveness after eight months may not have sufficient protection against the new emerging variants, which provides valuable information for future vaccination strategies such as receiving BA.4/5 or XBB.1-based bivalent vaccines.
The Prescription trends and dosing appropriateness analysis of novel oral anticoagulants in ischemic stroke patients: a retrospective study of 9 cities in China
Authors: Wu Mingfen , Jiang Hailun , Yu Kefu , Zhao Zhigang , Zhu Bin 
Published: March 2024

Background: Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been recommended by guidelines as the first-line drugs for preventing cardiogenic stroke. We aimed to provide an overview of the prescription trends and dosing appropriateness of NOACs in China.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of NOAC prescriptions using the Hospital Prescription Analysis Cooperation Project data from 2016 to 2022. Various patient features, such as gender, age, city, year, source, department visited, original diagnosis, dosing, cost, and insurance type, were collected and analyzed to examine the trends and dosing appropriateness of NOAC usage in ischemic stroke patients.Results: 62,014 NOAC prescriptions were analyzed, including 16,602 for dabigatran, 45,253 for rivaroxaban, and 159 for apixaban. 85.14% of the patients were aged 65 or above, and tertiary hospitals accounted for 95.97% of NOAC prescriptions. NOAC prescriptions rose from 1828 in 2016 to 13,998 in 2021 but dropped to 13,166 in 2022. The percentage of annual prescriptions for NOACs among stroke patients has increased from 0.05% in 2016 to 0.37% in 2022. Total drug cost increased from ¥704541.18 in 2016 to ¥4128648.44 in 2021, then decreased to ¥1680109.14 in 2022. Prescriptions were divided into 48,321 appropriate and 11,262 inappropriate dosing groups, showing significant differences in medications, age, year, city type, hospital level, source, insurance type, and department visited (all p &lt; 0.001). The median drug cost for inappropriate dosing was higher than for appropriate dosing (¥55.20 VS ¥83.80). The top comorbidities in ischemic stroke patients were atrial fibrillation (35.30%), hypertension (32.75%), and coronary heart disease (16.48%).Conclusion: The application of NOACs in the Chinese population is increasing. Our findings highlight the frequent deviation from labeled dosing of NOACs in clinical practice. Continued efforts are necessary to promote the appropriate use of NOACs according to the standard dosage in the drug insert.
Antiretroviral drugs from multiple classes induce loss of excitatory synapses between hippocampal neurons in culture
Authors: McMullan Hannah M. , Gansemer Benjamin M. , Thayer Stanley A. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs have improved prognoses for people living with HIV. However, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist despite undetectable viral loads. Some ARVs have been linked to neuropsychiatric effects that may contribute to HAND. Synapse loss correlates with cognitive decline in HAND and synaptic deficits may contribute to the neuropsychiatric effects of ARV drugs.Methods: Using an automated high content assay, rat hippocampal neurons in culture expressing PSD95-eGFP to label glutamatergic synapses and mCherry to fill neuronal structures were imaged before and after treatment with 25 clinically used ARVs.Results and Discussion: At a concentration of 10 μM the protease inhibitors nelfinavir and saquinavir, the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors etravirine and the 8-OH metabolite of efavirenz, the integrase inhibitor bictegravir, and the capsid inhibitor lenacapavir produced synaptic toxicity. Only lenacapavir produced synapse loss at the nanomolar concentrations estimated free in the plasma, although all 4 ARV drugs induced synapse loss at Cmax. Evaluation of combination therapies did not reveal synergistic synaptic toxicity. Synapse loss developed fully by 24 h and persisted for at least 3 days. Bictegravir-induced synapse loss required activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and bictegravir, etravirine, and lenacapavir produced synapse loss by an excitotoxic mechanism. These results indicate that select ARV drugs might contribute to neuropsychiatric effects in combination with drugs that bind serum proteins or in disease states in which synaptic function is altered. The high content imaging assay used here provides an efficient means to evaluate new drugs and drug combinations for potential CNS toxicity.
Acute response in circulating microRNAs following a single bout of short-sprint and heavy strength training in well-trained cyclists
Authors: Ryningen Anita , Rostad Kari , Ersvær Elisabeth , Sjøholt Gry , Paulsen Gøran , Gundersen Hilde , Kristoffersen Morten , Bjørkhaug Lise 
Published: March 2024

Background: Heavy strength (HS) and short-sprint (SS) are commonly used training methods for competitive road cyclists, with the aim to improve the anaerobic power and short time cycling performance. Knowledge of how such training methods affects biochemical as well as molecular factors, are particularly important for determining individual recovery and long-term adaptations. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the expression levels of small non-coding RNAs in response to HS and SS training in elite cyclists as potential biomarkers for individual optimal restitution time.Methods: Eleven well trained cyclists performed one session of HS training and one session of SS training on separate days. Blood samples were taken at baseline and 5 min, 1 h and 21 h post training. Along with physiological measurements and biochemical factors (serum creatine kinase, myoglobin, human growth hormone and plasma lactate), real-time quantitative PCR was used to explore whether HS and/or SS training influenced the abundance of 24 circulating miRNAs, in serum, associated with muscle development, angiogenesis, and/or inflammation.Results: Based on complete miRNA profiles from nine cyclists, the miRNAs showing most altered expression after both training sessions included the three striated muscle-specific miRNAs (myomiRs) miR-1-3p, 133a-3p and 133b-3p. While all three miRNAs showed significantly highest expression at 1 h post HS session, the acute effect of the SS session included a significantly higher level of miR-1-3p alone, at 5 min (highest), as well as at 1 h and 21 h post session. Correlation (negative) with biochemical markers was only shown for miR-133a-3p and CK (r = −0.786, p = 0.041) and between miR-133b-3p and [La−] (r = −0.711, p = .032), at 21 h post SS session.Conclusion: Our findings support that unique myomiRs are regulated by HS and SS training. Such knowledge may be important for individually adjusted restitution times.
Nitrogen acquisition strategy shifts with tree age depending on root functional traits and soil properties in Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations
Authors: Liu Qianyuan , Chen Yaxuan , Chen Yanmei 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionVariation in plant nitrogen uptake rate and substrate preference is complicated due to the combined influence of abiotic and biotic factors. For the same species of tree across different ages, the interactions between root structural traits, nitrogen uptake rate, and soil environment have not been fully characterized, a situation that constrains our understanding of underground resource strategies employed by trees at different ages.MethodsIn the present study, we examined the nitrogen uptake rate, mycorrhiza, morphology, architecture, and chemistry of the roots of Larix principis-rupprechtii in a chronosequence (aged 18, 27, 37, 46, and 57 years) in the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm in Northern China.ResultsL. principis-rupprechtii preferred to absorb ammonium, followed in order by glycine and nitrate. The ammonium uptake rate of L. principis-rupprechtii significantly decreased (aged 18–37 years) and then increased (aged 46–57 years) with tree age. The glycine, nitrate, and total nitrogen uptake rates decreased with tree age. The root resource acquisition strategy appeared to shift from an acquisitive strategy to a conservative strategy associated with increasing tree age.DiscussionAlong the root-mycorrhizal collaboration gradient, the younger L. principis-rupprechtii relied more on their own root morphology and physiology to acquire resources, adopting a “do it yourself” strategy comprising increasing the specific root length, the specific root area, and the N uptake rate (nitrate and glycine). Conversely, older trees depended more on mycorrhizal partners to acquire nitrogen resources, an “outsourcing” strategy. The results contribute to our understanding of underground resource-use strategies of plants and the nitrogen cycle in forest ecosystems according to stand age.
Access and cost of services for autistic children and adults in Italy: a carers’ perspective
Authors: Micai Martina , Fulceri Francesca , Salvitti Tommaso , Romano Giovanna , Scattoni Maria Luisa 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundLimited information exists on autistic service access and costs in Italy.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate access to educational, healthcare, social, and related services for autistic individuals in Italy as part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder in the European Union (ASDEU) project.MethodsItalian carers of autistic individuals completed an online survey regarding services and costs in the 6 months before completion.ResultsThree hundred and three carers of autistic people participated in the survey. The majority of those receiving care were children, males, and lived at home with their parents. Autistic adults were often students (17%) or unemployed but willing to work (17%). Employed carers (49%) worked on average 32.23 ± 9.27 hours per week. A significant portion (82%) took work or school absences to care for autistic individuals, averaging 15.56 ± 14.70 days. On average, carers spent 58.84 ± 48.36 hours per week on caregiving duties. Fifty-five of the autistic individuals received some form of support, 5% utilized residential care, and 6% were hospitalized. Thirty-four percent received outpatient hospital care, and 20% underwent some form of autism-related psychopharmacological therapy. School support was primarily provided by support teachers (18.16 ± 7.02 hours/week). Educational psychologists (80.73%), psychomotor therapists/physiotherapists (53.85%), and speech therapists (50.91%) were frequently paid by carers who paid more per hour. Autistic children received support from educators (73.96 hours/week), group therapy (32.36 hours/week), and speech therapists (31.19 hours/week). Psychologists (76.00%) and counseling/individual therapists (89.13%) were often paid by carers. Carers reported high costs for psychiatrists and psychologists, with frequent use of psychiatric services (8 ± 8 times in 6 months).ConclusionsCarers’ perspectives on the access and costs of services for autistic individuals in Italy can provide insights into areas for improvement in the delivery of autism services.
Case Report: Technical description and clinical evaluation of three cases of unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression for symptomatic spinal epidural lipomatosis
Authors: Liu Zhengqiang , Cai Huili , Zhao Hongwei , Tang Lei , Jia Siyu , Zhou Zhenyu , Zhuo Can , Chen Haidan 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of three patients with symptomatic Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) treated using Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) surgery.MethodsThis report retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of three patients with SEL admitted to our hospital. The analysis covers onset characteristics, clinical manifestations, and the most recent radiologic grading system of neural compression (Manjila classification). Furthermore, it details the decompression accomplished through the application of a minimally invasive UBE surgical technique, specifically targeting the removal of proliferated fat responsible for nerve and spinal cord compression.ResultsThis technique was performed successfully in 3 patients with SEL. Radiating pain was reduced, and the functional disability and radiologic compression were improved in all three patients. Postoperative spinal instability and surgical complications related to the procedure were not observed.ConclusionsFor SEL, timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention can prevent the progression of neurological disability. UBE is a minimally invasive muscle-preserving technique that achieves neural decompression directly by the removal of excessive intraspinal adipose tissue buildup.
Sorption of Antibiotics in Agricultural Soils as a Function of pH
Authors: Rodríguez-López Lucía , Santás-Miguel Vanesa , Cela-Dablanca Raquel , Núñez-Delgado Avelino , Álvarez-Rodríguez Esperanza , Rodríguez-Seijo Andrés , Arias-Estévez Manuel 
Published: March 2024

This study aims to understand the adsorption/desorption process in six agricultural soils of two antibiotics, Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Trimethoprim (TRI), widely used today and the influence of pH on this process. Antibiotics can reach the soil through the application of sludge and effluents from wastewater treatment plants and are directly influenced by changes in pH, once in the soil. Therefore, this study with batch experiments allows us to know the adsorption process in a pH range between 2 and 12, in six soils with different organic carbon content, between 1% and 7.7%. The results obtained show that the adsorption of CIP has its maximum at pH between 5 and 7; above and below this range, the adsorption decreases. The soils with the highest organic carbon content (between 4.4% and 7.7%) are those with the highest adsorption. The values for each forms in which the CIP molecule is found are: for KdCIP+, between 0.887 and 8.289 L kg−1; for KdCIP−, between 0.670 and 5.440 L kg−1, while for KdCIP0, the values do not differ from 0, except soils 1 and 3, whose values are 0.206 and 0.615 L kg−1, respectively. Regarding TRI, the maximum adsorption takes place at acidic pHs, below 6 for all soils. Above these values, desorption decreases. The Kd values for each of the species vary between 0.085 and 0.218 L kg−1 for KdTRI+, between 0.011 and 0.056 L kg−1 for KdTRI0, and between 0.092 and 0.189 L kg−1 for KdTRI−. For both antibiotics, the highest adsorption was achieved in the soil with the highest organic carbon content (7.7%). Comparing both antibiotics, we see that CIP presents the highest adsorption, and in the case of desorption, for CIP, it varies between 3.7% and 75.8%, with the maximum desorption at basic pHs. In the case of TRI, desorption is higher, varying between 9.4% and 99.1%, with the maximum around neutrality, except for two soils, whose maximums are at pH of 4.3 and 9.5. These results should be taken into account, as once they reach the soil, pH will be a determining factor in their behaviour and fate.
The Correlation Between the Distance from the Neoplasm to the Precentral Gyrus Cortex and Corticospinal Tracts and the Risk of Developing a New Motor Deficit in Children
Authors: Талабаев М.В. , Соловьева А.Ю. 
Published: March 2024

Цель. Изучить связи между расстоянием от новообразования до отделов мозга, связанных с функцией движения, определенным по данным магнитно-резонансной томографии 3,0Т и навигационной системы, и риском развития нового неврологического дефицита. Материалы и методы. Материалом для исследования послужили данные о 40 пациентах с новообразованиями перироландической локализации. В статье проведен статистический анализ и установлены регрессионные взаимосвязи между расстоянием от новообразования головного мозга до коры прецентральной извилины и кортикоспинальных трактов и риском развития нового двигательного дефицита у пациентов детского возраста. Результаты. В процессе исследования получены данные о том, что расстояние от новообразования до прецентральной извилины менее 1,5 мм и расстояние до «точки руки» менее 4,5 мм увеличивает риск развития нового двигательного дефицита (p<0,05). Расстояние до кортикоспинальных трактов менее 5,5 мм также статистически значимо ухудшает функциональный результат операции (p<0,05). Заключение. Предоперационное планирование с изучением расстояний до анатомических образований, отвечающих за двигательную функцию, может быть использовано для оценки риска развития нового двигательного дефицита и может быть важным аргументом при принятии решения о выполнении операции в сознании.
Purpose. To study the relationship between the distance from the tumor to the parts of the brain associated with the motor function, determined by the data of magnetic resonance imaging 3.0T and the navigation system, on the risk of developing a new neurological deficit. Materials and methods. The data on 40 patients with neoplasms of perirolandic localization served as the material for the study. In the article was presented the results of a statistical analysis and established regression correlations between the distance from the brain tumor to the cortex of the precentral gyrus and corticospinal tracts, and the risk of developing a new motor deficit in pediatric patients. Results. During the study, data were obtained that the distance from the tumor to the precentral gyrus of less than 1.5 mm and the distance to the "hand-knob" of less than 4.5 mm are statistically significantly associated with the risk of developing a new motor deficit (p<0.05). A distance to the corticospinal tracts of less than 5.5 mm also statistically significantly worsens the functional result of the operation (p<0.05). Conclusion. Preoperative planning with the study of the distance to the anatomical formations responsible for motor function can be used to assess the risk of developing a new motor deficit and be an important argument when deciding whether to perform an awake operation.
HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FLORES EAGLE (Nisaetus floris) IN THE OTOSESO TRADITIONAL FOREST AREA, WOLOJITA DISTRICT, ENDE REGENCY, EAST NUSA TENGGARA PROVINCE.
Authors: Worho Hermanus Carvin , Purnama Maria M. E. , Hidayat Oky 
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to determine the Habitat Characteristics of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus Floris) in the Otoseso Indigenous Forest Area, Wolojita Sub-District, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. This research was conducted from March to April 2021. The analysis of the habitat of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) used a vegetation analysis approach, the level of habitat use and observations of nesting characteristics. The behavior of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) was observed directly at the observation spot to describe its daily activities.
The results showed that the trees used for nesting sites were the Jita (Alstonia scholaris), Fai (Paraserianthes falcataria) and Kemiri (Aleurites mollucana) tree species, which are sticking trees in their habitat. The Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) used canopy space A (I and II) to build nests, while for perching trees that have been identified are the banyan (Ficus benjamina), weru (Elaecarpus sphaericus), kapok (Ceiba pentandra), lamtoro gung (Leucaena leucocephala SubSp. glabrata) and Nimbah (Melia Azidarach). Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) uses crown spaces A and B (I and II) for perching behavior and stalking prey. In this section of the canopy the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) usually perched on a flat tree trunk perpendicular to the main branch and is of medium size. The daily activity of the Flores Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus floris) which has the highest presentation is perching at 41%, flying (soaring and gliding) by 28%, voice by 22% and hunting by 22%.