bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers In Prediction of Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia: a prospective multicentre study (BIPAMI study): a study protocol
Authors: Tamme Kadri , Acosta Stefan , Biloslavo Alan , Björck Martin , Casian Dumitru , Damaskos Dimitrios , Forbes Alastair , Kase Karri , Kisand Kalle , Lakbar Ines , Mihnovitš Vladislav , Murruste Marko , Mändul Merli , Padar Martin , Starkopf Joel , Visconti Diego , Blaser Annika Reintam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a life-threatening disease where early diagnosis is critical to avoid morbidity and mortality from extensive irreversible bowel necrosis. Appropriate prediction of presence of bowel necrosis is currently not available but would help to choose the optimal method of treatment.
The study aims to identify combinations of biomarkers that can reliably identify AMI and distinguish between potentially reversible and irreversible bowel ischaemia.
Methods
This is a prospective multicentre study. Adult patients with clinical suspicion of AMI (n=250) will be included. Blood will be sampled on admission, at and after interventions, or during the first 48h of suspicion of AMI if no intervention undertaken. Samples will be collected and the following serum or plasma biomarkers measured at Tartu University Hospital laboratory: intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), alpha-glutathione S-transferase (Alpha- GST), interleukin 6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA), D-lactate, D-dimer, signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Additionally, more common laboratory markers will be measured in routine clinical practice at study sites.
Diagnosis of AMI will be confirmed by computed tomography angiography, surgery, endoscopy or autopsy.
Student’s t or Wilcoxon rank tests will be used for comparisons between transmural vs. suspected (but not confirmed) AMI (comparison A), confirmed AMI of any stage vs suspected AMI (comparison B) and non-transmural AMI vs transmural AMI (comparison C). Optimal cut-off values for each biomarker for each comparison will be identified based on the AUROC analysis and likelihood ratios calculated with positive likelihood ratio >10 (>5) and negative likelihood ratio <0.1 (<0.2) considered of high (moderate, respectively) diagnostic accuracy. All biomarkers with at least moderate accuracy will be entered as binary covariates (using the best cutoffs) into the multivariable stepwise regression analysis to identify the best combination of biomarkers for all comparisons separately. The best models for each comparison will be used to construct a practical score to distinguish between no AMI, non-transmural AMI and transmural AMI.
As a result of this study, we aim to propose a score including set of biomarkers that can be used for diagnosis and decision-making in patients with suspected AMI.
Trial registration number: NCT06212921
Comprehensive mapping of immune perturbations associated with aplastic anemia
Authors: Wang Huijun , Chen Yinchun , Deng Haimei , Zhang Jie , Jiang Xiaotao , Mo Wenjian , Wang Shunqing , Zhou Ruiqing , Liu Yufeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is an immune-mediated syndrome resulting in bone marrow failure. Therefore, comprehending the profile and cell interactions in affected patients is crucial.
Methods
Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from both healthy donors (HD) and AA patients, and analyzed using multicolor flow cytometry. Utilizing FlowSOM, we explored and visualized the immunophenotypic and metabolic characteristics of AA.
Results
Patients with AA show increased CD56+ monocytes with NK characteristics and activated cytotoxic T cells in peripheral blood compared to HD. Conversely, less functional CD56dim NK cells, regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) decrease in AA. Additionally, MDSCs demonstrate post-treatment recovery and can serve as clinical indicators to distinguish between acquired aplastic anemia (AA) and congenital aplastic anemia (CAA). We assessed correlations among 29 immune cell types and found that a significant increase in memory B cells, eosinophils, and NK bright cells, along with a marked decrease in NK dim and non-classic monocytes, indicates a discernible interplay and correlation among these immune cell populations.
Conclusion
Our study results demonstrate significant immune dysregulation in patients with AA. Thus, CD56+ monocytes with NK characteristics, activated cytotoxic T cells, less functional CD56dim NK cells, Treg cells, and MDSCs may play crucial roles in the onset and progression of AA, serving as potential diagnostic biomarkers. These findings are expected to facilitate accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, thereby reducing the high mortality rate.
Insertion site and risk of peripheral intravenous catheter colonisation: A post hoc analysis of the CLEAN 3 study including more than 800 catheters
Authors: Drugeon Bertrand , Marjanovic Nicolas , Boisson Matthieu , Buetti Niccolò , Mimoz Olivier , Guenezan Jérémy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aim: Although uncommon, infections associated with peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) may be responsible for severe life-threatening complications and increase healthcare costs. Few data are available on the relationship between PIVC insertion site and risk of infectious complications.
Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of the CLEAN 3 database, a randomised 2x2 factorial study comparing two skin disinfection procedures (2% chlorhexidine-alcohol or 5% povidone iodine-alcohol) and two types of medical devices (innovative or standard) in adults patients before admission to a medical ward. PIVC insertion sites were grouped into five groups: hand, wrist, forearm, cubital fossa and upper arm. We evaluated the risk of risk of PIVC colonisation (i.e., tip culture eluate in broth showing at least one microorganism in a concentration of at least 1000 Colony Forming Units per mL) and positive PIVC tip culture (i.e., PIVC-tip culture eluate in broth showing at least one microorganism regardless of its amount) using multivariate Cox models.
Results: Overall, we included 823 PIVCs with known site of insertion that were sent to the laboratory for quantitative culture. After adjustment for confounding factors, PIVC insertion in the wrist or the cubital fossa was associated with an increased risk of positive and colonised tip culture. In other words, insertion of a PIVC into a site of the upper limb other than the wrist or the cubital fossa reduced the risk of colonised PIVC (HR 0.57 [0.35-0.92], p=0.020) and of positive PIVC tip culture (HR 0.75 [95%CI, 0.55-1.02], p=0.065).
Plasticity of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons by innate immune activation is influenced by electrophysiological activity
Authors: Friedman Timothy N. , Lamothe Shawn M. , Maguire Aislinn D. , Hammond Thomas , Hilton Brett J. , Plemel Jason R. , Kurata Harley T. , Kerr Bradley J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background.
The intricate interplay between inflammation, its effects on neuronal excitability, and the ensuing plasticity of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons remains to be fully explored. In this study, we have investigated the impact of inflammatory conditioned media on the excitability and activity of DRG neurons and how this relates to subsequent growth responses of these cells.
Findings.
We show here that an early phase of increased neuronal activity in response to inflammatory conditioned media is critical for the engagement of plastic processes, and that neuronal excitability profiles are linked through time to the structural phenotype of individual neurons. Pharmacological blockade of neuronal activity was able to abolish the growth promoting effects of inflammatory media. Our findings also demonstrate a sex specificity of these responses.
Conclusions.
Our results suggest that targeting the activity of DRG neurons may provide a novel therapeutic avenue to manipulate their growth status and potential for plasticity in response to inflammation. While further studies are needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between neural activity and growth status, a more complete understanding of this relationship may ultimately lead to the development of new treatments for neuropathic pain in disorders associated with heightened immune responses such as rheumatoid arthritis and MS.
Seismic Vulnerability Assesment of RC Buildings in Sylhet City Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Lecturer Sadek Hossain 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Due to tectonic setup, Bangladesh is the one of the most earthquake prone country in the world. In Bangladesh Sylhet is the riskiest city regarding to earthquake. Besides this over the last few years the unplanned development in Sylhet city has result very few resiliency to earthquakes. So now it is very important to identify the buildings which are very vulnerable. This study represents the seismic vulnerability of RC buildings in Sylhet city based on the fuzzy logic model. For analysis purpose fuzzy logic toolbox of Matlab 2016a software was used. In this study considered variables were short column, soft story, vertical geometric irregularity, plan irregularity, year of construction, construction quality, previous damage, pounding effect and number of stories. In this study 210 buildings of ward no 14 and 15 of Sylhet City Corporation were observed, where 54% buildings were slightly vulnerable, 33% buildings were moderately vulnerable and 13% buildings were highly vulnerable.
Standards of Care for Medical Management of Acromegaly in Pituitary Tumor Centers of Excellence (PTCOE)
Authors: Giustina A , Uygur M M , Frara S , Barkan A , Biermasz N R , Chanson P , Freda P , Gadelha M , Haberbosch L. , Kaiser U B , Lamberts S , Laws E , Nachtigall L B , Popovic V , Reincke M , Lely A J , Wass J A H , melmed S , Casanueva F F 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose: A series of consensus guidelines on medical treatment of acromegaly have been produced in the last two decades. However, little information is available on their application in clinical practice. Furthermore, international standards of acromegaly care have not been published. The aim of our study was to report current standards of care for medical therapy of acromegaly, using results collected through an audit performed to validate criteria for definition of Pituitary Tumor Centers of Excellence (PTCOE).
Methods Details of medical treatment approaches to acromegaly were voluntarily provided by nine renowned international centers who participated in this audit. For the period 2018-2020, we assessed overall number of acromegaly patients under medical treatment, distribution of patients on different treatment modalities, overall biochemical control rate with medical therapy and specific control rates for different medical treatment options.
Results: Median number of total patients and median number of new patients with acromegaly managed annually in the endocrinology units of the centers were 206 and 16.3, respectively. Median percentage of acromegaly patients on medical treatment was 48.9%. Among the patients on medical treatment, first generation somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL) monotherapy was used with a median rate of 48.7%, followed by combination therapies with a median rate of 29.3%. Cabergoline monotherapy was used in 6.9% of patients. Pegvisomant monotherapy was used in 7 centers and pasireotide monotherapy in 5 centers, with median rates of 7.9 % and 6.3%, respectively.
Conclusions: Current standards of care in PTCOE’s include use of SRLs as first medical option in about 50% of patients, as informed by consensus guidelines. However, some patients are kept on this treatment despite inadequate control suggesting that cost-effectiveness, availability, patient preference, side effects and therapeutic inertia may play a determinant role in PTCOE. Moreover, at odds with consensus guidelines, other monotherapies for acromegaly appear to have a marginal role as compared to combination therapies as extrapolated from PTCOE practice data. The results indicate that the presence of uncontrolled patients in each treatment category require further optimization of medical therapy as well as utilization of other therapeutic tools such as radiosurgery.
Outcomes of Charcot Arthropathy Limb Salvage with Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Cage and Dynamic Hindfoot Fusion Nail Combination Fixation
Authors: Kim Michael , Mann Tara , Kelly Cambre , Palmer Ryan , Abar Bijan , Zhang Hui , Cush Gerard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The challenge of surgical treatment of hindfoot collapse can be exacerbated by host conditions that may limit healing potential and increase the risk of infection. Many patients with neuropathy, Charcot joint, or end-stage arthritis that undergo tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion with bulk allograft progress to nonunion and often require amputation. 3D-printed titanium implants provide benefits that may improve outcomes of limb salvage within this population, but long-term outcomes of these implants have not yet been reported, given their relatively recent development. This study reports mid-term outcomes of patients with Charcot arthropathy or end-stage arthritis who received 3D-printed titanium cage and dynamic hindfoot fusion nail combination fixation for limb salvage.
Methods
This study was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent hindfoot arthrodesis with a combination of patient-specific 3D-printed titanium cage and dynamic hindfoot fusion nail by a single surgeon at a single institution. The primary outcome was to establish the safety of the 3D-printed cage in a medically complicated population. Medical records were reviewed for adverse events, including subsequent surgical intervention and implant survivorship. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of the 3D-printed cage, as evaluated by patient-reported pre- and post-operative 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score, ambulation status, and satisfaction. Deformity correction was evaluated by radiograph. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a Kaplan-Meier curve of all-cause reoperation was produced.
Results
This study evaluated 13 cases with at least one year follow-up. Mean follow-up was 3.72 years (range 2.67–4.60 years). As of the most recent follow-up, 11 of 13 cages remain implanted, with two cages having been explanted in the setting of amputations indicated by conditions unrelated to the cage itself. Patients reported a mean pre-operative NRS pain of 6.6 ± 2.9 points. At the last follow-up, mean NRS pain was 2.0 ± 1.7 points. Pre-operatively, six of 13 patients reported the ability to ambulate independently without an assistive device. Post-operatively, 11 of 13 patients were able to ambulate independently.
Conclusion
This study reports mid-term outcomes of TTC arthrodesis with a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium cage and dynamic intramedullary nail in patients with Charcot arthropathy or non-traumatic arthritis. The results demonstrate no implant-related complications and promising outcomes in terms of fusion, deformity correction, and patient satisfaction, which are especially remarkable in the setting of Charcot arthropathy. While this data is promising as a technique for limb salvage in this patient population, further experimental studies are required to demonstrate superiority.
Level of Evidence: Level IV
Methylphenidate enhances a frontoparietal-dominant brain state improving cognitive performance
Authors: Yan Weizheng , Demiral Şükrü Barış , Tomasi Dardo , Zhang Rui , Manza Peter , Wang Gene-Jack , Volkow Nora D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Methylphenidate (MP) is a widely used stimulant medication for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that enhances brain dopamine signaling and improves attention. However, how dopamine stimulation alters brain state dynamics to support improved attention during task performance is still unclear.
Methods
We employed a multimodal neuroimaging approach combining positron emission tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and behavioral tests, to discover associations between dopamine signaling, brain activity, and cognition. Multimodal images were collected from 37 healthy adults under a single-blind, counterbalanced, placebo-controlled crossover study. Dynamic functional analysis was used to compare the alterations in dynamic features of brain states before and after MP. Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation between these brain state changes and baseline striatal D1 and D2 dopamine receptor (D1R, D2R) availability. We then examined alterations in dynamic brain states and their effects on attention performances.
Results
The results showed that MP primarily affected frontoparietal-dominant activated (FPN+), somatomotor-dominant activated (SOM+), and visual-dominant suppressed (VIS-) brain states. Specifically, the dwell time and fractional occupancy exhibited significant increases within the FPN + and VIS- while an opposite trend within the SOM+. Furthermore, the increase of dwell time in FPN+, which was positively correlated with baseline striatal D1R availability, was also associated with quicker response in the 2-ball-track task, but not significant for the 3-ball-track task.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that MP’s enhancement of brain states with FPN + and VIS- while decreasing SOM+, in part through D1R signaling might underlie the MP’s improvement of attention for low cognitive effort tasks in healthy populations.
Dynamic Behavioural Analysis of Privacy-Breaching and Data Theft Ransomware
Authors: Ozturk Mehmet , Demir Ayse , Arslan Zeynep , Caliskan Omer 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of privacy-breaching ransomware, emphasizing the dynamic behavioral patterns and techniques employed by these malicious entities to compromise data privacy. Employing a systematic methodology that includes the collection of diverse ransomware samples, establishment of a secure analysis environment, and execution of a dynamic behavioral analysis procedure, we have delineated the sophisticated tactics that characterize modern ransomware operations. Our findings reveal a significant shift in ransomware strategies, with an increasing focus on data theft over mere financial extortion, highlighting the evolving landscape of cyber threats. The analysis underscores the necessity for advanced cybersecurity measures that incorporate machine learning and behavioral analysis to proactively detect and mitigate these threats. Furthermore, the study identifies key areas for future research, including the development of adaptive security systems and the importance of international collaboration in cybersecurity efforts. This research contributes valuable insights into the behavior of privacy-breaching ransomware, offering a foundation for future advancements in the field of dynamic ransomware analysis and cybersecurity defense strategies.
Validation of an Analytical Methods of 3',4',5-Trihydroxy-3-Methoxy-6,7- Methylenedioxyflavone 4'-Glucuronide for Standardization of Spinacia oleracea
Authors: Son Yun Gon , Jung Juyoung , Lee Dong Kun , Park Sang Won , Kim Jeong Yoon , Kim Hyun Joon 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is one of the most famous vegetables worldwide, rich in essential metabolites for various health benefits. It is a valuable plant source that has the potential to be a nutraceutical. In the process of developing functional foods, it is crucial to establish a standard compound and quantitative analysis methods to ensure standardization. Thus, the analytical method validation was established using 3',4',5-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavone 4'-glucuronide (TMG) as a marker compound. The specificity, accuracy, linearity, precision, repeatability, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) was proved according to validation guideline. The specificity was confirmed from the BPI and UV chromatogram of the standard compound (TMG) as the predominant metabolite in the spinach sample. The calibration curve of TMG (15.625 ~ 500 µg/ml) had reasonable linearity (R2 = 0.999) considering with LOD and LOQ values, respectively. Recovery rate of TMG was 93.31-100.98% for FDS and 90.37–95.04% for SEC. The precision was less than 3 and 6% in the intra-day and inter-day. The spinach samples (FDS and SEC) were validated using TMC as a standard compound to comply with AOAC and KFDA regulations for approving functional ingredients in health functional food.
Impact of Transesophageal Echocardiographic Parameters on Procedure-Related Radiation Exposure in Percutaneous Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure
Authors: Demirtola Ayşe İrem , Mammadli Anar , Inan Duygu , Erdoğan Aslan , Yavuz Sevil , Pamuk Özlem , Genç Duygu , Demirtaş İhsan , Şen Furkan , Kılıçgedik Alev 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a cardiac congenital anomaly with a prevalence of 20% to 30% in the general population, associated with clinical conditions such as cryptogenic stroke, migraine, and decompression sickness. Percutaneous PFO closure has been proven superior to medical treatment alone for PFO-related stroke, exhibiting a favorable safety profile. However, the procedure's radiation exposure necessitates a deeper understanding of the influencing factors, especially the impact of PFO anatomical characteristics on radiation dose and procedural time.
Methods: This study analyzed 83 patients undergoing transcatheter PFO closure for CS. The study evaluated the relationship between the anatomical features of PFO and radiation exposure, measured by Air Kerma. Increased radiation exposure was defined as falling within the highest quintile (5th quantile) of the Air Kerma. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Results: The study population had a mean age of 40.9 ± 9.0 years, with a slight male predominance (51.8%). The median fluoroscopy time was 10.9 minutes, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 7.5 to 19.9 minutes. The median Air Kerma value was 149 mGy (IQR, 83 – 311). In the multivariate regression analysis, a shorter aortic rim length was identified as an independent predictor of increased radiation exposure, with an odds ratio of 2.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 – 3.1; P=0.002). In the ROC analysis, the aortic rim length demonstrated good predictive value for increased radiation exposure, with an area under the curve of 0.872 (95% CI, 0.791 – 0.953; P<0.001). A cutoff value of less than 4.5 mm for the aortic rim length was associated with an 88% sensitivity and 80% specificity in predicting increased radiation exposure.
Conclusion: A short aortic rim length is associated with increased radiation exposure during percutaneous closure of PFO.