bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal associations of Helicobacter pylori antibodies with unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: zhang Jicai , wu qingyan , mao guohua , yi zhaohui , mao xiaobing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA) remains unclear. We used Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA).
Methods: A genome-wide association study(GWAS) was performed on antibodies to 7 different Helicobacter pylori specific proteins, intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm(UIA). Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to evaluate the causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori antibodies and intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA). Multivariate MR (MVMR) was used to assess the potential causal relationship between positive Helicobacter pylori antibodies and the occurrence and progression of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA).
Results: Gene predicted serum antibody level of Helicobacter pylori vacuolar cytotoxin-A (VacA) was associated with a decreased risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)(odds ratio [OR]=0.88, 95%CI 0.78-0.99, P=0.044), but not associated with UIA. Other H.pylori antibodies were not causally associated with intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA). MVMR analysis suggested that systolic blood pressure may play a mediating role in the causal relationship between VacA and aSAH. VacA is positively correlated with aSAH through calcium ion mediation, but the weak effect is usually masked by the negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and improving endothelial function.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that the increased level of serum Helicobacter pylori vacuolar cytotoxin-A (VacA) antibody is associated with the decreased risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Systolic blood pressure plays a role in the causal relationship, and VacA is positively correlated with aSAH through the mediation of calcium ions. It provides a new direction for the prevention, control and treatment of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).
Female and Diabetes are risk factors for Alpha-fetoprotein and Vitamin K deficiency or antagonist -II negative in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yanhui , Yang Hongli , Bai Xue , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Qiang , Du Wenjun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background &Aim:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of tumor with a high incidence. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K deficiency or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II or DCP) are proven effective biomarkers for HCC. Combining them can enhance detection rates. However, when both AFP and PIVKA-II are negative, clinical diagnosis may be missed. This study aims to explore the risk factors for AFP and PIVKA-II negativity in HCC, thereby reducing missed diagnoses.
Methods
A retrospective study enrolled 609 HCC patients at Shandong Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated with Shandong University from January 2010 to March 2022. Patients with negative AFP and PIVKA-II were the observed group, and others with at least one positive were controls. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected and analyzed to identify the frequency and factors influencing AFP and PIVKA-II negativity. ROC curves were used to assess the prediction model's ability to detect negative AFP and PIVKA-II in HCC.
Results
Gender(P = 0.045, 95%CI = 1.013–3.277), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.018, 95%CI = 1.151–4.422), tumor size(P = 0.000, 95%CI = 0.677–0.841), glutamate transpeptidase (GGT) (P = 0.003, 95%CI = 0.239–0.737), total bilirubin (TB) (P = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.235–0.705), and HBV-associated infections (P = 0.007, 95%CI = 0.077–0.661) were significantly associated with AFP and PIVKA-II negativity in HCC. The prediction model had an AUC of 0.832 (P < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.786–0.877), with a sensitivity of 81.2% and specificity of 75.5% in all HCC patients.
Conclusions
Female diabetic patients with elevated GGT and TB are more likely to develop AFP and PIVKA-II-negative HCC. Imaging is crucial for screening liver cancer in these patients.
A mini taxonomic assessment and distributional analysis (Sepsidae: Diptera) of Assam, India
Authors: Gogoi Mayoushree , Barkakati Bhitali , Boro Krishnaa , Chakraborty Abesh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article presents a mini taxonomic assessment and distributional analysis of the Sepsidae family of Diptera in Assam, India. The Sepsidae, commonly known as scavenger flies, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter. Despite their ecological importance, the taxonomy and distribution of these flies in Assam remain understudied. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive literature survey. The study also provides insights into the distribution patterns of these flies. This research contributes to the broader understanding of Dipteran biodiversity in Assam and underscores the need for further studies to conserve these ecologically significant insects and their ground truth verification by conducting surveys. The current findings have implications for biodiversity conservation and provide a foundation for future research on the ecological role of Sepsidae in Assam. The article calls for more extensive taxonomic studies and conservation efforts to preserve the biodiversity of this region.
Baicalein inhibits the Th1 / Th17-mediated inflammatory response by targeting STAT1/3 in EAE mice
Authors: Ma Xiaoran , Wang Tiantian , Li Chenglin , Jia Xihui , Tong Huimin , Liu Meng , Wang Shuang , Li Ling 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Helper T cells (Th) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental encephalomyelitis (EAE). Th1/17 cells contribute to neuroinflammation through inflammatory infiltration and cytokine secretion, however, effective therapeutic interventions are currently lacking. Baicalein (BAI), the principal component of Scutellaria baicalensis, is a dietary supplement that has demonstrated efficacy in the fields of anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. The activation the JAK-STAT signalling pathway in Th1/17 cells may play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of inflammation associated with MS/EAE. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether BAI could mitigate the inflammatory response of Th1/17 cells by modulating JAK-STAT signaling. Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the ratio of Th1 and Th17 cells, the expression of related cytokines in EAE model mice treated with BAI, as well as the expression of proteins related to the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The findings demonstrated that BAI exhibited therapeutic efficacy in EAE mice by significantly reducing the proportion of Th1 and Th17 cell populations along with the expression levels of relevant inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, transcription factors T-bet and ROR-γt showed significant downregulation in response to BAI treatment. This effect may be attributed to BAI's ability to inhibit STAT1/3 phosphorylation. Subsequently, molecular docking, pull-down and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that BAI bound to STAT1/3, and caused p-STAT1/3 to remain in the cytoplasm, hindering JAK/STAT signal transduction and thus inhibiting the inflammatory response of the Th1/17 cells.
A case report of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy initially misdiagnosed as cranial nerve palsies disorder
Authors: Miao Na , Qian Ping , He Weimin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The sudden onset of painful diplopia necessitates careful consideration and diagnosis due to the extensive range of potential differential diagnoses. Patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) typically exhibit proptosis, eyelid edema, eyelid retraction, and lid lag, herein we report a case of TAO patient whose initial symptom was diplopia accompanied by pain; however, the absence of obvious eyelid signs led to an easily misdiagnosed condition.
Case presentation
A 42-year-old male patient presented to our neurology department with a four-month history of diplopia and eye pain. The diagnosis of TAO was made after a four-month period from the onset of diplopia. Local orbital injection of triamcinolone acetonide and precision radiotherapy were administered to the patient. Following treatment, there was a significant improvement in subjective symptoms, including diplopia and pain; however, complete recovery of eye mobility was not achieved.
Conclusion
For patients presenting with diplopia as the initial symptom, even in the absence of evident TAO eyelid signs, it is crucial to obtain a comprehensive medical history and conduct thyroid function tests along with orbital enhanced MRI scans to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis. Accurate early-stage diagnosis enables targeted treatment interventions, thereby optimizing patient prognosis.
Gel Containing Catechin and Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Protecting Root Dentin Against Erosion: An In Situ Study
Authors: Alves Helaine Cajado , Gomes Edison Augusto Balreira , Uchoa Antonia Flavia Justino , Ricardo Nágila Maria Pontes Silva , Passos Vanara Florêncio , Santiago Sérgio Lima 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the in situ anti-erosive effect of gels containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) isolated and adsorbed on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (EGCG/MSN) on eroded dentin.
Materials and Methods
Eleven volunteers participated in this randomized, controlled, cross-over study, which consisted of 4 phases of 5 days. The participants wore an acrylic palatal device containing two dentin blocks treated with one of the gels: placebo (negative control), SnF2 (0.05% - positive control), EGCG (0.1%), and EGCG/MSN (0.093%). During each phase, the specimens were immersed in citric acid (0.05 M; pH 3.75) for 60 s, 4x/day, followed by treatment with the assigned gel for 60 s. The alterations were evaluated by measuring the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL) and through profilometry analysis (wear). Morphological changes were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-test.
Results
%SHL did not show a significant difference among the groups (p = 0.067). Regarding surface wear, the mean results in micrometers were: placebo, 0.66 (± 0.38); EGCG, 0.57 (± 0.11); EGCG/MSN, 0.48 (± 0.05); and SnF2, 0.32 (± 0.08). A significant difference was observed only between the SnF2 group and the placebo and EGCG groups (p = 0.003 and p = 0.046, respectively). However, there was no difference between the SnF2 and EGCG/MSN groups (p = 0.306).
Conclusion
EGCG/MSN shows promise as a protective measure in reducing dentin wear under erosive conditions.
Clinical Relevance:
Gels containing EGCG adsorbed on mesoporous silica nanoparticles have a protective effect against dentin erosion.
Retrospective analysis of pregnancy-associated listeriosis in a city in southeastern China (Xiamen) from 2015 to 2023
Authors: Fu Xiaochun , Chen Ling , Chen Xiaoli , Cao Jiali , Yu Hanbing , Ye Huiming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Pregnancy-associated listeriosis caused by foodborne infections poses a significant threat to maternal and neonatal health, with a high mortality rate. There is limited epidemiological data, and this study investigates the epidemiology and clinical features in Xiamen.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of confirmed cases of pregnancy-associated listeriosis in Xiamen from 2015 to 2023 was performed (southeastern China). Perform data analysis and epidemiological investigation on demographic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, complications, and outcomes of pregnant women and their offspring, and antibacterial susceptibility test were conducted on all isolated Listeria monocytogenes (LM) using commercial reagent kits.
Results
In Xiamen, the incidence of pregnancy-associated listeriosis over nine years was 7.15/100,000 (9/125,816) deliveries, with a seasonal peak in spring and summer. Predominant clinical symptoms among pregnant women included fever (88.9%), abdominal pain (66.7%), decreased fetal movement (66.7%), fetal tachycardia (66.7%), and flu-like symptoms (55.6%). All affected pregnant women exhibited elevated neutrophil percentages (NE%), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT). Placental pathology consistently showed acute chorioamnionitis and micro-abscesses. Although all pregnant women recovered, out of 10 offspring, only 5 survived birth, and merely 3 were eventually cured, resulting in a feto-neonatal mortality rate of 70.0% (7/10). All LM strains showed susceptibility to ampicillin, penicillin, meropenem, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT).
Conclusions
Although rare in Xiamen, pregnancy-associated listeriosis underscores the critical need for enhanced food safety education for pregnant women. The disease's atypical clinical features necessitate prompt specimen testing upon suspicion of infection, highlighting the importance of awareness and timely medical intervention.
The Impact of Inactivity During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Performance of High School Athletes
Authors: Asan Selim , Ulupınar Süleyman , Özbay Serhat , Namlı Sevinç , Gençoğlu Cebrail , Canyurt Ferhat , Çingöz Yunus Emre , Özkara Abdullah Bora 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background/Objective This study was conducted during the 2019-2020 academic year to evaluate the impact of participation in school sports on students' Body Mass Index (BMI) and Assessing Levels of Physical Activity (ALPHA) test scores. Interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a suspension of in-person education, the study resumed in September 2021, refocusing on the effects of pandemic-induced inactivity on the physical fitness levels of the same cohort.
Methods The study included twenty-nine male high school students, divided into thirteen athletes (participating in sports such as football, basketball, and track) and sixteen non-athletic counterparts. They underwent reassessment using the ALPHA test battery, evaluating cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and motor skills fitness. Data were analyzed using independent and paired samples t-tests and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes over time and between groups. Discriminant function analysis evaluated the ALPHA test's ability to classify students based on their athletic status pre- and post-pandemic.
Results Initially, athlete students exhibited significantly better BMI, 20 m shuttle run, and 4 × 10 m speed run scores compared to their non-athlete peers. After the pandemic, only the 20 m shuttle run scores remained significantly higher for athletes, with diminished distinctions in other fitness areas. The classification accuracy of the ALPHA test battery decreased from 86.2% to 75.9% post-pandemic.
Conclusion The enforced sedentary lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected all students, particularly diminishing health-related fitness parameters such as body composition, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal strength, and motor skills. Students previously engaged in regular physical activity, notably school athletes, experienced significant fitness declines. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to encourage active lifestyles among youth in the post-pandemic phase, aiming to avert long-term adverse health outcomes.
Regional structural abnormalities in thalamus in idiopathic cervical dystonia
Authors: Luo Yuhan , Liu Huiming , Zhong Linchang , Weng Ai , Yang Zhengkun , Zhang Yue , Zhang Jiana , Ou Zilin , Yan Zhicong , Cheng Qinxiu , Fan Xinxin , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Weixi , Hu Qingmao , Wu Yiwen , Peng Kangqiang , Liu Gang , Xu Jinping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although the thalamus has a central role in the pathophysiology of idiopathic cervical dystonia (iCD), the nature of the alterations occurring within this structure remain largely elusive. Using a structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach, we examined whether abnormalities differ across thalamic subregions/nuclei in patients with iCD.
Methods
Structural MRI data were collected from 37 patients with iCD and 37 healthy controls (HCs). Automatic parcellation of 25 thalamic nuclei in each hemisphere was performed based on the FreeSurfer program. Differences in thalamic nuclei volumes between groups and their relationships with clinical information were analyzed in patients with iCD.
Results
Compared to HCs, a significant reduction in thalamic nuclei volume primarily in central medial, centromedian, lateral geniculate, medial geniculate, medial ventral, paracentral, parafascicular, paratenial, and ventromedial nuclei was found in patients with iCD (P < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). However, no statistically significant correlations were observed between altered thalamic nuclei volumes and clinical characteristics in iCD group.
Conclusion
This study highlights the neurobiological mechanisms of iCD related to thalamic changes.
Yielding and Rheology of vibrated beam-driven granular matter: Hysteresis and Memory
Authors: Hong Guangyang , Li Jian , zheng qijun , yu aibing , Liu shuang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Dense granular matter has attracted significant attention due to its intricate yielding and rheological phenomena. However, unlike sheared or shaken granular systems where energy is injected at the boundaries, the yielding transition induced by vibrated beams has been rarely explored, despite its immense applications in animal and robotic locomotion on sand and underground structural engineering. In this study, we systematically vary the frequency and amplitude of beam vibration to experimentally and computationally investigate the relaxation dynamics of the granular medium. Evidence of ductile yielding behaviors with hysteresis in the frequency domain is presented. Consistency in the dynamic behaviors of both the beam and granular materials has been demonstrated. Through an analysis of mesostructural evolution, including particle motion and mechanical stability, we reveal that the hysteresis originates from anomalous diffusion induced by memory effects. A nonmonotonic constitutive law is proposed through the qualification of memory effects. This study offers insights for theoretical models of vibrated beam-driven flow, emphasizing the distinctive frequency-dependent properties through the bidirectional coupling of elastomer and granular matter.
Investigation of Pulmonary Inflammatory Responses Following Intratracheal instillation of and Inhalation exposure to Polypropylene Microplastics
Authors: Tomonaga Taisuke , Higashi Hidenori , Izumi Hiroto , Nishida Chinatsu , Kawai Naoki , Sato Kazuma , Morimoto Toshiki , Higashi Yasuyuki , Yatera Kazuhiro , Morimoto Yasuo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Microplastics have been detected in the atmosphere as well as in the ocean, and there is concern about their biological effects in the lungs. We conducted a short-term inhalation exposure and intratracheal instillation using rats to evaluate lung disorders related to microplastics. We conducted an inhalation exposure of polypropylene fine powder at a low concentration of 2 mg/m3 and a high concentration of 10 mg/m3 on 8-week-old male Fischer 344 rats for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. We also conducted an intratracheal instillation of polypropylene at a low dose of 0.2 mg/rat and a high dose of 1.0 mg/rat on 12-week-old male Fischer 344 rats. Rats were dissected from 3 days to 6 months after both exposures, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected to analyze lung inflammation and lung injury.
Results
Both exposures to polypropylene induced a persistent influx of inflammatory cells and expression of CINC-1, CINC-2, and MPO in BALF from 1 month after exposure. Genetic analysis showed a significant increase in inflammation-related factors for up to 6 months. The low concentration in the inhalation exposure of polypropylene also induced mild lung inflammation.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that inhaled polypropylene, which is a microplastic, induces persistent lung inflammation and has the potential for lung disorder. Exposure to 2 mg/m3 induced inflammatory changes and was thought to be the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) for acute effects of polypropylene.
Invasive Fractional-Flow-Reserve Prediction by Coronary CT Angiography Using Artificial Intelligence vs. an established Computational Fluid Dynamics Software in Intermediate-Grade Stenosis.
Authors: Peters Benjamin , Paul Jean-François , Symons Rolf , Franssen Wouter MA , Nchimi Alain , Ghekiere Olivier 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose:
Coronary computed angiography (CCTA) with non-invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) calculates lesion-specific ischemia when compared with invasive FFR and can be considered for patients with stable chest pain and intermediate-grade stenoses according to recent guidelines. The objective of this study was to compare a new CCTA-based artificial-intelligence deep-learning model for FFR prediction (FFRAI) to computational fluid dynamics CT-derived FFR (FFRCT) in patients with intermediate-grade coronary stenoses with FFR as reference standard.
Methods:
The FFRAI model was trained with curved multiplanar-reconstruction CCTA images of 500 stenotic vessels in 413 patients, using FFR measurements as the ground truth. We included 37 patients with 39 intermediate-grade stenoses on CCTA and invasive coronary angiography, and with FFRCT and FFR measurements in this retrospective proof of concept study. FFRAI was compared with FFRCT regarding the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy for predicting FFR ≤0.80.
Results:
Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of FFRAI in predicting FFR ≤0.80 were 91% (10/11), 82% (22/28), 67% (10/15), 96% (23/24), and 85% (33/39), respectively. Corresponding values for FFRCT were 82% (9/11), 75% (21/28), 56% (9/16), 91% (21/23), and 77% (30/39), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy did not differ significantly between FFRAI and FFRCT (p=0.12).
Conclusion:
FFRAI performed similarly to FFRCT for predicting intermediate-grade coronary stenoses with FFR ≤0.80. These findings suggest FFRAI as a potential non-invasive imaging tool for guiding therapeutic management in these stenoses.
Effect of microwave treatment on bioactive compounds and color in tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) red variety
Authors: Tigreros Jaime Andres , Martinez-Giron Jader , Ordóñez-Santos Luis Eduardo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The main aim of the present study was to determine the effect of microwave blanching bioactive compounds, and color in tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) red variety. Results that showed peroxidase enzyme inactivation based on microwave time and power, microwave blanching at 900 W for 45 seconds reduced residual peroxidase activity under 10% compared to control treatment. In microwave blanching, the content of vitamin C, total phenols, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, luminosity, chroma and yellowness index did not show a significant difference p > 0.05 compared to the conventional and fresh methods. On the other hand, vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, tone and color change did present significant differences. Based on these findings, it is possible to suggest the use of microwave energy as an alternative to conventional blanching, in order to preserve nutritional and color characteristics in this fruit.