bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and gut microflora: clinical reports and treatment options
Authors: Jadhav Pranali A. , Thomas Asha B. , Nanda Rabindra K. , Chitlange Sohan S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA prevalent liver condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may progress into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cause life-threatening complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The development and progression of NAFLD has been linked to the make-up and functioning of the gut microflora. This article reviews the clinical studies reported to investigate the connection between changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic markers in NAFLD patients. According to the study findings, dysbiosis of the gut microflora were observed in NAFLD patients, which are manifested by variations in the proportions of particular bacterial species. These changes are linked to fibrosis, liver inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities. The article also discusses various treatments targeting the gut microbiota, including dietary modifications, exercise, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. These therapies are intended to enhance NAFLD outcomes and reestablish the healthy gut microflora. While some studies have shown promising results, further research is needed to establish the optimal approaches, long-term safety, and efficacy of these treatments for NAFLD.
Development of docetaxel-loaded (Soluplus®–PF108) mixed micelles vacuum foam-dried product for improved stability and melanoma treatment by QbD approach
Authors: Chougale Rutuja , Patil Kiran , Disouza John , Hajare Ashok , Jadhav Namdeo , Kumbhar Popat 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Docetaxel (DTX) finds extensive use in treating various cancers, but its limited solubility, side effects, and multi-drug resistance (MDR) hinder its effectiveness. To enhance DTX's properties, the study aimed to formulate DTX-loaded mixed micelles (MMs) and evaluate their anticancer potential using Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Using solvent evaporation, DTX-loaded MMs were prepared and optimized via a 32 full factorial design.

Results
The optimized formulation (R5) displayed a % entrapment efficiency (%EE) of 74.81 ± 4.27%, % drug loading capacity (%DLC) of 29.27 ± 0.70%, and mean particle size (MPS) of 71.4 ± 1.24 nm. TEM images confirmed well-dispersed spherical MMs. Analytical studies (IR, DSC, and P-XRD) showed no adverse drug-excipient interactions. The MMs were converted into vacuum foam-dried (VFD) products for enhanced stability. The optimized VFD products exhibited low residual moisture, rapid reconstitution, consistent drug content, and high %EE. Notably, sustained drug release from the VFD product reduced hemolysis and in vitro cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells.

Conclusion
This study creatively tackled DTX's challenges through targeted MM development, transformed them into VFD products, demonstrating the potential for melanoma treatment. The QbD approach ensures the formulation’s safety, efficacy, and quality, underscoring the promising VFD technology and multifunctionality of mixed micelles.

Graphical abstract
3D non-linear finite element modeling of one-way RC slab strengthened with concrete overlay
Authors: Sharafaldeen Muaaz , Abdelatif Amged O. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReinforced concrete (RC) slabs often require strengthening due to deterioration, increased loads, or design changes. Concrete overlay is a commonly used technique for strengthening, but predicting the behavior of overlays can be challenging. To address this challenge, this study presents a three-dimensional non-linear finite element model using Abaqus/CAE to analyze the structural performance of one-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs strengthened with concrete overlays. The model considers three different bonding conditions at the interface: friction, epoxy, and shear connectors. The predictions of the model were compared to experimental results, and it was found that the model accurately captures the load–deflection response, cracking behavior, and interfacial slip in the strengthened slabs. Additionally, the model accurately predicts the new structural capacity of the strengthened slabs, showing good agreement with experimental data. These findings offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of concrete overlays as a traditional strengthening technique for RC slabs. Moreover, the developed finite element model provides a useful tool for optimizing the design of these overlays.
Postpartum blues: a predictor of postpartum depression, from the IGEDEPP Cohort
Authors: Landman Alexandra , Ngameni Elodie Gaelle , Dubreucq Marine , Dubreucq Julien ,   IGEDEPP Groups, Tebeka Sarah , Dubertret Caroline 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
To identify the different factors associated with postpartum blues and its association with postpartum depression, from a large French cohort.

Methods
We conducted an analysis of the Interaction Gene Environment in Postpartum Depression cohort, which is a prospective, multicenter cohort including 3310 women. Their personal (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition [DSM-5]) and family psychiatric history, stressful life events during childhood, pregnancy, and delivery were collected. Likewise, the French version of the Maternity Blues Scale questionnaire was administered at the maternity department. Finally, these women were assessed at 8 weeks and 1 year postpartum by a clinician for postpartum depression according to DSM-5 criteria.

Results
The prevalence of postpartum blues in this population was 33%, and significant factors associated with postpartum blues were found as personal (aOR = 1.2) and family psychiatric history (aOR = 1.2), childhood trauma (aOR = 1.3), obstetrical factors, or events related to the newborn, as well as an experience of stressful life events during pregnancy (aOR = 1.5). These factors had a cumulative effect, with each additional factor increasing the risk of postpartum blues by 31%. Furthermore, adjustment for sociodemographic measures and history of major depressive episode revealed a significant association between postpartum blues and postpartum depression, mainly at early onset, within 8 weeks after delivery (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.6–2.7), but also at late onset (aOR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1–1.9), and mainly if the postpartum blues is severe.

Conclusion
These results justify raising awareness among women with postpartum blues, including reassurance and information about postpartum depression, its symptomatology, and the need for management in case of worsening or prolongation of postpartum blues.
Growth Trajectories of Children Born Preterm and Full-Term With Low Birth Weight to Preschool Ages: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Cha Jong Ho , Kang Eungu , Na Jae Yoon , Ryu Soorack , Choi Young-Jin , Kim Ja Hye 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Preterm (PT) and full-term with low birth weight (FT-LBW) children are at a high-risk of poor growth outcomes.

Objective
This work aimed to investigate the growth trajectories of PT and FT-LBW children from birth to preschool ages.

Methods
This study included 1 150 508 infants (PT, 41 454; FT-LBW, 38 250) who underwent the first 3 rounds (4-6, 9-12, and 18-24 months) of the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSPIC). Growth measurements were obtained from the NHSPIC database and converted into Z-scores. Growth data at ages 2, 4, and 6 years were measured as outcome variables. The effect of being born small on poor growth outcomes was investigated using a generalized estimating equation and Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis.

Results
The median birth weights of the PT, FT-LBW, and FT groups were 2.3, 2.4, and 3.2 kg, respectively. The incidence of short stature (height Z-score &lt; −2 SD score [SDS]) and failure to thrive (FTT) (body mass index (BMI) Z-score &lt; −2 SDS) was the highest in the FT-LBW group, followed by the PT and FT groups. At age 4 years, the incidence rates were 6.0% vs 5.2% vs 1.9% for short stature and 4.6% vs 3.9% vs 1.7% for FTT. The β estimate of height outcome was lower both in the PT (−0.326 SDS) and FT-LBW (−0.456 SDS) groups.

Conclusion
The FT-LBW group was consistently shorter and lighter throughout the preschool period than the PT group, highlighting the significance of growth monitoring in high-risk populations.
Spatial Transcriptomic Analysis of Pituitary Corticotroph Tumors
Authors: Piña Jeremie Oliver , Faucz Fabio R , Padilla Cameron , Floudas Charalampos S , Chittiboina Prashant , Quezado Martha , Tatsi Christina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Spatial transcriptomic (ST) analysis of tumors provides a novel approach to studying gene expression along with the localization of tumor cells in their environment to uncover spatial interactions.

Design
We present ST analysis of corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. ST data were compared to immunohistochemistry results. Gene expression profiles were reviewed for cluster annotations, and differentially expressed genes were used for pathway analysis.

Results
Seven tumors were used for ST analysis. In situ annotation of tumor tissue was inferred from the gene expression profiles and was in concordance with the annotation made by a pathologist. Furthermore, relative gene expression in the tumor corresponded to common protein staining used in the evaluation of PitNETs, such as reticulin and Ki-67 index. Finally, we identified intratumor heterogeneity; clusters within the same tumor may present with different transcriptomic profiles, unveiling potential intratumor cell variability.

Conclusion
Together, our results provide the first attempt to clarify the spatial cell profile in PitNETs.
Early Intervention and Use of Autologous Grafts in Growing Skull Fractures Results in Better Outcomes: Experience From a Tertiary Pediatric Neurosurgery Center
Authors: Tahir M. Zubair , Mirza Farhan A. , Thompson Dominic N. P. , Hayward Richard 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Growing skull fracture (GSF) is a rare complication of pediatric head trauma. Definitive treatment is surgical repair. We have attempted to assess whether use of autologous grafts for duraplasty and cranioplasty leads to better outcomes. We have also attempted to understand how timing of surgery might affect the degree of underlying damage to cortical tissue.

METHODS:
This is a single-center retrospective observational study based on review from the Great Ormond Street Hospital Neurosurgery prospective surgical database. All patients undergoing surgery for GSF repair between 1991 and 2015 were included. Surgical techniques included split calvarial grafts in 4 patients, whereas rest had full-thickness bone grafting. In all cases with full-thickness graft, the donor site was covered with morselized bone chips mixed with fibrin glue (Salami technique).

RESULTS:
Twenty-eight patients were identified (16 males, 12 females). The average age at the time of injury was 13 months. The mean duration of onset of symptoms from the time of injury was 4.4 months. The time interval from symptom onset to surgical repair was 5.92 months. Seven patients had Type I GSF (leptomeningeal cyst with minimal brain parenchyma), 13 had type II (hernia containing gliotic brain), and 8 had type III (porencephalic cyst extending through the skull defect into subgaleal space). Patients with delayed presentation had severe brain injury (Type III) and had more long-term complications (refractory epilepsy requiring temporo-occipito-parietal disconnection and development of hydrocephalus requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion).

CONCLUSION:
Autologous pericranium for duraplasty and split-thickness bone graft or the Salami technique are recommended for cranioplasty. Synthetic materials should be used if the index operation fails or there are complications. Patients with high-risk findings should be identified at the time of initial presentation and followed up in clinic early to prevent onset of neurological deficit. Early repair is associated with better neurological outcomes.
The quality of life after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Zapolska Gabriela , Kowalska Małgorzata , Mariak Zenon , Matuszczak Ewa , Milewski Robert , Matus Łukasz , Hermanowicz Adam 
Published: April 2024

Cervical discopathy is commonly associated with pain in the cervical spine which may affect patients’ quality of life. If conservative treatment fails to relieve the pain for at least 6 months and/or if neurological deficit progresses, the surgical treatment is taken under consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and disability of patients after single- and multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with standalone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. The study evaluated how ACDF influenced particular aspects of patients’ quality of life in the context of radiological outcome. The study included 30 consecutive patients with single- or multi-level cervical disc herniation. Patients underwent clinical and radiological evaluation before and one year after the ACDF procedure. For each patient, we assessed the severity of cervical pain with a numerical rating scale (NRS) and filled the neck disability index questionnaire (NDI). The health-related quality of life was assessed with the Polish version of 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). A significant decrease in all NDI aspects indicates a significant improvement after surgery. The quality of life in all aspects assessed with SF-36 scale was also improved. A moderate decrease in cervical spine mobility coexisted with a good outcome of the neurosurgical procedure. In the opinion of patients, the most important aspect after the cervical spine surgery is the reduction of pain severity. ACDF surgery is an effective method to reduce the severity of pain in patients with degenerative disc disease. ACDF improves the quality of patient’s life. According to the study results the physical role improved most significantly; the least improvement was noted in role-emotional aspect. Up to 83% of patients achieved a reduction of the NDI index by 5 or more points after surgical treatment which proves the high effectiveness of the surgical treatment. No statistically significant difference was noted between patients with single and multi – level discopathy. Up to 97% of patients who underwent ACDF reported a significant decrease in pain severity measured with NRS.
Motion Capture Technique with Enhancement Filters for Humanoid Model Movement Animation
Authors: Habibillah Ahmad Yasin , Prahara Adhi , Murinto Murinto 
Published: April 2024

The definition of 3D animation is a representation of objects that are made into animation using characters or objects to look more alive and real. Making 3D animation itself requires a long process and a large amount of funding. This is because most 3D animated films still use key-framing technology which causes the process to make an animation to take a lot of steps. In this research, a motion capture technique with an enhancement filter is proposed to make humanoid movement animation using Kinect 2.0. The method consists of several steps such as recording every skeleton joint of human movements using a Kinect sensor, filtering the movements to minimize the shakiness and jitter from Kinect data, mapping skeleton data to the bones of a rigged humanoid model, and recording each movement to make animation. The final result is in the form of a 3D animation of modern dance movements. The method is tested by measuring the similarity between the 3D humanoid model and the user movement. From the 10 animations of modern dance generated by the method and performed by the user, a questionnaire to measure the MRI and MSE value is distributed and the result achieves 4.27 on a scale of 5 for the averaged MRI score and 0.0539 for the MSE score. The MSE value is less than 5% which means the system is categorized as acceptable.
Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex
Authors: Cho Jae-Yong , Lee Sung-Woo , Kim Do-Hyun , Oh Won-Taek , Koh Il-Hyun , Chun Yong-Min , Choi Yun-Rak 
Published: April 2024

AimsThe study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement and partial excision in patients with traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and to identify prognostic factors associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients arthroscopically diagnosed with Palmer 1 A lesions who underwent arthroscopic debridement and partial excision from March 2009 to February 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The poor outcome group was defined as patients whose preoperative and last follow-up clinical score difference was less than the minimal clinically important difference of the DASH score (10.83). Baseline characteristics, arthroscopic findings, and radiological factors (ulnar variance, MRI, or arthrography) were evaluated to predict poor clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean follow-up period of 29.8 months (SD 14.4). The mean DASH score improved from 36.5 (SD 21.5) to 16.7 (SD 14.3), the mean MWS from 59.7 (SD 17.9) to 79.3 (SD 14.3), and the mean VAS pain score improved from 5.9 (SD 1.8) to 2.2 (SD 2.0) at the last follow-up (all p < 0.001). Among the 114 patients, 16 (14%) experienced poor clinical outcomes and ten (8.8%) required secondary ulnar shortening osteotomy. Positive ulnar variance was the only factor significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes (p < 0.001). Positive ulnar variance was present in 38 patients (33%); among them, eight patients (21%) required additional operations.ConclusionArthroscopic debridement alone appears to be an effective and safe initial treatment for patients with traumatic central TFCC tears. The presence of positive ulnar variance was associated with poor clinical outcomes, but close observation after arthroscopic debridement is more likely to be recommended than ulnar shortening osteotomy as a primary treatment.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):380–386.
The rate of nonunion in the MRI-detected occult scaphoid fracture
Authors: Dean Benjamin J. F. , Riley Nicholas , Little Christopher , Sheehan Warren , Gidwani Sam , Brewster Mark , Dhiman Paula , Costa Matt L. 
Published: April 2024

AimsThere is a lack of published evidence relating to the rate of nonunion seen in occult scaphoid fractures, diagnosed only after MRI. This study reports the rate of delayed union and nonunion in a cohort of patients with MRI-detected acute scaphoid fractures.MethodsThis multicentre cohort study at eight centres in the UK included all patients with an acute scaphoid fracture diagnosed on MRI having presented acutely following wrist trauma with normal radiographs. Data were gathered retrospectively for a minimum of 12 months at each centre. The primary outcome measures were the rate of acute surgery, delayed union, and nonunion.ResultsA total of 1,989 patients underwent acute MRI for a suspected scaphoid fracture during the study period, of which 256 patients (12.9%) were diagnosed with a previously occult scaphoid fracture. Of the patients with scaphoid fractures, six underwent early surgical fixation (2.3%) and there was a total of 16 cases of delayed or nonunion (6.3%) in the remaining 250 patients treated with cast immobilization. Of the nine nonunions (3.5%), seven underwent surgery (2.7%), one opted for non-surgical treatment, and one failed to attend follow-up. Of the seven delayed unions (2.7%), one (0.4%) was treated with surgery at two months, one (0.4%) did not attend further follow-up, and the remaining five fractures (1.9%) healed after further cast immobilization. All fractures treated with surgery had united at follow-up. There was one complication of surgery (prominent screw requiring removal).ConclusionMRI-detected scaphoid fractures are not universally benign, with delayed or nonunion of scaphoid fractures diagnosed only after MRI seen in over 6% despite appropriate initial immobilization, with most of these patients with nonunion requiring surgery to achieve union. This study adds weight to the evidence base supporting the use of early MRI for these patients.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):387–393.
PEDF peptide plus hyaluronic acid stimulates cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis via STAT3-mediated chondrogenesis
Authors: Lu Yung-Chang , Ho Tsung-Chuan , Huang Chang-Hung , Yeh Shu-I , Chen Show-Li , Tsao Yeou-Ping 
Published: April 2024

AimsPigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is known to induce several types of tissue regeneration by activating tissue-specific stem cells. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of PEDF 29-mer peptide in the damaged articular cartilage (AC) in rat osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsMesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) were isolated from rat bone marrow (BM) and used to evaluate the impact of 29-mer on chondrogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs in culture. Knee OA was induced in rats by a single intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in the right knees (set to day 0). The 29-mer dissolved in 5% hyaluronic acid (HA) was intra-articularly injected into right knees at day 8 and 12 after MIA injection. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect of the 29-mer/HA on OA was evaluated by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) histopathological scoring system and changes in hind paw weight distribution, respectively. The regeneration of chondrocytes in damaged AC was detected by dual-immunostaining of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and chondrogenic markers.ResultsThe 29-mer promoted expansion and chondrogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs cultured in different defined media. MIA injection caused chondrocyte death throughout the AC, with cartilage degeneration thereafter. The 29-mer/HA treatment induced extensive chondrocyte regeneration in the damaged AC and suppressed MIA-induced synovitis, accompanied by the recovery of cartilage matrix. Pharmacological inhibitors of PEDF receptor (PEDFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling substantially blocked the chondrogenic promoting activity of 29-mer on the cultured BM-MSCs and injured AC.ConclusionThe 29-mer/HA formulation effectively induces chondrocyte regeneration and formation of cartilage matrix in the damaged AC.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(4):137–148.
Experimental study of a thin thermally grown oxide layer in thermal barrier coatings based on the SWT-BP algorithm and terahertz technology
Authors: Luo Manting , Zhong Shuncong , Huang Yi , Zhang Zhenghao , Nsengiyumva Walter , Tu Wanli 
Published: April 2024

As a promising nondestructive testing (NDT) technique with a very adaptive physical modeling of wave transmission process, terahertz technology is used for the detection and characterization of nonpolar materials and the evaluation of layered and/or defective structures. THz-TDS can also be used to perform spectroscopic analysis and detect structural defects in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) of aero-engines. Although it is generally difficult to measure the structure of the thin oxide layer of the thermal barrier coatings whose thickness is generally lower than 30 µm (the current axial resolution of the THz-TDS cannot exceed 30 µm). We were able to complete the detection of the oxide layer within 1–29 µm through simulation by using the SWT-BP algorithm. In this study, the analysis was performed on real-world samples, the fitting degree of the SWT-BP algorithm reached 0.77, and the minimum prediction error was less than 0.1 µm. The paper also put forward some improvement measures about the experimental results.