bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual perceptive functioning in Japanese schoolchildren born with very low birth weight
Authors: Fukui Miho , Shimakawa Shuichi , Okumura Tomohito , Tsuda-Kitahara Hikaru , Ashida Akira 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
We aimed to use the Wide-range Assessment of Vision-related Essential Skills (WAVES) to evaluate the visual perception of Japanese schoolchildren born weighing < 1500 g, who did not need support class and had an average IQ score.
Methods
The very-low birth weight infant group (VLBWI group) included 38 (17 male, 21 female) first-grade elementary schoolchildren born between April 2009 and March 2013 at Osaka Medical College Hospital and Saiseikai Suita Hospital. The scores for the 10 subtests and 4 indices of WAVES were calculated for all participants and compared to the WAVES normative database of schoolchildren in the same grade (C group). We assessed whether clinical history was associated with WAVES score in the VLBWI group.
Results
Compared with the C group, the participants in the VLBWI group had significantly lower scores for form tracing (success and rate scores), figure-ground speed, discrimination accuracy, visual memory, copying, and the indices of WAVES, except for the eye-hand coordination general index. The scores for line tracing (ratio) and eye-hand coordination accuracy index were significantly lower in participants who were born at gestational age < 28 weeks than in those born at gestational age ≥ 28 weeks. Copying performance was significantly lower in participants with than without chronic lung disease.
Conclusion
This is the first study to evaluate the visual perception of schoolchildren born weighing < 1500 g in Japan. We report lower scores of WAVES’ subtests on processing speed in these children, implying they might have increased risk of poor school performance and learning disabilities.
Association between atrial fibrillation/flutter and left ventricular failure: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Tiantian , Fan Zhou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background：atrial fibrillation(AF) and heart failure(HF) share common pathophysiological mechanisms, thus frequently coexisting and mutually influencing disease progression.The combination of these conditions is associated with heightened mortality rates and unfavorable prognosis. Significant progress has been made in the study of AF-HF, but it remains unclear which approach provides the best long-term efficacy. In this study, our objective is to employ Mendelian randomization studies in order to investigate the causal relationship between atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter(AFL) and left ventricular failure(LVF), explore potential therapeutic targets for clinical application, and optimize the management and clinical outcomes of patients with AF/AFL and HF.
Methods: The data of AF/AFL from the IEU OpenGWAS project.These data derive from a European population consisting of 463,010 participants drawn from the UK Biobank. Among them, 5,669 individuals had AF/AFL, and a total of 9,851,867 SNPs were considered.To ensure a matching number of SNPs between LVF and minimize population overlap effects, we implemented the most recent and largest genome-wide association study meta-analysis from the IEU OpenGWAS project. A total of 2046 cases and 460,964 controls were investigated,within a total of 9,851,867 SNPs. We adopted inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the main way to estimate the Mendelian randomization analysis.
Results：The preliminary results of IVW revealed postive causal effect of AF/AFL on LVF [OR =1.053, 95% CI: 1.023-1.084, P = 0.0006] Cochran's IVW Q test results show no significant heterogeneity among these IVs. The results of the MR-Egger regression intercept analysis indicate no significant horizontal pleiotropy. MR-PRESSO global test results revealed no horizontal pleiotropy. Additionally, the p-values of the MR PRESSO global test for AF/AFL on LVF were all greater than 0.05.The funnel plot presents a symmetricl shap,suggesting significant heterogeneity,indicating that there is no systematic bias between the study effect and its accuracy. The leave-one-out plot is shown that each IVs does not have a serious bias effect on the overall MR results.The results of the steiger test confirmed no causal effect of LVF on AF/AFL.
Conclusions：This MR study presents novel genetic evidence supporting a causal association between AF/AFL and LVF, thus contributing to the advancement of our understanding in this field.This study underscores the importance of managing HF-AF patients by incorporating AF/AFL treatment alongside conventional anti-HF therapy and ventricular rate control, aiming to enhance LV function and achieve a more favorable prognosis.In addition, this study found that LVF did not have a significant impact on AF/AFL.
Azvudine reduces the mortality rate of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019: a single-center retrospective analysis study
Authors: Zhong Zhen , Liu Xiao-feng , Zhou Xiao-zhong , Zhong Jia-ning , Zhou Li-cheng , Li Rong , Liu Xian-fa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Several therapeutic drugs have been authorized for the treatment of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, further research on the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and target populations of these novel therapeutic drugs are necessary. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of azvudine in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to our hospital from December 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Patients were divided into retrospective cohorts receiving azvudine antiviral therapy and standard treatment, and were followed-up for up to 28 days.
Results: Prior to data processing, azvudine treatment was associated with reduced mortality rates at 7 days (1.09/1000 persons vs.5.06/1000 persons, p<0.001)and 14 days (3.35/1000 persons vs. 5.65/1000 persons, p=0.001). After propensity score matching, a decrease in mortality rates at 7 days (0.08/1000 persons vs.6.29/1000 persons, p<0.001), 14 days (3.42/1000 persons vs. 7.26/1000 persons, p<0.001), and 28 days (4.33/1000 persons vs. 7.29/1000 persons, p=0.003) were observed following azvudine treatment. After inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment, the results were consistent with propensity score matching. In the clinical subgroup analysis, for hospitalized severe and critical patients with COVID-19, azvudine treatment intervention significantly reduced patient mortality rates.
Conclusions: The study suggests that in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, azvudine treatment significantly reduces patient mortality rates in hospitalized COVID-19 infections, wherein the effects are more pronounced in severe and critical patients.
Neligible Outflow Impaiment After Photoablative Cosmetic Laser Iridoplasty, Demonstrated by Tonography
Authors: Ruiz Pedro Grimaldos , Roko Victoria , Font Pau , Ruiz Pedro Grimaldos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
PURPOSE: To demonstrate that the photoablative cosmetic laser iridoplasty (PCI) procedure does not induce alterations in the aqueous humor outflow through the iridocorneal angle, and therefore, no risk of secondary hypertension, evaluated by tonography.
DESIGN: Prospective study conducted over a 15-month period, comparing intraocular pressures before and after PCI using tonography.
METHODS: A total of 560 patients, all cosmetic cases, were included in this study. Patients were healthy individuals over the age of 18. We employed the Tomey FT 1000 non-contact air tonometer to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). After controlling IOP in both eyes, we applied controlled pressure to the right eye using the Honan balloon for two minutes maintaining a pressure of 40 mmHg, while the left eye served as a control (no pressure applied). After removing the balloon, IOP is measured again using the same tonometer in both eyes. This allows us to compare the pressure changes between the eye where the balloon was applied and the control eye.
RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in intraocular pressure before and after using the Honan balloon in the right eye (p < 2.2e-16, mean decrease of 1.749), while no significant changes were noted in the left eye. Comparison of percentage decrease between the eyes showed a significant difference (p < 2.2e-16, mean difference of 14.39%). Analysis considering different stages of PCI treatment and pigmentary degrees revealed no significant differences in pressure reduction rates. Intraocular pressure analysis pre- and post-laser treatment showed no significant alterations in either eye (p > 0.5731), suggesting the procedure did not affect intraocular pressure.
CONCLUSION: The risk of secondary hypertension arises from obstruction of the outflow pathway and increased resistance to aqueous humor drainage. Post-laser care is crucial to maintain normal IOP levels. Macrophages and phagocytes play crucial role eliminating deposited pigment. Gonioscopy, provides insights into the distribution of pigment deposition. Additionally, a waiting period of 4 to 6 months before subsequent laser interventions allows iris stromal homeostasis. Our study tries to demonstrate minimal risk of secondary hypertension post-PCI, indicative of a potentially unobstructed trabecular angle.
Quality of Life of Cancer Patients in Palliative Care in Northern Malawi: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Sinyiza Frank Watson , Kaseka Paul Uchizi , Chimbatata Chikondi Sharon , Chisale Master R. O. , Hsieh Yu-Ting Sunny , Wu Tsung-Shu Joseph , Yu Kwong-Leung Joseph , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer continues to cause major morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries thereby contributing to unmet palliative care services. Palliative care among cancer patients aims to improve Quality of Life (QoL). This study was conducted to assess the quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care.
Methods
Through a descriptive cross-sectional design, 158 cancer patients in palliative care services were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF tool which is a validated and reliable tool to assess quality of life. The study was conducted in the northern region of Malawi. The participants were assessed in four domains of quality of life namely physical, psychological, environment health and social relationships. We also assessed individual’s overall perception to quality of life and satisfaction with their health.
Results
A total of 158 patients were interviewed with mean age of 53 years and majority were females 102 (64.6%). The most frequent cancer sites among the study subjects were Cervical 60 (38%) followed by skin (Kaposi’s sarcoma) 32 (20.3%). Only 54 (34.2%) patients had laboratory confirmed cancer. Majority 98 (62.0%) of the patients had received palliative chemotherapy and 103 (65.2%) were on opioids for pain control. The results show a significant positive correlation between the overall quality of life and overall satisfaction and the scores of the physical and psychological domains, with r > 0.4 (p < .001). Higher education (p < 0.05), being on palliative chemotherapy (p < 0.05) and longer duration of cancer (p < 0.05) were associated with better quality of life. Morphine was found to be a significant negative predictor affecting both the Physical domain (β = −9.24; p = 0.045) and Q1 (β = −0.53; (p < 0.05), but not psychological domain and overall satisfaction of health. Age, gender, occupation and religious affiliation were not related to overall QOL and satisfaction.
Conclusion
There are various factors that affect QOL among patients in palliative care. Physical and environmental domains are major determinants of overall QOL and satisfaction. The effectiveness of palliative care services in maintaining the overall quality of life requires comprehensive supportive care.
Outcomes after 4 years’ experience with low suction drains. Would it be safe to go drainless or low suction?
Authors: Fazlioglu Mithat , Hammad Walid , Piyadeoglu Deniz , Kutlu Cemal Asim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The principles of chest drainage have not changed significantly since 1875 when Bülau introduced the idea of underwater drainage tube which became a trademark of thoracic surgery. We performed a prospective, randomized trial comparing omitting pleural drain (drainless group) versus drainage with small low suction drain (drainage group) strategies of thoracic surgery when the visceral pleura remains intact. Aiming to investigate whether these approaches represent safe treatment options.
Methods: A multi-center, prospective, parallel group, randomized, controlled trial enrolling patients after thoracic procedures in which visceral pleura remained intact at the end of surgery between August 2020 and September 2023. After completion of the procedure a suction-seal test was conducted on all patients. If suction-seal test was positive to confirm absence of air leak, patients were randomized to either receive low auto-suction drain as a solo pleural drain (drainage group) or not to receive drain (drainless group).
Results: During the study period, 111 patients were recruited. Eleven patients had negative Suction-seal test and were excluded by inserting a traditional underwater seal. The remaining 100 patients were randomly assigned to either drainage group with low suction drain (figure 1) (n = 50) or drainless group (n = 50).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that either omitting drain or inserting a low auto suction drain safely substitutes the one-way valve when the visceral pleural remained intact. Omitting drain or inserting portable small caliber drains encourage early mobilization and is associated with shorter hospital stay.
Distribution Characteristics, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Variation Trends of Biliary Microbiome in Acute Cholangitis patients : A 7-Year Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Northwest China
Authors: Hao Yuqi , Du Wenting , Lu Jinshuai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
With the increase in bacterial resistance worldwide, the bacterial characteristics of the biliary tract may have changed. Bile specimens for microbiological analysis are obtained primarily during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, with a few from percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage. However, in some regions of China, patients still undergo laparoscopic T-tube drainage. The lack of data from this subset may lead to an incomplete understanding of the characteristics of the biliary microbiome.
Method
1094 hospitalized patients diagnosed acute cholangitis from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2023, who underwent biliary drainage procedures with bile specimen collection in our hospital were selected.Collect and analyse their general information, results of biliary culture, antimicrobial susceptibility and potential reasons for changes over 7 years.
Results
Among the 1,094 patients with acute cholangitis, 875 specimens (79.91%) yielded positive bile cultures, facilitating the detection of 1,026 strains belonging to 24 genera and 75 species of pathogens..Gram-negative bacteria were predominant,accounting for 63.65%(653/1,026) of the isolates, followed by gram-positive bacteria at 31.97%(328/1,026) and fungi at 4.39%(45/1,026). The main genera were Escherichia (249, 24.27%), Enterococcus (197, 19.20%), Klebsiella (170, 16.57%). Over the years, there has been a fluctuating upward trend in the diversity of pathogens. From 2017 to 2021, the proportion of gram-negative bacilli gradually decreased while gram-positive cocci increased, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, from 2022 to 2023, the proportion of gram-negative bacilli significantly increased compared to the previous five years.There was an increasing trend in the resistance rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to various antibiotics.They were more sensitive to piperacillin/sulbactam sodium than to cefoperazone/sulbactam sodium.
Conclusion
The proportion of gram-positive bacteria increased annually in patients without differences in the history of Oddi sphincter incision. Incision of the Oddi sphincter increased the proportion of gram-negative bacteria but did not increase the proportion of major bacterial species and had no significant effect on the distribution of Enterococcus. The detection rates of resistant bacteria increased significantly. The resistance rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to antibiotics showed an overall increasing trend.
YB-1 expression analysis in the developing mouse eye by immunohistochemistry
Authors: Nass Alexander , Wolf Hella , Sel Saadettin , Kalinski Thomas , Nass Norbert 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective:
Cold shock proteins such as YB-1 (ybx1) function in the regulation of transcription, mRNA stability, and translation. Consequently, YB-1 contributes to differentiation, stress responses and oncogenesis. Eye development is a complex process involving the differentiation of a signifiant number of cell-types with distinct functions. Additionally, the adult eye is exposed to UV-radiation causing significant oxidative stress. We therefore hypothesized that YB-1 plays a role in eye development as well as stress defence. As a first step to understand YB-1 function in this context, we analyzed its expression in the developing and adult mouse eye by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Expression of the YB-1 protein in the developing mouse eye at stages (E12, E15 and E18) and in adult eyes (P14) was detected in all retinal cells and in cells of the cornea and the lens epithelium at all stages investigated. These findings support a significant function of YB-1 in the eye, may be related to development and differentiation.
Fixed-time composite observer-based adaptive recursive sliding mode control for tiltrotor UAV attitude tracking
Authors: Luo Liwei , Xu Sheng , Su Chengyue , Xie Mengshan , Li Jinfa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

An adaptive recursive sliding mode control (ARSMC) scheme based on a fixed-time composite observer (FTO) is introduced in this paper, to address challenges in tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) attitude control. As an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the unique structure of TUAV leads to significant aerodynamic disturbances, particularly during transition modes, causing flight instability. To enhance control robustness, a fast-converging FTO is designed to estimate the system states, model uncertainties and external disturbances, achieving fixed-time convergence. The FTO comprises a fixed-time state observer (FTSO) based on homogeneous function and a fixed-time disturbance observer (FTDO). To accomplish rapid and accuracy attitude tracking during TUAV flight, a recursive sliding mode control (RSMC) is employed. This method utilizes reconstructed information from the FTO, incorporates an adaptive law to update control gains, and ensures finite-time convergence. And the recursive structure reduces the convergence time while reducing chattering phenomena. Ultimately, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FTO-ARSMC (FAC) strategy in rapidly and robustly controlling the attitude during the transition mode of TUAV.
Identification of a novel non-coding deletion in Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome by long-read HiFi genome sequencing
Authors: Yoon Jihoon G. , Lee Seungbok , Park Soojin , Jang Se Song , Cho Jaeso , Kim Man Jin , Kim Soo Yeon , Kim Woo Joong , Lee Jin Sook , Chae Jong-Hee 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) is an X-linked disorder caused by a pathogenic variant in theSLC16A2gene. Although most reported variants are found in protein-coding regions or adjacent junctions, structural variations (SVs) within non-coding regions have not been previously reported.Methods:To investigate two male siblings with severe neurodevelopmental disorders and spasticity, who had remained undiagnosed for over a decade and were negative from exome sequencing, we utilized long-read HiFi genome sequencing. We analyzed short-tandem repeats (STRs) and SVs to identify the genetic cause in this familial case.Results:While coding variants and STR analyses yielded negative results, SV analysis revealed a novel hemizygous deletion in intron 1 of theSLC16A2gene (ChrX:74,460,691-74,463,566; 2,876 bp), inherited from their carrier mother and shared by the siblings. Determination of the breakpoints indicates that the deletion probably resulted from Alu/Alu-mediated rearrangements between homologous AluY pairs. The deleted region is predicted to include multiple transcription factor binding sites, such as Stat2, Zic1, Zic2, and FOXD3, which are crucial for the neurodevelopmental process, as well as a regulatory element including an eQTL (rs1263181) that is implicated in the tissue-specific regulation ofSLC16A2expression, notably in skeletal muscle and thyroid tissues.Conclusions:This report, to our knowledge, is the first to describe a non-coding deletion associated with AHDS, demonstrating the potential utility of long-read sequencing for undiagnosed patients. It may expand the genomic spectrum of AHDS and highlight the identified region with a high priority for future investigation and functional studies.
Clinical efficacy analysis of tip‑flexible suctioning ureteral access sheath combined with disposable flexible ureteroscope to treat 2-4 cm renal stones
Authors: Chen Hua , Xiao Jiansheng , Ge Jiaqi , Liu Tairong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of tip-flexible suctioning ureteral access (TFS-UAS) combined with disposable flexible ureteroscope (DFU) to treat large renal calculi (2 ~ 4 cm) with the use of traditional ureteral access sheath (T-UAS).
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted to collect clinical data from 238 patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) at Ganzhou People’s Hospital between January 2019 and October 2023. The observation group consisted of 125 patients who utilized TFS-UAS, while the control group consisted of 113 patients who utilized UAS. Comparisons were made between the two groups regarding stone-free rate (SFR), complication rates, operation time, and average hospital stay.
Results
All surgeries involving the 238 patients were successfully completed. The stone-free rates for the observation group at the first and 30th day post-surgery were 87.20% and 73.45% respectively, whereas for the control group, the rates were 95.20% and 85.84%, demonstrating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The overall complication rates for the two groups were 1.6% and 14.16% respectively, with statistical significance (P < 0.001). The stone fragmentation and clearance operation times for the two groups were (101.17 ± 25.64) minutes and (86.23 ± 20.35) minutes respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
In comparison to TUAS, the combination of TFS-UAS and DFU for treating renal calculi with a diameter of 2–4 cm may necessitate a longer duration for stone fragmentation and clearance. However, it exhibits a higher stone-free rate and a superior safety profile.