bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Causal Relationship Between Blood Cell Indices and 28-Day Mortality in Sepsis: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Zeng Tao , Sun Yina , Chen Shuru , Pang Jiahui , Wang Heping , Cai Xianghao , Liao Yingying , Xiao Xiaolong , Zhang Yibo , Chong Yutian , Gong Jiao , Li Xinhua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Despite emerging evidence linking blood cell indices (BCIs) to sepsis mortality, the inconsistency of observational studies obscures the clarity of these associations. This study aims to clarify the causal influence of BCIs on 28-day mortality rates in sepsis patients.
Methods Utilizing univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, we examined the impact of BCIs on sepsis mortality by analyzing data from extensive genome-wide association studies. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was our primary analytic tool, complemented by several robustness checks to mitigate pleiotropy, including weighted median, mode-based estimates, MR-Egger regression, and MR-PRESSO.
Results: Our findings highlight a significant causal relationship between platelet distribution width (PDW) and 28-day mortality in sepsis, with the univariable Mendelian randomization approach yielding an odds ratio of 1.12 (95% CI, 1.06-1.26; P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis further substantiated PDW’s robust association with mortality risk (OR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.48; P < 0.05). Conversely, our analysis did not uncover significant correlations between the genetic predispositions to other BCIs—including red blood cell count, erythrocyte distribution width, platelet count, mean platelet volume, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte percentage—and the 28-day mortality in sepsis. Additionally, an inverse MR analysis did not establish a causal impact of 28-day mortality in sepsis on PDW (OR 1.00; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.07; P = 0.29).
Conclusions: The study underscores the independent causal role of PDW in predicting 28-day mortality in sepsis, suggesting its potential utility in early patient assessment, risk stratification, and tailoring of therapeutic intervention.
Development and validation of an Arabic questionnaire to assess dentist knowledge on managing deep caries cavities
Authors: Alghourani Rashad , Achour Hassan , Milly Hussam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The interconnection between oral health and systemic well-being is widely recognized, with dental caries being a prevalent global oral disease. This study focuses on the development and validation of a unique Arabic-language questionnaire to evaluate dentists' knowledge and skills in managing deep caries.
Aim
To create and validate the first Arabic questionnaire specifically for assessing dentists' competence in diagnosing and managing deep caries cavities.
Methods
The study adopted a multi-stage approach, including translation and adaptation of existing questionnaires, addition of new items by experts, and a thorough validation process. A balanced sample of 20 dentists from Damascus University Faculty of Dentistry participated. The questionnaire encompassed items divided into categories of diagnosis, treatment, and tools. Statistical analysis for internal and external validity, reliability, and other factors was conducted using SPSS.
Results
The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.804, 0.879 for standardized items) and good test-retest reliability. Some items showed strong positive correlations, while a few indicated weaker correlations, revealing areas for potential refinement. The study highlighted significant correlations in most parameters, affirming the questionnaire's reliability.
Conclusion
This research successfully developed and validated the first Arabic-language questionnaire for assessing dentists' knowledge in managing deep caries cavities. The methodology ensured the tool's reliability and validity, with practical implications for dental education and practice in Arabic-speaking regions.
The Evolution of Trust and Its Influence on Organisational Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: Danish Fajer 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the relationship between trust and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) within the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC). Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study conducts in-depth semi-structured interviews with 17 BOC managers, focusing on five key themes of OCB: altruism, civic virtue, conscientiousness, courtesy, and sportsmanship. The findings reveal that increased levels of managerial trust positively impact all OCB themes, particularly civic virtue, which indicates a strong emotional commitment and support for BOC activities. These results suggest that enhancing trust can lead to greater employee engagement in behaviors beyond their formal work roles. The study makes significant contributions to the literature, especially in the Middle Eastern context, and offers practical recommendations for future research and practitioners in the field of trust.
Damage Mechanism Investigation on Fiber Reinforced Recycled Cement Aggregate Concrete in a Cold Region
Authors: LI WEI , LI ZHENG , XU WENYUAN , JI YONGCHENG 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In order to investigate the internal damage mechanism of carbon fiber-reinforced recycled concrete, microscopic, mechanical, and freeze-thaw cycle experimental programs were conducted. Three categories of recycled concrete specimens with different recycled concrete admixtures and reinforcement modes were designed in this study. Axial compression tests and freeze-thaw cycles were conducted, combined with SEM and fracture surface observation and analysis, which were used to study the effects of the ratio of carbon fiber reinforcement and admixture of recycled aggregates on the mechanical properties of the concrete, the freezing resistance, and the microstructure. Research results indicate that carbon fiber reinforcement can effectively improve recycled concrete's strength and frost resistance. The increase in reinforcement ratio gradually increased mechanical strength and frost resistance. Compared with the unreinforced concrete, the axial strength of semi-reinforced and fully reinforced specimens was enhanced by 25% and 42.5%, respectively. The 100% recycled substitution rate specimens were treated with full reinforcement. Their compressive strengths were similar to those of unreinforced natural aggregate concrete. The compressive strength of the fully reinforced specimens was similar to that of the unreinforced natural aggregate concrete. Furthermore, the mechanism of strength loss in recycled concrete is obtained through microstructural analysis. A uniaxial compression numerical model of CFRP-reinforced recycled concrete was established, and a modified CFRP-reinforced cement-recycled concrete was proposed to accurately determine the ontological relationship for different reinforcement ratios and recycled aggregate admixtures. A BP neural network model was developed by MATLAB to effectively predict the compressive strength of recycled concrete with different mix ratios under different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles.
Tri-reforming of methane over Ni/ZrO2 catalyst derived from Zr-MOF for the production of synthesis gas
Authors: Pandey Akansha , Biswas Prakash 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Tri-reforming of methane (TRM) is a promising route for using greenhouse gases such as CH4 and CO2 to produce synthesis gas with the H2/CO ratio of 1.5-2. In this study, a series of Zr-MOF synthesized via the solvothermal method, and impregnation technique was used to synthesize the nickel impregnated on MOF derived ZrO2 catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by various methods, including N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, TPR, CO2-TPD, TGA, Chemisorption, FE-SEM, HR-TEM etc. Characterization results confirmed the formation of the Zr-MOF and nickel metal dispersed on MOF derived ZrO2. Further, the tri-reforming activity of the catalyst developed was evaluated in a downflow packed bed reactor. The various catalysts were screened for their TRM activity at different temperatures (600-850 oC). Results demonstrated that TRM was highly favorable over the NZ-1000 catalyst due to its desirable physicochemical properties, including nickel metal surface area (2.3 m2/gcat-1), metal dispersion (7.1%), and nickel metal reducibility (45%), respectively. Over NZ-1000 catalyst and optimum H2/CO ratio of ~1.6-2 was achieved at 750 °C, and it was stable for longer period of Time.
Improvement in Depressive Symptoms in a Patient with Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa and Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder Using Psychotherapy-Assisted IV Ketamine : A Case Report
Authors: Timek Amanda , Daniels-Brady Catherine , Ferrando Stephen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background :
Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening psychiatric illness with a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. This illness is frequently comorbid with major depressive disorder, leading to additional obstaces in patient quality of life, and increasing the mortality rate further due to risk of suicide. Ketamine, an competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, has been shown to be beneficial in depression given its effects on neuroplasticity. There are few cases in the literature describing ketamine use in patients with eating disorders, and even fewer that describe psychotherapy-assisted ketamine use in this patient population. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and comorbid major depressive disorder who we treated safely with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy using intravenous ketamine in a general hospital setting.
Case presentation :
Our patient is a 33-year-old woman with past psychiatric history of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder with comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions who presented to the hospital due to malnutrition. She had an extensive psychiatric history as well as multiple medical hospitalizations due to her eating disorder. She had tried numerous psychiatric treatments, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, electroconvulsive therapy, and multiple types of therapies without significant improvement in symptoms. She agreed to try ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and received it intravenously for seven sessions in a closely monitored setting, and simultaneously engaged in acceptance and commitment therapy during sessions. She demonstrated increased cognitive flexibility, disappearance of suicidal ideation, and reduction in Beck Depression Inventory Scores.
Conclusions :
Our case in unique in that it demonstrates the successful usage of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in a hospital setting with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and comorbid major depressive disorder. Her body mass index was profoundly low at 13, whereas the lowest documented in the literature was 16.9. This case shows that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be a promising treatment modality for patients with anorexia nervosa with co-morbid depression who have failed other interventions.
L-carnitine Prevents Colistin-induced Mitochondrial Permeability Transition and Reduces the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Samodelov Sophia , Gai Zhibo , De Luca Francesca , Haldimann Klara , Hobbie Sven , müller Daniel , Kullak-Ublick Gerd , Visentin Michele 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic currently experiencing renewed clinical interest due to its efficacy in the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. The frequent onset of acute dose-dependent kidney injury, with the potential of leading to long-term renal damage, has limited its use and hampered adequate dosing regimens, increasing the risk of suboptimal plasma concentrations during treatment. The mechanism of colistin-induced renal toxicity has been postulated to stem from mitochondrial damage, yet there is no direct evidence of colistin acting as a mitochondrial toxin. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether colistin can directly induce mitochondrial toxicity and, if so, uncover the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that colistin leads to a rapid permeability transition of mitochondria isolated from mouse kidney that was fully prevented by co-incubation of the mitochondria with desensitizers of the mitochondrial transition pore cyclosporin A or L-carnitine. The protective effect of L-carnitine was confirmed in experiments in primary cultured mouse proximal tubular cells. Consistently, the risk of colistin-induced kidney damage, assessed by histological analysis as well as by the early marker of tubular kidney injury, Kim-1, was halved under co-administration with L-carnitine in vivo. Notably, L-carnitine neither affected the pharmacokinetics of colistin nor its antimicrobial activity against relevant bacterial strains. In conclusion, colistin targets the mitochondria and induces permeability transition thereof. L-carnitine prevents colistin-induced permeability transition in vitro. Moreover, L-carnitine co-administration confers partial nephroprotection in mice treated with colistin, without interfering with its pharmacokinetics and antibacterial activity.
The Majority of SARS-CoV-2 Plasma Cells are Excluded from the Bone Marrow Long-Lived Compartment 33 Months after mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Lee Frances , Nguyen Doan , Hentenaar Ian , Morrison-Porter Andrea , Solano David , Haddad Natalie , Castrillon Carlos , Lamothe Pedro , Andrews Joel , Roberts Danielle , Lonial Sagar , Sanz Ignacio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The goal of any vaccine is to induce long-lived plasma cells (LLPC) to provide life-long protection. Natural infection by influenza, measles, or mumps viruses generates bone marrow (BM) LLPC similar to tetanus vaccination which affords safeguards for decades. Although the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines protect from severe disease, the serologic half-life is short-lived even though SARS-CoV-2-specific plasma cells can be found in the BM. To better understand this paradox, we enrolled 19 healthy adults at 1.5-33 months after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine and measured influenza-, tetanus-, or SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody secreting cells (ASC) in LLPC (CD19-) and non-LLPC (CD19+) subsets within the BM. All individuals had IgG ASC specific for influenza, tetanus, and SARS-CoV-2 in at least one BM ASC compartment. However, only influenza- and tetanus-specific ASC were readily detected in the LLPC whereas SARS-CoV-2 specificities were mostly excluded. The ratios of non-LLPC:LLPC for influenza, tetanus, and SARS-CoV-2 were 0.61, 0.44, and 29.07, respectively. Even in five patients with known PCR-proven history of infection and vaccination, SARS-CoV-2-specific ASC were mostly excluded from the LLPC. These specificities were further validated by using multiplex bead binding assays of secreted antibodies in the supernatants of cultured ASC. Similarly, the IgG ratios of non-LLPC:LLPC for influenza, tetanus, and SARS-CoV-2 were 0.66, 0.44, and 23.26, respectively. In all, our studies demonstrate that rapid waning of serum antibodies is accounted for by the inability of mRNA vaccines to induce BM LLPC.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal piR-35462 promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via FTO/Twist1 pathway
Authors: Ye Yushan , Wu Fan , Li Bowen , Ma Hanyu , Mai Lianxi , Peng Yu , Feng Xiaodi , Tan Xiao , Fu Min , Tan Yongmei , Lan Tianjun , Wang Ruixin , Ren Siqi , Li Jinsong , Chang Shaohai , Xie Shule 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a critical role in tumor progression. In this study, we explored the influence of exosomal piR-35462 (piR-35462) derived from CAFs on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression.
Methods: CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were obtained from patients-derived samples of OSCC and adjacent normal tissues. Exosomes extracted from CAFs and NFs were confirmed and piRNAs was identified screened. CCK8 assays, EdU and Transwell assays were performed to assess tumor proliferation and metastasis. A nude mouse model was established to assess the impact of exosomal piR-35462 on tumor progression.
Results: CAFs-derived exosomes showed a enhanced piR-35462 expression and promoted OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Additionally, elevated piR-35462 expression in OSCC tissues correlates with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, CAFs-derived exosomal piR-35462 increased the expression of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in OSCC cells. By inhibiting N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, the overexpression of FTO further enhances the stability and expression levels of Twist1 mRNA, thereby contributing to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor progression. In vivo xenograft tumor model also confirmed the same results.
Conclusion: The achieved outcomes elucidate that CAFs can deliver piR-35462 containing exosomes to OSCC cells and promote OSCC progression via FTO/Twist mediated EMT pathways, and could represent a promising therapeutic target for OSCC.
A machine learning based on CT radiomics signature and change value features for predicting the risk classification of thymoma
Authors: zhu Liang , Li Jiaming , Tang Yihan , Zhang Yaxuan , Chen Chunyuan , Li Siyuan , Wang Xuefeng , Zhuang Ziye , He Shuyan , deng biao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective:
The aim of this study is to propose a medical imaging and comprehensive stacking learning based method for predicting high and low risk categories of thymoma.
Methods:
This retrospective study collected 126 patients with thymoma and 5 patients with thymic carcinoma treated at our institution, including 65 low-risk cases and 66 high-risk cases. Among them 78 cases were the training cohort. The rest formed the validation cohort (53 cases). Radiomicsfeatures and variation features are extracted from collected medical imaging data. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to identify and determine potential differences between categories and features with p<0.05 were retained. Feature selection was first performed using LASSO regression, and then the top ten features with the highest potential for differentiation were selected using the SelectKBest method. By applying stacked ensemble learning, we combine three machine learning algorithms to provide an efficient and reliable solution for risk prediction of thymoma.
Results:
A total of 54 features were identified as the most discriminative features for low-risk and high-risk thymoma, and were used to develop radiomics features. Our model successfully identified patients with low-risk and high-risk thymoma. For the imaging omics model, the AUC in the training and validation cohorts were 0.999 (95%CI,0.988-1.000) and 0.967(95%CI,0.916-1.000). For the nomogram, the values were 0.999 (95%CI,0.996-1.000) and 0.983 (95%CI,0.990-1.000).
Conclusion:
This study describes the application of CT based radiomics in thymoma patients and proposes a clinical decision nomogram that can be used to predict the risk of thymoma. This nomogram is advantageous for clinical decision-making concerning thymoma patients.
The colonization of soil microorganism affected the growth and the accumulation of secondary metabolites of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb. F
Authors: Xu Qingqing , Fu Yan , Zhang Jinqiang , Xu Chunyun , Yang Changgui , Yuan Qingsong , Xu Jiao , Jiang Weike , Zhang Yongping , Zhou Tao , Xiao Chenghong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb. F., a perennial herbaceous plant known for its medicinal properties. The growth and secondary metabolite production of B. striata can be influenced by soil microorganisms. To investigate the soil microbes that enhance B. striata growth and quality, we planted B. striata sterile seedlings in radiation-sterilized soil amended with microbiota from sandy clay or sandy loam soils. After two years of growth, we conducted 16S and ITS Illumina sequencing to identify bacteria and fungi colonizing B. striata rhizosphere soil, roots, tubers, and leaves. We determined the growth indices of the B. striata, simultaneously, we used UHPLC-MS/MS to determine metabolites in B. striata tubers, finally, we quantified the index component militarine in B. striata, we found significant differences in B. striata metabolites among different soil microbial treatments, with sandy loam microorganisms promoting the growth of B. striata, while sandy clay microorganisms increased the content of secondary metabolites. We identified specific microbes predominantly in loam soil that colonized roots and promoted growth (e.g., Entrophospora, Aspergillus, Fusarium). Similarly, certain microbes in loam soil colonized tubers and enhanced their growth (e.g., Sphingomonas, Hyphomicrobium). Additionally, microbes predominantly found in sandy soil colonized tubers and stimulated the synthesis of secondary metabolites (e.g., Myrmecridium, Apiotrichum montevideense). The Aspergillus versicolor (B-6) isolated from the B. striata rhizosphere soil after transplantation of sandy loam microorganisms, after inoculation with B-6 with B. striata sterile seedlings, it was found that B-6 could promote B. striata sterile seedlings growth. Our analysis uncovers that the soil microorganisms can colonize various regions of B. striata, thereby influencing its growth and secondary metabolite production. These findings hold implications for enhancing the yield and quality of B. striata in both medicinal and agricultural contexts.
Treatment Strategy for Compartment Syndrome at Multiple Regions due to Injuries Caused by a Tree Fall: A Case Report
Authors: Miura Tomotaka , Miyake Takahito , Okada Hideshi , Oiwa Hideaki , Mizuno Yosuke , Kitagawa Yuichiro , Fukuta Tetsuya , Okamoto Haruka , Shiba Masato , Kanda Norihide , Yoshida Takahiro , Yoshida Shozo , Ogura Shinji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Compartment syndrome commonly occurs in patients with forearm and lower leg fractures. Compartment syndromes of the gluteal and thigh muscles are less common. It is imperative that compartment syndrome be diagnosed and treated with fasciotomy as soon as possible. However, there are few reports on the diagnosis and treatment strategies for compartment syndromes that occur simultaneously in multiple anatomical regions or in the ipsilateral gluteal region and thigh.
Case presentation:
We report on a 76-year-old man who was obliquely crushed under a tree extending from the right forearm to the left groin. He was brought to our emergency room, where he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome of the right forearm and left lower leg, and crush syndrome. Emergency fasciotomy was performed. On the day after admission, swelling and tightness of the left gluteal thigh became apparent, and intracompartmental pressures were elevated, which led to an additional diagnosis of these compartment syndromes. A fasciotomy was performed, the gluteal skin incision was made according to the Kocher-Langenbeck approach (one of the posterior approaches for hip fractures), and the thigh was approached by extending the incision laterally. This surgical approach enabled the decompression of the compartments through a single incision and allowed for easier wound treatment and closure.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome in four anatomical regions. Extension of the Kocher-Langenbeck approach to the lateral thigh can be a useful surgical approach for ipsilateral gluteal and thigh compartment syndrome.