bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of dual-source CT in Kawasaki disease
Authors: CHAO Bao-ting , WANG Xi-ming , WU Le-bin , CHEN Jie , CHENG Zhao-ping , WU Da-wei , DUAN Yan-hua 
Published: January 2024

Background
Doppler color echocardiography is a common method for detecting coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). However, the diagnostic accuracy for the whole coronary artery lesions is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) and Doppler color echocardiography for the assessment of coronary artery lesions caused by KD.

Methods
Sixteen patients, 12 with typical KD and 4 with atypical KD, underwent DSCT and Doppler color echocardiography. The position and internal diameter of each coronary artery lesion was measured. Correlation analysis was used to compare the diagnostic value of the two imaging modalities.

Results
In the typical KD group, seven patients did not have any coronary artery lesion as confirmed by both DSCT scans and Doppler color echocardiography; in four patients proximal coronary artery injuries were identified by both modalities; in one patient an aneurysm in the middle and distal segments of the coronary artery was detected by DSCT but was negative in Doppler color echocardiography. In the atypical KD group, three cases showed the same results with both modalities, while one case with coronary artery stenosis in the middle segment was identified by DSCT but not detected by Doppler color echocardiography. There was a good correlation between the two imaging modalities (Kappa value, 0.768 (≥0.75)).

Conclusion
DSCT coronary artery angiography is an accurate, non-invasive, and valuable technique for detecting and following up coronary artery lesions in patients with KD.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor promotes differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neural cells in adherent monoculture
Authors: YAO Xing , ZHANG Jia-rong , HUANG Hua-rong , DAI Li-cheng , LIU Qing-jun , ZHANG Ming 
Published: January 2024

Background
Embryonic stem (ES) cells poss unlimited self-renewal capacity and the ability to differentiate into cell of all three germ layers in vitro. Induced differentiation of ES cells to neural lineage cells has great potential in basic study of neurogenesis and regeneration therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors enhance histone acetylation so that globularly activate gene expression and may initiate multilineage differentiation. In this study, we aimed to develop a method to induce the differentiation of ES cells to neural cells combining HDAC inhibition and neural cell selection.

Methods
In this study, we used HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate (NaB) to induce the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to neural cells through monolayer culture. After differentiation initiation by histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate, neural cells were induced and selected with a serum free culture system.

Results
Homogeneous neurons without glial cells demonstrated by molecular marker expression were differentiated with the method. The resultant neurons were excitable.

Conclusion
The method combined differentiation induction effect of HDAC inhibitors and selective culture system to derive neural cells from ES cells, and implied the involvement of epigenetic regulation in neural differentiation.
Characteristics associated with falls among the elderly within aged care wards in a tertiary hospital: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: CHEN Xue-li , LIU Yun-hu , Daniel Chan KY , SHEN Qing , Van Huong Nguyen 
Published: January 2024

Background
Falls are the most frequently reported adverse events in inpatient settings. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of inpatient falls within aged care wards in a tertiary hospital to investigate the associated characteristics of elderly patients suffering from falls and fall-related characteristics.

Methods
Consecutive retrospective cross-sectional design spanned July 2006 to December 2008. Patient group: Information on all aged care inpatients who suffered from 1 or more falls was extracted from Incident Information Management System (IIMS). Further details about the particular admission(s) were obtained from patients’ medical records, e.g., patients’ characteristics and circumstances surrounding the falls. Randomly selected aged care patients who did not suffer from a fall and who were discharged from the hospital in the same period served control group. Characteristics among patients with single fall and recurrent falls, as well as non-fallers were compared.

Results
Of the 438 falls evaluated, 71.9% occurred in patients’ room and 18.9% in patients’ bathroom/toilet. The common activities were moving/transferring and taking shower/toileting, respectively, 70.3%, 12.1% while occurring falls; and time of falls had a high peak during 9:00–11:00 a.m. Many were unassisted while falling. The common contributing factors for fall were intrinsic factors. Patients with recurrent falls were more likely to have lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Logistic regression analysis showed length of stay longer than five weeks, dementia and stroke were independent risk factors for recurrent falls; and living in hostel/nursing home preadmission, needing assistance with mobility, cognitive impairment, stroke, incontinence and arthritis/osteoporosis were independent risk factors for fall.

Conclusions
In an aged care ward, falls are independently associated with recurrent factors. Cognitive impairment/dementia was a strong risk factor for falls, and main causes leading to fall were intrinsic factors. For patients with cognitive impairment/dementia and behavioral disorder providing special and effective interventions is of paramount importance for reducing the incidence of fall in an aged care ward in hospital settings.
Prevention of iodinated contrast-induced nephropathy
Authors: LI Jian-hua , HE Neng-shu 
Published: January 2024

Objective
To lessen the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), the preventive measures of CIN were reviewed.

Data sources
The data used in this review were from PubMed with relevant English articles and from Chinese Knowledge Information (CNKI) published from 1989 to 2009. The search terms were “contrast medium”, ‘contrast-induced nephropathy” and “prevention”. Articles involved in prevention of CIN were selected.

Study selection
CIN is the third most common cause of acute kidney injury and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. The best treatment is prophylaxis because CIN can not be reversed or ameliorated.

Results
Thirty articles were included. Among various preventive measures, pericatheterization hydration is almost universally accepted as an appropriate and safe measure to prevent CIN, although there is no agreement as to composition, amount, and timing of hydration. Based on the use of concomitant nephrotoxic agents or high doses of contrast medium (CM) is one of risk factors for CIN, discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic drugs 2-3 days before and after the procedure until renal function recover, and using the lowest possible dose of CM can decrease the risk of CIN. It is promising that removing the majority of CM from the coronary sinus, before it enters the systemic circulation, during coronary angiography can reduce the risk for CIN in animal studies and in limited clinical trials. Inconsistent data exist with respect to application of some vasodilators (endothelin antagonists and adenosine antagonists) and antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine and statins) in preventing CIN in high-risk patients, and new vasodilators and antioxidants continue to be tested.

Conclusions
Pericatheterization hydration, discontinuation of nephrotoxic drugs, and using the lowest possible dose of CM are effective measures to lessen the risk for CIN. Other prophylactic strategies and some drugs are promising, but further confirmation is required.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the bone-posterior cruciate ligament-bone allograft
Authors: JIAO Chen , AO Ying-fang , LIU Ping , XIE Xing , LIU Chen , MA Yong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Allografts were widely used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for patients with ACL rupture of the knee. This study was to approve the feasibility of bone-posterior cruciate ligament-bone (BPCLB) allograft transplantation in ACL reconstruction.

Methods
Eight patients underwent ACL reconstructions with BPCLB allografts and were followed up for an average period of 32 months after operation.

Results
Subjective parameters including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), modified Larson knee ligament, Lysholm, and Tegner rating scales were much improved and side to side KT-2000 arthrometer difference was much less postoperatively. Pivot shift test was negative in all patients. The reconstructed ACL had satisfactory shape and tension.

Conclusions
BPCLB allograft is an optional choice for ACL reconstruction.
Radiolabeling LyP-1 peptide and preliminary biodistribution evaluation in mice bearing MDA-MB-435 xenografts
Authors: YU Ming-ming , WANG Rong-fu , CHEN Yue-hua , ZHOU Hai-zhong , DENG Xiao-hu 
Published: January 2024

Background
Recent studies have shown the LyP-1 peptide can home to either tumor lymphatics or the tumor cells and be internalized by targeted cells. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of using Na131I labeled LyP-1 peptide as an imaging agent or a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical in breast carcinoma and its metastasis.

Methods
The 10-mer cyclic peptide contained the LyP-1 sequence (YCGNKRTRGC) was synthesized by the solid phase method. Disulfide bonds between the cysteines maintain the cyclic structure. The LyP-1 peptide was labeled with Na131I using the chloramine-T method. The [131I] LyP-1 peptide and a [131I] control peptide were injected via tail vein into nude mice bearing MDA-MB-435 tumor xenografts. Biodistribution and imaging results in vivo were obtained.

Results
The labeling efficiencies of LyP-1 peptide reached 80%±5% (n=5). The radiochemical purity was about 96%. The radiochemical purity of the labeled compound remains 92% at 24 hours in human serum at 37°C. In the biodistribution studies, the [131I] LyP-1 peptide accumulated in the tumor to a higher level than in other organs. The [131I] LyP-1 peptide can successfully image the tumor in nude mice bearing MDA-MB-435 tumor xenografts.

Conclusions
The LyP-1 peptide could be effectively labeled with Na131I and the labeled compound is stable in human
serum at 37°C for 24 hours. The high specificity of [131I] LyP-1 peptide suggests it may be a promising new radiotracer for identifying tumors.
A meta-analysis of the long-term effects of chronic pancreatitis surgical treatments: duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection versus pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: LÜ Wen-ping , SHI Qing , ZHANG Wen-zhi , CAI Shou-wang , JIANG Kai , DONG Jia-hong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Surgery is regarded as the most effective treatment to relieve pain and reduce complications in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Two major strategies exist: duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) and pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Many studies suggest that DPPHR offers advantages during surgery and in the short-term; however, the long-term effects have not been thoroughly investigated. We analyzed the long-term outcomes of DPPHR and PD, over follow-up times of at least 1 year, to determine the optimal surgical treatment for CP.

Methods
We systemically reviewed all CP surgical treatment reports, and only included randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing DPPHR and PD, excluding unqualified studies using several pre-specified criteria. When multiple publications of a single trial were found, the most comprehensive current data were selected. Characteristics of the study populations and long-term postoperative outcome parameters were collected. The quality of the studies and data was analyzed using RevMan 4.2 software.

Results
Five trials were qualified for meta-analysis, with 261 participants in total (114 in the DPPHR group and 147 in the PD group). There were no significant differences in the age, gender, or indications for surgery of each group. At the mean of 5.7-year (1-14 years) follow-up examination, DPPHR and PD resulted in equally effective pain relief, exocrine and endocrine function, and similar mortality rates (P >0.05); however, DPPHR patients had improved global quality of life and weight gain, and reduced diarrhea and fatigue (P <0.05).

Conclusion DPPHR and PD result in equal pain relief, mortality, and pancreatic function; however, DPPHR provides superior long-term outcomes.
Tissue-engineered calcium phosphate cement in rabbit femoral condylar bone defects
Authors: LIU Chun-rong , MIAO Jun , XIA Qun , HUANG Hong-chao , GONG Chen , YANG Qiang , LI Lan-ying 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundCalcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a favorable bone-graft substitute, with excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. However, its reduced osteoinductive ability may limit the utility of CPC. To increase its osteoinductive potential, this study aimed to prepare tissue-engineered CPC and evaluate its use in the repair of bone defects. The fate of transplanted seed cellsin vivowas observed at the same time.MethodsTissue-engineered CPC was prepared by seeding CPC with encapsulated bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) expressing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Tissue-engineered CPC and pure CPC were implanted into rabbit femoral condyle bone defects respectively. Twelve weeks later, radiographs, morphological observations, histomorphometrical evaluations, andin vivotracing were performed.ResultsThe radiographs revealed better absorption and faster new bone formation for tissue-engineered CPC than pure CPC. Morphological and histomorphometrical evaluations indicated that tissue-engineered CPC separated into numerous small blocks, with active absorption and reconstruction noted, whereas the residual CPC area was larger in the group treated with pure CPC. In the tissue-engineered CPC group,in vivotracing revealed numerous cells expressing both GFP and rhBMP-2 that were distributed in the medullar cavity and on the surface of bony trabeculae.ConclusionTissue-engineered CPC can effectively repair bone defects, with allogenic seeded cells able to grow and differentiatein vivoafter transplantation.
Effect of noninvasive, positive pressure ventilation on patients with severe, stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: SHI Jia-xin , XU Jin , SUN Wen-kui , SU Xin , ZHANG Yan , SHI Yi 
Published: January 2024

Background
This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of noninvasive, positive pressure ventilation on severe, stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods
PUBMED, CNKI, Wanfang, EMBASE and the Cochrane trials databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials of patients with severe, stable COPD and receiving noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, compared with sham ventilation or no ventilation, were reviewed. The mortality, physiological and health related parameters were pooled to yield odds ratio (OR), weighted mean differences or standardized mean differences (SMD), with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
Eight parallel and three crossover randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis for parallel, randomized controlled trials showed noninvasive positive pressure ventilation: (1) Did not affect the 12- or 24-month mortality (OR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.41); (2) Improved the arterial carbon dioxide tension (SMD −0.88, 95% CI: −1.43 to −0.34); (3) Did not improve forced expiratory volume in one second (SMD 0.20, 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.46), maximal inspiratory pressure (SMD 0.01, 95% CI: −0.28 to 0.29) or 6-minute walk distance (SMD 0.17, 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.50); (4) Subgroup analysis showed noninvasive positive pressure ventilation improved the arterial carbon dioxide tension in hypercapnic patients. Pooled analysis for crossover randomized controlled trials did not show improvement in arterial blood gas or forced expiratory volume in one second with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

Conclusions
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation improves the arterial carbon dioxide tension but does not improve the mortality, pulmonary function, or exercise tolerance and should be cautiously used in severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A preliminary experimental study on the cardiac toxicity of glutamate and the role of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor in rats
Authors: LIU Yan , ZHOU Lan , XU Hai-fei , YAN Li , DING Fan , HAO Wei , CAO Ji-min , GAO Xue 
Published: January 2024

Background
Monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) is a food flavour enhancer and its potential harmfulness to the heart remains controversial. We investigated whether MSG could induce cardiac arrhythmias and apoptosis via the α-amino-3-hydro×y-5-methyl-4-iso×azolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor.

Methods
Myocardial infarction (MI) was created by ligating the coronary artery and ventricular arrhythmias were monitored by electrocardiogram in the rat in vivo. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured. Cell viability was estimated by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-yl)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay. Calcium mobilization was monitored by confocal microscopy. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was evaluated by acridine orange staining, flow cytometry, DNA laddering, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting.

Results
MSG (i.v.) decreased the heart rate at 0.5 g/kg and serious bradycardia at 1.5 g/kg, but could not induce ventricular tachyarrhythmias in normal rats in vivo. In rats with acute MI in vivo, however, MSG (1.5 g/kg, i.v.) induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias and these arrhythmias could be prevented by blocking the AMPA and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Selectively activating the AMPA or NMDA receptor induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias in MI rats. At the cellular level, AMPA induced calcium mobilization, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in cultured cardiomyocytes, especially when the AMPA receptor desensitization were blocked by cyclothiazide. The above toxic cellular effects of AMPA were abolished by AMPA receptor blockade or by H2O2 scavengers.

Conclusions
MSG induces bradycardia in normal rats, but triggers lethal tachyarrhythmias in myocardial infarcted rats probably by hindering AMPA receptors. AMPA receptor overstimulation also induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which may facilitate arrhythmia.
Mechanical properties of nickel-titanium archwire used in the final treatment phase of Tip-Edge Plus technique: an in vitro study
Authors: SHEN Xiao , SUN Xin-hua , TIAN Hua , ZHANG Chun-bo , YAN Kuo , GUO Yong-liang 
Published: January 2024

Background
As the only active component in final treatment phase of Tip-Edge Plus technique, the activation of nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires is one of the factors that affect the torque expression. It is necessary to evaluate the mechanical properties of the nickel-titanium wire used in the final treatment phase in simulated oral environments to forecast the treatment outcomes.

Methods
The mechanical properties of 171 thermal nickel-titanium wires of 0.35 mm (0.014-in) in diameters with different deflection of 40 mm in length were investigated with three-point bending test. The samples were divided into 2 groups: as-received and bended groups. In the bended group, samples were divided into 7 subgroups according to the amounts of deflection and named by the canine angulations (−25°, −19°, −13°, −7°, −1°, +5°, +11°). The deflection of wires was made by inserting the wires into the deep tunnel of Tip-Edge Plus brackets positioned in plaster casts with different canine angulations to mimic the use of nickel-titanium wires in the final treatment phase. Immersed the bended group in artificial saliva (pH 6.8) and preserved at 37.0°C. Eight durations of incubation were tested: 1 to 8 weeks. Three analogous samples of each group and subgroups were tested per week. Stiffness (YS:E) and the load-deflection characteristics of unloading plateau section were obtained.

Results
Significant changes in specific mechanical properties were observed in long-term immersed and large deflected wires compared with as-received groups. Both immersion time and deflection affected the mechanical properties of wires in the simulated oral environment, and the two factors had synergistic effect. In groups −25°, −19° and −13°, stiffness (YS:E) increased then decreased and average plateau force and ratio of variance decreased then increased correspondingly at specific time.

Conclusions
In the final treatment phase of Tip-Edge Plus technique, the mechanical properties of nickel-titanium wire are associated with the using time and amounts of deflection and it may affect treatment outcomes. As the main reason for wire deflection, canine crown angulation plays an important role in the wire performance. It may be wise to focus on the canine crown angulations and using time in clinic with Tip-Edge Plus technique and make proper adjustment to help to make sure the treatment outcomes.
Catestatin could ameliorate proliferating changes of target organs in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: LIU Ran , SUN Ning-ling , YANG Song-na , GUO Jian-qiang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Catestatin, a chromogranin A-derived peptide, is a potent antagonist of nicotine-evoked catecholamine release. We know that catecholamine plays an important role in cardiovascular remodeling induced by hypertension, therefore we hypothesized that catestatin would affect target-organ structure during hypertension.

Methods
Twelve spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were randomized to SHR control group and catestatin group, the normal control group was comprised of six healthy Wistar-Kyoto rats of the same age. Tail-cuff blood pressure and pulse rate were obtained at weeks 1, 4 and 8. At the end of the eight-week period, the heart, abdominal aorta and left kidney were excised and weighed, VG staining was done and the intima-media thickness of vessels and the collagen volume fraction were assessed by an image acquisition and analysis system. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was observed by immunohistochemistry, and real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of proliferative genes including cyclin A, ki67 and PCNA in the abdominal aorta.

Results
All the parameters in SHR observed in the present study increased significantly compared to Wistar Kyoto rats (P <0.01). With intervention with catestatin, the systolic blood pressure decreased slightly but it was not significantly different from the SHR control, the cardiac mass index and left ventricular mass index both decreased significantly, the collagen volume fraction decreased by nearly 30% in the heart, by 25% in vessels and by 10% in the kidney, and the intima-media thickness and expression of proliferative genes, including cyclin A, ki67 and PCNA, in the abdominal aorta also decreased significantly.

Conclusions
The present study indicated that catestatin could ameliorate proliferating changes of heart, kidney and vessels during hypertension, especially to the deposition of interstitial collagen. Blood pressure was not the main factor to mediate this effect, which suggested that catestatin could become a novel protective factor for hypertensive target organs.