bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide attenuates early brain injury and delayed neurological dysfunction by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Gao Fangfang , Zeng Shujin , Chao Dachong , Wu Liangmiao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe neurological event lacking of effective therapy. Early brain injury (EBI) and delayed neurological dysfunction are important cause in the poor prognosis of patients with SAH. NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been implicated in many inflammatory lesion pathogenesis including SAH. Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) has been reported to possess substantial anti-inflammatory properties, which is beneficial for various neurodegenerative diseases. However, the effect and molecular mechanisms of NBP on SAH have not been clearly identified. We designed this study to investigate the effect of NBP against EBI and delayed neurological dysfunction after SAH and to reveal the possible underlying mechanism.
Methods
The adult mice were subjected to endovascular perforation SAH model or sham operation. Mice were randomized to sham group, SAH group, or SAH + NBP group. The EBI (short-term study) was studied at 48 h post-SAH and delayed neurological dysfunction (long-term study) at 21 days post-SAH
Results
The results suggested that NBP evidently alleviated the EBI in mice at 48 h post-SAH, as shown by elevating neurological score, reducing brain edema, blood–brain barrier disruption, neuronal loss, and astrocyte aggregation, as well as ameliorating cerebral vasospasm. Moreover, NBP was able to improve long-term neurobehavioral functions and decrease neuronal apoptosis at 21 days after SAH. Significantly, NBP treatment also inhibited the expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) in both EBI and delayed neurological dysfunction indued by SAH
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that NBP treatment exerts a profound neuroprotective effect against early brain injury and delayed neurological dysfunction induced by SAH, at least partially through regulating NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
multi-working condition joint topology optimization design of an electric truck aluminum alloy frame based on subjective and objective interactive weights
Authors: Zhang Zifeng , Wang Dengfeng , Chen Hongli , Zhang Shang , Chen Jing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The traditional cross-section form of the current electric truck frame impedes the further exploration and lightweight potential of the frame's overall mechanical performance. This paper introduces a method that integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) to establish interactive weights for multi-objective joint topology decision-making in frame design. It involves devising a novel, extrusion-compatible structural design for the frame's longitudinal and cross beams using aluminum alloy 6061T6 material. In comparison with a steel frame of an electric truck, this novel aluminum alloy frame, designed using the multi-objective joint topology optimization method combined with dimensional optimization, not only enhances the overall mechanical performance but also achieves a weight reduction of 36%. The interactive decision-making method, a fusion of AHP and CRITIC proposed in this study, can offer valuable guidance for the lightweight design of complex mechanical structures.
Correlation between leukocytosis and infection in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Ghaderkhani Sara , Farhadi Kousha , Rajabi Erta , Hasannezhad Malihe , Daraei Morteza , Aghaei Parisa Mohammad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Diabetic Ketoacidosis, a fatal complication of diabetes, presents in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Psychological stress or any acute medical condition, such as infections and surgeries, can trigger and alleviate diabetic ketoacidosis. Like infections, diabetic ketoacidosis can result in leukocytosis, making it harder to distinguish between the two conditions, resulting in the overuse of antimicrobial agents to blindly treat infections, and increasing the rate of antimicrobial resistance, a global threat to humanity.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on the correlation between infection and leukocytosis in patients referring to Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran, from September 2018 to September 2022. Comorbidities, clinical findings at admission, acidosis severity, hospitalization duration, laboratory data, and radiologic findings were retrieved using the Hospital Information System and then compared and analyzed.
Results
Of the 129 evaluated patients, 84 showed leukocytosis, while 45 did not. The mean age of participants was 38.17 ± 21.30 years. The total population included 52 males and 77 females; 92 were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and 37 had type 2 diabetes, with a mean duration of diabetes of 8.07 ± 6.99. We evaluated the correlation between leukocytosis due to infection in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and their age, sex, diabetes type, and duration, PH levels, hospitalization duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, chest X-ray findings, blood and urine culture results, patients' prognosis, and presence of an infectious process in general. We found no correlation between leukocytosis and sex, diabetes type, PH levels, and blood cultures. However, there were significant correlations between leukocytosis and infection presence, urine cultures, radiologic findings, patients' age, diabetes and hospitalization duration, and ESR and CRP levels. We also found a white blood cell count threshold of 14.96 as a sign of infection in patients with DKA.
Conclusion
Our findings suggested that a total WBC count of, 14000/mm3 or higher can indicate the presence of infection in patients with DKA, which could indicate the start of antibiotic therapy in such patients.
Trial registration
Not applicable. This study is not a clinical trial.
Study on the relationship between disease awareness and survival time in patients with spinal malignant tumors
Authors: Li Xue , Luo Chunmei , Tang Tang , Tong Boshan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose As a malignant tumor with high mortality, spinal malignant tumors often cause great trauma to patients and accompany low quality of life. Whether or not to inform patients of their condition has always been controversial in the medical community. This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between disease awareness and survival time in patients with spinal malignant tumors.Methods 129 patients with spinal malignant tumors were enrolled between January 2016 and December 2022, including 40 primary spinal tumors and 89 spinal metastases. The potential factors influencing spinal malignant tumor survival were registered, including disease awareness, age, gender, education level, pathological type, treatment, smoking history, drinking history, and survival time. All participants were followed up every 6 months until August 2023.Results In August 2023, 76 (58.9%) patients died, and 53 (41.0%) patients still survived. The 3-year survival rate of patients with primary spinal tumors was 70.4%, and that of patients with spinal metastases was 22.1%, with a median survival time (MST) of 12 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.69–14.31). Among the 129 participants, 16(12.4%) did not know their condition at all, 34(26.3%) only knew their diagnosis, 79(61.2%) knew not only their diagnosis but also the treatment and prognosis of the disease, and younger and more educated Patients with primary spinal tumors were more likely to have a complete understanding of the disease. Cox regression analysis showed that awareness of the disease (hazard ratio, 0.214;95% CI, 0.091–0.504; P < 0.001) and education level (hazard ratio,0.322;95% CI, 0.104–0.995; P < 0.05) were independent influencing factors for survival in patients with primary spinal tumors. However, the same results were not found in patients with spinal metastases.Conclusion A complete understanding of cancer knowledge may contribute to the better survival of patients with primary spinal tumors. Therefore, Medical staff could provide Patient Decision Aid for patients with primary spinal tumors to improve their disease cognition, achieve shared decision-making, and enhance the therapeutic effect, survival rate, and quality of life. At the same time, physicians should respect patients' cultural preferences and individual differences for patients with spinal metastases. In addition, medical staff should provide psychological support and education for patients and their families while encouraging patients to adopt positive coping strategies.
Effect evaluation of teach-back strategy in health education of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Xia Fuhai , Wang Guoqing , Yang Mengying , Xu Liwen , Wang Li 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of teach-back strategy on hemodialysis related knowledge level, self-efficacy and self-management among hemodialysis patients.
Methods A total of 92 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were randomly divided into observation group (n = 46) and control group (n = 46) by random number table method. The control group received conventional health education, and the observation group received teach-back. The intervention lasted six months. The hemodialysis related knowledge level, self-efficacy and self-management of the two groups were evaluated before and after the intervention.
Results There were no significant difference on hemodialysis related knowledgelevel, self-efficacy and self-management scores between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05). After intervention, the scores of hemodialysis knowledge in the observation group was higher than that in the control group and before intervention. The total scores of self-efficacy and items “3,4,5” were higher than those of the control group. The total scores of self-efficacy and item “1 ~ 6” in the observation group were higher than before intervention. The total scores of self-managementand the three subscales of “problem solving”, “partnership” and “emotional processing” were higher than those of the control group and before intervention. All of the above differences were statistically significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion Teach-back is helpful to improve the hemodialysis related knowledge level, self-efficacy and self-management level of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, and it is worth to be popularized clinically.
Antibacterial Potential of Carbon Quantum Dots against Escherichia coli Bacteria Strains
Authors: Pham Van Duong , Le Anh Thi , Pham Hong Minh , Do Hoang Tung , Le Duc Toan , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Nguyen Minh Hoa 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with exciting optical properties, low toxicity, and high biocompatibility which are suitable for research in biomedical applications. In this work, the CQDs were prepared through microplasma treatment of orange juice as a carbon source, employing atmospheric pressure and low temperatures. The resulting CQDs exhibited a narrow size distribution, with an average diameter of approximately 4.5 nm. These CQDs displayed strong blue emission characteristics. We evaluated the antibacterial properties of these CQDs against Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria strains, using minimum inhibitory concentration assays. Our findings revealed that the minimum inhibitory concentration required for effective inhibition of E. coli was 0.1 ppm, while the minimum bactericidal concentration for this kind of bacteria was 1 ppm with an average antibacterial efficacy of 57%. The antibacterial processes of CQDs could occur without additional light or oxidant.
Microstructural and mechanical properties of dissimilar SMAW process joints of DP Steels obtained by intercritical heat treatment from AISI 1010 steel
Authors: LAROUI WALID , Chegroune Redouane , Hariti Samir , Bouchareb Hicham , Keddam Mourad , Badji Riad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Dual phase steel is a kind of advanced high strength steel used in automotive industry to reduce a fuel consumption. The present study assesses the microstructural and mechanical behavior of a dissimilar butt-welded dual-phase steel by Shielded Metal Arc Welding process. The ferrite phase with variable martensite fraction from 27–70% was obtained by water quenching at different inter-critical temperatures from a plate carbon steel AISI 1010 having a microstructure consisting of ferrite and pearlite. The mechanical properties, strength and ductility of DP steels were influenced by martensite volume fraction (MVF). When MVF reached value of 70%, the strength was improved by 28% and the elongation was decreased by 25%. Additionally, the DP steels obey to the two-stage strain hardening behavior. The obtained DP steels were welded by a shield metal arc weld (SMAW) process in a single pass while maintaining a constant heat input. Systematic analysis of dissimilar welded joints, microstructure and microhardness, revealed that the fusion zones remain unchanged. Tensile test of weld joints showed lower ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation and strain hardening exponent compared to the dual phase (DP) steel. The DP700/DP900 welded joint have the highest ultimate tensile strength compared to the other welded joints due to its higher martensite volume fraction.
Upgrading of physical and elemental quality of wheat straw pellets using additive blends
Authors: Nath Bidhan , Chen Guangnan , Bowtell Les , Nguyen Thong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Densification of biomass is typically done by pelletising to produce clean fuel from renewable resources. This study investigated the impact of additive blends for wheat straw pellet making and upgrading the physiochemical properties. Five additives, including sawdust (SD), bentonite clay (BC), corn starch (S), crude glycerol (CG), and biochar (BioC) were chosen for this study. Pellets were made from seven different combinations using a laboratory-scale pellet mill. The pellets' physical and elemental quality was evaluated and compared with ISO 17225-8 standards. The pellet’s mechanical durability, tensile strength and bulk density increased from 80 to 99%, 0.36 to 2.09 MPa, and 244 to 665.21 kg/m3, respectively, which met the requirements of the ISO standards. The additive blend pellets (T3 ~ T7) had a fines content of less than 2%, also meeting the ISO standard. Further, all pellets showed a water absorption capacity under 2%, except T1 and T5. Finally, the fixed carbon contents increased from 11.1–30.90% and energy contents from 17.02 to 20.36 MJ/kg, which showed a significant synergistic effect of blending additives. Overall, pellets with additives mixed met the pellet ISO standard specification requirements, except for inorganic ash content. The study demonstrated that wheat straw is a good biomass source for pellet-making for energy applications, but further research on suitable additive mixing is still needed.
Objective assessment of syndesmosis stability with an innovative Syndesmosis-Test-Tool - a biomechanical study
Authors: Kohler Felix Christian , Hallbauer Jakob , Herrmann Lea , Ullrich Bernhard Wilhelm , Biedermann Uta , Wildemann Britt , Hofmann Gunther Olaf , Ramm Roland , Lenz Mark , Marintschev Ivan , Schenk Philipp 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
When treating ankle fractures, the question of syndesmosis complex involvement often arises. So far there is no standardized method to reliably detect syndesmosis injuries in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures. For this reason, an intraoperative Syndesmosis-Test-Tool (SST) was developed and compared to the recommended and established Hook-Test (HT).
Tests were performed on cadaveric lower legs (n=20) and the diastasis was visualized by 3D camera. Tests were performed at 50, 80, and 100 N in native condition and in four instability levels. Instability was induced from anterior to posterior and the reverse on the opposite side. The impact on diastasis regarding the direction, the force level, the instability level and the device used was checked using a general linear model for repeated measurement.
The direction of the induced instability showed no influence on the diastasis during the stability tests. The diastasis measured with the SST increased from 0.5 to 3.0 mm depending on the instability, while the range was lower with the HT (1.1 to 2.3 mm). The results showed that the differentiation between the instability levels was statistically significant better for the developed SST. The last level of maximum instability was significantly better differentiable with the STT compared to the HT. An average visualizable diastasis of more than 2 mm could only be achieved at maximum instability. In conclusion, to detect instability, the newly developed STT was superior to the commonly used HT.
Establishment and validation of a nomogram predicting the risk of deep vein thrombosis before total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Zehua , Mao Xingjia , Guo Zijian , guoyu Che , Xiang Changxin , Xiang Chuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to analyze the independent risk factors contributing to preoperative DVT in TKA and constructed a predictive nomogram to accurately evaluate its occurrence based on these factors. Methods The study encompassed 496 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty at our hospital between June 2022 and June 2023. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set (n = 348) and a validation set (n = 148) in a 7:3 ratio. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the predictors of preoperative DVT occurrence in TKA and construct a nomogram. The performance of the predictive models was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Decision curve analysis was used to analyze the clinical applicability of nomogram. Results A total of 496 patients who underwent TKA were included in this study, of which 28 patients were examined for lower extremity DVT preoperatively. Platelet crit, Platelet distribution width, Procalcitonin, prothrombin time, and D-dimer were predictors of preoperative occurrence of lower extremity DVT in the nomograms of the TKA patients. In addition, the areas under the curve of the ROC of the training and validation sets were 0.935 (95%CI: 0.880–0.990) and 0.854 (95%CI: 0.697-1.000), and the C-indices of the two sets were 0.919 (95%CI: 0.860–0.978) and 0.900 (95%CI: 0.791–1.009). The nomogram demonstrated precise risk prediction of preoperative DVT occurrence in TKA as confirmed by the calibration curve and decision curve analysis. Conclusions This Nomogram demonstrates great differentiation, calibration and clinical validity. By assessing individual risk, clinicians can promptly detect the onset of DVT, facilitating additional life monitoring and necessary medical interventions to prevent the progression of DVT effectively.
Phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal ITS region of Diaporthe destruens collected in Japan.
Authors: Hashimoto Shuichi , Kawabe Masato , Yoshida Shigenobu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
To discover genetic relationships between domestic and foreign strains of Diaporthe destruens, 135 strains of D. destruens were collected in Japan, and ITS, TUB, TEF, H3, and CAL regions were sequenced. All collected strains had the same sequences in each region, implying high genetic homogeneity of collected strains. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for ITS sequence with foreign strains. In the tree, our samples were positioned closely to Korean and Chinese samples but distant from most of the Taiwanese samples. Our study provides an insight into genetic diversity of D. destruens, which has been spreading in Japan.
Long-term Outcome for Children Undergoing Open Hepatico-jejunostomy for Choledochal Malformations: a 43-year Single-center Experience
Authors: Stern Maria Vittoria , Boroni Giovanni Boroni , Parolini Filippo , Torri Fabio , Calza Stefano , Alberti Daniele 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To report on our 43-year single-center experience with children operated on for Choledochal Malformations (CMs), focusing on long term results and quality of life (QoL).
Materials and Methods
All consecutive pediatric patients with CMs who underwent surgical treatment at our center between October 1980 and December 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. We focused on long-term postoperative complications (POCs), considered to be complications arising at least 5 years after surgery. We analyzed QoL status once patients reached adulthood, comparing the results with a control group of the same age and sex.
Results
113 patients underwent open excision of CMs with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). The median follow-up was 8.95 years (IQR: 3.74–24.41). Major long-term POCs occurred in six patients (8.9%), with a median presentation of 11 years after surgery. The oldest patient is currently 51. No cases of biliary malignancy were detected. The QoL of our patients was comparable with the control group.
Conclusion
Our experience suggests that open complete excision of CMs with HJ achieves excellent results in terms of long-term postoperative outcomes. However, since the most severe complications can occur many years after surgery, international cooperation is advisable to define a precise transitional care follow-up protocol.
PD-L1 Antibody Conjugated Dihydrotanshinone I-loaded Polymeric Nanoparticle for Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy Combining PD-L1 Blockade with Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Wang Xue , Jing Ziqi , Yan Tianyue , Huang Xiaobin , Zhang Yujie , Wang Zhijun , Ma Pengkai 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Combination immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) with chemotherapeutic agents has proven to be highly promising in cancer therapy. However, low response rate, immune-related adverse events, and lack of effectively targeted co-delivery strategy are still major hurdles to overcome for this combination therapeutic regimen. Herein, programmed death-L1 (PD-L1) antibody modified and dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) loaded nanoparticle was prepared for tumor targeting drug delivery, thus achieving immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and immunogenic cell death (ICD) synergistic anti-tumor effects.
Methods: The DHT-loaded nanoparticle (DHT NP) was prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion method. Atezolizumab (ATEZO) was thiolated with 2-iminothiolane and conjugated to the surface of DHT NP to prepare the ATEZO DHT NP. The drug encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, particle size and drug release were determined. The in vitro cellular uptake, cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis were evaluated on the HGC-27 tumor cell. The in vivo tumor targeting, anti-tumor efficiency and immune regulation were assessed on tumor bearing mice.
Results: The optimized ATEZO DHT NP was a spherical nanoparticle of about 250 nm with a continuous drug release profile. It was selectively taken up by the tumor cells through PD-L1 receptor-mediated endocytosis, which resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis. In vivo imaging further demonstrated its superior tumor tissue targeting ability. When tumor bearing mice were treated with the ATEZO DHT NP, its synergistic anti-tumor effect was much stronger than that of a single drug. Moreover, the tumor targeting delivery of DHT caused tumor necrosis and initiated ICD with release of tumor-associated antigens, which efficiently up-regulated the population of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Notably, there were no obvious system toxicity or tissue damage occur during the whole treatment period.
Conclusion: The ATEZO DHT NP could specifically target to tumor and enhance treatment efficiency through combination of PD-L1 blockade with ICD effect.