bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Close negative correlation of local and circulating Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin levels during human fracture healing
Authors: Starlinger Julia , Santol Jonas , Kaiser Georg , Sarahrudi Kambiz 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study investigates the role of Wnt signaling in human fracture healing by examining local and circulating levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and its association with sclerostin (SOST).
Methods
This study includes 69 patients who underwent surgical stabilization of long bone fractures, with six experiencing impaired healing. Patient data on factors influencing DKK1 and SOST were recorded. DKK1 and SOST concentrations were measured at the fracture site and in circulation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results
A negative correlation between DKK1 and SOST was observed. Immediately after trauma and in the fracture hematoma, DKK1 levels decreased significantly, while SOST levels increased compared to healthy controls. Postoperatively, DKK1 peaked at week 2, and SOST peaked at week 8, demonstrating a negative correlation. Age and smoking influenced the DKK1-SOST balance, while type 2 diabetes and sex showed no impact. In younger patients (< 50 years), non-union was associated with early postoperative elevation of SOST without compensatory DKK1 decrease.
Conclusion
The study highlights the inverse correlation and rapid dynamics of DKK1 and SOST during human fracture healing. The findings support the idea that dual-blockade of DKK1 and SOST could be essential for the therapeutic efficacy of Wnt-targeted therapies in fracture healing.
Sleep and ultramarathon: exploring patterns, strategies, and repercussions of 1,154 mountain ultramarathons finishers
Authors: Kishi Anthony , Millet Guillaume , Desplan Matthieu , Lemarchand Bruno , Bouscaren Nicolas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background Sleep and physical performance are strongly related and mutually influence each other. Athletes, particularly in disciplines like offshore sailing and ultra-endurance sports, often suffer from sleep deprivation due to factors like irregular training times, travel, and the extended duration of events like 100-mile mountain races. Despite growing interest in sleep's role in sports science, few studies have specifically investigated the sleep patterns of ultramarathon runners. This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns and sleep management strategies in ultramarathons, and the repercussions of sleep deprivation during and after races.Results A total of 1,154 finishers from two ultramarathons (a 165 km race with 9,576 m positive elevation; 2018 finish time [23:18:48–66:04:00], and a 111 km race with 6,433 m elevation ; [15:34:56 − 41:54:16]) were enrolled and completed an e-survey post-race. The results revealed that 58% of the runners reported implementing sleep management strategies before or during the race. Most runners began the race with some level of sleep debt (-50 minutes a week before the race). During the races, 77% of runners slept, with the cumulative sleep duration varying based on race duration and the number of nights spent on the race (76 min at 165 km and 27 min at 111 km). Short naps lasting less than 30 min were the most popular strategy. The prevalence of symptoms attributed to sleep deprivation during the race was high (80%), with reported falls and hallucinations. After the race, runners reported recovering a normal state of wakefulness relatively quickly (within two days); 22% believed that sleep deprivation during the race increased the risk of accidents in everyday life.Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into sleep patterns and strategies in ultramarathon running and emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep management for performance and post-race recovery.
A Consideration of Viable Mineral Phases in Modeling Pit Lake Chemogenesis
Authors: Davis Andy , Lengke Maggy , Sims Nate , Roth Martin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMine permitting requires an analysis of reasonably forseeable impacts. In pit lake models, precipitates may be invoked which reduce dissolved aqueous concentrations, and thereby perceived groundwater impacts in the event of a throughflow pit lake after mine closure. The phases selected by modelers are generally based on geochemical theory rather than empirical data, and there is little information on the phases that actually precipitate in USA pit lakes. This paper focuses on the mineralogy of the former acidic Liberty pit pond mineral assemblage, predominantly amorphous ferric hydroxide and gypsum, while the former pH-neutral Cortez pit pond sediment contained barite, with biogenic calcite replacing the vascular cavities of horsetail with Ba, Mg, Mn and Zn in solid solution. Floc collected from the once-acidic, now pH neutral Lone Tree pit lake profile demonstrated trona dissolution with precipitation of an amorphous Fe, Al and Ca solid, with attendant As, Mn and Zn. Based on these data, appropriate authigenic precipitates in predictive pit lake studies should generally be constrained to amorphous, poorly crystalline solids, with reliance on exotic mineral phases appearing unwarranted.
Analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block with or without rectus sheath block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Yoon Jung-Pil , Kim Hee Young , Jung Jieun , Lee Ji-Min , Park Seyeon , Byeon Gyeong-Jo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is commonly used for pain control in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, significant pain persists, affecting patient recovery and sleep quality on the day of surgery. We compared the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided TAP block with or without rectus sheath (RS) block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the visual analog scale (VAS) scores.
Methods
88 American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I-III patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into two groups. RS-TAP group received right lateral and right subcostal TAP block, and RS block with 0.2% ropivacaine (30 mL); Bi-TAP group received bilateral and right subcostal TAP block with same amount of ropivacaine. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) for 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the use of rescue analgesics, cumulative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) consumption, patient satisfaction, sleep quality, and incidence of adverse events.
Results
There was no significant difference in VAS score between two groups for 48 h postoperatively. We found no difference between the groups in any of the secondary outcomes: the use of rescue analgesics, consumption of IV-PCA, patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control, sleep quality, and the incidence of postoperative adverse events.
Conclusion
Both RS-TAP and Bi-TAP blocks provided clinically acceptable pain control in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, although there was no significant difference between two combination blocks in postoperative analgesia or sleep quality.
Endocrine sequelae after pediatric craniopharyngioma treatment: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Papy Marie , Jacobs Sandra , Rochtus Anne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are rare brain tumors with a low mortality rate, but with significant morbidity, in part due to the various long-term endocrine sequelae related to hypothalamic/pituitary deficiencies. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of endocrine dysfunction and outcome after treatment of CP at our institution and to apply the novel diagnostic criteria for hypothalamic syndrome (HS). In addition, we give an overview of treatments already attempted for hypothalamic obesity (HO).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included children treated and followed up for CP at the pediatric oncology and endocrinology department at University Hospitals Leuven between January 2000 and December 2020. Clinical and endocrine characteristics were collected during a 5-year period following diagnosis of CP. The Müller radiological criteria and the novel diagnostic criteria for HS were applied. A brief literature review regarding treatments already attempted for HO was conducted.
Results
Fifteen patients were included and all of them developed endocrine sequalae over time, with 7 patients (47%) experiencing failure of at least one endocrine axis at diagnosis of CP and 7 patients (47%) developing panhypopituitarism. The diagnosis of HO was clinically made in 8 patients (54%). Ten patients (67%) met the diagnostic criteria for HS. Although novel therapeutic approaches provide promising perspectives, no therapy for HO in children has been proven to be effective.
Conclusion
Long-term pituitary deficiencies and HO after pediatric CP are highly prevalent. Continuing multidisciplinary care to improve the quality of life of these patients is necessary. International cooperation and further long-term prospective trials for the treatment of HO are needed.
Insight into the Action Mechanism of Ce4+ Doping in Improving Cycling Stability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 from Internal Stress and Structure Stability
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Haiyao , Huang Hui , Gao Chao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The higher requirements for power sources in electric vehicles promote the further research on high voltage cathode material LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4(LNMO), especially for its cycle stability. As previously reported, doping has achieved some promotion in enhancing cycle stability, but little attention paid to the side effects on the change of internal stress induced by the diﬀerences in ionic radius between Mn4+ and doping elements, leading to the little cognitive advances in enhancement mechanism. Thus, in this paper, Ce4+ ion was chosen as the research subject, the effect of Ce4+ doping on the internal stress change was investigated through monitoring lattice parameter changes by in-situ XRD. In addition, the content of Ce4+ doping on electrochemical property was explored, the results exhibit that LNMCO-0.01 shows superior cycling stability compared with LNMO for its better crystal structure stability during cycle process, as demonstrated by SEM and TEM. For example, under 10C the 1000th discharge capacity is 88.2 mAh·g-1 much larger than that of LNMO (73.5 mAh·g-1). This work provides new perspectives for chosing doping element for cathode material in improving its cycling stability, which may contribute a lot to the further application of high voltage LNMO as cathode material in LIBs.
Surgery Challenges and Postoperative Complications of Lung Cancer after Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Bai Guangyu , Chen Xiaowei , Peng Yue , Ji Ying , Bie Fenglong , Liu Yang , Yang Zhenlin , Gao Shugeng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
In China, real-world data on surgical challenges and postoperative complications after neoadjuvant immunotherapy of lung cancer is limited.
Methods
Patients were retrospectively enrolled from January 2018 to January 2023, whose clinical and pathological characters were subsequently analyzed. Surgical difficulty was categorized into a binary classification, namely challenging or routine. Postoperative complications were graded using Clavien-Dindo grades. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors affecting the duration of surgery and postoperative complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade 2.
Results
In total, 261 patients were included. Of these, phase Ⅲ patients accounted for 62.5% (163/261) at initial diagnosis, with 25.3% (66/261) at phase ⅢB. Central-type NSCLC accounts for 61.7% (161/261). One hundred forty patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and lobectomy accounts for 53.3% (139/261) of patients. Challenging surgeries account for 43.7%. The postoperative complications rate of 261 patients was only 22.2%. Smoking history (OR = 9.96, CI:1.15–86.01, P = 0.03), chemoimmunotherapy (OR = 2.89, CI:1.22–6.86, P = 0.02), and conversion to open surgery (OR = 11.3, CI:1.38–92.9, P = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for challenging surgeries, while pneumonectomy (OR = 0.36, CI:0.15–0.86, P = 0.02) a protective factor. Meanwhile, pneumonectomy (OR = 7.51, CI:2.40-23.51, P < 0.01) and challenging surgeries (OR = 5.53, CI:1.50-20.62, P = 0.01) were found to be risk factors for postoperative complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade 2.
Conclusions
Compared to immunotherapy alone or in combination with apatinib, neoadjuvant immunotherapy could increase the difficulty of surgery while the incidence of postoperative complications remains acceptable.
High-Performance Wearable Supercapacitors with the Enhanced Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Poly(o-phenylenediamine)/Mn 3O4 Composite
Authors: S. Darshini K. , Chakraborty Sohini , Sam Dona Mary , L. Mary N. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The development of flexible and wearable supercapacitors (SCs) has recently garnered a lot of attention owing to their ease of fabrication, low cost, flexible integration into textiles, long cycle life, fast charging and discharging, high efficiency and ability to bridge the energy and power gap between conventional capacitors and batteries. The present study focuses on the functionalization of Poly(o-phenylenediamine) with green-synthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles. They were characterized using spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction studies, and Scanning Electron Microscopy to confirm the incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. Thermal analysis was performed using Thermogravimetry Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry to analyse the thermal stability. The electrochemical performance of these materials was studied using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and impedance spectroscopy techniques. A large specific capacitance of 213 Fg-1 was achieved at a current density of 1 Ag-1 for the polymer nanocomposite and a capacitance retention of 89% even after 1000 cycles. These materials also exhibited enhanced antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity, thereby enabling them to function as wearable supercapacitor devices.
Do more pregnancies increase the risk of periodontal disease?
Authors: Aljoghaiman Eman , H. Helmi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background Periodontal disease is multifactorial. Although the dental biofilm initiates periodontal disease, the progression of the disease depends on several local and systemic factors. Hormonal changes in pregnancy and their induced effect on periodontal health are well documented. However, the effect of multiple pregnancies on the periodontal tissue is lacking and not well reported in the literature. The present study is aimed at the potential repercussions of multiple pregnancies on periodontal health. Materials and methods The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a comprehensive, cross-sectional survey conducted in the United States. Our study utilized data from key sections of the NHANES. All the pertaining and relevant data for the study is collected. Our exposure variable was the number of pregnancies and the outcome variable was periodontal disease. The number of pregnancies is classified as one, two, three, four, or more. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, poverty/income ratio, marital status, occupation, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, dental insurance coverage, dental visit frequency, and body mass index (BMI)are considered covariate variables and recorded appropriately. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were employed to assess the impact of multiple pregnancies on periodontal disease. The multiple regression model included age, sex, race, income, and education level as explanatory variables. The selection of these potential confounders was based on either current literature evidence or their association with insurance and dental care utilization variables observed in bivariate analysis. Result The crude and multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that none of the variables were significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis. In univariate analysis, patients with two pregnancies had higher odds of experiencing periodontitis (OR 1.154, 95% CI 0.748–1.779), and those with one pregnancy had odds of having periodontitis (OR 1.464, 95% CI 0.864–2.483). However, these associations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Within the limitation of the study, there is no significant relationship between parity and the prevalence of periodontitis, the longitudinal study may be warranted to delve deeper into any potential associations.
Immune Dysfunction and Systemic Inflammatory infiltration Exist in Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease
Authors: Bao Lei , Zuo Dandan , Qu Xiaoying , Cui Yingying , Li Keke , Dong Jing , Chen Renjin , Zhang Zunsheng , Cui Guiyun , Chen Hao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is primarily recognized as a neurodegenerative disorder due to the production of a neurotoxicity protein, uN2CpolyG. However, evidence suggests its systemic nature, prompting an exploration of the immune and systemic inflammatory aspects of NIID in this study. A cohort of 32 diagnosed NIID patients participated in a comprehensive study involving clinical presentations, and tissue specimen analyses. Peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMCs) were collected to detect uN2CpolyG expression in NIID patients by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. NIID patients showed varied neurological and extra-neurological symptoms alongside systemic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including ulcerative colitis, Sjögren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and IgA nephropathy. 19 previous tissue specimens from these patients displayed evidence of inflammatory cell infiltration. Notably, our observations unveiled the novel presence of eosinophilic inclusions within the nuclei of these infiltrating inflammatory cells, primarily concentrated in mononuclear cells. Additionally, uN2CpolyG aggregates, identified as ubiquitin-positive inclusions, were detected in peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMCs) from NIID patients for the first time, contrasting with the weak signal observed without inclusions in the control group. The detection of uN2CpolyG as a 30 to 40 kDa protein in the PBMCs from three NIID patients further supports our findings. This study highlights NIID's systemic nature, emphasizing immune dysfunction and systemic inflammatory infiltration. The detection of uN2CpolyG aggregates in the PBMCs of NIID patients suggests that it may have a toxic potential and alter the immune response of these cells.
Characterization of a Perturbed Skin Microbiome in Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Keum Hye Lim , Sul Woo Jun , Kim Suyeon , Chung In-Young , Koh Ara , Kim Hei Sung 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Increasing amount of evidence links dysbiosis to various human disease states, which includes cancer. This study aimed to examine the skin microbiome in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and compare it with that of the healthy-looking skin within the same individual to identify skin cancer-associated changes in the skin microbiome. We performed high resolution analysis of full-length 16S rRNA amplicons, and utilized both skin swabs and biopsy samples which were analyzed separately and altogether. Sequencing of the total 56 samples identified the most abundant species as C. acnes which was significantly more prevalent in Control (biopsy dataset; combined dataset) than in BCC. Random Forest analysis identified 24 microbes that discriminated BCC with C. acnes being the most discriminative taxa (G = 2.08). Using PICRUSt2, we observed diminishment of Vitamin B6 metabolism in the BCC lesions. Absolute quantification of Radical oxygenase of Propionibacterium acnes (roxP, a strong antioxidant unique for C. acnes ) gene by qPCR revealed a significant drop in the relative copy number of roxP to the 16S rRNA gene in the BCC lesion (swab samples, P < 0.05). Our study identified transitional microbial dysbiosis form healthy skin to BCC and support further investigation of how these microbes may influence skin cancer progression.
Accessory posterior cerebral artery (hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery) associated with contralateral accessory middle cerebral artery incidentally diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Uchino Akira , Irie Tadanobu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To describe a case of accessory posterior cerebral artery (PCA) [hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery (AChA)] associated with contralateral accessory middle cerebral artery (MCA) incidentally diagnosed by magnetic resonance (MR) angiography.
Methods
A 71-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent cranial MR imaging and MR angiography of the intracranial region using a 1.5-T scanner for the evaluation of brain and vascular lesions.
Results
On MR angiography, two right PCAs of equal size arose from the internal carotid artery instead of the basilar artery. Additionally, a small left MCA branch arose from the proximal A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA).
Conclusion
One of the branches of the PCA rarely arises from the AChA. This variation is referred to as a hyperplastic AChA or accessory PCA. The latter name was recently proposed and may be more appropriate than the former name. An MCA branch arising from the ACA is called an accessory MCA. It is a frontal branch of two types: proximal-origin and distal-origin. The distal-origin accessory MCA arises from the distal A1 segment, A1-A2 junction or proximal A2 segment. Distal-origin accessory MCAs are rare. Our patient had two rare variations: an accessory right PCA and a distal-origin accessory left PCA. To identify cerebral arterial variations, especially accessory MCA, volume-rendering images are more useful than maximum-intensity projection images on MR angiography.
Advanced chronic rheumatic heart disease is associated with substantial myocardial and valvular fibrosis on cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Aremu Olukayode O. , Samuels Petronella , Jermy Stephen , Lumngwena Evelyn N. , Mutithu Daniel W. , Familusi Mary , Herbert Estelle , Speelman Aladdin , Skatulla Sebastian , Ntusi Ntobeko A.B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with a reported 33.4 million cases globally and 319,400 annual deaths. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a reliable non-invasive technique that detects fibrosis and inflammation in cardiovascular diseases. We assessed myocardial tissue characteristics in chronic RHD using multiparametric CMR. Forty-seven (47) patients with severe, advanced RHD booked for valve replacement surgery, diagnosed on echocardiography, and matched with thirty healthy controls, were scanned using a 3T Siemens Magnetom Skyra. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, CMR findings including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1 mapping and ECV measurements were reported. Mean age of patients was 42 ± 12.8 years; 62% (39 ± 12.1 years) female. LGE CMR detected focal myocardial fibrosis in 100% of RHD patients vs. 7% of controls (p < 0.001). In all RHD patients, LGE involving all segments was observed. Patterns of LGE were linear (26%), patchy (36%) and diffuse (38%). We also report elevated mean native T1 (p < 0.004) and ECV (p < 0.001) in all RHD patients compared to controls, respectively. Myocardial fibrosis is abundant in patients with severe, chronic RHD. CMR can be utilised for non-invasive diagnosis of fibrosis and for tracking of disease progression.