bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental analysis and biaxial biomechanical behaviour of ex-vivo sheep trachea
Authors: Pandelani Thanyani , Ngwangwa Harry , Nemavhola Fulufhelo 
Published: December 2023

Besides surgery, there are currently no other established methods for routine treatment of tracheal pathologies such a tracheal stenosis or tracheal and airway tumors. Even with several attempts to repair the infected trachea with artificial and natural prostheses, there is a need for the fundamental understanding of the tissue’s mechanical behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the tracheal tissue under biaxial tensile loading. Furthermore, the study examines the material properties of the tissue through a study of the model parameters for six constitutive models. Materials and methods: The fourteen (n = 14) specimens of sheep trachea (Vleis Merino) measured to be ∼30 × 20 mm where only the effective area of ∼25 × 16 mm was subjected to engineering strain. In this study, we assume that the tracheal tissue is anisotropic and incom-pressible, therefore we apply and study the material parameters from six different constitutive material models. Results: The results show that the tracheal tissue is twice as stiff along the circumferential direction as it is along the longitudinal direction. It is also observed that the material properties are different (non-homogeneous) along the trachea. Conclusion: The findings of this study will benefit computational models for the study of tracheal diseases or injuries. Furthermore, these findings will assist in the development of regenerative medicine for different tracheal pathologies and in the bioengineering of replacement tissue in cases of damage.
The role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in functional bowel disease
Authors: Li Guangyao , Lv Tingcong , Jin Binghui , Fan Zhe 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study investigates the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a biophysical therapy for alleviating symptoms of functional bowel disorder (FBD) and associated psychological symptoms by targeting the brain-gut axis.MethodsWe conducted a comparative analysis involving 226 subjects, comprising the FBD group (n = 113) and a healthy control group (n = 113). Within the FBD group, participants were further divided into those who received rTMS therapy (FBD treatment group, n = 63) and those who did not (FBD control group, n = 50). The FBD treatment group was subcategorized based on the number of rTMS treatments received. We evaluated various factors, including gender, age, monthly household income, daily activity level, and sleep quality, as potential risk factors for FBD. Severity assessments of FBD and associated symptoms (constipation, anxiety, depression, and somatization disorders) were conducted using validated scales before and after treatment.ResultsOur findings revealed a higher incidence of FBD in women, with most cases emerging at age 50 or older. We identified lower monthly household income, reduced daily activity levels, and poorer sleep quality as factors associated with a higher likelihood of FBD. FBD patients exhibited higher scores for constipation, anxiety, depression, and somatization disorders compared to healthy controls. rTMS therapy was effective in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, depression, and somatization disorders among FBD patients. Notably, the extent of improvement was positively correlated with the number of rTMS sessions. No adverse effects were observed during the study.ConclusionOur study underscores the efficacy of biophysical therapy, specifically repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, in mitigating FBD symptoms and associated psychological distress. The treatment’s effectiveness is positively linked to the frequency of rTMS sessions.
An artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic system for the prediction of benignity and malignancy of pulmonary nodules and its practical value for patients with different clinical characteristics
Authors: Zhang Lichuan , Shao Yue , Chen Guangmei , Tian Simiao , Zhang Qing , Wu Jianlin , Bai Chunxue , Yang Dawei 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the value of an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostic system in the prediction of pulmonary nodules.MethodsThe AI system was able to make predictions of benign or malignant nodules. 260 cases of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) were divided into 173 malignant cases and 87 benign cases based on the surgical pathological diagnosis. A stratified data analysis was applied to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of the AI system to distinguish between the subgroups with different clinical characteristics.ResultsThe accuracy of AI system in judging benignity and malignancy of the nodules was 75.77% (p &lt; 0.05). We created an ROC curve by calculating the true positive rate (TPR) and the false positive rate (FPR) at different threshold values, and the AUC was 0.755. Results of the stratified analysis were as follows. (1) By nodule position: the AUC was 0.677, 0.758, 0.744, 0.982, and 0.725, respectively, for the nodules in the left upper lobe, left lower lobe, right upper lobe, right middle lobe, and right lower lobe. (2) By nodule size: the AUC was 0.778, 0.771, and 0.686, respectively, for the nodules measuring 5–10, 10–20, and 20–30 mm in diameter. (3) The predictive accuracy was higher for the subsolid pulmonary nodules than for the solid ones (80.54 vs. 66.67%).ConclusionThe AI system can be applied to assist in the prediction of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. It can provide a valuable reference, especially for the diagnosis of subsolid nodules and small nodules measuring 5–10 mm in diameter.
Factors associated with long COVID syndrome in a Colombian cohort
Authors: Martínez-Ayala María Camila , Proaños Nadia Juliana , Cala-Duran Julian , Lora-Mantilla Alvaro Jose , Cáceres-Ramírez Catalina , Villabona-Flórez Silvia Juliana , Camacho-López Paul Anthony 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAfter acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, some patients persist with clinical symptoms, a phenomenon known as Long COVID syndrome. It is necessary to understand the factors associated with the persistence of these symptoms to develop individualized preventive approaches and effectively address this challenge.ObjectiveTo determine the factors associated with the persistence of symptoms six months after COVID-19 infection.Materials and methodsA ambidirectional cohort, single-center study, that included individuals previously diagnosed with COVID-19 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive test, who were followed for a period of six months. Univariate, bivariate and a multivariate binomial regression model were performed to determine risk factors associated with the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms at the six months of follow-up.ResultsThe prevalence of long COVID syndrome was 47%. Age demonstrated no significant association with Long COVID (RR 0.999 [95% CI 0.996–1.002]); however, female sex (RR 1.148 [95% CI 1.038–1.268]), requirement of mechanical ventilation (RR 1.278 [95% CI 1.050–1.555]), presence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (RR 1.340 [95% CI 1.104–1.626]), Rheumatic Disease (RR 1.259 [95% CI 1.055–1.504]) and the Hospitalization Type: General Hospitalization (RR 1.247 [95% CI 1.090–1.427]) and ICU Hospitalization (RR 1.490 [95% CI 1.221–1.818]) were significantly associated with the persistence of symptoms at the six month of follow-up.ConclusionFemale sex, presence of COPD, rheumatic disease, hospitalization type and requirement of mechanical ventilation during index infection were identified as significant risk factors for the diagnosis of Long COVID. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing Long COVID syndrome in terms of prevention and management, taking these risk factors into consideration.
The cause-and-effect relationship between gut microbiota abundance and carcinoid syndrome: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Zexin , Li Dongting , Xie Fengxi , Muhetaer Gulizeba , Zhang Haibo 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveCarcinoid syndrome (CS) commonly results from neuroendocrine tumors. While active substances are recognized as the main causes of the typical symptoms such as diarrhea and skin flush, the cause-and-effect relationship between gut microbiota abundance and CS remains unclear.MethodsThe Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) related to gut microbiota abundance and CS were obtained from the GWAS summary data. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used to assess the causal relationship between gut microbiota abundance and CS. Additionally, the MR-Egger, Weighted Median model, and Weighted model were employed as supplementary approaches. The heterogeneity function of the TwoSampleMR package was utilized to assess whether SNPs exhibit heterogeneity. The Egger intercept and Presso test were used to assess whether SNPs exhibit pleiotropy. The Leave-One-Out test was employed to evaluate the sensitivity of SNPs. The Steiger test was utilized to examine whether SNPs have a reverse causal relationship. A bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to elucidate the inferred cause-and-effect relationship between gut microbiota abundance and CS.ResultsThe IVW results indicated a causal relationship between 6 gut microbiota taxa and CS. Among the 6 gut microbiota taxa, the genus Anaerofilum (IVW OR: 0.3606, 95%CI: 0.1554–0.8367, p-value: 0.0175) exhibited a protective effect against CS. On the other hand, the family Coriobacteriaceae (IVW OR: 3.4572, 95%CI: 1.0571–11.3066, p-value: 0.0402), the genus Enterorhabdus (IVW OR: 4.2496, 95%CI: 1.3314–13.5640, p-value: 0.0146), the genus Ruminiclostridium6 (IVW OR: 4.0116, 95%CI: 1.2711–12.6604, p-value: 0.0178), the genus Veillonella (IVW OR: 3.7023, 95%CI: 1.0155–13.4980, p-value: 0.0473) and genus Holdemanella (IVW OR: 2.2400, 95%CI: 1.0376–4.8358, p-value: 0.0400) demonstrated a detrimental effect on CS. The CS was not found to have a reverse causal relationship with the above 6 gut microbiota taxa.ConclusionSix microbiota taxa were found to have a causal relationship with CS, and further randomized controlled trials are needed for verification.
Effect of time delay in inter-hospital transfer on outcomes of endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Pardo Keshet , Naftali Jonathan , Barnea Rani , Findler Michael , Perlow Alain , Brauner Ran , Auriel Eitan , Raphaeli Guy 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundEndovascular treatment (EVT) with mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The most common approach today is to perform EVT in a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) and transfer relevant patients for EVT from a primary stroke center (PSC). Rapid and efficient treatment of LVO is a key factor in achieving a good clinical outcome.MethodsWe present our retrospective cohort of patients who underwent EVT between 2018 and 2021, including direct admissions and patients transferred from PSC. Primary endpoints were time intervals (door-to-puncture, onset-to-puncture, door-to-door) and favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were successful recanalization, mortality rate, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Additional analysis was performed for transferred patients not treated with EVT; endpoints were time intervals, favorable outcomes, and reason for exclusion of EVT.ResultsAmong a total of 405 patients, 272 were admitted directly to our EVT center and 133 were transferred; there was no significant difference between groups in the occluded vascular territory, baseline NIHSS, wake-up strokes, or thrombolysis rate. Directly admitted patients had a shorter door-to-puncture time than transferred patients (190 min vs. 293 min, p &lt; 0.001). The median door-to-door shift time was 204 min. We found no significant difference in functional independence, successful recanalization rates, or sICH rates. The most common reason to exclude transferred patients from EVT was clinical or angiographic improvement (55.6% of patients).ConclusionOur results show that transferring patients to the EVT center does not affect clinical outcomes, despite the expected delay in EVT. Reassessment of patients upon arrival at the CSC is crucial, and patient selection should be done based on both time and tissue window.
Flavonoids and fibrate modulate apoE4-induced processing of amyloid precursor protein in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Davra Viralkumar , Benzeroual Kenza E. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionApolipoprotein (apo) E4, being a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is actively involved in the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, the principle constituent of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer Disease (AD) patients. ApoE4 is believed to affect APP processing through intracellular cholesterol homeostasis, whereas lowering the cholesterol level by pharmacological agents has been suggested to reduce Aβ production. This study has investigated the effects of hypolipidemic agents fenofibrate, and the flavonoids–naringenin and diosmetin–on apoE4-induced APP processing in rat neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with human wild-type APP 695 (B103-hAPP695wt).ResultsB103-hAPP695wt cells were pretreated with different doses of flavonoids and fenofibrate for 1 h prior to apoE4 exposure for 24 h. ApoE4-induced production of intra- and extracellular Aβ peptides has been reduced with fenofibrate, naringenin, and diosmetin treatments. Pretreatment with diosmetin has significantly reduced apoE4-induced full-length APP (fl- APP) expression, whereas naringenin and fenofibrate had no effect on it. In addition, the increase in the apoE4-induced secretion of sAPPtotal and sAPPα has been dose-dependently reduced with drug pretreatment. On the other hand, the decrease in the expression of both APP-carboxy terminal fragments (CTF)-α and –β (generated by the α- or β-secretase cleavage of APP) by apoE4 was dose-dependently increased in cells pretreated with fenofibrate and naringenin but not diosmetin.ConclusionThus, we suggest that fenofibrate, naringenin, and diosmetin treatments can reduce apoE4- induced Aβ production by distinct mechanisms that may prove useful in developing drugs for AD patients.
Identifying barriers and facilitators to adopting healthier dietary choices in clinical care: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: de Frel Daan L. , Wicks Hope , Bakk Zsuzsa , van Keulen Nicole , Atsma Douwe E. , Janssen Veronica R. 
Published: December 2023

Background and aimsAdopting healthier diets can drastically improve societal health. Our environment plays a crucial role in daily dietary choices and hospitals in particular can stimulate patients to adopt healthier eating habits. Unfortunately, no robust clinically applicable cuing tools exist to help guide in-hospital dietary interventions. The purpose of this study was to identify patient-related barriers and facilitators to adopting healthier dietary choices.Methods and resultsThis cross-sectional observational study was conducted on the cardiology ward of a university medical center between June 2020 and January 2021. Of the 594 patients asked and the 312 completed surveys on healthy eating intentions, 285 responses were considered for analysis. Notably, the majority of respondents were male (68.8%), with an average hospital stay of 3.3 days. The results indicate that cardiac patients attribute significantly greater influence on their dietary behavior to doctors compared to other caregivers, including dieticians (X2 = 37.09, df = 9, p &lt; 0.001). Also, younger patients (below 70 years of age) were more inclined to plan changing dietary behavior than older patients. Most mentioned facilitators for adopting a healthier diet were more information/counseling, help in preparing food, support from family and friends, and more emphasis from a doctor.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of involving doctors in formulating dietary policies and patient-directed interventions within hospital settings. It also sheds light on the barriers and facilitators for promoting healthier dietary behaviors among patients during their hospitalization.
Analysis of recurrence and metastasis patterns and prognosis after complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Gao Xiaofeng , Ding Pingan , Zhang Zhidong , Li Yong , Zhao Qun , Wang Dong , Zhao Xuefeng , Liu Yu , Tan Bibo 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo analyze the recurrence and metastasis patterns and prognosis after complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma.MethodsThe clinical postoperative follow-up data and results of patients who underwent complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma from September 10, 2014, to September 8, 2021, at Hebei Medical University hospital were collected retrospectively.ResultsA total of 60 patients with complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma, including 33 cases of retroperitoneal liposarcoma recurrence, 2 cases of liver metastasis, and 1 case of lung metastasis, were included. The results showed that 100% of the recurrent sites were located in the primary region of the tumor, with most recurrences located near the kidney, paracolic sulci, and iliac vessels. Three patients had distant metastasis without obvious recurrence on imaging examination. The pathological type of retroperitoneal liposarcoma, Ki67 expression, and presence of serum albumin were risk factors for recurrence and metastasis after complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma. The malignancy and Ki67 expression were independent risk factors for recurrence and metastasis as well as for overall survival of patients undergoing complete resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma.ConclusionComplete resection remains the most effective method to treat retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Patients with pathological types of retroperitoneal liposarcoma showing dedifferentiation, pleomorphism, mixed type, and high Ki67 expression should be closely monitored and observed after complete resection, especially for imaging changes in the primary tumor area.
MRI T2 mapping assessment of T2 relaxation time in desmoid tumors as a quantitative imaging biomarker of tumor response: preliminary results
Authors: Souza Felipe F. , D’Amato Gina , Jonczak Emily Elizabeth , Costa Philippos , Trent Jonathan C. , Rosenberg Andrew E. , Yechieli Raphael , Temple H. Thomas , Pattany Pradip , Subhawong Ty K. 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesBecause size-based imaging criteria poorly capture biologic response in desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF), changes in MRI T2 signal intensity are frequently used as a response surrogate, but remain qualitative. We hypothesized that absolute quantification of DF T2 relaxation time derived from parametric T2 maps would be a feasible and effective imaging biomarker of disease activity.MethodsThis IRB-approved retrospective study included 11 patients with DF, managed by observation or systemic therapy, assessed by 3T MRI. Tumor maximum diameter, volume, and T2-weighted signal intensity were derived from manual tumor segmentations. Tumor:muscle T2 signal ratios were recorded. Two readers measured tumor T2 relaxation times using a commercial T2 scanning sequence, manual ROI delineation and commercial calculation software enabling estimation of reader reliability. Objective response rates based on RECIST1.1 and best responses were compared between size-based and signal-based parameters.ResultsMedian patient age was 52.6 years; 8 subjects were female (73%). Nine patients with longitudinal assessments were followed for an average of 314 days. Median baseline tumor diameter was 7.2 cm (range 4.4 - 18.2 cm). Median baseline T2 was 65.1 ms (range 40.4 - 94.8 ms, n=11); median at last follow-up was 44.3 ms (-32% from baseline; range 29.3 - 94.7 ms, n=9). T2 relaxation times correlated with tumor:muscle T2 signal ratios, Spearman p=0.78 (p&lt;0.001). T2 mapping showed high inter-reader reliability, ICC=0.84. The best response as a percentage change in T2 values was statistically significant (mean -17.9%, p=0.05, paired t-test) while change in diameter was not (mean -8.9%, p=0.12).ConclusionsAnalysis of T2 relaxation time maps of DF may offer a feasible quantitative biomarker for assessing the extent of response to treatment. This approach may have high inter-reader reliability.
Evaluating the bioequivalence and safety of liraglutide injection versus Victoza® in healthy Chinese subjects: a randomized, open, two-cycle, self-crossover phase I clinical trial
Authors: Liu Chao , Xu Hongrong , Yuan Fei , Chen Hanjing , Sheng Lei , Chen Weili , Xie Haisong , Xu Hongmei , Li Xuening 
Published: December 2023

Background: Liraglutide is an acylated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog, and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties as a GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist make it an important therapeutic option for many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study compared the bioequivalence and safety of liraglutide with the originator product in healthy Chinese adult subjects.Methods: Subjects (N = 36, both sexes) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups (18 cases each) for a two-cycle, self-crossover trial. Each cycle involved a single subcutaneous injection of the test and reference drugs, with a washout period of 14 days. The plasma drug concentration was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The main pharmacokinetic parameters were statistically analyzed to assess drug bioequivalence. Furthermore, the safety of the drugs was assessed throughout the trial.Results: The geometric mean ratios of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were 103.73%, 103.01%, and 103.03%, respectively, and their 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were consistent with the range of 80.00%–125.00%, indicating that the two formulations had similar pharmacokinetics. Meanwhile, safety results showed that both drugs were well tolerated.Conclusion: Studies have shown that the test drug has similar bioequivalence and safety to the reference drug.Clinical trial registration: (http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html), identifier (CTR20171303).
Gut microbiota dynamics in a 1-year follow-up after adult liver transplantation in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Ruoyan , Qiu Wei , Sun Xiaodong , Li Jing , Geng Xiaochen , Yu Shichao , Liu Ying , Huang Heyu , Li Mingyue , Fan Zhongqi , Li Mingqian , Lv Guoyue 
Published: December 2023

Background: Liver transplantation (LTx) is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver diseases. Gut microorganisms influence the host physiology. We aim to profile the dynamics of gut microbiota in the perioperative period and a 1-year follow-up of LTx recipients in Northeast China.Methods: A total of 257 fecal samples were longitudinally collected from 85 LTx patients using anal swabs from pre-LTx to 1-year post-LTx. A total of 48 fecal samples from end-stage liver disease patients without LTx served as the control. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota diversity, bacterial genera, phenotype classification, and metabolic pathways.Results: The diversity of gut microbiota decreased significantly after transplantation, accompanied by a profound change in the microbial structure, which is characterized by increased abundance of facultative anaerobic bacteria dominated by g_Enterococcus and reduced anaerobic bacteria composition. Predicted functional analysis also revealed disturbances in the metabolic pathway of the gut microbiota. After LTx, the diversity of microbiota gradually recovered but to a less preoperative level after 1 year of recovery. Compared with pre-transplantation, the microbiome structure was characterized by an increase in Acidaminococcus and Acidithiobacillus after 1 year of transplantation.Conclusion: LTx and perioperative treatment triggered gut microbial dysbiosis. The gut microbiota was restructured after LTx to near to but significantly differed from that of pre-LTx.