bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ectopic osteogenesis and scaffold biodegradation of tissue engineering bone composed of chitosan and osteo-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vivo
Authors: He Yiqun , Dong Youhai , Chen Xujun , Lin Rongqiang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Chitosan (CS) scaffolds combined with osteogenically induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proved to be promising substitutes for repairing bone defects. Nevertheless, the bone-forming and scaffold-biodegrading processes are seldom studied. This study aimed to determine the osteogenic ability of CS/osteo-induced BMSC composites by observing the bone-forming process and explore the relationship between bone formation and scaffold biodegradation.

Methods
The CS/osteo-induced BMSC composites (CS+cells group) and the CS scaffolds (CS group) were, respectively, implanted into SD rat thigh muscles. At 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively, the rat femurs were scanned by CT, and the CT values of the implants were measured and comparatively analyzed. Subsequently, the implants were harvested and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome, and the percentages of bone area, scaffold area, and collagen area were calculated and compared between the two groups.

Results
The imaging results showed that the densities of implants of the two groups gradually increased along with time, but the CT values of implants in the CS+cells group were much higher than in the CS group at the same time point (P <0.05). The histological results showed that the de novo bone and collagen formed in the pores of the scaffolds and gradually increased since 2 weeks postoperation in both groups, and the scaffold gradually degraded along with the boneforming process. However, the comparative analysis results showed that the CS+cells group gained more de novo bone and collagen formation and had less scaffold than the CS group at the same time point (P <0.05).

Conclusion
The CS/osteo-induced BMSC composites are excellent bone tissue engineering substitutes, and the scaffold biodegradation is accordant with the bone formation.
Evaluation of the asynchronization and function of the left ventricle in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension by velocity vector imaging
Authors: WANG Chao-hong , WANG Yue-heng , NIU Ning-ning , XIE Ying-xin , WANG Lin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a set of pathophysiological syndromes characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, resulting in increased right ventricular afterload. The left and right ventricles interact through hemodynamics. What impact will PH have on synchronization and function of the left ventricle (LV)? The aim of this study was to evaluate the synchronization of the left ventricular wall motion and left ventricular function in patients with varying degrees of PH using velocity vector imaging (VVI) technology.

Methods
Sixty patients with chronic PH served as the experimental group, and 20 healthy volunteers served as the control group. According to the different degrees of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, the experimental group was divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe PH groups. The time to peak systolic longitudinal velocity (Tvl), the peak systolic longitudinal velocity (Vsl), the peak diastolic longitudinal velocity (Vel), the peak systolic longitudinal strain (Sl), and strain rate (SRl) in 18 segments were measured in each group.

Results
Tvl in the control group and each group with PH was reduced from basal to apical segment, and in control group Tvl in various segments of the same wall and in different walls showed no significant difference (P >0.05). With increase in pulmonary artery pressure, Tvl values measured showed an increasing trend in groups with PH. In groups with PH, Vsl and Vel of each wall were reduced sequentially from basal to apical segments, showing gradient change; Vsl and Vel values measured showed a decreasing trend with increase in pulmonary artery pressure, in which the differences of Vel values measured in the control group and the mild PH group were statistically significant (P <0.01), and the differences between other groups were statistically significant (P <0.01). In groups with PH, Sl and SRl in basal segment and the middle segment of each wall were decreased; the difference between groups was statistically significant (P <0.01).

Conclusions
Asynchronization of the LV and decreased left ventricular function were present in patients with chronic PH; VVI technology can accurately evaluate left ventricular function in patients with PH, and indicators such as Tvl, Vsl, and Vel are valuable.
Treatments for primary aneurysmal bone cysts of the cervical spine: experience of 14 cases
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Xiaoguang , Jiang Liang , Yang Shaomin , Wei Feng , Wu Fengliang , Liu Zhongjun 
Published: January 2024

Background
Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign lesion with the potential to be locally aggressive. The optimal treatment of cervical spine lesions remains controversial. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the different treatments for primary ABCs of the cervical spine.

Methods
This series included eight men and six women diagnosed between 2002 and 2012. A retrospective review of the hospital charts, operating room reports, office charts, and radiographs was performed. The data collected included patient age, sex, radiological features, pathology, treatment methods, outcomes, and complications from biopsies and treatments. The mean age at diagnosis was 17.5 years old with a range of 6-35 years. All patients had experienced local pain for a mean of 7.3 months (range, 0.5-18.0 months), and three patients had neurological deficits (one with radiculopathy and two with myelopathy). The Frankel classification before treatment was E in 12 cases, D in one case, and C in one case.

Results
Four patients received radiotherapy alone. Ten patients underwent surgery, including five total spondylectomies, two local resections, and three curettages. Three patients received preoperative selective arterial embolization, and four received adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean follow-up time was 44.5 months (range 12-96 months), and no recurrence was identified. Three patients with neurological deficits achieved complete recovery, as noted at the final follow-up examination. One patient received radiotherapy without appropriate immobilization as prescribed and developed C1-C2 subluxation with severe spinal cord compression but without myelopathy. He refused further treatment.

Conclusions
The results can be achieved by different treatments (surgical resection/curettage, selective arterial embolization, and radiotherapy) for ABC of the cervical spine. Reconstruction of stability is also important for the treatment of cervical ABC.
Clinical outcomes of early weight-bearing after arthroscopic microfracture during the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus
Authors: Shuyuan Li , Hongliang Li , Yujie Liu , feng Qu , Junliang Wang , Chang Liu 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe time until weight-bearing after arthroscopic microfracture when treating osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) is very important to the clinical outcomes of the operation. However, there have been no consistent opinions regarding the optimal time to start weight-bearing postoperatively. Many opinions advocate that weight-bearing should begin not earlier than the sixth or eighth week postoperatively, whereas others point out that earlier weight-bearing could also obtain satisfactory outcomes. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of early weight-bearing after arthroscopic microfracture during the treatment of OLT.MethodsFifty-eight ankles in 58 patients with a single OLT <2 cm2were retrospectively studied. All lesions were treated with arthroscopic debridement and microfracture under local anesthesia. After the operation, the patients were allowed to bear full weight under the protection of figure-8-shaped splints. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle—hindfoot scale were evaluated preoperatively and at six postoperative timepoints (1st day, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, 12th month, and 24th month). Patients were followed up for 24-52 months (mean (34.97±7.33) months).ResultsAll 58 patients achieved excellent recovery with significant relief of their symptoms. The VAS score decreased from 7.31±1.0 preoperatively to 0.95±0.76 at the 24th month follow-up (P=0.000), whereas the AOFAS score improved from 53.53±8.57 preoperatively to 87.62±5.42 at the 24th month follow-up (P=0.000).ConclusionThe successful clinical outcomes of this study demonstrated that early weight-bearing after the treatment of OLT with arthroscopic microfracture can be allowed.
Microsurgical transverse 2-suture intussusception vasoepididymostomy: effectiveness and rationality
Authors: ZHANG Hao , HUANG Wen-tao , RUAN Xing-xing , LI Liao-yuan , DI Jin-ming , LIU Xiao-peng , XIAO Heng-jun , GAO Xin , ZHANG Yan 
Published: January 2024

Background
2-Suture longitudinal vasoepididymostomy shows superiority to transverse technique in an animal study; to date, this has not been consistently confirmed in human body. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of 2-suture transverse intussusception vasoepididymostomy and compared the rationality between transverse and longitudinal techniques.

Methods
From May 2007 to December 2008, we performed 2-suture transverse vasoepididymostomy in 19 consecutive patients, as described by Marmar with modification. Between March 2009 and January 2010, the internal diameter of the vas lumen and the outer diameter of the epididymal tube were measured using microruler (21 patients and 37 sides).

Results
Three patients lost to follow-up. At the first follow-up period (ranged from 10 to 24 months), the patency rate was 56.3% (9/16) and the natural pregnancy rate was 25% (4/16). At the second follow-up period (ranged from 46 to 63 months), the patency rate was 68.8% (11/16), the natural pregnancy rate was 37.5% (6/16), respectively, and the takehome baby rate was 31.3% (5/16). The diameter of the vas lumen and the outer diameter of the epididymal tubule were (0.512±0.046) mm and (0.572±0.051) mm (P <0.001), respectively.

Conclusion
Transverse 2-suture intussusception vasoepididymostomy is still an effective technique in treating obstructive azoospermia.
Factors influencing clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator
Authors: HUANG Yin-hui , ZHUO Shi-tu , CHEN Ya-fang , LI Ming-mei , LIN You-yu , YANG Mei-li , CHEN Zhen-jie , CAI Ruo-wei 
Published: January 2024

Background
Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) has gained international recognition, clinical outcomes following this thrombolytic therapy varied from patient to patient. Factors affecting clinical outcomes have not been well understood yet, so this retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate factors that may influence clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous rt-PA.

Methods
One hundred and one patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous rt-PA thrombolysis within 4.5 hours from disease onset were included. Patients were divided into good or poor outcome group according to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, good outcome group: mRS score of 0-1; poor outcome group: mRS of 2-6. Stroke characteristics were compared between the two groups. Factors for stroke outcomes were analyzed via univariate analysis and Logistic regression.

Results
Of the 101 patients studied, patients in good outcome group (n=55) were significantly younger than patients in poor outcome group (n=46, (62.82±14.25) vs. (68.81±9.85) years, P=0.029). Good outcome group had fewer patients with diabetic history (9.09% vs. 28.26%, P=0.012), fewer patients with leukoaraiosis (7.27% vs. 28.26%, P=0.005) and presented with lower blood glucose level ((5.72±1.76) vs. (6.72±1.32) mmol/L, P=0.012), lower systolic blood pressure level ((135.45±19.36) vs. (148.78±19.39) mmHg, P=0.003), lower baseline NIHSS score (12.02±5.26 vs. 15.78±4.98, P=0.002) and shorter onset-to-treatment time (OTT) ((2.38±1.21) vs. (2.57±1.03) hours, P=0.044) than poor outcome group. Logistic regression analysis showed that absence of diabetic history (odds ratio (OR) 0.968 (95% CI 0.941-0.996)), absence of leukoaraiosis (OR 0.835 (95% CI 0.712-0.980)), lower baseline NIHSS score (OR 0.885 (95% CI 0.793-0.989)), lower pre-thrombolysis systolic blood pressure (OR 0.962 (95% CI 0.929-0.997)), and lower blood glucose level (OR 0.699 (95% CI 0.491-0.994)) before thrombolysis were significantly associated with better outcome.

Conclusion
Patients with no history of diabetes, no leukoaraiosis, low blood glucose level, low systolic blood pressure level and low baseline NIHSS score before thrombolysis have a better outcome.
γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT prevents neuronal death and memory impairment in sepsis associated encephalopathy in septic rats
Authors: Huang Man , Liu chunhui , Hu Yueyu , Wang Pengfei , Ding Meiping 
Published: January 2024

Background
Brain dysfunction is a frequent complication of sepsis, usually defined as sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Although the Notch signaling pathway has been proven to be involved in both ischemia and neuronal proliferation, its role in SAE is still unknown. Here, the effect of the Notch signaling pathway involved γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT on SAE in septic rats was investigated in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model.

Methods
Fifty-nine Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, with the septic group receiving the CLP operation. Twenty-four hours after CLP or sham treatment, rats were sacrificed and their hippocampus was harvested for Western blot analysis. TNF-αexpression was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining, and neuronal cell death was detected by H&E staining. Finally, a novel object recognition experiment was used to evaluate memory impairment.

Results
Our data showed that sepsis can increase the expression of hippocampal Notch receptor intracellular domain (NICD) and poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), as well as the inflammatory response, neuronal apoptosis, neuronal death, and memory dysfunction in rats. The γ-secretase inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) can significantly decrease the level of NICD and PARP-1, reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and death, attenuate TNF-α release and rescue cognitive impairment caused by CLP.

Conclusion
The neuroprotective effect of DAPT on neuronal death and memory impairment in septic rats, which could be a new therapeutic approach for treating SAE in the future.
Retrospective study of mycophenolate mofetil treatment in IgA nephropathy with proliferative pathological phenotype
Authors: Liang Yan , Zhang Junjun , Liu Dongwei , Quan Songxia , Xing Guolan , Liu Zhangsuo 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundMycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) are widely used in treating various kidney diseases. However, whether they are effective and which one is better for treating IgA nephropathy patients with proliferative pathological phenotype in renal diseases, such as endocapillary proliferation, cellular crescents, and/or capillary loops fibrinoid necrosis is still unknown. We, therefore, initiated a study to compare the effects of MMF and CTX in treating IgA nephropathy with the above pathological lesions.MethodsOne hundred and nineteen patients with IgA nephropathy who had at least one of the three aforementioned lesions were enrolled. All patients were treated with prednisone; 48 patients received prednisone only (Pred group), 40 received MMF and prednisone (MMF + Pred group), and 31 were treated with CTX and prednisone (CTX + Pred group). The median time of follow-up was 30 months (maximum: 96 months). The primary endpoint was defined as renal survival. The incidence of remission of proteinuria was the secondary endpoint.ResultsSerum creatinine in all groups declined significantly at different follow-up times (P=0.002), and the differences among the three groups were significant (P<0.001). At 24 months of follow-up, the decline rates were 12.35%, 32.95%, and 24.14% in the Pred, MMF + Pred, and CTX + Pred groups respectively. For urine protein excretion, the decline rates were 49.12% (Pred), 73.67% (MMF + Pred), and 63.53% (CTX + Pred) respectively at 24 months of follow-up. The differences among the three groups were not significant (P=0.714). Renal survival (the primary endpoint) was significantly different (P=0.027); however, the sencondary endpoint was similar for all the three groups (P=0.100).ConclusionsFor IgA nephropathy patients with endocapillary proliferation, cellular crescents, and/or fibrinoid necrosis of capillary loops, prednisone combined with MMF was more effective in lowering the serum creatinine than with CTX. Combined MMF and prednisone treatment led to a better renal survival compared to that of prednisone with CTX.
Imaging and histopathological findings of lacrimal sac lymphoma
Authors: Guo Pengde , Yan Fei , Tian Cheng , Zhao Pengfei , Wang Zhenchang , Xian Junfang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Lymphoma of the lacrimal sac is rare, often misdiagnosed clinically. This study aimed to investigate the imaging features of these tumors and provide suggestions to aid the diagnosis.

Methods
In this retrospective study, five cases were assessed according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and pathological findings. All five patients underwent MRI and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI), of which four patients underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and three patients underwent CT.

Results
Four cases and one case had a lymphoma in left and right medial canthus, respectively. Soft tissue surrounding the eyelids, subcutaneous tissue in the nasal dorsum, and involvement of the entire nasolacrimal canal were demonstrated in all five lesions. In two cases, the mass invaded the extraconal space. In one case, the mass invaded the adjacent medial rectus muscle and nasal area. Well-defined margins were observed in three cases and ill-defined margins in two cases. All cases showed homogeneous isointense lesions on T1WI. Four cases showed homogeneous isointensity and one case demonstrated heterogeneous isointensity on T2WI. After contrast injection, the lesion showed slight homogeneous isointensity and moderate enhancement in four cases and heterogeneous isointensity and moderate enhancement in one case. In the four patients who underwent DCE-MRI, a plateau pattern was revealed in three cases and washout pattern in one case. In the three cases who underwent CT, two cases had isointense and one case had hyperintense lesions. The lacrimal duct was remodeled and the surrounding bone compressed.

Conclusions
Tumors of the lacrimal sac showed homogeneous and isointense patterns on T1WI and T2WI with mildtomoderate enhancement and a plateau pattern on DCE-MRI. CT showed remodeling of the lacrimal duct with bone compression.
Evaluation of pelvic visceral functions after modified nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Li Bin , Zuo Jing , Zhang Gongyi , Yang Yeduo , Zeng Hongmei , Li Xiaoguang , Wu Lingying 
Published: January 2024

Background
Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) was developed in an attempt to minimize complications after radical hysterectomy. Since 2008, a modified NSRH-nerve plane-sparing radical hysterectomy (NPSRH) has been developed at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NPSRH in improving postoperative pelvic visceral dysfunctions.

Methods
Eighty-three patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB1-IIA2 cervical cancer received NPSRH (the study group) from January 2008 to October 2012. One hundred and sixty-six patients who underwent conventional radical hysterectomy (CRH) were randomly selected as the control group. Age, pathological type and stage were matched between the two groups. The safety of surgery was assessed by duration of operation and blood transfusion rate. Postoperative short-term bladder function was analyzed by duration of catheterization. Long-term bladder, anorectal and sexual function were evaluated with questionnaires.

Results
Seventy-eight patients (94.0%) in the NPSRH group and one hundred and sixty patients (96.4%) in the CRH group completed the study. Median follow-up time was 31.9 months and 31.0 months respectively (P=0.708). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, FIGO stage, pathologic type, preoperative and postoperative therapy (P >0.05). The blood transfusion rate shared no difference between two groups (P=0.364). The operation time in the NPSRH group was significantly longer than CRH group (P <0.01). But the duration of catheterization and hospitalization in the NPSRH group was significantly reduced compared with CRH group (P <0.01). In addition, the incidence of long-term urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, straining to void, constipation and diarrhea was significantly lower in the NPSRH group (P <0.05). However, there was no significant difference regarding sexual function (P >0.05).

Conclusions
The current evidence indicated that NPSRH improved long-term bladder function compared to CRH. Moreover, it may improve long-term anorectal function as well.
Role of BKCa channels in diabetic vascular complications
Authors: Qian Lingling , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Ruxing 
Published: January 2024

Objective
This review focuses on the role of the large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels in diabetic vascular complications.

Data sources
Relevant articles published in English or Chinese from 1981 to present were selected from PubMed. The search terms were “BKCa channels” and “diabetes”. Important references from selected articles were also retrieved.

Study selection
Articles regarding the role of BKCa channels in diabetic vascular complications and relevant mechanisms were selected.

Results
The BKCa channels are abundantly expressed in vascular smooth cells and play an important role in regulation of vascular tone. Multiple studies indicated that the expression and function of BKCa channels are altered by different mechanisms in diabetic vascular diseases such as coronary arterial disease, cerebral arterial disease, and diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion
BKCa channels may play an important role in diabetic vascular complications and may be an effective therapeutic target for relieving and reducing the burden of diabetic vascular complications.