bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of surgery started at different time point during the day on the clinical outcomes of mitral valve surgery
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Wang Jiangang , Zhang Haibo , Wang Shengyu , Meng Xu 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe clinical prognosis of mitral valve surgery at morning, afternoon, and evening is not yet clear. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of different time periods of surgery in the morning, afternoon and evening on the short-term and long-term results of mitral valve surgery.MethodsFrom January 2018 to December 2020, 947 patients with mitral valve surgery in our department were selected. These patients were divided into 3 groups according to the starting time of surgery. Morning group (operation start time 8:00–10:30, n = 231), afternoon group (operation start time 12:00–14:30, n = 543), and evening group (operation start time 17:30–20:00, n = 173). The short-term and long-term results of the three groups were compared.ResultsThere were no significant difference in the long-term mortality, long-term risk of stroke and reoperation. And there were no significant difference in in-hospital outcomes, including mortality, stroke, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross clamp time, mitral valve repair convert to mitral valve replacement, number of aortic cross clamp ≥2 times, unplanned secondary surgery during hospitalization (including thoracotomy hemostasis, thoracotomy exploration, redo mitral valve surgery, and debridement), intra-aortic balloon pump, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation time, and intensive care unit length of stay.ConclusionThere is no significant difference in the risk of short-term and long-term survival and adverse events after mitral valve surgery at different time periods in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Mitral valve surgery at night is safe.
Spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and the driving force of habitat quality in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in topographic view (2000–2020)
Authors: Yu Haotian , Qian Xuexue , Jing Haichao , Liu Yinghui 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAs a key indicator to evaluate biodiversity and eco-function, habitat quality shows the value of ecosystem services. The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau occupies the highest elevation in the global dimension, where the regional environment is greatly affected by multiple factors including the terrain comprehensively.MethodsIn the present study, the InVEST model was employed to assess the habitat quality across varying terrain gradients. The study observed the displacement of the center of gravity of habitat quality under different topographical factors over the past 20 years to learn the trend of changes. Additionally, the Geo-detector model was enhanced to explore the contribution rate of driving factors including biodiversity in different topographic positions and overall.ResultsThe results found the following: (1) The habitat quality of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau was positively correlated with the terrain gradient, and the mean values of habitat quality increased with the gradual increase in terrain gradient. In the period between 2000 and 2020, mean habitat quality values within the study area exhibited a slight fluctuating trend with the spatial distribution characterized by higher values in the southeast and lower values in the northwest. (2) Among different terrain gradients, trends in the mean center’s shift of habitat quality were diverse. The mean center of gradient I went north but gradient V went west. The mean center of the habitat quality in gradients II–IV showed an uncertain trend. (3) The NDVI exerted the most vital influence on the quality of habitats irrespective of different terrain gradients. Annual mean temperature, soil type, and slope occupied two to four places in each terrain.DiscussionThe study indicates that in the last two decades, the habitat quality on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has gradually increased across different terrain locations. In terms of policies to protect habitats, terrain should be classified and targeted accordingly.
Systems and computational analysis of gene expression datasets reveals GRB-2 suppression as an acute immunomodulatory response against enteric infections in endemic settings
Authors: Naidu Akshayata , Lulu S. Sajitha 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionEnteric infections are a major cause of under-5 (age) mortality in low/middle-income countries. Although vaccines against these infections have already been licensed, unwavering efforts are required to boost suboptimalefficacy and effectiveness in regions that are highly endemic to enteric pathogens. The role of baseline immunological profiles in influencing vaccine-induced immune responses is increasingly becoming clearer for several vaccines. Hence, for the development of advanced and region-specific enteric vaccines, insights into differences in immune responses to perturbations in endemic and non-endemic settings become crucial.Materials and methodsFor this reason, we employed a two-tiered system and computational pipeline (i) to study the variations in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with immune responses to enteric infections in endemic and non-endemic study groups, and (ii) to derive features (genes) of importance that keenly distinguish between these two groups using unsupervised machine learning algorithms on an aggregated gene expression dataset. The derived genes were further curated using topological analysis of the constructed STRING networks. The findings from these two tiers are validated using multilayer perceptron classifier and were further explored using correlation and regression analysis for the retrieval of associated gene regulatory modules.ResultsOur analysis reveals aggressive suppression of GRB-2, an adaptor molecule integral for TCR signaling, as a primary immunomodulatory response against S. typhi infection in endemic settings. Moreover, using retrieved correlation modules and multivariant regression models, we found a positive association between regulators of activated T cells and mediators of Hedgehog signaling in the endemic population, which indicates the initiation of an effector (involving differentiation and homing) rather than an inductive response upon infection. On further exploration, we found STAT3 to be instrumental in designating T-cell functions upon early responses to enteric infections in endemic settings.ConclusionOverall, through a systems and computational biology approach, we characterized distinct molecular players involved in immune responses to enteric infections in endemic settings in the process, contributing to the mounting evidence of endemicity being a major determiner of pathogen/vaccine-induced immune responses. The gained insights will have important implications in the design and development of region/endemicity-specific vaccines.
Serum alpha-fetoprotein response as a preoperative prognostic indicator in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with salvage hepatectomy following conversion therapy: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Lin Kong-Ying , Zhang Jian-Xi , Lin Zhi-Wen , Chen Qing-Jing , Luo Liu-Ping , Chen Jin-Hong , Wang Kui , Tai Sheng , Zhang Zhi-Bo , Wang Shi-Feng , Li Jing-Dong , Wang Kai , Zheng Lu , Zheng Si-Ming , Wu Meng-Meng , Lin Ke-Can , Yang Tian , Zeng Yong-Yi 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThis study evaluates the efficacy of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response as a surrogate marker for determining recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) who undergo salvage hepatectomy following conversion therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and anti-PD-1 antibody-based regimen.MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study included 74 patients with uHCC and positive AFP (&gt;20 ng/mL) at diagnosis, who underwent salvage hepatectomy after treatment with TKIs and anti-PD-1 antibody-based regimens. The association between AFP response—defined as a ≥ 80% decrease in final AFP levels before salvage hepatectomy from diagnosis—and RFS post-hepatectomy was investigated.ResultsAFP responders demonstrated significantly better postoperative RFS compared to non-responders (P&lt;0.001). The median RFS was not reached for AFP responders, with 1-year and 2-year RFS rates of 81.3% and 70.8%, respectively. In contrast, AFP non-responders had a median RFS of 7.43 months, with 1-year and 2-year RFS rates at 37.1% and 37.1%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified AFP response as an independent predictor of RFS. Integrating AFP response with radiologic tumor response facilitated further stratification of patients into distinct risk categories: those with radiologic remission experienced the most favorable RFS, followed by patients with partial response/stable disease and AFP response, and the least favorable RFS among patients with partial response/stable disease but without AFP response. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed the association between AFP response and improved RFS across various cutoff values and in patients with AFP ≥ 200 ng/mL at diagnosis (all P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe “20-80” rule based on AFP response could be helpful for clinicians to preoperatively stratify the risk of patients undergoing salvage hepatectomy, enabling identification and management of those unlikely to benefit from this procedure.
The interplay of co-occurring ecosystem engineers shapes the structure of benthic communities – a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Gusmao Joao Bosco , Rühmkorff Sarah , Kraufvelin Lucinda , Meysick Lukas , Pansch Christian 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionEcosystem engineers play a pivotal role in shaping habitats through their activities and presence. In shallow Baltic waters, seagrasses, patch-forming mussels, and infaunal clams modify soft bottom habitats, impacting benthic community structure. While the individual effects of these ecosystem engineers are well studied, interactions among co-occurring engineers are poorly understood. MethodsWe conducted a mesocosm experiment to assess the independent and combined impacts of seagrass (Zostera marina), epifaunal mussels (Mytilus spp.), and infaunal clams (Macoma balthica) on invertebrate colonization in soft sediments. ResultsOur findings reveal significant engineer-driven alterations in macrofaunal community structure. Combined engineer effects diverged from individual impacts, indicating potential synergies or antagonisms in sediment (re)colonization. Notably, a higher number of engineer species positively affected the diversity of settled macrofauna, with the lowest macrofaunal abundance and biomass but the highest Shannon diversity found in the presence of all three engineers. DiscussionResults suggest that seagrass, mussels, and clams influence benthos through larval settlement and sediment biogeochemistry, providing insights into the distinct roles of habitat-forming organisms in shaping the benthic communities in coastal ecosystems of the Baltic Sea.
Diel variation of seawater volatile organic compounds, DMSP-related compounds, and microbial plankton inside and outside a tropical coral reef ecosystem
Authors: Masdeu-Navarro Marta , Mangot Jean-François , Xue Lei , Cabrera-Brufau Miguel , Kieber David J. , Rodríguez-Ros Pablo , Gardner Stephanie G. , Bergauer Kristin , Herndl Gerhard J. , Marrasé Cèlia , Simó Rafel 
Published: February 2024

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play key roles in coral reef ecosystems, where, together with dimethylated sulfur compounds, they are indicators of ecosystem health and are used as defense strategies and infochemicals. Assessment and prediction of the exchange rates of VOCs between the oceans and atmosphere, with implications for atmospheric reactivity and climate, are hampered by poor knowledge of the regulating processes and their temporal variability, including diel cycles. Here, we measured the variation over 36h of the concentrations of DMSPCs (dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP)-related compounds, namely DMSP, dimethylsulfoxide, acrylate, dimethylsulfide, and methanethiol as dimethyl disulfide) and VOCs (COS, CS2, isoprene, the iodomethanes CH3I and CH2ClI, and the bromomethanes CHBr3 and CH2Br2), in surface waters inside the shallow, northern coral-reef lagoon of Mo’orea (French Polynesia) and 4 km offshore, in the tropical open ocean. Comparisons with concurrent measurements of sea surface temperature, solar radiation, biogeochemical variables (nutrients, organic matter), and the abundances and taxonomic affiliations of microbial plankton were conducted with the aim to explain interconnections between DMSPCs, VOCs, and their environment across diel cycles. In open ocean waters, deeper surface mixing and low nutrient levels resulted in low phytoplankton biomass and bacterial activity. Consequently, the diel patterns of VOCs were more dependent on photochemical reactions, with daytime increases for several compounds including dissolved dimethylsulfoxide, COS, CS2, CH3I, and CH2ClI. A eukaryotic phytoplankton assemblage dominated by dinoflagellates and haptophytes provided higher cell-associated DMSP concentrations, yet the occurrence of DMSP degradation products (dimethylsulfide, dimethyl disulfide) was limited by photochemical loss. Conversely, in the shallow back reef lagoon the proximity of seafloor sediments, corals and abundant seaweeds resulted in higher nutrient levels, more freshly-produced organic matter, higher bacterial activity, and larger algal populations of Mamiellales, diatoms and Cryptomonadales. Consequently, DMSP and dimethylsulfoxide concentrations were lower but those of most VOCs were higher. A combination of photobiological and photochemical processes yielded sunny-daytime increases and nighttime decreases of dimethylsulfide, dimethyl disulfide, COS, isoprene, iodomethanes and bromomethanes. Our results illustrate the important role of solar radiation in DMSPC and VOC cycling, and are relevant for the design of sampling strategies that seek representative and comparable measurements of these compounds.
Efficacy and safety of small-incision corneal intrastromal lenticule implantation for hyperopia correction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yue , Zheng Jingjing , Guo Zuofeng , Fang Xuejun 
Published: February 2024

PurposeTo assess the efficacy and safety of intrastromal lenticule implantation for the treatment of hyperopia.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wan Fang Database identified studies on small-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation for hyperopia correction until January 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the retrospective research, and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to assess the quality of the prospective research. This study included postoperative visual outcomes, corneal morphology, and biomechanical outcomes.ResultsA total of 456 articles were identified, of which 10 were included in the meta-analysis. Ten single-arm studies involving 190 eyes were included. A meta-analysis demonstrated that corneal intrastromal lenticule implantation treatment significantly improved hyperopia. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) significantly improved compared to the preoperative value (p = 0.027), corrected distance visual acuity showed no difference compared to the preoperative value (p = 0.27), and 87% eyes have no loss of one or more lines in the Snellen lines of CDVA (p &lt; 0.00001). There was a significant difference between the spherical equivalent refractive (SE) and preoperative examination (p &lt; 0.00001), 52% of eyes had ±0.5 diopters (D) postoperative SE (p &lt; 0.00001), and 74% eyes had ±1.0 D postoperative SE (p &lt; 0.00001). The central corneal thickness (CCT) increased by 72.68 μm compared to that preoperatively (p &lt; 0.00001), and corneal curvature increased by 4.18D (p &lt; 0.00001). The Q-value decreased by 0.82 (p &lt; 0.00001), and higher-order aberration (HOA) decreased by 0.66 (p &lt; 0.00001).ConclusionSmall-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation may be an effective solution for correcting hyperopia. The effect of improved vision is significant, but further exploration is needed for changes in corneal biomechanics and long-term safety.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42023432343.
Bacterial community changes in strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassa variety “Monterey”) from farm field to retail market stands, an indicator of postharvest contamination
Authors: Tenea Gabriela N. , Reyes Pamela 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundStrawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruits are vulnerable to bacterial contamination; some species are pathogenic and can affect human health. Comprehending the bacterial composition and diversity at different ripe stages is a key determinant of the fruit health, productivity, and quality.MethodologyAn amplicon metagenomic approach on the 16S rRNA region was used to identify the bacterial diversity in exocarp of fruits collected from a farm field at two ripe stages: breaking (white, phase two) and ripe (red, phase four) and purchased from different retail market stands at ripe (red, phase four, ready-to-eat) stage. Besides, the fruit quality was assessed.ResultsStrawberries carries a high microorganisms diversity, with Pseudomonaceae, Yearsiniaceae, and Hafniaceae being the most abundant families across the samples. Among the groups, Pseudomonaceae and Clostridiaceae were the most abundant families at breaking (phase two) and ripe (phase four), whereas Yearsiniaceae, Hafniaceae, Aeromonadaceae, and Streptococcaceae were the most abundant families in the market group. Although samples from group four-field and market were at the same ripe stage, the bacterial species composition was divergent. Serratia spp. were prevalent (above 60%) in samples collected from the market group, and Pseudomonas (above 70%) species were mostly found in the samples collected from the field settings regardless of the phase. Besides, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica were detected in the ready-to-eat samples from both the field and the market, while Enterococcus gallinarum was detected in the samples that originated from the market. Interestingly, Shewanella putrefaciens and Shewanella profunda, two human opportunistic pathogens, were detected in the fruits from the market only. According to alpha and beta diversity analyses, strawberry fruits displayed significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) in bacterial communities within the ripe group, with the samples from the market showing the most bacterial diversity. Although we do not directly correlate the quality attributes with bacterial diversity, the results indicated a clear separation between groups according with their ripe stage and origin.ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive framework of the bacterial diversity throughout the transition from unripe to ripe strawberries which may aid in the development of preventative measures to manage the postharvest contamination.
The short-term outcome of intracranial stenosis with distal thrombosis treated with balloon-assisted tracking
Authors: Li Hui , Meng Xiangyu , Mao Kai , Liu Linlin , Xu Lifeng , Chen Lingyou , Xu Can , Wang Wenqing , Li Conghui 
Published: February 2024

Background and purposesTreating intracranial stenosis with distal thrombosis (IS&amp;DT) using traditional mechanical thrombectomy (MT) techniques has proven challenging. This study aimed to summarize the experience of utilizing the balloon-assisted tracking (BAT) technique for IS&amp;DT.MethodsDemographic and morphologic characteristics of patients with IS&amp;DT were collected for this study. The BAT technique, involving a half-deflated balloon outside the intermediate catheter tip, was used in all patients to navigate through the proximal stenosis. Various parameters were recorded, including the sequence of vascular reperfusion, the puncture-to-reperfusion time (PRT), the residual stenosis rate, and the occurrence of re-occlusion. The thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scale was used to assess the reperfusion of intracranial vessels, with a TICI score of ≥2b considered as successful perfusion. The clinical status of patients was evaluated at three time points: pre-procedure, post-procedure, and at discharge using the modified Rankin score (mRS).ResultsIn this study, a total of 10 patients were diagnosed with IS&amp;DT, consisting of 9 male patients (90.0%) and 1 female patient (10.0%). The patients’ mean age was 63.10 years (ranging from 29 to 79 years). The mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score before treatment was 24.3 (ranging from 12 to 40), indicating the severity of their condition. Following the procedure, all patients achieved successful reperfusion with a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of ≥2b. The average puncture-to-reperfusion time (PRT) was 51.8 min (ranging from 25 to 100 min), indicating the time taken for the procedure. During the perioperative period, three patients (30.0%) experienced complications. One patient had hemorrhage, while two patients had contrast extravasation. Among these cases, only the patient with hemorrhage (10%) suffered from a permanent neurological function deficit. At discharge, the patient’s condition showed improvement. The mean NIHSS score decreased to 13.2 (ranging from 1 to 34), indicating a positive response to treatment. The mean mRS score at discharge was 3.2 (ranging from 1 to 5), showing some level of functional improvement.ConclusionIn conclusion, the use of the balloon-assisted tracking (BAT) technique for treating intracranial stenosis with distal thrombosis (IS&amp;DT) showed promising results. However, a moderate rate of perioperative complications was observed, warranting further investigation and refinement of the procedure.
Test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reactive balance test in patients with chronic ankle instability
Authors: Maricot Alexandre , Lathouwers Elke , Verschueren Jo , De Pauw Kevin , Meeusen Romain , Roelands Bart , Tassignon Bruno 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe Reactive Balance Test (RBT) could be a valuable addition to research on chronic ankle instability (CAI) and clinical practice, but before it can be used in clinical practice it needs to be reliable. It has already been proven reliable in healthy recreational athletes, but not yet in patients with CAI who have shown persistent deficits in dynamic balance. The study aimed to determine the test-retest, intra-, and inter-rater reliability of the RBT in patients with CAI, and the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of the newly developed RBT score sheet.MethodsWe used a repeated-measures, single-group design to administer the RBT to CAI patients on three occasions, scored by multiple raters. We included 27 participants with CAI. The study used multiple reliability measures, including Pearson r, intra-class correlations (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), standard error of prediction (SEP), minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland–Altman plots, to evaluate the reliability of the RBT’s outcome measures (visuomotor response time and accuracy). It also assessed the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of the RBT score sheet using the same measures.ResultsThe ICC measures for test-retest reliability were similar for accuracy (0.609) and VMRT (0.594). Intra-rater reliability had high correlations and ICCs for accuracy (r = 0.816, ICC = 0.815) and VMRT (r = 0.802, ICC = 0.800). Inter-rater reliability had a higher ICC for VMRT (0.868) than for accuracy (0.690).ConclusionTest-retest reliability was moderate, intra-rater reliability was good, and inter-rater reliability showed moderate reliability for accuracy and good reliability for VMRT. Additionally, the RBT shows robust SEM and mean difference measures. The score sheet method also demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability, while inter-rater reliability was good to excellent. This suggests that the RBT can be a valuable tool in assessing and monitoring balance in patients with CAI.