bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astragaloside IV Alleviates Myocardial Fibrosis  After Myocardial Infarction Through  SIRT3/β-catenin/PPARγ Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Jinghu , Zhou Haokun , Hu Zhitao , Tan Xiangdi , Yao Yujiang 
Published: January 2025

Background Myocardial fibrosis following myocardial infarction (MI) is linked to decreased cardiac function and heart failure. Astragaloside IV (AST IV), a component of traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promise in animal studies for improving cardiac function. Purpose This study intends to investigate the role of AST IV in MI and its correlation with the sirtuin-3 (SIRT3)/β-catenin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling pathway. Methods After the establishment of an animal model of MI, 60 rats were divided into a control group, model group (MI group), positive control group (sham group), low-dose AST IV group (0.8 mg/100 g), and high-dose AST IV group (3 mg/100 g). The animals were injected once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. To further investigate the mechanism of action of AST IV, another nine rats from the model group were randomly divided into the 3TYP group (5 mg/100 g), SKL2001 group (20 µmol/L, 10 mL/kg), and T0070907 group (0.15 mg/100 g), with three rats in each group. The rats in each group were intervened once a day by intraperitoneal injection and once a day by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks. Hemodynamics, cardiac function, ventricular weight, and infarct area were assessed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-surgery. Myocardial collagen content in the non-infarcted area was measured, the expression rate of transforming growth factor-beta and ED-positive cells was calculated, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect SIRT3, β-catenin, and PPARγ mRNA expression. Results The left ventricular ejection fraction, short-axis shortening rate, and left ventricular mass in the model group were decreased obviously. AST IV treatment decreased systolic blood pressure, +dp/dtmax, –dp/dtmax, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, as well as reduced myocardial collagen deposition in rat hearts ( p < 0.05). AST IV inhibited the SIRT3/β-catenin/PPARγ signaling pathway when alleviating myocardial fibrosis. Intervention with SIRT3 blocker 3-TYP, β-catenin agonist SKL2001, and PPARγ blocker T0070907 reversed the inhibitory effect of AST IV on the signaling pathway. Conclusion AST IV exhibits significant anti-fibrotic effects, effectively reducing collagen deposition in the MI model, improving cardiac function parameters, and decreasing markers such as creatine kinase-MB. It significantly regulates SIRT3, β-catenin, and PPARγ to exert cardioprotective effects. The key mechanism involves inhibiting the SIRT3/β-catenin/PPARγ, offering an innovative strategy for post-MI treatment.
From Diversity to Standardization: Unveiling Key Parameters in Chick Ileum Bioassays for Enhanced Pharmacology Education and Research
Authors: Singh Shruti , Kumar Rajesh , Singh Sunil Kumar , Maharshi Vikas 
Published: January 2025

Background As traditional laboratory animal use faces ethical and logistical constraints, the chick ileum has been experimented with as an alternate tissue for bioassays, which is crucial for drug discovery and pharmacology education. However, the absence of uniform bioassay protocols for chick ileum presents a significant challenge, impacting the accuracy and reliability of results in pharmacological studies. Purpose The objective of this review was to compile existing data on chick ileum bioassays from published sources, aiming to enhance future experiments and contribute to the establishment of standardized methods for conducting these bioassays. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review, utilizing keywords like “Chick ileum,” “Bioassay,” “Acetylcholine,” and “Histamine” across databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The study selection adhered to specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on chick ileum research. Data extraction and subsequent analysis were performed to retrieve data for the experiment. Results Eleven articles were selected after applying strict inclusion criteria. Studies ranged from 1967 to 2019, with diverse physiological salt solutions and varied responses to essential chemicals like acetylcholine and histamine. Assay methods varied, but three-point assays were common. Commonly employed tissue lengths and temperatures were identified, and additional factors like organ bath volume and aeration were crucial for consistent results. Conclusion The review highlights the feasibility and ethical advantages of using chick ileum for bioassays. Despite challenges like variable tissue responses and methodological diversity, the review suggests these can be navigated with careful optimization, making chick ileum a valuable model for pharmacological research and education.
A Spirituality-Based Group Work Intervention Reduces the Sense of Alienation Among Female Turkish Social Work Students: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Aykara Aslıhan , Akgül Gök Fulya 
Published: January 2025

Purpose The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of a spirituality-focused group intervention on the alienation levels of young women and search out exposure to a spirituality-focused group intervention reduces alienation more than no treatment. Methods An 8-week spirituality-focused group work was conducted and selected via a randomized controlled sampling method. Results For the sense of alienation, a significant main effect of time ( F = 23.03, p < .01, partial η2  = .56, 95% CI [0.20, 0.72]), a significant effect for groups ( F = 8.82, p < .01, partial η2  = .33, 95% CI [0.03, 0.57]) were observed. The interaction effect between the sense of alienation over time and the group was also found ( F = 8.82, p = .27, partial η2  = .07, 95% CI [0.30, 0.78]). Conclusion Spirituality-focused group work stands as a pivotal component in mitigating the feeling of alienation experienced by young women of university age.
Static versus dynamic sitting modes when performing on-desk tasks amongst preschool children
Authors: Alperovitch-Najenson Deborah , Lifshits Tal , Wilk Ortal , Ezra David , Amichai Taly , Kalichman Leonid 
Published: January 2025

Background Studying at school and engaging in social activities are primarily performed while sitting, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle, which poses a major health concern for adults and children. Sitting independently and being stable facilitates success in reaching and connecting with objects. Objective Recognizing the potential negative consequences of SB, this study explored the effect of using a fit ball as an alternative seating option in classrooms to reduce sedentary behavior. Methods We employed a repeated-measures design to compare the fine motor accuracy of 37 preschool children (18 boys and 19 girls, aged 4–6 years with a mean age of 5.48 ± 0.54 years) when seated on standard chairs versus fit balls. The children were assessed through six subtests designed to evaluate fine motor accuracy appropriate for their age group. Results Our findings revealed no significant difference in fine motor accuracy between the two seating modes (p > 0.05), indicating that using a fit ball as a seating alternative does not compromise the fine motor skills of preschool children. Furthermore, no clear preference for either seating mode among the children was detected (Z = −1.79, p = 0.074). Conclusion While using fit balls may not enhance fine motor accuracy, they could still be considered an alternative seating in classrooms to reduce sedentary behavior without negatively impacting fine motor development. Such seating arrangements, including dynamic chairs or fit balls, could foster the development of healthy habits without adversely affecting academic skills. Further research may explore other benefits of dynamic seating and its long-term effects on child development.
Modified Uvular Repair in Children Undergoing Palatoplasty
Authors: Shetty Pritham N. , Bonanthaya Krishnamurthy , John Centina Rose , Rao Dipesh 
Published: January 2025

Background Paucity exists in the literature on uvular repair while documenting palatoplasty techniques for children with cleft palate. Solution We propose a modified approach without losing any soft tissue structures, gaining better cosmetic outcome, and possibly having functional gains postoperatively. What we did that is new The proposed technique provides better cosmesis for the structures postoperatively and enhances the palatoglossal arch, which may prevent the spillage of saliva to the oropharyngeal region.
Morselized Femoral Head Impaction Bone Grafting of Large Defects in Ankle and Hindfoot Fusions
Authors: Clough Tim , Jamjoom Bakur , Jagani Naeem , Quarcoopome Jared , Kakwani Rajesh , Townshend David , Cullen Nicholas , Patel Shelain , Malhotra Karan , Welck Matthew 
Published: January 2025

Background: Ankle and hindfoot fusion in the presence of large bony defects represents a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients who underwent ankle-hindfoot fusions with impaction bone grafting (IBG) with morselized femoral head allograft to fill large bony void defects. Methods: This was a 3-center, retrospective review of a consecutive series of 49 patients undergoing ankle or hindfoot fusions with femoral head IBG for filling large bony defects. Union was assessed clinically and radiologically with radiography or computed tomography. Graft stability/collapse was identified on radiographs as loss of graft height across the fusion interface. Indications included 35 failed total ankle arthroplasty, talar osteonecrosis and collapse (7 patients), failed ankle fusion (4 patients), trauma with bone loss or fracture nonunion (1 patients), and other (2 patients). Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion was performed in 36 (73%) patients and ankle (TT) fusion in 13 (27%). Results: Mean age was 59.3 (19-78) years. Mean follow-up was 22.9 ± 8.3 months. Eighteen percent were smokers. Mean depth of the bone defect was 35.2 ±8.7 mm, and mean volume of the defect was 62.2 ±5.8 cm3. Symptomatic nonunion rate was 14% (7/49). The mean time to radiologic union was 7.6 ±3.2 months. Complete radiologic union rate occurred in 73% (36/49). Eight TTC fusion patients (22.2%) united at the tibiotalar joint but not at the subtalar joint, of which 6 were asymptomatic. There was no graft collapse, even in patients developing nonunion, with all patients maintaining bone incorporation and leg length. Conclusion: Impaction of morselized femoral head allograft can fill large bony voids around the ankle or hindfoot during fusion, with rapid graft incorporation and no graft collapse despite early loading. This technique offers satisfactory and comparable union outcomes without limb shortening or expensive custom 3D-printed metal cages.
Value of MRI-based radiomics models for predicting visual outcome in patients with MOG-optic neuritis: A preliminary study
Authors: Zhang Buhuan , Chen Xiaoxia , Dong Yuru , Liu Muqing , Du Sihan , Han Wenjuan , Ye Ju , Wang Guisheng 
Published: January 2025

Purpose To investigate the predictive value of MRI-based radiomics models for the recovery of visual acuity after 12 months in patients with acute phase MOG-optic neuritis(MOG-ON). Materials and Methods Clinical and MRI imaging data were collected consecutively from January 2021 to April 2022 from patients with acute stage MOG-ON, and the visual acuity of patients were followed up after 12 months. After stratified random sampling, patients were divided into training and test sets, and prediction models based on CE-T1WI, FS-T2WI, and combined CE-T1WI and FS-T2WI were developed. Results A total of 34 eyes were included, the visual acuity recovery group included 26 eyes, and the visual acuity non-recovery group included 8 eyes. The training set included 23 eyes (18 from the visual acuity recovery group and 5 from the visual acuity non-recovery group) and the test set included 11 eyes (8 from the visual acuity recovery group and 3 from the visual acuity non-recovery group). The differences in gender, age, proportion of patients with visual acuity recovery, and lesion length between the training and test sets were not statistically significant(P＜0.05). The CE-T1WI-based radiomics model had highest predictive efficacy for visual acuity recovery after 12 months in patients with MOG-ON (AUC = 0.917), followed by the combined CE-T1WI and FS-T2WI-based radiomics model (AUC = 0.838), while the FS-T2WI-based radiomics model had the worst predictive efficacy (AUC = 0.583). Conclusions MRI-based radiomics models have high value in predicting visual acuity recovery after 12 months in patients with acute stage MOG-ON, especially CE-T1WI.
Orbital textiloma: Two case reports and a literature review
Authors: Diab Mostafa M , Ismail Ahmed A , Alsuhaibani Adel 
Published: January 2025

Purpose This report presents two cases of orbital textiloma resulting from retained surgical gauze. Case description Both patients presented with postoperative orbital inflammation unresponsive to medical treatment: one eight weeks after excision of an orbital cavernous hemangioma, and the other six months following surgical repair of an orbital floor fracture. CT scans of the orbit revealed well-defined lesions with a heterogeneous center. An exploratory orbitotomy retrieved a large piece of gauze that was firmly adhered to the globe and the adjacent extraocular muscle. Both patients experienced significant postoperative improvement, with no sequelae. Conclusions Orbital textiloma, though rare, should be considered a potential cause of persistent postoperative orbital inflammation. Prompt imaging and subsequent surgical removal are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Factors associated with early and late losses of primary patency following drug-coated balloon for dysfunctional arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Suemitsu Kotaro , Iida Osamu , Sato Kazuhiro , Miyamoto Masahito , Murakami Masaaki , Toyoshima Taku , Izumi Masaaki 
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a drug-coated balloon (DCB) for the treatment of dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and to identify the risk factors associated with early and late losses of primary patency following DCB in real-world practice. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study included 407 patients (72 ± 11 years, 64.1% males) with dysfunctional AVFs (juxta-anastomotic lesion location in 58.7% of cases, mean size 1.2 mm, mean length 54 mm) who underwent DCB for the first time for the treatment of dysfunctional AVF. The primary outcome measure was the loss of primary patency after DCB. The secondary outcome measures were the factors associated with early (<90 days) and late (⩾90 days) losses of primary patency after DCB. Results: The primary patency rates 6 and 12 months after DCB were 72.5% ± 2.3% and 40.1% ± 2.7%, respectively. The factors associated with the early loss of primary patency were de novo lesions (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 7.91; [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90–32.97]; p = 0.005), endovascular treatment (EVT) history within the previous 90 days (adjusted HR, 9.29; [95% CI, 3.09–27.92]; p < 0.001) and juxta-anastomotic stenosis (adjusted HR, 0.30; [95% CI, 0.13–0.70]; p = 0.005). The factors associated with a late loss of primary patency included EVT history within the previous 90 days (adjusted HR, 2.52; [95% CI, 1.89–3.38]; p < 0.001) and pre-dilation balloon size (adjusted HR, 1.99; [95% CI, 1.50–2.64]; p < 0.001). Conclusions: DCB is an effective device to prolong the patency of dysfunctional AVFs in most cases. De novo lesions and their locations were associated with an early loss of primary patency, whereas the vessel preparation balloon size was associated with a late loss of primary patency. EVT history within the previous 90 days was associated with early and late losses of primary patency.
Clinical Outcomes and Complications in Complex Closures Under Local Anaesthesia Post-Mohs Surgery
Authors: Nowsheen Somaira , Pham Vy X. , Eichstadt Shaundra , Jiang Shang I Brian 
Published: January 2025

Background: Mohs micrographic surgery offers high cure rates of cutaneous malignancies, but surgeons are often faced with large and complicated defects after tumour removal. Objectives: To assess the safety and complication rates of large flaps and grafts (measuring ≥30 cm2) and larger complex linear closures (CLC, ≥12.5 cm, as defined by the American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology code set), when performed under local anaesthesia. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent skin cancer treatment by Mohs at an academic institution (UCSD) from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022, and whose defects were repaired with CLC, flap, or skin graft. Demographic, surgical, and complication data were collected and analyzed. Results: Of the 436 patients who met inclusion criteria, 39 underwent CLC, 344 underwent flap reconstruction, and 53 underwent grafting. Adverse effects to local anaesthesia were notably absent in all treatment methods. Overall complication rate was noted to be 16.1% (70/436). Complications varied across treatment methods, encompassing infection (6.0%, 26/436), bleeding (3.2%, 14/436), hematoma (5.0%, 22/436), seroma (0.2%, 1/436), and flap/graft necrosis (6.5%, 26/397). Conclusions: Our data suggest that large CLC, flaps, and grafts can be safely performed under local anaesthesia, but have higher complication rates compared to smaller reconstructions.
Positive impact of cladribine tablets on reducing brain atrophy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Achiron Anat , Warszawer Yehuda , Nissan Yael , Kerpel Ariel , Hoffmann Chen , Harari Gil , Magalashvili David , Tal Sigal 
Published: January 2025

Background: Measuring brain volume changes over time is an objective and dependable surrogate marker for the pathological processes that damage the brain in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). These measures are particularly valuable for monitoring the long-term impact of immunomodulatory treatments such as cladribine. Objectives: To evaluate the long-term impact of oral cladribine treatment on brain volume loss in patients with RRMS. Methods: This real-world study processed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using FreeSurfer’s recon-all-clinical pipeline leveraging SynthSeg for brain segmentation. Piecewise linear regression was used to analyze brain atrophy changes over 4.5 years before and after cladribine treatment and estimate the time breakpoint of atrophy rate change. Results: A total of 448 MRI exams from 102 RRMS patients were analyzed. Before the initiation of cladribine treatment, brain atrophy rates were significantly steep with an α1 slope between −1.27 and −0.62 for the Thalamus, DGM, Subcortical GM, Cerebral WM, and BP. Over 2 years after treatment, breakpoints marked a shift in atrophy rates, with post-breakpoint slopes (α2) becoming non-significant, reflecting stabilization of brain atrophy. Conclusions: Cladribine treatment in highly active RRMS patients protects the brain from atrophy, with stabilization occurring over 2 years after initiation. The extended observation period highlights its sustained benefits compared with shorter clinical trials.
Increased unedited Alu RNA patterns found in cortex extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's disease resemble hippocampus vasculature Alu RNA editing patterns but not cortex Alu RNA editing patterns
Authors: Crooke Philip S , Tossberg John T , Aune Thomas M 
Published: January 2025

Background Endogenous Alu RNAs form double-stranded RNAs recognized by double-stranded RNA sensors and activate IRF and NF-kB transcriptional paths and innate immunity. Deamination of adenosines to inosines by the ADAR family of enzymes, a process termed A-to-I editing, disrupts double-stranded RNA structure and prevents innate immune activation. Innate immune activation is observed in Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. We have previously reported loss of A-to-I editing in hippocampus vasculature, but no change in cortex or cortex vasculature, associated with Alzheimer's disease. Objective Here, we investigated the status of Alu RNA A-to-I editing in cortex extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's disease. Methods We used existing RNA-seq data sets and the SPRINT software package to determine levels of Alu RNA A-to-I editing in cortex extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's disease and control groups and compared these editing profiles to those found in both total cortex and hippocampus vasculature. Results We find substantial loss of Alu A-to-I editing in cortex extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's disease. By measuring editing patterns on a gene-by-gene basis, we determined that editing patterns in cortex extracellular vesicles resemble editing patterns in hippocampus vasculature rather than total cortex. Conclusions We conclude that hippocampus vasculature unedited Alu RNAs are packaged in extracellular vesicles, travel to the cortex, deliver their cargo and stimulate innate immunity and alter other basic biological processes contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression.
Gait, balance, and physical performance as markers of early Alzheimer's disease and related dementia risk
Authors: Tolea Magdalena I , Rosenfeld Amie , Roy Sam Van , Besser Lilah M , O’Shea Deirdre M , Galvin James E 
Published: January 2025

Background Declining physical functionality is an indicator of cognitive impairment, distinguishing normal cognition (NC) from dementia. Whether this extends to pre-dementia stages is unclear. Objective Assess physical performance patterns, evaluate relationships with imaging biomarkers, and identify specific measures distinguishing NC, subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Group differences (78 NC, 35 SCD, and 41 MCI) in physical function (global function, balance, gait speed, step length, single leg support) were evaluated with logistic regression while distinguishing between MCI due-to-AD and MCI due-to-vascular etiology. Relationships with imaging biomarkers (cortical atrophy score, white matter hyperintensities volumes) were analyzed with ANCOVA. Results Participants were 68.6 ± 9.3 years old, had 16.2 ± 3.0 years of education, and 23% were ethnoracial minorities. Physical performance distinguished MCI from NC and SCD. Greater performance on the Mini Physical Performance Test (mini PPT) and balance were associated with lower odds of being SCD versus NC (ORmini PPT = 0.73; 95% CI:0.56–0.97; ORbalance = 0.35, 95%CI:0.16–0.80). AD etiology accounted for most group differences in physical performance versus vascular etiology. Consistent associations between biomarkers, physical performance, and cognition were found. Conclusions Findings suggest that: 1) changes in mini PPT performance and balance may help detect cognitive impairments, as early as the SCD stage; 2) changes in gait speed, gait cycle parameters, and Timed Up-and-Go may indicate more significant cognitive impairment; 3) neuronal loss is linked to subtle changes in physical functionality as early as SCD. Physical performance may be a valuable tool in early dementia detection in clinical settings and could identify targets for early intervention.