bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the correlation of serum polychlorinated biphenyl levels with luteal phase hormonal parameters and infertility in women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Butler Alexandra E. , Brennan Edwina , Drage Daniel S. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic lipophilic pollutants that accumulate in the body. Previous research has linked PCBs with menstrual function; therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the correlation of PCBs with luteal phase hormonal parameters of menstrual function at day 21 in a group of non-obese women prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF).MethodsFifty-eight non-obese Caucasian women from a UK academic center, 29 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 29 without, were recruited. PCOS women all had anovulatory infertility. Non-PCOS women: five with unexplained infertility, the remainder with male factor infertility (n=14) or tubal problems (n=10). Blood was withdrawn at day 21 of the menstrual cycle for non-PCOS women, at the time of mock embryo transfer. PCBs were measured using high resolution gas chromatography.ResultsOnly PCB118, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 were detected in all samples, and levels did not differ between PCOS and non-PCOS subjects. In non-PCOS subjects, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 inversely correlated with estradiol (p&lt;0.05); PCB118 and PCB138 inversely correlated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (p&lt;0.05); PCB118 (p&lt;0.05), PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 (all p&lt;0.01) inversely correlated with luteinizing hormone (LH). Control women without PCOS with unexplained infertility showed higher levels of PCB118, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 (p&lt;0.05) compared to those control women without PCOS with tubal or male factor infertility, though other hormonal parameters did not differ other than that FSH that was lower in the unexplained group (p=0.01). The only correlation observed in PCOS women with anovulatory infertility was that between PCB180 and progesterone (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionPCBs correlated with luteal phase menstrual cycle hormones in control women without PCOS and may contribute to the mechanism of unexplained infertility; in PCOS women, no correlations of the PCBs were seen for estradiol, LH or FSH.
Insights into constraining coastal carbon export from radioisotopes
Authors: Black Erin E. , Algar Christopher K. , Armstrong Maria , Kienast Stephanie S. 
Published: October 2023

Coastal shelves are important regions for carbon transformation and storage, however, constraining coastal carbon budgets and their uncertainties remains a challenge. Repeated sampling of a semi-restricted coastal basin in Nova Scotia, Canada was performed in 2019 utilizing the 238U-234Th isotope system to estimate carbon flux in both the water column and surface sediments. 234Th fluxes in the Bedford Basin water column appeared to be in relative balance with those arriving at the seafloor averaged over spring and summer. The resulting carbon export estimates averaged ~70 mmol C m-2 d-1 for April through August of 2019 and 234Th-derived annual export estimates (19 mol C m-2 yr-1) were within a factor of three of the model-based estimates for the basin. Incorporating the results from prior research, this study constrains the major carbon sources and sinks in Bedford Basin. While the 238U-234Th method is well-established in the open ocean, its use in coastal shelf regions is still evolving. Pronounced 234Th deficits are unique to coastal zones and continue to raise important questions about the physical and biogeochemical factors that influence tracer distributions and the carbon estimates that are derived from them. Future paths and method refinements for utilizing the 238U-234Th system in coastal regions are put forth here, including the use of size-fractionated sampling, the need for boreal winter estimates, the quantification of horizontal mixing contributions, an analysis of the role of small particles in coastal carbon budgets, and the study of sediment resuspension’s impact on tracer distributions.
Predictors of long-term decannulation in patients with disorders of consciousness
Authors: Chen Ying , Aishan Gulijiakela , Fan Shunjuan , Wang Tingwei , Wu Junfa , Chia Chinhsuan , Liu Gang , Wang Li , Hu Ruiping 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThe predictors of tracheostomy decannulation in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) are not comprehensively understood, making prognosis difficult. The primary objective of this study was to identify predictors of tracheostomy decannulation in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). The secondary aim was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the modified Evans blue dye test (MEBDT) in tracheostomized DOC patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included all patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) who underwent tracheostomy and were admitted between January 2016 and September 2022. Age, sex, etiology, initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS), initial Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), diagnosis of unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) or minimal consciousness state (MCS), MEBDT, initial modified Rankin scale (mRS), and initial Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) were collected upon study enrollment. The relationship between clinical characteristics and cannulation status was investigated through a Cox regression model.ResultsA total of 141 patients were included in the study. The average age of these patients was 52.5 ± 16.7 years, with 42 (29.8%) being women. During the study period, 86 subjects (61%) underwent successful decannulation. Univariate analysis revealed that decannulated patients exhibited a significantly better conscious state compared to those without decannulation (CRS-R: p &lt; 0.001; GCS: p = 0.023; MCS vs. UWS: p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, a negative modified Evans blue dye test (MEBDT) result was significantly associated with tracheostomy decannulation (p &lt; 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, successful decannulation was associated with a higher level of consciousness (MCS vs. UWS, p &lt; 0.001, HR = 6.694) and a negative MEBDT result (negative vs. positive, p = 0.006, HR = 1.873). The Kaplan–Meier analysis further demonstrated that MEBDT-negative patients and those in the MCS category had a higher probability of decannulation at 12 months (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that a negative MEBDT result and a higher level of consciousness can serve as predictive factors for successful tracheostomy decannulation in DOC patients.
Neuroendoscopy surgery for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage with concurrent brain herniation: a retrospective study of comparison with craniotomy
Authors: Zhan Yuan , Zou Xiaojun , Wu Jiebin , Fu Liang , Huang Wei , Lin Junming , Luo Fei , Wang Wenhao 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundHypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage combined with cerebral hernia (HIH-CH) is a serious condition. Neuroendoscopy can effectively remove intracranial hematoma, but there is no relevant research support for its utility in patients with HIH-CH. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of neuroendoscopy in patients with HIH-CH.MethodsPatients with HIH-CH who received craniotomy or neuroendoscopy treatment were included. The patients were divided into craniotomy (CHE) group and neuroendoscopy (NEHE) group. Clinical data and follow-up outcome of the two groups were collected. The primary outcome was hematoma clearance.ResultsThe hematoma clearance rate (%) of patients in NEHE group was 97.65 (92.75, 100.00), and that of patients in CHE group was 95.00 (90.00, 100.00), p &gt; 0.05. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume of patients in NEHE group were significantly less than those in CHE group (p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the volume of residual hematoma and the incidence of rebleeding between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). The length of stay in ICU in NEHE group was significantly shorter than that in CHE group (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionNeuroendoscopy can safely and effectively remove the intracranial hematoma in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage and cerebral hernia, significantly shorten the operation time, reduce the amount of intraoperative hemorrhage, shorten the ICU stay.
Net water uptake within the ischemic penumbra predicts the presence of the midline shift in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Chen Cuiping , Yang Jianhong , Han Qing , Wu Yuefei , Li Jichuan , Xu Tianqi , Sun Jie , Gao Xiang , Huang Yi , Parsons Mark W. , Lin Longting 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the association between midline shift (MLS) and net water uptake (NWU) within the ischemic penumbra in acute ischemic stroke patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study that examined patients with anterior circulation stroke. Net water uptake within the acute ischemic core and penumbra was calculated using data from admission multimodal CT scans. The primary outcome was severe cerebral edema measured by the presence of MLS on 24 to 48 h follow-up CT scans. The presence of a significant MLS was defined by a deviation of the septum pellucidum from the midline on follow-up CT scans of at least 3 mm or greater due to the mass effect of ischemic edema. The net water uptake was compared between patients with and without MLS, followed by logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) to assess the predictive power of net water uptake in MLS.ResultsA total of 133 patients were analyzed: 50 patients (37.6%) with MLS and 83 patients (62.4%) without. Compared to patients without MLS, patients with MLS had higher net water uptake within the core [6.8 (3.2–10.4) vs. 4.9 (2.2–8.1), P = 0.048] and higher net water uptake within the ischemic penumbra [2.9 (1.8–4.3) vs. 0.2 (−2.5–2.7), P &lt; 0.001]. Penumbral net water uptake had higher predictive performance than net water uptake of the core in MLS [area under the curve: 0.708 vs. 0.603, p &lt; 0.001]. Moreover, the penumbral net water uptake predicted MLS in the multivariate regression model, adjusting for age, sex, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, ischemic core volume, and poor collateral vessel status (OR = 1.165; 95% CI = 1.002–1.356; P = 0.047). No significant prediction was found for the net water uptake of the core in the multivariate regression model.ConclusionNet water uptake measured acutely within the ischemic penumbra could predict severe cerebral edema at 24–48 h.
The value of ultrasound combined with CT in identifying early low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and appendicitis
Authors: Bai Dong , Zhou Nan , Dou Ruixue , Wang Jiajun , Zhang Pu , Wang Haoyu , Wang Zhiqun , Liang Lei 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the value of ultrasound combined with computed tomography (CT) in identifying early low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and appendicitis.MethodsPatients with early low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and appendicitis from September 2017 to September 2021, including 40 patients with low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and 40 patients with appendicitis, were collected in this study. Clinical data as well as ultrasound and CT findings of all patients were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to establish the ultrasound model, the CT model, and the combined model.ResultsThe nomogram showed that specific characteristics of CT were dilated appendiceal diameter and clear surrounding fat space in the low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and that specific characteristics of ultrasound were thin or clear layer appendix wall and flocculent echo in the appendix cavity. These four features were used to construct a nomogram for predicting early low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, and the area under the curve value was 0.839.ConclusionUltrasound combined with CT for diagnosis of early low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm has a significant value; when found significantly dilated appendix in the lower right abdomen, with thin wall, wall calcification, clear surrounding fat space, and progressive enhancement, especially non-specific symptoms similar to appendicitis, the physician should timely consider the possibility of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm.
The association of marital status with kidney cancer surgery morbidity - a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tang Yuzhe , Valovska Marie-Thérèse , Nolazco José Ignacio , Yim Kendrick , Chung Benjamin Inbeh , Chang Steven Lee 
Published: October 2023

PurposeTo better understand whether the marital status impacts 90-day postoperative outcomes following kidney cancer surgery.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing elective partial or radical nephrectomy to manage kidney masses from 2003 to 2017 using the Premier Hospital Database, a national hospital discharge dataset. Multinomial logistic regression models controlling for a wide range of clinicodemographic, surgical, and hospital characteristics were used to assess an association between marital status and postoperative complications. The primary outcome was 90-day complications, including minor complications (Clavien grades 1-2), non-fatal major complications (Clavien grades 3-4), and mortality (Clavien grade 5). Secondary outcomes included patient disposition and readmission rates.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 106,752 patients, of which 61,188 (57.32%) were married. The overall incidence of minor complications, major complications, and death was 24.04%, 6.00%, and 0.71%, respectively. Marriage was associated with a significantly lower incidence of minor (RR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94-0.99) complications following open or radical nephrectomy and major complications (RR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84-0.95) for all surgical types and approaches. There was no association between marital status and mortality (RR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.81-1.10).ConclusionMarriage is associated with a significant reduction in major complications following kidney cancer surgery, likely because it is associated with greater social support, which is beneficial in the postoperative phase of care. Marital status and social support may play a role in the preoperative decision-making process and counseling for patients considering kidney cancer surgery.
Research hotspots and trends in retinopathy of prematurity from 2003 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Chai Xiaoyan , Fan Zixin , Zhang Sifan , Zhang Guoming 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundIn order to understand the research hotspots and trends in the field of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), our study analyzed the relevant publications from 2003 to 2022 by using bibliometric analysis.MethodsThe Citespace 6.2.R3 system was used to analyze the publications collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database.ResultsIn total, 4,957 publications were included in this study. From 2003 to 2022, the number of publications gradually increased and peaked in 2022. The United States was the country with the most publications, while Harvard University was the most productive institution. The top co-cited journal PEDIATRICS is published by the United States. Author analysis showed that Hellström A was the author with the most publications, while Good WV was the top co-cited author. The co-citation analysis of references showed seven major clusters: genetic polymorphism, neurodevelopmental outcome, threshold retinopathy, oxygen-induced retinopathy, low birth weight infant, prematurity diagnosis cluster and artificial intelligence (AI). For the citation burst analysis, there remained seven keywords in their burst phases until 2022, including ranibizumab, validation, trends, type 1 retinopathy, preterm, deep learning and artificial intelligence.ConclusionIntravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and AI-assisted clinical decision-making were two major topics of ROP research, which may still be the research trends in the coming years.
Unraveling the potential mechanisms of the anti-osteoporotic effects of the Achyranthes bidentata–Dipsacus asper herb pair: a network pharmacology and experimental study
Authors: Li Tao , Li Wenzhao , Guo Xiaoning , Tan Tingting , Xiang Cheng , Ouyang Zhengxiao 
Published: October 2023

Background: Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone metabolism disease characterized by a reduction in bone density, leading to several complications that significantly affect patients’ quality of life. The Achyranthes bidentata–Dipsacus asper (AB–DA) herb pair is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat osteoporosis. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic compounds and potential mechanisms of AB–DA using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and experimental verification.Methods: Identified compounds of AB–DA were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database (TCM-ID), TCM@Taiwan Database, BATMAN-TCM, and relevant literature. The main bioactive ingredients were screened based on the criteria of “OB (oral bioavailability) ≥ 30, DL (drug-likeness) ≥ 0.18.” Potential targets were predicted using the PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction websites, while disease (osteoporosis)-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM databases. The PPI network and KEGG/GO enrichment analysis were utilized for core targets and pathway screening in the STRING and Metascape databases, respectively. A drug–compound–target–pathway–disease network was constructed using Cytoscape software to display core regulatory mechanisms. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation techniques explored the binding reliability and stability between core compounds and targets. In vitro and in vivo validation experiments were utilized to explore the anti-osteoporosis efficiency and mechanism of sitogluside.Results: A total of 31 compounds with 83 potential targets for AB–DA against osteoporosis were obtained. The PPI analysis revealed several hub targets, including AKT1, CASP3, EGFR, IGF1, MAPK1, MAPK8, and MAPK14. GO/KEGG analysis indicated that the MAPK cascade (ERK/JNK/p38) is the main pathway involved in treating osteoporosis. The D–C–T–P–T network demonstrated therapeutic compounds that mainly consisted of iridoids, steroids, and flavonoids, such as sitogluside, loganic acid, and β-ecdysterone. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation analyses confirmed strong binding affinity and stability between core compounds and targets. Additionally, the validation experiments showed preliminary evidence of antiosteoporosis effects.Conclusion: This study identified iridoids, steroids, and flavonoids as the main therapeutic compounds of AB–DA in treating osteoporosis. The underlying mechanisms may involve targeting core MAPK cascade (ERK/JNK/p38) targets, such as MAPK1, MAPK8, and MAPK14. In vivo experiments preliminarily validated the anti-osteoporosis effect of sitogluside. Further in-depth experimental studies are required to validate the therapeutic value of AB–DA for treating osteoporosis in clinical practice.
Infections associated with clozapine: a pharmacovigilance study using VigiBase®
Authors: Chrétien Basile , Brazo Perrine , Da Silva Angélique , Sassier Marion , Dolladille Charles , Lelong-Boulouard Véronique , Alexandre Joachim , Fedrizzi Sophie 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Clozapine is primarily reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to safety concerns associated with its use. Infections have been reported with clozapine, which may lead to elevated serum levels of the drug. However, the existing literature on this topic is limited. Therefore, we conducted a study using VigiBase® to investigate the potential over-reporting of infections associated with clozapine, to explore the presence of dose-dependency, and to investigate the underlying mechanism.Methods: Disproportionality analyses were performed using VigiBase to assess the association between clozapine and all types of infections, the association between clozapine-associated infections and neutropenia, the association between clozapine-associated infections and agranulocytosis, the dose–effect relationship between clozapine and infections, and the interaction between clozapine and the main strong CYP450 inhibitors using reports carried out until 11 April 2023.Results: A statistically significant signal of infections was observed with clozapine, as indicated by an information component of 0.43 [95% CI: (0.41–0.45)]. The most commonly reported infections were respiratory and gastrointestinal in nature. Neutropenia showed weaker association with clozapine-associated reports of infections compared to other clozapine-associated reports [X2 (1, N = 204,073) = 454; p &lt; 0.005], while agranulocytosis demonstrated a stronger association with clozapine-associated reports of infections [X2 (1, N = 204,073) = 56; p &lt; 0.005]. No evidence of dose-dependency was observed. Among the 17 tested CYP inhibitors, significant drug–drug interactions were found with clarithromycin, metronidazole, valproic acid, lansoprazole, omeprazole, amiodarone, and esomeprazole.Discussion: Our study revealed a significant safety signal between clozapine use and infections, predominantly respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. The co-administration of clozapine with valproic acid or proton pump inhibitors may potentially contribute to an increased risk of infection. Further vigilance is warranted in clinical practice, and consideration of therapeutic drug monitoring of clozapine in cases involving concomitant use of these drugs or in the presence of infections may be beneficial.