bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of single and repeated shock wave application on the osteogenic differentiation potential of human primary mesenchymal stromal cells and the osteoblastic cell line MG63 in vitro
Authors: Haddouti El-Mustapha , Reinhardt Nina , Ossendorff Robert , Burger Christof , Wirtz Dieter C. , de la Fuente Matias , Schildberg Frank A. 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a non-invasive and effective option for treating various musculoskeletal disorders. Recent literature indicates that the parameters for extracorporeal shock wave therapy, such as the optimal intensity, treatment frequency, and localization, are yet to be determined. Studies reporting on the effects of shock wave application on primary mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as well as osteoblastic cell lines in vitro are barely available and not standardized.Methods: In this study, we designed a special setup to precisely expose primary MSCs and the osteoblastic cell line MG63 to shock waves and subsequently analyzed the resulting cellular responses using standardized protocols to investigate their viability, proliferation behavior, cytokine secretion, and osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The shock wave transducer was coupled to a specifically designed water bath containing a 5 mL tube holder. Primary human MSCs and MG63 cells were trypsinated and centrifuged in a 5 mL tube and exposed to single and repeated shock wave application using different intensities and numbers of pulses.Results: Single treatment of MSCs using intensities 5, 10, 15, and 20 and pulse numbers 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 at a constant pulse repetition frequency of 1 Hz resulted in a decreased viability and proliferation of both cell types with an increase in the intensity and number of pulses compared to controls. No significant difference in the osteogenic differentiation was observed at different time intervals in both cell types when a single shock wave application was performed. However, repeated shock wave sessions over three consecutive days of primary MSCs using low intensity levels 0.1 and 1 showed significant osteogenic differentiation 4-fold higher than that of the extracted Alizarin Red S at day 14, whereas MG63 cells showed no significant osteogenic differentiation compared to their corresponding controls. More specifically, repeated shock wave application triggered a significant downregulation of COL1A1, upregulation of RUNX2, and sustained increase of OCN in primary MSCs but not in the cell line MG63 when induced toward the osteogenic differentiation.Discussion: The effects of shock wave application on MSCs make it an effective therapy in regenerative medicine. We established a protocol to analyze a standardized shock wave application on MSCs and were able to determine conditions that enhance the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro.
Effect of lace-up ankle brace on the tibiotalar and subtalar joint during the landing
Authors: Luo Ye , Hu Mengling , Li Zhuman , Huang Xiaofan , Wu Danni , Li Feng , Wang Shaobai 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Ankle braces can affect the kinematics of the ankle joint during landing tasks. Previous studies were primarily relied on traditional marker-based motion capture systems, which pose limitations in non-invasively capturing the motion of the talus bone. The effect of ankle braces on the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during landing remains unknown. This study used a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate effect of ankle braces on the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during landing.Methods: Fourteen healthy participants were recruited for this study. During the experiment, static three-dimensional MRI data were collected for each participant, and 3D ankle joint models for the calcaneus, talus, and tibia were constructed. The DFIS was used to capture the images of each participant performing a single-leg landing-jump task at a height of 40 cm. The images were captured once with and without a brace in the fatigue condition, which was induced by running. The six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) kinematic data were obtained by 2D-3D registration.Results: The flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) (42.73 ± 4.76° vs. 38.74 ± 5.43°, p = 0.049) and anterior-posterior translation ROM (16.86 ± 1.74 mm vs. 15.03 ± 1.73 mm, p = 0.009) of the tibiotalar joint were decreased. The maximum inversion angle (−3.71 ± 2.25° vs. 2.11 ± 1.83°, p = 0.047) of the subtalar joint was decreased.Conclusion: The ankle brace limited the flexion-extension ROM of the tibiotalar joints and the inversion angle of the subtalar joint during landing.
Relative importance of left atrial reservoir strain compared with components of the HFA-PEFF score: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Minkwan , Bae SungA , Park Jin Hye , Jung In Hyun 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe relative importance of left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) regarding the Heart Failure Association Pre-test assessment, Echocardiography and natriuretic peptide, Functional testing, Final etiology (HFA-PEFF) score, a diagnostic tool for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), remains unclear. We aimed to identify the relative importance of LASr compared with variables associated with HFpEF and HFA-PEFF scores.MethodsBetween August 2021 and July 2022, we obtained retrospective data from the participants visiting a single cardiovascular center with subjective symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnea or chest discomfort. In total, 2,712 participants with sinus rhythm and ejection fraction of more than 50% were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, random forest analysis, and supervised machine learning algorithms were performed to identify the relative importance of LASr to the HFA-PEFF score.ResultsThe average HFA-PEFF score was 2.4 ± 1.6 points. Two hundred and thirty-eight participants had 5 or 6 points. LASr showed a moderate correlation with the HFA-PEFF score (r = −0.50, p &lt; 0.001). Impaired LASr &lt; 25.2% was an independent variable affecting a high HFA-PEFF score with traditional diastolic function parameters and components of the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm. The odds ratio (OR) [1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–2.47] for LASr was higher compared to that of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.14–2.21), septal E/e’ (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.85–1.77), and relative wall thickness (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.76–1.89). LASr was also a relatively more important variable in estimating a high HFA-PEFF score than TR-Vmax, septal E/e’, septal e’, left ventricular mass index, and relative wall thickness, the major echocardiographic components of the HFA-PEFF score.ConclusionsLASr is an important factor with components of the HFA-PEFF score and is a useful tool to assess patients with HFpEF.Clinical Trial RegistrationURL: https://clinicaltrials.org. Unique identifiers: NCT05638230.
Discovery of the large-scale thrust nappe and its geological significance in the southwestern Santanghu fold–thrust belt, NW China
Authors: Zhen Yu , Xu Xiongfei , He Dengfa , Li Xinning , Li Di 
Published: October 2023

Studying the structural evolution of the piedmont fold and thrust belt is one of the most important methods to interpret the mechanism of intracontinental collision orogeny. In this study, we have discovered a long-distance large-scale thrust nappe with a width of approximately 20 km in the southwestern margin of the Santanghu Basin, which provides a good evidence for studying the Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonic evolution mechanism of Moqinwula Mountain. Using the electromagnetic and high-resolution seismic profiles, we have determined that the hanging wall of the nappe is composed of the pre-growth strata of the Carboniferous–Middle Jurassic period and the syntectonic strata of the Cretaceous–Quaternary period. The nappe is subjected to two branch faults of the Baiyishan thrust, forming a breakthrough fault-propagation fold and a fault-bend fold along the detachment layer of the Haerjiawu Formation, and a large monoclinic is formed by the basement structural wedge near the mountain root. The growth strata and unconformity structure record that the fold–thrust belt has experienced five episodes of thrusting from the Late Triassic to Quaternary period. Based on sequential restoration and forward modeling, we propose that the southwestern margin of the Santanghu Basin has been shortened by at least 55 km, especially in the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous. Our results provide an excellent example for studying the mechanism of the transition from Yanshanian transpression to Himalayan thrust compression in the Eastern Tianshan region.
Elevated serum creatinine levels and risk of cognitive impairment in older adults with diabetes: a NHANES study from 2011-2014
Authors: Xiao Yanhua , Devakumar Veda , Xu Liyan , Liu Lei , Mo Hanyou , Hong Xuezhi 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe brain and kidney have similar microvascular structure, which makes them susceptible to certain common pathophysiological processes. In this study, we examined several indicators of kidney injury/function associated with cognitive function in older diabetic patients in the hope of finding effective markers for detecting cognitive impairment (CI).MethodsA total of 2209 older participants (aged ≥60 years) from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed for the association between diabetes and CI using a multiple linear regression analysis model. Using the same approach, we also analyzed the relationship between indicators of kidney injury/function and cognitive function (Animal Fluency Test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test) in the diabetic population.ResultsDiabetes was associated with CI. In age-adjusted model, older diabetics performed significantly poorer on tests of cognitive function compared to normoglycaemic individuals (1.145 points lower on the Animal Fluency Test (P = 0.005) and 7.868 points reduced on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (P &lt; 0.001)). In diabetics, we found elevated serum creatinine (SCr) (especially at SCr≥300uM) was associated with lower scores on cognitive function tests after strict adjustment for potential influences on cognitive function. While, albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was only associated with Digit Symbol Substitution score (DSS) not Animal Fluency score (AFS), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was only associated with CI (AFS and DSS) at the end-stage renal disease.ConclusionSCr, as a sensitive indicator of kidney injury, was significantly associated with CI and can potentially be used as an effective marker for screening CI in older diabetics.
Serotonin stimulates female preoptic area kisspeptin neurons via activation of type 2 serotonin receptors in mice
Authors: Buo Carrie , Bearss Robin J. , Novak Alyssa G. , Anello Anna E. , Dakin Jordan J. , Piet Richard 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe neuroendocrine control of ovulation is orchestrated by neuronal circuits that ultimately drive the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus to trigger the preovulatory surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. While estrogen feedback signals are determinant in triggering activation of GnRH neurons, through stimulation of afferent kisspeptin neurons in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3VKISS1 neurons), many neuropeptidergic and classical neurotransmitter systems have been shown to regulate the LH surge. Among these, several lines of evidence indicate that the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has an excitatory, permissive, influence over the generation of the surge, via activation of type 2 5-HT (5-HT2) receptors. The mechanisms through which this occurs, however, are not well understood. We hypothesized that 5-HT exerts its influence on the surge by stimulating RP3VKISS1 neurons in a 5-HT2 receptor-dependent manner.MethodsWe tested this using kisspeptin neuron-specific calcium imaging and electrophysiology in brain slices obtained from male and female mice.ResultsWe show that exogenous 5-HT reversibly increases the activity of the majority of RP3VKISS1 neurons. This effect is more prominent in females than in males, is likely mediated directly at RP3VKISS1 neurons and requires activation of 5-HT2 receptors. The functional impact of 5-HT on RP3VKISS1 neurons, however, does not significantly vary during the estrous cycle.ConclusionTaken together, these data suggest that 5-HT2 receptor-mediated stimulation of RP3VKISS1 neuron activity might be involved in mediating the influence of 5-HT on the preovulatory LH surge.
A molecular dynamics investigation on CO2–H2O–CH4 surface tension and CO2–CH4–H2O–graphite sheet contact angles
Authors: Yong Wei , Wei Zhi-jie , Liu Yu-yang , Wang De-qiang , Cui Yong-zheng 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: We perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of nanoscopic liquid water drops on a graphite substrate mimicking the carbon-rich pore surface in the presence of CH4/CO2 mixtures at temperatures in the range 300 K–473 K.Methods: The surface tension in MD simulation is calculated via virial expression, and the water droplet contact angle is obtained through a cylindric binning procedure.Results: Our results for the interfacial tension between water and methane as a function of pressure and for the interfacial tension between water and CH4/CO2 mixtures as a function of their composition agree well with the experimental and computational literature.Discussion: The modified Young’s equation has been proven to bridge the macroscopic contact angle and microscopic contact with the experimental literature. The water droplet on both the artificially textured surface and randomly generated surface exhibits a transition between the Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter states with increased roughness height, indicating that surface roughness enhances the hydrophobicity of the solid surface.
Low lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio predicts mortality in sepsis patients
Authors: Liu Wanjun , Tao Qian , Xiao Jun , Du Yijun , Pan Tianrong , Wang Yue , Zhong Xing 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe lymphocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (LHR) is associated with both inflammation and immunity, and may have the potential to predict the prognosis of sepsis. Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between LHR and sepsis-related mortality.MethodsWe collected data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV, version 2.2) database by targeting patients who met the Sepsis-3 criteria and recorded the absolute values of lymphocytes and HDL after admission. We then used restricted cubic splines based on logistic regression to simulate the relationship between the LHR and 90-day mortality. Subsequently, the hazardous threshold was derived based on the mortality curve, and further evaluations were performed using different methods and data sources for hazardous threshold.ResultsWe ultimately included 1027 eligible patients from the MIMIC-IV database and described the nonlinear relationship between LHR and 90-day mortality. Based on the curve, an LHR of ≤ 0.6 indicated harmful threshold, and the odds ratio for mortality was 1.74 (P=0.001). The outperforming hazard was particularly marked in patients with chronic lung disease and remained consistent after adjusting for baseline data and validating multiple data sources.ConclusionsThe LHR has prognostic value in patients with sepsis, and an LHR ≤ 0.6 is a deleterious load that increases mortality.
Treatment for T1 colorectal cancers substratified by site and size: “horses for courses”
Authors: Shi Kexin , Yang Zhen , Leng Kaiming 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundOwing to advances in diagnostic technology, the diagnosis of T1 colorectal cancers (CRCs) continues to increase. However, the optimal management of T1 CRCs in the Western Hemisphere remains unclear due to limited population-based data directly comparing the efficacy of endoscopic therapy (ET) and surgical resection (SR). The purpose of this study was to report outcome data from a large Western cohort of patients who underwent ET or SR for early CRCs.MethodsThe SEER-18 database was used to identify patients with T1 CRCs diagnosed from 2004 to 2018 treated with ET or SR. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify variables related to lymph node metastasis (LNM). Rates of ET and 1-year relative survival were calculated for each year. Effect of ET or SR on overall survival and cancer-specific survival was compared using Kaplan–Meier method stratified by tumor size and site.ResultsA total of 28,430 T1 CRCs patients were identified from 2004 to 2018 in US, with 22.7% undergoing ET and 77.3% undergoing SR. The incidence of T1 CRCs was 6.15 per 100,000 person-years, with male patients having a higher incidence. Left-sided colon was the most frequent location of tumors. The utilization of ET increased significantly from 2004 to 2018, with no significant change in 1-year relative survival rate. Predictors of LNM were age at diagnosis, sex, race, tumor size, histology, grade, and location. The 5-year relative survival rates were 91.4 and 95.4% for ET and SR, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that OS and CSS were similar between ET and SR in T1N0M0 left-sided colon cancers with tumors 2 cm or less and in rectal cancers with tumors 1 cm or less.ConclusionOur study showed that ET was feasible and safe for patients with left-sided T1N0M0 colon cancers and tumors of 2 cm or less, as well as T1N0M0 rectal cancers and tumors of 1 cm or less. Therefore, the over- and under-use of ET should be avoided by carefully selecting patients based on tumor size and site.
5 years DKMS Chile: approach, results and impact of the first unrelated stem cell donor center in Chile
Authors: Barriga Francisco , Solloch Ute V. , Giani Anette , Palma Julia , Wietstruck Angélica , Sarmiento Mauricio , Carvallo Cristian , Mosso Claudio , Ramirez Pablo , Sanchez Matias , Rojas Nicolas , Alfaro Jorge , Saldaña Sebastian , Ende Karen , Flaig Denis , Pattillo Ignacia , Schmidt Alexander H. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is performed worldwide to treat blood cancer and other life-threatening blood disorders. As successful transplantation requires an HLA-compatible donor, unrelated donor centers and registries have been established worldwide to identify donors for patients without a family match. Ethnic minorities are underrepresented in large donor registries. Matching probabilities are higher when donors and patients share the same ethnic background, making it desirable to increase the diversity of the global donor pool by recruiting donors in new regions. Here, we report the establishment and the first 5 years of operation of the first unrelated stem cell donor center in Chile, a high-income country in South America with a population of over 19 million.MethodsWe used online and in-person donor recruitment practices through patient appeals and donor drives in companies, universities, the armed forces, and public services. After confirmatory typing donors were subjected to medical work-up and cleared for donation.ResultsWe recruited almost 170,000 donors in 5 years. There were 1,488 requests received for confirmatory typing and donor availability checks, of which 333 resulted in medical work-up, leading to 194 stem cell collections. Products were shipped to Chile (48.5%) and abroad. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic challenged our activities, the number of donors recruited and shipped stem cell products remained steady. In Chile there was an almost 8-fold increase in unrelated donor transplantation activity from 16 procedures in 2016–2018 to 124 procedures in 2019–2021, mainly for pediatric patients following the center’s establishment. We estimate that 49.6% of Chilean patients would find at least one matched unrelated donor in the global DKMS donor pool.DiscussionEstablishing a DKMS donor center in Chile has significantly increased donor availability for Chilean patients and contributed to an increase of unrelated donor stem cell transplant activity.
A new emergency during the latest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: access to healthcare services by patients with non-communicable diseases
Authors: De Sarro Caterina , Papadopoli Rosa , Morgante Maria Carmela , Pileggi Claudia 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare and the disease management of patients affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), by exploring, specifically, the obstacles encountered in the access to healthcare services during the latest phase of the pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out among subjects attending the anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination clinic in a Teaching Hospital of Southern Italy. To be included in the study, subjects had to be affected by at least one NCD, such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and heart diseases, renal and liver chronic conditions, immunodeficiency disorders due to cancer, or being kidney or liver transplant recipients.ResultsAmong the 553 subjects who completed the questionnaire, the 39.4% (95% IC = 35.3–43.6) experienced obstacles in the access to healthcare services in the six months prior to the enrollment. The most frequent canceled/postponed healthcare services were the visits for routine checks for NCDs (60.6, 95% IC = 53.9–67), control visits of more complex diseases as cancer or transplantation (17.3, 95% IC = 12.6–22.8), and scheduled surgery (11.5, 95% IC = 7.7–16.4). The patients who experienced canceled/postponed healthcare services were significantly more likely to suffer from 3 or more NCDs (p = 0.042), to be diabetics (p = 0.038), to have immunodeficiency disorders (p = 0.028) and to have consulted GP at least once (p = 0.004).ConclusionOur results appear to be fundamental for guiding the choices of providers in order to concentrate organizational efforts to recover and reschedule missed appointments, where applicable, of the most fragile patients by virtue of age and chronic conditions.