bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin combined with mechanical measures to prevent venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Yi , Du Hui , Liu Jian , Zhou Yixin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important complication after major orthopedic surgery. Pharmaceutical methods represent the main strategy of VTE prevention. The use of aspirin in VTE prevention is still controversial worldwide, especially in China. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of aspirin combined with mechanical measures in the prevention of VTE after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods
Between January 2012 and May 2013 and in accordance with the inclusion criteria, 120 patients undergoing TKA were randomly allocated to two groups. To prevent VTE, patients in group A received aspirin combined with mechanical measures postoperatively, while patients in group B received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) sodium and rivaroxaban sequentially in combination with mechanical measures postoperatively. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon using a posterior-stabilized cemented prosthesis. The two groups were followed up and compared for the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by duplex ultrasound scan and clinical VTE events. The adverse events, the blood loss index, and the cost of VTE prevention were also compared.

Results
DVT was detected in 10 of 60 patients in group A (16.7%, 95% CI: 7.3%-26.1%) compared with 11 of 60 in group B (18.3%, 95% CI: 8.5%-27.8%) (P=0.500). There is no statistical evidence supporting the inferior effect of aspirin in preventing DVT as compared with the other medications. There were no cases of symptomatic VTE or death during the follow-up period. Area of ecchymosis was lower in group A than in group B, and the differences were statistically significant. Patients in group A had the lower blood loss index as compared with patients in group B. No transfusion cases were found in both groups. The differences were statistically significant. The cost of VTE prevention analysis indicated a cost reduction using aspirin in group A compared with using LMWH and rivaroxaban in group B.

Conclusion
Aspirin combined with mechanical measures had a good effect on prevention of VTE after TKA and resulted in lower cost, less blood loss, and less subcutaneous ecchymosis.
A recommended technique of renal vein anastomosis in rat kidney transplantation for trainee
Authors: Ye Dongming , Heng Baoli , Lai Caiyong , Guo Zexiong , Su Zexuan 
Published: January 2024

Background
Various rat kidney transplantation models have been introduced over the decades and the study on the models seems to lack novelty and necessity. However, vascular anastomosis, especially renal vein, is still very difficult for trainees. The aim of this study was to provide the modified renal venous anastomosis of rat kidney transplantation to substitute the current method for trainees.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were used as donors and recipients, respectively. Left orthotopic transplantation was performed with a modified technique of renal vein anastomosis, combining the end-to-end sutures with epidural catheter. Meanwhile, the survival rate, warm ischemia time, renal venous anastomosis time, and complications were recorded to evaluate the merits of the modified technique compared with the current recommended technique of rat renal vein. Two trainees took part in the learning of the models in two methods for performing 30 operations, respectively.

Results
The difference in warm ischemia time (from (57.25±7.30) minutes in the first 10 operations to (30.05±1.85) minutes in the third 10 operations) and renal vein anastomosis time (from (32.80±3.80) minutes in the first 10 operations to (19.30±0.98) minutes in the third 10 operations) was significantly short (P<0.01) and the survival rate was statistically high (from (25±7)% in the first 10 operations to 70% in the third 10 operations) in equal number of operations (P<0.01) by comparing with the current recommended method ((47.60±7.19) minutes to (22.8±1.85) minutes, (22.40±3.10) minutes to (9.95±1.50) minutes, 45%±7% to 80%±0, respectively). The intraoperative complications and postoperative complications of renal venous anastomosis were also significantly decreased (P<0.01).

Conclusions
The technique with epidural catheter can shorten the learning curve of the trainee learning rat kidney transplantation. It may replace the currently recommended technique of rat renal vein for trainees.
Comparison of epinephrine and Shen-Fu injection on resuscitation outcomes in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest
Authors: Yin Wenpeng , Guo Zhijun , Li Chunsheng 
Published: January 2024

Background
Epinephrine has been used as a first-choice vasopressor drug for cardiac arrest (CA) since 1974. However, the administration of epinephrine is controversial. This study aims to compare the effects of Shen-Fu injection (SFI) and epinephrine on resuscitation outcomes in a porcine model of prolonged CA.

Methods
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was electrically induced. After 8 minutes of untreated VF and 2 minutes of chest compressions, 24 pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8 per group): central venous injection of SFI (SFI group), epinephrine (EPI group), or saline solution (SA group). The haemodynamic status and oxygen metabolism parameters, including cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, left ventricular dp/dtmax and negative dp/dtmax, oxygen delivery (DO2), and oxygen consumption (VO2), were calculated.

Results
SFI shortened the time to restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and decreased the number of shocks, similar to epinephrine. However, the mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular dp/dtmax and negative dp/dtmax were significantly higher in the SFI group than in the EPI group at 4 and 6 hours after ROSC. VO2 and ERO2 decreased after ROSC and then increased. VO2 and ERO2 were significantly higher in the SFI group than in the EPI and SA groups after ROSC, while those were lowest in the EPI group among all groups.

Conclusions
SFI shortened the time to ROSC and decreased the number of shocks, similar to epinephrine. However, SFI improved oxygen metabolism, and produced a better hemodynamic status compared with epinephrine. SFI might be a potentially vasopressor drug for the treatment of CA.
Correlation between magnetic resonance T2 image signal intensity ratio and cell apoptosis in a rabbit spinal cord cervical myelopathy model
Authors: Ma Lei , Zhang Di , Chen Wei , Shen Yong , Zhang Yingze , Ding Wenyuan , Zhang Wei , Wang Linfeng , Yang Dalong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common cause of disability in elderly patients. Previous studies have shown that spinal cord cell apoptosis due to spinal cord compression plays an important role in the pathology of myelopathy. Although changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 signal intensity ratio (SIR) are considered to be an indicator of CSM, little information is published supporting the correlation between changes in MRI signal and pathological changes. This study aims to testify the correlation between MRI T2 SIR changes and cell apoptosis using a CSM animal model.

Methods
Forty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups: one control group and three experimental chronic compression groups, with each group containing 12 animals. Chronic compression of the cervical spinal cord was implemented in the experimental groups by implanting a screw in the C3 vertebra. The control group underwent sham surgery. Experimental groups were observed for 3, 6, or 9 months after surgery. MRI T2-weighted SIR Tarlov motor scores and cortical somatosensory-evoked potentials (CSEPs) were periodically monitored. At each time point, rabbits from one group were sacrificed to determine the level of apoptosis by histology (n=6) and Western blotting (n=6).

Results
Tarlov motor scores in the compression groups were lower at all time points than the control group scores, with the lowest score at 9 months (P <0.001). Electrophysiological testing showed a significantly prolonged latency in CSEP in the compression groups compared with the control group. All rabbits in the compression groups showed higher MRI T2 SIR in the injury epicenter compared with controls, and higher SIR was also found at 9 months compared with 3 or 6 months. Histological analysis showed significant apoptosis in the spinal cord tissue in the compression groups, but not in the control group. There were significant differences in apoptosis degree over time (P <0.001), with the 9-month group displaying the most severe spinal cord apoptosis. Spearman's rank correlation test showed that there was close relation between MRI SIR and degree of caspase-3 expression in Western blotting (r=0.824. P <0.001).

Conclusions
Clear apoptosis of spinal cord tissue was observed during chronic focal spinal compression. Changes in MRI T2 SIR may be related to the severity of the apoptosis in cervical spinal cord.
Construction of the Chinese Veteran Clinical Research (CVCR) Platform for the assessment of non-communicable diseases
Authors: Jiping Tan , Nan Li , Jing Gao , Yuhe Guo , Wei Hu , Jinsheng Yang , Baocheng Yu , Jianmin Yu , Wei Du , Wenjun Zhang , Lianqi Cui , Qingsong Wang , Xiangnan Xia , Jianjun Li , Peiyi Zhou , Baohe Zhang , Zhiying Liu , Shaogang Zhang , Lanying Sun , Nan Liu , Ruixiang Deng , Wenguang Dai , Fang Yi , Wenjun Chen , Yongqing Zhang , Shenwu Xue , Bo Cui , Yiming Zhao , Luning Wang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Based on the excellent medical care and management system for Chinese veterans, as well as the detailed medical documentation available, we aim to construct a Chinese Veteran Clinical Research (CVCR) platform on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and carry out studies of the primary disabling NCDs.

Methods
The Geriatric Neurology Department of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital and veterans' hospitals serve as the leading and participating units in the platform construction. The fundamental constituents of the platform are veteran communities. Stratified typical cluster sampling is adopted to recruit veteran communities. A cross-sectional study of mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are performed in two stages using screening scale such as the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal cognitive assessment, followed by systematic neuropsychological assessments to make clinical diagnoses, evaluated disease awareness and care situation.

Results
A total of 9 676 among 277 veteran communities from 18 cities are recruited into this platform, yielding a response rate of 83.86%. 8 812 subjects complete the MNS subproject screening and total response rate is 91.70%. The average participant age is (82.01±4.61) years, 69.47% of veterans are 80 years or older. Most participants are male (94.01%), 83.36% of subjects have at least a junior high school degree. The overall health status of veterans is good and stable. The most common NCD are cardiovascular disorders (86.44%), urinary and genital diseases (73.14%), eye and ear problems (66.25%), endocrine (56.56%) and neuro-psychiatric disturbances (50.78%).

Conclusion
We first construct a veterans' comprehensive clinical research platform for the study of NCDs that is primarily composed of highly educated Chinese males of advanced age and utilize this platform to complete a cross-sectional national investigation of MNS disorders among veterans. The good and stable health condition of the veterans could facilitate the long-term follow-up studies of NCDs and provide prospective data to the prevention and management of NCDs.
Sleep disorders and its related risk factors in patients undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Li Han , Li Xiaobei , Feng Sujuan , Zhang Guizhi , Wang Wei , Wang Shixiang 
Published: January 2024

Background
The prevalence of sleep disorders has been shown to be high in patients with chronic dialysis patients and may contribute to impaired quality of life and higher mortality in this population. However, there are few data on the relationship of sleep disorders and their risk factors in chronic dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of sleep disorders and their risk factors in chronic dialysis patients.

Methods
A total of 42 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients were involved in this cross-sectional study. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Restless legs syndrome (RLS) was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. And depression was assessed by Hamilton depression scale. General information and laboratory data were collected.

Results
The prevalence of sleep disorders was 47.6% in the CAPD patients. According to the PSQI, the 42 CAPD patients were divided into sleep disturbance group and non-sleep disorders group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, dialysis duration, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, β2-microglobulin, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus between CAPD patients with sleep disorders and those without sleep disorders. But the level of serum albumin (Alb) in CAPD patients with sleep disorders was significantly lower than that in CAPD patients without sleep disorders (31.3±1.4 vs. 34.3±3.7, t=3.603, P=0.001). And the prevalence of RLS and depression was significantly higher than that in CAPD patients without sleep disorders (RLS: 11/22 vs. 1/20, χ2=10.395, P=0.001; depression: 7/22 vs. 1/20, χ2=4.886, P=0.027). In CAPD patients with RLS, the prevalence of sleep disorders was significantly higher than that in CAPD patients without RLS (11/22 vs. 11/30, χ2=10.395, P=0.001). And in CAPD patients with depression, the prevalence of sleep disorders was significantly higher than that in CAPD patients without depression (7/8 vs. 15/34, χ2=4.886, P=0.027). In CAPD patients, bivariate correlation analysis showed that sleep disorders was negatively correlated with serum Alb (r= -0.606, P=0.000) and positively correlated with RLS (r=0.497, P=0.001) and depression (r=0.341, P=0.029). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio of RLS, depression, and low serum Alb was 22.900, 42.209, and 0.597, respectively.

Conclusions
The prevalence of sleep disorders was relatively high in CAPD patients. RLS, depression, and low serum Alb were the risk factors for CAPD patients with sleep disorders.
T8590C polymorphism of CYP4A11 is a risk factor for hypertension: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Hou Jing , Zhang Qiang , Tang Wenru , Luo Ying 
Published: January 2024

Background
T8590C polymorphism of CYP4A11 has been associated with hypertension, though with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to quantitatively summarize the evidence for CYP4A11 T8590C polymorphism and hypertension risk.

Methods
Electronic search of PubMed and the Chinese Biomedicine database was conducted to select studies. Case-control studies containing available genotype frequencies of T8590C were chosen, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of this association.

Results
Seven case-control studies, including 3 295 cases and 3 192 controls, were identified. The meta-analysis, stratified by ethnicity, showed that individuals with the C allele carriers (CC+CT) had increased risk of hypertension in over all (OR=1.184, 95% CI: 1.063–1.319, P=0.002) and in others (OR=1.217, 95% CI: 1.045–1.419, P=0.012). The results among Asians did not suggest an association (OR=1.152, 95% CI: 0.990–1.342, P=0.068). A symmetric funnel plot, the Egger's test (P=0.863), and the Begg test (P=0.393) were all suggestive of the lack of publication bias.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis suggests the CYP4A11 T8590C polymorphism may be a risk factor for hypertension. Future well-designed large studies might be necessary to validate this association in different populations incorporated with environmental factors in the susceptibility of hypertension.
Observation and management of retinal changes related to diving in professional divers
Authors: Zhou Dan , Wei Wenbin , Tian Bei , Wang Cong , Shi Xuehui , Jiao Xuan 
Published: January 2024

Background
It is very common for professional divers to have damage on the retinas. Severe retinal lesions can profoundly affect athletes' training efficacy and their daily lives. At present, it is not clear if there is effective preventive action. Thus, in our study, we continuously tracked the ocular changes in athletes and closely monitored the risk factors associated with retinal detachment. Also, we analyzed possible interventions, their associated factors, and efficacies for timely preventions to protect the retina from damage in professional divers.

Methods
Between 2009 and 2012, a total of 39 professional divers enrolled in follow-up management. The conducted examinations included ocular examination, record screening on retinal lesion, monitoring best-corrected visual acuity, and checking intraocular pressure (IOP) and the scope of retinal lesion. The management included optimizing training methods, taking customized follow-up based on different retinal lesions, laser treatments for definite cases of retinal tear, retinal degeneration caused by retinal layer thinning or vitreous traction, and observing the changes in the scope of retinopathy.

Results
Every year, the percentage of divers who have various degrees of retinal lesions is between 43.3% and 56.2%. During the 4 years, there were no statistically significant differences in divers' best-corrected visual acuity and retinal lesions. There were also no statistically significant differences between male and female athletes. However, there were statistically significant differences in IOP during these years. Moreover there were statistically significant differences in IOP and the scope of retinal lesions between platform divers and springboard divers.

Conclusions
Our management of retinal lesions could be effective to prevent severe retinopathy in professional divers. At the same time, platform divers are more likely to have retinal lesions than springboard divers.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ameliorates coronary artery elastin breakdown in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Chen Zhi , Du Zhongdong , Lu Dunxiang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Coronary artery damage from Kawasaki disease (KD) is closely linked to the dysfunction of the endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the modulatory effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on EPCs and elastin breakdown of coronary arteries in a KD mouse model.

Methods
A Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced KD model was established in C57BL/6 mice that were subsequently administrated with recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF). Nù-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was administrated for the negative intervention. Evaluations included coronary artery lesions, EPC number and functions, and the plasma concentration of nitric oxide (NO).

Results
Elastin breakdown was found in the coronary arteries of model mice 56 days after injection of LCWE. The number of circulating EPCs, plasma concentration of NO, and functions of bone marrow EPCs, including proliferation, adhesion, and migration abilities, were all lower in the KD model group compared with those in the control group. After administration of rhG-CSF, the number of circulating EPCs and plasma concentration of NO were increased significantly compared with those in the KD model group. There were also increases in the functional indexes of EPCs. Furthermore, rhG-CSF administration improved the elastin breakdown effectively. However, these protective effects of rhG-CSF on coronary arteries were attenuated by L-NAME.

Conclusion
The present study indicated that the administration of G-CSF prevents elastin breakdown of the coronary arteries by enhancing the number and functions of EPCs via the NO system, and then accelerates the repair of coronary artery lesions in the KD.
Combined treatment with erythropoietin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances neovascularization and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Xue Jingyi , Du Guoqing , Shi Jing , Li Yue , Masahiro Yasutake , Liu Lei , Li Jianqiang , Kong Yihui , Wang Shuxian , Yun Fengxiang , Li Weimin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Erythropoietin (EPO) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) are both potential novel therapeutics for use after myocardial infarction (MI). However, their underlying mechanisms remain unclear and the efficacy of monotherapy with EPO or G-CSF is also controversial. Therefore, we investigated the effects of combined treatment with EPO and G-CSF on neovascularization and cardiac function in post-infarction rats and explored the potential mechanisms.

Methods
Four groups of rats were used: control (saline injection after MI, i.h.), EPO (a single dose of 5 000 IU/kg after MI, i.h.), G-CSF (a dose of 50 μg· kg-1· d-1 for 5 days after MI, i.h.), and both EPO and G-CSF (EPO+G-CSF, using the same regiment as above). Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography before and 1 day, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days after MI. CD34+/Flk-1
+
cells in the peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry before and 3 days, 5 days and 7 days after MI. The infarct area and angiogenesis in the peri-infarct area were analyzed. The mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) in the peri-infarct area were detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting.

Results
Compared with the control and monotherapy groups, the EPO+G-CSF group had significantly increased CD34+/Flk-1+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood (P <0.05), up-regulated VEGF and SDF-1α levels in the peri-infarct region (P <0.05), enhanced capillary density (P <0.05), reduced infarct size (P <0.05) and improved cardiac structure and function (P <0.05). G-CSF alone did not dramatically increase EPCs in the peripheral blood, enhance capillary density in the peri-infarct area or reduce infarct size compared with the control group.

Conclusions
Combined treatment with EPO and G-CSF increased EPCs mobilization, up-regulated VEGF and SDF-1α levels in the post-infarction microenvironment, subsequently enhanced neovascularization in the peri-infarct region and reduced infarct size. All factors contributed to its beneficial effects on cardiac function in post-infarction rats.