bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Combined With an Appropriate Carrier Effectively Promotes Bone-Tendon Interface Healing in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Han Sheng Chen , Han Jian , Kim Young Kyu , Hyun Myung Jae , Jeong Hyeon Jang , Oh Joo Han 
Published: January 2025

Background: The efficacy of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in promoting bone-tendon interface (BTI) healing without any carriers remains a subject of debate. Purpose: To evaluate BMAC effects with different carriers on tendon regeneration in a rabbit model of chronic rotator cuff tear. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: In vitro, the amount of growth factor and the differentiation potential of BMAC with different carriers (polydeoxyribonucleotide [PDRN] and atelocollagen [ATC]) were assessed. In vivo, 64 rabbits were randomly allocated into 4 groups. Different materials were injected into the repair site according to the allocated group: control, saline; BMAC, BMAC and saline; BMAC-PDRN, BMAC with PDRN; BMAC-ATC, BMAC with ATC (n = 16 in each). Genetic and histologic analyses were conducted at 4 and 12 weeks after repair, while biomechanical evaluations were performed at 12 weeks after repair. Results: In vitro, the degree of multilineage differentiation was much stronger using BMAC with ATC as compared with administration of BMAC alone or BMAC with PDRN ( P < .001). In vivo, the BMAC-ATC group had the highest levels of aggrecan expression, bone morphogenetic protein 2, and collagen type I alpha 1 among all groups (all P < .001) at 4 weeks after repair. Furthermore, the BMAC-ATC group showed collagen fiber continuity, denser collagen fibers, and more mature BTI as compared with the other groups (all P < .001) at 12 weeks after repair. Concurrently, the BMAC-ATC group also demonstrated significantly higher load-to-failure versus the remaining groups (all P < .001) at 12 weeks after repair. Conclusion: Local application of BMAC without appropriate carriers could not enhance BTI healing. However, BMAC with 2 different carriers effectively accelerated BTI healing, particularly in the ATC environment. Therefore, the combination of BMAC and ATC may act as a powerful biological agent to promote healing after rotator cuff repair in a chronic rotator cuff tear model using rabbits. Clinical Relevance: Local application of BMAC without appropriate carriers could not enhance BTI healing. However, the combination of BMAC and ATC may synergistically promote rotator cuff tendon healing.
“Is oral antioxidant (Vit C & E) helpful in minimizing shock wave induced renal damage? A study from a tertiary care Center from eastern India” A prospective study
Authors: Soni Praveen Kumar , Maiti Krishnendu , Sarkar Debansu 
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) causes trauma to the renal parenchyma. Due to the kidney injury, free radicals are generated, and an inflammatory process develops. Inflammatory markers like interleukin’s (IL), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) are released into the circulation. Antioxidants have the potential to mitigate the effects of the inflammatory process. Our objectives were the measurement of the effect of supplementation with Vit C and Vit E (antioxidants) and their effect on the reduction of CRP and procalcitonin and further kidney damage. Methodology: There were two groups with 100 patients each. Group A, receiving oral Vitamin E (400 mg twice a day) and oral Vitamin C (500 mg twice a day) beginning 3 days before the lithotripsy and continuing for up to 7 days after the lithotripsy (total of 10 days). Group B served as the control group. Serum levels of CRP and procalcitonin were measured on the day of lithotripsy, day 2, and day 10 post ESWL. Results: In Group B, CRP and PCT values are statistically significantly elevated as compared to Group A. In Group A, pre-ESWL, day 2 and day 10 CRP values are 1.23, 3.58, and 1.61. In Group B pre-ESWL, day 2 and day 10 CRP values are 1.38, 6.70, and 3.09 ( p value < 0.001 in day 2 and 10). In Group A, pre-ESWL, day 2 and day 10 PCT values are 0.41, 1.42, and 0.44. In Group B pre-ESWL, day 2 and day 10 PCT values are 0.36, 3.03, and 1.10 ( p value < 0.001 in day 2 and 10). Conclusion: The serum levels of the inflammatory marker for acute renal injury are decreased when vitamins C and E are taken orally, which can help to minimize kidney damage after lithotripsy for renal stone disease.
A cross-type multi-dimensional network based on feature enhancement and triple interactive attention for LDCT denoising
Authors: Jia Lina , Jia Beibei , Li Zongyang , Zhang Yizhuo , Gui Zhiguo 
Published: January 2025

Background Numerous deep leaning methods for low-dose computed technology (CT) image denoising have been proposed, achieving impressive results. However, issues such as loss of structure and edge information and low denoising efficiency still exist. Objective To improve image denoising quality, an enhanced multi-dimensional hybrid attention LDCT image denoising network based on edge detection is proposed in this paper. Methods In our network, we employ a trainable Sobel convolution to design an edge enhancement module and fuse an enhanced triplet attention network (ETAN) after each [Formula: see text] convolutional layer to extract richer features more comprehensively and suppress useless information. During the training process, we adopt a strategy that combines total variation loss (TVLoss) with mean squared error (MSE) loss to reduce high-frequency artifacts in image reconstruction and balance image denoising and detail preservation. Results Compared with other advanced algorithms (CT-former, REDCNN and EDCNN), our proposed model achieves the best PSNR and SSIM values in CT image of the abdomen, which are 34.8211and 0.9131, respectively. Conclusion Through comparative experiments with other related algorithms, it can be seen that the algorithm proposed in this article has achieved significant improvements in both subjective vision and objective indicators.
Proximal femur segmentation and quantification in dual-energy subtraction tomosynthesis: A novel approach to fracture risk assessment
Authors: Matsushima Akari , Chen Tai-Been , Kimura Koharu , Sato Mizuki , Hsu Shih-Yen , Okamoto Takahide 
Published: January 2025

Background Osteoporosis is a major public health concern, especially among older adults, due to its association with an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the proximal femur. These fractures severely impact mobility and quality of life, leading to significant economic and health burdens. Objective This study aims to enhance bone density assessment in the proximal femur by addressing the limitations of conventional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry through the integration of tomosynthesis with dual-energy applications and advanced segmentation models. Methods and Materials The imaging capability of a radiography/fluoroscopy system with dual-energy subtraction was evaluated. Two phantoms were included in this study: a tomosynthesis phantom (PH-56) was used to measure the quality of the tomosynthesis images, and a torso phantom (PH-4) was used to obtain proximal femur images. Quantification of bone images was achieved by optimizing the energy subtraction (ene-sub) and scale factors to isolate bone pixel values while nullifying soft tissue pixel values. Both the faster region-based convolutional neural network (Faster R-CNN) and U-Net were used to segment the proximal femoral region. The performance of these models was then evaluated using the intersection-over-union (IoU) metric with a torso phantom to ensure controlled conditions. Results The optimal ene-sub-factor ranged between 1.19 and 1.20, and a scale factor of around 0.1 was found to be suitable for detailed bone image observation. Regarding segmentation performance, a VGG19-based Faster R-CNN model achieved the highest mean IoU, outperforming the U-Net model (0.865 vs. 0.515, respectively). Conclusions These findings suggest that the integration of tomosynthesis with dual-energy applications significantly enhances the accuracy of bone density measurements in the proximal femur, and that the Faster R-CNN model provides superior segmentation performance, thereby offering a promising tool for bone density and osteoporosis management. Future research should focus on refining these models and validating their clinical applicability to improve patient outcomes.
Relationship of isokinetic strength, power and ankle flexibility on underwater dolphin kick speed in competitive collegiate swimmers
Authors: Lee Jae Hak , Hopkins J. Ty , Hong Junggi , Son S. Jun 
Published: January 2025

Background Several factors can contribute to increasing dolphin kick speed that muscle activation and simulation studies have been conducted. Although driving force can be generated by lower extremity strength and power, the relationship of isokinetic strength and power on dolphin kick speed remains unclear. Therefore, to examine a cause-and-effect relationship whether isokinetic strength and power, and ankle flexibility can contribute to increasing dolphin kick speed. Objective Twenty-one competitive collegiate male swimmers participated in this study. Methods The isokinetic strength (peak moment, Nm/kg) and power (time to peak moment, sec) of lower extremity, and ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) were measured. Dolphin kick speed was measured by underwater video cameras (m/s). Results Underwater dolphin kick speed was affected by lower extremity strength and power of knee flexion, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion. Moreover, time to peak moment of knee flexion, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion were also influencing factors. Conclusions This study suggests that velocity-based training could be suitable for improving strength and power for swimmers as the fast contraction speed of knee and ankle measures appeared to affect the dolphin kick speed in this study.
The Impact of Job Autonomy on Employee Creativity: Examining Perceived Supervisor Support as a Mediator and Job Difficulty as a Moderator
Authors: Kivrak Fatma Halide , Arslan Mahmut , Yorno Inmaculada Adarves- 
Published: January 2025

Research indicates that job autonomy (JA) plays a pivotal role in enhancing employee creativity (EC); however, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms facilitating this connection is still limited. To address this lacuna, we draw on self-determination theory, which argues that perceived supervisory support (PSS) may act as a mediator. Thus, this study explores how JA enhances creativity through PSS. Furthermore, we explore the moderating role of the job difficulty level on the relationship between JA and EC. Conducting a cross-sectional survey involving 561 employees in the Turkish media sector, our study utilizes structural equation modelling in AMOS and employs moderator analysis in PROCESS Macro. The results unveil that JA not only directly positively impacts EC but also exerts an indirect influence through the mediating role of PSS. Furthermore, our findings highlight the moderating effect of job difficulty level, indicating a negative impact on the relationship between JA and EC. Among the examined control variables, including gender, organizational tenure and sectoral tenure, it is notable that sectoral tenure emerges as the sole factor significantly influencing EC. These results have significant implications for the development of innovative management strategies and human resources policies tailored to the unique needs of media companies. The study underscores the importance of understanding the intricate dynamics between JA, PSS and job difficulty levels in fostering a creative work environment.
Anti-Cancer Efficacy of Acacia nilotica Nanoparticles: Apoptosis Induction and Tumor Regression in a DMBA-induced Breast Cancer Rat Model
Authors: Hajla Asma M. , Al-Khuraiji Afrah , El-Nagar Doaa M. , Al-Malahi Nawal M. , Alanazi Ibrahim O. , Abdel-Gaber Rewaida 
Published: January 2025

Background Breast cancer remains a significant global health burden despite advancements in treatment. While conventional therapies often induce adverse effects, there is growing interest in exploring natural alternatives. Acacia nilotica, a traditionally used medicinal plant, has shown promise in cancer management. Purpose This study investigated the therapeutic potential of A. nilotica extract and nanoparticles against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in albino rats. Methods The formation of A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles was done and characterized via dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A total of 60 female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (10 rats/group) and received care in compliance with the state authorities following the Saudi Arabian rules of animal protection. The animals in the first group were given distilled water, while those in the second group were administered DMBA (50 mg/kg). The third and fourth groups were treated with 10 mg/kg of the A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles, respectively. In the fifth and sixth groups, A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles were administered with 10 mg/kg after DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats, respectively. After sacrificing the rats, the blood and breast tissues were collected from each rat and processed for histological and apoptotic markers analyses. Results Our findings indicated that the average size of nanoparticles was 162.5 nm in diameter with 0.145 as a polydispersity index (PDI). Functional groups were confirmed via FTIR analysis for A. nilotica crude solution and nanoparticles. Histopathological analysis revealed a marked reduction in tumor size and cellular proliferation in nanoparticle-treated groups. Our data demonstrated that both formulations significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by altered Bcl-2 and BAX expression. Conclusion These findings suggest that A. nilotica nanoparticles warrant further investigation as a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
Mechanism of Ginkgo Diterpene Lactone Meglumine Injection Promoting Angiogenesis and Improving Cerebral Perfusion in Cerebral Infarction Rats
Authors: Zhan Tao , Li Ruixia , Shen Jiahui , Chen Xinya , Liu Pingguo 
Published: January 2025

Background In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has shown advantages in treating ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, including multi-component, multi-target, and low toxicity effects. Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine injection (GDLMI) on promoting microvascular neovascularization and improving cerebral perfusion after cerebral infarction (CIF) in rats and to explore its underlying mechanisms in promoting angiogenesis. Methods Seventy-five rats were randomly rolled into Sham (sham surgery) group, Model (acute CIF model) group, low-dose (LD) (1 g/kg bw GDLMI) group, medium-dose (MD) (3 g/kg bw GDLMI) group, and high-dose (HD) (5 g/kg bw GDLMI) group. The neurological function of rats was evaluated using the Longa method. Micro-PET was performed to evaluate brain metabolism status at 7 days post-reperfusion. Serum expression levels (ELs) of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured. Brain tissue samples were collected to assess cerebral infarct volume and to measure oxidative stress (OS) markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed to detect the apoptosis rate of cortical neurons. Western blotting was conducted to determine brain tissue’s ELs of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins-1 (Ang-1), p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins. Results Rats in Model group exhibited higher Longa scores and increased cerebral infarct volume, decreased brain 18F-FDG content, elevated serum ELs of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, reduced SOD and CAT activities, increased MDA content in brain tissue, elevated apoptosis rate of cortical neurons, and elevated protein ELs of VEGF and Ang-1 in brain tissue, accompanied by decreased ELs of p-PI3K and p-AKT proteins compared to the Sham group ( p < 0.05). Rats in the LD, MD, and HD groups showed decreased Longa scores and cerebral infarct volume, increased brain 18F-FDG content, decreased ELs of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, increased SOD and CAT activities, decreased MDA content in brain tissue, decreased apoptosis rate of cortical neurons, and increased protein ELs of VEGF, Ang-1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in brain tissue versus Model group ( p < 0.05). The effects on all indicators in rats showed a dose-dependent trend. Conclusion GDLMI has a protective effect against acute CIF/reperfusion injury (RI), which may be attributed to its ability to suppress inflammation and OS damage by activating PI3K/AKT signaling.
Curcumin Lipid Nanoemulsion Inhibits Cervical Cancer Progression by Upregulating Metastasis-associated Gene 1
Authors: Yu Yanhua , Hu Tian , Zhong Guiwei 
Published: January 2025

Background The abnormal expression of metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) is related to the proliferation of tumor cells. Curcumin lipid nanoemulsion can effectively inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells. Purpose: This study mainly explores whether curcumin lipid nanoemulsion can inhibit the disease process of cervical cancer by regulating MTA1. Methods 20 µmol/L curcumin lipid nanoemulsion was used to intervene with Hela cells for 0, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. Observe cell proliferation and cycle after curcumin intervention at different concentrations and at different times, observe the protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway factors, and verify that PI3K is the direct target of MTA1. Results Curcumin lipid nanoemulsion dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation with a more obvious at 10 µmol/L ( p < 0.01). From 24 h onwards, cell number in the S phase in 20 µmol/L curcumin lipid nanoemulsion began to decrease significantly; cell number increased significantly in the G0/ G1 phase and decreased in the G2/M phase ( p < 0.05). The higher the concentration of curcumin lipid nanoemulsion, the higher the expression of the MTA1 inhibitor, showing a certain concentration and dose dependence. MTA1 can directly target PI3K. When the concentration of curcumin lipid nanoemulsion was 10 µmol/L, the expressions of PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR decreased, and the decrease was more significant at 20 µmol/L ( p < 0.01). Conclusion Curcumin lipid nanoemulsion can inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation and control cell growth. Curcumin lipid nanoemulsion mainly acts through the MTA1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. MTA1 negatively regulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
Race and Ethnicity, Neighborhood Social Deprivation and Medicare Home Health Agency Quality for Persons Living With Serious Illness
Authors: Jones Tessa , Luth Elizabeth A. , Cleland Charles M. , Brody Abraham A. 
Published: January 2025

Objective Examine the relationship between race and ethnicity and area-level social deprivation and Medicare home health care (HHC) agency quality for seriously ill older adults receiving HHC. Methods A linear probability fixed effects model analyzed the association between patient-level predictors and HHC agency quality (star-rating), controlling for neighborhood level fixed effects. Linear mixed regression modeled the relationship between area-level social deprivation and receiving care from a high-quality HHC agency. An interaction term between race and social deprivation index quartiles examined whether racial disparities in accessing high-quality HHC agencies depended on the level of neighborhood social deprivation. Results The final sample consisted of 213 491 Medicare beneficiaries. Reduced access to high-quality HHC was associated with identifying as Black (1.2 % point lower, P < .001), having Medicaid (5.5 % point lower, P < .0001), and living in a neighborhood with high social deprivation (6.5% point lower, P < .001). The effect of race on access to high-quality HHC persisted regardless of the level of neighborhood social deprivation. Conclusions For people living with serious illness, living in areas with higher social deprivation is associated with lower-quality HHC. Patient race and ethnicity has a consistent effect reducing access to high-quality HHC agencies, regardless of neighborhood. Future research must investigate ways to improve access to high-quality HHC for racial and ethnic historically marginalized populations who are seriously ill, especially in areas of high social deprivation. This includes understanding what policies, organizational structures, or care processes impede or improve access to high-quality care.
Acupuncture for ankylosing spondylitis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhang Gui-long , Peng Bo , Wu Zhi-peng , Yi Xiao-ding , Zhao Tian-yu , Sun Jian-feng 
Published: January 2025

Background:  Existing evidence is insufficient to support that acupuncture is effective in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) due to the constraints of acupuncture site and manipulation, and relatively straightforward study treatments and indicators. Objective:  By incorporating high-quality original literature, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for AS and to demonstrate acupuncture as a non-drug supplementary and alternative means for treating AS. Methods:  We searched seven databases from their inception to March 31, 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with PEDro score ≥ 6 that compared traditional acupuncture alone or in combination with non-acupuncture therapy on diagnostic AS were considered. The PEDro, ROB2, and STATA tools were used for quality evaluation and statistical analysis. Results:  A total of 21 RCTs covering 1884 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture had positive effects on Western medicine effective rate (RR = 1.223, 95%CI: 1.150, 1.301, P < 0.001), traditional Chinese medicine effective rate (RR = 1.175, 95%CI: 1.111, 1.243, P < 0.001), pain score (visual analogue scale, SMD = −0.666, 95%CI: −0.801, −0.531, P < 0.001), spinal function including bath ankylosing spondylitis function index score (SMD = −0.827, 95%CI: −0.945, −0.708, P < 0.001), bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index score (SMD = −1.069, 95%CI: −1.190, −0.949, P < 0.001), and bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index score (SMD = −0.699, 95%CI: −0.887, −0.511, P < 0.001), ankylosing spondylitis quality of life score(SMD = −0.619, 95%CI: −0.917, −0.322, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein levels (SMD = −0.980, 95%CI: −1.092, −0.868, P < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate value (SMD = −0.701, 95%CI: −0.810, −0.591, P < 0.001). Conclusion:  Though with a high risk of bias, the high-quality studies indicate that acupuncture is a beneficial complementary and alternative therapy for AS patients, as it can reduce pain intensity and improve effective rate, spinal function, and anti-inflammatory response.