bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of PHILOS plates in Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fracture
Authors: Yun Changjun , Qian Wenjie , Zhang Jie , Zhang Wen , Lv Jinpeng 
Published: November 2023

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of PHILOS plates in the treatment of Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) and to validate its biomechanical reliability via finite element analysis and mechanical testing on the Synbone femoral models.Methods: Ten males and eight females with Vancouver B1 PFF who underwent PHILOS plate fixation between September 2017 and January 2022 were selected. The average age was 72.61 ± 8.19 years, with a range of 57–86 years old. X-ray films were taken to assess the fracture healing situation around the femoral prosthesis as well as the position of the PHILOS plates and femoral prosthesis. Two different plates (the PHILOS plate and the Cable GTR plate) were used for fixation, and the differences in biomechanical stability of the two fixation methods were compared using finite element analysis and mechanical testing on the Synbone femoral models to validate the biomechanical dependability of the PHILOS plate.Results: All 18 cases were followed for at least 1 year, as a result. The average period of follow-up was 17 months, ranging from 12 to 36 months. At the most recent follow-up, Harris scores for the hip joints of patients ranged from 82 to 89, with an average score of 86. The X-rays revealed that all fractures surrounding the femoral prosthesis had healed and that there was no looseness in the femoral prosthesis. None of the PHILOS license plates had expired. All patients were able to perform full-load walking, and pain and claudication in affected limbs were significantly reduced. Finite element analysis and mechanical testing of the Synbone femoral model revealed that the fixation effect of the PHILOS group was superior to that of the Cable group; consequently, PHILOS plates can be used to effectively fix fractures around the proximal femoral prosthesis.Conclusion: PHILOS plates are initially used in the treatment of Vancouver B1 PFF, which may be a good choice due to their simpler operation, lower medical costs, and satisfactory clinical efficacy.
Impact of amlodipine on clinical outcomes for heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a Korean nationwide cohort study
Authors: Bae SungA , Kim Wan Kee , You Seng Chan , Kim Minkwan , Jung In Hyun 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionAmlodipine, widely used as a first-line treatment for hypertension, has inconclusive clinical evidence regarding its efficacy in patients with heart failure. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of amlodipine treatment after hospitalization for heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP).MethodsA total of 20,851 patients who were diagnosed with DCMP and admitted for heart failure between 2005 and 2016 according to Korean nationwide medical insurance service database were enrolled. Amlodipine use was defined as its prescription at the time of discharge and for at least 180 days within a year. The primary outcome was all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was heart failure rehospitalization during a 5-year period. The outcomes between patients who received amlodipine (n = 6,798) and those who did not (n = 14,053) were compared.ResultsDuring the 5-year follow-up, the group treated with amlodipine exhibited a significantly lower risk of all-cause death and heart failure rehospitalization than the group not treated with amlodipine [all-cause death: adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59–0.70, p &lt; 0.001; cardiovascular death: adjusted HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.62–0.81, p &lt; 0.001; heart failure rehospitalization: adjusted HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.98, p = 0.006]. In a subgroup analysis, amlodipine had a significant impact on decreasing all-cause mortality in older adults, those with a higher systolic blood pressure, and those with a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index.ConclusionIn summary, amlodipine use after hospitalization for heart failure in patients with DCMP was associated with a lower risk of all-cause death and readmission for heart failure.
Co-limitation of resources reveals adaptations of a tropical tree to heterogeneous environments along an elevational cline
Authors: Paudel Indira , Rose Kyle M. E. , Landhäusser Simon M. , Jacobs Douglass F. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPlant species often exhibit significant variation in functional traits in populations along elevational gradients to cope with varying stress conditions. While plant development has been assumed to be most limited by a single resource, growing evidence suggests the potential for interactions of co-limiting resources to impact plant performance. Here, we aimed to determine how light, nitrogen, and water availability influence the growth and physiology of different populations of koa (Acacia koa), a tree species of concern that occurs across a large elevational gradient in tropical Hawaii, United States.MethodsPopulations from three seed sources [low (L), mid (M), and high (H) elevation] were grown in a controlled greenhouse experiment and exposed to co-limiting light, water, and nutrient (nitrogen) conditions. Light response, gas exchange, water status, resource use efficiency, nutrients and shoot non-structural carbohydrate concentrations, and growth and biomass allocation responses were quantified.ResultsWe found that resource co-limitation sometimes interacted to determine responses of the measured parameters. In general, the low elevation (L) koa population was more sensitive to conditions where both moisture and nutrients were limiting, while the high elevation (H) koa population was more sensitive to conditions where either light and moisture or light and nitrogen were co-limiting. The M population performed well overall regardless of resource limitation.DiscussionOur findings lend support to the theory that multiple resources limit growth and physiology of populations rather than the traditional view of a single resource limiting performance. Therefore, the possibility that multiple resource limitations drive population differences should be considered when developing population-based guidelines for forest and tree species restoration.
A third (booster) dose of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine elicits immunogenicity and T follicular helper cell responses in people living with HIV
Authors: Lv Zhengchao , Lv Songqin , Li Qin , Xia Yafei , Feng Zaineng , Zhang Haohong , Yang Haihao , Wu Zhao , Zou Nanting , Mo Qingyan , Gu Qianlan , Ying Sai , Wang Xicheng , Qin Dongdong , Wan Chunping 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThis study sought to explore the immunogenicity of a booster dose of an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and identify the factors affecting the magnitude of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels.Materials and methodsA total of 34 people living with HIV (PLWH) and 34 healthy donors (HD) were administered a booster dose of the same SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were measured using the SARS-CoV-2 S protein neutralizing antibody Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and 2019-nCov IgG Chemiluminescent Immunoassay Microparticles, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis was used to measure the correlation between laboratory markers and neutralizing antibody and IgG levels. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted from each subject using density gradient centrifugation and the numbers of memory T and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells were determined using flow cytometry.ResultsPLWH had a marked reduction in CD4 and B cell levels that was accompanied by a lower CD4/CD8 T cell ratio. However, those who received a supplementary dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines exhibited antibody positivity rates that were analogous to levels previously observed. The booster vaccine led to a reduction in IgG and neutralizing antibody levels and the amplitude of this decline was substantially higher in the PLWH than HD group. Correlation analyses revealed a strong correlation between neutralizing antibody levels and the count and proportion of CD4 cells. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels followed a similar trend. The expression of memory T and Tfh cells was considerably lower in the PLWH than in the HD group.DiscussionPLWH had an attenuated immune response to a third (booster) administration of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, as shown by lower neutralizing antibody and IgG levels. This could be attributed to the reduced responsiveness of CD4 cells, particularly memory T and cTfh subsets. CD4 and cTfh cells may serve as pivotal markers of enduring and protective antibody levels. Vaccination dose recalibration may be critical for HIV-positive individuals, particularly those with a lower proportion of CD4 and Tfh cells.
Immuno-inflammatory in vitro hepatotoxicity models to assess side effects of biologicals exemplified by aldesleukin
Authors: Roser Luise A. , Luckhardt Sonja , Ziegler Nicole , Thomas Dominique , Wagner Pia Viktoria , Damm Georg , Scheffschick Andrea , Hewitt Philip , Parnham Michael J. , Schiffmann Susanne 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionHepatotoxicity induced by immunotherapeutics is an appearing cause for immune-mediated drug-induced liver injury. Such immuno-toxic mechanisms are difficult to assess using current preclinical models and the incidence is too low to detect in clinical trials. As hepatotoxicity is a frequent reason for post-authorisation drug withdrawal, there is an urgent need for immuno-inflammatory in vitro models to assess the hepatotoxic potential of immuno-modulatory drug candidates. We developed several immuno-inflammatory hepatotoxicity test systems based on recombinant human interleukin-2 (aldesleukin).MethodsCo-culture models of primary human CD8+ T cells or NK cells with the hepatocyte cell line HepaRG were established and validated with primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Subsequently, the HepaRG model was refined by increasing complexity by inclusion of monocyte-derived macrophages (MdMs). The main readouts were cytotoxicity, inflammatory mediator release, surface marker expression and specific hepatocyte functions.ResultsWe identified CD8+ T cells as possible mediators of aldesleukin-mediated hepatotoxicity, with MdMs being implicated in increased aldesleukin-induced inflammatory effects. In co-cultures of CD8+ T cells with MdMs and HepaRG cells, cytotoxicity was induced at intermediate/high aldesleukin concentrations and perforin was upregulated. A pro-inflammatory milieu was created measured by interleukin-6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein (CRP), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) increase. NK cells responded to aldesleukin, however, only minor aldesleukin-induced cytotoxic effects were measured in co-cultures. Results obtained with HepaRG cells and with PHHs were comparable, especially regarding cytotoxicity, but high inter-donor variations limited meaningfulness of the PHH model.DiscussionThe in vitro test systems developed contribute to the understanding of potential key mechanisms in aldesleukin-mediated hepatotoxicity. In addition, they may aid assessment of immune-mediated hepatotoxicity during the development of novel immunotherapeutics.
The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among U.S. adults with rheumatoid arthritis: results from NHANES 1999-2020
Authors: Zhou Erye , Wu Jian , Zhou Xin , Yin Yufeng 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is recognized as a biomarker for systemic inflammation and immune activation. However, its connection with the mortality risk in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between NLR and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk in U.S. adults with RA.MethodsData were gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles spanning 1999 to March 2020. We included adults aged ≥20 years. The NLR was computed by dividing the neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count from complete blood counts. The maximally selected rank statistics method helped identify the optimal NLR cutoff value associated with significant survival outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the relationship between the NLR and the all-cause and cardiovascular mortality of RA. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were utilized to detect whether there were linear or non-linear relationships between NLR and mortality.ResultsIn this study, 2002 adults with RA were included, with 339 having a higher NLR (≥3.28) and 1663 having a lower NLR (&lt;3.28). During a median follow-up of 84 months, 79 RA individuals died. Participants with higher NLR had a 2-fold increased risk of all-cause (HR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.53-2.66) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.34-4.57) versus lower NLR, after adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the survival rate for the higher NLR group was significantly lower than the lower NLR group, in terms of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (both P&lt;0.0001). The RCS curve demonstrated a positive linear association between the NLR and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.ConclusionA higher NLR was independently predictive of elevated long-term mortality risk in U.S. adults with RA. The NLR may serve as an inexpensive, widely available prognostic marker in RA.
Dynamic brain activity states of memory impairment in stroke patients with varying motor outcomes
Authors: Wang Caihong , Liu Jingchun , Guo Jun , Han Shaoqiang , Miao Peifang , Wei Ying , Wang Yingying , Wang Xin , Li Zhen , Xue Kangkang , Wang Kaiyu , Cheng Jingliang 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to characterize the alteration patterns of dynamic spatiotemporal activity in chronic subcortical stroke patients with varying motor outcomes, while investigating the imaging indicators relevant to the assessment of potential cognitive deficits in these patients.MethodsA total of 136 patients and 88 normal controls were included in the analysis of static and dynamic intrinsic brain activity, determined by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations.ResultsThe findings unveiled that subcortical stroke patients exhibited significantly aberrant temporal dynamics of intrinsic brain activity, involving regions within multiple brain networks. These spatiotemporal patterns were found to be contingent upon the side of the lesion. In addition, these aberrant metrics demonstrated potential in discerning cognitive deficits in stroke patients with memory impairment, with the dynamic indices exerting more influence than the static ones. The observe findings may indicate that subcortical stroke can trigger imbalances in the segregation and integration of spatiotemporal patterns across the entire brain with multi-domain networks, especially in patients with poor motor outcomes.ConclusionIt suggests that the temporal dynamics indices of intrinsic brain activity could serve as potential imaging indicators for assessing cognitive impairment in patients with chronic subcortical stroke, which may be associated with the motor outcomes.
Ingestion of triglycerides containing medium- and long-chain fatty acids can increase metabolism of ingested long-chain triglycerides in overweight persons
Authors: Nosaka Naohisa , Tsujino Shogo , Sadamitsu Shohei , Ando Nanaka , Kato Kazuhiko 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionMedium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have attracted considerable attention for preventing or improving obesity, which is a recognized risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases. Medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MLCTs) are expected to improve the metabolism of ingested long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). However, previous studies have reported mixed results. In this study, the effect of ingestion of MLCTs was evaluated on the metabolism of LCTs and compared to the ingestion of rapeseed oil (control oil).MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed among sedentary participants with BMIs ranging from 25 below 30 kg/m2. Thirty participants were asked to ingest either 14 g of MLCTs or a control oil for 4 weeks. The metabolism of ingested LCTs was evaluated by measuring isotopically labeled carbon dioxide released by the degradation of carbon-13 (13C)-labeled LCTs.ResultsIngestion of MLCTs markedly enhanced the metabolism of ingested LCTs by comparison to the control oil.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that ingestion of MLCTs may enhance the metabolism of dietary LCTs through activation of β-oxidation in liver mitochondria, which may increase the metabolic kinetics of ingested long-chain fatty acid (LCFAs).Clinical trial registrationhttps://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053101, identifier: UMIN000046604.
Courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in eastern China
Authors: Chen Xu , Tong Jiao , Jiang Bochen , Ma Shan , Wang Xin , Sun Xun , Liu Yuan , Yan Dongmei , Wang Leilei 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe experience and perception of stigma is a common problem among primary caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and has a profound adverse impact on primary caregivers and children with ASD; however, few studies have explored courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD in the Chinese context. The aim of this study was to explore the status of courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, Eastern China, and to conduct in-depth analysis of its predictors from multiple perspectives.MethodsAn institution-based multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted in the rehabilitation department of a large specialized hospital and 10 rehabilitation centers for children with special needs in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, Eastern China, from October 2022 to February 2023. A structured questionnaire to assess child-related factors, primary caregiver-related factors, courtesy stigma, general self-efficacy, and social support, was used to collect data. Predictors of courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD were identified by linear regression.ResultsA total of 428 primary caregivers of children with ASD were recruited. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score for courtesy stigma was 7.49 ± 4.13. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that primary caregivers of children with ASD who were not too satisfied with their current marital status (β = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.34–2.08, p &lt; 0.05) were more likely to have a high courtesy stigma; however, significantly lower courtesy stigma was observed in primary caregivers of children with ASD who were not picky eaters (β = −1.33, 95% CI: −2.08 – –0.58, p &lt; 0.05), and who reported low level challenge in caring for children with ASD (β = −1.16, 95% CI: −2.20 – –0.12, p &lt; 0.05), good general self-efficacy (β = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.25 – –0.06, p &lt; 0.05), and good social support (β = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.08 – –0.01, p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThere is a high level of courtesy stigma among primary caregivers of children with ASD in eastern China, and it is affected by numerous factors. More resources should be directed to groups that are more likely to experience stigma.
Impact of relationship status on psychological parameters in adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Stapel Britta , Scharn Nicole , Halling Tim , Akkermann Steffen , Heitland Ivo , Westhoff-Bleck Mechthild , Kahl Kai G. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveAdult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is a growing disease entity, posing questions concerning psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan. Spousal relationships were shown to benefit cardiovascular and mental health in the general population. We assessed the association of relationship status with anxiety and depression in ACHD patients and determined whether patients considered disease-related concerns potential mediators of relationship problems.MethodsN = 390 ACHD patients were included. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess relationship status, ACHD-related relationship problems, socio-demographic variables, and depression and anxiety scores. Further, clinical parameters concerning the heart condition were determined.ResultsN = 278 (71%) patients were currently in a relationship, while N = 112 (29%) were not in a relationship. Groups did not significantly differ regarding age, sex, and cardiovascular parameters. Two-way MANCOVA with relationship status and sex as independent variables, controlling for age, NYHA class, and NT-proBNP, showed an association of relationship status with depression, while sex was associated with anxiety. N = 97 (25%) patients reported disease-related adverse effects on a current or prior relationship. In detail, worries about body image (N = 57, 61%), own fears (N = 51, 54%), problems arising from wish to have children (N = 33, 35%), fears regarding a joint future (N = 29, 31%), partner’s fears or lack of understanding (N = 28, 30%), and sexual problems (N = 21, 22%) were cited.ConclusionRelationships status was associated with depression, while sex was associated with anxiety in ACHD patients. Relationship status as well as potential relationship problems, and the importance of social support for mental and physical well-being, should be considered when treating ACHD patients.
Effects of hip osteoarthritis on lower body joint kinematics during locomotion tasks: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Steingrebe Hannah , Spancken Sina , Sell Stefan , Stein Thorsten 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionMotion analysis can be used to gain information needed for disease diagnosis as well as for the design and evaluation of intervention strategies in patients with hip osteoarthritis (HOA). Thereby, joint kinematics might be of great interest due to their discriminative capacity and accessibility, especially with regard to the growing usage of wearable sensors for motion analysis. So far, no comprehensive literature review on lower limb joint kinematics of patients with HOA exists. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesise existing literature on lower body joint kinematics of persons with HOA compared to those of healthy controls during locomotion tasks.MethodsThree databases were searched for studies on pelvis, hip, knee and ankle kinematics in subjects with HOA compared to healthy controls during locomotion tasks. Standardised mean differences were calculated and pooled using a random-effects model. Where possible, subgroup analyses were conducted. Risk of bias was assessed with the Downs and Black checklist.Results and DiscussionA total of 47 reports from 35 individual studies were included in this review. Most studies analysed walking and only a few studies analysed stair walking or turning while walking. Most group differences were found in ipsi- and contralateral three-dimensional hip and sagittal knee angles with reduced ranges of motion in HOA subjects. Differences between subjects with mild to moderate and severe HOA were found, with larger effects in severe HOA subjects. Additionally, stair walking and turning while walking might be promising extensions in clinical gait analysis due to their elevated requirements for joint mobility. Large between-study heterogeneity was observed, and future studies have to clarify the effects of OA severity, laterality, age, gender, study design and movement execution on lower limb joint kinematics.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42021238237).