bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of autoimmune bullous diseases in Middle Franconia
Authors: Sollfrank Lukas , Schönfelder Valerie , Sticherling Micheal 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionAutoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are a group of rare cutaneous disorders affecting cornified skin and mucous membranes. They are characterized by tense or flaccid blistering and erosions due to autoantibodies against desmosomal and hemidesmosomal structural proteins of the skin. This group of disorders can be divided into those of pemphigoid and those of pemphigus diseases. If left untreated, these autoimmune diseases can cause serious or even life-threatening complications such as loss of fluid, superinfections or impaired food intake. Due to modern standardized serological assays, the diagnosis of AIBDs can usually be confirmed in combination with their clinical appearance. Whereas for a long time corticosteroids were the major players in the treatment of these diseases, with the approval of rituximab and other immunosuppressive agents, the therapy has increasingly improved.MethodsIn this study, we aimed to investigate epidemiologic and clinical features as well as diagnostics and therapy of bullous autoimmune diseases in Middle Franconia, a governorate within the German federal state of Bavaria. Patients diagnosed or treated because of a AIBDs between 01.04.2013 and 31.03.2019 at the dermatological department of the university hospital Erlangen were included in this retrospective study (n = 242). Patients were either diagnosed for the first time (n=176) or the diagnosis has been confirmed (n=66) at the department. The respective incidence was calculated among the 176 subjects who had been diagnosed at the center in this period. Data was taken from patient records and analyzed with Microsoft® Excel. The evaluation included the diagnoses of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF), bullous pemphigoid (BP), mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), linear IgA dermatosis (LAD), epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH).ResultsThis study shows that the incidence of each AIBDs in Middle Franconia is low and comparable (PV, PF, LAD, EBA) or lower (BP, MMP, DH) than in other studies and regions. BP is the most common newly diagnosed AIBD in Middle Franconia.DiscussionDue to the chronic and sometimes severe course of AIBDs, repeated in-house treatments are often necessary. To date, mainly topically and systemically applied corticosteroids in combination with immunomodulators are used as first-line therapy.
Accuracy of new intraocular lens calculation formulas in Chinese eyes with short axial lengths
Authors: Ma Yueting , Lin Yongdong , Li Yuancun , Hu Zhuoyi , Qiu Kunliang 
Published: October 2023

PurposeTo compare the measurement accuracy of new/updated intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation methods, namely, Kane, Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO), with existing methods (Barrett Universal II, Olsen, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, SRK/T) in Chinese eyes with axial lengths ≤ 22.5 mm.MethodsThe study included data from patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery with the insertion of ZCB00 IOL. Refractive prediction errors were determined by calculating the difference between postoperative refraction and the predicted refraction using each formula. Various parameters were evaluated, including mean prediction error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), median absolute error (MedAE), and the percentage of eyes with prediction errors (PE) within different ranges.ResultsThe study enrolled 38 eyes of 38 patients, and the Barrett Universal II formula demonstrated the lowest MAE and MedAE among the tested formulas. Post hoc analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank pairwise comparisons for non-parametric samples with Bonferroni correction revealed no significant difference in postoperative refractive prediction among all the formulas (P &gt; 0.05). The percentage of eyes with PE within ± 0.5 D was as follows: Barrett Universal II, 81.58%; Haigis, 78.95%; EVO, 76.32%; Olsen, 76.32%; Holladay I, 73.68%; SRK/T, 71.05%; Kane, 68.42%; and Hoffer Q, 65.79%.ConclusionThe Barrett Universal II formula was more accurate than the other formulas for Chinese eyes with AL ≤ 22.5 mm.
Enhanced brain functional connectivity and activation after 12-week Tai Chi-based action observation training in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Meng Lin , Wang Deyu , Shi Yu , Li Zhuo , Zhang Jinghui , Lu Hanna , Zhu Xiaodong , Ming Dong 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionMotor-cognitive interactive interventions, such as action observation training (AOT), have shown great potential in restoring cognitive function and motor behaviors. It is expected that an advanced AOT incorporating specific Tai Chi movements with continuous and spiral characteristics can facilitate the shift from automatic to intentional actions and thus enhance motor control ability for early-stage PD. Nonetheless, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate changes in brain functional connectivity (FC) and clinical improvement after 12 weeks of Tai Chi-based action observation training (TC-AOT) compared to traditional physical therapy (TPT).MethodsThirty early-stage PD patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the TC-AOT group (N = 15) or TPT group (N = 15). All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans before and after 12 weeks of training and clinical assessments. The FCs were evaluated by seed-based correlation analysis based on the default mode network (DMN). The rehabilitation effects of the two training methods were compared while the correlations between significant FC changes and clinical improvement were investigated.ResultsThe results showed that the TC-AOT group exhibited significantly increased FCs between the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and cerebellum crus I, between the posterior inferior parietal lobe and supramarginal gyrus, and between the temporal parietal junction and clusters of middle occipital gyrus and superior temporal. Moreover, these FC changes had a positive relationship with patients’ improved motor and cognitive performance.DiscussionThe finding supported that the TC-AOT promotes early-stage PD rehabilitation outcomes by promoting brain neuroplasticity where the FCs involved in the integration of sensorimotor processing and motor learning were strengthened.
Development and evaluation of a robotic system for lumbar puncture and epidural steroid injection
Authors: Lu Jiaxin , Huang Zekai , Zhuang Baiyang , Cheng Zhuoqi , Guo Jing , Lou Haifang 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionLumbar puncture is an important medical procedure for various diagnostics and therapies, but it can be hazardous due to individual variances in subcutaneous soft tissue, especially in the elderly and obese. Our research describes a novel robot-assisted puncture system that automatically controls and maintains the probe at the target tissue layer through a process of tissue recognition.MethodsThe system comprises a robotic system and a master computer. The robotic system is constructed based on a probe consisting of a pair of concentric electrodes. From the probe, impedance spectroscopy measures bio-impedance signals and transforms them into spectra that are communicated to the master computer. The master computer uses a Bayesian neural network to classify the bio-impedance spectra as corresponding to different soft tissues. By feeding the bio-impedance spectra of unknown tissues into the Bayesian neural network, we can determine their categories. Based on the recognition results, the master computer controls the motion of the robotic system.ResultsThe proposed system is demonstrated on a realistic phantom made of ex vivo tissues to simulate the spinal environment. The findings indicate that the technology has the potential to increase the precision and security of lumbar punctures and associated procedures.DiscussionIn addition to lumbar puncture, the robotic system is suitable for related puncture operations such as discography, radiofrequency ablation, facet joint injection, and epidural steroid injection, as long as the required tissue recognition features are available. These operations can only be carried out once the puncture needle and additional instruments reach the target tissue layer, despite their ensuing processes being distinct.
Progression events defined by home-based assessment of motor function in multiple sclerosis: protocol of a prospective study
Authors: Dorsch Eva-Maria , Röhling Hanna Marie , Zocholl Dario , Hafermann Lorena , Paul Friedemann , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThis study relates to emerging concepts of appropriate trial designs to evaluate effects of intervention on the accumulation of irreversible disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Major starting points of our study are the known limitations of current definitions of disability progression by rater-based clinical assessment and the high relevance of gait and balance dysfunctions in MS. The study aims to explore a novel definition of disease progression using repeated instrumental assessment of relevant motor functions performed by patients in their home setting.MethodsThe study is a prospective single-center observational cohort study with the primary outcome acquired by participants themselves, a home-based assessment of motor functions based on an RGB-Depth (RGB-D) camera, a camera that provides both depth (D) and color (RGB) data. Participants are instructed to perform and record a set of simple motor tasks twice a day over a one-week period every 6 months. Assessments are complemented by a set of questionnaires. Annual research grade assessments are acquired at dedicated study visits and include clinical ratings as well as structural imaging (MRI and optical coherence tomography). In addition, clinical data from routine visits is provided semiannually by treating neurologists. The observation period is 24 months for the primary endpoint with an additional clinical assessment at 27 month to confirm progression defined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Secondary analyses aim to explore the time course of changes in motor parameters and performance of the novel definition against different alternative definitions of progression in MS. The study was registered at Deutsches Register für Klinische Studien (DRKS00027042).DiscussionThe study design presented here investigates disease progression defined by marker-less home-based assessment of motor functions against 3-month confirmed disease progression (3 m-CDP) defined by the EDSS. The technical approach was chosen due to previous experience in lab-based settings. The observation time per participant of 24, respectively, 27 months is commonly conceived as the lower limit needed to study disability progression. Defining a valid digital motor outcome for disease progression in MS may help to reduce observation times in clinical trials and add confidence to the detection of progression events in MS.
Combined effect of serum carcinoembryonic antigen and hepatic steatosis on new-onset ischemic heart disease among middle-aged and older Korean adults: a cohort study
Authors: Kwak Ji Won , Lee Yong Jae , Park Byoungjin , Jung Dong Hyuk 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundCarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a commonly used tumor marker in cancer screening. However, it has also been associated with metabolic alterations. Hepatic steatosis, the accumulation of fat in liver cells, is associated with various cardiovascular risk factors. This study investigated the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in individuals with elevated CEA levels, hepatic steatosis, and their co-occurrence.MethodsThe study cohort comprised 5,580 Korean adults who underwent health examinations between November 2006 and June 2010. Data regarding baseline CEA levels, hepatic steatosis status, and development of IHD were collected. Hepatic steatosis was defined as more than two findings: deep attenuation, vascular blurring, and increased liver echogenicity on abdominal ultrasound. Participants were divided into four groups based on their CEA and hepatic steatosis status: no hepatic steatosis and low CEA (group 1), no hepatic steatosis and elevated CEA (group 2), low CEA and hepatic steatosis (group 3), and elevated CEA and hepatic steatosis (group 4).ResultsA total of 226 (4.1%) participants developed IHD during the follow-up period. Participants with elevated CEA levels and hepatic steatosis (group 4) had the highest cumulative incidence of IHD in comparison to other groups (p &lt; 0.001). The combined effect of elevated CEA levels and hepatic steatosis showed significantly greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than hepatic steatosis alone (p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, participants with elevated CEA and hepatic steatosis (group 4) had higher risk of developing IHD compared to those with low CEA and no hepatic steatosis (group 1) (hazard ratio: 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.55, p = 0.034).ConclusionCo-occurrence of elevated CEA levels and hepatic steatosis increases the risk of IHD. Comprehensive risk assessment is crucial to guide interventions and improve cardiovascular health in individuals with both the conditions.
Optimization of therapeutic strategies for selective lateral lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer with clinical suspected lateral lymph node metastasis
Authors: Liu Yuan , Bao Mandoula , Jiang Yujuan , Li Feng , Xing Wei , Yang Zhufeng , Liu Qian 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundSelective lateral lymph node (LLN) dissection with total mesorectal excision after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is pointed out to reduce lateral compartment recurrence and to improve survival in patients with rectal cancer with LLN metastases. This study aimed to explore the safety, surgical indications, and survival outcomes of LLN dissection after nCRT.MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study included patients with rectal cancer with clinical evidence of LLN metastases (n = 466) treated across three hospitals in China. Patients who underwent total mesorectal excision and LLN dissection were grouped into nCRT (n = 155) and non-nCRT (n = 291), respectively. Propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias.ResultsAfter matching, nCRT did not significantly increase the surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss or postoperative complications (P &gt; 0.05). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, poor/mucinous/signet adenocarcinoma (P = 0.042) and post-nCRT LLN short diameter ≥7 mm (P &lt; 0.001) were independent risk factors for pathological LLN metastasis after nCRT. Overall survival (P &lt; 0.001) and disease-free survival (P &lt; 0.001) were significantly worse in patients with LLN metastasis, which was, however, not an independent risk factor for survival after eliminating confounders. Multivariate prognostic analysis of 40-patient subset with pathological LLN metastasis showed that distant metastasis, metastasis beyond the obturator or internal iliac region, and ≥2 LLN metastasis were independent predictors of poor overall survival.ConclusionsSelective LLN dissection after nCRT is safe and feasible with acceptable perioperative outcomes. Patients with a post-nCRT LLN short diameter ≥7 mm or poor/mucinous/signet adenocarcinoma should receive supplementary LLN dissection after nCRT. However, patients with distant metastasis, metastasis beyond the obturator or internal iliac region, and involvement of ≥2 LLN may not benefit from LLN dissection, and LLN dissection should be carefully considered in such patients.
Impairment of exocytotic transmitter release by decynium-22 through an inhibition of ion channels
Authors: Haar Gabriele , Hrachova Katsiaryna , Wagner Tanja , Boehm Stefan , Schicker Klaus 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In addition to members of the family of Na+/Cl− dependent monoamine transporters, organic cation transporters (OCTs), in particular OCT3, as well as the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) may contribute to neuronal reuptake of according neurotransmitters. As opposed to the numerous blockers of monoamine transporters, only a very limited number of specific blockers of OCT3 and PMAT are available. In fact, decynium-22 is the only blocking agent with micromolar affinities for both transport proteins, and this molecule is frequently used to establish roles of OCT3 and/or PMAT as targets for antidepressant drugs and psychostimulants, respectively.Methods/Results: To test for a function of these transporters in the sympathetic nervous system, uptake and release of [3H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) was investigated in primary cultures of rat superior cervical ganglia. Uptake was reduced by cocaine or desipramine, blockers of the noradrenaline transporter, by about 70% and by corticosterone or β-estradiol, blockers of OCT3, by about 30%; decynium-22 achieved complete inhibition of uptake with half maximal effects at 3 μM. Depolarization dependent release was enhanced by corticosterone or β-estradiol, but reduced by decynium-22. As the latter effect is unlikely to be related to actions at OCT3 and/or PMAT, electrophysiological recordings were performed to reveal that decynium-22 inhibits action potential firing and currents through voltage activated calcium channels in superior cervical ganglion neurons.Discussion: These results demonstrate that decynium-22 can impair exocytotic neurotransmitter release by interfering with several types of ion channels. Such transporter-independent effects of decynium-22 that my interfere with basic neuronal functions need to be considered when interpreting results obtained with decynium-22 as prototypic inhibitor of transmitter reuptake via OCT3 and/or PMAT.
Effects of postponing nitrogen topdressing on starch structural properties of superior and inferior grains in hybrid indica rice cultivars with different taste values
Authors: Yuan Xiaojuan , Luo Yongheng , Yang Yonggang , Chen Kairui , Wen Yanfang , Luo Yinghan , Li Bo , Ma Yangming , Guo Changchun , Chen Zongkui , Yang Zhiyuan , Sun Yongjian , Ma Jun 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionNitrogen (N) fertilizer management, especially postponing N topdressing can affect rice eating quality by regulating starch quality of superior and inferior grains, but the details are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of N topdressing on starch structure and properties of superior and inferior grains in hybrid indica rice with different tastes and to clarify the relationship between starch structure, properties, and taste quality.MethodsTwo hybrid indica rice varieties, namely the low-taste Fyou 498 and high-taste Shuangyou 573, were used as experimental materials. Based on 150 kg·N hm-2, three N fertilizer treatments were established: zero N (N0), local farmer practice (basal fertilizer: tillering fertilizer: panicle fertilizer=7:3:0) (N1), postponing N topdressing (basal fertilizer: tillering fertilizer: panicle fertilizer=3:1:6) (N2).ResultsThe starch granules of superior grains were more complete, and the decrease in small granules content and the stability of starch crystals were a certain extent less than those of inferior grains. Compared with N1, under N2, low-taste and high-taste varieties large starch granules content were significantly reduced by 6.89%, 0.74% in superior grains and 4.26%, 2.71% in inferior grains, the (B2 + B3) chains was significantly reduced by 1.61%, 0.98% in superior grains, and 1.18%, 0.97% in inferior grains, both reduced the relative crystallinity and 1045/1022 cm-1, thereby decreasing the stability of the starch crystalline region and the orderliness of starch granules. N2 treatment reduced the ΔHgel of two varieties. These changes ultimately contributed to the enhancement of the taste values in superior and inferior grains in both varieties, especially the inferior grains. Correlation analysis showed that the average starch volume diameter (D[4,3]) and relative crystallinity were significantly positively correlated with the taste value of superior and inferior sgrains, suggesting their potential use as an evaluation index for the simultaneous enhancement of the taste value of rice with superior and inferior grains.DiscussionBased on 150 kg·N hm-2, postponing N topdressing (basal fertilizer: tillering fertilizer: panicle fertilizer=3:1:6) promotes the enhancement of the overall taste value and provides theoretical information for the production of rice with high quality
Hubungan Pengetahuan Gizi Seimbang Dengan Status Gizi Remaja Putri di SMA Negeri 4 Manado
Authors: Siregar Gabriella Dameria , Kapantow Nova Hellen , Punuh Maureen I 
Published: October 2023

Nutritional status is an essential factor in determining the quality of life, normal nutritional status is achieved if nutritional needs are met. Nutritional problems that occur in adolescents will have an impact on nutritional status and health problems including adolescent girls. If teenage girls do not consume nutritious food, it will result in a lack of endurance so that they are susceptible to disease. One of the factors that affect nutritional status is knowledge of balanced nutrition. Good nutritional knowledge affects a person's intake through the selection of nutritious foods they consume in order to achieve good nutritional status. This study aims to determine the relationship between balanced nutritional knowledge and the nutritional status of adolescent girls at SMA Negeri 4 Manado. This type of research is an analytic quantitative research using a cross-sectional study approach. The research time was conducted in May 2023. The sample of this study were female students at SMA Negeri 4 Manado in classes X and XI with a total of 100 respondents. The results of this study showed that the knowledge score was not good for as many as 52 female students and the knowledge score was good for as many as 48. The majority of respondents' nutritional status at SMA Negeri 4 Manado was categorized as good (standard) as many as 74. The conclusion of this study is that there is no relationship between balanced nutrition knowledge and the nutritional status of adolescent girls with a p-value = 0.597.

ABSTRAK
Status gizi menjadi faktor penting dalam menentukan kualitas hidup, status gizi normal tercapai apabila kebutuhan gizi terpenuhi. Masalah gizi yang terjadi pada remaja akan berdampak pada status gizi dan masalah kesehatan termasuk remaja putri. Apabila remaja putri kurang mengonsumsi makanan yang bergizi maka mengakibatkan daya tahan tubuh yang kurang sehingga mudah terserang penyakit. Faktor yang mempengaruhi status gizi salah satunya pengetahuan gizi seimbang. Pengetahuan gizi yang baik mempengaruhi asupan seseorang melalui pemilihan makanan bergizi yang dikonsumsinya agar dapat mencapai status gizi yang baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pengetahuan gizi seimbang dengan status gizi remaja putri di SMA Negeri 4 Manado. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif bersifat analitik dengan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional study. Waktu penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Mei 2023. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah siswi di SMA Negeri 4 Manado pada kelas X dan kelas XI dengan jumlah 100 responden. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa skor pengetahuan tidak baik berjumlah 52 siswi dan skor pengetahuan baik berjumlah 48 siswi. Mayoritas status gizi responden di SMA Negeri 4 Manado berkategori baik sebanyak 74 siswi. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini yaitu tidak terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan gizi seimbang dengan status gizi remaja putri dengan nilai p = 0,597.