bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Performance of Target-position Murray Law based Quantitative Flow Ratio (target-μFR) vs Vessel-μFR in Patients with stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Huang Wenhao , Liu Yajun , Wang Qianqian , Jin Hongfeng , Tang Yiming , Wang Jiangting , Liu Xiaowei , Guo Yitao , Ye Chen , Tang Lijiang , Du Changqing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: We aim to compare with the diagnostic performance of target-position quantitative flow ratio derived from Murray Law (target-μFR) and vessel quantitative flow ratio derived from Murray Law (vessel-μFR) using the fractional flow reserve (FFR) as reference standard. This study may provide more evidence for the novel clinical usage of target-μFR in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Methods: Six hundreds and fifty-six patients (685 lesions) with known or suspected coronary artery disease were screened for this retrospective analysis between January 2021 to March 2023. A total of 161 patients (190 lesions) underwent quantitative coronary angiography and FFR evaluations. Both of target-μFR and vessel-μFR were compared the diagnostic performance using the FFR≤0.80 as the reference standard.
Results: Both target-μFR (R=0.90) and vessel-μFR (R=0.87) demonstrated a strong correlation with FFR, and both methods showed great agreement with FFR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.937 for target-μFR and 0.936 for vessel-μFR in predicting FFR≤0.80. FFR≤0.80 were predicted with high sensitivity (92.98%), specificity (91.01%) and the Youden index (0.840) using the cutoff value of 0.83 for target-μFR. A good diagnostic performance (sensitivity 86.44%, specificity 88.51% and Youden index 0.750) was also demonstrated by vessel-μFR which the cutoff value was 0.80.
Conclusion: The target-μFR has the similar diagnostic performance with vessel-μFR. The accuracy of μFR does not seem to be affected by the selection of the measurement point. Both of the virtual model could be used as computations tools for diagnosing ischemia and to aid clinical decision-making.
Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of bone marrow edema in different parts of the knee joints
Authors: Hu Hao , Liu Hanwen , Yu Kun , Liu Yinshen , LI Maoru , Mao Haili , Guo Xing , Tan Meiyun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in reducing symptoms and normalizing imaging features in periprosthetic bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) of the knee.
Methods
The clinical data of 42 patients with knee bone marrow edema syndrome who attended the Department of Joint Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023 were collected, and they were divided into three groups according to the different parts of the knee edema: the femur group (26 cases), the tibia group (9 cases), and the patella group (7 cases). The visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, the knee score (HSS) of the Hospital for Special Surgery of the United States, and the area of BME on magnetic resonance imaging (cm2 ) were observed before and after three months of shock wave treatment in each group.
Results
Overall VAS score decreased from 5.40 ± 1.624 to 1.57 ± 1.328 before treatment (P < 0.05), and HSS score increased from 83.05 ± 9.063 to 93.00 ± 4.129 before treatment (P < 0.05); the area of BMES decreased from 3.876 ± 3.277 cm2 before treatment to 1.294 ± 0.352 cm2 (P < 0.05) before and after treatment. There was no significant difference between the three groups before and after treatment. (P > 0.05)
Conclusion
Overall ESWT is effective in the treatment of periprosthetic BMES, leading to a decrease in VAS scores, an increase in HSS scores, and a significant decrease in the area of bone marrow edema on T2WI of MRI (except for the patellofemoral group where the decrease in the area of bone marrow edema was not statistically significant, but the overall trend was downward).
Astragaloside IV Suppressed CST1 Expression to Regulate Proliferation and Glycolysis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: An Shan , Cai HongYan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is an all-too-common malignant growth, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 75% to 80% of all occurrences. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a crucial active substance of Astragalus, which has immunomodulatory and anti-tumour functions. The effects of AS-IV on the proliferation and glycolysis progress of NSCLC cells are currently unknown. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of cysteine protease inhibitor (CST1) mRNA in tissues and cells. The changes in CST1, hexokinase 2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) protein levels were ascertained by Western blotting. CCK-8, EdU staining and cell scratch assays were used to measure the variations in the biological properties of NSCLC cells. Lactate production and glucose consumption were measured using kits. Additionally, a mouse subcutaneous xenograft model of NSCLC was constructed to evaluate the influence of AS-IV on the volume and weight of NSCLC tissues, and Ki-67 staining was applied to evaluate cell proliferation. Results: CST1 displayed a marked expression in NSCLC. AS-IV impeded the proliferation, migration and survival of NSCLC cells in a dose-dependent manner. AS-IV also reduced HK2 and PKM2 expression levels and inhibited glycolysis in NSCLC cells. Overexpression of CST1 partly restored the repressive effect of AS-IV on NSCLC progression. However, silencing CST1 strengthened the restraining influence of AS-IV treatment on NSCLC. In addition, AS-IV was able to inhibit tumour growth in vivo. Conclusion: AS-IV can suppress CST1 expression, causing a decrease in the proliferation, migration and glycolysis advancement of NSCLC cells.
In vitro anti-influenza virus (H1N1) activity of eleven species of Korean medicinal mushrooms
Authors: Ryoo Rhim , Lee Hyorim 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Oseltamivir is the most commonly used antiviral drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza. However, there are growing concerns about its use due to the risk of psychiatric side effects.Methods:Eleven species of edible medicinal mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus,Phallus rubrovolvata,Phallus luteus,Morchella esculenta,Grifola frondosa,Sarcodon imbricatus,Tricholoma bakamatsutake,Pachyma hoelen,Sparassis latifolia,Amanita caesareoides,andMarasmius siccus) were collected from forests in Korea to evaluate their anti-influenza A properties. After collection, the identification of each mushroom type was verified with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequencing using fungal-specific primers. Extracts were prepared by heating dried mushroom powder at 100℃ for 2 h. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated by MTT assay. The anti-influenza A properties of each extract were evaluated using the ASTM E1052-11 protocol, which is the international standardized approach.Results:The efficacy of the mushroom extracts against influenza A was evaluated using hot mushroom extract solutions, each of which had a concentration of 10 g powdered mushroom per liter of hot water. This ratio was selected as all of the mushrooms had little cytotoxic effect at this concentration. The influenza virus reduction titer ofPleurotus ostreatuswas 5.519, with a virus removal efficacy of 99.999%. This was the highest antiviral efficacy among the 11 mushroom species. The virus inhibition titers ofPhallus rubrovolvataandP.luteuswere 4.477 and 2.247, respectively. Their virus inhibition efficacies were 99.997% and 99.433%, respectively. The efficacy ofM. esculentawas 90.303%. The antiviral effects ofGrifola% that ofG. frondosawas 78.788%, and that ofS. imbricatuswas 75.758%. The virus suppression efficacy ofTricholoma bakamatsutakeandPachyma hoelenwere 66.667% and 63.636%, respectively. The extract solutions of the remaining three species (Sparassis latifolia,Amanita caesareoides, andMarasmius siccus) all showed a virus reduction efficacy of 60%.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the potential of mushroom extracts for medicinal use as antiviral treatments for influenza A infections.
Developing empathy as a process of re-humanization: insights from South American students and their experiences with contemplative practices.
Authors: Quiroga Gaston Bacquet 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Violence in any of its manifestations is the practice of dehumanizing another. By perpetrating violent acts on another, we diminish their value and take away their dignity. The underlying philosophy of nonviolence, on the other hand, informed as it is by traditions that have historically influenced each other from Hinduism to Western secular movements, is fueled by this understanding and thus, it encourages practitioners to recognize the humanity in the oppressor, in those who are different, have been marginalized or thought of as less valuable. Developing empathy is a key component in the path towards that recognition, and this is why it was a key component of a nonviolence training program undertaken with two groups of trainee teachers in Chile. Participants were led in a series of exercises aimed at fostering empathy and compassion; such exercises were informed by the principles of contemplative pedagogy. Later in the study, participants had an opportunity for leading their peers through empathy-development tasks chosen by themselves. Examples of these exercises include tasks from the Wayfairer project, guided meditation, nonviolent communication exercises, Tonglen meditation and compassion through recognition. Results of the study show success in being able to recognize the humanity of the other through our differences, in recognizing the many shared elements of our human experience and in helping participants develop feelings of warmth and closeness towards others. The challenges of silent meditation were acknowledged, while practices that encouraged sharing were favored.
Immune landscape and TAM density in endometrial cancer: implications for immune checkpoint inhibitors efficacy
Authors: Saux Olivia Le , Sabatier Renaud , Treilleux Isabelle , Renaud Léa-Isabelle , Brachet Pierre-Emmanuel , Martinez Alejandra , Frénel Jean-Sébastien , Abdeddaim Cyril , Berthet Justine , Barrin Sarah , Colombe-Vermorel Amélie , Odeyer Laetitia , Lainé Alexandra , Caux Christophe , Dubois Bertrand , Ray-Coquard Isabelle 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have demonstrated their efficacy in endometrial cancer (EC), mismatch repair deficient/microsatellite instability high (MMRd/MSI-H) and mismatch repair proficient/ microsatellite stable (MMRp/MSS) tumors present different sensitivity profiles to ICI. Moreover, a third of patients with MMRd/MSI-H tumors present primary resistance to ICI alone. We aimed to characterize dissimilarities in the tumor immune microenvironment of ICI-treated MMRd/MSI-H vs MMRp/MSS EC, and to identify possible mechanisms of resistance.
Methods
EC patients treated with ICI in 6 French comprehensive cancer centers were identified and classified as ICI-Responders or Non-Responders based on best objective response. A seven-color multi-immunofluorescence staining (CD20, CD4, CD8, FoxP3, CD68, CK, DAPI) was performed on sections from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary tumors. Cell densities and spatial proximity were analyzed using inForm software. T/B lymphoid aggregates (LA) and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) were separately quantified. Microsatellite status, presence of LA/TLS and immune cell densities were correlated to response to treatment.
Results
Twenty-one MMRd/MSI-H and 12 MMRp/MSS tumors were analyzed. We observed more MMRd/MSI-H tumors with LA/TLS compared to MMRp/MSS cases: 81% vs 17%, p = < 0.001. There were more CD8 + T effector cells in the vicinity of B cells in MMRd/MSI-H tumors compared to MMRp/MSS tumors (1.26 [0-3.40] vs 0.49 [0-1.86], p = 0.017), suggesting cooperation between effector T cells and B cells in MMRd/MSI-H tumors. No differences were shown in terms of the presence of LA/TLS and the subsequent response to ICI in EC (p = 0.400). Using a multivariate logistic regression model, we found that a low density of CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the stroma, was associated with response to ICI in EC (Odds Ratio (OR) = 11.67, CI95 [1.69-237.45], p = 0.033) and showed good accuracy in predicting response to ICI in the whole cohort (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI [0.59–0.91]).
Conclusions
We provide a comprehensive characterization of the immune landscape in EC patients treated with ICIs. The distinct immune infiltrate patterns observed in MMRd/MSI-H and MMRp/MSS tumors, coupled with the significant negative association between TAM density and ICI response, underscore the potential of immune components as predictive biomarkers.
Accessibility to WASH and waste management services in African urban informal settlements: A comparative analysis
Authors: Hassan Abdulhakim Wagini , Zhang Danrong , Ibrahim Muhammad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The study investigates the existing scenario and spatial distribution pattern disparity of service distribution of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and waste management services (WMS) in urban informal settlements within the Zaria metropolis and generates recommendations for the policymakers for improvements. The study highlights challenges in urban settlements, including insufficient water, sanitation, and waste services, contributing to diseases like diarrhea and cholera. It stresses the importance of better water quality, sanitation, and waste management, and highlights the impact of governance and policies on service gaps. It also suggests using collaborative methods and technologies like GIS for solutions, employing GIS and statistics to analyze service availability and access for residents. The findings underscore the dominant role of the private sector in water treatment plant distribution (71.43%) over public facilities (28.57%). It highlights disparities in toilet types between public and private spaces: pit toilets (55.11%) are prevalent in public restrooms, while the data indicate that most water sources are poorly maintained: Only 0.50% of boreholes are newly constructed, while a significant 43.15% are poorly maintained, and 30.62% are well maintained. Moreover, private toilets are predominantly pit toilets, constituting 3.11% of the total, with no water closets toilets reported.
Smoking Behavior Change and the Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Jeong Su-Min , Lee Kyu Na , Lee Heesun , Yoon Ji Won , Han Kyungdo , Shin Dong Wook 
Published: January 2024

Background
Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common initial manifestations of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although smoking is an independent risk factor for HF, there is a lack of data for the incidence of HF according to changes in smoking behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective
We aimed to examine the association between interval changes in smoking behavior and the risk of HF among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service database. We identified 365,352 current smokers with type 2 diabetes who had 2 consecutive health screenings (2009-2012) and followed them until December 31, 2018, for the incident HF. Based on smoking behavior changes between 2 consecutive health screenings, participants were categorized into quitter, reducer I (≥50% reduction) and II (<50% reduction), sustainer (reference group), and increaser groups.

Results
During a median follow-up of 5.1 (IQR 4.0-6.1) years, there were 13,879 HF cases (7.8 per 1000 person-years). Compared to sustainers, smoking cessation was associated with lower risks of HF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.90, 95% CI0.86-0.95), whereas increasers showed higher risks of HF than sustainers; heavy smokers who increased their level of smoking had a higher risk of HF (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.24). In the case of reducers, the risk of HF was not reduced but rather increased slightly (reducer I: aHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.21; reducer II: aHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.98-1.09). Consistent results were noted for subgroup analyses including type 2 diabetes severity, age, and sex.

Conclusions
Smoking cessation was associated with a lower risk of HF among patients with type 2 diabetes, while increasing smoking amount was associated with a higher risk for HF than in those sustaining their smoking amount. There was no benefit from reduction in smoking amount.
Medical Students’ Perceptions on Identifying and Addressing Emotional Responses in Emergency Medicine: Pilot Investigation
Authors: Agarwal Anish Kumar , Gonzales Rachel , Munden Cory , Albright DaCarla , Tsao Suzana 
Published: January 2024

Background
Training in acute care, such as emergency medicine (EM), where exposure to critically ill and injured patients is high, impacts the well-being of trainees and contributes to burnout. Investigating how, and if, trainees prepare for these situations is necessary to ensure they are supported.

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate medical students’ perspectives and emotional preparedness for handling acute care and trauma.

Methods
We conducted a pilot investigation using a remote digital survey of medical students during their EM clerkship at a large, urban academic institution. The primary outcome of interest was student-reported preparedness and comfort in handling trauma and critical care patient encounters. Secondary outcomes included awareness of well-being resources and comfort in accessing digital well-being resources.

Results
A total of 57 medical students completed the voluntary digital survey, and half of the students (n=28, 49%) reported having witnessed the care of a critically ill or a penetrating trauma patient (eg, a victim of gun violence). A majority (n=40, 70%) had thought about how these events may impact them, and over half felt unprepared to identify the emotional impact these cases may have on them (n=31, 54%) or address the emotional or mental health impact (n=36, 63%). Less than a quarter (n=14, 25%) were aware of digital mental health resources, and 58% (n=33) did not feel fully comfortable connecting with resources if needed. Students who had previously witnessed critical care were significantly more likely to report feeling well prepared in identifying the emotional impact and addressing this impact.

Conclusions
In this cross-sectional survey, students did not feel fully prepared to identify or address the emotional impact of working in EM. Additionally, they lacked awareness of or comfort with accessing digital institutional resources meant to support their well-being, such as a large web-based platform. These findings can help inform and guide interventions by educational and academic leaders. The aim would be to create and promote environments that empower students with tools to identify their own emotions and connect to well-being resources.
DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION AND PHARMACOKINETIC EVALUATION OF OPTIMIZED VILDAGLIPTIN SUSTAINED RELEASE MATRIX TABLET USING BOX-BEHNKEN DESIGN
Authors: GUPTA SANJAY KUMAR , PATRA SRADHANJALI 
Published: January 2024

Objective: The principal objective of this research was to develop and optimize cost-effective sustained-release Vildagliptin (VLN) tablets using the wet granulation method.
Methods: The tablets were prepared by the non-aqueous wet granulation method. A Box-Behnken design was used to study the effect of the independent variables, i.e., HPMC K100 M, Eudragit RSPO and PVP K30, on the dependent variables swelling index, in vitro drug release at 8 and 12 h. The drug's physiochemical properties were investigated using ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The hardness, thickness, weight variation, content uniformity, swelling index, and in vitro drug release study of the formulated tablets were all evaluated. The optimized formulation Opt-VLD-SR was evaluated for pharmacokinetic parameters like AUC, Cmax, tmax and MRT.
Results: The FTIR and DSC studies confirmed that no interaction occurred between the drug, polymers and excipients. The crystalline nature of VLN remained unchanged in the optimised formulation tablet, according to DSC studies. With the optimal concentration of both polymers, formulation Opt-VLN delayed drug release for up to 12 h. The formulated Optimized Sustained-release tablets (Opt-VLD-SR) showed significantly lower Cmax±3.01ng/ml) than conventional IR tablets (256.17±8.02ng/ml). In the pharmacokinetic study, the MRT for Optimized-VLD-SR is (7.40h) showed a better result than the Vildagliptin IR marketed product (3.70 h.), which leads to higher bioavailability of Vildagliptin.
Conclusion: Sustained release tablets of VLN with a combination of diffusion and erosion-controlled drug release mechanisms have been successfully developed.
BIOANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF 2-(4-ETHOXYPHENYL SULPHONAMIDO) PENTANE-DIAMIDE, A NOVEL ANTITUMOR AND ANTIANGIOGENIC AGENT, IN RAT SERUM AND APPLICATION OF THE METHOD IN DETERMINATION OF PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS
Authors: YEASMIN NILUFA , MISHRA SUVASISH , SARKER KOUSHIK , SEN SUBRATA 
Published: January 2024

Objective: The present study focuses on the development and validation of a bioanalytical method for the quantification of 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl sulphamido) pentane-diamide, a candidate antitumor and antiangiogenic agent, in rat serum. The developed method was subsequently applied to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of the compound.
Methods: To quantify the compound and determine its pharmacokinetic properties in rats, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) bioanalytical method has been developed and the pharmacokinetic parameters were computed by compartmental model analysis.
Results: A linear relationship was detected within the concentration range of 10 to 5000 ng/ml prepared by adding standard solutions of the test compound to the pooled serum of 10 SD rats, which exhibits high levels of precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. An appreciable recovery in the range of 97.20±0.63 to 93.22±1.48 percent was determined, with no noticeable impact from the matrix. The pharmacokinetic parameters, namely oral absorption rate constant (Ka) (5.054±0.238 1/h), elimination rate constant (KE) (2.585±0.357 h), volume of distribution (V) (8.173±0.333 L/kg), and bioavailability of (73.2%), were determined by the utilization of PK-solver software.
Conclusion: We developed a simple yet precise and validated LC-MS method to analyze the drug candidate in rat serum. Simple protein precipitation and extraction were cost-effective. This bioanalytical approach was successful due to its good linearity, high recoveries, no matrix influence, and matrix stability. PK solver derived I. V. and oral pharmacokinetics parameters from the best-fit one-compartment model. Because of its high oral absorption, biological half-life, and bioavailability, the compound is suitable for oral administration.