bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines in Diseased Cervical Intervertebral Disc is Associated with Discogenic Neck Pain
Authors: kang xinjian , Qian Man , Zhao Dawei , Qin Tao , Liu Mingli , Xu Haiwei , Xu Baoshan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Chronic neck pain is frequently encountered in clinical practice, but its etiology is still poorly understood. The degenerative cervical intervertebral disc is the main cause of chronic neck pain reported, accounting for about 16%-41% of all incidents. Inflammation is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and the occurrence of discogenic low back pain; however, whether inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain has not been reported in the literature. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and discogenic neck pain and to elucidate the possible pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain.
Methods: A total of 111 intervertebral disc samples were collected during the present study: 38 samples from the discogenic neck pain group, 41 samples from the symptomatic control group, and 32 samples from the normal control group. The concentration in each sample of NO, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF- α was determined using ELISA and then statistically analyzed as to whether there were significant differences among the three groups.
Results: The expression of inflammatory cytokines in disc samples from patients with severe neck pain was increased in comparison with the disc samples from patients without or with only mild neck pain and fresh cadavers. The differences are statistically significant（P＜0.001). However, the difference of the degree of disc degeneration was not statistically significant between the discogenic neck pain group and symptomatic control group（P＞0.05).
Conclusions: The increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in diseased cervical intervertetral discs may play a key role in the pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain. Although inflammation is involved in intervertebral disc degeneration, there is no linear positive correlation between the concentration of inflammatory cytokines and the degree of disc degeneration.
Biochemical and Molecular Evaluation of Drought Tolerance promising sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)
Authors: Abougabal Ashgan A. , Khalid Ahmed E. , Mehareb Eid M. E. , Haraz Asmaa S. M. , Elfaramawy Asmaa M. M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background:
(Saccharum. spp L.) Is an economic crop cultivated in the tropical and subtropical zones. Sugarcane crop faces all types of environmental constraints due to its long life cycle period. Among various stresses, drought creates major obstacle to sugarcane production. Sugarcane plant responds to such stress by activating various biochemical and molecular attributes. Therefore, this experiment was undertaken to elucidate a change in biochemical and differential expression profile of genes associated with drought under greenhouse condition by using ten sugarcane genotypes (GT.54 − 9, G.2009-11, K.81113, M.35–157, G.2003-49, G.84 − 47, G.2000-3, G.99–103, G.2004-27 and G.2003-47). Stress was imposed 120 days after planting by three stressed levels of water stress (87.5, 75 and 62.5%) according to Reference evapotranspiration (ET0).
Results:
The obtained results showed significant differences among productivity, biochemical and molecular responses in all genotypes. However, drought tolerant genotypes G.2004-27 and G.2003-47 were found better than others in maintaining an increase in biochemical antioxidant activities and molecular traits that resulted in better recovery and relatively high yield quality.
Conclusion:
The fact that sugarcane crop presents one of the largest and most intricate genomes of the plant kingdom, with diploid numbers ranging from 100 to 130 chromosomes, indicating a high ploidy level, as well as regular aneuploidy events. On the other hand drought stress can produce irreversible alterations that could induce plant death and causes several changes in sugarcane. Because of this complexity, the use of molecular tools represents an attractive approach for improving sugarcane breeding programs. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a good tool allowing the detection of variations in gene expression, including discreetly transcribed genes.
Crop Monitoring and Biomass Estimation Based on Downscaled Remote Sensing Data in AquaCrop model (Case Study: Qazvin plain, Iran)
Authors: Bahmanabadi Bahare , Kaviani Abbass , Etedali Hadi Ramezani 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In order to ensure food security, it is necessary to be noticed of crop conditions before harvest time. In this study, the fusion of satellite images was considered to monitor the fodder corn growth trend in three study areas. This research was carried out in three parts: remote sensing, crop modeling, and creating a connection between these two parts. In the remote sensing phase, after implementing the downscaling algorithm and producing the LAI time series, results were compared with the values estimated from Landsat 8 and MODIS images, which were overestimated in all cases and also showed a high correlation of 95%. In the crop modeling section, AquaCrop model was first calibrated and implemented in each growth stage based on the measured observation data in each field, the accuracy of the simulated model was checked, according to the results of the Statistical indicators. The model was calibrated with high accuracy (NRMSE=10% and RMSE=0.03 (ton/ha)) at a significant level of 95% and was associated with underestimation. To relay on 70% of data relationship between the downscaled LAI and the calibrated CC (Crop Canopy) was estimated, using the SVM decision support algorithm and then validated by the other 30% remaining data (R2=0.99, NRMSE=0.01). Consequently, CC was predicted. Finally, biomass values ​​were compared with the observed biomass values. According to the results of statistical indicators (RMSE=0.19 (Ton/ha), NRMSE=0.01, R2=0.96), the accuracy in biomass estimation was high, and there was a high correlation between observed and remote sensing biomass values. Therefore, the accuracy of the investigated model and method is reliable based on statistical results and can be used to simulate and estimate biomass before harvesting.
Effect of metformin on the prognosis of chemoradiotherapy cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies
Authors: Wang Da , Zhao Penglai , Dong Xiaohua , Ma Haizhong , Yu Miao , Yang Kehu , Cai Hui 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Metformin is a well-known drug used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes; nevertheless, the efficacy of metformin as an adjuvant in cancer therapy is still up for debate. We analyzed data from randomized trials and cohort studies to assess metformin's potential in chemoradiotherapy for cancer patients.
Method
A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to December 01, 2022; 16 randomized trials and 29 cohort studies were identified. The primary outcome was OS, followed by PFS. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were created using random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to investigate heterogeneity. Publication bias assessment was performed.
Result
Metformin usage was mainly shown to be substantially linked to OS (HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80–0.97). Subgroup analysis revealed that diabetic individuals on metformin had a substantially decreased risk of mortality when grouped by whether the study population was diabetic or not (HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.50–0.76). Patients receiving just chemotherapy had a longer OS when grouped by radiation status (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63–0.89). Further stratified analysis found that in the diabetic population, metformin improves prognosis in all cases (chemoradiotherapy, HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46–0.88; radiotherapy alone, HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.71). Metformin, on the other hand, enhanced prognosis in patients receiving chemotherapy alone in conjunction with diabetes alone (diabetic, HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77; non-diabetic, HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65–1.27; partial diabetes, HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.99). Metformin usage and PFS were not significantly correlated in the total study (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81–1.16). Analyses of subgroups failed to reach statistical significance either. Only diabetes had a substantial impact on the combined OS result, according to heterogeneity tests, but the combined PFS outcome was unaffected. In the research, there was no discernible publication bias.
Conclusion
The results of our meta-analysis showed that metformin helped cancer patients with diabetes have a better prognosis, whether they got radiation, chemotherapy, or all three at the same time.
Prenatal exposure to maternal disadvantage-related inflammatory biomarkers: Associations with neonatal white matter connectivity
Authors: Sanders Ashley , Tirado Brian , Seider Nicole , Triplett Regina , Lean Rachel , Neil Jeffrey , Miller J. , Tillman Rebecca , Smyser Tara , Barch Deanna , Luby Joan , Rogers Cynthia , Smyser Christopher , Warner Barbara , Chen Edith , Miller Gregory 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Prenatal exposure to heightened maternal inflammation has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including atypical brain maturation and psychiatric illness. In mothers experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, immune activation can be a product of the chronic stress inherent to such environmental hardship. While growing preclinical and clinical evidence has shown links between altered neonatal brain development and increased inflammatory states in utero, the potential mechanism by which socioeconomic disadvantage differentially impacts neural-immune crosstalk remains unclear. In the current study, we investigated the relationships among socioeconomic disadvantage, gestational inflammation, and neonatal white matter connectivity in 320 mother-infant dyads over-sampled for poverty. We analyzed maternal serum levels of four cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) over the course of pregnancy in relation to offspring white matter connectivity and socioeconomic disadvantage. Higher average maternal IL-6 was associated with very low socioeconomic status (SES; INR < 200% poverty line) and lower neonatal corticospinal and uncinate FA and, in most tracts, lower AD. Higher average maternal IL-10 was associated with lower FA but higher RD in corticospinal and inferior cingulum tracts. Family SES moderated the relationship between average maternal TNF-α levels during gestation and neonatal white matter diffusivity, such that the association was significant and positive in the lower-to-higher SES (INR ≥ 200% poverty line) neonates for superior cingulum MD, but significant and negative in the very low SES neonates for inferior cingulum and fornix AD. Taken together, these findings suggest that the relationship between prenatal cytokine exposure and white matter development differs as a function of SES. This raises important public health questions regarding how biological mechanisms diverge depending upon foundational resources in utero.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of five antibiotics in treating MRSA infections: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Ju Gehang , Su Hong , Huang Ling , Luo Rongyao , Jiang Yueping , Huang Qi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
A considerable number of researches compared the effectiveness and safety different antibiotics for a disease caused by MRSA. However, comprehensive evaluated antibiotic therapeutic different diseases caused by MRSA is lacking. The network meta-analysis (NMA) comprehensively compared the effectiveness and safety of linezolid, teicoplanin, daptomycin, and tigecycline with vancomycin in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-caused diseases. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wan-fang databases were searched for studies until Sep 28, 2021. All eligible randomized controlled trials of five antibiotics were included in the NMA, and their effectiveness and safety were compared in various MRSA-attributed diseases. The dichotomous variables adopted for the odds ratio (OR) and the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) to evaluate the incidence rate. The study was performed using Rev Man 5.4 and STATA 16.0 software. SUCRA analysis revealed the superiority of linezolid to other antibiotics in total effectiveness rate (98.9%), microbial killing rate (99.6%), and total nephrotoxicity (17.8%). Regarding safety, the total adverse reaction rate of vancomycin was inferior to teicoplanin (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30–0.80). Vancomycin total hepatotoxicity was inferior to linezolid (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18–0.73) and tigecycline (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.66), and it was also inferior to linezolid (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24–0.47) and teicoplanin (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.69) in total nephrotoxicity. Linezolid had a higher risk of thrombocytopenia than teicoplanin (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.26–14.24) and vancomycin (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.17–3.90). Moreover, linezolid exhibited higher effectiveness in pneumonia compared to vancomycin (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.58–2.69) and teicoplanin (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.06–2.62). For skin and soft-tissue infections, linezolid showed superior effectiveness to vancomycin (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.20–2.18). Regarding the microbial killing rate, vancomycin was inferior to linezolid in pneumonia (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.29–0.49), skin soft-tissue infection (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.79), and other infections (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20–0.83). And teicoplanin was inferior to linezolid in treating pneumonia (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33–0.81) and other infections (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.86). The present research suggest that linezolid may be a better option for treating MRSA-caused diseases. However, caution is warranted owing to linezolid-associated thrombocytopenia.
Association of the combination of obstructive sleep apnea risk and sleep duration with ideal cardiovascular health metrics in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Ziwei , Zhao Yinjiao , Song Peiyu , Chen Xiaoyu , Han Peipei , Ding Wei , Zhang Liming , Yu Chen , Ma Huizhi , Guo Qi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the separated and combined associations of OSA risk and sleep duration with ideal cardiovascular health metrics in HD patients.
Methods: 470 HD participants (average: 59.48±12.89 y, 281 men) were included in this study. Sleep duration was measured as self-reported average sleep time during the previous month. OSA risk was evaluated by using STOP-BANG questionnaire. Participants were divided the into three groups by the number of ideal CVH metrics: 0-2,3-4, and 5-7. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to model the associations of CVH metrics with sleep duration, OSA risk, and their combined effects by adjusting for certain covariates.
Results: After adjusting for covariates, short sleep duration (< 7h) (OR=0.53; 95% CI [ 0.30, 0.92]) and OSA risk (OR=0.58; 95% CI [0.32, 0.83]) were negative associated with better CVH (ideal vs. intermediate; intermediate vs. poor), respectively. For HD patients with both short sleep duration and OSA risk, the proportional odds of having better CVH were 72% lower (odds ratio 0.28 [95% CI 0.13, 0.60]).
Conclusions: Short sleep duration and OSA risk are separated and combined related to poor CVH in hemodialysis patients. Suitable interventions for sleep may minimize the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease.
Predicting the outcome of surgically treated patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ye Gengzhao , Huang Shuna , Wu Xiyue , Lin Fuxin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background and Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest type of stroke, and surgery is still one of the main treatment options for ICH. The aim of this study was to establish a prognostic model for surgically treated ICH patients.
Methods: Data for this study were drawn from a national multicenter observational cohort study (ClinicalTrials identifier NCT03862729). Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≥ 4 at discharge. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from surgery to death or last follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant variables associated with poor outcome. Associations of the variables with OS were assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression models. Prognostic scores were developed based on the regression coefficients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to assess the predictive value of the model. Subgroup analyses were performed by splitting centers to assess the applicability of the two models.
Results: Out of 1164 patients in the database, a total of 182 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), deep ICH and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage were independent predictors of poor outcome. Age, preoperative GCS, presence of hydrocephalus and postoperative re-hemorrhage were independently associated with OS. Based on the results, two risk score models were established. The AUC of poor outcome risk (POR) score was 0.850 (95% CI 0.782 - 0.918) and the cut-off value was -0.982. 93.7% of patients identified as high-risk group had poor outcomes. The C-index of overall survival risk (OSR) score was 0.802 (95% CI 0.748-0.856). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly (P < 0.001) lower survival probability in the high-risk group. Subgroup analyses showed no significant change in C-index and AUC values between groups.
Conclusions: Our study proposed two new prognostic models for surgically treated ICH patients.
Subunit gating resulting from individual protonation events in Kir2 channels
Authors: Maksaev Grigory , Bründl-Jirout Michael , Stary-Weinzinger Anna , Zangerl-Plessl Eva-Maria , Lee Sun , Nichols Colin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels play a critical role in stabilizing the membrane potential, thus controlling numerous physiological phenomena in multiple tissues. Channel conductance is activated by cytoplasmic modulators that open the channel at the 'helix bundle crossing' (HBC), formed by the coming together of the M2 helices from each of the four subunits, at the cytoplasmic end of the transmembrane pore. We introduced a negative charge at the bundle crossing region (G178D) in classical inward rectifier Kir2.2 channel subunits that forces channel opening, allowing pore wetting and free movement of permeant ions between the cytoplasm and the inner cavity. Single-channel recordings reveal a striking pH-dependent subconductance behavior in G178D (or G178E and equivalent Kir2.1[G177E]) mutant channels that reflects individual subunit events. These subconductance levels are well resolved temporally and occur independently, with no evidence of cooperativity. Decreasing cytoplasmic pH shifts the probability towards lower conductance levels, and molecular dynamics simulations show how protonation of Kir2.2[G178D] and, additionally, the rectification controller (D173) pore-lining residues leads to changes in pore solvation, K+ ion occupancy, and ultimately K+ conductance. While subconductance gating has long been discussed, resolution and explanation have been lacking. The present data reveals how individual protonation events change the electrostatic microenvironment of the pore, resulting in distinct, uncoordinated, and relatively long-lasting conductance states, which depend on levels of ion pooling in the pore and the maintenance of pore wetting. Gating and conductance are classically understood as separate processes in ion channels. The remarkable sub-state gating behavior of these channels reveals how intimately connected ‘gating’ and ‘conductance’ are in reality.
A Comparative Study to Evaluate Microstrain of Low-profile Attachment Associated with and Without Bar Connection in Implant Assisted Mandibular Overdenture (In Vitro Study)
Authors: Ameen Norhan M. , El-Khodary Nabila , Abdel-Hamid Ahmed M. , Fahmy Aml E. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Edentulous patients can have substantial difficulties using their conventional complete dentures due to a lack of retention, support, and stability and the related compromise in chewing ability. Endosseous implants have been shown to be a valuable rehabilitation for completely edentulous patients. Various attachment systems can be used for retaining mandibular overdentures such as bar, ball and socket, magnet, and locator. This study was done to compare the microstrain transmitted to peri-implant tissues of implant-assisted mandibular overdenture using two different low profile attachment designs; OT- Equator attachment with and without bar attachment.
Materials and Methods: A completely edentulous epoxy resin mandibular model was used, in which two parallel dental implants were inserted at the canine region bilaterally and one in the midline. Sixteen identical complete edentulous mandibular overdentures were fabricated following conventional, standardized techniques and were divided equally between two groups according to the design and placement of the OT-Equator. Group I were kept solitary with OT- Equator attachment loaded on three implants, while group II were splinted of three implants with a bar associated with 2 OT- Equator attachments in-between. Sixteen identical mandibular complete overdentures were constructed to which attachments were picked up. The difference in stress distribution was measured using strain gauges and compared between the two studied groups. Vertical load of 100 N using the universal testing machine were applied unilaterally on the left mesial fossae of mandibular first molar and bilaterally on bar attached in mandibular premolar molar region of the overdentures.
Results: Results revealed a statistically significant difference between groups I and II upon application of vertical bilateral and unilateral loading of 100 N, with mean microstrain values of P 0.05. Group I (OT-Equator attachment) showed lower strain values than Group II (OT-Equator bar attachment) upon application of vertical, unilateral, and bilateral loading of 100 N.
There was a positive correlation between the diameter of the attachment and the magnitude of stresses that are transferred to the cortical bone.
Conclusions: There was statistically significant difference in microstrain values at the peri implant tissues between OT-Equator attachment group and OT-Equator bar attachment group for implant assisted mandibular overdenture upon application of unilateral and bilateral vertical loading 100 N, Solitary OT-Equator attachment showed less microstrain values with favorable stress distribution when compared to OT-Equator bar attachment for implant-assisted mandibular overdenture.
Bitumen Modified with Resins Obtained from Coal Coking Liquid Products: Nature, Adhesive and Rheological Properties
Authors: Pyshyev Serhiy , Prysiazhnyi Yuriy , Borbeyiyong Guri , Vytrykush Nataliya 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Coumarone-indene (CIR) and coumarone-indene-carbazole resins (CICR) were obtained by ionic cooligomerization based on fractions extracted from liquid products of coal coking (gasoline fractions and coal tar). CIR and CICR are used as road bitumen modifiers to improve thermal resistance and adhesion. A cheap plasticizer has been selected to be used with CIR to produce polymer-modified bitumen (PMB). The change in the composition and properties of bitumen modified with CIR was described. A method for estimating the change in the adhesion properties of bitumen at low temperatures has been developed, which simulates the behavior of bitumen during the operation of pavements in winter and during sharp changes in weather conditions. The possibility of using the obtained CICR as adhesive enhancers for bitumen has been established. It is shown that the addition of these resins significantly increases the adhesion of bitumen to the surface of granite gravel and glass.