bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma and aqueous levels of subfatin, preptin and betatrophin in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Güngör Kobat Sabiha , Gül Fatih Cem , Çelik Fatih , Liman Uzun Seda , Kobat Mehmet Ali , Akkoç Ramazan Fazıl , Aydın Süleyman 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Aim
To examine subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels in plasma and aqueous in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (with and without retinopathy).

Material and method
Sixty patients, who were similar in terms of age and gender, and were scheduled for operation due to cataract, were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as Group C (20 weeks without diabetes and comorbidity), Group DM (20 patients with DM but no retinopathy) and Group DR (20 patients with diabetic retinopathy). The preoperative body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile levels of all patients in the groups were examined. Blood samples were also taken for plasma subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels. At the beginning of the cataract surgery, 0.1 ml of aqueous fluid was taken from the anterior chamber. Plasma and aqueous subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels were analyzed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) method.

Results
In our study results, there was a significant difference in BMI, fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Plasma and aqueous subfatin levels were higher in Group DR compared to Group C (p < 0.001, p = 0.036, respectively). Plasma and aqueous preptin levels were higher in group DR and group DM than in group C (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Plasma and aqueous betatrophin levels were higher in Group DR compared to group C (p = 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively).

Conclusion
Subfatin, preptin and betatrophin molecules may have an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for CYBB heterozygous mutation resulting in very early onset inflammatory bowel disease in children: a case report
Authors: Li Zhiling , Chen Huan , Feng Xiaoqin , Ruan Yongsheng , Yang Min 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with environmental triggers and dysregulated immune responses resulting in chronic, recurrent intestinal inflammation. Very early-onset IBD (VEO-IBD) refers to patients with symptoms or diagnosis before the age of 6 years and is widely thought to be associated with monogenic mutations. Traditional drug therapy is often ineffective in this patient population, while hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents the definitive cure for patients with gene mutations.

Case presentation
We report a case of VEO-IBD associated with a monogenic mutation in a 2-year-old girl presenting mainly with gastrointestinal symptoms, including recurrent hematochezia and abdominal pain for more than 3 months. A gastroscopy revealed erosive gastritis and bulbar duodenitis, while a colonoscopy indicated erosive colitis. Abnormal results were obtained from the dihydrohodamine (DHR) assay and immunoglobulin testing. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous and de novo nonsense mutation (c.388 C > T; p.R130X) in the CYBB gene leading to deficiency of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2) (encoded by CYBB), a critical component of phagocytes. HSCT was performed successfully, and the DHR assay showed that normal neutrophil function was restored. Six months after HSCT, clinical remission was observed, and a repeat colonoscopy revealed intestinal mucosal healing was attained.

Conclusions
Patients with CYBB mutations often develop recurrent or severe bacterial or fungal infections, mostly in the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, and liver. Here, we report on a young female child with CYBB mutations presenting predominantly with gastrointestinal symptoms. This study explores the mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease caused by a monogenic mutation in CYBB to improve early diagnosis and effective treatment rates of this patient population.
Bacterium detected by gram stain and drug sensitivity in Chinese children with acute sinusitis
Authors: Li Yan , Zeng Yinhui , Xiao Haiqing , Liu Wenlong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the common diseases of upper respiratory tract infection in children. Bacterial infection is a significant aggravating factor in pediatric ARS. In this research, our goal was to detected the bacterial flora and antibiotic sensitivity of ARS in Chinese children.

Methods
We recruited 133 children with ARS between January 2020 and January 2022 from our hospital. Sinus secretion were collected and cultured for Gram stain as well as antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Results
Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected in order in children with ARS, of which 25% were negative for bacterial culture and 10% were positive for two strains. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium were useful for Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Quinolones are useful for Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions
This research updates the proportion of ARS bacterial infection in children in southern China and the antibiotic sensitivity.
Public health priorities for Sino-Africa cooperation in Eastern Africa in context of flooding and malaria burden in Children: a tridecadal retrospective analysis
Authors: Balikuddembe Joseph Kimuli , Reinhardt Jan D. , Zeng Wen , Tola Habteyes , Di Baofeng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a major public health burden to children under five, especially in Eastern Africa (E.A), —a region that is also witnessing the increasing occurrence of floods and extreme climate change. The present study, therefore, explored the trends in floods, as well as the association of their occurrence and duration with the malaria incidence in children < 5 years in five E.A partner countries of Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Tanzania between 1990 and 2019.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of data retrieved from two global sources was performed: the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) and the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) between 1990 and 2019. Using SPSS 20.0, a correlation was determined based on ρ= -1 to + 1, as well as the statistical significance of P = < 0.05. Time plots of trends in flooding and malaria incidence were generated in 3 different decades using R version 4.0.

Results
Between 1990 and 2019, the occurrence and duration of floods among the five E.A partner countries of FOCAC increased and showed an upward trend. On the contrary, however, this had an inverse and negative, as well as a weak correlation on the malaria incidence in children under five years. Only Kenya, among the five countries, showed a perfect negative correction of malaria incidence in children under five with flood occurrence (ρ = -0.586**, P-value = 0.001) and duration (ρ = -0.657**, P-value = < 0.0001).

Conclusions
This study highlights the need for further research to comprehensively explore how different climate extreme events, which oftentimes complement floods, might be influencing the risk of malaria in children under five in five E.A malaria-endemic partner countries of FOCAC. Similarly, it ought to consider investigating the influence of other attributes apart from flood occurrence and duration, which also compound floods like displacement, malnutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene on the risk and distribution of malaria and other climate-sensitive diseases.
Validation of the recording of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in routinely collected electronic healthcare records in England
Authors: Morgan Ann , Gupta Rikisha Shah , George Peter M. , Quint Jennifer K. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Routinely-collected healthcare data provide a valuable resource for epidemiological research. Validation studies have shown that for most conditions, simple lists of clinical codes can reliably be used for case finding in primary care, however, studies exploring the robustness of this approach are lacking for diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) which are largely managed in secondary care.

Method
Using the UK’s Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum dataset, which comprises patient-level primary care records linked to national hospital admissions and cause-of-death data, we compared the positive predictive value (PPV) of eight diagnostic algorithms. Algorithms were developed based on the literature and IPF diagnostic guidelines using combinations of clinical codes in primary and secondary care (SNOMED-CT or ICD-10) with/without additional information. The positive predictive value (PPV) was estimated for each algorithm using the death record as the gold standard. Utilization of the reviewed codes across the study period was observed to evaluate any change in coding practices over time.

Result
A total of 17,559 individuals had a least one record indicative of IPF in one or more of our three linked datasets between 2008 and 2018. The PPV of case-finding algorithms based on clinical codes alone ranged from 64.4% (95%CI:63.3–65.3) for a “broad” codeset to 74.9% (95%CI:72.8–76.9) for a “narrow” codeset comprising highly-specific codes. Adding confirmatory evidence, such as a CT scan, increased the PPV of our narrow code-based algorithm to 79.2% (95%CI:76.4–81.8) but reduced the sensitivity to under 10%. Adding evidence of hospitalisation to the standalone code-based algorithms also improved PPV, (PPV = 78.4 vs. 64.4%; sensitivity = 53.5% vs. 38.1%). IPF coding practices changed over time, with the increased use of specific IPF codes.

Conclusion
High diagnostic validity was achieved by using a restricted set of IPF codes. While adding confirmatory evidence increased diagnostic accuracy, the benefits of this approach need to be weighed against the inevitable loss of sample size and convenience. We would recommend use of an algorithm based on a broader IPF code set coupled with evidence of hospitalisation.
CircZNF367 promotes osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis by interacting with FUS to maintain CRY2 mRNA stability
Authors: Deng Mingsi , Wang Zhengguang , Luo Jia , Cao Heng , Li Yong , Chen Liangjian , Liu Gengyan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone quality, is a significant health concern for postmenopausal women. Considering that the specific role of circRNAs in osteoporosis and osteoclast differentiation remains poorly understood, this study aims to shed light on their involvement in these processes to enhance our understanding and potentially contribute to improved treatment strategies for osteoporosis.

Methods
An osteoporotic model was constructed in vivo in ovariectomized mouse. In vitro, we induced osteoclast formation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) using M-CSF + RANKL. To assess osteoporosis in mice, we conducted HE staining. We used MTT and TRAP staining to measure cell viability and osteoclast formation, respectively, and also evaluated their mRNA and protein expression levels. In addition, RNA pull-down, RIP and luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate interactions, and ChIP assay was used to examine the impact of circZNF367 knockdown on the binding between FUS and CRY2.

Results
We observed increased expression of CircZNF367, FUS and CRY2 in osteoporotic mice and M-CSF + RANKL-induced BMDMs. Functionally, knocking down circZNF367 inhibited osteoporosis in vivo. Furthermore, interference with circZNF367 suppressed osteoclast proliferation and the expression of TRAP, NFATc1, and c-FOS. Mechanistically, circZNF367 interacted with FUS to maintain CRY2 mRNA stability. Additionally, knocking down CRY2 rescued M-CSF + RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in BMDMs promoted by circZNF367 and FUS.

Conclusion
This study reveals that the circZNF367/FUS axis may accelerate osteoclasts differentiation by upregulating CRY2 in osteoporosis and suggests that targeting circZNF367 may have potential therapeutic effects on osteoporosis.
The difference and clinical application of modified thoracolumbar fracture classification scoring system in guiding clinical treatment
Authors: Wenjie Lu , Jiaming Zhang , Weiyu Jiang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the modified thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score system in guiding clinical treatment.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of 120 patients with thoracolumbar fractures who were admitted to the Department of Spinal Surgery at Ningbo Sixth Hospital between December 2019 and June 2021. The study population consisted of 68 males and 52 females, with an average age of 36.7 ± 5.7 years. The severity of the fractures was assessed based on comprehensive scores incorporating fracture morphology, neurological function, posterior ligament complex integrity, and disc injury status. The evaluation was performed using the total score T, which guided the formulation of the clinical treatment strategy. Furthermore, the study compared the treatment options, imaging data, and clinical efficacy between two classification systems.

Results
The analysis of 120 patients revealed no statistically significant difference in the total score or treatment method between the TLICS system and the modified TLICS system. However, the operation rate for the modified TLICS system (73.3%) was slightly lower compared to the TLICS system (79.2%). All patients were followed up for a mean duration of 19.2 ± 4.6 months, ranging from 11 to 27 months. At the last follow-up, the visual analogue scale score was 1.94 ± 0.52, and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 28.8 ± 4.5, indicating a significant improvement compared to the scores obtained prior to treatment. The neurological status exhibited varying degrees of improvement. Notably, the anterior vertebral height ratio was 87.10 ± 7.17%, the sagittal index was 90.35 ± 7.72%, and the Cobb angle was 3.05 ± 0.97 degrees at the last follow-up. All these measurements demonstrated statistically significant differences compared to the values observed prior to treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, two cases of pedicle screw breakage and seven cases of pedicle screw wear and cutting in the vertebral body were observed at the last follow-up, resulting in varying degrees of low back pain. However, no instances of rod breakage were reported.

Conclusion
The modified TLICS system is a practical tool for the classification and assessment of thoracolumbar fractures. It has guiding significance for clinical treatment, and the operation rate was slightly lower than that of TLICS system.
Comparison between the effects of epidural lidocaine, tramadol, and lidocaine–tramadol on postoperative pain in cats undergoing elective orchiectomy
Authors: Vullo Cecilia , Falcone Annastella , Marino Gabriele , Monti Salvatore , Tambella Adolfo Maria , Bufalari Antonello , Catone Giuseppe 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn veterinary clinical practice, orchiectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures for cats and is performed mainly in young animals. The purpose of this study was to compare three different epidural (EP) analgesic protocols used in cats undergoing orchiectomy in order to determine which protocol resulted in superior outcomes in terms of perioperative analgesia. Twenty-one client-owned male cats were premedicated with a combination of dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) injected intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced intravenously with propofol. Cats were randomly divided in three treatment groups of seven animals each: Group L received EP lidocaine (2 mg/kg), Group T received EP tramadol (1 mg/kg), and Group LT received EP lidocaine (2 mg/kg) plus tramadol (1 mg/kg). The post-operative pain level was assessed using two different scales: the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Feline (CMPS-F) and the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS). Rescue analgesia was administered when the CMPS-F total score was ≥5 or the FGS total score was ≥4.ResultsNo adverse effects related to tramadol or lidocaine were observed. Based on post-operative pain assessments, significant differences between groups were observed according to both pain scoring systems. In particular, in Group LT, the CMPS-F and FGS scores decreased significantly in the first six hours following castration.ConclusionsBased on our results, EP lidocaine plus tramadol provided the best post-operative analgesic effects in cats submitted to orchiectomy lasting 6 h and could also be a choice to consider for longer surgical procedures.
Development of the livestock pathogen Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) simiae in the tsetse fly with description of putative sexual stages from the proboscis
Authors: Peacock Lori , Kay Chris , Collett Clare , Bailey Mick , Gibson Wendy 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Tsetse-transmitted African animal trypanosomiasis is recognised as an important disease of ruminant livestock in sub-Saharan Africa, but also affects domestic pigs, with Trypanosoma simiae notable as a virulent suid pathogen that can rapidly cause death. Trypanosoma simiae is widespread in tsetse-infested regions, but its biology has been little studied compared to T. brucei and T. congolense.

Methods
Trypanosoma simiae procyclics were cultured in vitro and transfected using protocols developed for T. brucei. Genetically modified lines, as well as wild-type trypanosomes, were transmitted through tsetse flies, Glossina pallidipes, to study T. simiae development in the tsetse midgut, proventriculus and proboscis. The development of proventricular trypanosomes was also studied in vitro. Image and mensural data were collected and analysed.

Results
A PFR1::YFP line successfully completed development in tsetse, but a YFP::HOP1 line failed to progress beyond midgut infection. Analysis of image and mensural data confirmed that the vector developmental cycles of T. simiae and T. congolense are closely similar, but we also found putative sexual stages in T. simiae, as judged by morphological similarity to these stages in T. brucei. Putative meiotic dividers were abundant among T. simiae trypanosomes in the proboscis, characterised by a large posterior nucleus and two anterior kinetoplasts. Putative gametes and other meiotic intermediates were also identified by characteristic morphology. In vitro development of proventricular forms of T. simiae followed the pattern previously observed for T. congolense: long proventricular trypanosomes rapidly attached to the substrate and shortened markedly before commencing cell division.

Conclusions
To date, T. brucei is the only tsetse-transmitted trypanosome with experimentally proven capability to undergo sexual reproduction, which occurs in the fly salivary glands. By analogy, sexual stages of T. simiae or T. congolense are predicted to occur in the proboscis, where the corresponding portion of the developmental cycle takes place. While no such stages have been observed in T. congolense, for T. simiae putative sexual stages were abundant in the tsetse proboscis. Although our initial attempt to demonstrate expression of a YFP-tagged, meiosis-specific protein was unsuccessful, the future application of transgenic approaches will facilitate the identification of meiotic stages and hybrids in T. simiae.

Graphical Abstract
LncRNA00638 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal mesenchymal stem cells from periodontitis patients under static mechanical strain
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Yan Qing , Liu Xulin , Gao Jie , Xu Yuerong , Jin Zuolin , Qin Wen 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The osteogenic differentiation capacity of periodontal mesenchymal stem cells (PDLSCs) can be influenced by different levels of static mechanical strain (SMS) in an inflammatory microenvironment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various physiological processes. However, the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs remain unclear.

Methods
We investigated the responses of PDLSCs obtained from periodontitis patients and healthy people to 8% and 12%SMS. Gene microarray and bioinformatics analyses were implemented and identified lncRNA00638 as a target gene for the osteogenesis of PDLSCs from periodontitis patients under SMS. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis was applied and predicted interactions among lncRNA00638, miRNA-424-5p, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). Gene expression levels were regulated by lentiviral vectors. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, alkaline phosphatase assays, and Alizarin Red S staining were used to examine the osteogenic potential. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to detect the expression levels of related genes and proteins.

Results
We found that 8% and 12% SMS exerted distinct effects on HPDLSCs and PPDLSCs, with 12% SMS having the most significant effect. By microarray analysis, we detected differentially expressed lncRNAs/mRNAs between 12% SMS strained and static PPDLSCs, among which lncRNA00638 was detected as a positive target gene to promote the osteogenic differentiation of PPDLSCs under SMS loading. Mechanistically, lncRNA00638 may act as a ceRNA for miR-424-5p to compete with FGFR1. In this process, lncRNA00638 and miR-424-5p suppress each other and form a network to regulate FGFR1.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that the lncRNA00638/miRNA-424-5p/FGFR1 regulatory network is actively involved in the regulation of PDLSC osteogenic differentiation from periodontitis patients under SMS loading, which may provide evidence for optimizing orthodontic treatments in patients with periodontitis.