bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Combination of Cerebrospinal fluid and blood Presepsin for Postoperative Meningitis after Neurosurgery: Single-Center Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Takemoto Kiyoshi , Yamamoto Tomonori , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Matsuyama Takeshi , Atagi Kazuaki 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective:
Post-neurosurgical meningitis (PNM) is a serious complication in neurocritical care patients, leading to clinical deterioration and worsening outcomes. Accurate diagnosis of PNM is often difficult due to the lack of a definitive diagnostic biomarker. This study investigated the usefulness of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and blood presepsin (PSP) for the diagnosis of PNM.
Methods:
We conducted a single-center prospective observational study at Nara Prefecture General Medical Center in Nara, Japan, from April 2020 to March 2022. The postoperative neurosurgical patients with suspected PNM were included in the study and divided into PNM and non-PNM groups. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, area under curves (AUCs), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for the diagnosis of PNM with CSF PSP, blood PSP, and CSF/blood PSP ratio compared in the two groups.
Results:
27 patients suspected of PNM were included and 9 patients were clinical diagnosis with PNM. The results of CSF PSP (cut-off: 548 pg/mL) for the diagnosis of PNM were sensitivity 89%, specificity 72%, PPV 62%, and NPV 93%, AUC 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.98], blood PSP (cut-off: 226 pg/mL) was 78%, 56%, 47%, and 83%, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.40–0.87], and those of CSF/blood PSP ratio (cut-off: 3.79) was 67%, 83%, 67%, and 83%, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.58–0.97].
Conclusion:
This current study suggested that CSF PSP and CSF/blood PSP ratio may be useful indicators for the diagnostic accuracy of PNM.
Medical Student Experiences of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: an Ecological Systems Theory Analysis
Authors: Nolan Helen Anne , Owen Katherine 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

BackgroundIssues relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) significantly impact on medical student achievement and wellbeing. Interventions have been introduced at curricular and organizational levels, yet progress in addressing these issues remains limited. Timely evaluation is needed to assess effectiveness of interventions, and to explore issues and interactions in learning environments impacting on student experience. We introduced an anonymous question concerning students’ experiences of EDI into routine online student feedback questionnaires, to scope the nature of ongoing issues and develop greater understanding of students’ experiences in our programme environment. Ecological systems theory, which conceptualizes learning as a function of complex social interactions, determined by characteristics of individual learners and their environment, provides a framework for understanding.MethodsFree-text responses regarding experiences of EDI gathered over 20 months from all programme years (n = 760) were pooled for analysis, providing a holistic overview of experiences in the learning environment. Content analysis of the qualitative dataset was undertaken. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model was applied as a framework to demonstrate interdependencies between respondents’ experiences and environments, and associated impacts.ResultsThree hundred and seventy-six responses were received relating to wide-ranging EDI issues, most frequently gender or ethnicity. Responses mapped onto all areas of the ecological systems model, with frequent links between subsystems, indicating considerable complexity and interdependencies. Interpersonal interactions and associated impacts like exclusion were frequently discussed. Differential experiences of EDI-related issues in medical school compared to clinical settings were reported. Impacts of institutional leadership and wider societal norms were considered by respondents. Respondents discussed their need for awareness of EDI with reference to future professional practice.ConclusionsImplementation of a regular free-text evaluation question allowed data-gathering across cohorts and throughout several stages of the curriculum, illuminating student experience. Connections established demonstrated intersectionality and how environment and other factors interact, impacting on student experiences. Students experience EDI-related issues on multiple levels within the educational environment, with consequent impacts on learning. Any successful approach towards tackling issues and promoting equity of opportunity for all requires multi-level actions and widespread culture change. Students may better understand change needed than staff. Student voice should be enabled to shape change.
Association between homocysteine and aortic aneurysms: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: bie lizhan , Wang Yin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The causal association of higher homocysteine (Hcy) with aortic aneurysms (AAs) remain unclear. We aim to employed a multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal effects of Hcy on the risk of AAs.
Methods
Genetically predicted Hcy was selected as an instrumental variable from a published genome-wide association study meta-analysis. AAs (including thoracic aortic aneurysm [TAA] and abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA]) data was extracted as outcome variables from FinnGen cohort. The random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW) model was applied as the main method, along with sensitivity analysis.
Results
We found a genetically determined 1-standard deviation (SD) increment of Hcy did not cause the increased risk of AAs (OR = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–1.10) based on the IVW method. which was consistent with the results of other different MR analysis methods. Similar results were found in the analysis of TAA (IVW: OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.70–1.05) and AAA (IVW: OR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.60–1.39).
Conclusions
This study provided evidence that higher Hcy did not direct causally increased the risk of AAs, TAA, or AAA.
A tailgut cyst in a patient with myelomeningocele – An association or a coincidence? – A case report.
Authors: Beutler Timothy , De Witt Michelle , Padir Aylin , Murillo Martha Caicedo , Bem Jiri , Krishnamurthy Satish 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Tailgut cysts (TGC) are rare lesions occurring in the retrorectal space, a potential space anterior to the sacrum and coccyx and posterior to the rectum. They are developmental lesions that have potential for malignant transformation into neuroendocrine tumors, carcinomas, or adenocarcinomas. However, they present with non-specific complaints and are often challenging to diagnose and can lead to misdiagnosis and delay of treatment. We present a case of a a 27-year-old female patient with history of a myelomeningocele who was found to have a left sided pre-sacral cystic mass. Histologic examination of the lesion following surgical removal were consistent with TGC. The presence of a TGC in a patient with myelomeningocele is a rare occurrence. There is some evidence that disturbances in the Sonic Hedge Hog (SHH) signaling pathway can lead to abnormal branching and overgrowth of the notochord contributing to abnormal separation from the hindgut endoderm. Clinicians should have a heightened clinical suspicion for a TGC in patients with known neural tube defects who present with a perirectal mass lesion.
Inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway by Piperine Confers Neuroprotection in Rats with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zou Yichun , Zhang Tingbao , Zhao Wenyuan , Shi Xiaocheng , Feng Yu , Chen Jincao 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Pepper is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for different inflammatory, fever, and bacterial infections. Our previous research shown that the principal pepper active component, piperine, reduces cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) damage, but the underlying mechanism was not completely understood. In this study, SH-SY5Y cells and Sprague–Dawley rats were pretreated with piperine, AG490, or vehicle. Oxygen–glucose deprivation of SH-SY5Y cells and a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model were used to mimic cerebral I/R injury. In vitro results from CCK-8 and LDH assays showed that piperine and AG490 mitigated I/R injury induced by OGD and WB showed that piperine lowered the levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3. The infarction volume and neuronal apoptosis were reduced by piperine and AG490 in vivo, as demonstrated by TTC, HE, and TUNEL staining. The mNSS, beam-walking test, and MST test indicated that piperine and AG490 promoted recovery of neurological function after I/R injury in rats. These in vivo and in vitro findings demonstrate that the neuroprotective action of piperine on brain I/R injury is mediated by the JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway. It offers a viable therapeutic target for cerebral I/R injury and piperine could be turned into a potential JAK2-specific inhibitor.
Identification with characters of experiential learning through simulation based on 360º virtual reality in Spanish physical therapy students: a descriptive study
Authors: Bermejo-Franco Alberto , Martínez-Caro Leticia , Medina-Sampedro María , Rubio-Martínez Laura , Ucero-Lozano Roberto , Gaviña-Barroso María Isabel 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose Virtual reality (VR) technology used in experiential learning through simulation requires a high level of immersion and identification with characters to influence the learning outcomes and the expected level of interactivity. This study aimed to measure the empathy and identification with characters of experiential learning through an simulation based on immersive 360º virtual reality among physical therapy students corresponding to the different steps of a patient suffering from a stroke.Methods Spanish physical therapy students participated in a cross-sectional study watching a 360º filmation based on an immersive VR program called ¨Put yourself in my shoes¨. Identification with characters was evaluated with the self-applied scale of identification with the characters of fictional audiovisual stories (Escala De Identificación [EDI] Scale). A descriptive analysis and statistical differences between gender and Spanish language level in items was performed.Results Most of participants presented high values of identification with characters of EDI Scale. The results analysed in the different dimensions (affective empathy, cognitive empathy, feeling concern for their situation, and ability to fantasize or imagine) of this scale also present high values in participants regardless of gender or language level.Conclusion The implementation of simulation scenarios based on immersive VR technology as ¨Put yourself into my shoes¨ (¨Ponte en mis zapatos¨ ®) is considered by Spanish physical therapy students as a program that presents a high rate of identification with characters and empathy.
Differential Diagnosis of MCI with Lewy bodies and MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease by Visual Assessment of Occipital Hypoperfusion on SPECT images
Authors: Nakata Takashi , Shimada Kenichi , Iba Akiko , Oda Haruhiko , Terashima Akira , Koide Yutaka , Kawasaki Ryota , Yamada Takahiro , Ishii Kazunari 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose Predicting progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is important. We evaluated morphological and functional differences between MCI with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) and MCI due to AD (MCI-AD), and a method for differentiating between these conditions using brain MRI and brain perfusion SPECT.Methods Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) on SPECT images and relative brain atrophy on MRI images were evaluated retrospectively in 101 MCI-LB and MCI-AD subjects. When dopamine transporter SPECT was negative for Lewy body disease, MCI-AD was diagnosed according to National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups guidelines. We performed voxel-based analysis and visually inspected brain perfusion SPECT images for regional brain atrophy, occipital hypoperfusion and the cingulate island sign (CIS), for differential diagnosis of MCI-LB and MCI-AD.Results We recruited 60 MCI-LB and 41 MCI-AD patients. MRI showed no significant differences in regional atrophy between the MCI-LB and MCI-AD groups. In MCI-LB patients, occipital, frontal and parietal lobe rCBF was significantly decreased compared with MCI-AD patients (p < 0.05, family wise error [FWE]-corrected). At p < 0.01 (FWE-corrected), the rCBF of the MCI-LB group was significantly decreased only in the occipital lobe compared with the MCI-AD group. Visual inspection in blind of occipital hypoperfusion had sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of 100%, 73.2% and 89.1%, respectively, for differentiating MCI-LB and MCI-AD. Occipital hypoperfusion was offered higher diagnostic utility than the CIS.Conclusion The occipital lobe was the only region with significantly decreased rCBF in MCI-LB compared with MCI-AD patients. Occipital hypoperfusion on brain perfusion SPECT may be a more useful imaging biomarker than the CIS for visually differentiating MCI-LB and MCI-AD.
Factors affecting interannual variation in late summer rainfall in the Red River Delta of Vietnam
Authors: Dinh Tu Duc , Bui Hai Manh , Le Hung Trung , Fu Yen Ta , Lin Chih Cheng , Yen Cheng Ming 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Based on station monthly observational statistics, the major rainfall in the Red River Delta (RRD) occurs in late summer (July–September) with conspicuous year-to-year variation. Using the ± 0.8 of the seasonal total rainfall standard deviation as criteria, seven wet and six dry years are identified over the period 1983–2015. In addition to the mean rainfall in wet years being nearly double that in dry years, the occurrence frequency of heavy rainfall days and their corresponding rainfall accumulation in wet (dry) years are higher (lower) than climatology–in particular, the average rainfall accumulation during heavy rainfall days in wet years is more than four times as much as that in dry years. As revealed from further analyses, the large variability in rainfall is attributed to the influence of tropical cyclones (TCs) and 7–24- and 30– 60-day intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs). During the wet (dry) years, the number of TCs affecting the RRD and rainfall produced by TCs are more (less), and the intensity of ISOs also enhances (reduces). It is found from the water vapor budget analyses that an anomalous cyclone (anticyclone) dominates over the Indochina Peninsula in wet (dry) years, resulting in more (less) water vapor being transported to the RRD, whereas the anomalous convergence (divergence) of water vapor flux leads to the maintenance of excessive (insufficient) rainfall over the RRD. However, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forcing shows minor effects on the interannual variation in rainfall in the RRD.
A preprocessing method for coronary artery stenosis detection based on deep learning
Authors: Li Yanjun , Yoshimura Takaaki , Horima Yuto , Sugimori Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The detection of coronary artery stenosis is one of the most important indicators for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. However, stenosis in branch vessels is often difficult to detect using computer-aided systems and even radiologists because of several factors, such as imaging angle and contrast agent inhomogeneity. Traditional coronary artery stenosis localization algorithms often only detect aortic stenosis and ignore branch vessels that may also cause major health threats. Therefore, improving the localization of branch vessel stenosis in coronary angiographic images is a potential development property. In this study, we propose a preprocessing approach that combines vessel enhancement and image fusion as a prerequisite for deep learning. The sensitivity of the neural network to stenosis features is improved by enhancing the blurry features in coronary angiographic images. By validating five neural networks, such as YOLOv4 and R-FCN-Inceptionresnetv2 , our proposed method can improve the performance of deep learning network applications on the images from six common imaging angles. The results showed that the proposed method is suitable as a preprocessing method for coronary angiographic image processing based on deep learning and can be used to amend the recognition ability of the deep model for fine vessel stenosis.
Inhibition of TGF-βRI alleviates endothelial-mesenchymal transition of mitral valve damage due to rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Liang Yuanying , Wu Si-yi , Lu Chuang-hong , Zeng Zhi-yu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an autoimmune disease caused by rheumatic fever following infection with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) that primarily affects the mitral valve, and our previous study has shown that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) plays an important role in mitral valve damage due to RHD. TGF-β1 is an important profibrotic factor, but its role has not been explored in RHD. The current study is aimed to investigate the role of TGF-β1 in mitral valve damage due to RHD.
Methods: RHD rats were established using inactivated GAS. Successful modelling of the RHD rat was verified in mitral valve pathology sections. Echocardiography and running test were used to detect the cardiac function of rats. And immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway and EndMT in mitral valve. Wounding healing and cell counting Kit-8 assay were conducted to figure out the function of TGF-β1 in vitro.
Results: The TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway was activated, and significant EndMT of the mitral valve occurred in RHD rats. And TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) inhibitor SB431542 inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway and EndMT of the mitral valve.
Conclusion: EndMT was involved in mitral valve damage, and inhibition of TGF-βRI alleviated EndMT of mitral valve damage due to RHD.
Two-dimensional DOA estimation with a staggered two-parallel linear array for reducing mutual coupling
Authors: Liu Sheng , Zhao Jing , Wu Decheng , Xiong Weizhi , Xia Linli , Tan Wenbin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm with a staggered two-parallel linear array has been proposed. The proposed array consists of two staggered linear arrays, any one of which is determined by two consecutive positive integers. The distance between any two sensors of the proposed array is larger than half-wavelength of incident signal, so it has strong robustness to mutual coupling. Using this array, a segmented propagator method (PM) algorithm is proposed to get automatic matching 2D DOA estimation. Compared with some similar PM algorithms based on two-parallel linear array, the proposed segmented PM algorithm has higher estimation accuracy and approaching complexity. Not only that, the proposed algorithm can detect more signals than the similar algorithms without using virtual elements. Complexity analysis and simulation results can prove the advantage of the proposed algorithm.
Mathematical analysis for the vector-host Dengue epidemic model with time delay
Authors: Murugadoss Prakash Raj , Ambalarajan Venkatesh , Karuppusamy Arun Kumar , Mayavel Manivel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study used a system of delay differential equations (DDE) to construct a time-delayed vector-host dengue epidemic model that accounts for inhibitory impact rates, immunity loss rates, and partial immunity rates. The model's solution is investigated and is determined to be positive and bounded. Using the next-generation matrix technique, the reproduction number is utilized to assess the model's stability. The virus-free equilibrium points were found to be locally asymptotically unstable. The existence of endemic equilibrium stability with and without time delay was investigated; as a result, endemic equilibrium points were locally stable with delay under certain conditions. For dengue transmission sensitivity analysis, the epidemiological model was analyzed. Finally, our theoretical results are validated by numerical simulations.
Determination of kynurenic acid in Linum usitatissimum L.
Authors: Wróbel-Kwiatkowska Magdalena , Turski Waldemar , Silska Grażyna , Rakicka-Pustułka Magdalena , Rymowicz Waldemar 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a bioactive compound exhibiting positive effects on human health due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-virus properties. Despite notable progress in the research focused on KYNA observed during the last 10 years, KYNA presence in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has not been proven so far. In the present study, parts of flax plants were analysed for KYNA synthesis. Moreover, eight different cultivars of flax seeds were tested for KYNA presence, resulting in maximally 0.432 µg/g FW in the seeds of the cultivar Jan. The level of KYNA was also tested in stems and roots of two selected flax cultivars: an oily cultivar (Linola) and a fibrous cultivar (Nike). The exposure of plants to the KYNA precursors tryptophan and kynurenine resulted in higher KYNA accumulation in flax shoots and roots. Thus, the obtained results indicate that KYNA might be synthesized in flax. The highest amount of KYNA (295.9 µg/g dry weight [DW]) was detected in flax roots derived from plants grown in tissue cultures supplemented with 10 mM tryptophan. The content of KYNA in flax cultivated on tryptophan-enriched medium was about 90-fold higher than in potato tubers and 600-fold higher than in flax seeds in the present study. These data suggest that flax tissue cultures enriched with tryptophan might be an efficient source of KYNA.
Sodium selenite inhibits the proliferate of cervical cancer cells through PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Qi Lei , Wang Mingxing , Jia Yuehui , Wang Ruixiang , Hao Shuxiu , Feng Chen , Li Guijin , Su Shengqi , Du Linlin , Sun Huixin , Li Jiacheng , Lv Cunqi , Zeng Qingyu , Wang Tong , Li Qi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Selenium can inhibit cervical cancers, but the specific mechanism of anti-cervical cancer is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of sodium selenite (SS) on cervical cancer cell lines HeLa and SiHa and examined the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway to reveal the mechanism of SS against cervical cancer. We detected cell viability by MTT [3-(4, 5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, and apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The levels of PI3K, AKT, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated Akt (p-AKT) were measured by Western Blot. The results showed that SS reduced the viability and increased apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cells and suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. To verify the role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in this, we treated HeLa and SiHa cells with LY294002 (LY, a specific PI3K inhibitor) and established control, LY-treated, SS-treated, and combined LY + SS-treated groups. The results showed that the combined LY + SS treatment group enhanced the inhibitory effect of SS on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which further inhibiting cervical cancer cell viability and increasing apoptosis. In conclusion, SS exerted its anti-cervical cancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.