bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring retinal ganglion cells encoding to multi-modal stimulation using 3D microelectrodes arrays
Authors: Zhang Kui , Liu Yaoyao , Song Yilin , Xu Shihong , Yang Yan , Jiang Longhui , Sun Shutong , Luo Jinping , Wu Yirong , Cai Xinxia 
Published: August 2023

Microelectrode arrays (MEA) are extensively utilized in encoding studies of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) due to their capacity for simultaneous recording of neural activity across multiple channels. However, conventional planar MEAs face limitations in studying RGCs due to poor coupling between electrodes and RGCs, resulting in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and limited recording sensitivity. To overcome these challenges, we employed photolithography, electroplating, and other processes to fabricate a 3D MEA based on the planar MEA platform. The 3D MEA exhibited several improvements compared to planar MEA, including lower impedance (8.73 ± 1.66 kΩ) and phase delay (−15.11° ± 1.27°), as well as higher charge storage capacity (CSC = 10.16 ± 0.81 mC/cm2), cathodic charge storage capacity (CSCc = 7.10 ± 0.55 mC/cm2), and SNR (SNR = 8.91 ± 0.57). Leveraging the advanced 3D MEA, we investigated the encoding characteristics of RGCs under multi-modal stimulation. Optical, electrical, and chemical stimulation were applied as sensory inputs, and distinct response patterns and response times of RGCs were detected, as well as variations in rate encoding and temporal encoding. Specifically, electrical stimulation elicited more effective RGC firing, while optical stimulation enhanced RGC synchrony. These findings hold promise for advancing the field of neural encoding.
Predicting ischemic stroke risk from atrial fibrillation based on multi-spectral fundus images using deep learning
Authors: Li Hui , Gao Mengdi , Song Haiqing , Wu Xiao , Li Gang , Cui Yiwei , Li Yang , Xie Zhaoheng , Ren Qiushi , Zhang Haitao 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIschemic stroke (IS) is one of the most common serious secondary diseases of atrial fibrillation (AF) within 1 year after its occurrence, both of which have manifestations of ischemia and hypoxia of the small vessels in the early phase of the condition. The fundus is a collection of capillaries, while the retina responds differently to light of different wavelengths. Predicting the risk of IS occurring secondary to AF, based on subtle differences in fundus images of different wavelengths, is yet to be explored. This study was conducted to predict the risk of IS occurring secondary to AF based on multi-spectrum fundus images using deep learning.MethodsA total of 150 AF participants without suffering from IS within 1 year after discharge and 100 IS participants with persistent arrhythmia symptoms or a history of AF diagnosis in the last year (defined as patients who would develop IS within 1 year after AF, based on fundus pathological manifestations generally prior to symptoms of the brain) were recruited. Fundus images at 548, 605, and 810 nm wavelengths were collected. Three classical deep neural network (DNN) models (Inception V3, ResNet50, SE50) were trained. Sociodemographic and selected routine clinical data were obtained.ResultsThe accuracy of all DNNs with the single-spectral or multi-spectral combination images at the three wavelengths as input reached above 78%. The IS detection performance of DNNs with 605 nm spectral images as input was relatively more stable than with the other wavelengths. The multi-spectral combination models acquired a higher area under the curve (AUC) scores than the single-spectral models.ConclusionsThe probability of IS secondary to AF could be predicted based on multi-spectrum fundus images using deep learning, and combinations of multi-spectrum images improved the performance of DNNs. Acquiring different spectral fundus images is advantageous for the early prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The method in this study is a beneficial preliminary and initiative exploration for diseases that are difficult to predict the onset time such as IS.
Duration of oestrogen exposure does not affect reproductive outcome in artificial cycles: a retrospective analysis of more than 7000 hormonal replacement therapy cycles for an embryo transfer
Authors: Rodríguez-Varela Cristina , Salvaleda-Mateu Maria , Labarta Elena 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionOptimal duration of oestrogen exposure before an embryo transfer in artificial cycles has not been defined yet, as its correlation with reproductive outcome remains controversial. The length of oestrogen treatment before starting luteal phase support varies significantly among patients.Materials and methodsIn this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of a huge database of our own clinical results in artificial cycles in the past five years. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the length of estrogen exposure on reproductive outcome and to evaluate if there is any optimal duration of estrogen exposure in order to maximize success rates.ResultsDifferences in pregnancy rates according to oestrogen length, if present, were not clinically relevant.DiscussionOur results suggest that the length of oestrogen exposure (in days) before exogenous progesterone administration do not affect clinical outcomes.
Green water efficiency in the vulnerable silk road economic belt
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Long Hai 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: In vulnerable environments, accurate and complete assessments of green water efficiency (GWE) must consider unexpected outputs.Methods: This study employed the hyper-efficiency SBM-DEA model and SDM method to investigate the spatial heterogeneity and the determinants of GWE, respectively, in nine Chinese provinces along the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB), which is characterized by a vulnerable ecological and economic system.Results: Using data from 2008 to 2019, this study found that the green performance indicator varied in these provinces; GWE showed substantial spatial heterogeneity, with a negative spatial autocorrelation among the provinces with a low-to-high or high-to-low distribution. The southwest provinces had a higher GWE than the northwest, but there was no significant GWE improvement in the whole region. Both governmental engagement and environmental protection were the most influential determinants of GWE, which showed spatial spillover effects, followed by water pollution then economic growth, demonstrating that the GWE in vulnerable ecosystems may be changed by any factor depending on unexpected outputs.Discussion: This study suggests that reducing the side effects of unexpected outputs in vulnerable environments, because the ecosystem will be redamaged by unexpected contaminants when improving the local GWE.
Comparison of whole trunk muscle mass between healthy and lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus patients using abdominal pelvic computed tomography
Authors: Oh Chi-Hoon , Shin Dong-Eun , Yoon Siyeong , Oh Jongbeom , Lee Younghun , Lee Soonchul 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundParaspinal muscle asymmetry is associated with low back pain (LBP) problems. This study aimed to analyze skeletal muscle areas around the lumbar vertebra and compare the ratio of anterior and posterior muscles between patients with lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) and healthy individuals using abdominal pelvic computed tomography (APCT).MethodsAfter propensity score matching, 122 HNP patients and 122 non-HNP individuals were finally used for analyses. In APCT, axial cut images were collected at the level of the third lumbar vertebra lower end plate and only the muscle structure was obtained. After obtaining the muscular portion of their image, we measured the skeletal muscle area (SMA). Second, for analysis relation of sarcopenia and HNP, the status of low skeletal muscle mass was determined using a previously reported criteria based on APCT scans in the Republic of Korea.ResultsFrom the analysis of the anterior–posterior muscles, the ratio of anterior SMA was statistically significantly larger in the HNP group than in the non-HNP group. Regarding the anatomical classification of trunk muscles, a statistically significant left–right imbalance to peripheral muscle in HNP men was observed. Regarding the status of low skeletal muscle mass, no statistical difference in prevalence between the two groups were observed. Moreover, no statistical difference in the prevalence of low skeletal muscle mass obesity was observed.ConclusionThe lumbar flexor muscle was larger in HNP than others, showing trunk muscle imbalance. However, low skeletal muscle mass is not associated with HNP.
Three-dimensional reconstruction imaging by C-arm computed tomography accurately visualizes in-stent neointimal formation in patients with stent-assisted coil embolization
Authors: Kotsugi Masashi , Nakagawa Ichiro , Konishi Kengo , Tanaka Haku , Sasaki Hiromitsu , Furuta Takanori , Okamoto Ai , Nakase Kenta , Maeoka Ryosuke , Yokoyama Shohei , Yamada Shuichi , Nakase Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundStent apposition to the vessel wall and in-stent neointimal formation after stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysm are important factors associated with postoperative thromboembolic complications. No assessment methods have been established to depict 3-dimensional (3D) all-round in-stent neointimal formation.ObjectiveTo demonstrate the superiority of Dyna-3D imaging assessment as a modality for all-round ISNF in comparison with conventional two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (2D-DSA).MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent braided stent-assisted coil embolization for unruptured aneurysm between November 2016 and September 2021 were enrolled. Radiological assessments for stent apposition to the parent vessel after stent deployment and in-stent neointimal formation after 3 months were obtained. Dyna-3D was reconstructed by overlapping a plain image showing stent struts with a rotational DSA image showing the vessel lumen. Reconstructed Dyna-3D images can be rotated to any angle on the screen to evaluate to stent apposition around the vessel and in-stent neointimal formation in 3D, for comparison with 2D-DSA evaluations.ResultsAmong the 73 patients enrolled, 70 patients (96%) showed complete stent wall apposition on Dyna-3D. Higher intra-rater agreement was confirmed on assessment of in-stent neointimal formation with Dyna-3D (Cohen’s κ = 0.811) than with conventional 2D-DSA (Cohen’s κ = 0.517). in-stent neointimal formation could not be confirmed on conventional imaging in 9 cases (16%) and on Dyna-3D in 2 cases (3%). The number of in-stent neointimal formations rated as stent wire completely outside the endothelial line was significantly higher with Dyna-3D than with 2D-DSA (p = 0.0001).ConclusionAll-round 3D evaluation by Dyna-3D imaging appears useful for confirming in-stent neointimal formation after braided stent deployment in patients after stent-assisted coil embolization.
Ischemic strokes in COVID-19: risk factors, obesity paradox, and distinction between trigger and causal association
Authors: Janes Francesco , Sozio Emanuela , Gigli Gian Luigi , Ripoli Andrea , Sbrana Francesco , Kuris Fedra , Nesi Lorenzo , Semenzin Tosca , Bertolino Giacomo , Deana Cristian , Bagatto Daniele , Ciardi Chiara , Fabris Martina , Merlino Giovanni , Bax Francesco , Nilo Annacarmen , Pez Sara , Valente Mariarosaria , Tascini Carlo 
Published: August 2023

Background and purposeStroke has been described as a COVID-19 complication. However, its occurrence rate, risk factors, and causal relationships are still not well established.MethodsWe describe the characteristics of confirmed COVID-19-related strokes among all cases of COVID-19 hospitalized in our health network, from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Risk factor analysis has been conducted for ischemic stroke (IS), which represents 92% of all confirmed cases of Covid-19-related strokes, and a “causal attribution to infection” classification is provided.ResultsIn all, 62/4105 hospitalized COVID-19 patients had an acute stroke (1.51%). Severe COVID-19 (OR 2.27—CI 1.06–4.77; p = 0.032), atrial fibrillation (OR 3.65—CI 1.63–7.98; p = 0.001), and ischemic heart disease (OR 4.590—CI 1.714–12.137; p = 0.002) proved to be independent risk factors for IS, while obesity was a protective factor (OR 0.90—CI 0.82–0.97; p = 0.012). COVID-19 had a causal role in 32.1% of IS cases, was a relevant cofactor in 28.6% of cases of IS, and was a possible trigger in 39.3% of events.ConclusionOur stroke occurrence rate is consistent with other population-based reports (range 0.34–2.7%). Prespecified peculiar clinical and radiological features allow the distinction between “IS caused by COVID-19” and “IS triggered by COVID-19.” Clinical history of vascular diseases and risk factors is crucial in determining the risk of IS in patients with COVID-19. However, the protective effect of a BMI &gt; 30 kg/m2 seems to suggest an obesity paradox.
Superior loco-regional control after primary surgery compared to chemo-radiotherapy for advanced stage laryngeal cancer
Authors: Shelan Mohamed , Anschuetz Lukas , Schubert Adrian , Bojaxhiu Beat , Aebersold Daniel M. , Elicin Olgun , Giger Roland 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe optimal strategy to treat loco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (LSCC) remains to be defined. The goal of this single institution retrospective study was to report on oncologic outcome of advanced LSCC treated with curative intent.MethodsPatients diagnosed and treated for stage T3-T4a LSCC between 2001 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Time-to-event endpoints were calculated beginning from the date of histologic diagnosis, which were analyzed with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsThe cohort was divided into two subgroups: primary radiotherapy with concomitant cisplatin (CRT) (n=30, 38%) and primary surgery (n=48, 62%). Median follow-up was 56 months. Locoregional control (LRC) for the primary surgery and CRT were 95% and 50% in 5 years, respectively (p&lt;0.01). Progression free survival (PFS) for the primary surgery and CRT were 61% and 38% in 5 years, respectively (p=0.23). The overall survival (OS) after primary surgery and CRT in 5 years were 63% vs. 65%, respectively (p=0.93). The 5-years LRC was significantly superior after surgery compared to RT for cT3 primaries (100% vs 50%, p= 0.0022). No significant differences were observed in the remaining subgroups regarding cT stage and PFS or OS.ConclusionOur series demonstrated superior LRC after primary surgery followed by risk-adapted adjuvant (C)RT compared to primary CRT in cT3 LSCC, but no significant difference in PFS or OS in locally-advanced LSCC. The optimal patient selection criteria for the ideal treatment for loco-regionally advanced LSCC still needs to be defined.
Predictive signature of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer integrating mRNA expression, taxonomic subtypes, and clinicopathological features
Authors: Font Albert , Domenech Montserrat , Ramirez Jose Luis , Marqués Miriam , Benítez Raquel , Ruiz de Porras Vicenç , Gago José L. , Carrato Cristina , Sant Francesc , Lopez Hector , Castellano Daniel , Malats Nuria , Calle M. Luz , Real Francisco X. 
Published: August 2023

Background and objectiveNeoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by cystectomy is the standard of care in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Pathological response has been associated with longer survival, but no currently available clinicopathological variables can identify patients likely to respond, highlighting the need for predictive biomarkers. We sought to identify a predictive signature of response to NAC integrating clinical score, taxonomic subtype, and gene expression.Material and methodsFrom 1994 to 2014, pre-treatment tumor samples were collected from MIBC patients (stage T2-4N0/+M0) at two Spanish hospitals. A clinical score was determined based on stage, hydronephrosis and histology. Taxonomic subtypes (BASQ, luminal, and mixed) were identified by immunohistochemistry. A custom set of 41 genes involved in DNA damage repair and immune response was analyzed in 84 patients with the NanoString nCounter platform. Genes related to pathological response were identified by LASSO penalized logistic regression. NAC consisted of cisplatin/methotrexate/vinblastine until 2000, after which most patients received cisplatin/gemcitabine. The capacity of the integrated signature to predict pathological response was assessed with AUC. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsLASSO selected eight genes to be included in the signature (RAD51, IFNγ, CHEK1, CXCL9, c-MET, KRT14, HERC2, FOXA1). The highest predictive accuracy was observed with the inclusion in the model of only three genes (RAD51, IFNɣ, CHEK1). The integrated clinical-taxonomic-gene expression signature including these three genes had a higher predictive ability (AUC=0.71) than only clinical score plus taxonomic subtype (AUC=0.58) or clinical score alone (AUC=0.56). This integrated signature was also significantly associated with OS (p=0.02) and DSS (p=0.02).ConclusionsWe have identified a predictive signature for response to NAC in MIBC patients that integrates the expression of three genes with clinicopathological characteristics and taxonomic subtypes. Prospective studies to validate these results are ongoing.
Ultrasonographic, clinical, and pathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents with or without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Jie Yue , Ruan Jingliang , Luo Man , Liu Rongbin 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the ultrasonographic, clinical, and pathological features of children and adolescents with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with and without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)Materials and methodsA total of 52 children and adolescent patients surgically diagnosed with PTC between 2017 and 2022 were included; 14 children and adolescent patients with PTC were diagnosed with HT via pathological examination. The preoperative ultrasonographic, postoperative histological, and molecular and clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe prevalence rate of PTC in patients with HT was 27%. Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas were found in 11 of 38 patients without HT, but none in patients with HT (p = 0.023). Extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion, and lymph node metastases were more frequent in patients with PTC and HT than in patients with PTC alone (p &lt; 0.05 for both). The ultrasonographic features of nodule composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System categories, and total points were similar. The patterns of echogenic foci were more prominent in the nodules of patients with HT than in those of patients without HT (p = 0.016).ConclusionThe frequency of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas in patients with PTC and HT was less, whereas that of extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion, and lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone. The patterns of echogenic foci on ultrasonography may represent a risk for PTC.
Assessment of pain management adequacy among hospitalized pediatric patients: institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kasahun Asmamaw Emagn , Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Abebe Rahel Belete 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAs the evidence showed, despite the magnitude of the effects that pain can have on a child, it is often inadequately assessed and treated. However, whether pain is adequately treated or not, evidence is lacking in the study setting.ObjectivesThis study assessed pain management adequacy among hospitalized pediatric patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric patients admitted to the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital between June and August 2021. Eligible patients were enrolled in the study using consecutive sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured interview-based questionnaire and a review of the patient's medical records that were prepared after reviewing earlier studies. Pain management adequacy was determined using the pain management index (PMI) score. Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means with standard deviation were used to describe the respective variables. Logistic regression was used to assess predictor variables of pain management adequacy. A p-value &lt;0.05 at a 95% CI was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 422 participants enrolled in the study, most (58.1%) were males, with a mean age of 3.9 ± 0.8 years. Pain medication was prescribed to 62.8% (95% CI: 57.3–68.2) of the participants. About 63.3% (95% CI: 58.8%–68%) received inadequate analgesics. The type of painkillers administered also did not match the severity of the pain. Pediatric patients less than 1 month and between 1 month and 1 year (AOR = 2.891, 95% CI: 1.274–12.899 and AOR = 2.657, 95% CI: 1.350–5.175), respectively, and patients with severe and moderate levels of pain (AOR = 3.448, 95% CI: 1.902–6.251 and AOR = 5.345, 95% CI: 1.956–9.828), respectively, were found to have inadequate pain medication compared with their counterparts.ConclusionThis study revealed that pain was hardly managed based on its severity. Overall, two-thirds of pediatric patients received inadequate pain medication. This indicates majority of patients experienced pain did not manage appropriately.
Inhibition of GSDMD activation by Z-LLSD-FMK or Z-YVAD-FMK reduces vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Zhang Bao-Li , Yu Peng , Su En-Yong , Zhang Chun-Yu , Xie Shi-Yao , Yang Xue , Zou Yun-Zeng , Liu Ming , Jiang Hong 
Published: August 2023

Pyroptosis is a form of pro-inflammatory cell death that can be mediated by gasdermin D (GSDMD) activation induced by inflammatory caspases such as caspase-1. Emerging evidence suggests that targeting GSDMD activation or pyroptosis may facilitate the reduction of vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development. The current study investigated the therapeutic effects of inhibition of GSDMD activation by the novel GSDMD inhibitor N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Leu-Leu-Ser-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-LLSD-FMK), the specific caspase-1 inhibitor N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-YVAD-FMK), and a combination of both on atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice fed a western diet at 5 weeks of age, and further determined the efficacy of these polypeptide inhibitors in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). In vivo studies there was plaque formation, GSDMD activation, and caspase-1 activation in aortas, which increased gradually from 6 to 18 weeks of age, and increased markedly at 14 and 18 weeks of age. ApoE−/− mice were administered Z-LLSD-FMK (200 µg/day), Z-YVAD-FMK (200 µg/day), a combination of both, or vehicle control intraperitoneally from 14 to 18 weeks of age. Treatment significantly reduced lesion formation, macrophage infiltration in lesions, protein levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and pyroptosis-related proteins such as activated caspase-1, activated GSDMD, cleaved interleukin(IL)-1β, and high mobility group box 1 in aortas. No overt differences in plasma lipid contents were detected. In vitro treatment with these polypeptide inhibitors dramatically decreased the percentage of propidium iodide-positive BMDMs, the release of lactate dehydrogenase and IL-1β, and protein levels of pyroptosis-related proteins both in supernatants and cell lysates elevated by lipopolysaccharide + nigericin. Notably however, there were no significant differences in the above-mentioned results between the Z-LLSD-FMK group and the Z-YVAD-FMK group, and the combination of both did not yield enhanced effects. These findings indicate that suppression of GSDMD activation by Z-LLSD-FMK or Z-YVAD-FMK reduces vascular inflammation and lesion development in ApoE−/− mice.