bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative evaluation of gastrocnemius medialis mass in patients with chronic heart failure by gray-scale ultrasound and shear wave elastography
Authors: Yao Qiyu , Zhang Yinglun , Wu Jun , Shu Hua , Ye Xinhua , Li Ao 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo assess the usefulness of gray-scale ultrasound (US) and shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing the condition of the skeletal muscles in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).MethodsWe prospectively compared 20 patients with clinically diagnosed CHF and a control population of 20 normal volunteers. The gastrocnemius medialis (GM) of each individual in the rest and the contraction position was assessed using gray-scale US and SWE. The quantitative US parameters including the fascicle length (FL), pinnation angle (PA), echo intensity (EI), and Young's modulus of the muscle were measured.ResultsIn the CHF group compared with the control group, in the rest position, there was a significant difference in EI, PA, and FL of the GM (P &lt; 0.001), but no statistically significant difference in Young's modulus values (P &gt; 0.05); however, in the contraction position, all parameters were statistically different between the two groups (P &lt; 0.001). In the different subgroups of the CHF group grouped according to New York Heart Association staging (NYHA) or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), there were no significant differences in ultrasound parameters in the rest position. However, during the contraction of GM, the smaller the FL and Young's modulus, the larger the PA and EI with the increase of NYHA grade or the decrease of LVEF (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe gray-scale US and SWE can provide an objective assessment of skeletal muscle status for CHF patients and are expected to be used to guide their early rehabilitation training and improve their prognosis.
Bromocriptine inhibits proliferation in the endometrium from women with adenomyosis
Authors: Tang Yiqun , Ponandai-srinivasan Sakthivignesh , Frisendahl Caroline , Andersson Johanna K. , Pavone Dora , Stewart Elizabeth A. , Lalitkumar Parameswaran Grace Luther , Korsching Eberhard , Bogavarappu Nageswara Rao , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveBromocriptine treatment has been shown to reduce menstrual bleeding and pain in women with adenomyosis in a pilot clinical trial. The underlying mechanism contributing to the treatment effect is however unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of bromocriptine on the proliferation and migration properties of the endometrium in women with adenomyosis, by assessing cellular and molecular changes after six months of vaginal bromocriptine treatment.MethodsEndometrial specimens were collected during the proliferative phase from women with adenomyosis (n=6) before (baseline) and after six months of treatment with vaginal bromocriptine. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine changes in the protein expression of Ki67 in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis. Primary endometrial stromal cells isolated at baseline were expanded in vitro and exposed to different doses of bromocriptine to determine the optimal half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) using CellTiter-Blue® Cell Viability Assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine ELISA assay and Ki67 gene expression was checked by real-time PCR. The migratory ability of endometrial stromal cells was determined by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Small RNA sequencing was applied on tissues collected from women with adenomyosis before and after bromocriptine treatment to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) after bromocriptine treatment. Bioinformatic methods were used for target gene prediction and the identification of biological pathways by enrichment procedures.ResultsVaginal bromocriptine treatment reduced the Ki67 protein expression in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis and did not change the prolactin mRNA expression and protein concentration of prolactin in endometrial tissues. Bromocriptine significantly inhibited the proliferative and migrative abilities of endometrial stromal cells derived from women with adenomyosis in vitro. Moreover, small RNA sequencing revealed 27 differentially expressed miRNAs between the endometrium of women with adenomyosis before and after six months of vaginal bromocriptine treatment. KEGG pathway analysis on targeted genes of 27 miRNAs showed that several signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis were enriched after bromocriptine treatment.ConclusionBromocriptine treatment exhibits an anti-proliferative effect in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis in vivo and in vitro. Bromocriptine might inhibit the proliferation of endometrial tissue in adenomyosis in part through the regulation of dysregulated microRNAs and proliferation-associated signaling pathways.
Clinical differences between small and large pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas
Authors: Zhao Lin , Li ZhiMao , Meng Xu , Fan Hua , Zhang ZengLei , Zhang ZhaoCai , Liu YeCheng , Zhou XianLiang , Zhu HuaDong 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundPheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine tumors, most of which are characterized by the release of catecholamine, and range in diameters from less than 1 cm to 10 cm or more. However, knowledge of the differences in clinical features between small and large PPGLs is insufficient.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients with PPGLs treated at our institution between January 2018 and June 2020 was performed. The clinical characteristics of patients were investigated, and comparisons were made between patients with large and small PPGLs. The logistic regression analysis was used to confirm the risk factors, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the variables.ResultsTotally 263 patients were included, including 110 patients in small tumor group and 153 patients in large tumor group. There were more male patients in the large tumor group (p=0.009). More patients had hypertension (p&lt;0.001) and diabetes (p=0.002) in the large tumor group. The 24-h urinary epinephrine (24hU-E) (p &lt; 0.001) and 24-h urinary norepinephrine (24hU-NE) (p=0.002) concentrations were higher in the large tumor group. In terms of tumor location, adrenal-PPGLs were more frequent in the large tumor group (p&lt;0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex [odds ratio (OR): 2.871, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.444–5.711, p=0.003], 24hU-E concentrations (OR: 1.025, 95% CI:1.004–1.047, p=0.020), 24hU-NE concentrations (OR: 1.002, 95%CI: 1.001–1.004, p=0.045), and adrenal-PPGLs (OR: 2.510, 95% CI:1.256–5.018, p=0.009) were positive risk factors for large tumors. Taking above variables into the same model, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model for predicting the large tumor was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.706–0.834). After the short-term follow-up, there was no significant difference in tumor recurrence between the two groups (p=0.681).ConclusionsSignificant differences in numerous clinical characteristics exist between large and small PPGLs. The male patients were more likely to be with large tumors, and such tumors were more likely to reside on the adrenal glands. Catecholamine measurements also help predict tumor size of PPGLs. Clinical decision-making will benefit from this information.
Association between HOMA-IR and ovarian sensitivity index in women with PCOS undergoing ART: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Yiwen , Liu Hai , Zhang Shaodi , Zhang Cuilian 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionInsulin resistance (IR) may play a central role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in PCOS women in the setting of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is always a challenge for clinicians. However, it remains unclear whether IR in women with PCOS correlates with reduced ovarian sensitivity to exogenous gonadotropin (Gn). This study aimed to explore the association between homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and ovarian sensitivity index (OSI).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we explored the association between Ln HOMA-IR and Ln OSI based on smoothing splines generated by generalized additive model (GAM). Then the correlation between HOMA-IR and OSI was further tested with a multivariable linear regression model and subgroup analysis.Results1508 women with PCOS aged 20-39 years undergoing their first oocyte retrieval cycle were included consecutively between 2018 until 2022. We observed a negative association between Ln HOMA-IR and Ln OSI by using smoothing splines. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the inverse association between Ln HOMA-IR and Ln OSI was still found in PCOS women after adjustment for potential confounders (β = -0.18, 95% CI -0.25, -0.11). Compared with patients with the lowest tertile of HOMA-IR, those who had the highest tertile of HOMA-IR had lower OSI values (β = -0.25, 95% CI -0.36, -0.15).DiscussionOur study provided evidence for the inverse correlation between IR and the ovarian sensitivity during COS in PCOS women. Herein, we proposed new insights for individualized manipulation in PCOS patients with IR undergoing ART.
Quality evaluation of metabolic and bariatric surgical guidelines
Authors: Qin Zi-Han , Yang Xin , Zheng Ya-Qi , An Li-Ya , Yang Ting , Du Yu-Lu , Wang Xiao , Zhao Shu-Han , Li Hao-Han , Sun Cheng-Kai , Sun Da-Li , Lin Yue-Ying 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of surgical guidelines on bariatric/metabolic surgery.MethodsFour independent reviewers used the AGREE II (The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) tool to assess the methodological quality of the included guidelines and conducted a comparative analysis of the main recommendations for surgical methods of these guidelines.ResultsNine surgical guidelines were included in this study. Five articles with AGREE II scores over 60% are worthy of clinical recommendation. The field of rigor of development was relatively low, with an average score of 50.82%. Among 15 key recommendations and the corresponding best evidence in the guidelines, only 4 key recommendations were grade A recommendations.ConclusionsThe quality of metabolic and bariatric guidelines is uneven, and there is much room for improvement.
The concordance and discordance of diabetic kidney disease and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study of 26,809 patients from 5 primary hospitals in China
Authors: Liu Zhaoxiang , Li Xianglan , Wang Yanlei , Song Yanxia , Liu Qiang , Gong Junxia , Fan Wenshuang , Lv Chunmei , Cao Chenxiang , Zhao Wenhui , Xiao Jianzhong 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) share similar pathophysiological mechanisms. However, signs of DKD may be present at diagnosis of diabetes without retinopathy. Risk factors for the development of DKD and DR may not be identical.MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate the concordance and discordance between DKD and DR by investigating the distribution of DKD and DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 5 Chinese cities. A total of 26,809 patients were involved in this study. The clinical characteristics were compared among patients based on the presence of DKD and DR. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the independent risk factors of DKD and DR.ResultsThe prevalence of DKD and DR was 32.3% and 34.6%, respectively. Among eligible patients, 1,752 patients without DR had an increased urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and 1,483 patients with DR had no DKD. The positive predictive value of DR for DKD was 47.4% and negative predictive value was 67.1%. Elder age, male gender, a longer duration of disease, higher values of waist circumference and HbA1c were associated with both DR and DKD. A lower educational level was associated with DR. Higher BP and TG would predict increased prevalence of DKD.ConclusionsDKD and DR shared many risk factors, but a significant discordance was present in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. DKD was more strongly associated with blood pressure and triglycerides than DR.
Central and lateral neck involvement in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with or without thyroid capsular invasion: A multi-center analysis
Authors: Yang Zheyu , Heng Yu , Zhou Jian , Tao Lei , Cai Wei 
Published: March 2023

PurposesTo quantitatively predict the probability of cervical lymph node metastasis for papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) patients with or without thyroid capsular invasion (TCI), to guide the decision-making of management strategies for neck regions.MethodsA total of 998 PTC patients from three medical centers were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsPatients with positive TCI (TCI group) exhibited higher risks for both CLNM and LLNM than those with negative TCI (no-TCI group). Patients receiving lateral lymph node dissection showed significantly higher incidence of relatively severe postoperative complications. For no-TCI group, factors including age less than 55 years old, male, the presence of bilateral disease and multifocality, and maximum tumor diameter (MTD)&gt;=0.5cm were confirmed to be independent risk factors for CLNM, while the presence of bilateral disease and ipsilateral nodular goiter (iNG), and maximum positive CLN diameter (MCLND)&gt;1.0cm independent factors for LLNM. Independent risk factors of LLNM for patients within the TCI group included MCLND&gt;1.0cm, positive CLN number&gt;=3, and the presence of iNG. Predictive models of CLNM and LLNM were established based on the aforementioned risk factors for patients within no-TCI and TCI groups. A meticulous and comprehensive risk stratification flow chart was established for a more accurate evaluation of central neck involvement including both CLNM and LLNM risk in PTC patients.ConclusionsA meticulous and comprehensive stratification flow chart for PTC patients for quantitatively evaluating both CLNM and LLNM was constructed.
Solar-powered five-leg inverter-driven quasi-dynamic charging for a slow-moving vehicle
Authors: Shanmugam Yuvaraja , Narayanamoorthi R. , Vishnuram Pradeep , Savio Dominic , Yadav Arvind , Bajaj Mohit , Nauman Ali , Khurshaid Tahir , Kamel Salah 
Published: March 2023

Road transport is becoming increasingly electric as it becomes more environmentally friendly. A green transportation system includes solar arrays along the roadside, encouraging the eco-friendly EV charging system. This paper proposes a road-side photovoltaic system to charge the batteries of slow-moving electric vehicles using a five-leg inverter. The five-legged inverter, which utilizes a stand-alone PV system to drive the charging pads, enhances the probability of achieving the sustainability goal. The limitations of the conventional H-bridge inverter, such as its more prominent design and higher number of switches or straightforward design and restricted power level, are addressed by this converter. The proposed 3.3 kW, 85 kHz inverter energizes the four transmitter pads while a receiver pad moves over the transmitter pads and inductively extracts the power. The d.c.-d.c. converter is used to feed the power to the proposed inverter. The P and O-based MPPT algorithm with a tuned PI controller is used to generate the driving pulses of the d.c.-d.c. converter. The signals are generated based on the voltage and current output of the solar panel output. This control algorithm ensures the stability of the system output response. Additionally, the tuned d.c.-d.c. converter achieves maximum efficiency independent of the load resistance. The system maintains constant power transfer profile concerning load resistance variations. The 520*520 mm Double D-pad transmits the power, while the series-series compensation network assists the charging pads in achieving resonance. The developed systems’ nominal charging voltage and current are 144 V, 20 A, with an equivalent battery resistance of 7.2 Ω.
Diagnostic work-up and phenotypic characteristics of a family with variable severity of distal arthrogryposis type 2B (Sheldon-Hall syndrome) and TNNT3 pathogenic variant
Authors: Dabaj Ivana , Carlier Robert Y. , Dieterich Klaus , Desguerre Isabelle , Faure Julien , Romero Norma B. , Trang Wenting , Quijano-Roy Susana , Germain Dominique P. 
Published: March 2023

Background: Sheldon–Hall syndrome (SHS) or distal arthrogryposis 2B (DA2B) is a rare clinically and genetically heterogeneous multiple congenital contracture syndrome characterized by contractures of the distal joints of the limbs and mild facial involvement, due to pathogenic variants in genes encoding the fast-twitch skeletal muscle contractile myofiber complex (TNNT3, TNNI2, TMP2, and MYH3 genes).Patients and methods: A 16-year-old boy with a history of congenital distal arthrogryposis developed severe kyphoscoliosis and respiratory insufficiency. His mother and younger sister had phenotypes compatible with SHS but to a much lesser extent. Diagnostic work-up included physical examination and whole-body muscular MRI (WBMRI) in all three patients and electroneuromyography (ENMG) and paravertebral muscle biopsy in the proband. DNA sequencing was used to confirm the diagnosis.Results: Physical examination suggested the diagnosis of SHS. No muscle signal abnormalities were found in WBMRI. Large motor unit potentials and reduced recruitment suggestive of neurogenic changes were observed on needle EMG in distal and paravertebral muscles in the proband. DNA sequencing revealed a pathogenic variant in TNNT3 (c.187C&gt;T), which segregated as a dominant trait with the phenotype.Discussion: This is the first report on neurogenic features in a patient with DA2B and a pathogenic variant in TNNT3 encoding the fast-twitch skeletal muscle contractile myofiber complex. A superimposed length-dependent motor nerve involvement was unexpected. Whether developmental disarrangements in number, distribution, or innervation of the motor unit in fetal life might lead to pseudo-neurogenic EMG features warrants further studies, as well as the role of genetic modifiers in SHS variability.
Integrating microbiome and metabolome revealed microbe-metabolism interactions in the stomach of patients with different severity of peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Wang Chao , Yu Xiao , Lin Hongqiang , Wang Guoqiang , Liu Jianming , Gao Chencheng , Qi Mingran , Wang Dan , Wang Fang 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundPeptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a multi-cause illness with an unknown role for gastric flora and metabolism in its pathogenesis. In order to further understand the pathogenesis of gastric flora and metabolism in PUD, this study used histological techniques to analyze the microbiome and metabolome of gastric biopsy tissue. In this paper, our work described the complex interactions of phenotype-microbial-metabolite-metabolic pathways in PUD patients at different pathological stages.MethodsGastric biopsy tissue samples from 32 patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis, 24 patients with mucosal erosions, and 8 patients with ulcers were collected for the microbiome. UPLC-MS metabolomics was also used to detect gastric tissue samples. These datasets were analyzed individually and integrated using various bioinformatics methods.ResultsOur work found reduced diversity of gastric flora in patients with PUD. PUD patients at different pathological stages presented their own unique flora, and there were significant differences in flora phenotypes. Coprococcus_2, Phenylobacterium, Candidatus_Hepatoplasma, and other bacteria were found in the flora of people with chronic non-atrophic gastritis (HC). The representative flora of mucosal erosion (ME) had uncultured_bacterium_c_Subgroup_6, Sphingomonadaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, and uncultured_bacterium_f_Xanthobacteraceae. In comparison, the characteristic flora of the PUD group was the most numerous and complex, including Ruminococcus_2, Agathobacter, Alistipes, Helicobacter, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium. Metabolomics identified and annotated 66 differential metabolites and 12 significantly different metabolic pathways. The comprehensive analysis correlated microorganisms with metabolites at different pathological stages and initially explored the complex interactions of phenotype-microbial-metabolite-metabolic pathways in PUD patients at different pathological stages.ConclusionOur research results provided substantial evidence to support some data on the analysis of the microbial community and its metabolism in the stomach, and they demonstrated many specific interactions between the gastric microbiome and the metabolome. Our study can help reveal the pathogenesis of PUD and indicate plausible disease-specific mechanisms for future studies from a new perspective.
Utility and safety of airway stenting in airway stenosis after lung transplant: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Zilin , Zhao Bo , Deng Mingming , Tong Run , Bian Yiding , Zhang Qin , Hou Gang 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAirway complications seriously affect the clinical outcomes and long-term prognosis of lung-transplantation patients. Airway stenting provides effective palliation for patients with airway stenosis. However, a lack of consensus regarding the efficacy and safety of airway stents in airway stenosis after lung transplantation. This study critically evaluated all available evidence regarding this concern.MethodsWe retrieved studies from EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies were included if they reported baseline characteristics of airway complications after lung transplantation, stenting for airway stenosis, or prognosis.ResultsIn total, 279 papers were screened and 17 papers were included in final analysis. The short-term efficacy of airway stenting was assessed in almost all studies, with immediate palliation in symptom and improved pulmonary function reported. Eleven of the included studies evaluated the long-term efficacy of stent therapy, with no distinct lung function. The median overall survival time was 1,124 (95% confidence interval 415–1,833) days in stented patients only. Stent-related complications are common regardless of the material; However, serious complications are rare and can be improved with routine management.ConclusionWe demonstrated that airway stenting is a safe and effective method to treat airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The short-term effect was significant, while the long-term efficacy on survival rate needed further investigations.Systematic review registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022364427.