bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Elastography: Multi-directional excitation in a Table Top MRI System and Finite Element Simulations of harmonic excitation experiments
Authors: Dibennardo Federica , Giarola Alberto 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
There is a strong connection between changes in mechanical properties and injuries or diseases. In order to detect the mechanical structure of tissue, techniques like biopsy and manual palpation were developed. However, these methods have many drawbacks. Biopsy is invasive and not reliable, while manual palpation is qualitative, superficial, and dependent on the operator. To address these limitations, Elastography emerged as a non-invasive and quantitative way to assess tissue stiffness. This study aimed to explore the use of torsionally-polarized geometrically-focused waves induced by a stepper motor on a test tube, and to investigate whether wave propagation changes when a pre-stretch is applied to the phantom. To achieve this, the study designed a new arrangement where a cylindrical sample was suspended freely in the MRI, allowing for different axial tensile pre-stresses to be applied while simultaneously conducting Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) studies. The measurements obtained through MRE included wave images depicting the displacement field in cross-sectional slices within an isotropic cylindrical phantom under varying pre-stresses. The experimental data was compared to computer simulations using finite element analysis (FEA). This investigation provides valuable insights into tissue mechanics, and offers a way to assess tissue anisotropy and wave propagation under different pre-stress conditions.
Troponin elevation is a potential marker for patients with acute ischemic stroke in intensive care unit: a retrospective observational trial
Authors: Qiu Xianming , Yang Yan , Wu Bingyun , Huang Weiwei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Cerebral apoplexy is an acute medical disease, and the main clinical manifestations of it are cerebral ischemia and hemorrhagic injury. Some biomarkers have been implicated as the mechanisms of ischemic stroke. Recent studies have shown that troponin is elevated in acute stroke patients. What’s more, increased plasma inflammatory cytokine levels and leukocytes have been reported in ischemic stroke.
Methods
Based on the previous researchs, we explored the serum levels of biochemical indicators, inflammatory cytokines as well as cardiac risk factors to further reveal the biomarkers in patients with cerebral apoplexy in or out intensive care unit (ICU) setting. At the same time, we investigated the biomarkers that related to prognosis of patients with cerebral apoplexy in ICU by multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
We found that there was no statistically significant difference in Hb, HCT, PLT, HCY, ALT, AST, Alb, BUN, CRE, UA, TAG, TC, HDL or LDL. Whereas NE and D-dimer in patients with AIS from ICU were significantly increased. In ICU, cTnl in patients who finally dead was significantly increased. Compared with patients alive, we also found that the elevated troponin is a risk factor for death in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Conclusions
Due to the acute stroke patients with higher neutrophils, D dimer were more likely to enter into the ICU, cTnI elevation is associated with poor prognosis of patients in ICU. Patients with inflammation, thrombosis and elevated cTnI levels should be closely monitored and received appropriate care to improve their conditions.
Inhibition of glucose uptake increase serial-killing capacity of NK cells
Authors: Picard Lea Katharina , Niemann Jens Alexander , Littwitz-Salomon Elisabeth , Waldmann Herbert , Watzl Carsten 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Tumor cells rely heavily on glycolysis to meet their high metabolic demands. While this results in nutrient deprivation within the tumor microenvironment and has negative effects on infiltrating immune cells such as NK cells, it also creates a potential target for cancer therapies.
Methods
Here we use Glupin, an inhibitor of glucose transporters, to study the effect of limited glucose uptake on Natural Killer cells and their anti-tumor functions.
Results
Glupin treatment effectively inhibited glucose uptake and restricted glycolysis in NK cells. However, acute treatment had no negative effect on NK cell cytotoxicity or cytokine production. Long-term restriction of glucose uptake by Glupin treatment only delayed NK cell proliferation as they could switch to glutaminolysis as alternative energy source. While IFN-g production was partially impaired, long-term Glupin treatment had no negative effect on degranulation. Interestingly, the serial killing activity of NK cells was even enhanced, possibly due to changes in NAD metabolism.
Conclusion
This demonstrates that NK cell cytotoxicity is remarkably robust and insensitive to metabolic disturbances and makes cellular metabolism an attractive target for immune-mediated tumor therapies.
A Rare Case of Digital Ulceration and Gangrene as an Initial Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Child
Authors: Vengala Shyam , Gupta Varnika , Kandukuri Vaishnavi , Nuthalapati Bala Sai Teja , Doddareddy Navya Pillikunte , Raj Deepanshu , Parmar Mihirkumar P. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an intricate autoimmune disorder that can manifest a plethora of symptoms. Tissue-binding autoantibodies and intricate immune complexes orchestrate the initial harm to organs and cellular structures. Amid its expansive array of manifestations, dermatological indications, notably digital gangrene and ulcers, are rare occurrences in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus and typically emerge in the advanced stages of the ailment. In this discussion, we present an exceptional case of early-onset digital gangrene and ulcers in a youthful patient grappling with systemic lupus erythematosus. This is a case study of a 7-year-old male who sought medical attention with urticarial rashes over his entire body and face, skin desquamation, and sporadic fever episodes. The preliminary assessment encountered challenges in distinguishing this presentation from acute urticaria. However, subsequent in-depth diagnostic scrutiny and serological analysis substantiated the patient's affliction with SLE. Digital gangrene, ulcers, and vasculitis became evident at the distal portions of the fingers. The diagnosis was conclusively established through clinical and serological methods. The patient exhibited positive results for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-ribonuclear protein (Anti-RNP) antibodies, anti-Smith (Anti-Sm) antibodies, and anti-Sjögren's syndrome-related antigen A (Anti-SS-A) antibodies. This case underscores the pivotal importance of acknowledgment of the rare and severe manifestations of SLE in the realm of medical practice.
The effects of freezing-induced sublethally injury and recovery on adhesion of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Zhai Yujun , Zhang Ru , Chen Kewei , Shi Hui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Freezing as an effective approach for food storage is commonly used in food industry. Notably, Escherichia coli O157:H7 can survive in a sublethally injured state after freezing and recover under suitable conditions, which is a great threat. This research was to investigate changes and mechanism in adhesion of sublethally injured E. coli O157:H7 during freezing and recovery. Adhesion on stainless steel or lettuce surface showed an increase after 16 h-freezing with sublethal ratio of more than 99%. Adhesion recovered to untreated level in recovery on lettuce while didn’t recover on stainless steel. Motility decreased as freezing time increasing, reached minimum after 12 h-freezing and didn’t recover to untreated level under recovery conditions, which was determined by diameter of motility halo. Extracellular polymeric substances production and carbohydrate to protein ratio both reached minimum after 4 h-freezing and then increased. No significant change of LPS structural feature or gene expression was observed during injury and recovery. Besides, the expressions of flagella, pili and EPS related genes were all down-regulated during freezing while were up-regulated after recovery. The results revealed adhesion behavior of freezing-induced sublethally injured E. coli O157:H7, which provides theoretical basis to bacterial prevention.
CT-Guided Microwave Ablation with Vertebral Augmentation for Spinal Metastases with Posterior Wall Defects
Authors: Zhang Xusheng , Niu Jiacheng , Fan Jing , Hu Miaomiao , Xing Chao , Yuan Qianqian , Yang Shen , Wang Baohu , Li Peishun , Man Qirong , Ren Yanchen , Wu Linlin , Zhang Kaixian 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined microwave ablation (MWA) and vertebral augmentation (VA) in the treatment of spinal metastases with posterior wall defects.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective review was conducted for 67 patients (42 men, 25 women) with painful spine metastases with posterior wall defects who underwent MWA combined with VA. Among these patients, 52 vertebrae had no epidural invasion and 33 had mild invasion but did not compress the spinal cord. Procedural effectiveness was determined by comparing visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores before the procedure and during the follow-up period.
Results
The procedure was technically successful in all patients. The mean VAS score declined significantly from 6.85 ± 1.81 before the procedure to 3.27 ± 1.97 at 24 h, 1.96 ± 1.56 at 1 week, 1.84 ± 1.50 at 4 weeks, 1.73 ± 1.45 at 12 weeks, and 1.71 ± 1.52 at 24 weeks post-procedure (p < 0.01). The mean ODI score was lower post-procedure than before the procedure (p < 0.001). Transient nerve injury occurred in two patients(SIR classification D), and the incidence of asymptomatic bone cement ༈SIR classification A༉was 43.5% (37/85).
Conclusions
MWA combined with VA is an effective and safe treatment for painful spine metastases with posterior wall defects.
Risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in stagnant rainwater in Northwestern México
Authors: Archundia D. , González-Méndez B. , Loredo-Portales R. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Failures of urban stormwater runoff management can lead to flooding. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are commonly found in water runoff and flood. Thus, the population and receiving ecosystems can be exposed to chemical hazards. However, floodwater quality is usually overlooked. In the rainy season, flooding is a persistent problem in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Thus, the present research deals with the content of PTEs in floodwater, possible threats to receiving ecosystems and flood-affected population. Aluminum (Al), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) showed the highest maximum concentrations, which were higher than those observed in runoff in other cities. The PTEs concentrations exceeded Mexican, Australian and the United States guideline criteria. Groups of PTEs sharing similar concentrations were identified relating to their sources and origin: i) stannum (Sn), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and silver (Ag); ii) cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), beryllium (Be), nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and thallium (Tl). Potential non-carcinogenic health effects and cancer risk were observed in the floodwater analyzed indicating that management measures should be taken to protect the flood-affected population. The results show that floodwater represents a source of chemical hazards, hence their quality must be monitored to reduce possible related risks.
Control of Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde in eucalyptus forests: shading increases sensitivity to glyphosate applied alone and in a mixture with carfentrazone-ethyl
Authors: Ferreira Guilherme Augusto de Paiva , Donato Luan Mateus Silva , Montes William Gomes , Rocha Leonardo Michel , Santos Leonardo David Tuffi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Shading, the predominant condition in most of the eucalyptus cultivation cycle, causes changes in the morphological and physiological weed's characteristics, which can alter their responses to glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl, important herbicides for the crop. The objective was to evaluate the influence of light on the efficiency of glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl used alone and in a mixture in Digitaria insularis control, a priority pest in the crop. The experiment was carried out in a 3x6 factorial scheme. The first factor corresponded to 3 cultivation environments (full sunlight, 45 and 63% shading) and the second factor to doses of glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl applied isolated (1920 and 40 g ai ha− 1) and mixed (1536 + 8; 1152 + 16; 768 + 24 and 384 + 32 g ai ha− 1), respectively. In shading, the glyphosate application alone at a dose of 1920 g ha− 1 and in a mixture with carfentrazone-ethyl at doses of 1536 + 8 and 1152 + 16 g ha− 1 were efficient in D. insularis management. In the environment of 63% shading, the dose of 768 + 24 g ha− 1 was also efficient in this species management. None of the doses were effective in controlling D. insularis in full sunlight. Isolated carfentrazone-ethyl was inefficient in controlling D. insularis, regardless of the growth environment. Shading increases the quantum yield of photosystem II and reduces the electron transport rate, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of D. insularis. In shady environments, it is possible to control D. insularis with lower glyphosate doses, used alone and mixed with carfentrazone-ethyl, reducing costs and environmental impacts.
Reported Bacterial Infectious Diseases in Saudi Arabia: Overview and Recent Advances
Authors: Alhumaid Nada K. , Alajmi Areej M. , Alosaimi Nada F. , Alotaibi Maryam , Almangour Thamer A. , Nassar Majed S. , Memish Ziad A. , Binjomah Abdulwahab Z. , Al-Jedai Ahmed , Almutairi Abdulaziz S. , Algarni Saeed , Alshiban Noura M. , Aleyiydi Munirah S. , Tawfik Abdulkader F. , Shibl Atef , Tawfik Essam A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Epidemiological surveillance is a critical tool to monitor the population's health and facilitate the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks. Bacterial infections are well known as one of the leading causes of global infection-related morbidity and mortality. Our study summarizes the number of bacterial infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia, along with an overview and recent advances in treatment or prevention modalities against these reported bacterial infections. This study only covers the reported bacterial infectious diseases in the Saudi Monthly Epidemiology Reports between 2018 and 2021. The results revealed that brucellosis, tuberculosis and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported bacterial infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia. Generally, males were more affected by bacterial infections than females. There was a variation in the distribution of bacterial infectious diseases between Saudi and non-Saudi citizens. Brucellosis and Salmonellosis infections were more common among Saudi citizens, while Tuberculosis was more common in non-Saudis. Interestingly, there was a decline in the incidence rates of numerous bacterial infectious diseases during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. However, this decline in the incidence rates might be a result of underreporting during the national lockdown. Some bacterial infectious diseases were rarely reported in Saudi Arabia, including Syphilis, Diphtheria, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Ethnic disparities in children with acute appendicitis
Authors: Chidiac Charbel , Liu Olivia , Gorijavolu Rahul , Rhee Daniel S. , Garcia Alejandro V. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Our study assesses if Hispanic children with acute appendicitis experience a more complicated hospital course than non-Hispanic children.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 2015-2020 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. Hispanic were compared to non-Hispanic white patients.
Results: 65,976 patients were included, of which 23,462 (35.56%) were Hispanic and 42,514 (64.44 %) non-Hispanic white. Hispanic children were more likely to present to the hospital with complicated appendicitis (31.75% vs 25.15%,P<0.0001) and sepsis (25.22% vs 19.02%,P <0.0001) compared to non-Hispanic white. Hispanics had higher rates of serious complications (4.06% vs 3.55%,P=0.001) but not overall complications (5.37% vs 5.09%,P=0.12). However, after multivariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with an increased rate of serious postoperative complications (OR 0.93, CI 0.85-1.01,P=0.088); it was associated with less overall complications (OR 0.88, CI 0.81-0.96,P=0.003) but a longer postoperative length of stay (OR 1.09, CI 1.04-1.14,P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Hispanic children are more likely to present with complicated appendicitis. This leads to increased postoperative complications in Hispanic children. After adjusting for complicated appendicitis, outcomes may be favorable for Hispanic ethnicity. This emphasizes the need to understand delays in presentation to improve outcomes in the Hispanic population.
Level of evidence: III
The prevalence and associated factors of job burnout among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Qian Yinan , Wang Na , Gou Lili , Yuan Lei , Lu Lijun , Al-shdifat Mohammad Sulaiman Fadhi , Chen Xupeng , Chen Jiaping , Liu Sijun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background Medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites are exposed to burnout syndrome due to repetitive and overload vaccination work. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout among these medical workers and to explore its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at COVID-19 vaccination sites in May 2021 in Nanjing, China. The online questionnaire included demographic, job and COVID-19 related characteristics, Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Social Support Rating Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression model was used to identify the risk factors for job burnout of medical workers. Results The overall prevalence of burnout symptoms among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites was 44.5% with a breakdown in severity as follows: 122 (28.7%) mild, 53 (12.5%) moderate, and 14 (3.3%) severe cases. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated that education level, health condition, job titles, self-reported increased work intensity, monthly income and social support were significantly related to job burnout (p < 0.05), which explained 37.6% of the variance of job burnout score (F = 16.046,p < 0.01). Conclusion The burnout symptoms were relatively common among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites. More attention should be paid to medical workers with master degree or higher, poor health condition, junior or middle job titles, increased work intensity, lower income and low level of social support. Interventions that aim to reduce workload and increase social support can be effective approaches to prevent job burnout among medical workers during controlled COVID-19 period.
S288T mutation altering MmpL3 periplasmic domain channel and H-bond network: A novel dual drug resistance mechanism
Authors: Liu Ling , Luo Qing , Shi Quanshan , Ge Yutong , Zhang Zhigang , Yue Xinru , Tang Lingkai , Liang Li , Hu Jianping 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Mycobacterial membrane proteins Large 3 (MmpL3) is responsible for the transport of mycobacterial acids out of cell membrane to form cell wall, which is essential for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and has become a potent anti-tuberculosis target. Drug resistance has always been the bottleneck problem in clinical treatment of tuberculosis. The S288T mutant of MmpL3 shows significant resistance to the inhibitor SQ109, while the specific action mechanism remains unclear. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics (QM) simulations both were performed to compare inhibitor (i.e., SQ109) recognition, motion characteristics and H-bond energy change of MmpL3 after S288T mutation. The results show that MmpL3 S288T mutation causes local conformational change with little effect on the global structure. With MmpL3 bound by SQ109 inhibitor, the distance between D710 and R715 increases resulting in H-bond destruction, but their interactions and proton transfer function are still restored. In addition, the rotation of Y44 in the S288T mutant leads to an obvious bend in the periplasmic domain channel and an increased number of contact residues, reducing substrate transport efficiency. This work not only provides a possible dual drug resistance mechanism of MmpL3 S288T mutant, but also aids the development of novel anti-tuberculosis inhibitors.
Longitudinal Microbial and Molecular Dynamics in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung after Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor therapy
Authors: Martin Christian , Guzior Douglas V. , Gonzalez Cely T. , Okros Maxwell , Mielke Jenna , Padillo Lienwil , Querido Gabriel , Gil Marissa , Thomas Ryan , McClelland Marc , Conrad Doug , Widder Stefanie , Quinn Robert A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder causing poor mucociliary clearance in the airways and subsequent respiratory infection. The recently approved triple therapy Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ETI) has significantly improved the lung function and decreased airway infection of persons with CF (pwCF). This improvement has been shown to occur rapidly, within the first few weeks of treatment. The effects of longer term ETI therapy on lung infection dynamics, however, remains mostly unknown.
Results
Here, we applied 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and neutral models to high-resolution, longitudinally collected sputum samples from pwCF on ETI therapy (162 samples, 7 patients) and compared to similarly collected data set of CF subjects not taking ETI (630 samples, 9 patients). Because ETI reduces sputum production, samples were collected in freezers provided in the subject’s homes at least 3 months after first taking ETI, with those on ETI collecting a sample approximately weekly. The lung function (%ppFEV1) of those in our longitudinal cohort significantly improved after ETI (6.91, SD = 7.74), indicating our study cohort was responsive to ETI. The daily variation of alpha- and beta-diversity of both the microbiome and metabolome was higher for those on ETI, reflecting a more dynamic microbial community and chemical environment during treatment. Four of the seven subjects on ETI were persistently infected with Pseudomonas or Burkholderia in their sputum throughout the sampling period. The microbiome and metabolome dynamics on ETI were personalized, where some subjects had a progressive change with time on therapy, whereas others had no association with time on treatment. To further classify the augmented variance of the CF microbiome under therapy, we fit the microbiome data to a Hubbell neutral dynamics model in a patient-stratified manner and found that the subjects on ETI had better fit to a neutral model.
Conclusion
This study shows that the longitudinal microbiology and chemistry in airway secretions from subjects on ETI has become more dynamic and neutral, and that after the initial improvement in lung function, many are still persistently infected with CF pathogens.