bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical analysis of low back pain in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease with Modic I/II changes after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Zhezhe , Li Pengfei , Zhang Zuxue , Zeng Xianqi , Song Youxin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Modic I/II has been associated with low back pain in some previous studies, but the majority of scholars still question this. This study investigated the changes of low back pain in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases and the recovery of low back and leg pain in patients after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PTED) without fusion and decompression surgery alone.
Methods
Sixty-four patients (aged 57.86 ± 10.86 years) with lumbar degenerative diseases whose vertebral bone marrow showed Modic I/II signal were selected. All patients presented with low back and leg pain due to lumbar degeneration and underwent PTED without fusion. We evaluated changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for low back pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before surgery, 1 month after surgery, 6 months after surgery, and 1 and 2 years after surgery.
Results
The mean age of the PTED group was 57.86 ± 10.86 years. The VAS leg, VAS back, and ODI scores were significantly improved after surgery compared with those before surgery. Notably, VAS back pain score and VAS leg pain score showed an increasing trend over time in the MCI group after PTED, and there were statistically significant differences in VAS back pain score and VAS leg pain score at 1 month and 2 years after surgery (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
PTED improves the condition of low back pain in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases. Low back pain in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases seems to arise primarily from nerve root compression, and the intuitive impact of MC on low back pain remains elusive. However, patients who presented with recurrent low back or leg pain within 2 years of surgery could be the result of progression of normal lumbar degeneration.
Application and exploration for the internationalization of medical education use TBL concept in dental teaching
Authors: Lin Baoxin , Wang Xu , Li Ruyi , Cai He , Pei Xibo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze and discuss the differences of medical education of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, in the construction of first-class disciplines worldwide, to explore the reform of dental teaching, and to cultivate talent with international vision. Methods: This study investigated 112 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students in the West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, from 2021 to 2022. The evaluation results of dental students in project courses under different teaching modes (traditional teaching methods and team cooperative learning) were explored. Subjects were divided into two groups: the control group (n=55) and the experimental group (n=57). Under the guidance of the instructor, the dental teaching application and exploration project was conducted. At the end of the project, a self-report questionnaire with 17 items was distributed to participants to evaluate three areas (the TBL teaching model, international curriculum evaluation and personal ability improvement). A total of 100 valid questionnaires were received, with a response rate of 89%. Results: Except for the first and sixth questions, there were significant differences in all the others. The other 11 questions showed that the scores of students in the control group were significantly higher than those in the experimental group with a p value less than 0.05, indicating that there was a significant difference and that experimental group had a significant effect in three areas compared with control group after course learning. In addition, in the two groups, most of the students (56% in the control group and 76% in the experimental group) hoped to participate in the international curriculum of medical education and gain an international perspective. In terms of personal ability improvement, the majority of students (62% - 76%) in the experimental group strongly agreed that they had improved in various aspects during the one-year course teaching and clinical training, while only 22% - 36% in the control group agreed with this statement. Conclusion: It was beneficial to improve the teaching level, academic research ability and teaching methods of colleges and universities by internationalizing medical education in combination with TBL dental teaching reform. This application and exploration project comprehensively promoted medical teaching reform and innovative talent training, encouraged the personalized development of students, and trained their clinical thinking, scientific research thinking and critical thinking to cultivate high-quality talent with innovative awareness and international vision.
PM2.5 Exposure Aggravates Kidney Injuries in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Peng Yanzhe , Shuai Dan , Deng Yiyao , Yu Jiali , Wu Yilin , Yuan Jing , Zha Yan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: PM2.5, the particles with diameters no larger than 2.5 micrometers, are important contributors to air pollution and have been related to diabetes and kidney injury. The present study aims to investigate whether PM2.5 aggravates kidney conditions in the context of diabetes.
Methods: Db/db mice were used to model diabetes and treated with escalating doses of PM2.5 particles. The treatments were performed through intratracheal instillation. Kidney conditions were assessed using a battery of histopathological staining and laboratory tests.
Results: PM2.5 treatment led to more severe phenotypes of kidney injury characterized by altered histology and overall deteriorated kidney functions. Many biological processes were implicated in the injury including progression of renal interstitial fibrosis, increased monocyte infiltration and an exhausted antioxidative defense system.
Conclusions: PM2.5 induces an additional detrimental effects on kidney conditions in diabetic mice, calling for focuses on the diabetes patients living at highly PM2.5-polluted environments.
“Transcriptional repression of lncRNA and miRNA subsets mediated by LRF during erythropoiesis”
Authors: Athanasopoulou Katerina , Chondrou Vasiliki , Xiropotamos Panagiotis , Psarias Georgios , Vasilopoulos Yiannis , Georgakilas Georgios , Sgourou Argyro 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) species, mainly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been currently imputed for lesser or greater involvement in human erythropoiesis. These RNA subsets operate within a complex circuit with other epigenetic components and transcription factors (TF) affecting chromatin remodeling during cell differentiation. Lymphoma/Leukemia related (LRF) TF exerts higher occupancy on DNA CpG rich sites and is implicated in several differentiation cell pathways and erythropoiesis among them. Also, directs the epigenetic regulation of hemoglobin transversion from fetal (HbF) to adult (HbA) form by intervening in the γ-globin gene repression. We intended to investigate LRF activity in the evolving landscape of cells’ commitment to the erythroid lineage and specifically during HbF to HbA transversion, to qualify this TF as potential repressor of lncRNAs and miRNAs. Transgenic human erythroleukemia cells, overexpressing LRF and further induced to erythropoiesis, were subjected to expression analysis in high LRF occupancy genetic loci producing lncRNAs. LRF abundance in genetic loci transcribing for studied lncRNAs was determined by ChIP-Seq data analysis. qPCRs were performed to examine lncRNAs expression status. Differentially expressed miRNAs pre- and post-erythropoiesis induction were assessed by next generation sequencing (NGS) and their promoter regions were charted. Expression levels of lncRNAs were correlated with DNA methylation status of flanked CpG islands and contingent co-regulation of hosted miRNAs was considered. LRF binding sites were overrepresented in LRF overexpressing cell clones during erythropoiesis induction and exerted a significant suppressive effect towards lncRNAs and miRNA collections. Based on present data interpretation LRF’s multiplied binding capacity across genome is suggested to be transient and associated with higher levels of DNA methylation.
Continuous standard bupivacaine versus single liposomal bupivacaine injection for interscalene brachial plexus block for pain management after proximal humerus fracture fixation: a study protocol of a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (CLIP-H study)
Authors: Chan Timmy CW , Lam David MH , Chan Will SH , Wong Stanley SC , Chan Manson TH , Wong Janus SH , Yee Dennis KH , Yung Colin S , Fang Evan J , Cheung CW , Fang Christian 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Interscalene brachial plexus nerve blocks (ISB) are commonly used to reduce postoperative pain for proximal humerus fracture fixation. Good pain control minimizes opioid consumption, facilitates mobilization and enhances functional recovery. While ISB continuous nerve block infusion can prolong postoperative analgesia, it is technically demanding and associated with problems such as catheter displacement and obstruction. Liposomal bupivacaine allows prolonged duration of analgesia up to 72 hours after single injection. Single ISB injection using liposomal bupivacaine can perhaps provide extended pain relief without the potential problems associated with continuous nerve catheters. The analgesic efficacy of single injection of liposomal bupivacaine versus continuous nerve infusion with standard bupivacaine has not been investigated. In this study protocol, we describe a single centre, double blind, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial to compare the analgesic effect of single ISB injection using liposomal bupivacaine (LP-ISB group) versus continuous ISB nerve infusion using standard bupivacaine (C-ISB) after proximal humeral fracture fixation. Seventy-eight patients will be recruited after obtaining informed consent. Patients in the LP-ISB group will receive ISB injection with 10ml of 1.33% liposomal bupivacaine, followed by nerve catheter infusion using normal saline at 5ml/hr. Patients in the C-ISB group will receive ISB injection with 10ml of 0.25% standard bupivacaine, followed by nerve catheter infusion with 0.2% standard bupivacaine at 5ml/hr. All patients will receive the same perioperative general anaesthetic and analgesic management. The primary outcome is the weighted AUC NRS pain score (scale 0-10) at rest and with movement during the acute postoperative period. Secondary outcomes in the acute postoperative period include postoperative opioid consumption, overall analgesic benefit score and adverse effects. Longer-term secondary outcomes that will be assessed include health related quality of life, upper limb functional scores (QuickDASH) and chronic pain. This clinical study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04928664).
Single-cell transcriptomics identifies the differentiation trajectory from inflammatory monocytes to pro-resolving macrophages in skin allergy
Authors: Miyake Kensuke , Ito Junya , Takahashi Kazufusa , Nakabayashi Jun , Shichino Shigeyuki , Yoshikawa Soichiro , Karasuyama Hajime 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Both monocytes and macrophages are heterogeneous populations. It was traditionally understood that Ly6Chi classical (inflammatory) monocytes differentiate to pro-inflammatory Ly6Chi macrophages. Accumulating evidence has suggested that Ly6Chi classical monocytes can also differentiate into Ly6Clo pro-resolving macrophages under certain conditions, while their differentiation trajectory remains to be fully elucidated. The present study with scRNA-seq and flow cytometric analyses revealed that Ly6ChiPD-L2lo classical monocytes recruited to the allergic skin lesion sequentially differentiate into Ly6CloPD-L2hi pro-resolving macrophage, via intermediate Ly6ChiPD-L2hi macrophages but not Ly6Clo non-classical monocytes, in an IL-4 receptor-dependent manner. Along the differentiation, classical monocyte-derived macrophages displayed anti-inflammatory signatures followed by metabolic rewiring concordant with their ability to phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils and allergens, therefore contributing to the resolution of inflammation. The failure in the generation of these pro-resolving macrophages drove the IL-1α-mediated vicious cycle of inflammation with abscess-like accumulation of necrotic neutrophils. Thus, we clarified the stepwise differentiation trajectory from Ly6Chi classical monocytes toward Ly6Clo pro-resolving macrophages that restrain neutrophilic aggravation of skin allergic inflammation.
Effects of Five Sources of Mixing Water on Durability of Concrete
Authors: Elshami Ahmed. A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This paper presents the experimental approach and the first results obtained as a result of the effect of five Sources of mixing water on produce more durable concrete. Five types of water were used, namely simulated acid rain (AR), Rain water (RW), tap water (TW), Zamzam water (ZW) and sea water (SW) as mixing water for ordinary portland cement concrete OPCC. The durability of these different types of water were tested toward their capacity to prevent the rebar corrosion. The results of workability, pH value, compressive strength, chlorides penetration and microstructure of different specimens mixed with each type of water were compared with those mixed with tap water (TW).
Professional Dental Care to Reduce the Recurrence of Aspiration Pneumonia: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Miyagami Taiju , Nishizaki Yuji , Imada Ryoko , Yamaguchi Kohei , Nojima Masanori , Kataoka Koshi , Sakairi Mizuki , Aoki Nozomi , Furusaka Takayuki , Kushiro Seiko , Yang Kwang-Seok , Morikawa Toru , Tohara Haruka , Naito Toshio 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUNDAspiration pneumonia has a high recurrence rate, and oral care by dentists has been reported to be effective in preventing the onset of aspiration pneumonia; however, this has not been evaluated using prospective studies. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of professional oral care by dentists in reducing the recurrence of aspiration pneumonia in older adult patients.METHODSThis was a prospective cohort study to evaluate a dental oral care intervention with a historical control. It was conducted at a single-center regional core hospital in Japan that serves a large number of patients aged > 80 years. Patients who were hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia were included in this study. The historical control group received oral care from nurses as usual and was followed retrospectively for 1 year. The dentist oral care group received weekly professional oral care from a dentist and was followed prospectively for 1 year. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate the timing of recurrent aspiration pneumonia or death events. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to obtain a hazard ratio and to determine the 95% confidence intervals.RESULTSThere were 91 participants in the dentist oral care group and 94 in the control group. The mean age of participants in this study was 85 years, and 75 (40.5%) were women. The recurrence rate was 27.5% in the dentist oral care group and 44.7% in the control group, a statistically significant difference (P= 0.005). Dentist oral care reduced the risk of recurrence of aspiration pneumonia by approximately 50% (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.465; 95% confidence interval, 0.278–0.78).CONCLUSIONSDentist-provided professional oral care was associated with a lower rate of aspiration pneumonia recurrence than nurse-provided conventional oral care.
Gene expression profile of HCT-8 cells following single or co-infections with Cryptosporidium parvum and bovine coronavirus
Authors: JIMENEZ-MELENDEZ Alejandro , SHAKYA Ruchika , MARKUSSEN Turhan , ROBERTSON Lucy J. , MYRMEL Mette , MAKVANDI-NEJAD Shokouh 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Among the causative agents of neonatal diarrhoea in calves, two of the most prevalent are bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and the intracellular parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Although several studies indicate that co-infections are associated with greater symptom severity, the host-pathogen interplay remains unresolved. Here, our main objective was to investigate the modulation of the transcriptome of HCT-8 cells during single and co-infections with BCoV and C. parvum. For this, HCT-8 cells were inoculated with (1) BCoV alone, (2) C. parvum alone, (3) BCoV and C. parvum simultaneously. After 24 and 72 h, cells were harvested and analyzed using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Following differential expression analysis, over 6000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in virus and co-infected cells at 72 hpi, whereas only 52 DEGs were found in C. parvum-infected cells at the same time point. Pathway (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that DEGs in the virus-infected and co-infected cells were mostly associated with immune pathways (such as NFKβ, TNFα or, IL-17), apoptosis and regulation of transcription, with a more limited effect exerted by C. parvum. Although the modulation observed in the co-infection was apparently dominated by the virus, over 800 DEGs were uniquely expressed in co-infected cells at 72 hpi. Our findings provide insights on possible biomarkers associated with co-infection, which could be further explored using in vivo models.
Heterogeneity in conformational state space enhances the force-tolerance of mechanosensory proteins
Authors: Saha Pritam , Vashisht Vishavdeep , Singh Ojas , Bhati Gaurav , Garg Surbhi , Rakshit Sabyasachi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
β-strands in proteins undergo anti-cross correlated crankshaft-type motions and adapt to the input mechanical cues. However, a direct study to reveal the molecular relation of force-adaptability with crankshaft motions of β-strands is long-awaited. To elucidate, here we explore the differences in mechanical tolerance of a gating-spring protein in hearing, cadherin-23, with genotypic and phenotypic variations on a single residue. Though the variants possess comparable topology, differ in contact-orders. Higher contact-order induces higher crankshaft. We identified that the variants with higher crankshaft exhibit larger heterogeneity in the conformational state space and thus, higher force-tolerance. However, protein-variants with lower contact-orders possess higher folding-cooperativity and faster intrinsic-folding, though their folding-energy landscape is most prone to distortion under tension. Overall, our study provides a unique relation between the transition-cooperativity amongst the sparsely populated conformational states and the force-adaptations by β-rich proteins. The use of phenotype and genotype variants also help us to deduce the mechanical fingerprinting of healthy spring and malicious spring.
Plasma Lipid Profile of the Iranian Adult Population: Findings of the Nationally Representative STEPs Survey 2021
Authors: Khanali Javad , Ghasemi Erfan , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Ahmadi Naser , Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Azangou-Khyavy Mohammadreza , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Hashemi Seyedeh Melika , Naderian Mohammadreza , Rezaei Negar , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Farzi Yosef , Kazemi Ameneh , Yoosefi Moein , Hajebi Amirali , Rezaei Shahabeddin , Azadnajafabad Sina , Fattahi Nima , Nasserinejad Maryam , Abdolhamidi Elham , Haghshenas Rosa , Rezaei Nazila , Djalalinia Shirin , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in Iranian adults by demographic characterization, geographical distribution, and associated risk factors using national and sub-national representative samples of the STEPs 2021 survey in Iran. In this population-based household survey, a total of 18,119 individuals aged higher than 25 years provided blood samples for biochemical analysis. Dyslipidemia was defined by the presence of at least one of the lipid abnormalities of hypertriglyceridemia (≥ 150 mg/dL), hypercholesterolemia (≥ 200 mg/dL), high LDL-C (≥ 130 mg/dL), and low HDL-C (< 50 mg/dL in women, < 40 mg/dL in men), or self-reported use of lipid-lowering medications. Mixed dyslipidemia was characterized as the coexistence of high LDL-C with at least one of the hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C. The prevalence of each lipid abnormality was determined by each population strata, and the determinants of abnormal lipid levels were identified using a multiple logistic regression model. The prevalence was 39.7% for hypertriglyceridemia, 21.2% for hypercholesterolemia, 16.4% for high LDL-C, 68.4% for low HDL-C, and 81.0% for dyslipidemia. Hypercholesterolemia and low HDL-C were more prevalent in women, and hypertriglyceridemia was more prevalent in men. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was higher in women (OR = 1.8), obese (OR = 2.8) and overweight (OR = 2.3) persons, those residents in urban areas (OR = 1.1), those with inappropriate physical activity (OR = 1.2), patients with diabetes (OR = 2.7) and hypertension (OR = 1.9), and participants with a history (OR = 1.6) or familial history of CVDs (OR = 1.2). Mixed dyslipidemia prevalence was 13.6% in women and 11.4% in men (P < 0.05). The prevalence of lipid abnormalities was highly heterogeneous among provinces, and East Azarbaijan with 85.3% (81.5–89.1) and Golestan with 68.5% (64.8–72.2) had the highest and lowest prevalence of dyslipidemia, respectively. Although the prevalence of high cholesterol and LDL-C had a descending trend in the 2016–2021 period, the prevalence of dyslipidemia remained unchanged. There are modifiable risk factors associated with dyslipidemia that can be targeted by the primary healthcare system. To modify these risk factors and promote metabolic health in the country, action plans should come to action through a multi-sectoral and collaborative approach.