bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erector Spinae Plane versus Paravertebral versus Multiple Intercostal Nerve Blocks in Patients undergoing VATS; A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mogahed Mona Mohamed , Elghaffar Mohamed Samir Abd , Elkahwagy Mohamed Shafik 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive technique with shorter recovery times and lesser postoperative pain than open thoracotomies. Regional blocks decrease the anesthetic and postoperative analgesic requirements.
Methods
105 patients scheduled for VATS under general anesthesiea were included. Patients were randomly allocated to receive ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on T4 and T6 levels (Group ESPB, n = 35), Paravertebral block (PVB) (Group PVB, n = 35) 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5% was injected after the anesthesia induction and turning the patient in the lateral position or multiple intercostal nerve blocks (Group MICNB, n = 35) 2–3 mL for each intercostal space from the third to the eighth intercostal nerve were injected by the surgeon through the thoracoscope. The objectives of this study were primarily to assess the effectiveness of the erector spinae plane versus paravertebral versus multiple intercostal nerve blocks on the intraoperative patient anesthetic requirements and secondarily to assess the postoperative analgesic requirements.
Results
No significant differences were observed regarding Et Sevo all over the operative time between the ESPB and the PVB group; however there were highly significant differences between either group and the MICNB group immediately after induction of anesthesia till 60 minutes later, No significant difference between ESPB and the PVB groups as regards to the total amount of intraoperative fentanyl used on the other hand there were highly significant difference between the ESPB or the PVB group and the MICNB group; while all the three groups provide comparable postoperative analgesia with non-significant difference regarding the postoperative VAS either during rest or cough.
Conclusion
ESPB and PVB provided better intraoperative anesthetic sparing effect than MICNB; however all the three blocks provide comparable postoperative analgesia either during rest or during cough in patients undergoing VATS.
Trial registration:
This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (Protocol of Registration and Result System) on 25/ 10/ 2021. The clinical trial number is NCT05091398.
Does the intensity of pain and disability affect health-related quality of life of older adults with back pain? Multilevel analysis between Brazil and Netherlands: a cross-sectional study of the BACE consortium
Authors: Grigorini Adriana Estela de Oliveira , Koes Bart , Silva Silvia Lanzioti Azevedo da , Chiarotto Alessandro , Santos Diogo Felício dos , Pereira Leani Souza Máximo , Leopoldino Amanda Aparecida Oliveira 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction: The prognosis of back pain (BP) in the elderly is less favorable than in younger adults and progress to adverse outcomes and consequent worsening of health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Objective: To verify the association between BP intensity, disability and HRQoL in elderly residents in Brazil and Netherlands, and to evaluate whether the country of residence influences the associations.
Methods: Data were collected from 602 Brazilian and 675 Dutch participants with a new episode of BP from the Back Complaints in Elders (BACE) consortium. For the present study, a cross section was used. Pain intensity and disability were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), respectively. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire. Age, sex, and education were descriptive variables. Pain intensity (NPS score) and country were the independent variables and quality of life assessed by each SF domain - 36 was the dependent variable. Analysis of models at the individual level was performed to verify the association between pain and disability, also HRQoL in Netherlands and Brazil in the total sample. The multilevel model was used to verify whether the elderly person's country of residence influenced this relationship. Results: The average age of the participants was 67.00 (7.33) years. In the total sample, linear regression analysis adjusted for sex and age showed a significant association between BP intensity scores and HRQoL, for all domains. There was no association between disability and HRQoL. In the multilevel analysis, there was an association between BP intensity and HRQoL in all domains and an association between the country of residence and HRQoL, influencing the effect of pain, in all domains, except for the physical functioning.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic and cultural aspects of different countries can affect the perception of the elderly about their HRQoL in the presence of BP. Pain and disability in Brazilian and Dutch elderly ones are experienced differently in relation to their HRQoL.
Unravelling large-scale patterns and drivers of biodiversity in dry rivers
Authors: Foulquier Arnaud , Datry Thibault , Corti Roland , von Schiller Daniel , Tockner Klement , Stubbington Rachel , Gessner Mark , Boyer Frédéric , Ohlmann Marc , Thuiller Wilfried , Rioux Delphine , Miquel Christian , Albariño Ricardo , Allen Daniel , Altermatt Florian , Arce Maria Isabel , Arnon Shai , Avi Uzan , Banas Damien , Medina Andy Banegas , Beller Erin , Blanchette Melanie L. , Blessing Joanna , Boersma Kate , Bogan Michael , Bonada Núria , Bond Nick , Brintrup Katherine , Bruder Andreas , Burrows Ryan , Cancellario Tommaso , Carlson Stephanie , Cornut Julien , Danger Michael , De Girolamo Anna Maria , Campo Rubén del , Villanueva Verónica Díaz , Duerdoth Charles Philip , Dyer Fiona , Elosegi Arturo , Febria Catherine , Figueroa Ricardo , Four Brian , Gafny Sarig , Gómez Rosa , Gener Lluís Gómez , Guareschi Simone , Hwan Jason , Kubheka Patrick S , Laini Alex , Langhans Simone Daniela , Launay Bertrand , Goff Guillaume Le , Leigh Catherine , Little Chelsea , Lorenz Stefan , Marshall Jonathan , Sanz Eduardo J. Martin , McIntosh Angus , Meyer Elisabeth I. , Miliša Marko , Mlambo Musa , Morais Manuela , Moya Nabor , Negus Peter , Niyogi Dev , Pagán Iluminada , Papatheodoulou Athina , Pappagallo Giuseppe , Pardo Isabel , Paril Petr , Pauls Steffen , Polášek Marek , Rodríguez-Lozano Pablo , Rolls Robert , Sánchez-Montoya Maria Mar , Savić Ana , Steward Alisha , Taleb Amina , Valladares Yefrin , Vorste Ross Vander , Waltham Nathan , Zoppini Annamaria 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The lack of data from non-perennial rivers, which regularly cease to flow and dry up, poses a significant challenge in understanding river biodiversity. These dynamic ecosystems, accounting for over half of the global river network, remain understudied. To address this gap, we conducted a coordinated experiment and a metabarcoding approach on environmental DNA targeting multiple taxa (i.e. Archaea, Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, Nematoda, Arthropoda and Streptophyta). Dry sediments were collected from 84 non-perennial rivers across 19 countries on five continents to investigate biodiversity patterns and drivers. Our findings reveal that both direct (e.g., nutrient and carbon availability) and indirect (e.g., latitude and climate) drivers significantly influence local biodiversity for most taxa. In particular, we observed that low resource availability and extended dry phases promote the prevalence of oligotrophic microbial taxa, similar to soil microbial communities during drought events. Interestingly, our inferred partial correlation networks indicate that covariation among taxa, particularly Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, and Protozoa, plays a more substantial role in explaining variations in community composition than abiotic gradients. This unexpected result suggests that biotic interactions may drive community assembly in non-perennial rivers, potentially shaping biodiversity responses in the face of global changes like warming and altered hydrological patterns.
Cannabidiol ameliorates mitochondrial disease via PPARγ activation
Authors: Quintana Albert , Puighermanal Emma , Luna-Sánchez Marta , Gella Alex , Urpi Andrea , Royo Maria , Tena Paula , Appiah Isabella , de Donato Maria Helena , Menardy Fabien , Bianchi Patrizia , Alberola Mariona , Pascau Laura Rodríguez , Vergara Cristina , Walt Gunter van der , Gómez-Pallarès Mercè , Martinell Marc , Sanz Elisenda , Jurado Sandra , Soriano Francesc Xavier , Pizcueta Pilar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Mutations in mitochondrial energy-producing genes lead to a heterogeneous group of untreatable disorders known as primary mitochondrial diseases (MD). Leigh syndrome (LS) is the most common pediatric MD and is characterized by progressive neuromuscular affectation and premature death. Here, we show that daily cannabidiol (CBD) administration significantly extends lifespan and ameliorates pathology in two LS mouse models, and cellular function in fibroblast from LS patients. CBD delays motor decline and neurodegenerative signs, improves social deficits and breathing abnormalities, decreases thermally induced seizures, and improves neuropathology in affected brain regions. Mechanistically, we identify peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as a key contributor to CBD’s beneficial effects, and provide proof of dysregulated PPARγ expression and activity as a common feature in both mouse neurons and fibroblasts from LS patients. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence for CBD as a potential treatment for LS.
Humeral Shaft Fractures: Retrospective Evaluation of Surgical Versus Non-surgical Treatment
Authors: Beraldo Rodrigo Alves , de Moraes Renato , Galdeano Ewerton Alexandre , Silva Caroline Izidorio Bernardes 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Humeral shaft fractures mainly affect young male adults and patients over 60 years of age. The treatment can be surgical or non-surgical, with satisfactory results in both, but the choice must be evaluated individually. The study aimed to compare the functional capacity and pain of patients treated surgically and non-surgically and to analyze associations with personal history, limb dominance, fracture complexity and complications.
Methods: The study involved 74 participants who were followed for at least 6 months and divided into two groups: surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment. Functional capacity was assessed using the QuickDash scale and pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition, anthropometric and clinical data were collected. The results were analyzed with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test using the R software, with a significance of p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups with regard to function (p=0.550) and pain (p=0.646). Furthermore, no significant associations were found between the variables of sex, age, personal history, limb dominance, fracture complexity and complications in both groups.
Conclusion: After a minimum period of 6 months of follow-up, patients with humeral shaft fracture treated surgically or not, presented similar results in terms of functional capacity and pain.
Level of evidence: 4 – Retrospective cohort.
Effects of helicobacter pylori infection on the risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease: a bidirectional Mendelian study
Authors: Xiong Zhijie , Ning Wenfeng , Li Yonggui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background:
Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI) is a common gastrointestinal disease that may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factor, hypertension (HTN). However, the causal relationship between HPI and CAD and HTN remains unclear.
Methods:
We used bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the effects of HPI on CAD and HTN, as well as the effects of CAD and HTN on HPI. We used genetic instrumental variables (IVs) for HPI, CAD, and HTN extracted from publicly available large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. We employed multiple MR analysis methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, Mendelian Randomization Egger regression (MR-Egger), and Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), to examine causal relationships and evaluate the impact of heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Results:
IVW analysis revealed no causal relationship between HPI and CAD or HTN. However, we observed a negative causal correlation between HPI and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), suggesting that HPI may serve as a protective factor for hypertension [SBP (Beta = -0.3509, OR, 0.7041; 95% CI, 0.5758-0.8609; P < 0.001), DBP (Beta = -0.1666, OR, 0.8463; 95% CI, 0.7537-0.9508; P = 0.007)]. Reverse MR analysis also revealed no significant effects of CAD, HTN, SBP, or DBP on HPI. Consistent results were obtained from MR-Egger and weighted median analyses, indicating minimal bias due to heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that there is no causal relationship between HPI and CAD or HTN, but a negative causal relationship exists between HPI and SBP and DBP. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical practice and offer a new perspective for further exploration of the relationship between HPI and cardiovascular diseases.
Combined effect of grooves and nanoflower structured Co3O4 coating on bamboo wood for highly efficient solar steam generation at indoor and outdoor conditions
Authors: Rengasamy Marimuthu , Gnanasekaran Arulmurugan , Eswaramoorthy Nandhakumar , Basker Indhumathy , Rajaram Kamatchi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Currently, interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) in desalinating water becomes very popular for obtaining purified water from polluted water. But, finding a suitable evaporator with low cost and high-efficient is the challenging task for researchers. In this work, we introduce natural bamboo wood that acts as an interfacial evaporator for obtaining purified water. Four different wood evaporators namely, flat wood (BW-FW), two-cut grooved wood (BW-2G), four-cut grooved wood (BW-4G) and four-cut grooved with Co3O4 coated wood (BW-4g/Co3O4) are used to study the mass loss (ML), evaporation rate (ER) and evaporation efficiency (EY). From the observations, BW-4g/Co3O4 gives an admirable ML, ER and EY is 4.4 g, 3.366 kg/m2h and 91.34 % under 1 sun illumination for 60 min. Also, it is kept at open atmosphere conditions under natural sun illuminations. It achieves 17.8g of ML, 1.92 kg m-2 h-1 of ER and 76 % of EY respectively under 604.762 W/m2 solar illumination for 8 h. We suggest the following are the reasons for the observed results: (i) the presence of grooves increase the exposing area for solar illuminations (ii) the super hydrophilicity nature of wood gives continuous replenishment of water from the bottom to the evaporative surface (iii) the excellent salt rejection property of wood is employed for continuous water transportation without salt accumulations. As a result, the salinity of the condensed water is measured that comes under WHO standards. Consequently, it gives better dye removal from polluted water.
Accurate machine learning force fields via experimental and simulation data fusion
Authors: Zavadlav Julija , Röcken Sebastien 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Machine Learning (ML)-based force fields are attracting ever-increasing interest due to their capacity to span spatiotemporal scales of classical interatomic potentials at quantum-level accuracy. They can be trained based on high-fidelity simulations or experiments, the former being the common case. However, both approaches are impaired by scarce and erroneous data resulting in models that either do not agree with well-known experimental observations or are under-constrained and only reproduce some properties. Here we leverage both Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and experimentally measured mechanical properties and lattice parameters to train an ML potential of titanium. We demonstrate that the fused data learning strategy can concurrently satisfy all target objectives, thus resulting in a molecular model of higher accuracy compared to the models trained with a single data source. The inaccuracies of DFT functionals at target experimental properties were corrected, while the investigated off-target properties remained largely unperturbed. Our approach is applicable to any material and can serve as a general strategy to obtain highly accurate ML potentials.
Preventive effects of probiotics on asthmatic lung inflammation in an ovalbumin-induced murine model
Authors: Park Tae Il , Song Jin Yong , Lee Yubin , Lee Su hyun , Lee Ji-Yun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Asthma, a prevalent chronic inflammatory lung disease that has affected over 330 million people worldwide, manifests through symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, dyspnea, and chest tightness. Probiotics, such as L. rhamnosus and B. subtilis, confer beneficial effects on allergic airway inflammation. They induce regulatory immune responses and offer the potential to restore cytokine balance in activated immune cells. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on inflammation in pulmonary diseases by assessing their impact on airway resistance, immune cell infiltration, and allergy-related chemokine levels in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model.
Methods
Mice were sensitized to OVA through intraperitoneal injections of OVA alum on Days 0 and 7. Subsequently, the mice were subjected to aerosolized OVA challenges three times weekly from Day 14 to 28. The mice were then administered tri-weekly oral doses of L. rhamnosus or B. subtilis approximately 1 week before sensitization. Tidal volume and specific airway resistance were assessed via a methacholine test. The number of cells in lung bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was counted to assess inflammatory cell infiltration. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the protein levels of IL-13 in the BALF and the levels of antibodies, including OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and OVA-specific IgG1, in the serum. Furthermore, the lungs were subjected to histopathological analysis.
Results
The oral administration of B. subtilis and L. rhamnosus significantly decreased airway resistance, suppressed immune cell infiltration, and inhibited the production of allergy-related antibodies, including IgE and IgG1. Furthermore, B. subtilis and L. rhamnosus decreased the production of IL-13, which induces mucin production; mucin production was decreased in the B. subtilis and L. rhamnosus groups.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that oral administration of probiotics could have a potential preventive effect on asthmatic lung inflammation.
Validation of Three Tools for Identifying Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in a Han Population from six General Hospitals in Beijing: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: An Ning , Guo Sijia , Lin Jisheng , Zhuang Haoxiang , Li Jiayi , Meng Hai , Su Nan , Yang Yong , Fei Qi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the validation of three screening tools for identifying Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (OP) including the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA), Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX), and Beijing Friendship Hospital Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool (BFH-OST).
Methods: A total of 745 community-dwelling Han Beijing postmenopausal females aged ≥45 years from six general hospitals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed a questionnaire and BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Osteoporosis was defined by a T-score at least −2.5 SD less than that of average young adults in different diagnostic criteria [lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, worst hip, and World Health Organization (WHO)]. The abilities of the OSTA, FRAX, and BFH-OST to identify osteoporosis were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curves (AUC) were calculated.
Results: Osteoporosis prevalence ranged from 12.1% to 34.6% according to five different diagnostic criteria. The AUC range for the BFH-OST (0.726–0.813) was similar to the OSTA (0.723– 0.810), which revealed that both tools identified OP reliably. The AUC range for FRAX was 0.66–0.784, with corresponding sensitivities of 78.68% and specificities of 50.31%, suggesting limited predictive value. According to WHO criteria, the AUC values for the BFH-OST and for the OSTA were 0.752 and 0.748, with corresponding sensitivities of 86.82% and 86.05% and specificities of 50.51% and 51.13%, respectively. At defined thresholds, the BFH-OST and OSTA allowed avoidance of DXA in 63.1%–67.9% of participants, at a cost of missing 13.2%–26.0% of individuals with OP.
Conclusions: OSTA and BFH-OST are both simple and effective tools for identifying postmenopausal osteoporosis in the Han Beijing population.
The cellular entry mechanism and potential target of the novel bioactive peptide AFYRW derived from Fagopyrum tataricum
Authors: Zuo Jie , Jiang Yuheng , Wang Chengjin , Xiao Yi , Yang Jiajun , Deng Yan , Zhang Lilin , Xu Qingzhong , Li Hongmei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The novel bioactive peptide AFYRW derived from Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) with strong antioxidant capacity was identified in our previous research, but its cellular entry and targeting mechanism remain unknown. Herein, we employed endocytosis pharmacological inhibition methodologies and determined that AFYRW localized primarily in the nucleus, and NH4Cl, chloroquine (CQ), and nystatin exposure resulted in a significantly reduced uptake by HepG2 cells. Our results indicate that the cellular uptake of AFYRW depends on caveolae-mediated endocytosis that requires a low pH, but does not involve macropinocytosis or clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In addition, biotin-streptavidin affinity purification was used to screen for interacting proteins, and protein spectrum analysis in vitro identified poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) as a potential target. Subsequent in silico molecular docking supports the presence of a peptide–protein interaction between AFYRW and PARP-1. Our findings suggest that the novel bioactive peptide AFYRW could be a potential inhibitor of PARP-1.
Climate-induced severe water scarcity events as harbinger of global grain price
Authors: Trnka Miroslav , Meitner Jan , Balek Jan , Feng Song , Arbelaez-Gaviria Juliana , Fischer Milan , Boere Esther , Havlík Petr , Kersebaum Kurt , Nendel Claas , Ruiz-Ramos Margarita , Semerádová Daniela , Semenov Mikhail , Poděbradská Markéta , Esper Jan , Buentgen Ulf , Torbenson Max , Brzezina Jáchym , Žalud Zdeněk , Katul Gabriel , Olesen Jorgen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The severe water scarcity (SWS) concept allows for consistent analysis of the supply and demand for water sourced grain production worldwide. Thus, the primary advantage of using SWS is its ability to simultaneously accommodate the spatial extent and temporal persistence of droughts using climatic data. The SWS concept was extended here to drivers of global grain prices using past SWS events and prices of three dominant grain crops: wheat, rice and maize. A significant relation between the SWS-affected area and the prices of wheat was confirmed. The past price–SWS association was then used to project future wheat prices considering likely climate change scenarios until 2050 and expected SWS extent. The projected wheat prices increase with increasing SWS area that is in turn a function of greenhouse gas emissions. The need to act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is again reinforced assuming the SWS-price relation for wheat is unaltered.