bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil organic carbon stabilization and associated mineral protection in typical coastal wetlands under different hydrologic conditions
Authors: Zhao Haixiao , Jia Jia , Zhao Qingqing , Wang Jianing , Gao Yongchao , Huang Yujie , Chen Guanhong 
Published: October 2022

The soil carbon sequestration largely depends on soil organic carbon (SOC) stability. However, the mechanism of SOC stabilization in coastal wetlands under different hydrologic conditions remains to be clarified. In this study, the effect of mineral protection on SOC stabilization was investigated in freshwater-flooded Phragmites australis wetlands (FPW), tidal P. australis wetlands (TPW), non-flooded P. australis wetlands (NPW) and tidal Suaeda salsa wetlands (TSW). Two stabilized SOC fractions (Na2S2O8 resistant SOC and H2O2 resistant SOC) and Al/Fe/Si oxides extracted by acid oxalate, dithionite–citrate and pyrophosphate, respectively, were determined in soil samples collected to a depth of 25 cm. The contents of soil Na2S2O8 resistant SOC and H2O2 resistant SOC were not significantly different among the four wetlands (p &gt; 0.05), with the highest mean values occurring in FPW (1.44 ± 0.43 g kg-1) and TPW (1.79 ± 0.40 g kg-1), respectively. The contents of Al/Fe/Si oxides (except for Sip) and the values of mineral phase indicators were significantly lower in NPW than in TPW or FPW (p &lt; 0.05). Linear regressions among Al/Fe/Si oxides, mineral phase indicators, and two stabilized SOC fractions showed that Na2S2O8 resistant SOC and H2O2 resistant SOC were positively and significantly affected by mineral contents (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, edaphic factors such as soil organic matter, total nitrogen, soil water content, clay and silt contents were identified as important factors influencing the two stabilized SOC fractions.
Artificial intelligence in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia: A scoping review
Authors: Viderman Dmitriy , Dossov Mukhit , Seitenov Serik , Lee Min-Ho 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundRegional anesthesia is increasingly used in acute postoperative pain management. Ultrasound has been used to facilitate the performance of the regional block, increase the percentage of successfully performed procedures and reduce the complication rate. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been studied in many medical disciplines with achieving high success, especially in radiology. The purpose of this review was to review the evidence on the application of artificial intelligence for optimization and interpretation of the sonographic image, and visualization of needle advancement and injection of local anesthetic.MethodsTo conduct this scoping review, we followed the PRISMA-S guidelines. We included studies if they met the following criteria: (1) Application of Artificial intelligence-assisted in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia; (2) Any human subject (of any age), object (manikin), or animal; (3) Study design: prospective, retrospective, RCTs; (4) Any method of regional anesthesia (epidural, spinal anesthesia, peripheral nerves); (5) Any anatomical localization of regional anesthesia (any nerve or plexus) (6) Any methods of artificial intelligence; (7) Settings: Any healthcare settings (Medical centers, hospitals, clinics, laboratories.ResultsThe systematic searches identified 78 citations. After the removal of the duplicates, 19 full-text articles were assessed; and 15 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review.ConclusionsAI solutions might be useful in anatomical landmark identification, reducing or even avoiding possible complications. AI-guided solutions can improve the optimization and interpretation of the sonographic image, visualization of needle advancement, and injection of local anesthetic. AI-guided solutions might improve the training process in UGRA. Although significant progress has been made in the application of AI-guided UGRA, randomized control trials are still missing.
Photometric method for dual targeting of surface and surface-associated proteins on extracellular vesicles in the multiparametric test
Authors: Clegg Lee-Ann Marie , Sloth Jenni Kathrine , Bæk Rikke , Jørgensen Malene Møller 
Published: October 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a topic of interest within the field of diagnostic biomarkers; however, recent developments in the study of EVs have increased the need for simpler but still comprehensive methods for characterization. Here, we describe how to simultaneously measure several surface or surface-associated proteins on EVs using a multiparametric microarray-based analysis termed Extracellular Vesicle Array (EV Array), which is developed to catch and phenotypically characterize small EVs. Previously, this analysis has been limited to measuring only one fluorescent signal per analysis. The analysis relies on antibodies printed onto a solid surface, for catching the EVs carrying the specific surface or surface-associated proteins, and on the subsequent fluorescent detection. For the optimization of detection, two antibodies with attached Cy3 or Cy5 were added to various combinations of the EV surface or surface-associated proteins: CD9, CD63, CD81, flotillin-1, and HSP90. In this study, the EV surface or surface-associated proteins were analyzed in human plasma from six healthy subjects. Changes observed in signal intensities from Cy3 and Cy5 related specifically to these combinations and allowed for a comparison of the two different fluorescent signals. When comparing the results, it was observed that it is possible to measure the EV surface or surface-associated proteins at both 532 nm (Cy3) and 635 nm (Cy5) simultaneously without a significant change in signals from the detection molecules. This allows us to measure multiple EV marker proteins in a single analysis, thereby more quickly finding complex biomarker patterns in a sample.
Risk profile, clinical presentation, and determinants of stroke subtypes among patients with stroke admitted to public referral hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia in 2021: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayehu Gashaw Walle , Yitbarek Getachew Yideg , Zewdie Edgiet Abebe , Amsalu Bedemariam Tadesse , Abie Yonatan , Atlaw Daniel , Agegnehu Assefa , Admasu Fitalew Tadele , Azanaw Melkalem Mamuye , Amare Abraham Tsedalu , Emiru Zemen Asmare 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundStroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with a significant increase in stroke burden over the last two and half decades, especially in developing countries. African countries are undergoing an epidemiological transition from being dominated by infectious diseases to being double-burdened by non-communicable diseases, with existing infectious diseases driven by sociodemographic and lifestyle changes and a weak healthcare system. Data on the risk profile, clinical presentation, and predictors of stroke subtypes are still limited. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the risk profile, clinical presentation, and predictors of stroke in public referral hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsFor this study, 554 patients with stroke admitted to three public referral hospitals were prospectively followed up. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. STATA version 16 was used for data analyses. Candidate variables significant in bivariate analysis were selected for multivariate binary logistic regression, and statistical significance was set at a p &lt; 0.05.ResultsOf the 554 patients with stroke, 60.3% had an ischemic stroke. The mean age of the participants was 61 ± 12.85 years, and more than half (53.25%) of them were women. The most common risk factor identified was hypertension (29.7%), followed by congestive heart failure. The most common clinical presentation was hemiparesis, which was reported by 57.7% of the patients, followed by loss of consciousness (20.7%) and aphasia (9%). Through multivariable logistic regression, age (AOR = 1.03, 95% CI:1.01–1.05), sedentary physical activity level (AOR = 6.78, 95% CI:1.97–23.32), absence of a family history of chronic illness (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI:2.21–6.48), hypertension (AOR=0.51, 95% CI:0.31–0.85), and past stroke (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI:0.93–13.49) were found to be independent determinants of the stroke subtype.ConclusionAge, the level of sedentary physical activity, absence of a family history of chronic illness, hypertension, and past stroke were independent determinants of stroke subtype.
Use of a bio-electronic device comprising of targeted dual neuromodulation of the hepatic and celiac vagal branches demonstrated enhanced glycemic control in a type 2 diabetic rat model as well as in an Alloxan treated swine model
Authors: Waataja Jonathan J. , Nihalani Raj K. , Honda Chris N. , Billington Charles J. 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThere is an unmet need for new type 2 diabetes treatments providing improved efficacy, durability and customized to improve patient’s compliance. Bio-electronic neuromodulation of Vagus nerve branches innervating organs that regulate plasma glucose, may be a method for treating type 2 diabetes. The pancreas has been shown to release insulin during Vagus stimulation. The hepatic vagal branch, innervating the liver, has been shown to decrease glucose release and decrease insulin resistance following ligation. However, standalone stimulation of the Vagus nerve has shown mixed results and Vagus nerve ligation has undesirable effects. Little is known; however, of the effect on plasma glucose with combined neuromodulation consisting of stimulation of the celiac branch innervating the pancreas with simultaneous high frequency alternating current (HFAC) blockade of the hepatic branch. This study tested the effects of this approach on increasing glycemic control in rat a model of type 2 diabetes and Alloxan treated swine.Materials and methodsZucker obese (fatty) male rats (ZDF fa/fa) were used as a model of type 2 diabetes as well as glucose intolerant Alloxan treated swine. In ZDF rat experiments glycemic control was accessed with an intravenous glucose tolerance test during HFAC-induced hepatic branch block with concurrent celiac stimulation (HFAC + stimulation). In swine experiments glycemic control was accessed by an oral glucose tolerance test during HFAC + stimulation. Insulin measurements were taken prior to and following swine experiments giving insight into beta cell exhaustion. Histopathology was conducted to determine safety of HFAC + stimulation on Vagal branches.ResultsZucker rats demonstrated a significant improvement to an intravenous glucose tolerance test during HFAC + stimulation compared to sham. There was no significant difference from sham compared to hepatic vagotomy or celiac stimulation. In Alloxan treated swine, when subjected to HFAC + stimulation, there was a significant improvement in glycemic control as measured by an improvement on oral glucose tolerance tests and a decrease in fasting plasma glucose. Insulin responses were similar prior to and following HFAC + stimulation experiments. Histopathology demonstrated healthy swine Vagus nerves.ConclusionElectrical blockade of the hepatic Vagus branch with simultaneous stimulation of the celiac Vagus branch may be a novel, adjustable and localized approach for a treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Prognostic stratification based on the levels of tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells and PD-1/PD-L1 axis in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Lim Yu Jin , Koh Jaemoon , Choi Minji , Kim Sehui , Chie Eui Kyu 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundAlthough rectal cancer remains somewhat sanctuary to the contemporary immunotherapy, there is increasing knowledge on clinical implications of anti-tumor immunity. This study evaluated the prognostic relevance of two immune-inhibitory functions, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis.MethodsStudy cohort is comprised of 165 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by definitive resection. Using postsurgical tissue microarrays, the number of MDSCs, PD-1+/CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ratio, and PD-L1 expression scores in stromal immune cells and tumor cells were assessed.ResultsPositive correlation was observed between the PD-1+/CD8+ TIL ratio and number of MDSCs (P &lt; 0.001). The greater the immune infiltrates, the higher the PD-L1 immune cell score (P &lt; 0.001). MDSCHigh, PD-1+/CD8+ TILHigh, PD-L1 immune cell scoreLow, and PD-L1 tumor H-scoreHigh were associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) (P &lt; 0.001, P = 0.042, 0.047, and P &lt; 0.001, respectively). To integrate the adverse effects of MDSCHigh, PD-1+/CD8+ TILHigh, and either PD-L1 immune cell scoreLow (set I) or tumor H-scoreHigh (set II), prognostic risks were stratified according to the number of factors: 0, 1, and 2−3 (P &lt; 0.001 for I and II). On multivariate analyses, patients with multiple risk factors for set I and II had worse prognosis (P &lt; 0.001; 2−3 vs. 0 for models I and II), and the two prognostic models had acceptable predictability.ConclusionIn this study, integration of the prognostic impact of MDSCs and PD-1/PD-L1 stratified the long-term risks of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Thus, further exploration could be focused to the identified subset of patients carrying worse prognosis, where potential benefits could be derived by targeting the two components contributing to the immunosuppressive microenvironment.
Analysis of exosomal competing endogenous RNA network response to paclitaxel treatment reveals key genes in advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Lei Jun , Zhang Guifeng , Li Deyu , Zhong Jiangming , Chen Qiao , Lin Li , Liu Zhenhua 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundExosome is an important component of the tumor immune microenvironment and plays critical role in cancer pathogenesis. The exosome transcriptome of gastric cancer (GC) response to paclitaxel chemotherapy has not been investigated in the past.MethodsceRNA microarrays were performed in exosomes from six advanced GC patients before and after paclitaxel treatment. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify differential expressing genes and construct competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. The importance of hub genes in the ceRNA network was confirmed by survival analysis and functional analysis.ResultsA total of 213 differential mRNAs, 370 lncRNAs, and 376 circRNAs were identified, and hub genes in ceRNA networks were screened. The differential genes were associated with GO terms SNAP complex, gap junction, protein transporter activity, cytokine receptor, and KEGG pathways synaptic vesicle cycle, propanoate metabolism, Epstein–Barr virus infection, heparin, and steroid biosynthesis, and beta-alanine metabolism. ULK2, CYP2R1, BTLA, and miR-105-5p are prognostic genes for overall survival. Paclitaxel may target ULK2 which is involved in mitosis and cell cycle. miR-105-5p may target ULK2 3’UTR.ConclusionThe work for the first time identified exosomal RNA biomarkers and constructed a ceRNA network in GC response to paclitaxel, revealed novel molecular mechanisms of GC, and provided new candidates for GC diagnosis and treatment.
Long-term nutritional status after total gastrectomy was comparable to proximal gastrectomy but with much less reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis
Authors: Ding Shikang , Zheng Xiaohao , Wang Shenghui , Wu Ming , Wu Yunzi , Sun Chunyang , Yang Lin , Xue Liyan , Wang Bingzhi , Wang Chengfeng , Xie Yibin 
Published: October 2022

AimTo compare the long-term nutritional status, reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis, between total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG).MethodsPatients who underwent PG or TG in this single institution between January 2014 and December 2016 were included in this study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) by the demographic and pathological characteristics was performed to compare the long-term outcomes between the two groups. The primary endpoint was long-term nutritional status, and the second endpoints were reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis. Long-term nutritional status was valued by percentage of body mass index (%BMI), body weight, and blood test including total protein, prealbumin, hemoglobin and total leukocytes.ResultsTotally 460 patients received PG or TG in our institution for the treatment between January 2014 and December 2016 and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria 226 cases were included in this study finally. There was no significant difference as to nutritional status in the end of first 5 years after PG or TG. While reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis were significantly higher in the PG group than in the TG group (54.4% versus 26.8%, p &lt; 0.001; 14.9% versus 4.5%, p=0.015; respectively). Overall survival rates were similar between the two groups after PSM (5-year survival rates: 65.4% versus 61.5% in the PG and TG groups, respectively; p = 0.54). The rate of carcinoma of remnant stomach after PG was 3.5% in this group of patients.ConclusionsTG should be more aggressively recommended for the similar nutritional status, significantly lower reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis, and free of carcinoma of remnant stomach compared with PG.
The regulation of T helper cell polarization by the diterpenoid fraction of Rhododendron molle based on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Qin JiaXu , Zheng XiangWei , He YanChen , Hong Yang , Liang Shuang , Fang Xin 
Published: October 2022

The diterpenoid fraction (DF) prepared from fruit of Rhododendron molle was shown to have potential therapeutic effects on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats based on our previous studies. As a continuation of those studies, herein, a lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxin shock mouse model was used. The results showed that 0.2 mg/ml of DF significantly increased the mouse survival rate and had an anti-inflammatory effect. Further studies showed that DF could decrease the proportion of T helper cells (Th1 and Th17), and increase the proportion of Th2 and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays indicated that DF inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6; western blotting showed that DF significantly reduced the levels of phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT3. In vitro, DF could dose-dependently inhibit the polarization of naive CD4+ T cells to Th1 or Th17 cells. DF at 10 μg/ml could markedly decrease the expression of mRNA encoding IFN-γ and T-bet, and suppress Th1 differentiation by downregulation of the activity of STAT1 and STAT4. Meanwhile, DF at 10 μg/ml remarkably reduced the expression of mRNA encoding IL-17a, IL-17f, and RORγt, and downregulated STAT3 phosphorylation, suggesting that DF could inhibit Th17 differentiation by reducing STAT3 activation. Taken together, DF blocked the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by inhibiting STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, which clarified the important role of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in anti-rheumatoid arthritis.
Efficacy of Xinbao pill on chronic heart failure: Study protocol of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yuanping , Li Jiahua , Yan Jiaqi , Wang Yulin , Cheng Yuanyuan , Liu Zhongqiu , Wang Dawei 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common cardiovascular disease. In China, Xinbao pill (XBP) is widely used as an adjuvant therapy for CHF. However, there is still a lack of high-quality clinical evidence. We designed this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of XBP as an adjuvant treatment for patients with CHF.Methods and analysis: We will recruit 284 patients with a clinical diagnosis of “heart-kidney yang deficiency syndrome” CHF receiving treatment in six hospitals in China. Patients will be randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to the treatment or control group using a central randomization system. All patients will receive conventional drug therapy for heart failure combined XBP (Guangdong Xinbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China) or a placebo. Study physicians, subjects, outcome assessors, and statisticians will be blinded to the group assignment. The primary outcome will be the change in the proportion of patients who show a decrease in serum NT-proBNP of more than 30% after treatment. Secondary outcomes are NYHA class, 6-minute walk distance test, Minnesota Quality of Life Scale score, endpoint events, serum NT-proBNP, echocardiographic parameters, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial. Data will be analyzed according to a predetermined statistical analysis plan.Discussion: The results of this study will provide solid evidence of the safety and efficacy of XBP as an alternative and complementary treatment measure for patients with CHF.Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registration Center (ChiCTR2000038492).
Characteristics of interbody bone graft fusion after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion according to intervertebral space division
Authors: Xu Songjie , Zang Lei , Lu Qian , Zhao Peng , Wu Qichao , Chen Xueming 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundAccording to intervertebral space division, the characteristics of interbody bone graft fusion after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) were assessed via computed tomography (CT) scan to provide a theoretical basis for selecting the bone grafting site of interbody fusion.MethodsThe medical records of 57 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and disc herniation treated with TLIF were analysed retrospectively. In total, 57 segments received lumbar interbody fusion. A thin-layer CT scan was performed to evaluate fusion in each zone of the fusion space.ResultsThe fusion rates were 57.89% (n = 33) in the anterior cage zone, 73.68% (n = 42) in the posterior cage zone, 66.67% (n = 38) in the decompression zone, 26.32% (n = 15) in the contralateral decompression zone and 94.74% (n = 54) in the inner cage zone. There were significant differences among the fusion rates of the five zones (P &lt; 0.001). Further pairwise comparison revealed that the fusion rates in the inner cage significantly differed from the anterior and posterior cages and decompression and contralateral decompression zones (P = 0.001, 0.002, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively).ConclusionWe think the central cage zone (i.e., inner cage) should be the focus of bone grafting. Although there is small volume of bone graft on the posterior cage zone, the fusion rate is relatively high, only secondary to the inner cage zone. The fusion rate is of the contralateral decompression zone is lower although there is a bone graft.