bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L instruments in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Tai Zhipeng , Wan Dongping , Zan Qiang , Huang Yuanchi , Xu Chao 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this investigation is to assess and contrast the effectiveness of the two EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) versions—EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L—in assessing one-year quality of life outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).Material and methodFrom the medical records at the Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, 402 individuals aged 50 and above, who were one-year post-operation, were selected to fill out survey questionnaires during their return hospital visits. Of these, 231 respondents (57.5%) completed the questionnaire; 228 completed both versions, and 56 completed the EQ-5D retest questionnaire. The assessment included missing data, ceiling effects, informativity and discriminatory power, as well as response consistency, redistribution properties, and inconsistency. Reliability and validity were also evaluated.ResultsThe results indicate that the EQ-5D-5L surpasses the EQ-5D-3L in construct validity, informativity, detection precision, and discriminatory power. Consistency reliability is also better in the EQ-5D-5L than in the EQ-5D-3L. Both instrument versions maintained reliable levels of test–retest reliability.ConclusionIn patients with KOA undergoing UKA, the EQ-5D-5L has proven superior in measurement capabilities when compared with the EQ-5D-3L one-year post-operation. Thus, it is advised to utilize the EQ-5D-5L for ongoing assessments of quality of life in this specific group of patients.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of GASMAN anesthesia simulation software combined with case-based learning versus traditional lecture-based learning in inhalation anesthesia education
Authors: Chen Chao , Yang Shengfeng , Xiong Xinglong , Shi Yewei , Zhu Zhenyan , Shi Jing 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of integrating GASMAN anesthesia simulation software with case-based learning (IGC) compared to traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) in teaching inhalation anesthesia to undergraduate anesthesiology students.MethodsFourth-year students from two academic years (2022, n = 110; 2023, n = 131) enrolled in a five-year anesthesiology program were assigned to either traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) or IGC groups. The LBL group received traditional lectures using PowerPoint slides, while the IGC group engaged with GASMAN anesthesia simulation software (a tool designed for anesthesia simulation and gas monitoring) combined with case-based learning. The cases used in the IGC group were structured around realistic clinical scenarios, simulating real-world challenges in inhalation anesthesia. These scenarios were integrated with the GASMAN software to provide interactive simulations, enhancing students’ understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Teaching effectiveness was evaluated through expert assessments and student feedback, with learning outcomes compared via post-course assessments.ResultsThe IGC group scored significantly higher in student evaluations in areas such as comprehending and mastering theoretical knowledge, resolving clinical challenges, nurturing clinical reasoning, increasing learning interest, enhancing learning efficiency, consolidating memory, improving analytical skills, and refining application proficiency (adjusted P &lt; 0.001), however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the improvement of practical skills. Post-course test scores were also higher in the IGC group for both total post-course test and subjective questions scores (adjusted P &lt; 0.001), though no difference was found for objective question scores. After applying false discovery rate (FDR) correction, expert evaluation scores showed no significant differences between the two groups.ConclusionThe integration of GASMAN software with case-based learning significantly enhances the quality of inhalation anesthesia education by improving student engagement, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding. This approach demonstrates promise for advancing clinical education, although further research is needed to evaluate its long-term impact.
Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in Italy: insights from the multicentric MAPSI study
Authors: Serban Teodora , Tramontano Giuseppina , Pendolino Monica , Roccatello Dario , Epis Oscar Massimiliano , Iannone Florienzo , De Andres Ilenia , Favero Marta , Romeo Nicoletta , Rovera Guido , Santo Leonardo , Tirri Enrico , Bergamini Alberto , Foti Roberta , Schenone Carlotta , Bianchi Gerolamo 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy associated with cutaneous psoriasis (PsO), first defined by Moll and Wright. Initially perceived as relatively benign, PsA is now recognized for its chronic, progressive, and destructive nature, significantly impacting patients' quality of life, similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Globally, PsA represents about 20% of cases in early arthritis clinics, posing diagnostic and management challenges. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term disability and prevent comorbidities. While classification criteria for PsA are widely accepted, the lack of specific diagnostic criteria may delay diagnosis, with many patients experiencing delays of over a year before receiving an accurate diagnosis. For this reason, the exact prevalence of PsA remains uncertain.MethodsThe MAnagement of PSoriatic Arthritis in Italy (MAPSI) project is a multicenter observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PsA and characteristics in an Italian cohort. This study included 454 patients diagnosed or confirmed by a rheumatologist across 25 Rheumatology Units in Italy. Data were collected on demographics, clinical features, and treatment histories. In our cohort, distinct gender differences were observed in PsA phenotype and disease impact.ResultsMen had a higher prevalence of axial involvement and were more likely to be current or former smokers, while women showed greater rates of enthesitis and reported higher perceived disease activity. Additionally, women had a higher prevalence of psychological comorbidities, whereas men had more severe skin involvement; laboratory tests were often unhelpful in diagnosing PsA, with elevated inflammatory markers in only about half of the cases.DiscussionThese findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive approaches in the management of PsA. Our findings highlight the importance of comprehensive patient evaluation, including extramuscoloskeletal manifestation with a gender-sensitive approaches, focusing on a prompt diagnosis to prevent systemic comorbidities. Real-world data, such as those provided by the MAPSI study, are essential for understanding the burden of PsA and developing effective management strategies tailored to patient characteristics.
Impacts of intestinal microbiota metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide on cardiovascular disease: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Leng Xiaohui , Wei Xiunan , Wang Jun , Yao Xiaodong , Zhang Miaomiao , Sun Dajuan , Liang Junwei , Chi Lili , Cheng Yan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundTrimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite dependent on intestinal microbiota, is closely related to the emergence, progression, and prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and has received increasing attention in recent years.ObjectiveThe current research hotspots and future development trends in TMAO and CVD field are found through bibliometrics analysis, which provides reference for further study.MethodsThe bibliometrics tools VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. The articles published from 2004 to 2024 about the relationship between TMAO and CVD were retrieved. Bibliometric analysis includes annual publications, countries/regions, institutions, authors and co-cited authors, journals and cited-journals, references and keywords.ResultsAfter searching and screening, 1,466 publications were included for subsequent bibliometric analysis. Since 2014, the number of publications exposing the relationship between TMAO and CVD has increased rapidly, as has the frequency of citations. China, USA and Italy are the countries that publish the most relevant research. Cleveland Clinic is the leading institution in this field. Stanley L Hazen, Zeneng Wang and W H Wilson Tang are the most prolific authors in this field, and the latter two have the closest academic cooperation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Journal of the American Heart Association are influential journals that publish research in this field. “Gut Microbial Metabolite TMAO Enhances Platelet Hyperreactivity and Thrombosis Risk” is the most frequently cited article. Keyword analysis shows that gut microbiota, metabolism, phosphatidylcholine and atherosclerosis (AS) are the hotspots in this field.ConclusionThis study summarizes the research situation of TMAO and CVD in the past 20 years, focusing on the effect of TMAO on pathogenesis of AS, predictive value of TMAO on CVD risk, and dietary and drug intervention for TMAO. Probiotics and natural products may be the research focus of preventing and treating CVD by intervening TMAO in the future.
Dietary supplementation with proanthocyanidins and rutin alleviates the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mice and regulates gut microbiota
Authors: Gao Yue , Huang Binbin , Qin Yunyi , Qiao Bing , Ren Mengfei , Cao Liqing , Zhang Yan , Han Maozhen 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundObesity and high fasting blood glucose (FBG) resulting from high-fat diets (HFDs) have emerged as significant public health concerns, garnering increasing attention. Recently, gut microbiota has been linked with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and its mediating role in dietary supplements has been confirmed. Seeking various dietary supplements to lose body weight (BW) and decrease FBG and explaining the underlying mechanism have become the research hotspots in T2DM studies.MethodsIn this study, rutin and proanthocyanidins (PA) were selected as dietary supplements (200 mg/kg × day, oral gavage, 6 weeks) in T2DM mice induced with HFD to assess their efficacy in weight loss, FBG reduction, gut microbiota alterations, and the associated underlying mechanisms.ResultsOur findings indicate that rutin was more effective than PA in relieving inflammation and fat hypertrophy, although both significantly reduced BW and FBG within 2 weeks after the intervention. Analysis of 16S rRNA amplicons revealed substantial alterations in the gut microbial community composition of mice administered with PA and rutin compared to HFD-fed mice. Importantly, several core microbes, particularly a series of probiotics, such as Akkermansia, Lactococcus, Odoribacter, Faecalibaculum, and Roseburia were identified, which were significantly correlated with the changes in BW and FBG.ConclusionOverall, our study highlights that rutin and PA can reduce BW, FBG, and inflammation by modulating the gut microbiota composition, providing novel perspectives for managing and treating weight and FBG concerns in obesity and T2DM patients through dietary supplements in clinical treatment.
The diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care nucleic acid-based isothermal amplification assays for scrub typhus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dixit Rashi , Manikandan Sandeep , Prakash John Antony Jude , Biswal Manisha , Mohapatra Dharitri , Gopalan Natarajan , Gnanamani G. , Behera Sujit Kumar 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe diagnosis and detection of pathogens such as Rickettsia and Orientia is a cause of major concern among the public health community. Unavailability of rapid, cost-effective diagnostic assays contributes to delayed diagnosis and timely treatment. Using the methodology of systematic reviewing and meta-analysis, the study aimed to synthesize and compare the diagnostic performances of all the available isothermal assays for the detection of classical rickettsial diseases.MethodsStudies were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus, and selection and screening were conducted using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Analysis was performed using Meta-DiSc 2.0 for the assessment and comparison of diagnostic performance of the isothermal assays.ResultsOverall, six studies were selected as a part of this systematic review. All the selected studies (n = 6) optimized LAMP as their index test to detect scrub typhus. The quality assessment of the selected studies revealed only (n = 1) study to be of poor quality with a QUADAS-2 score of (&lt;2). Meta-analysis revealed the pooled sensitivity of LAMP to be 66% [95% CI (0.40–0.85)] with a pooled specificity of 94% [95% CI (0.81–0.98)]. LAMP was estimated with a positive likelihood ratio of 8.3 [95% CI (3.8–18.1)] and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.3 [95% CI (0.2–0.7)] with a false positivity rate of 0.07 [95% CI (0.02–0.2)]. The diagnostic odds ratio was reported to be 21.96 [95% CI (10.2–47.3)]. Due to severe heterogeneity in the body of evidence (I2 = 0.77), a meta-regression was performed with certain covariates to explore the potential causes. A case–control design was found to exaggerate the sensitivity {0.84 [95% CI (0.5–0.9)]} and specificity {0.73 [95% CI (0.6–0.8)]}.ConclusionThe findings reveal subpar performance of LAMP for the detection of scrub typhus. Active research and development focused on optimization of novel molecular diagnosis that are efficient, rapid, and cost-effective shall foster timely diagnosis and aid in reduction of the overall burden of scrub typhus.Protocol and registrationA detailed protocol of this review is registered and available in Prospero at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. (registration number CRD42024511706).
Immune-checkpoint-inhibitor therapy directed against PD-L1 is tolerated in the heart without manifestation of cardiac inflammation in a preclinical reversible melanoma mouse model
Authors: Schoenherr Caroline , Pietzsch Stefan , Barca Cristina , Müller Franziska E. , Bahr Frauke S. , Kasten Martina , Zeug Andre , Erschow Sergej , Falk Christine S. , Ponimaskin Evgeni , Thackeray James T. , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise , Ricke-Hoch Melanie 
Published: January 2025

Immune-checkpoint-inhibitors (ICI) target key regulators of the immune system expressed by cancer cells that mask those from recognition by the immune system. They have improved the outcome for patients with various cancer types, such as melanoma. ICI-based therapy is frequently accompanied by immune-related adverse side effects (IRAEs). The reversible melanoma cancer mouse model (B16F10 cells stably expressing a ganciclovir (GCV)-inducible suicide gene in C57BL/6N mice: B16F10-GCV) allows chemotherapy-free tumor elimination in advanced disease stage and demonstrates almost complete recovery of the mouse heart from cancer-induced atrophy, molecular impairment and heart failure. Thus, enabling the study of anti-cancer-therapy effects. Here, we analyzed potential cardiac side effects of antibody-mediated PD-L1 inhibition in the preclinical B16F10-GCV mouse model after tumor elimination and 2 weeks recovery (50 days after tumor inoculation). Anti-PD-L1 treatment was associated with improved survival as compared to isotype control (Ctrl) treated mice. Surviving anti-PD-L1 and Ctrl mice showed similar cardiac function, dimensions and the expression of cardiac stress and hypertrophy markers. Although anti-PD-L1 treatment was associated with increased troponin I type 3 cardiac (TNNI3) blood levels, cardiac mRNA expression of macrophage markers and elevated cardiac levels of secreted inflammatory factors compared to Ctrl treatment, both groups showed a comparable density of inflammatory cells in the heart (using CXCR4-ligand 68Ga-Pentixafor in PET-CT and immunohistochemistry). Thus, anti-PD-L1 therapy improved survival in mice with advanced melanoma cancer with no major cardiac phenotype or inflammation 50 days after tumor inoculation. Without a second hit that triggers the inflammatory response, anti-PD-L1 treatment appears to be safe for the heart in the preclinical melanoma mouse model.
An innovative advance in bone grafting: initial clinical results using a novel integrative bone graft in spinal fusion
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Onafowokan Oluwatobi O. , Das Ankita , Mir Jamshaid M. , Yung Anthony , Fisher Max 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAlthough autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) has long been the gold standard for spinal fusion, complications related to its harvest and availability issues with local bone autograft have encouraged the development of bone graft substitutes that provide safer alternatives with consistent clinical efficacy and potential for applications across musculoskeletal health, including spinal fusion. This study evaluates the initial safety and efficacy of a novel integrative bone matrix (IBM) in spinal fusion procedures.MethodsThe charts of twenty patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery at 1–5 contiguous interbody levels and/or 1–15 contiguous posterolateral levels with the novel IBM between November 2022 and May 2023 were retrospectively evaluated for safety and efficacy endpoints at standard of care 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative follow up visits. Radiographic fusion rate was evaluated by plain radiographs using the Bridwell interbody fusion grading system and/or the Glassman posterolateral fusion grading system, as appropriate. Subjective pain, disability, and quality of life assessments included the EuroQoL 5 Dimensions Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the revised Scoliosis Research Society Score (SRS-22r).ResultsNo adverse events occurred that were related to the graft, and no subjects required unplanned revision surgery. Radiographic fusion was achieved in all (100%) of the interbody and posterolateral levels by 12 months. There was no significant difference in overall fusion rate between subjects receiving short vs. long segment constructs. At 3, 6, and 12 month follow up, significant (p &lt; 0.001) improvements were observed compared to baseline values for all patient reported outcome measures, and the cohort reached the minimum clinically significant mean improvements.DiscussionThis study highlights the potential of this novel IBM as a safe and effective bone graft substitute in spinal arthrodesis procedures. Patients had a high rate of fusion without any graft-related adverse events. Larger, controlled studies with longer-term follow-up are warranted for further validation.
Role of metabolic characteristics in the co-occurrence of insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Chengyong , Wang Chi , Jiang Jing , Bo Yuyang , Nan Lixiu , Zhang Ying , Zhu Kongxi , Wang Xiaoqiu , Feng Xinxin , Lian Xiaoyang , Qin Shan 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThere reportedly exists a significant comorbidity between insomnia and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), indicative of a potential link to serum metabolic dysregulation.MethodTo elucidate shared pathophysiological mechanisms between insomnia and AD/PD, we performed comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, investigating 1,400 serum metabolic characteristics for their causal relationships with the risks of insomnia, AD, widely defined AD (WDAD), and PD. We employed publicly available genetic data; the primary estimate was determined using inverse-variance weighting, supplemented by weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and the MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger methods to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ResultsThe ratio of N-palmitoyl-sphingosine to N-palmitoyl-sphinganine is linked to higher risks of insomnia (OR = 1.137, 95% CI = 1.015–1.273, p = 0.026) and AD (OR = 1.090, 95% CI = 1.005–1.183, p = 0.037). The acetylcarnitine to propionylcarnitine ratio is a risk factor for insomnia (OR = 1.190, 95% CI = 1.003–1.370, p = 0.016) but has protective effects against AD (OR = 0.868, 95% CI = 0.784–0.961, p = 0.006) and WDAD (OR = 0.892, 95% CI = 0.817–0.973, p = 0.010). Glutamine conjugate of C7H12O2 levels are associated with reduced risk of insomnia (OR = 0.863, 95% CI = 0.749–0.995, p = 0.042) and PD (OR = 0.856, 95% CI = 0.746–0.981, p = 0.026).ConclusionOur findings highlight the crucial role of serum metabolic characteristics in the comorbidity of insomnia with neurodegenerative diseases, providing valuable insights into prospective therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.
An EEG-based framework for automated discrimination of conversion to Alzheimer’s disease in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: an 18-month longitudinal study
Authors: Ge Yingfeng , Yin Jianan , Chen Caie , Yang Shuo , Han Yuduan , Ding Chonglong , Zheng Jiaming , Zheng Yifan , Zhang Jinxin 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAs a clinical precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) bears a considerably heightened risk of transitioning to AD compared to cognitively normal elders. Early prediction of whether aMCI will progress to AD is of paramount importance, as it can provide pivotal guidance for subsequent clinical interventions in an early and effective manner.MethodsA total of 107 aMCI cases were enrolled and their electroencephalogram (EEG) data were collected at the time of the initial diagnosis. During 18-month follow-up period, 42 individuals progressed to AD (PMCI), while 65 remained in the aMCI stage (SMCI). Spectral, nonlinear, and functional connectivity features were extracted from the EEG data, subjected to feature selection and dimensionality reduction, and then fed into various machine learning classifiers for discrimination. The performance of each model was assessed using 10-fold cross-validation and evaluated in terms of accuracy (ACC), area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive predictive value (PPV), and F1-score.ResultsCompared to SMCI patients, PMCI patients exhibit a trend of “high to low” frequency shift, decreased complexity, and a disconnection phenomenon in EEG signals. An epoch-based classification procedure, utilizing the extracted EEG features and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier, achieved the ACC of 99.96%, AUC of 99.97%, SEN of 99.98%, SPE of 99.95%, PPV of 99.93%, and F1-score of 99.96%. Meanwhile, the subject-based classification procedure also demonstrated commendable performance, achieving an ACC of 78.37%, an AUC of 83.89%, SEN of 77.68%, SPE of 76.24%, PPV of 82.55%, and F1-score of 78.47%.ConclusionAiming to explore the EEG biomarkers with predictive value for AD in the early stages of aMCI, the proposed discriminant framework provided robust longitudinal evidence for the trajectory of the aMCI cases, aiding in the achievement of early diagnosis and proactive intervention.