bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate‐Specific Antigen Changes in Hypogonadal Men Treated With Testosterone Replacement
Authors: GERSTENBLUTH ROBERT E. , MANIAM PRAKASH N. , CORTY ERIC W. , SEFTEL ALLEN D.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Testosterone supplementation is commonly used as a treatment for hypogonadal men with or without erectile dysfunction. The effect of parenteral testosterone replacement therapy on the development or growth of prostate cancer is unclear. We assessed the effect of this treatment on serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and risk of prostate cancer in hypogonadal men with erectile dysfunction. Criteria for inclusion were a normal pretreatment PSA (< 4.0 ng/mL) in conjunction with a normal digital rectal examination (DRE) or a negative pretreatment prostate biopsy for men with either an abnormal DRE or an elevated PSA. Patients received intramuscular injections every 2 to 4 weeks, allowing for dose titration. In this retrospective analysis, 54 hypogonadal men with erectile dysfunction were included, with a mean age of 60.4 years (range 42.0–76.0) and a mean follow‐up of 30.2 months (range 2.0–82.0) on testosterone therapy. Mean pretreatment total testosterone level was 1.89 ng/mL (range 0.2‐2.92), which increased during treatment to a mean of 9.74 ng/mL (range 1.50‐26.30, P < .001). Mean pretreatment PSA was 1.86 ng/mL (median 1.01 ng/mL, range 0.0–15.80), which increased to a mean PSA level of 2.82 ng/mL (median 1.56 ng/mL, range 0.0–32.36, P < .01) with testosterone treatment. Of the 54 men included in this study, 6 (11.1%) required prostate biopsy while on testosterone therapy because of a rise in serum PSA above 4.0 ng/mL. One patient (1.9%) was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In conclusion, testosterone replacement therapy in men with erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism is associated with a minor PSA elevation, but there does not appear to be a short‐term increase in risk for the development of prostate cancer.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Replication and Germ Cell Apoptosis During Spermatogenesis in the Rabbit
Authors: BLANCO‐RODPIGUEZ JOSEFA
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: A deeper understanding of the occurrence of some events, such as DNA replication or germ cell apoptosis during spermatogenesis, is important for improving our understanding of seminiferous epithelium biology. However, studies on these events have been restricted to small rodents. This paper analyzes the occurrence of DNA synthesis by bromo‐deoxy‐uridine labeling, as well as the incidence of germ cell apoptosis by the TUNEL assay in the rabbit. In contrast to previous descriptions of spermatogonium proliferation in this animal, our results indicate that DNA replicates at stages 8 / 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7, which are equivalent to the stages at which DNA synthesis occurs in rats and mice. Apoptosis of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes generally occurred at stages 2 and 4, when late spermatocytes end the pachytene stage or undergo meiotic divisions, and these results are consistent with previous observations in the rat testis.
Postweaning Exposure to Gossypol Results in Epididymis‐Specific Effects Throughout Puberty and Adulthood in Rats
Authors: ROMUALDO GENAIR SILVA , KLINEFELTER GARY R. , KEMPINAS WILMA DE GRAVA
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Gossypol, a yellow pigment found in cottonseeds, well known for its antifertility properties in animals, has been used as a contraceptive by men. The aims of this work were to evaluate the effects of gossypol throughout sexual development of male rats and to provide additional data to clarify the target site or sites of this compound in the male reproductive system. Gossypol (15 mg/kg per day) was given to animals from weaning through prepuberty (41 days), early puberty (51 days), puberty (61 days), and sexual maturity (91 days). Ventral prostate weight and fructose levels were similar in control and treated rats, suggesting that androgen levels were normal. No histological effects on the testis were detected, but there was a significant decrease in the sperm concentration in the cauda epididymidis of gossypol‐treated animals killed at 61 and 91 days, as well as a significant increase in abnormal sperm in the vas deferens of treated animals. Moreover, the histology of the cauda epididymidis of the rats treated throughout puberty (ie, until days 51 and 61) showed a great number of round bodies in the lumen of the epididymis. These structures stained for the epididymis‐specific protein E. Collectively, the data demonstrate that the epididymis is a target of gossypol when postweaning exposure extends throughout pubertal development, and that whereas more subtle histological effects commence around puberty, indicators reproductive competence are compromised in adulthood.
Expression and Localization of the Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform NHE3 in the Rat Efferent Ducts
Authors: KAUNISTO KARI M. , RAJANIEMI HANNU J.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: The efferent ducts reabsorb most of the fluid released with spermatozoa from the testis. This absorptive capacity results in a severalfold increase in sperm concentration in the proximal epididymis and is partly responsible for maintenance of the optimal microenvironment for the sperm maturation. The fluid absorption is coupled to active Na+ transport and is inhibitable by amiloride, both of which suggest a role for a Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE). NHE3 is an apical membrane NHE responsible for sodium absorption in renal proximal tubule and intestinal epithelium. In the present study, we examined the expression of NHE3 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in the rat efferent ducts by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting and the localization of NHE3 by indirect immunofluoresce. RT‐PCR indicated the expression of NHE3 mRNA, and Western blotting showed an NHE3 protein in the efferent duct membrane homogenate. By immunofluorescence, NHE3 was localized to the apical membrane of the nonciliated cells in the efferent duct epithelium, which also expressed aquaporin‐1 water channel protein. These results suggest that NHE3 potentially plays an important role in the fluid reabsorption in the efferent ducts.
Detection of Lipid Peroxidation in Equine Spermatozoa Based Upon the Lipophilic Fluorescent Dye C11‐BODIPY581/591
Authors: BALL BARRY A. , ANTHONY VO
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: The lipophilic fluorescent probe, 4,4‐difluoro‐5‐(4‐phenyl‐1,3‐butadienyl)‐4‐bora‐3a, 4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene‐3‐undecanoic acid (C11‐BODIPY581/591) was used to evaluate changes in lipid peroxidation in equine spermatozoa during both short‐term exposure to ferrous sulfate and sodium ascorbate in the presence of cumene hydroperoxide as well as during storage of spermatozoa at 5°C for 48 hours. Peroxidation of C11‐BODIPY581/591 was accompanied by a shift in fluorescence from red to green, and the relative amount of nonoxidized probe was determined as the ratio of red:(red + green) fluorescence as detected by either fluorescence microplate reader or by flow cytometry. The addition of Fe2SO4 (0 to 0.5 mM), low concentrations of sodium ascorbate, and the addition of cumene hydroperoxide increased peroxidation of C11‐BODIPY581/591. The addition of high concentrations (10 or 20 mM) of sodium ascorbate or α‐tocopherol reduced peroxidation of C11‐BODIPY581/591 during shortterm incubations. During storage at 5°C in a skim milk‐based extender, equine spermatozoa demonstrated a progressive decline in motility and a small but significant increase in lipid peroxidation based upon ratiometric analysis of C11‐BODIPY581/591. The addition of Fe2SO4 increased lipid peroxidation in cooled spermatozoa in a dosedependent fashion and decreased sperm motility. The addition of α‐tocopherol, however, did not reduce lipid peroxidation during cooled semen storage. These data demonstrate that the lipophilic fluorescent probe C11‐BODIPY581/591 is a useful measurement of lipid peroxidation in equine spermatozoa and that there is an increase in lipid peroxidation during cooled storage of equine spermatozoa that is increased in the presence of ferrous promoters.
The inner workings of anger: A network analysis of anger and emotion regulation
Authors: Larsson Johannes , Bjureberg Johan , Zhao Xiang , Hesser Hugo
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the interrelations between emotion regulation strategies and different types of anger using network analysis.

Method

Data were drawn from a cross‐sectional sample of 538 adults (55% females; mean age = 39.8 years, SD = 12.3) seeking treatment for anger. Data were collected between March and November 2019 in Sweden. Participants completed measures of anger problems (anger expression, anger suppression, angry reactions, anger rumination, trait anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression) and emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, anger relaxation, and five mindfulness strategies). To determine whether distinct clusters of anger nodes would emerge, exploratory graph analysis was employed. Based on clustering of nodes, we estimated separate networks including all measures of emotion regulation.

Results

Two clusters emerged: one consisting primarily of cognitive components of anger, and another of behavioral. Across networks, anger nodes were strongly interconnected, and anger rumination and anger suppression were especially influential. Several direct links were found between specific emotion regulation strategies and cognitive components of anger, whereas most strategies were only indirectly related to angry behavior. Cognitive reappraisal showed no direct link with any of the anger nodes.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal potential pathways by which different emotion regulation strategies may influence different types of anger, which could serve as therapeutic targets.
Luminescent reporter cells enable the identification of broad‐spectrum antivirals against emerging viruses
Authors: Löw Karin , Möller Rebecca , Stegmann Cora , Becker Miriam , Rehburg Laura , Obernolte Helena , Schaudien Dirk , Oestereich Lisa , Braun Armin , Kunz Stefan , Gerold Gisa
Published: November 2023

The emerging viruses SARS‐CoV‐2 and arenaviruses cause severe respiratory and hemorrhagic diseases, respectively. The production of infectious particles of both viruses and virus spread in tissues requires cleavage of surface glycoproteins (GPs) by host proprotein convertases (PCs). SARS‐CoV‐2 and arenaviruses rely on GP cleavage by PCs furin and subtilisin kexin isozyme‐1/site‐1 protease (SKI‐1/S1P), respectively. We report improved luciferase‐based reporter cell lines, named luminescent inducible proprotein convertase reporter cells that we employ to monitor PC activity in its authentic subcellular compartment. Using these sensor lines we screened a small compound library in high‐throughput manner. We identified 23 FDA‐approved small molecules, among them monensin which displayed broad activity against furin and SKI‐1/S1P. Monensin inhibited arenaviruses and SARS‐CoV‐2 in a dose‐dependent manner. We observed a strong reduction in infectious particle release upon monensin treatment with little effect on released genome copies. This was reflected by inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike processing suggesting the release of immature particles. In a proof of concept experiment using human precision cut lung slices, monensin potently inhibited SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, evidenced by reduced infectious particle release. We propose that our PC sensor pipeline is a suitable tool to identify broad‐spectrum antivirals with therapeutic potential to combat current and future emerging viruses.
Clinical Behavior of the Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Larynx—A Scoping Review
Authors: Poutoglidis Alexandros , Forozidou Evropi , Fyrmpas Georgios , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Chrysanthou Chrysanthos , Galanis Nektarios , Paraskevas George , Savvakis Stavros , Karamitsou Paraskevi
Published: November 2023

Objective

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the larynx account for less than 1% of all laryngeal tumors. The unique features and clinical behavior of these rare entities remain unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a scoping review of every reported case of laryngeal MEC to study the clinical behavior and the treatment modalities in this rare entity.

Review Methods

We followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) statement.

Data Sources

MedLine, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were searched to identify eligible studies.

Results

We concluded with 25 studies and overall 66 cases. Our study revealed that the average age of cases was 55.7 years, and the range was from 12 to 81 years, with younger onset in females. Supraglottic (60%) is the most common subsite of laryngeal MEC s followed by glottis (27.3%). Supraglottic carcinomas frequently present with metastatic neck disease at the time of the initial diagnosis and require more extensive surgical approaches. Surgery with negative surgical margins seems to be the cornerstone in the treatment of MEC. Radiation therapy has not been tested widely as monotherapy but is considered a useful adjuvant modality.

Conclusion

This study suggests that negative surgical margins seem to be associated to higher disease control rate and that high‐grade supraglottic cases likely benefit from addressing neck disease simultaneously.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2578–2584, 2024
Theoretical studies on the local structure and spin Hamiltonian parameters for Cu2+ ions in LiTaO3 crystal
Authors: Chen Yun , Tang Lu , Cai Houdao , Zhang Meiyun , Wang Xunjie , Feng Cuidi , Xiao Wenbo , Zhang Huaming
Published: November 2023

The local structure and spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs) g factors (gx, gy, gz) and the hyperfine structure constants (Ax, Ay, Az) for Cu2+ doped in the LiTaO3 crystal are theoretically investigated by the perturbation formulas for a 3d9 ion under rhombically elongated octahedral based on the cluster approach. The impurity Cu2+ was assumed to occupy the host trigonally‐distorted octahedral Li+ site and experience the Jahn–Teller (JT) distortion from the host trigonal octahedral [TaO6]10− to the impurity rhombically elongated octahedral [CuO6]10−. Based on the calculations, the impurity‐ligand bond lengths parallel and perpendicular to the C2‐axis are found to be R||(≈ 2.305 Å) and R⊥ (≈ 2.112 Å) for the studied [CuO6]10− cluster, with the planar bond angle θ (≈ 78.2°). Meanwhile, the ground‐state wave function for Cu2+ center in LiTaO3 was also obtained. The calculated SHPs based on the above local lattice distortions agree well with the experimental data, and the results are discussed.
Simple prenatal imaging predictors for postnatal cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery in fetuses undergoing in utero surgery for spina bifida
Authors: Kunpalin Yada , Sichitiu Joanna , Krishnan Pradeep , Blaser Susan , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Abbasi Nimrah , Ryan Greg , Shinar Shiri , van Mieghem Tim
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To determine simple prenatal imaging parameters that can easily be acquired to predict the need for postnatal CSF diversion (PCD) surgery in fetuses undergoing open fetal surgery for open spina bifida (OSB).

Methods

All fetuses with OSB that underwent open fetal surgery between June 2017 and June 2021 with available follow‐up outcomes were included. Imaging parameters including clivus‐supraocciput angle (CSA) on magnetic resonance imaging, transcerebellar diameter (TCD) and lateral ventricle size (Vp) on ultrasound (US), were collected pre‐ and postoperatively. The requirement for PCD surgery was determined at 1 year of age. The predictive strength of each parameter was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Among 36 babies eligible for the analyses, 41.7% required PCD by one year of age. Pre‐operative Vp (AUC 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.88; p = 0.03), TCD (AUC 0.72; 95% CI 0.55–0.89; p = 0.02) and CSA (AUC 0.72; 95% CI 0.51–0.93; p = 0.04) were fair predictors for PCD surgery. After fetal surgery, TCD (AUC 0.93; 95% CI 0.83–1.00; p < 0.0001) and CSA (AUC 0.94; 95% CI 0.83–1.00; p = 0.0005) were outstanding predictors of PCD, whereas post‐operative Vp was a fair predictor (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.88, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Post‐operative CSA and TCD were outstanding predictors for the need for PCD surgery.
Preliminary development and validation of the positive school transition readiness survey (PSTRS)
Authors: Bharara Gazal , Duncan Scott
Published: November 2023

The transition to secondary school can be a challenging period for adolescents. Although several questionnaires exist to measure transition‐related concerns, there is a need to develop a comprehensive survey for assessing the knowledge and skills that adolescents require to adapt effectively to a new school. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and investigate the psychometric properties of a preliminary self‐report tool (PSTRS) for identifying the presence or absence of factors that facilitate transition to secondary school and are important for adolescent understanding of well‐being. The PSTRS was developed in a series of stages that involved a systematic review of the school transition literature, a review of psychometric scales, empirical data of adolescents' well‐being conceptualizations, expert reviews, and a pilot study. Seventy‐one items were compiled to collect information on 20 school, social, physical, psychological, and spiritual components. Cronbach's alpha for the survey was 0.943 in a sample of Year 8 NZ intermediate school students (N = 471). Test–retest reliability was 0.866 in a subsample of 121 participants. Single‐measures ICCs of subscales ranged from 0.501 to 0.943. The PC analysis resulted in a three‐component factor structure. The PSTRS and its subscales positively correlated with well‐being and negatively correlated with anxiety. Overall, PSTRS appears to be a reliable and valid tool for determining adolescent readiness to transition to secondary school. PSTRS data may be useful for researchers, school professionals, psychologists, and policymakers to better understand positive school transitions. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound and virtual CT navigational bronchoscopy for biopsy of pulmonary nodules, mediastinal lymph nodes, and thoracic tumors in children
Authors: Corcoran Aoife , Franklin Stephen , Hysinger Erik , Goldfarb Samuel , Phinizy Pelton , Pogoriler Jennifer , Tran Sin , DiBardino David M. , Haas Andrew R. , Piccione Joseph C.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial biopsy and needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBB/EBUS‐TBNA) are first line investigative modalities for lung and mediastinal pathology in adults. We aimed to characterize and assess the diagnostic yield of EBUS and virtual CT navigation guided biopsies in children.

Study Design

This single center, retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent radial or linear EBUS procedures (+/− CT navigation) for biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes, tumors, and pulmonary nodules. Demographic, procedural, and outcome were collected.

Results

Sixty procedures were performed in 56 patients aged 2–22 years of age between January 2015 and May 2023. The most common indications for biopsy were pulmonary nodules (45%) and hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy (33%). For cases in which a final diagnosis was ascertained by any means, the diagnostic yield for linear EBUS (mediastinal pathology) was 76% and the diagnostic yield from radial EBUS (pulmonary nodules and lung masses) was 85%. The most common diagnoses were infection (45%), malignancy (17%), and sarcoidosis (11%). Among patients in whom infection was the final diagnosis, a total of 31 pathogens were identified. Eighteen were identified on bronchoalveolar lavage and an additional 14 pathogens identified on EBUS‐TBB, representing an increase of 77% (p < .005). The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values for malignancy detection were 73%, 100%, 94%, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

EBUS‐TBB/TBNA is a safe and effective way to diagnose lung and mediastinal pathology in children. Pediatric interventional pulmonology is a growing field offering minimally‐invasive diagnostic opportunities for children in whom more invasive procedures were previously the only option.
Do female chimpanzees experience menopause?
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: November 2023

Georgina Mills discusses new research that investigates if the hormonal changes seen in women in later life are reflected in chimpanzees.
An incredible journey: my struggles with education led to a new approach to CPD
Authors: Trimble Toby
Published: November 2023

Having dyslexia and no formal qualifications proved to be no barrier to Toby Trimble, who not only succeeded at vet school but now runs his own company making engaging and relevant content for vets.
Scalar propagator in a background gluon field beyond the eikonal approximation
Authors: Agostini Pedro
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We investigate the path integral representation of the scalar propagator in a background gluon field, extending beyond the eikonal approximation by considering all gauge field components and incorporating its x− dependence. Utilizing the worldline formalism, we integrate the Schwinger proper time to express the scalar propagator in light-cone coordinates, facilitating a direct comparison with known results in the literature. The derived propagator captures the change of longitudinal momentum of the projectile within the medium. In the high-energy limit, our result simplifies to the effective gluon propagator employed in the BDMPS-Z formalism. Hence, we propose that our outcome serves as a foundational point for investigating corrections to the BDMPS-Z spectrum arising from the longitudinal momentum transfer of the radiated gluon with the medium, as well as for studying collisional energy loss phenomena. Lastly, by employing an expansion around the classical saddle point solution, we systematically derive an eikonal expansion in inverse powers of the boost parameter, encompassing corrections related to longitudinal momentum transfer and interactions of the projectile with the transverse component of the field.
Simplifying (super-)BMS algebras
Authors: Fuentealba Oscar , Henneaux Marc
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We show that the non-linear BMS5 symmetry algebra of asymptotically flat Einstein gravity in five dimensions, as well as the super-BMS4 superalgebra of asymptotically flat supergravity, can be redefined so as to take a direct sum structure. In the new presentation of the (super-)algebra, angle-dependent translations and angle-dependent supersymmetry transformations commute with the (super-)Poincaré generators. We also explain in detail the structure and charge-integrability of asymptotic symmetries with symmetry parameters depending on the fields (through the charges themselves), a topic relevant for nonlinear asymptotic symmetry algebras.
Enterobacteriaceae counts influenced by different scalding techniques in broiler processing
Authors: Langkabel Nina , Freter Sabrina , Merle Roswitha , Ellerbroek Lüppo , Meemken Diana , Fries Reinhard
Published: November 2023

In the highly automated processing in broiler abattoirs, some process steps reduce the bacterial counts and inactivate or remove pathogens, while others can lead to an increase. The present study compared the reduction of Enterobacteriaceae counts (EBCs) on breast skin samples in 3 broiler abattoirs using different scalding techniques: (A) conventional immersion scalding (360 s), (B) conventional immersion scalding with thermal treatment of the water (204 s), and (C) the AeroScalder® using hot, humid, saturated air as the scalding medium (360 s in air). In 3 commercial broiler abattoirs in Germany and The Netherlands, a total of 320 breast skin samples per abattoir (before and after scalding, after plucking, before and after chilling) and water samples from the scalders were taken and examined for EBC. After scalding, a significant EBC reduction by 0.7 log was determined only for the conventional immersion scalder (Abbatoir A); the reductions of the other 2 scalders were 0.1 log (Abattoir B) and 0.2 log (Abattoir C) and not statistically significant. The EBCs after scalding differed by up to 0.5 log cfu/g when the 3 scalders were compared, and these counts can be seen as similar. For all 3 abattoirs, the largest EBC reductions (p < 0.001) of 2.8 to 3.6 logs were found after plucking. Compared to the immersion scalders, EBCs in water samples were lowest in those taken from the AeroScalder®. Hence, we conclude that the conventional immersion scalders and the AeroScalder® reduced EBCs in a comparable manner. However, the greatest reductions in EBCs were seen after the plucking steps in the studied abattoirs, not after the scalding as such.
Diabetes and artificial intelligence beyond the closed loop: a review of the landscape, promise and challenges
Authors: Mackenzie Scott C. , Sainsbury Chris A. R. , Wake Deborah J.
Published: November 2023

The discourse amongst diabetes specialists and academics regarding technology and artificial intelligence (AI) typically centres around the 10% of people with diabetes who have type 1 diabetes, focusing on glucose sensors, insulin pumps and, increasingly, closed-loop systems. This focus is reflected in conference topics, strategy documents, technology appraisals and funding streams. What is often overlooked is the wider application of data and AI, as demonstrated through published literature and emerging marketplace products, that offers promising avenues for enhanced clinical care, health-service efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This review provides an overview of AI techniques and explores the use and potential of AI and data-driven systems in a broad context, covering all diabetes types, encompassing: (1) patient education and self-management; (2) clinical decision support systems and predictive analytics, including diagnostic support, treatment and screening advice, complications prediction; and (3) the use of multimodal data, such as imaging or genetic data. The review provides a perspective on how data- and AI-driven systems could transform diabetes care in the coming years and how they could be integrated into daily clinical practice. We discuss evidence for benefits and potential harms, and consider existing barriers to scalable adoption, including challenges related to data availability and exchange, health inequality, clinician hesitancy and regulation. Stakeholders, including clinicians, academics, commissioners, policymakers and those with lived experience, must proactively collaborate to realise the potential benefits that AI-supported diabetes care could bring, whilst mitigating risk and navigating the challenges along the way.

Graphical Abstract
Arthroscopic Latarjet yields better union and prevention of instability compared to arthroscopic bony Bankart repair in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability: a systematic review
Authors: Billaud Anselme , Baverel Laurent ,   ReSurg, van Rooij Floris ,   SoFEC, Metais Pierre
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To determine whether arthroscopic Latarjet procedure or arthroscopic bony Bankart repair provide better outcomes in terms of rates of recurrent instability, non‐union and complications, as well as clinical scores and range of motion.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase®, and Cochrane databases, applying the following keywords: “Arthroscopic bony Bankart” OR “Arthroscopic osseous Bankart” AND “Arthroscopic Latarjet” OR “Arthroscopic coracoid bone block”.

Results

The systematic search returned 1465 records, of which 29 were included (arthroscopic bony Bankart repair, n = 16; arthroscopic Latarjet, n = 13). 37 datasets were included for data extraction, on 1483 shoulders. Compared to arthroscopic Latarjet, arthroscopic bony Bankart repair had significantly higher instability rates (0.14; CI 0.10–0.18; vs 0.04; CI 0.02–0.06), significantly lower union rates (0.63; CI 0.28–0.91 vs 0.98; CI 0.93–1.00), and significantly lower pain on VAS (0.42; CI 0.17–0.67 vs 1.17; CI 0.96–1.38). There were no significant differences in preoperative glenoid bone loss, follow‐up, complication rate, ROWE score, ASES score, external rotation, and anterior forward elevation between arthroscopic Latarjet and arthroscopic bony Bankart repair.

Conclusion

Compared to arthroscopic Latarjet, arthroscopic bony Bankart repair results in significantly (i) higher rates of recurrent instability (14% vs 4%), (ii) lower union rates (63% vs 98%), but (iii) slightly lower pain on VAS (0.45 vs 1.17). There were no differences in complication rates, clinical scores, or postoperative ranges of motion.

Level of evidence

IV.
Quantitative data of up to thirty sterols in vegetable oils and fats
Authors: Schlag Sarah , Vetter Walter
Published: November 2023

Sterols are known for a plethora of 250 different structures. Between 5 and 10% of them usually occur with varying abundance ratios (~ four orders of magnitude) and total amounts (0.4–1000 mg/100 g oil) in samples. Yet, quantitative data are mostly restricted to the few major sterols which are available as reference standards. Here, we developed a gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method operated in selected ion monitoring mode (GC/MS-SIM) that enabled the quantitation of 30 (silylated) sterols although only ten were available as reference standards. This could be obtained by studying the full-scan mass spectra of these ten sterol standards and 20 additional sterols measured in seven oils. In the next step, sterols were assigned to different groups. Values for quantification were then selected on the premise that response factors were constant within a sterol group. The deviation of the response factors within one sterol group was frequently below ± 10% and otherwise about ± 11–12%. Using mean response factors for all sterols, the novel GC/MS-SIM quantification method was superior to GC/FID which was exemplarily applied to two oils. Between eight and 21 of the 30 studied sterols and pentacyclic triterpenols were detected and quantified in 18 vegetable oils and two vegetable fats. The much higher number of sterols that could be quantified resulted in higher sterol amounts and the method and data may be useful for food authentication.
Feminization of a mixed-stock foraging aggregation of immature green turtles (Chelonia mydas), 1975–2018
Authors: Meylan Anne B. , Brost Beth , Conrad Liza J. , Denison Steven H. , Flaherty Denise B. , Gray Jennifer A. , Hardy Robert F. , Meylan Peter A. , Schwenter Jeffrey A. , Tornwall Brett , Owens David W.
Published: November 2023

Marine turtles exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), and there is widespread concern that global warming is raising nest incubation temperatures, resulting in increasingly female-skewed sex ratios in “feminized” populations. We assessed the sex ratio of a mixed-stock aggregation of immature green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at a midocean developmental foraging ground in the Northwest Atlantic from 1975 to 2018. We used plasma testosterone concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and calibrated by laparoscopy, to determine the sex of 2,724 green turtles captured 3,940 times in Bermuda (32°18′ N, 64°46′ W) waters. A logistic regression model correctly predicted the sex of 99.5% of turtles (189/190) with associated testosterone concentrations whose sex had been verified via laparoscopy. Empirical evaluation of the trend in sex ratio using four related data sets showed a significant increase (2.8–4.0% yr−1) in the sex ratio (F/M) over the course of the study. Using growth rates to predict the year of arrival of turtles in Bermuda, we estimated the sex ratio of recruiting cohorts over 4 decades. Mixed-stock analysis of mtDNA sequences of 602 turtles that recruited to Bermuda between 1970 and 2018 suggested that multiple, geographically dispersed rookeries contributed to the Bermuda aggregation making it regionally representative. Changes in rookery contributions and strong population increases at certain rookeries may partly explain the increasing trend in the sex ratio. But the steady rate of increase over decades and the increasing female percentage of arriving cohorts are consistent with impacts of global warming at source rookeries.
Ostreopsis cf. ovata abundances on different benthic substrata: how to compare them?
Authors: Accoroni Stefano , Neri Francesca , Ubaldi Marika , Romagnoli Tiziana , Totti Cecilia
Published: November 2023

In the framework of benthic harmful algal bloom monitoring, the most common sampling strategy is based on the collection of macroalgae, and the abundance of epiphytic microalgae are mainly expressed as cells g−1 macroalgal fresh weight (fw). However, this methodology has some inherent problems, due to (i) the thallus-specific weights that markedly differ among algal species, (ii) the thallus architecture, and (iii) the production of allelopathic compounds that affects the epiphyte abundances among macroalgae, irrespective of the available colonizable surface. This study proposes a method to compare the abundances of Ostreopsis cf. ovata cells on different substrata, using a conversion factor that converts the abundances expressed as cells g−1 fw (or dry weight) to cells cm−2. Expressing abundances in terms of cells cm−2, the abundances can be compared (i) among different macroalgal species and (ii) between macroalgae and other substrata (such as rocks, pebbles, or shellfish shells). We also propose to normalize abundances when different macroalgae are sampled throughout the bloom period, considering the different epiphyte loads of different macroalgal species regardless of the available surface area.
Direct oral anticoagulants and the risk of adverse clinical outcomes among patients with different body weight categories: a large hospital-based study
Authors: Nwanosike Ezekwesiri Michael , Merchant Hamid A. , Sunter Wendy , Ansari Muhammad Ayub , Conway Barbara R. , Hasan Syed Shahzad
Published: November 2023

Objective

Through predictable pharmacokinetics—including a convenient fixed-dose regimen, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are preferred over previous treatments in anticoagulation for various indications. However, the association between higher body weight and the risk of adverse consequences is not well studied among DOAC users. We aim to explore the association of body weight and adverse clinical outcomes in DOAC users.

Methods

A total of 97,413 anonymised DOAC users in a tertiary care setting were identified following structured queries on the electronic health records (EHRs) to extract the feature-rich anonymised dataset. The prepared dataset was analysed, and the features identified with machine learning (ML) informed the adjustments of covariates in the multivariate regression analysis to examine the association. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the mortality benefits of DOACs.

Results

Among DOAC users, the odds of adverse clinical outcomes, such as clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), ischaemic stroke, all-cause mortality, and prolonged hospital stay, were lower in patients with overweight, obesity, or morbid obesity than in patients with normal body weight. The odds of ischaemic stroke (OR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.36–0.88, p = 0.001) and all-cause mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81–0.95, p = 0.001) were lower in patients with morbid obesity than in patients with normal body weight. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, apixaban was associated with a significantly lower rate of mortality overall and in obesity and overweight subgroups than other DOACs (p < 0.001). However, rivaroxaban performed better than apixaban in the morbid obesity subgroup (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows the positive effects of DOAC therapy on clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with high body weight. However, this still needs validation by further studies particularly among patients with morbid obesity.
A case report of hemorrhagic presentation of diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis (DNH) associated to obstructive hydrocephalus: Medical and neurosurgical considerations
Authors: Pavanello Marco , Piro Liliana , Roggero Arianna , Rossi Andrea , Piatelli Gianluca , Vercellino Nadia
Published: November 2023

Background

Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis (DNH) is a rare disorder typically recognized at birth or during the neonatal period. DNH involves three or more organ systems, including the central nervous system (CNS). In these cases, serious complications such as hemorrhages and obstructive hydrocephalus can develop.

Case report

We present a case of DNH with intracranial hypertension and CNS hemorrhagic lesions on the mesencephalic aqueduct, resulting in triventricular hydrocephalus, treated with endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy (ETV) and medical therapy.

Discussion

DNH is a rare condition that can involve the CNS with serious complications. From a review of the literature, we highlighted only two cases of DNH with brain involvement treated surgically. We report the successful outcome of ETV, along with surgical considerations, imaging findings, and the complete resolution of cerebral and skin lesions following medical therapy.

Conclusions

Medical therapy is not standardized and must be individualized. In patients who develop severe neurological symptoms such as obstructive hydrocephalus, surgery may be considered to avoid neurological sequelae.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and auditory brain-stem response audiometry as predictors of bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction in full-term jaundiced neonates
Authors: Zidan Lamiaa Khaled , Rowisha Mohamed Ahmed , Nassar Mohammed Abd Ellatif , Elshafey Rasha Ahmed , El Mahallawi Trandil Hassan , Elmahdy Heba Saied
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research was to define the functions of MRS and ABR as predictors of bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) in full-term neonates who required intervention (phototherapy and/or exchange transfusion). This prospective cohort study was done at the NICU of Tanta University Hospitals over a 2-year duration. Fifty-six full-term neonates with pathological unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were divided according to MRS and ABR findings into 2 groups: group (1) included 26 cases with mild acute bilirubin encephalopathy (BIND-M score 1–4). Group (2) included 30 cases with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia only. In addition, 20 healthy neonates with similar ages were employed as the controls. When compared to group 2 and the control group, group 1’s peak-area ratios of NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho were found to be significantly reduced (P < 0.05). As compared to group 2 and the control group, group 1’s Lac/Cr ratio was significantly greater (P < 0.05), but the differences were not significant for group 2 when compared to the control group. Waves III and V peak latencies, I–III, and I–V interpeak intervals were significantly prolonged in group 1 in comparison to group 2 and controls (P < 0.05) with no significant difference between group 2 and control group.

   Conclusion: When the symptoms of ABE are mild and MRI does not show any evident abnormalities, MRS and ABR are helpful in differentiating individuals with ABE from patients with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

   Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT06018012.

What is Known:• MRS can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for the differential diagnosis of patients with acute bilirubin encephalopathy, from patients with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

What is New:• ABR is a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool in the care and management of neonates with significantly raised bilirubin. It can be used as early predictor of acute bilirubin encephalopathy in the earliest stage of auditory damage caused by bilirubin.
Lagrange multiplier imposition of non-conforming essential boundary conditions in implicit material point method
Authors: Singer Veronika , Teschemacher Tobias , Larese Antonia , Wüchner Roland , Bletzinger Kai-Uwe
Published: November 2023

The Material Point Method (MPM) is an established and powerful numerical method particularly useful for simulating large-scale, rapid soil deformations. Therefore, it is often used for the numerical investigation of mass movement hazards such as landslides, debris flows, or avalanches. It combines the benefits of both mesh-free and mesh-based continuum-based discretization techniques by discretizing the physical domain with Lagrangian moving particles carrying the history-dependent variables while the governing equations are solved at the Eulerian background grid, which brings many similarities with commonly used finite element methods. However, due to this hybrid nature, the material boundaries do not usually coincide with the nodes of the computational grid, which complicates the imposition of boundary conditions. Furthermore, the position of the boundary may change at each time step and, moreover, may be defined at arbitrary locations within the computational grid that do not necessarily coincide with the body contour, leading to different interactions between the material and the boundary. To cope with these challenges, this paper presents a novel element-wise formulation to weakly impose non-conforming Dirichlet conditions using Lagrange multipliers. The proposed formulation introduces a constant Lagrange multiplier approximation within the constrained elements in combination with a methodology to eliminate superfluous constraints. Therefore, in combination with simple element-wise interpolation functions classically utilized in MPM (and FEM) to approximate the unknown field, a suitable Lagrange multiplier discretization is obtained. In this way, we obtain a robust, efficient, and user-friendly boundary imposition method for immersed methods specified herein for implicit MPM. Furthermore, the extension to frictionless slip conditions is derived. The proposed methodologies are assessed by comparing the numerical results with both analytical and experimental data to demonstrate their accuracy and wide range of applications.
Multi-criteria decision analysis: Hesitant fuzzy methodology towards expert systems for analyzing financial markets dynamics
Authors: Ferrara Massimiliano , Ciano Tiziana , Nava Consuelo Rubina , Cananà Lucianna
Published: November 2023

Decision support systems are a mixture of different methods and tools combined by machine learning approach. This study uses the most important machine learning techniques (logistic regression, artificial neural networks, and support vector machines) and the expert-based method (fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and hesitant fuzzy numbers) to study some financial markets dynamics. The objective of the study is to examine the main approaches developed by theory and operational practice for the purposes of conceptual representation, management and quality assessment. Different tools are applied to support decisions makers, such as AHPSort II to model the hierarchical structure, FAHP to determine weights in the construction of the matrix of the pairwise comparison and hesitant fuzzy sets (HFS) to better represent the preferences of the decisions makers.
Hangeshashinto for prevention of oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a randomized phase II study
Authors: Yoshimatsu Masako , Kawashita Yumiko , Soutome Sakiko , Murata Maho , Sawayama Yasushi , Kurogi Tadafumi , Nakao Noriko , Miyazaki Yasushi , Umeda Masahiro , Ukai Takashi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Oral mucositis (OM) is a side effect associated with cancer treatment. Hangeshashinto (HST), a Kampo medicine, was originally prescribed to treat diarrhea, gastritis, and stomatitis. Several reports have described the effects of HST for OM induced by chemotherapy in patients with gastric or colorectal cancer. In this study, the effects of HST for prevention of OM were investigated in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

Thirty patients scheduled to receive allogeneic grafts were enrolled from July 2020 to December 2021. They were randomly assigned to two groups and instructed to wash their mouth using HST dissolved in saline solution or using only saline solution three times a day. The observation period was from the initiation date of the conditioning regimen to the date of engraftment, and the end point was the incidence of OM.

Results

Eighteen patients developed OM, the most severe of which was Grade (G)3. There was no significant difference in the incidence of OM between the HST group and the control group. However, a negative correlation tended to be observed between the duration using HST use and the duration of OM (G2–3: P = 0.027, G3: P = 0.047).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that HST use did not clearly inhibit onset of OM but showed a tendency to inhibit OM exacerbation. However, further studies are necessary to fully understand the effects of HST on OM in patients undergoing HSCT.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials on 7 May 2020 (jRCTs071200012).
Impact of topography and land cover on air temperature space-time variability in an urban environment with contrasted topography (Dijon, France, 2014–2021)
Authors: Crétat Julien , Richard Yves , Pohl Benjamin , Emery Justin , Dudek Julita , Roy Damien , Pergaud Julien , Rega Mario , Poupelin Mélissa , Joly Daniel , Thévenin Thomas , Marquès Eva , Masson Valéry
Published: November 2023

The influence of topography and land cover on air temperature space-time variability is examined in an urban environment with contrasted topography through simple and multiple linear regression (SLR and MLR) models, ran for each hour of the period 2014–2021, to explain spatial patterns of air temperature measured by a dense network. The SLR models reveal a complementary influence of topography and land cover, with the largest influence during daytime and nighttime, respectively. The MLR significantly improves upon the SLR models despite persistent intensity errors at night and spatial errors in the early morning. Topography influences air temperatures all year round, with temperature decreasing with height during the day and frequent thermal inversions at night (up to 30% of the time). Impervious surfaces are more influential in summer and early fall, especially during the late afternoon for the fraction covered by buildings and during the early night for the distance from the city centre. They contribute to increase air temperature close to the city centre and where the fraction covered by buildings is large. By contrast, vegetation contributes to cool air temperature during the night, especially in spring and early summer for field crops, summer and early fall for forests, and late fall and winter for low vegetation. Our framework proves to be a low-cost and efficient way to assess how strongly and how recurrently the static surface conditions influence air temperature along the annual and diurnal cycles. It is easily transposable to other areas and study fields.