bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo testing of the Pressio intracranial pressure monitor: the EPIC study
Authors: GERGELE Laurent , Mallard Jérémy , Magand Clément , Lagarde Kevin , Chabanne Russel , Morel Jérôme , Payen Jean François , Launey Yoann
Published: February 2025

Objective Measuring reliable intracranial pressure (ICP) is critical for patients with acute brain injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate zero-drift of the intra-parenchymal strain gauge Pressio transducer (Sophysa, Orsay, France) in clinical conditions.Methods A prospective, observational multicentre study was conducted in 4 French intensive care units (ICU) of university hospitals. Patients with acute brain injuries were included if they needed ICP measurement using the Pressio transducer. The zero drift was measured at explanation of the sensor. ICP-related adverse events were also collected.Results Between 01/01/2018 and 31/03/2020, 235 patients were included in this study for a monitoring time of 2180 days. The zero-drift assessment was determined in 223 transducers (95%). The median duration of ICP monitoring was 8 days (interquartile [IQR] 4 to 13 days). The median zero drift was 1 mmHg (IQR 1 to 3) and a weak correlation was observed between the duration of ICP monitoring and zero drift (⍴=0.141; P = 0.0357), which lacks clinical significance. Zero drifts higher than 5 mmHg were found in 10% of transducers. Four patients (1.8%) had ICP-related hematomas, with no clinical impact, and none had ICP-related brain infection. Failures or technical dysfunctions of the monitoring were found in 6 patients (2.6%).Conclusion The Pressio catheter from the Sophysa system exhibited a minor zero drift after a median monitoring period of 8 days. This transducer's performance was comparable to that of other intracranial pressure devices utilizing strain gauge technology.
Utilizing X-ray radiography for non-destructive assessment of paddy rice grain quality traits
Authors: Tharanya Murugesan , Chakraborty Debarati , Pandravada Anand , Babu Raman , Gangashetti Mahantesh , Paidi Swapna , Choudhary Sunita , Sivasakthi Kaliamoorthy , Anbazhagan Krithika , Vaditandra Bhavani , Waininger Michael , Weule Mareike , Hufnagel Eva , Claußen Joelle , Wittenberg Thomas , Vaněk Jiří , Kholova Jana , Gerth Stefan
Published: February 2025

Background
Agricultural systems are under extreme pressure to meet the global food demand, hence necessitating faster crop improvement. Rapid evaluation of the crops using novel imaging technologies coupled with robust image analysis could accelerate these improvements. This study assesses the potential of X-ray imaging for non-destructive evaluation of rice grain traits. By analyzing 2D X-ray images of paddy grains, we aim to approximate their key physical grain traits important in rice breeding: (1) T1 chaffiness, (2) T2 chalky rice kernel percentage (CRK%), and (3) T3 head rice recovery percentage (HRR%). Successful integration of X-ray imaging and data analysis into the breeding process could prospectively revolutionize rice breeding and improve global agricultural productivity.
Results
The study aimed to predict the key rice traits (chaffiness, CRK%, HRR%) using 2D radiographs obtained from high resolution X-ray imaging systems. The accuracy of trait inference algorithms was evaluated by comparing the predicted values with ground-truth measurements. We showed that all three traits can be predicted with reasonable accuracy (chaffiness: R2 = 0.9987, RMSE = 1.302; CRK%: R2 = 0.9397, RMSE = 8.91; HRR%: R2 = 0.7613, RMSE = 6.83).
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that multiple key physical grain traits important in rice breeding (chaffiness, CRK%, and HRR%) can be inferred from single 2D X-ray images of whole paddy grains. Such a non-destructive rice grain trait inference is expected to improve the robustness of paddy rice evaluation, as well as to reduce time and possibly costs for rice grain trait analysis. Furthermore, the described approach can also be transferred and adapted to other grain crops.
Prevalence, Bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated risk factors of Bacterial UTI among Diabetic patients at Jigjiga University Sheik Hasan yabare comprehensive specialized Hospital, Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tahir Bawlah , Tayib Niman , Ahmed Abdi Hassen , Tolossa Daniel , Mekuria Surafel , Barsenga Shamil , Muse Kader , Tesfaye Sara , Tesfaye Addisu , Getu Fasil , Roble Abdurahman Kedir , Mahdi Abdirizak
Published: February 2025

Background
Diabetic Mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition characterized with higher blood glucose due to lack of insulin production, or the body cannot effectively use insulin. Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) remains one of the common public health crises in diabetic patients worldwide. DM is commonly considered to be the major leading risk factor for UTIs. Emergence of rapid drug resistance nowadays poses a great public health threat in management of bacterial UTI in diabetic patients worldwide.
Objective
to determine the prevalence, bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of bacterial UTI among diabetic patients at Jigjiga University Sheik Hasan yabare comprehensive specialized Hospital, Jigjiga Eastern Ethiopia from February 20, to April 30, 2024.
Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20, to April 30, 2024. Total of 220 study participants were recruited. Clean catch mid-stream urine was collected and was inoculated onto MacConkey agar and Blood agar. Bacterial identification was carried out based on standard protocol. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Baurer disc diffusion method. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6, exported to and analyzed in SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to measure the association. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Result
The overall prevalence of significant bacteriuria among DM patients was 10.5% (23/220, 95%CI: 6.4–14.6%). Of these, 82.6% (19/23) were gram negative bacteria. E. coli was the most isolated uropathogens constituting 65.2% (15/23) followed by S. epidermis, 8.7% (2/23). Duration of DM, history of hypertension and being currently UTI symptomatic were statistically associated with significant bacteriuria. Gram negative uropathogens were highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin (94.7%), amikacin (84.2%) and tobramycin (68.4%). Gram positive isolates were 100% susceptible to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin. The overall proportion of multi-drug resistance among the bacterial isolates was 60.9% (14/23, 95%CI; 54.5–67.3%).
Conclusion
Identification of higher rate multi-drug resistant uropathogens necessitates proper care of antibiotic selection for prescription and enhancing microbiological testing coverage in the low-income settings.
A Custom Array-Based Platform for Expanded Carrier Screening in a Chinese Population
Authors: Chang Jiazhen , Hao Na , Zhou Xiya , Lü Yan , Li Mengmeng , Yin Kaili , Yang Xueting , Zhang Hanzhe , Ma Yukun , Qi Qingwei , You Yanqin , Jiang Yulin
Published: February 2025

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) is crucial in preconception and early pregnancy care for identifying couples at risk of having children with autosomal recessive or X-linked conditions. This study developed a custom ECS array using an array platform designed to detect single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and indels across 1,625 genes associated with more than 1,000 genetic disorders. To validate the performance of the custom array, we utilized 1,112 blood samples from which next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based ECS was performed. Among these samples, 225 distinct variants were identified in 100 genes. The array demonstrated high sensitivity (98.62%) and specificity (99.17%). This custom array offers a standardized and efficient alternative to NGS-based ECS, potentially enhancing clinical accessibility and selectivity.
Interface trap states induced underestimation of Schottky barrier height in Metal-MX2 Junctions
Authors: Jawa Himani , Verreck Devin , Sun Zheng , Sutar Surajit , Rosa Cesar Javier Lockhart , Kar Gouri Sankar , Appenzeller Joerg
Published: February 2025

Understanding the interfaces between a contact metal and a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor as well as the dielectric gate stack and the same 2D material in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) based transistors is a crucial step towards the introduction of TMD materials into advanced logic nodes. In particular, for the contact metal/2D interface, one of the key parameters is the Schottky barrier height (SBH), which is frequently extracted based on temperature-dependent subthreshold characteristics of TMD field-effect transistors (FETs). However, recently, using this methodology has resulted in rather low extracted SBH values for TMD based transistors, which seems inconsistent with the low on-current levels in said devices. Here, we therefore connect measured device characteristics on monolayer (ML) MoS2 transistors with technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations. In particular, our analysis shows that low SBHs can incorrectly be extracted when the interface trap density Dit is substantial and exhibits at the same time a significant temperature dependence as is the case for TMDs. In fact, TCAD simulations and comparison with the obtained electrical data reveals that the actual SBH is substantially larger than what is extracted when ignoring the above mentioned details of Dit.
Photon Counting Detector CTA for Prostate Artery Embolization Pre-Procedure Planning and Intra-Procedural Guidance: A Case Series
Authors: Yousif Paul , Linch Forrest , Rajiah Prabhakar , Collins Jeremy D. , Favazza Christopher P. , Ferrero Andrea , Jundt Michael , Thompson Scott
Published: February 2025

Background:
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) requires a careful understanding of pelvic arterial anatomy and identifying prostatic artery variants. Pre-procedure CTA and intra-procedural cone beam CT are traditional means of planning and performing PAE, with the latter providing guidance for embolization. Photon counting detector (PCD) CT is a novel technology enabling ultra-high spatial resolution (UHR) whole-body imaging, with reconstructed slices as thin as 200 um. For PAE, we obtain a single UHR PCD CT acquisition, which provides both detailed pre-procedure pelvic arterial anatomy information and a registration reference for intra-procedural embolization guidance.
Case Presentation:
In five patients who underwent technically successful PAE via a left transradial approach, the pre-procedure diagnostic UHR PCD prostate CTA delineated bilateral prostatic artery origins and course in all cases, as confirmed with conventional angiograms. Further, registration of the UHR PCD CT for embolization guidance was successful in all cases, augmenting vessel selection. No complication occurred.
Conclusion:
UHR PCD CT is a novel acquisition option that is well suited to PAE due to its ability to delineate small vessels. Further, our experience has shown that a single pre-procedure scan can also be utilized for intra-procedural embolization guidance, obviating the need for a traditional cone beam CT angiogram. Further research is needed to assess reductions in radiation dose, contrast use, and intra-procedural time with these techniques.
Upregulation of the GLT-1 expression attenuates neuronal apoptosis and cognitive dysfunction via inhibiting the CB1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway in mice with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bu Bin , Ma Ruiyao , Wang Chengyu , Jiang Shukun , Xu Xiaoming
Published: February 2025

Background Glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) plays a vital role in maintaining glutamate homeostasis in the body. A decreased GLT-1 expression in astrocytes can heighten neuronal sensitivity to glutamate excitotoxicity after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite its significance, the mechanisms behind the reduced expression of GLT-1 following TBI remain poorly understood. After TBI, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) is elevated several times. 2-AG is known to inhibit key positive transcriptional regulators of GLT-1. This study aims to investigate the role of 2-AG in regulating GLT-1 expression and to uncover the underlying mechanisms involved.Methods A controlled cortical impact (CCI) model was used to establish a TBI model in C57BL/6J mice. Primary astrocytes were isolated from the brains of neonatal mice and incubated with 2-AG. The CB1 receptor antagonist (referred to as AM281), the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, and the PKA inhibitor (referred to as H89) were administered to investigate the role and mechanism of 2-AG in regulating GLT-1 expression following TBI. Behavioral tests were conducted to assess neurological functions, including the open field, Y-maze, and novel object recognition tests. Apoptotic cells were identified using the TUNEL assay, while Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence were employed to determine protein expression levels.Results GLT-1 expression demonstrated a clear pattern characterized by an initial decrease followed by a gradual recovery in the contused cortex and hippocampus after TBI. It began to decrease within half an hour, reached its lowest level at 2 hours, and then gradually increased, returning to normal levels by 7 days. The administration of AM281 alleviated neuronal death, improved cognitive function, and reversed the reduction of GLT-1 caused by TBI in vivo. Furthermore, 2-AG decreased GLT-1 expression in astrocytes through the CB1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. Mechanistically, 2-AG activated CB1, which inhibited CREB phosphorylation in astrocytes by restraining PKA. This decreased GLT-1 levels and ultimately increased neuronal sensitivity to glutamate excitotoxicity.Conclusions Our research demonstrated that the upregulation of GLT-1 expression effectively mitigated neuronal apoptosis and cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting the CB1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. This finding may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for TBI.
Retrospective Analysis of Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy at a Tertiary Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa: A 10-Year Review (2013–2023)
Authors: OPIO Christopher , Shah Reena , Mbith Annastacia , Odada David , Shah Jasmit , Mutiso Musyoka David , Sokwala Ahmed , Nguku Samuel , Makhdomi Khalid
Published: February 2025

Background
Gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) is a vital diagnostic tool for assessing gastric motility disorders, yet data on its use and findings in sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce.
Objective
To characterize gastric emptying patterns and identify factors associated with delayed gastric emptying in patients undergoing GES at a tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 138 GES records from 2013–2023 was conducted. Delayed gastric emptying was defined as gastric emptying half-time (GET1/2) cutoff > 120 minutes. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to identify predictors of delayed gastric emptying.
Results
Of the GES procedures, 76% were performed between 2021 and 2023. Patients had a median age of 47 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 33–60), and 68.1% were women. The median GET1/2 was 150 minutes (IQR: 122–194). Diabetes mellitus, vomiting, and dopamine agonists were associated with prolonged GET1/2, while ischemic gastropathy and age 50–60 years were linked to shorter GET1/2. Delayed gastric emptying was observed in 78.3% of patients, with significant predictors including diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 8.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28–35.19), prior gastroscopy (OR 4.04, 95% CI: 1.15–14.22), prokinetic use (OR 12.47, 95% CI: 2.10–74.03), younger age (OR 4.58, 95% CI: 1.49–14.14), and women (OR 3.65, 95% CI: 1.14–11.67).
Conclusion
Delayed gastric emptying is common among patients undergoing GES in this region, driven by clinical and pharmacological factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and further research on gastric motility disorders in sub-Saharan Africa.
Physiological factors influencing climate-smart agriculture: Daylength-mediated interaction between tillering and flowering in rice
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Seok , Kim Ju-Hee , Jo So-Hye , Yang Seo-Yeong , Baek Jae-Kyeong , Song Yeong-Seo , Shon Jiyoung , Cho Jeong-Il
Published: February 2025

Introduction:
Control of rice tillering and flowering is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields, a key goal of climate-smart agriculture. However, the interaction between tillering and flowering is still debated and poorly understood.
Methods
We subjected plants of the rice cultivars ‘Saenuri’ and ‘Odae,’ to short- and long-day conditions after removing their tillers, and observed growth and flowering responses.
Results and Discussion
Different daylength conditions yielded contrasting results. Plants in tiller-removal groups grown under short days flowered early compared with that of the controls, whereas the opposite was observed under long days. Further, the expression of the florigen gene, Hd3a, promoting flowering, increased in the tiller-removal group under short days compared with that of the control. Conversely, the expression of the OsMFT1 gene, delaying flowering and increasing the number of spikelets per panicle, was upregulated under long days, and the phenotypic results were consistent. The number of spikelets per panicle in ‘Saenuri’ and ‘Odae’ plants in the tiller-removal groups under long day conditions increased approximately 3.4 and 2.2 times, respectively, compared with that of the corresponding control groups.
Conclusion
These findings reveal the daylength-dependent variability in tillering and flowering interactions, offering a novel perspective on their relationship. The results provide a foundation for developing climate-smart rice management practices and breeding strategies to optimize growth timing and enhance productivity under variable photoperiod conditions.
A Rare Case of Parapharyngeal Venous Malformation: Diagnostic and Management Challenges
Authors: Hage Neemu , Nayyani Divya , Ramamourthy Balaji , Singh Namit Kant , Haokip Mercy , Sharma Abhimanyu
Published: February 2025

Background: Venous malformations previously referred to as cavernous haemangiomas, are slow-flow vascular anomalies characterised by a benign clinical progression. The occurrence of parapharyngeal space as the primary site of a venous malformations is exceptionally rare, with our literature review indicating that just over 20 cases have been documented to date. The diagnosis of a venous malformation in the parapharyngeal space can be difficult, as they clinically mimic more prevalent lesions in the area, such as pleomorphic adenomas and other neurogenic tumours.
Case presentation: We report a case of the most extensive venous malformations of the parapharyngeal space ever recorded, which was accompanied by the longest duration of symptoms in a 38-year-old male who presented with a painless neck swelling. The swelling was insidious in its onset and had progressively increased to its current dimensions of approximately 8 x 5 cm over a span of 20 years. On examination, there was a solitary diffuse enlargement in the upper lateral aspect of the right neck, accompanied by transmitted pulsations. Cytology was inconclusive, yielding a bloody aspirate only. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T1 iso- to mildly hyperintense, T2/STIR hyperintense lesion measuring 5.2 x 5.8 x 8.0 cm in the right carotid space displacing the carotid sheath laterally with few flow voids and heterogeneous enhancement post-contrast. The mass was excised through a transcervical approach. A reddish, lobulated, encapsulated mass was removed in its entirety during the operation. Histopathology revealed that the mass was a venous malformation, characterised by thin-walled vessels, extensive hyalinization, and fibrin.
Conclusion: The diagnosis of venous malformation is primarily determined by the clinical features and the MRI findings. Surgery is the preferred treatment, and the surgical approach should be determined by the tumour’s size, location, and anatomical accessibility.
Multimodal Imaging-Based Interpretable Radiomics for Differentiating Brucella and Tuberculosis Spondylitis: A Two-Center Study
Authors: Yimit Yasen , Tuersun Abuduresuli , Zhang Mei , Huang Chencui , Shen Lingyan , Yuan Ya , You Yi , Abulizi Adinaer , Ma Juan , Nijiati Mayidili
Published: February 2025

Background:
Spondylitis, particularly infectious forms caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Brucella species, presents significant clinical challenges due to overlapping symptoms and diagnostic difficulties. Accurate differentiation is crucial for effective treatment, necessitating advanced imaging techniques and radiomics to enhance diagnostic precision and improve patient outcomes in cases of TB and brucella spondylitis.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 165 patients diagnosed with Brucella spondylitis (BS) or tuberculous spondylitis (TS) from January 2020 to December 2024, with an external validation cohort of 35 patients. Inclusion criteria consisted of relevant clinical symptoms for at least six months, positive serological tests, MRI abnormalities, and complete medical records. Imaging was performed at two centers, employing standardized protocols for T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI. Region of Interest (ROI) segmentation and radiomics feature extraction were conducted using the Deepwise platform, yielding a total of 1049 CT and 5829 MRI features. Nine predictive models were developed and validated through nested five-fold cross-validation, assessing performance metrics such as AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
A total of 195 patients with 207 lesions were analyzed, comprising 124 cases of tuberculous spondylitis (TS) and 83 cases of brucellosis spondylitis (BS). An external validation cohort included 57 patients with 60 lesions. Nine predictive models were developed using selected features: the CT model utilized 80 features, while T1-weighted (T1WI), T2-weighted (T2WI), and fat-suppressed T2WI (FS T2WI) models employed 14, 33, and 32 features, respectively. Multi-modality models combined features from various sequences, achieving optimal performance with an AUC of 0.8136. Model efficacy was validated through ROC curve analysis, decision curve analyses, and calibration plots. Additionally, SHAP analysis was used to interpret model predictions, identifying key influential features, which are detailed in the supplementary materials.
Conclusion
Our research indicates that multimodal imaging-based radiomics hold significant potential for the differential diagnosis of BS and TS
Monitoring Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Dynamics for Personalized Treatment in Adolescent Eating Disorders: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Inagawa Yuta , Kurata Kazumi , Obi Seiji , Onuki Yoshiyuki , Monden Yukihumi , Kurane Koyuru , Furukawa Rieko , Mitani Tadahiro , Nakamura Hirotaka , Suda Shiro , Yagihashi Tatsuhiko
Published: February 2025

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) during the initial hospitalization of patients with eating disorders (EDs) and to assess its potential as a biomarker for monitoring disease severity and treatment response.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted with 55 patients aged ≤ 16 years diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and admitted to Jichi Medical University Hospital between 2015 and 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including sex, age, rate of weight gain, percentage of ideal body weight (%IBW), tube feeding treatment, and NLR were obtained. Statistical analyses used a mixed model for repeated measures to assess NLR changes regarding %IBW and other clinical factors.
Results
The NLR at admission was lower in the malnourished state but increased with weight recovery. MMRM revealed that tube feeding treatment and restoration of %IBW significantly predicted an increase in the NLR. The interaction between tube feeding and the quadratic term of %IBW was also significant, indicating distinct patterns of NLR changes: without tube feeding, NLR increased linearly with weight recovery, whereas with tube feeding, NLR exhibited a non-linear, upward-convex parabolic trend.
Discussion
These findings indicate that NLR may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring recovery in patients with EDs, reflecting nutritional status and tube feeding-related factors. NLR measurement could be a practical tool for tailoring treatment strategies. Further research is warranted to explore NLR's utility across diverse ED populations and assess its responsiveness to various interventions, advancing personalized medicine in this field.
Investigating the Patterns of Renal Function Variability in Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease by Cluster Analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Arisa , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Okuda Tadahisa , Hirano Keita , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Yokoo Takashi , Fukuma Shingo
Published: February 2025

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health concern, with increasing focus on predicting renal prognosis. While renal prognosis is often studied in advanced CKD, variability in renal function and its implications for long-term outcomes in early-stage CKD remain insufficiently examined. This study aimed to investigate renal prognosis in early-stage CKD within the general population, focusing on patterns of renal function variability and factors associated with high variability.
Methods: This retrospective nationwide cohort study included participants from various geographical regions across Japan, representing a diverse general population. A total of 1,765 adults with early-stage CKD (eGFR 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2), based on two initial screening results, were analyzed. The primary outcome was the pattern of eGFR variability identified by cluster analysis using three parameters: mean residual (difference between linear prediction and observed value), maximum residual, and range. In addition, we used a logistic regression model in order to assess associations between clinical factors and the high-risk cluster.
Results: We identified three distinct clusters based on eGFR variability using cluster analysis. Among these clusters, one exhibited significantly high variability with a high residual (median of mean residuals of 10.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and median of maximum residuals of 22.6 mL/min/1.73 m2) and a wide range (median of range of 25.1 mL/min/1.73 m2) (referred to as the "high variability cluster"). This cluster, comprising 4.6% of patients with early-stage CKD, demonstrated a more pronounced decline in eGFR over time. Factors such as younger age, proteinuria, antihypertensive drug use, and hyperglycemia were associated with the high variability cluster.
Conclusions: This study highlights the presence of distinct eGFR variability patterns in early-stage CKD and identifies a subgroup at high risk for rapid renal decline. Monitoring eGFR variability provides critical insights into long-term prognosis and may inform targeted interventions. Considering these findings, early detection and management of patients with early CKD may improve disease progression and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
Trial registration: This study is an observational study using a database and does not involve a health care intervention on human participants. Therefore, trial registration is not applicable.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Extremely Obese Patients. A Multidisciplinary Approach for a Patient with a BMI of 101.7 kg/m²
Authors: Csorba Roland , Elfrink Zeynep Atas , Buderath Paul , Britten Martin
Published: February 2025

The prevalence of obesity has risen significantly, affecting over 19% of the German population. Obesity is frequently associated with endometrial cancer, presenting considerable challenges in pre-, intra- and postoperative management. Challenges with intubation, patient positioning, respiratory and cardiac complications as well as wound dehiscence are commonly encountered in this patient population. For patients with uterine cancer, surgical intervention is essential for staging, symptom control, and potential cure. Minimally invasive approaches, particularly robotic-assisted surgery, have expanded the possibilities for treating morbidly obese patients. Robotic systems facilitate navigation around anatomical barriers and reduce surgeon fatigue. However, despite the technological advancements, morbidly obese patients often face increased perioperative risks and prolonged postoperative recovery. Laparoscopic procedures in steep Trendelenburg position for morbidly obese patients pose unique challenges, particularly in anesthesiological management. These challenges necessitate individualized ventilatory and hemodynamic support to ensure patient safety. This case highlights a multidisciplinary approach to managing a patient with extreme obesity (BMI 101.7 kg/m²) undergoing robotic-assisted surgery for uterine cancer. It underscores the importance of comprehensive preoperative planning, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative care in minimizing complications and optimizing outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery for endometrial cancer in obese patients has proven to be a safe and feasible option, characterized by a low complication rate, minimal blood loss, and a short hospital stay.
C-reactive protein to albumin ratio combined with the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index predicts the prognosis of patients undergoing radical hepatectomy
Authors: Lu Shao-Long , Zhang Qing-Yuan , Zhao Yuan-Quan , Wu Hua-Lin , Lin Jie , Zhu Peng , Qin Zheng-Jun , Wang Xiao-Bo , Chen Jie
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Many prognostic scores based on systemic inflammation have been developed. Most of these prognostic scores have been shown to influence the prognosisof hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This research aims to develop a novel prognostic system based on inflammatory markers for patients with HCC.
Patients and Methods: This researchencompassed 920 HCC patients who underwent potentially radical surgical resection. We employed receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the optimal cutoff value for the preoperative inflammatory prognostic score. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to pinpoint features that significantly influence outcomes for patients with HCC. We employed a calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) to appraise the application of the nomogram.
Results: The multivariate Cox regression identified that systemic immunoinflammatory response index (SIRI), C-reactive protein-albumin ratio (CAR), tumor size, hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA, prothrombin time, microvascular invasion, macroscopic vascular invasion, and Edmondson-Steiner grade were all independent predictors of overall survival (OS). The predictive accuracy of the nomogram for estimating 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Inthe training cohort, the AUC scores for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 0.815, 0.805, and 0.776. For the validation cohort, the respective AUC scores were 0.814, 0.737, and 0.730. Additionally, our nomogram shows a high capacity for distinguishing between different risk groups and is practical for clinical use.
Conclusion: The nomogram demonstrates strong predictive performance for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS of HCC patients undergoing radical surgery, surpassing BCLC and CNLC staging systems in ability to assess patient prognosis.
Efficacy of Topical 2% Carteolol in the Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas: A Dermoscopic and Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Ünal Esranur , Yücel Muhammed Burak , Gedikli Saadet Nurşah , Ulaş Yılmaz , Mutlu Fatma Türkan , Akay Bengü Nisa
Published: February 2025

Background
Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign vascular tumors in infants, often requiring treatment in 10–15% of cases due to complications. While systemic propranolol is the first-line treatment, its potential for systemic side effects raises interest in topical therapies. This study investigates the efficacy of topical 2% carteolol in treating IH and its dermoscopic changes over time.
Methods
A total of 15 patients with IH were treated with topical 2% carteolol drops applied twice daily for 3 months. Clinical and dermoscopic images were captured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Dermoscopic features such as erythema, clods, coiled vessels, dotted vessels, and others were evaluated. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were used to assess treatment response.
Results
The most frequent dermoscopic findings at baseline were coiled vessels, followed by serpentine and dotted vessels. At 1 and 3 months, significant improvements were observed, with reductions in erythema and coiled vessel scores (p < 0.05) and at 3 months with reductions in clod score (p < 0.05). The skin-colored structureless area significantly increased, indicating lesion regression (p < 0.05). VAS scores showed a significant decrease over the 3-month period, with a positive correlation between baseline dotted vessel scores and treatment response (r:0.656, p:0.008).
Conclusions
Topical 2% carteolol is an effective and safe treatment for IH. Dermoscopic monitoring provides valuable insights into treatment progression, showing significant changes in erythema, clod, and vascular patterns. The presence of dotted vessels at baseline may serve as a predictor of a favorable treatment response. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to validate these findings.
Mitochondrial-Derived Vesicles Mediate Interorganellar Communication via Selective Cargo Transfer Under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh
Published: February 2025

Mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) are essential for mitochondrial quality control, yet their cargo specificity and role in interorganellar communication remain poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that under oxidative stress, MDVs selectively transport antioxidant enzymes (e.g., peroxiredoxin-3, SOD1) to peroxisomes and lysosomes via Rab32-dependent trafficking. Using super-resolution microscopy and SILAC-based proteomics in HeLa and primary murine fibroblast models, we observed a 3-fold increase in MDV biogenesis post-H2O treatment (p < 0.001), with Rab32 knockout cells exhibiting 50% higher cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Live-cell imaging confirmed MDV-peroxisome fusion via PEX14 and lysosomal delivery via LAMP1, revealing a redox-sensitive mechanism that prevents oxidative damage. These findings establish MDVs as critical mediators of interorganellar coordination, offering novel therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Leveraging GANs For Active Appearance Models Optimized Model Fitting
Authors: Awasthi Anurag
Published: February 2025

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have gained prominence in refining model fitting tasks in computer vision, particularly in domains involving deformable models like Active Appearance Models (AAMs). This paper explores the integration of GANs to enhance the AAM fitting process, addressing challenges in optimizing nonlinear parameters associated with appearance and shape variations. By leveraging GANs' adversarial training framework, the aim is to minimize fitting errors and improve convergence rates. Achieving robust performance even in cases with high appearance variability and occlusions. Our approach demonstrates significant improvements in accuracy and computational efficiency compared to traditional optimization techniques, thus establishing GANs as a potent tool for advanced image model fitting.
Chronic Infections of Knee Megaprostheses: Is "Off-Label" DAIR-Plus an Option?
Authors: Stimolo Davide , Innocenti Matteo , Carminati Mattia , Castrogiovanni Filippo , Neri Elisabetta , Campanacci Domenico Andrea , Scoccianti Guido
Published: February 2025

Introduction
Two-stage revision for chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) of knee megaprostheses is complex and often results in significant bone loss. The DAIR-plus (DP) procedure, involving debridement with partial prosthesis removal but retaining stems, is typically used for acute PJI but may benefit select chronic cases. This study aimed to: i) assess DP outcomes in chronic megaprosthesis infections; and ii) identify prognostic factors to guide its use versus full component removal.
Material and Methods
Twenty-three patients underwent DP procedures for chronic knee megaprosthetic PJI between 2000 and 2022. Nineteen patients, were included. Targeted antibiotics were administered based on Infectious Disease Specialist recommendations. Infection eradication was evaluated using clinical and serologic parameters.
Results
The study involved 12 females and 7 males aged 18–87 (mean 53); twelve had oncological conditions. DP was performed as a one-stage procedure in 13 cases and two-stage in 6. Eight patients (42%) achieved infection resolution with DP alone, and four required additional procedures, yielding an overall success rate of 63%. Some required amputation or chronic antibiotics. Outcomes did not significantly differ by age (p = 0,85), gender (p = 0.31), oncology status (p = 0,95), radiotherapy (p = 0,43), previous revisions (p = 0,43), or revision type (p = 0,44). Staphylococcus spp infections had worse outcomes (25% vs. 62%, p = 0.048).
Conclusions
The DAIR-plus procedure is a viable option for selected patients, though it carries a high failure risk (over 50%). When successful, it offers notable advantages such as bone stock preservation and faster recovery. Infections caused by Staphylococcus spp. present greater challenges for eradication in this series.
Quantum teleportation of a photon via absorption and emission for quantum repeater nodes
Authors: Reyes Raustin , Sekiguchi Yuhei , Ito Daisuke , Fujiwara Taichi , Watanabe Kansei , Makino Toshiharu , Kato Hiromitsu , Kosaka Hideo
Published: February 2025

Absorption and emission, fundamental interactions between light and matter, enable the regeneration of a quantum state of light via matter through concatenated quantum state transfer based on the principle of quantum teleportation. This transfer is enabled by electron spin‒orbit entanglement and electron‒nuclear spin entanglement inherent within the material. Here, we demonstrate that a photon quantum state imprinted in polarization is transferred to another photon emitted from a nitrogen vacancy (NV) center. This transfer is heralded by the result of the Bell state measurement between the electron and nitrogen nuclear spins. We show that the minimum number of incident photons needed to achieve transfer is, on average, only 0.1 photons, enabling quantum teleportation over 10 km. This demonstration paves the way for a fault-tolerant quantum repeater that is robust against phase and intensity errors, unlike the conventional photon interference scheme, thereby facilitating practical quantum networks.
Systematic Review to Assess the Efficacy of Buprenorphine Compared to Methadone as an Intervention for Opiate Dependency
Authors: Adams Sherifdeen
Published: February 2025

Objective
To assess the efficacy of buprenorphine compared to methadone as an intervention for opiate dependency.
Data Sources:
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychARTICLES, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, PsychINFO and Web of Science)
Study Selection:
Published studies from 2000–2014 relating to the efficacy of buprenorphine and methadone as maintenance treatments for opioid dependence. These studies included those that looked at retention and relapse rates, had quantitative evidence, and looked at both males and females. Eight out of 20 studies met these inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review.
Results
The studies looked at efficacy in terms of retention and relapse rates. With regards to retention, three studies found methadone to be more effective than buprenorphine and the other five found no significant differences between the two groups. In terms of relapse measured by urinalysis, four studies found significantly lower positive opiate urine samples in the buprenorphine group and the other four found no significant difference between the two groups. Several problems have been identified with the research studies used. These include no long-term follow-up, potential for participation bias, varied number of participants across studies and the widely varied length of time studies were conducted over.
Conclusion
This systematic review hasn’t helped to resolve the conflicting research in this area. It has further been confounded by the inconsistencies of the research methodologies utilised which has created problems in making any meaningful comparisons. This highlights the need for a standardised shared approach to undertaking research in a way that promotes the opportunity for aggregating research data in a meaningful way. The urgency for this is even greater given the imminent introduction of a buprenorphine depot alternative which could potentially add another layer of clinical uncertainty if not resolved.
Подсолнечная лузга как сырьё для плит типа ДСП
Authors: Леонович А. А. , Замазий Л. В.
Published: February 2025

Изучали особенности свойств оболочек семян подсолнечника с целью использования лузги при изготовлении плитных материалов. Для ликвидации неприемлемой формы «лодочки» придавали им форму плоских частиц пропусканием лузги через валки с задаваемой величиной просвета 0,1…0,4 мм. Установили ухудшение смачиваемости раствором карбамидоформальдегидного связующего наружных и внутренних поверхностей при нагревании до температуры 140 °С. Установили повышенную по сравнению с древесиной жёсткость лузги в отношении размягчения и граничные значения параметров горячего прессования, которые лежат в пределах от 241 ± 2 °С – нижнее значение, до 256 °С – верхнее значение, которое лимитируется активным термическим разложением вещества лузги. Для практического использования лузги в производстве плит требуется включить в технологию повышенный расход связующего или разработать подходящие приёмы пластификации лузги для снижения температуры размягчения и возможности использования прессового оборудования, потенциал для модернизации которого уже исчерпан. Вероятная область изготовления плитного материала из лузги – строительство, вероятные марки плит – Р-1 и Р-2.

The properties of sunflower seed shells were studied in order to use husks in the manufacture of slab materials. To eliminate the unacceptable shape of the "boats", they were shaped into flat particles by passing husks through rolls with a set lumen value of 0.1...0.4 mm. A deterioration in the wettability of the urea-formaldehyde binder solution of the outer and inner surfaces was found when heated to a temperature of 140 °C. The hardness of the husk increased in terms of softening compared to wood and the boundary values of the hot pressing parameters, which range from 241 ± 2 °C – the lower value, to 256 °C – the upper value, which is limited by the active thermal decomposition of the husk substance, were established. For the practical use of husks in the production of plates, it is necessary to include increased binder consumption in the technology or develop suitable husk plasticization techniques to reduce the softening temperature and the possibility of using pressing equipment, the potential for modernization of which has already been exhausted. The probable area of manufacture of slab material from husk is construction, the probable grades of plates – P-1 and P-2.
Оценка качества таксации по результатам лесотаксационного дешифрирования данных спутниковой съемки Sentinel-2
Authors: Капиталинин Д. Ю. , Сидоренков В. М. , Ачиколова Ю. С. , Астапов Д. О. , Рябцев О. В. , Щекалев Р. В.
Published: February 2025

В статье рассматривается технология оценки качества материалов таксации леса на основе анализа связей таксационных показателей насаждений с их спектрально-отражательными характеристиками. При проведении исследований используются данные спутниковой съемки Sentinel-2 в видимом и инфракрасном диапазоне спектра с пространственным разрешением 10 м.

The article considers the technology of assessing the quality of forest taxation materials based on the analysis of the relationship between the taxation indicators of plantations and their spectral-reflective characteristics. The research uses Sentinel-2 satellite imagery data in the visible and infrared spectral ranges with a spatial resolution of 10 m.
Determination of total contents of flavonoids and phenolic fractions Pandanus julianettii Martelli
Authors:   Departement of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, Cenderawasih University, Papua 99351, Indonesia, Kogoya Erince , Simaremare Eva Susanty ,   Departement of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, Cenderawasih University, Papua 99351, Indonesia, Sadaqa Ebrahim ,   Departement of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Bandung Institute of Technology, West Java 40116, Indonesia, Meliana Nadeak Erpina Santi ,   Departement of Environmental Health, Health Polytechnic Ministry of Health Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands 29111, Indonesia, Mangiwa Septiani ,   Departement of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, Cenderawasih University, Papua 99351, Indonesia
Published: February 2025

Pandanus julianettii Martelli is a type of plant endemic to mountainous areas in Papua that has long been used by people as a food ingredient. P. julianetti contains nutrients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, crude fiber, protein, carotene and fat; however, the research about the fruit is limited. The aim of this research is to carry out phytochemical screening tests and determine the total levels of flavonoids and phenolics of this pandanous in fruit. The method began with the extraction simplicia using ethanol, followed by fractionation using three variations of solvent: n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The series of methods continued with phytochemical screening, then continued with determining the total flavonoid and phenolic percentage from the ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and ethanol fraction. Determining the flavonoid content using the Chang method with quercetin as a comparison with standard. The results showed that the percentage of flavonoid in the extract was 0.58%, the ethyl acetate fraction was 0.44% and the ethanol fraction was 3.93%, while for the total content of phenolic of ethanol extract at 1.56%, the fraction of ethyl acetate 1.82% and ethanol fraction 1.20% calculated for gallic acid. This study found substantial levels of flavonoids and phenolics in extracts and solvent fractions derived from the fruit of the endemic Papuan plant P. julianetti. The enriched ethanol extract and fractions represent promising sources for further analysis of the nutritional and medicinal bioactives in this understudied of this fruit.