bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for benign uretero-enteric anastomotic strictures after open radical cystectomy and ileal conduit
Authors: Bizzarri Francesco Pio , Campetella Marco , Russo Pierluigi , Marino Filippo , Gavi Filippo , Rossi Francesco , Foschi Nazario , Sacco Emilio 
Published: December 2024

Introduction and objective: Radical Cystectomy (RC) is one of the most common and complex surgical procedures in urologic surgery, and benign ureteroenteric anastomosis strictures (UAS) are complications described in about 15% of patients undergoing RC with different urinary diversion (UD). The aim of this study is to evaluate and analyze risk factors related to the development of ureteral stenosis after RC. Materials and methods: All consecutive patients who underwent RC with ileal conduit from December 2019 to December 2022 were included. According to the guidelines patients with hydronephrosis were investigates with CT-scan or Ultrasound and blood tests at 3–6–12 months and then early. UAS was confirmed with CT-scan and eventually treated with nephrostomies with (with or without descendent pyelography). Several potential risk factor releated to UAS were analyzed by univariate analysis including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables. Results: In total 116 patients were included. At 30 months mean follow up, 21 patients (19%) were diagnosed with UAS. Median time from RC to diagnosis of benign UAS was 6 months (IQR: 4–9). At the univariable analysis previous abdominal surgery (OR 13.5 CI 3.4–63.4, p < 0.001) had the strongest association with shorter time to stricture development and six-fold highest risk of UAS development (OR 6.41, IC 95%; 2.16–21.1, p < 0.001). Also, gender, age, body mass index, lower albumin serum level, higher fibrinogen serum level showed statistically significant association ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with preoperative lower albumin serum level, lower albumin/fibrinogen ratio and higher fibrinogen level are more likely to develop UAS. Moreover, having a history of PAS significantly increases the risk of strictures formation.
Manganese exposure and sleep quality in iron and steel industry workers
Authors: Rahimimoghadam Somayeh , Pourbabaki Reza , Khorashadizadeh Fatemeh , Mohammadi Arash , Emkani Mojtaba 
Published: December 2024

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element crucial for the proper functioning of the human body. However, excessive exposure to manganese can lead to complications, particularly neurotoxicity. Among the health issues associated with exposure to heavy metals, one of the major concerns in the adverse effect on sleep quality. A total of 189 employees from a steel factory were divided into two groups: exposed (149 people) and non-exposed (40 people). Air samples were collected using the NIOSH 7300 method, and blood samples were obtained at the end of each shift. The samples underwent analysis by ICP-OES after preparation using the acid-thermal digestion method. To gather information on sleep quality, the Petersburg Sleep Questionnaire (PSQI) was used. The data collected in this study showed abnormal conditions, leading to the inclusion of medians alongside averages. The participants had an average age of 35 and an average work experience of 6 years. The exposed group had a significantly higher median respiratory exposure to manganese (1.32 mg/m3) compared with the non-exposed group (0.20 mg/m3). The average sleep quality score in the exposed group was significantly worse (score of 7) compared with the non-exposed group (score of 4). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the quality of sleep and the level of manganese in the air, so that the quality of sleep decreases with the increase in the level of manganese in the air ( p-value = .005). However, no significant relationship was observed between blood manganese level and air manganese level in the exposed group ( p-value = .06).
Radiomics and deep learning features of pericoronary adipose tissue on non-contrast computerized tomography for predicting non-calcified plaques
Authors: Yu Junli , Ding Yan , Wang Li , Hu Shunxin , Dong Ning , Sheng Jiangnan , Ren Yingna , Wang Ziyue 
Published: December 2024

Background Inflammation of coronary arterial plaque is considered a key factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Early the plaque detection and timely treatment of the atherosclerosis could effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, there is no study combining radiomics with deep learning techniques to predict non-calcified plaques (NCP) in coronary artery at present. Objective To investigate the value of combination of radiomics and deep learning features based on non-contrast computerized tomography (CT) scans of pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT), integrating with clinical risk factors of patients, in identifying coronary inflammation and predicting the presence of NCP. Methods The clinical and imaging data of 353 patients were analyzed. The region of interest (ROI) of PCAT was manually outlined on non-contrast CT scan images, like coronary CT calcium score sequential images, then the radiomics and deep learning features in ROIs were extracted respectively. In training set (Center 1), after performing feature selection, radiomics and deep learning feature models were established, meanwhile, clinical models were built. Finally, combined models were developed out via integrating clinical, radiomics, and deep learning features. The predictive performance of the four feature model groups (clinical, radiomics, deep learning, and three combination) was assessed by seven different machine learning models through generation of receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and the calculation of area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Furthermore, the predictive performance of each model was validated in an external validation set (Center 2). Results For the single model comparation, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) showed the best performance among the clinical model group in the validation set. And Random Forest (RF) exhibited the best indicative performance not only among the radiomics feature group but also in the deep learning feature model group. What's more, among the combined model group, RF still displayed the best predictive performance, with the value of AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the validation set are 0.963, 0.857, 0.929, and 0.905. Conclusion The RF model in the combined model group based on non-contrast CT scan PCAT can predict the presence of NCP more accurately and has the potential for preliminary screening of the NCP.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement on Pain, Range of Motion, Function, and Flexibility in Patients with Sciatica
Authors: Hussein Hisham , Atteya Mohamed , Ansari Aisha , Kamel Ehab 
Published: December 2024

Background The Mulligan techniques address lumbar disc lesions and related dysfunctions. However, the current body of evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. Aims To assess the effectiveness of the Mulligan concept on pain alleviation, range of motion, function, and flexibility in patients with sciatica. Methods This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials that applied Mulligan techniques to patients with sciatica and assessed outcomes such as pain, range of motion, function, or flexibility. We searched six electronic databases to identify the relevant trials. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Results A total of 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this study. Three primary Mulligan techniques were performed: spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM), bent leg raise (BLR), and traction straight leg raise (TSLR). In this review, seven trials exhibited a high to moderate risk of bias, while the remaining trials demonstrated a low risk of bias. The analysis revealed that SMWLG could be beneficial in improving pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.82 to −0.33, p < .001) and function (SMD = −1.02, 95% CI = −1.87 to −0.17, p = .02). Additionally, BLR showed potential benefits in improving flexibility, particularly when combined with standard treatment (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.88, p < .001). Conclusions SMWLG demonstrates greater improvements in pain and function compared to other Mulligan techniques in patients with sciatica. However, the limited number of trials and the overall low quality of the existing literature highlight the need for future high-quality research that encompasses all related Mulligan techniques.
Cumulative deficits frailty index and relationship status predict survival in multiple myeloma
Authors: Abdallah Nadine , Dizona Paul , Kumar Amanika , LaPlant Betsy , Menser Terri , Schaeferle Gavin , Aug Sarah , Weivoda Megan , Dispenzieri Angela , Buadi Francis K. , Warsame Rahma , Cook Joselle , Lacy Martha Q. , Hayman Suzanne , Gertz Morie A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Several tools have been proposed for assessing frailty in multiple myeloma (MM), but most are based on clinical trial data sets. There are also limited data on the association between frailty and patient-reported outcomes and on the prognostic value of social determinants of health. This study evaluates the prognostic impact of frailty, based on the cumulative deficit frailty index (FI), and relationship and socioeconomic status (SES) in patients with newly diagnosed MM. This retrospective study included 515 patients with MM seen at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) at diagnosis between 2005 and 2018. The FI was calculated using patient-reported data on activities of daily living and comorbidity data, with items scored as 0, 0.5, or 1, in which 1 indicated a deficit. The FI was calculated by dividing the total score by the number of nonmissing items. Frailty was defined as FI ≥0.15; 61% were nonfrail, and 39% were frail. Frailty and nonmarried/relationship status were associated with higher disease stage, decreased the likelihood of early transplantation, and independently associated with decreased survival. SES was not independently associated with survival. Frail patients reported worse scores for fatigue, pain, and quality of life. Approximately a quarter of patients had a deterioration in frailty status at 3 to 12 months, and &lt;10% had improvement. In conclusion, a cumulative deficit FI was associated with higher symptom burden and decreased survival in a real-world cohort of patients with newly diagnosed MM. Frailty status is dynamic and should be reassessed during treatment. Social support has prognostic value and should be evaluated in clinical practice.
Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in meniscal repair surgery: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Utrilla Giovanni Sergio , Degano Irene Roman , D’Ambrosi Riccardo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study’s primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration for meniscal injuries treated with meniscal repair procedures (sutures), using radiologic measures and clinical scales. The secondary objective was to identify potential bias-inducing elements in the analyzed studies.

Methods
In December 2023, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials. This review compares PRP with placebo. Three studies were finally selected. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool 2. Radiologic evaluation of meniscal healing was measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopic studies, while clinical evaluation was performed using four scales [Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC)] and by recording the incidence of complications.

Results
The three selected studies included 139 patients; of these, 76 (54.7%) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (PRP injection) and 63 (45.3%) to the control group (placebo). The mean age of the intervention group was 37.4 ± 7.5 years, while the mean age of the control group was 36.5 ± 9.2 years. There were 41 female patients (29.5%). The median follow-up duration was 27.58 ± 17.3 months. MRI evaluation did not show a significant improvement in the PRP group in any of the studies (p-value = 0.41–0.54). However, when assessed by the cumulative evaluation of MRI and arthroscopy, the cumulative failure rate was significantly better in the PRP group (p-value = 0.04–0.048). One study that evaluated isolated arthroscopy also showed significant improvement in the PRP group (p = 0.003). Regarding the VAS scale, no study demonstrated a significant difference, except for one study that showed significant improvement after 6 months and in the difference between the 3rd and 6th months. The KOOS scale yielded conflicting results; one study showed no significant difference, while the other two indicated significant improvement. The IKDC and WOMAC scales were evaluated in two studies, showing opposite results. All included studies reported no complications, and one study indicated no increased risk in the treatment group.

Conclusions
The results of this review indicate the necessity for further studies to make a definitive statement about the effectiveness of PRP administration in meniscal repair processes.
Level of evidence Systematic review and meta-analysis of articles of level 1.
Efficacy and safety of quadriceps tendon autograft versus bone–patellar tendon–bone and hamstring tendon autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Feng , Liu Pan , Huang Jun-Wu , He Yao-Hua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Quadriceps tendon (QT), bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB), and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts are widely used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but the optimal autograft choice remains controversial. This study assessed the treatment effects of QT versus BPTB and HT autografts for ACLR.

Methods
The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for eligible studies published from inception until July 2022. Effect estimates were presented as odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. All pooled analyses were performed using a random-effects model.

Results
Twenty-one studies (3 randomized controlled trials [RCTs], 3 prospective studies, and 15 retrospective studies) involving 2964 patients with ACLR were selected for meta-analysis. Compared with the HT autograft, the QT autograft was associated with a reduced risk of graft failure (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23–0.93; P = 0.031). Compared with the BPTB autograft, the QT autograft was associated with a reduced risk of donor site pain (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.10–0.24; P < 0.001). Moreover, the QT autograft was associated with a lower side-to-side difference than that observed with the HT autograft (WMD: − 0.74; 95% CI: − 1.47 to − 0.01; P = 0.048). Finally, compared with the BPTB autograft, the QT autograft was associated with a reduced risk of moderate-to-severe kneecap symptoms during sports and work activities (OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05–0.37; P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest that the QT autograft can be defined as a safe and effective alternative choice for ACLR, but its superiority is yet to be proven by RCTs and prospective studies.
Level of evidence
Level III.
Postoperative femoral head cartilage injury after hip arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and labral tear
Authors: Gao Guanying , Zhu Yichuan , Zhang Siqi , Ao Yingfang , Wang Jianquan , Xu Yan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Postoperative femoral head cartilage injury (FHCI) is a rare condition that can be observed in a certain proportion of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. However, the prevalence and associated factors of FHCI, and the effect of this condition on clinical outcomes still remain unknown.

Patients and methods
Consecutive patients who were diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tear and underwent hip arthroscopic treatment in our institute between July 2020 and July 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Supine anteroposterior hip radiographs, cross-table lateral radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) were obtained preoperatively. Postoperative MRI, at least 6 months after arthroscopy, was performed. Postoperative FHCI was evaluated by two surgeons through MRI. Preoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) before surgery and at final followup were obtained.

Results
A total of 196 patients were included. Postoperative FHCI was identified in 21 (10.7%) patients. The intraobserver reliability of the observer A and B for detecting postoperative FHCI using 3.0-T MRI was high (k = 0.929, and k = 0.947, respectively). The interobserver reliability between the two observers for detecting FHCI using 3.0-T MRI was high (k = 0.919). There was no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative mHHS, VAS, and percentage of patients who surpassed minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and achieved patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) between patients with and without postoperative FHCI (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Although postoperative FHCI was observed in 10.7% of patients, which was associated with larger labrum, this condition did not result in inferior clinical outcomes.
Level of evidence IV, retrospective case series.
Trial registration The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry approved the registration (ChiCTR2200061166). The date of registration is 2022-06-15.
For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review
Authors: Faldini Cesare , Traina Francesco , Pilla Federico , D’Agostino Claudio , Brunello Matteo , Morandi Guaitoli Manuele , Di Martino Alberto 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) has significantly improved the lives of patients with degenerative hip disorders. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is favored for its minimally invasive nature, leading to less postoperative pain and a faster recovery. The bikini incision (BI) approach was developed to enhance aesthetic outcomes while maintaining the clinical and functional benefits of the DAA. Despite its advantages, the BI technique presents challenges, controversies persist regarding its efficacy and safety, and there is no consensus within the medical community about its overall benefits. Incisions aligned with Langer’s lines, like the BI, promote better healing and minimal scarring. Studies indicate that BI patients report higher satisfaction with scar appearance and texture compared to traditional DAA patients. However, the BI carries a higher risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury, although most symptoms resolve within 6 months. For obese patients, the BI is associated with fewer complications, such as infections and delayed healing, compared to the conventional DAA, making it a safe and effective option. BI patients also experience better aesthetic outcomes and functional recovery, with reduced pain and itching. The BI technique in THA represents a significant advancement, offering improved aesthetic and wound-healing outcomes. The shift from the traditional DAA to the BI aligns with patient preferences for scars that are less visible and conspicuous. Despite the steep learning curve and risks, careful patient selection and refined surgical techniques can enhance the BI’s benefits. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and comparative studies to further establish the BI’s efficacy and safety. As patient demand for aesthetically favorable surgeries grows, the BI is likely to become a preferred approach in THA.
Piikun: an information theoretic toolkit for analysis and visualization of species delimitation metric space
Authors: Sukumaran Jeet , Meila Marina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background

Existing software for comparison of species delimitation models do not provide a (true) metric or distance functions between species delimitation models, nor a way to compare these models in terms of relative clustering differences along a lattice of partitions.

Results

is a Python package for analyzing and visualizing species delimitation models in an information theoretic framework that, in addition to classic measures of information such as the entropy and mutual information [1], provides for the calculation of the Variation of Information (VI) criterion [2], a true metric or distance function for species delimitation models that is aligned with the lattice of partitions.

Conclusions

is available under the MIT license from its public repository ( https://github.com/jeetsukumaran/piikun), and can be installed locally using the Python package manager ‘pip‘.
QTL mapping provides new insights into emamectin benzoate resistance in salmon lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis
Authors: Sturm Armin , Carmona-Antoñanzas Greta , Humble Joseph L. , Croton Claudia , Boyd Sally , Mphuti Rapule , Taggart John B. , Bassett David I. , Houston Ross D. , Gharbi Karim , Bron James E. , Bekaert Michaël 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is a parasite of wild and farmed salmonid fish, causing huge economic damage to the commercial farming of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the northern hemisphere. The avermectin emamectin benzoate (EMB) is widely used for salmon delousing. While resistance to EMB is widespread in Atlantic populations of L. salmonis, the molecular mechanisms of resistance remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present work was to obtain insights into potential EMB resistance mechanisms by identifying genetic and transcriptomic markers associated with EMB resistance.

Results
Crosses were performed between EMB-susceptible and -resistant L. salmonis, sourced from two parental strains isolated in Scotland, producing fully pedigreed families. The EMB susceptibility of individual parasites was characterised using time-to-response bioassays. Parasites of two families were subjected to double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) for simultaneous discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genotyping. Data analysis revealed that EMB resistance is associated with one quantitative trait locus (QTL) region on L. salmonis chromosome 5. Marker-trait association was confirmed by genotyping assays for 7 SNPs in two additional families. Furthermore, the transcriptome of male parasites of the EMB-susceptible and -resistant L. salmonis parental strains was assessed. Among eighteen sequences showing higher transcript expression in EMB-resistant as compared to drug-susceptible lice, the most strongly up-regulated gene is located in the above QTL region and shows high homology to β spectrin, a cytoskeleton protein that has roles in neuron architecture and function. Further genes differentially regulated in EMB-resistant lice include a glutathione S-transferase (GST), and genes coding for proteins with predicted roles in mitochondrial function, intracellular signalling or transcription.

Conclusions
Major determinants of EMB resistance in L. salmonis are located on Chromosome 5. Resistance can be predicted using a limited number of genetic markers. Genes transcriptionally up-regulated in EMB resistant parasites include a β spectrin, a cytoskeletal protein with still incompletely understood roles in neuron structure and function, as well as glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme with potential roles in the biochemical defence against toxicants.