bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic assessments in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical nephroureterectomy and systematic regional lymph node dissection
Authors: Sato Ryo , Watanabe Kyohei , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Motoyama Daisuke , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyake Hideaki 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Systematic regional lymph node dissection (LND) combined with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) has been reported to improve the outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the prognostic outcomes of UTUC patients undergoing systematic regional LND combined with RNU. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of prognostic outcomes of 68 consecutive UTUC patients treated with RUN and systematic regional LND. Results: The median durations of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 45 and 166 months, respectively. Univariate analyses of several parameters showed that despite the lack of a significant predictor for RFS, the presence of lymph node metastasis correlated with poor OS. Conclusion: These results suggest that comparatively favorable outcomes are achievable in UTUC patients by RNU and systematic regional LND; however, special attention is needed for patients with nodal involvement even after systematic regional LND due to the adverse impact of this factor on OS.
Field safety experience with an autologous cancer vaccine in tumor-bearing cats: a retrospective study of 117 cases (2015–2020)
Authors: Lucroy Michael D , Kugler Alexa M , El-Tayyeb Ferris , Clauson Ryan M , Kalinauskas Ashley E , Suckow Mark A 
Published: July 2021

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) reported from use of an adjuvanted whole-cell autologous cancer vaccine in cats with solid tumors under field conditions. Methods The case accession database at Torigen Pharmaceuticals was searched to identify client-owned cats that underwent biopsy or surgical resection of their primary tumor, had histologic confirmation of neoplasia and received at least one subcutaneous dose of an adjuvanted whole-cell autologous cancer vaccine. Records were reviewed for any reported AEs. Results In total, 117 cats met the inclusion criteria and received 422 doses of autologous cancer vaccine. Six (5.1%) cats had seven reported AEs, with the majority of these (85.7%) being characterized as grade 1 or 2 (mild) and resolving without medical intervention. Conclusions and relevance AEs were infrequent in cats treated with an adjuvanted whole-cell autologous cancer vaccine under typical field use conditions. This form of active cancer immunotherapy appears to be well tolerated by cats and may represent a treatment option for owners who are concerned about AEs associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Additional studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of this form of individualized immunotherapy in cats with solid tumors.
Effects of technology-enabled blood pressure monitoring in primary care: A quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Teo Valerie HY , Teo Sok Huang , Burkill Sarah M , Wang Yi , Chew Evelyn AL , Ng David WL , Tang Wern Ee , Koh Gerald CH 
Published: July 2021

Introduction Technology to enhance hypertension management is increasingly used in primary care; however, it has not been evaluated in an Asian primary care setting. We aimed to understand the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of a technology-enabled home blood pressure monitor when deployed in primary care, and patients’ perspectives about the technology. Methods A quasi-experimental cohort study was conducted in a polyclinic in Singapore. In total, 120 patients with hypertension were assigned to the telemonitoring intervention group. Patients received a home blood pressure device connected to the clinical care team's dashboard through a mobile gateway. Tele-consultations and nurse-led tele-support were carried out using established clinical protocols. In total, 120 patients assigned to the control group continued to receive usual care in the polyclinic. Clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction were measured 6 months after recruitment. Results In total, 217 patients completed 6 months of follow-up. Telemonitoring intervention patients had significantly increased odds of having controlled blood pressure by a factor of 2.69 ( p = 0.01), with the greatest improvement in those whose blood pressure was uncontrolled at baseline ( p < 0.05). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for all patients was S$23,935.14/quality-adjusted life year (<1 gross domestic product per capita), which was very cost-effective based on World Health Organization cost-effectiveness thresholds. There was greater satisfaction in telemonitoring intervention group relating to the convenience of recording and sharing blood pressure measurements with the health care team, consultation advice received, understanding by the health care team of their condition, and were more motivated to monitor their blood pressure. Discussion Telemonitoring with tele-consultation improved blood pressure control and was more cost-effective than usual care. Patients receiving telemonitoring intervention were also more motivated and satisfied with their care.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers toward COVID-19 and its prevention in Ethiopia: A multicenter study
Authors: Jemal Bedru , Aweke Zemedu , Mola Simeneh , Hailu Sileshi , Abiy Sileshi , Dendir Getahun , Tilahun Abere , Tesfaye Biruk , Asichale Agmuas , Neme Derartu , Regasa Teshome , Mulugeta Hailemariam , Moges Kassaw , Bedru Mohamedrabi , Ahmed Siraj , Teshome Diriba 
Published: July 2021

Background: An emerging respiratory disease abbreviated as coronavirus disease 2019 was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China. The virus is zoonotic and tends to be transmitted between animals to humans and humans to humans. The major route of transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 is droplet and close contact. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has initiated training for health care workers at a different level. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health workers in Ethiopia toward coronavirus disease 2019 and its prevention techniques. Method: An institution-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in each of eight teaching and referral hospitals. A total of 422 Ethiopian healthcare workers were selected for the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward coronavirus disease 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the attitude and knowledge of healthcare workers toward coronavirus disease 2019 at a significance level of p < 0.05. Result: Three hundred ninety-seven healthcare workers participated in the study, with a response rate of 94%. Among these, 88.2% and 94.7% of respondents had good knowledge and positive attitudes, respectively. A respondent with a history of chronic medical illness (odds ratio: 0.193, 95% confidence interval: 0.063–0.593), social media, telecommunication, and television/radio as a source of information were significantly associated with knowledge (odds ratio: 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–7.4, OR: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–14.3 and odds ratio: 3.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–7.2). In addition, respondents with a history of chronic medical illness were significantly associated with a negative attitude toward coronavirus disease 2019. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude were good while; the practice was relatively low. Sources of information such as social media, telecommunication, and television/radio were positively associated with healthcare workers' knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019.
Biomechanical Comparison of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction with and without Internal Bracing
Authors: Youssefzadeh Keon , Nelson Trevor , Metzger Melodie , Limpisvasti Orr , Narvaez Michael 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: A common concern associated with elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery is the amount of time required for recovery and rehabilitation. For example, the average time to return to competition is around 15-18 months for major league baseball pitchers. The Internal Brace (Arthrex Inc.) has shown to provide additional soft tissue stability across other joints in the body. By providing an additional checkrein to the UCL reconstruction while the graft is healing, it may be possible to expedite the rehabilitation process in throwing athletes, providing a quicker return to sport. Purpose: To compare elbow valgus stability and load to failure between UCL reconstructions with and without suture augmentation. Methods: 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows were dissected to expose the UCL. Medial elbow stability was tested with the UCL intact, deficient, and reconstructed utilizing the 3-ply docking technique either with or without suture augmentation. A 3 N·m valgus torque was applied to the elbow and valgus rotation of the ulna was recorded via motion tracking cameras as the elbow was cycled through a full range of motion. After kinematic testing, specimens were loaded to failure at 70 degrees of elbow flexion. Results: UCL-deficient elbows demonstrated significantly greater valgus rotation compared to intact and internally-braced reconstructed elbows at every angle of flexion tested and at 50-120o flexion when compared to un-braced UCL reconstructed elbows, p<0.05. There were no significant differences at any angle of flexion between intact and UCL reconstructed elbows both with and without an internal brace at any flexion angle tested. Braced reconstructions had consistently greater valgus stability at every angle tested compared to unbraced reconstructions, but this was not significant, Figure 1B. When loaded to failure un-braced reconstructed elbows failed at a significantly lower torque value compared to UCL reconstructions with a brace, p<0.01, Figure 1A. Conclusions: UCL reconstruction with internal bracing does not over constrain the elbow throughout all flexion angles when compared to the 3-ply docking technique while providing greater biomechanical stiffness. Internal bracing may provide the additional stability necessary to accelerate rehabilitation following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.
Treatment of Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Repairs With A Resorbable Bioinductive Bovine Collagen Implant: 1-Year Results From A Prospective Multi-Center Registry
Authors: Bishai Shariff , Krupp Ryan , McMillan Sean , Schofield Brian , Trenhaile Scott , McIntyre Louis , Bushnell Brandon 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Surgical treatment of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears remains challenging and controversial, with several traditional options including debridement with acromioplasty, transtendon or in-situ repair, and take-down and repair. A bioinductive resorbable bovine collagen implant has shown promise as an alternative treatment option for partial-thickness tears. It was our hypothesis that data from a comprehensive, prospective, multi-center registry will further establish the implant’s efficacy and safety across larger numbers of patients. Methods: Nineteen US centers enrolled patients >21 years old with partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), single-assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), Veterans RAND 12-Item (VR-12) for both Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS), and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) outcome measures were recorded at pre-operative baseline, surgery, and postoperatively at 2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year. Revisions were reported throughout the study. Results: The registry included 272 patients with partial-thickness tears (49 grade 1 tears, 101 grade 2 tears, and 122 grade 3 tears), 241 who underwent isolated bioinductive repair (“IBR”; collagen implant placed over the tear following bursectomy without a traditional rotator cuff repair - FIGURE 1) and 31 tradtitional take-down and repair with supplemental placement of the implant. Patients experienced statistically significant and sustained improvement from baseline for all PRO scores beginning at 3 months (TABLE 1). Among patients with grade ≥2 tears, those with take-down and repair had significantly inferior scores at 2 and 6 weeks for most PRO scores compared with those undergoing IBR, but the difference was no longer significant at 1 year for all but VR-12 PCS. There were 11 revisions, which occurred at a mean of 188.7 days (standard deviation, 88.0) after index surgery. Conclusions: Efficacy and safety of the implant are further established across a larger data set. IBR may offer improved early clinical outcomes and equivalent long-term results to supplemented take-down and repair, potentially with lower risk of complications. This implant can improve rotator cuff healing and clinical outcomes with minimal revisions. [Table: see text]
Platelet Rich Plasma in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Clinical and Radiological Results of A Prospective RCT Study at 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Randelli Pietro , Stoppani Carlo Alberto , Nocerino Elisabetta , Menon Alessandra , Compagnoni Riccardo 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Despite the technical advancement in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, inadequate healing or retear of the repaired rotator cuff frequently occurs. The use of biological factors in the surgical treatment has been proved to be effective to enhance tendon healing in the post-operative period. The aim of the study is to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without the addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) at 10-year follow-up. Methods: Of 53 patients recruited in the study, and randomly divided into two groups (PRP=26; control=27), 38 were re-evaluated at least 10 years after the index procedure. The clinical evaluation was carried out through: University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and isometric strength in abduction and external rotation. Musculoskeletal ultrasound had been used to evaluate the integrity of the repaired cuff. Results: A number of 38 (71%) patients (PRP=17; control=21) with a median age of 71 [64.75-76.50] years have been evaluated. Satisfaction at follow-up is high (90%), without statistically significant difference between the two groups. We report good and excellent clinical results in both groups (PRP vs control): CMS (81.62 [72.47-85.75] vs 77.97 [69.52-82.55] points), UCLA (34 [29.00-35.00] vs 33 [29.00-35.00] points), VAS (0.34 [0.00-1.85] vs 0.70 [0.00-2.45] cm), ASES (100.00 [94.17-100.00] vs 93.33 [68.33-100.00] points), SANE (100 [80-100] vs 80 [70-90] points), SST (12.00 [11.00-12.00] vs 12.00 [9.00-12.00] points),shoulder abduction strength (3.92 ± 2.30 vs 3.20 [1.72-4.65] kg), shoulder external rotation strength (5.31 ± 2.77 vs 4.36 ± 2.05 kg). It was not possible to find a statistically significant difference for the variables analysed, except for few subjective variables (ASES, SANE). On average, 37% of the operated patients had a re-rupture at the ultrasound examination, with no significant difference between the two groups (p=1.00). Compared with the previous radiological control at the 2-year follow-up, new retears occurred in 6% of the patients that received PRP treatment, whereas in the control group the percentage raises to 14% (p=0.61). Conclusions: The clinical and radiological outcomes at the 10-year follow-up show a substantial uniformity of results between the two groups. The clinical differences that had been observed at 2-year follow-up disappeared at long term. A reduction in retear rate is observed at US evaluation in the PRP group at 10 years follow-up and this trend needs to be further analyzed. Patients’ satisfaction is still high 10 years after surgical treatment, in both groups.
Refractory Ameloblastoma in the Maxilla: Clinical, Imaging, Histological, Surgical and Mutational Characterization: A Case Series
Authors: Bernaola-Paredes Wilber E. , Albuja-Rivadeneira Estefani , Novelli Franco , Dalcin José Francisco , Vartanian José Guilherme , Kohler Hugo Fontan , Pellizzon Antonio Cássio Assis 
Published: July 2021

Study Design: Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin, with locally aggressive behavior; and due to its invasiveness has increased recurrence rates. It is more frequent in the mandible than the maxilla. Surgical treatment is performed with approaches ranging from conservative to radical surgery, either followed by microvascular reconstruction, or not. Adjuvant treatment has shown better local control in refractory cases. Multiple relapses are associated with BRAF gene mutation at codon 600. Objective: This case series aimed to describe the clinical, imaging, histopathological, therapeutic and mutational characterization of 3 patients with refractory ameloblastoma in the maxilla. Methods: Data of 3 patients were collected, and descriptions were provided of procedures such as clinical, imaging, surgical technique, histopathological subtype and molecular analysis for detection of BRAFV600E mutation. Results It was obtained a locoregional control after RT of two cases described. After BRAF mutation molecular analysis, no patient presented it. Conclusion: Surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of ameloblastomas, even in refractory cases; however, an expanded approach to obtain free surgical margins, and reconstruction of the maxilla itself may be challenging. Adjuvant radiotherapy is still a controversial topic, but could favor reduction of the local recurrence rate in cases where the surgical margins are compromised after surgical resection. Further studies will be necessaries for analysis of the BRAFV600E mutation, for therapeutic purposes.
The secreted tyrosine kinase VLK is essential for normal platelet activation and thrombus formation
Authors: Revollo Leila , Merrill-Skoloff Glenn , De Ceunynck Karen , Dilks James R. , Guo Shihui , Bordoli Mattia R. , Peters Christian G. , Noetzli Leila , Ionescu Andreia , Rosen Vicki , Italiano Joseph E. , Whitman Malcolm , Flaumenhaft Robert 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular proteins is observed in cell cultures and in vivo, but little is known about the functional roles of tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular proteins. Vertebrate lonesome kinase (VLK) is a broadly expressed secretory pathway tyrosine kinase present in platelet α-granules. It is released from platelets upon activation and phosphorylates substrates extracellularly. Its role in platelet function, however, has not been previously studied. In human platelets, we identified phosphorylated tyrosines mapped to luminal or extracellular domains of transmembrane and secreted proteins implicated in the regulation of platelet activation. To determine the role of VLK in extracellular tyrosine phosphorylation and platelet function, we generated mice with a megakaryocyte/platelet-specific deficiency of VLK. Platelets from these mice are normal in abundance and morphology but have significant changes in function both in vitro and in vivo. Resting and thrombin-stimulated VLK-deficient platelets exhibit a significant decrease in several tyrosine phosphobands. Results of functional testing of VLK-deficient platelets show decreased protease-activated receptor 4–mediated and collagen-mediated platelet aggregation but normal responses to adenosine 5′-diphosphate. Dense granule and α-granule release are reduced in these platelets. Furthermore, VLK-deficient platelets exhibit decreased protease-activated receptor 4–mediated Akt (S473) and Erk1/2 (T202/Y204) phosphorylation, indicating altered proximal signaling. In vivo, mice lacking VLK in megakaryocytes/platelets display strongly reduced platelet accumulation and fibrin formation after laser-induced injury of cremaster arterioles compared with control mice but with normal bleeding times. These studies show that the secretory pathway tyrosine kinase VLK is critical for stimulus-dependent platelet activation and thrombus formation, providing the first evidence that a secreted protein kinase is required for normal platelet function.
Structural and Chemical Modifications Towards High-Performance of Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Nurmakanov Yerzhan , Kalimuldina Gulnur , Nauryzbayev Galymzhan , Adair Desmond , Bakenov Zhumabay 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Harvesting abundant mechanical energy has been considered one of the promising technologies for developing autonomous self-powered active sensors, power units, and Internet-of-Things devices. Among various energy harvesting technologies, the triboelectric harvesters based on contact electrification have recently attracted much attention because of their advantages such as high performance, light weight, and simple design. Since the first triboelectric energy-harvesting device was reported, the continuous investigations for improving the output power have been carried out. This review article covers various methods proposed for the performance enhancement of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), such as a triboelectric material selection, surface modification through the introduction of micro-/nano-patterns, and surface chemical functionalization, injecting charges, and their trapping. The main purpose of this work is to highlight and summarize recent advancements towards enhancing the TENG technology performance through implementing different approaches along with their potential applications.

Graphic Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive review of the TENG technology and its factors affecting the output power as material selection, surface physical and chemical modification, charge injection, and trapping techniques.
The rotational atherectomy with a guide extension catheter for calcified and tortuous lesions in left anterior descending artery: a case report
Authors: Kato Taichi , Fujino Masashi , Takagi Kensuke , Noguchi Teruo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The interventional treatment of calcified lesions with severe tortuosity in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was challenging and the report of rotational atherectomy with mother-and-child technique has been scarce.

Case presentation
An 84-year-old woman was hospitalized for non-ST-segment acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography revealed a calcified nodule in the LAD. During rotational atherectomy of the calcified and tortuous lesion in the proximal LAD, eccentric cutting due to wire bias nearly caused perforation. The burr seemed to protrude from the contrast media during angiography. Intravascular ultrasound imaging revealed that extremely eccentric ablation almost reached the adventitia. We successfully ablated the distal calcified nodule by preventing proximal overcutting of the tortuous lesion with support from a guide extension catheter, i.e., the mother-and-child technique, followed by the deployment of the drug-eluting stent. The patient was discharged without chest symptoms and no symptom recurred during 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion
This case demonstrated that safe ablation of a calcified nodule located distal to a tortuous and calcified lesion in the proximal LAD with the mother-and-child technique.