bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First-in-human study of 99mTc-labeled fucoidan, a SPECT tracer targeting P-selectin
Authors: Oostveen Reindert F. , Zheng Kang H. , Kaiser Yannick , Nurmohamed Nick S. , Kroon Jeffrey , de Wit Tim C. , Poel Edwin , Aerts Joel , Rouzet Francois , Stroes Erik S. G. , Letourneur Didier , Verberne Hein J. , Chauvierre Cédric , Ståhle Mia R. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Activation of endothelial cells and platelets in atherothrombosis is characterized by upregulation of P-selectin. As a consequence, P-selectin represents a potential target for molecular imaging to identify thrombosis at an early stage. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide ligand extracted from brown algae with nanomolar affinity for P-selectin. This first-in-human study evaluated in healthy volunteers the safety, whole-body biodistribution, and dosimetry of 99mTc-fucoidan (Good Manufacturing Practices grade). We also investigated whether we could observe binding of 99mTc-fucoidan to human thrombi ex vivo and in vivo. In ten healthy volunteers, conjugate whole-body scans were performed up to 24 h following intravenous injection of 99mTc-fucoidan (370 MBq). Moreover, 99mTc-fucoidan uptake in ex vivo human thrombi (n = 11) was measured by gamma counting. Additionally, three patients with a newly diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were subjected to 99mTc-fucoidan SPECT/CT imaging.

Results
99mTc-fucoidan was well tolerated in all participants without any drug-related adverse events. The total-body absorbed dose in males was comparable to females (0.012 ± 0.004 vs. 0.011 ± 0.005 mSv/MBq; p = 0.97). Gamma counting experiments demonstrated binding of tracer to ex vivo human thrombi that was 16% lower after blocking with a natural P-selectin ligand, Sialyl Lewis X. 99mTc-fucoidan demonstrated specific uptake at the thrombus site in one out of three scanned patients with DVT.

Conclusions
99mTc-Fucoidan has a favorable biodistribution and safety profile. 99mTc-fucoidan exhibited specific binding to human thrombi in both in vivo and ex vivo settings. Nonetheless, the in vivo results do not support further clinical investigation of 99mTc-fucoidan as an imaging modality for DVT. Other clinical implementations of a technetium− 99m-labeled P-selectin tracer should be considered.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials,NCT03422055.Registered 01/15/2018. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03422055Landelijk Trial Register, NL7739. Registered 4/2/2019 . https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/26785
Estimation of shallow structure along the hinagu fault by applying seismic interferometry to DAS observations conducted along national route 3 in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan
Authors: Hamanaka Satoru , Emoto Kentaro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDistributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a newly developed geophysical observation method and has attracted wide attention in seismology for realizing ultra-high-density observations. DAS uses fiber-optic cables and measures the strain at every point along the cable. This advantage renders DAS an effective tool for investigating near-surface geotechnical properties. Near fault zones, it is important to obtain detailed geotechnical information in advance because of the potential for significant damage in an earthquake. In this study, we recorded continuous ground motion for approximately 1 month using a 40 km-long fiber-optic communication cable running under National Route 3 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The cross-correlation function (CCF) was calculated using ambient noise, and three-station interferometry was applied to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the CCF. Using the reconstructed CCF between channels, we calculated the dispersion curves by conducting multichannel surface wave analysis and estimated the one-dimensional velocity structure of each section from the fundamental modes of the dispersion curves. We obtained the detailed shallow S-wave velocity structure to a depth of 180 m along the Hinagu Fault for approximately 2.5 km. The obtained velocity structure showed that the low-velocity region increased abruptly with depth from the center to the latter half of the analyzed section. This velocity change occurs when the national highway running parallel to the fault gradually leaves the fault, suggesting a structural change from solid volcanic layers to thick shallow sedimentary layers derived from the Yatsushiro Plain.
Graphical abstract
Effects of the intrayear fluctuation in serum albumin levels on the prognosis of patients on hemodialysis: a six-center, 3-year observational study in Japan
Authors: Kida Nanami , Ohta Yuto , Kato Satoki , Kamoto Akihito , Mizuguchi Sachiyo , Hikita Hidetsugu , Yoshida Kiyoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Malnutrition and hypoalbuminemia are prognostic factors for mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We hypothesized that the monthly variability in albumin levels was a stronger prognostic factor than its baseline level. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the association between the 3-year prognosis and 1-year fluctuations in serum albumin levels of patients on HD.

Methods
In this retrospective follow-up study, we enrolled patients on HD from six centers between January 2014 and December 2014. Serum albumin levels were obtained every month during this period. We calculated the fluctuation rate of serum albumin levels using the following equation: (highest value – lowest value of the year)/average value of albumin during the year. We divided the patients into two groups on the basis of the median fluctuation rate. All patients were followed up from January 2015 to January 2017. The primary outcome of this study was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was the combined endpoint of mortality and major cardio-cerebrovascular adverse events (MACCEs).

Results
Overall, 621 patients on HD were included in this study. The median rate of fluctuation in albumin levels in all patients was 14.5%. Compared with patients in the low fluctuation (LF) group (< 14.5%) (n = 308), those in the high fluctuation (HF) group (≥ 14.5%) (n = 313) were significantly older (67 versus 65 years; p = 0.009). During a mean follow-up period of 31.0 ± 10.1 months, there were 121 (19.5%) and 191 (30.5%) cases of all-cause death and combined endpoint, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis results showed that the HF group had a significantly worse prognosis in terms of all-cause mortality (log-rank test, p = 0.005) and combined endpoints (log-rank test, p = 0.001) than the LF group. Among patients with low albumin levels (< 3.7 g/dL), multivariate analysis results demonstrated that HF was independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and composite endpoint (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.04, p = 0.011; HR: 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.03, p = 0.002).

Conclusion
In patients on HD, high fluctuations in serum albumin levels were significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality risk. Thus, attention should be paid not only to the monthly albumin level but also to its fluctuations.
Arthroscopic Bankart repair versus arthroscopic Latarjet for anterior shoulder instability in adolescents
Authors: Delgado Cristina , Martínez-Rodríguez Jose M. , Candura Dario , Valencia María , Martínez-Catalán Natalia , Calvo Emilio 
Published: November 2024

AimsThe Bankart and Latarjet procedures are two of the most common surgical techniques to treat anterior shoulder instability with satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes. However, the outcomes in the adolescent population remain unclear, and there is no information regarding the arthroscopic Latarjet in this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the arthroscopic Bankart and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures in the management of anterior shoulder instability in adolescents.MethodsWe present a retrospective, matched-pair study of teenagers with anterior glenohumeral instability treated with an arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) or an arthroscopic Latarjet (AL) procedure with a minimum two-year follow-up. Preoperative demographic and clinical features, factors associated with dislocation, and complications were collected. Recurrence, defined as dislocation or subluxation, was established as the primary outcome. Clinical and functional outcomes were analyzed using objective (Rowe), and subjective (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE)) scores. Additionally, the rate of return to sport was assessed.ResultsA total of 51 adolescents were included, of whom 46 (92%) were male, with 17 (33%) in the Latarjet group and 34 (66%) in the Bankart group. The mean age at time of surgery was 18 years (15 to 19). There were no intraoperative complications. At a median follow-up of nine years (IQR 2 to 18), recurrence was observed in 12 patients in the Bankart group (35.3%) and one patient in the Latarjet group (5.9%) (p = 0.023). Satisfactory postoperative outcomes were obtained, with mean Rowe, WOSI, and SANE scores noted at 95 (10 to 100), 325 (25 to 1,975), and 87.5 (10 to 100), respectively. Most patients (29 in the Bankart group (85.3%) and 16 in the Latarjet group (94.1%)) were able to return to sport (p = 0.452).ConclusionThe ABR and AL procedures both obtain satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes in the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability in adolescents with a low complication rate. However, the ABR is associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1041–1048.
Intrastromal graft of anterior lens capsule. A substitute for Bowman layer graft transplantation for keratoconus
Authors: Rodríguez-Barrientos Carlos A. , Translateur-Grynspan Amir , Zavala Judith , Valdez Jorge E. , Santaella Gisella , Barraquer-Coll Carmen 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The shortage of donor corneas limits Bowman layer transplantation for keratoconus. In this study, we evaluate the clinical outcome of porcine anterior lens capsule (xenograft) transplantation in the corneal stroma of a rabbit model as substitute for Bowman layer graft that is used in stromal transplantation for advanced keratoconus.

Methods
Transplantation of porcine anterior lens capsule in the corneal stroma was performed in four New Zealand white rabbits through the creation of a stromal pocket. Corneal transparency, central corneal thickness, and topographic characteristics of corneas were evaluated at different time points: pre- (0) and post- (7, 14, 21, and 28) operative days. Additionally, at the end of the study histopathological findings were evaluated.

Results
In comparison to pre-operative day, transplantation of an anterior lens capsule preserved corneal transparency, central corneal thickness, and topographic characteristics remained constant throughout the study period. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of the anterior lens capsule as a fully integrated lamellar graft without adverse effects in host stroma.

Conclusion
The anterior lens capsule may be useful as a graft for intrastromal corneal trasplantation. Similarly to Bowman layer, anterior lens capsule has mechanical characteristics that facilitate corneal transplantation. In post-transplanted corneas the preservation of transparency, as well as the effect on corneal thickness, and topographic characteristics support the possibility of using anterior lens capsule as a substitute for Bowman layer graft.
In vitro comparative quality evaluation of different brands of Amlodipine Tablets Commercially available in Jimma Town, South-western Ethiopia
Authors: Milkesa Abera , Hasen Gemmechu , Mohammed Tesfaye , Mekasha Yesuneh Tefera , Dedefo Duresa , Umeta Belachew , Suleman Sultan 
Published: November 2024

Background
The incidence of hypertension in persons 25 years of age and older is estimated to be 46% in Africa, where it is still very common. This concerning rate could be explained by the pharmaceutical markets’ accessibility to poor quality antihypertensive drugs. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the quality different brands of Amlodipine Tablets Commercially available in Jimma Town, South-western Ethiopia.

Methods
The quality control test was conducted from August 30, 2019 to February 27, 2020 at Jimma University in the Laboratory of Drug Quality Control (JuLaDQ). The laboratory test was carried out in accordance with WHO inspection guidelines and United States Pharmacopeia. A statistically significant was considered when P<0.05. For further comparison of the in-vitro dissolution profiles of amlodipine tablets, model-independent model-dependent parameters and statistical Dunnetts tests for ensuring bioequivalence were used to further compare the in-vitro dissolution profiles.

Results
With the exception of brand AMD-5 (1/10), the remaining nine (n = 9) brands were within WHO visual inspection criteria. The quality control parameters such as friability, weight variation, identity, assay, and dissolution test were within the United States Pharmacopeia. The model independent parameters (f1, and f2) confirmed that, all generic products were bio-equivalence, and interchangeable with comparator product. The model dependent approaches revealed the Weibull model (AMD-10), the Zero order (AMD-3), and the Korsemeyer-Peppas models were the most effective predictions for the release of the pharmaceutical substance from the dosage form. The Korsemeyer-Peppas model (r2 ≥0.9695) was the best descriptive model for determining the amlodipine drug kinetics from the point of view of all brands examined. The evaluated amlodipine brand tablets were in line with quality standards. The model independent methods confirmed that the generic brand tablets were interchangeable in clinical practice. The tested products follow more than two drug release kinetics.

Conclusion
The study revealed a manifest discrepancy in the dissolution profiles’ releases. Therefore, it is strongly advised to use appropriately designed dissolution profile evaluation methods with various pH values in the dissolution media, as well as to do comprehensive visual inspections. This will make it easier to do a thorough investigation of any potential quality issues that might be related to various generic products available in the pharmaceutical market.
Identification and quantification of the molecular species of bilirubin BDG, BMG and UCB by LC‒MS/MS in hyperbilirubinemic human serum
Authors: Castillo-Castañeda Stephany M. , Rivera-Espinosa Liliana , Gómez-Garduño Josefina , Cordova-Gallardo Jacqueline , Chávez-Pacheco Juan Luis , Méndez-Sánchez Nahum 
Published: November 2024

Background and aims
Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) is a byproduct of the heme group that indicates irregularities in the metabolism of several important biological molecules, such as hemoglobin. UCB is processed by hepatic UGT1A1, which catalyzes its conjugation to the metabolites bilirubin diglucuronide (BDG) and bilirubin monoglucuronide (BMG). The serum concentrations of BDG and BMG may indicate liver injury or dysfunction. The aim of this study was to standardize and validate a method for the identification and simultaneous quantification of BMG, BDG and UCB by LC‒MS/MS.

Methods
Liquid‒liquid extraction allows the separation of UCB, BMG and BDG from the serum of healthy subjects or patients with liver injury. Detection and quantification were performed using an LC‒MS/MS method. Compound separation was achieved with a BEH-C18 column at 40°C. The mobile phase was prepared with 5 mM ammonium acetate (pH 6) and acetonitrile, and a flow gradient was applied.

Results
This is the first study to directly quantify BMG and UCB levels in human serum; no postcalculations or correction factors are needed. However, BDG quantification requires calculations and a correction factor. We identified the molecular species with ionic transitions m/z1+ 585.4 > 299.2 for UCB, 761.3 > 475.3 for BMG, 937.3 > 299.5 for BDG and mesobilirubin 589.4 > 301.3 (IS).

Conclusion
The procedures used in this study allowed the simultaneous identification and quantification of the molecular species of bilirubin, BDG, BMG and UCB. Analysis of the serum levels in patients with hyperbilirubinemia revealed that patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure had elevated levels of these species.
Corneal steep island formation after primary pterygium surgery
Authors: Ha Dong Hee , Kim Kyoung Woo 
Published: November 2024

Aims
This study aimed to report corneal steep island (CSI) formation following primary pterygium surgery and to identify preoperative pterygium morphological features that predict the likelihood of CSI.

Methods
A total of 93 eyes from 84 subjects with primary nasal pterygium, who underwent pterygium excision combined with conjunctival-limbal autograft, were included in this retrospective longitudinal cohort study. CSI was defined using anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography (AS SS-OCT). Eyes were divided into two groups: those with postoperative CSI formation (Group 1) and those without postoperative CSI (Group 2). We compared postoperative anterior corneal astigmatism (ACA, in diopters [D]) and root mean square (RMS) values of anterior corneal lower-order (LoA) and higher-order aberrations (HoA) between the groups. Baseline clinical severity grades of pterygium based on the pre-established pterygium body morphology and vascularity, ACA, and AS SS-OCT-guided pterygium morphological profiles (horizontal invasion length [HIL, mm], height [μm], thickness (μm), and residual corneal thickness [RCT]/central corneal thickness [CCT] ratio [RCT/CCT]) were also compared.

Results
Postoperative CSI occurred in 26 eyes (28.0%) with a maximum follow-up duration of 22.9±27.4 months. Group 1 exhibited significantly higher postoperative anterior corneal RMS LoA and HoA, as well as the RMS values of the 4th to 6th orders. Although clinical severity grades of pterygium did not differ between groups, baseline ACA was higher in Group 1 (4.56±5.49 D vs. 2.70±3.80 D, P = 0.009). HIL (4.49±0.84 mm vs. 3.77±1.29 mm, P = 0.010) was higher in Group 1, while pterygium height (930.8±84.4 μm vs. 999.3±128.0 μm, P = 0.015) and RCT/CCT ratio (1.07±0.13 vs. 1.14±0.16, P = 0.049) were lower in Group 1.

Conclusions
CSI may develop after primary pterygium surgery, particularly in patients with relatively higher preoperative ACA, longer HIL, and shorter height. Given that CSI can significantly increase both lower and higher-order aberrations, it is crucial to anticipate CSI probability and inform patients before surgery.
The Digital Double Bind: Change and Stasis in the Middle East, Joe F. Khalil and Mohamed Zayani (2023)
Authors: Siyabi Noora Al 
Published: November 2024

Review of: The Digital Double Bind: Change and Stasis in the Middle East, Joe F. Khalil and Mohamed Zayani (2023)
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 316 pp.,
ISBN 978-0-19750-862-6, h/bk, $99
ISBN 978-0-19750-863-3, p/bk, $27.95
ISBN 978-0-19750-865-7, e-book, $18.99
Entrevista com Vera Alves Cepêda
Authors: Souza José Augusto Marques de , Leandro Maycon 
Published: November 2024

Essa entrevista com Vera Cepêda, realizada em 2024, visa discutir a democracia e desenvolvimento, através de uma análise crítica e reflexiva sobre a trajetória política brasileira para o processo de construção do projeto nacional de modernidade e do Estado Democrático de Direito, especialmente dos desdobramentos do ultraliberalismo e ascensão de governos de extrema direita em regimes democráticos. Nesse sentido, a entrevista foi realizada a partir dos seguintes eixos norteadores: a trajetória da democracia no Brasil em diferentes contextos políticos e econômicos; os impactos do nacional desenvolvimentismo no percurso brasileiro; a concepção e panorama da esquerda e da Nova Direita como campo político e reflexões atuais do terceiro mandato do presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, por meio de um olhar sobre a importância e tensionamentos enfrentados para reconstruções das políticas públicas, mudanças climáticas e do desenvolvimento social. Por fim, Vera Cepêda oferece reflexões sobre a democracia, desenvolvimentismo e as correntes político-ideológicas no âmbito da Ciência Política, especialmente da área do Pensamento Social e Político Brasileiro.
Is Fairyland for Everyone? Mapping online discourse on gender debates in Hungary
Authors: Szabó Hanna Dorottya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Over the past decade, Hungary has become a noteworthy example of democratic backsliding, marked by a pronounced shift towards conservative values and traditional gender roles within government policies. This trend, centred around Christian principles, has manifested in political campaigns actively opposing LGBTQ+ rights and the challenging of normative family structure. The resultant media campaigns and policy implementations have ignited extensive public discourse on gender and sexuality, prominently visible on social media platforms. This study conducts a qualitative analysis of the online discussion surrounding the LGBTQ+ children’s book, Fairyland Is for Everyone, to explore the contemporary gender discourse in Hungary. By examining social media comments under Hungarian online news articles, the research identifies three prevailing discursive lenses—heteronormative familism, neocolonialism, and diversity and inclusion—illustrating both the concurrent rise of anti-gender movements and the fortification of LGBTQ+ allyship in Hungary, while also considering broader transnational trends in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Authentic conflicts in post-Yugoslavia: A model of a post-war generation’s communication system
Authors: Asboth Eva Tamara 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The Yugoslav wars of secession in the 1990s left traces of the past among the societies living in the successor states. Those traces can be found within the collective memory of these societies, and are transmitted through various communication channels to the next generation. Today, this post-war and post-Yugoslav generation, born during or shortly after the violent conflicts, are young adults dealing with the recent past. Based on findings from life-story interviews that are examined and interpreted using the approach of sequence analysis, I elaborated a model of the transregional post-Yugoslavs’ communication system regarding the wars. I identified three communication practices on war-related topics by actively reflecting on the “Other,” which I present in this paper. During their adolescent years, post-Yugoslavs created their own narratives, and thus their own, authentic communication strategies in response to the “invisible war,” which still continues today, according to the post-Yugoslav generation.
Solutions of the minimal surface equation and of the Monge–Ampère equation near infinity
Authors: Han Qing , Wang Zhehui 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Classical results assert that, under appropriate assumptions, solutions near infinity are asymptotic to linear functions for the minimal surface equation and to quadratic polynomials for the Monge–Ampère equation for dimension

n
≥
3

n\geq 3

, with an extra logarithmic term for

n
=
2

n=2

.
Via Kelvin transforms, we characterize remainders in the asymptotic expansions by a single function near the origin.
Such a function is smooth in the entire neighborhood of the origin for the minimal surface equation in every dimension and for the Monge–Ampère equation in even dimension, but only

C

n
−
1

,
α

C^{n-1,\alpha}

for the Monge–Ampère equation in odd dimension 𝑛, for any

α
∈

(
0
,
1
)

\alpha\in(0,1)

.