bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Retinal Imaging Markers for Moyamoya Disease: Changes in Retinal Microvasculature and Thickness
Authors: Wei Hong , Chen Cheng , Qian Xian-Zhe , Ge Qian-Min , Hu Jin-Yu , Hong Qi , Peng Rui , Wang Xiao-Yu , Zeng Yan-Mei , Ling Qian , Zou Jie , He Liang-Qi , Chen Xu , Shao Yi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a structural abnormality of the cerebral vasculature characterized by cerebral ischemia, and is rare but its incidence is increasing. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the brain is the primary means of diagnosing and evaluating this disease. But its high price and invasiveness limit its use as a monitoring tool for disease progression. As a non-invasive test for ophthalmic disorders, the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is widely used. In addition to ophthalmic diseases, OCTA has also been used in some neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to assess fundus changes in patients with MMD by OCTA and to investigate whether these changes could be a diagnostic and assessment marker for MMD. This study evaluated cerebral vessels, superficial macular capillary vessel density (SMC-VD) and macular retinal thickness (MRT) in subjects in the non-operated group (nGO), operated group (OG) and healthy controls (HC) using DSA, OCTA and other techniques. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc analysis were used to calculate statistical differences between the three groups. Correlations between SMC-VD and MRT were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. In addition, the ability of the SMC-VD and the MRT to distinguish MMD from HC was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We found that the SMC-VD and MRT in the nOG group were significantly lower than those in the HC group and had not returned to normal levels at one month postoperatively. In the nOG, the SMC-VD and MRT were positively correlated in the Full region (6*6 mm) and in the Inner region (3*3 mm), and in many subregions they showed high ability to distinguish MMD from HC. The above findings indicate significant reduction in the SMC-VD and the MRT in patients with MMD even in the absence of ocular clinical manifestation. Most importantly, SMC-VD and MRT have a strong ability to distinguish between MMD patients and HC, suggesting that OCTA, a relatively inexpensive and non-invasive method, is useful in assessing cerebrovascular changes in MMD patients.
Cognitive and Neurophysiological Impact of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response: Heart Rate Variability-Guided Responder Classification
Authors: Wang In-Nea , Kim Hayom , Kim Hakseung , Yoon Ho-Jin , Park Jun-Su , Kim Jung Bin , Kim Dong-Joo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a sensory phenomenon characterized by tingling sensations starting at the scalp and extending down the neck and limbs. Despite increasing research on ASMR, studies on its cognitive and physiological effects remain limited. Individual differences in ASMR responsiveness underscore the need to distinguish between ASMR responders and non-responders. Herein, we investigated the effects of ASMR on cognitive function and neurophysiological changes and objectively distinguished ASMR responders and non-responders using heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Participants were exposed to auditory ASMR triggers composed of natural sounds for 5 minutes. Before and after the ASMR trigger, cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, and neurophysiological and physiological changes were observed by recording electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram. We found that ASMR exposure led to two cognitive improvements: faster completion of the Trail Making Test Part B and better word recall during delayed recall tasks. EEG analysis revealed increased power spectral density in the Fz and Pz regions across all frequency bands after ASMR, significant increases in resting-state functional connectivity, and enhanced parasympathetic activity indicators. Altogether, ASMR may enhance executive function and memory recall, with HRV indicators aiding in identifying individuals who benefit from ASMR.
Reduction corporoplasty for idiopathic acquired aneurysmal dilatation of the corpora cavernosa: surgical management of the ‘Bullfrog syndrome’. Case report.
Authors: Sempels Maxime , Andrianne Robert , Waltregny David , Triffaux François 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Penile deformities are heterogeneous and due to various causes.
Among these deformities, acquired enlargement of the penis is a rare condition and can be disastrous for sexual life. Only scattered cases of acquired penile girth increase have been published with different names, and the surgical management of this condition remains not clear.
Case presentation: We report a case of idiopathic acquired aneurysmal dilatation of the corpora cavernosa, which we called ‘bullfrog syndrome’. Evaluation included a penile doppler ultrasound and a magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed true aneurysmal dilatation of the corpora in their middle and distal portions, occurring only during erection. Conclusion: We describe an innovative surgical technique of corporoplasty to treat this penile disfiguration. Our technique included a corpora cavernosa plication and a polypropylene mesh support. The patient was satisfied and reported a normally shaped penis, an intact erectile function and no recurrence.
Worm-eaten-like osteolytic changes in multiple bones of the foot following stable ankle fracture: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Haotian , Yao Liqing , Yang Xue , Zhou Yao , Chen Zihan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective Stable fractures of the ankle joint are common in rehabilitation departments, often resulting in foot and ankle joint dyskinesia. Patients with ankle fractures usually experience pain, stiffness, swelling, limited mobility, lower extremity muscle weakness, and walking abnormalities. However, no reports have been published on stable ankle fractures causing polyostotic osteolytic changes in the foot and the subsequent formation of free bone fragments. In this case report, we described a case of a stable fracture of the right lateral malleolus with pathological alterations characterized by worm-eaten-like osteolytic changes in the distal right tibia, talus, calcaneus, and navicular bones, accompanied by the rare development of free bone fragments in the lateral ankle.
Method & Conclusion After an extensive literature review and thorough patient assessment, we concluded that the probable pathological cause was atherosclerosis affecting multiple blood vessels throughout the body due to risk factors such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Additionally, the localized trauma-induced fracture led to the foot and ankle swelling and altered bone stress loading, further triggering a cascade of vascular inflammatory reactions and sympathetic excitation within the already atherosclerotic blood vessels. Moreover, these effects were exacerbated by early inappropriate immobilization, which resulted in ischemia and hypoxia of the bone tissues in the injured area. Ultimately, all these factors contributed to the impaired healing of the ankle fracture and osteoporosis development in multiple foot bones. This case report presents a rare manifestation of a common condition, aiming to enhancethe decision-making process of cliniciansand facilitate the formulation ofbetter clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Enhancement of inter-/intra-reader agreement using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.1 for prostate cancer detection in magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound software fusion prostate biopsy
Authors: Song Won Hoon , Kim Tae Un , Ryu Hwa Seong , Yun Mi Sook , Park Sung-Woo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated inter-/intra-reader agreement with PI-RADS version 2.1 to improve the detection rate of prostate cancer.
Methods: We enrolled 210 patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for clinically suspected or diagnosed prostate cancer. Four readers, including two urologists, viewed patients’ mpMRI and scored PI-RADS between two sessions. Inter-and intra-reader agreements were evaluated using Fleiss's Kappa coefficient (κ), agreement coefficient 1 (AC1), and percentage of agreement(PA).
Results: The overall inter-reader agreement between all readers was moderate (κ=0.466, AC1=0.522, and PA=0.610). The overall inter-reader agreement improved in the second session. The agreement for peripheral zone (PZ) lesions was higher than that for transitional zone (TZ) lesions. At a PI-RADS cut-off of 4, the agreement for PZ lesions was almost perfect (PA=0.888) and higher than that for TZ lesions. The inter-reader agreement for lesions with a PI-RADS ≥ 4 and Gleason score ≥ 7 was almost perfect (AC1=0.960 and PA=0.964). The intra-reader agreement for lesions overall and PI-RADS ≥ 4 lesions were substantial(AC1=0.601) and almost perfect (PA=0.876), respectively.
Conclusion: Readers achieved moderate agreement for PI-RADS version 2.1 and benefitted from training sessions. Feedback, training, and multidisciplinary discussions also improved inter-reader agreement. Our study can provide guidance, updates, and further steps for the standardization and improvement of PI-RADS scoring.
Barriers and facilitators to integration of screening for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia, among adult people living with HIV at district hospital ART clinics in Southern Malawi
Authors: Katundu Kondwani G.H. , Mukhula Victoria , Matemvu Zaithwa , Mtonga Angel J. , Kasanda-Ndambo Myness , Lubanga Adriano F. , Malenje Monalisa G. , Nyangulu Wongani , momba Grace , Triulzi Isotta , Kalanga Noel , Mipando Mwapatsa , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Hosseinipour Mina C. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCDs) are a significant health concern globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly for people living with HIV (PLWH). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidaemia significantly increase the risk of ASCDs, and integrating screening for these conditions in public health facilities remains challenging in Malawi. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to integrating screening for hypertension, DM and dyslipidaemia among adult PLWH at district hospital ART clinics in Southern Malawi.
Methods
This was mixed-methods study conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. Quantitative data was collected from retrospective ART clinic records from between 2016 and 2020 (n = 875) from five district hospital ART clinics and informed the subsequent qualitative data collection, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) in three purposively selected district hospital ART clinics. The qualitative aspect included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Non-participant observations were also conducted to assess the availability of functional screening equipment. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
One district hospital ART clinic facility only performed the screening for hypertension and DM (40% and 9.84% at the commencement of ART and 39.4% and 5.14% in 2021). Facilitators for integration included time efficiency, patient information integration, existing infrastructure utilization, organisational incentives and training. Barriers included clinic flow delays, additional strain on a limited workforce, lack of prioritization and resources, increased workload and inadequate knowledge. PLWH expressed fear of screening and diagnosis without available medication.
Conclusion
The study found poor integration of hypertension, DM and dyslipidaemia screening among PLWH in Southern Malawi, but highlighted opportunities for successful implementation. Our study emphasizes the feasibility of the intervention and the importance of coordination between HIV and NCD care services in low-income settings such as Malawi.
Clinical Feasibility of MRI-guided In-Bore Prostate Biopsies at 0.55T
Authors: Kaur Tejinder , Jiang Yun , Seiberlich Nicole , Hussain Hero , Wells Shane , Wei John , Caoili Elaine , Gulani Vikas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
In-bore MRI-guided biopsy allows direct visualization of suspicious lesions, biopsy needles, and trajectories, allowing accurate sampling when MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy is not feasible. However, its use has been limited. Wide-bore, lower-field, and lower-cost scanners could help address these issues, but their feasibility for prostate biopsy is unknown. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy using a large-bore (80cm), 0.55T scanner.
Materials and Methods
Nineteen participants (68 ± 10 years) with suspected prostate cancer (PCa) were recruited for this Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved study (May 2023 -October 2024). Prebiopsy diagnostic scans and intra-procedural T2-weighted images were used for lesion localization. PSA levels, lesion sizes, cancer detection rates, positive core volume percentage, ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) grade groups (GG), positive volume cores, skin to target distances, and procedure durations were reported.
Results
Seventeen participants underwent biopsies (four transrectal, thirteen percutaneous). Two participants were excluded. Twenty lesions (mean size 1.95 ± 1.29 cm) were biopsied which showed various GG cancers (GG1, GG2, GG3, GG4, and GG5), with positive cores ranging from 10%-100%. 20% of the lesions were benign. Compared with the previous biopsy results, 11.7% of participants had a GG upgrade, 17.6% had an upgrade in positive core volume, 17.6% had negative biopsies and 47% of biopsy-naïve participants had new cancer detections. No upgrade was observed in 5.8% cases. One new cancer was detected near a hip prosthesis due to reduced imaging artifacts. Average total procedure time was 77 ± 21 minutes for transrectal and 74 ± 22 minutes for percutaneous biopsies, with times to first core at 45 ± 15 and 53 ± 14 minutes, respectively.
Conclusion
Identifying and accurately targeting suspicious prostate lesions is feasible using a 0.55T MRI scanner.
Endoscopic Surgery for Primary Empty Sella Syndrome: The "7 E" Technique
Authors: Villalonga Juan F. , Castillo Andrea L. , Pailler Jose I. , Martinez-Font Agustín , Campero Alvaro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Extradural reconstruction of the sellar floor is indicated in patients with primary empty sella syndrome and visual deficits without any other apparent cause. Our team in Tucumán has developed an endoscopic technique called the "7 E" (i.e., endoscopic endonasal approach, exposure, extradural, elevate, egress, embed, exclude). This technique involves the exposure of the sella turcica using a Guanti Bianchi approach and reconstructing the sellar floor with heterologous material. This study aims to present the preliminary results of the "7 E" technique.
Materials and Methods
A prospective study was conducted from January 2020 through April 2024 at a single center in Tucumán, Argentina. All surgical procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Patients with idiopathic primary empty sella syndrome and confirmed visual deficits were included, excluding those with other causes of visual deficits. An endoscopic endonasal approach and reconstruction of the sellar floor with heterologous material were used. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively with MRI and visual field testing.
Results
Thirteen female patients with a mean age of 48.31 years were included. Nine patients (69.2%) had excellent visual field improvement, three (23.1%) had acceptable results, and one (7.7%) showed worsening. Regarding headaches, ten patients (76.9%) showed significant improvement. Three patients presented complications: one with panhypopituitarism and two with transitory diabetes insipidus.
Conclusion
The "7 E" technique proved effective in treating primary empty sella syndrome without associated increased intracranial pressure.
Therapeutic efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization-radiofrequency ablation combination in hepatocellular carcinoma with a high tumor burden
Authors: FengKui Wang , Yan Zhou , Wei Liu Shuai , Long Hai , Juan Ma , Wanlong Ma , lina Ma , Chun Ding Xiang , xia luo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)-radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combination in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a high tumor burden and analyze the clinical factors influencing its efficacy.
Methods
This study performed a retrospective analysis of general data, underlying conditions (hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease), tumor-related indicators (tumor size, number of tumors, tumor distribution, presence of capsule, Chinese Liver Cancer stages, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages), clinical laboratory indicators (such as liver and renal function parameters, coagulation parameters, routine blood count, hepatitis B virus DNA presence, and alpha-fetoprotein) affecting postoperative efficacy and 5-year survival outcomes in patients with advanced HCC who underwent TACE-RFA combination treatment from November 2017 to November 2022 at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. The efficacy was evaluated based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. This study included 94 patients (79 males and 15 females) with a mean age of 52.27 ± 10.26 years.
Results
No severe postoperative complications were noted in patients. The median progression-free survival was 14.88 months. The complete response rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 100%, 90%, 78%, and 57%, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 86%, 35%, 11%, and 3%, respectively. Tumor with a diameter of > 5 cm, tumor in the left liver lobe, and aberrant cholinesterase activity decreased the progression-free survival. Prothrombin activity (PTA) was a potential risk factor for prognosis (P < 0.05). Prothrombin time (PT) was a key factor influencing patient survival. Patients with elevated blood urea nitrogen levels exhibited decreased overall survival.
Conclusion
The TACE-RFA combination is effective in improving lesion control and survival rates in patients with large or multiple HCC tumors. Tumor location, serum cholinesterase, PT activity, and blood urea nitrogen are potential predictive indicators for evaluating the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC undergoing TACE-RFA combination treatment.
Insulin Dependence as an Independent Predictor of Complications Following Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Bramian Allen , Ling Kenny , Butsenko Dmitriy , Komatsu David , Wang Edward 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for postoperative complications. Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are a common orthopedic injury and often require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The rise of ORIF utilization warrants investigation into factors that may expose patients to postoperative complications following DRF ORIF.
Methods: We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database for cases of DRF ORIF between 2015 and 2021. Cases were stratified into cohorts based on diabetes mellitus (DM) status. The DM cohort was further stratified into non-insulin-dependent DM (NIDDM) and insulin-dependent DM (IDDM) groups. Bivariate logistic regression was conducted to compare patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complications. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to identify associations between diabetes mellitus status and postoperative complications.
Results: A total of 27,761 cases of DRF ORIF were identified from 2015 to 2021. After exclusion criteria were applied, 25,971 cases remained, of which 2,169 (8.4%) cases had DM and 23,802 (91.6%) cases were free of DM. Within the DM cohort, there were 1,392 cases in the NIDDM subgroup and 777 cases in the IDDM subgroup. Relative to the nondiabetic cohort, the IDDM cohort was independently associated with sepsis, septic shock, reintubation, myocardial infarction, blood transfusion, failure to wean off mechanical ventilation, readmission, and nonhome discharge.
Conclusion: The IDDM cohort was independently associated with higher rates of postoperative sepsis, septic shock, reintubation, myocardial infarction, blood transfusion, failure to wean off ventilation, readmission, and nonhome discharge when compared to the nondiabetic cohort following DRF ORIF.
Level of Evidence: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Prognosis Study
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies and birth institution complexity levels in Argentina
Authors: Astudillo Analizia , Groisman Boris , Barbero Pablo , Bidondo María Paz , Liascovich Rosa , Aiello Horacio , Trotta Marianela , Brun Paloma 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Patients with major congenital anomalies should be delivered in high-complexity institutions, which reduces morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess the prevalence and prenatal diagnosis rates of selected congenital abnormalities and the complexity levels of birth institutions in a sample of public maternity hospitals in Argentina. Data sources were 1) National Congenital Anomalies Registry, covering the period from 2013 to 2021; and 2) Categorization of birth institutions according to their complexity (high or low). Newborns with the following anomalies were selected for analysis: spina bifida, hydrocephalus, critical congenital heart defects, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, and omphalocele. Prevalence at birth and prenatal diagnosis rates were calculated according to the birth institution complexity level. A total of 2.214.102 births across 131 institutions were evaluated, with 1.202.311 births in high-complexity institutions and 1.011.791 in low-complexity institutions. The prevalence per 10.000 births and the prenatal diagnosis percentage for the entire sample were: spina bifida 5,40(95%CI 5,10 − 5,71) 68,54%; hydrocephalus 6,96(95% CI 6,62 − 7,32) 78,92%; critical congenital heart defects 11,05(95% CI 10,62 − 11,49) 43,21%; diaphragmatic hernia 3,88(95%CI 3,62 − 4,14) 68,65%; gastroschisis 7,85(95%CI 7,48 − 8,22) 79,27%; omphalocele 2,01(95%CI 1,83 − 2,20) 76,18%. Prevalence and prenatal diagnosis rates were significantly higher in high-complexity institutions. Prenatal diagnosis and perinatal care networks must be improved to ensure that patients with major congenital anomalies are delivered in high-complexity birth institutions. The prevalence and prenatal diagnosis rate, stratified by the complexity level of institutions, can serve as management indicators to evaluate improvements in care quality.
Structure guided functional analysis of the
S. cerevisiae Mre11 complex
Authors: Petrini John , Hohl Marcel , Yu You , Kuryavyi Vitaly , Patel Dinshaw 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The Mre11 complex comprises Mre11, Rad50 and Nbs1 (Xrs2 in S. cerevisiae). The core components, Mre11 and Rad50 are highly conserved, with readily identifiable orthologs in all clades of life, whereas Nbs1/Xrs2 are present only in eukaryotes. In eukaryotes, the complex is integral to the DNA damage response, acting in DNA double strand break (DSB) detection and repair, and the activation of DNA damage signaling. We present here a 3.2 Å cryo-EM structure of the S. cerevisiae Mre11-Rad50 complex with bound dsDNA. The structure provided a foundation for detailed mutational analyses regarding homo and heterotypic protein interfaces, as well as DNA binding properties of Rad50. We define several conserved residues in Rad50 and Mre11 that are critical to complex assembly as well as for DNA binding. In addition, the data reveal that the Rad50 coiled coil domain influences ATP hydrolysis over long distances.