bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemerin in immunity
Authors: Laffranchi Mattia , Schioppa Tiziana , Sozio Francesca , Piserà Arianna , Tiberio Laura , Salvi Valentina , Bosisio Daniela , Musso Tiziana , Sozzani Silvano , Del Prete Annalisa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Chemerin is a distant member of the cystatin protein family, initially discovered as a chemotactic factor and subsequently also reported to act as adipokine and angiogenetic factor. The biological activity of chemerin is regulated at different levels, such as gene expression, protein processing, and interaction with both signaling and nonsignaling receptors. Chemerin is mostly produced by stromal cells, such as adipocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial and endothelial cells, and circulates in almost all human tissues as a zymogen that needs to be proteolytically activated to exert its biological functions. At the receptor level, chemerin binds a G protein-coupled 7-transmembrane domain receptor Chemerin1 (also named ChemR23 and CMKLR1), mostly expressed by innate immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, and by border cells. In addition, chemerin may bind GPR1, a weak signaling receptor, and CCRL2, a nonsignaling receptor expressed by barrier cells, such as endothelial and epithelial cells, able to regulate leukocytes’ migration by multiple mechanisms. The aim of this review is to summarize the contribution of chemerin in the regulation of immune responses.
Individually customized gender affirming genital procedures: techniques and considerations
Authors: Ascha Mona , Rigsby Siri , Shoham Maia , Akhavan Arya Andre , Swanson Marco , Streed Jr Carl G , Gurjala Anandev , Morrison Shane D , Pang John Henry , Satterwhite Thomas 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Gender-affirming surgery is being increasingly performed for transgender and gender-diverse individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria. However, there is a group of patients who may seek outcomes that are either a combination of or altogether different from those of binary procedures such as penile inversion vaginoplasty or phalloplasty.

Methods
We describe surgical techniques for less commonly performed gender-affirming genital procedures, in order to introduce these procedures to the medical and surgical community.

Results
Operative techniques for phallus-preserving vaginoplasty, vagina-preserving phalloplasty, and removal of genitalia with creation of perineal urethrostomy are described. Demographic characteristics and complications of these procedures in 16 patients are reported.

Conclusion
Individually customized gender-affirming genital procedures, such as phallus-preserving vaginoplasty, vaginal-preserving phalloplasty, and removal of genitalia and creation of perineal urethrostomy, may better affirm the identities of some gender-diverse patients, and may also preserve desired sexual function of natal genitalia.
Elucidating microRNA-34a organisation within human Argonaute-2 by dynamic nuclear polarisation-enhanced magic angle spinning NMR
Authors: Dasgupta Rubin , Becker Walter , Petzold Katja 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Understanding mRNA regulation by microRNA (miR) relies on the structural understanding of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Here, we elucidate the structural organisation of miR-34a, which is de-regulated in various cancers, in human Argonaute-2 (hAgo2), the effector protein in RISC. This analysis employs guanosine-specific isotopic labelling and dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP)-enhanced Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR. Homonuclear correlation experiments revealed that the non-A-form helical conformation of miR-34a increases when incorporated into hAgo2 and subsequently bound to SIRT1 mRNA compared to the free miR-34a or the free mRNA:miR duplex. The C8–C1′ correlation provided a nucleotide-specific distribution of C2′- and C3′-endo sugar puckering, revealing the capture of diverse dynamic conformations upon freezing. Predominantly C3′-endo puckering was observed for the seed region, while C2′-endo conformation was found in the central region, with a mixture of both conformations elsewhere. These observations provide insights into the molecular dynamics underlying miR-mediated mRNA regulation and demonstrate that experiments conducted under cryogenic conditions, such as at 90 K, can capture and reveal frozen dynamic states, using methods like DNP-enhanced MAS NMR or Cryo-Electron Microscopy.
The mutual influences between working memory and empathy for pain: the role of social distance
Authors: Yang Ye , Zhao Jia , Zhang Huijuan , Bi Taiyong , Tian Jiangli , Li Qingqing , Guo Cheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms behind the interaction of empathy for pain (EfP) and working memory (WM), particularly how they are influenced by social factors like perceived social distance (SD), is vital for comprehending how humans dynamically adapt to the complexities of social life. However, there is very little known about these mechanisms. Accordingly, we recruited 116 healthy participants to investigate the bidirectional influence and electrophysiological responses between WM and EfP, including the role of SD. Our research results revealed that the interaction between WM load and SD significantly influenced the processing of EfP. Specifically, high WM load and distant SD facilitated early processing of EfP. Conversely, low WM load and close SD promoted late processing of EfP. Furthermore, the interaction between EfP and SD significantly influenced the performance of ongoing WM tasks. Specifically, the kin’s pain, compared to kin’s nonpain, improved the participant’s performance on low-load WM tasks; however, it diminished the participant’s performance on tasks with high WM load. Overall, these results provide evidence at both behavioral and neural levels for the mutual influence of WM and EfP during the same temporal process, and SD emerged as a crucial moderating factor during these mutual influences.
Becoming a (Better) Muslim: A Connectivist Perspective on Learning Islam in Finland
Authors: Butters Maija , Utriainen Terhi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The article explores the multisite learning of Islam by Finnish Muslims from the perspective of the connectivist learning theory, which makes visible the central contemporary ways of learning that emphasize the role of digitalization and collaborative learning with peers. We focus especially on learning in the context of Ramadan because, for many, the holy month is an essential time for apprehending Islamic tenets and practices. Our research indicates that the understanding of Islam among our research participants is a result of a complex set of connections and nodes of information, both online and offline. The research participants’ multisite learning was enriched with an abundance of horizontal (peer-to-peer) and vertical (teacher-to-student) connections, enabling multiple interpretations and reflective learning of Islam. Our research also suggests that in Finland, where Islam is a minority religion, the learning process to become a (better) Muslim contains many aspects shared equally by converts and those born Muslim.
Spinal Dural Ectasia Spectrum
Authors: De Marco Raffaele , Sgambetterra Silvia , Nasto Luigi Aurelio , Piatelli Gianluca , Pavanello Marco 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
To describe 2 cases with pathologic expansion of lumbosacral dura mater exerting compression on lumbosacral nerves treated with placement of lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS). Although dural ectasia (DE) is asymptomatic in most cases, a systematic review of the literature was performed focusing on the management when it causes symptoms.

Methods:
Pubmed/Medline and Embase databases were searched for the surgical management of DE. Both pediatric and adult patients were included. The presence of a cerebrospinal fluid leak was considered an exclusion criterion. An additional search was performed to provide a more complete picture of the DE spectrum considering meningoceles as a severe form of dural expansion.

Results:
Differentiating DE from meningocele, only 20 patients were treated for symptomatic DE. Surgical management varied according to presentation and etiopathogenesis: blood patch or fibrin glue were attempted in case of intracranial hypotension, followed eventually by LPS or marsupialization or dura reduction in cases of failure, whereas LPS or spinal decompression were proposed in cases of radiculopathy or cauda equina syndrome.

Conclusion:
DE is a rare condition mostly associated with connective tissue disorders. The different etiopathogenesis may explain how it causes symptoms in specific conditions. Treatments should be chosen according to this and may be proposed at the appearance of symptoms since dural expansion is a self-sustained mechanism.
Impact of body composition parameters, age, and tumor staging on gastric cancer prognosis
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Hai , Dong Hai-Zheng , Qin Zheng-Kun , Huang Fu-Ling , Yu Zhu , Liu Shi-Yu , Wang Zhen , Chen Jun-Qiang 
Published: September 2024

Background
Research studies on gastric cancer have not investigated the combined impact of body composition, age, and tumor staging on gastric cancer prognosis. To address this gap, we used machine learning methods to develop reliable prediction models for gastric cancer.

Methods
This study included 1,132 gastric cancer patients, with preoperative body composition and clinical parameters recorded, analyzed using Cox regression and machine learning models.

Results
The multivariate analysis revealed that several factors were associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer. These factors included age (≥65 years), tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging, low muscle attenuation (MA), low skeletal muscle index (SMI), and low visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratios (VSR). The decision tree analysis for RFS identified six subgroups, with the TNM staging I, II combined with high MA subgroup showing the most favorable prognosis and the TNM staging III combined with low MA subgroup exhibiting the poorest prognosis. For OS, the decision tree analysis identified seven subgroups, with the subgroup featuring high MA combined with TNM staging I, II showing the best prognosis and the subgroup with low MA, TNM staging II, III, low SMI, and age ≥65 years associated with the worst prognosis.

Conclusion
Cox regression identified key factors associated with gastric cancer prognosis, and decision tree analysis determined prognoses across different risk factor subgroups. Our study highlights that the combined use of these methods can enhance intervention planning and clinical decision-making in gastric cancer.
A Case of Breast Cancer Recurrence Diagnosed from a Delayed Seroma after Breast Implant Reconstruction
Authors: Nagura Naomi , Kida Kumiko , Yumura Chika , Yamauchi Hideko 
Published: September 2024

Summary:
When a delayed seroma with a low volume is detected more than 1 year after silicone breast implant insertion, aspiration is necessary. However, if the seroma is small and difficult to collect, we may avoid puncturing it, considering the risk of damaging the implant, and the patient may be followed up intensively. Moreover, a delayed seroma is a major symptom of breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). We encountered a case in which a delayed seroma around a breast implant was punctured to rule out BIA-ALCL after nipple-sparing mastectomy for breast cancer, which led to the diagnosis of locoregional recurrence in the nipple areola. Based on this experience, we suggest that puncture cytology for fluid around breast implants should be performed when a delayed seroma is observed, as it may indicate breast cancer recurrence as well as BIA-ALCL.
Optimizing Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Abdominoplasty Incisions: Chevron Modification
Authors: Ali Stephen R. , Swarnkar Parinita , Whitaker Iain S. 
Published: September 2024

Summary:
There has been increased use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to aid closure of abdominoplasty incisions; this obviates previous complications, including delayed wound healing. We describe a reproducible method of NPWT-assisted wound healing applicable to abdominal wounds. We propose a modified method of NPWT application, specific to the to Avance Solo NPWT system, to achieve optimal wound healing by promoting a suitable environment and decreasing high-tension forces. Postoperatively, this technique enables patient and nursing ease owing to increased durability and drainless follow-up. This is further emphasized by the results of a quantitative analysis of a 100-patient case series measuring clinically relevant objective and patient-satisfaction outcomes, and the cost analysis of use.
Validation of Breast Idea Volume Estimator Application in Transfeminine People
Authors: Angus Lachlan M. , Mikołajczyk Maksym , Cheung Ada S. , Kasielska-Trojan Anna K. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Accurate estimation of breast volume is important as researchers aim to achieve optimal feminization for transfeminine people. The Breast Idea Volume Estimator (BIVE) application allows estimation of breast volume using two-dimensional (2D) photographs but has not been validated in the chests of people who have undergone testosterone-mediated puberty.

Methods:
To estimate breast volume, clinical photographs and 3D scans were collected at baseline and 6 months, as a prespecified secondary outcome of a randomized clinical trial of antiandrogen therapy in transfeminine people commencing hormone therapy. BIVE was used to estimate breast volume by two independent researchers and compared with the gold standard of 3D scan calculated volume at different timepoints. Statistical analysis was performed, including the mean absolute difference, standard error of measurement, and intraclass correlation, to determine accuracy, precision, and interrater agreement.

Results:
Clinical photography and 3D scans were collected from 82 breasts of 41 participants. The median (interquartile range) age of participants was 25 (22–28) years, and the median (interquartile range) body mass index was 24.6 (21.2–28.9) kg/m2. The BIVE sagittal and transverse algorithms demonstrated robust performance, with mean absolute difference less than 20 mL and intraclass correlation greater than 0.87 indicating clinical reliability with high interrater agreement.

Conclusions:
BIVE provided an accurate, precise, and reliable measure of breast volume in the chests of people who have undergone testosterone-mediated puberty, compared with the gold standard of 3D scan.
Brain Abnormalities, Neurodevelopmental Milestones, and Long-term Follow-up in Newborns With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Identified Through a Neonatal Screening Program
Authors: Vila-Bedmar Sara , Martinez de Aragon Calvo Ana , Liebana-Rojas Constanza , Pedrero-Tomas Roberto , Camacho-Salas Ana , NuÑez-Enamorado Noemi , Simon de las Heras Rogelio , de Vergas Gutierrez Joaquin , Zamora Crespo Berta , Vicente Iglesias Marta , Villaverde Serena , Tejada-Palacios Pilar , Cuadrado Perez Irene , Pallas Carmen R. , Soriano-Ramos Maria , Perez-Rivilla Alfredo , Folgueira-Lopez Maria Dolores , Blazquez-Gamero Daniel 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
To investigate the spectrum and frequency of abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a cohort of newborns diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) through a screening program and evaluate the risk of sensorineural hearing loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, chorioretinitis and epilepsy.

Methods:
A prospective screening for cCMV by CMV viral load in saliva in newborns was performed in 2017–2018 in a tertiary center in Madrid. Neonatal brain MRI was performed without sedation in all newborns with cCMV and evaluated by 2 experienced neuroradiologists. The degree of agreement between the 2 radiologists was analyzed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. All infected children were followed up for 6 years and evaluated every 6 months for neurodevelopment, behavioral issues and sensorineural hearing loss by auditory brainstem response.

Results:
Of 3190 newborns evaluated, 15 had cCMV (prevalence 0.47%, 95% CI: 0.29–0.77%) and were included in the study. Cranial ultrasound (US) and neonatal brain MRI were performed. Brain abnormalities were found in 4 US and 10 MRI, being white matter abnormalities (WMAs) the most common finding. Two children were diagnosed with psychomotor delay, and the other 2 with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and all of them presented WMA in the neonatal brain MRI. Children with a normal MRI (5/15) developed normally without long-term sequelae in the follow-up.

Conclusions:
Children with isolated WMA without other clinical symptoms showed overall good outcomes, although more studies with a larger sample and a control group should be performed. Interobserver agreement about the presence of abnormalities in MRI was good.
Evaluation of a Portable Bionic Ankle Prosthesis Under Direct Continuous Electromyography Control for Quiet Standing Tasks
Authors: Stafford Nicole E. , Gonzalez Eddie B. , Ferris Daniel P. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction
Postural control and balance are necessary for activities of daily living. Passive prostheses that reduce ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion control can require different balance strategies compared with able-bodied individuals. Powered prostheses may restore ankle joint control and improve balance compared with passive prostheses. Muscle activity as the prosthetic control input leverages the human neural control system to directly modulate prosthetic dynamics. This study evaluates continuous myoelectric control during quiet standing tasks with an untethered electromechanically actuated bionic ankle prosthesis.

Methods
Six individuals with transtibial amputation conducted four 30-second trials of quiet standing for four standing conditions (Eyes Open, Eyes Closed, Eyes Open Foam, and Eyes Closed Foam) using their passive, prescribed prosthesis and a bionic prosthesis under two types of myoelectric control. One strategy solely used residual gastrocnemius muscle as input (GAS), whereas the second used the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior (GAS+TA). Postural stability was evaluated via Total Excursion, Body Sway Area, and Prediction Ellipse Area center of pressure measures from force plates. We hypothesized that the bionic prosthesis would improve balance control compared with the passive prosthesis. We also quantified weight bearing of prosthetic and sound limbs. Participants completed a preference/sense of stability survey between the prostheses.

Results
We found no significant differences in individual prostheses and controllers across our four standing conditions, or between prostheses and controllers for a single standing condition for all center of pressure measures. Participants tended to increase weight on their sound limb from Eyes Open to Eyes Closed Foam conditions. Participants trended toward preferring myoelectric control, but there were no significant differences among prostheses.

Conclusions
Compared with a passive transtibial prosthesis, a myoelectrically controlled bionic prosthesis did not alter standing balance performance.

Clinical Relevance
Our study did not demonstrate differences between the myoelectrically controlled bionic transtibial prosthesis and the prescribed passive prosthesis in balance control. It is possible that other metrics would be necessary to increase sensitivity in comparisons.
Hypoxic burden – definitions, pathophysiological concepts, methods of evaluation, and clinical relevance
Authors: Parekh Ankit 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic condition that affects over a billion people worldwide and is associated with adverse cardio- and cerebrovascular consequences. Currently, the go-to clinical measure that determines the presence and severity of OSA is the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The AHI captures the frequency of respiratory events due to changes in ventilation that are associated with either oxygen desaturations or arousal from sleep. The AHI is poorly correlated to adverse outcomes in OSA with poor prognostic ability. To overcome the limitations of AHI and perhaps driven by the ease of acquisition, several studies have suggested characterizing nocturnal hypoxia in OSA, termed as “hypoxic burden”. The purpose of this review is to focus on the hypoxic burden in OSA, its various definitions, and its utility in moving OSA diagnosis beyond the AHI.

Recent findings
Several measures and definitions of hypoxic burden have been proposed and studied that show promise in overcoming limitations of AHI and also have a greater prognostic ability than AHI. More recently, area-based measures that attempt to characterize the depth and duration of oxygen desaturations, i.e., nocturnal hypoxia in OSA, have been shown to better relate to incident cardiovascular disease than AHI. In this review, we delve into the evidence for these novel area-based metrics and also delve into the pathophysiological concepts underlying nocturnal hypoxia while cautioning the reader on interpretation of the recent findings relating hypoxic burden to adverse outcomes in OSA.

Summary
In this review on hypoxic burden, we focus on the need that has driven the sudden influx of studies assessing hypoxic burden for various outcomes of OSA, its underlying pathophysiology, the various definitions, and clinical relevance. We hope that the reader can appreciate the nuances underlying hypoxic burden in OSA and suggest the need for a cohesive framework for moving beyond the AHI with hypoxic burden.
Characteristics of lymph node metastasis and short-term outcome of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy: a prospective cross-sectional study (with video)
Authors: Nguyen Duy Duc , Pham Binh Van , Tran Manh Dai , Nguyen Thanh Duy , Thai An Duc , Le Ky Van , Kim Vu Van , Nguyen Hung Xuan 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Surgery for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) presents many potential challenges owing to malignant lymph node metastasis, complex procedures and severe postoperative complications. The appropriate lymphadenectomy for ESCC remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of lymph node metastasis and postoperative complications in patients with ESCC undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy and extended two-field lymph node dissection.

Patients and methods:
This prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to May 2024. All patients with ESCC who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy and extended two-field lymph node dissection were selected for this study. Postoperative lymph nodes were divided into upper thoracic, middle thoracic, lower thoracic and abdominal lymph node groups.

Results:
Seventy-four patients with ESCC, including 49 patients who underwent upfront surgery and 25 patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy, were selected. The rate of lymph node metastasis in all patients was 39.2%, with 13.6% of patients having upper thoracic metastasis. The factors affecting the rate of lymph node metastasis included preoperative chemoradiotherapy, tumor stage, poor differentiation, lymphovascular/perineural invasion, and tumor size greater than 2 cm, all of which were significantly different (P<0.05). Common postoperative complications included pneumonia (25.7%), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (10.8%) and anastomotic leak (4.1%). There were no cases required conversion to open surgery, nor any deaths within 90 days postoperatively.

Conclusion:
Lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma has a high incidence, occurs in the early stages, and is widely distributed in all regions of the mediastinum and abdomen. Minimally invasive esophagectomy and extended two-field lymph node dissection are feasible and safe, with low complication rates.