bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relevance of biotic processes on modern tufa deposits, with an example from the Bonito region, Central-West Brazil
Authors: Oste Jéssica Thaís Ferreira , França Almério Barros , Cury Leonardo Fadel , Bahniuk Anelize Manuela 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTufas are freshwater carbonate rocks that form in continental environments through a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes. This study investigates the role of microorganisms in the precipitation of Quaternary tufa deposits in the Serra da Bodoquena Formation, in the Bonito region. Two sites along the Mimoso River, named Taíka and Mimosa, characterized by the pool–barrage–cascade depositional subenvironment, were selected for this study. Four distinct facies were identified: stromatolitic boundstones, phytoherm boundstones of algae, phytoherm boundstones of bryophytes, and phytoclastic rudstones. These facies were observed in diverse hydrological settings, including fast-flowing waters, such as waterfalls and cascades, as well as slow-flowing areas, such as pools and dams. The δ18O depletion indicated a meteoric origin for the fluid involved in carbonate precipitation. The low δ13C values were attributed to photosynthetic processes and the contribution of light carbon-enriched groundwater. The presence of Oocardium stratum and calcified organic mucilage from extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) corroborates the significant role of microorganisms in tufa formation, particularly in stromatolitic boundstones and phytoherm boundstones of algae. Rapid CO2 degassing significantly contributes to mineralization in fast-flowing waters. Micro-CT results offer detailed insights into the relationship between mechanical processes and biological influences in shaping porosity characteristics. The findings of this study significantly enhance our understanding of the role of microorganisms in tufa formation, highlighting the complex interplay between biotic and abiotic processes in the development of different tufa facies. Moreover, the insights gained from this study provide valuable implications for interpreting tufa deposits worldwide.
Unravelling 6000 years of interplay among environmental changes, anthropogenic activities, and Vesuvius eruptions in the upper Sarno Plain (Campania, Italy)
Authors: Russo Ermolli Elda , Di Lorenzo Halinka , Santangelo Nicoletta , Santo Antonio , Comegna Chiara , Petrosino Paola 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPollen analysis was carried out on the infilling succession of the Fossa San Vito sinkhole, at the NE foothills of the Sarno Plain (Italy). Four 14C dates and six tephra layers constrain the pollen sequence between ca. 6000 and 500 cal yr BP. A forested environment, with a few signs of human activities, characterizes the pre-protohistoric period (ca. 6000–2750 yr BP). Stability of the arboreal pollen grains to non-arboreal pollen grains (AP/NAP) curve is due to climate-related opposite oscillations of deciduous and evergreen forest. In this period, the pyroclastic products from Neapolitan volcanoes that reached the upper Sarno Plain seem to have affected neither vegetation nor human activities. In the archaic and classic periods (ca. 2750–1500 yr BP), intensive deforestation and increase in anthropogenic indicators indicate the occurrence of grazing and crop activities managed by the main urban centers located in the plain: Pompeii, Stabiae, and Nuceria. After the Pompeii eruption in CE 79, a rapid re-afforestation and decline in all anthropogenic indicators testify to the temporary abandonment of the area, linked to the disastrous demise of the main economic centers. The upper plain was repopulated and exploited in the Late Ancient and Middle Ages (ca. 1700–500 yr BP), as indicated by the increase in all crop and grazing indicators.
RADIOCARBON CHRONOLOGY OF THE OCCUPATION OF THE SOUTHERN COAST OF NAYARIT, MEXICO
Authors: Solís Corina , Flores Montes de Oca Zulema Berenice , Amador García Eric Nehmad , Contreras Vargas Citlalli Minerva , Rodríguez-Ceja María , Diaz Maikel , Martínez-Carrillo Miguel Ángel 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDespite chronicles from the 16th century describing fertile alluvial plains and densely populated wetlands, archaeology in western Mexico has been little studied. The Directorate of Archaeological Salvage (DSA) of National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has initiated a study of two sites in Costa Canuva, at the southern part of Nayarit state: Becerros and Naranjos. Thirty charcoal and shell samples were radiocarbon (14C) dated to determine occupation history. A Bayesian approach was used to build a chronological modeling from charcoal samples. Charcoal and shell samples found in the same context allowed us to calculate the ΔR values of marine offset for this period. In general, the archaeological sites of this area are divided into three major periods: Formative, Classic, and Postclassic. The 14C dating of Becerros recovered materials provided a chronological framework for the site’s occupation, from cal AD 169–1025, corroborating the ceramic studies in the sense that human settlement activities date from the Formative (300 BC–AD 600) to the Early Postclassic (AD 900–1200). Naranjos started in the Classic period and reached its occupancy peak in the Late Classic. The site’s occupation may have persisted for at least two centuries after the conquest of the Altiplano in 1521. The comparison of charcoal dates and associated shell samples from the Naranjos Unit gave a probability distribution for ΔR, that ranged from 118.5 to 199.5 with a mean value of 159 ± 4, slightly higher than other values obtained at nearby sites.
Performing national independence through medical diplomacy: tuberculosis control and socialist internationalism in Cold War Vietnam
Authors: Aso Michitake 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article explores medical diplomacy as a means of navigating distinct but related nation-building and internationalist projects during the Cold War. It examines how medical professionals from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) utilized their expertise to bolster foreign relations and assert national independence. This article focuses on how three tuberculosis (TB) specialists – Đặng Đức Trạch, Phạm Ngọc Thạch and Phạm Khắc Quảng – adopted, adapted and circulated techniques of TB control, including a modified version of bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine. Amidst these endeavours, these medical-doctors-cum-diplomats navigated various forms of internationalism while soliciting medical assistance. Their roles within the DRV's state apparatus were prominently showcased from the 1950s to the 1970s, particularly at international gatherings such as the conferences of Ministers of Health of the Socialist Countries (MOHOSC). Because of the political complexities inherent in socialist internationalism, these conferences provided a crucial platform for dialogue among socialist nations when other avenues were limited. Consequently, the DRV's medical experts cultivated goodwill and garnered political support, despite encountering mixed results in their TB control initiatives.
Effects of daily almond consumption on glycaemia in adults with elevated risk for diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Huang Li-Chu , Henderson Gregory C. , Mattes Richard D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the potential for sustained almond consumption to reduce HbA1c concentrations among individuals with elevated values. A 16-week randomised, parallel-arm, controlled trial was conducted. Eighty-one adults with elevated HbA1c concentrations (> 5·7 %) were randomly assigned to incorporate 2 oz of raw almonds (A: n 39) or energy-matched snacks (C: n 42) into their daily diets. Body weight, body composition, plasma lipids, HbA1c, plasma vitamin E, glycaemia (by meal tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring), dietary intake and hedonic responses to test foods were measured at stipulated time points. Participants consuming almonds ingested 253 kcal/d more than participants in the control group (P = 0·02), but this did not result in a significant difference in body weight. No statistically significant differences were observed in HbA1c concentrations, blood chemistries, body composition or glycaemia over time or between groups. However, Healthy Eating Index scores improved within the almond group as compared with the control group (P < 0·001). Additionally, the hedonic rating of almonds within the almond group did not decline as markedly as the control group’s reduced liking of the pretzel snack. Alpha-tocopherol increased significantly, and gamma tocopherol tended to decrease in the almond group, indicating compliance with the dietary intervention. Overall, daily ingestion of 2 oz of raw almonds in a self-selected diet for 16 weeks did not alter short-term or longer-term glycaemia or HbA1c concentrations in adults with elevated HbA1c concentrations, but they were well-tolerated hedonically and improved diet quality without promoting weight gain.
Choline and betaine intakes during pregnancy in relation to risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among Chinese women
Authors: Lamkin Kallie , Xu Lan , Wang Kaipeng , Liu Yuhong , Yang Kefeng , Wu Hui , Lu Lingpeng , Shen Xiaoxi , Johnson Cassandra M. , Jia Jie , Zhu Jie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPrevious animal studies found beneficial effects of choline and betaine on maternal glucose metabolism during pregnancy, but few human studies explored the association between choline or betaine intake and incident gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to explore the correlation of dietary choline or betaine intake with GDM risk among Chinese pregnant women. A total of 168 pregnant women with GDM cases and 375 healthy controls were enrolled at the Seventh People’s Hospital in Shanghai during their GDM screening at 24–28 gestational weeks. A validated semi-quantitative FFQ was used to estimate choline and betaine consumption through face-to-face interviews. An unconditional logistic regression model was adopted to examine OR and 95 % CI. Compared with the controls, those women with GDM incidence were likely to have higher pre-pregnancy BMI, be older, have more parities and have higher plasma TAG and lower plasma HDL-cholesterol. No significant correlation was observed between the consumption of choline or betaine and incident GDM (adjusted OR (95 % CI), 0·77 (0·41, 1·43) for choline; 0·80 (0·42, 1·52) for betaine). However, there was a significant interaction between betaine intake and parity on the risk of GDM (Pfor interaction = 0·01). Among those women with no parity history, there was a significantly inverse correlation between betaine intake and GDM risk (adjusted OR (95 % CI), 0·25 (0·06, 0·81)). These findings indicated that higher dietary betaine intake during pregnancy might be considered a protective factor for GDM among Chinese women with no parity history.
Assessment of the Quality of Stapedotomy Videos on YouTube Using the IVORY Grading System
Authors: Yıldırım Sibel , Ozdilek Alper 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed is to analyse the quality of stapedotomy videos as an educational tool and to test the feasibility of the IVORY grading system (IVORY-GS) in an otological procedure.

Methods
YouTube was searched using the terms “stapedectomy”, “stapedotomy” and “otosclerosis surgery.” Video length, upload date, view count and likes were evaluated. The included videos were scored according to the IVORY-GS.

Results
Sixty-seven videos were evaluated. The mean IVORY-GS total score was 21.8. Video scores were higher in the ethics part. Case presentation items got the lowest scores in total. The total score showed a significantly positive correlation with like counts. No significant correlation was found between the total score and view count and video age.

Conclusion
The educational quality of most of the stapedotomy videos on YouTube is insufficient. The IVORY-GS is a comprehensive guideline in the otorhinolaryngology field. However, it may require some modifications based on the type of surgery.
Adjuvant treatments for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a descriptive review and proposed management guideline in adults
Authors: Balai Edward , Dronkers Emilie AC , Yaghchi Chadwan A , Gujral Dorothy , Sandhu Guri , Iacovidou Aphrodite 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveRecurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a rare disease characterised by growth of papilloma within the respiratory tract. The disease course is variable but can require frequent surgical interventions alongside adjuvant medical treatments. There is no definitive curative treatment or gold-standard guidelines for management. We aimed to evaluate current and potential future adjuvant treatments and propose a management guideline for adult patients.MethodsRelevant articles were identified through searching databases, reference lists and grey literature.ResultsSystemic bevacizumab appears to be the most effective adjuvant treatment currently available. However, intralesional cidofovir also achieves a high complete-response rate in adults and the Gardasil vaccine demonstrates preventative and therapeutic value. The INO-3107 DNA vaccine is a promising potential future adjuvant treatment.ConclusionsThis review provides a detailed examination of current and potential future adjuvant treatments. Based on the literature, we have developed a management guideline for adult patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Treatment and Management of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Appraisal of Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Kuriakose Jonathan P. , Khan Najm , Suresh Neeraj V. , De Ravin Emma , Moreira Alvaro , Rajasekaran Karthik 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
To appraise clinical practice guidelines for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma treatment and management using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool.

Methods
A literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Four reviewers evaluated clinical practice guidelines utilising Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II, with domain scores requiring a threshold of greater than 60 per cent. Inter-reviewer agreement was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results
Twelve clinical practice guidelines were evaluated after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were two “high-”, four “average-”, and six “low-” quality clinical practice guidelines. The domains with the highest scores were “clarity of presentation” (69.44 ± 16.75) and “scope and purpose” (68.87 ± 20.88), while “applicability” (7.12 ± 6.17) and “rigor of development” (50.26 ± 20.77) had the lowest scores. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed a high level of inter-reviewer agreement (0.689–0.924; good–excellent).

Conclusion
These results showcased wide variability in quality amongst guidelines for the treatment and management of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. These findings necessitate greater standardisation among clinical practice guidelines and greater focus on the applicability of recommended practices.
Efficacy of the automated mechanical repositioning chair treatment for patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Xia F , Zhu K , Ren Y , Wang N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
This study aimed to examine the efficacy of the automated mechanical repositioning chairs compared to canalith repositioning manoeuvres for elderly patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Methods:
A retrospective study included 969 patients with BPPV who were first diagnosed at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020. Patients were followed up for one year. Demographics, disease status, treatment and various outcomes were collected through medical record reviews and follow-up interviews.

Results:
Based on the criteria for evaluating treatment efficacy using objective and subjective indicators, BPPV patients treated with automated mechanical repositioning chair therapy showed a significantly better prognosis and lower recurrence rates.

Conclusion:
Automated mechanical repositioning chair therapy is an effective approach for BPPV treatment, with advantages over conventional manual canalith repositioning procedures.
Predictive value of peripheral blood eosinophil levels for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Xiao , Chang Danyang , Sun Changling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the predictive value of peripheral blood eosinophil levels for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods
Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Data were analysed using Stata 16.0.

Results
In total, 23 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were analysed. For peripheral blood eosinophil percentage in identifying eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis, the pooled sensitivity was 0.77 (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) = 0.69–0.83) and specificity was 0.74 (95 per cent CI = 0.68–0.80), with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.97 (95 per cent CI = 2.38–3.72) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.31 (95 per cent CI = 0.24–0.42). Similarly, for peripheral blood eosinophil count, the pooled sensitivity was 0.78 (95 per cent CI = 0.73–0.82) and specificity was 0.73 (95 per cent CI = 0.69–0.77), with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.93 (95 per cent CI = 2.45–3.50) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.30 (95 per cent CI = 0.24–0.37).

Conclusion
There is not sufficient evidence to support peripheral eosinophilia as a good predictor of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.
Association of vitamin-D deficiency with vestibular function in patients with idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Lin Tao , Wu Changzhen , Zhang Luguang , Ding Ling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D deficiency on vestibular function and recurrence in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Methods
This study enrolled 138 patients diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Vestibular function was evaluated, including ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and caloric tests. Vitamin D levels were recorded.

Results
There was a significant difference in mean vitamin D levels between the normal and abnormal groups of the caloric test, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. The likelihood of abnormal vestibular function was lower in patients with normal vitamin D levels than those with deficient levels (< 10 ng/ml). Vitamin D levels were the only predictive factor for recurrence among patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Conclusion
A deficiency in vitamin D is more likely to result in abnormalities in the caloric test, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients. The interaction among these factors may contribute to the recurrence.
The DILATE study: a prospective cohort study of balloon dilatation for Eustachian tube dysfunction in patients with no middle-ear disease
Authors: Kalra Aryan , McLeod Katie , Hendriks Thomas , Ling Shane , Kuthubutheen Jafri 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study evaluates the safety and utility of Eustachian tube balloon dilatation in treating Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms in adults without middle-ear disease.

Methods
A prospective cohort study was performed. Adults with dilatory Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms and no middle-ear disease underwent Eustachian tube balloon dilatation. A clinical assessment including tympanometry, pure tone audiometry, otoscopy, ability to Valsalva, and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 was performed pre-operatively and repeated during a 12-month follow-up period.

Results
Fifteen participants were enrolled. The mean pre-operative Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 score of 4.6 reduced to 2.5 at six weeks (P < 0.01), 3.0 at six months (P = 0.02) and 2.6 at 12 months (P < 0.01) post-operatively. All patients without evidence of negative middle-ear pressure had Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 score improvements. There were no post-operative complications.

Conclusion
Eustachian tube balloon dilatation is safe and effective at treating Eustachian tube dysfunction in patients with no middle-ear disease or evidence of negative middle-ear pressure.
Adipofascial anterolateral thigh free flap in head and neck reconstruction: a case series
Authors: Sorrentino Joshua M , Al Afif Ayham , Magner William J , Sigurdson S Lynn , Davies Jason M , Fenstermaker Robert A , Ghannam Moleca , McSpadden Ryan P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The adipofascial anterolateral thigh (AF-ALT) free flap represents a versatile technique in head and neck reconstructions, with its applications increasingly broadening. The objective was to detail the novel utilization of the AF-ALT flap in orbital and skull base reconstruction, along with salvage laryngectomy onlay in our case series.

Method
We conducted a retrospective analysis at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, spanning from July 2019 to June 2023, focusing on patient demographics and reconstructive parameters data.

Results
The AF-ALT flap was successfully employed in eight patients (average age 59, body mass index [BMI] 32.0) to repair various defects. Noteworthy outcomes were observed in skull base reconstructions, with no flap failures or major complications over an average 12-month follow-up. Donor sites typically healed well with minimal interventions.

Conclusion
Our series is the first to report the AF-ALT flap's efficacy in anterior skull base and orbital reconstructions, demonstrating an additional innovation in complex head and neck surgeries.
Risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula formation: a study focused on pharyngeal reconstruction technique
Authors: Barcan Yagmur , Alimoglu Yalcin , Gurbuz Gokhan , Uysal Omer 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated the risk factors for developing pharyngocutaneous fistula, the most common complication following total laryngectomy.

Methods
We included all patients who underwent total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection from 2009 to 2021. Patients excluded were those with hypopharyngeal involvement, total or partial pharyngectomy, base of the tongue resection, large pharyngeal defects requiring free/pedicle flap reconstruction, or salvage laryngectomy.

Results
A total of 164 patients participated in the study. Multivariate regression analysis identified two independent predictors of pharyngocutaneous fistula formation: pharyngeal reconstruction with simple interrupted sutures (odds ratio: 3.12, 95 per cent confidence interval: 1.31–17.00, p = 0.010) and radical neck dissection (odds ratio: 3.16, 95 per cent confidence interval: 1.13–8.82, p = 0.028).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that pharyngeal reconstruction using simple interrupted sutures and radical neck dissection are independent risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula development. Based on this, we recommend using the modified Cushing suture technique over simple interrupted sutures due to its association with a significantly lower pharyngocutaneous fistula rate.