bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-stage laparoscopic management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones versus two stages using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures
Authors: Aldardeer Ahmed Abd El-Kahaar , Tag El-din Mohammed Sayed Mohammed , El-Mageed Magdy Khalil Abd , Redwan Alaa Ahmed 
Published: February 2025

Background: The optimal treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones remains debated, with options including open or laparoscopic exploration, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before, during, or after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This study compared outcomes of one-stage (LECBD+LC) and two-stage (ERCP+LC) procedures for patients with gallstones and CBD stones, focusing on complications and patient satisfaction.
Methods: A randomized retrospective and prospective study included 200 patients with gallstones and CBD stones. Patients were divided into group I (n=100), undergoing one-stage laparoscopic CBD exploration (transcystic or transcholedochal) plus LC, and group II (n=100), undergoing two-stage preoperative ERCP then LC. Outcomes included operative time, complications, hospital stay, residual stones, and patient satisfaction.
Results: Mean age was 43.16±12.66 in group I and 41.52±9.44 in Group II, with no significant gender differences. Preoperative jaundice was present in 88 group I and 86 group II patients. Operative times, conversion rates, and complication rates were similar. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 24 hours was lower in group I but comparable at 3 days. Hospital stays were similar, with 3% residual stones in group I and 0% in group II. Patient satisfaction and mortality rates showed no significant differences.
Conclusions: One-stage LCBDE with LC is equivalent to two-stage ERCP plus LC in terms of operative time, complications, hospital stay, residual stones, and patient satisfaction. Both approaches are effective, with no significant differences in outcomes.
Microstructure of the ligamentous apparatus of the fifth metatarsal bone
Authors: Dukov D. V. , Russkikh A. N. , Shabokha A. D. , Alyabyev F. V. , Khorzhevsky V. A. , Makarov A. F. , Yaremin B. I. 
Published: February 2025

Entheses are vulnerable to acute trauma under excessive loads, and are also the main target organ in a number of rheumatic conditions. Aim of the study was to investigate the features of the microscopic structure of the entheses of the fifth metatarsal bone in humans. Material and methods. The feet of 56 male cadavers aged 21–35 years were studied. On micropreparations of the fifth metatarsal bone with its ligamentous apparatus, the thickness of the fibrocartilaginous enthesis zones was measured, the location of collagen fibers was described, and their percentage content per unit area in the zones of calcified and mineralized fibrous cartilage of the enthesis was calculated, followed by a comparative analysis of the data obtained. Results and discussion. It was found that the connections of all four ligaments and the tendon to the V metatarsal bone are fibrocartilaginous entheses with four separate zones in their histological structure. A reliable predominance of the thickness of the calcified fibrous cartilage zone over the thickness of the mineralized fibrous cartilage zone of the entheses of the tendon of the short peroneus muscle, metatarsal plantar and collateral ligaments with a parallel arrangement of convoluted collagen fibers and single mature chondrocytes and their isogenic groups was revealed. The maximum thickness of the calcified fibrous cartilage zone is noted for the enthesis of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament with a direct arrangement of collagen fibers and multiple isogenic groups of chondrocytes, the minimum ‒ for the tarsometatarsal and long plantar ligaments with chaotically intertwined collagen fibers and many mature chondrocytes and their isogenic groups. The serrated basophilic line of enthesis of the tendon of the peroneus brevis muscle is characterized by the greatest thickness and amplitude of the serrations. A decrease in the proportion of collagen fibers from the calcified to the mineralized zone was revealed at the entheses of the tendon of the short peroneus muscle and the complex of the tarsometatarsal and long plantar ligaments; an increase in the proportion of collagen towards the mineralized zone at the enthesis of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament and its equal proportion at the entheses of the metatarsal plantar and collateral ligaments. Conclusions. The conducted study with the discovery of the features of the microstructure of the entheses of the fifth metatarsal bone testifies to the existence of age, sex, and possibly constitutional patterns of their structure and predisposition to mechanical injury.
Electrocardiographic changes in rats with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Filippov Yu. A. , Stepanov A. V. , Shpakov A. O. , Derkach K. V. , Dobretsov M. G. 
Published: February 2025

Impaired cardiovascular function in metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not adequately studied, and data on changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, including in rodent models of MS and T2DM, are contradictory and ambiguous. Aim of the study was to investigate ECG parameters in models of MS and T2DM and to identify possible correlations between impaired glucose tolerance and the severity of changes in ECG parameters. Material and methods. Male Wistar rats were used in the experiments. MS was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for 17 weeks; T2DM was induced by a combination of HFD and streptozotocin injection (HFD + STZ): 11 weeks of HFD followed by an injection of streptozotocin and continued HFD for another 6 weeks. Control animals were kept on a standard diet. Results. The glucose tolerance test confirmed the development of impaired glucose tolerance to the prediabetic level in the HFD group and to the diabetic level in the HFD+STZ group. ECG changes were found only in the HFD+STZ group: a significant (compared to the control and HFD group) increase in the amplitude and area T wave on the ECG was shown. Conclusions. Pronounced ECG abnormalities develop only in the model of T2DM, but not in the MS model.
Efficacy of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Machaka Mokgadi , Ndobe Elias , Nel Marietha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancers are increasing in Africa, and head and neck defects commonly result from the excision of cancers. Although global studies have reported that the use of anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTF) can safely restore form and function, there are no reports from Africa regarding the efficacy of ALTF in managing these cancers. We report on the experience with the ALTF in the treatment of these cancers from a tertiary academic center in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods: The study was a retrospective review of all patients admitted to our institution and who underwent ALTF over 5 years between January 2014 and December 2018. Inclusion criteria were head and neck patients who were 18 years or older, fit for a lengthy operation, and with stable medical conditions. Thirty-three patients met the criteria for the study.

Results: Most patients (n=24) were male with squamous cell carcinoma (78.8%) of the oral cavity. Seven patients suffered complications either at the recipient or the donor site. At the donor site the complication was partial loss (12.1%) of the skin graft. At the recipient site complications were low and included vascular compromise (6%), dehiscence (3%), or complete flap loss (3%). However, there was a total flap survival in 97% of patients.

Conclusion: Reconstruction using the ALTF had a low complication rate and excellent flap survival. These results encourage frequent use of this method of reconstruction for head and neck defects.
Good health and well-being in South Africa for a sustainable future
Authors: Chicksen Brian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Achieving good health and well-being for all South Africans is a significant national issue. In the broader context, good health and well-being are also global issues, and as such, they are the primary focus of one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SDG 3. It represents a complex challenge that interfaces with the other 16 SDGs and cuts across all dimensions of sustainable development: politico-legal and governance, social, economic, and environmental. In responding to the complex challenge, certain paradigm shifts are needed, including moving from transactional to transformational approaches where all stakeholders are part of solutions for the collective good. This entails building trust across stakeholder groups for effective collaboration and generating and applying innovative and creative solutions. A preliminary pathway to impact is proposed to advance the conversation.
Analyse de l’efficacité du policy-mix face à la crise sanitaire : un modèle théorique appliqué à l’UEMOA
Authors: Kouakou Thiédjé Gaudens-Omer 
Published: February 2025

L’article analyse l’efficacité du policy-mix en situation de crise sanitaire perçu comme un choc négatif d’offre. Nous recourons à un modèle théorique d’arbitrage inflation-production-dépenses publiques, qui permet d’évaluer l’efficacité du policy-mix en termes de crédibilité du ciblage d’inflation compte tenu de la position du pays par rapport au seuil d’endettement. Les résultats montrent que l’efficacité du policy-mix dépend de l’ampleur du choc épidémique. En cas de faible choc sanitaire, la banque centrale peut maintenir, de façon crédible, la cible d’inflation, car la politique budgétaire n’exige pas de taxe inflationniste. En cas de choc sanitaire aigu qui érode la marge de manœuvre budgétaire de l’Etat, la taxe inflationniste est le moyen essentiel de financer la relance de l’économie, ce qui rend le ciblage d’inflation difficilement crédible. L’étude recommande de renforcer l’efficacité du policy-mix en adjoignant une politique sanitaire (promotion des monnaies digitales; tropicalisation des modèles épidémiologiques) qui, en diminuant les coûts sanitaires de la crise, préserve la marge de manœuvre budgétaire du gouvernement.

The article analyzes the effectiveness of the policy mix in a health crisis situation perceived as a negative supply shock. We use a theoretical model of inflation-production-public expenditure trade-off, which makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of the policy mix in terms of the credibility of inflation targeting given the country's position in relation to the debt threshold. The results show that the effectiveness of the policy mix depends on the magnitude of the epidemic shock. In the event of a small health shock, the central bank can credibly maintain the inflation target, because fiscal policy does not require an inflationary tax. In the event of an acute health shock that erodes the State's fiscal room for maneuver, the inflationary tax is the essential means of financing the recovery of the economy, which makes inflation targeting difficult to be credible. The study recommends strengthening the effectiveness of the policy mix by adding a health policy (promotion of digital currencies; tropicalization of epidemiological models) which, by reducing the health costs of the crisis, preserves the government's budgetary room for maneuver.
Inferring directed spectral information flow between mixed-frequency time series
Authors: Chen Zhe , Xian Qiqi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Identifying directed spectral information flow between multivariate time series is important for many applications in finance, climate, geophysics and neuroscience. Spectral Granger causality (SGC) is a prediction-based measure characterizing directed information flow at specific oscillatory frequencies. However, traditional vector autoregressive (VAR) approaches are insufficient to assess SGC when time series have mixed frequencies (MF) or are coupled by nonlinearity. Here we propose a time-frequency canonical correlation analysis approach (“MF-TFCCA”) to assess the strength and driving frequency of spectral information flow. We validate the approach with extensive computer simulations on MF time series under various interaction conditions and further assess statistical significance of the estimate with surrogate data. In various benchmark comparisons, MF-TFCCA consistently outperforms the traditional parametric MF-VAR model in both computational efficiency and detection accuracy, and recovers the dominant driving frequencies. We further apply MF-TFCCA to real-life finance, climate and neuroscience data. Our analysis framework provides an exploratory and computationally efficient nonparametric approach to quantify directed information flow between MF time series in the presence of complex and nonlinear interactions.
Motor skills and fitness in African children: the PERF-FIT study
Authors: Smits-Engelsman Bouwien , Coetzee Dane , Doe-Asinyo Rosemary , Ituen Oluwakemi , Farhat Faical , Dubale Yabsra , Verbecque Evi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Africa is facing an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to changing lifestyles and dietary habits. Children with developmental delays in motor coordination are particularly less inclined to engage in physical play and sports, putting them at risk of reduced fitness, overweight, and eventually NCDs. While several motor performance tests exist, they were not designed for African children and lack valid norms. As the results of an African-led initiative, a contextually relevant motor performance test was developed, the PERFormance and FITness test battery (PERF-FIT), that is open-source and specifically tailored for low-resource African settings. This study provides the first age- and sex-specific motor skill norms for African children aged 6–12. By generating normative data alongside its previously established robust psychometric properties, the PERF-FIT is positioned as a critical resource for clinicians, educators, and policymakers working to monitor and enhance motor performance and physical fitness among African children.
Rapid scaffold-hopping for molecular glues: from fragments to cell-active probes targeting the 14-3-3/ERα complex
Authors: Arkin Michelle , Konstantinidou Markella , Zingiridis Marios , Pennings Marloes , Fragkiadakis Michael , Virta Johanna , Revalde Jezrael , Visser Emira , Ottmann Christian , Brunsveld Luc , Neochoritis Constantinos 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Molecular glues, small molecules that bind cooperatively at a protein-protein interface, have emerged as powerful modalities for the modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and “undruggable” targets. The systematic identification of new chemical matter with a molecular glue mechanism of action remains a significant challenge in drug discovery. Here, we present a scaffold hopping approach, using as a starting point our previously developed molecular glues for the native 14-3-3/estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) complex. The novel, computationally designed scaffold was based on the Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé multi-component reaction (MCR), leading to drug-like analogs with multiple points of variation, thus enabling the rapid derivatization and optimization of the scaffold. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) were developed using intact mass spectrometry and TR-FRET. Rational structure-guided optimization was facilitated by crystal structures of ternary complexes with the glues, 14-3-3 and phospho-peptides mimicking the highly disordered C-terminus of ERα. We measured the kinetics of 14-3-3/ERαpeptide binding by SPR, using a format in which a 14-3-3/molecular glue complex was immobilized on the SPR chip. The most potent compounds stabilized the complex by 100-fold and increased the residence time by 14-fold. Cellular stabilization of 14-3-3/ERα for the most potent analogs was confirmed using a NanoBRET assay with full-length proteins in live cells (EC50 = 2.7 – 5 µM). Our approach highlights the potential of MCR chemistry, combined with scaffold hopping, to drive the development and optimization of unprecedented molecular glue scaffolds.
Education, Occupation and Income Inequalities in Obesity Among Portuguese Women and Men: Evidence from National Health Surveys (2005–2019)
Authors: Valente Berta , Severo Milton , Gerdtham Ulf-Göran , Fraga Sílvia , Araújo Joana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to examine socioeconomic inequalities in obesity among Portuguese women and men from 2005–2019 with data from National Health Surveys (NHSs).
Methods: We analysed weighted data corresponding to 20–64-year-old adults from the 2005/2006 (N̂= 6,508,833), 2014 (N̂=6,227,041), and 2019 (N̂=6,073,178) NHS. Socioeconomic position (SEP) included education (no formal education, 6th, 9th, and 12th grades, postsecondary education, and higher education), occupation (unemployed, operations/trade, technical/administrative, and senior professional/managerial), and monthly household net income (quintiles). Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² from self-reported weight and height. Slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were used to measure absolute and relative inequalities, respectively. Log-binomial regression model was used to examine the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic indicators, employing an identity link function to calculate SII (absolute differences in predicted obesity incidence between highest and lowest SEP) and a log link function to estimate RII (ratio of obesity prevalence between these groups). Trends and overall SII and RII were analysed by socioeconomic indicators and sex, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: We found statistically significant socioeconomic inequalities in terms of obesity: SII consistently exhibited negative values, and RII was less than 1, indicating a concentration of obesity among adults with lower SEP. Overall, education-related SII and RII were greater for women [SII (95% CI)= -0.27(-0.29;-0.24); RII (95%CI) = 0.18(0.15;0.21)] than for men [SII= -0.16(-0.19;-0.13); RII = 0.35(0.29,0.44)]. Similarly, occupational and income-related SIIs and RIIs were greater among women, although they were smaller in magnitude than education was, and SIIs and RIIs were minimal in men. From 2005–2019, sex differences in absolute education-, occupation-, and income-related inequalities remained relatively stable, with slight variations in the SII values (education: -0.11 to -0.10; occupation: constant at 0.11; income: -0.09 to -0.08). Similarly, over the study period, sex differences in relative education-related inequalities remained stable (RII: constant at 0.16), while occupational-related inequalities decreased (RII:0.42 to 0.31), and income-related inequalities showed minimal changes (RII:0.32 to 0.31).
Conclusion: Socioeconomic inequalities in obesity persist and disproportionately affect women. The gender gap in socioeconomic inequalities in obesity has remained largely unchanged.
Drought risk assessment and mapping under changing climate: the East Hararge zone in Ethiopia
Authors: Serur Abdulkerim Bedewi , Kebira Huseyidin Mohammed 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Drought is a period of abnormally dry weather that causes hydrological imbalances, significantly impacting agricultural production in Ethiopia. This study aims to assess and map drought-risk areas in the East Hararge zone using satellite data and global climate models. We analyzed the spatial and temporal characteristics of historical droughts through remotely sensed Climate Hazard Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) rainfall and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation data, utilizing the CanESM5 dataset from CMIP6 to identify drought risk under changing climate conditions. Drought indices, such as the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), adjusted SPI (aSPI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and NDVI anomaly were employed, with validation against crop yield anomalies showing correlation coefficients of r = 0.72, 0.74, and 0.78 for SPI, NDVI, and NDVI anomaly, respectively. The analysis revealed that 29.8 and 26.7% of the area experienced moderate and slight drought over the past 12 years, respectively. Trend analysis indicated a significant increase in drought occurrences with a rate of −0.003 (p = 0.046) based on SPI_6, while aSPI analysis showed a general decrease in drought risk areas at a rate of 0.466. Frequency analysis projected drought occurrence every 2 years under the SSP2 4.5 scenario. This study provides essential baseline information and future predictions to monitor real-time drought situations and inform adaptation strategies in East Hararge, Ethiopia.
Analyzing the impact of different forms of precipitation (rain and snow) on drought
Authors: Liu Hongying , Wang Jiang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Precipitation is a key driving factor of drought. This study advanced the first investigation of the impact of different forms of precipitation on drought. This study used the gridded dataset of different forms of precipitation (snow, sleet, and rain) and terrestrial hydrological dataset, with the study period from 1961 to 2015. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized runoff index (SRI) were employed to monitor meteorological drought and hydrological drought, respectively. The SPI calculated based on rainfall, precipitation, and snowfall was defined as SPIp, SPIr, and SPIn, respectively. Run theory was used to identify drought events. The drought propagation time and degree was estimated based on the maximum Pearson correlation coefficient method. The results showed that (1) the annual snowfall amounts were higher in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and the temperate humid and sub-humid northeast China (THSN). The Southeast Basin and the Pearl River Basin showed a higher runoff amount and an increasing trend. (2) The meteorological drought events of rainfall presented obviously higher severity and duration than the precipitation in northern China and QTP. The hydrological drought event exhibited relatively high severity and duration in THSN and QTP. (3) The propagation degree and time of SPIr–SRI was higher than that of SPIp–SRI in northeastern China and QTP.
A Review on Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Shrestha Sabi , Cook Charles M. , Parekh Jay , mattei jane 
Published: February 2025

Abstract:
Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are associated with poor prognosis and remain a significant
challenge in oncology. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular
mechanisms underlying MBM. Advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and stereotactic radiosurgery
(SRS) have significantly improved patient survival. This study presents an overview of the current
landscape of treatment approaches and emerging modalities for MBM treatment, highlighting recent advancements
and future directions for research and clinical practice.