bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonografie des Thorax zur Diagnostik und Verlaufsbeurteilung der Pneumonie
Authors: Ewig Santiago , Yagmur Saliha , Sabelhaus Timo , Ostendorf Uwe , Scherff Andreas 
Published: September 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Diagnostik der Pneumonie kann eine Herausforderung bedeuten, insbesondere hinsichtlich der Unterscheidung von unteren Atemwegsinfektionen und leichtgradigen Pneumonien, der Differenzialdiagnose der akuten respiratorischen Insuffizienz, der Diagnose von nosokomialen Pneumonien sowie im Falle eines Therapieversagens.
Die Sonografie des Thorax stellt eine diagnostische Methode dar, die gegenüber der konventionellen Röntgenthoraxaufnahme sowie der CT des Thorax Vorteile aufweist. So konnte gezeigt werden, dass sie der Röntgethoraxaufnahme in der Detektion von pneumonischen Konsolidierungen sogar überlegen ist. Da die meisten Pneumonien peripher liegen und die Pleura einbeziehen, können sonografisch trotz limitierter Eindringtiefe der Ultraschallwellen pneumonische Substrate in ca. 90% der Fälle identifiziert werden.
Ein gesicherter Stellenwert kommt der Sonografie des Thorax in der Diagnostik der ambulant erworbenen Pneumonie des Erwachsenen sowie der Kinder vor. Als besonders wertvoll erweist sie sich zudem in der Anwendung im Rahmen einer Point-of-care (POCUS)-Untersuchung, die auch das Herz mit einbezieht. Aber auch in der Diagnostik der nosokomialen Pneumonie sowie in der Evaluation des Therapieansprechens sowohl auf Normal- wie auf der Intensivstation weist sie ein erhebliches Potenzial auf.
A novel reopenable clip with sharp claw for complete closure of mucosal defects after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Hirose Ryohei , Dohi Osamu , Inagaki Yoshikazu , Murakami Takaaki , Inada Yutaka , Morimoto Yasutaka , Kobayashi Reo , Inoue Ken , Ghoneem Elsayed , Itoh Yoshito 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background The MANTIS Closure Device (MCD; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA) is a reopenable clip with a sharp claw used for closure after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We evaluated the effectiveness of the MCD for fast and complete closure after colorectal ESD.
Methods Cases involving closure with the MCD after ESD of 20–60-mm colorectal lesions between April 2023 and January 2024 were reviewed. The primary end point was complete closure of the ESD defect with the MCD. Secondary end points included closure time, delayed bleeding, delayed perforation, and post-ESD coagulation syndrome (PECS). MCD application involved: 1) grasping the mucosa on the anal-side of the defect; 2) pushing the clip toward the oral-side mucosa and deploying it; 3) adding other reopenable clips for complete closure.
Results 61 cases involving MCD were analyzed. Mean tumor size was 32.3 (SD 9.2) mm. Complete closure rate was 98.4% and mean closure time was 6.9 (SD 2.6) minutes. The mean number of MCDs and other clips used was 1.0 (SD 0.1) and 4.7 (SD 1.4), respectively. Rates of delayed bleeding, delayed perforation, and PECS were 0%, 0%, and 9.8%, respectively.
Conclusion Fast and complete closure after colorectal ESD was successfully achieved using the MCD.
Las anclas de sutura muestran mayor resistencia que los tornillos de interferencia para la tenodesis del bíceps
Authors: Marinis Rodrigo de , Contreras Julio J. , Paccot Daniel , Palma Felipe , Besa Pablo , Toro Felipe , Guzmán Rodrigo , Pozo René 
Published: September 2024

Resumen
Objetivo Evaluar cuatro técnicas de fijación diferentes para la tenodesis del bíceps.
Materiales y Métodos En total, 32 hombros de ovejas frescos congelados fueron divididos aleatoriamente en 4 grupos iguales según cada técnica de tenodesis: tornillo biotenodesis (TBT), tornillo de tenodesis SwiveLock (TSL) (Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL, Estados Unidos), triple lasso-loop (TLL), y doble lasso-loop (DLL). Todas las tenodesis se realizaron suprapectoralmente en la corredera bicipital. Para los tornillos de interferencia (TI), no se añadieron nudos adicionales después de la fijación. Todas las muestras fueron sometidas a carga de falla final (CFF), y se calculó el punto de cedencia (PC). Se registró el modo de fallo para cada muestra, y se realizó un análisis estadístico utilizando una prueba de Kruskal-Wallis y la prueba post hoc de Dunn. Se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0,05.
Resultados La CFF registrada para cada grupo experimental fue la siguiente: grupo TBT = 126,2 (rango: 94,8–161,1) N; grupo TSL = 95,8 (rango: 75,9–130) N; grupo DLL = 208,4 (rango: 195,3–219,5) N; y grupo TLL = 261,4 (rango: 194,9–306,5) N. El modo de fallo para todas las muestras en los grupos TI fue la extracción del tendón de la fijación, mientras que las muestras en los grupos de anclaje de sutura (AS) en su mayoría fallaron por ruptura del tendón. Ambas técnicas de AS mostraron una CFF y un PC significativamente más altos cuando se compararon con cada técnica de TI (p < 0,01). No hubo diferencias significativas en términos de la CFF o del PC logrados entre el uso de DLL y de TLL.
Conclusión En este modelo de prueba cadavérica animal, las técnicas de AS demostraron una CFF más alta en comparación con las técnicas de TI sin nudos. Específicamente, dentro de las técnicas de AS, se encontró que la resistencia mecánica a la carga axial de DLL es comparable a la de TLL.
Nivel de Evidencia Estudio de ciencia básica.
Endoscopic Evaluation and Management of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lopez Priscilla , Ramchandani Mohan , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Sekaran Anuradha , Inavolu Pradev , Reddy Nageshwar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the seventh most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, demanding precise diagnostic and individualized therapeutic interventions. This case study describes the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal SCC in a 54-year-old man initially detected during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The lesion was identified using narrow-band imaging and magnifying endoscopy; after imaging studies, it was treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). ESD is known for its minimal invasiveness and the definitive histopathological evaluation it facilitates.The management strategy described in this paper reiterates the criticality of extensive pretreatment evaluations, the indication of the application of ESD, and the importance of a multidisciplinary team. It underscores the significance of careful posttreatment monitoring and the informed selection of adjuvant therapies, particularly in areas like India, where such advanced endoscopic techniques are still on the rise.
The Association of Smartphone Usage with Sleep Disturbances among Medical Students
Authors: Alhafi Mohammed , Matrood Rashed , Alamoudi Mohammad , Alshaalan Yazzed , Alassafi Mohammed , Omair Aamir , Harthi AbeerAl , Layqah Laila , Althobaiti Mutaz , Shamou Jinan , Baharoon Salim Alawi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background Smartphones have become an important and vital instrument that all medical students utilize, but the usage of such devices has been found to be connected to sleep disturbances. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and the relationship between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality among medical students.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the fifth- and sixth-year medical students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to investigate the relation between smartphone usage and sleep disturbances. The questionnaires included demographic details, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and smartphone addiction scale short version (SAS-SV).
Results All 251 respondents had smartphones that were utilized for social media, communication, studying, etc. Most of the students were identified as smartphone addicts (65%), and 75% of the students had poor sleep quality. Sleep quality was found to be poor in 145 (85%) students with smartphone addiction. Smartphone addiction was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (odds ratio [OR]: 4.271; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.300–7.933; p < 0.001). Gender and academic year were not significant predictors of poor sleep quality with p-values of 0.668 and 0.361, respectively. Smartphone addiction was significantly more prevalent among female students (80%) compared to male students (60%; p = 0.004), with the mean addiction score of 43.5 ± 11.5 and 33.5 ± 9.1, respectively (p < 0.001).
Conclusion Our study shows a significant association between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality. It is strongly recommended that counseling services be provided to medical students to assist those suffering from smartphone addiction and sleep difficulties.
Ependimoma del filum terminal roto como causa infrecuente de lumbociática refractaria en paciente embarazada: Reporte de caso
Authors: Espinoza Esteban , González Manuel , Yurac Ratko 
Published: September 2024

ResumenEl dolor lumbar y la ciática son síntomas frecuentes durante el embarazo. Sin embargo, las etiologías neoplásicas, aunque raras, deben considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial, particularmente en presencia de inicio agudo, síntomas graves o déficits neurológicos.Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años con 31 semanas de gestación que se presentó con dolor lumbar agudo y progresivo, ciática bilateral y debilidad motora. El examen neurológico reveló debilidad motora bilateral en las extremidades inferiores (M4) en los miotomas L3, L4 y L5, con hiperreflexia y signos de Brudzinski y Kernig. La resonancia magnética evidenció una lesión intradural expansiva a nivel L2-L3 que comprimía las raíces nerviosas descendentes, compatible con un ependimoma del filum terminal. Se realizó una cesárea a las 33 semanas de gestación, seguida de resección del tumor tres días después. La histopatología confirmó el diagnóstico de un ependimoma mixopapilar. La paciente experimentó un curso postoperatorio favorable, con resolución de la ciática y una mejora gradual de la función motora. A los cuatro meses de seguimiento, había recuperado la deambulación normal y podía cuidar a su bebé de forma independiente. Regresó a sus actividades laborales seis meses después de la cirugía.Este caso enfatiza la importancia de considerar los tumores espinales en el diagnóstico diferencial de la radiculopatía lumbar aguda con déficits neurológicos durante el embarazo. El diagnóstico precoz y la intervención quirúrgica oportuna pueden conducir a un resultado favorable tanto para la madre como para el bebé.
The Effect of Perioperative Cimetidine on the Outcomes of Stage 2 Melanoma
Authors: Abu Hassan Falah , Al Obaidi Mohanad , Al-Hilli Yasir , Al-Jobory Ola , Hallak Ahmad , Holder Kate , Mohammed Basheer , Nahapetyan Lusine , Rasheed Waqas , Tawfeeq Yousuf , Wright Stephen E. 
Published: September 2024

Objectives The use of immunotherapies in the treatment of melanoma has significantly improved the survival of patients with advanced disease. Historically, histamine has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several cancers. Cimetidine does play a role in modulating the immune system and was advocated as an immunotherapeutic agent since the 1970s. Cimetidine has been showing promise in conjunction with standard care in many cancers in vitro and in vivo. However, its effects in melanoma have not been explored yet. Our study was designed to determine if cimetidine taken in the perioperative period improves the disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival in patients with the American Joint Committee on Cancer, seventh edition (AJCC 7) stage 2 melanoma.
Materials and Methods We have reviewed all the patients with stage 2 melanoma in our center in a retrospective cohort to assess the difference in survival between patients who received H2 blockers in the perioperative period and those who did not.
Statistical Analysis and Results Thirty-two patients were included in the analysis. Nine of 32 patients received H2 blockers in the perioperative period. All the patients were males except for one female in the control group (4.3%). The age in the analyzed population ranged between 51 and 92 years; the median age was 70 years (mean: 71; standard deviation: 10). The median overall survival of the patients who received H2 blockers was 112.7 months and it was 77.2 months for those who did not receive H2 blockers. There was no difference in DFS between the two groups (p = 0.5395), and there was no difference in the overall survival (p = 0.4770). The cumulative dose was strongly correlated with the overall survival in the patients who received H2 blockers (r = 0.8341, p = 0.0196).
Conclusion Despite having a small treatment group, we were able to detect a strong correlation between the cumulative dose of H2 blockers received and the overall survival.
Encryption algorithm based on improved four-dimensional chaotic system and dynamic DNA encoding
Authors: Tang Chengwei , Wang Shibing , Shu Yubing , Ren Fujun 
Published: September 2024

An image encryption algorithm is proposed based on the combination of genetic (DNA) random coding and chaotic mapping. An image encryption algorithm based on an improved new four-dimensional chaotic system and DNA coding is proposed to address the problem that a single coding method is prone to selecting plaintext attacks. Based on a four-dimensional chaotic system existing in the literature, a new four-dimensional hyperchaotic system is obtained through improvement. The initial value of the system is generated based on SHA-256, zigzag transform. The input key and four pseudo-random chaotic sequences are generated iteratively. DNA chunking encoding, arithmetic operation, and decoding are implemented for the image disrupted based on the zigzag transform. The two-dimensional matrix constituted based on the Chaotic Sequence of Chebyshev to obtain the scrambled and diffused ciphertext image. Simulation experiments and security performance analysis show that the algorithm enhances the correlation between the key and the plaintext, the randomness of the encryption process, and effectively improves the anti-attack capability [H. Chen, J. Zhao et al., Appl. Res. Comput. 10, 0434 (2021)]. In this paper, 512 × 512 × 3 peppers color images are used for testing, and the correlation coefficients of adjacent pixels of the encrypted images are all close to 0, and the information entropy is all more significant than 7.997, which is relative to the theoretical value of 8. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the security of the ciphertext, increases the critical space, and, at the same time, resists various attack methods.
Observation of halogen-like behavior of gold in fluorinated bimetallic CoAuF1-2− and CuAuF1-2− clusters: Anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Long Zhen-Chao , Shah Aaron , Banjade Huta , Liu Kai-Wen , Xu Hong-Guang , Zheng Weijun , Jena Puru 
Published: September 2024

Using size-selected anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory, we investigated the structures and properties of fluorinated bimetallic clusters CoAuF1-2− and CuAuF1-2− and their neutrals. Both experimental and theoretical results show that in these cluster anions, Au behaves like a halogen atom. For example, the measured vertical detachment energies (VDEs) of CoAuF− (2.00 ± 0.08 eV) and CuAuF− (3.8 ± 0.1 eV) are close to those of CoF2− (2.12 ± 0.08 eV) and CuF2− (3.58 ± 0.08 eV), respectively. The theoretical results show that the geometries and electronic structures of CoAuF− and CuAuF− are similar to those of CoF2− and CuF2−. The natural population analysis and natural electron configuration analyses further confirm that the electronic properties of Au in MAuF− (M = Co, Cu) mimic those of MF2−. In addition, the electron localization function analyses show that the M-Au chemical bonds are similar to the corresponding M-F chemical bonds, providing evidence for the ionic nature of the interactions. When a second F atom is attached to the CoAuF− and CuAuF− clusters, the VDEs of the resulting CoAuF2− and CuAuF2− are 4.38 ± 0.08 eV and 3.71 ± 0.08 eV, respectively, indicating their superhalogen character as these values are higher than those of halogen anions. The results may be useful for understanding the properties of gold at the nanoscale that play an important role in catalysis and nanotechnology.
Constructing potential energy surface for carbon-chain containing systems using the radial angular network with gradual expansion method
Authors: Bop C. T. , Lique F. 
Published: September 2024

Investigating molecular excitation induced by collisions requires the prior determination of accurate analytical potential energy surfaces for the colliding partners. For carbon-chain molecules, such as cyanopolyynes, this has been a longstanding challenge, resulting in the absence of rate coefficients for HC5N, HC7N, HC9N, and others, induced by collisions with He. To overcome this bottleneck, we introduce a new approach: the Radial Angular Network with Gradual Expansion (RANGE). This method jointly connects the construction of ab initio interaction potentials with the determination of their analytical forms. We use the HC3N–He molecular complex as a reference to assess the reliability of our method, given that its analytical potential has been derived using various methods. Additionally, we apply the RANGE approach to construct the analytical representation of the interaction potential for HC5N–He and HC7N–He. The analysis of the analytical potentials reveals three systematic trends: (i) the anisotropy increases with the length of the carbon chain, (ii) the number of local minima correlates with the number of carbon atoms, and (iii) the shallowest local minimum is consistently located at ∼30 cm−1 below the dissociation limit of the complex. Using the time-independent quantum mechanical close-coupling formalism, we briefly estimate the propensity rules governing the excitation of HC3N, HC5N, and HC7N induced by collisions with He. Consequently, the three collisional systems exhibit the same propensity rule, favoring Δj = 2 transitions.
Microplastic contamination and earthworms: Current trends and research needs
Authors: Sanchez-Hernandez Juan C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMicroplastic pollution in agricultural soils is a growing global concern that demands an urgent understanding of its effects on soil function and ecosystem services. Soil-dwelling earthworms exhibit strong subsoil bioturbation, which contributes to processes associated with many ecosystem services such as water regulation, nutrient cycling, biomass production, pollution control and remediation, among others. This functional association between earthworms and soil has made these organisms suitable candidates for assessing microplastic pollution in agricultural soils. However, based on the literature systematically reviewed here, current knowledge of microplastic toxicity in earthworms mainly derives from a recurrent methodological pattern, which implies lab-scale standardised toxicity testing.Eisenia fetidaandE. andreihave been the model earthworm species (86% of screened publications), leading to the risk of biased data. Additionally, the ecological characteristics ofEiseniaspp. raise uncertainties about the environmental and agronomic meaning of microplastic toxicity testing outcomes. These species are absent in agricultural lands and inhabit the soil surface, avoiding the ingestion of mineral soil. Accordingly, a more environmentally realistic assessment of microplastic pollution is needed, which involves field soil, native earthworm species as possible and aged microplastics from the environment. This review identifies specific knowledge gaps regarding the use ofEiseniaspecies in the environmental risk assessment of microplastic pollution, and suggests moving ecotoxicity assessment towards a retrospective approach, which involves complex setups (field-simulated and ex-situ microcosms) and microplastic interactions with biomolecules and other environmental contaminants (e.g. protein corona and eco-corona) that may modulate microplastic toxicity.
Review of farmer-centered AI systems technologies in livestock operations
Authors: Taiwo Gbadegesin Adetayo , Alameer Ali , Mansouri Taha 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The assessment of livestock welfare aids in keeping an eye on the health, physiology, and environment of the animals in order to prevent deterioration, detect injuries, stress, and sustain productivity. Because it puts more consumer pressure on farming industries to change how animals are treated to make them more humane, it has also grown to be a significant marketing tactic. Common visual welfare procedures followed by experts and vets could be expensive, subjective, and need specialized staff. Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) integrated with farmers’ expertise have aided in the creation of novel and cutting-edge livestock biometrics technologies that extract important physiological data linked to animal welfare. A thorough examination of physiological, behavioral, and health variables highlights AI's ability to provide accurate, rapid, and impartial assessments. Farmer-focused strategy: an emphasis on the crucial role that farmers play in the skillful adoption and prudent application of AI and sensor technologies, as well as conversations about developing logical, practical, and affordable solutions that are specific to the needs of farmers.
Interrelation of macroscopic mechanical properties and molecular scale thermal relaxation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers
Authors: Bhatt Shipra , Bagchi Debjani 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Comparative analysis of macroscopic mechanical properties of a biodegradable polymer polypropylene carbonate (PPC) is carried out concerning two most commonly used, non-biodegradable synthetic polymers–high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear-low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Responses of the films of these polymers when subjected to mechanical and thermal stresses are analyzed. Response to tensile stress reveals the highest elongation at break (EB) in PPC films (396 ± 104 mm), compared to HDPE (26 ± 0.5 mm) and LLDPE (301 ± 143 mm), although the elastic modulus (YM) of PPC is around 50 ± 6 MPa, 3-fold lesser than LLDPE (YM = 153 ± 7 MPa) and 6-fold lesser than HDPE (YM = 305 ± 32 MPa). The plastic deformation response of PPC is intermediate to that of HDPE and LLDPE; initial strain softening is followed by strain hardening in LLDPE, a plateau region in PPC, and prolonged strain softening in HDPE. Crystalline domains in HDPE produce restriction on molecular motion. Crystallinity abruptly decreases by 70% in HDPE following a thermal quench, showing the possibility of free chain molecular mobility during plastic deformation. High correlation among Raman modes for all polymers reveals cooperative relaxation processes after thermal quench; C-C stretching modes and C-H bending, CH2 wagging modes have Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.9. The integrated peak intensity and width of the C-C stretching Raman mode is 3-fold higher in PPC than HDPE after a thermal quench, showing enhanced molecular mobility and contributing modes in PPC. The peak width of this mode shows a strong negative correlation of −0.7 with the YM and a strong positive correlation of 0.6 with EB, showing that higher amorphicity leads to enhanced molecular mobility and EB at the cost of YM. This study reveals importance of molecular-scale response in governing the macroscopic properties of polymers.