bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fellowship by the Numbers: Surgical Fellowship Applications in the United States
Authors: Turlington Margaret Sundel , Campbell Brady A. , Cahn Matthew , McClure Megan , Kavic Stephen M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The majority of residents pursue fellowship following training in general surgery, especially at academic medical centers. However, there is no singular body that oversees fellowship, and many aspects of fellowship remain speculative, including application and admissions. Our aim was to define the known statistics around surgical fellowships.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis of publicly available data from the National Residency Match Program (NRMP), the Fellowship Council, the SF Match, and the American Council on Graduate Medical Education Data Resource Book for 2014–2023. We included data on colorectal surgery, surgical critical care, minimally invasive surgery, surgical oncology, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, thoracic, transplant, and vascular surgery fellowships. We did not include burn fellowship, pediatric critical care surgery, or research fellowships.
Results
66% of US surgical residents pursue fellowship, which has been stable over the past decade. The largest fellowships are critical care, minimally invasive, vascular, and colorectal surgery. There is a very high match rate among critical care, surgical oncology, vascular, and transplant surgery for US trainees, while pediatric surgery consistently has the lowest match rate. US trainees are more likely to match into fellowship than non-US graduates.
Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive snapshot of surgical fellowships in the United States. Two-thirds of surgery residents pursue fellowship, and the likelihood of matching varies substantially between specialties. These results can help inform national workforce planning and may be valuable to current residents in their fellowship application process.
Transparent, flexible graphene-ITO-based neural microelectrodes for simultaneous electrophysiology recording and calcium imaging of intracortical neural activity in freely moving mice
Authors: Pei Weihua , Yuan Miao , Li Fei , Xue Feng , Wang Yang , Tang Rongyu , Wang Yijun , Bi Guo-Qiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

To understand of the complex dynamics of neural activity in the brain across various temporal and spatial scales, it is crucial to record intracortical multimodal neural activity by combining electrophysiological recording and calcium imaging techniques. This poses significant constraints on the geometrical, mechanical and optical properties of the electrodes. Here, transparent flexible graphene-ITO-based neural microelectrodes with small feature sizes are developed and validated for simultaneous electrophysiology recording and calcium imaging in the hippocampus of freely moving mice. A micro-etching technique and an oxygen plasma pre-treating method are introduced to facilitate large-area graphene transfer and establish stable low-impedance contacts between graphene and metals, leading to the batch production of high-quality microelectrodes with interconnect widths of 10 µm and recording sites diameters of 20 µm. These electrodes exhibit appropriate impedance and sufficient transparency in the field pf view, enabling simultaneous recording of intracortical local field potentials and even action potentials along with calcium imaging in freely moving mice. Both types of electrophysiological signals are found to correlate with calcium activity. This proof-of-concept work demonstrates that transparent flexible graphene-ITO-based neural microelectrodes are promising tools for multimodal neuroscience research.
Projections of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilation Requirements in the New Valley Under Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: MEDANY MAHMOUD , Radwan Ghada , Zaki Milad H. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Egyptian greenhouse megaproject is expanding all over the country in the recent years. Vegetable optimum growth under greenhouses requires temperature range from 15–32°C. The latest assessment report of the Intergovernmental Pannel for Climate Change revealed different temperature increases under different scenarios ranging from 2.6 to 8.5 for different global regions, including North Africa and Middle East, till the end of the decade. This study was conducted in Kharga Oasis, the New Valley Governorate, in the west south Egypt, in order to investigate the heat requirements and number of mechanical ventilation hours needed for vegetable production under greenhouses during the reference year of 2023–2024, compared to historical period of 1995–2014, and under climate change projections. Four future scenarios were used: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) according to the IPCC sixth Assessment Report, with four projection intervals: 2020–2039, 2040–2059, 2060–2079, and 2080–2099. Hourly data was used for the estimation of heat requirements (kwh) when temperatures were lower than 15°C, in a greenhouse of 8.5m width, and 40m length and for the number of hours needed for ventilation if temperatures exceed 28, 30, 23 and 35°C. The results indicated that total heating requirements (kilo calory, kCal) decreased gradually from the actual estimated (2023–2024) from 755.1 (≈ 0.88 kWh) to 477.3, (≈ 0.55 kWh) 282.1 (≈ 0.33 kWh), 134.6 (≈ 0.16 kWh), and 66.1 (≈ 0.07 kWh) kCal by the years 2080–2099 under the worst-case scenario of SSP5-8.5, respectively. Seasonally, winter months (December, January and February) were almost the months that required all heating, while the rest of the year minimum temperatures were higher than the 15°C set point. Ventilation hours were decreased from 2771, 2446, 2018, and 1495 hours/year by increasing set point temperatures from 28, to 30, 32, and 35°C, for the actual estimated period (2023/2024), respectively. As for the projected time intervals, the number of hours increased to reach 3564 hours/year under the SSP5-8.5 scenario for the projected time intervals 2080–2099. The lowest projected number of hours values for temperature set point of 32°C were obtained under the ss91-2.6 scenario (1707 − 1495 hours), while the highest values were obtained under the pessimistic scenario (SSP5-8.5) ranging from 1709 to 2341 hours/year for the whole projection intervals towards the end of the century. Ventilation hours required were distributed in a descending order among summer, autumn and spring. These results indicate the need for vital attention in constructing new greenhouses, and to find the best cultivation dates for coping with climate change temperature rise till the end of the century.
Synchronous Management of Urethral Stricture Disease and Penile Prosthesis Implantation: A Case Series
Authors: Du Comb William , Maremanda Ankith , Alshak Mark , Nalwa Harjit , Able Corey , Burnett Arthur 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

There is currently limited data to describe managing a urethral stricture identified while attempting penile prosthesis placement. This study reports our management of urethral strictures during penile prosthesis placement and proposes a guideline for this event. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent penile prosthesis implantation and had incidentally found urethral stricture disease from 2009 to 2023. Cases that proceeded were classified as “completed,” while cases that could not proceed were classified as “aborted.” Successful management was defined as the absence of complications requiring explantation within 90 days of the procedure. Twenty-four cases were identified. Of these twenty-four patients, eighteen had completed procedures, while six had their procedures aborted. Within 90 days after the procedure, one patient presented with urinary retention. No patients had penile prosthesis infections within 90 days. Of the six “aborted” patients, five had strictures greater than 2 cm in length with urethral lumens between 8-10F. One patient had an obliterated urethra; three patients underwent urethroplasty; one patient underwent urethral dilation and suprapubic tube placement; and two patients underwent a direct vision internal urethrotomy. This retrospective study surrounding synchronous penile prosthesis implantation and urethral stricture disease management yielded high success and low complication rates.
Assessing the readiness and feasibility to implement a model of care for spine disorders and related disability in Cross Lake, an Indigenous community in northern Manitoba, Canada: A research protocol
Authors: Bussières André , Passmore Steven , Kopansky-Giles Deborah , Tavares Patricia , Ward Jennifer , Ladwig Jacqueline , Glazebrook Cheryl , Mior Silvano , Atkinson-Graham Melissa , Moss Jean , Robak Nicole , Broeckelmann Elena , Monias David A , Mckay Donnie Z , Hamilton Helga , Scott Muriel , Smolinski Randall , Hurwitz Eric L , Woolf Anthony D , Haldeman Scott 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Since the 1990s, spine disorders have remained the leading cause of global disability, disproportionately affecting economically marginalized individuals, rural populations, women, and older people. Back pain related disability is projected to increase the most in remote regions where lifestyle and work are increasingly sedentary, yet resources and access to comprehensive healthcare is generally limited. To help tackle this worldwide health problem, World Spine Care Canada, and the Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) launched a four-phase project aiming to address the profound gap between evidence-based spine care and routine care delivered to people with spine symptoms or concerns in communities that are medically underserved. Phase 1 conclusions and recommendations led to the development of a model of care that included a triaging system and spine care pathways that could be implemented and scaled in underserved communities around the world.
Methods
The current research protocol describes a site-specific customization and pre-implementation study (Phase 2), as well as a feasibility study (Phase 3) to be conducted in Cross Lake, an Indigenous community in northern Manitoba, Canada. Design: Observational pre-post design using a participatory mixed-methods approach. Relationship building with the community established through regular site visits will enable pre- and post-implementation data collection about the model of spine care and provisionally selected implementation strategies using a community health survey, chart reviews, qualitative interviews, and adoption surveys with key partners at the meso (community leaders) and micro (clinicians, patients, community residents) levels. Recruitment started in March 2023 and will end in March 2026. Surveys will be analyzed descriptively and interviews thematically. Findings will inform co-tailoring of implementation support strategies with project partners prior to evaluating the feasibility of the new spine care program.
Discussion
Knowledge generated from this study will provide essential guidance for scaling up, sustainability and impact (Phase 4) in other northern Canada regions and sites around the globe. It is hoped that implementing the GSCI model of care in Cross Lake will help to reduce the burden of spine problems and related healthcare costs for the local community, and serve as a scalable model for programs in other settings.
Efficacy and Safety of Vaginal Suppositories Containing Combination of Natamycin and Lactulose in Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: International, Randomized, Controlled, Superiority Clinical Trial (Combination of Natamycin and Lactulose for Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis)
Authors: Volkova Oksana. N. , Amel'chenko Elena V. , Makeeva Oksana V. , Tolmachev Sergey A. , Lesovaya Ekaterina A. , Zacharia Lefteris , Dikovskiy Alexander V. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Natamycin + Lactulose vaginal suppositories (100 mg natamycin and 300 mg lactulose) (AVVA RUS JSC, Russia) in adult females with vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Methods and Results: An international, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded clinical trial enrolled 218 females who were randomized into three groups: Natamycin + Lactulose (92 patients), Lactulose (36 patients), and Pimafucin® (90 patients). The study drug and comparator drugs had an identical dosing regimen (one suppository intravaginally once daily at bedtime for six days). The study involved four visits to the study site with the examination at Visits 2 and 3.
Fixed combination of Natamycin + Lactulose was superior to both comparator drugs for the primary efficacy endpoint defined as percentage of patients who achieved a clinical recovery: the absence of symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis. At Visit 2, clinical recovery was reported in 81.6% of females in Natamycin + Lactulose group compared to 42.9% in Lactulose group and 62.3% of patients in Pimafucin group. The difference in proportions was 38.8% and 18.4%. In Natamycin + Lactulose group, microscopic recovery (Visit 2) was observed in 75.9% of patients at Visit 2 and in 90.8% of patients at Visit 3. In Lactulose group, 45.7% and 74.3% subjects responded positively at Visits 2 and 3. In Pimafucin group, 71.3% and 88.5% of patients showed microscopic recovery at Visits 2 and 3. For the microscopic recovery, no differences were reported between Natamycin + Lactulose and Pimafucin groups at both visits. At Visit 3, the number of vaginal lactobacilli was significantly higher in Natamycin + Lactulose group. In females with low baseline values of vaginal lactobacilli, the study combination increased the vaginal levels of lactobacilli to the reference values in 15.4% of patients at Visit 2, and in 20.9% of patients at Visit 3.
Conclusions: The fixed combination Natamycin + Lactulose 100 mg + 300 mg vaginal suppositories (AVVA RUS JSC, Russia) demonstrated superior efficacy compared to 1) Pimafucin 100 mg and 2) Lactulose 300 mg vaginal suppositories in adult females with vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Trial registration: NCT06411314, retrospectively registered on May, the 13th, 2024.
Efficacy and Safety of Chemoradiation with Cisplatin plus Capecitabine in Localized Squamous Cell Anal Cancer
Authors: Dornellas Abraão , Bonadio Renata , Moraes Priscila , Galhera Denis , Victor Carolina , Chen Andre , Muratori Carolina , Ortega Cinthia , Alves Henrique , Ibrahim Karim , Nahas Caio , Marques Carlos Frederico , Alban Luciana , Braghiroli Maria Ignes , Hoff Paulo Marcelo , Moniz Camila 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Localized Squamous Cell Anal Cancer (SCCAC) is a rare disease. The standard of care treatment with curative intent is chemoradiation (CRT) with mitomycin (MMC) or cisplatin (CDDP) plus infusional 5-Fluoracil (5-FU). Capecitabine may replace 5-FU in MMC doublet. However, MMC and infusional pumps are frequently unavailable in underdeveloped countries. CCDP and capecitabine are widely available, but there is no prospective data about the feasibility and efficacy of this combination in a definitive SCCAC CRT setting.
Methods
A Prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment with chemoradiation with CDDP 60mg/m2 D1 and D29 plus Capecitabine 825mg/m2 BID in a population without MMC and infusional pump access. Eligible patients (pts) had T2-4, N0-3, and M0 disease candidates for a full curative CRT regimen. The study data were prospectively collected using REDCap. The primary endpoint was the response by RECIST v.1.1 at 24 weeks(w). The secondary endpoints included toxicity by CTCAE v.5.0, PFS, and OS.
Results
We enrolled 40 consecutive pts between Aug/2019-Dec/2022 in a tertiary cancer center in Brazil. The median age was 61.6y, the majority were stage III (n = 31, 77.5%) and ECOG 1 (n = 20, 50%). HIV + serology was observed in 11 pts (27,5%). All patients received CRT, with a median dose of 54Gy in the primary tumor and 45Gy in the elective nodes. At 8w, 35% (n = 14) had a complete response (CR), 50% (n = 20) partial response (PR), and 2.5% (n = 1) progressive disease (PD). Considering the 35 participants evaluable for response at 24 weeks months by RECIST v.1.1, the disease control rate was 88.5% (n = 31). CR was observed in 47,5% (n = 19), PR in 20% (n = 8), and PD in 12,5% (n = 5). 11 pts had disease recurrence, and six died. The 1y estimated OS was 94.7% (IC95%: 80.7–98.6%), and 1y estimated PFS was 75.3% (IC95%:57.8–86.3%). Colostomy-free survival at one year was 89.6% (IC95%: 74.7–95.9%). Regarding toxicities, any grade 3/4 toxicity was present in 45% (n = 18) being the main G3/4 clinical toxicity radiodermatitis.
Conclusions
The CRT regimen with C + CDDP represents an alternative treatment for localized anal canal tumors in a population that does not have access to MMC and 5-FU infusion pumps. Further studies in this population are encouraged to confirm these findings.
The association between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and bone mineral density in US adults: NHANES (2011-2018)
Authors: Sun Zhengyu , Yue Yong , Li Pengcheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR) represents a novel lipid marker. This study investigated the association between NHHR and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in the general American population.
Methods
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2011 to 2018 were used in this study, including 10,879 participants aged 20–59 years. To investigate the relationship between NHHR and lumbar BMD, we employed multivariate linear regression models along with stratified analyses. Additionally, we applied fitted smoothing curves and threshold effect analyses to explore the nonlinear association between NHHR and lumbar BMD.
Results
After adjusting for covariates, weighted multivariable linear regression models indicated a significant negative association between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) (β = -0.006, 95% CI: -0.008 to -0.003, P < 0.001). Stratified subgroup analyses based on age, gender, race, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes consistently demonstrated this inverse relationship in males (β = -0.005, 95% CI: -0.008 to -0.002, P = 0.002) and females (β = -0.007, 95% CI: -0.011 to -0.003, P < 0.001); non-Hispanic whites (β = -0.005, 95% CI: -0.009 to -0.001, P = 0.015), non-Hispanic blacks (β = -0.010, 95% CI: -0.017 to -0.004, P = 0.003), and other races (β = -0.007, 95% CI: -0.011 to -0.003, P = 0.001); participants aged 20–29 years (β = -0.006, 95% CI: -0.011 to -0.001, P = 0.022) and 40–49 years (β = -0.008, 95% CI: -0.013 to -0.003, P < 0.001); individuals with a BMI < 25 (β = -0.008, 95% CI: -0.014 to -0.002, P = 0.010) and those with a BMI between 25 and 30 (β = -0.011, 95% CI: -0.015 to -0.007, P < 0.001). For the total cohort, individuals of other races, and participants aged 30–39 years, a nonlinear relationship was examined with inflection points identified at NHHR values of 4.29, 5.26, and 2.91, respectively.
Conclusions
For US adults aged 20 to 59, our research identified an inverse relationship between the NHHR and lumbar BMD. This association was observed across the general cohort, individuals of other races, and participants aged 30–39 years, demonstrating a nonlinear relationship with inflection points at 4.29, 5.26, and 2.91, respectively. Consequently, NHHR could serve as a sensitive biomarker for the prevention of osteoporosis or osteopenia.
The diagnostic value of serum C-reactive protein/high-density lipoprotein in microvascular angina
Authors: Zhao Wenxin , Wang Lida , Cai Yongxu , Zhao Xianfeng , Li Zhongyan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to explore the relation ship between the serum ratio of C-reactive protein (CRP) to high density lip opro tein cholesterol (HDL-C) with microvascular angina(MVA).It also aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum CRP /HDL-C in relation to MVA.
Methods The observation group consisted of 70 patients diagnosed with MVA ,while the control group included 68 patients with normal or minimal (< 50%) stenosis on coronary angiography, negative ECG exercise test and normal coronary blood flow randomly selected using a random number table method.Serum CRP,HCY,HDL-C and other relevant parameters were measured in both groups, with CRP /HDL-C calculated.Logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors for microvascular angina.
Results CRP/HDL-C levels were significantly elevated in MVA patients with statistical significance (P < 0.001).The parameterswas identified as independent risk factor for predicting MVA occurrence.The results of ROC analysis indicated that CRP /HDL-C showed high predictive value for diagnosing MVA .The CRP/HDL-C had a higher area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosing microvascular angina compared to individual parameters ,with a statisticallysignificantdifference(P<0.05).
Conclusions Elevated CRP /HDL-C levels can serve as positive predictors for diagnosing MVA.The parameters can enhance diagnostic accuracy and aid in the early identification of MVA patients..
Integrating human plasma proteomes with genome-wide association data implicates novel proteins and drug targets for Rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ke Xin , Yao Shi , Wu Hao , Zheng Xi , Liu Tian-Yue , Yang Feng-Fan , Li Yi-Fan , Zhang Kui , Zheng Zhao-Hui , Zhu Ping 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered over 100 loci associated with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk. However, how these loci contribute to RA risk remains largely unknown, which has hampered the development of new therapeutics. To identify genes contributing to RA risk through their effects on protein abundance, we conducted the first large-scale proteome-wide association study (PWAS) by integrating the largest up-to-date RA GWAS results with human plasma proteomes.
Methods
The PWAS was perform using RA GWAS summary statistics from discovery (22,350 RA cases and 74,823 controls) and replication (31,313 RA cases and 995,377 controls) cohorts, by leveraging precomputed protein expression weights generated from ARIC (N = 7,213) and INTERVAL (N = 3,301) studies. Then, Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analyses were employed to investigate causal relationships between PWAS proteins and RA. Druggable targets exploration were finally conducted to prioritize potential therapeutic targets for RA.
Results
We identified 21 genes whose genetically regulated protein abundances were associated with RA risk. Of note, 10 genes were potentially causal and were prioritized as candidate RA genes. Among the 10 causal genes, six genes (OLFML3, PAM, ICOSLG, FCRL3, ERAP2, IL6R) were also associated to RA at transcriptome level, including the three novel genes (ICOSLG, FCRL3, ERAP2) that were not implicated in the original GWAS, which were regarded as novel candidate genes for RA. Druggable targets exploration identified 120 drug-gene interactions involving in 7 causal PWAS genes, including seven drugs or compounds targeting novel PWAS gene ERAP2 and ICOSLG, which possesses superior anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic activity in autoimmune diseases, hence might be candidates for treating RA.
Conclusions
Our results provide novel insights into RA pathogenesis and promising targets for further mechanistic investigations and drug development of RA.