bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Early Dilation of the Residual gastric After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Insights from a 3D CT Reconstruction Study
Authors: Li Zhao , Li Zhaopeng , Song Yancheng , Guo Dong , Song Yi , Li Yu , Zhang Zhuoli , Chen Dong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently the most commonly performed bariatric surgery due to its effective weight loss and low complication rates. However, some patients experience weight regain or insufficient weight loss due to residual gastric dilation, the factors of which are unclear. This study uses 3D CT reconstruction to measure changes in residual gastric volume after LSG and investigates factors contributing to gastric dilation and its impact on weight loss. Method This retrospective study involved 50 LSG patients. Preoperative clinical and laboratory data were collected. Residual gastric volume was measured using 3D CT reconstruction at 1 and 3 months post-surgery. The study assessed total sleeve volume (TSV), tube volume (TV), and antral volume (AV). Resected gastric volume and staple line length were measured during surgery. Weight metrics and laboratory indices were recorded at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R21 (TFEQ-R21), the Eating Behavior and Belief Scale Questionnaire (EBBS-Q), and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERD-Q) were used to assess patients' postoperative dietary behavior, treatment adherence, and reflux condition, respectively. Correlations between weight metrics, residual gastric dilation, and the aforementioned factors were analyzed. Results The 50 patients had a mean preoperative BMI of 42.27 ± 7.19 kg/m² and an average total weight loss (%TWL) of 34 ± 7% one year post-LSG. One month post-LSG, mean TV, AV, and TSV were 45.93 ± 16.75 mL, 115.85 ± 44.92 mL, and 161.77 ± 55.37 mL, respectively. %TWL at one year significantly correlated with residual gastric dilation (p < 0.05). Three months post-surgery, the degree of residual gastric dilation was 13.50 ± 17.35%. Initial residual gastric volume, preoperative diabetes, and postoperative reflux were associated with dilation. Conclusion Residual gastric dilation post-LSG significantly affects weight loss efficacy. Factors including initial residual residual gastric volume, preoperative diabetes, and postoperative reflux are associated with residual gastric dilation.
Extraction camouflage treatment of a skeletal Class III malocclusion with severe anterior crowding by miniscrews and driftodontics in the mandibular dentition
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Jiaojiao , Yu Liyuan , Sun Wentian , Xia Kai , Zhao Zhihe , Liu Jun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

An 18-year-old Chinese woman presented with chief complaints of crowded teeth and mild mandibular prognathism. Clinical and imaging examinations revealed a skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion characterized by a concave profile, a protruded chin, increased lower anterior facial height, anterior crossbites, and crowded teeth. Extraction camouflage therapy combined with driftodontics was employed to relieve crowding and retract the lower anterior teeth. The total active treatment time was 31 months. After treatment, functional occlusion and smile esthetics were significantly improved.
Perioperative and long-term outcomes of CEA/CAS on patients with severe ICA stenosis and impaired distal lumen
Authors: Huang Huaigu , Xu Yingxin , Cai Lizhu , Wang Yanling , Zheng Xueqing , Chen Yu , Zheng Yuehong , Chen Yuexin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the peri-operative and long-term outcomes of patients with severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and impaired distal lumen.
Methods
134 patients with ICA stenosis ≥ 70% and impaired distal lumen were included in this single center, retrospective observational study. ‘Impaired distal lumen’ was determined by a less-perfused distal lumen slimmer than ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) or contralateral internal carotid artery (ICA) found in CTA scan. Precise measurements of CTA results were reached and diagnosed 44 as internal carotid artery near occlusion (ICANO) patients, and 90 as non-ICANO patients. They all underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) treatment, and were followed-up at 1 month, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years.
Results
Patients with severe ICA stenosis and impaired distal lumen demonstrated a low rate of cardio-cerebral comorbidity of 1.49% (2/134) within 30 days and 7.46% (10/134) after 30 days. No significant differences were found between two groups in peri-operative and long-term cardio-cerebral comorbidities. Regarding cardio-cerebral comorbidities-free survival and event-free survival, no differences were found (P = .22, P = .23). A larger distal lumen of contralateral ICA (HR 0.75 [0.60–0.94]) was found to be a protective factor for event-free survival.
Conclusions
Surgical intervention (CEA/CAS treatment) was found safe and effective in patients with severe ICA stenosis and impaired distal lumen. No significant differences were found between ICANO and non-ICANO group in perioperative and long-term outcomes. Patients with a larger distal lumen of contralateral ICA might have a better event-free survival.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring psychological issues among Turkish metropolitan firefighters Running head: Psychological issues in firefighters with PTSD
Authors: Bakirci Ahmet Erhan , Sar Vedat , Cetin Ali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the co-occurrence of childhood trauma, dissociation, suicidality, and depression with posttraumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) among professional firefighters working in metropolitan fire departments in Turkey.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 760 male firefighters aged 24-55 years with 2-35 years of work experience. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-33 (CTQ-33), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-4 (SBQ-4), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
Results. Using a PCL-5 score ≥33 as the cutoff for probable PTSD, 28.5% of the participants met the criteria. Firefighters with PTSD showed significantly higher rates of childhood trauma (51.2% vs. 28.4%, p < 0.001), dissociation (52% vs. 10% above the clinical cut-off, p < 0.001), suicidal ideation (54.8% vs. 37.8%, p < 0.001), and depression (100% vs. 34.4% with at least mild symptoms, p < 0.001) than those without PTSD. PTSD severity positively correlated with childhood trauma (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), dissociation (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), suicidal ideation (r = 0.39, p < 0.001), and depression (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Childhood trauma emerged as a significant predictor of PTSD status (odds ratio [OR] = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.89-3.67, p < 0.001).
Conclusions. The findings highlight the significant co-occurrence of PTSD with childhood trauma, dissociation, suicidality, and depression among metropolitan firefighters. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive mental health screening and targeted interventions for firefighters, particularly in addressing the interplay between PTSD and other psychological issues.
An Emerging, Less Explored SCOLA (Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach) for Ventral Hernias with concomitant Diastasis Recti: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mehta Ketan , V Rajesh G , Parmar Girish , Mehta Viraj , Bavarva Nirav , Charniya Keval , Vaghasiya Jeet , Buch Dhiren , Kapashi Kushal 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Ventral Hernia (VH) is a common issue in patients with Diastasis Recti (DR). VH with concomitant DR presents a challenging scenario for surgical repair due to complexity of abdominal wall defects. Traditional open surgical procedure is associated with prolonged discomfort and poor cosmesis and resultant patients’ unacceptability. Minimal access surgery such as Sub Cutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach (SCOLA), offers innovative solution in addressing both hernia defects and DR comprehensively and circumvent drawbacks of open surgery. In this prospective observational study, 33 patients with VH and DR underwent SCOLA in a tertiary care hospital in Jamnagar, India over a period of 15 months. Reconstruction of abdominal wall was done by suturing hernia defect, plication of DR and onlay polypropylene mesh augmentation by using this technique. No recurrence was detected at follow up from 4 to 18 month. Overall patient satisfaction rate was 90.9%. We conclude that, the SCOLA is a promising advancement in the treatment of patients of VH with DR with many benefits.
Resting-state Functional MRI Study of Mice with Tinnitus Induced by Traumatic Noise Exposure and Sodium Salicylate Overdose
Authors: Zhang Weixun , Shi Jianan , Zhang Yuwen , Ma Rui , Chen Meirong , Yang Juanmei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Tinnitus, a phantom auditory sensation, significantly impacts quality of life and social interactions. While central gain changes, including hyperactivity and increased neural synchrony, have been implicated in tinnitus, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to investigate the neural basis of tinnitus induced in mice by two distinct methods, traumatic noise exposure and sodium salicylate overdose. Behavioral tests confirmed the successful induction of tinnitus in both groups. rs-fMRI analysis revealed distinct patterns of neural activity in mice with tinnitus compared with control mice. Traumatic noise exposure induced an increase in amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the paraflocculus and auditory cortex, as well as a decrease in regional homogeneity (ReHo) in limbic system regions. On the other hand, sodium salicylate overdose led to decreased ALFF and ReHo in the auditory cortex, somatosensory system and limbic system regions. Functional connectivity analysis further highlighted differences between the two models, with traumatic noise exposure affecting connectivity with the inferior colliculus and sodium salicylate overdose affecting connectivity with the medial geniculate body. These findings suggest that traumatic noise exposure and sodium salicylate overdose induce tinnitus through distinct neural mechanisms, potentially involving different neural circuits and pathways. Further research is needed to explore these mechanisms and develop targeted therapies for tinnitus.
Clinical-Radiomics Model Enhancing Prediction of Occult Nodal Metastasis in cT1a-bN0M0-stage Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Multi-center Study
Authors: Yan Qinqin , Yan Fuhua , Wang Shengping , Feng Feng , Jia Zhongzheng , Yang Shan , Cheng Zenghui , Zhang Zhiyong , Shan Fei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To construct radiomics models for predicting occult nodal metastasis (ONM) in cT1a-bN0M0-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and evaluate the multi-center diagnostic performance of models.
Methods
1672 patients from six hospitals were collected including training set (n = 687), test set (n = 297) and external validation set (n = 688). Generalized linear model (GLM), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM) and the Clinical-Radiomics (Clinic-Rad) models were constructed and validated to predict ONM. Diagnostic performance was quantified by the area under receiver operative characteristic curve (AUC), and compared using De-Long test. Correlations of radiomics features with pathological characteristics were evaluated by Mantel-test.
Results
Compared to GLM-, SVM-, RF- and GBM-models, the Clinic-Rad model integrating clinical predictors and Radscore received superior diagnostic efficacy in validation set (0.813 ± 0.019 versus 0.790 ± 0.021, 0.761 ± 0.023, 0.708 ± 0.026, 0.769 ± 0.022; all P < 0.001), although no statistical differences in test set (0.834 ± 0.023 versus 0.827 ± 0.024, 0.829 ± 0.025, 0.838 ± 0.023, 0.826 ± 0.024; all P > 0.05). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of the Clinic-Rad model was 77.2–75.8%, 72.0–72.7%, 72.7–74.4%. Besides, it was well predictive in solid- and subsolid-appearance LUAD respectively, with pooled AUC values of 0.802–0.820 and 0.797–0.917. Furthermore, radiomics models significantly outperformed clinical predictors including solid-component diameter, consolidation-to-tumor ratio, CEA level and the combined diagnosis (AUC values: versus 0.669–0.678, 0.542–0.600, 0.571–0.613 and 0.683–0.724; all P < 0.001). The Mantel-test demonstrated 88.9%(n = 16/18) of selected radiomics features, Radscore and predicted ONM possibilities were correlated with poorly-differentiated, lymph-vessel invasion, visceral pleura invasion.
Conclusions
Radiomics features are useful to predict ONM in cT1a-bN0M0-stage LUAD and the Clinic-Rad model shows the best diagnostic performance.
Methylation patterns of the nasal epigenome of hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 positive patients reveal insights into molecular mechanisms of COVID-19
Authors: Spector Benjamin , Koseva Boryana , McLennan Rebecca , Banerjee Dithi , Lankachandra Kamani , Bradley Todd , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Grundberg Elin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has varied presentations from asymptomatic to death. Efforts to identify factors responsible for differential COVID-19 severity include but are not limited to genome wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptomic analysis. More recently, variability in host epigenomic profiles have garnered attention, providing links to disease severity. However, whole epigenome analysis of the respiratory tract, the target tissue of SARS-CoV-2, remains ill-defined.
Results: We interrogated the nasal methylome to identify pathophysiologic drivers in COVID-19 severity through whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of nasal samples from COVID-19 positive individuals with severe and mild presentation of disease. We noted differential DNA methylation in intergenic regions and low methylated regions (LMRs), demonstrating the importance of distal regulatory elements in COVID-19-induced gene regulation. Additionally, we demonstrated differential methylation of pathways implicated in immune cell recruitment and function, and the inflammatory response. We found significant hypermethylation (suppression) of the FUT4 promoter implicating impaired neutrophil adhesion in severe disease. We also identified hypermethylation of ELF5 binding sites suggesting downregulation of ELF5targets in the nasal cavity as a factor in COVID-19 phenotypic variability.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated DNA methylation as a marker of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with enhancer-like elements playing significant roles. These differences in the nasal methylome may contribute to disease severity, or conversely the nasal immune system may respond to severe infection, through differential immune cell recruitment and immune function, and through differential regulation of the inflammatory response.
Preterm Birth and Stillbirth: Total Bile Acid Levels in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies: A Retrospective Cohort Study from 2014 to 2022
Authors: Zhao Yongzhao , Zhang Qianwen , Sheng Yuting , Zhang Man , He Guolin , Liu Xinghui 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder characterized by maternal pruritus and elevated serum bile acids. Twin pregnancies, as a type of high-risk pregnancy, present additional complexities when complicated by ICP compared to singleton pregnancies. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between bile acid levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and stillbirth in twin pregnancies.
Methods
This retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted at the Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to July 2022, focusing on twin pregnancies complicated by ICP. Patients were grouped based on peak levels of total bile acids during pregnancy. Differences among these groups in gestational weeks at delivery, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, stillbirth, premature rupture of membranes, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and newborn birth weight were observed as pregnancy outcome indicators.
Results
In 1156 twin pregnancies complicated by ICP, were 430 cases classified as mild, 392 as moderate-low, 292 as moderate-high, and 42 as severe. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, significant differences were observed among the four groups of pregnant women in terms of gestational weeks at delivery (P < 0.001), rate of preterm birth (P < 0.001), newborn birth weight (P < 0.001), incidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P < 0.001), and proportion of low birth weight infants (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The study results indicate that the severity of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, newborn birth weight, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid contamination. Additionally, among different bile acid level groups, gestational weeks at delivery showed varying trends in stillbirth occurrence.
Factors associated with multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) mortality: An analysis from the National Surveillance of Multidrug-Resistant Organism, 2018-2022
Authors: WP Sharifa Ezat , M Norhidayah , AR Muhammad Nur Amir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue, with the World Health Organization identifying it as one of the greatest threats to public health, with an estimated 4.95 million deaths linked to bacterial AMR in 2019. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of mortality among MDRO-infected patients in state hospitals and major specialist hospitals and to identify risk factors that could be associated with mortality outcomes.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study performed at 28 hospitals under the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, involved in the National Surveillance of Multidrug-Resistant Organism, which surveys 6 MDROs.
Result
In terms of mortality, 9.6% (n = 951) of the patients died overall, whereas 90.4% (n = 8931) of the patients survived. Healthcare acquired infection (HCAI) poses a high risk of mortality (adjusted OR: 2.91, 95% CI: 2.15–3.94). The presence of sterile specimens was significantly associated with increased mortality risk (adjusted OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 2.02–2.68). Gram-negative bacteria had a greater mortality risk (adjusted OR 1.63 95% CI: 1.37–1.93), whereas Acinetobacter baumanii had the highest prevalence of 30.7% (3033) among the 6 MDRO organisms isolated. Patients in medical-based departments had a greater mortality risk (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.22–1.75).
Conclusion
HCAIs, gram-negative bacteria, sterile specimens, medical-based departments and state hospitals have been shown to be associated with increased mortality risk in patients with MDRO infections. Improved surveillance and reporting mechanisms are necessary to better understand the burden of MDRO infections and guide research funding allocation.
Noninvasive detection of early nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on three gene methylation analysis in bilateral nasal swab samples processed automatically
Authors: Qin Zi-Han , Chen Si-Yuan , Zhou Shuai , Deng Hua , Li Lan-Xi , Guo Qi-Lun , Zou Xiong , Huang Pei-Yu , Chen Ming-Yuan , Zhang Liang , Hua Yi-Jun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Efforts have been made to improve the performance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening strategies, including EBV related biomarkers. However, the advances achieved still remain imperfect. DNA methylation occurs early in cancer development and can be used as potential diagnostic biomarker. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of three methylated genes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Methods
255 nasopharyngeal swabs and 35 plasma samples were collected from patients with newly diagnosed or treated NPC and healthy controls. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was carried out to evaluate the methylation status of three genes (SEPTIN9, RASSF1A, and H4C6) in the swabs and plasma samples. Methylation rates, sensitivity, and specificity of the candidate genes were calculated. Furthermore, the detectability of methylated genes in paired swabs and plasma was compared.
Results
In the nasopharyngeal swabs of patients with newly diagnosed NPC, the detection rate of methylated SEPTIN9, RASSF1A, and H4C6 was 88.2%, 92.9% and 71.8%, while the rate decreased to 54.3%, 42.9% and 45.7% by blood plasma, respectively. The sensitivity of detecting methylated SEPTIN9, RASSF1A, and H4C6 to differentiate between untreated NPC, and treated NPC plus healthy controls was 88%, 93%, and 72%. Methylated RASSF1A showed the best classification accuracy (AUC = 0.956). The detection rate of the target methylated genes was significantly lower in the paired plasma samples.
Conclusion
The detection of RASSF1A methylation through non-invasive nasopharyngeal cavity swab sampling demonstrates significant potential in NPC diagnosis.
Chemical Recycling of PET by catalyzed aminolysis and its application as a hardener for epoxy coating
Authors: Padole Mrunalini M. , Gawali Pawan N. , Sabnis Anagha S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Due to the widespread application of polymers, waste management is becoming elusive and a threat to the polymer industry, both manufacturing and processing. One commonly used polymer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), considered environmentally harmful due to its substantial presence in waste streams and its resistance to natural degradation. Chemical recycling is the most suitable solution for dealing with this, as polymers are recycled into their starting material and used in various applications. Aminolysis of PET offers an alternative approach that can be conducted under less stringent conditions, yielding valuable chemicals. In this work, we depolymerized PET into an oligomeric product using 4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecanediamine as an aminolysis agent. The resulting oligomer, containing amine functionality, was investigated for its potential as a curing agent for epoxy resin in coating applications. The aminolyzed product demonstrated enhanced performance, resulting in epoxy coatings with superior thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance compared to traditional hardeners. These properties were rigorously tested and validated according to ASTM standards. Additionally, the direct utilization of the product obtained without filtration or separation provides a cost-effective solution. Our findings highlight a promising approach to PET recycling, providing a sustainable solution for waste management and a novel application for high-performance epoxy coatings.