bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the Suturing Technique (Barbed Continuous versus Conventional Interrupted) Have an Impact on the Outcome of Anastomotic Urethroplasty?
Authors: Çolakoğlu Yunus , Özlü Deniz Noyan , Ayten Ali , Savun Metin , Şimşek Abdulmüttalip 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate and compare continuous suture (CS) and interrupted suture (IS) techniques applied in excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty in terms of surgical success and complication rates.
Methods
A retrospective evaluation was conducted on patients with bulbar urethral strictures measuring ≤ 2.5 cm, who underwent EPA between April 2020 and December 2022. Patients with a history of urethral reconstruction, multiple strictures, a history of pelvic radiotherapy, a diagnosis of Lichen sclerosis, a history of surgery due to congenital penile curvature or Peyronie’s disease, and a follow-up period of less than 12 months were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups according to the suture technique used (CS or IS), and the groups were compared for demographic and perioperative data.
Results
A total of 97 patients (CS: n = 52, IS: n = 55) were included in the sample. The mean age of the entire patient group was calculated to be 56.2 years, and the mean stricture length was 19.3 mm. Operation time and postoperative catheter time were shorter in the CS group (94.7 ± 7.3 vs. 117.2 ± 5.7 min and 9.9 ± 1.6 vs. 15.8 ± 1.9 min, p = 0.000, respectively). The groups were similar regarding anatomical success, stress urinary incontinence, penile numbness, curvature, and postoperative infection (p > 0.0).
Conclusion
No significant difference was observed between the CS and IS techniques employed during EPA urethroplasty in terms of success or complications. However, in addition to reducing the operation time, the CS technique offers the advantage of safely removing the urethral catheter earlier.
Upregulation of adenosine A2A receptor by astrocytes is sufficient to trigger hippocampal multicellular dysfunctions and memory deficits.
Authors: Blum David , Launay Agathe , Carvalho Kévin , Gauvrit Thibaut , Murcia Victoria Gomez , Augustin Emma , Burgard Anaëlle , Thiroux Bryan , Vieau Didier , Bemelmans Alexis-Pierre , LeGras Stéphanie , Buee Luc , Orr Miranda , Boutillier Anne Laurence , Bonvento Gilles , Cambon Karine , Faivre Emilie , Fourmy Déborah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Adenosine is an ubiquitous neuromodulator that ensures cerebral homeostasis. It exerts numerous functions through the activation of G-protein-coupled adenosine receptors (ARs), in particular A1 (A1R) and A2A (A2AR) receptors. Interestingly, A2AR levels are upregulated in cortical and hippocampal regions in several pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, tauopathies or epilepsia. Such abnormal upregulations have been particularly reported in astrocytes, glial cells that play a key role in regulating synaptic plasticity. However, the overall impact and the underlying mechanisms associated with increased A2AR in astrocytes remain poorly understood. In the present study, we induced the upregulation of A2AR in hippocampal astrocytes using dedicated AAVs and comprehensively evaluated the functional consequences in 4 months-old C57Bl6/J mice. Our results show that A2AR upregulation promotes cell-autonomous alterations of astrocyte reactivity, morphology and transcriptome, with a link to aging-like phenotype as well as non-cell autonomous impairments of neuronal excitability and microglial phenotype. These changes driven by a restricted A2AR upregulation in hippocampal astrocytes were sufficient to induce impairments of short-term spatial memory (Y-Maze task) and spatial learning (Barnes Maze task). This study highlights the impact of astrocytic A2AR upregulation, as seen in various neurological conditions, on the development of a detrimental multicellular response associated with memory alterations and provides an additional proof-of-concept for the value of targeting this receptor in different neurodegenerative conditions.
Extra-gonadal Endometrioid Borderline Ovarian Tumor Associated with Endometriotic Cyst
Authors: Dimaano Katrina , Sarkissyan Marianna , Petrie Beverley A. , Wu Meifang , McPhaul Laron W. , Lee Hanjoo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) are rare ovarian tumors that present at a younger age than other ovarian carcinomas. These tumors present a challenge given the complex diagnostic and surgical considerations that need to be navigated for patient care. Notably, fertility sparing among younger woman is preferable surgically but may place patient at a higher rate of recurrence. The purpose of this report is to review the work-up and surgical management of an extra-gonadal endometroid BOT.
Case Presentation:
Patient is a 32-year-old female with history of polycystic ovary syndrome, type II diabetes mellitus, and morbid obesity who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. She underwent extensive work-up including computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), colonoscopy, and diagnostic laparoscopy. After multidisciplinary discussion, this was managed with oncologic en bloc resection of the lesion and adherent colon. In order to maintain fertility, her ovaries and uterus were spared. She continued with surveillance and at three month follow up had no evidence of disease. The purpose of this report is to review the work-up and surgical management of an extra-gonadal endometroid BOT.
Conclusions
This report reviews the work-up and surgical management of an extra-gonadal endometroid BOT to inform clinicians on management of these rare tumors.
Tunable dual-band ultrasensitive graphene metamaterial terahertz sensor
Authors: Cai Kejing , Nie Sihan , Sun Pengfei , Li Xin , Zhou Yaxin , Su Lijing , Gao Yang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A highly sensitive terahertz metasurface refractive index sensor is proposed utilizing a graphene metamaterial with adjustable dual-band characteristics. The sensor comprises a SiO2 substrate and a graphene metasurface. Through extensive simulations and analysis using finite difference time domain (FDTD) software, the absorption characteristics and sensing performance align with the predictions made by coupled mode theory (CMT). The simulations indicate two absorption peaks at 4.65 THz and 5.53 THz, achieving absorption rates reaching up to 99% and 54%, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivities are 1.67 THz/RIU and 1.14 THz/RIU at resonance peaks, respectively. Stability and reliability analyses of our design include investigations into the effects of structural parameters and Fermi level on the absorption spectrum. This research significantly expands the potential applications of devices in the terahertz range.
The Application of Endoscopic Debridement Combined with Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Technology in Primary Spinal Infections: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Feng Xiaofei , Cheng Jie , Jiang Luyong , Lin Jiayi , Pang Qingjiang , Liu Jiangtao , Ye Zhewei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Spinal endoscopy is a novel minimally invasive spinal surgery technique used in recent years to treat various degenerative spinal diseases. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a new method for identifying infectious microorganisms in infectious diseases. We aim to evaluate the application effect of combining spinal endoscopy with mNGS in diagnosing and treating spinal infections.
Methods
The clinical data of 62 patients with suspected spinal infectious diseases admitted from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent spinal endoscopy to obtain tissue specimens, histopathological examination, routine bacterial culture, and mNGS sequencing. Describe the pathogenic microbial spectrum of spinal infection, and compare the differences in sensitivity (true positive rate) and specificity (true negative rate) between the two detection methods. White blood cell (WBC) erythrocyte deposition rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and other clinical results were analyzed.
Results
In 62 cases, mNGS, microbiological culture, serologic testing, and pathologic examination results were obtained. 49 cases of spinal infections and 13 cases of non-spinal infections were finally diagnosed clinically. Among the 49 patients with spinal infections, there were 31 cases of purulent bacterial infections, 8 cases of tuberculosis infections, and 10 cases of infections with unspecified etiological microorganisms. Among the 13 cases of non-spinal infections, there were 3 cases of spinal tumors, 6 cases of Modic changes of the endplates, and 4 cases of endplate fracture. The positive rate of microbial culture was 36.73% (18/49), and the positive rate of the mNGS test was 71.43% (35/49), which was statistically different from each other (P < 0.01). The sensitivity of the mNGS test was 71.43%, and the specificity of the mNGS test was 84.62%. At the 3-month follow-up, WBC, ESR, and CRP levels were normalized. The VAS, JOA score, and ODI of the lower back and legs at each follow-up point after surgery were significantly improved compared with those before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Macrogenomic sequencing technology is fast, efficient, and accurate in detecting pathogenic microorganisms, and has high diagnostic value in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal infections. Spinal endoscopic debridement combined with mNGS can achieve good clinical results.
Fibromyalgia Comorbidity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: Assessing Impact on Quality of Life
Authors: Monteiro Jade A. M. , Gama Alexia L. H. , Oliveira Joao C. S. , Falcao Matheus V. , Melo Ana Karla G. , Brito Danielle C. S. E. , Braz Alessandra S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of Fibromyalgia in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is significantly higher compared to the general population. Despite this frequent association, Fibromyalgia remains underdiagnosed and con- sequently inadequately treated, negatively affecting the quality of life of these patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of Fibromyal- gia and its impact on the quality of life of Brazilian patients with SLE treated at a University Hospital in the state of Paraiba.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study included patients with SLE diagnosed according to the 2012 criteria of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC). The occurrence of Fibromyalgia was assessed using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria of 1990 and 2010/2011, revised in 2016. Quality of life was evaluated using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire for all patients, while the Fibromyalgia Impact Ques- tionnaire (FIQ) was applied to those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
Results: The sample comprised 107 SLE patients, with an average age of 54.1 years (SD:12.1), of whom 95.4% (102) were women. The prevalence of Fibromyalgia among SLE patients was 19.1% (21), all of whom were women with a mean age of 45.6 years (SD 9.6). The SF-36 scores of SLE patients with Fibromyalgia were consistently lower across all eight domains compared to those without Fibromyalgia, indicat- ing a significant negative impact of this comorbidity.
Conclusion: These findings are consistent with existing literature, highlighting the significant negative impact of Fibromyalgia on the quality of life of patients with SLE.
Use of Electrical Resistivity Profiling to Reduce Landfill Siting Risks in the South Central Kentucky Karst
Authors: May Michael T. , Brackman Thomas B. , May Elizabeth C. , Edwards W. Trenton 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Electrical Resistivity (ER) can be a key tool for aiding in characterization of karst geohazard risks at proposed landfill sites. This focused study is proximal to the south central Kentucky karst and Mammoth Cave National Park and possesses siliciclastic cap rock upland areas that pose relatively high groundwater-contamination risks due to adjacent ravines floored by carbonates. Complex stratigraphy associated with the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian unconformity and juxtaposition of heterolithic sedimentary rocks in general presents further challenges for demarcating hydrogeological characterization of the base of engineered landfills. A conceptual site model integrates ER surveying and field geology that both satisfactorily characterize the site and risks to groundwater resources without conducting multiple borings. Our work entails two ER profiles that traversed the site, study of outcrops, an excavated pit and trench and briefly compares the focus study area to regional sites with caves. ER data range from several low 10s to about 400 ohm-meter values for mud rock units whereas sandy units possess ER values from approximately 500 to several 10 tens of thousands of ohm meters. The greatest values are indicative of basal Pennsylvanian Caseyville Sandstone and these exceed 32,000 ohm meters. An unexpected challenge specific to this study includes occurrence of well-drained and highly weathered Caseyville at the highest elevations of the site where electrical contact was not possible during ER surveying. The overall ER contrast however, between quartz-rich and clay poor strata (high-resistivity rocks) and clay-rich strata (low-resistivity rocks) provides independent data consistent with the observed stratigraphy exposed in site exposures.
Investigating the interaction between opioidergic and D1-like dopamine receptors in the nucleus accumbens on pain-related behaviors in the animal model of acute pain
Authors: Shahani Pariya , Abolghasemi Hedie , Abtin Shima , Mozafari Roghaye , Barikrow Nooshin , Yekta Batool Ghorbani , Haghparast Abbas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The opioidergic and dopaminergic systems play an essential role in processing pain information in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The present work examined the hypothesis that interaction between opioidergic and D1-like dopamine receptors in the NAc area may influence acute pain-related behaviors. One hundred sixty adult male Wistar rats unilaterally received different doses of morphine (5, 10, and 25 mmol/0.5µL) and various doses of SKF38393 (1.5, 3, 6, and 12 mmol/0.5µL) as opioid and D1-like receptor agonist in the NAc region, respectively. In the second stage, animals got different amounts (1.5, 3, 6, and 12 mmol/0.5µL) of SCH23390, a D1-like receptor antagonist, before an effective dose of morphine (10 mmol/0.5µL). The animals were then given naloxone (1.5, 5, and 15 mmol/0.5µL) before they were given an effective dose of SKF38393 (3 mmol/0.5µL). The tail-flick test was then used to measure their acute pain threshold. The main findings showed that intra-NAc injection of morphine and SKF38393 alone causes antinociceptive responses. However, the intra-accumbal injection of SCH23390 significantly reduced the antinociceptive responses elicited by intra-NAc morphine. Additionally, intra-NAc naloxone significantly reduced the antinociceptive effects elicited by intra-NAc SKF38393. Interestingly, SCH23390 was more effective in reversing the analgesic effects of morphine (η2 = 0.61) than naloxone in reversing the analgesic effects of SKF38393 (η2 = 0.49). The findings suggest that the opioidergic and dopamine systems in the NAc collaborate to produce pain-relieving effects. This insight could potentially enhance the effectiveness of lower doses of opioids for pain management, ultimately reducing their usage in clinical settings in the future.
A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study of Animal Bite Victims in District Hospital Alwar, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Muraleedharan Deepak , E Neethu , R Jayadevan , A Hafis Ahammed , Kewalramani Suresh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Rabies, an invariably fatal viral disease, transmitted to humans through animal bites, mostly dogs. According to WHO, each year, 23 000–25 000 people die in the SEA Region due to rabies. These accounts for approximately 45% human deaths due to rabies worldwide.
Objective
Study epidemiological trend of animal bite in Alwar District Hospital.
Methods
A retrospective, record-based study was conducted in 200 animal bite victims presenting to District Hospital Alwar, Rajasthan wherein information on monthly number of animal bite cases was collected from records section of the hospital. Information on annual number of animal bite cases was available from the Annual Report of the hospital from 2018 onwards, this data was used for studying the monthly variation in animal bite cases. Data were compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Results
Among 200 victims 76.3% were males, 56.7% belongs to15-45 year.’s, 61.6% were living in urban area, 31.3% and 21.7% of the victims were agriculture worker and laborers respectively. Among 95.8% victims bitten by dog, 89% of them were stray. 89.4% had Category III bite, lower extremity affected in 60.8%, fate of animal was unknown in 78.6% and 46% of the victims were bitten during evening hours.
Conclusions
Majority of bites were by stray dogs, unprovoked and category III bites. This indicates the need of large amount of anti-rabies serum or HRIG thereby increasing the cost of management of animal bite cases. There is a need to control stray dog population and immunize pet dogs.
Adversarial Shield: Using Large Language Models to Enhance Response Security Against Adversarial Attacks
Authors: Hamed Manar , Kasiem Nora , Abdou Mariem , Aslan Heba , Khoriba Ghada , Arafa Tamer 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

As Large Language Models (LLMs) usage becomes more widespread, it is essential to ensure the security of its responses against adversarial attacks. These attacks manipulate LLMs to produce harmful or misleading information, posing significant risks in several applications. Therefore, this paper investigates the capability of using LLMs as a safety judge of another LLM's response. The proposed architecture consists of generators, evaluators, and a judge. Four LLM generators have been used to generate responses to a user-provided question. The questions and the responses are then provided to the evaluators. The evaluators scale each response based on its safety level. Finally, the judge selects the best response based on the evaluators' output. This architecture has been used to test two approaches: one with a single LLM evaluator and another with four fine-tuned specialized LLMs. The pipeline achieved an 88% accuracy using the one-evaluator approach and an 83% accuracy using the four-evaluator approach. The results prove the potential effectiveness of LLMs as a judge of other LLM-generated responses and offer a promising direction for enhancing the reliability and security of AI systems in adversarial environments.
A deep learning framework combining graph neural networks and YOLO for military target detection in urban battlefields
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Lijuan , Jiang Yutong , Zhao Hui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the urban battlefield environment, the rapid movement and frequent occlusion of military targets often lead to low detection accuracy during target recognition, and the existing models are difficult to meet the real-time requirements of battlefield recognition. To address this problem, this study proposes an innovative method that combines graph neural networks and YOLO models to solve the problem of low detection accuracy caused by slow detection speed and fuzziness of existing models. First, we improved the YOLOv7 model by introducing the SPPFPC structure, CARAFE structure and DSConv. These improvements not only reduced the complexity of the model and achieved lightweight, but also optimized the regression box by using the latest Shape-IoU method, effectively reducing the positioning loss of the model. Then, the model performance was improved by introducing intelligent reasoning and optimization processes in the model output stage, so that the model can re-reason the confidence of objects based on the spatial position relationship between objects. We constructed a graph relationship model based on the detection results and input it into the adjusted SeHGNN network. The SeHGNN network is responsible for learning the complex relationship between targets and recalculating the confidence. Through experimental verification, the improved model shows significant performance improvement on mAP@0.50, proving the effectiveness of this method.Through this method that combines traditional target detection technology with the knowledge reasoning function of graph neural networks, the model's detection performance for military targets in urban battlefields is significantly improved.
Optimizing Hysteresis Parameters for RC Structural Elements Using Genetic Algorithm in OpenSees
Authors: A Gautham 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

An accurate numerical model is crucial for predicting the cyclic hysteresis response of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structural elements, capturing strength and stiffness degradations along with the pinched hysteresis response typical of RC members. OpenSees, an open-source fiber modeling and analysis software, is versatile for modeling RC, steel, and composite structural elements subjected to seismic loading. While the OpenSees library offers various hysteresis material models for the cyclic response of members, selecting the hysteresis parameters of each model often relies on a black-box approach. This study optimizes hysteresis parameters using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) search method. The dynamic GA search compares the energy dissipation in each cycle of the experimental specimens with the numerical models in OpenSees to optimize the hysteresis parameters. The results show an improvement in the fitness between the simulated and experimental hysteresis curves across the generations, plateauing around the 3rd generation. The modified GA methodology terminates the GA when the fitness function plateaus, saving considerable computational run time. This approach offers a reliable method for estimating hysteresis parameters which is consistent with the experimental results.
Biomarker driven drug repurposing for Fuchs’ Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD): A Computational study
Authors: Singh Sarangthem Dinamani , Gogoi Gayatri , Nagamani Selvaraman , Bharali Pankaj 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Fuchs’ Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD) is a slowly advancing, non-inflammatory eye condition due to gradual increase in thickness of the Descemet’s membrane and the gradual decline in corneal endothelial cells population. It can occur sporadically or be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner leading to impaired vision over time. The only available method to treat FECD is corneal transplant. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers, pathways, and identifying therapeutic targets to treat FECD. The dataset GSE171830 was retrieved from Gene Expression Ominbus (GEO) database for the purpose of investigating and identifying potential therapeutic targets for FECD. Using GEO2R tool, 2654 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 1763 upregulated and 881 downregulated genes, for annotating FECD pathogenesis pathways. We conducted gene enrichment analysis with the aim of identifying the pathways associated with FECD disease. Further, a total of 61 FDA approved eye care drugs were docked with the identified biomarkers. Selected DEGs functional annotations show the involvement of several FECD related biological processes and pathways. Our findings unravel potential biomarkers including HLA-DRA, CSF1R, TNFRSF11B, COL4A1, etc. through GO, KEGG analysis, and Protein Protein Interaction (PPI). Molecular docking of 61 FDA-approved eye care drugs was performed and Naphazoline, Infigratinib, Lifitegrast, Netarsudil, Verteporfin, and Hyaluronic drugs were identified as repurposable candidates. The findings from this study could offer novel insights to the molecular mechanism of FECD and the identified drugs could play a significant impact on the treatment and prevention of FECD.