bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstructive surgery of difficult urethrocutaneous fistula following gender‐affirming surgery
Authors: Matsuo Kazuna , Kanbe Miki , Sakamoto Fumitoshi , Kamei Yuzuru , Akamatsu Shusuke 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn Japan, transgender individuals have historically had limited therapeutic options, prompting many to seek gender‐affirming surgeries in private or foreign clinics because of restricted access to public hospitals. This has led to challenges for patients undergoing surgery.Case presentationA transgender man underwent surgery at a private clinic and experienced recurrent complications. Subsequent examination at another clinic and our hospital revealed limited medical records, complicating our understanding of this case. After a detailed investigation, the urethrocutaneous and urethrovaginal fistulas were identified and addressed by joint urologists and plastic surgeons, resulting in no recurrence after 1 year.ConclusionThis case underscores the importance of thorough preoperative assessment with a flexible mindset, emphasizing the need to avoid being misled by inadequate records or appearances in complication management of gender‐affirming surgery. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals based on comprehensive evaluations lead to safer complication treatments.
Introduction of universal transvaginal cervical length measurement does not decrease spontaneous preterm delivery rate compared to universal transabdominal screening with reflex cut‐off: A pre‐post study
Authors: Holthaus Emily , Alrahmani Layan , Sprawka Nicole , Goodman Jean Ricci , Lal Ann 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of our study is to examine cervical length measurements, identification of short cervix, vaginal progesterone use, and rate of spontaneous preterm delivery before and after departmental transition to a universal transvaginal ultrasound screening protocol from a universal transabdominal screening protocol.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational pre–post study examining the year prior to and year following a transition to a universal transvaginal ultrasound screening protocol to assess cervical length at the time of the anatomy survey. Prior to this transition, universal transabdominal cervical length screening was performed, with reflex transvaginal ultrasound measurement if transabdominal measurement was <35 mm or was unable to be obtained.ResultsA total of 1760 charts were reviewed; 962 charts were from the pre‐transition/transabdominal year and 798 charts were from the post‐transition/transvaginal year. In the post‐transition/transvaginal year, cervical length less than 20 mm was identified in 1.5% of cases, compared to 0.7% of cases in the pre‐transition/transabdominal year (p = 0.114). There was no difference in the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery between the two groups (5.1% in the pre‐transition/transabdominal year vs. 6.9% in the post‐transition/transvaginal year; p = 0.111).ConclusionsIn this pre‐post study, introduction of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening did not decrease spontaneous preterm delivery rates or detection of short cervix <20 mm, compared to a protocol of universal transabdominal cervical length screening with reflex to transvaginal for measurement <35 mm.
Downconversion Master Slave OCT With a Bidirectional Sweeping Laser
Authors: Martinez Jimenez A. , Cernat R. , Bradu A. , Riha R. , Proano Grijalva E. A. , Meyer B. O. , Ansbaek T. , Yvind K. , Podoleanu A. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the challenges of signal processing when using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging instruments driven by asymmetric MHz bidirectional sweeping lasers. A downconversion master–slave (DMS) method is proposed as a viable alternative to the traditional OCT protocol. Unlike conventional swept source OCT, which requires a separate calibration for each sweep, the DMS approach does not require calibration of the acquired channeled spectra; its operation is independent of the tuning direction. We demonstrate the practicality of the DMS method with en‐face OCT images obtained with an OCT instrument equipped with a fast bidirectional swept laser (tuning speed 1.6 MHz) and a slow acquisition card of only 2.5 MS/s sampling rate.
Comparative Analysis of Commercial Immunoassays for the Determination of Total, Intact, and Nonintact Luteinizing Hormone in Urine
Authors: Demir And , Anttonen Mikko , Alfthan Henrik , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Hero Matti 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn our recent publications, we reported the identification of three different molecular forms of total luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine, the intact LH, the free beta‐subunit (LHβ), and its core fragment of LHβ (LHβcf), the latter two establishing the nonintact portion of LH. Following the discontinuation of the Delfia immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) (Wallac, PerkinElmer Finland, Finland), a leading method for detecting urinary LH for 30 years, this study seeks to assess the efficacy of three alternative commercial immunoassays in identifying various forms of U‐LH.MethodsDiluted urine samples underwent gel filtration to separate them into fractions, each containing different forms of LH. These were then assayed using Delfia IFMA, Architect LH (Abbott, USA), Elecsys LH Cobas (Roche, Switzerland), and Immulite 2000 LH (Siemens, Germany) immunoassays.ResultsBoth Delfia and Immulite assays detected total U‐LH, that is, all three forms of U‐LH, including intact LH, LHβ, and LHβcf. Cobas detected only intact LH and LHβ, whereas Architect detected solely the intact LH.ConclusionsImmulite assay can be an alternative tool to detect all forms of urinary LH, a feature likely to be instrumental in developing noninvasive, practical, and scalable solutions for evaluating total U‐LH changes during minipuberty in neonates, during the onset of central puberty in peripubertal children, puberty‐associated disorders in adolescents, and the fertility window in women, with a special focus on postpeak changes.
Associations between gut microbiota and sarcopenia or its defining parameters in older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Lapauw Laurence , Rutten Aurélie , Dupont Jolan , Amini Nadjia , Vercauteren Laura , Derrien Muriel , Raes Jeroen , Gielen Evelien 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAltered gut microbiota (GM) potentially contribute to development or worsening of sarcopenia through a gut‐muscle axis. This systematic review aims to compare GM between persons with sarcopenia or low sarcopenia‐defining parameters (muscle mass, strength, and physical performance) to those with preserved muscle status, as well as to clarify possible associations between sarcopenia (‐defining parameters) and relative abundance (RA) of GM‐taxa or GM‐(α‐ or β) diversity indices, in order to clarify whether there is robust evidence of the existence of a GM signature for sarcopenia. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA‐reporting guideline and pre‐registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021259597). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane library were searched until 20 July 2023. Included studies reported on GM and sarcopenia or its defining parameters. Observational studies were included with populations of mean age ≥50 years. Thirty‐two studies totalling 10 781 persons (58.56% ♀) were included. Thirteen studies defined sarcopenia as a construct. Nineteen studies reported at least one sarcopenia‐defining parameter (muscle mass, strength or physical performance). Studies found different GM‐taxa at multiple levels to be significantly associated with sarcopenia (n = 4/6), muscle mass (n = 13/14), strength (n = 7/9), and physical performance (n = 3/3); however, directions of associations were heterogeneous and also conflicting for specific GM‐taxa. Regarding β‐diversity, studies found GM of persons with sarcopenia, low muscle mass, or low strength to cluster differently compared with persons with preserved muscle status. α‐diversity was low in persons with sarcopenia or low muscle mass as compared with those with preserved muscle status, indicating low richness and diversity. In line with this, α‐diversity was significantly and positively associated with muscle mass (n = 3/4) and muscle strength (n = 2/3). All reported results were significant (P < 0.05). Persons with sarcopenia and low muscle parameters have less rich and diverse GM and can be separated from persons with preserved muscle mass and function based on GM‐composition. Sarcopenia and low muscle parameters are also associated with different GM‐taxa at multiple levels, but results were heterogeneous and no causal conclusions could be made due to the cross‐sectional design of the studies. This emphasizes the need for uniformly designed cross‐sectional and longitudinal trials with appropriate GM confounder control in large samples of persons with sarcopenia and clearly defined core outcome sets in order to further explore changes in GM‐taxa and to determine a sarcopenia‐specific GM‐signature.
Investigation of structural, optical, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties of ZnO doped GO nanoparticles for environment applications
Authors: Kaviyarasu K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAs a result of their unique and novel properties, nanocomposites have found applications in a wide variety of fields. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the ability to synthesize nanoparticles consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene oxide (GO) via sol–gel techniques. An x‐ray diffractometer (XRD) as well as a UV–visible spectrometer were used to determine the crystalline and optical characteristics of the prepared samples. A hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure was observed in both pure ZnO nanoparticles and those that contain GO based on XRD results. It was estimated that the average crystallite size is based on the broadening of x‐ray lines. In comparison with pure ZnO, the antimicrobial properties were enhanced when GO was incorporated with ZnO. In addition, experiments on the absorption edge indicated the presence of a red shift as a result of the incorporation of GO. When GO is incorporated in quantitative amounts, the bandgap value of pure ZnO decreased. FTIR spectra exhibit a band of absorption at 486 cm−1, which confirms Zn‐O stretching in both samples. SEM images reveal a random pattern of structural features on the surface of the prepared samples. According to the EDX spectrum, pure GO nanoparticles and those doped with ZnO contain 61%–64% zinc and 32%–34% oxygen, respectively. When annealed at a higher temperature, ZnO NPs produced more H2 with a narrower bandgap than before annealing. In addition, methyl blue (MB) was used as an example of an organic compound in order to investigate the potential photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles with ZnO doped GO. In addition to DPPH assays, ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO doped GO nanoparticles were tested for their ability to scavenge free radicals. Comparing ZnO doped GO NPs with pure ZnO, these nanoparticles showed increased antioxidant activity. Based on the increased zone of inhibition observed for pure ZnO and ZnO doped GO (5, 10, 50, and 100 mg/mL), the antibacterial activity of pure ZnO and ZnO doped GO is concentration dependent. A detailed discussion of the results of the study demonstrated that ZnO doped GO and pure ZnO are toxic in different ways depending on how long they survive in degreased Zebrafish embryos and how fast they decompose.Research Highlights
The scope of the manuscript was under the results of the study confirmed that both nanoparticles exhibited concentration dependent antioxidative activity.
Determined that 89% of methyl orange dye can be degraded photocatalytically.
ZnO nanoparticles were found to be 74.86% antioxidant at a concentration of 50 g/mL in the present study.
At a concentration of 50 g/mL, ZnO doped GO NPs showed 79.1% antioxidant activity.
Photocatalytic degradation mechanism scheme is implicit in the photoexcited charge carrier transportation path is observed for all the samples.
Survival rate of zebrafish embryos was shown to decrease with increasing concentrations of ZnO and zinc oxide plus GO nanoparticles.
Profiling biomanufactured extracellular vesicles of human forebrain spheroids in a Vertical‐Wheel Bioreactor
Authors: Liu Chang , Sun Li , Worden Hannah , Ene Justice , Zeng Olivia Z. , Bhagu Jamini , Grant Samuel C. , Bao Xiaoping , Jung Sunghoon , Li Yan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by human brain cells have great potential as cell‐free therapies in various diseases, including stroke. However, because of the significant amount of EVs needed in preclinical and clinical trials, EV application is still challenging. Vertical‐Wheel Bioreactors (VWBRs) have designed features that allow for scaling up the generation of human forebrain spheroid EVs under low shear stress.In this study, EV secretion by human forebrain spheroids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells as 3D aggregates and on Synthemax II microcarriers in VWBRs were investigated with static aggregate culture as a control. The spheroids were characterized by metabolite and transcriptome analysis. The isolated EVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy, and Western blot. The EV cargo was analyzed using proteomics and miRNA sequencing. The in vitro functional assays of an oxygen and glucose‐deprived stroke model were conducted. Proof of concept in vivo study was performed, too.Human forebrain spheroid differentiated on microcarriers showed a higher growth rate than 3D aggregates. Microcarrier culture had lower glucose consumption per million cells and lower glycolysis gene expression but higher EV biogenesis genes. EVs from the three culture conditions showed no differences in size, but the yields from high to low were microcarrier cultures, dynamic aggregates, and static aggregates. The cargo is enriched with proteins (proteomics) and miRNAs (miRNA‐seq), promoting axon guidance, reducing apoptosis, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and regulating immune responses. Human forebrain spheroid EVs demonstrated the ability to improve recovery in an in vitro stroke model and in vivo.Human forebrain spheroid differentiation in VWBR significantly increased the EV yields (up to 240–750 fold) and EV biogenesis compared to static differentiation due to the dynamic microenvironment and metabolism change. The biomanufactured EVs from VWBRs have exosomal characteristics and more therapeutic cargo and are functional in in vitro assays, which paves the way for future in vivo stroke studies.
Enhanced differentiation between 3‐hydroxyglutaric and 2‐hydroxyglutaric acids facilitates diagnostic testing for glutaric aciduria type 1
Authors: Cyr Denis , Boutin Michel , Maranda Bruno , Waters Paula J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGlutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder, in which deficiency of glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase leads to accumulation of glutaric acid (GA) and 3‐hydroxyglutaric acid (3‐HG). Some low excretors may exhibit only slight elevation of urinary 3‐HG, with normal urinary GA, yet are at significant risk of severe clinical disease. Accurate quantitation of urinary 3‐HG is crucial in diagnostic workup for GA1, but in this context, current gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) methods have inherent analytical challenges. Co‐elution and spectral similarities of the 3‐HG and 2‐HG structural isomers can cause difficulties in quantitation of slightly elevated 3‐HG. Our laboratory recently acquired a gas chromatography system coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC–MS/MS), and we took advantage of its increased sensitivity and specificity to improve our existing GC–MS method. A stable isotope dilution process is used, with sample treatment consisting of a double liquid–liquid extraction followed by a trimethylsilyl derivatization. The transitions m/z 349 → 333 for 3‐HG and m/z 349 → 321 for 2‐HG were selected to differentiate these two isobaric molecules based on their characteristic fragments, thus minimizing interferences despite co‐elution. Method validation demonstrated satisfactory precision and accuracy. Using GC–MS/MS instead of GC–MS allowed us to decrease the required specimen volume, number of sample processing steps, chromatographic run time, and instrument maintenance. This enhanced assay facilitates clinical laboratory testing for GA1, both in confirmatory protocols following positive newborn screening and in diagnostic investigation of patients with suggestive signs or symptoms.
Treatment switching and associated economic outcomes in patients with plaque psoriasis treated with biologics: A retrospective analysis of German claims data 2016−2021
Authors: Pinter Andreas , Soliman Ahmed M. , Manz Karina C. , Weber Valeria , Ludwig Paul , Mocek Anja , Höer Ariane , Lebwohl Mark G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundBiologics are therapeutic options for the management of moderate−severe plaque psoriasis. Some patients need to switch biologic treatment to achieve satisfactory outcomes, which might have a considerable economic impact.ObjectivesWe assessed the characteristics and switch rates of patients with plaque psoriasis initiating biologic treatment and compared healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs for switching and non‐switching.MethodsThis study was a retrospective claims‐based analysis comprising a 182‐day baseline period to identify patient characteristics and a 365‐day follow‐up to assess switch rates, HCRU and associated costs. Data covering claims activity from 2016 to 2021 in a representative sample of four million individuals with statutory insurance in Germany was used.ResultsWe identified 2565 patients with psoriasis initiating biologic treatment with anti‐IL‐17 (n = 1037), anti‐IL‐23 (n = 704), anti‐TNF‐α (n = 583) and anti‐IL‐12/23 (n = 241) agents. A total of 9.2% of patients switched therapy to another biologic during follow‐up, ranging from 4.9% (secukinumab) to 16.5% (etanercept). The probability of treatment switching was significantly lower in patients treated with risankizumab (p < 0.05) than in patients treated with other biologics except guselkumab (p = 0.14). HCRU and associated costs during the follow‐up were generally higher with a therapy switch (all‐cause: 32,263 ± 15,381€) than without (25,041 ± 12,090€). This applied to direct costs (outpatient services, hospitalization, drug treatment) and indirect costs (sickness benefits). Drug treatment accounted for the largest share of costs.ConclusionsTreatment switching is frequent in patients with moderate−severe plaque psoriasis initiating biologic therapy and is associated with increased HCRU and associated costs. As the probability that a switch occurs within 365 days after treatment initiation widely differs between biologic agents, further research is warranted to determine the underlying reasons for switching to help establish clinically and economically sound therapy sequences.
Multi‐Mode Elastic Full‐Color Fluorescent Patterns for Multi‐Visual Encryption
Authors: Liang Shu‐Yu , Liu Yue‐Feng , Ji Zhi‐Kun , Xia Hong , Sun Hong‐Bo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe development of multi‐mode fluorescent patterns has attracted widespread attention, particularly for applications in high‐density information storage and highly secure encryption. However, the fabrication process of multi‐mode fluorescent patterns generally involves tedious and expensive steps. Specifically, in the fabrication technology of elastic full‐color fluorescent patterns, there is still a lack of ideal patterning preparation technology that can overcome the solvent orthogonality problem associated with multi‐color fabrication while ensuring both high elasticity and luminescence efficiency of the pattern. Herein, the multi‐mode elastic fluorescent patterns are successfully fabricated by multiple transferring of the quantum dots (QDs) from the carrier substrates to the elastomeric PDMS substrate via femtosecond laser‐induced forward transfer (FsLIFT) technology. Due to its solvent‐free nature, absence of masking requirements, and no need for annealing during FsLIFT processing, the multiple transferred QD films achieve independent patterns and does not interfere with each other, providing a strong promise for the fabrication of multi‐mode elastic full‐color patterns. Based on these stretchable fluorescent patterns, multi‐visual encryption techniques are successfully demonstrated. The proposed FsLIFT technology offers an efficient and straightforward strategy for fabricating multi‐mode fluorescent patterns with potential applications in advanced commercial security information encryption and dynamic camouflage.
Application of Resonant Plasmonic Bowtie Nanoantennas for Optically‐Assisted Diffusiophoretic Trapping of Extracellular Vesicles and Nanoparticles
Authors: Anyika Theodore , Hong Ikjun , Zhu Guodong , Ndukaife Justus C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPlasmonic antennas leveraging localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) hold a significant premise for efficiently trapping nanoscale particles at low power levels. However, their effectiveness is hindered by photothermal effects that arise with metallic nanoparticles, leading to decreased stability of trapped particles. To address this limitation, a hybrid approach that combines depletion attraction and photothermal effects inherent in plasmonic structures is proposed, capitalizing on thermally induced concentration gradients. Through the thermophoretic depletion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules around plasmonic hotspots, sharp concentration gradients are created, enabling precise localization of nanoscopic particles through a synergistic effect with diffusiophoretic forces. Our experiments successfully demonstrate the ability to trap and dynamically manipulate small extracellular vesicles and 100 nm polystyrene beads, showcasing the platform's potential for assembly at the nanoscale. Remarkably, this method maintains stable trapping performance even at a laser power of . The demonstration of stable trapping of small extracellular vesicles showcases the compatibility of this platform with bio species. This study introduces a promising avenue for the precise and efficient manipulation of nanoscale particles, with wide‐ranging implications in nanotechnology, biophysics, and nanomedicine. This research opens new opportunities for advancing nanoscale particle studies and applications, ushering in a new era of nanoscale manipulation techniques.
Origin of Efficient and Tunable Dual‐Band Emission From Zinc Chalcogenide Quantum Dots for Sustainable Photonics
Authors: Shen Hanchen , Yuan Xiaojia , Ren Yinjuan , Huang Zhigao , Zhu Hai , Zhang Shengli , Wang Yue 
Published: August 2024

AbstractImpurity‐induced optical modulation in quantum‐confined colloidal nanocrystals has attracted intense interest thanks to the unique fundamental photo‐physics and application prospects. However, the present doping strategy is still facing limitations including spectral tunability and impurity controllability. Herein, a new route toward the tunable and efficient dual‐band emission in chlorine‐doped ZnSe (ZnSe:Cl) eco‐friendly quantum dots (QDs) is provided. Corroborated by the comprehensive spectroscopic characterization and first‐principles calculations, the emerging broadband sub‐gap emission is disclosed to originate from the self‐activating center constituted by a fusion of a Cl‐substituted Se point defect and a nearby Zn vacancy (ClSe‐VZn pair). First‐principles calculations confirm that the optically active center state stems from the distorted electron states of Se atoms surrounding the impurity rather than the Cl electron orbitals, which results in robust sub‐gap emission at ambient conditions. A dynamic model involving the transition between the charge and neutral states of the self‐activated center is established. By virtue of the controllable dual‐emission states, the transparent information encryption and the single‐component white light‐emitting diodes are realized, demonstrating the promising potential in sustainable photonic applications.