bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The GG genotype of rs743572 in CYP17A1 gene regulating the decrease of T/E ratio can be an independent risk factor for MetS-BPH: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Congcong , Pan Ningrui , Chen Zongping , Gou Chengren , He Xu , Wang Min , Chen Bo , Zhou Zidong , Ren Qixu , Zhong Youzhuang , Xiang You , Zhao Sicong , Yan Yong , Song Tao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To confirm if the CYP17A1 gene regulates the ratio of T/E leading to MetS-BPH.

Methods
824 men, aged 47–88 years, were recruited into this study through consecutive routine physical examination programs and long-term outpatient screening. Several parameters, including SNPs of CYP17A1 gene, total testosterone, estradiol, and the ratio of total testosterone to estradiol (T/E) were obtained for each participant. Based on the diagnosis of BPH, MetS, and MetS-BPH, the participants were divided into BPH and non-BPH groups, MetS and non-MetS groups, and MetS-BPH and non-MetS-BPH groups. Values of the obtained parameters were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance, Student’s t-test, Chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results
SNPs of the CYP17A1 gene, including the rs743572 genotypes (GG, GA, and AA), rs3781287 genotypes (GG, GT, TT), and rs4919686 genotypes (CC, CA, and AA), were present in every group. Only the GG genotype of rs743572 was independently associated with BPH (OR = 5.868, 95% CI: 3.363–7.974, P < 0.001), MetS (OR = 7.228, 95% CI: 3.925–11.331, P < 0.001), and MetS-BPH (OR = 3.417, 95% CI: 1.783–5.266, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age. In the population of genotype GG of rs743572, the decrease in T/E ratio was an independent risk factor for BPH (OR = 839.756, 95% CI: 36.978-1334.263, P = 0.001), MetS (OR = 376.988, 95% CI: 12.980-488.976, P < 0.003), and MetS-BPH (OR = 388.236, 95% CI: 24.869-495.363, P = 0.003).

Conclusion
The GG genotype of rs743572 in CYP17A1 gene regulating the decrease of T/E ratio can be an independent risk factor for MetS-BPH populations.

Trial registration number
ChiCTR2200057632 “retrospectively registered”.

Date of registration
March 15, 2022 “retrospectively registered”.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy: is less fractionation more effective in adrenal and renal malignant lesions?
Authors: Rivas Daniel , de la Torre-Luque Alejandro , Moreno-Olmedo Elena , Moreno Paloma , Suárez Vladimir , Serradilla Ana , Arregui Gregorio , Álvarez David , Sallabanda Morena , Lazo Antonio , Núñez María Isabel , López Escarlata 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has become an excellent non-invasive alternative for many patients with primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and adrenal malignancies (AM). The aims of this study were to analyse how tumor-, patient- and treatment-related factors may influence the outcomes and side effects of SBRT and to assess its benefits as an alternative to surgery.

Methods
This retrospective, multicenter study included 25 lesions in 23 patients treated with SBRT using different devices (LINAC, CyberKnife® and Tomotherapy®). A multivariate linear regression was used for the statistical study.

Results
Local control time was higher than six months in more than 87% of patients and treatment response was complete for 73.68%. There was an overall 2-year survival of 40% and none of the deaths were secondary to renal or adrenal local progression. Patients treated with lower total radiation dose (mean [m] = 55 Gy) but less fractions with more dose per fraction (> 8.5 Gy) showed better outcome. Patients with previous chemotherapy and surgery treatments also showed higher complete response and disease-free survival (> 6 months).

Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of ultra-hypofractionated regimens with higher doses per session. Thus, the referral of patients with RCC and AM to Radiotherapy and Oncology departments should be encouraged supporting the role of SBRT as a minimally invasive and outpatient treatment.
Declining utilization of urodynamic studies in urological care in Germany: time to say goodbye?
Authors: Baunacke Martin , Kontschak Livia , Menzel Viktoria , Grabbert Markus , Borkowetz Angelika , Mehralivand Sherif , Eisenmenger Nicole , Huber Johannes , Thomas Christian , Schultz-Lampel Daniela 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The number of urodynamic studies (UDS) has been declining steadily in recent decades, yet the reasons behind this trend remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the structural aspects of UDS in urology and explore the factors contributing to this decline.

Material & methods
We surveyed all urological departments performing UDS as well as a representative sample of private practices in Germany in 2023. We examined structural situation, waiting times, capacities and limitations of UDS. All invasive urodynamic examinations were defined as UDS.

Results
In 2019, 259/474 (55%) urological departments in Germany performed UDS. 206/259 (80%) urological departments responded to the survey. 163/200 (82%) urological departments stated that their capacities were exhausted, a main reason being lack of medical and nursing staff. 54.8% urological departments performed more than 50% of their UDS for referring physicians. Urological departments with a low number of UDS/year (≤ 100) showed a shorter waiting time (up to 4 weeks: 49% vs. 30%; p = 0.01), reduced UDS capacities (55% vs. 12%; p < 0.001) and these capacities were often not fully utilized (25% vs. 9%; p = 0.007). 122/280 (44%) office urologists responded to the survey. 18/122 (15%) office urologists performed UDS. Main reasons for not offering UDS were lack of personnel and low reimbursement.

Conclusion
In German urological departments, UDS capacities are consistently fully utilized, primarily due to staffing shortages. This trend towards centralization prompts questions about the role of UDS in urologists’ training.
A systematic review comparing the efficacy of 980 nm vs. 1470 nm wavelengths in laser hemorrhoidoplasty
Authors: Li Zhicheng , Wu Jiong , Brown Nana Kwame Domme , Kumassah Philemon Kwame , Agbedinu Kwabena , Ambe Peter C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a minimally invasive surgical option for the management of hemorrhoidal disease that has been increasingly adopted by surgeons over the last decade. Two wavelengths; 980 nm and 1470 nm have been employed in LHP. However, no data exist comparing the effects of these two wavelengths for this indication. This systematic review investigates both wavelengths for the management of hemorrhoids via the LHP procedure.

Methods
This systematic analysis and meta-analysis was performed following the PICOS and PRISMA guidelines. A systematic research of MEDLINE, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases from inception until March 2024 was performed.

Results
Overall, 19 studies including seven randomized control trials (RCT) and 12 non-randomized control trials with a total of 2492 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The duration of LHP with both wavelengths was significantly shorter compared to open hemorrhoidectomy, postoperative pain and the rate of postoperative complications were significantly lower following LHP. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence between LHP with the 980-nm wavelength and open hemorrhoidectomy. However, LHP with 1470-nm wavelength resulted in significantly higher recurrence rate compared to hemorrhoidectomy.

Conclusion
Although no direct studies have compared the two wavelengths used in LHP, the outcomes of LHP seem to be independent of the wavelength used. Both wavelengths, when correctly used provide similar results, which are mostly better compared to open hemorrhoidectomy in terms of postoperative complications and postoperative pain, but not in terms of recurrence, where at least for the 1470-nm wavelength, LHP seems to show a higher recurrence rate when compared to open hemorrhoidectomy. Although a direct comparison of both wavelengths was not possible, technical issues regarding number of shots and energy per pile represent relevant parameters for recurrence after LHP.
A novel polyp retrieval bag reduces the polyp fragmentation rate in colon polypectomy: a single-blind randomized controlled study
Authors: Chu Jindong , Ma Cuiyun , Min Min , Bi Qian , Shen Wei , Zhang Xueting , Zhang Hanqing , Li Aitong , Liu Yan , Lu Zheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The fragmentation of polyps affects complete resection confirmation. The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel polyp retrieval bag for reducing the fragmentation rate of colon polyps.

Methods
Patients with a 5–15 mm colon polyp were recruited and randomized into two groups at a 1:1 ratio. After polyp resection, polyps obtained from patients in the treatment group were extracted via a novel polyp retrieval bag without traversing the instrument channel, whereas polyps obtained from patients in the control group were collected through the instrument channel, attaching the polyp trap to the instrument channel port, and applying suction.

Results
From January to July 2022, 225 patients were assessed for eligibility. The study participants included 204 patients, and seven patients whose samples were not retrieved were excluded. Polyp fragmentation was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (3.0% [3/100] vs. 17.5% [17/97], P = 0.001). The retrieval failure rates in the treatment group and control group were not significantly different (2.0% [2/102] vs. 4.9% [5/102], P = 0.442). There were fewer colonoscope insertions in the treatment group than in the control group (102 vs. 110), but a significant difference was not present (P = 0.065). No significant adverse events were observed during the follow-up.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that the polyp retrieval bag was safe and feasible for reducing the fragmentation rate of retrieved polyps.

Trial registration
The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05189912, 1/12/2021).
Galectin-3 protects distal convoluted tubules in rhabdomyolysis-induced kidney injury
Authors: Kulow Vera A. , Labes Robert , Czopek Claudia S. , Rosenberger Christian , Fähling Michael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAdvanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) contribute to cellular damage of various pathologies, including kidney diseases. Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a syndrome seldom characterized by a single, distinct pathophysiological cause. Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (RIAKI) constitutes roughly 15% of AKI cases, yet its underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Using a murine model of RIAKI induced by muscular glycerol injection, we observed elevated levels of AGEs and the AGE receptor galectin-3 (LGALS3) in the kidney. Immunofluorescence localized LGALS3 to distal nephron segments. According to transcriptomic profiling via next-generation sequencing, RIAKI led to profound changes in kidney metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Cellular stress was evident in both proximal and distal tubules, as shown by kidney injury markers KIM-1 and NGAL. However, only proximal tubules exhibited overt damage and apoptosis, as detected by routine morphology, active Caspase-3, and TUNEL assay, respectively. In vitro, distal convoluted tubule (DCT) cells challenged with AGEs underwent apoptosis, which was markedly enhanced by Lgals3 siRNA treatment. Thus, in RIAKI, the upregulation of LGALS3 may protect the distal nephron from AGE-mediated damage, while proximal tubules lacking LGALS3 stay at risk. Thus, stimulating LGALS3 in the proximal nephron, if achievable, may attenuate RIAKI.
Impact of lengthening velocity on the generation of eccentric force by slow-twitch muscle fibers in long stretches
Authors: Weidner Sven , Tomalka André , Rode Christian , Siebert Tobias 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAfter an initial increase, isovelocity elongation of a muscle fiber can lead to diminishing (referred to as Give in the literature) and subsequently increasing force. How the stretch velocity affects this behavior in slow-twitch fibers remains largely unexplored. Here, we stretched fully activated individual rat soleus muscle fibers from 0.85 to 1.3 optimal fiber length at stretch velocities of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 maximum shortening velocity, vmax, and compared the results with those of rat EDL fast-twitch fibers obtained in similar experimental conditions. In soleus muscle fibers, Give was 7%, 18%, and 44% of maximum isometric force for 0.01, 0.1, and 1 vmax, respectively. As in EDL fibers, the force increased nearly linearly in the second half of the stretch, although the number of crossbridges decreased, and its slope increased with stretch velocity. Our findings are consistent with the concept of a forceful detachment and subsequent crossbridge reattachment in the stretch’s first phase and a strong viscoelastic titin contribution to fiber force in the second phase of the stretch. Interestingly, we found interaction effects of stretch velocity and fiber type on force parameters in both stretch phases, hinting at fiber type-specific differences in crossbridge and titin contributions to eccentric force. Whether fiber type-specific combined XB and non-XB models can explain these effects or if they hint at some not fully understood properties of muscle contraction remains to be shown. These results may stimulate new optimization perspectives in sports training and provide a better understanding of structure–function relations of muscle proteins.
Scabies vaccines: where we stand and challenges ahead
Authors: Sharaf Mahmoud S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractScabies is an itchy skin disease caused by the burrowing mite,Sarcoptes scabiei. During their lifespan, female mites invade the stratum corneum and create tunnels in which they reside, move, feed, deposit fecal pellets, and lay eggs. Globally, more than 200 million people are estimated to be affected by scabies annually. Currently, using scabicidal agents is the only approved method for treating scabies. However, resistance to commonly used agents such as permethrin and ivermectin has been observed in scabies mites. Therefore, the development of vaccines for scabies, either as a preventative measure or for treatment, is crucial to control such neglected diseases. Since the host could evolve a protective immune response that could prevent re-infestation by scabies mites, vaccine development is theoretically possible. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing challenges regarding the currently available control measures for scabies. It also explores the promising path of scabies vaccine development, highlighting the current state of research and challenges that need to be addressed to develop new and innovative measures for both treating and preventing scabies infections.
Plasticity in biomass allocation underlies tolerance to leaf damage in native and non-native populations of Datura stramonium
Authors: Liñán-Vigo Franco , Núñez-Farfán Juan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAn introduction to a novel habitat represents a challenge to plants because they likely would face new interactions and possibly different physical context. When plant populations arrive to a new region free from herbivores, we can expect an evolutionary change in their defense level, although this may be contingent on the type of defense, resistance or tolerance, and cost of defense. Here, we addressed questions on the evolution of tolerance to damage in non-native Spanish populations of Datura stramonium by means of two comparative greenhouse experiments. We found differences in seed production, specific leaf area, and biomass allocation to stems and roots between ranges. Compared to the Mexican native populations of this species, non-native populations produced less seeds despite damage and allocate more biomass to roots and less to stems, and had higher specific leaf area values. Plasticity to leaf damage was similar between populations and no difference in tolerance to damage between native and non-native populations was detected. Costs for tolerance were detected in both regions. Two plasticity traits of leaves were associated with tolerance and were similar between regions. These results suggest that tolerance remains beneficial to plants in the non-native region despite it incurs in fitness costs and that damage by herbivores is low in the non-native region. The study of the underlying traits of tolerance can improve our understanding on the evolution of tolerance in novel environments, free from plants’ specialist herbivores.
Investigating the interactive effects of habitat type and light intensity on rocky shores
Authors: Schaefer Nina , Dafforn Katherine A. , Johnston Emma L. , Clark Graeme F. , Mayer-Pinto Mariana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLight availability and habitat complexity are two key drivers of community assembly. Urbanisation has been shown to affect both, with important consequences to ecological communities. On the intertidal, for instance, studies have shown that light intensity is greater on natural rocky shores than on less complex artificial habitats (seawalls), though different habitats can also experience similar light intensities, for example when shaded by urban structures. Understanding therefore how these factors individually, and combined, affect communities is important to understand the mechanisms driving changes in community structure, and consequently provide solutions to tackle the increasing homogenisation of habitats and lightscapes in urbanised spaces through smart infrastructure designs. Here, we assessed how different light levels affect the recruitment of communities in rock pools and on emergent rock on an intertidal rocky shore. We cleared 30 patches of emergent rock and 30 rock pools and manipulated light using shades with different light transmissions (full light, procedural control, 75%, 35%, and 15% light transmission, full shade) and assessed mobile and sessile communities monthly for 6 months. Effects of reducing light levels were generally stronger on rock than in pools. Fully shaded plots supported double the amount of mobile organisms than plots in full sunlight, in both habitats. Algal cover was higher in pools compared to rock, and at intermediate light levels, but effects varied with site. This study highlights the importance of variable light conditions and different habitats for rocky shore communities, which should be considered in future coastal developments to retain natural biodiversity.
Validity and Reliability of Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale (DOSS) When Used to Rate Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing (FEES)
Authors: Fransson Johanna , Thorén Sofia , Selg Jenny , Bergström Liza , Hägglund Patricia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale is used both clinically and within dysphagia research, internationally. Although it was developed using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, it is frequently used to rate Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing. The validity and reliability of DOSS-use with FEES, however, has not previously been evaluated. This study investigated the validity and rater reliability of clinicians using DOSS to rate FEES. Eleven Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) with varied dysphagia experience were recruited to review and DOSS-rate 17 soundless FEES (198 bolus swallows) recorded from 11 heterogenic dysphagic patients (2 cases with repeat FEES) and 4 healthy adults. The SLPs DOSS-ratings were compared against the initial comprehensive dysphagia evaluation (including patient diagnosis, interview, cranial nerve and complete FEES assessment) with Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and DOSS outcome measures. The SLPs were blinded to patient details and comprehensive dysphagia examination. Re-randomised rating of FEES cases occurred two weeks later (intra rater reliability). Criterion validity for DOSS-ratings (compared against comprehensive dysphagia evaluation with FOIS and DOSS) were strong–very strong (rs = 0.858 and 0.936 respectively; p < 0.001). Inter rater reliability demonstrated high agreement (α = 0.891), also intra rater reliability demonstrated almost perfect agreement (Kw = 0.945). This study’s results, with strong–very strong criterion validity and high rater reliability by SLPs, adds to the evidence for DOSS-use with FEES. Future validity research comparing DOSS with both FEES and VFSS simultaneously is recommended.
Multi-objective optimization of virtual machine migration among cloud data centers
Authors: Maldonado Carrascosa Francisco Javier , Seddiki Doraid , Jiménez Sánchez Antonio , García Galán Sebastián , Valverde Ibáñez Manuel , Marchewka Adam 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWorkload migration among cloud data centers is currently an evolving task that requires substantial advancements. The incorporation of fuzzy systems holds potential for enhancing performance and efficiency within cloud computing. This study addresses a multi-objective problem wherein the goal is to maximize the interpretability and the percentage of renewable energy consumed by a fuzzy meta-scheduler system in cloud scenarios. To accomplish this objective, the present research proposes a novel approach utilizing a multi-objective Knowledge Acquisition with a Swarm Intelligence Approach algorithm. Additionally, it takes advantage of a framework built on CloudSim, which includes virtual machine migration capabilities based on an expert system. Furthermore, a hierarchical fuzzy system is employed to assess rule base interpretability, along with another multi-objective algorithm, named Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II. The framework and hierarchical system are employed to perform various simulation results concerning renewable energy and interpretability, while the algorithms aim to enhance the system’s performance and interpretability. Empirical results demonstrate that it is possible to improve the performance of cloud data centers while improving the interpretability of the corresponding fuzzy rule-based system. The proposed multi-objective algorithm shows comparable or superior performance to the genetic algorithm across diverse scenarios. The simulation results indicate that improvements in cloud data center performance can be achieved while enhancing system interpretability. The average improvement in the interpretability index ranges from 0.6 to 6%, with a corresponding increase in renewable energy utilization ranging from 5 to 6%.
Time series data mining for railway wheel and track monitoring: a survey
Authors: Lourenço Afonso , Ribeiro Diogo , Fernandes Marta , Marreiros Goreti 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe railway sector has witnessed a significant surge in condition-based maintenance, thanks to the proliferation of sensing technologies and data-driven methodologies, such as machine learning. However, despite the plethora of algorithms designed to detect and classify track irregularities and wheel out-of-roundness, they often fall short when put to the test in real-world scenarios. These shortcomings typically stem from their inability to meet all four critical requirements for constructing an effective maintenance plan: (R1) suitability of the condition-based maintenance strategy, (R2) availability of relevant data, (R3) proper problem formulation, and (R4) accurate evaluation of data mining methods. In response to the absence of a unified framework and standardized guidelines, this survey delves into the realm of time series sensor data and wheel-track interface components for railway structural health monitoring. This survey aims to bridge this gap by offering an extensive categorization, pinpointing existing challenges, and outlining potential directions for future research. Through these efforts, this survey provides a more thorough and targeted exploration of the subject matter, contributing to the advancement of this field.