bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of cats undergoing surgical treatment of ectopic ureters
Authors: Cortez Gabriela L. , Thomson Christopher B. , Scharf Valery F. , Berent Allyson , Buote Nicole J. , Carson Brittney A. , Cassandra Margaret , Mayhew Philipp D. , Singh Ameet 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the signalment, treatment, complications, and outcomes of cats treated surgically for ectopic ureters.Study designRetrospective, multi‐institutional study.AnimalsTwelve client‐owned cats.MethodsMedical records of cats diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral ectopic ureters were reviewed and analyzed. Data reported included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, open celiotomy, or cystoscopic surgical interventions, and outcomes.ResultsSeven of the 12 cats in the study population were female or female spayed and the median age at time of presentation was 4 years, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 6 months–14 years. Presurgical diagnostic imaging diagnosed ectopic ureters by abdominal ultrasound (8/10), contrast enhanced computed tomography (3/3), fluoroscopic urography (3/4), or cystoscopy (6/7). Eight of 12 cats had extramural ectopic ureters and six cats were affected bilaterally. Eight affected cats underwent ureteroneocystostomy, one cat underwent neoureterostomy, two cats underwent cystoscopic laser ablation, and one cat underwent nephroureterostomy. Immediate postoperative complications occurred in three cats; one cat required additional surgical intervention. Short‐term complications occurred in three cats, and long‐term complications in two cats. All cats that underwent surgical or cystoscopic intervention had improvement of their urinary incontinence scores, with complete resolution in 11 cats.ConclusionSurgical correction of ectopic ureters in cats is associated with good long‐term outcomes. Ectopic ureters in cats are commonly extramural and bilateral. Postoperative outcomes were acceptable and there were few postoperative complications, with varying forms of surgical correction.Clinical significanceEctopic ureters in cats are rare but urinary incontinence can be corrected or improved successfully with surgery.
Numerical Investigation of Flow Evolution in Centrifugal Compressors During Surge
Authors: Zhang Meijie , Wu Wangxia , Zhou Chao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Surge can lead to violent flow fluctuations in the compression system and damage to the blade structures. In this article, a fully three-dimensional numerical model of the centrifugal compressor surge is developed, and the accurate transient flow evolutions in different components during the surge are studied in detail. The results show that in the surge initiation, the pressure distortion caused by the asymmetric geometry of the volute at the diffuser outlet transfers along blade passages to the impeller inlet, which induces two types of stall cells with different rotating speeds and sizes developing independently in two isolated circumferential positions at the impeller inlet. With the surge development, the two types of stall cells come into contact and are mixed, which causes the asymmetric local reverse flow near the casing of the impeller leading edge. Subsequently, the reverse flow extends to the full annuls at the impeller inlet, and the compressor pressure ratio falls abruptly. At the same time, several expansion waves arise in the impeller and travel downstream along the volute and the outlet pipe. As reflected by the nozzle, these expansion waves travel back upstream into the impeller. The findings of this research have great implications for the asymmetric flow control methods, which develop novel asymmetric geometries to counteract the influence of the volute and extend the compressor stable operation range.
In vitro
activity of taurolidine against clinical
Candida auris
isolates: relevance to catheter-related bloodstream infections
Authors: Reidenberg Bruce E. , Jenkins Stephen G. , Crandon Jared L. , Hurlburt Elizabeth , Tan Xing , Rhomberg Paul R. , Arends S. J. Ryan , Pfaffle Antony 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Candida auris
is an evolving and concerning global threat. Of particular concern are bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. We evaluated the activity of taurolidine, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial in catheter lock solutions, against 106
C
.
auris
isolates. Taurolidine was highly active with a MIC
50
/MIC
90
of 512/512 mg/L, over 20-fold lower than lock solution concentrations of ≥13,500 mg/L. Our data demonstrate a theoretical basis for taurolidine-based lock solutions for prevention of
C. auris
catheter-associated infections.
PA-824 inhibits porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection
in vivo
and
in vitro
by inhibiting p53 activation
Authors: Li Liang , Li Hongyue , Qiu Yanping , Li Jie , Zhou Yi , Lv Muze , Xiang Hongwei , Bo Zongyi , Shen Haixiao , Sun Pei 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a type A coronavirus that causes severe watery diarrhea in piglets, resulting in severe economic losses worldwide. Therefore, new approaches to control PEDV infection are essential for a robust and sustainable pig industry. We screened 314 small-molecule drug libraries provided by Selleck and found that four drugs had obviously inhibitory effects on PEDV in Vero cells. PA-824, which had the highest SI index and the most reliable clinical safety, was selected for
in vivo
experiments. Animal attack tests showed that PA-824 effectively alleviated the clinical signs, intestinal pathological changes, and inflammatory responses in lactating piglets after PEDV infection. To further investigate the antiviral mechanism of PA-824, we measured the inhibitory effect of PA-824 on PEDV proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. By exploring the effect of PA-824 on the PEDV life cycle, we found that PA-824 acted directly on viral particles and hindered the adsorption, internalization, and replication phases of the virus, followed by molecular docking analysis to predict the interaction between PA-824 and PEDV non-structural proteins. Finally, we found that PA-824 could inhibit the apoptotic signaling pathway by suppressing PEDV-induced p53 activation. These results suggest that PA-824 could be protective against PEDV infection in piglets and could be developed as a drug or a feed additive to prevent and control PEDV diseases.

IMPORTANCE

PEDV is a highly contagious enteric coronavirus that widely spread worldwide, causing serious economic losses. There is no drug or vaccine to effectively control PEDV. In this study, we found that PA-824, a compound of mycobacteria causing pulmonary diseases, inhibited PEDV proliferation in both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. We also found that PA-824 directly acted on viral particles and hindered the adsorption, internalization, and replication stages of the virus. In addition, we found that PA-824 could inhibit the apoptotic signaling pathway by inhibiting PEDV-induced p53 activation. In conclusion, it is expected to be developed as a drug or a feed additive to prevent and control PEDV diseases.
Assessing the risks for stillbirth in São Paulo, Brazil: protocol for a multidisciplinary case–control study – FetRisks
Authors: Buralli Rafael Junqueira , da Silva Zilda Pereira , Alencar Gizelton Pereira , Figueiredo Gerusa Maria , Hoshida Mara Sandra , Luna Expedito J. A. , Pastro Luciana Duzolina Manfré , Santos Osmara Alves dos , Marques Lays Janaina Prazeres , Zerbinati Rodrigo Melim , Galisteo Junior Andrés Jimenez , Andrade Junior Heitor de , Machado Clarisse M , Meireles Luciana Regina , Schultz Regina , Rodrigues Laura Cunha , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , Novaes Hillegonda Maria Dutilh , Almeida Marcia Furquim de , Gouveia Nelson 
Published: June 2024

Stillbirth is a fundamental component of childhood mortality, but its causes are still insufficiently understood. This study aims to explore stillbirth risk factors by using a multidisciplinary approach to stimulate public policies and protocols to prevent stillbirth, improve maternal care and support bereaved families.Methods and analysisIn this case–control study with stillbirths and live births in 14 public hospitals in São Paulo, mothers are interviewed at hospitals after delivery, and hospital records and prenatal care registries are reviewed. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples and placentas are collected to analyse angiogenesis and infection biomarkers, and the placenta’s anatomopathological exam. Air pollutant exposure is estimated through the participant’s residence and work addresses. Traditional and non-invasive autopsies by image-guided histopathology are conducted in a subset of stillbirths. Subsample mothers of cases are interviewed at home 2 months after delivery on how they were dealing with grief. Information contained in the official prenatal care registries of cases and controls is being compiled. Hospital managers are interviewed about the care offered to stillbirth mothers. Data analysis will identify the main risk factors for stillbirth, investigate their interrelations, and evaluate health services care and support for bereaved families. We hope this project will contribute to the understanding of stillbirth’s risk factors and related health services in Brazil, providing new knowledge about this central public health problem, contributing to the improvement of public policies and prenatal and puerperal care, helping to prevent stillbirths and improve the healthcare and support for bereaved families.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Municipal Health Secretary (process no 16509319.0.3012.5551) and of the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (process no 16509319.0.0000.0068). Results will be communicated to the study participants, policy-makers and the scientific community.
TWINGEN: protocol for an observational clinical biobank recall and biomarker cohort study to identify Finnish individuals with high risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Vuoksimaa Eero , Saari Toni T , Aaltonen Aino , Aaltonen Sari , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Iso-Markku Paula , Kokkola Tarja , Kyttälä Aija , Kärkkäinen Sari , Liedes Hilkka , Ollikainen Miina , Palviainen Teemu , Ruotsalainen Ilona , Toivola Auli , Urjansson Mia , Vasankari Tommi , Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Forsberg Markus M , Hiltunen Mikko , Jalanko Anu , Kälviäinen Reetta , Kuopio Teijo , Lähteenmäki Jaakko , Nyberg Pia , Männikkö Minna , Serpi Raisa , Siltanen Sanna , Palotie Aarno , Kaprio Jaakko , Runz Heiko , Julkunen Valtteri 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionA better understanding of the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could expedite the development or administration of treatments. Large population biobanks hold the promise to identify individuals at an elevated risk of AD and related dementias based on health registry information. Here, we establish the protocol for an observational clinical recall and biomarker study called TWINGEN with the aim to identify individuals at high risk of AD by assessing cognition, health and AD-related biomarkers. Suitable candidates were identified and invited to participate in the new study among THL Biobank donors according to TWINGEN study criteria.Methods and analysisA multi-centre study (n=800) to obtain blood-based biomarkers, telephone-administered and web-based memory and cognitive parameters, questionnaire information on lifestyle, health and psychological factors, and accelerometer data for measures of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. A subcohort is being asked to participate in an in-person neuropsychological assessment (n=200) and wear an Oura ring (n=50). All participants in the TWINGEN study have genome-wide genotyping data and up to 48 years of follow-up data from the population-based older Finnish Twin Cohort (FTC) study of the University of Helsinki. The data collected in TWINGEN will be returned to THL Biobank from where it can later be requested for other biobank studies such as FinnGen that supported TWINGEN.Ethics and disseminationThis recall study consists of FTC/THL Biobank/FinnGen participants whose data were acquired in accordance with the Finnish Biobank Act. The recruitment protocols followed the biobank protocols approved by Finnish Medicines Agency. The TWINGEN study plan was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (number 16831/2022). THL Biobank approved the research plan with the permission no: THLBB2022_83.
Is home-based, virtually delivered, group exercise feasible and acceptable for older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma? A non-randomised feasibility study (TELEX-Liver Cancer)
Authors: Hallsworth Kate , McCain Misti V , Fallen-Bailey Roisin , Brown Morven C , Orange Samuel T , Reeves Helen L 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and safety of delivering a home-based telehealth exercise intervention to older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).DesignNon-randomised feasibility study.SettingPatients were recruited from UK outpatient liver cancer clinics.ParticipantsPatients were aged ≥60 years with HCC, with post-treatment imaging reporting a complete response, partial response or stable disease.Intervention and data collectionPatients were invited to attend synchronous online exercise sessions, twice weekly for 10 weeks. Physical function and patient-reported outcomes were assessed pre-intervention and post-intervention. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured interviews after intervention completion.Primary outcome measuresRecruitment, retention, exercise adherence and safety.Results40 patients were invited to participate and 19 (mean age 74 years) provided consent (recruitment rate 48%). Patients completed 76% of planned exercise sessions and 79% returned to the clinic for follow-up. Hand grip strength (95% CI 1.0 to 5.6), Liver Frailty Index (95% CI −0.46 to –0.23) and time taken to perform five sit-to-stands (95% CI −3.2 to –1.2) improved from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Patients reported that concerns they had relating to their cancer had improved following the intervention (95% CI 0.30 to 5.85). No adverse events occurred during exercise sessions.Qualitative data highlighted the importance of an instructor in real time to ensure that the sessions were achievable, tailored and well balanced, which helped to foster motivation and commitment within the group. Patients reported enjoying the exercise intervention, including the benefits of peer support and highlighted perceived benefits to both their physical and mental health. Patients felt that the online sessions overcame some of the barriers to exercise participation and preferred attending virtual sessions over face-to-face classes.ConclusionsIt is feasible, acceptable and safe to deliver supervised group exercise via videoconferencing to patients with HCC in their own homes. These findings will inform the design of a future, adequately powered randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.Trial registration numberISRCTN14411809.
Targeting GPC2 on Intraocular and CNS Metastatic Retinoblastomas with Local and Systemic Delivery of CAR T Cells
Authors: Pascual-Pasto Guillem , McIntyre Brendan , Giudice Anna M. , Alikarami Fatemeh , Morrissey Amanda , Matlaga Stephanie , Hofmann Ted J. , Burgueño Victor , Harvey Kyra , Martinez Daniel , Shah Amish C. , Foster Jessica B. , Pogoriler Jennifer , Eagle Ralph C. , Carcaboso Angel M. , Shields Carol L. , Leahey Ann-Marie , Bosse Kristopher R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children. Although new chemotherapeutic approaches have improved ocular salvage rates, novel therapies are required for patients with refractory intraocular and metastatic disease. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting glypican-2 (GPC2) are a potential new therapeutic strategy.

Experimental Design:
GPC2 expression and its regulation by the E2F1 transcription factor were studied in retinoblastoma patient samples and cellular models. In vitro, we performed functional studies comparing GPC2 CAR T cells with different costimulatory domains (4-1BB and CD28). In vivo, the efficacy of local and systemic administration of GPC2 CAR T cells was evaluated in intraocular and leptomeningeal human retinoblastoma xenograft models.

Results:
Retinoblastoma tumors, but not healthy retinal tissues, expressed cell surface GPC2, and this tumor-specific expression was driven by E2F1. GPC2-directed CARs with 4-1BB costimulation (GPC2.BBz) were superior to CARs with CD28 stimulatory domains (GPC2.28z), efficiently inducing retinoblastoma cell cytotoxicity and enhancing T-cell proliferation and polyfunctionality. In vivo, GPC2.BBz CARs had enhanced persistence, which led to significant tumor regression compared with either control CD19 or GPC2.28z CARs. In intraocular models, GPC2.BBz CAR T cells efficiently trafficked to tumor-bearing eyes after intravitreal or systemic infusions, significantly prolonging ocular survival. In central nervous system (CNS) retinoblastoma models, intraventricular or systemically administered GPC2.BBz CAR T cells were activated in retinoblastoma-involved CNS tissues, resulting in robust tumor regression with substantially extended overall mouse survival.

Conclusions:
GPC2-directed CAR T cells are effective against intraocular and CNS metastatic retinoblastomas.
The International Criminal Court and the Justice Cascade
Authors: Hashimoto Barry , Gray Kevin W. , Kalyalya Kafumu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
We present an original interpretation of the justice cascade theory developed by Kathryn Sikkink and her coauthors as it pertains to the icc’s engagements with African states since 2004. In doing so, we challenge a prominent and acclaimed critique of this theory: Oumar Ba’s States of Justice. Ba presents four qualitative case studies informed by fieldwork, focused on the admissibility challenges, selective cooperation, and obstructionism involving Uganda, Libya, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire. We closely examine the key publications in which the justice cascade theory is introduced, refined, and critiqued, identifying misinterpretations of this theory in Ba’s work and elucidating its empirical implications. Furthermore, we perform a citation analysis of States of Justice, demonstrating that the book, by virtually omitting primary sources of any type, misimplements its own empirical strategy. We introduce fresh legal analyses of compliance with the Rome Statute of the icc in the four relevant cases, revealing the dearth of evidence of noncompliance in all but the Kenyan case. Finally, we discuss legal analysis as a means of testing theories of international law and courts, and we illustrate the relevance of the justice cascade theory to current debates on the establishment of new international tribunals.
Moisture Recycling through Pumping by Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Hu Huancui , Leung L. Ruby , Feng Zhe , Marquis James 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Moisture recycling, the contribution of local evapotranspiration (ET) to precipitation, has been studied using bulk models assuming a well-mixed atmosphere. The latter is inconsistent with a climatologically stratified atmosphere that slants across latitudes. Reconciling the two views requires an understanding of overturning associated with different weather systems. In this study, we aim to better understand moisture recycling associated with mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Using a convection-permitting WRF simulation equipped with water vapor tracers (WRF-WVT), we tag moisture from terrestrial ET in the U.S. Southern Great Plains during May 2015, when more than 20 MCS events occurred and produced significant precipitation and flooding. Water budget analysis reveals that approximately 76% of terrestrial ET is advected away from the region while the remaining 24% of terrestrial ET is “pumped” upward within the region, accounting for 12% of precipitation. Moisture recycling peaks during early night hours (1800–2400 LT) due to the mixing of the daytime accumulated ET by active convection. By focusing on five “diurnally driven” MCSs with less large-scale circulation influence than other MCSs during the same period, we find an upright pumping of terrestrial ET at the MCS initiation and development stages, which diverges into two branches during the MCS mature and decaying stages. One branch in the upper level advects the ET-sourced moisture downstream, while the other branch in the mid-to-upper level contributes to the trailing precipitation upstream. Overall, our analysis depicts a pumping mechanism associated with MCSs that mixes local ET vertically, highlighting its specific contributions to enhancing convective precipitation processes.
Effect of Birth Story on Personality Traits and Death Anxiety
Authors: Turan Zekiye , Ünkazan Semiha , Şen Tepe Çiğdem , Durat Gülgün 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to determine the effect of the birth story of individuals on personality traits and death anxiety.MethodsThis descriptive and analytical research was completed with 1,635 people who participated voluntarily. The study data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Cervantes Personality Scale (CPS), and Abdel-Khalek Death Anxiety Scale (ASDA).ResultsThe research sample is average means 31.63 ± 11.04 years, most of the female (72.7%) and married (54.6%). In our study, it was observed that women’s death anxiety was higher than men’s. Our study found that individuals born by caesarean section had greater neurotic personality traits, emotional stability/neuroticism score averages, and death anxiety scores compared to individuals born vaginally.ConclusionIn the model made with multiple regression analysis, birth type did not significantly predict death anxiety, while sex and emotional stability/neuroticism personality trait significantly predicted death anxiety.
Initial Impact Studies on Open and Closed-cell Foams
Authors: Sims G.L.A. , Pentrakoon D. 
Published: June 2024

Cushioning performance of flexible open-cell polyurethane and closed-cell polyethylene foams were compared. The study included incorporation of centrally placed square voids of varying cross-sectional area into standard samples. Deceleration and internal void pressure were monitored as a function of time. Closed cell foams gave relatively stable shock performance virtually independent of void size whereas open-cell foams gave consistent peak G values only up to a critical void size after which peak G increased with increasing void size. Results are discussed after suitably considering G and pressure traces to more fully understand the contribution of the gaseous phase during impact. Observed phenomena were mainly related to gas compression in closed-cell structures compared with a complex mixture of gas flow and compression in open-cell foams.