bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testicular histopathology and follicular stimulating hormone to predict fertility in nonobstructive azoospermia
Authors: Abushamma Faris , Alazab Rami S , Allouh Mohammed Z , Abu Shamleh Rafeef , Abu Alwafa Rola , Ghalayini Ibrahim 
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To examine the ability of testicular histopathology in Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in predicting sperm retrieval rate (SR), sperm quality and assisted reproductive technology success. Methods: A retrospective study recruited clinically diagnosed NOA patients between 2007 and 2015. Testicular biopsy and conventional sperm extraction (TESE) were done concomitantly. Correlation between pathological categories, SR rate, sperm quality and success of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was studied. FSH was measured as a predictor of fertility. Results: One hundred eighteen patients were recruited. Histopathological classification was hypospermatogenesis (HS) 45 (38%), maturation arrest (MA) 22(19%), Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS) 34 (29%) and normal spermatogenesis (NS) 17 (14%). FSH value was above normal level in 34 (76%) of HS, 19 (86%) of MA, 32 (94%) of SCOS and 5 (29%) of NS. Positive SR was obtained in 108 (92%) patients. The highest SR rate was seen in NS group 100% and the lowest was in SCOS 26 (77%). The worst sperm quality was found in SCOS as type C represents 46%, followed by MA 40% and HS 24%. Patients had ICSI following TESE had variable success rate as success of ICSI was seen (9/15) for HS, (0/7) for MA, (5/15) for SCOS and (8/9) for NS. FSH is strongly correlated to SR, quality of sperm and success of ICSI as positive SR in normal FSH patients was obtained in 28 (100%) of normal FSH, 70 (97%) of high FSH and 10 (56%) of double high FSH ( p value < 001). The success of ICSI significantly correlates with FSH value as normal FSH has 77% success ICSI rate, high FSH (52%) and double high FSH (0%) ( p value < 0.001). Conclusions: Testicular biopsy and histopathology findings in NOA are strongly correlated SR rate, quality of sperms, and success of ICSI. FSH is a strong noninvasive predictor of fertility in NOA patients.
Characterization of bifacial technology Pv systems
Authors: Moreno-Buesa Sergio M , Muñoz-Cerón Emilio , Nofuentes Garrido Gustavo , Gulkowski Slawomir , de la Casa Higueras Juan , Aguilera Tejero Jorge 
Published: April 2024

Bifacial solar technology has experienced exponential growth in recent years and its trend is increasing for the coming years. Considering the advantages that it offers over monofacial technology such as its current price equivalence, the increase in performance thanks to the production of the rear face and the consecutive reduction of the LCOE, it is logical that more and more photovoltaic plants with this technology are been installed. Nowadays, there are some regulatory gaps regarding bifacial technology and, due to this growing trend, it is necessary to study, research and implement the optimal way to evaluate these systems. This article has experimented with a 3.3 kW bifacial photovoltaic system, divided into two strings with different configurations, whose monitoring system has all the instrumentation included in the IEC 61,724 standard, with the addition that it has several rear irradiance sensors arranged in different locations of the system to evaluate the variability of this parameter. After an experimental campaign of 9 months, a power estimation analysis and the calculation of the PR and PR25°C have been carried out using the different rear irradiance sensors. The variability of this parameter depending on the location of the sensor has affected the results in such a way that the RMSE committed in the power estimation has varied between 10.22% and 2.63%, while the PR and PR25°C of the system has oscillated between 0.84 for the most unfavorable case and 0.95 in the most favorable case. Assumed the great variability between performance ratios, it is necessary to establish a specific normative standard for the evaluation of Bifacial PV systems.
Pleuro-spinal Hydatid Cyst Masquerading as Spinal Tuberculosis: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Priyadharshan K. P. , Marappan Kodeeswaran , Mathew Meghena , Mani Ashwin Kumar , Vakamala Haritha Reddy , Jayamoorthy T. 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Primary hydatid cyst of the spinal cord is exceedingly rare. Diagnosis at the early stages is difficult as they may be asymptomatic or have mild vague pain. Patients typically present when there are features of cord/root compression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands as the primary investigative modality, but even then, preoperative diagnosis might not always be possible as it may resemble other pathological conditions. Methods: This was a case report of a single case with evidence-based discussion. Informed consent was obtained. Case Report: We present a 62-year-old female patient with progressive paraparesis and numbness of bilateral lower limbs. MRI was suggestive of a tubercular pleurospinal lesion at the D9-D10 level. However, intraoperatively, it was identified to be a rare case of primary pleurospinal (thoracic) hydatid cyst. The patient was managed with complete surgical removal of all the cysts and antihelminthic drug therapy with no evidence of recurrence at the 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Radiological diagnosis might not be accurate and hydatidosis must be kept in mind to avoid intraoperative confusion. Timely diagnosis, appropriate surgical planning, and comprehensive follow-up are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes.
Primary Disseminated Peritoneal Hydatidosis: A Rare Presentation of Common Infectious Disease
Authors: Galhotra Anisha , Kaur Daljinderjit , Gupta Monica , Dalal Ashwani 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Human hydatidosis, being caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus, rarely presents as disseminated peritoneal disease which can be either primary or secondary. Iatrogenic secondary peritoneal echinococcosis is more common while primary form of infection is found occasionally. Radiological imaging including ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) scan is considered the most essential diagnostic modality. The mainstay of treatment for localized hydatid cysts or infected cysts and multiple septations is the surgical management in the form of excision. Disseminated hydatid disease presents with varied manifestations involving multiple organs. However, primary peritoneal hydatidosis is being rare entity, accounting for only 2% of cases of abdominal hydatidosis. The dissemination to multiple organs usually occurs through either lymphatic or systemic circulation. Case Report: In this case report, we present an uncommon presentation of primary disseminated peritoneal hydatidosis. On further evaluation, the patient was diagnosed to have peritoneal hydatidosis with hepatic and lung hydatid cyst involvement on contrast-enhanced CT abdomen. The patient was managed conservatively with oral tablet albendazole 400 mg twice a day during his 1st admission and later presented again with acute abdomen, and then, radical surgery in the form of pericystectomy was carried out but patient developed large gastric perforation, for which again surgery was attempted, but patient succumbed to his illness. In this case, the rare presentation of primary disseminated peritoneal hydatidosis as acute abdomen was observed. Conclusion: Primary disseminated peritoneal hydatidosis as the presentation of acute pain abdomen is rare entity. This case emphasizes an atypical presentation of hydatidosis.
A Comparative Analysis of Vitamin D Status among Tuberculosis Patients and Healthy Household Contacts: A Case–Control Study from Central India
Authors: Zafar Sabahat , Siddiqui Zaki , Agrawal Nutan , Madhurmay  , Singh Mayank 
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: When it comes to the nature of the relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and Vitamin D, the available literature offers contradictory findings. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between Vitamin D and TB, as well as the relationship between Vitamin D and functional capacity in TB patients from Central India. Materials and Methods: This case–control study comprised 400 participants divided into two equal groups: cases (200 TB patients) and controls (200 healthy household contacts). The study involved subjecting participants to standard laboratory tests in accordance with the management guidelines implemented by the institute. Abbott Architect i1000SR PLUS was used to test the Vitamin D levels while the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale score was used for the functional capacity of cases. Vitamin D levels were categorized into deficient, insufficient, and sufficient for every participant. Information related to the study was noted down on a structured pro forma. Results: The difference in Vitamin D values between the two groups was statistically significant, with 62.5% of deficient patients in the case group compared to 15% in the control group (confidence interval = 95%, χ 2 = 173.97, P = 0.001). The relationship between Vitamin D concentration and Karnofsky scale categories was statistically significant ( r = 0.752, P = 0.01). Interpretation and Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with TB and a decrease in functional capacity in the region of Bundelkhand, highlighting the vital role of Vitamin D for TB patients.
Role of Insulin Use and Social Determinants of Health on Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: Results From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Massouh Nour , Jaffa Ayad A. , Jaffa Miran A. 
Published: April 2024

Background Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a frequent type of malignancy with a steadily increasing incidence rate worldwide. Although NMSC was shown to be associated with diabetes, no studies have addressed the extent to which insulin use influences the risk of NMSC in light of social determinants of health (SDOH). We conducted a quantitative study that examined the interplay between insulin use, SDOH, additional covariates, and NMSC among individuals with diabetes. Methods We based our analysis on the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a national survey conducted yearly in the US. We performed weighted chi-squared test, logistic regression, and survival analyses on 8685 eligible participants with diabetes enrolled in the BRFSS. Results Kaplan Meier survival curves showed higher probability of NMSC event-free survival for participants with diabetes using insulin compared to participants with diabetes not using insulin (log-rank test P < .001). Significant associations were detected between insulin use and reduced odds of NMSC (OR .56; 95% CI: .38-.82), and decreased hazard (HR .36; 95% CI: .21-.62), along with indices of SDOH. Conclusions Our findings suggest that socioeconomic differences related to the healthcare system and behavioral patterns are linked to discrepancies in the use of insulin and the development of NMSC.
Determination of clopidogrel effect in cats using point-of-care Plateletworks ADP and shipped samples for PFA-200 analysis in a clinical practice setting
Authors: Kornya Matthew R , Abrams-Ogg Anthony CG , Blois Shauna L , Wood R Darren 
Published: April 2024

Objectives Clopidogrel is the recommended first-line antithrombotic in cats for a variety of conditions; however, it is ineffective in 15–20% of cats. The determination of clopidogrel effectiveness with platelet function assays has historically been limited to specialty centers; however, recent work has suggested that in-hospital or shipped analyses of samples may be feasible. The aim of the present study was to investigate the utility of an in-house analysis and shipping of blood samples collected in primary practices for the determination of clopidogrel effectiveness. Methods Citrated blood samples were collected from cats receiving clopidogrel therapy by veterinarians in clinical practices across Canada, a median of 304.4 km from the reference laboratory (range 8–4425). Samples were analyzed in-house using Plateletworks ADP and shipped for remote analysis using PFA-200 P2Y and COL/ADP cartridges. Results A total of 30 samples were collected from 25 cats. Of these, the percentage of samples analyzable for the presence or absence of the clopidogrel effect was 86% for Plateletworks ADP, 90% for PFA-200 P2Y and 87% for PFA-200 COL/ADP. There was no significant difference in the number of samples unable to be analyzed by each modality ( P = 0.689) due to flow obstruction or other sample characteristics. The prevalence of absence of clopidogrel effectiveness on platelet function assays was 8% with the PFA-200 COL/ADP assay, 25% with the PFA-200 P2Y assay and 30% with the Plateletworks ADP assay. Conclusions and relevance The results of this study confirm that samples of feline blood can be collected in clinical practices and shipped to a reference laboratory for PFA-200 analysis with a high rate of success, comparable to point-of-care analysis.
The association between vascular access satisfaction and all-cause mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Zhang Liu-Ping , Li Meng-Ting , Pan Meng-Jiao , Ou Yu-Tong , Gao Min , Wu Min 
Published: April 2024

Background: The mortality is significantly higher in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) than in the general population. It is well-known that vascular access (VA) is critical for MHD patients. But the association between VA satisfaction and all-cause mortality in MHD patients is still not clear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between VA satisfaction and all-cause mortality in MHD patients with a 30-month follow-up. Methods: Two hundred twenty-nine MHD patients in two dialysis centers were enrolled in this observational prospective study. VA satisfaction was assessed using the Short Form Vascular Access Questionnaire (VAQ). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) score was calculated with Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors of all-cause mortality. Results: During the 30-month follow-up period, 35 patients dropped out of the study. Among them, 31 patients died, and 4 patients stopped MHD treatment after renal transplantation. Multivariable analyses showed that the age, VAQ total score, social functioning score and dialysis-related complication score of the VAQ, the total score and MCS of the SF-36 were factors influencing all-cause mortality in MHD patients. The Kaplan-Meier curve further showed that the cumulative survival probability was significantly higher in the MHD patients with VAQ scores <7 at baseline than in patients with VAQ scores ⩾7 ( p = 0.031). Inclusion: The present study showed that VA satisfaction was significantly associated with all-cause mortality in MHD patients. These findings suggest that a holistic approach is required for VA choice.
Information on Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine in the Copenhagen School Health Records Register
Authors: Altindag Onur , Andersen Matvei , Baker Jennifer L. , Greve Jane , Tekin Erdal 
Published: April 2024

Background: The Copenhagen School Health Record Register (CSHRR) includes health information from school examinations and is now updated with information on measles, mumps and rubella vaccines for the cohorts born from 1977 to 1994. Aim: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive description and validation the newly digitised vaccine information in the CSHRR. Methods: We describe the data collection and the newly digitalised information in the CSHRR. We investigate the extent to which the full CSHRR population is representative of Copenhagen and the entire Danish population. Furthermore, we explore how the registry information on vaccination uptake based on reimbursement data matches the vaccine information obtained from CSHRR for the period during which both data are available. Results: The CSHRR population matches closely the complete population of all schoolchildren in Copenhagen, and information on vaccine uptake in CSHRR matches with vaccine registry data for later cohorts. However, a sizable proportion of the immigrant children in the CSHRR have missing information on vaccination. Removing children who have had no additional immunisations enhances data quality. Conclusions: The CSHRR covers a large share of the Danish population and includes detailed vaccine information. By linking the data to other registry data, the updated CSHRR is valuable resource for future research.
Development of essential oil-containing antimicrobial and deodorizing nanofibrous membranes for sanitary napkin applications
Authors: Lee Hanul , Lee Seungsin 
Published: April 2024

In this study, antimicrobial and deodorizing nanofibrous composite membranes based on natural substances were developed for use in feminine sanitary napkins. Plant-derived natural essential oils, such as lemongrass oil and May Chang oil, were incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers using emulsion electrospinning. The fiber morphology, oil distribution, and pore size distribution of the nanofibrous composite membranes were examined. The antimicrobial and deodorizing effects, tensile properties, and release behavior of the functional ingredients from the composite membranes were investigated to examine their use in sanitary napkins. Core–sheath nanofibers, in which lemongrass oil or May Chang oil was uniformly distributed within the fiber core, were fabricated using various oil contents. The essential oil-loaded nanofibrous composite membranes contained pores ranging from 0.130 to 1.349 µm in size. The release profiles of the essential oils from the composite membranes over an 8 h period demonstrated a continuous release of citral and limonene. Composite membranes containing either lemongrass oil or May Chang oil exhibited outstanding antimicrobial effects against vaginal pathogens, such as Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, despite their low oil content. Deodorizing effects against ammonia gas were observed at oil contents higher than that required to achieve antimicrobial effects. The composite membranes exhibited lower Young’s modulus and greater elongation at break values under wet conditions compared to dry conditions. Our findings demonstrate that antimicrobial and deodorizing nanofibrous composite membranes based on plant-derived essential oils have the potential for use in feminine hygiene products.
Integrative Nursing Interventions for Cancer-Related Symptoms in Oncology Inpatients: Results of a Descriptive Pilot Study
Authors: Raiber Lea , Raff Christian , Thiele Johanna , Kramer Klaus 
Published: April 2024

Background: Integrative nursing (IN) is an essential component of integrative medicine and integrative oncology. IN includes a range of external naturopathic, integrative nursing interventions, such as compresses, embrocation, and foot/hand baths, aimed at alleviating symptoms and side effects of conventional treatment. The project IMPLEMENT-UKU (“Implementation of IN at the University Hospital Ulm”) was accompanied by a descriptive pilot study on the use of IN interventions on cancer-related symptoms in oncology inpatients, the characterization of these patients and the evaluation of the impact. Methods: A single-arm study was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire administered before the IN interventions (t0) and 24 hours after the IN interventions (t1). Topics included sociodemographic data, symptoms, quality of life, health status, psychological burden, attitudes, and experience and satisfaction with the IN interventions. Analyses were descriptive using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: During the 6-month study period out of 66 patients recommended for IN consultation by medical and nursing staff on 2 wards, 62 (93.9%) accepted the offer. Of those patients who received IN, 21 patients (33.9%) participated in the study. The number of IN interventions received per patient ranged from 1 to 3 during the 24-hour survey period. And a total of 36 IN interventions were performed: The most treated body region was the feet/legs (50.0%), followed by the back (25.0%), using oils such as solum oil (41.7%) and lavender oil (13.9%). Embrocation (77.8%) was the predominant type of IN intervention. For patients, the mean FACIT-F score was 29.2 ± 12.5. The mean PHQ-4 score was 3.0 ± 1.9. Regarding sleep quality in the last 4 weeks, 13 participants (61.9%) described it as rather or very poor. Satisfaction with the IN was high, with a large proportion of participants evaluating the IN interventions very positively. Conclusion: The study’s findings suggest that there is a great need for IN among oncology inpatients. These patients are open to and interested in IN interventions and evaluate them positively. IN provides a promising opportunity to provide non-pharmacological support to inpatients. The integration of IN in conventional oncology care settings may enhance patient-centered care and contribute to improved patient wellbeing.
Distal Forearm Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tayebi Pouya , Dadashi Kosar , Asgharpour Masoumeh , Moghadamnia Ali A. , Gholinia Hemmat , Bijani Ali 
Published: April 2024

Purpose Atherosclerotic disease of the forearm arteries can impede the maturation of distal fistulas in diabetic patients. The goal of this study was to look at the maturity of diabetic hemodialysis patients’ distal forearm (radiocephalic snuffbox or distal forearm) arteriovenous fistulas. Materials and Methods Patients with chronic renal failure who were candidates for distal forearm radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula implantation were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Patients’ demographic details, underlying disorders, laboratory measurements, vital signs, and information on their surgery were all noted. Patients were checked for fistula development 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and then monthly until 6 months after surgery. Arteriovenous fistula maturation characterized by optimal blood flow, vessel dilation, and structural adaptations. Results Among 343 patients (56% male, 44% female, mean age: 57.32 ± 12.48 years), hypertension prevailed (81.9%), followed by hyperlipidemia (42.3%) and coronary artery disease history (25.9%). AVFs achieved 58.3% maturation in 64.98 ± 11.05 days; higher BP during creation correlated with successful maturation (17.02 ± 1.46 mmHg vs 13.90 ± 1.93 mmHg, P < .05). No significant statistical difference found in distal forearm arteriovenous fistula maturation between males (57.8%) and females (58.9%) ( P > .005). However, 41.7% of AVFs failed in 18.83 ± 17.89 days. Failed AVFs exhibited lower BP during operation and failure (11.75 ± 1.86 mmHg). Kaplan-Meier analysis depicted maturation probabilities over 90 days post-surgery. Conclusion Diabetes and patient sex did not affect the maturation time of distal forearm AVFs in hemodialysis patients. Increased blood pressure during and after surgery correlated with shorter maturation time.