bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metacarpal Fracture Fixation with Intramedullary Screws
Authors: GEORGE Adam R. , DRAGAN Zac , ABBOT Hagen , HANDFORD Cameron , GRAHAM David J. , SIVAKUMAR Brahman 
Published: May 2024

Background: Intramedullary screws (IMS) have become a viable option for metacarpal fracture fixation. To further appraise their utility, this study assessed clinical and patient-reported short- and medium-term outcomes of IMS fixation for extra-articular metacarpal fractures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in a series of 32 patients (with a total of 37 fractures) who underwent metacarpal fracture fixation over a 42-month period between January 2020 and July 2023. Results: Mean time for return to work was 39.8 days; mean time for return to full function was 88.4 days; total active motion was 250.7° (range: 204.9–270.9); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 2.3 (range: 0–22.7); mean visual analogue pain score was 0.9 out of 10 (range: 0–6) and a single complication was observed. Conclusions: The use of IMS in metacarpal fracture fixation is a practicable surgical option. IMS fixations yields a satisfactory duration for return to function, good postoperative range of movement, modest pain scores and low rates of complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Scapular Elevation Sign – A New Sign in Evaluation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: NORDBACK Panu H. , SEBASTIN Sandeep J. , YONG Zachary Z. , LEE Ellen Y. , LIM Aymeric Y. T. 
Published: May 2024

Background: We noted that patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) have elevation of the ipsilateral scapula and named this the scapular elevation sign (SES). The aim was to determine the prevalence of SES in a normal cohort, compare SES with other provocative tests and to determine the treatment effect on SES. Methods: First, normal asymptomatic subjects were prospectively assessed to determine the prevalence of SES in a normal cohort. Second, patients with TOS were retrospectively examined for the presence of SES and four provocative tests: supraclavicular pressure, scalene test, elevated arm stress test (EAST) and the military brace manoeuvre. All patients were initially treated non-surgically. Surgery was offered to patients with persistent symptoms at 6 months. Patients were re-examined for the presence of the SES after treatment. Results: The prevalence of SES in our normal cohort was 4% (2/53). Our study cohort included 20 patients with TOS. The SES was positive in 18 patients (90%). Supraclavicular pressure was positive in 11 (55%), scalene test in 13 (65%), EAST in 9 (45%) and military brace manoeuvre in 11 patients (55%). Following non-surgical treatment, six patients had symptom resolution, three had improvement, nine persistent symptoms and two were lost to follow-up. The SES was positive in one out of six patients with symptom resolution, two out of three patients with improvement and in all nine patients with persistent symptoms. Patients with persistent symptoms underwent surgery with symptom resolution in eight and improvement in one patient. The SES remained positive in two patients after surgical treatment. Conclusions: The SES is simple and sensitive, does not rely on variations in performance of the test and suitable for diagnosis and assessment of outcomes of TOS. Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic)
An Exploration of the Phonon Frequency Spectrum and Born–von Karman Periodic Boundary Conditions in 1D and 2D Lattice Systems Using a Computational Approach
Authors: Shannigrahi J. , Ashdhir P. 
Published: May 2024

Periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) are a pivotal concept in the treatment of ideal lattices of infinite extent as a finite lattice. Most undergraduate texts that delve into the analytical treatment of lattice dynamics solve the problem in the reciprocal space with an implicit assumption of PBCs. While the traditional approach centered in the reciprocal or [Formula: see text]-space is elegant for simple one-dimensional lattice structures, the method becomes mathematically cumbersome for more complex lattices with real-world applications, such as a honeycomb lattice involving a [Formula: see text] secular determinant. In this work, we have explored the solution of lattice dynamics in direct space numerically, by constructing unit cells through an explicit implementation of Born–von Karman PBCs and solving the lattice dynamical equations in the displacement–time domain using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm. The Fast Fourier Transform technique is then used to obtain the phonon frequency spectrum corresponding to the computed instantaneous displacements. The fidelity of the model is validated by the agreement of the computational results obtained for the phonon spectrum at high symmetry points in the Brillouin zone with the analytical values for the given problem. Initially, the dynamics and the phonon spectrum are explored for monatomic and diatomic linear lattices which serve to act as introductory cases for the approach before investigating the 2D monatomic square and honeycomb lattices using the nearest and next-nearest neighbor approximations. A short-range force constant model employing the central forces and angular forces is used for the monatomic square lattice to account for the interatomic interactions. Our computational approach is expected to be physically more intuitive for a student for visualizing the periodicity of a given lattice and understanding its related dynamics. The approach demonstrates the usage of Born–von Karman PBCs in constructing a unit cell that effectively captures the dynamics of a lattice system, complementing the traditional secular determinant formalism. The work also illustrates an instance of how the computer programming can be used as a tool to empower the students to explore abstract concepts in physics. A honing of programming and computational skills of students enables them to interact with dynamic models in physics and gain deeper insight into the real-world applications of physics principles. Target group of this work is the students and educators at undergraduate level who seek a thorough and didactic comprehension of lattice dynamics.
Epigenetic Priming by Hypomethylation Enhances the Immunogenic Potential of Tolinapant in T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Ward George A. , Zhang Zhiqiang , Jueliger Simone , Potapov Ilya S. , Davis Matthew P. , Boxall Adam R. , Taylor Jason , Keer Harold , Biondo Andrea , Lyons John F. , Sims Martin , Smyth Tomoko 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Programmed cell death mechanisms are important for the regulation of tumor development and progression. Evasion of and resistance to apoptosis are significant factors in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Bypassing apoptotic pathways and eliciting another form of regulated cell death, namely necroptosis, an immunogenic cell death (ICD), may override apoptotic resistance. Here, we present the mechanistic rationale for combining tolinapant, an antagonist of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP), with decitabine, a hypomethylating agent (HMA), in T-cell lymphoma (TCL). Tolinapant treatment alone of TCL cells in vitro and in syngeneic in vivo models demonstrated that ICD markers can be upregulated, and we have shown that epigenetic priming with decitabine further enhances this effect. The clinical relevance of ICD markers was confirmed by the direct measurement of plasma proteins from patients with peripheral TCL treated with tolinapant. We showed increased levels of necroptosis in TCL lines, along with the expression of cancer-specific antigens (such as cancer testis antigens) and increases in genes involved in IFN signaling induced by HMA treatment, together deliver a strong adaptive immune response to the tumor. These results highlight the potential of a decitabine and tolinapant combination for TCL and could lead to clinical evaluation.

Significance:
The IAP antagonist tolinapant can induce necroptosis, a key immune-activating event, in TCL. Combination with DNA hypomethylation enhances tolinapant sensitivity and primes resistant cells by re-expressing necrosome proteins. In addition, this combination leads to increases in genes involved in IFN signaling and neoantigen expression, providing further molecular rationale for this novel therapeutic option.
Performance evaluation of blockchains in the internet of things
Authors: Alam Tanweer 
Published: May 2024

The idea of blockchains technology (BT) on the internet of things (IoT) is to allow the physical things to trust in the transactions held within the IoT network. The BT is a distributed, decentralized, publicly shared its digital ledger, and secured technology to eternally record the transactions across the shared database. The BT in IoT can be called trust machine to eliminate the intermediates and enables the physical things to trust with each other. This research evaluates the performance of BT in IoT. The simulated results are tested and can be used in the sustainable development of the integration of BT and IoT.
Spexin Diminishes Atrial Fibrillation Vulnerability by Acting on Galanin Receptor 2
Authors: Li Desheng , Liu Yang , Li Changzhu , Zhou Zhiwen , Gao Kangyi , Bao Hairong , Yang Jiming , Xue Genlong , Yin Dechun , Zhao Xinbo , Shen Kewei , Zhang Lingmin , Li Jialiang , Li Chenhong , Song Jiahui , Zhao Lexin , Pei Yao , Xuan Lina , Zhang Yang , Lu Yanjie , Zhang Zhi-Ren , Yang Baofeng , Li Yue , Pan Zhenwei 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
G protein–coupled receptors play a critical role in atrial fibrillation (AF). Spexin is a novel ligand of galanin receptors (GALRs). In this study, we investigated the regulation of spexin and GALRs on AF and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS:

Global spexin knockout (SPX-KO) and cardiomyocyte-specific GALRs knockout (GALR-cKO) mice underwent burst pacing electrical stimulation. Optical mapping was used to determine atrial conduction velocity and action potential duration. Atrial myocyte action potential duration and inward rectifying K
+
current (
I
K1
) were recorded using whole-cell patch clamps. Isolated cardiomyocytes were stained with Fluo-3/AM dye, and intracellular Ca
2+
handling was examined by CCD camera. A mouse model of AF was established by Ang-II (angiotensin II) infusion.

RESULTS:

Spexin plasma levels in patients with AF were lower than those in subjects without AF, and knockout of spexin increased AF susceptibility in mice. In the atrium of SPX-KO mice, potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 2 (
KCNJ2
) and sarcolipin (
SLN
) were upregulated; meanwhile,
I
K1
current was increased and Ca
2+
handling was impaired in isolated atrial myocytes of SPX-KO mice. GALR2-cKO mice, but not GALR1-cKO and GALR3-cKO mice, had a higher incidence of AF, which was associated with higher
I
K1
current and intracellular Ca
2+
overload. The phosphorylation level of CREB (cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein 1) was upregulated in atrial tissues of SPX-KO and GALR2-cKO mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed the recruitment of p-CREB to the proximal promoter regions of
KCNJ2
and
SLN
. Finally, spexin treatment suppressed CREB signaling, decreased
I
K1
current and decreased intracellular Ca
2+
overload, which thus reduced the inducibility of AF in Ang-II–infused mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Spexin reduces atrial fibrillation susceptibility by inhibiting CREB phosphorylation and thus downregulating
KCNJ2
and
SLN
transcription by GALR2 receptor. The spexin/GALR2/CREB signaling pathway represents a novel therapeutic avenue in the development of agents against atrial fibrillation.
Predicting and Recognizing Drug‐Induced Type I Brugada Pattern Using ECG‐Based Deep Learning
Authors: Călburean Paul‐Adrian , Pannone Luigi , Monaco Cinzia , Rocca Domenico Della , Sorgente Antonio , Almorad Alexandre , Bala Gezim , Aglietti Filippo , Ramak Robbert , Overeinder Ingrid , Ströker Erwin , Pappaert Gudrun , Măru’teri Marius , Harpa Marius , La Meir Mark , Brugada Pedro , Sieira Juan , Sarkozy Andrea , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , de Asmundis Carlo 
Published: May 2024

Background
Brugada syndrome (BrS) has been associated with sudden cardiac death in otherwise healthy subjects, and drug‐induced BrS accounts for 55% to 70% of all patients with BrS. This study aims to develop a deep convolutional neural network and evaluate its performance in recognizing and predicting BrS diagnosis.

Methods and Results
Consecutive patients who underwent ajmaline testing for BrS following a standardized protocol were included. ECG tracings from baseline and during ajmaline were transformed using wavelet analysis and a deep convolutional neural network was separately trained to (1) recognize and (2) predict BrS type I pattern. The resultant networks are referred to as BrS‐Net. A total of 1188 patients were included, of which 361 (30.3%) patients developed BrS type I pattern during ajmaline infusion. When trained and evaluated on ECG tracings during ajmaline, BrS‐Net recognized a BrS type I pattern with an AUC‐ROC of 0.945 (0.921–0.969) and an AUC‐PR of 0.892 (0.815–0.939). When trained and evaluated on ECG tracings at baseline, BrS‐Net predicted a BrS type I pattern during ajmaline with an AUC‐ROC of 0.805 (0.845–0.736) and an AUC‐PR of 0.605 (0.460–0.664).

Conclusions
BrS‐Net, a deep convolutional neural network, can identify BrS type I pattern with high performance. BrS‐Net can predict from baseline ECG the development of a BrS type I pattern after ajmaline with good performance in an unselected population.
L’origine du langage en islam : status quaestionis
Authors: Amharar Ilyass 
Published: May 2024

Résumé
L’objectif de cet article est de reconstituer l’évolution chronologique du traitement de la question de l’origine du langage chez les savants musulmans, qu’ils soient théologiens, grammairiens ou théoriciens du droit, mais aussi de son analyse dans la recherche moderne. Du fait de ses nombreuses implications théologiques et linguistiques (notamment sur la question du verbe divin, du maǧāz, des noms légaux, ou encore de l’évolution de la langue), l’origine du langage chez les savants musulmans a suscité un vif intérêt de la recherche académique portant sur le kalām ou sur la philologie. Dans un premier temps, cet intérêt allait de pair avec un autre beaucoup plus large, qui tenait presque de l’obsession chez de nombreux orientalistes du XIXe siècle, à savoir la question des origines et l’éventualité d’une paternité hellénistique de la notion. Celle-ci, comme d’autres, sera progressivement contestée.
Using Heart Rate Variability to Assess Nurses’ Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Krieger Hanna , Rhein Cosima , Morawa Eva , Adler Werner , Steffan Jan , Lang-Richter Nadine , Struck Matthias , Erim Yesim , Lieb Marietta 
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess subjective and objective parameters of stress among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the recovery effect of a day off. Methods: In this prospective observational trial, we measured heart rate variability (using a wearable device) and perceived stress levels on 3 working days and 1 day off. We obtained the following data using an online questionnaire: working conditions, COVID-19-related problems, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), effort-reward imbalance, and work-family conflict in a sample of German nurses (N = 41). Results: When comparing working days with a day off, we observed a significant difference for physical load (Cohen’s d = 0.798, P < .001), mental load (Cohen’s d = 0.660, P = .001), emotional exhaustion (Cohen’s d = 0.945, P < .001), and overburdening (Cohen’s d = 0.585, P = .002) with higher scores on working days. Regarding heart rate variability, we did not find a difference. Correlational analyses revealed a significant association between being afraid to get infected with COVID-19 and lower heart rate variability ( r = −0.336, P = .045) and between being afraid to infect relatives and lower heart rate variability ( r = −0.442, P = .007). Furthermore, a higher total sum score of work-family conflict was significantly associated with lower heart rate variability ( r = −0.424, P = .01). Conclusion: As heart rate variability observations were different from those regarding subjectively perceived stress, further studies are needed to evaluate and differentiate the influence of work stress and other types of stress on heart rate variability.
Comparison of storage solutions on saphenous vein endothelial function using immunofluorescence. A pilot study
Authors: Danby Amanda , Briffa Norman 
Published: May 2024

Background Our aim was to establish which of the current and novel storage fluids caused the least harm to the endothelium of the saphenous vein. Methods Unmanipulated samples of saphenous vein were obtained. This vein was exposed to four fluids, DuraGraft®, Plasma-Lyte, autologous blood and sodium chloride, and a control medium. The expression of endothelial selectin (E-selectin) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured using confocal microscopy. Results We identified and quantified platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecules and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 on the endothelium. The results were widely variable. The protein expression of endothelial selectin ( p = .17) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 ( p = .73) showed no statistically significant differences in levels of preservation when the different solutions were compared. Conclusions In this study, we could not determine that any of the solutions were superior at preserving saphenous vein endothelium.
POLARIS: efficacy and safety of a vaginal medical device in recurrent bacterial vaginosis—a multicenter, open-label, non-controlled, study with 10 months of follow-up
Authors: Murina Filippo , Inghirami Paolo , Biriș Marius , Sîrbu Daniela , Barattini Dionisio Franco , Ardolino Luca Ivan , Mangrella Mario , Casolati Elena , Roșu Serban Marius , Crișan Ciprian 
Published: May 2024

Objective Recurrent bacterial vaginosis (RBV) after antibiotic treatment has relapse rates of 35% within 3 months and 60% within 12 months. A medical device containing polycarbophil, lauryl glucoside, and glycerides (PLGG) inhibits bacterial growth and has mucoadhesive properties. This study examined the efficacy of the device in women with RBV. Methods This post-market clinical follow-up study comprised two phases. The first phase was an interventional, open-label, non-controlled, multicenter study enrolling 56 women. The second phase was an observational 10-month follow-up without treatment. Results After three cycles of PLGG treatment, recurrence was identified in 8 of 54 evaluable patients (14.81%). A positive effect on lactobacilli in the vaginal secretions was observed in 26 of 39 patients (66.67%). Among 35 patients observed after stopping PLGG treatment, one case of RBV (2.86%) was observed after 4 months, and an additional six cases (17.14%) were observed after 10 ± 2 months. Therefore, no recurrence was evidenced in 12 subjects (34.28%) at the end of the study. Conclusion The use of PLGG vaginal ovules in the treatment of BV reduces the rate of recurrence and apparently produces a positive effect on the vaginal microbiota.
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer in elderly and frail people: Is hypofractionated radiotherapy a feasible approach when no other local options are available?
Authors: Marvaso Giulia , Vitullo Angelo , Corrao Giulia , Vincini Maria Giulia , Zaffaroni Mattia , Villa Riccardo , Mastroleo Federico , Kuncman Lukasz , Zerini Dario , Repetti Ilaria , Lorubbio Chiara , Musi Gennaro , De Cobelli Ottavio , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja 
Published: May 2024

Aim: The study aims to report the feasibility and safety of palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy targeting macroscopic bladder tumors in a monocentric cohort of frail and elderly bladder cancer patients not eligible for curative treatments. Methods: Patients who underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy to the gross disease or to the tumor bed after transurethral resection of bladder tumor from 2017 to 2021 at the European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, were retrospectively considered. Schedules of treatment were 30 and 25 Gy in 5 fractions (both every other day, and consecutive days). Treatment response was evaluated with radiological investigation and/or cystoscopy. Toxicity assessment was carried out according to RTOG/EORTC v2.0 criteria. Results: A total of 16 patients were included in the study, of these 11 received hypofractionated radiotherapy on the macroscopic target volume and five on the tumor bed after transurethral resection of bladder tumor. No grade (G) >2 acute toxicities were described after treatment for both groups. Only one patient in the group receiving radiotherapy on the macroscopic disease reported G4 GU late toxicity. Ten patients had available follow-up status (median FU time 18 months), of them six had complete response, one had stable disease, and three had progression of disease. The overall response rate and disease control rate were 60% and 70%, respectively. Conclusion: Our preliminary data demonstrate that palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy for bladder cancer in a frail and elderly population is technically feasible, with an acceptable toxicity profile. These outcomes emphasize the potential of this approach in a non-radical setting and could help to provide more solid indications in this underrepresented setting of patients.
Prognostic significance of Klotho expression in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ranjan Kumar Rajiv , Singh Shrawan Kumar , Kakkar Nandita , Mavuduru Ravimohan 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Various molecular markers have been investigated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) without significant reliability. We analyzed Klotho (tumor suppressive protein) expression in RCC to investigate its association with tumor-stage, grade, disease-free-survival (DFS) and overall-survival (OS). Methods: Data of histologically confirmed patients of RCC with complete clinical follow-up were retrieved from Medical-Record-Library. Tissue sections of tumor and normal parenchyma were prepared from the blocks. Immunohistochemical studies for Klotho were done with commercially available kit (EPR6856, Ab181373; Abcam, Cambridge MA, USA). Klotho expression was scored between 0–3 and grouped into weak/absent (0, 1) and moderate/strong (2, 3). Tumors stages and grades were grouped into low stage (I and II) and high stage (III and IV) and into low grade (grade 1 and 2) and high grade (grade 3 and 4) according to WHO/ISUP grading. The histopathologists were blinded as to the clinical and follow-up data. Various prognostic factors were analyzed with respect to Klotho expression. Kaplan-Meier curves were created for DFS and OS. Results: Fifty-four patients of mean age 55.15 ± 13.34 years and M:F ratio of 1.8:1 were included. Normal renal tissue had strong expression of Klotho in all. In tumor tissue 20 (37%) had negative, 7 (13%) had weak, 14 (25.9%) had moderate and 13 (24.1%) had strong Klotho expression. Significantly more patients had absent/weak Klotho expression with higher grade (16/24 (66.7%) vs 7/25 (28%); p = 0.007), higher stage (22/33 (66%) vs 5/21 (23.8%); p = 0.002), LVI (12/14 (85.7%) vs 2/14 (14.3%); p = 0.002), sinus-fat-invasion (16/21 (76.2%) vs 5/21 (23.8%); p = 0.002), renal-vein-involvement (14/18 (77.8%) vs 4/18 (22.2%); p = 0.004), necrosis (17/26 (65.3%) vs 9/26 (34.6%); p = 0.029) and metastasis (8/9 (88.9%) vs 1/9 (11.1%); p = 0.01). Median DFS and OS were significantly lower in patients with weak/absent Klotho expression (12 vs 23 months, p = 0.023 and 15 vs 33 months, p = 0.006 respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves showed lower estimated DFS and OS in patients with weak/absent expression. Conclusions: We conclude that Klotho expression in renal tumor could be a good prognostic marker in patients with RCC.