bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiofrequency ablation compared to surgery for thyroid nodules: A case for office based treatment
Authors: Lee Alex K. F. , Hui Thomas , Yeung Zenon W. C. , Wong Eddy W. Y. , Chan Jason Y. K. , Lau Eric H. L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe aim to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules by ENT surgeons and to compare it to conventional hemithyroidectomy in the public healthcare, operating theater contained setting.Methods50 patients who underwent a single session of RFA for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in Prince of Wales Hospital and Tseung Kwan O Hospital in Hong Kong from 2020 to 2022 were evaluated. Objective outcomes including nodule volume, volume reduction rate (VRR) and complications were recorded. Subjective response in the form of a 0–10 point scale for patient symptoms including obstructive, cosmetic, pain and satisfaction scores were collected.ResultsSignificant reduction in mean VRR was found at 3, 6 and 12 months post treatment, accompanied by a significant reduction in the mean obstructive and cosmetic symptom scores. Comparing with conventional hemithyroidectomy, the RFA group had a significantly shorter mean procedure time and lower rate of complications. Estimated cost to patient for RFA was found to be less than half of that of hemithyroidectomy.ConclusionRFA is a safe and effective treatment modality for benign thyroid nodules by ENT surgeons with advantages of being a scarless local anesthetic procedure with shorter procedure time, lower complication rate and lower cost to patient compared to hemithyroidectomy. In Hong Kong, where most of the population is treated in the public sector, there are limited resources, often with high caseload burden and long operation waiting times. Therefore, RFA is an office‐based treatment that serves as a valuable alternative to hemithyroidectomy for benign nodules, especially in lower resource settings.Level of evidence3.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the BeShape One Device: Assessing Thermal Safety in Noninvasive Body Contouring Using Advanced Techniques
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Karakuz Vitaly , Willenz Ehud P. , Alon Tal , Barzilai Deniz Zilberman , Beer Oren , Nyska Abraham 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aims to assess the thermal safety profile of the BeShape One Device, a noninvasive, high‐intensity, non‐focused ultrasound device designed for reducing waist circumference. This device possesses several features that distinguish it from other commercial ultrasound‐based fat reduction devices. The study focuses on evaluating temperature‐related physiological changes through thermal safety analysis and histopathology in a swine model.Materials and MethodsThe study utilized three types of applicators—active, demo, and modified—to comprehensively assess the device's impact on various skin layers. Five female Large White X Landrace swine were involved in the study, and the BeShape One Device was applied to designated treatment sites using a specific treatment protocol. The assessment included clinical observations, skin reaction evaluations, gross pathology, histopathological analyses, and advanced temperature measurement techniques, including needle thermocouples, thermal cameras, COMSOL modeling, and CEM43 analysis.ResultsClinical observations indicated the animals’ overall well‐being throughout the study. Skin reactions, including erythema, edema, bruising, and crust formation, were temporary and resolved over time. Gross pathology revealed no treatment‐related pathologies, except for a discoloration related to a tattoo procedure. Histopathological analyses at 30 and 90 days posttreatment demonstrated an absence of heat‐related lesions in skin layers. Needle thermocouples and thermal camera measurements supported the device's ability to maintain consistent thermal homogeneity. COMSOL modeling and CEM43 analysis predicted no thermal damage to the skin, confirming the safety of the BeShape One Device.ConclusionsUnder the experimental conditions, the BeShape One Device demonstrated a favorable safety profile. Clinically and histopathologically, no adverse effects were observed. The device's ability to achieve thermal homogeneity in skin layers was validated through advanced temperature measurement techniques. COMSOL modeling and CEM43 analysis further supported the conclusion that the device is safe, making it a promising option for noninvasive body contouring procedures.
Light‐Processed 3D Bioprinting of Symblepharon Rings Fortified with l‐Ascorbic Acid for Ocular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ayran Musa , Goyuk Yeliz , Tiryaki Aysegul , Ulag Songul , Koyuncu Ayse Ceren Calikoglu , Turhan Semra Akkaya , Gunduz Oguzhan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aims to develop gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)‐based symblepharon rings fortified with l‐ascorbic acid (lAA), aiming for controlled release of vitamins for the treatment of the ocular surface, corneal healing, and acceleration of epithelial growth, while concurrently preventing potential inflammation. The human tears contain abundant IAA, which serves a protective role for ocular tissues. The utilization of 3D printing digital light processing technology not only navigating the manufacturing process of symblepharon rings, addressing challenges related to commercial production and expedited delivery to patients but also imparts enhanced flexibility compared to commercial products. This innovative approach also facilitates the production of rings that exhibit superior softness and are amenable to mechanical movements for ocular tissue engineering. The morphological, chemical, rheological, biological, thermal, and drug‐release characteristics of 3D‐printed lAA‐loaded symblepharon rings are investigated. In the morphological characterization, it is observed that the rings exhibit a porous structure. In biocompatibility tests, Gelas and Gelas‐low rings achieve over 75% viability. Following the cell test, scanning electron microscope images reveal fibroblasts adhering to Gelas and Gelas‐low rings, spreading across their surfaces. Drug release studies conducted in phosphate‐buffered saline at pH 7.4 reveal the complete release of lAA from Gelas‐low within a 5‐d incubation period.
ATP citrate lyase promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the REGγ‐proteasome pathway
Authors: Cai Qihong , Zhu Honghua , Dai Yile , Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Qiyu , Zhu Qiandong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe search for novel tumor biomarkers and targets is of significant importance for the early clinical diagnosis and treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The mechanisms by which ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) promotes HCC progression remain unclear, and the connection between ACLY and REGγ has not been reported in the literature. In vitro, we will perform overexpression/knockdown of ACLY or overexpression/knockdown of REGγ to investigate the impact of ACLY on HCC cells and its underlying mechanisms. In vivo, we will establish mouse tumor models with overexpression/knockdown of ACLY or overexpression/knockdown of REGγ to study the effect of ACLY on mouse tumors and its mechanisms. Firstly, ACLY overexpression upregulated REGγ expression and activated the REGγ‐proteasome pathway, leading to changes in the expression of downstream signaling pathway proteins. This promoted HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Secondly, ACLY overexpression increased acetyl‐CoA production, upregulated the acetylation level of the REGγ promoter region histone H3K27ac, and subsequently induced REGγ expression. Lastly, enhanced acetylation of the REGγ promoter region histone H3K27ac resulted in upregulated REGγ expression, activation of the REGγ‐proteasome pathway, changes in downstream signaling pathway protein expression, and promotion of HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Conversely, REGγ knockdown reversed these effects. ACLY and REGγ may serve as potential biomarkers and clinical therapeutic targets for HCC.
Recycling decision and corporate social responsibility implement for closed‐loop supply chain considering green design under EPR policy
Authors: Yao Feng‐min , Xie Tian‐tian , Yan Ying‐luo , Sun Jia‐yi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy requires producers to focus on the green design of front‐end products and the recycling of end‐of‐life waste products at the same time and fulfill dual environmental responsibilities. Under this background, we study the recycling decision and corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation for closed‐loop supply chains (CLSC) considering green design under EPR policy. We build game models of CLSC under six situations, and analyze the interaction between the manufacturer's green design behavior and the retailer's CSR behavior, along with their influence on recycling decisions and the operational performance of CLSC. We show that both the manufacturer's green design behavior and the retailer's CSR behavior are beneficial to improving social welfare and the other party's profits, but a higher level of green design is uneconomical for the manufacturer. Similarly, a higher CSR awareness is not conducive to retailer's profitability. We also find that under the influence of the government's “Tax‐Reduction‐Subsidy” policy, the selection of the optimal recycling channel is influenced by factors such as the difficulty of recycling waste products, government subsidies, and the profit of unit reprocesses from the perspective of maximizing supply chain member's profits.
Are men's and women's college basketball players “Pigouvian” exploited?
Authors: Brook Stacey L. , Hellen Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing total revenue, previous research finds college basketball players generate millions of dollars in marginal revenue product (MRP). We are skeptical of using total revenue data. Instead, we use total variable revenue since using fixed revenues can over‐estimate a team's marginal revenue and therefore a player's MRP. Comparing MRP to the players average grant‐in‐aid, we find that for public Division I universities, a little over one‐quarter of men's basketball players are exploited and a little over one‐tenth of women's basketball players are exploited.
A study on omnichannel retailers' return strategies considering showroom and consumer preference behavior
Authors: Zhan Zhifang , Huang Yuhe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo address omnichannel retailers' return challenges, considering consumers' brand and channel preferences. Four subgame models for retailers' Experience‐in‐Store‐and‐Buy‐Online (ESBO) return strategies in a double oligopoly market are developed. Using an optimization model and inverse induction method, equilibrium strategies under different conditions are determined. Finally, simulation analyzes parameter sensitivity and equilibrium strategies. Findings show that when consumers' brand preference is low, the (Y,Y) subgame is the unique equilibrium solution, but profits do not significantly increase and are always lower than the (N,N) subgame, leading to a Prisoner's Dilemma. With a clear brand preference, both retailers always obtain the maximum profit under the (Y,Y) subgame. In markets with a high proportion of omnichannel consumers and a large number of high‐cost‐to‐store consumers, the party implementing the ESBO strategy benefits more in a fiercely competitive market, while the profit situation of the party not implementing the ESBO strategy is less optimistic.
Homozygous TREM2 c.549del; p.(Leu184Serfs*5) variant causing Nasu‐Hakola disease in three siblings in a consanguineous Iraqi family: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Gilani Naser , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Ozaslan Mehmet , Åsheim Sarah , Heidari Morteza , Garshasbi Masoud 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 protein (TREM2) plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including osteoclast differentiation, and disease‐associated microglia (DAM) activation to regulate neuroinflammation, and phagocytosis in the brain. Genetic variations in TREM2 are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Nasu‐hakola disease (NHD), characterized by bone lesions, neuropsychiatric disorders, and early‐onset dementia.MethodsWe studied 3 siblings with suspected NHD. Whole‐exome sequencing was conducted on the proband to identify the possible genetic cause(s) and by Sanger sequencing to validate the identified variants in the two other affected siblings, a healthy sister, and the parents.ResultsWe identified a novel homozygous deletion (c.549del; p.(Leu184Serfs*5)) in TREM2. Our literature review reveals 16 TREM2 mutations causing early‐onset dementia and bone lesions.ConclusionThese findings, alongside previous research, elucidate the clinical spectrum of TREM2‐related diseases, aiding accurate diagnosis and patient care. This knowledge is vital for understanding TREM2‐dependent DAM and its involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders which can help to develop targeted therapies and improve outcomes for TREM2‐affected individuals.
Reconstruction of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant: A case report
Authors: da Costa Antonio Carlos , Farina Brunelli Joao Pedro , Rojas‐Neira Juliana , Falcochio Diego Figueira , Sevilla‐Tirado Juan , Soldado Francisco 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCongenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm poses a considerable challenge because of its rarity. The objective of this report is to introduce a novel surgical technique for its treatment. Here, we document a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius in a 3‐year‐old boy diagnosed with type‐1 neurofibromatosis. The surgical treatment involved the excision of approximately 9 cm of native radial periosteum and a bifocal radius osteotomy, which was supplemented with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant to facilitate bone healing. Anastomosis between the anterior tibial vessels and radial vessels was performed. No immediate or late postoperative complications were observed. After 3 weeks, a robust callus formation was observed, and during a follow‐up examination 3 years and 4 months later, a wide range of active forearm rotation was noted. This report suggests that vascularized periosteal flaps show promise as a viable treatment option for congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm. They offer an alternative to vascularized fibular grafts or single‐bone forearm constructs.
The robotic‐assisted free jejunal flap for neovaginal canal creation in gender‐affirming vaginoplasties
Authors: Del Corral Gabriel A. , Chang Brian L. , Lava Christian X. , Li Karen R. , Lisle David M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionOne of the biggest challenges with gender‐affirming vaginoplasty was the creation of a long‐lasting, durable, patent, and self‐lubricating neovaginal canal that allowed for spontaneous, pain‐free sexual intercourse. The jejunum was a durable, physiologic, and intestinal option to create the neovaginal canal that minimizes the adverse effects of skin graft, peritoneal, and colonic vaginoplasties. Free jejunal vaginoplasties had been performed in cis females for congenital genitourinary anomalies like Mullerian agenesis or after gynecologic‐oncologic surgery but had yet to be reported for gender‐affirming vaginoplasties. The purpose of this report was to present a technique for a physiologic, intestinal, gender‐affirming vaginoplasty without the disadvantages of colonic vaginoplasties.Patients and MethodsThis report presented six patients, all natal males who identified as female, undergoing robotic‐assisted free jejunal flap gender‐affirming vaginoplasty. Mean age was 35.8 years (range: 21–66). Mean body mass index was 33.2 kg/m2 (range: 28.0–41.0). The proximal aspect of the neovaginal canal was created intra‐abdominally by elevating peritoneal flaps from the posterior bladder wall to be reflected downward into the external neovaginal canal. The jejunal flap was harvested. The greater saphenous vein was harvested to create an arteriovenous loop between the flap vessels and the recipient femoral artery in an end‐to‐side fashion and a branch of the femoral vein. The jejunal flap was passed intra‐abdominally through the groin incision and then trans‐peritoneally into the neovaginal canal. The jejunal segment was inset to the proximal peritoneal flaps and the distal inverted penoscrotal skin of the neovaginal introitus.ResultsMean length of the harvest jejunal segment was 19.2 cm (range: 15–20). Mean time to ambulation, foley removal, and first vaginal dilation were 3.3 (range: 3–4), 4.0 (range: 3–5), and 4.5 days (range: 4–6), respectively. By a mean follow‐up duration of 8.0 months (range: 1–14), mean vaginal depth and diameter were 7.0 and 1.3 cm (range: 1.0–1.5), respectively. Two (33.3%) patients experienced postoperative complications, including groin hematoma (n = 1, 16.7%) and reoperation for correction of dehiscence of the jejunal flap to the vaginal introitus (n = 1, 16.7%).ConclusionGender‐affirming surgeons should consider a free vascularized segment of jejunum as an option to line the neovaginal canal in the correct patients.
The versatility of the scapular free flap: A workhorse flap? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Escobar‐Domingo Maria J. , Bustos Valeria P. , Akintayo Rachel , Mahmoud Amir‐Ala , Fanning James E. , Foppiani Jose A. , Miller Amitai S. , Cauley Ryan P. , Lin Samuel J. , Lee Bernard T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe scapular free flap (SFF) is essential in complex reconstructive surgery and often indicated in complex defects with compromised or poor local tissue integrity. This review aims to assess the versatility and reliability of the SFF during reconstruction.MethodsA comprehensive literature review of multiple databases was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. An analysis of pooled data was performed to evaluate flap failure rate for any anatomical unit using SFF as the primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints included other complication rates after reconstruction such as partial flap loss, revision surgery, fistula, hematoma, and infection.ResultsA total of 110 articles were included, with 1447 pooled flaps. The main recipient site was the head and neck region (89.0%). Major indications for reconstruction were malignancy (55.3%), burns (19.2%), and trauma (9.3%). The most common types of flaps were osteocutaneous (23.3%), cutaneous (22.6%), and chimeric (18.0%). The pooled flap failure rate was 2% (95%CI: 1%–4%). No significant heterogeneity was present across studies (Q statistic 20.2, p = .69; I2 .00%, p = .685). Nonscapular supplementary flaps and grafts were required in 61 cases. The average length and surface area of bone flaps were 7.2 cm and 24.8cm2, respectively. The average skin paddle area was 134.2cm2.ConclusionThe SFF is a useful adjunct in the reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium as evidence by its intrinsic versatility and diverse clinical indications. Our data suggest a low failure rate in multicomponent defect reconstruction, especially in head and neck surgery. SFFs enable incorporation of multiple tissue types and customizable dimensions—both for vascularized bone and cutaneous skin—augmenting its value in the microsurgeon's repertoire as a chimeric flap. Further research is necessary to overcome the conventional barriers to SFF utilization and to better comprehend the specific scenarios in which the SFF can serve as the preferred alternative workhorse flap.
Fast 3D fMRI acquisition with high spatial resolutions over a reduced FOV
Authors: Luo Qingfei , Sun Kaibao , Dan Guangyu , Zhou Xiaohong Joe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeTo develop and demonstrate a fast 3D fMRI acquisition technique with high spatial resolution over a reduced FOV, named k‐t 3D reduced FOV imaging (3D‐rFOVI).MethodsBased on 3D gradient‐echo EPI, k‐t 3D‐rFOVI used a 2D RF pulse to reduce the FOV in the in‐plane phase‐encoding direction, boosting spatial resolution without increasing echo train length. For image acceleration, full sampling was applied in the central k‐space region along the through‐slab direction (kz) for all time frames, while randomized undersampling was used in outer kz regions at different time frames. Images were acquired at 3T and reconstructed using a method based on partial separability. fMRI detection sensitivity of k‐t 3D‐rFOVI was quantitively analyzed with simulation data. Human visual fMRI experiments were performed to evaluate k‐t 3D‐rFOVI and compare it with a commercial multiband EPI sequence.ResultsThe simulation data showed that k‐t 3D‐rFOVI can detect 100% of fMRI activations with an acceleration factor (R) of 2 and ˜80% with R = 6. In the human fMRI data acquired with 1.5‐mm spatial resolution and 800‐ms volume TR (TRvol), k‐t 3D‐rFOVI with R = 4 detected 46% more activated voxels in the visual cortex than the multiband EPI. Additional fMRI experiments showed that k‐t 3D‐rFOVI can achieve TRvol of 480 ms with R = 6, while reliably detecting visual activation.Conclusionsk‐t 3D‐rFOVI can simultaneously achieve a high spatial resolution (1.5‐mm isotropically) and short TRvol (480‐ms) at 3T. It offers a robust acquisition technique for fast fMRI studies over a focused brain volume.
Tongue pressure is a strong predictor of recommendation for gastrostomy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mendes Amanda E. , Silva Guilherme D. , Jorge Frederico M. H. , Callegaro Dagoberto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsObjective and practical biomarkers to determine the need for gastrostomy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are lacking. Tongue pressure (TP) is a promising biomarker because it is associated with bulbar dysfunction. The aims of this study were to evaluate the association of TP with the need for gastrostomy, and to determine its optimal cut‐off value.MethodsThis prospective observational study included participants with ALS taking nutrition orally. TP was evaluated using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Need for gastrostomy as determined by a multidisciplinary team during a 12‐month follow up period was recorded. Associations between TP and need for gastrostomy placement were performed. ROC curve analysis determined the optimal cut‐off value of TP to predict gastrostomy.ResultsOf 208 screened participants, 119 were included. Gastrostomy was indicated in 45% (53), in a 12‐month follow up period. TP of ≤20 kPA was a strong predictor of gastrostomy indication (OR 11.8, CI 95% [4.61, 34.7], p < .001). The association persisted even after adjustment for weight loss, pneumonia, prolonged feeding duration, Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale score, and American Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association scale score (OR 4.51, CI 95% [1.50, 14.9], p = .009). By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, 20 kPA represented the optimal cut‐off value (sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.89).DiscussionTP is a strong independent predictor of gastrostomy indication in the subsequent 12 months in patients with ALS, with good sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff value of ≤20 kPA, suggesting that it may be a promising biomarker in clinical practice.