bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sarcomatoid Prostate Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Hafiani Hamza , Hafiani Ismail , Hafiani Mohamed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the prostate is an extremely rare and aggressive variant of prostate cancer, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its mixed histological features. It represents less than 0.1% of prostate cancer cases and is characterized by the presence of both glandular and sarcomatoid components.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 58-year-old male from rural Morocco who presented with a two-month history of urinary symptoms. Initial imaging revealed prostatic enlargement and a PSA level of 9ng/l, prompting further investigation with CT imaging, which identified a significant prostatic abscess. Surgical drainage unexpectedly revealed a hard mass, leading to transrectal biopsies and subsequent histopathological analysis confirming the diagnosis of sarcomatoid prostate carcinoma. The patient underwent radical prostatectomy post-diagnosis.
Conclusions:
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the prostate remains a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and mixed histological features. This case highlights the importance of considering sarcomatoid carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of prostate malignancies, especially in patients with atypical presentations such as prostatic abscesses. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes in such cases.
Impact of arm position compared to tourniquet and general anesthesia on peripheral vein width in supine adult patients: A prospective, monocentric, cross-sectional study
Authors: Berger Christian , Brandhorst Philipp , Asen Elena , Grallert Sven , Treskatsch Sascha , Weigeldt Moritz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
IV access is a commonly performed procedure that is often taught based on tradition rather than evidence. The effect of arm retroflexion on vein width, either alone or in combination with a tourniquet or general anaesthesia (GA), remains unclear. In this case, the sonographically measured vein width is a surrogate parameter for the success of the puncture.
Methods
Prospective, cross-sectional study involving 57 patients scheduled for surgery in general anesthesia. We analyzed the impact of arm retroflexion, tourniquet, general anesthesia, and their combinations on the antebrachial veins in supine patients by ultrasound. Measurements were taken awake and during general anesthesia, each with and without the application of a tourniquet, and in three different arm positions (0°, 30°, and max° retroflexion) each. Data are presented as median and interquartile range [IQR].
Results
Tourniquet application (AT) had the greatest single effect on Cubital vein outer diameter (CuV-OD) compared to the baseline value of all measures (3.9 mm [3.4–5.1]; 4.8 mm [4.1–5.7], P = 0.001, r = 0.515). This effect was surpassed by the combination of AT and GA (5.1 mm [4.6–6.6], P = 0.001, r = 0.889). In contrast, retroflexion alone did not result in an increase in the CuV–OD at either 30° (4.2 mm [3.7–5.1], p = 1.0, r = 0.12) or max° (4.2 mm [3.6–4.9], p = 0.72, r = 0.23). With GA and AT, no further enlargement was measurable by 30° (5.4 mm [4.6–6.6], p = 1.0, r = 0.15) or max° (5.4 mm [4.6–6.6], p = 1.0, r = 0.07) retroflexion compared to GA-AT-0° (5.1 mm [4.6–6.6], p = 1.0, r = 0.15).
Conclusions
This study provides evidence that retroflexion of the arm in supine patients, whether alone or in addition to a tourniquet or GA, does not have any additional effect on vein width as a surrogate parameter for successful IV success. It shows for the first time that general anesthesia effectively increase vein diameter.
Trial registration
DRKS00029603
Characterisation of materials properties and defects in structure fabricated via additive friction stir deposition
Authors: Paradowska Anna Maria , Yakubov Vladislav , Ostergaard Halsey , Bhagavath Shishira , Leung Chu Lun Alex , Hughes James , Yasa Evren , Khezri Mani , Löschke Sandra , Li Qing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) is an emerging solid-state non-fusion additive manufacturing (AM) technology, which produces parts with wrought-like material properties, high deposition rates, and low residual stresses. However, impact of process interruption on defect formation and mechanical properties has not yet been well-addressed in literature. In this study, Al6061 aluminium structure with two final heights and deposition interruption is successfully manufactured via AFSD and characterised.
Defect analysis conducted via optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray computed tomography reveals >99% relative density with minimal defects in centre of the parts. However, tunnel defects at interface between substrate and deposit as well as kissing bonds are present. Edge of deposit contains tunnel defects due to preference for greater material deposition on advancing side of rotating tool. Virtual machining highlights the ability to remove defects via post processing, avoiding mechanical performance impact of stress concentrating pores. Electron back scatter diffraction revealed regions with localised shear bands contain 1-5 µm equivalent circular diameter grains. Kissing bonds exhibit in areas separated by large grain size difference. Meanwhile, Vickers hardness testing reveals hardness variation with deposit height. This work advances the understanding of complex microstructure development, material flow, and mechanical behaviour of AFSD Al6061 alloy.
An Empirical Study of the Relationship between General Self-efficacy, Chinese Character Learning Anxiety, and Learning Burnout among International Students in China
Authors: Yang Lin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

(1) Background:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between general self-efficacy, Chinese Character Learning Anxiety, and Learning Burnout among international students in China. The participants of the study were 537 international students coming to China, and the three psychological variables were measured and data collected by the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Chinese Character Learning Anxiety Scale (CCLAS), and the Chinese Character Learning Burnout Scale ( CCLBS), quantitative research methods were used to measure and collect data on three psychological variables and Structural Equation Modeling AMOS 25.0 to investigate the mediating role of general self-efficacy on Chinese characters learning anxiety and burnout.
(2) Methods
The study used questionnaire method for data collection. After excluding invalid data, the researcher entered the remaining data and used SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 25.0 software to analyze the entered data for further data processing and constructing hypotheses model test.
(3) Results
The data analysis revealed that self-efficacy was significantly negatively correlated with Chinese characters learning anxiety and Chinese characters learning burnout, i.e., groups of international students with higher levels of self-efficacy experienced lower levels of learning anxiety and burnout. The Bootstrap test results show that the 95% CI of the indirect effect of each variable of self-efficacy on each variable of Chinese character learning anxiety and learning burnout does not contain 0, and that there is a significant mediating effect in the model. Meanwhile, Chinese character learning anxiety predicted learning burnout, so it is believed that self-efficacy played a partial mediating effect in the model.
(4) Conclusions
The results of the study showed that self-efficacy was significantly negatively correlated with foreign language learning anxiety and burnout, while foreign language learning anxiety was significantly positively correlated with burnout.
The results of the mediating role detection analysis showed that foreign language learning anxiety predicted learning burnout and that self-efficacy had a partial mediating effect on the path of foreign language learning anxiety on learning burnout.
Perceptions of substance use disorder in rural areas: How the brain disease model impacts public stigma
Authors: Miller Erin , Schweitzer Sarah , Ahmed Patricia , Robbins Christopher , Lanzillotta-Rangeley Jennifer , Hunt Aaron 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Rural communities are disproportionately affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and public stigma impedes access to and utilization of treatment and support services.
Methods: This study compares data from a 2020 study conducted in rural Ohio (N=173) with results from a recent study conducted in South Dakota on publicly-held stigmatizing views of SUD. South Dakota participants were recruited at several public events across the state via convenience sampling between August 2022-October 2022 to complete a survey. Data from responses to 19 stigma-related questions were merged with the associated data from the 2020 Ohio study and a comparative analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact and Chi square tests.
Results: The data shows that respondents in South Dakota, when compared to respondents in Ohio, are more likely to believe addiction is an illness (SD=84.8%, OH=48.5%, p <0.001). The belief in SUD as an illness aligns with reduced stigmatizing beliefs, as indicated by respondents in SD showing lower stigmatizing ideologies and higher support for naloxone and harm reduction services, when compared to Ohio respondents. In both studies, the belief that SUD is an illness was associated with a reduction in other stigmatizing beliefs.
Conclusions: These results can be used to inform more focused anti-stigma efforts. As more people adopt fewer stigmatizing views on SUD in rural areas, more people with SUD will be supported to seek treatment and recovery services.
Association between Dietary Total Vitamin A, β-carotene, and Retinol Intake and Risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity: Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, 1997–2015
Authors: Tang Yudi , Xiao Yao , Yang Fen , Gao Xiaolian , Zhu Xinhong , Qiao Guiyuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between vitamin A and single cardiometabolic diseases has been extensively studied, but the relationship between dietary vitamin A intake and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) has not been studied. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the association with CMM risk by analyzing different sources of vitamin A.
Methods
This study utilized 13,603 subjects aged ≥ 18 years from 1997–2015 from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Dietary intake was calculated from 3 consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a house hold food inventory. CMM is defined as the development of at least two cardiometabolic diseases.
Results
After a median follow-up of 9.1 years, there were 1050 new cases of CMM. The risk of CMM was significantly lower in those with higher vitamin A intake (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.81). β-carotene (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66–1.02) and retinol (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.48–0.73) intake had a similarly negative correlation. Using restricted cubic spline found an L-shaped relationship between retinol intake and CMM (p non-linear < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, protective effects were stronger for participants aged ≥ 44 years (HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.57–0.92) and for the female group (HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.45–0.84).
Conclusion
Dietary vitamin A was a protective factor for CMM, and this effect was stronger in age ≥ 44 years and in the female group. There was a ceiling effect on the protective effect of retinol intake on the risk of CMM.
Fibrinogen and Cytokines as Biomarkers of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) Among Women Undergoing an In Vitro Fertilization Procedure: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dankluvi Herbert Ekoe , Anto Enoch Odame , Sackey Benedict , Senu Ebenezer , Osaah Millicent , Yeboah Beatrice , Djoleto Ellis Fleischer , Dassah Edward , Senaya Charles Mawunyo , Damalie Francis Jojo Moses Kodzo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the most severe and life-threatening iatrogenic complication of ovulation induction during assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. However, the pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. In Ghana, there is a paucity of data on OHSS. For the first time, this study assessed fibrinogen and cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10, before and after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Methods
This prospective cohort study included 46 women who underwent IVF from April to November 2023 at Hallmark Medicals, Kumasi, Ghana. All participants received the standard treatment protocol for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) using the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) protocol. A well-structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and clinical information. Approximately 10 ml of venous blood was collected for laboratory analyses of fibrinogen and cytokine markers as well as hepatic and renal function tests. Statistical analyses were performed in R Language 4.3.2 and SPSS 26.0. A p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
The incidence of OHSS among women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation was 10.9%. It was more prevalent in younger patients aged 18–24 years (60.0%) (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between OHSS subjects and non-OHSS subjects in terms of pre- and post-COS levels of fibrinogen, TNF-α, IL-8 or IL-10 (p > 0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences between OHSS and non-OHSS subjects in terms of pre- and post-COS levels of liver and renal function markers (p > 0.05). At a cutoff of ≥ 33.5 ng/L, IL-10 was the best marker for detecting OHSS, with a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 71.8%, and area under the curve of 63.3%.
Conclusion
The prevalence of OHSS among younger women who undergo controlled ovarian stimulation is high (10.9%). Controlled ovarian stimulation did not alter hepatic or renal function. IL-10 could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for detecting OHSS among women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.
Predictive value of community-acquired pneumonia severity scores on lung cancer patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated pneumonitis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Lan Fen , Wang Yuji , Fan Bo , Wang Lihua , Xia Lixia , Zou Yimin , Li Wen , Zeng Daxiong , Mao Yanxiong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated pneumonitis (CIP) is a potentially fatal type of immune-related adverse events. There is urgent need for objective and consistent assessment tools for evaluating the severity of CIP. Several severity scores of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) might meet the need.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to explore preliminarily if several CAP severity scores including Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), CURB65, CRB65 and SMART-COP, could predict the mortality in lung cancer patients with CIP.
Results: A total number of 53 lung patients with CIP were included, which were divided into two groups according to each severity score respectively. Patients with higher severity score were more likely to have severe CIP, higher C-reactive protein and D-dimer, and receive corticosteroids treatment. Mortality was significantly higher in the high CURB65 group than in the low CURB65 group (30-day: 28.6% vs 2.6%; 90-day: 35.7% vs 7.7%; 180-day:42.9% vs 18.00%), as well as in the high SMART-COP group compared to the low SMART-COP group (30-day: 27.8% vs 0; 90-day: 27.8% vs 8.6%; 180-day:38.9% vs 17.1%). The PSI, SMART-COP and CURB65 were moderately correlated with American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) grade of CIP respectively.
Conclusion: Both CURB65 and SMART-COP accurately stratified the risk of mortality in lung cancer patients with CIP. They might complement the ASCO grade in the assessment and prediction of mortality in these population.
Re-entrant phase transitions induced by localization of zero-modes
Authors: Morone Flaviano , Sels Dries 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Common wisdom dictates that physical systems become less ordered when heated to higher temperature. However, several systems display the opposite phenomenon and move to a more ordered state upon heating, e.g. at low temperature piezoelectric quartz is paraelectric and it only becomes piezoelectric when heated to sufficiently high temperature [1]. The presence, or better, the re-entrance of unordered phases at low temperature is more prevalent than one might think [2–6]. Although specific models have been developed to understand the phenomenon in specific systems [7], a universal explanation is lacking. Here we propose a universal simple microscopic theory which predicts the existence of two critical temperatures in inhomogeneous systems, where the lower one marks the re-entrance into the less ordered phase. We show that the re-entrant phase transition is caused by disorder-induced spatial localization of the zero-mode on a finite, i.e. sub-extensive, region of the system [8]. Specifically, this trapping of the zero-mode disconnects the fluctuations of the order parameter in distant regions of the system, thus triggering the loss of long-range order and the re-entrance into the disordered phase. This makes the phenomenon quite universal and robust to the underlying details of the model, and explains its ubiquitous observation [9].
The association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) and Prostate specific antigen (PSA): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Guoqiang , Lin Shuangquan , Xiao Kaiwen , Duan Lingxing , Lu Xiongbing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background There is mounting evidence that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can be influenced by lipid metabolism. However, there is still no clear relationship between PSA levels and the ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR). This study's goal is to evaluate the association between PSA and NHHR by using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods We used data from the NHANES from 2003 to 2010 to examine the connection between PSA and NHHR. Out of 41,156 participants, 6,015 met our inclusion criteria. Serum triglycerides served as our independent variable, while PSA was the dependent variable. Results The study's participants were 59.7 years old on average, with a standard deviation of 12.7 years. After controlling for potential confounding variables, a one-unit increment in NHHR was associated with a decrease of 0.15 ng/mL in PSA levels, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from − 0.22 to -0.08, indicating a statistically significant inverse relationship. Moreover, a restricted cubic spline analysis further corroborated the presence of a statistically significant, largely inverse association between NHHR and PSA concentrations. Conclusions Among American males, NHHR is inversely correlated with PSA. This negative correlation might make it challenging for men with higher triglycerides to detect asymptomatic prostate cancer and achieve early diagnosis.
Visual Biofeedback and Postural Control: Exploring Potential Unconscious Visual Integration
Authors: Michaud Lucas , Desjardins Dominique , Perrault Alexandre , Mayer Anne-Sophie , Sauvé Marc-Olivier , Desjardins Renée , Lajoie Yves 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Visual biofeedback (vFB) is known to improve postural control by reducing the center of pressure (COP) sway and its complexity. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these changes are not fully understood. This study investigates a potential unconscious utilization of visual biofeedback (vFB) for postural control by providing participants with both accurate and erroneous feedback (i.e., feedback not congruent with actual body sway) without disclosing the nature of the visual information. Forty young adults were asked to stand as still as possible and were exposed to both accurate and erroneous vFB through a monitor, without explanations regarding the feedback other than that it could or could not help them stand as still as possible. Despite this lack of information, 15 out of 40 participants reported being aware of the vFB nature. Results indicated that both aware and unaware participants exhibited improved postural control under accurate vFB conditions (i.e. reduced COP variability and area, increased COP irregularity, and a shift toward higher sway frequencies). Conversely, small impairments were observed during erroneous vFB. Although the effect on unaware participants was less, these findings highlight a possible unconscious integration of the visual feedback, no matter its relevance.
The Uric acid/HDL-C Ratio May Predict Significant Coronary Stenosis in Moderate Left Main Coronary Artery Lesions: an Intravascular Ultrasonography Study
Authors: Demir Ömer Furkan , Arslan Abdulsamet , Kınık Mustafa , Şensoy Barış , Demir Günseli 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
There may be severe difficulties in determining the severity of LMCA (left main coronary artery) lesions. The use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) facilitates the decision about the lesion severity in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between UHR (uric acid to HDL-C ratio) and lesion severity in patients who have undergone LMCA IVUS.
Methods
The study included 205 patients who were determined with ICS (intermediate coronary stenosis) in LMCA and underwent an IVUS procedure. In the IVUS measurements of these patients, the plaque burden (PB) and the minimal lumen area (MLA) showing lesion severity were measured.
Results
The patients were separated into two groups according to the plaque burden values as those < 65% and ≥ 65%. The UHR values were determined to be significantly higher in the high plaque burden group (479.5 vs. 428.6, p:0.001). When the patients were separated into two groups according to the MLA values (< 6mm2 and ≥ 6mm2), the UHR values were determined to be significantly higher in the group with low MLA values (476.8 vs. 414.9, p < 0.001). In the ROC analysis performed according to the MLA and plaque burden values, the UHR cutoff value of 450 was found to have similar sensitivity and the same specificity for both parameters.
Conclusions
The results of this study suggested that there is a relationship between the UHR parameter and MLA < 6mm2 and plaque burden ≥ 65%, which are independently evaluated as critical in IVUS, and this could predict anatomically significant lesions in patients with a moderate degree of LMCA stricture.
Control of the rubber particle size and phase structure for the design of transparent methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin with excellent performance
Authors: Xu Lu , Zhang Mingyao , Liu Baijun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS) was obtained by blending the rubber phase with matrix resin. Matching the refractive index was crucial for transmittance in MABS resins. Additionally, the superimposed effect of particle size and the interfacial area further determined the MABS resin transparency. The MABS resin with a rubber particle size of 201nm had a transmission of 88.9% when the refractive indexes of the two phases were close. By utilizing a bimodal distribution of toughened particles in the phase domain structure, the rubber particle size could be altered while maintaining control over the interfacial area. It resulted in an increase in the transmittance of the MABS to 90.1%. The analysis of mechanical properties and morphology shows that the phase structure with a bimodal distribution of toughened particles is also beneficial to the impact and tensile strength of MABS resin. When toughening particles with a size of 73nm and 304nm were mixed in a mass ratio of 60:40, the impact strength was 145 J/m, the tensile strength was 47MPa, and the elongation at break was 20%. And the study investigated the impact of rubber content on the properties of transparent MABS resins.