bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-Port Robotic Trans-Subxiphoid Surgery for Anterior Mediastinal Disease: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Cheng Chuan , Tagkalos Evangelos , Ng Chong Beng , Hsu Ya-Chun , Huang Yu Ya , Wu Ching Feng , Chao Yin-Kai 
Published: May 2024

Objective: In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on minimally invasive mediastinal surgery using a trans-subxiphoid single-port thoracoscopic approach. Despite its potential advantages, the widespread adoption of this method has been hindered by the intricate surgical maneuvers required within the confined retrosternal space. Robotic surgery offers the potential to overcome the limitations inherent in the thoracoscopic technique. Methods: This was a clinical trial (NCT05455840) to evaluate the feasibility and safety of utilizing the da Vinci® SP system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for trans-subxiphoid single-port surgery in patients with anterior mediastinal disease. The primary endpoints encompassed conversion rates and the secondary endpoints included the occurrence of perioperative complications. Results: Between August 2022 and April 2023, a total of 15 patients (7 men and 8 women; median age = 56 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 49 to 65 years) underwent trans-subxiphoid robotic surgery using da Vinci SP platform for maximal thymectomy ( n = 2) or removal of anterior mediastinal masses ( n = 13). All surgical procedures were carried out with success, with no need for conversion to open surgery or the creation of additional ports. The median docking time was 2 min (IQR: 1 to 4 min), while the console time had a median of 152 min (IQR: 95 to 191 min). There were no postoperative complications and patients experienced a median postoperative hospital stay of 2 days with no unplanned 30-day readmission. Conclusions: This study shows that trans-subxiphoid single-port robotic surgery employing the da Vinci SP system in patients with anterior mediastinal disease is clinically viable with acceptable safety and short-term outcomes.
Infliximab monitoring in Crohn’s disease: a neural network approach for evaluating disease activity and immunogenicity
Authors: Gomes Luis Eduardo Miani , Genaro Livia Moreira , Castro Marina Moreira de , Ricci Renato Lazarin , Pascoal Livia Bitencourt , Silva Filipe Botto Crispim , Bonfitto Pedro Henrique Leite , Camargo Michel Gardere , Corona Ligiana Pires , Ayrizono Maria de Lourdes Setsuko , Azevedo Anibal Tavares de , Leal Raquel Franco 
Published: May 2024

Background: The treatment for Crohn’s disease (CD) has increasingly required the use of biological agents. Safe and affordable tests have led to the active implementation of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in clinical practice, which, although not yet widely available across all health services, has been proven effective. Objective: To analyze serum infliximab (IFX) and antidrug antibody (ADA) levels in CD patients, compare two tests, as well as construct a prediction of neural network using a combination of clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory variables. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 75 CD patients in the maintenance phase of IFX treatment. The participants were allocated into two groups: CD in activity (CDA) and in remission (CDR). Disease activity was defined by endoscopic or radiological criteria. Serum IFX levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and rapid lateral flow assay; ADA levels were measured by ELISA. A nonparametric test was used for statistical analysis; p value of ⩽0.05 was considered significant. Differences between ELISA and rapid lateral flow results within the measurement range were assessed by the Wilcoxon test, Passing–Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman method. Prediction models were created using four neural network sets. Neural networks and performance receiver operating characteristic curves were created using the Keras package in Python software. Results: Most participants exhibited supratherapeutic IFX levels (>7 mg/mL). Both tests showed no difference in IFX levels between the CDA and CDR groups ( p > 0.05). The use of immunosuppressive therapy did not affect IFX levels ( p > 0.05). Only 14.66% of patients had ADA levels >5 AU/mL, and all ADA-positive participants exhibited subtherapeutic IFX levels in both tests. The median results of both tests showed significant differences and moderate agreement ( r = −0.6758, p < 0.001). Of the four neural networks developed, two showed excellent performance, with area under the curve (AUCs) of 82–92% and 100%. Conclusion: Most participants exhibited supratherapeutic IFX levels, with no significant serum level difference between the groups. There was moderate agreement between tests. Two neural network sets showed disease activity and the presence of ADA, noninvasively determined in patients using IFX by presenting an AUC of >80%.
Hyaluronic Acid and Large Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in Synovial Fluid and Plasma of Patients With End-Stage Arthritis: Positive Association of EVs to Joint Pain
Authors: Mustonen Anne-Mari , Capra Janne , Oikari Sanna , Säisänen Laura , Karttunen Lauri , Julkunen Petro , Lehenkari Petri , Joukainen Antti , Jaroma Antti , Paakkonen Tommi , Kääriäinen Tommi , Kröger Heikki , Nieminen Petteri 
Published: May 2024

Objective Hyaluronic acid (HA) in synovial fluid (SF) contributes to boundary lubrication with altered levels in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). SF extracellular vesicles (EVs) may participate in arthritis by affecting inflammation and cartilage degradation. It remains unknown whether HA and EVs display joint-specific alterations in arthritic SFs. Design We investigated the numbers and characteristics of HA-particles and large EVs in SF from knees and shoulders of 8 OA and 8 RA patients and 8 trauma controls, and in plasma from 10 healthy controls and 11 knee OA patients. The plasma and SF HA concentrations were determined with a sandwich-type enzyme-linked sorbent assay, and EVs and HA-particles were characterized from plasma and unprocessed and centrifuged SFs with confocal microscopy. The data were compared according to diagnosis, location, and preanalytical processing. Results The main findings were: (1) OA and RA SFs can be distinguished from trauma joints based on the distinctive profiles of HA-particles and large EVs, (2) there are differences in the SF HA and EV characteristics between shoulder and knee joints that could reflect their dissimilar mobility, weight-bearing, and shock absorption properties, (3) EV counts in SF and plasma can positively associate with pain parameters independent of age and body adiposity, and (4) low-speed centrifugation causes alterations in the features of HA-particles and EVs, complicating their examination in the original state. Conclusions Arthritis and anatomical location can affect the characteristics of HA-particles and large EVs that may have potential as biomarkers and effectors in joint degradation and pain.
Psychometric Analyses of a Food Literacy Behaviors Questionnaire for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ludwig Sarah O. , Cater Melissa W. , Tuuri Georgianna 
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a food literacy instrument specific to individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Twelve T2DM-specific, food literacy-related statements underwent content validity and face validity testing, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted (phase 1). The 6 statements remaining after EFA testing were added to an existing food literacy questionnaire called the Eating and Food Literacy Behaviors Questionnaire (EFLBQ). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined the EFLBQ plus the T2DM-specific statements, and the instrument was called the Eating and Food Literacy Questionnaire for Diabetics (EFLBQ-D; phase 2). Both EFA and CFA were administered by third-party provider Centiment via Qualtrics to adults with T2DM residing in the 13 United States Department of Agriculture Southern region states. Reliability was assessed via point estimate reliability testing. Results: The EFA items clustered into 2 factors each with 3 statements: (1) carbohydrate counting and nutrition label reading and (2) healthy food preparation methods. The CFA indicated that the EFLBQ-D had good fit and that the factors had good reliability. The EFLBQ’s integrity was maintained with its items loading on the respective constructs. Conclusions: The EFLBQ-D appears to be a valid, reliable instrument for use by researchers and professionals to better understand food behaviors and food literacy skills of those with T2DM. This is an important tool to help individualize medical nutrition therapy, improving patient care in this population.
Serial Cervical Length Measurement for Determining the Risk of Preterm Labor: A Prospective Study
Authors: Hurzad Maryam , Manteghi Golshan , Tofighi Shabnam , Molaei Behnaz 
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether serial evaluations of cervical length (CL) have the potential to determine preterm labor in women with threatening preterm labor (TPL). Materials and Methods: This prospective study included pregnant women at 24 to 37 weeks of gestation referred to our institute because of TPL. Cervical length was measured at three successive time points using transvaginal sonography (upon admission, one-, and two-weeks post-admission). Data were analyzed using both parametric and non-parametric statistics. Results: The mean age of the 126 patients included was 25.60 ± 6.48 years, with age ranging from 14 to 42 years. The mean pregnancy age, at the time of the sonogram, was 33.54 ± 2.78 weeks. The initial CL had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.854. The CLs measured one and two weeks later had AUROCs of 0.868 and 0.870, respectively. Based on these data, the cut-off points of 28.5 and 27.5 mm were identified for the initial and subsequent two-week CL measurements, respectively, capable of predicting preterm delivery. If the CL measured at initial admission was >28.5 mm, the likelihood of timely delivery was 92.22%. However, if the CL measured at initial admission was <28.5 mm, the chance of premature preterm delivery increased by 2.3 times. Patients with a CL <27.5 mm in the second week were 18.75% more likely to have a preterm delivery. If the CL was >27.5 mm, the probability of timely delivery was 89.7%. Conclusion: In this cohort of women, serially measured CLs taken during transvaginal sonography demonstrated promise as a method for indicating the possible risk of preterm delivery. Thus, measured CL may be a useful diagnostic component for prenatal care, as well as for classifying the risk of preterm delivery. Nevertheless, further studies are required to confirm the effectiveness and safety of these sonographic measures in larger and more diverse patient cohorts.
Inducible CXCL12/CXCR4–dependent extramedullary hematopoietic niches in the adrenal gland
Authors: Schyrr Frédérica , Alonso-Calleja Alejandro , Vijaykumar Anjali , Sordet-Dessimoz Jessica , Gebhard Sandra , Sarkis Rita , Bataclan Charles , Ferreira Lopes Silvia , Oggier Aurélien , de Leval Laurence , Nombela-Arrieta César , Naveiras Olaia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) reside in the bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic niche, which regulates HSPC quiescence, self-renewal, and commitment in a demand-adapted manner. Although the complex BM niche is responsible for adult hematopoiesis, evidence exists for simpler, albeit functional and more accessible, extramedullary hematopoietic niches. Inspired by the anecdotal description of retroperitoneal hematopoietic masses occurring at higher frequency upon hormonal dysregulation within the adrenal gland, we hypothesized that the adult adrenal gland could be induced into a hematopoietic-supportive environment in a systematic manner, thus revealing mechanisms underlying de novo niche formation in the adult. Here, we show that upon splenectomy and hormonal stimulation, the adult adrenal gland of mice can be induced to recruit and host functional HSPCs, capable of serial transplantation, and that this phenomenon is associated with de novo formation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α/leptin receptor (PDGFRα+/LEPR+/–)–expressing stromal nodules. We further show in CXCL12–green fluorescent protein reporter mice that adrenal glands contain a stromal population reminiscent of the CXCL12-abundant reticular cells, which compose the BM HSPC niche. Mechanistically, HSPC homing to hormonally induced adrenal glands was found dependent on the CXCR4–CXCL12 axis. Mirroring our findings in mice, we found reticular CXCL12+ cells coexpressing master niche regulator FOXC1 in primary samples from human adrenal myelolipomas, a benign tumor composed of adipose and hematopoietic tissue. Our findings reignite long-standing questions regarding hormonal regulation of hematopoiesis and provide a novel model to facilitate the study of adult-specific inducible hematopoietic niches, which may pave the way to therapeutic applications.
Shed teeth from Portezuelo formation at Sierra del Portezuelo reveal a higher diversity of predator theropods during Turonian-Coniacian times in northern Patagonia
Authors: Meso Jorge Gustavo , Gianechini Federico , Gomez Kevin Leonel , Muci Luciana , Baiano Mattia Antonio , Pol Diego , Kaluza Jonatan , Garrido Alberto , Pittman Michael 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe study of thirty-two shed crowns from the Portezuelo Formation (middle Turonian-late Coniacian) at the Sierra del Portezuelo locality, reveals six distinct tooth morphotypes identified through cladistic, discriminant, and cluster analyses. Two morphotypes were identified as belonging to Megaraptoridae, three to Abelisauridae, one to Abelisauroidea, and one to Alvarezsauridae. Additionally, two of the morphotypes exhibit a combination of dental features typically found in megaraptorid and abelisauridtheropods. These results suggest a greater diversity of theropods in the original ecosystem than previously thought, including the presence of a second morphotype of megaraptorid and alvarezsaurid previously undocumented in this formation. Furthermore, the existence of Morphotype 6 indicates the potential coexistence of medium-sized abelisauroids alongside larger abelisaurids in the same ecosystem. These findings underscore the importance of future expeditions to the Sierra del Portezuelo locality to further our understanding of these previously unknown theropod species.
Intraspecific and interspecific variations in the synonymous codon usage in mitochondrial genomes of 8 pleurotus strains
Authors: Gao Wei , Chen Xiaodie , He Jing , Sha Ajia , Luo Yingyong , Xiao Wenqi , Xiong Zhuang , Li Qiang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the codon bias of twelve mitochondrial core protein coding genes (PCGs) in eight Pleurotus strains, two of which are from the same species. The results revealed that the codons of all Pleurotus strains had a preference for ending in A/T. Furthermore, the correlation between codon base compositions and codon adaptation index (CAI), codon bias index (CBI) and frequency of optimal codons (FOP) indices was also detected, implying the influence of base composition on codon bias. The two P. ostreatus species were found to have differences in various base bias indicators. The average effective number of codons (ENC) of mitochondrial core PCGs of Pleurotus was found to be less than 35, indicating strong codon preference of mitochondrial core PCGs of Pleurotus. The neutrality plot analysis and PR2-Bias plot analysis further suggested that natural selection plays an important role in Pleurotus codon bias. Additionally, six to ten optimal codons (ΔRSCU > 0.08 and RSCU > 1) were identified in eight Pleurotus strains, with UGU and ACU being the most widely used optimal codons in Pleurotus. Finally, based on the combined mitochondrial sequence and RSCU value, the genetic relationship between different Pleurotus strains was deduced, showing large variations between them. This research has improved our understanding of synonymous codon usage characteristics and evolution of this important fungal group.
A culture-independent approach, supervised machine learning, and the characterization of the microbial community composition of coastal areas across the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea
Authors: Rekadwad Bhagwan Narayan , Shouche Yogesh Shreepad , Jangid Kamlesh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Coastal areas are subject to various anthropogenic and natural influences. In this study, we investigated and compared the characteristics of two coastal regions, Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Goa (GA), focusing on pollution, anthropogenic activities, and recreational impacts. We explored three main factors influencing the differences between these coastlines: The Bay of Bengal’s shallower depth and lower salinity; upwelling phenomena due to the thermocline in the Arabian Sea; and high tides that can cause strong currents that transport pollutants and debris.

Results
The microbial diversity in GA was significantly higher than that in AP, which might be attributed to differences in temperature, soil type, and vegetation cover. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated the presence of diverse microbial phyla, including candidate phyla radiation (CPR). Statistical analysis, random forest regression, and supervised machine learning models classification confirm the diversity of the microbiome accurately. Furthermore, we have identified 450 cultures of heterotrophic, biotechnologically important bacteria. Some strains were identified as novel taxa based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showing promising potential for further study.

Conclusion
Thus, our study provides valuable insights into the microbial diversity and pollution levels of coastal areas in AP and GA. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of anthropogenic activities and climate variations on biology of coastal ecosystems and biodiversity.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis caused by GATA2 deficiency: a report on three patients
Authors: Wu Lin , Wang Jingshi , Song Deli , You Yahong , Wang Zhao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome that occurs in patients with severe systemic hyperinflammation. GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2) is a transcription factor and key component in haematopoiesis and stem cell biology.

Case presentation
Three patients with HLH, one with Mycobacterium avium infection, one with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, and one with Mycobacterium kansasii infection, were all subsequently found to have a defect in the GATA2 gene through genetic testing.

Conclusions
GATA2 deficiency syndrome should be considered in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, nontuberculous mycobacterium infection and HLH. In addition, the GATA2 gene variant may be a genetic defect that could be the cause of the primary HLH. However, further studies are needed to confirm the role of GATA2 pathogenic variants in the pathogenesis of HLH.
A systematic review of thromboembolic complications and outcomes in hospitalised COVID-19 patients
Authors: Othman Hanies Yuhana , Zaki Izzati Abdul Halim , Isa Mohamad Rodi , Ming Long Chiau , Zulkifly Hanis Hanum 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThromboembolic (TE) complications [myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE)] are common causes of mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Therefore, this review was undertaken to explore the incidence of TE complications and mortality associated with TE complications in hospitalised COVID-19 patients from different studies. A literature search was performed using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases using the MeSH term search strategy of “COVID-19”, “thromboembolic complication”, “venous thromboembolism”, “arterial thromboembolism”, “deep vein thrombosis”, “pulmonary embolism”, “myocardial infarction”, “stroke”, and “mortality”. There were 33 studies included in this review. Studies have revealed that COVID-19 patients tend to develop venous thromboembolism (PE:1.0-40.0% and DVT:0.4-84%) compared to arterial thromboembolism (stroke:0.5-15.2% and MI:0.8-8.7%). Lastly, the all-cause mortality of COVID-19 patients ranged from 4.8 to 63%, whereas the incidence of mortality associated with TE complications was between 5% and 48%. A wide range of incidences of TE complications and mortality associated with TE complications can be seen among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Therefore, every patient should be assessed for the risk of thromboembolic complications and provided with an appropriate thromboprophylaxis management plan tailored to their individual needs.
Clinical characteristics of pyogenic liver abscess with and without biliary surgery history: a retrospective single-center experience
Authors: Lin Yuxin , Chen Yifan , Lu Weiyin , Zhang Yu , Wu Rongqian , Du Zhaoqing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background & aims
Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a common hepatobiliary infection that has been shown to have an increasing incidence, with biliary surgery being identified as a trigger. Our aim was to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatments of PLA patients with and without a history of biliary surgery (BS).

Methods
The study included a total of 353 patients with PLA who received treatment at our hospital between January 2014 and February 2023. These patients were categorized into two groups: the BS group (n = 91) and the non-BS group (n = 262). In the BS group, according to the anastomosis method, they were further divided into bilioenteric anastomoses group (BEA, n = 22) and non-bilioenteric anastomoses group (non-BEA, n = 69). Clinical characteristics were recorded and analyzed.

Results
The percentage of PLA patients with BS history was 25.78%. The BS group exhibited elevated levels of TBIL and activated APTT abnormalities (P = 0.009 and P = 0.041, respectively). Within the BS group, the BEA subgroup had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001) and solitary abscesses (P = 0.008) compared to the non-BEA subgroup. Escherichia coli was more frequently detected in the BS group, as evidenced by positive pus cultures (P = 0.021). The BS group exhibited reduced treatment efficacy compared to those non-BS history (P = 0.020). Intriguingly, the BS group received a higher proportion of conservative treatment (45.05% vs. 21.76%), along with reduced utilization of surgical drainage (6.59% vs. 16.41%).

Conclusions
Patients with BS history, especially those who have undergone BEA, have an increased susceptibility to PLA formation without affecting prognosis.