bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of efficacy factors in unilateral obstructive severe renal insufficiency
Authors: Li Jia , Pang Hua , Li Wenbo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the predictors of renal function recovery after treatment of severe renal impairment in unilateral upper urinary tract obstruction (UUTO).
Methods
From January 2014 to January 2023, the clinical data of 142 patients with unilateral UUTO severe renal injury who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were collected. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of patients before treatment, GFR value of 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy before treatment, C-reactive protein before treatment, and body mass index were used as independent variables, a predictive analysis of the change in GFR (GFRd) after treatment. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict the GFRd after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant with P < 0.05. At the same time, the categorical variables such as sex, obstruction site and normal renal function were compared with GFRd by two-sample t-test or one-way ANOVA, and the difference was statistically significant with P < 0.05.
Results
The multiple linear regression results showed that the GFR value of the affected kidney obtained by 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy and C-reactive protein were significantly correlated with the GFRd value women and patients with renal obstruction had a higher mean GFRd than men and patients with ureteral obstruction, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
The GFR value of the affected kidney obtained by 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy and C-reactive protein before treatment are important reference indicators for evaluating the efficacy of patients with severe renal insufficiency caused by unilateral upper urinary tract obstruction. And the role of 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy was irreplaceable when unilateral renal function was impaired or it was necessary to understand unilateral renal function.
Terminologia Anatomica of the groove for vertebral artery: Pros and Cons
Authors: Xia Yang , Wang Xuemei , Yu Lifeng , Xin Rui , Wang Ping , Ye Zhen , Wei Xuezhi , Cheng Kailiang , Wang Shaoyun , Zhang Xiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The groove for vertebral artery (GVA) is an anatomical structure in the posterior arch of the atlas, and the vertebral artery (VA) travels along the GVA. The aim of the present work was to investigate if the terminologia anatomica (TA) of GVA is accurate or not.
Methods
High-resolution head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) data from 564 individuals and a designated atlas specimen were used for study. The relationships among the GVA, VA, and the venous plexus (VP) were investigated using CTA image postprocessing techniques. In total, 551 valid participants were used for study.
Results
A prevalence of 13.97% (154/1102) showed bony multiformity in the posterior arch of atlas, and the bony spur and bridge were the most occurred bony structures. And a rate of 42.92% (473/1102) suggested that the VA did not run directly with the GVA. Rich VP drained the venous blood from different layers: the superficial layer (the occipital region, the mastoidal region) and the deep layer (the condylar emissary VP, the VP from the intracranial region, the posterior internal vertebral VP, the vertebral VP, and the deep cervical VP).
Conclusion
The VA does not always run directly contacting the GVA, which some space was left for the condylar emissary VP to pass between the VA and the GVA. We suggest that the TA of vertebral neurovascular groove/canal is better to conclude the structures travelling through the groove, and the TA from present study could give the clinic more thinking to improve the operation techniques.
Predictors for mitral regurgitation improvement in patients with pure severe aortic regurgitation undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Da-wei Lin , Jia-ning Fan , Zi-long Weng , Yi-ming Qi , Yu-liang Long , Wen-zhi Pan , Da-xin Zhou , Jun-bo Ge 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been recognized as a significant treatment for pure severe aortic regurgitation (PSAR). Part of patients with PSAR concurrently suffer from functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Whether TAVR could improve FMR in patients with PSAR and the predictors have not yet been clarified. This study aims to explore predictors of FMR improvement in patients with PSAR undergoing TAVR and subsequently provide evidence for further clinical therapy.
Method Patients with PSAR and FMR who underwent TAVR at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University were enrolled from June 2021 to August 2023. Depending on whether FMR improved one month post-TAVR, they were divided into groups with or without FMR improvement. The baseline data, imaging results, and follow-up data of the patients were collected.
Result This study included 75 patients, among whom 38 patients had improved FMR and 37 patients did not. Compared to patients without FMR improvement, more patients in the FMR-improved group were diagnosed with renal insufficiency (10.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.018), left bundle branch block (8.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.037), and less right bundle branch block (0% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.017). The transthoracic ultrasound examination showed that patients with FMR improvement were prone to have lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and larger left ventricle end dimension diastole (LVEDd). A higher proportion of patients in the FMR-improved group were found to have had more moderate to severe FMR (28.9% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.029). In both groups, the degree of aortic regurgitation was significantly improved during the 1-day and 1-month follow-ups post-TAVR (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the incidence of postoperative adverse events between the two groups during the short-term follow-up.
Conclusion FMR improvement is observed in approximately half of PSAR patients undergoing TAVR. A higher FMR degree, lower LVEF, and hypertension before TAVR are independent predictors of FMR improvement.
Patterns of air mass incursions from Southern Ocean play a role on microbial dispersions into West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: Bendia Amanda , Gonçalves Sérgio , Moreira Julio , Romano Renato , Kuhn Emanuele , Ferreira Juliana , Signori Camila , Bergo Natascha , Pereira Egberto , Evangelista Heitor , Pellizari Vivian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The cryosphere microbiomes are mostly inoculated by airborne microorganisms, which can accumulate year by year over the accreted snow. The detection of sea salt, pollutants, volcanic glass and other lithogenic materials in the interior of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is evidence of a continuous inflow of exogenous microparticles to that site. In this work we demonstrate, that, likewise, marine microorganisms follow same pattern and can be long-range transported through the Antarctic troposphere reaching out high latitudes. To evidence it, we constructed an excavated 2m-depth pit named “Criolab’ in the surroundings of the Brazilian Criosfera1 remote laboratory at WAIS to collect snow and firn samples for microbial diversity analysis, together with snow and airborne microparticle composition measurements. Origin of air masses reaching Criosfera 1 were inferred from air masses backward trajectories modelling. We found a discontinuous profile of microbial taxa abundances and diversity, which is likely a result of the air mass back trajectories changes that carried microorganisms from distinct Antarctic sources during an estimated period of 4 years. Our study indicates that different marine groups, such as SAR11, Idiomarina, and Nitrosopumilus, are shared between the WAIS snow and AP seawater communities, suggesting they are long-range transported over Antarctica. Considering their low and interspersed abundances, we postulate a pre- and post-depositional selection in the face of the extreme atmosphere and cryosphere conditions. Our observations have implications for the understanding of the aeolian dispersion patterns over Antarctica, indicating the importance of the marine microbiomes in seeding the interior of the continent.
On Statistical Modeling of Covid-19 Spread Variations
Authors: Ünal Serpil , ÇELİK Elçin , UÇAR Deniz 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The aim of the study is to predict how the spread model of the Covid-19 epidemic behaves in line with government interventions and to observe how a change in interventions affects the course of the epidemic. For this purpose, in our study we focus on a dynamic SIR model in which the recovery rate γ is fixed at 1/15, but the spread rate β depends on the interventions made rather than being constant. With the Kruskal Wallis test, we can say with %95 confidence that the differences in the estimated spreading rates were due to these interventions. Moreover, with the Dunn's test, it was obtained that there there were significant differences between full closure and partial closure, as well as between full closure and gradual normalization, with %99 confidence. This also shows that there is a significant difference in the number of cases that may occur with full closure compared to the number of cases after partial closure and gradual normalization.
MSC Classification: 65H10 , 92D30 , 92D25 , 34A34 , 62F40 , 62G10
Knowledge, practices, and barriers to access of emergency contraceptive pills in married women and men - a cross-sectional study from outpatient clinics in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad , Ahmed Salaar , Malick Ayesha Ali , Ihsan Muhammad Tayyab , Shah Maliha , Yaseen Ayesha , Zubair Fizza , Iqbal Shahid , Mufarrih Syed Musa , Tariq Talal Bin , Zahid Maheen , Ahmed Warda , Shamsi Uzma 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are significantly underutilized in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia. Within Pakistan, despite the population surge, the utilization of ECPs remains alarmingly low. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices regarding ECPs amongst married women and men in Karachi, Pakistan and the possible barriers hindering access to and utilization of these contraceptives.
Methodology: A multi-centric cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. Interviews were conducted with participants using a validated questionnaire involving different sections regarding demographics, knowledge, practices, and barriers to ECPs. Descriptive analysis was done on categorical variables and were summarized through frequencies and percentages while continuous variables were characterized using mean and standard deviation. A Chi-square test of variance was applied to find out the association between knowledge scores and different categorical values. A P-value of <0.05 at 95% CI was statistically significant.
Results: Over half of the respondents (52.5%) were not using any method of contraception. 11.1% of respondents had used ECP at some point in their life. 337 (85.8%) participants had low knowledge, 55 (14%) had moderate, and only 1 (0.25%) had high knowledge regarding ECPs. There was no significant association between knowledge scores and gender, age, employment status, or parity. However, participants who had received counseling for family planning in the past or had previously used ECPs had significantly higher knowledge regarding ECPs. A majority 58% (221) of the participants expressed concerns about the potential side effects and 128 (33.9%) of them believed that ECPs were in contradiction to their religious and moral values.
Conclusion: Our study in Karachi, Pakistan, highlights critical challenges in ECP awareness, utilization, and family planning. Although the results show improved ECP usage than studies previously done in Pakistan, there is a further need to increase the reach of ECPs through a variety of methods. Persistent myths and misconceptions and a severe lack of awareness further hinder their utilization.
Regulation of Tert methylation alleviates food allergy via regulating the Tert-IL10 signal pathway
Authors: Zeng Haotao , Xu Lingzhi , Liu Jiangqi , Mo Lihua , Li Minyao , Song Shuo , Xu Xuejie , Miao Shihan , Zhao Miao , Yang Pingchang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The pathogenesis of food allergy (FA) is still not fully understood. Telomerases are involved in the regulation of immune responses. The aim of this study is to understand the contribution of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) to the pathogenesis of FA. A murine FA model was established with ovalbumin as the specific antigen. This murine model was used to test the role of TERT in the regulation of dendritic cell (DC) immune tolerogenic functions. We observed that the Tert promoter was at demethylation status and the Tert expression was elevated in DCs of FA mice. The FA response was positively correlated with the Tert expression in DCs. Induction of Il10 expression in DCs was hindered by TERT. TERT hindered the immune tolerogenic functions of DCs. The immune tolerogenic functions of DC were restored by CpG by boosting the Tert promoter methylation. Administration of CpG promoted the therapeutic effects of allergen specific immunotherapy in FA mice. In conclusion, low levels of Il10 expression and high levels of Tert expression were observed in intestinal DCs of FA mice. CpG exposure restored the expression of Il10 and increased the therapeutic benefits of allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Impact of changes in serum lactate dehydrogenase levels on pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Dou He , Jia Si yuan , Li Fu cheng , Ba Yu ling , Luo Dan li , Yu Ping yang , Wang You yu , Chen Xing yan , Gao Tian , Li Zhao ting , Wang Jia nan , Xiao Min 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level is a biomarker associated with the prognosis of breast cancer (BC) patients. However, there are no data on serum LDH levels as a dynamic marker in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for BC. In the present study, we compared serum LDH levels at different periods during NAC. We related them to clinicopathologic characteristics and pathologic complete response (pCR) rates in patients with BC.
Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data and pCR rates of 691 non-metastatic BC patients from the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test for multivariate data using Logistic regression models. Any predictor variable with P < 0.05 in the univariate analysis was included in the multivariate regression analysis to study the relationship between different serum LDH level groups and pCR.
Results A total of 557 patients were included in the cohort for the analysis. Before BC patients underwent NAC, a total of 510 (91.6%) patients had serum LDH levels below 230 U/L, and after completing half of the chemotherapy cycles, the number of patients with high expression of serum LDH levels gradually increased to about 37.7%. At the end of the complete cycle of chemotherapy for routine preoperative examination, 246 (44.2%) BC patients were in a state of high serum LDH expression. Patients with high expression of serum LDH levels were more likely to achieve pCR. Serum LDH levels in mid-NAC, clinical T-stage, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) expression were independent predictors of achieving pCR in patients with BC (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Our findings suggest that serum LDH level is an essential predictor of chemotherapeutic efficacy in BC patients, and we need to pay more attention to this biomarker to individualize treatment, which will help us to treat BC better and provide new targets and blueprints for our clinical treatment.
Hybrid Sparse and Dense Attentions of Similar Regions for Image Denoising
Authors: Chen Daiqiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Self-attention based on dot-product has achieved great success in the field of computer vision. Its effectiveness is owed to the large capacity of capturing long-range dependencies in feature maps. However, its quadratic computational complexity with respect to the image size hinders the further application of the self-attention modules. Therefore, a variety of strategies, which limit the regions of the computation of dot-product, have been proposed to reduce the computational amount. Through analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, we introduce a hybrid sparse and dense attention module (HSDA) which adopts the dense dot-product attention in most similar regions and the sparse attention in other regions. Numerical experiments on image denoising demonstrate that the designed HSDA module has the advantage of both sparse and local dense attentions, and can obtain similar PSNRs to full attention at lower computational amount. The corresponding network constructed by the HSDA modules can product favorable results compared to many state-of-the-art methods.
YouTube as a Learning Resource for TMJ Arthrocentesis: A Study Aimed to Analyse the Quality of Content
Authors: Amipara Hetal , Choudhary Ganesh , Khismatrao Viraj , Singh Apoorva , Singh Pinky 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
In the era of digital information, people commonly turn to the internet for knowledge about medical conditions like TMJ arthrocentesis, often utilizing platforms such as YouTube. However, the absence of strict regulations on YouTube questions the reliability of the available content. Hence, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the scientific accuracy of YouTube videos addressing TMJ arthrocentesis.
Top of Form
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study analyzed50 videos related to TMJ arthrocentesis by three Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons. Data on the video source, duration, upload date, time elapsed since upload, total views, likes, dislikes, comments, interaction index, and viewing rate were collected and analyzed. Video quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN).
RESULTS
Out of the 50 videos, 10 used the single-needle technique, while the remaining 40 used the 2-needle technique. Following joint irrigation, medications such as steroids were used in 10 videos, hyaluronic acid in 5, and IPRF in one. The mean total number of video views was 137,419.16, with a mean interaction index of 1.51 and a mean viewing rate of 2,803.28. The mean GQS and DISCERN scores were 2.25, and 1.94 respectively.
CONCLUSION
YouTube can be a valuable resource for learning, it should not replace formal education or hands-on training if you plan to perform TMJ arthrocentesis as a medical professional. Always consult with experts and follow best practices when performing medical procedures.
Parameter study for enhancing the speed of a high-speed craft prototype with adequate maneuverability
Authors: Samaei Seyed Reza , Ghahfarokhi Mohammad Asadian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Today, the use of high-speed crafts in small dimensions has rapidly expanded due to their high capabilities in quick and timely responsiveness, considering the strategic situations of countries. They are heavily prioritized in the agendas of research, investigations, and industries across all governments. Achieving the appropriate dimensions, size, and hull form for a high-speed craft exceeding 60 knots requires considerable time and expense. This research aims to identify the influential factors in increasing the speed of a high-speed craft prototype with adequate maneuverability so that desired speeds can be achieved rapidly and cost-effectively through effective modifications to the hull lines, chines positions, hull indentations, propulsion system, initial trim, etc. Initially, the sample craft was scanned, and simulations were conducted using MAXSURF software. The hull of the craft was uniformly adjusted according to the final modifications, and all hydrostatic and hydrodynamic calculations on the modified hull were performed. From the results of this research, it can be noted that to achieve the desired speed of over 60 knots, the initial trim angle must be at least 0.4 degrees on the transom. Achieving this required adjustment of hull lines and equipment placement. Additionally, the desired craft, with a safety factor of 1.25, requires an effective power of approximately 600 horsepower to reach the desired speed.
How effective is proximal fibular osteotomy in redistributing joint pressures? Insights from an HTO comparative in-silico study
Authors: Avalos Jorge Eduardo Morales , Avalos Rodolfo Morales , Guajardo Karla V. Martínez , García Luis Miguel Pacheco , Perelli Simone , Monllau Joan Carles , Egea Antonio José Sánchez , Serrancoli Gil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) represents a widespread degenerative condition among adults that significantly affects quality of life. This study aims to elucidate the biomechanical implications of proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO), a proposed cost-effective and straightforward intervention for KOA, comparing its effects against traditional high tibial osteotomy (HTO) through in-silico analysis.
Methods: Using medical imaging and finite element analysis (FEA), this research quantitatively evaluates the biomechanical outcomes of a simulated PFO procedure in patients with severe medial compartment genu-varum, who 1 have undergone surgical correction with HTO. The study focused on evaluating changes in knee joint contact pressures, stress distribution, and anatomical positioning of the center of pressure (CoP). Three models are generated for each of the five patients investigated in this study, a preoperative original condition model, an in-silico PFO based on the same original condition data, and a reversed-engineered HTO in-silico model.
Results: The novel contribution of this investigation is the quantitative analysis of the impact of PFO on the biomechanics of the knee joint. The results provide mechanical evidence that PFO can effectively redistribute and homogenize joint stresses, while also repositioning the CoP towards the center of the knee, similar to what is observed after HTO. The findings propose PFO as a potentially viable and simpler alternative to conventional surgical methods for managing severe KOA, specifically in subjects with medial compartment genu-varum.
Conclusion: This research also marks the first application of FEA that may support one of the underlying biomechanical theories of PFO, providing a foundation for future clinical and in-silico studies.