bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From Sutureless to Standard: A Comprehensive Analysis of Conversion Rates in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Hua Bao , Song Sangqing , Pan Weixin , Yang Qing , Xu Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
To assess the rate at which sutureless partial nephrectomy (SLPN) transitions to standard partial nephrectomy (SPN), focusing on preoperative factors that might prompt such conversions.
Patients and methods
In this retrospective study, we analyzed the efficacy of SLPN performed on adults at our institution from 2016 to 2023. The subjects were patients diagnosed with localized solid renal tumors. The primary technique employed was wedge resection, complemented by intraoperative ultrasound localization and argon beam coagulation for hemostasis, with suturing techniques used only when necessary. Predictive factors necessitating conversion to SPN were identified, and the associations among multiple variables were explored using various statistical analysis methods, including logistic regression, to identify key preoperative predictive factors.
Results
Our institution performed 353 SLPN, with 21 cases (5.9%) necessitating conversion to SPN. The conversion rates for the Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy (LPN) subgroup and the Robotic-assist Partial Nephrectomy (RPN) subgroup were 7.9% (17/215) and 2.9% (4/138), respectively, nearing statistical significance (P = .066). Significant differences were observed between the conversion group and the no conversion group in terms of preoperative estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), age at surgery, tumor size, and exophytic/endophytic characteristics. Multivariate analysis identified age at surgery, preoperative eGFR, radiological tumor size, and tumor exophytic/endophytic nature as significant predictors for conversion to SPN.
Conclusion
This investigation highlights the efficacy and feasibility of SLPN while identifying critical factors influencing the necessity for conversion to SPN. The identified predictors, including younger surgical age, superior preoperative eGFR, and specific tumor characteristics, provide valuable insights for refining surgical strategies.
LdIL-2 Treatment in ASD: A Novel Immunotherapeutic Approach Targeting Th/Treg Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Cao Xia , Li Meng , Kui Xiuying , Yang Shujun , Nie Zuqing , Chen huiling , Yao Penghao , Xu Xinyi , Shen Chen , Li Zhiwei , Zhao Huijia , Wen Jie , Huang Xinwei , Yang Jingrui , Yan Jinyuan , Wang Pengfei , Li Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
There was a large part of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were accompanied with immune imbalances. In this study, we attempted to ameliorate the core symptoms of autism by correcting the immune imbalance, especially the T-cell subpopulation imbalance, in BTBR mice with autism through low-dose IL-2 (LdIL-2). We administered LdIL-2 (30,000 IU) subcutaneously to BTBR mice and observed changes in autistic behaviors in the mice before and after treatment. Behavioral tests of the mice included three-chamber test, self-grooming test, sniffing test, marble burying test, and open field test. We also analyzed the changes in peripheral Th/Treg ratios and cytokines, as well as the changes in M1/M2 ratios of microglia in the central nervous system in mice using flow cytometry. Neuroinflammatory proteins in cerebrospinal fluid were detected by proteomic analysis. In addition, we depleted CD25 + Treg cells with PC61 followed by LdIL-2 intervention to observe the role of Treg cells in LdIL-2-treated BTBR mice. We found that the core symptoms of autism in BTBR mice were significantly improved after LdIL-2 treatment. LdIL-2 not only increased the level of Treg cells, reversed the imbalance of Th17/Treg and Tfh/Treg, and improved the immune imbalance. Meanwhile, central nervous system inflammation was reduced in mice. In contrast, the effect of LdIL-2 on behavioral improvement was attenuated after depletion of Treg cells by PC61. This is the first attempt to treat ASD with LdIL-2. LdIL-2 is safe and effective in improving core symptoms and immune imbalance in autism. Improvement in core symptoms was associated with an increase in Treg cell levels in the peripheral blood of BTBR mice after treatment with LdIL-2. LdIL-2 may be a potential therapy for the treatment of core symptoms of autism.
Spatial variability and uncertainty for under-vaccination and zero-dose in fragile settings: A model-based study of immunization coverage in Chad
Authors: Alegana Victor Adagi , Ticha Johnson M , Mathiu Jason M , Katsande Reggis , Gacic-Dobo Marta Marta , Danovaro Carolina M , Shey Charles W , Akpaka Kalu A , Kazembe Lawrence N , Impouma Benido 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Universal access to childhood vaccination is important to child health and sustainable development. Here we identify, at a fine spatial scale, under-immunized children and zero-dose children. Using Chad, as an example, the most recent nationally representative household survey that included recommended vaccine antigens was assembled. Age-disaggregated population (12-23 months) and vaccination coverage were modelled at a fine spatial resolution scale (1km x 1 km) using a Bayesian geostatistical framework adjusting for a set of parsimonious covariates. There was a variation at fine spatial scale in the population 12-23 months a national mean of 18.6% (CrI 15.8% – 22.6%) with the highest proportion in the South-East district of Laremanaye 20.0% (14.8 – 25.0). Modelled coverage at birth was 49.0% (31.2% - 75.3%) for BCG, 44.8% (27.1 – 74.3) for DPT1, 24.7% (12.5 – 46.3) for DPT3 and 47.0% (30.6 – 71.0) for measles (MCV1). Combining coverage estimates with the modelled population at a fine spatial scale yielded 312,723 (Lower estimate 156,055 - 409,266) zero-dose children based on DPT1. Improving routine immunization will require investment in the health system as part of improving primary health care. Uncertainty highlights areas requiring further investigation and quality data to better understand coverage.
Right ventricular injury definition and management in patients with severe respiratory failure receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a scoping review
Authors: Dugar Siddharth Pawan , Sato Ryota , Charlton Matthew , Hasegawa Daisuke , Antonini Marta Velia , Nasa Prashant , Yusuff Hakeem , Schultz Marcus J , Harnegie Mary Pat , Ramanathan Kollengode , Shekar Kiran , Schmidt Matthieu , Zochios Vasileios , Duggal Abhijit 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Right ventricular (RV) injury in patients with respiratory failure receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is associated with significant mortality. A consensus on the definition and management of RV injury in patients receiving VV ECMO is currently lacking. Therefore, a scoping review is necessary to map the current literature and guide future research regarding the definition and management of RV injury in patients receiving VV ECMO.
Methods:
Using a robust scoping review methodology, we searched for relevant publications on RV injury in patients receiving VV ECMO in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Two authors extracted the data independently and in duplicate.
Results:
Of 1,868 citations screened, 30 studies reporting on RV injury during VV ECMO were identified. Of those, twenty-three studies reported on the definition of RV injury including echocardiographic indices of RV function and dimensions (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion or right to left ventricular end-diastolic area ratio, respectively). Thirteen studies reported on the management of RV injury, including veno-pulmonary (VP) ECMO, veno-arterial (VA) ECMO, positive inotropic agents, pulmonary vasodilators, ultra-lung-protective ventilation, and optimization of positive end-expiratory pressure.
Conclusion:
The definitions of RV injury in patients receiving VV ECMO used in the literature are heterogeneous. Despite the high incidence of RV injury during VV ECMO support and its strong association with mortality, studies investigating therapeutic strategies for RV injury are lacking. To fill the existing knowledge gaps, a consensus on the definition of RV injury and research investigating RV-targeted therapies during VV ECMO are urgently warranted.
Trial Registration
The search protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/e2km6).
In-vitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of leaf and stem bark crude extracts of Croton macrostachyus against selected pathogens, Wolaita Sodo, South Ethiopia
Authors: Sivalingam Krishna Moorthy , Yohanis Getayawukal , Meseret Gedif , Chutulo Eyob Chukalo , Marisennayya Senapathy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants have long been used as antiseptic, antiallergic, antibacterial, and antiviral medicines to treat human ailments. Croton macrostachyus is one of the important medicinal plants that take an essential part in traditional African medicine, widely used to treat various disorders including diabetes, malaria, and dysentery.
Objective: The present research aimed to determine the in-vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of C. macrostachyus leaf and stem barks against some selected human bacterial pathogens.
Methods: The leaf and stem barks extracts of C. macrostachyus were prepared by by maceration method using three different solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate. The prepared crude extract was used to determine the antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using clinical laboratory standards institute guidelines. Qualitative phytochemical analyses were also performed using the standard protocol.
Results: The ethanolic, methanolic, and ethyl acetate crude leaf and stem bark extracts showed inhibitory actions against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The gram-positive S. aureus was more susceptible to all the crude extracts. The inhibitory activity was concentration-dependent and the leaf crude extracts showed higher activity than stem bark extracts. The methanolic leaf crude extract showed the highest inhibitory activity when compared to ethanol and ethyl acetate. The MIC of methanolic, ethanolic and ethyl acetate crude leaf extracts ranged from 0.625-2.25 mg/ml against selected bacterial pathogens. The MBC results revealed that the methanolic, ethanolic, and ethyl acetate crude leaf extracts showed 1.25-5 mg/ml concentrations against selected bacterial pathogens. The qualitative phytochemical analysis results confirmed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds in both ethanolic and methanolic crude leaf extracts and except alkaloids in the ethyl acetate crude leaf extracts. The phytochemical qualitative analysis of stem bark crude extracts results indicated that glycosides were present, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds were absent in all three solvent extraction systems, tannins, and saponins were positive with ethanol and ethyl acetate, negative with methanol solvent extractions.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that crude leaf extracts showed better antibacterial activity than stem bark extracts against selected pathogens and phytochemical analysis of crude leaf extracts confirmed the presence of phytochemical constituents in the crude extracts prepared from C. macrostachyus and thus, supports the traditional usage of the plant against various diseases.
Anatomical Study of Pterygoid Implants: Artery and Nerve Passage through Bone Dehiscence of the Greater Palatine Canal
Authors: Taniguchi Shuichiro , Yamamoto Masahito , Tanaka Tomohito , Yang Tianyi , Watanabe Genji , Sugiyama Yuki , Takagi Takahiro , Murakami Gen , Hayashi Shogo , Abe Shinichi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose Pterygoid implants are an alternative approach to avoid sinus-lifting or other grafting procedures. During pterygoid implant placement, dental surgeons risk damaging the greater palatine canal (GPC). However, they do not have sufficient reasons to avoid GPC injury. This study performed a detailed morphological analysis of the GPC to determine susceptibility to damage during pterygoid implant surgery. Methods To understand the detailed morphology of the GPC, gross anatomical analysis, histological analysis, and bone morphometry via micro-computed tomography were performed. Results We found that the medial wall of the GPC communicated with the nasal cavity through the bone dehiscence. The dehiscence appeared near the inferior nasal concha in 72.4% of the patients. The nerve and artery passed from the GPC to the nasal mucous membrane through the dehiscence. Given that the greater palatine nerve passed medial to the descending palatine artery in the GPC, the descending palatine artery is damaged first rather than the greater palatine nerve during pterygoid implant surgery. Conclusions Dental surgeons who penetrate the GPC using an implant body may extend the bleeding to the nasal mucosa, which seems to spread the inflammation to the nasal cavity.
The Use of Hyaluronic Acid in a 3D Biomimetic Scaffold Supports Spheroid Formation and the Culture of Cancer Stem Cells.
Authors: Demirel Gamze , Cakıl Yaprak Donmez , Koltuk Gursel , Aktas Ranan Gulhan , Calıskan Mahmut 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting culture models capable of reproducing the pathological architecture of diseases are increasingly advancing. In this study, 3D scaffolds were created using extrusion-based bioprinting method with alginate, gelatin, and hyaluronic acid to investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid on the physical properties of the bioscaffold as well as on the formation of liver cancer spheroids. Conformational analysis, rheological characterization, and swelling-degradation tests were performed to characterize the scaffolds. After generating spheroids from hepatocellular carcinoma cells on the 3D scaffolds, cell viability and proliferation assays were performed. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy were used into examine the expression of albumin, CD44, and E-cadherin to demonstrate functional capability and maturation levels of the spheroid-forming cells. The results show that hyaluronic acid in the scaffolds correlates with spheroid formation and provides high survival rates. It is also associated with an increase in CD44 expression and a decrease in E-cadherin, while there is no significant change in the albumin expression in the cells. Overall, the findings demonstrate that hyaluronic acid in a 3D hydrogel scaffold supports spheroid formation and may induce stemness. We present a promising 3D scaffold model for enhancing liver cancer spheroid formation and mimicking solid tumors. This model also has the potential for further studies to examine stem cell properties in 3D models.
Evaluation and comparison of infiltration models for estimating infiltration capacity of different textures of irrigated soils: Case of Northern Ethiopia.
Authors: Mesele Halefom , Grum Berhane , Aregay Gebremeskel , Teklay Gebremeskel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Determination of infiltration capacity is a very important parameter during the design and evaluation of irrigation systems. Accurate estimation of infiltration rates helps in optimizing irrigation scheduling, preventing soil erosion, and improving water use efficiency. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare selected infiltration models for estimating water infiltration rates of five soil textures in the Shillanat-iv- irrigation scheme in northern Ethiopia. Soil samples were taken from selected sites in the irrigation scheme for determining soil textural classes using the hydrometer texture laboratory analysis and the USDA textural triangle. Soil textural map of the irrigation area was prepared using inverse distance weight interpolation technique in ArcGIS version 10.4. The double ring infiltrometer was used to measure the infiltration rates of different soil textures in the irrigation scheme. Six selected infiltration models namely Kostiakov, Modified Kostiakov, Revised Modified Kostiakov, Philip, Horton, and Novel models were used to estimate infiltration rates for five soil textural classes namely, clay loam, loam, sandy clay loam, clay and sandy loam soils. To evaluate the performance of the models, infiltration rate was measured in 38 points of the study area, out of which 70% of the data was calibrating model parameters and 30% of the data was used for model validation. Parameters values of the infiltration models were optimized using the least-squares errors in SPSS statistical software. Five statistical parameters including the Coefficient of determination (R2), Maximum absolute error (MAE), Bias, Root mean square error (RMSE) and Percentage average error (PAE) were used to evaluate the performance of the infiltration models. Results indicated that the Revised Modified Kostiakov’s, Modified Kostiakov’s, and Novel’s infiltration models had better capability in estimating infiltration rates for clay loam, loam and sandy loam soil textures respectively. Similarly, the Hortons’s model had better performances in estimating infiltration rates of both sandy clay loam and clay soil textures compared to other models. In the design of the irrigation system, the best fitted infiltration models can be used for estimating the infiltration rate of soil textures in the selected irrigation scheme and other sites with similar soil textures.
Effects of visual terminal feedback on hand dexterity in relation to visuospatial ability in patients with subacute stroke: A preliminary study
Authors: Yabuki Jun , Kaneno Tatsuya , Yamamoto Ryohei , Yamaguchi Kazuto , Nakano Wataru , Akizuki Kazunori 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Hand dexterity impairments in patients with stroke reduce activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life. Task-specific training with feedback (FB) for stroke rehabilitation have yielded inconsistent results on enhancing motor learning among stroke survivors. Furthermore, visuospatial ability is associated with motor learning, but this has not previously been reported in patients with subacute stroke. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether visual terminal FB affects motor learning of hand dexterity, as well as the relationship among motor function, visuospatial ability, and motor learning, in patients with subacute stroke.
Methods
Seventeen patients (age: 66.1 ± 13.8 years) with subacute stroke who had mild upper limb motor impairment were included in this study. The experimental task was to adjust the force control task. The visuospatial task was the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT). The experimental protocol was conducted on 2 consecutive days, with day 1 consisting of a pre-test (PRE), practice, and short-term retention test (SRT), and day 2 consisting of a long-term retention test (LRT) and the ROCFT. The difference between the target grasping force and the measurement results (grasping error) was assessed as the dependent variable, as a measure of motor learning, using the Friedman test and post hoc test. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate correlations of the grasping error in each test, motor function (by Fugl–Meyer assessment of the upper extremity and action research arm test), and copy, organization, and recall ROCFT scores.
Results
Grasping error significantly decreased in the SRT and LRT compared with the PRE values. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between motor function and performance on each test, whereas significant moderate negative correlations were found between copy and recall scores and performance on LRT (ρ = -0.51 and − 0.53, respectively).
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that visual terminal FB improved hand dexterity in patients with subacute stroke who had mild upper-limb motor impairment. Visual ability was an important factor associated with motor learning. Future studies should use visual terminal FB and consider the establishment of training programs for visuospatial ability in stroke rehabilitation.
Analysis of factors influencing the distribution of brain metastases from lung cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Hu Yixin , Lei Weiwei , Xin Enhui , Cheng Tan , Liu Jiang , Tang Yu , Lai Yong , Yu Hong , Tan Yong , Yang Jing , Huang Junhao , Liu Daihong , Zhang Jiuquan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The distribution of brain metastases (BMs) in patients with lung cancer may be related to primary tumor and cerebral small vascular diseases (CSVDs), but it is not clear which one or more factors affect the distribution.
PURPOSE
To investigate the effects of primary tumor-related factors and CSVDs on the distribution of BMs (the number of BMs in each brain region) in patients with lung cancer.
METHODS
A total of 5,788 lesions in 823 patients with BMs from lung cancer were enrolled. The numbers of BMs and CSVDs in 15 brain regions were determined. CSVDs included recent small subcortical infarcts (RSSIs), perivascular spaces, and lacunes of presumed vascular origin (LPVOs). We collected the number of CSVDs, primary tumor-related factors (including clinical and imaging features) and other potential influencing factors (including the patient's general condition and treatment). We used univariate and multivariate linear regression models to analyze the influence of the above factors on the number of BMs in 15 brain regions. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses of all patients with adenocarcinoma (AD), male patients with AD, female patients with AD, and patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
RESULTS
Univariate linear regression analyses showed that bone metastasis, adrenal metastasis, RSSIs, and LPVOs greatly affected the number of BMs in over half of the examined brain regions. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed LPVOs independently affected the number of BMs in nine brain regions. In the subgroup analyses of all AD, male AD, female AD, and SCLC, LPVOs independently affected the number of BMs in eight, seven, and nine brain regions, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The distribution of BMs is mainly affected by LPVOs, while primary tumor-related factors have less influence on the distribution of BMs.
A scaling law approach to rate fabrication tolerances of double-sided electrostatic actuators
Authors: Wall Franziska , Schenk Hermann A. G. , Melnikov Anton , Kaiser Bert 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Symmetric double-sided electrostatic actuators in push-pull configuration are particularly suitable for linear actuation with low harmonic distortion. However, their motion still is largely determined by pull-in instabilities that are sensitive to geometry variations.
A considerable simulation effort is therefore required when assessing manufacturing tolerances during the design process or determining the optimal operating point.
Recently, an accurate method was demonstrated, allowing for the numerically inexpensive and experimentally non-destructive extraction of the full quasi-static performance of a clamped-free beam-like electrostatic micro-mechanical actuator with complex 3D design.
The key step was to determine the voltage scaling related to the pull-in voltage based on data collected far away from pull-in conditions. This relates a dimensionless ansatz to the physical input voltages as well as the output like e.g. the actuator's tip deflection. For the chosen approach, however, the relationship between the model and the geometry parameters is unknown. In this paper we extend our method to enable quantifying the impact of geometry parameter variations. In particular, we adapt the model equation for the case of symmetry-breaking tolerances on the basis of few FEM-simulations. The quasi-static pull-in instability, as well as the nonlinear deflection, are consistently reproduced over the full range of relevant combinations of signal and bias voltages. Our analysis was developed in the context of a specific electro-acoustic transducer.
However, we find indications that the underlying method is in fact applicable to a much broader range of micro-mechanical actuators.