bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of ultrasound on testicular loss in cases of testicular torsion in children
Authors: Buch Kjeldgaard Anastasia , Kinder-Klausen Maren Sofie , Nerstrøm Malene , Cohen Jonathan , Henriksen Birthe Merete , Thorup Jørgen Mogens 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in suspicion of testicular torsion is still highly debated. In this investigation, we aimed to evaluate whether time spent on scrotal ultrasonography had a negative impact on testicular loss.

Methods
Patients’ records containing a scrotal ultrasound and/or surgical procedure codes for testicular interventions on suspicion of testicular torsion were examined. Patients aged 0–15 years admitted during 2015–2019 at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet were included.

Results
In total, 1566 patients underwent an ultrasound and 142 of these proceeded to surgery while 13 patients proceeded directly to surgery without an ultrasound. The rate of testicular loss with a preceding ultrasound was 23% versus 42% without (p = 0.18). Four cases of testicular torsion were misdiagnosed by ultrasound resulting in a sensitivity of 95.4% and specificity of 95.6%. The mean diagnostic delay from ultrasound examination was 55 ± 39 min, and the mean time from ultrasound to surgery was at 169 ± 76 min versus 171 ± 72 min without ultrasound.

Conclusion
In a clinical setting, ultrasound provided a reliable tool for the diagnosis of testicular torsion and did not seem to increase the orchiectomy rate.
Validation of the Investigator Global Assessment of Chronic Hand Eczema (IGA–CHE): a new clinician reported outcome measure of CHE severity
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I. , Agner Tove , Baranowski Keith , Plohberger Ursula , Thoning Henrik , Arbuckle Rob , Grant Laura , Skingley George , Bissonnette Robert 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Investigator Global Assessment of Chronic Hand Eczema (IGA–CHE) is a novel Clinician-Reported Outcome measure that allows investigators to assess cross-sectional CHE global disease severity using clinical characteristics of erythema, scaling, lichenification/hyperkeratosis, vesiculation, oedema, and fissures as guidelines for overall severity assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the IGA–CHE for use as an outcome measure in CHE clinical trials and clinical practice. Psychometric analyses were performed using data from a sample of 280 patients with moderate to severe CHE from a phase 3 trial of delgocitinib cream, pooled across treatment groups. Test–retest reliability results were moderate to strong with kappa coefficients ranging from 0.63 to 0.76. Correlations with measures assessing related concepts were moderate or strong (range 0.65–0.72) and exceeded a priori hypotheses, providing evidence of convergent validity. Known-groups validity was supported by statistically significant differences between severity groups (< 0.001). Within-group effect sizes were consistently larger for improved groups compared to stable groups, providing evidence of ability to detect change. Anchor-based analyses generated within-subject meaningful change estimates ranging from – 0.8 to – 2.3. A correlation weighted average suggested a single value of – 1.7 in change from baseline. These findings provide evidence the IGA–CHE scale has strong reliability, construct validity, and ability to detect change, supporting its use as an endpoint in CHE clinical trials and clinical practice. Based on the evidence, 2-level changes in IGA–CHE score are considered a conservative meaningful change threshold; however, findings also indicate 1-level change in IGA–CHE scores reflects a clinically meaningful improvement for patients.Clinical trial registration: NCT04871711.
CELSR3 is a prognostic marker in HNSCC and correlates with immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wu Zhongbiao , Zhu Zhongyan , Wu Weikun , Hu Shiping , Cao Jian , Huang Xinmei , Xie Qiang , Deng Chengcheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To look at the diagnostic value of the CELSR receptor 3 (CELSR3) gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its effect on tumor immune invasion, which is important for enhancing HNSCC treatment.

Methods
Several bioinformatics tools were employed to investigate CELSR3’s putative oncogenic pathway in HNSCC, and datasets from The Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Gene Expression Profile Interaction Analysis (GEPIA) and LinkedOmics were extracted and evaluated. CELSR3 has been linked to tumor immune cell infiltration, immunological checkpoints, and immune-related genes. CELSR3’s putative roles were investigated using Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and pathway enrichment analysis. The expression level of CELSR3 in HNSCC tissues and cells was detected by RT-qPCR. The effects of CELSR3 on proliferation of HNSCC cells were detected by CCK-8 assay.

Results
CELSR3 was shown to be expressed differently in different types of cancer and normal tissues. CELSR3 gene expression was linked to pN-stage and pM-stage. Patients with high CELSR3 expression also have a well prognosis. CELSR3 expression was found to be an independent predictive factor for HNSCC in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. We discovered the functional network of CELSR3 in HNSCC using GO and KEGG analysis. CELSR3 expression levels were found to be favorably associated with immune cell infiltration levels. Furthermore, CELSR3 expression levels were significantly correlated with the expression levels of many immune molecules, such as MHC genes, immune activation genes, chemokine receptors, and chemokines. CELSR3 is highly expressed in HNSCC tissues and cells. CELSR3 overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation of HNSCC cells. CELSR3 expression may affect the immune microenvironment and, as a result, the prognosis of HNSCC.

Conclusion
CELSR3 expression is elevated in HNSCC tumor tissues, and high CELSR3 expression is associated with well prognosis, which inhibited the proliferation of NHSCC cells. CELSR3 has the potential to influence tumor formation by controlling tumor-infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, CELSR3 may have diagnostic significance in HNSCC.
Evaluation of the usefulness of insertion-null markers in critical skeletal remains
Authors: Haarkötter Christian , Saiz María , Gálvez Xiomara , Vinueza-Espinosa Diana C. , Medina-Lozano María Isabel , Álvarez Juan Carlos , Lorente Jose Antonio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractForensic DNA analysis in compromised skeletal remains may pose challenges due to DNA degradation, often resulting in partial or negative autosomal STRs profiles. To address this issue, alternative approaches such as mitochondrial DNA or SNPs typing may be employed; however, they are labour-intensive and costly. Insertion-null alleles (INNULs), short interspersed nuclear elements, have been suggested as a valuable tool for human identification in challenging samples due to their small amplicon size. A commercial kit including 20 INNULs markers along with amelogenin (InnoTyper® 21) has been developed. This study assesses its utility using degraded skeletal remains, comparing the results obtained (the number of detected alleles, RFU values, PHR, and the number of reportable markers) to those obtained using GlobalFiler™. Subsequently, the random match probability of the two profiles for each sample was determined using Familias version 3 to evaluate the power of discrimination of the results obtained from each kit. In every sample, InnoTyper® 21 yielded more alleles, higher RFU values, and a greater number of reportable loci. However, in most cases, both profiles were similarly informative. In conclusion, InnoTyper® 21 serves as a valuable complement to the analysis of challenging samples in cases where a poor or negative profile was obtained.
Metal and oxidative potential exposure through particle inhalation and oxidative stress biomarkers: a 2-week pilot prospective study among Parisian subway workers
Authors: Sauvain Jean-Jacques , Hemmendinger Maud , Charreau Thomas , Jouannique Valérie , Debatisse Amélie , Suárez Guillaume , Hopf Nancy B. , Guseva Canu Irina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
In this pilot study on subway workers, we explored the relationships between particle exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and urine to identify the most relevant biomarkers for a large-scale study in this field.

Methods
We constructed a comprehensive occupational exposure assessment among subway workers in three distinct jobs over 10 working days, measuring daily concentrations of particulate matter (PM), their metal content and oxidative potential (OP). Individual pre- and post-shift EBC and urine samples were collected daily. Three oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in these matrices: malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostane. The association between each effect biomarker and exposure variables was estimated by multivariable multilevel mixed-effect models with and without lag times.

Results
The OP was positively associated with Fe and Mn, but not associated with any effect biomarkers. Concentration changes of effect biomarkers in EBC and urine were associated with transition metals in PM (Cu and Zn) and furthermore with specific metals in EBC (Ba, Co, Cr and Mn) and in urine (Ba, Cu, Co, Mo, Ni, Ti and Zn). The direction of these associations was both metal- and time-dependent. Associations between Cu or Zn and MDAEBC generally reached statistical significance after a delayed time of 12 or 24 h after exposure. Changes in metal concentrations in EBC and urine were associated with MDA and 8-OHdG concentrations the same day.

Conclusion
Associations between MDA in both EBC and urine gave opposite response for subway particles containing Zn versus Cu. This diverting Zn and Cu pattern was also observed for 8-OHdG and urinary concentrations of these two metals. Overall, MDA and 8-OHdG responses were sensitive for same-day metal exposures in both matrices. We recommend MDA and 8-OHdG in large field studies to account for oxidative stress originating from metals in inhaled particulate matter.
XPR1: a regulator of cellular phosphate homeostasis rather than a Pi exporter
Authors: Burns David , Berlinguer-Palmini Rolando , Werner Andreas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPhosphate (Pi) is an essential nutrient, and its plasma levels are under tight hormonal control. Uphill transport of Pi into cells is mediated by the two Na-dependent Pi transporter families SLC34 and SLC20. The molecular identity of a potential Pi export pathway is controversial, though XPR1 has recently been suggested by Giovannini and coworkers to mediate Pi export. We expressed XPR1 in Xenopus oocytes to determine its functional characteristics. Xenopus isoforms of proteins were used to avoid species incompatibility. Protein tagging confirmed the localization of XPR1 at the plasma membrane. Efflux experiments, however, failed to detect translocation of Pi attributable to XPR1. We tested various counter ions and export medium compositions (pH, plasma) as well as potential protein co-factors that could stimulate the activity of XPR1, though without success. Expression of truncated XPR1 constructs and individual domains of XPR1 (SPX, transmembrane core, C-terminus) demonstrated downregulation of the uptake of Pi mediated by the C-terminal domain of XPR1. Tethering the C-terminus to the transmembrane core changed the kinetics of the inhibition and the presence of the SPX domain blunted the inhibitory effect. Our observations suggest a regulatory role of XPR1 in cellular Pi handling rather than a function as Pi exporter. Accordingly, XPR1 senses intracellular Pi levels via its SPX domain and downregulates cellular Pi uptake via the C-terminal domain. The molecular identity of a potential Pi export protein remains therefore elusive.
Distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules using plasma trimethylamine N-oxide, carnitine, choline and betaine
Authors: Shi Liang , Guo Muhong , Shi Cuixiao , Gao Gu , Xu Xianghong , Zhang Chuan , Fu Jingjing , Ni Yudan , Wang Feng , Xue Xue , Yu Fei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiome–derived metabolite, and its precursors (carnitine, choline, betaine) have not been fully examined in relation to thyroid cancer (TC) risk. The aim of this study was to assess the value of TMAO and its precursors in diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods
In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was utilized to measure the levels of plasma TMAO and its precursors (choline, carnitine, and betaine) in 215 TC patients, 63 benign thyroid nodules (BTN) patients and 148 healthy controls (HC). The distribution of levels of TMAO and its precursors among the three groups were compared by the Kruskal–Wallis test. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and the predictive accuracy of single and combined biomarkers.

Results
In comparison to HC, TC showed higher levels of TMAO and lower levels of its precursors (carnitine, choline, and betaine) (all P < 0.001). Plasma choline (P < 0.01) and betaine (P < 0.05) were declined in BTN than HC. The levels of carnitine (P < 0.001) and choline (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in BTN than that in TC group. Plasma TMAO showed lower levels in TC with lymph node metastasis (101.5 (73.1–144.5) ng/ml) than those without lymph node metastasis (131 (84.8–201) ng/ml, P < 0.05). Combinations of these four metabolites achieved good performance in the differential diagnosis, with the area under the ROC curve of 0.703, 0.741, 0.793 when discriminating between TC and BTN, BTN and HC, TC and HC, respectively.

Conclusion
Plasma TMAO, along with its precursors could serve as new biomarkers for the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.
Longitudinal patient-reported outcomes after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Miao Yan , Nie Xin , He Wen-Wu , Luo Chun-Yan , Xia Yan , Zhou Ao-Ru , Wei Si-Rui , Wang Cheng-Hao , Fang Qiang , Peng Lin , Leng Xue-Feng , Han Yong-Tao , Luo Lei , Xie Qin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis and high complication rate, resulting in a heavy symptom burden and poor health-related quality of life (QOL). We evaluated longitudinal patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to analyze the correlations between symptoms and QOL and their changing characteristics during postoperative rehabilitation.

Methods
We investigated patients with ESCC who underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital between April 2019 and December 2019. Longitudinal data of the clinical characteristics and PROs were collected. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires were used to assess symptoms and QOL and compare the trajectories of PROs during the investigation.

Results
A total of 244 patients with ESCC were enrolled in this study. Regarding QOL, role and emotional functions returned to baseline at 1 month after surgery, and cognitive and social functions returned to baseline at 3 months after surgery. However, physical function and global QOL did not return to baseline at 1 year after surgery. At 7 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, the main symptoms of the patients were negatively correlated with physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functions and the overall health status (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Patients with ESCC experience reduced health-related QOL and persisting symptoms after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy, but a recovery trend was observed within 1 month. The long-term QOL after esophagectomy is acceptable.
Economic analysis of the robotic approach to inguinal hernia versus laparoscopic: is it sustainable for the healthcare system?
Authors: Hinojosa-Ramirez F. , Tallon-Aguilar L. , Tinoco-Gonzalez J. , Sanchez-Arteaga A. , Aguilar-Del Castillo F. , Alarcon-Del Agua I. , Morales-Conde S. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
There has been a rapid proliferation of the robotic approach to inguinal hernia, mainly in the United States, as it has shown similar outcomes to the laparoscopic approach but with a significant increase in associated costs. Our objective is to conduct a cost analysis in our setting (Spanish National Health System).

Materials and methods
A retrospective single-center comparative study on inguinal hernia repair using a robotic approach versus laparoscopic approach.

Results
A total of 98 patients who underwent either robotic or laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair between October 2021 and July 2023 were analyzed. Out of these 98 patients, 20 (20.4%) were treated with the robotic approach, while 78 (79.6%) underwent the laparoscopic approach. When comparing both approaches, no significant differences were found in terms of complications, recurrences, or readmissions. However, the robotic group exhibited a longer surgical time (86 ± 33.07 min vs. 40 ± 14.46 min, p < 0.001), an extended hospital stays (1.6 ± 0.503 days vs. 1.13 ± 0.727 days, p < 0.007), as well as higher procedural costs (2318.63 ± 205.15 € vs. 356.81 ± 110.14 €, p < 0.001) and total hospitalization costs (3272.48 ± 408.49 € vs. 1048.61 ± 460.06 €, p < 0.001). These results were consistent when performing subgroup analysis for unilateral and bilateral hernias.

Conclusions
The benefits observed in terms of recurrence rates and post-surgical complications do not justify the additional costs incurred by the robotic approach to inguinal hernia within the national public healthcare system. Nevertheless, it represents a simpler way to initiate the robotic learning curve, justifying its use in a training context.
Lazy model checking for recursive state machines
Authors: Dubslaff Clemens , Wienhöft Patrick , Fehnker Ansgar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecursive state machines (RSMs)are state-based models for procedural programs with wide-ranging applications in program verification and interprocedural analysis. Model-checking algorithms for RSMs and related formalisms have been intensively studied in the literature. In this article, we devise a new model-checking algorithm for RSMs and requirements incomputation tree logic (CTL)that exploits the compositional structure of RSMs by ternary model checking in combination with a lazy evaluation scheme. Specifically, a procedural component is only analyzed in those cases in which it might influence the satisfaction of the CTL requirement. We implemented our model-checking algorithms and evaluate them on randomized scalability benchmarks and on an interprocedural data-flow analysis ofJavaprograms, showing both practical applicability and significant speedups in comparison to state-of-the-art model-checking tools for procedural programs.
Online as-Built Building Information Model Update for Robotic Monitoring in Construction Sites
Authors: Spinner Alon , Degani Amir 
Published: March 2024

AbstractToday, automated techniques for the update of as-built Building Information Models (BIM) make use of offline algorithms restricting the update frequency to an extent where continuous monitoring becomes nearly impossible. To address this problem, we propose a new method for robotic monitoring that updates an as-built BIM in real-time by solving a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) problem where the map is represented as a collection of elements from the as-planned BIM. The suggested approach is based on the Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filter (RBPF) which enables explicit injection of prior knowledge from the building’s construction schedule, i.e., from a 4D BIM, or its elements’ spatial relations. In the methods section we describe the benefits of using an exact inverse sensor model that provides a measure for the existence probability of elements while considering the entire probabilistic existence belief map. We continue by outlining robustification techniques that include both geometrical and temporal dimensions and present how we account for common pose and shape mistakes in constructed elements. Additionally, we show that our method reduces to the standard Monte Carlo Localization (MCL) in known areas. We conclude by presenting simulation results of the proposed method and comparing it to adjacent alternatives.
Soil type and moisture content alter soil microbial responses to manure from cattle administered antibiotics
Authors: Shawver Sarah , Ishii Satoshi , Strickland Michael S. , Badgley Brian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGrowing concerns about the global antimicrobial resistance crisis require a better understanding of how antibiotic resistance persists in soil and how antibiotic exposure impacts soil microbial communities. In agroecosystems, these responses are complex because environmental factors may influence how soil microbial communities respond to manure and antibiotic exposure. The study aimed to determine how soil type and moisture alter responses of microbial communities to additions of manure from cattle treated with antibiotics. Soil microcosms were constructed using two soil types at 15, 30, or 45% moisture. Microcosms received biweekly additions of manure from cattle given cephapirin or pirlimycin, antibiotic-free manure, or no manure. While soil type and moisture had the largest effects on microbiome structure, impacts of manure treatments on community structure and individual ARG abundances were observed across varying soil conditions. Activity was also affected, as respiration increased in the cephapirin treatment but decreased with pirlimycin. Manure from cattle antibiotics also increased NH4+ and decreased NO3− availability in some scenarios, but the effects were heavily influenced by soil type and moisture. Overall, this work demonstrates that environmental conditions can alter how manure from cattle administered antibiotics impact the soil microbiome. A nuanced approach that considers environmental variability may benefit the long-term management of antibiotic resistance in soil systems.