bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ejaculatory function after radiotherapy for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghaffar Umar , Abbasi Behzad , Li Kevin , Venishetty Nikit , Hakam Nizar , Fernandez Adrian , Pearce Robert , Patel Hiren , Carlisle Marvin , Breyer Benjamin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Scant data exists on the impacts of prostate radiation on ejaculatory function. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess ejaculatory outcomes in men after prostate radiation.Methods We queried PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify 17 articles assessing ejaculatory function post-radiation. The primary outcome was anejaculation rate and secondary outcomes included ejaculatory volume (EV), ejaculatory discomfort, and mean decline in ejaculatory function scores (EFS). We assessed study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We calculated pooled proportions using inverse variance and random effects models.Results We identified 17 observational studies with 2,115 patients reporting ejaculatory profiles post-radiation. Seven studies utilized external beam radiation therapy, 7 brachytherapy, 1 stereotactic RT and 2 utilized either external or brachytherapy. Ten studies reported an anejaculation rate. Pooled proportion of patients having anejaculation, decreased EV and EjD were 18% (95% CI, 11–36%), 85% (95% CI, 81–89%) and 24% (95% CI, 16–35%), respectively. Five studies reported decline in EFS post-radiation.Conclusions Patients receiving radiation treatment may experience significant changes in their ejaculation, such as the absence of ejaculation, reduced EV, and EjD. It is important to counsel them about these potential side effects.
Influences of Pulsed Electric Field Parameters on Cell Electroporation and Electrofusion Events: Comprehensive Understanding by Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Qu sujun , Ke Qiang , Li Xinhao , Yu Lin , Huang Shuheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Electroporation and electrofusion are efficient methods, which have been widely used in different areas of biotechnology and medicine. Pulse strength and width, as an external condition, play an important role in the process of these methods. However, comparatively little work has been done to explore the effects of pulsed electric field parameters on electroporation and electrofusion. Herein, influences of pulse strength and width on the electroporation and electrofusion of phospholipid bilayers were systematically investigated by using experiments combined with molecular dynamics simulations. Experimental results and machine learning-based regression analysis showed that the number of pores is mainly determined by pulse strength, while the sizes of pores were enlarged by increasing the pulse widths. In addition, the formation of large-size pores is the most crucial factor that affects the fusion rate of myeloma cells. The same trend has taken place on coarse-grained and all-atom MD simulations. The result suggested that electroporation events occur only in an electric field exceeding the strength of threshold, and the unbalanced degree of electric potential between two membranes leads to pores formation during the process of electroporation. Generally, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of how pulse strength and width govern the poration event of bilayer lipid membranes, as well as guidance on the experimental design of electrofusion.
Experimental and theoretical study on the ceasing motion of a droplet manipulated by air-blowing nozzle
Authors: Xu Ning , Fu Xin , Su Rui , Xu Wenping , Shen Yingnan , Luo Jin , Chen Wenyu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, the dynamic process of droplet moving with the substrate until blocked by air flow is investigated experimentally and theoretically. A sequence of experiments has been conducted to investigate the impacts of wetting properties , droplet volumes, air flow velocities, and droplet velocities. The substrate is driven by a linear motion motor to ensure the droplet moving at a certain velocity alongside the substrate. The air flow which is vertically injected from the nozzles towards the substrate is known as impinging jet. After air flow impacts the sub-strate, it will blow horizontally. When the direction of air flow is opposite to that of the droplet movement, a force will be exerted on the surface of the droplet. This action incurs the deformation of the droplet and the cessation of the its movement , eventually resulting in an equilibrium state. The droplet shape and motion processes are recorded by the high-speed camera. A mathematical model considering the effect of droplet contact angle, droplet size, droplet moving velocity and air flow velocity is established in the state of equilibrium. Correlation factors are used in the model for the the drag coefficient and air average velocity acting on the droplet. It is found that the air flow rate required to stop the motion of the droplet increases with the droplet moving velocity and the droplet size, but reduces with the enlargement of contact angle. The mathematical model, when equipped with suitable correlation factors, exhibits good agreement with experimental data and could potentially be utilized as a predictor of critical velocity for the cessation of the droplet motion.
The therapeutic analysis of benign uretero-ileal anastomotic stricture after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.
Authors: mou yixuan , Yao Cenchao , Liu Zhenghong , Zhang Pu , Qi Xiaolong , Zhang Dahong , Chen Yiyang , Yu Weiwen , Wang Shuai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Benign uretero-ileal anastomotic stricture (UIAS) is a potentially serious complication following radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion after RC. In order to preserve residual renal function and enhance prognosis, it is imperative to draw insights from experience and tailor individualized treatment strategies for different patients.
Patients and methods: Between October 2014 to June 2021, 47 patients with benign UIAS underwent endoscopic management (n=19) or reimplantation surgery (n=28). The basic data, perioperative conditions and postoperative conditions of the two groups were compared and analyzed to evaluating the efficacy.
Results: In the comparison of preoperative and postoperative clinical efficacy of the same group, the endoscopic group exhibited no significant differences in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels before surgery or after extubation (P>0.05), but BUN and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) levels on the affected side showed significant differences before surgery and after extubation (P<0.05). While the laparoscopic reimplantation group didn't show significant differences in creatinine, BUN and GFR levels before surgery and after extubation (P>0.05). According to the data of postoperative clinical efficacy between the two groups, there was no significant difference in creatinine and BUN levels (P>0.05), but GFR values in the endoscopic treatment group decreased more than those in the laparoscopic reimplantation group (P<0.05). Additionally, the laparoscopic reimplantation group could remove the single J tube earlier than the endoscopic treatment group (P<0.05) with a lower recurrence rate of hydronephrosis after extubation (P<0.05), and hydronephrosis occurred earlier in the endoscopic treatment group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: In our experience for the treatment of UIAS after RC combined with urinary diversion, laparoscopic reimplantation can fundamentally solve the problem of UIAS, remove the ureteral stent in a relatively short time after surgery, maintain the patency of the ureter for a long time, truly preserve the residual renal function, reduce the occurrence of ureteral restenosis and hydronephrosis, and demonstrate relatively better therapeutic outcomes in this research.
The Relationship between Hormone Therapy and breast cancer among Syrian population
Authors: mubarak roushan , khateeb zeina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

hormone therapy (HT) is widely used by women to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and as contraceptive. However, the use of HT has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the potential relationship between hormone therapy (HT) and breast cancer incidence among Syrian population. to evaluate the relationship between HT and breast cancer incidence, we collect information of 500 women, taking into account various confounding factors. The results revealed a significant relationship between HT and an increased risk of breast cancer. Among participants, those with a history of HT had a higher incidence of breast cancer compared with those who did not use (HT).
Sex Reversal in a 47,XXY Patient due to a Novel Mutation of NR5A1 Gene: A Case Report
Authors: Lin Wanjun , Liang Cuili , Shao Yongxian , Zhou Zhizi , Lin Ruizhu , Du Rong , Niu Huilin , Fan Liping , Sheng Huiying , Liu Zongcai , Zhang Wen , Cheng Jing , Liu Guochang , Liu Li 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The clinical manifestations of disorders of sex development (DSD) are heterogeneous and the etiology is complex. In addition to abnormal sex chromosome karyotypes, clinically, DSD are more often caused by mutations in genes related to sex determination and differentiation.
Case presentation
We report a patient with a 47,XXY DSD caused by a novel nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) mutation, who presented with a left labial mass and a right inguinal mass, a complete female external genital phenotype, blind vagina, and no uterus or ovaries. This patient had extremely low basal anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Testosterone did not rise significantly after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation. Bilateral gonadal pathology showed massive hyalinization. The gonads were dysplastic testes, and Sanger sequencing of the NR5A1 gene showed A deletion of A at base 329, which resulted in the change of amino acid 110 from lysine to arginine and the premature appearance of a stop codon, leading to significant changes in the structure and quality of this translated protein. Finally, the family selected for female rearing sex.
Conclusions
If the clinical phenotype of sex chromosome disorders of sex development cannot be explained from the sex chromosome karyotype, the genes related to disorders of sex development should be searched from the molecular genetic level. The gender recommendation of DSD patients should be made cautiously based on a comprehensive analysis of clinical conditions.
Determination of Nutritional Value, Antioxidant Activities, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Almond, Soy and Oat Based Fermented Beverages
Authors: KILINÇ GÜL EDA , KESER Alev , ÖZER Hamdi Barbaros 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Plant-based milks have become popular in recent years for vegan and vegetarian diets as well as sustainable nutrition choices. It was aimed to determine the survival rate of probiotic bacterial culture as a result of different storage periods of almond, soy and oat milk-based fermented beverages, to determine their nutritional values and total antioxidant activities, and to evaluate their sensory properties. Almond, soy and oat milk and one type of semi-skimmed cow's milk were used as the control group. Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM®), Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019™) were used as microorganisms. The incubated samples were stored at 4 ± 1°C for 21 days. High viability levels (> 6 log cfu/ml) were maintained in all strains except for B. lactis throughout the storage period (p < 0.05). Fermented oat milk (FOM) had the highest values in terms of carbohydrates, fermented cow milk (FCM) and fermented soy milk (FSM) had the highest values in terms of protein and fat, and FCM and FOM had the highest values in terms of energy (p < 0.05). FSM and fermented almond milk (FAM) had the highest total antioxidant levels during the storage period (p > 0.05). Our data show that the ideal period for the survival of probiotic microorganisms in fermented plant based beverages is first 14 days. It is thought that plant milks are mostly preferred by vegan and vegetarian individuals, and FSM and FAM will be a good choice for these individuals, especially considering the risk of protein intake deficiency and total antioxidant activity.
Stearate-rich diet and oleate restriction directly inhibit tumor growth via the unfolded protein response
Authors: Koji Yamanoi , Jumpei Ogura , Eijiro Nakamura , Shinji Ito , Yuki Nakanishi , Toshi Menju , Kosuke Kawaguchi , Yuko Hosoe , Mana Taki , Ryusuke Murakami , Ken Yamaguchi , Junzo Hamanishi , Masaki Mandai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Fatty acids are known to have a significant impact on the properties of cancer cells. Therefore, Incorporating them into therapeutic strategies has been reported. However, few studies have examined the effects of individual fatty acids and their interaction in depth. The study analyzed the effects of various fatty acids on cancer cells and found that stearic acid, an abundant saturated fatty acid, had a stronger inhibitory effect on cell growth compared to palmitic acid, which is also an abundant saturated fatty acid, by inducing DNA damage and apoptosis through the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Intriguingly, the negative effects of stearate were reduced by the presence of oleate, a different type of abundant fatty acid. In exploring the dietary impact on tumor growth, we combined a stearate-rich diet with the inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1. This approach significantly reduced tumor growth in both ovarian cancer models and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), including those with chemotherapy-resistant cases, by notably elevating stearate levels while reducing oleate levels within the tumors. Conversely, the negative effects of a stearate-rich diet were mitigated by an oleate-rich diet. The study shows that the dietary stearate can directly inhibit tumor growth through mechanisms involving DNA damage and apoptosis mediated by the UPR pathway. The results suggest that dietary interventions, which increase stearic acid levels while decreasing oleic acid levels, may be a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. This could lead to the development of new cancer treatment strategies.
Impact of sex on clinical outcomes according to immunologic risk in spouse donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Choi Seunghyeok , Lee Hanbi , Eum Sang Hun , Min Ji-Won , Yoon Hye Eun , Yang Chul Woo , Chung Byung Ha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of sex on the clinical outcomes of spouse donor kidney transplantation (SDKT). We analyzed 456 SDKT recipients, and categorized them into standard or high immunological risk groups according to Panel reactive antibody ≥ 50 % or less. There were 366 recipients in the standard risk group, and 89 recipients in the high-risk group. When comparing biopsy-proven allograft rejection (BPAR) within one year from KT, H2W recipients showed significantly higher incidence than W2H recipients in the high-risk group. By contrast, there was no significant difference between W2H and H2W recipients in the standard risk group. Allograft function recovery was better in H2W recipients than in W2H recipients in each group, while H2W recipients in the high-risk group showed a more rapid decline than other recipients. The long-term patient and allograft survival rates showed no difference between H2W recipients and W2H recipients within the same groups. The H2W recipients with high immunological risk showed higher risk of BPAR compared to W2H recipients, so careful monitoring and management may be required.
The Sublingual microcirculation in critically ill children with septic shock undergoing hemoadsorption: a pilot study
Authors: Bottari Gabriella , Confalone Valerio , Creteur Jacques , Cecchetti Corrado , Taccone Fabio Silvio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The importance of perfusion guided resuscitation in septic shock has recently emerged. We explored whether the use of hemoadsorption led to a potential beneficial role in microvascular alterations in this clinical setting.
METHODS.
Pre-planned secondary analysis of a Phase-II interventional single-arm pilot study (NCT05658588) where 17 consecutive septic shock children admitted into PICU were treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and CytoSorb. Thirteen patients were eligible to be investigated with sublingual microcirculation at baseline, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours from the onset of blood purification. Patients achieving a microvascular flow index (MFI) ≥ 2.5 and/or proportion of perfused vessels (PPV) exceeding 90% by 96 hours were defined as responders.
RESULTS.
In 10/13 (77%) there was a significant improvement in MFIs (p = 0.01) and PPVs% (p = 0.04) between baseline and 24 hours from the end of treatment. Eight patients displayed a high heterogenicity index (HI > 0.5) during blood purification and among these, 5 showed an improvement by the end of treatment (HI < 0.5).
CONCLUSIONS.
Despite its limitations (absence of a control group), this pilot study suggests a potential beneficial effect of CytoSorb treatment on microcirculatory perfusion in septic shock patients, particularly when associated with hemodynamic improvement.
Development and validation of the integrative model and risk stratification based on deep learning and radiomics to predict survival of advanced cervical cancer patients
Authors: Guy Mutangala Muloye , Mao Zhonghao , Liu Qingqing , Li Ningfeng , Hao Yiping , Zhang Teng , Cui Baoxia , Li Dapeng , Dong Taotao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Advanced cervical cancer (aCC) is aggressive and has a low 5-year survival rate. A novel integrative model needs to be developed to predict survival and guide clinical practice.
Procedures:
Patients were retrospectively studied from July 2014 to August 2016. The dataset was randomly split into training and validation cohorts. A deep learning model based on a Vision Transformer (ViT) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) was built to output a prognostic score (Rad-score) based on CT images. After combining Rad-score with clinical and pathological characteristics, Cox regression analysis was performed to establish the clinical model, radiomics model and integrative model, respectively, and the C-index was calculated. The time-dependent C-index curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were drawn to evaluate the performance of the model. Finally, a Nomogram was drawn to visualize the integrative model and develop the risk stratification.
Results
396 patients were eventually enrolled in the study. The Cox regression analysis indicated that the Rad-score was an independent prognostic factor (HR = 4.06, 95% CI: 2.46–6.70, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that Rad-score allows significant risk stratification of patients. The integrative model achieved better performance in training (C-index: 0.784[0.733–0.835]) and validation cohorts (C-index: 0.726[0.677–0.785]) showed good survival prediction performance, which was superior to clinical model (training cohort: 0.686[0.625–0.747], validation cohort: 0.632[0.569–0.695]) and radiomics model (training cohort: 0.730[0.675–0.785], validation cohort: 0.723[0.658–0.788]). In addition, the ROC curve, time-dependent C-index curve, calibration curve and DCA curve of the integrative model all showed significant predictive performance advantages. Finally, the Nomogram visualized the survival prediction model. Kaplan-Meier curve showed the risk stratification had significant clinical value.
Conclusions
The integrative model and risk stratification based on Rad-score, clinical and pathological characteristics can be widely used in clinical practice to provide reliable clinical information for medical decisions.
Analyzing Injury Severity of School Bus Crashes considering Temporal and Spatial Heterogeneity Using Random Parameters Ordered Probit Model
Authors: Rao Xiaohua , Yuan Changwei , Ding Shengxuan , Fang Xinjie , Yuan Renteng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Ensuring the safety of students is a multifaceted task, extending beyond the mere design of vehicles. It involves analyzing crash data related to school buses, which plays a critical role in preventing injuries and fatalities of children both in and around these vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1 gathers comprehensive data on a wide range of school bus-related crashes, from minor incidents to serious and fatal crashes. The school bus crash data not only educates parents and caregivers but also supports various prevention campaigns. The objective of this study is to investigate the different risk factors that influence the severity of injuries in school bus crashes, considering variations in time and location. To achieve this, a Random thresholds random parameters ordered probit (RPOP) model is used, which is particularly effective in identifying and accounting for unobserved variables that might affect the outcomes. Moreover, the model results suggest that springtime and highway locations significantly impact crash outcomes, considering crash details, vehicle information, and driver-passenger characteristics. These findings enhance our comprehension of the diverse factors that contribute to school bus crashes. This improved understanding aids in the development of effective strategies to reduce the severity of injuries resulting from such crashes.
Comparison of laparoscopic liver resection for the ventral versus the dorsal areas of segment 8
Authors: Oji Kentaro , Urade Takeshi , Kido Masahiro , Komatsu Shohei , Gon Hidetoshi , Yamasaki Nobuaki , Fukushima Kenji , So Shinichi , Yoshida Toshihiko , Arai Keisuke , Akita Masayuki , Ishida Jun , Nanno Yoshihide , Tsugawa Daisuke , Asari Sadaki , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Toyama Hirochika , Fukumoto Takumi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The technical difficulties of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are greatly associated with the location of liver tumors. Since segment 8 (S8) contains a wide area, the difficulty of LLR for S8 tumors may vary depending on the location within the segment, such as the ventral (S8v) and dorsal (S8d) area, but the difference is unclear.
Methods: We retrospectively investigated 30 patients who underwent primary laparoscopic partial liver resection for liver tumors in S8 at Kobe University Hospital between January 2018 and June 2023.
Results: Thirteen and 17 patients underwent LLR for S8v and S8d, respectively. The operation time was significantly longer (S8v 203[135-259] vs. S8d 261[186-415] min, P = 0.002) and the amount of blood loss was significantly higher (10[10-150] vs. 10[10-200] mL, P = 0.034) in the S8d group than in the S8v group. No significant differences were observed in postoperative complications or the postoperative length of hospital stay.
Additionally, intraoperative findings revealed that the rate at which the case performed partial liver mobilization in the S8d group was higher (2[15.4%] vs. 8[47.1%], P = 0.060) and the median parenchymal transection time of the S8d group was longer (102[27-148] vs. 129[37-175] min, P = 0.097) than that of the S8v group, but there were no significant differences.
Conclusion: The safety of LLR for the S8d was comparable to that of LLR for the S8v, although LLR for the S8d resulted in longer operative time and more blood loss.
The trial registration number: B230165 (approved at December 26th 2023)