bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Application of Transbronchial Cryo-biopsy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Authors: Ge Ai , Sun Xiao-li , Cao Zu , Xu Jin-Fu , Xie Hui-Kang , Bai Jiu-wu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterized by abnormal alveolar surfactant accumulation. The small tissue specimens obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) could not adequately meet the need for subsequent diagnosis. In recent years, transbronchial cryo-biopsy (TBCB) has gradually been applied as it can obtain larger and better-quality specimens. This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield and safety of TBCB in PAP.Methods The subjects of this retrospective study are 78 PAP patients who had a lung biopsy in the Tongji University Affiliated Pulmonary Hospital from Jan 2017 to Sep 2022. 36 of them underwent TBLB and the other 42 underwent TBCB. Clinical data, biopsy specimen number, specimen size, the proportion of lesion sites to biopsy specimens, complications, and pathological diagnosis of patients from both groups were recorded.Results Our data analysis shows that the diagnostic yield of TBCB is significantly higher than that of TBLB (78.6% vs. 50%, p < 0.05). The biopsy specimen number and size of the TBCB group were larger than those of the TBLB group (p < 0.05). The proportion of lesion sites to biopsy specimens of the TBCB group was also higher than that of the TBLB group (p < 0.05). As for pathological diagnosis, though we cannot see a statistically significant difference in the specimen number between positive and negative diagnoses of PAP, the specimen size of the PAP-positive group was actually larger than that of the PAP-negative group (p < 0.05). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the specimen size of at least 2 mm2 was the cut-off with a higher positive predictive value (area under the curve = 0.676, p = 0.007). For complications of TBLB and TBCB, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of pneumothorax and bleeding between the two groups.Conclusions TBCB is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe technique with a higher diagnostic yield than TBLB in PAP diagnosis. Increasing the biopsy specimen size can effectively improve the diagnostic yield of PAP.
The impact of the fine-grained parameters of the anti-rotation model on the macroscopic mechanical properties of Fujian standard sand
Authors: Liu Hongshuai , Ding Bowen , Zhang Dongtao , Li Liyun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Based on PFC3D software, the mechanical response of model meso parameters to macro parameters of the Fujian sand triaxial test was analyzed. Combined with the results of indoor tests, the range of model parameters was determined. The simulation was conducted under the confining pressures of 100kpa, 300kpa and 500kpa respectively. After the macro parameters were obtained, the influence degree of each micro parameter on the macro parameters was analyzed through orthogonal test design to conduct sensitivity analysis on the contact modulus, stiffness ratio, friction coefficient, and anti-rotation coefficient of the sample. The results show that the elastic modulus is positively correlated with the contact modulus, friction coefficient, and anti-rotation coefficient, and negatively correlated with the stiffness ratio. The peak friction angle is negatively correlated with the contact modulus and stiffness ratio and positively correlated with the friction coefficient and anti-rotation coefficient. With the increase of the contact modulus and friction coefficient, the strain softening degree of the sample will increase, and the stiffness ratio and anti-rotation coefficient have no obvious effect on the strain softening degree. The contact modulus has little influence on the stable value of the mechanical coordination number of the sample. In contrast, the friction coefficient, stiffness ratio, and anti-rotation coefficient have greatly influenced the stable value of the mechanical coordination number. Compared with the orthogonal test design, the contact modulus has the greatest impact on the elastic modulus, and the stiffness ratio has the least impact on the elastic modulus. The friction coefficient has the greatest effect on the peak friction angle, and the stiffness ratio has the least effect on the peak friction angle. Based on the orthogonal experimental design results, a set of parameters is obtained. Finally, the PFC calibration results of Fujian sand are obtained by comparing the experimental results obtained from the predicted microscopic parameters with the laboratory tests, which provides a reference for future discrete element simulation laboratory tests.
The prevalence and surgical outcome of Hip Dysplasia in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Mo Yueqiang , Wu Chunxing , Huang Peng , Wang Dahui , Jing Yanhui , Ning Bo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare disease. Orthopedic-related diseases of PWS include scoliosis, hip dysplasia, osteoporosis, genu valgum, and foot deformities. Limited literature exists on the prevalence, diagnosis, and surgical management of hip dysplasia (HD) in PWS. This study aims to assess the prevalence of hip dysplasia in children with PWS and to evaluate the outcomes following surgical intervention.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with PWS at our institution from January 2017 to December 2021. Only those with a genetic confirmation of PWS and an anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiograph were included. Patient demographics were collected, and the acetabular index (AI) was measured. For children over five years of age, the central edge angle (CEA) was also recorded. A single fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon determined the presence of HD based on radiographic measurements. Patients who underwent surgery were followed up for a minimum of 12 months.
Results
Among the 178 patients with PWS (100 males and 78 females), 99 had AP pelvic radiograph, of which 33 met the criteria of HD, with a prevalence of 33.3%. There was no significant association between prevalence and sex (P = 0.769) or genetic subtype (P = 0.574). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 34.4 months (6 months to 109 months). Five patients (2 right side, 3 bilateral) underwent surgical intervention, including Salter innominate osteotomy, proximal femoral osteotomy, and close/open reduction of the hip, at an average age of 82.4 months. One patient (2 hips) was lost to follow-up 1.5 months post cast removal. There was a statistically significant improvement in AI from preoperative (42.8 ± 5.9 degrees) to postoperative (21.7 ± 7.7 degrees) measurements (P = 0.003). One hip resulted in stiffness with a flexion of 60 degrees, while the others showed good mobility. No serious postoperative complications were reported during the follow-up.
Conclusions
The present study demonstrated a higher prevalence of hip dysplasia in patients with PWS than in the general population. The prevalence does not significantly differ across sexes or genetic subtypes. Surgical treatment could reach a similar results as to those of hip dysplasia without PWS.
Comparison of In-Vitro Micropropagation Growth Media Solutions for Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E. Higgins vars. diandra and triandra
Authors: Bartel Lauren , Downing Jason Lamar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Prosthechea cochleata or clamshell orchid is recognized as a species of both conservation and commercial importance. It has long been prized by orchid breeders and growers for its unique flower and hardy disposition. The commercial market has failed to meet the demand for this species since it is still targeted for illegal collection in the wild. This study examines the effectiveness of the banana powder on two variants (var. diandra and var. triandra) with disparate home ranges and levels of genetic diversity using two commercially available agar-based media (PhytoTechnology P668 and P748). Undifferentiated protocorms of the two variants were monitored for shoot growth and differentiation across a period of 156 days. Banana powder supplement (P748) was more effective in initiating shoot formation in both variants compared to control media (P668) (F = 65.11, p < 0.001, df = 81). The diandrous variant grown with banana showed the highest mean shoot count (98.17 shoots/flask) at the end of the monitoring period. Results suggest that banana supplement is an effective source of plant growth regulators and organic nutrients necessary to promote shoot formation and seedling development in this species. This research is important for the conservation of P. cochleata as it identifies an effective and cost-efficient method for micropropagation, which can aid in increasing the wild populations of this species. Additionally, the findings have implications for commercial orchid production, as it can potentially improve the cultivation and yield of this species for economic purposes.
Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oral dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase inhibitory fluoropyrimidines in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Tokunaga Takuya , Kashihara Hideya , Yoshikawa Kozo , Nakao Toshihiro , Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Wada Yuma , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Shimada Mitsuo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to determine long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oral dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD)-inhibiting fluoropyrimidines.
Methods
Fifty-seven locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with oral DPD-inhibitory fluoropyrimidines from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Patients with T3–T4 lower rectal cancer were irradiated once daily (2 Gy) with a total dose of 40 Gy, and chemotherapy was administered with tegafur-uracil (300 mg/m2/day) or S-1 (80 mg/m2/day) on radiation days. Total mesorectal excision was performed 6–8 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy.
Results
Pathologic complete response was observed in three patients (5.6%) with a pathologic response rate of 26.3%. Five-year overall survival was 77.8% and 5-year disease-free survival was 65.1%. Recurrence was observed in 20 patients (35.1%) and local recurrence in 9 patients (15.8%). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for overall survival identified pre-CRT lateral lymph node metastasis and circumferential resection margin as independent prognostic factors, and ypStage as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival.
Conclusions
Evaluation of lateral lymph node before CRT is useful in predicting prognosis in patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oral DPD-inhibiting fluoropyrimidines, and surgical planning to ensure a 1-mm circumferential resection margin is important for improving prognosis.
Convolutional neural network using magnetic resonance brain imaging to predict outcome from tuberculosis meningitis
Authors: Dong Trinh Huu Khanh , Canas Liane , Donovan Joseph , Beasley Daniel , Huong Dau Thi Thanh , Thuong-Thuong Nguyen Thuy , Phu Nguyen Hoan , Ha Nguyen Thi , Ourselin Sebastien , Razavi Reza , Thwaites Guy , Modat Marc 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) leads to high mortality, especially amongst individuals with HIV. Predicting the incidence of disease-related complications is challenging, for which purpose the value of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been well investigated. We used a convolutional neural network (CNN) to explore the contribution of brain MRI to the conventional prognostic determinants. Method We used data from two randomised control trials of HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults with clinical TBM in Vietnam to predict the occurrence of death or new neurological complications in the first two months after the subject’s first MR session. We developed and compared three models: a logistic regression with no imaging data as reference, a CNN that utilised only T1-weighted MR volumes, and a model that fused both. All models were fine-tuned using two repeated 5-fold cross-validation. The final evaluation was based on a random 70/30 training/test split, stratified by the outcome and HIV status. Based on the selected model, we explored the interpretability maps derived from the models. Results 215 patients were included, with an event prevalence of 22.3%. On the test set our non-imaging model had higher AUC (71.2% ± 1.1%) than the imaging-only model (67.3% ± 2.6%). The fused model was superior to both, with an average AUC = 77.3% ± 4.0% in the test set. The non-imaging variables were more informative in the HIV-positive group, while the imaging features were more predictive in the HIV-negative group. All three models performed better in the latter cohort. Across 10 folds, all models’ performance varied considerably, suggesting room for improvement. The interpretability maps show the model’s focus on the lateral fissures, the corpus callosum and the tissue around lateral ventricles. Some standard lesions such as tuberculomas and basal enhancement, were not determined by the model to be relevant disease prognostic features. Conclusion Imaging information using a CNN can help predict unwanted outcomes of TBM. A larger dataset is now needed to confirm our findings.
Translation of secretory mRNAs must be restrained during early oncogenesis to permit hepatocellular carcinoma initiation
Authors: Norman Jim , Moore Madeleine , Pardo Luis , Mitchell Louise , Schmidt Tobias , Waldron Joseph , May Stephanie , Muller Miryam , Smith r , Strathdee Douglas , Bryson Sheila , Hodge Kelly , Lilla Sergio , Wilczynska Ania , McGarry Lynn , Gillen Sarah , Peter-Durairaj Ruban , Kanellos Georgios , Nixon Colin , Zanivan Sara , Sansom Owen , Bird Thomas , Bushell Martin , Quesne John Le 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Increased protein synthesis drives proliferation of established tumours. However, how mRNA translation contributes to early tumorigenesis remains unclear. Following oncogene activation, hepatocytes enter a senescent phase characterized by deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) niches which promote subsequent progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We demonstrate an inverse relationship between translation rates and transition from this oncogene-induced senescent state to proliferating HCC. We have found that this is due to tight coupling of the mRNA translation rate at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosomal degradation of membrane/secretory proteins. Specifically, increased routing of newly synthesized proteins from the ER alters endosomal trafficking of membrane integrins towards late endosomes/lysosomes which, in turn, opposes generation of ECM-rich tumour initiation niches. Consistently, inhibition of protein synthesis during early tumorigenesis accelerates HCC initiation, challenging the current thinking on the relationship between mRNA translation rates and cancer. Our results also highlight that the administration of current therapeutics designed to suppress translation rates may need to be carefully timed to improve patient outcomes.
Nanoscale chemical heterogeneities control magma viscosity and failure
Authors: Munoz Pedro Valdivia , Zandonà Alessio , Löschmann Jessica , Bondar Dmitry , Genevois Cécile , Canizarès Aurélien , Allix Mathieu , Miyajima Nobuyoshi , Kurnosov Alexander , Boffa-Ballaran Tiziana , Fiore Fabrizio Di , Vona Alessandro , Romano Claudia , Deubener Joachim , Bamber Emily , Genova Danilo Di 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Explosive volcanic eruptions, resulting from magma fragmentation, pose significant threats to inhabited regions. The challenge of achieving fragmentation conditions in less evolved compositions, such as andesites and basalts, stems from their low viscosities. Recent research highlights the role of Fe-Ti-oxide nanocrystals (nanolites) in increasing melt viscosity, yet the mechanisms behind the impact of nanocrystallization remain a subject of ongoing debate. To assess their effect on melt viscosity, we introduce innovative viscosity models exclusively utilizing nanolite-free viscosity data. Our study unveils the first in-situ imaging of nanolite formation in andesitic melt resulting in a heterogeneous distribution of elements, generating a relatively SiO2-enriched matrix and Al-enriched shells around nanolites. This phenomenon results in a substantial, up to 30-fold increase in magma viscosity at eruptive temperatures. By incorporating nanoscale observations of fragmented magma from the literature, we deduce that elemental heterogeneities might play a critical role in driving magmas towards failure conditions.
¿How much and for how long could the annual cost of atmospheric greenhouse gas (CO2e) abatement between 1960-2020 through carbon pricing be estimated?
Authors: Casas-Cuestas Michel , Álvarez-Rodríguez Juan Fernando 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This document presents the estimated cost and timing of climate change mitigation through carbon pricing based on the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions for the period 1960 to 2020. This was done by constructing a matrix of prices using public databases comparing reported emissions (Andrew, 2021; Friedlingstein et al., 2020), and then formulating the greenhouse gas storage scenarios that were formed based on the cost-effective prices (Griscom et al., 2017). This allowed the range of feasible prices to be determined according to the COP Chair's estimates of annual investment capacity and the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (Stern, 2006). Consequently, as a contribution to the knowledge of the carbon market prices, the annual cost scenarios for climate change management were formulated on the basis of historical emissions and a financial model that compensates investments including absorption and storage of the greenhouse gases \(CO2e\) in terms of time in a range of 13 to 63 years and a cost of 50 billion to 1.2 trillion dollars. In conclusion, it is possible to use carbon markets to mitigate climate change based on the constraints outlined above by means of the natural climate solutions.
Diagnostic Accuracy of WB-MRI and 123I-mIBG /131I-mIBG Imaging in Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mori Hiroshi , Wakabayashi Hiroshi , Saito Shintaro , Nakajima Kenichi , Yoshida Kotaro , Hiromasa Tomo , Kinuya Seigo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to compare tumor lesion detectability and diagnostic accuracy of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) and radioiodine-labeled meta-iodo-benzylguanidine (mIBG) imaging techniques in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL).
Methods
This retrospective study included 13 patients had pheochromocytoma and 5 had paraganglioma, who were all suspected of having metastatic tumors. Each patient underwent WB-MRI and 123I-mIBG as a pretreatment screening for 131I-mIBG therapy. Two expert reviewers evaluated WB-MRI, 123I-mIBG images, and post-therapy 131I-mIBG images for the presence of metastatic lesions in the lungs, bones, liver, lymph nodes, and other organs. Diagnostic measures for detecting metastatic lesions, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operating characteristics (ROC)—area under the curve (AUC), were calculated for each imaging technique.
Results
We analyzed WB-MRI images for detecting metastatic lesions, which demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and AUC of 82%, 97%, 90%, 96%, 86%, and 0.92, respectively. These values were 83%, 95%, 89%, 94%, 86%, and 0.90 in 123I-mIBG images and 85%, 92%, 89%, 91%, 87%, and 0.91 in post-therapy 131I-mIBG images, respectively.
Conclusion
Our results reveal the comparable diagnostic accuracy of WB-MRI to one of the mIBG images.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Fonka Cyril Bernsah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective: Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) has a 60% effectiveness and is cost-effective in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a lack of evidence of the COVID-19 pandemic's potential impact on VMMC in Gauteng province, South Africa. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on VMMC in Gauteng Province.
Method: This was a longitudinal study design. VMMC data was obtained from all public and private hospitals in Gauteng province from the District Health Information System and all medical schemes respectively. The datasets were merged with the years 2019 and 2020 as the before and during COVID-19 periods respectively. Percentage change in VMMC was calculated to demonstrate the effect of the pandemic on VMMC.
Results: Provincially, VMMC declined in 2020 by an overall of 33.8% for ≥10 years, 32.4% for 10-14 years, and 35.8% for ≥15 years. All five districts in Gauteng province were affected differently. Exceptionally, the Tshwane Metropolitan district recorded an increase of 21.8% in ≥10 years and 36.0% in 10-14 years. While the other four districts saw a percentage decline in the three age groups, the worst performance was experienced in the West Rand district.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse indirect impact on VMMC in the Gauteng province of South Africa, except in one district. Considering the biomedical evidence and cost-effectiveness of VMMC in reducing HIV/AIDS transmission, there is an urgency to return VMMC post-COVID-19 to its pre-pandemic levels.
Metastatic salivary duct carcinoma presenting as cannonball lung lesions on radiology: Case Report
Authors: Ignatowicz Aleksandra , Strike Andrew , Balaji Nivedha , Chew Christopher , Barker Steven , Sykalo Christine , Conway Joseph , Fontem Franklin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare, aggressive salivary gland tumor with a high rate of metastasis and overall poor prognosis. SDC is commonly diagnosed at stage 3 or stage 4 with progression to local, regional lymph nodes or distant metastatic disease predominantly to the lung, bone, brain or skin. The case presents a 44 year old with an unusual presentation of distant metastasis appearing as cannon ball lesions in the lungs.Case presentation: The patient is a 44 year old male tobacco user with a history of recent incarceration who presented with a several month history of weight loss and enlarging right neck mass. He was found to have multiple bilateral lung masses with brain metastasis on imaging. Biopsy of the neck mass was consistent with salivary duct carcinoma with a rare basal-like phenotype. The patient was ultimately treated with targeted radiotherapy palliatively; however, he was not a candidate for chemotherapy due to extensive disease burden. He declined clinically and was transitioned to hospice care.Conclusions: The case provides a new presentation of an atypical salivary duct carcinoma with bilateral cannonball disease on imaging in addition to a rare histopathologic variant originating likely from an ex pleomorphic adenoma. The basal-like variant was found to have differing gene expression compared to the most commonly seen histological types. Considering the expression noted, the findings provide further information on the expression pattern of basal-like SDC for future targeted therapy and also clarify concerns with accurate diagnosis in SDC in comparison to other morphologically similar malignancies.