bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix in Postoncological Scalp Reconstruction: A Case Series
Authors: Calderbank Tom , Turner Emma , Mohamed Mohaned , Kanakopoulos Dimitrios , Kelemen Noemi 
Published: January 2025

Summary:
Biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) is a synthetic biodegradable dermal matrix that helps develop a non–skin graft amenable wound bed (eg, over tendon or bone) into a graftable wound bed, by acting as an inert scaffold for angiogenesis and formation of granulation tissue. There is currently a paucity of evidence to encourage its use in scalp defects following skin malignancy excision. This retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate the utility of BTM in this patient subset. This is a case series of patients undergoing BTM reconstruction for scalp defects following skin malignancy excision between January 2022 and January 2024. Data collected included demographics, as well as oncological and reconstructive outcomes. Thirteen distinct BTM cases were identified in 12 patients. All patients were male with a median age of 85 years. Of 13 lesions, 10 were confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, with 3 confirmed as malignant melanoma. Of 13 cases, 12 required excision down to the calvaria, with 1 down to pericranium. Of 13 cases, 11 went on to receive a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) after BTM application, with a median interval of 46 days. All these patients had complete take of their subsequent STSG. Two cases did not receive STSG, 1 had satisfactorily healed upon delamination of the BTM, and 1 had failure of BTM due to bacterial colonization. This study demonstrates the utility of BTM as a successful, low morbidity reconstructive option in patients undergoing skin cancer excision on the scalp.
A Study of Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples from Abi-Adi Town, Ethiopia, Using LR-115 Type-II
Authors: Alene Assefa Nigus , Arbese Yisak 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the present study, we are presenting the results of radium content, radon concentration, and radon exhalation rates (both mass and area) for 32 soil samples collected from different locations of Abi-Adi Town, Ethiopia, by using the sealed can technique containing a LR-115 Type-II plastic detector. The values of radium content from soil samples were found to vary from 35.26 Bq kg−1 to 101.78 Bq kg−1, with a mean value of 70.25 Bq kg−1. The mass and area exhalation rates of radon were found to be from 2.72 × 10−6 Bq kg−1 d−1 to 7.87 × 10−6 Bq kg−1 d−1 and from 0.76 × 10−4 Bq m−2 d−1 to 2.20 × 10−4 Bq m−2 d−1, with a mean value of 5.43 × 10−6 Bq kg−1 d−1 and 1.52 × 10−4 Bq m−2 d−1, respectively. The outdoor and indoor annual effective dose equivalent varied from 0.24 mSv y−1 to 0.68 mSv y−1 and from 0.06 mSv y−1 to 0.17 mSv y−1 with a mean value of 0.37 mSv y−1 and 0.09 mSv y−1, respectively. The working level varied from 2.50 mWL to 7.21 mWL with a mean value of 3.94 mWL. From the results of this study, we found that there was a positive correlation between radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples. The radium content values determined in soil samples are less than the permissible value of 370 Bq kg−1 recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments as acceptable for safe use. Thus, results reveal that the area under investigation is safe as far as the health hazards of radon are concerned.
Radiation Dose to Occupational Dosimeters Brought on Commercial Air Travel
Authors: Chang Lienard , Kim Daniel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Occupational radiation dosimeters that return high readings cannot always be explained by circumstances in the workplace. For this experiment, a series of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters were brought to airports to estimate the radiation dose OSLs would receive should a worker accidentally bring their dosimeter with them during travel. The OSLs returned readings between 0.77 and 3.70 mSv. While factors such as scanning times, machine modality and model, flight duration, and elevation changes can all affect dosimeter readings, this small experiment provides a general range of dose readings to dosimeters to assist radiation safety program managers in quantifying true radiation dose from the workplace.
A Sneaky Culprit: Secondary Infectious Keratitis Due to Brevundimonas diminuta
Authors: Thareja Suma K. , Luo Susan , Carballo Sarah 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
To describe a rare case of infectious keratitis secondary to Brevundimonas diminuta, a gram-negative bacillus with fluoroquinolone resistance and rare clinical isolation.

Methods:
A 50-year-old man with contact lens overuse presented with a large corneal ulcer and hand motion visual acuity. Initial treatment with fortified topical tobramycin and vancomycin yielded slow improvement, and initial culture grew Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, and Corynebacterium bovis. Therapy was tapered to topical moxifloxacin. Loteprednol was added to reduce corneal inflammation after presumed sterilization. Persistent epithelial defect and worsening infiltrate after 3 weeks prompted repeat culture and corneal punch biopsy.

Results:
Repeat culture revealed B. diminuta resistant to moxifloxacin. Treatment was modified to tobramycin, and therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was pursued to prevent further stromal loss. Four months postoperatively, the cornea remained clear without recurrence or neovascularization.

Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the second reported culture-positive case of secondary infectious keratitis with B. diminuta, highlighting its rarity and potential for delayed identification. The atypical response to initial therapy underscores the importance of repeat cultures and corneal biopsy in persistent cases. This case contributes to the growing understanding of rare ocular pathogens, advocating for a vigilant clinical approach.
Neuroradiological Correlates of Abnormal Pupillary Light Reflex Findings Among Patients in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Rana Chahat , Moreno Jorge H. , Marshall Jade L. , Olson DaiWai M. , Aiyagari Venkatesh 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Changes in pupil reactivity secondary to cerebral mass effect are traditionally linked to compression of the oculomotor nerve by the uncus or by horizontal midbrain displacement. The neurological pupil index (NPi) is a metric to assess the pupillary light reflex. This study explores the relationship of midline shift, cisternal, and sulcal effacement or ventricular compression in patients with a new finding of abnormal pupillary light reflex. METHODS: This retrospective study identified adult patients with serial pupillometer readings between 2018 and 2023 who had a baseline head computed tomography (CT) scan, subsequent new-onset NPi worsening from normal to abnormal, and a repeat CT scan within 2 hours of the NPi changes. Those with NPi worsening were compared with those with no NPi change. RESULTS: Among 77 patients (27 with NPi worsening, 50 without), those with NPi worsening exhibited a higher incidence of midline shift on the repeat CT. Regression models revealed a significant correlation between midline shift change and abnormal NPi (r = 0.2260, P < .001). However, NPi worsening was not linked to changes in ventricular compression, nor sulcal or cisternal effacement. CONCLUSION: Midline shift, rather than cisternal or sulcal effacement, is associated with abnormal NPi values.
Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual Syndrome, and Lifestyle Habits in Young University Students in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: FRANCO-ANTONIO Cristina , SANTANO-MOGENA Esperanza , CORDOVILLA-GUARDIA Sergio 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background
Menstruation is a physiological process that may be accompanied by pain, headache, edema, emotional changes, and other symptoms, all of which affect quality of life. Although the results of some studies indicate lifestyle habits can affect the menstrual cycle and associated symptoms, few have investigated this issue, and even fewer have explored the impact of these symptoms on quality of life, in Spanish women.

Purpose
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among students at a Spanish university, assess the impact of these conditions on quality of life, and analyze the relationship among lifestyle habits, dysmenorrhea, and PMS.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on 743 women enrolled at the University of Extremadura in the 2021–2022 academic year. Data related to the menstrual cycle, pain, and PMS-related physical and emotional symptoms were collected. Quality of life related to menstruation was evaluated using the CVM-22 scale. Lifestyle data collected included adherence to a Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED [Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea] questionnaire), level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and alcohol and tobacco consumption (Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test Version 3). Also, other clinical data were recorded.

Results
In terms of the sample, the median age was 21 (19–23) years, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 57.9%, 92.7% reported premenstrual physical symptoms, and 55.6% reported experiencing premenstrual emotional changes. Having a low level of adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with the presence of dysmenorrhea, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.47 (95% CI [1.06, 2.03]). Having a low level of physical activity was strongly associated with the presence of premenstrual physical symptoms, with an aOR of 5.89 (95% CI [1.71, 20.26]). Also, an association was found between tobacco use and premenstrual emotional changes, with an aOR of 2.02 (95% CI [1.25, 3.25]). Furthermore, dysmenorrhea and PMS were both associated with a low quality of life, with pain and emotional changes being the most significantly associated factors, with ORs of 16.25 (95% CI [10.36, 25.47]) and 26.73 (95% CI [16.46, 43.40]), respectively.

Conclusions
Similar to previous studies, the findings of this study indicate a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea and PMS among young university students in western Spain, with both of these symptoms impacting quality of life significantly and negatively. In addition, lifestyle habits, diet, physical activity, and tobacco use seem to influence the occurrence of these symptoms. Promoting lifestyle changes may be an effective strategy to reduce the incidence of dysmenorrhea and PMS and improve the quality of life of young women.
Glycosyltransferase B3GNT3 promotes immune evasion in pancreatic cancer by downregulating MHC-I levels on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Yin Shi-Qi , Ma Hong-Tai , Li Xia-Qing , Xiao Shu-Yu , Tulamaiti Aziguli , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Xing Xin 
Published: January 2025

Objective:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most challenging malignancies in the digestive system. Immune evasion is a crucial factor leading to poor prognosis in patients. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of immune evasion in PDAC cells.

Methods:
We utilized the TCGA & GTEx, GEO databases, and immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression patterns of B3GNT3 in normal pancreatic tissues and tumor tissues. We explored the biological pathways involving B3GNT3 through RNA-seq and GO enrichment analysis. The correlation between B3GNT3 and MHC-I levels was examined using flow cytometry. Additionally, by establishing a mouse PDAC orthotopic model, we investigated the relationship between B3GNT3, PDAC progression, and CD8+ T cell function.

Results:

B3GNT3 mRNA levels are significantly higher in tumor samples compared to normal tissue, and its expression is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. RNA-seq analysis suggests B3GNT3 may impact MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation. Knockdown of B3GNT3 increases MHC-I levels on tumor cells, while overexpression decreases them. In a mouse PDAC model, B3GNT3 knockdown inhibits tumor growth and increases CD8+ T cell infiltration.

Conclusions:
The expression level of B3GNT3 in PDAC cells is negatively correlated with MHC-I levels, thereby affecting the ability of CD8+ T cells to recognize tumor cells and exert their cytotoxic function, making tumor cells more prone to immune evasion.
Deep Learning–Powered CT-Less Multitracer Organ Segmentation From PET Images
Authors: Salimi Yazdan , Mansouri Zahra , Shiri Isaac , Mainta Ismini , Zaidi Habib 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The common approach for organ segmentation in hybrid imaging relies on coregistered CT (CTAC) images. This method, however, presents several limitations in real clinical workflows where mismatch between PET and CT images are very common. Moreover, low-dose CTAC images have poor quality, thus challenging the segmentation task. Recent advances in CT-less PET imaging further highlight the necessity for an effective PET organ segmentation pipeline that does not rely on CT images. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop a CT-less multitracer PET segmentation framework.

Patients and Methods
We collected 2062 PET/CT images from multiple scanners. The patients were injected with either 18F-FDG (1487) or 68Ga-PSMA (575). PET/CT images with any kind of mismatch between PET and CT images were detected through visual assessment and excluded from our study. Multiple organs were delineated on CT components using previously trained in-house developed nnU-Net models. The segmentation masks were resampled to coregistered PET images and used to train 4 different deep learning models using different images as input, including noncorrected PET (PET-NC) and attenuation and scatter-corrected PET (PET-ASC) for 18F-FDG (tasks 1 and 2, respectively using 22 organs) and PET-NC and PET-ASC for 68Ga tracers (tasks 3 and 4, respectively, using 15 organs). The models’ performance was evaluated in terms of Dice coefficient, Jaccard index, and segment volume difference.

Results
The average Dice coefficient over all organs was 0.81 ± 0.15, 0.82 ± 0.14, 0.77 ± 0.17, and 0.79 ± 0.16 for tasks 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. PET-ASC models outperformed PET-NC models (P < 0.05) for most of organs. The highest Dice values were achieved for the brain (0.93 to 0.96 in all 4 tasks), whereas the lowest values were achieved for small organs, such as the adrenal glands. The trained models showed robust performance on dynamic noisy images as well.

Conclusions
Deep learning models allow high-performance multiorgan segmentation for 2 popular PET tracers without the use of CT information. These models may tackle the limitations of using CT segmentation in PET/CT image quantification, kinetic modeling, radiomics analysis, dosimetry, or any other tasks that require organ segmentation masks.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All
Authors: Kang Daihun 
Published: January 2025

Background
Digital nerve injuries significantly affect hand function and quality of life, necessitating effective reconstruction strategies. Autologous nerve grafting remains the gold standard due to its superior biocompatibility, despite recent advancements in nerve conduits and allogenic grafts. This study aims to propose a novel zone-based strategy for donor nerve selection to improve outcomes in digital nerve reconstruction.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for articles published from January 2004 to December 2023. Inclusion criteria included studies involving adult human subjects undergoing autologous nerve grafting for digital nerve reconstruction, with sensory recovery and donor site morbidity as primary outcome measures. Additionally, an anatomical study comparing donor nerves to digital nerves was included.

Results
Five studies met the inclusion criteria: 4 clinical studies and 1 anatomical study. Analysis of the 4 included clinical studies showed that the posterior interosseous nerve had the lowest donor site morbidity (6.25%), while the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABCN) demonstrated the best sensory recovery outcomes (mean 2-point discrimination of 5.92 mm, with 100% of patients achieving good to excellent recovery). The sural nerve exhibited acceptable donor site morbidity (15%) but showed the lowest sensory recovery outcomes (mean 2-point discrimination of 10.8 mm, with only 46% of patients reporting good to very good recovery). The anatomical study indicated that the LABCN had the closest match in cross-sectional area and fascicle count to most zones of the digital nerve, supporting its suitability as a graft source.

Conclusions
Although there are many nerve reconstruction techniques available, autologous nerve grafting remains the gold standard. Based on the analysis of five studies, this review proposes a new zone-based approach for donor nerve selection, emphasizing matching donor nerves to specific injury zones. This tailored strategy can potentially optimize both functional recovery and donor site morbidity, moving beyond the one-size-fits-all paradigm. The posterior interosseous nerve, LABCN, and SN each provide unique benefits depending on the zone of injury, suggesting that this approach may lead to improved patient outcomes. Future research is needed to validate this framework.
Surgical Outcomes for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck
Authors: Liu Hua , Dai Xiaoming 
Published: January 2025

Objectives
There is no consensus on elective lymphatic dissection of the parotid and neck for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) due to challenges in detecting occult spread to these regions. This study aimed to summarize clinical data and evaluate correlations between risk factors, nodular metastasis, and the need for elective parotidectomy in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and apocrine carcinoma (AC) of the head and neck, all with clear surgical margins and negative imaging results for regional metastases.

Study Design
We retrospectively reviewed 166 patients with CSCC, one with MCC, and one with AC of the head and neck, all treated surgically between September 2006 and July 2022. The neck and parotid nodes were imaged preoperatively, and nodular metastases were verified by pathological examination. Age, maximum primary tumor dimension, and primary tumor depth were evaluated in patients with and without nodular metastases.

Results
Seven patients developed nodular metastases after primary tumor excision. Facial paralysis occurred in three of five patients with parotid spread. Age and primary tumor size differed significantly between patients with and without nodular metastases (P < 0.05). Tumor depth did not differ significantly between these groups (P > 0.50).

Conclusions
Negative imaging results of nodular metastases before primary tumor excision and clear margins did not imply exemption from nodular metastases postoperatively. Nodular spread of CSCC is associated with multiple risk factors rather than any single factor. Elective parotidectomy is recommended to prevent facial nerve invasion by occult nodular metastasis in patients with CSCCs with advanced age, large primary tumor size (≥T3), critical tumor locations, and/or pathological types with high metastatic potential.
MicroRNA-146b targets HIF-1α AND attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis in doxorubicin-induced heart failure
Authors: Wang Min , Lu Rui , Peng Liang , Xu Ling-Ling , He Shang-Fei , Guo Tao , Lu Ming-Jun , Luo Yi , Cui Tong-Tao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The global prevalence of heart failure is still growing, which imposes a heavy economic burden. The role of microRNA-146b (miR-146b) in HF remain largely unknown. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of miR-146b in HF. Method: We applied Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to search for differential microRNAs between myocardial tissues of heart failure patients and controls. We also used RT-PCR to detect the miR-146b expression in primary neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) and mice models of doxorubicin induced HF. In vivo experiments, echocardiography was performed at baseline and weeks 6. After that we harvested mice’ heart and evaluated the cardiomyocyte with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson trichrome staining and TUNEL staining. Through bioinformatics analysis, we found HIF-1α might be the target gene of miR-146b which validated by luciferase reporter gene assay. Subsequently, mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α were detected by overexpression or inhibition of miR-146b in primary NMCMs. Results: We found that miR-146b expression was decreased in myocardial tissues of HF patients compared with controls (p < 0.01). MiR-146b levels were notably down regulated in HF models. MiR-146b knockout mice showed a more pronounced decrease in cardiac function and more severe myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis than wild type. Meanwhile, over expression or repression of miR-146b in primary neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes could inhibit or upregulate HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression. Conclusion: Our study shows that miR-146b may be a protective factor for cardiomyocytes by modulating HIF-1α.
Endothelial-specific knockout of the scramblase TMEM16F impairs in vivo clot formation
Authors: Bonson Grace , Lambert Aaron R. , Sackheim Adrian M. , Howard Abigail , Piffard Sophia H. , Lescieur-Garcia Carlos , Cleary Jade , Rubinelli Luisa , DiLorenzo Annarita , Majumdar Devdoot , Hennig Grant , Nelson Mark T. , Freeman Kalev 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Loss of function of the phospholipid scramblase (PLS) TMEM16F results in Scott Syndrome, a hereditary bleeding disorder generally attributed to intrinsic platelet dysfunction. The role of TMEM16F in endothelial cells, however, is not well understood. We sought to test the hypothesis that endothelial TMEM16F contributes to hemostasis by measuring bleeding time and venous clotting in endothelial-specific knockout (ECKO) mice.

Materials and Methods
We initially evaluated the extent to which TMEM16F contributes to endothelial calcium events produced by trauma factors in vitro, using a pharmacological approach. Cultured endothelial cells were exposed to histones in the presence or absence of the PLS inhibitor, niclosamide, for live-cell calcium imaging and flow cytometry with annexin V staining. We then applied a genetic approach to specifically ablate TMEM16F in vascular endothelial cells in vivo using a murine tamoxifen-inducible cre-lox system under control of a Cdh5 promoter. Hemostasis was evaluated by measuring tail bleeding time after a distal 5 mm tail resection. Venous thrombus formation was evaluated by creating a surgical stenosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and harvesting the resultant clot 24 hours post-procedure for measurement. Blood samples were obtained via IVC cannulation to assay plasma-based coagulation. Mesenteric arteries were isolated and cannulated for assessment of endothelial-dependent vasodilation by pressure myography.

Results
Pretreatment with the PLS inhibitor niclosamide prevented pathological calcium signals and mitigated PS translocation in cultured endothelial cells exposed to extracellular histones. TMEM16F ECKO mice exhibited prolonged bleeding compared to controls (time, 205.6 +/- 234.5 vs. 38.1 +/- 29.11 sec; p < 0.05). The ECKO mice also generated significantly smaller IVC thrombi (length, 0.9 +/- 1.4 vs. 4.7 +/- 3.3 mm; p < 0.05). TMEM16F ablation did not impact prothrombin time or endothelial-dependent vasodilatory function.

Conclusions
Endothelial TMEM16F function is essential for normal hemostasis. ECKO of TMEM16F is sufficient to produce a coagulopathic phenotype, as shown by the prolonged bleeding time after tail transection and decreased thrombus generation in response to IVC stenosis. Because endothelial calcium events are pathologically amplified in response to trauma factors, these results suggest that TMEM16F may play a role in trauma-induced coagulopathy.