bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Benidipine Alone and in Combination With Bosentan and Sildenafil in Amelioration of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Experimental Model in Rats
Authors: Kumari Kalpana , Vishwakarma Vishal Kumar , Kumar Kuldeep , Mridha Asit Ranjan , Arava Sudhir Kumar , Dhingra Sameer , Singh Nirmal , Yadav Harlokesh Narayan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a persistent condition affecting the pulmonary arteries' endothelium. Benidipine, a calcium channel blocker, possesses vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory activity, reduces oxidative stress, and inhibits the activity of Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of benidipine alone and in combination with bosentan and sildenafil on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in a rat model. PAH was induced by a single-dose administration of MCT in rats. Animals were randomized into different groups and treated with benidipine alone and in combination with bosentan or sildenafil. Various parameters such as hemodynamic parameters, Fulton's index and oxidative stress parameters were performed. Additionally, histopathology of lung and right ventricular of heart tissue, immunohistochemistry, expression of α-SMA, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), TGF-β, and RT-PCR, and an in vitro study using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was also carried out. Treatment of benidipine and its combination exhibited better prevention in the elevated right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, rise in oxidative stress, and increase in expression of α-SMA and TGF-β receptor 1 compared with MCT control group rats. In HUVECs, the expression of α-SMA was increased, whereas that of eNOS decreased after TGF-β exposure and was substantially reversed after pretreatment with benidipine. We concluded that benidipine and its combination with bosentan and sildenafil exhibit beneficial effects in MCT-induced PAH through the eNOS/TGF-β/α-SMA signaling pathway.
Exploration of the Utility of the Generic ICHOM Standard Set Measures in Evaluating the Speech of Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate
Authors: Del Risco Amanda C. , Dunworth Kristina , Sharif-Askary Banafsheh , Suárez Arthur H. “Barron” , Nyswonger Jillian , Ford Matthew , Kern Jennifer , Jones Carlee , Raynor Eileen , Allori Alexander C. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
The International Consortium of Health Outcome Measurements (ICHOM) standard set for cleft care appraisal recommends clinicians assess articulation with percentage consonants correct (PCC) and velopharyngeal function with velopharyngeal competency rating (VPC-R). This study explores the utility and limitations of these generic measures in detecting cleft speech sound disorders by comparing them with two cleft-specific speech-rating systems, cleft audit protocol of speech–augmented Americleft modification (CAPS-A-AM) and Pittsburgh weighted speech scale (PWSS).

Methods:
Consecutive children with repaired, nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate, aged 5 years or older (n = 27) underwent prospective speech evaluations conducted at a single academic institution. These evaluations were conducted, recorded, and evaluated by blinded speech-language pathologists experienced with all tools.

Results:
When comparing measures of articulation, PCC scores correlated better with scores for relevant subcomponents of CAPS-A-AM than PWSS. When comparing measures of velopharyngeal function, VPC-R scores correlated well with relevant components of both scales. Using a “screening test versus diagnostic test” analogy, VPC-R ratings were 87.5% sensitive and 73.7% specific for detecting velopharyngeal dysfunction according to subcomponents of CAPS-A-AM, and 70.6% sensitive and 100% specific according to subcomponents of PWSS.

Conclusions:
This exploratory study demonstrates that PCC and VPC-R perform moderately well in detecting articulatory and velopharyngeal dysfunction in patients with cleft lip/palate; however, these tools cannot describe nuances of cleft speech sound disorder. Thus, although PCC and VPC-R adequately track basic minimum outcomes, we encourage teams to consider extending the standard set by adopting a cleft-specific measurement system for further evaluation of the tools.
Practical Review of Necrotizing Fasciitis: Principles and Evidence-based Management
Authors: Guliyeva Gunel , Huayllani Maria T. , Sharma Nishant T. , Janis Jeffrey E. 
Published: January 2024

Summary:Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening soft tissue infection that presents as a surgical emergency. It is characterized by a rapid progression of inflammation leading to extensive tissue necrosis and destruction. Nonetheless, the diagnosis might be missed or delayed due to variable and nonspecific clinical presentation, contributing to high mortality rates. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt, aggressive medical and surgical treatment are paramount. In this review, we highlight the defining characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, current principles of treatment, and evolving management strategies of necrotizing fasciitis.
Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis of the Pelvis in Children
Authors: Sarmiento Clemente Adriana , McNeil J. Chase , Hultén Kristina G. , Vallejo Jesus G. , Kaplan Sheldon L. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Pelvic involvement has been reported in 3%–14% of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) cases in children. One guideline suggests need for a longer antibiotic course in pelvic AHO, however, recent data are lacking. We describe the clinical course of children with pelvic AHO and compare it to nonpelvic AHO.

Methods:
A retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of AHO admitted to Texas Children’s Hospital from January 2012 to December 2020 was conducted. Patients 6 months–<19 years old and with ≤14 days of symptoms at admission were eligible. Patients with sickle cell disease or immunocompromised were excluded. Wilcoxon rank-sum test assessed for differences between continuous variables and Fisher exact for categorical variables using STATA 17.

Results:
We compared 104 cases of pelvic AHO to 314 cases of nonpelvic AHO. Patients had similar microbiology, length of stay and length of antibiotic therapy. Patients with pelvic AHO had pyomyositis identified by magnetic resonance imaging more often (28.8 vs. 9.4%, P < 0.001) and bone abscess less often (22.1 vs. 46.5%, P < 0.001). Rates of chronic complications were comparable between patients with pelvic AHO and nonpelvic AHO (8.4% vs. 15.1%, P = 0.1). Nineteen patients (18.3%) with pelvic AHO received ≤30 antibiotic days without complications, but they had less need for intensive care or bone abscesses than patients treated longer.

Conclusions:
Pelvic AHO in children may be more frequent than previously reported but is not associated with more complications. Four weeks of therapy may be sufficient in selected patients. Prospective studies to compare outcomes with different lengths of therapy are needed.
Use of Advanced Diagnostics for Timely Identification of Travel-associated Leptospira santarosai Infection in Four Adolescents Through Plasma Microbial Cell-free DNA Sequencing With the Karius Test
Authors: Nguyen-Tran Hai , Erdem Guliz , Laufer P. Marcelo , Patterson Lori , Ahmed Asim A. , Bower William A. , Galloway Renee , Saporta-Keating Sara 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic infection worldwide. Diagnosis of leptospirosis is challenging given its nonspecific clinical symptoms that overlap with other acute febrile illnesses and limitations with conventional diagnostic testing. Alternative advanced diagnostics, such as microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA), are increasingly being used to aid in the diagnosis of infections and can be applied to pathogens with public health importance such as Leptospira, a nationally notifiable disease.

Methods:
The Karius Test uses plasma mcfDNA sequencing to detect and quantify DNA-based pathogens. This test offered through the Karius lab detected 4 cases of Leptospira santarosai during a 5-month period across the United States in 2021 and were clinically reviewed.

Results:
In our case series, 4 adolescents with recent travel to Central America (Costa Rica, n = 3 and Belize, n = 1) from April to August 2021 were diagnosed with leptospirosis. While a large workup was performed in all cases, mcfDNA testing was the first test to detect L. santarosai as the microbiological diagnosis in all cases.

Conclusions:
Results of the Karius Test enabled rapid, noninvasive diagnosis of leptospirosis allowing for targeted therapy. Use of mcfDNA can be utilized for diagnosis of pathogens where conventional testing is challenging or limited. This in turn can enable quick diagnosis for targeted treatment and potentially aid in supporting case definitions of reportable diseases of public health concern.
Impact of three-dimensional reconstruction visualization technology on short-term and long-term outcomes after hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity‐score‐matched and inverse probability of treatment‐weighted multicenter study
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Tao Haisu , Dong Yanchen , Zhang Yuwei , Yang Junying , Xuan Feichao , Zhou Jian , Jia Weidong , Liu Jingfeng , Dai Chaoliu , Hu Haoyu , Xiang Nan , Zeng Ning , Zhou Weiping , Lau Wanyee , Yang Jian , Fang Chihua 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Three-dimensional reconstruction visualization technology (3D-RVT) is an important tool in the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing liver resection. However, it is not clear whether this technique can improve short-term and long-term outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with two-dimensional (2D) imaging.

Method:
A total of 3402 patients from five centers were consecutively enrolled from January 2016 to December 2020, and grouped based on the use of 3D-RVT or 2D imaging for preoperative assessment. Baseline characteristics were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM, 1:1) and stabilized inverse probability of treatment‐weighting (IPTW) to reduce potential selection bias. The perioperative outcomes, long-term overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups. Cox-regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with RFS.

Results:
A total of 1681 patients underwent 3D-RVT assessment before hepatectomy (3D group), while 1721 patients used 2D assessment (2D group). The PSM cohort included 892 patient pairs. In the IPTW cohort, there were 1608.3 patients in the 3D group and 1777.9 patients in the 2D group. In both cohorts, the 3D group had shorter operation times, lower morbidity and liver failure rates, as well as shorter postoperative hospital stays. The 3D group had more margins ≥10 mm and better RFS than the 2D group. The presence of tumors with a diameter ≥5 cm, intraoperative blood transfusion and multiple tumors were identified as independent risk factors for RFS, while 3D assessment and anatomical resection were independent protective factors.

Conclusion:
In this multicenter study, perioperative outcomes and RFS of HCC patients following 3D-RVT assessment were significantly different from those following 2D imaging assessment. Thus, 3D-RVT may be a feasible alternative assessment method before hepatectomy for these patients.
Intersphincteric resection following robotic-assisted versus laparoscopy-assisted total mesorectal excision for middle and low rectal cancer: a multicentre propensity score analysis of 1571 patients
Authors: Guo Yuchen , He Liang , Tong Weidong , Ren Shuangyi , Chi Zhaocheng , Tan Ke , Wang Bo , Lie Chunxiao , Wang Quan 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision (RaTME) may be associated with reduced conversion to an open approach and a higher rate of complete total mesorectal excision (TME); however, studies on its advantages in intersphincteric resection (ISR) are inadequate.

Materials and methods:
This retrospective multicenter cohort study enroled consecutive patients who underwent RaTME and laparoscopy-assisted total mesorectal excision (LaTME) at four medical centres between January 2020 and March 2023. Propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW), and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. The primary outcome was the ISR rate. Secondary outcomes were coloanal anastomosis (CAA), conversion to open surgery, conversion to transanal TME, abdominoperineal resection, postoperative morbidity and mortality within 30 days, and pathological outcomes.

Results:
Among the 1571 patients, 1211 and 450 underwent LaTME and RaTME, respectively, with corresponding ISR incidences of 5.3% and 8.4% (P=0.024). After PSM and IPTW, RaTME remained associated with higher ISR rates (4.5% versus 9.4%, P=0.022 after PSM; 4.9% versus 9.2, P=0.005 after IPTW). This association remained in multivariate analysis after adjusting for other confounding factors. RaTME was further associated with a higher CAA rate, longer operating time, and higher hospitalization expenses.

Conclusions:
RaTME may facilitate ISR in middle and low rectal cancers, showing an independent association with a higher ISR incidence, with pathological outcomes and complications comparable to those of LaTME. However, it may also require a longer operating time and incur higher hospitalization expenses.
Prevalence, Incidence, and Determinants of Kidney Stones in a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults
Authors: Chew Ben H. , Miller Larry E. , Eisner Brian , Bhattacharyya Samir , Bhojani Naeem 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
To determine the prevalence, incidence, and determinants of kidney stones among adults in the United States.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study evaluated the lifetime prevalence of kidney stones and the 12-month incidence of kidney stone passage from the 2017 to 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Survey statistical methods were used to estimate kidney stone prevalence and incidence and the association of patient characteristics with these outcomes using logistic regression.

Results:
The analysis included 9208 participants with prevalence data and 9193 with incidence data. The mean age of the sample was 51 ± 17 years, 49% were male, and the mean body mass index was 30 ± 8 kg/m2. The prevalence of kidney stones was 9.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.7%-11.3%), and the incidence of stone passage was 1.8% (95% CI: 1.4%-2.4%). The most important covariates predicting kidney stone prevalence were a history of gallstones (OR = 2.89: 95% CI: 2.16-3.89, P < .001), hypertension (OR = 1.73: 95% CI: 1.06-2.83, P = .03), and chronic kidney disease (OR = 1.99: 95% CI: 1.01-3.90, P = .046). The same variables were most important in predicting the incidence of kidney stone passage: history of gallstones (OR = 2.66: 95% CI: 1.47-4.81, P = .002), chronic kidney disease (OR = 3.34: 95% CI: 1.01-11.01, P = .048), and hypertension (OR = 2.24: 95% CI: 1.17-4.27, P = .02).

Conclusions:
The self-reported prevalence and incidence of kidney stones in the US adult population between 2017 and 2020 were 9.9% and 1.8%, respectively. History of gallstones, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were important predictors of both outcomes. Individuals with these risk factors may require more frequent monitoring or targeted preventative lifestyle interventions.
Recurrent events after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: predictors and features of plaque progression and stent failure
Authors: Di Vito Luca , Di Giusto Federico , Bruscoli Filippo , Scalone Giancarla , Silenzi Simona , Mariani Luca , Selimi Adelina , Delfino Domenico , Grossi Pierfrancesco 
Published: January 2024

Objectives
Patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are at high risk for recurrent coronary events (RCE). Non-culprit plaque progression and stent failure are the main causes of RCEs. We sought to identify the incidence and predictors of RCEs.

Methods
Eight hundred thirty patients with STEMI were enrolled and followed up for 5 years. All patients underwent blood test analysis at hospital admission, at 1-month and at 12-month follow-up times. Patients were divided into RCE group and control group. RCE group was further categorized into non-culprit plaque progression and stent failure subgroups.

Results
Among 830 patients with STEMI, 63 patients had a RCE (7.6%). At hospital admission, HDL was numerically lower in RCE group, while LDL at both 1-month and 12-month follow-up times were significantly higher in RCE group. Both HDL at hospital admission and LDL at 12-month follow-up were independently associated with RCEs (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.81–0.99 and OR 1.041, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, respectively). RCEs were due to non-culprit plaque progression in 47.6% of cases, while in 36.5% due to stent failure. The mean time frame between pPCI and RCE was significantly greater for non-culprit plaque progression subgroup as compared to stent failure subgroup (27 ± 18 months and 16 ± 14 months, P = 0.032).

Conclusion
RCEs still affect patients after pPCI. Low levels of HDL at admission and high levels of LDL at 12 months after pPCI significantly predicted RCEs. A RCE results in non-culprit plaque progression presents much later than an event due to stent failure.
Platelet reactivity and activated clotting time predict hemorrhagic site complications in patients with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Ramotowski Bogumił , Lewandowski Paweł , Słomski Tomasz , Maciejewski Paweł , Budaj Andrzej 
Published: January 2024

Background
Radial access is preferred in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCSs) treated with ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Antithrombotic and antiplatelet treatment before PCI may affect outcomes at vascular access sites. QuikClot Radial is a kaolin-based band that may shorten hemostasis time. Using point-of-care testing, we investigated the effect of antithrombotic and antiplatelet treatment on access-site complications.

Methods
This prospective observational study included consecutive patients with CCS on chronic aspirin therapy referred for ad hoc PCI. The activated clotting time (ACT), global thrombosis test and VerifyNow P2Y12 test were done sequentially after unfractionated heparin (UFH) and clopidogrel administration. Patients were monitored for radial artery patency, bleeding and local hematoma until discharge.

Results
We enrolled 40 patients [mean age, 68.8 ± 8.8 years; men, 30 (75%)] who received UFH (median dose, 8000 IU; interquartile range, 7000–9000 IU) and clopidogrel (600 mg). All radial arteries remained patent during follow-up. Local bleeding and hematomas were noted in 11 patients (27.5%) each. Patients with bleeding had lower mean platelet activity at 2 h [122.5 ± 51 platelet reactivity units (PRU) vs. 158.7 ± 43 PRU, P = 0.04] and higher ACT (216.9 ± 40 s vs. 184.6 ± 28 s, P = 0.006) than patients without bleeding. An ACT >196 s at 2 h predicted bleeding or hematoma (AUC, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56–0.85, P = 0.008).

Conclusion
Lower platelet activity and higher ACT after PCI were associated with higher bleeding risk at a vascular access site. Point-of-care testing of ACT after the procedure may help identify patients with CCS undergoing PCI who are at higher risk of access-site bleeding.
Gender differences in the incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after acute pulmonary embolism: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lai Yuanqiang , Chen Minshan , Chen Mingdi , Li Chunhe , Chen Xiaojuan , Lai Yuanzhi , Zheng Zhenzhen , Chen Riken 
Published: January 2024

Background:
To explore the role of gender in the incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after acute pulmonary embolism.

Methods:
Two researchers search the PubMed Database, Embase Database and Cochrane Library Database from their establishment to October 2022, using Endnote software for document management and RevMan5.3 software for the meta-analysis of the included literature. A total of 11 studies are selected, including 5788 acute pulmonary embolism events and 391 patients (179 males and 212 females) with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) under the stated conditions. The results show that there is no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CTEPH between males and females after PE (P = .28), with combined OR of 0.89 and 95% CI 0.72–1.10.

Results and conclusions:
Gender is found to be absent as a factor in the incidence of CTEPH after acute pulmonary embolism. This may indicate that gender is not a risk factor for CTEPH and that female patients are not necessarily more likely to have a higher incidence than male patients. As such, accurate judgments should be made on the possible complications of all patients after acute pulmonary embolism, which will be conducive to early detection and intervention in the treatment of CTEPH.
The efficacy and safety of patient-specific instrumentation versus conventional instrumentation for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Huihui , Zhang Liang , Teng Xueren 
Published: January 2024

Background:
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) and conventional instrumentation (CI) for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Our hypothesis was that the PSI would be superior to CI in improving implant positioning and clinical function.

Methods:
We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane) to identify relevant studies published before July 1, 2023 that met our inclusion criteria. The identified reports at least included one of the following outcome variables: coronal component alignment, sagittal component alignment, number of outliers, hip-knee-ankle angle, postoperative complications, operative time and knee joint functional evaluation. For dichotomous variables, we calculated the risk ratio and its 95% confidence interval (CI). For continuous variables, we calculated the mean difference (MD) and its 95% CI. Heterogeneity of the included studies was assessed using the standard chi-square test. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4. software. The meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42023454160).

Results:
A total of 9 articles were included in the analysis, consisting of 4 randomized controlled trials and 5 cohort studies. The study population comprised 494 patients, with 262 in the PSI group and 232 in the CI group. Our findings demonstrate that the PSI group exhibits superior tibial component coronal alignment compared to the CI group (MD = −0.66, 95% CI: −1.21 to −0.12, P = .02). Conversely, the CI group demonstrates better femoral component coronal alignment than the PSI group (MD = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.17–1.60, P = .01). No significant between 2 groups differences were observed in tibial component sagittal alignment, femoral component sagittal alignment, tibial coronal axis outliers, tibial sagittal axis outliers, femoral coronal axis outliers, femoral sagittal axis outliers, postoperative complications, operative time, hip-knee-ankle angle, and postoperative knee joint function score.

Conclusions:
Our study findings suggest that the PSI confer an advantage in achieving superior tibial component coronal alignment, whereas the CI associated with better femoral component coronal alignment. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of other parameters. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.