bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of biological sex in peripheral nerve blockade: A prospective pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and morphometric study in volunteers
Authors: Zadrazil Markus , Marhofer Peter , Columb Malachy , Opfermann Philipp , Schmid Werner , Marhofer Daniela , Stimpfl Thomas , Reichel Sabine , Al Jalali Valentin , Zeitlinger Markus 
Published: January 2024

Study objective
The impact of biological sex in peripheral regional anaesthesia is largely unknown. We therefore designed a prospective study in volunteers to investigate the impact of biological sex on pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and morphometric characteristics for peripheral nerve blockade.

Methods
The initial study plan was powered to include 90 volunteers to find a difference of 35 min in duration of sensory block (primary outcome variable) with 80% power and alpha error at 5%. After discussions in ethical review, a pilot study of 2 x 12 volunteers from each sex were studied. Female and male volunteers received ultrasound guided nerve blockade with 3.0 mL ropivacaine 7.5 mg mL-1. Sensory duration of blockade, as the primary outcome, was evaluated by pinprick testing. Secondary outcomes were sensory onset time of blockade, pharmacokinetic characteristics and the visibility of ulnar nerves using ultrasound. Analyses included Mann-Whitney U-statistics with P<0.05 (two-sided) as significant.

Results
After 24 participants, the median (IQR) duration of sensory blockade was 450 (420; 503) min in women and 480 (450; 510) min in men (P = 0.49). Sensory onset time of blockade, and ultrasound visibility of nerves were also similar between the study groups. The total drug exposure across time (AUC0-infinity) was significantly higher in women (P = 0.017). After a the planned power re-analysis after these 24 study paticipants, which suggested that > 400 subjects would be required with 80% power and alpha error of 5% to find significance for the primary outcome parameter for marginal differences, we terminated the study at this point.

Conclusions
We did not detect significant differences between female and male study participants in terms of pharmacodynamic and morphometric characteristics after ultrasound guided ulnar nerve blocks. Women did show significantly greater pharmacokinetic ropivacaine exposures. The results of this study indicate that peripheral regional block pharmacodynamic characteristics are independent of the biological sex, whereas pharmacokinetic parameters are sex-dependent.
Inter- and intra-rater reproducibility of quantitative T1 measurement using semiautomatic region of interest placement in myometrium
Authors: Nakagawa Sadahiro , Uno Takahiro , Ishitoya Shunta , Takabayashi Eriko , Oya Akiko , Kubota Wakako , Okizaki Atsutaka 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of quantitative T1 (qT1) measurements using manual and semiautomatic region of interest (ROI) placements. We hypothesized the usefulness of the semiautomatic method, which utilizes a three-dimensional (3D) anatomical relationship between the myometrium and other tissues, for minimizing ROI placement variation, thereby improving qT1 reproducibility compared to the manual approach. The semiautomatic approach, which considered anatomical relationships, was expected to enhance reproducibility by reducing ROI placement variabilities.

Materials and methods
This study recruited 23 healthy female volunteers. Data with variable flip angle (VFA) and inversion recovery were acquired using 3D-spoiled gradient echo and spin echo sequences, respectively. T1 maps were generated with VFA. Manual and semiautomatic ROI placements were independently conducted. Mean qT1 values were calculated from the T1 maps using the corresponding pixel values of the myometrial ROI. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of qT1 values was investigated. The inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of qT1 values was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of variation (CoV). Further, reproducibility was evaluated with inter- and intraobserver errors and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Bland–Altman analysis was utilized to compare the results, estimate bias, and determine the limits of agreement.

Results
The mean inter- and intraobserver CoV of the qT1 values for semiautomatic ROI placement was significantly lower than those for manual ROI placement (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). ICCs for semiautomatic ROI placement were greater than those for manual ROI placement. Further, the mean inter- and intraobserver errors for semiautomatic ROI placement were significantly lower than those for manual ROI placement (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion
Semiautomatic ROI placement demonstrated high reproducibility of qT1 measurements compared with manual methods. Semiautomatic ROI placement may be useful for evaluating uterine qT1 with high reproducibility.
Safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid among patients with statin intolerance and those without: A meta-analysis and a systematic randomized controlled trial review
Authors: Li Yi , Gao Hongyu , Zhao Jinghui , Ma Liqing , Hu Dan 
Published: January 2024

Objective
Bempedoic acid, an innovative oral medication, has garnered significant interest in recent times due to its potential as a therapeutic intervention for hypercholesterolemia. Nonetheless, the outcomes of the initial investigations might have been more definitive and coherent. Our objective was to perform a quantitative meta-analysis in order to evaluate bempedoic acid’s safety and effectiveness.

Methods
A search was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov, and PubMed from the time of inception until September 28, 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing the safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid among patients with statin intolerance and those without were included in our analysis. The trial outcomes were summarized using a random effects model and were provided as mean differences or odds ratios (ORs) with a confidence interval of 95%. Additionally, trial heterogeneity and the possibility of bias were evaluated and investigated.

Results
Bempedoic acid treatment reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels more than placebo (mean difference -2.97%, 95% CI -5.89% to -0.05%), according to a pooled analysis of 16 eligible trials. The risk of death (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.98) and muscle-associated occurrences (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.31) was not impacted by bempedoic acid. In contrast, discontinuation of treatment was more frequently caused by adverse events in the bempedoic acid group (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.27).

Conclusions
In patients with statin intolerance as well as those without, bempedoic acid is a safe and efficacious lipid-lowering agent, according to findings from randomized controlled trials.
Biological Agents in the Treatment of Crohn's Disease: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis From the Prospective Persistence Australian National IBD Cohort (PANIC3) Study
Authors: Chetwood John David , Ko Yanna , Pudipeddi Aviv , Kariyawasam Viraj , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Leong Rupert W. 
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Comparative effectiveness research provides data on the relative benefits and risks between treatments. In Crohn's disease (CD), however, there are few head-to-head studies comparing advanced therapies and none with long-term follow-up. Real-world effectiveness, defined by treatment persistence, obtained from prospective population-based patient cohorts, may help determine the best sequencing and positioning of biological agents.

METHODS:
We analyzed the prospectively collected population-based Australian national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing data registry (2005–2019) for CD. There is no mandated biological agent prescribing order, and all citizens and permanent residents are eligible for treatment irrespective of insurance status. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce selection bias.

RESULTS:
There were 2,029 lines of therapy in 1,446 patients (median age 43 years, interquartile range 34–58, 44% male patients) over the 15-year period with 5,618 patient-years of follow-up. Per line of therapy, 915/2,029 (45.1%) patients used adalimumab, 722/2,029 (35.6%) used infliximab, 155/2,029 (7.6%) used vedolizumab, and 237/2,029 (11.7%) used ustekinumab. When used in biological agent–naive patients, there was no difference in persistence between any agent (P > 0.05). Used after first line in biological agent–experienced CD, ustekinumab had significantly better persistence than non-ustekinumab biological agents (P = 0.0018), vs anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha therapy (P = 0.006) or vedolizumab (P < 0.001). Ustekinumab persistence was unaffected by prior biological agent exposure (P = 0.51). After anti-TNF use, ustekinumab had superior persistence to an alternative anti-TNF agent (P = 0.033) and to vedolizumab (P = 0.026). Using a propensity score–matched analysis adjusted for age, immunomodulator use, and bio-exposed status, ustekinumab had superior persistence to anti-TNF (P = 0.01). Multivariate predictors of worse persistence were the use of a non-ustekinumab biological agent (adjusted hazard ratio 2.10, P < 0.001), and bio-experienced status (adjusted hazard ratio 1.23, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION:
This large national prospective database with nonhierarchical prescribing of biological agents did not identify superior persistence of any agent in bio-naive CD. However, for patients with bio-experienced CD, persistence was greater with ustekinumab.
Russian registry of hypothalamic and pituitary tumors: clinical and statistical analysis for 01.01.2023
Authors: Lutsenko A. S. , Przhiyalkovskaya E. G. , Vikulova O. K. , Isakov M. A. , Belaya Zh. E. , Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Pigarova E. A. , Dzeranova L. K. , Marova E. I. , Melnichenko G. A. , Platonova N. M. , Troshina E. A. , Mokrysheva N. G. 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Pituitary adenomas are the third most common intracranial neoplasm. Clinical significance is determined by the nature of growth and hormonal activity, leading to disruption of various parts of metabolism. Medical registries are a valuable tool for assessing clinical and epidemiological parameters and obtaining data on real-life clinical practice.AIM: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of four pituitary disorders in Russian Hypothalamic and Pituitary Tumor Registry (OGGO): acromegaly, Cushing’s disease, prolactin-secreting and non-functioning pituitary adenomasMATERIALS AND METHODS: The object of the study is the database of the OGGO registry, which includes 84 regions of the Russian Federation, as of 01/01/2023.RESULTS: The maximum prevalence of acromegaly in the Russian Federation was noted in Karelia (9.48/100 thousand) and Chuvash Republic (10.8/100 thousand) and in Tyumen region (8.9/100 thousand). The incidence of acromegaly in 2021 was 0.6/1 million population. The maximum prevalence of Cushing’s disease is observed in Karelia Republic (2.33/100 thousand), Chukotka (2.01/100 thousand), Kirov (1.79/100 thousand) and Tver region ( 1.79/100 thousand). The incidence of Cushing’s disease in 2021 was 0.1/1 million population. The maximum prevalence of prolactinomas is observed Karelia (13.33/100 thousand) and Chuvash Republic (12.35/100 thousand) and in Voronezh region (8.66/100 thousand). The incidence of prolactin-secreting adenomas in 2021 was 0.6/1 million population. The maximum prevalence of non-functioning pituitary adenomas is observed in the Karelia (15.08/100 thousand), Voronezh region (8.82/100 thousand), Tyumen region (8.11/100 thousand) and Sakha/Yakutia Republic (7.56 /100 thousand). The incidence of non-functioning pituitary adenomas in 2021 was 0.3/1 million population. The median age for acromegaly was 63.6 [53.2;71.5], for Cushing’s disease 49.2 [38.8;60.8], for prolactin-secreting adenomas 47.5 [38.3;59.7], for patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas — 58.4 [43.8;67.9] . At the time of the last visit, remission was observed in 42.7% of patients with acromegaly, 62.5% with Cushing’s disease, 39.7% with prolactinomas and 76.6% of patients with non-active adenomas.CONCLUSION: The OGGO registry is a valuable tool for assessing epidemiological, clinical data and treatments used. At the same time, the quality of the analysis directly depends on the quality and completeness of the entered data. Further research in the field of epidemiology of endocrinopathies should be aimed at improving the quality and ease of data entry, which will allow obtaining the most complete patient characterization.
Hydrodynamic, electronic and optic analogies with heat transport in extended thermodynamics
Authors: Cimmelli Vito Antonio , Jou David , Sellitto Antonio 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Over the last twenty-five years, the search for generalized equations that allow us to better understand the phenomenon of heat conduction has become an active frontier both in transport theory, and in non-equilibrium thermodynamics, due to the growing interest in nanotechnologies, thermal metamaterials and fast devices. Here we review how some mathematical analogies between generalized heat-transport equations and well-known equations in hydrodynamics, electronics and optics have been helpful to infer new forms of heat transfer arising in extended thermodynamics and to inspire the consideration of new phenomena. We also examine in each case the thermodynamic basis of the respective formulation.
New dietary records for the rare Thomas’s Flying Squirrel (Aeromys thomasi, Sciuridae: Pteromyini) from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Dehling J. Maximilian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Thomas’s Flying Squirrel (Aeromys thomasi) is a rarely observed, large, nocturnal species of Flying Squirrel, confined to the island of Borneo. Very little is known about the ecology, behaviour, and natural history of the species. Fruit is the only diet item recorded so far. I report for the first time feeding on bark and on young leaf shoots by the species. These observations match the results of an examination of the species’ dentition, which had suggested a mixed diet including leaves.
Aflatoxin B1 induces infertility, fetal deformities, and potential therapies
Authors: Francis Sullibie , Kortei Nii Korley , Sackey Marian , Richard Seidu A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a subsidiary poisonous metabolite, archetypally spawned by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, which are often isolated in warm or tropical countries across the world. AFB1 is capable of disrupting the functioning of several reproductive endocrine glands by interrupting the enzymes and their substrates that are liable for the synthesis of various hormones in both males and females. In men, AFB1 is capable of hindering testicular development, testicular degeneration, and reduces reproductive capabilities. In women, a direct antagonistic interaction of AFB1 with steroid hormone receptors influencing gonadal hormone production of estrogen and progesterone was responsible for AFB1-associated infertility. AFB1 is potentially teratogenic and is responsible for the development of malformation in humans and animals. Soft-tissue anomalies such as internal hydrocephalus, microphthalmia, cardiac defects, augmented liver lobes, reproductive changes, immune modifications, behavioral changes and predisposition of animals and humans to neoplasm development are AFB1-associated anomalies. Substances such as esculin, selenium, gynandra extract, vitamins C and E, oltipraz, and CDDO-Im are potential therapies for AFB1. Thus, this review elucidates the pivotal pathogenic roles of AFB1 in infertility, fetal deformities, and potential therapies because AFB1 toxicity is a key problem globally.
Impact performance of unconventional trigger holes
Authors: Turan Mehmet Kivanc , Ensarioglu Cihat , Bakirci Altug , Karpat Fatih 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Crash boxes in vehicles are one of the passive safety measures that aim to reduce injury to passengers and damage to the vehicle during a collision. Their function is to absorb the mechanical energy resulting from a collision by deforming plastically. Considering human safety, not only the energy must be damped, but also the forces acting on the passengers must be controlled. This force control can be adjusted to some extent using trigger mechanisms. There is a wide variety of research on hole type triggers, but they concentrated on traditional shapes; unique or hybrid shapes have not been sufficiently tested. This study examined the effects of various hole profiles with equal areas on dynamic mechanical performances of Al 6063-T6 rectangular crash boxes. Four types of trigger shapes were formed: upward keyhole, downward keyhole, U-shaped, and S-shaped. The dynamic performance evaluation was carried out experimentally by testing five types of geometries, the fifth one being the geometry without any trigger. In addition, dynamic Finite element analyses were conducted and validated using the experimental data, with the aim of employing the Finite element models in future geometry improvement studies. The experimental results were interpreted with some common evaluation parameters: peak force, crash force efficiency, mean crash force, and total energy absorption. The downward keyhole profile generally gave the best results, while the lowest peak force was observed in the U-shaped profile.
All optical tunable RF filter using elemental antimony
Authors: Aggarwal Samarth , Farmakidis Nikolaos , Dong Bowei , Lee June Sang , Wang Mengyun , Xu Zhiyun , Bhaskaran Harish 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the past decade, the proliferation of modern telecommunication technologies, including 5G, and the widespread adoption of the Internet-of-things (IoT) have led to an unprecedented surge in data generation and transmission. This surge has created an escalating demand for advanced signal processing capabilities. Microwave photonic (MWP) processors offer a promising solution to satisfy this unprecedented demand for data processing by capitalising on the high bandwidth and low latency achievable by optical systems. In this work, we introduce an integrated MWP processing unit for all-optical RF filtering using elemental antimony. We exploit the crystallisation dynamics of antimony to demonstrate a photonic leaky integrator, which is configured to operate as a first-order low-pass filter with a bandwidth of 300 kHz and ultra-compact footprint of 16 × 16 μm2. We experimentally demonstrate the implementation of such a filter as an envelope detector to demodulate an amplitude-modulated signal. Finally, a discussion on achieving bandwidth tunability is presented.
Identidad, memoria y la búsqueda del padre desaparecido desde la óptica de dos cineastas guatemaltecos
Authors: Contreras Ana Yolanda 
Published: January 2024

This article explores two Guatemalan films, Polvo [Dust] (2012) and Nuestras madres [Our Mothers] (2019), directed by Julio Hernández Cordón and César Díaz respectively. Both feature films denounce the gross human rights violations perpetrated by the dictatorship during the past Guatemalan armed conflict, as well as portray the search for disappeared parents or relatives and the consequences experienced by the victims. Therefore, the analysis centers on the children’s struggle to find their missing fathers to avoid living in an identity vacuum and to find closure to their long-standing suffering. On the other hand, this paper also analyzes the trauma and silence observed by the surviving mothers as a remnant of the fear/terror experienced by these women during the armed conflict. Moreover, this silence functions as a protection mechanism for their children. The analysis is theoretically supported by the extensive work carried out by the Uruguayan sociologist Gabriel Gatti on forced disappearance.
Sedentary time at school and work in Canada
Authors: Prince Stephanie A. , Lang Justin J. , Betancourt Marisol , Toigo Stephanie , Roberts Karen C. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives
High levels of sedentary time (ST) are associated with poor physical and mental health. Given that Canadians spend a large portion of their days at school and work, they may be important targets for reducing ST. Our objectives are to estimate the daily amount of school and work ST among Canadians, examine differences by subgroups, and determine associations with health.

Methods
Using the 2020 Canadian Community Health Survey Healthy Living Rapid Response module (N = 5242), the amount of time spent sitting while at school and work was estimated among youth (12–17 years) and adults (18–34 and 35–64 years). Differences by sociodemographics and 24-Hour Movement Guideline adherence were assessed with independent t-tests. Associations between school and work ST and health indicators were assessed using adjusted logistic regression.

Results
Canadian youth aged 12–17 years and adults aged 18–34 years reported an average of 4.5 and 5.2 h/day of school ST, respectively. Adults 18–34 years and 35–64 years reported an average of 3.9 and 4.0 h/day of work ST, respectively. School and work ST differed within several subgroups. Among adults 18–34 years, higher school ST was associated with a reduced odds of ‘excellent/very good’ mental health, whereas higher work ST was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting ‘excellent/very good’ general health.

Conclusion
Canadian youth and working-age adults report an average of 4–5 h/day sedentary at school or work. This is the first study estimating school and work ST in a representative sample of Canadians and will aid in increasing awareness of setting-specific behaviours to better inform targeted interventions including addressing inequalities in ST.
Stress Evolution of the Main Himalayan Thrust Fault Induced by the Mw 7.8 Gorkha Earthquake
Authors: Yue Chong , Qu Chunyan , Shan Xinjian , Zhao Dezheng , Chen Han , Wang Yali 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
The Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake that occurred in 2015 is the largest thrust event in the middle of the main Himalayan thrust fault zone (MHT) in the past 81 yr. Its impact on the regional tectonic stress state and future seismic risks is a significant scientific issue worthy of in-depth analyses. In this study, we inverted the planar fault-slip model (the planar model), the flat-ramp fault-slip model (the flat-ramp model) and the double flat-ramp fault-slip model (the double flat-ramp model) to analyze the effect of the fault geometry, based on the steepest descent method (SDM) and the layered earth model. Compared with the flat-ramp model, the planar model exhibits a wider slip distribution in the down-dip direction of the main rupture zone, whereas the double flat-ramp model shows a larger coseismic slip on the middle ramp at the depth of 7.5–11.5 km. Those slip differences produce larger stress shadow areas in the above models, but for a blind thrust event induced by a low-dip thrust fault, this does not significantly change the distribution mode of coseismic Coulomb stress change (ΔCFS) in the three models. Namely, there is an obvious stress release in the main rupture but an obvious stress loading in the up-dip and down-dip directions of the main rupture zone. Based on the Burgers rheological model, we calculated the postseismic viscoelastic Coulomb stress change (V−ΔCFS) and the cumulative Coulomb stress change (C−ΔCFS) induced by the Gorkha earthquake in the flat-ramp model and comparatively analyzed the evolution pattern of coseismic and postseismic stresses. Our results indicate that the variation trend of postseismic stress in the lithosphere is opposite to that of the coseismic ΔCFS. The postseismic viscoelastic relaxation promotes the slip of the flat-ramp structure at the depth of 10–25 km, and the stress unloads in the shallow and deep part simultaneously. As a blind thrust event, the coseismic ΔCFS still plays a dominant role in the shallow part after 50 yr, whereas the loading C−ΔCFS in the deep part of the MHT is greatly weakened by the postseismic V−ΔCFS. Seismic risks still exist in the unruptured area on the west side of the mainshock and the shallow Main Frontal thrust.