bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Redo aortic root surgery post-Ross procedure
Authors: Bogachev-Prokophiev Alexander , Sharifulin Ravil , Demin Igor , Karadzha Anastasiia , Zheleznev Sergey , Karaskov Alexander , Afanasyev Alexander , Pivkin Alexey , Ovcharov Mikhail , Zalesov Anton , Murashov Ivan , Tsaroev Bashir , Chernyavsky Alexander 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundDespite numerous advantages of the Ross procedure, it presents a risk of late autograft and right ventricular outflow tract conduit failure. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of autograft dysfunction reoperations using autograft-sparing and root replacement techniques.MethodsBetween 2015 and 2023, 49 patients underwent redo root surgery in our institution. Autograft valve-sparing procedures (VSP) were performed in 20 cases and the Bentall procedure (BP) in 29 patients. The short and long-term clinical outcomes along with echocardiographic results of VSP and BP were investigated.ResultsOverall early mortality rate was 2.0% with no significant difference between the groups. Severe autograft valve insufficiency at the time of redo (OR 4.07, P = 0.03) and patient age (OR 1.07, P = 0.04) were associated with a valve replacement procedure instead of VSP. The median follow-up duration was 34 months. No late deaths occurred in either group. Freedom from VSP failure and aortic prosthesis dysfunction were 93.8% and 94.1% in the VSP and BP groups, respectively. No reoperations were necessary in either group.ConclusionRedo aortic root surgery can be safely performed in patients with autograft failure. Both root replacement and autograft valve-sparing procedures demonstrated acceptable results at mid-term follow-up. Early redo surgery pre-empting severe aortic insufficiency increases the likelihood of preservation of the dilated autograft valve.
Assessing causal associations of hyperparathyroidism with blood counts and biochemical indicators: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Yan , Chen Rumeng , Xu Shuling , Ding Yining , Zhang Mengling , Bao Meihua , He Binsheng , Li Sen 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe existing literature on the relationship of hyperparathyroidism with both blood counts and biochemical indicators primarily comprises observational studies, which have produced inconsistent findings. This study aimed to evaluate the causal relationship between hyperparathyroidism and blood counts and biochemical indicators.MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between hyperparathyroidism and the identified 55 blood counts and biochemical indicators. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) for hyperparathyroidism data was obtained from FinnGen, while the GWASs for the blood counts and biochemical indicators were sourced from the UK Biobank (UKBB).ResultsThe MR analysis using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method revealed potential causality between genetically predicted hyperparathyroidism and seven out of 55 blood counts and biochemical indicators. These markers include “Platelet count” (Beta = -0.041; 95% CI: -0.066, -0.016; p = 0.001), “Platelet distribution width (PDW)” (Beta = 0.031; 95% CI: 0.006, 0.056; p = 0.016), “Mean platelet volume (MPV)” (Beta = 0.043; 95% CI: 0.010, 0.076; p = 0.011), “Vitamin D” (Beta = -0.038; 95% CI: -0.063, -0.013; p = 0.003), “Calcium (Ca2+)” (Beta = 0.266; 95% CI: 0.022, 0.509; p = 0.033), “Phosphate” (Beta = -0.114; 95% CI: -0.214, -0.014; p = 0.025), and “Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)” (Beta = 0.030; 95% CI: 0.010, 0.049; p = 0.003).ConclusionThe findings of our study revealed a suggestive causal relationship between hyperparathyroidism and blood cell count as well as biochemical markers. This presents a novel perspective for further investigating the etiology and pathological mechanisms underlying hyperparathyroidism.
Case Report: A novel mixture of dose-fractioned radiation and immunotherapy for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Ningyu , Wang Linfang , Huang Ai , Han Jun , Cao Ting , Mei Xiangping , Yao Jing , Xiao Yong , Ma Hong 
Published: December 2023

Malignant tumors of the biliary tract exhibit a high degree of malignancy and heterogeneity with a poor overall prognosis. Immunotherapy has limited benefits for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Radiation therapy can change the tumor microenvironment, but its effect heavily depends on radiation dose and fraction. We report a case of advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a 43-year-old male patient, with a huge liver mass of 16.5 cm in diameter, with bone and liver metastases at the first diagnosis. First-line treatment with chemotherapy and PD1 inhibitor was sustained only for 8 months. In second-line treatment, radiotherapy was administered, with 5 Gy in 5 fractions administered to the entire tumor area and 25 Gy in 5 fractions to the solid lesions of the tumor. After the completion of radiotherapy, programmed cell death 1 inhibitor combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor was maintained. The patient achieved a progression-free-survival time of 12 months and an overall survival time of 25 months. The success of our case suggests that mixed low- and high-dose radiation can significantly improve tumor control and survival time. In clinical practice, based on the characteristics of the tumor and existing treatment options, the rational combination of existing treatment regimens can improve the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma.
Attempting to counteract vigilance decrement in older adults with brain stimulation
Authors: Löffler Birte S. , Stecher Heiko I. , Meiser Arnd , Fudickar Sebastian , Hein Andreas , Herrmann Christoph S. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAgainst the background of demographic change and the need for enhancement techniques for an aging society, we set out to repeat a study that utilized 40-Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to counteract the slowdown of reaction times in a vigilance experiment but with participants aged 65 years and older. On an oscillatory level, vigilance decrement is linked to rising occipital alpha power, which has been shown to be downregulated using gamma-tACS.MethodWe applied tACS on the visual cortex and compared reaction times, error rates, and alpha power of a group stimulated with 40 Hz to a sham and a 5-Hz-stimulated control group. All groups executed two 30-min-long blocks of a visual task and were stimulated according to group in the second block. We hypothesized that the expected increase in reaction times and alpha power would be reduced in the 40-Hz group compared to the control groups in the second block (INTERVENTION).ResultsStatistical analysis with linear mixed models showed that reaction times increased significantly over time in the first block (BASELINE) with approximately 3 ms/min for the SHAM and 2 ms/min for the 5-Hz and 40-Hz groups, with no difference between the groups. The increase was less pronounced in the INTERVENTION block (1 ms/min for SHAM and 5-Hz groups, 3 ms/min for the 40-Hz group). Differences among groups in the INTERVENTION block were not significant if the 5-Hz or the 40-Hz group was used as the base group for the linear mixed model. Statistical analysis with a generalized linear mixed model showed that alpha power was significantly higher after the experiment (1.37 μV2) compared to before (1 μV2). No influence of stimulation (40 Hz, 5 Hz, or sham) could be detected.DiscussionAlthough the literature has shown that tACS offers potential for older adults, our results indicate that findings from general studies cannot simply be transferred to an old-aged group. We suggest adjusting stimulation parameters to the neurophysiological features expected in this group. Next to heterogeneity and cognitive fitness, the influence of motivation and medication should be considered.
Complications of pupil expansion devices: a large real-world study
Authors: Yahalomi Tal , Elhaddad Omar , Avadhanam Venkata , Tole Derek , Darcy Kieran , Levinger Eliya , Tuuminen Raimo , Achiron Asaf 
Published: December 2023

PurposeTo assess the risk for uveitis, pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME), and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) associated with the use of pupil expansion devices in cataract surgery.DesignA retrospective comparative cohort study.ParticipantsPatients who underwent routine cataract surgery with and without pupil expansion devices at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, UK, between January 2008 and December 2017.MethodsThis study included 39,460 eyes operated without a pupil expansion device and 699 eyes operated with the device. Odds ratios for uveitis and PCME when using a pupil expansion device were calculated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis, having age, gender, diabetes, pseudoexfoliation, and pupil expansion device as independent variables. Multivariate Cox regression controlling for age and gender was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for Nd : YAG laser capsulotomies.ResultsPostoperative uveitis and PCME were reported in 3.9% and 2.7% of the eyes operated with a pupil expansion device compared to 2.3% and 1.3% operated without the device (p=0.005 and p=0.002, respectively). In univariate regression analysis, eyes with pupil expansion devices showed a higher risk of postoperative uveitis or PMCE after cataract surgery (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.39-2.55, p&lt;0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, the risk for PMCE was greater among diabetic patients and in eyes with a pupil expansion device than in those without (OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.24-1.83, P&lt;0.001; OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.16-3.11, P=0.01). In Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patient’s age and gender, the use of a pupil expansion device was associated with higher Nd : YAG laser capsulotomy rates (HR 1.316, 95%CI 1.011-1.714, P=0.041).ConclusionIn our large cohort study, the use of pupil expansion devices in cataract surgery was associated with an increased risk of major postoperative complications. Effective anti-inflammatory treatment and follow-up are warranted in eyes operated with a pupil expansion device.
Aberrant myelomonocytic CD56 expression predicts response to cyclosporine therapy in pediatric patients with moderate aplastic anemia
Authors: Qi Shanshan , Du Yu , Sun Ming , Zhang Lin , Chen Zhi , Xiong Hao 
Published: December 2023

ObjectsThis study aimed to investigate the expression patterns and clinical significance of neural cell adhesion molecule-positive (CD56+) myelomonocytes in pediatric patients with moderate aplastic anemia (mAA).MethodsFifty-six pediatric patients with mAA were enrolled in this study. The patients' clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and response to cyclosporine therapy were obtained. CD56 expression on bone marrow myelomonocytic cells was investigated using flow cytometry. The association between aberrant CD56 expression and cyclosporine response was evaluated by a multivariate analysis.ResultsCD56+ myelomonocytes were detected in 43% of the mAA cases. Aberrant CD56 expression was frequent on immature CD45dimCD16dim granulocytes and mature CD45brightCD14bright monocytes. Compared with patients with CD56− myelomonocytes (CD56− patients), patients with CD56+ myelomonocytes (CD56+ patients) were in moderate hematological condition and had a distinct bone marrow cellular composition profile, which included an increased proportion of myeloid cells and CD56bright natural killer cells and a reduced proportion of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells. The multivariate analysis determined that CD56+ myelomonocytes were a favorable factor for achieving response at 6 months after cyclosporine therapy. There was a trend towards a lower 3-year rate of evolution to severe aplastic anemia or relapse among the CD56+ patients (8%) than the CD56− patients (22%).ConclusionCD56+ patients had an increased myeloid compartment and better prognosis compared with CD56− patients. The findings demonstrated the favorable role of CD56+ myelomonocytes in aplastic anemia progression.
Differential Myosin 5a splice variants in innervation of pelvic organs
Authors: Carew Josephine A. , Cristofaro Vivian , Goyal Raj K. , Sullivan Maryrose P. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Myosin proteins interact with filamentous actin and translate the chemical energy generated by ATP hydrolysis into a wide variety of mechanical functions in all cell types. The classic function of conventional myosins is mediation of muscle contraction, but myosins also participate in processes as diverse as exocytosis/endocytosis, membrane remodeling, and cytokinesis. Myosin 5a (Myo5a) is an unconventional motor protein well-suited to the processive transport of diverse molecular cargo within cells and interactions with multiprotein membrane complexes that facilitate exocytosis. Myo5a includes a region consisting of six small alternative exons which can undergo differential splicing. Neurons and skin melanocytes express characteristic splice variants of Myo5a, which are specialized for transport processes unique to those cell types. But less is known about the expression of Myo5a splice variants in other tissues, their cargos and interactive partners, and their regulation.Methods: In visceral organs, neurotransmission-induced contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle is mediated by Myo5a. Axons within urogenital organs and distal colon of rodents arise from cell bodies located in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG). However, in contrast to urogenital organs, the distal colon also contains soma of the enteric nervous system. Therefore, the rodent pelvic organs provide an opportunity to compare the expression of Myo5a splice variants, not only in different tissues innervated by the pelvic nerves, but also in different subcellular compartments of those nerves. This study examines the expression and distribution of Myo5a splice variants in the MPG, compared to the bladder, corpus cavernosum of the penis (CCP) and distal colon using immunohistochemistry and mRNA analyses.Results/discussion: We report detection of characteristic Myo5a variants in these tissues, with bladder and CCP displaying a similar variant pattern but one which differed from that of distal colon. In all three organs, Myo5a variants were distinct compared to the MPG, implying segregation of one variant within nerve soma and its exclusion from axons. The expression of distinct Myo5a variant arrays is likely to be adaptive, and to underlie specific functions fulfilled by Myo5a in those particular locations.
Qualitative exploration of the early experiences of opioid use disorder patients from private clinics after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in five major cities in Ukraine
Authors: Mazhnaya Alyona , Meteliuk Anna , Pykalo Iryna , Altice Frederick L. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionFollowing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022, over 6,000 patients were at risk of potential disruptions in treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in Ukraine. Before 2022, privatized MOUD clinics had emerged, partly driven by restrictive governmental policies and practices in state-funded facilities. Nevertheless, scant information exists regarding their operation and the patient’s experiences, especially during crises. This study seeks to elucidate the initial lived experiences of patients utilizing private MOUD clinics, integrating these insights with an analysis of the responding health system during war.MethodsThe findings are derived from 20 qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted between March and June 2022, engaging participants from five major Ukrainian cities: Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhya. Employing a rapid analysis procedure, we examined the data through descriptive and analytical summaries aligned with the domains of the data collection instrument.ResultsEmergent themes encompassed stress and uncertainty following the invasion’s onset, challenges accessing MOUD, and consequent perceptions concerning state-funded versus private clinics. The study identified disruptions in the operation of private MOUD clinics across most cities examined. Issues pertaining to MOUD medication availability were linked to dosage reductions at state-funded clinics or pharmacy medication shortages or closures. Despite varied experiences at different MOUD clinics and cities, most participants continued their treatment.DiscussionThis qualitative exploration provides a perspective on lived experiences with MOUD treatment at private clinics amidst the initial months of the invasion, illuminating how the early days’ stress, access challenges, varied responses from private MOUD clinics, and precarious conditions informed or altered preferences regarding MOUD treatment options. Moreover, these findings corroborate previously documented efforts by myriad stakeholders to mitigate war-related disruptions to MOUD delivery. These insights contribute to the international understanding of health system navigation and resilience during major crises, offering valuable lessons for preparedness development.
Recurrent Urinary tract infections and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review predominantly in women
Authors: Papp Sara B. , Zimmern Philippe E. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus is considered a risk factor for developing recurrent urinary tract infections. This review examined current knowledge on the incidence rates, bacterial strains, risk factors, treatments, and outcomes of recurrent urinary tract infections in type 2 diabetes, predominantly in women.MethodsA systematic review was conducted for all English language articles from inception to June 2022 utilizing the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards in the databases PubMed, OVID Embase, and Cochrane Library. References were cross-examined for further articles. Data collected described the prevalence, characteristics, and management of recurrent urinary tract infections. Risk of bias assessments were performed for all studies.ResultsFrom 3342 identified articles, 597 met initial study criteria. Fifteen studies from 10 countries were included after full-text reviews. Four studies found higher recurrent urinary tract infection rates in diabetics versus non-diabetics meanwhile others reported recurrence rates from 23.4% to 37%. Four of five studies found diabetes to be a risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infection. E. coli was the most frequent causative pathogen. Antibiotic prescription results varied; however, multiple studies determined that longer treatment (≥ 5 days) did not correlate with lower recurrence rates. Risk of bias assessments found the most frequent study weakness to be identification of confounding variables.ConclusionThis review covered multiple subtopics, with few comprehensive or generalizable results, suggesting a need for more research on how recurrent urinary tract infections can be better evaluated and managed in women with type 2 diabetes.
A-Type Natriuretic Peptide Alters the Impact of Azithromycin on Planktonic Culture and on (Monospecies and Binary) Biofilms of Skin Bacteria Kytococcus schroeteri and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Diuvenji Ekaterina V. , Nevolina Ekaterina D. , Solovyev Ilya D. , Sukhacheva Marina V. , Mart’yanov Sergey V. , Novikova Aleksandra S. , Zhurina Marina V. , Plakunov Vladimir K. , Gannesen Andrei V. 
Published: December 2023

It has been established that the human atrial natriuretic peptide is able to alter the effect of azithromycin on Kytococcus schroeteri H01 and Staphylococcus aureus 209P monospecies and binary biofilms. The effect of the hormone depends on the surface type and cultivation system, and it may have both enhancing and counteracting effects. The antagonistic effect of the hormone was observed mostly on hydrophobic surfaces, whereas the additive effect was observed on hydrophilic surfaces like glass. Also, the effect of the hormone depends on the antibiotic concentration and bacterial species. The combination of azithromycin and ANP led to an amplification of cell aggregation in biofilms, to the potential increase in matrix synthesis, and to a decrease in S. aureus in the binary community. Also, ANP, azithromycin, and their combinations caused the differential expression of genes of resistance to different antibiotics, like macrolides (mostly increasing expression in kytococci), fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and others, in both bacteria.
The influence of brand avoidance on consumers purchasing decision
Authors: Sabog Aloysius , Yaw Bludo George , Chovancova Miloslava 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
One of the most important factors affecting a company's capacity to achieve a competitive advantage over its rivals is its brand. This paper seeks to examine the impact of brand avoidance on consumer purchasing decisions. Consumers are more likely to be satisfied and have higher expectations when brand managers can offer them high-quality products. Additionally, quality brands have a favourable impact on the consumer's purchasing decision. This study uses a qualitative methodology, notably document analysis, to uncover relevant sources on the subject to achieve the study’s aim. Furthermore, a keyword-based search of the databases of Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus was carried out to find seventeen useful scientific papers to reach the study's objective. The findings of the study showed that identity avoidance, moral avoidance, and deficit-value avoidance all had a significant impact on consumers' purchasing decisions through the literature reviewed. As a result, the study offers both theoretical and practical directions on how to succeed in getting away from the underlying reasons for disregard for brands so that consumers make insightful purchase decisions.
Keywords: Brand Avoidance, Consumer Purchasing Decision
Penerapan Voltage Level Detector (VLD)With Hysteresis Untuk Kontrol Level Air
Authors: Harpawi Noptin , Triyani Yuli , Susantok Mochamad 
Published: December 2023

Permasalahan kontrol dan monitoring level air dalam suatu wadah merupakan isu yang selalu ada. Baik dari segi metode sebagai solusi permasalahan maupun dari segi studi kasusnya selalu berkembang. Namun ada kesamaan dalam setiap studi kasusnya yaitu menentukan nilai level threshold sebagai ambang batas yang diinginkan. Metode voltage level detector with hysteresis menawarkan metode yang lebih sederhana dalam menentukan nilai ambang batas yang secara umum dari pada metode yang lain menggunakan logika 0 dan 1 atau on dan off. Metode on-off secara umum akan mengalami kesulitan jika sinyal masukan ke sistem tidak stabil dikarenakan berbagai sebab gangguan atau noise. Fungsi hysteresis ini menjadikan fleksibel dalam pengaturan level tegangan yang diinginkan sebagai nilai ambang batas atas dan bawah. Dalam implementasinya nilai ambang batas ini digunakan untuk memantau level ketinggian air atau volume air dalam suatu wadah. Hasil pengujian dari rangkaian ini memiliki tingkat kesuksesan sebesar 100%. Mesin pompa akan nonaktif pada level wadah 80% dan pompa akan aktif pada level wadah 20%.
Kata kunci: voltage level detector, hysteresis, tegangan threshold