bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A rare case of a combination of ectopic kidney and medial arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report
Authors: Hsu Chun-Kai , Hsu Wen-Tsang , Young Wan-Ling , Wu Shu-Yu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundEctopic kidney and median arcuate ligament syndrome are both rare conditions. The clinical presentation and diagnosis of these conditions are not well studied. There are no reports on the combination of these two rare conditions.Case presentationWe report a 24-year-old woman with fever, dysuria, urinary frequency and left flank pain for two days. The primary diagnoses in the clinic were left acute pyelonephritis and left hydronephrosis due to throbbing pain in the left costovertebral angle and pyuria. However, further computed tomography showed right ectopic pelvic kidney, left renal pelvis dilatation without definite ureteral lesion, good bilateral renal contrast enhancement, and compression of the celiac axis due to obstruction by the median arcuate ligament. Chronic abdominal symptoms were reported by the patient after repeat history taking. The patient’s condition was fully explained and discussed with her and her family, but they refused further therapy. After the acute pyelonephritis began improving, the patient was discharged for follow-up at our outpatient clinic.ConclusionWe present an extremely rare case of a combination of two rare conditions: ectopic kidney and median arcuate ligament syndrome. No study to date has reported on the relationship between the two diseases. Given the rarity of the two conditions, no evidence or even a hypothesis exists to explain the possible etiology of their combination. More reports are required to enhance the understanding of these rare conditions.
Initial experience with prostatic urethral lift versus enucleation of the prostate: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Obinata Daisuke , Uehara Rio , Hashimoto Sho , Nakahara Ken , Yoshizawa Tsuyoshi , Mochida Junichi , Yamaguchi Kenya , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to assess initial results and patient characteristics of prostatic urethral lift (PUL) compared with those of bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (TUEB) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older patients.

Methods
This retrospective study was conducted at a single institution and involved 25 consecutive patients with BPH who underwent PUL between April 2022 and May 2023. Patient characteristics, operative details, and pre- and postoperative symptom scores were evaluated. The results were compared with those of a previously reported TUEB group (n = 55).

Results
The mean age of the patients in the PUL group was 74.6 years, and the mean prostate volume was 47.5 ml. The PUL procedure significantly improved urinary symptoms, particularly incomplete emptying (p = 0.041), intermittency (p = 0.005), and weak stream (p = 0.001). The PUL group had higher comorbidity scores (p = 0.048) and included older patients (p = 0.002) than the TUEB group. TUEB showed better improvements in some symptoms and maximum flow rate (p = 0.01) than PUL; however, PUL had a shorter operative time and fewer complications than TUEB (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The initial results demonstrate the efficacy and safety of PUL in older patients with BPH. Despite TUEB showing better outcomes in certain aspects than PUL, PUL offers advantages such as shorter operative time and fewer complications. Therefore, PUL can be considered a viable option for high-risk older patients with BPH.
Cost of digital technologies and family-observed DOT for a shorter MDR-TB regimen: a modelling study in Ethiopia, India and Uganda
Authors: Rosu Laura , Madan Jason , Bronson Gay , Nidoi Jasper , Tefera Mamo G. , Malaisamy Muniyandi , Squire Bertel S. , Worrall Eve 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
In 2017, the WHO recommended the use of digital technologies, such as medication monitors and video observed treatment (VOT), for directly observed treatment (DOT) of drug-susceptible TB. The WHO’s 2020 guidelines extended these recommendations to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), based on low evidence. The impact of COVID on health systems and patients underscored the need to use digital technologies in the management of MDR-TB.

Methods
A decision-tree model was developed to explore the costs of several potential DOT alternatives: VOT, 99DOTS (Directly-observed Treatment, Short-course) and family-observed DOT. Assuming a 9-month, all-oral regimen (as evaluated within the STREAM trial), we constructed base-case cost models for the standard-of-care DOTs in Ethiopia, India, and Uganda, as well as for the three alternative DOT approaches. The models were populated with STREAM Stage 2 clinical trial outcome and cost data, supplemented with market prices data for the digital DOT strategies. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on key parameters.

Results
Modelling suggested that the standard-of-care DOT approach is the most expensive DOT strategy from a societal perspective in all three countries evaluated (Ethiopia, India, Uganda), with considerable direct- and indirect-costs incurred by patients. The second most expensive DOT approach is VOT, with high health-system costs, largely caused by up-front technology expenditure.
Each of VOT, 99DOTS and family-observed DOT would reduce by more than 90% patients’ direct and indirect costs compared to standard of care DOT.
Results were robust to the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions
While data on the costs and efficacy of alternative DOT approaches in the context of shorter MDR-TB treatment is limited, our modelling suggests alternative DOT approaches can significantly reduce patient costs in all three countries. Health system costs are higher for VOT and lower for 99DOTS and family-observed therapy when compared to standard of care DOT, as low smartphone penetration and internet availability requires the VOT health system to fund the cost of making them available to patients.
Discovery of a new marker to identify myeloid cells associated with metastatic breast tumours
Authors: Bokil Ansooya A. , Le Boulvais Børkja Mathieu , Wolowczyk Camilla , Lamsal Apsana , Prestvik Wenche S. , Nonstad Unni , Pettersen Kristine , Andersen Sonja B. , Bofin Anna M. , Bjørkøy Geir , Hak Sjoerd , Giambelluca Miriam S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Myeloid cells play an essential role in cancer metastasis. The phenotypic diversity of these cells during cancer development has attracted great interest; however, their functional heterogeneity and plasticity have limited their role as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Methods
To identify markers associated with myeloid cells in metastatic tumours, we compared transcriptomic data from immune cells sorted from metastatic and non-metastatic mammary tumours grown in BALB/cJ mice. To assess the translational relevance of our in vivo findings, we assessed human breast cancer biopsies and evaluated the association between arginase 1 protein expression in breast cancer tissues with tumour characteristics and patient outcomes.

Results
Among the differentially expressed genes, arginase 1 (ARG1) showed a unique expression pattern in tumour-infiltrating myeloid cells that correlated with the metastatic capacity of the tumour. Even though ARG1-positive cells were found almost exclusively inside the metastatic tumour, ARG1 protein was also present in the plasma. In human breast cancer biopsies, the presence of ARG1-positive cells was strongly correlated with high-grade proliferating tumours, poor prognosis, and low survival.

Conclusion
Our findings highlight the potential use of ARG1-positive myeloid cells as an independent prognostic marker to evaluate the risk of metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Graphical Abstract
ELF5 drives angiogenesis suppression though stabilizing WDTC1 in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Tushuai , Xu Longjiang , Wei Zhe , Zhang Shaomei , Liu Xingyu , Yang Yanzi , Gu Yue , Zhang Jie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Angiogenesis is a main contributing factor for tumorigenesis. E74-like transcription factor 5 (ELF5) has been verified to participate in the progression of different cancers and can regulate angiogenesis. This study was aimed to explore the functions of ELF5 in RCC.

Methods
Bioinformatics tools were used to predict the expression of ELF5 in RCC. RT-qPCR was applied for testing ELF5 expression in RCC cells. Cell behaviors were evaluated by colony formation, CCK-8, and transwell assays. The tube formation assay was used for determining angiogenesis. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was utilized for measuring the methylation level of ELF5 in RCC cells. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were applied for assessing the binding of ELF5 and ubiquitin-specific protease 3 (USP3). Co-IP and GST pull-down were utilized for detecting the interaction of WD40 and tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (WDTC1) and USP3. Ubiquitination level of WDTC1 was determined by ubiquitination assay.

Results
ELF5 was lowly expressed in RCC cells and tissues. High expression of ELF5 expression notably suppressed RCC cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities, and inhibited angiogenesis. The tumor growth in mice was inhibited by ELF5 overexpression. ELF5 was highly methylated in RCC samples, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) can promote hypermethylation level of ELF5 in RCC cells. ELF5 was further proved to transcriptionally activate USP3 in RCC. Moreover, USP3 inhibited WDTC1 ubiquitination. ELF5 can promote USP3-mediated WDTC1 stabilization. Additionally, WDTC1 silencing reversed the functions of ELF5 overexpression on RCC progression.

Conclusion
Downregulation of ELF5 due to DNA hypermethylation inhibits RCC development though the USP3/WDTC1axis in RCC.
Ultrasmall PtMn nanoparticles as sensitive manganese release modulator for specificity cancer theranostics
Authors: Guan Guoqiang , Liu Huiyi , Xu Juntao , Zhang Qingpeng , Dong Zhe , Lei Lingling , Zhang Cheng , Yue Renye , Gao Hongchang , Song Guosheng , Shen Xian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractManganese-based nanomaterials (Mn-nanomaterials) hold immense potential in cancer diagnosis and therapies. However, most Mn-nanomaterials are limited by the low sensitivity and low efficiency toward mild weak acidity (pH 6.4–6.8) of the tumor microenvironment, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic effect and poor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performance. This study introduces pH-ultrasensitive PtMn nanoparticles as a novel platform for enhanced ferroptosis-based cancer theranostics. The PtMn nanoparticles were synthesized with different diameters from 5.3 to 2.7 nm with size-dominant catalytic activity and magnetic relaxation, and modified with an acidity-responsive polymer to create pH-sensitive agents. Importantly, R-PtMn-1 (3 nm core) presents “turn-on” oxidase-like activity, affording a significant enhancement ratio (pH 6.0/pH 7.4) in catalytic activity (6.7 folds), compared with R-PtMn-2 (4.2 nm core, 3.7 folds) or R-PtMn-3 (5.3 nm core, 2.1 folds), respectively. Moreover, R-PtMn-1 exhibits dual-mode contrast in high-field MRI. R-PtMn-1 possesses a good enhancement ratio (pH 6.4/pH 7.4) that is 3 or 3.2 folds for T1- or T2-MRI, respectively, which is higher than that of R-PtMn-2 (1.4 or 1.5 folds) or R-PtMn-3 (1.1 or 1.2 folds). Moreover, their pH-ultrasensitivity enabled activation specifically within the tumor microenvironment, avoiding off-target toxicity in normal tissues during delivery. In vitro studies demonstrated elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential changes, malondialdehyde content, and glutathione depletion, leading to enhanced ferroptosis in cancer cells. Meanwhile, normal cells remained unaffected by the nanoparticles. Overall, the pH-ultrasensitive PtMn nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for accurate cancer diagnosis and ferroptosis-based therapy.
Graphical Abstract
Wrapping pancreaticojejunostomy using the ligamentum teres hepatis during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Wang Jia-Guo , Lei Kai , You Ke , Xu Jie , Liu Zuo-Jin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background and Objective
It is controversial whether wrapping around the pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) could reduce the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), especially in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). This study aims to summarize our single-center initial experience in wrapping around PJ using the ligamentum teres hepatis (LTH) and demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this method.

Methods
Patients who underwent LPD applying the procedure of wrapping around the PJ were identified. The cohort was compared to the cohort with standard non-wrapping PJ. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare the early postoperative outcomes of the two cohorts. Risk factors for POPF were determined by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results
Overall, 143 patients were analyzed (LPD without wrapping (n = 91) and LPD with wrapping (n = 52)). After 1:1 PSM, 48 patients in each cohort were selected for further analysis. Bile leakage, DGE, intra-abdominal infection, postoperative hospital stays, harvested lymph nodes, and R0 resection were comparable between the two cohorts. However, the wrapping cohort was associated with significantly less POPF B (1 vs 18, P = 0.003), POPF C (0 vs 8, P = 0.043), and Clavien–Dindo classification level III–V (5 vs 26, P = 0.010). No patients died due to the clinically relevant POPF in the two cohorts. No patients who underwent the LTH wrapping procedure developed complications directly related to the wrapping procedure. After PSM, whether wrapping was an independent risk factor for POPF (OR = 0.202; 95%CI:0.080–0.513; P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Wrapping the LTH around the PJ technique for LPD was safe, efficient, and reproducible with favorable perioperative outcomes in selected patients. However, further validations using high-quality RCTs are still required to confirm the findings of this study.
Oral microbiota disorder in GC patients revealed by 2b-RAD-M
Authors: He Shengfu , Sun Yating , Sun Weijie , Tang Mingyang , Meng Bao , Liu Yanyan , Kong Qinxiang , Li Yongxiang , Yu Jiawen , Li Jiabin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Microbiota alterations are linked with gastric cancer (GC). However, the relationship between the oral microbiota (especially oral fungi) and GC is not known. In this study, we aimed to apply 2b-RAD sequencing for Microbiome (2b-RAD-M) to characterize the oral microbiota in patients with GC.

Methods
We performed 2b-RAD-M analysis on the saliva and tongue coating of GC patients and healthy controls. We carried out diversity, relative abundance, and composition analyses of saliva and tongue coating bacteria and fungi in the two groups. In addition, indicator analysis, the Gini index, and the mean decrease accuracy were used to identify oral fungal indicators of GC.

Results
In this study, fungal imbalance in the saliva and tongue coating was observed in the GC group. At the species level, enriched Malassezia globosa (M. globosa) and decreased Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) were observed in saliva and tongue coating samples of the GC group. Random forest analysis indicated that M. globosa in saliva and tongue coating samples could serve as biomarkers to diagnose GC. The Gini index and mean decreases in accuracy for M. globosa in saliva and tongue coating samples were the largest. In addition, M. globosa in saliva and tongue coating samples classified GC from the control with areas under the receiver operating curve (AUCs) of 0.976 and 0.846, respectively. Further ecological analysis revealed correlations between oral bacteria and fungi.

Conclusion
For the first time, our data suggested that changes in oral fungi between GC patients and controls may help deepen our understanding of the complex spectrum of the different microbiotas involved in GC development. Although the cohort size was small, this study is the first to use 2b-RAD-M to reveal that oral M. globosa can be a fungal biomarker for detecting GC.
Applications of wearable sensors in upper extremity MSK conditions: a scoping review
Authors: Zadeh Sohrob Milani , MacDermid Joy , Johnson James , Birmingham Trevor B. , Shafiee Erfan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This scoping review uniquely aims to map the current state of the literature on the applications of wearable sensors in people with or at risk of developing upper extremity musculoskeletal (UE-MSK) conditions, considering that MSK conditions or disorders have the highest rate of prevalence among other types of conditions or disorders that contribute to the need for rehabilitation services.

Materials and methods
The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews guideline was followed in this scoping review. Two independent authors conducted a systematic search of four databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and IEEEXplore. We included studies that have applied wearable sensors on people with or at risk of developing UE-MSK condition published after 2010. We extracted study designs, aims, number of participants, sensor placement locations, sensor types, and number, and outcome(s) of interest from the included studies. The overall findings of our scoping review are presented in tables and diagrams to map an overview of the existing applications.

Results
The final review encompassed 80 studies categorized into clinical population (31 studies), workers’ population (31 studies), and general wearable design/performance studies (18 studies). Most were observational, with 2 RCTs in workers’ studies. Clinical studies focused on UE-MSK conditions like rotator cuff tear and arthritis. Workers’ studies involved industrial workers, surgeons, farmers, and at-risk healthy individuals. Wearable sensors were utilized for objective motion assessment, home-based rehabilitation monitoring, daily activity recording, physical risk characterization, and ergonomic assessments. IMU sensors were prevalent in designs (84%), with a minority including sEMG sensors (16%). Assessment applications dominated (80%), while treatment-focused studies constituted 20%. Home-based applicability was noted in 21% of the studies.

Conclusion
Wearable sensor technologies have been increasingly applied to the health care field. These applications include clinical assessments, home-based treatments of MSK disorders, and monitoring of workers’ population in non-standardized areas such as work environments. Assessment-focused studies predominate over treatment studies. Additionally, wearable sensor designs predominantly use IMU sensors, with a subset of studies incorporating sEMG and other sensor types in wearable platforms to capture muscle activity and inertial data for the assessment or rehabilitation of MSK conditions.
Relationship between resting-state functional connectivity and change in motor function after motor imagery intervention in patients with stroke: a scoping review
Authors: Tanamachi Kenya , Kuwahara Wataru , Okawada Megumi , Sasaki Shun , Kaneko Fuminari 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
In clinical practice, motor imagery has been proposed as a treatment modality for stroke owing to its feasibility in patients with severe motor impairment. Motor imagery-based interventions can be categorized as open- or closed-loop. Closed-loop intervention is based on voluntary motor imagery and induced peripheral sensory afferent (e.g., Brain Computer Interface (BCI)-based interventions). Meanwhile, open-loop interventions include methods without voluntary motor imagery or sensory afferent. Resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) is defined as a significant temporal correlated signal among functionally related brain regions without any stimulus. rs-FC is a powerful tool for exploring the baseline characteristics of brain connectivity. Previous studies reported changes in rs-FC after motor imagery interventions. Systematic reviews also reported the effects of motor imagery-based interventions at the behavioral level. This study aimed to review and describe the relationship between the improvement in motor function and changes in rs-FC after motor imagery in patients with stroke.

Review process
The literature review was based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched up to September 30, 2023. The included studies covered the following topics: illusion without voluntary action, motor imagery, action imitation, and BCI-based interventions. The correlation between rs-FC and motor function before and after the intervention was analyzed. After screening by two independent researchers, 13 studies on BCI-based intervention, motor imagery intervention, and kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation therapy were included.

Conclusion
All studies relating to motor imagery in this review reported improvement in motor function post-intervention. Furthermore, all those studies demonstrated a significant relationship between the change in motor function and rs-FC (e.g., sensorimotor network and parietal cortex).
Flat panel CT versus multidetector CT in skull base imaging: are there differences in image quality?
Authors: Schulze Maximilian , Hirt Bernhard , Reimann Katrin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Purpose of this study was to compare image quality of the skull base in standard 20s protocol flat panel computed tomography (FPCT) with the new time and dose improved 10s protocol as well as with 128 slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods
10 whole skull preparations were scanned with either 128 slice MDCT(SOMATOM Definition AS+, Siemens, Erlangen) or FPCT (AXIOM-Artis, Siemens, Erlangen) using 10s or 20s protocol.

Results
FPCT provides significantly better image quality and improved delimitation of clinically relevant structures in the anterior, temporal and posterior skull base compared to 128 slice MDCT. The 20s FPCT protocol yielded best delimitability of evaluated skull base structures. However, the shorter, dose saving 10s FPCT protocol was still significantly superior to 128 slice MDCT regarding delimitability of skull base structures and additionally showed no significant inferiority compared with the 20s FPCT protocol.

Conclusions
The 10s FPCT protocol yields a significantly better image quality at a comparable radiation dose exposure in imaging skull base structures compared to MDCT.

Trial registration
371/2017BO2.