bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface wear of attachments in patients during clear aligner therapy: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Li Qiuying , Yang Kai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
This prospective clinical study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the surface wear of attachments and investigate the associated risk factors. Additionally, the wear values and regions of three types of commonly used attachments were explored.

Methods
Participants were recruited from the population of patients who received clear aligner therapy from October to December 2022. Intraoral scanning was performed on eligible participants before treatment (T0), immediately after initial bonding of attachments (T1), and at 2 months (T2), 4 months (T3), 6 months (T4), and 8 months (T5) after starting treatment. The attachment volume, average depth and regions of attachment wear were measured using superimposed digitized models. The Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to compare data between multiple groups. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for the volume of attachment wear.

Results
A total of 47 patients with 617 attachments were included. As treatment time increased, the attachment volume decreased significantly (P = 0.003). The initial attachment volume was positively related to the volume of attachment wear (β = 0.527, P < 0.001). The volume of attachment wear was significantly greater in females than in males (β = 0.147, P = 0.020) and in optimized attachments than in conventional attachments (β = 0.308, P < 0.001). The wear of 3-mm rectangular attachments progressed from edges to buccal surfaces, with the deepest wear at corners of gingival edges; the wear of the optimized attachments was primarily located on surface ridges. The wear volume ratio of the optimized root control attachments was significantly greater than that of the 3-mm rectangular attachments at T3 (P = 0.011), T4 (P < 0.001), and T5 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The volume of attachment wear increased gradually with treatment time. Sex, attachment type, and initial attachment volume were risk factors for the volume of attachment wear. The deepest wear regions of 3-mm rectangular attachments were at the corners of gingival edges, while the deepest wear regions of optimized attachments were at surface ridges. Four months after treatment, optimized root control attachments showed more relative wear than 3-mm rectangular attachments.
Evaluation after implementation of chemical bowel preparation for surgical site infections in elective colorectal cancer surgery and role of antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sasaki Yasuhiro , Kurishima Akira , Miyamoto Chieko , Hataji Kenichiro , Tezuka Toru , Katsuragawa Hideo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
We evaluated the predictive factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) in elective colorectal cancer surgery and the role of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) pharmacists in modifying the clinical pathway.

Main body
Between February 2017 and January 2022, 414 elective colorectal cancer surgeries were performed. The results of multivariate analysis by SSI incidence were adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22–0.96 (P = 0.039) for sex (female), aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.13–0.58 (P < 0.001) for laparoscopy, aOR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19–0.91 (P = 0.029) for chemical bowel preparation. The median (interquartile range) postoperative length of stay was 12 (10.0–18.5) vs. 10 (9.0–13.0) days before and after the clinical pathway was modified (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
The role of AS pharmacists was primarily to conduct a literature search to explore whether SSIs could be ameliorated by pharmacotherapy, coordinate the addition of chemical bowel preparation, and epidemiologically confirm their effectiveness.
Concentration and risk assessment of Cryptosporidium infection associated with exposure to the Njoro River, Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Essendi Walter Miding’a , Muleke Charles Inyagwa , Otachi Elick Onyango 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Cryptosporidium is a gastrointestinal pathogen. The oocysts are transmitted through the environment, and drinking contaminated water is one particular route. There is heavy pollution of Cryptosporidium in Njoro River, the main source of drinking water for humans and animals around the watershed. However, there is no information on the parasite concentration and estimated health risk exposed to these populations. This study determined the level of contamination and risk of infection by Cryptosporidium parasites in Njoro River. Water samples were collected monthly from three ecological sites along Njoro River for twelve months. Cryptosporidium oocysts were concentrated from these water samples using calcium carbonate flocculation method, examined and counted using epifluorescent microscopy. Quantitative microbial risk assessment was applied to estimate the health risk of Cryptosporidium infection in Njoro River using a beta-Poisson dose–response model.

Results
The concentration of Cryptosporidium parasites in Njoro River is 0.936 ± 0.73 oocysts/litre. However, this concentration fluctuates with ecological site of the river; highest concentration occurs at downstream (1.325 ± 0.73), followed by midstream (0.917 ± 0.74) and least at upstream (0.567 ± 0.54). Concentration of Cryptosporidium in the river is higher during wet than dry seasons, with the difference in mean concentrations between the two seasons being significant (t(34) = − 6.101, p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between Cryptosporidium concentration, temperature and pH, while a strong positive correlation existed between Cryptosporidium concentration and turbidity. The daily probability of infection by Cryptosporidium in Njoro River watershed is 0.25, while the annual risk is 0.99.

Conclusions
Njoro River is heavily polluted with Cryptosporidium parasites. This exposes both the humans and animals that drink water from this river to a high risk of cryptosporidiosis, a potentially fatal infection particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Electrophysiological studies versus high-resolution nerve ultrasound in diagnosis of Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Abou Hagar Ahmed , Negm Mohamed , Elshamly Samer , Shehab Osama , Mosallam Walid , Abd El-Razek Reda 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is polyneuropathy characterized by inflammation and immune-mediated processes that is classified into many subtypes based on electrophysiological and pathological criteria. The diagnosis of GBS can be confirmed using electrophysiological studies. However, electrophysiological studies may be normal when carried out early within 1 week in the course of the disease (Berciano et al. in J Neurol 264:221–236, 2017). One of the most useful imaging modalities for peripheral nerve diseases is ultrasonography (US). Nerve US in combination with electrophysiological studies provides an appropriate method in evaluating diseased peripheral nerves. This study aimed to enhance the reliability of early GBS diagnosis by correlating the findings of electrophysiological studies and nerve ultrasound. The nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in 37 GBS patients and 37 controls combined with cross-sectional area (CSA) assessment with US within the first 3 days of onset of symptoms and on day 14 after disease onset were evaluated.

Results
At presentation, patients and controls did not differ significantly in NCS parameters (p ≥ 0.05) except for a significantly longer F-wave minimum latency in the median, ulnar, and tibial nerves in patients (p < 0.001). While on day 14 all NCS parameters differed significantly in patients in comparison to controls (p < 0.001) with exception of the sural nerve parameters (p ≥ 0.05). Except for the sural nerve (p ≥ 0.05), all the examined nerves' CSAs were considerably higher in patients at presentation and on day 14 in comparison to the controls (p < 0.001). The subtypes of Guillain–Barré syndrome either demyelinating, axonal or mixed axonal and demyelinating did not significantly differ regarding the CSAs of all the examined nerves either at presentation or on day 14 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Electrophysiological results in GBS are crucial in diagnosing the disease and understanding its pathophysiology, but serial NCSs are required. Ultrasound shows structural aspects of the nerve, so ultrasonography is a reliable tool which can be used in diagnosis and follow-up of early GBS. As a result, combining the two investigations has a complementary effect in the diagnosis and prognosis of GBS.
Evaluation of smartphone-assisted infrared thermal imaging efficiency in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Turan Kaya , Muratoğlu Osman Görkem , Ergün Tuğrul , Çabuk Haluk 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Thermography is an industrial method for surface temperature measurements, and although it is medically safe and non-invasive, its place in daily practice has been limited. With the development of technology, thermal cameras have become more accessible and practical via adaptation to mobile phones. Among patients evaluated with bilateral nerve conduction studies (NCS) for suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), those with electrophysiological findings consistent with mild-to-moderate unilateral CTS were accepted for this prospective study. The hands with positive NCS findings were the study group, and the unaffected hands were the control group. The images were evaluated with the thermal analysis software (FLIR Tools ver. 6.4, Windows 10) and compared with NCS for statistical significance. In addition, thermal images were examined by three orthopaedic surgeons, and interobserver correlation was analyzed. Our study aims to evaluate the mobile phone-assisted thermal camera (FLIR One Pro, FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, OR, USA) as a suitable tool to diagnose CTS.

Results
48 patients, 35 women and 13 men were included in the study. Bilaterally, a total of 96 hands were evaluated. 18 patients had mild, and 30 patients had moderate NCS stages unilaterally. The mean temperature difference at the region of interest in the palm, first and third fingers were statistically significant between the study and control groups (p < 0.05). NCS values and stages were correlated with the temperature difference in the third finger (p = 0.002). The inter-observer reliability was high (ICC = 0.858) while detecting temperature differences.

Conclusions
Since smartphone-assisted thermal cameras are easy and convenient to use, we think they are helpful in the daily practice of diagnosing mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
The reliability and validity of the Timed Up and Go test in patients ongoing or following lumbar spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Özden Fatih 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
No other systematic review examined the measurement properties of the TUG in LSS. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the measurement properties of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) in patients with Lumbar Spine Surgery (LSS). A literature search yielded 906 studies [PubMed:71, Web of Science (WoS):80, Scopus:214, ScienceDirect:471 and Cochrane Library:70]. Included 10 studies were assessed for risk of bias and quality using the “four-point COSMIN tool” and “COSMIN quality criteria tool”. Criterion validity and responsiveness results were pooled with “correlation coefficient” and “Hedges’ g” based effect size, respectively.

Results
The correlation coefficient pooling between TUG and VAS back and leg pain was 0.26 (moderate) (95% CI 0.19–0.34) and 0.28 (moderate) (95% CI 0.20–0.36). The pooled coefficient of TUG with ODI and RMDI was 0.33 (moderate) (95% CI 0.27–0.39) and 0.33 (moderate) (95% CI 0.24–0.42), respectively. Besides, TUG has correlated with the quality-of-life PROMs with a coefficient of − 0.22 to − 0.26 (moderate) (EQ5D Index 95% CI − 0.35 to − 0.16), (SF12-PCS 95% CI − 0.33 to − 0.15) and (SF12-MCS 95% CI − 0.32 to − 0.13). The pooled coefficient of TUG with COMI, ZCQ-PF and ZCQ-SS was 0.46 (moderate) (95% CI 0.30–0.59), 0.43 (moderate) (95% CI 0.26–0.56), and 0.38 (moderate) (95% CI 0.21–0.52), respectively. TUG’s 3-day and 6-week responsiveness results were 0.14 (low) (95% CI − 0.02 to 0.29) and 0.74 (moderate to strong) (95% CI 0.60–0.89), respectively. TUG was responsive at the mid-term (6 weeks) follow-up.

Conclusion
In clinical practice, the TUG can be used as a reliable, valid and responsive tool to assess LSS patients’ general status, especially in mid-term.
An alternative surgical approach for isolated pulmonary valve infective endocarditis secondary to restrictive ventricular septal defect: a case report
Authors: Hussein Hossameldin , Youssef Ahmed , Mahgoub Ahmed , Gamal Noha , Farrag Amr , Romeih Soha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Native pulmonary valve (PV) infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare condition with an incidence of 1.5–2%. Although medical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, surgical intervention is still indicated in cases that fail to respond to antibiotics. To date, there is lack of consensus about the best surgical approach for isolated native PV IE. While valve repair is sometimes feasible, most of the cases require valve replacement depending on the extent of tissue damage. A stented bioprosthesis can be used when infection is confined to the valve leaflets. However, extension of damage to the pulmonary root or right ventricular outflow tract usually requires debridement and root replacement.

Case presentation
A 30-year-old lady with a long history of restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD) presented with fever and shortness of breath shortly after vaginal delivery that was diagnosed as isolated PV IE with pulmonary septic emboli. After 1 week of antibiotic therapy, there was no response with persistent infection and complete valve destruction. Heart team discussion recommended PV replacement using a Freestyle valve along with VSD repair. On follow-up after 1 year, she was doing fine with well-functioning Freestyle valve.

Conclusion
Unrepaired restrictive VSD can be a predisposing factor for native PV IE. A Freestyle valve in the pulmonary position is a valid option for such cases, with good early outcomes and reasonable durability, particularly when there is extensive tissue infection and homograft is not available. More evidence is still required to evaluate the long-term outcomes of PV Freestyle in cases of IE.
Impaired Mitochondrial Respiration in Upper Compared to Lower Body Differentiated Human Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Lempesis Ioannis G , Hoebers Nicole , Essers Yvonne , Jocken Johan W E , Dubois Ludwig J , Blaak Ellen E , Manolopoulos Konstantinos N , Goossens Gijs H 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Context
Abdominal obesity is associated with increased cardiometabolic disease risk, while lower body fat seems to confer protection against obesity-related complications. The functional differences between upper and lower body adipose tissue (AT) remain poorly understood.

Objective
We aimed to examine whether mitochondrial respiration is impaired in abdominal as compared to femoral differentiated human multipotent adipose-derived stem cells (hMADS; primary outcome) and AT in postmenopausal women.

Design
In this cross-sectional study, 23 postmenopausal women with normal weight or obesity were recruited at the University of Birmingham/Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (Birmingham, UK). We collected abdominal and femoral subcutaneous AT biopsies to determine mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in differentiated abdominal and femoral hMADS. Furthermore, we assessed oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein expression and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in abdominal and femoral AT as well as hMADS. Finally, we explored in vivo fractional oxygen extraction and carbon dioxide release across abdominal and femoral subcutaneous AT in a subgroup of the same individuals with normal weight or obesity.

Results
We found lower basal and maximal uncoupled mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in abdominal compared to femoral hMADS. In line, in vivo fractional oxygen extraction and carbon dioxide release were lower across abdominal than femoral AT. OXPHOS protein expression and mtDNA content did not significantly differ between abdominal and femoral differentiated hMADS and AT.

Conclusion
The present findings demonstrate that in vitro mitochondrial respiration and in vivo oxygen fractional extraction are less in upper compared to lower body differentiated hMADS and AT, respectively, in postmenopausal women.
Treatment Satisfaction With Omnipod DASH in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Nonblinded 1:1 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kong Yee Wen , Yuan Cheng Yi , Kiburg Katerina , Brown Katrin , Trawley Steven , Partovi Andi , Roem Kerryn , Pham Cecilia , Harrison Natalie , Fourlanos Spiros , Ekinci Elif I , O’Neal David N 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Context
Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System is a tubeless insulin pump that overcomes the physical inconveniences of conventional tubed insulin pump therapy (IPT).

Objective
We compared treatment satisfaction with Omnipod DASH System to usual care (multiple daily injections [MDIs] or tubed IPT) in adults with type 1 diabetes using self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG).

Methods
Adults with type 1 diabetes on MDI (n = 40) or IPT (n = 25) from 4 diabetes centers in Australia were randomly assigned in a 1:1 nonblinded manner to Omnipod DASH System (Omnipod group) or continue usual care (Usual Care group) for 12 weeks, followed by a further 12-week extension during which all participants used the device. The primary outcome was treatment satisfaction assessed by change in Diabetes Technology Questionnaire “current” (ΔDTQ-current) score at 12 weeks (study end). Secondary outcomes included ΔDTQ-current following extension and other participant-reported outcomes (PROs) measuring quality of life, burden of disease treatment, and glycemic and device-related outcomes at 12 weeks (study end) and 24 weeks (end extension).

Results
Treatment satisfaction improved more in the Omnipod group vs the Usual Care group (ΔDTQ-current score of 16.4 [21.2] vs 0.0 [12.8]; P &lt; .001) at study end. Significantly greater improvements in other PROs and glycated hemoglobin A1c were also observed. Improvements in DTQ-current and other PROs comparing study end and end extension were similar. While percentage in time in range change from baseline did not differ at study end (−2.0 [12.7] %), it was significantly greater at end extension (5.6 [10.9] %; P = .016).

Conclusion
The Omnipod DASH System resulted in greater treatment satisfaction at 12 weeks in adults with type 1 diabetes using SMBG that was sustained after 24 weeks of device use without compromising sleep quality and fear of hypoglycemia. Improvements in glycemia were also observed.
Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in 30 Japanese Patients With Congenital Hypothyroidism Attributable to TG Defects
Authors: Tanase-Nakao Kanako , Iwahashi-Odano Megumi , Sugisawa Chiho , Abe Kiyomi , Muroya Koji , Yamamoto Yukiyo , Kawada Yasusada , Mushimoto Yuichi , Ohkubo Kazuhiro , Kinjo Saori , Shimura Kazuhiro , Aoyama Kohei , Mizuno Haruo , Hotsubo Tomoyuki , Takahashi Chie , Isojima Tsuyoshi , Kina Yoko , Takakuwa Satoshi , Hamada Junpei , Sawaki Miwa , Shigehara Keiichi , Sugimoto Satoru , Etani Yuri , Narumi-Wakayama Hiroko , Mine Yusuke , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Hishinuma Akira , Narumi Satoshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Context
Thyroglobulin (Tg), encoded by TG, is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. TG defects result in congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Most reported patients were born before the introduction of newborn screening (NBS).

Objective
We aimed to clarify the phenotypic features of patients with TG defects diagnosed and treated since the neonatal period.

Methods
We screened 1061 patients with CH for 13 CH-related genes and identified 30 patients with TG defects. One patient was diagnosed due to hypothyroidism-related symptoms and the rest were diagnosed via NBS. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their genotypes, and clinical characteristics were compared. We evaluated the functionality of the 7 missense variants using HEK293 cells.

Results
Twenty-seven rare TG variants were detected, including 15 nonsense, 3 frameshift, 2 splice-site, and 7 missense variants. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 13 patients with biallelic truncating variants and 17 patients with monoallelic/biallelic missense variants. Patients with missense variants were more likely to develop thyroid enlargement with thyrotropin stimulation than patients with biallelic truncating variants. Patients with biallelic truncating variants invariably required full hormone replacement, whereas patients with missense variants required variable doses of levothyroxine. Loss of function of the 7 missense variants was confirmed in vitro.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the largest investigation on the clinical presentation of TG defects diagnosed in the neonatal period. Patients with missense variants showed relatively mild hypothyroidism with compensative goiter. Patients with only truncating variants showed minimal or no compensative goiter and required full hormone replacement.
Robust axis elongation by Nodal-dependent restriction of BMP signaling
Authors: Schauer Alexandra , Pranjic-Ferscha Kornelija , Hauschild Robert , Heisenberg Carl-Philipp 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Embryogenesis results from the coordinated activities of different signaling pathways controlling cell fate specification and morphogenesis. In vertebrate gastrulation, both Nodal and BMP signaling play key roles in germ layer specification and morphogenesis, yet their interplay to coordinate embryo patterning with morphogenesis is still insufficiently understood. Here, we took a reductionist approach using zebrafish embryonic explants to study the coordination of Nodal and BMP signaling for embryo patterning and morphogenesis. We show that Nodal signaling triggers explant elongation by inducing mesendodermal progenitors but also suppressing BMP signaling activity at the site of mesendoderm induction. Consistent with this, ectopic BMP signaling in the mesendoderm blocks cell alignment and oriented mesendoderm intercalations, key processes during explant elongation. Translating these ex vivo observations to the intact embryo showed that, similar to explants, Nodal signaling suppresses the effect of BMP signaling on cell intercalations in the dorsal domain, thus allowing robust embryonic axis elongation. These findings suggest a dual function of Nodal signaling in embryonic axis elongation by both inducing mesendoderm and suppressing BMP effects in the dorsal portion of the mesendoderm.
C. elegans spermatocyte divisions show a weak spindle checkpoint response
Authors: Chen Shang-yang , Cheng Pu-wei , Peng Hsiao-fang , Wu Jui-ching 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Male meiotic division exhibits two consecutive chromosome separation events without apparent pausing. Several studies have shown that spermatocyte divisions are not stringently regulated as in mitotic cells. In this study, we investigated the role of the canonical spindle assembly (SAC) pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans spermatogenesis. We found the intensity of chromosome-associated outer kinetochore protein BUB-1 and SAC effector MDF-1 oscillates between the two divisions. However, the SAC target securin is degraded during the first division and remains undetectable for the second division. Inhibition of proteasome-dependent protein degradation did not affect the progression of the second division but stopped the first division at metaphase. Perturbation of spindle integrity did not affect the duration of meiosis II, and only slightly lengthened meiosis I. Our results demonstrate that male meiosis II is independent of SAC regulation, and male meiosis I exhibits only weak checkpoint response.