bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling spontaneous Bloch-type skyrmion in centrosymmetric two-dimensional magnets
Authors: Zhang Yun , Pang Jingman , Niu Xiaohang , Zhao Hongjian , Zhang Meiguang , Qian Yu , Bellaiche Laurent 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The realization of magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional (2D) magnets holds great promise for both fundamental research and device applications. Despite recent progress, two-dimensional skyrmions hosts are still limited, due to the fact that most 2D magnets are centrosymmetric and thus lack Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). We show here, using a general analysis based on symmetry, that Bloch-type skyrmions can, in fact, be stabilized in 2D centrosymmetric magnets, due to the interplay between in-plane component (dx) of second nearest-neighbor DMI and magnetic anisotropy. Its validity is demonstrated in Cr2Ge2Te6 monolayer, which is also verified by recent experiments. Our work gives a clear direction for experimental studies of 2D magnetic materials to stabilize skyrmions and should greatly enrich the research on magnetic skyrmions in 2D lattices.
Extensive surgical resections for rare pleural neoplasms: A single-center experience with a yolk sac tumor and synovial sarcoma.
Authors: Vandaele Tom , Slambrouck Jan Van , Schöffski Patrick , Dumez Herlinde , Weynand Birgit , Sciot Raf , Barbarossa Annalisa , Provoost An-Lies , de Voorde Kristof Van , Debaveye Yves , Bouneb Sofian , Nafteux Philippe , Ceulemans Laurens J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Pleural neoplasms are rare and can be subdivided into pleural metastasis and primary pleural neoplasms. Non-mesothelioma primary pleural neoplasms are a diverse group of extremely rare pathologies.
Case presentation: In this case series, we describe the presentation and successful management of two rare primary pleural neoplasms. A first case describes a primary pleural yolk sac tumor treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, extended pleurectomy decortication, and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy. In a second case we describe the management of a primary pleural synovial sarcoma by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and extrapleural pneumonectomy. A complete resection was obtained in both cases and the post-operative course was uncomplicated. No signs of tumor recurrence were noted during follow-up in the first patient. In the second patient a local recurrence was diagnosed 6 months after surgery.
Conclusion: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by extensive thoracic surgery, including hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy, is a feasible treatment strategy for non-mesothelioma primary pleural neoplasms, but careful follow-up is required.
The Effect of Preoperative Oral Antibiotics in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection after Colorectal Surgery: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Nakanishi Ryo , Ozawa Heita , Toyota Naoyuki , Mise Minori , Fujita Shin , Naito Takeshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Recent findings suggest that combining mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and preoperative oral antibiotics (OAs) decreases the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in colorectal surgery; however, this finding remains controversial. This study examined the efficacy of OAs and MBP in colorectal surgery using propensity score matching (PSM).
Methods
Between January 2015 and December 2020, 620 patients with colorectal tumors underwent MBP followed by colorectal surgery. OAs were initiated in our hospital in July 2017. PSM was performed to compare the effects of OAs and MBP (OA) versus MBP alone (non-OA) on the rate of superficial SSI.
Results
A total of 338 patients received OAs. Significant differences were observed in the American Society of Anesthesiologists performance status (ASA-PS) and the presence of tumor obstruction between the OA and non-OA groups. The OA and non-OA groups were matched using PSM based on the following factors: sex, age, body mass index, tumor location, presence of obstruction by the tumor, ASA-PS score, presence of smoking, presence of diabetes mellitus, and preoperative therapies, which resulted in the exclusion of significant differences. Univariate analysis showed that laparotomy, rectum, stomata, and non-OA use were associated with SSIs (P = 0.0446, 0.0432, 0.0219, and 0.0124, respectively). A multivariate analysis of these four variables identified non-OA use as an independent risk factor for SSIs (hazard ratio: 2.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–4.88, P = 0.0112).
Conclusions
This study revealed that OA plus MBP markedly reduced SSI rates. Therefore, OA with MBP should be adopted in colorectal surgery.
COVID-19 and membranous nephropathy: observational and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Liu Wen , Su Zhihang , Yin Zheng , Wu Di , Cheng Yuan , Hu Haofei , Xue Rui , Tao Cai , Xu Hengchang , Zhang Xinzhou , Wan Qijun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) imposes a substantial burden of illness and death. However, a systematic assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MN incidence has not yet been conducted. This research is an observational cohort study conducted retrospectively. The kidney biopsy results of two medical institutions, including our hospital, were reviewed for the period between January 2016 and May 2023. Relevant statistical analysis of different glomerular diseases was performed based on the corresponding pathological diagnoses. The aim was to compare the incidence changes of different glomerular diseases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus was on investigating the changes in the incidence rate of MN and attempting to uncover the causal effects between varying degrees of COVID-19 and MN utilizing bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) using GWAS data from European and Asian ancestry. We found that the incidence of MN decreased by 3.6% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the period before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic(P = 0.026). However, after Bonferroni correction, the change in incidence did not reach a significant p-value(P > 0.05/2), and the overall incidence of glomerular diseases did not show a significant change (P = 0.364). Additionally, the Mendelian randomization analysis indicated no significant causality between COVID-19 (critical illness, susceptibility, severe infection, hospitalization, and severity) and MN (no significance, PBonferroni>0.05).The results of this preliminary study suggest that the incidence rate of MN remained relatively stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, our genetic perspective Mendelian randomization analysis has furnished additional evidence contradicting any causal relationship between varying degrees of COVID-19 infection and MN.
Stability-Indicating TLC-Densitometric and HPLC Methods for Simultaneous Determination of Teneligliptin and Pioglitazone in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms with Eco-Friendly Assessment
Authors: Akabari Ashok H , Gajiwala Harsh , Patel Sagarkumar K , Surati Jasmina , Solanki Divya , Shah Ketan V , Patel Tejas J , Patel Sagar P 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The combination of multiple drugs in pharmaceutical formulations has greatly improved the management of complex medical conditions, particularly benefiting patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two powerful antidiabetic agents, teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate (TEN) and pioglitazone hydrochloride (PIO), play key roles in regulating blood glucose levels. In this study, we introduce innovative methods for the simultaneous quantification of TEN and PIO in pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring accuracy and stability assessment. Our TLC-densitometric approach employs a mobile phase consisting of Methanol, Toluene, Ethyl Acetate, and Triethylamine (1:7:2:0.1, v/v/v/v) on TLC silica gel plates, followed by densitometric scanning at 268 nm. Meanwhile, the RP-HPLC method utilizes an isocratic elution with acetonitrile and acetate buffer (pH 2.3, 60:40 v/v) on a C18 column, delivering diode-array detection at 235 nm. Both methods offer exceptional accuracy and reliability, serving as valuable tools for pharmaceutical quality control. Furthermore, our research incorporates an environmental impact assessment to align with global sustainability goals. We consider factors such as solvent consumption, waste generation, and energy usage, using assessment tools like the eco-scale assessment, AGREE, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), and the national environmental method index (NEMI) to gauge the environmental impact of our methods. By adopting these techniques, pharmaceutical companies can enhance their drug quality control processes and fulfill their environmental responsibilities. Comprehensive statistical comparisons, including t-tests and F-tests, validate the outcomes of the TLC-densitometric and RP-HPLC methods, ensuring their effectiveness in drug formulation analysis.
Obesity among non-pregnant women in the 36 States and federal capital territory of Nigeria; sub-national variation of a national epidemic
Authors: Adeomi Adeleye Abiodun , Akanji Baderinwa Opeyemi , Okeyode Mercy Adeola 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Obesity has been viewed as a pandemic, with women of reproductive age disproportionately affected compared to men. While studies have reported National prevalence rates in Nigeria, data on the sub-national variation is scarce. This is important because majority of policies/interventions in Nigeria, are developed/implemented at the sub-national level. This study therefore aimed to investigate the sub-national distribution and variation of obesity among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Nigeria.
Methodology: This was a community-based cross-sectional study, which used secondary data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018. A total of 13,180 non-pregnant women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years) were selected from the 36 states and federal capital territory using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Obesity was determined using the World Health Organization reference values for adolescents (less than 20 years) and others that were older. Sub-national variation was determined with binary logistic regression analysis using unadjusted and adjusted rates, and adjustment was made for individual, household and community level factors.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 29.5 ± 9.7 years and there was mostly an even distribution of respondents across the States. The National prevalence of obesity among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in this study was 28.5%. Anambra (54.6%) and Sokoto (6.9%) States had the highest and lowest prevalence rates respectively, with a range of 47.7%. The burden of obesity was higher among the southern states, compared to the northern states generally. After adjusting for all the commonly reported risk factors, about two-thirds of the states (24) still had a statistically significant variation in the prevalence of obesity, such that Akwa Ibom (OR: 4.5; p<0.001; 95% CI: 2.2, 9.0) and Anambra States (OR: 4.4; p<0.001; 95% CI: 2.2, 8,7) had nearly 5 times higher odds of obesity compared to the reference State (Sokoto).
Conclusion: Sub-national variations exist in the prevalence of obesity among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Nigeria, even after adjusting for commonly reported predictors. There is therefore a need to identify state-level determinants of obesity, with a view to designing state-specific interventions to curb obesity among women of reproductive age in Nigeria.
Available nutrients affect fungal compositions and functions under land use conversions in alkaline grassland in northeastern China
Authors: Hu Juan , Huang Yingxin , Zhou Daowei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Little is known about the link between the fungal community and soil nutrient availability when land use is converted from abandoned farmland to grassland in the alkaline grasslands of northeastern China.
Methods: Therefore, in this study, the diversity, composition, and function of fungi, as well as basic soil properties and inorganic phosphorus fractions, were investigated under land-use conversion from maize cropland to alfalfa (AG), Lyemus chinensis (LG), and restored grasslands (RG).
Results: The results showed that the relationships between Olsen-P and the Pi fractions of Ca8-P, Fe-P, Ca2-P, and Ca10-P were close. Significantly elevated available phosphorus (Olsen-P) and available nitrogen (AN) values were found in the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil layers, respectively, in the AG treatment, relative to LG and RG treatments (P < 0.05). The O-P content at 0-10 cm and Al-P content at 10-20 cm in the RG treatment were the highest. The RG treatment increased the Shannon index of fungi and the abundances of Mortierellomycota, Glomeromycota, and Mortierella, while decreasing the abundance of Cladosporium. The RG treatment greatly reduced plant pathogens and enhanced mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal growth. Olsen-P and AN were both positively correlated with plant pathogen abundance (P < 0.01). Mycorrhizal fungi had negative effects on Ca8-P, Fe-P, Olsen-P, and AN (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Land-use conversion from maize cropland to restored grassland could reduce the abundance of some plant pathogens and enhance useful fungi by decreasing the availability of P and N.
Causal association of cathepsins and endometriosis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Aru Na , Yang Congyu , Chen Yuntian , Liu Jiaming 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
Endometriosis is a prevalent reproductive disorder that affects a significant number of women globally. Cathepsins, which are lysosomal cysteine proteases, contribute to several physiological and pathological processes, including the attachment and invasion of endometrial tissue. Nevertheless, the causal relationship between cathepsins and endometriosis remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationship between cathepsins and endometriosis using genetic polymorphisms.
Methods
We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal association between nine cathepsins and endometriosis.
Results
The univariable MR analysis results indicate that Cathepsin H increases the risk of overall endometriosis (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.037 [1.007 to 1.067], p = 0.013), endometriosis of ovary (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.022 [1.001 to 1.042], p = 0.046), endometriosis of pelvic peritoneum OR [95%]: 1.046 [1.002 to 1.089], p = 0.047), and deep endometriosis (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.050 [1.002 to 1.099], p = 0.048). The multivariable MR analysis retained stable after adjusting for other types of cathepsins. And reverse MR analyses suggest that overall endometriosis may lead to increased Cathepsin H levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.017 [1.003, 1.073], p = 0.041). The results of the sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main findings.
Conclusion
Our MR analysis yields robust evidence supporting a causal relationship between Cathepsin H and the susceptibility to endometriosis, potentially inspiring directions in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.
Perceptions and Experiences of Undergraduate Medical Students Regarding Social Accountability: a Cross-sectional Study at a Subsaharan African Medical School
Authors: Oriokot Lorraine , Munabi Ian Guyton , Kiguli Sarah , Mubuuke Aloysius Gonzaga 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Medical schools are called to be socially accountable as a feature of excellent medical education. Medical students are essential to the development of socially accountable medical schools. Therefore, understanding the perceptions and experiences of medical students regarding social accountability is critical for efforts to improve social accountability practices and outcomes.
Methods
This cross-sectional online questionnaire-based survey used Google Forms and involved medical students in their fourth and fifth years of study at the Makerere University School of Medicine. The survey was conducted between September 2022 and October 2023. We used a study questionnaire and the Students’ toolkit for social accountability in medical schools to collect data on demographics, perceptions and experiences and evaluate social accountability.
Results
A total of 426 medical students responded to the online questionnaire. The mean age of the students was 25.24 ± 4.4 years. Most of the students were male (71.3%), and most were in their fourth year of study (65%). Most of the students (43.66%) evaluated the school as having a good level of social accountability. The evaluation items referring to community-based research and positive impact on the community had the highest mean scores. Only 6 (3.64%) students provided an accurate definition of social accountability. Students receiving career guidance in secondary school was associated with evaluating social accountability in the medical school as strong (p-0.003).
Conclusions
Medical students evaluated the medical school favorably in terms of social accountability. Receiving career guidance in secondary school was significantly associated with a positive evaluation of social accountability.
On-treatment dynamics of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the first-line setting of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): the LEXOVE prospective study
Authors: GRISTINA VALERIO , Bazan Viviana , Barraco Nadia , Taverna Simona , Manno Mauro , Raccosta Samuele , Bono Marco , Russo Tancredi Didier Bazan , Pepe Francesco , Pisapia Pasquale , Incorvaia Lorena , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Troncone Giancarlo , Malapelle Umberto , Santini Daniele , Russo Antonio , Galvano Antonio 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
The evaluation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) might be a complementary tool to assess response in the clinic. We aimed to describe whether the serial characterization of EVs could longitudinally reflect response and resistance to first-line treatments in advanced NSCLC.
Methods
Treatment-naïve patients with advanced NSCLC receiving osimertinib (osi), alectinib, pembrolizumab (pembro), or platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) ± pembro were prospectively enrolled at the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy. Isolated EVs were characterized by Static and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to assess the size distribution and amount of vesicles (R90, Dz and PDI). EV protein amount was evaluated by Bradford assay (BA) through the quantification of circulating cell-free EV protein content (cfEV). According to the radiologic response, cfEV and R90 kinetics were evaluated in patients from baseline (T0) to the first radiologic restaging (T1) with a 20% cfEV increase being used as the cut-off point for median progression-free survival (mPFS) analysis.
Results
Among 27 consecutive patients, a total of 135 plasma samples were collected both at T0 and T1 to isolate EVs. Purified EVs were characterized by WB for ALIX and TSG-101. EV size was determined by DLS showing an average size ranging from 183 to 260 nm. The mean cfEV value at T0 and at T1 time was 1.26 and 1.49 µg/ml, respectively (p = 0.02). Within the cfEV responsive group, 13 patients had a clinically improved mPFS (25.2 months, 95% CI: 14.9–35.5) when compared to 11 cfEV non-responders (8.3 months, 95% CI: 3.6–12.9) (p = 0.07). Namely, cfEV responders receiving single-agent pembro experienced a significantly improved mPFS (25.2 months, 95% CI: 11.7–38.8; p = 0.04) compared to patients receiving CT plus pembro (6.1 months, 95% CI: 1.1–11.1; p = 0.9). EGFR-positive cfEV responders showed a clinically improved mPFS (35.1 months, 95% CI: 14.9–35.5) as compared to cfEV non-responders (20.8 months, 95% CI: 11.2–30.4) (p = 0.06). In the EGFR-mutated subgroup, four patients with R90 decreasing values are still responding whereas one patient with R90 increasing value had a rapidly progressive disease.
Conclusions
This study showcased the feasibility of the serial on-treatment monitoring of plasma EVs in the first-line setting of NSCLC, mostly in those patients receiving single-agent pembro or osi. The increased amount of circulating EVs (R90) and the higher level of associated proteins (cfEV) warrant larger controlled studies to explore EVs as novel promising liquid biopsy biomarkers.
Stability analysis of generalized linear functional equations employing the fixed point approach
Authors: Lyu Gang , liu Yang , Jin Yuanfeng , Liu Qi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this paper, the Hyers-Ulam stability of linear functional equation is investigated by using the Brzdek’s fixed point theorem. As a consequence, the functional equations would be used to characterize the stability of general linear functional equation.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 39B82; Secondary 39B52; 39B62; 46C15.
Propensity score-matched analyses of postoperative oncological outcomes of colorectal cancer with versus without oncologic emergency: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Imaizumi Ken , Kasajima Hiroyuki , Sato Kentaro , Ichimura Kentaro , Sato Aya , Yamana Daisuke , Tsuruga Yosuke , Umehara Minoru , Kurushima Michihiro , Nakanishi Kazuaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: While oncologic emergency in colorectal cancer present distinct challenges, the existing literature offers conflicting evidence on the long-term outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the postoperative oncological outcomes between patients with and without oncologic emergency.
Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on patients who had undergone radical surgery for primary stage II and III colorectal cancer between January 2012 and December 2020 at a single center. Patients were classified into three groups (oncologic non-emergency and oncologic emergency due to obstruction or perforation). Two of the three groups were paired using propensity score matching. The primary objective was to compare postoperative long-term outcomes between non-emergency and obstruction or perforation. The secondary objectives were to compare the outcomes between obstruction and perforation, identify the recurrence type among the three groups, and assess the outcomes for the subgroups based on obstruction and perforation features.
Results: This study included 524 patients: 348, 140, and 36 patients in the non-emergency, obstruction, and perforation groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, the long-term outcomes of obstruction or perforation were significantly worse than those of non-emergency, whereas those of obstruction and perforation were not significantly different. Regarding recurrence type, peritoneal dissemination in obstruction and local recurrence in perforation were more common than in non-emergency.
Conclusion: The long-term outcomes in oncologic emergency were worse than those in oncologic non-emergency, whereas obstruction and perforation outcomes were comparable. The establishment of therapeutic strategies and appropriate management of oncologic emergencies are important future issues.