bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relativistic Faddeev 3D equations for three-body bound states without two-body t-matrices
Authors: Mohammadzadeh M , Radin M , Hadizadeh M R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper explores a novel revision of the Faddeev equation for three-body (3B) bound states, as initially proposed in Ref. [J. Golak, K. Topolnicki, R. Skibiński, W. Glöckle, H. Kamada, A. Nogga, Few Body Syst. 54, 2427 (2013)]. This innovative approach, referred to as t-matrix-free in this paper, directly incorporates two-body (2B) interactions and completely avoids the 2B transition matrices. We extend this formalism to relativistic 3B bound states using a three-dimensional (3D) approach without using partial wave decomposition. To validate the proposed formulation, we perform a numerical study using spin-independent Malfliet–Tjon and Yamaguchi interactions. Our results demonstrate that the relativistic t-matrix-free Faddeev equation, which directly implements boosted interactions, accurately reproduces the 3B mass eigenvalues obtained from the conventional form of the Faddeev equation, referred to as t-matrix-dependent in this paper, with boosted 2B t-matrices. Moreover, the proposed formulation provides a simpler alternative to the standard approach, avoiding the computational complexity of calculating boosted 2B t-matrices and leading to significant computational time savings.
Comparative role of acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide in development of fibrosis in rats
Authors: Singh Shubham , Nirala Satendra Kumar , Bhadauria Monika 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Several hepatotoxicants such as acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, and thioacetamide are repeatedly used to develop hepatic fibrosis to mimic the histological and hemodynamic characteristics of human illness. It may be a good idea to establish a better model among these hepatotoxicants to develop hepatic fibrosis.

Aim
The present study evaluated comparative toxic effects of three model hepatotoxicants for experimental progression of fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Materials and methods
Acetaminophen (200 mg/kg), carbon tetrachloride (200 µl/kg) and thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) were administered orally, thrice in a week for 8 weeks in different groups. After 8 weeks of exposure, animals were euthanized, blood and tissues were collected for various hematological, serological, tissue biochemical analysis and histological observations for comparative assessment of toxic consequences.

Results
Significant deviation was noted in liver function tests, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and GSH cycle enzymes; aniline hydroxylase, amidopyrine-N-demethylase, DNA fragmentation and level of hydroxyproline when compared with control group. Histology also depicted damage in liver histoarchitecture with exposure to acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide. Tukey’s HSD post hoc test confirmed that thioacetamide produced severe toxic effects in comparison to carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.

Conclusion
In conclusion, toxic effects were noted in ascending order as acetaminophen.
Evaluation of a computational model for mycetoma-causative agents identification
Authors: Omar Ali Hyam , Abraham Romain , Desoubeaux Guillaume , Fahal Ahmed H , Tauber Clovis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The therapeutic strategy for mycetoma relies heavily on the identification of the causative agents, which are either fungal or bacterial. While histopathological examination of surgical biopsies is currently the most used diagnostic tool, it requires well-trained pathologists, who are lacking in most rural areas where mycetoma is endemic. In this work we propose and evaluate a machine learning approach that semi-automatically analyses histopathological microscopic images of grains and provides a classification of the disease as eumycetoma or actinomycetoma.

Methods
The computational model is based on radiomics and partial least squares. It is assessed on a dataset that includes 890 individual grains collected from 168 patients originating from the Mycetoma Research Centre in Sudan. The dataset contained 94 eumycetoma cases and 74 actinomycetoma cases, with a distribution of the species among the two causative agents that is representative of the Sudanese distribution.

Results
The proposed model achieved identification of causative agents with an accuracy of 91.89%, which is comparable to the accuracy of experts from the domain. The method was found to be robust to a small error in the segmentation of the grain and to changes in the acquisition protocol. Among the radiomics features, the homogeneity of mycetoma grain textures was found to be the most discriminative feature for causative agent identification.

Conclusion
The results presented in this study support that this computational approach could greatly benefit rural areas with limited access to specialized clinical centres and also provide a second opinion for expert pathologists to implement the appropriate therapeutic strategy.
BCAS2 regulates oocyte meiotic prophase I by participating in mRNA alternative splicing
Authors: Yao Xiaohong , Wang Chaofan , Yu Weiran , Sun Longjie , Lv Zheng , Xie Xiaomei , Tian Shuang , Yan Lu , Li Lei , Liu Jiali 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOocyte meiotic prophase I (MI) is an important event in female reproduction. Breast cancer amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) is a component of the spliceosome. Previous reports have shown that BCAS2 is critical in male germ cell meiosis, oocyte development, and early embryo genome integrity. However, the role of BCAS2 in oocyte meiosis has not been reported. We used Stra8‐GFPCre mice to knock out Bcas2 in oocytes during the pachytene phase. The results of fertility tests showed that Bcas2 conditional knockout (cKO) in oocytes results in infertility in female mice. Morphological analysis showed that the number of primordial follicles in the ovaries of 2‐month‐old (M) mice was significantly reduced and that follicle development was blocked. Further analysis showed that the number of primordial follicles decreased and that follicle development was slowed in 7‐day postpartum (dpp) ovaries. Moreover, primordial follicles undergo apoptosis, and DNA damage cannot be repaired in primary follicle oocytes. Meiosis was abnormal; some oocytes could not reach the diplotene stage, and more oocytes could not develop to the dictyotene stage. Alternative splicing (AS) analysis revealed abnormal AS of deleted in azoospermia like (Dazl) and diaphanous related formin 2 (Diaph2) oogenesis‐related genes in cKO mouse ovaries, and the process of AS was involved by CDC5L and PRP19.
Single‐cell sequencing of head and neck carcinoma: Transcriptional landscape and prognostic model based on malignant epithelial cell features
Authors: Xiong Ming , Hu Juan‐Juan , Yao Meng‐Lin , Song Ting‐Ting , Zhao Lei , Mou Bi‐Qin , Qian Ying‐Xue , Zheng Mei‐Jun , Dong Yi‐Jun , Wang Hai‐Yang , Zou Jian , Yang Hui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HNSCC requires a profound understanding of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, HNSCC has a poor prognosis, necessitating the use of genetic markers for predicting clinical outcomes in HNSCC. In this study, we performed single‐cell sequencing analysis on tumor tissues from seven HNSCC patients, along with one adjacent normal tissue. Firstly, the analysis of epithelial cell clusters revealed two clusters of malignant epithelial cells, characterized by unique gene expression patterns and dysregulated signaling pathways compared to normal epithelial cells. Secondly, the examination of the TME unveiled extensive crosstalk between fibroblasts and malignant epithelial cells, potentially mediated through ligand‐receptor interactions such as COL1A1‐SDC1, COL1A1‐CD44, and COL1A2‐SDC1. Furthermore, transcriptional heterogeneity was observed in immune cells present in the TME, including macrophages and dendritic cells. Finally, leveraging the gene expression profiles of malignant epithelial cells, we developed a prognostic model comprising six genes, which we validated using two independent datasets. These findings shed light on the heterogeneity within HNSCC tumors and the intricate interplay between malignant cells and the TME. Importantly, the developed prognostic model demonstrates high efficacy in predicting the survival outcomes of HNSCC patients.
Fusobacterium nucleatum exacerbates the progression of pulpitis by regulating the STING‐dependent pathway
Authors: Zhou Lu , Mao Han‐Qing , Li Jia‐Qi , Chen Zhi , Zhang Lu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBacterial infection is the main cause of pulpitis. However, whether a dominant bacteria can promote the progression of pulpitis and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. We provided a comprehensive assessment of the microbiota alteration in pulpitis using 16S rRNA sequencing. Fusobacterium nucleatum was the most enriched in pulpitis and played a pathogenic role accelerating pulpitis progression in rat pulpitis model. After odontoblast‐like cells cocultured with F. nucleatum, the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and autophagy were activation. There was a float of STING expression during F. nucleatum stimulation. STING was degraded by autophagy at the early stage. At the late stage, F. nucleatum stimulated mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, mitochondrial dysfunction and then mtDNA escape into cytosol. mtDNA, which escaped into cytosol, caused more cytosolic mtDNA binds to cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS). The release of IFN‐β was dramatically reduced when mtDNA‐cGAS‐STING pathway inhibited. STING−/− mice showed milder periapical bone loss and lower serum IFN‐β levels compared with wildtype mice after 28 days F. nucleatum‐infected pulpitis model establishment. Our data demonstrated that F. nucleatum exacerbated the progression of pulpitis, which was mediated by the STING‐dependent pathway.
An Initial Investigation of Diaphragm Neurostimulation in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Parfait Mélodie , Rohrs Elizabeth , Joussellin Vincent , Mayaux Julien , Decavèle Maxens , Reynolds Steven , Similowski Thomas , Demoule Alexandre , Dres Martin 
Published: December 2023

Background
Lung protective ventilation aims at limiting lung stress and strain. By reducing the amount of pressure transmitted by the ventilator into the lungs, diaphragm neurostimulation offers a promising approach to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. This study investigates the physiologic effects of diaphragm neurostimulation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. The hypothesis was that diaphragm neurostimulation would improve oxygenation, would limit the distending pressures of the lungs, and would improve cardiac output.

Methods
Patients with moderate ARDS were included after 48 h of invasive mechanical ventilation and had a left subclavian catheter placed to deliver bilateral transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation. Two 60-min volume-controlled mechanical ventilation (control) sessions were interspersed by two 60-min diaphragm neurostimulation sessions delivered continually, in synchrony with the ventilator. Gas exchange, lung mechanics, chest electrical impedance tomography, and cardiac index were continuously monitored and compared across four sessions. The primary endpoint was the Pao2
/fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio
2) ratio at the end of each session, and the secondary endpoints were lung mechanics and hemodynamics.

Results
Thirteen patients were enrolled but the catheter could not be inserted in one, leaving 12 patients for analysis. All sessions were conducted without interruption and well tolerated. The Pao2
/Fio
2 ratio did not change during the four sessions. Median (interquartile range) plateau pressure was 23 (20 to 31) cm H2O and 21 (17 to 25) cm H2O, driving pressure was 14 (12 to 18) cm H2O and 11 (10 to 13) cm H2O, and end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure was 9 (5 to 11) cm H2O and 7 (4 to 11) cm H2O during mechanical ventilation alone and during mechanical ventilation + neurostimulation session, respectively. The dorsal/ventral ventilation surface ratio was 0.70 (0.54 to 0.91) when on mechanical ventilation and 1.20 (0.76 to 1.33) during the mechanical ventilation + neurostimulation session. The cardiac index was 2.7 (2.3 to 3.5) l · min–1 · m–2 on mechanical ventilation and 3.0 (2.4 to 3.9) l · min–1 · m–2 on mechanical ventilation + neurostimulation.

Conclusions
This proof-of-concept study showed the feasibility of short-term diaphragm neurostimulation in conjunction with mechanical ventilation in ARDS patients. Diaphragm neurostimulation was associated with positive effects on lung mechanics and on hemodynamics.

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Improvement in Cellulite Appearance After a Single Treatment Visit With Acoustic Subcision: Long-Term Findings From a Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Tanzi Elizabeth , Capelli Christopher C. , Robertson David , LaTowsky Brenda , Balcom-Luker Shenavia , Jacob Carolyn , Ibrahim Omer , Kaminer Michael S. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Cellulite is an aesthetically displeasing rippling or dimpling of the skin, primarily on the buttocks/thighs. A recent study showed a novel acoustic subcision device produced significant short-term (12-week) improvement in the appearance of cellulite after a single rapid acoustic pulse (RAP) treatment.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term (>52-weeks) efficacy and safety of RAP treatment for improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this prospective, multicenter trial, female participants (n = 42) with severe cellulite were treated with the acoustic subcision device in a single visit. At >52 weeks, blinded board-certified dermatologists assessed efficacy by correctly identifying post-treatment photographs and using a 6-point simplified Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS). Participant satisfaction was also collected. Safety was assessed throughout.

RESULTS
The blinded panel correctly identified post-treatment photographs at a rate of 95.2%; 70.4% of participants had a >1-point reduction in the CSS score from baseline (mean reduction of 1.09). All participants (100%) reported improved cellulite appearance. Overall pain during treatment was rated as 2.4 and 0.3 post-treatment (pain scale 0–10). No device or treatment-related adverse events were reported at the >52-week follow-up.

CONCLUSION
Rapid acoustic pulse treatment significantly improved the long-term appearance of cellulite and was well-tolerated.
Effects of Ultrasound-guided Lower Abdominal Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis on Lower Abdominal Lymphedema
Authors: Hara Hisako , Mihara Makoto 
Published: December 2023

Summary:
Lymphedema of the lower extremities can be further complicated by lymphedema of the lower abdomen and genitalia. This study aimed to clarify the effect of lower abdominal lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) on lower abdominal lymphedema. The patient was a 61-year-old woman. At the age of 49 years, she underwent treatment for ovarian cancer, including pelvic lymphadenectomy, and she developed lymphedema in the lower abdomen and bilateral thigh 2 years later. During lymphoscintigraphy, isotopes injected into the dorsum of the bilateral feet accumulated in the corresponding areas, indicating that lymph flowed into these areas from the legs. Compression therapy was performed with a girdle; however, its effect was limited. According to the lymphoscintigraphic findings, we performed LVA in the bilateral thighs (two anastomoses each), and the edema symptoms slightly improved postoperatively. However, as edema was still present and the patient sought further relief, we evaluated the lymphatic vessels in the lower abdomen using lymphatic ultrasound and found dilated lymphatic vessels. We performed another LVA in the lower abdomen 1 year after the first LVA (two anastomoses in the right abdomen, one anastomosis in the left abdomen, and an additional anastomosis in the bilateral thighs). The patient’s subjective symptoms improved, and ultrasonography showed a reduction in abdominal lymphedema at 7 months follow-up. For lymphedema in the lower abdomen and genital area that does not improve with compression therapy, appropriate examination to evaluate lymphatic flow and lymphatic degeneration is necessary, and LVA in the lower abdomen may be effective.
The Modern Integrated Plastic Surgery Applicant Pays 150% More Than Their Counterparts Four Years Ago
Authors: Singh Nikhi P. , Kovac Stefan , Boyd Carter J. , King Timothy W. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Integrated plastic surgery residency positions are among the most difficult to obtain. We examine trends in the number of applicants, applications per applicant, and cost over the past five match cycles.

Methods:
In total, 2166 applicants to integrated plastic surgery programs were included. The American Association of Medical Colleges and Electronic Residency Application Service databases were examined to determine applicant trends for the years 2017 to 2021.

Results:
In 2017, there were 564 applicants for integrated plastic surgery residency positions, and in 2021, there were 416 (26% decrease). Across this same time period, the number of applications per applicant nearly doubled (97%) from 30 in 2017 to 59 in 2021, resulting in a 45% increase in the total number of applications. The largest increase in applications per applicant was seen between 2018 and 2019, a 70% increase. From 2017 to 2021, a 10% increase in the number of female applicants and a 43% decrease in the number of male applicants was observed. Cost of applications per applicant increased by 146%, from $514 in 2017 to $1265 in 2021. Total application costs in 2021 were $526,323, an 81% increase from 2017. The future value of these expenditures equals an economic burden of $801,855, assuming a 10-year term student loan at a conservative 4.3% interest rate.

Conclusions:
Despite substantial decreases in the number of applicants, the number of applications and resulting cost of applications have increased by large margins since 2017. This is representative of the increasingly competitive plastic surgery application process.
Effects of trientine and penicillamine on intestinal copper uptake: A mechanistic 64Cu PET/CT study in healthy humans
Authors: Kirk Frederik Teicher , Munk Ditte Emilie , Swenson Eugene Scott , Quicquaro Adam Michael , Vendelbo Mikkel Holm , Schilsky Michael L. , Ott Peter , Sandahl Thomas Damgaard 
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:
Trientine (TRI) and D-penicillamine (PEN) are used to treat copper overload in Wilson disease. Their main mode of action is thought to be through the facilitation of urinary copper excretion. In a recent study, TRI was noninferior to PEN despite lower 24-hour urinary copper excretion than PEN. We tested whether TRI and/or PEN also inhibit intestinal copper absorption.

Approach and Results:
Sixteen healthy volunteers were examined with positron emission tomography (PET)/CT 1 and 15 hours after an oral Copper-64 (64Cu) dose. They then received 7 days of either PEN or TRI (trientine tetrahydrochloride), after which the 64Cu PET/CT scans were repeated. Venous blood samples were also collected. Pretreatment to posttreatment changes of the hepatic 64Cu uptake reflect the effect of drugs on intestinal absorption. 64Cu activity was normalized to dose and body weight and expressed as the mean standard uptake value. TRI (n=8) reduced hepatic 64Cu activity 1 hour after 64Cu dose from 6.17 (4.73) to 1.47 (2.97) standard uptake value, p<0.02, and after 15 hours from 14.24 (3.09) to 6.19 (3.43), p<0.02, indicating strong inhibition of intestinal 64Cu absorption. PEN (n=8) slightly reduced hepatic standard uptake value at 15 hours, from 16.30 (5.63) to 12.17 (1.44), p<0.04.

Conclusions:
In this mechanistic study, we show that TRI inhibits intestinal copper absorption, in addition to its cupriuretic effect. In contrast, PEN has modest effects on the intestinal copper absorption. This may explain why TRI and PEN are equally effective although urinary copper excretion is lower with TRI. The study questions whether the same therapeutic targets for 24-hour urinary excretion apply to both drugs.
Reversal of arterial stiffness in medically and surgically treated unilateral primary aldosteronism
Authors: Chen Zheng-Wei , Liao Che-Wei , Pan Chien-Ting , Tsai Cheng-Hsuan , Chang Yi-Yao , Chang Chin-Chen , Lee Bo-Ching , Chiu Yu-Wei , Huang Wei-Chieh , Lai Tai-Shuan , Lu Ching-Chu , Chueh Jeff S. , Wu Vin-Cent , Hung Chi-Sheng , Lin Yen-Hung ,   the TAIPAI Study Group
Published: December 2023

Objective:
Hyperaldosteronism has adverse effects on cardiovascular structure and function. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard for patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism. For unilateral primary aldosteronism patients unable or unwilling to undergo surgery, the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) on the reversibility of arterial stiffness and other clinical data remain unclear. We aimed to compare the reversibility of arterial stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and other clinical parameters between surgically and medically treated unilateral primary aldosteronism patients.

Methods:
We prospectively enrolled 306 unilateral primary aldosteronism patients, of whom 247 received adrenalectomy and 59 received medical treatment with MRAs. Detailed medical history, basic biochemistry and PWV data were collected in both groups before treatment and 1 year after treatment. After propensity score matching (PSM) for age, sex, SBP and DBPs, 149 patients receiving adrenalectomy and 54 patients receiving MRAs were included for further analysis.

Results:
After PSM, the patients receiving adrenalectomy had a greater reduction in blood pressure, increase in serum potassium, and change in PWV (ΔPWV, −53 ± 113 vs. −10 ± 140 cm/s, P = 0.028) than those receiving MRAs 1 year after treatment. Multivariable regression analysis further identified that surgery (compared with MRA treatment), baseline PWV, baseline DBP, the change in DBP and the use of diuretics were independently correlated with ΔPWV.

Conclusion:
Adrenalectomy is superior to MRA treatment with regards to vascular remodeling when treating unilateral primary aldosteronism patients.
Rapid Gastric emptying in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Salman Umber A. , Schwartz Joyce G. , McMahan Alex C. , Michalek Joel E. , Phillips William T. 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
To assess the rate of gastric emptying in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and to evaluate rapid gastric emptying as a possible predisposing factor for hypertension. Rapid gastric emptying of carbohydrates, known to elevate postprandial serum glucose, has been reported to occur in many insulin-resistant states, including hypertension. SHR exhibit insulin resistance similar to human hypertensive patients. No prior studies have assessed gastric emptying of an oral glucose solution in SHR as compared with control Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY).

Methods:
Using scintigraphic imaging, gastric emptying of a physiologic, orally consumed glucose solution was assessed in 12 SHR and 12 control WKY at 5 weeks of age, prior to the development of hypertension, and at 12 weeks of age after hypertension was fully established.

Results:
At 5 weeks, the gastric half-emptying time (GHET) was 67.8 ± 9.8 min for the SHR vs. 109.3 ± 18 (P = 0.042) minutes for the WKY controls. At 12 weeks, the GHET was 37.29 ± 10.3 min for the SHR vs. 138.53 ± 37.6 (P = 0.016) min for the WKY controls.

Conclusion:
Gastric emptying was significantly more rapid in the SHR before and after the development of hypertension. Even though SHR are known to have increased sympathetic activity associated with their development of hypertension, this increased sympathetic activity does not inhibit gastric emptying. SHR are a promising animal model for investigating therapeutic agents for treating hypertension aimed at slowing the rate of gastric emptying.