bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Polarisation in the Tumour Microenvironment: Recent Research Advances and Therapeutic Potential of Different Macrophage Reprogramming
Authors: Guo Rongqi , Wang Rui , Zhang Weisong , Li Yangyang , Wang Yihao , Wang Hao , Li Xia , Song Jianxiang 
Published: January 2025

Background Macrophages are a critical component of the innate immune system, derived from monocytes, with significant roles in anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities. In the tumour microenvironment, however, macrophages are often reprogrammed into tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), which promote tumour growth, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Purpose To review recent advancements in the understanding of macrophage polarisation and reprogramming, highlighting their role in tumour progression and potential as therapeutic targets. Research Design This is a review article synthesising findings from recent studies on macrophage polarisation and reprogramming in tumour biology. Study Sample Not applicable (review of existing literature). Data Collection and/or Analysis Key studies were identified and summarised to explore mechanisms of macrophage polarisation and reprogramming, focusing on M1/M2 polarisation, metabolic and epigenetic changes, and pathway regulation. Results Macrophage reprogramming in the tumour microenvironment involves complex mechanisms, including phenotypic and functional alterations. These processes are influenced by M1/M2 polarisation, metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, and various signalling pathways. TAMs play a pivotal role in tumour progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, making them prime targets for combination therapies. Conclusions Understanding the mechanisms underlying macrophage polarisation and reprogramming offers promising avenues for developing therapies to counteract tumour progression. Future research should focus on translating these insights into clinical applications for effective cancer treatment.
Impact of practice changes on catheter-related exit-site and bloodstream infection rates in a Canadian hemodialysis center: A retrospective study
Authors: Lawrence Courtney K , Boyce Michelle L , Weisensel Stephanie , Sathianathan Chris , Verrelli Mauro , Zelenitsky Sheryl A 
Published: January 2025

Background: Hemodialysis vascular access predisposes patients to exit-site infections (ESIs) and bloodstream infections (BSIs), resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The objective was to characterize hemodialysis catheter-related (CR) ESIs and BSIs while considering potential factors associated with infection. Methods: The study period was selected to coincide with new CR-infection prevention measures at the midpoint. These included masking during exit-site care, using chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine antiseptic, administering cefazolin prophylaxis with central venous catheter (CVC) insertions, and reducing temporary CVC use for chronic hemodialysis starts. Data were collected retrospectively, including patient characteristics, hemodialysis history, CVC details, and CR-infections. Quarterly infection rates were calculated per 1000 CVC days, and potential factors associated with infection were investigated. Modeling was used to characterize infection rates and covariates over time. Results: Over 39 months, data for 267 patients, 499 CVCs, and 114,825 CVC days were captured. During the study period, there were 113 ESIs and 64 BSIs, with >80% of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. ESI and BSI rates were 0.98 and 0.56 per 1000 CVC days, respectively. There were significant reductions in infection rates over time. The ESI rate dropped when new CR-infection prevention measures were introduced ( p < 0.01), from a mean of 1.28 to 0.73 per 1000 CVC days ( p = 0.003). The rate of BSI trended downward to a low of 0.10 per 1000 CVC days in the last quarter of the study. The BSI rates associated with temporary and permanent CVCs were 1.25 and 0.53 per 1000 CVC days, respectively ( p = 0.1). There was a strong correlation between the declining BSI rates and declining temporary CVC use over time (rho = 0.73, p = 0.005). Conclusions: CR-ESI rates dropped significantly when new hemodialysis CR-infection prevention measures were introduced. CR-BSI rates declined over the study period, as did the use of temporary CVCs.
Development and validation of a prediction model for estimating patency rates after treatment of haemodialysis access dysfunction
Authors: Huo Guijun , Tang Yao , Xue Jianhui , Zheng Jin , Yao Zhichao , Zeng Yuqi , Cao Junjie , Huang Jian , Liu Zhanao , Zhou Dayong 
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study aims to develop a risk assessment model for predicting haemodialysis access dysfunction and to construct a nomogram. Method: The clinical data of patients with haemodialysis access dysfunction treated at our hospital from October 2020 to January 2024 were retrospectively analysed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression method was used to filter variables and select predictors, while Cox regression was applied to filter variables and construct a nomogram. The discriminatory ability of the model was determined by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Calibration was evaluated using bootstrap internal validation and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. The clinical utility and applicability of the model were assessed through decision curve analysis (DCA) and the clinical impact curve (CIC). Subgroup analysis of risk factors for haemodialysis access dysfunction was performed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Result: The study included 423 patients, and seven variables were used to construct the risk prediction model and nomogram for haemodialysis access dysfunction. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.783, and the time-dependent AUC (>0.8) at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-surgery indicated strong discriminatory ability. The calibration curve and Hosmer–Lemeshow test demonstrated good agreement between the prediction of the nomogram and the observed values. The DCA and CIC curves further confirmed the clinical practicability of the model. Conclusion: A risk assessment model and nomogram for haemodialysis access dysfunction based on seven variables were successfully constructed. This model demonstrates good discrimination and calibration, offering valuable guidance for clinical decision-making and significant clinical utility.
Acute Kidney Injury Due to Ureter Compression Following Iliac Venous Stenting
Authors: Staudacher Moritz , Schulze-Bauer Heike , Veser Julian , Hoebaus Clemens , Zierfuss Bernhard , Müller Markus , Gschwandtner Michael E. , Willfort-Ehringer Andrea , Steiner Sabine , Schlager Oliver 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To report the occurrence of acute postrenal kidney failure caused by external ureteral obstruction after iliac venous stent placement. Case report: A 73-year-old male patient presented with a chronic swelling and feeling of heaviness of his right leg. The presence of venous thrombosis was excluded by duplex ultrasound (DUS). However, DUS revealed a high-grade non-thrombotic stenosis of the right external iliac vein which was confirmed by computed tomography venography. This stenosis was attributed to local scarring following prostatectomy, lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant radiation therapy for prostate cancer 7 years before. According to the clinical presentation, the patient underwent catheter-based revascularization by implantation of a dedicated venous stent in the external iliac vein. One day after this procedure, the patient experienced acute kidney failure, which was attributable to an incipient right-sided grade II hydronephrosis. Subsequent ureterorenoscopy demonstrated a stenotic lesion of the intermediate part of the ureter at the same level as the venous stent. Finally, ureteral stent placement resulted in the restoration of urinary drainage as well as resolution of acute kidney failure. This case report highlights the importance of considering nonvascular complications after venous stent placement and it stresses the importance of postprocedural clinical and laboratory surveillance and follow-up. Clinical impact In recent years the number of endovenous stent implantations has significantly increased. In patients with clinically relevant iliofemoral obstructions, endovenous stent placement potentially reduces related symptoms and improves quality of life. However, endovenous stent placement may have an impact on peri-vascular structures, such as the ureters. This case report highlights the awareness of potential nonvascular complications, which might be caused by iliofemoral stent implantation.
Interobserver and Intraobserver Variability in Crural Angiography
Authors: van Wely Chrissy , Oosterveld Rens J. , Zonnebeld Niek , Yazar Ozan , van ’t Hof Arnoud W. J. , Bouwman Lee H. 
Published: January 2025

Objective: The gold standard imaging modality for assessing crural arterial disease is digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Using DSA, the operator can estimate the diameter and degree of stenosis and determine the diameter of the balloon. Since these measures are estimates, it allows for interobserver and intraobserver variability. This study aimed to determine the interobserver and intraobserver variability in the assessment of crural angiography. Method: A total of 15 angiographies with corresponding patient characteristics were presented to 7 assessors, including 3 vascular surgery residents and 4 vascular surgeons on 3 separate occasions. A series of questions was presented, including vessel identification, estimated diameter, estimated degree of stenosis, treatment decision, and which type of balloon or stent would be used including diameter. The primary outcomes were interobserver and intraobserver variability in the estimated diameter of the artery, the estimated degree of stenosis and treatment decision. Secondary outcomes were vessel identification and how the lesion would be treated. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Hubert’s kappa, interpreted as poor (<.50), moderate (.50–.75), good (.75–.90), and excellent (>.90) agreement. Results: Interobserver agreement was moderate (.62) for estimated vessel diameter, moderate (.72) for degree of stenosis and moderate (.53) for whether the physician would treat the stenosis. The interobserver agreement was poor regarding balloon diameter (.21). The intraobserver agreement ranged from moderate to good (.62-.80) for estimated vessel diameter and was good for estimated degree of stenosis (.76-.87). The intraobserver agreement regarding treatment decision ranged from moderate to excellent (.76-.87) and ranged from poor to moderate (.07-.57) for balloon diameter. Conclusion: This study shows moderate interobserver agreement and moderate to good intraobserver agreement regarding estimated vessel diameter. In addition, moderate to excellent intraobserver agreement and moderate interobserver agreement regarding treatment decision was found. This study also showed poor to moderate agreement, both interobserver and intraobserver, regarding balloon sizing. There is a need for more objective diagnostic modalities to assess the diameter and morphology of crural lesions. Clinical Impact Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is currently the golden standard imaging modality guiding below-the-knee percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Due to the lack of objective measurements with DSA, physicians estimate vessel diameter and percentage of stenosis. The present study shows that there is inter- and intraobserver variability in the assessment of DSA, indicating there is a need for objective imaging modalities guiding below-the-knee PTA.
Apple Vision Pro-guided Laparoscopic Radio Frequency Ablation for Liver Tumors: The Pioneer Experience
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chieh , Hsiao Chin-Cheng , Chung-Wei Lin Charles , Chern Ming-Chih , Huang Shih-Wei 
Published: January 2025

Background: This study evaluates the feasibility of Apple Vision Pro goggles as an augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation tool for laparoscopic-assisted ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors. Traditional RFA is effective but challenging due to the integration of multiple imaging modalities. Purpose: The primary aim of this research is to assess how Vision Pro goggles can enhance the surgical navigation process during RFA, improving tumor localization and the overall effectiveness of the procedure. Research Design: A feasibility study design was used to analyze the implementation of AR technologies in surgical navigation, focusing specifically on their application in laparoscopic surgeries. Study Sample: Participants included patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted ultrasound-guided RFA, with pre-operative imaging workups involving CT and MRI scans followed by intraoperative laparoscopic sonography. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Data were collected through observations during surgical procedures using the Vision Pro goggles, which displayed various imaging inputs (MRI, 3D reconstruction, and laparoscopic sonography) in the surgeon's field of view. Image manipulation was assessed based on accuracy and effectiveness of tumor ablation. Results: The goggles enhanced tumor localization accuracy and facilitated real-time image manipulation, resulting in effective tumor ablation. Initial results show promising outcomes in the precision and efficiency of the RFA procedure. Conclusions: While the initial results are promising, larger studies are necessary to validate the technology's efficacy and safety. Future research should compare outcomes with traditional methods and explore its applicability to other surgeries, aiming to refine the system further. The Vision Pro goggles potentially represent a significant advancement in surgical technology by improving RFA precision and efficiency.
Outcomes of Suction Debulking and Surgery in Patients With Isolated Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Modi Roshan D. , Ueyama Hiroki A. , Tully Andy , Byku Isida , Greenbaum Adam B. , Xie Joe X. , Gleason Patrick T. , Daneshmand Mani , Babaliaros Vasilis C. , Keeling Brent 
Published: January 2025

Objective: Percutaneous vegetation debulking has been reported to treat tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (TVIE), but data on feasibility compared with conventional surgical strategies are limited. We aimed to compare short-term outcomes of suction debulking with partial venovenous bypass to conventional open surgery in this population. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study that included all patients with isolated TVIE who underwent suction debulking with partial venovenous bypass or tricuspid valve surgery between January 2010 and December 2022. Patient characteristics, procedural data, and clinical outcomes were compared. Results: Of the 45 patients included, 16 (35.6%) underwent suction debulking and the remainder (64.4%) underwent surgery. Baseline characteristics were comparable, including high rates of preprocedure hemodialysis (11.1%), prior infectious endocarditis (44.4%), intravenous drug use (60.0%), presence of tricuspid bioprostheses (24.4%), and septic shock (40.0%). Suction debulking had a shorter procedure time than surgery (206 [176 to 224] min vs 400 [325 to 487] min, P < 0.001) and was associated with numerically lower rates of various complications including acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, limb ischemia, and dysrhythmia requiring pacemaker. Over a mean follow-up period of 473 ± 604 days, recurrent endocarditis (37.5% vs 17.2%, P = 0.25) and the need for reintervention (50.0% vs 17.2%, P = 0.048) were higher with suction debulking. However, all-cause mortality was similar between the groups (12.5% vs 10.3%, P > 0.99). Conclusions: Suction debulking can safely be performed in patients with isolated TVIE with shorter procedural times and similar midterm all-cause mortality compared with surgery. Suction debulking may be appropriate initial therapy for this complex population.
Arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunion with debridement and cancellous bone grafting before or after K-wire fixation
Authors: Quemener–Tanguy Alexandre , Vigié Rémy , Koelhy Axel , Ballet Safire , De Villeneuve Bargemon Jean-Baptiste , Levadoux Michel 
Published: January 2025

We compared the outcomes of two groups of patients with scaphoid nonunion treated with arthroscopic cancellous bone grafting. In group 1, K-wires were introduced beforehand and in group 2 after debridement and packing bone grafts in the nonunion site. Our hypothesis was that the percentage of unions would be higher in group 2. We conducted a retrospective, single-centre comparative study of two consecutive series of patients. Seventeen patients in group 1 were operated between 2011 and 2015 and 25 patients in group 2 between 2015 and 2022. At 3 months, there was already a significant difference in consolidation, with three fractures united in group 1 and 21 in group 2. At 6 months, 10 patients (59%) united in group 1 and 24 (96%) in group 2. Debridement of the nonunion site without K-wires in place may allow a more thorough debridement and extensive filling of the defect with bone graft. If an arthroscopic technique is used for scaphoid nonunion, we do not recommend prior fixation with K-wires. Level of evidence: III
Arthroscopic foveal reattachment of triangular fibrocartilage complex: Inside-out technique at specific ulnocarpal anatomical landmarks
Authors: Waitayawinyu Thanapong , Kanjanapirom Patipan , Siritattamrong Pitchapa , Boonyasirikool Chinnakart , Niempoog Sunyarn 
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the outcomes of arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal reattachment using an inside-out suture passing through the TFCC at specific ulnocarpal anatomical landmarks to grasp the radioulnar ligaments. Thirty-eight patients with a mean age of 36 years (range 19–54), diagnosed with TFCC injury with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, underwent arthroscopic inside-out TFCC foveal reattachment using designated suture sites. At a mean follow-up of 32 months (range 26–44), pain score, range of motion, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and Modified Mayo Wrist Score all showed significant improvement after surgery. The DRUJ stability was restored and the minimal clinically important difference threshold for the DASH score was achieved in all patients. Arthroscopic TFCC foveal reattachment using the inside-out technique at specific ulnocarpal anatomical landmarks provided reliable outcomes and could be considered as another straightforward procedure for treating TFCC injuries with DRUJ instability. Level of evidence: IV
Novel approach for noninvasive pelvic floor muscle strength measurement using extracorporeal surface perineal pressure measurement and machine learning modeling
Authors: Hwang Ui-jae , Ahn Sun-hee , Lee Hyeon-ju , Jeon Yurin , Jeon Myung Jae 
Published: January 2025

Objective Accurate measurement of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength is crucial for the management of pelvic floor disorders. However, the current methods are invasive, uncomfortable, and lack standardization. This study aimed to introduce a novel noninvasive approach for precise PFM strength quantification by leveraging extracorporeal surface perineal pressure (ESPP) measurements and machine learning algorithms. Methods Twenty-one healthy women participated in this study. ESPP measurements were obtained using a 10 × 10 pressure array sensor during maximal voluntary PFM contractions in a seated position. Simultaneously, transabdominal ultrasound was used to measure bladder base displacement (mm) as a reference for PFM contraction strength. Seven ESPP variables were calculated based on ESPP data and intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed. Machine learning algorithms predicted bladder base displacement from ESPP variables. Results The ESPP measurements demonstrated good to excellent intra-rater (ICC = 0.881) and inter-rater (ICC = 0.967) reliability. Significant correlations were observed between bladder base displacement and middle ( r = .619, P < .001) and front ( r = −.379, P =.002) vectors. The top-performing models for predicting bladder base displacement were the support vector machine [root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.139, R2 = 0.542], random forest (RMSE = 0.123, R2 = 0.367), and AdaBoost (RMSE = 0.123, R2 = 0.320) on the training set, and AdaBoost (RMSE = 0.173, R2 = 0.537), random forest (RMSE = 0.177, R2 = 0.512), and support vector machine (RMSE = 0.178, R2 = 0.508) on the test set. In predicting bladder base displacement, Bland–Altman analysis revealed these models had minimal systematic bias, with mean differences ranging from −0.007 to 0.066, and clinically acceptable limits of agreement. Conclusion This study demonstrates the potential of ESPP measurements and machine learning algorithms as a reliable and valid noninvasive approach for assessing PFM strength by quantifying the directionality of contractions, overcoming the limitations of traditional techniques.
Renal thrombotic microangiopathy from Bevacizumab treated with Eculizumab: A case report
Authors: Fardi Yasameen , Grosser Daniel , Rashidi Arash 
Published: January 2025

We present a case of a 76 year old female with biopsy proven thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to Bevacizumab, who was treated with Eculizumab. She had a history of hepatocellular carcinoma that was treated with Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab. She presented to the hospital for peripheral edema and confusion with workup significant for acute kidney injury and proteinuria. Renal biopsy revealed findings consistent with thrombotic microangiopathy. Her renal function continued to worsen eventually requiring hemodialysis. Bevacizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeting monoclonal antibody that is associated with hypertension, proteinuria, and renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Pathophysiology of injury includes direct endothelial cell injury and initial treatment is drug discontinuation. Our patient presented with worsening acute kidney injury (AKI) despite receiving her last dose of Bevacizumab 1 month prior. For this reason, therapy with Eculizumab was started and she received a total of four doses with outcome of improved urine output and stabilization of serum creatinine off of dialysis. This case suggests further therapeutic role of Eculizumab for Bevacizumab associated TMA.
Elucidation of delignification promotion mechanism by soda cooking with addition of anthraquinone derivative using phenolic β-O-4-type lignin model oligomer
Authors: Luo Ke , Nishimoto Taiki , Matsushita Yasuyuki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Using an artificial lignin model oligomer containing only the β-O-4 substructure, we investigated the mechanism, whereby the addition of an anthraquinone derivative (2-ethylanthraquinone; 2-EAQ) promotes pulping during alkaline cooking. Heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC NMR) analysis of the reaction products after cooking revealed that an enol ether signal appeared in the spectrum of the product without 2-EAQ, whereas it was not detected in the product with 2-EAQ. This result implies that the reduced type of 2-EAQ (2-ethylanthrahydroquinone, 2-EAHQ) attacked the lignin model oligomer, which promoted β-ether cleavage during soda cooking and reduced the elimination of γ-OH to form enol ether. When 2-EAQ was added, coniferyl alcohol was detected in the black liquor, confirming the reductive degradation of the lignin model oligomer by 2-EAHQ. Surprisingly, the degradation of the lignin model oligomers was accelerated, even in the absence of carbohydrates. Vanillic acid (VA) and ferulic acid (FA) were detected in the degradation products of the lignin model oligomer, suggesting that 2-EAQ oxidized not only the carbohydrates but also the degradation products to form 2-EAHQ.