bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the effects of volume change on flow structure and acoustic in a silencer
Authors: Yimam Ezedin Ayaliew , Demircan Tolga 
Published: September 2023

This study numerically examined the propellant flow from gunfire using the kω-SST turbulence model and their sound attenuation using the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkins equations (FW-H). For simulation, a pressure-based solver and 3D axisymmetric geometry were used. The second-order implicit time approach and the second-order upwind scheme spatial discretization were used in the simulation. The maximum exit pressure was 3.748 MPa for the suppressor with a length of 70 mm and diameter of 20 mm. However, when the diameter suppressor increased by 1/6, the maximum exit pressure was reduced to 3.4961 MPa. When the length increased by 1/6, the maximum pressure became 3.3636 MPa. Lastly, when the diameter and length were increased by 1/6, the maximum exit pressure became 3.177 MPa. For this suppressor, 20.835 dB (12.29%) sound pressure level attenuation was achieved with 16.823 MPa (84.115%) overpressure reduction and 484.86 K or 32.32% temperature reduction. Generally, the attenuation increased with the increase in the suppressor’s internal volume.
Investigation on comfort and water repellant properties of the Rtv-2 (Bi-component room temperature vulcanizing silicone) silicone coated woven fabric
Authors: Pektaş Koray , Balcı Onur , Ibis Ayrin 
Published: September 2023

The main goal of the study is to be obtained water repellant properties of woven fabric coated by Bi-Component Room Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone (RTV-2 silicone) and investigate the physical and thermal properties of these fabrics. In addition, the interaction between calendaring, sanforizing processes, which were known as mechanical finishing treatments, and RTV-2 coating application was investigated in terms of fabric physical performance. According to these experimental results, the possibility of the RTV-2 type silicone as alternative to C6 and C8 based fluorocarbon can be discussed. In this experiment, the woven fabric was coated by RTV-2 silicone with two different coating thickness (0.6 mm and 0.8 mm). The effect of the RTV-2 silicone onto woven fabric were examined and enlightened by physical performance and water repellence tests such as contact angle degree and spray rating tests. The results from contact angle degree and spray rating test pointed out that RTV-2 silicone coated fabric had up to 153.27° contact angle degree and ISO 3 (80) spray rating value whereas untreated fabric had 85.81° contact angle degree and 0 spray rating value. Thermal comfort test (ALAMBETA) showed that, thermal capacity value of the fabric decreased from 0.064 mm2/s to 0.040 mm2/s after RTV-2 silicone coating. On the other hand, thermal absorptivity value of the fabric increased from 117.25 to 234.95 W.%s/m2.K which leaded to increase the cold feeling of the fabric after coating RTV-2 silicone regardless of coating thickness and mechanical finishing processes. Photos from the textile surfaces were taken via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). It was obviously seen surface morphology after coating and mechanical finishing processes. At the end of the study, it was determined that it is possible to say that RTV-2 silicone usage can positively affect water repellant properties of the fabric while thermal comfort and tactile comfort properties is negatively affected. Fabric performance test such as pilling, abrasion resistance and color fastness to washing did not showed any change after RTV-2 silicone coating and mechanical finishing processes. As for the mechanical finishing processes interaction between RTV-2 silicone, it was seen that the RTV-2 silicone was affected by finishing processes.
Contribution of Doppler Ultrasound of the Supra-Aortic Trunks in the Etiological Evaluation of Ischemic Strokes at the Douala General Hospital
Authors: Kamdem Félicité , Maka Kamdem Farol , Kenmegne Caroline , Fenkeu Kweban Jaff , Ngono Atéba Glwadys , Massi Gams Daniel , Mbahe Salomon , Mouliom Sidick Aboubakar , Ngoté Henri , Viché Lade , Ndom Ebongue Marie Solange , Djibrilla Siddikatou , Bika Léle Elysée Claude , Dzudié Anastase , Mapoure Njankouo Yacouba 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The advent of Doppler ultrasound has revolutionized the diagnosis of even subclinical atherosclerosis of the neck vessels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic trunks in the etiological evaluation of ischemic stroke. Methods: Our cross-sectional and analytical study with retrospective and prospective data collection more than 8 years from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017, involved patients aged at least 21 years who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke. Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic trunks allowed us to group carotid atherosclerotic plaques into 5 grades according to the Gray-Weal classification modified by Geroulakos. Similarly, we assessed the degree of carotid stenosis in these patients. Factors associated with atherosclerotic plaques and stenosis were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Associations with a P < 0.1 in univariate regression were included in the multivariate model. Differences were considered significant for P < .05. Results: We recruited 271 patients with a mean age of 60 ± 12 years. Hypertension, increased low-density lipoprotein, diabetes, smoking, and obesity were present in 76.8%, 74.7%, 36.5%, 9.6%, and 80.1%, respectively. Atherosclerotic carotid plaques were found in 76.0% of the patients. For the left carotid artery, Grade I, II, and III plaques were present in 32.4%, 30.5%, and 21.4% of these patients, respectively, and the results were similar in the right carotid artery. Age ≥60 years, female gender, and increased low-density lipoprotein were significantly associated with carotid atherosclerosis (odds ratio = 12.6, P = .003; odds ratio = 3.23, P = .001; and odds ratio = 4, P = .002, respectively). Carotid stenosis ≥50% was found in 5.9% of patients with plaque, and age >70 years was significantly associated with these stenoses (odds ratio = 4.74, P = .045). Conclusion: Our study showed a high prevalence of atherosclerotic carotid plaques (76.0%) and stenosis (5.9%) among patients with ischemic strokes who had Doppler ultrasound of the neck vessels. Age is a powerful risk factor associated with carotid atherosclerosis and stenosis. Female gender and dyslipidemia are also significantly associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaques.
A Novel Isobaric (Gas-Less) Laparoscopic Surgery Device
Authors: Leahy Patrick F. 
Published: September 2023

Background Laparoscopic Surgery is performed using carbon dioxide gas insufflated into the abdominal cavity to create a space for endoscopic visualization. During a laparoscopic surgical dissection plume is formed from electrocautery dissection. This plume contains viruses and sometimes COVID-19 viruses. The plume obscures the visual field. The unfiltered plume release is dangerous to surgeons, nurses, and patients. The loss of visualization during carbon dioxide release delays surgery. The use of carbon dioxide insufflated gas can have side effects such as C02 embolus, pain from diaphragmatic stretching, physiological complications such as respiratory infections and renal problems. The release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, unfiltered is significant. This accounts for 7% of greenhouse gases globally. This percentage is rising due to expansion of minimally invasive surgery. Methodology The proposed system for gasless surgery was designed by algorithms of tensegrity and geodesic dome pressures. Experiment results 100 simulator studies were performed to develop the device to elevate the abdominal wall to create a gas free (isobaric) space for Laparoscopic Surgery. After design freeze, 4 animal studies were performed using ethical research guidelines at Amsterdam Medical Centre Research Department, Netherlands. 3 cadaveric studies were performed using Ethical guidelines at Hackensack University Medical Centre, New Jersey, USA, to evaluate the device in a human setting. Conclusions These devices for Laparoscopic Surgery, Robotic Surgery, and Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (HALS) successfully proved that a superior intra-abdominal space can be created without carbon dioxide insufflation. The devices are patented in USA and Europe.
Delphi-Based Survey for Surgical Indications in Biopsy Proven Active Adult Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Venugopal Menon K. , Basu Saumyajit , Oka Gauri , Gohil Kushal 
Published: September 2023

Study Design Delphi survey. Objectives To obtain an expert consensus on various dilemmas in the surgical treatment of adult spinal tuberculosis (TB) patients. Methods Stage I included a literature review, stage II the identification of 40 Key Opinion leaders (KOLs) and a set of 46 questions, stage III included analysis of 3 rounds of the Delphi survey, and stage IV had final analysis and recommendations. For each question, the level of agreement needed to reach a consensus was set at greater than or equal to 70.0%. Results The first and second Delphi survey rounds received 62 and 58 responses, respectively, with 16 questions having more than 70% and two questions having 100% agreement in the first stage. The second stage saw a 70% agreement on six questions. Thus, a consensus was obtained on 22 questions. The recommendations that emerged were as follows: neurodeficit with corresponding radiology and neurological deficit appearing/deteriorating while on anti-tubercular chemotherapy(ATT) are absolute indications for surgery, duration of ATT before neurological deterioration need not be considered, epidural abscess does not need decompression unless concordant clinical neurological findings are present, pain not responding to medical management is not a surgical indication, active pulmonary TB, drug-resistant TB, and tubercular sacroiliitis are not considered as surgical indications, and hemoglobin and other health markers have little contribution to surgical indications. Conclusion In order to resolve several conundrums in the surgical treatment of adult spinal TB, this Delphi survey is the first to achieve a national consensus from spine experts. The final recommendations cover the serological, radiographic, and clinical aspects of spinal TB.
Changes in stroke and TIA admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gunnarsson Karin , Tofiq Avin , Mathew Alen , Cao Yang , von Euler Mia , Ström Jakob O 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To perform a meta-analysis on how the admissions of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) changed during the Corona Virus infection-19 (COVID-19) pandemic and evaluate if the effect was depending on stroke severity. Methods: Observational cohort studies comparing the number of stroke and/or TIA admissions during a period of the pandemic compared to a period before the pandemic were identified in PubMed and Embase. After excluding studies with overlapping populations and studies without satisfactory case ascertainment, data was extracted and meta-analyzed. Findings: A total of 59 studies were included. During the pandemic, there was a decrease in admissions of ischemic stroke (admission rate ratio (ARR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72, 0.82), intracerebral hemorrhage (ARR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.90) and TIA (ARR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.75). Albeit admission rates of both mild (ARR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.77) and severe (ARR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.95) strokes decreased, milder strokes decreased more (proportion ratio (PR) = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.89). Discussion: Potential causes for the admission reduction could be strict prioritizations within the health care, patients’ fear of acquiring COVID-19, or decreased access to health care due to lockdowns. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in admissions of stroke and TIA, possibly caused by reluctance to seek medical care.
Dynamic changes in liver function tests do not correctly reclassify patients at risk of choledocholithiasis beyond ASGE 2019 criteria
Authors: Ramírez-Peña Tatiana , Vargas-Rubio Rómulo Darío , Lombo Carlos Ernesto , Rodríguez-Hortua Luis Miguel , Muñoz-Velandia Oscar Mauricio 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Dynamic changes in liver function tests have been proposed to correctly reclassify the risk of choledocholithiasis; however, information is scarce and insufficient to recommend its use. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to moderate and high risk of choledocholithiasis according to the 2019 American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines. We evaluated whether significant changes in liver function tests (bilirubin, transaminases, or alkaline phosphatase), defined as an increase or a reduction ⩾30 or ⩾50% between two measurements taken with a difference of 24–72 h can correctly reclassify the risk of choledocholithiasis beyond the ASGE guidelines. The net reclassification index (NRI) was calculated for patients with and without choledocholithiasis. Results: Among 1175 patients who underwent ERCP, 170 patients were included in the analysis (59.4% women, median 59.5 years). Among patients without a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, the number of patients correctly reclassified by transaminases was slightly higher than those incorrectly reclassified (NRI = 0.24 for aspartate amino transaminase and 0.20 for alanine amino transaminase). However, among patients with a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, it led to incorrect reclassification in a greater number of cases (NRI = −0.21 and −0.14, respectively). The benefits of reclassification were minimal for bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, or for value changes >50%. A subgroup analysis showed similar findings in patients without a history of cholecystectomy and in those with normal bile duct. Conclusion: Dynamic changes in liver function tests do not improve choledocholithiasis risk classification beyond the 2019 ASGE criteria. New criteria should continue to be sought to optimize risk stratification.
Benign urinary bladder masses: rare entities
Authors: Jakus Dora , Jurić Ivan , Šitum Marijan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to present the characteristics and outcomes of benign urinary bladder masses, as well as the characteristics of the patients diagnosed with such lesions.

Methods
A single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted. The study involved patients who underwent transurethral resection of the primary bladder tumor over a four-year period (May 2017–2021) and were subsequently diagnosed with a benign bladder lesion.

Results
Out of 478 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the primary bladder tumor, 26 (5.4%) were diagnosed with a benign bladder lesion. The most common benign bladder lesion was urothelial papilloma (50%, 13 patients). The majority of patients with urothelial papilloma were men (76.9%) and had a history of smoking (61.5%). The mean age was 62 years. Most were diagnosed accidentally (69.2%), while others presented with hematuria (23.1%) or dysuria (7.7%). Most urothelial papillomas had a macroscopic polypoid appearance (61.5%), and most of them were solitary (84.6%), with a mean size amounting to 1 cm. Only one patient experienced a recurrence and developed papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP). Cystitis cystica/glandularis and polypoid cystitis were the second most commonly diagnosed benign bladder lesion, each identified in 3 patients. Singular cases of leiomyoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, chondroma, paraganglioma, villous adenoma, eosinophilic cystitis (pseudotumor), and ectopic prostatic tissue are described.

Conclusion
Benign bladder lesions constitute a group of various rare entities that can clinically and radiologically mimic urothelial carcinoma, but mostly show a good prognosis and a low incidence of recurrence.
Gap between the concerns of healthcare professionals and parents’ perceptions regarding dietary habits for 18-month- and 3-year-old children in Japan
Authors: Ishikawa Midori , Morinaga Yumiko , Haraikawa Mayu , Akiyama Yuka , Sasaki Kemal , Horie Saki , Yoshiike Nobuo , Yamazaki Yoshihisa , Yokoyama Tetsuji 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
A gap has been reported between healthcare professionals’ (hereafter “professionals”) recognition of preschool children’s diets and parents’ perception of concern. This study investigated the gap between the concerns reported by professionals and parents’ perceptions regarding health and dietary habits by age (18 months and 3 years) and gender in Japan.

Methods
The study design consisted of a cross-sectional, multilevel survey. The request letters were sent to all households with target children with the cooperation of local governments. After obtaining written informed consent from parents, questionnaires were distributed to them. The survey included 30 items on children's concerns about health and dietary habits. At the health checkup, parents indicated whether they were concerned in response to each item, and responded child’s height and weight and birth height and weight. Next, the professionals provided counseling to the parents at a health checkup. After that, the professionals noted their concerns in response to the same 30 items as those given to parents. The participation rates were 82.9% (18 months) and 82.8% (3 years). Data of 239 persons for 18 months and 223 persons for 3 years old were analyzed. In the statistical analysis, the items that were judged as concerning by professionals but not by parents were identified; likewise, the items that were of concern to parents but not to professionals were identified. Sensitivity, false negative rate, specificity, false positive rate, and Youden index were calculated to analyze the discordance rate for each item.

Results
Many parents in this study were concerned about the issues that professionals did not consider to be concerning. Moreover, the parents worried about more issues for 3-year-olds than for 18-month-olds. The items for which ≥ 10 professionals indicated concerns and with higher discordance between the professionals and parents for both boys and girls were “picky eating” for 18-month-olds and “inconsistent amount of food” for 3-year-olds.

Conclusions
The concerns that professionals have with respect to children's diets and the things that parents worry about show gaps. It might be necessary to provide professional counseling for parents to develop a correct understanding of their children’s dietary habits.
Association of cigarette smoking with increased use of heated tobacco products in middle-aged and older adults with self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and asthma-COPD overlap in Japan, 2022: the JASTIS study
Authors: Noguchi Shingo , Ishimaru Tomohiro , Fujino Yoshihisa , Yatera Kazuhiro , Tabuchi Takahiro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Smoking cessation is the most important intervention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and asthma-COPD overlap (ACO); however, high rates of current cigarette smoking are observed in adults with these respiratory diseases. Meanwhile, rapidly increasing use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) is observed in Japan; however, the status of HTPs use has not been fully understood in adults with COPD, asthma, and ACO. This study aimed to reveal the association between COPD, asthma, and ACO and HTPs use in adults.

Methods
Data on Japanese individuals ≥ 40 years old obtained from the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey were analyzed. The prevalence of HTPs use in adults with COPD, asthma, and ACO, among individuals categorized into three groups according to cigarette smoking (never, former, and current), was calculated and the relationship between each disease and HTPs use were evaluated. The clinical diagnosis of these diseases was based on the self-reported diagnosis, as obtained from questionnaires.

Results
A total of 19,308 individuals were included. The proportions of never, past, and current cigarettes smokers were 10,900 (56.5%), 4,903 (25.4%), and 3,505 (18.2%), respectively, and that of HTPs use was 1,813 (9.4%). In current cigarettes smokers, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of HTPs use was 2.88 (95% CI [confidence interval], 1.86–4.47), 1.23 (95% CI, 0.99–1.52), and 5.81 (95% CI, 3.12–10.82) in adults with COPD, asthma, and ACO compared to those without these respiratory diseases, respectively. Meanwhile, in past cigarettes smokers, the adjusted ORs of HTPs use was 0.51 (95% CI, 0.24–1.08), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.53–0.88), and 0.25 (95% CI, 0.06–1.07) in adults with COPD, asthma, and ACO, respectively.

Conclusions
HTPs use is more prevalent among current cigarettes smokers with COPD, asthma, and ACO compared to those without these respiratory diseases. Complete cessation of smoking both cigarettes and HTPs is the only way to achieve complete smoking cessation, therefore, adults with COPD, asthma, and ACO need to make greater efforts to quit smoking.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Serum bilirubin levels in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: an association with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Peng You-Fan , Lu Fei-Yan , Ma Li-Ya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
We aimed to assess the association between serum bilirubin levels and interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Materials and methods
The retrospectively analysis included 89 consecutive patients with pSS, we collected the clinical materials of pSS patients from the electronic medical records, and all pSS patients were divide into pSS with ILD group and pSS without ILD group.

Results
Serum bilirubin levels were significantly lower in pSS patients with ILD than those without ILD (p = 0.010). Serum bilirubin levels showed a significant negative correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r = -0.321, p = 0.002) in patients with pSS. A multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that serum bilirubin presented an independent association with ILD in patients with pSS (OR = 0.841, 95%CI:0.728–0.972, p = 0.019).

Conclusion
Serum bilirubin is independently associated with ILD and therefore may be a promising marker of ILD in patients with pSS.
Active surveillance should not be routinely considered in ISUP grade group 2 prostate cancer
Authors: Gandaglia Giorgio , Leni Riccardo , Plagakis Sophie , Stabile Armando , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto 
Published: September 2023

AbstractActive surveillance has been proposed as a therapeutic option in selected intermediate risk patients with biopsy grade group 2 prostate cancer. However, its oncologic safety in this setting is debated. Therefore, we conducted a non-systematic literature research of contemporary surveillance protocols including patients with grade group 2 disease to collect the most recent evidence in this setting. Although no randomized controlled trial compared curative-intent treatments, namely radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy vs. active surveillance in patients with grade group 2 disease, surgery is associated with a benefit in terms of disease control and survival when compared to expectant management in the intermediate risk setting. Patients with grade group 2 on active surveillance were at higher risk of disease progression and treatment compared to their grade group 1 counterparts. Up to 50% of those patients were eventually treated at 5 years, and the metastases-free survival rate was as low as 85% at 15-years. When considering low- and intermediate risk patients treated with radical prostatectomy, grade group 2 was one of the strongest predictors of grade upgrading and adverse features. Available data is insufficient to support the oncologic safety of active surveillance in all men with grade group 2 prostate cancer. Therefore, those patients should be counselled regarding the oncologic efficacy of upfront active treatment modalities and the lack of robust long-term data supporting the safety of active surveillance in this setting.