bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conjoined thoracodorsal perforator‐supercharged dorsal intercostal artery perforator propeller flap for reconstruction of a complex upper back defect: Case report and review of the literature on supercharged pedicled perforator flaps
Authors: Brunetti Beniamino , Salzillo Rosa , De Bernardis Riccardo , Tenna Stefania , Camilloni Chiara , Persichetti Paolo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe reported complications' rate of perforator propeller flaps is variably high, but the etiology of distal flap necrosis, potentially linked to vascular insufficiency, is yet to be clarified. Vascular augmentation procedures have been previously described involving an extra anastomosis of a superficial vein, while a perforator‐to‐perforator supercharging approach has been only sporadically documented in literature. We present a case of perforator‐to‐perforator vascular supercharging of an extended dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) propeller flap to provide a salvage option for pedicled flap complicated by venous congestion. A 71‐year‐old male patient underwent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans resection in the upper back, leading to a 17 × 17 cm defect with bone exposure. A 30 × 9 cm DICAP propeller flap was planned, with the distal third of the flap designed over the adjacent Thoracodorsal artery perforasome, in a conjoined fashion. Considering the small DICAP pedicle caliber and the flap lateral extension, a thoracodorsal artery perforator vein was dissected and included in the distal flap. Once the flap was raised on its main pedicle, the skin paddle turned blue, showing signs of venous insufficiency. Indocyanine green angiography (ICG) showed a viable proximal half of the flap. Hence, after rotating the skin paddle to reach the upper margin of the defect, an additional anastomosis between the perforating thoracodorsal vein and the perforating vein of the dorsal scapular pedicle was performed according to the perforator‐to‐perforator approach. Doing so, both clinical and ICG examinations showed a well perfused flap, with normal capillary refill. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient obtained a good oncological and reconstructive result 4 months postoperatively. The second Vasconez law (“all of the flap will survive except the part that you need”) is often encountered in propeller flaps surgery. Our case shows that it is possible to prevent or overcome this problem by planning appropriate vascular augmentation procedures according to the perforator‐to‐perforator approach, being guided by advanced vascular imaging tools like ICG.
A Mediterranean Diet‐Based Metabolomic Score and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Case–Control Analysis Nested within the Three‐City Cohort Study
Authors: Tor‐Roca Alba , Sánchez‐Pla Alex , Korosi Aniko , Pallàs Mercè , Lucassen Paul J. , Castellano‐Escuder Pol , Aigner Ludwig , González‐Domínguez Raúl , Manach Claudine , Carmona Francisco , Vegas Esteban , Helmer Catherine , Feart Catherine , Lefèvre‐Arbogast Sophie , Neuffer Jeanne , Lee Hyunah , Thuret Sandrine , Andres‐Lacueva Cristina , Samieri Cécilia , Urpi‐Sarda Mireia 
Published: October 2023

ScopeEvidence on the Mediterranean diet (MD) and age‐related cognitive decline (CD) is still inconclusive partly due to self‐reported dietary assessment. The aim of the current study is to develop an MD‐ metabolomic score (MDMS) and investigate its association with CD in community‐dwelling older adults.Methods and resultsThis study includes participants from the Three‐City Study from the Bordeaux (n = 418) and Dijon (n = 422) cohorts who are free of dementia at baseline. Repeated measures of cognition over 12 years are collected. An MDMS is designed based on serum biomarkers related to MD key food groups and using a targeted metabolomics platform. Associations with CD are investigated through conditional logistic regression (matched on age, sex, and education level) in both sample sets. The MDMS is found to be inversely associated with CD (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 0.90 [0.80–1.00]; p = 0.048) in the Bordeaux (discovery) cohort. Results are comparable in the Dijon (validation) cohort, with a trend toward significance (OR [95% CI] = 0.91 [0.83–1.01]; p = 0.084).ConclusionsA greater adherence to the MD, here assessed by a serum MDMS, is associated with lower odds of CD in older adults.
Dietary Supplement with Tribulus terrestris L. Extract Exhibits Protective Effects on Ischemic Stroke Rats
Authors: Guo Wenjun , Yang Jingxuan , Wang Jifeng , Xu Xiaohang , Huang Jinghan , Liu Yue , Xie Shengxu , Xu Yajuan 
Published: October 2023

ScopeAmong herbal dietary supplements, the extract of Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) has been used as a commercially registered product in multiple studies. The previous studies demonstrate the protective effect of gross saponins of TT (GSTTF) on ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism by which GSTTF protects against ischemic stroke is still unclear.Methods and resultsThe study applies molecular biology and unbiased transcriptomics to explore the pathways and targets underlying the therapeutic impact of GSTTF in treating ischemic stroke. The mRNA of brain tissues from different groups is analyzed using a transcriptomics method. The data reveal that treatment with GSTTF significantly reduces elevated CRP, IL‐6, and Ca2+ levels induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). A total of 61 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are identified, GSTTF is found to effectively reverse the abnormal mRNA expression levels in rat brain tissues affected by ischemic stroke models. These positive effects of GSTTF are likely achieved through the suppression of calcium ion and the MyD88/IKK/NF‐κB signaling pathway.ConclusionsThis study uncovers the mechanisms behind the efficacy of GSTTF in treating ischemic stroke, which not only expands its potential medicinal applications but also confirmed its potential as a dietary supplement.
Signal‐difference‐to‐noise comparison of temporal subtraction, kV‐switching dual‐energy and photon‐counting dual‐energy x‐ray angiography
Authors: Aubert Sarah , Tanguay Jesse 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundDual‐energy (DE) x‐ray angiography with photon‐counting detectors (PCDs) may enable single‐exposure DE imaging of coronary vasculature.PurposeTo compare the iodine signal‐difference‐to‐noise ratio (SDNR) of single‐exposure DE angiography with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and kV‐switching DE angiography for matched patient x‐ray exposure.MethodsIn a phantom study, we determined the technique parameters that maximized the iodine SDNR per root entrance air kerma for DSA, kV‐switching DE angiography and single‐exposure DE angiography. We measured SDNR from images of a phantom consisting of an iodine step‐wedge immersed in a water tank of either 20 or 30 cm in thickness. We also imaged a phantom with simulated vessels embedded in background clutter and measured vessel SDNR. For this second phantom, we also applied anti‐correlated noise reduction (ACNR) and calculated the resulting iodine SDNR. All images were acquired using a cadmium telluride PCD with two energy bins and analog charge summing for charge sharing suppression. The energy‐discrimination capabilities were only used for the single‐exposure DE approach. Optimized techniques were compared in terms of SDNR per root air kerma for two levels of x‐ray scatter.ResultsFor the same patient x‐ray exposure, the SDNR of single‐exposure DE imaging without ACNR was 75% to 85% of that of kV‐switching DE imaging (also without ACNR) and DSA, the latter two of which had nearly equal SDNR. The single‐exposure DE approach required ∼50% of the tube load of the kV‐switching approach to achieve the same SDNR. For matched patient air kermas, the single exposure approach required only ∼25% of the tube load of the kV‐switching approach. ACNR increased SDNR by 2.4 and 3.0 for kV‐switching and single‐exposure DE imaging, respectively.ConclusionsPhoton‐counting, single‐exposure DE angiography can suppress soft tissues and provide iodine SDNR levels comparable to DSA and kV‐switching DE angiography for matched patient radiation exposures. When ACNR is used to reduce DE image noise, the SDNR of single‐exposure DE imaging and kV‐switching DE imaging exceed that of DSA by more than a factor of two. Compared to kV‐switching DE imaging, single‐exposure DE imaging requires substantially lower tube loading to achieve the same SDNR.
An optimized DEM‐SPH model for surge waves induced by riverside landslides
Authors: Li Yang , Liu Hong‐Qing , Yang Lei , Liu Yong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRiverside landslides can induce surge waves during the process of entering water. The landslide‐induced surge wave is often regarded as a significant secondary disaster, as its impact region is likely to be even more remarkable than the landslide itself. Due to the large deformation of the soil landslide and water body during the evolution of surge waves, commonly adopted multi‐phase flow models and mesh‐based methods coupled with discrete element models have some limitations, such as weak accuracy, and simulation distortion with immature coupling algorithms. As a result, the pure meshless method of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) coupling discrete element methods (DEM) become promising. Modified from the traditional empirical formulae‐based coupling algorithm, this study proposes a semi‐resolved algorithm that effectively eliminates the particle distortion at the fluid‐solid coupling interface. The proposed model demonstrates its superiority through a comparison of the pressure and porosity near the coupling interface. Furthermore, the optimized DEM‐SPH model is applied to simulate landslide‐induced surge waves, and the simulation results have also validated the accuracy of the model. This model is capable of accurately simulating the entire propagation process from landslide entry into water to the wave reaching the opposite shore, and therefore provides an effective tool for the prediction and mitigation of wave hazards caused by landslides.
Beyond the urothelium: Interplay between autonomic nervous system and bladder inflammation in urinary tract infection, bladder pain syndrome with interstitial cystitis and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in spinal cord injury—ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Wyndaele Michel , Charrua Ana , Hervé François , Aronsson Patrik , Grundy Luke , Khullar Vik , Wein Alan , Abrams Paul , Cruz Francisco , Cruz Célia Duarte 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionInflammation and neuronal hypersensitivity are reactive protective mechanisms after urothelial injury. In lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD), such as urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder pain syndrome with interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and neurogenic LUTD after spinal cord injury (SCI), chronic inflammation can develop. It is unclear how the protective reactionary inflammation escalates into chronic disease in some patients.MethodsDuring its 2023 meeting in Bristol, the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS) reviewed the urothelial and inflammatory changes after UTI, BPS/IC and SCI. Potential factors contributing to the evolution into chronic disease were explored in a think‐tank.ResultsFive topics were discussed. (1) Visceral fat metabolism participates in the systemic pro‐inflammatory effect of noradrenalin in BPS/IC and SCI. Sympathetic nervous system‐adipocyte‐bladder crosstalk needs further investigation. (2) Sympathetic hyperactivity also potentiates immune depression in SCI and needs to be investigated in BPS/IC. Gabapentin and tumor necrosis factor‐α are promising research targets. (3) The exact peripheral neurons involved in the integrative protective unit formed by nervous and immune systems need to be further identified. (4) Neurotransmitter changes in SCI and BPS/IC: Neurotransmitter crosstalk needs to be considered in identifying new therapeutic targets. (5) The change from eubiosis to dysbiosis in SCI can contribute to UTI susceptibility and needs to be unraveled.ConclusionsThe think‐tank discussed whether visceral fat metabolism, immune depression through sympathetic hyperactivity, peripheral nerves and neurotransmitter crosstalk, and the change in microbiome could provide explanations in the heterogenic development of chronic inflammation in LUTD. High‐priority research questions were identified.
Crystal Modifications of a Cyclic Guanosine Phosphorothioate Analogue, a Drug Candidate for Retinal Neurodegenerations
Authors: Pérez Oswaldo , Schipper Nicolaas , Leandri Valentina , Svensson Per H. , Bohlin Martin , Loftsson Thorsteinn , Bollmark Martin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn contribution to the pharmaceutical development of cyclic guanosine monophosphorothioate analogue cGMPSA as a potential active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), its neutral form (cGMPSA‐H) and salts of sodium (‐Na), calcium (‐Ca), ammonium (‐NH4), triethylammonium (‐TEA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (‐Tris), benethamine (‐Bnet), and benzathine (‐BZ) were prepared. Their solid‐state properties were studied with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, hot‐stage microscopy, and dynamic vapor sorption, and their solubilities were measured in deionized H2O as well as aqueous HCl and NaOH buffers. A total of 21 crystal modifications of cGMPSA were found and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction. Despite their crystalline character, no API forms featured any observable melting points during thermal analyses and instead underwent exothermic decomposition at ≥163 °C. Both the vapor sorption behavior and solubility were found to differ significantly across the API forms. cGMPSA‐BZ featured the lowest aqueous solubility and hygroscopicity, with 50 μg/mL and 5 % mass gain at maximum relative humidity. The synthesis and crystallization of some crystal modifications were upscaled to >10 g. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction was performed which resulted in the first crystal structure determination and absolute configuration of a cyclic guanosine monophosphorothioate, confirming the RP‐ conformation at the phosphorus atom.
Physical capacity in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schmidt‐Andersen Peter , Stage Anna , Pouplier Anna , Bastholm Louise H. , Müller Klaus G. , Larsen Anders , Ness Kirsten K. , Larsen Hanne B. , Christensen Jan , Fridh Martin K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo review the body of evidence on cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance in children with newly diagnosed cancer, five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science) were searched on December 19, 2022.MethodsThirteen studies, embodying 594 participants within 1 month of cancer diagnosis and 3674 healthy controls were included. Eighteen different outcomes on cardiorespiratory fitness (n = 2), muscle strength (n = 5), physical performance (n = 10), and adverse events (n = 1) were analyzed.ResultsFifteen out of 17 outcomes on physical capacity showed severe impairments compared with healthy controls. Where possible, random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted to synthesize the results. No adverse events were reported related to testing.ConclusionChildren with cancer have impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance within the first month after diagnosis. However, the evidence is based on a small number of studies with large clinical heterogeneity, limiting the certainty of evidence.
Stratified analysis in comparative effectiveness studies that emulate randomized trials
Authors: Htoo Phyo T. , Glynn Robert J. , Wang Shirley , Paik Julie M. , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Walker Alexander M. , Patorno Elisabetta 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeFor observational cohort studies that employ matching by propensity scores (PS), preliminary stratification by consequential predictors of outcome better emulates stratified randomization and potentially reduces variance and bias through relaxed dependence on modeling assumptions. We assessed the impact of pre‐stratification in two real‐life examples. For both, prior evidence from placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggested small or no risk reduction, but observational analysis suggested protection, presumably the result of confounding bias.Study Design and SettingThe study populations consisted of Medicare beneficiaries (2014‐18) with type 2 diabetes initiating either (i) empagliflozin versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) or (ii) empagliflozin versus glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA). The outcome was myocardial infarction or stroke. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and rate differences (RD) after controlling for 143 pre‐exposure covariates via 1:1 PS matching after (1) PS estimation in the total cohort (total‐cohort PS‐matching) and (2) PS estimation separately by baseline cardiovascular disease (stratified PS matching).ResultsStratified PS matching resulted in HRs that exceeded those from total‐cohort PS‐matching by 13% and 9%, respectively, for the comparisons of empagliflozin to DPP‐4i and GLP‐1RA. Against both comparators, HRs and RDs after stratified PS matching were closer to the null, with slightly higher variances (2%–3%) than those after total‐cohort PS matching.ConclusionStratified PS matching produced effect estimates closer to the expected trial findings than total‐cohort PS matching. The price paid in increased variance was minimal.
Improvement of thermo‐mechanical and dielectric properties of poly(lactic acid) and thermoplastic polyurethane blend composites using a graphene and BaTiO3 filler
Authors: Wondu Eyob , Kim Jooheon 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study focuses on the development of composite materials using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with fillers such as barium titanate (BaTiO3) and graphene. Suitable surface treatment of filler particles is applied to activate the fillers to enhance the compatibility between the fillers and polymer matrix. Specifically, the BaTiO3 particles are hydroxylated and treated with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), which acts as a compatibilizer between the two matrix polymers. On the other hand, the graphene particles are hydroxylated and treated with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), which reacts with the TPU soft segment chains during composite fabrication. The composite samples are fabricated via melt‐blending at 190°C, followed by mini molding at the same operating temperature for subsequent analysis. The results demonstrate a three‐fold improvement in the dielectric constant of 40 wt.% BaTiO3 and graphene–TPU–PLA blends composites relative to that of the neat TPU, along with an improved tensile strength. The tensile strength improvement is attributed to the support of the TPU matrix against the low ductility of the PLA. The thermal conductivity was doubled as compared with the neat TPU–PLA matrix for the 40 wt.% BaTiO3 and graphene–TPU–PLA blends.Highlights
Composites of TPU–PLA–graphene and BaTiO3 filler particles were fabricated.
The melt blending technique was employed to fabricate the composite.
The dielectric constant was analyzed at both constant and variable frequencies.
Thermal conductivity was doubled (40 [graphene + BaTiO3])
Diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy in children with leukemia or post hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Georgescu Livia , Rahrig April L. , Montgomery Gregory , Rowan Courtney M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe utility of bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in immunocompromised children is not well understood. We aim to describe the bronchoscopy diagnostic yield and complications and to investigate factors associated with diagnostic yield.MethodsThis is a single‐center, retrospective cohort study of 60 children with leukemia or post‐hematopoietic stem cell transplant who had a bronchoscopy with BAL between 2017 and 2021. Comparisons were done with regression analysis.ResultsOf the 60 bronchoscopies performed, 46 (77%) revealed diagnostic information: 39 (65%) identified a pathogen, 14 (23.3%) found secretions/mucus plugging, and 6 (10%) found pulmonary hemorrhage. BAL results changed antimicrobial therapy in 27 (45%) cases. Bronchoscopies were performed in the intensive care unit (27/60) or operating room (33/60), with the former having a higher diagnostic yield (96% vs. 60%, p = 0.001). Half (50%) of bronchoscopies found a new infectious diagnosis. Respiratory symptoms (n = 58, 97%), supplemental oxygen use (n = 39, 65%), and antibiotic use (n = 56, 93%) before bronchoscopy were all common. The median volume of fluid instilled during bronchoscopy was 1.3 mL/kg (interquatile range [IQR]: 0.7, 2.6). None of these factors were associated with the diagnostic yield. Complications were rare and minor with only one child having self‐resolved bleeding and four children, previously in room air requiring a nasal cannula. For the 27 (45%) children on mechanical ventilation when the bronchoscopy was performed, there was no difference in ventilator settings pre‐ and post‐bronchoscopy.ConclusionBronchoscopies with BAL are useful, safe, and important in the diagnostic management of pulmonary complications in this cohort of children.
Electrochemical determination of insensitive munition constituents 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO) using gold nanoparticle/carbon nanotube‐modified pencil graphite electrode in groundwater sample
Authors: Aslan Nazife , Şen Nilgün , Tecİman İrem , Ali Güngör Mustafa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFor the electrochemical detection of nitrotriazolone (NTO), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and gold nanoparticles have been combined to generate nanocomposites. Electrochemical analysis and surface characterisation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques were used to confirm the presence of gold nanoparticles on MWCNT. The electrochemical behavior of NTO at the modified pencil graphite electrode in the pH range of 2.0–10.0 (0.04 M Britton‐Robinson buffer solution) was evaluated using cyclic (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).The suggested electrochemical sensor displayed a quick reaction to NTO with an optimal set of experimental parameters, a linear calibration curve spanning 30 to 1500 nM, and a detection limit of 22.6 nM. Using the differential pulse voltammetry technique, the usefulness of the MWCNT/AuNPs, and PGE for the determination of NTO in groundwater was evaluated.