bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intradural Pituitary Hemitransposition: Technical Note and Case Series Illustration
Authors: Almeida Joao Paulo , Finger Guilherme , Weber Matthieu D. , Damante Mark A. , Wu Kyle C. , Walz Patrick , Leonard Jeffrey R. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Prevedello Daniel M. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Lesions located in the retrosellar region, interpeduncular cistern, and petroclival region are among the most difficult to access in neurosurgery. Transcranial approaches are useful; however, the large distance between the surgeon and the lesion as well as the presence of major neurovascular structures surrounding the lesion may limit surgical exposure. A midline transsphenoidal route avoids transgression of the neurovascular plane and provides direct access to the interpeduncular cistern. To safely access the interpeduncular fossa, it requires mobilization of the pituitary gland. The pituitary hemitransposition technique permits mobilization of the gland, while preserving its venous drainage and arterial supply to the gland on one of its sides, preserving gland function. The authors aim to describe the intradural pituitary hemitransposition technique and to demonstrate its safe application for resection of skull base tumors in the retrosellar space.

METHODS:
The authors describe the surgical technique and illustrate its application in 5 cases of different types of skull base tumors, including a video demonstrating all the steps to perform this approach. In addition, the authors discuss the advantages and limitations of this technique compared with other approaches to the retrosellar space.

RESULTS:
The intradural pituitary hemitransposition technique was used to safely resect a chondrosarcoma, chordoma, craniopharyngioma, teratoma, and meningioma involving the parasellar and retrosellar spaces, while minimizing endocrine morbidity. We had one patient with mild, albeit permanent hyperprolactinemia and hypothyroidism after surgery. No other patients had permanent dysfunction related to surgery.

CONCLUSION:
The endonasal endoscopic intradural pituitary hemitransposition approach is an effective technique for resection of lesions located within the retrosellar and petroclival regions, allowing adequate exposure while potentially optimizing the preservation of the pituitary function.
Multiple sparganosis spinal infections mainly in the thoracic region: A case report
Authors: Wen Gan-Jun , Chen Jian , Zhang Shi-Fei , Zhou Zhi-Sen , Jiao Gen-Long 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Spinal infection with sparganosis is rarely seen, and multiple spinal infections with sparganosis in the thoracic spine have not been reported.
CASE SUMMARY
In this case report, a 56-year old male patient suffered from back pain for 3 mo. Computed tomography examination of the thoracic spine showed bone destruction of the T4-5 vertebral body, as well as the right pedicle and lamina of T5. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high signals on T2W1 images and fat-suppressed images in the right vertebral body of T4-5 and the right pedicle and lamina of T5, a high signal in the vertebral canal, and similar high signals in the paravertebral and subcutaneous regions of the whole spine. Puncture biopsy showed sparganosis. Following definite diagnosis, the patient was treated with debridement of T4-5 infected lesions under a microscope, bone grafting and internal fixation. Postoperatively, the patient's back pain symptoms were significantly relieved; the incision healed after one-stage treatment, and albendazole antiparasitic treatment was administered.
CONCLUSION
Puncture biopsy is the most reliable method to diagnose infection by sparganum. Removal of infected lesions under the microscope and albendazole for antiparasitic treatment are safe and effective.
Spontaneous gastric hematoma as a rare cause of acute abdomen: A case report
Authors: Budimir Ivan , Žulec Mirna , Eljuga Ksenija , Židak Marcel , Lisek Valentino 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Spontaneous gastric hematoma is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by the accumulation of blood within the gastric wall without any apparent iatrogenic or traumatic cause. Coagulopathies are the most frequent cause of gastric hematomas. However, other causes include amyloidosis, pancreatitis, visceral vascular aneurysms, endoscopy complications and others. The pathophysiology of spontaneous gastric hematoma is not completely understood. However, it is postulated that it is caused by disruption of submucosal vessels that leads to dissection of the muscularis layer and formation of false lumen. The rarity of this condition increases the challenge of diagnosis, and there is no standard treatment protocol.
CASE SUMMARY
We present the case of a spontaneous gastric hematoma in a 22-year-old male. He presented to our emergency department complaining of pain in the left flank area lasting for 2 wk. There was no history of trauma, anticoagulant medications or endoscopy procedures. His hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were slightly lower than normal. Multi-slice computed tomography, ultrasound and endoscopy confirmed a gastric intramural hematoma. We recommended conservative treatment because there was no hemodynamic instability nor significant bleeding. The patient responded well, and there were no unexpected events. At the 3-mo follow-up, the ultrasound examination revealed complete regression of the hematoma.
CONCLUSION
After reviewing the literature and our experience, we recommend that more of these cases should be treated conservatively. The tendency to treat these cases with potentially burdensome procedures such as total or subtotal gastrectomy should be significantly reduced.
Effectiveness of support from community health workers on the sustained use of a wearable monitoring device among community-dwelling older adults: A randomized trial protocol
Authors: Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Tso Wai Chun , Su Jing Jing , Hui Vivian Chi Ching , Chow Karen Kit Sum , Wong Siu Man , Wong Bonnie Bo , Wong Frances Kam Yuet 
Published: December 2023

Background
Wearable monitoring devices, such as smartwatches and fitness bands, are health technologies for enhancing self-care management among community-dwelling older adults. While the evidence suggests that these devices can promote health, older adults often struggle to use them over the long term. Community health workers can effectively motivate older adults to change their health behaviors. This study proposes an intervention involving community health workers as peer supporters to promote sustained daily use of wearable monitoring devices among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods
The intervention group in this randomized controlled trial will receive the Live with Wearable Monitoring Device program from trained community health workers with the support of a nurse and social workers through a one-time home visit and regular phone calls. The control group will receive only the wearable monitoring device. Data will be collected at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Discussion
Merely providing older adults with wearable monitoring devices may not lead to the realization of the potential health benefits of these devices, as long-term usage can be challenging. The results of this trial can provide evidence for a new approach to enhancing self-management and community healthcare among community-dwelling older adults, ultimately improving their health outcomes.

Impact
Wearable monitoring devices not only enable real-time monitoring of vital signs, but can also support tailored messaging and facilitate virtual communication between users and healthcare professionals. Despite considerable health benefits, there is evidence showing that older adults largely stop using them after a few months. This study is the first to use a peer support approach to help older adults incorporate a wearable monitoring device in their daily routines in conjunction with goal setting and regular reminders. This will boost the self-care ability of the older adults, allowing them to continue physically functioning in the community.

Trial registration
This study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT05269303). Registration date: 24/2/2022.
Misreporting contraceptive use and the association of peak study progestin levels with weight and BMI among women randomized to the progestin-only injectable contraceptives DMPA-IM and NET-EN
Authors: Avenant Chanel , Bick Alexis J. , Skosana Salndave B. , Dlamini Sigcinile , Balakrishna Yusentha , Moliki Johnson Mosoko , Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Hofmeyr G. Justus , Smit Jenni , Beksinska Mags , Beesham Ivana , Seocharan Ishen , Batting Joanne , Chen Pai-Lien , Storbeck Karl-Heinz , Africander Donita , Hapgood Janet P. 
Published: December 2023

Progestin-only injectable contraceptives, mainly depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM), are the most widely used contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan Africa. Insufficient robust data on their relative side-effects and serum concentrations limit understanding of reported outcomes in contraception trials. The WHICH clinical trial randomized HIV-negative women to DMPA-IM (n = 262) or norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) (n = 259) at two South African sites between 2018–2019. We measured serum concentrations of study and non-study progestins at initiation (D0) and peak serum levels, one week after the 24-week injection [25 weeks (25W)], (n = 435) and investigated associations between study progestin levels, and BMI and weight of participants. Peak median serum concentrations were 6.59 (IQR 4.80; 8.70) nM for medroxyprogesterone (MPA) (n = 161) and 13.6 (IQR 9.01; 19.0) nM for norethisterone (NET) (n = 155). MPA was the most commonly quantifiable non-study progestin at D0 in both arms (54%) and at 25W in the NET-EN arm (27%), followed by NET at D0 in both arms (29%) and at 25W in the DMPA-IM arm (19%). Levonorgestrel was quantifiable in both arms [D0 (6.9%); 25W (3.4%)], while other progestins were quantifiable in ≤ 14 participants. Significant negative time-varying associations were detected between MPA and NET concentrations and weight and BMI in both contraceptive arms and a significant increase was detected for peak serum progestin concentrations for normal weight versus obese women. Contraceptive-related reported outcomes are likely confounded by MPA, more so than NET, with reported DMPA-IM effects likely underestimated, at sites where DMPA-IM is widely used, due to misreporting of contraceptive use before and during trials, and ‘tail’ effects of DMPA-IM use more than six months before trial enrolment. Peak serum levels of MPA and NET are negatively associated with BMI and weight, suggesting another source of variability between trial outcomes and a potential increase in side-effects for normal weight versus overweight and obese women.Trail registration:The clinical trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202009758229976).
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases
Authors: Obrișcă Bogdan , Mocanu Valentin , Vornicu Alexandra , Jurubiță Roxana , Sorohan Bogdan , Dimofte George , Achim Camelia , Andronesi Andreea , Micu Georgia , Bobeică Raluca , Caceaune Nicu , Procop Alexandru , Herlea Vlad , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Ismail Gener 
Published: December 2023

Background
We sought to evaluate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases.

Methods
A total of 451 patients with biopsy-proven kidney disease and at least 12 months of follow-up subsequent to COVID-19 pandemic onset were included in the study. The primary study endpoint was a composite of a persistent decline of more than 30% in eGFR or ESRD.

Results
23.1% of patients had COVID-19 during a follow-up period of 2.5 y (0.8–2.6), while 17.6% of patients reached the composite endpoint. Those with COVID-19 were more likely to reach the composite endpoint [26.7% vs. 14.8%; OR, 2.1 (95%CI, 1.23–3.58), p = 0.006). There was a significant eGFR change in the first year of follow-up between the two study groups [-2.24 (95%CI,-4.86; 0.37) vs. +2.31 (95%CI, 0.78; 3.85) ml/min, p = 0.004], with an adjusted mean difference of -4.68 ml/min (95%CI,-7.7; -1.59)(p = 0.03). The trend for worse renal outcomes remained consistent in patients with IgAN, MN and FSGS, but not in those with LN. After multivariate adjustment, the independent predictors of the composite endpoint were baseline eGFR (HR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.92–0.95), COVID-19 (HR, 1.91; 1.16–3.12) and male gender (HR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.01–2.66). In multivariate linear regression analysis, COVID-19 independently determined a reduction of eGFR at 12 months by 4.62 ml/min/1.73m2 (β coefficient, -4.62; 95%CI, -7.74 to -1.5, p = 0.004).

Conclusions
There is a significant impact of COVID-19 on long-term renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases, leading to a greater decline of eGFR and a worse renal survival.
High Incidence Rate of Computed Tomography–Measured Steatotic Liver Disease in Men With and Without HIV Infection
Authors: Price Jennifer C. , Springer Gayle , Seaberg Eric C. , Budoff Matthew J. , Koletar Susan L. , Hawkins Claudia A. , Witt Mallory D. , Post Wendy S. , Thio Chloe L. 
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION:
We determined steatotic liver disease (SLD) incidence in a prospective cohort of men with HIV (MWH) and men without HIV (MWOH).

METHODS:
Incident SLD was defined using paired noncontrast computed tomography scans performed during 2010–2013 and repeated during 2015–2017.

RESULTS:
Of 268 men, 173 MWH and 95 MWOH, 33 had incident SLD (11.1%, incidence rate 2.4 and 2.7/100 person-years for MWH and MWOH, respectively). Overall, higher abdominal visceral adipose tissue was independently associated with increased SLD risk. In MWH, increased visceral adipose tissue, insulin resistance, chronic hepatitis B, and cumulative etravirine use were associated with SLD.

DISCUSSION:
Metabolic factors, but not HIV, were associated with incident SLD. The high incidence rate suggests that SLD will continue to increase in PWH.
New imaging strategy for large vessel vasculitis (based on the EULAR-2023 recommendations)
Authors: Egorova O. N. , Tarasova G. M. , Koylubaeva G. M. , Bolotbekova A. M. , Guseva I. A. , Reshetnyak T. M. , Turatbekova A. T. , Suyunbai kyzy G. , Abdykerimov A. O. , Okunova A. A. 
Published: December 2023

Large vessel vasculitis (LVV), including Takayasu's arteritis (AT, or non-specific aortoarteritis) and giant cell arteritis (GCA), is caused by granulomatous inflammation affecting mainly the aorta and its main branches. Damage to the vascular wall leads to ischemia of the corresponding organs and can be complicated by loss of vision, cerebral insufficiency and other life-threatening phenomena. The early diagnosis of these diseases in clinical practice is a difficult task that can only be solved by comparing the clinical symptoms, the results of the physical, laboratory and instrumental examination and the vascular biopsy.A comparative analysis of the 2018 and 2023 EULAR recommendations for imaging in LVV is presented. Duplex ultrasound (USDS) of not only temporal but also axillary arteries is recommended for GCA and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for AT. Alternative methods for GCA are MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) in combination with computed tomography (CT) and intravenous administration of fluorodeoxyglucose labelled with the short-lived fluoride isotope 18 (FDG-PET/CT), and for AT – FDG-PET/CT, CT or ultrasound examination. MRI, CT or ultrasound can be used for long-term monitoring of structural damage, especially to assess pre-existing vascular inflammation.
Trends in large joint total arthroplasty in patients with rheumatic diseases: an experience of a specialized department of traumatology and orthopedics
Authors: Kushnareva I. G. , Makarov M. A. , Karateev A. E. , Gorelova A. I. 
Published: December 2023

Total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA and THA respectively) is frequently used in severe structural changes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Objective: to evaluate the dynamics of the number of TKA of THA in patients with OA and RA treated in the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology.Material and methods. The analysis of 11-year period (from 2012 to 2022) of surgical activity of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology.Results and discussion. Within the mentioned period, 2955 TKA and THA were performed in 1590 patients with OA and 1365 with RA. From 2012 to 2018, the number of surgeries in patients with OA and RA was approximately the same, but since 2019 there has been a significant increase in the number of total arthroplasties (TA) in OA. The median delta (Δ) of the number of TKA and THA performed annually over 11 years was 13.5 [-17.5; 75.7] in patients with OA and 2.5 [-10.25; 25.0] in patients with RA (p=0.032).Conclusion. In the last 11 years there was no significant dynamics in the number of TKA and THA in patients with RA. At the same time, there is a statistically significant increase in the number of TA in patients with OA, which is in line with the global trend.
Die Kontrolle regionaler Beihilfen im Rahmen der Wettbewerbspolitik der Europäischen Gemeinschaften
Authors: Eser Thiemo W. 
Published: December 2023

Im Jahr 1988 wurde das Fördergebiet der Gemeinschaftsaufgabe zur Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur (GRW) und der ergänzenden Länderförderung um 7 % von 45 % auf 38 % der Wohnbevölkerung (WOB) der Bundesrepublik Deutschland verringert. Eine Reduzierung des bundesdeutschen Fördergebietes in dieser Größenordnung ist in der Geschichte der regionalen Wirtschaftspolitik bisher einzigartig.Die Kontrolle regionaler Beihilfen im Rahmen der Wettbewerbspolitik der EG hatte einen wesentlichen, wenn nicht den ausschlaggebenden Einfluß auf diese Reduktion des Fördergebietes. In Anbetracht der gegenwärtigen Entwicklungen zur Vollendung des Binnenmarktes ist zu erwarten, daß die Einwirkungsmöglichkeiten der EG auf die nationalen Regionalpolitiken weiter steigen werden. Um so wichtiger erscheint deshalb eine Analyse der bestehenden Einflußmöglichkeiten: Wie erfolgt die Kontrolle regionaler Beihilfen der Wettbewerbspolitik der EG, die eine „Oberaufsicht“ beansprucht, auf die Träger der regionalen Wirtschaftspolitik in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland?Das Ziel dieses Aufsatzes besteht darin, neben der bisherigen Entwicklungsgeschichte den heutigen Stand der Beihilfenkontrolle in der Regionalpolitik darzustellen, die Implikationen für die regionale Wirtschaftspolitik und insbesondere die GRW herauszuarbeiten und einige Schlußfolgerungen zu ziehen.Die Analyse erfolgt auf zwei Ebenen: Zunächst wird das Kontrollverfahren selbst diskutiert; anschließend werden die empirische Überprüfung und Gegenüberstellung der Gebietsauswahl durch die EG und die GRW in zwei Perspektiven – hinsichtlich der Berücksichtigung verschiedener Regionstypen sowie der Verteilung der Gebietsauswahl auf die Bundesländer vorgenommen.
Regionalplanung in Niedersachsen
Authors: Fürst Dietrich 
Published: December 2023

In Niedersachsen sind die Kreise seit 1978 Träger der Regionalplanung – Ausnahme: Kreis Hannover, wo der Zweckverband Großraum Hannover die Regionalplanung übernommen hat. Die Beteiligung der Gemeinden an der Planung ist nicht institutionalisiert, sondern den Kreisen überlassen. Die inhaltlichen Vorgaben der Landesplanung beschränken sich auf den Ausweis von Vorranggebieten und Standorten sowie fachplanerische Leitlinien; zugrunde liegt eine Konzeption der „ökologischen Orientierung der Raumplanung“ (Schutz der Naturraumpotentiale). Die Regionalplanung hat folglich wenig Koordinationsaufgaben gegenüber Fachplanungen (Ausnahme: Landschaftsplanung). Sie kommt nur langsam voran; ihr fehlt weitgehend noch die politische Unterstützung. Einzelne Ansätze zeigen jedoch, daß das niedersächsische Modell besonders geeignet ist für die ökologische Fortentwicklung fachlicher Ver- und Entsorgungskonzepte (regionale Energie‑, Wasser‑, Abfallbeseitigungs- und Verkehrssysteme).
Potential Use of Papaya Flower Extract (Carica papaya Linn) for Aedes Aegypti Larvicide
Authors: Pakan Sikhry Christian Max , Riwu Yuliana Radja , Landi Soleman , Tira Deviarbi Sakke 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Temefos as a larvicide to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever is known to be resistant to Aedes aegypti larvae in several regions in Indonesia. Therefore, alternative larvicides are needed. Papaya plants are one of the alternative solutions as papaya flowers contain secondary metabolite compounds that can kill Aedes aegypti larvae. This study aimed to determine the potential of papaya flower extract to be an Aedes aegypti larvicide.Methods : This study was a true experimental study with a posttest-only control group design, with 6 treatment groups namely 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% extract concentrations (Experimental Group) and distilled water (Control Group). The experiment was repeated 4 times with a testing time of 24 hours. A total 600 Aedes aegypti instar larvae III/IV were used. Larvae toxicity was analyzed using Probit Analysis to determine the value of Lethal Concentration (LC) and Lethal Time (LT) and the Kruskall-Wallis test to determine the differences of larval deaths in each experimental group. Results: Results showed that the highest and the lowest average larval mortality was at 20% concentration (25 larvae) and 1% concentration (14.75 larvae), respectively. and values were 4.84% and 10.39%, while values of five concentrations were 115.74, 24.24, 23.41, 25.24, and 16.55 hours and values of five concentrations were 241.95, 29.42, 26.20, 32.24, and 24.48 hours. There was a difference in the number of larval deaths after 24 hours of treatment in the experimental group (p-value = 0.011).Conclusion: Papaya flower extract has the potential to be an Aedes aegypti larvicide with 20% concentration as the optimum dose. However, phytochemical screening needs to be done to determine the dominant papaya flower compounds act as Aedes aegypti larvicides.