bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conventional vs. diode laser stapedotomy: audiological outcomes and clinical safety
Authors: Ordóñez Ordóñez Leonardo Elías , Cerón Perdomo Daniela , González Saboya Claudia Paola , Osorio Mejía Felipe , Medina-Parra Jorge , Angulo Martínez Esther Sofía 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the hearing results and clinical safety of patients undergoing stapes surgery with conventional technique and diode laser.

Methods
Retrospective observational study, which included patients treated with primary stapes surgery performed between January 2009 and January 2020. Three audiometric measurements (PTA, GAP and SDS) were evaluated as main results, evaluated by analysis of covariance (controlling the preoperative value). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also analyzed. Outcomes were measured 6 months (± 1 month) after surgery.

Results
153 cases were included, 97 operated with conventional technique and 56 with laser technique. Postoperative GAP ≤ 10 dB was obtained in 85.6% of the total sample, 82.5% in the conventional technique and 91.1% in the laser technique. Analysis of covariance showed no significant differences in the three surgery outcomes between the two groups (PTA, p = 0.277; GAP, p = 0.509 and SDS, p = 0.530). Regarding surgical complications, sensorineural damage was higher in the conventional technique group (p = 0.05). On the other hand, there were four cases of facial paresis, all in the laser group, three of them with the 980 nm laser.

Conclusions
Stapedotomy offered a high percentage of hearing success in the two groups studied. There were no significant differences in audiometric result, but there was a differential presentation of complications, being more frequent sensorineural hearing loss in the conventional technique group and facial paresis in the laser group.
Plus moist HS-W®: a new nasal packing material for the middle meatus in endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Wakasugi Ryo , Sasaki Takanobu , Takano Satoshi , Kamada Hisashi , Yoshioka Kuniaki , Tochigi Kaori , Ikeda Ryo , Takahashi Nao , Matsuyama Hiroshi , Horii Arata 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Removal of the current calcium alginate packing materials to the middle meatus in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is usually accompanied by discomfort or pain owing to the hard and brittle nature of these materials. Plus moist HS-W® is a new calcium alginate packing material released in 2022 developed to overcome this issue by changing the uronic acid component. We aimed to compare the discomfort/pain during the removal of Plus moist HS-W® with Kaltostat®, as well as their suitability as packing materials in ESS.

Methods
Kaltostat® and Plus moist HS-W® were used as packing materials in 22 and 21 patients who underwent ESS in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Patients were asked to rate the pain during the packing removal 10 days after ESS using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The ratio of residual packing materials, number of suctions (insertions/extractions of the suction cannula), and time required to remove packing materials were measured. Postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, local infection, lateralization of the middle turbinate, and synechia of the middle meatus were also evaluated.

Results
The Plus moist HS-W® group exhibited significantly lower NRS pain scores, a lower ratio of residual packing materials, a reduced number of suctions, and a shorter time required to remove the packing. No obvious postoperative complications occurred in both groups except for one suspicious case of a slight infection in the Kaltostat® group.

Conclusion
Compared with Kaltostat®, Plus moist HS-W®, characterized by better gelatinization than Kaltostat®, benefits patients by minimizing discomfort/pain during removal.

Level of evidence
Level 3.
ART and AutoART ECAP measurements and cochlear nerve anatomy as predictors in adult cochlear implant recipients
Authors: Schrank Leonhard , Nachtigäller Pascal , Müller Joachim , Hempel John-Martin , Canis Martin , Spiegel Jennifer L. , Rader Tobias 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the results of electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measurements using automatic auditory response telemetry (AutoART) with those obtained by ART in adults. The study also aimed to evaluate the predictive value of intraoperative ART and AutoART ECAPs for speech intelligibility (SI) and hearing success (HS), and to determine if cochlear nerve (CN) cross-sectional area (CSA) obtained preoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans could predict ART and AutoART ECAPs and SI and HS outcome.

Methods
The study analyzed and correlated ART and AutoART ECAP thresholds at electrodes E2, E6, and E10, as well as averaged ECAP thresholds over electrodes E1–E12, using data from 32 implants. Correlations were also examined for ART and AutoART ECAP slopes. In addition, averaged ART and AutoART ECAP thresholds and slopes over all 12 electrodes for each participant were correlated with CN CSA measured from MRI sequences. SI of the monosyllabic Freiburg Speech Test at 65 dB sound pressure level was examined along with averaged ART and AutoART thresholds and slopes over all 12 electrodes. A parallel analysis was performed for HS, derived from the difference between baseline and 6-month SI. Finally, correlations between CN CSA and SI, as well as CN CSA and HS were examined.

Results
The results of the study showed a significant positive correlation between ART and AutoART ECAP thresholds and as well as slopes for E2, E6, E10 and averaged thresholds and slopes of E1–E12. However, no significant correlation was observed between ART and AutoART averaged ECAP thresholds and slopes and either SI and HS or CN CSA. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between CN CSA and SI and HS.

Conclusion
While AutoART is a reliable and safe program for measuring ECAPs in adults, the study found no preoperative prognostic information on intraoperative ECAP results using parameters extracted from current MRI sequences or pre-/intraoperative information on subsequent hearing outcome using ECAP and CN CSA.
Mucosal neuroimmune mechanisms in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) pathogenesis
Authors: Leech Tom , Peiris Madusha 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic condition characterised by visceral pain in the distal oesophagus. The current first-line treatment for GORD is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), however, PPIs are ineffective in a large cohort of patients and long-term use may have adverse effects. Emerging evidence suggests that nerve fibre number and location are likely to play interrelated roles in nociception in the oesophagus of GORD patients. Simultaneously, alterations in cells of the oesophageal mucosa, namely epithelial cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes, have been a focus of GORD research for several years. The oesophagus of GORD patients exhibits both macro- and micro-inflammation as a response to chronic acidic reflux at the epithelium. In other conditions of the GI tract, such as IBS and IBD, well-characterised bidirectional processes between immune cells and mucosal nerve fibres contribute to pathogenesis and symptom generation. Sensory alterations in these conditions such as nerve fibre outgrowth and hypersensitivity can be driven by inflammatory processes, which promote visceral pain signalling. This review will examine what is currently known of the molecular pathways linking inflammation and sensory perception leading to the development of GORD symptoms and explore potentially relevant mechanisms in other GI regions which may indicate new areas in GORD research.
Limitations of estimating branch volume from terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Morhart Christopher , Schindler Zoe , Frey Julian , Sheppard Jonathan P. , Calders Kim , Disney Mathias , Morsdorf Felix , Raumonen Pasi , Seifert Thomas 
Published: January 2024

AbstractQuantitative structural models (QSMs) are frequently used to simplify single tree point clouds obtained by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). QSMs use geometric primitives to derive topological and volumetric information about trees. Previous studies have shown a high agreement between TLS and QSM total volume estimates alongside field measured data for whole trees. Although already broadly applied, the uncertainties of the combination of TLS and QSM modelling are still largely unexplored. In our study, we investigated the effect of scanning distance on length and volume estimates of branches when deriving QSMs from TLS data. We scanned ten European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) branches with an average length of 2.6 m. The branches were scanned from distances ranging from 5 to 45 m at step intervals of 5 m from three scan positions each. Twelve close-range scans were performed as a benchmark. For each distance and branch, QSMs were derived. We found that with increasing distance, the point cloud density and the cumulative length of the reconstructed branches decreased, whereas individual volumes increased. Dependent on the QSM hyperparameters, at a scanning distance of 45 m, cumulative branch length was on average underestimated by − 75%, while branch volume was overestimated by up to + 539%. We assume that the high deviations are related to point cloud quality. As the scanning distance increases, the size of the individual laser footprints and the distances between them increase, making it more difficult to fully capture small branches and to adjust suitable QSMs.
Broadband electrical conductivity of metal/carbon nanotubes polyamide 6 composites fabricated by reactive encapsulation
Authors: Oliveira Filipa M. , Ezquerra Tiberio A. , Denchev Zlatan Z. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis is the first broadband dielectric spectroscopy study on the temperature- and frequency-dependent electrical conductivity of polyamide 6 (PA6) composites containing both metal microparticles (Al, Fe, or Cu) and carbon nanotubes (CNT). The dually reinforced PA6 hybrids are prepared through compression molding of metal- and CNT-loaded microparticles (MP). These MP are synthesized by activated anionic ring-opening polymerization (AAROP) of ε-caprolactam in suspension, carried out in the presence of the micron-sized metal powders and the nanosized CNT fillers, with a combined load of up to 10 wt%. The good dispersion of the two loads by the AAROP strategy results in a notable increase in the electrical conductivity by up to 11 orders of magnitude. Moreover, the frequency-dependent behavior of the measured conductivity obeys the so-called universal dynamic response. This response involves a direct current (d.c.) electrical conductivity ($${\sigma }_{{\text{dc}}}$$

σ
dc

) observed beyond a critical frequency, $${F}_{{\text{c}}}$$

F
c

, followed by a power-law response characterized by an exponent s, which fluctuates between 0.11 and 0.43. The $${\sigma }_{{\text{dc}}}$$

σ
dc

of the binary composites spans from 1.42 $$\times$$
×
10−5 to 1.63 $$\times$$
×
10−2 S/cm, this increase being attributed to the synergetic effect between CNT and the metal particles that contribute to the carrier mobility within the conductive network.
Graphical Abstract
Local Alien Enfranchisement and External Efficacy Perceptions: Intended and Unintended Effects on Non-citizens and Citizens
Authors: Kayran Elif Naz , Nadler Anna-Lena 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDo citizens and non-citizens perceive themselves as more politically influential in contexts with more immigrant-inclusive local enfranchisement policies? Despite long-standing debates about the unequal responsiveness in the political systems of many advanced democracies, we still know little about whether targeted public policies at the local level can alter perceptions of political representation among residents. Importantly, little attention has been paid to the potential intended and unintended consequences of local electoral policies on external efficacy and research designs that include non-citizen residents. In this paper, we argue and test whether local alien enfranchisement raises external efficacy among non-citizens as a highly effective marker of immigrant inclusivity. Next, considering the potential spill-over effects of alien enfranchisement on citizens, we examine whether such electoral expansion is associated with a perceived increase in competition for political influence and a subsequent decline in citizens’ external efficacy. Empirically, we focus on the Swiss case and exploit local electoral institutions’ sub-national and temporal variation using longitudinal data from the Swiss Household Panel from 1999 to 2014. The paper adds to earlier work by proposing local policy context regarding non-citizen enfranchisement as one of the predictors of external efficacy on the resident population. Our findings suggest that perceived political influence among non-citizens is higher in municipalities with inclusive enfranchisement. We find no evidence for citizens experiencing lower external efficacy when voting rights are extended, making alien enfranchisement potentially a valuable tool to improve political integration among immigrants in today’s diverse democracies.
Evaluation of Tamsulosin 0.4 mg versus 0.8 mg in management of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Osman Tarek , Elawady Hossam , Fawaz Khaled , Shabayek Mohamed , Essam Mohammed Darweesh , Osman Dana , ElSaeed Karim Omar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the efficacy and the safety of Tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day and 0.8 mg/day in patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction.

Patients and Methods
A prospective interventional, double-blinded, controlled study was carried out on 93 patients who met the criteria and divided randomly into two groups: group A for Tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day and group B for Tamsulosin 0.8 mg/day. International prostate symptom score, post void residual urine volume, and maximum flow rate of urine were assessed before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Results
Both study groups showed a significant reduction in storage sub-score but only frequency was significantly reduced in group B (P < 0.001). On the other hand, Tamsulosin 0.8 mg was superior to Tamsulosin 0.4 mg regarding voiding sub-score except for straining (P = 0.325). Accordingly, the total international prostate symptom score was significantly improved in group B versus group A (P < 0.001). Furthermore, maximum flow rate and post-void residual urine volume were notably improved in Group B as compared to Group A (P < 0.001). Of all adverse events only dizziness was noted to be statistically significant in Group B versus Group A (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Tamsulosin 0.8 mg has shown better outcomes in treating patients who suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement than Tamsulosin 0.4 mg, and besides that, it is well tolerated.

Trial registration number
M S 292/2020, SID: 373, date: 22/4/2020.
Preoperative dietitian-led Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) Clinic for adults living with obesity undergoing gynaecology, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernia repair procedures: a pilot parallel randomised controlled trial
Authors: Griffin Sally B. , Palmer Michelle A. , Strodl Esben , Lai Rainbow , Chuah Teong L. , Burstow Matthew J. , Ross Lynda J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObesity can increase the risk of postoperative complications. Despite increased demand for patients living with obesity to lose weight prior to common surgical procedures, the impact of intentional weight loss on surgical outcomes is largely unknown. We aimed to conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility of a full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effect of preoperative dietitian-led Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) Clinic on surgical outcomes in gynaecology and general surgeries. Between August 2021 and January 2023, a convenience sample of adults living with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) awaiting gynaecology, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ventral hernia repair procedures were randomised to dietitian-led VLCD (800–1000 kcal using meal replacements and allowed foods), or control (no dietary intervention), 2–12 weeks preoperatively. Primary outcome was feasibility (recruitment, adherence, safety, attendance, acceptability and quality of life (QoL)). Secondary outcomes were anthropometry and 30-d postoperative outcomes. Outcomes were analysed as intention-to-treat. Fifty-one participants were recruited (n 23 VLCD, n 28 control), mean 48 (sd 13) years, 86 % female, and mean BMI 35·8 (sd 4·6) kg/m2. Recruitment was disrupted by COVID-19, but other thresholds for feasibility were met for VLCD group: high adherence without unfavourable body composition change, high acceptability, improved pre/post QoL (22·1 ± 15 points, < 0·001), with greater reductions in weight (–5·5 kg VLCD v. −0·9 kg control, P < 0·05) waist circumference (–6·6 cm VLCD v. +0·6 control, P < 0·05) and fewer 30-d complications (n 4/21) than controls (n 8/22) (P > 0·05). The RCT study design was deemed feasible in a public hospital setting. The dietitian-led VLCD resulted in significant weight loss and waist circumference reduction compared with a control group, without unfavourable body composition change and improved QoL.
Identification of clinically relevant patient endotypes in traumatic brain injury using latent class analysis
Authors: Qiu Hongbo , Zador Zsolt , Lannon Melissa , Farrokhyar Forough , Duda Taylor , Sharma Sunjay 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex condition where heterogeneity impedes the advancement of care. Understanding the diverse presentations of TBI is crucial for personalized medicine. Our study aimed to identify clinically relevant patient endotypes in TBI using latent class analysis based on comorbidity data. We used the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database, which includes 2,629 adult TBI patients. We identified five stable endotypes characterized by specific comorbidity profiles: Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Healthy, Renal Failure with Hypertension, Alcohol Abuse, and Hypertension. Each endotype had distinct clinical characteristics and outcomes: The Heart Failure and Arrhythmia endotype had lower survival rates than the Renal Failure with Hypertension despite featuring fewer comorbidities overall. Patients in the Hypertension endotype had higher rates of neurosurgical intervention but shorter stays in contrast to the Alcohol Abuse endotype which had lower rates of neurosurgical intervention but significantly longer hospital stays. Both endotypes had high overall survival rates comparable to the Healthy endotype. Logistic regression models showed that endotypes improved the predictability of survival compared to individual comorbidities alone. This study validates clinical endotypes as an approach to addressing heterogeneity in TBI and demonstrates the potential of this methodology in other complex conditions.
Comparison of the DNBSEQ platform and Illumina HiSeq 2000 for bacterial genome assembly
Authors: Hu Tongyuan , Chen Jianwei , Lin Xiaoqian , He Wenxin , Liang Hewei , Wang Mengmeng , Li Wenxi , Wu Zhinan , Han Mo , Jin Xin , Kristiansen Karsten , Xiao Liang , Zou Yuanqiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Illumina HiSeq platform has been a commonly used option for bacterial genome sequencing. Now the BGI DNA nanoball (DNB) nanoarrays platform may provide an alternative platform for sequencing of bacterial genomes. To explore the impact of sequencing platforms on bacterial genome assembly, quality assessment, sequence alignment, functional annotation, mutation detection, and metagenome mapping, we compared genome assemblies based on sequencing of cultured bacterial species using the HiSeq 2000 and BGISEQ-500 platforms. In addition, simulated reads were used to evaluate the impact of insert size on genome assembly. Genome assemblies based on BGISEQ-500 sequencing exhibited higher completeness and fewer N bases in high GC genomes, whereas HiSeq 2000 assemblies exhibited higher N50. The majority of assembly assessment parameters, sequences of 16S rRNA genes and genomes, numbers of single nucleotide variants (SNV), and mapping to metagenome data did not differ significantly between platforms. More insertions were detected in HiSeq 2000 genome assemblies, whereas more deletions were detected in BGISEQ-500 genome assemblies. Insert size had no significant impact on genome assembly. Taken together, our results suggest that DNBSEQ platforms would be a valid substitute for HiSeq 2000 for bacterial genome sequencing.
Development of patient-reported outcome for adult spinal deformity: validation study
Authors: Fujimori Takahito , Nagamoto Yukitaka , Takenaka Shota , Kaito Takashi , Kanie Yuya , Ukon Yuichiro , Furuya Masayuki , Matsumoto Tomiya , Okuda Shinya , Iwasaki Motoki , Okada Seiji 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAdult spinal deformity (ASD) is a complex condition that combines scoliosis, kyphosis, pain, and postoperative range of motion limitation. The lack of a scale that can successfully capture this complex condition is a clinical challenge. We aimed to develop a disease-specific scale for ASD. The study included 106 patients (mean age; 68 years, 89 women) with ASD. We selected 29 questions that could be useful in assessing ASD and asked the patients to answer them. The factor analysis found two factors: the main symptom and the collateral symptom. The main symptom consisted of 10 questions and assessed activity of daily living (ADL), pain, and appearance. The collateral symptom consisted of five questions to assess ADL due to range of motion limitation. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the change of main symptom and satisfaction was 0.48 (p < 0.001). The effect size of Cohen’s d for comparison between preoperative and postoperative scores was 1.09 in the main symptom and 0.65 in the collateral symptom. In conclusion, we have developed a validated disease-specific scale for ASD that can simultaneously evaluate the benefits and limitations of ASD surgery with enough responsiveness in clinical practice.
Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cell expansion and their cytotoxic responses against cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sawaisorn Piamsiri , Gaballa Ahmed , Saimuang Kween , Leepiyasakulchai Chaniya , Lertjuthaporn Sakaorat , Hongeng Suradej , Uhlin Michael , Jangpatarapongsa Kulachart 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHuman Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes are regarded as promising effector cells for cancer immunotherapy since they have the ability to eliminate several tumor cells through non-peptide antigen recognition. However, the cytotoxic function and the mechanism of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells leading to specific killing of cholangiocarcinoma cells are yet to be confirmed. In this study, we established a protocol for ex vivo expansion of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from healthy donors’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells by culture with zoledronate and addition of IL-2, and IL-15 or IL-18 or neither. Testing the cytotoxic capacity of cultured Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against cholangiocarcinoma cell lines showed higher reactivity than against control cells. Surface expression of CD107 was detected on the Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, suggesting that these cells limit in vitro growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells via degranulation of the perforin and granzyme pathway. Analysis of molecular signaling was used to demonstrate expression of pro- and anti-survival genes and a panel of cytokine genes in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. We found that in the presence of either IL-15 or IL-18, levels of caspase 3 were significantly reduced. Also, IL-15 and IL-18 stimulated cells contained cytotoxicity against cholangiocarcinoma cells, suggesting that stimulated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may provide a feasible therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.