bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Added value of dynamic MRI in assessment of cervical spondylodegenerative diseases
Authors: Abdalhak Menna Ahmad Mohamed , Sakr Hossam Mousa , Shalaby Mennatallah Hatem , El diasty Shaimaa Elmetwally 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective imaging tool for diagnosing spinal disorders. With a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, it gives vital information on the spinal cord, nerve roots, intervertebral discs, and ligamentous structures inside the spine. Dynamic MRI may image patients in flexed and extended postures, showing abnormalities undetected by static MRI studies. It allows for a more complete investigation of each patient and a better knowledge of the real nature of the pathology. Imaging the spine in extension and flexion, or putting the spine in pain, may help spine surgeons improve their diagnostic accuracy. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of flexion–extension sagittal T2 (Dynamic MRI) for patients with cervical spondylodegenerative diseases.

Results
We found that more spinal canal stenosis levels were detected on extension position MRI compared to a neutral position (128 vs. 133 MUHLE classification system grade 0, 38 vs. 63 MUHLE grade 1, 31 vs. 13 MUHLE grade 2, 13 vs. 1 MUHLE grade 3), which was statistically significant according to MUHLE among total disc levels, with p value < 0.05. While more spinal canal stenosis levels were detected on flexion position MRI than in neutral position (134 vs. 133 MUHLE grade 0, 49 vs. 63 MUHLE grade 1, 23 vs. 13 MUHLE grade 2, 4 vs. 1 MUHLE grade 3), which was statistically insignificant according to MUHLE among total disc levels (p value > 0.05).

Conclusions
Flexion and extension MR imaging demonstrates additional information using a non-invasive technique concerning the dynamic factors in the pathogenesis of cervical spondylodegenerative diseases. DMRI identifies a significant percentage of increased spinal stenosis especially at extension position more than at neutral and flexion positions. So, we recommend to include extension DMRI in investigations for diagnosis and management plans of cervical spondylodegenerative diseases.
An experimental study to show the effect of forced vertical vibrations on the thermal heat transfer coefficient of a flat plate
Authors: Idan Mahmoud Fadhel , Ramadhan Amer Abbas 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study is to conduct an experiment that considers the influence of vertical oscillations on the heat transfer coefficient of free convection in an aluminum flat plate component measuring 3 × 100 × 300 mm. The plate is subject to a steady-state heat transfer; whereby it experiences a sustained heat flux ranging from (250–1500) W/m2. The orientation of the flat plate can be either horizontal or inclined at particular angles, specifically at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. The experimental tests conducted were characterized by an expanded frequency spectrum ranging from 2 to 16 Hz, a variable amplitude range spanning from 1.63 to 7.16 mm, and a range of Rayleigh number values upon activation of the system, with minimum and maximum thresholds of 138.991 and 487.275, respectively. The impact of vibration frequency upon both the amplitude and velocity of vibrations for a heat flow of 250 W/m2, situated at an angle of θ = 0°, was examined. The impact of the Reynolds number upon the total vibrational heat transfer coefficient, as well as the total Nusselt number, was investigated with and without the presence of angle vibration θ = 0°, across diverse degrees of heat flux. This study investigates the impact of the Rayleigh number on the overall Nusselt number under varying conditions of thermal flux, with and without the application of vibration at angles of θ = 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. The findings of this analysis demonstrate that there exists a discernible correlation between the incremental amplitude of vibration and the coefficient of heat transfer, manifesting as a negative slope within the range of 0° to 60°. Such correlation reaches its optimal magnitude of 13.2894% under the condition of flat vibration mode, whereas the coefficient of heat transfer declines progressively as vertical vibration is augmented, culminating in a maximum decline of 7.6475%. The present study reports a decrease in the overall vibrational heat transfer coefficient with increasing vibrational Reynolds number. The total Nusselt number was found to increase with or without vibration as the Rayleigh number increased.
Evaluating the effectiveness of barbed reposition palatopharyngoplasty compared to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kamel Ahmed Ahmed , Tabbakh Hossam Atia El , Dewidar Hazem Raghib , Fouly Mahmoud Sayed El 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The majority of obstructive sleep apnea cases involve the oropharynx. The hypercollapsibility of the upper airway walls (UAWs) was the cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), which most often manifested itself at the retropalatal and/or retrolingual level. Modular and adaptable barbed snore surgery (BSS) is a novel treatment for retropalatal OSA (based on the anatomy and findings of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

Objectives
To compare between the outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and the barbed reposition palatopharyngoplasty technique, and to establish if there is indeed a significant variance in post-operative results among both types of surgeries.

Patients and methods
This was a prospective randomized clinical trial conducted on Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, and it was carried out on 50 patients (28 males and 22 females) suffering from OSAS. They were randomly distributed into two groups: group A and group B.

Results
There was a substantial distinction among the two groups regarding to post-operative data, comparison between values of all domains of Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) and bleeding and nasal regurgitation after surgery. There was no substantial distinction among the two groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion
Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty is superior to traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in terms of results of Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and in Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) in addition to producing less post-operative complications as well as being easy to learn.
Fragility analysis of bridge structures: a global perspective & critical review of past & present trends
Authors: Thakkar Kanan , Rana Anshum , Goyal Harsh 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBridges are vital to modern transportation infrastructure, providing convenient and efficient access to different locations. However, these structures are susceptible to forces that can cause significant damage and pose a hazard in the event of seismic activity. A country's economy relies heavily on its bridge infrastructure, but many older bridges built before 1970 are showing signs of deterioration due to climate change and other factors. At the time of their construction, seismic design codes did not provide sufficient guidance on proper design and detailing to ensure ductility and capacity, resulting in deficient bridges. This paper provides a brief overview of the literature on the seismic behaviour of bridges and the analytical methods used to evaluate their performance. Various factors that influence the behaviour of different types of bridges are also discussed. This paper aims to establish a theoretical foundation for selecting appropriate methods to analyze bridge structures, prioritizing retrofitting, pre-earthquake planning, and loss measurement tools. The seismic design philosophies and analytical methods are elaborated in-depth, including the methodology to develop fragility curves. The paper also discusses the fragility analysis of retrofitted bridges.
Microplastic paint particle production for spiking experiments; silicone rubber as application material provide high yield with low effort
Authors: Tagg Alexander S. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPaint particles are a highly-important but as-yet overlooked type of microplastic commonly found in coastal sediment, although research interest is growing. There is a need for paint particles as laboratory standards for spiking experiments, however, given paint is generally only available for purchase in liquid form, a new method is needed to reliable produce laboratory-grade paint particles. The main distinguishing issue with paint particle production (as opposed to other microplastic production) is the paint must be applied to a surface in layers before then being decoupled to be processed into particles. Since paints, and especially primers, are designed specifically to strongly adhere to surfaces, using the right application material is highly important. This study tests the time and material efficiency of 2 different application materials; laboratory wax film (i.e. Parafilm®) and silicone rubber sheets (i.e. silicone baking sheets). Silicone rubber was on average 36 × more time-efficient than laboratory wax and was also 8 × more material-efficient (8 × more paint particles were produce per liquid paint used). Indeed, silicone rubber provided an essentially-perfect decoupling process, as the paint could be easily peeled away in a solid and complete layer. As such, for the future production of paint particles for laboratory purposes, silicone rubber is highly recommended as an application material.
Localized amyloidoma of the chest wall: diagnostic and surgical perspectives
Authors: Kawakami Toru , Atsumi Jun , Shimoda Kiyomi , Hiramatsu Miyako , Oka Teruaki , Shiraishi Yuji 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
An amyloidoma is defined as a solitary, localized, tumor-like deposit of amyloid in the absence of systemic amyloidosis. Amyloidomas occur most frequently in the bladder, followed by the lungs, trachea and bronchi, larynx and vocal cords, tonsils, conjunctivae, orbits, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. It is extremely rare for an amyloidoma to present in the chest wall. Indeed, only 5 cases of chest wall amyloidoma have been reported. Moreover, all reported lesions were > 10 cm in size and involved the ribs. Herein, we report our experience with a patient who had a chest wall amyloidoma 3 cm in diameter without rib involvement.

Case presentation
A 3.1 × 1.5-cm tumor situated in the fifth intercostal space of the chest wall was found in an 83-year-old male during a routine health checkup. Chest magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass of intermediate intensity on T1-weighted imaging and low intensity on T2-weighted imaging with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. The tumor was resected during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. No adhesions were observed between the tumor and the lung. The tumor was white, hard, elastic, and located in the extrapleural fat without bone involvement. The tumor was removed in a piecemeal fashion because the tumor was fragile and the surgical margin was unclear. A wide resection was achieved, including the intercostal muscle. Pathologic examination of the tumor using Dylon and Congo red staining confirmed amyloid deposition with tumor spread from the fat to the intercostal muscle and vascular walls but no pleural invasion. Without clear evidence of systemic amyloidosis, this patient was diagnosed with an amyloidoma of the chest wall. The postoperative course was uneventful, and he is doing well 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion
Amyloidoma of the chest wall can present in various ways. An amyloidoma can be a small tumor, as in our patient, or the amyloidoma can be a large, destructive mass with rib involvement. Diagnosis of an amyloidoma should be kept in mind when patients present with chest wall tumors because an amyloidoma can be characterized by invasion within the chest wall independent of size.
Estimated Glucose Disposal Rate Predicts Renal Progression in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Peng Juan , Li Aimei , Yin Liangqingqing , Yang Qi , Pan Jinting , Yi Bin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Context
Insulin resistance is a feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a validated marker for insulin resistance, is associated with complications of diabetes, but few studies have explored the relationship between eGDR and renal outcomes in T2DM.

Objective
This study investigated the value of eGDR in predicting renal progression in T2DM.

Methods
A total of 956 T2DM patients with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 5 years of follow-up were enrolled. Primary outcomes were rapid eGFR decline, eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and composite renal endpoint consisting of 50% eGFR decline, doubling of serum creatinine, or end-stage renal disease. A continuous scale with restricted cubic spline curves and a generalized linear model were applied to evaluate the associations between eGDR and primary outcomes.

Results
Rapid eGFR decline was experienced by 23.95% of patients, 21.97% with eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 12.13% with the composite renal endpoint. The eGDR showed a relationship with follow-up eGFR and percentage change in eGFR (P &lt; .001). An eGDR &lt;6.34 mg/kg/min was an independent risk factor for rapid eGFR decline, eGFR &lt; 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, or the composite renal endpoint(P &lt; .05). Compared with eGDR of 5.65∼6.91 mg/kg/min, eGDR levels &gt;8.33 mg/kg/min decreased the risk of rapid eGFR decline by 75%, eGFR &lt; 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 by 60%, and the composite renal endpoint by 61%. Subgroup analysis was performed by sex, age, and diabetes duration, which showed that eGDR was associated with primary outcomes.

Conclusion
Lower eGDR is a predictive factor for renal deterioration in T2DM patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Leuprolide Acetate 6-Month Depot for the Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty: A Phase 3 Study
Authors: Klein Karen O , Mauras Nelly , Nayak Sunil , Sunil Bhuvana , Martinez-Placencia Blanca M , Dragnic Sanja , Ballina Mayra , Zhou Qing , Kansra Alvina R 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Context
Treatment options for central precocious puberty (CPP) are important for individualization of therapy.

Objective
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of 6-month 45-mg leuprolide acetate (LA) depot with intramuscular administration.

Methods
LA depot was administered at weeks 0 and 24 to treatment-naïve (n = 27) or previously treated (n = 18) children with CPP in a phase 3, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study (NCT03695237). Week 24 peak-stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) suppression (&lt;4 mIU/mL) was the primary outcome. Secondary/other outcomes included basal sex hormone suppression (girls, estradiol &lt;20 pg/mL; boys, testosterone &lt;30 ng/dL), suppression of physical signs, height velocity, bone age, patient/parent-reported outcomes, and adverse events.

Results
All patients (age, 7.8 ± 1.27 years) received both scheduled study doses. At 24 weeks, 39/45 patients (86.7%) had LH suppressed. Six were counted as unsuppressed; 2 because of missing data, 3 with LH of 4.35−5.30 mIU/mL and 1 with LH of 21.07 mIU/mL. Through 48 weeks, LH, estradiol, and testosterone suppression was achieved in ≥86.7%, ≥97.4%, and 100%, respectively (as early as week 4 for LH and estradiol and week 12 for testosterone). Physical signs were suppressed at week 48 (girls, 90.2%; boys, 75.0%). Mean height velocity ranged 5.0 to 5.3 cm/year post-baseline in previously treated patients and declined from 10.1 to 6.5 cm/year at week 20 in treatment-naïve patients. Mean bone age advanced slower than chronological age. Patient/parent-reported outcomes remained stable. No new safety signals were identified. No adverse event led to treatment discontinuation.

Conclusion
Six-month intramuscular LA depot demonstrated 48-week efficacy with a safety profile consistent with other GnRH agonist formulations.
Nutrient regulation of development and cell fate decisions
Authors: Tu William B. , Christofk Heather R. , Plath Kathrin 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Diet contributes to health at all stages of life, from embryonic development to old age. Nutrients, including vitamins, amino acids, lipids and sugars, have instructive roles in directing cell fate and function, maintaining stem cell populations, tissue homeostasis and alleviating the consequences of aging. This Review highlights recent findings that illuminate how common diets and specific nutrients impact cell fate decisions in healthy and disease contexts. We also draw attention to new models, technologies and resources that help to address outstanding questions in this emerging field and may lead to dietary approaches that promote healthy development and improve disease treatments.
Divergent functions of histone acetyltransferases KAT2A and KAT2B in keratinocyte self-renewal and differentiation
Authors: Walters Benjamin William , Tan Tiak Ju , Tan Chew Teng , Dube Christabel Thembela , Lee Kang Ting , Koh Jace , Ong Yasmin Hui Binn , Tan Vanessa Xue Hui , Jahan Fathima Rifkhana Shah , Lim Xin Ni , Wan Yue , Lim Chin Yan 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
The mammalian epidermis undergoes constant renewal, replenished by a pool of stem cells and terminal differentiation of their progeny. This is accompanied by changes in gene expression and morphology that are orchestrated, in part, by epigenetic modifiers. Here, we define the role of the histone acetyltransferase KAT2A in epidermal homeostasis and provide a comparative analysis that reveals key functional divergence with its paralog KAT2B. In contrast to the reported function of KAT2B in epidermal differentiation, KAT2A supports the undifferentiated state in keratinocytes. RNA-seq analysis of KAT2A- and KAT2B- depleted keratinocytes revealed dysregulated epidermal differentiation. Depletion of KAT2A led to premature expression of epidermal differentiation genes in the absence of inductive signals, whereas loss of KAT2B delayed differentiation. KAT2A acetyltransferase activity was indispensable in regulating epidermal differentiation gene expression. The metazoan-specific N terminus of KAT2A was also required to support its function in keratinocytes. We further showed that the interplay between KAT2A- and KAT2B-mediated regulation was important for normal cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Overall, these findings reveal a distinct mechanism in which keratinocytes use a pair of highly homologous histone acetyltransferases to support divergent functions in self-renewal and differentiation processes.
Minimally Invasive and Open Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Davey Matthew G. , Temperley Hugo C. , O’Sullivan Niall J. , Marcelino Vianka , Ryan Odhrán K. , Ryan Éanna J. , Donlon Noel E. , Johnston Sean M. , Robb William B. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background and Objectives
Optimal surgical management for gastric cancer remains controversial. We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes after open gastrectomy (OG), laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy (LAG), and robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer.

Methods
A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. An NMA was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-NMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Shiny.

Results
Twenty-two RCTs including 6890 patients were included. Overall, 49.6% of patients underwent LAG (3420/6890), 46.6% underwent OG (3212/6890), and 3.7% underwent RG (258/6890). At NMA, there was a no significant difference in recurrence rates following LAG (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.49) compared with OG. Similarly, overall survival (OS) outcomes were identical following OG and LAG (OS: OG, 87.0% [1652/1898] vs. LAG: OG, 87.0% [1650/1896]), with no differences in OS in meta-analysis (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77–1.52). Importantly, patients undergoing LAG experienced reduced intraoperative blood loss, surgical incisions, distance from proximal margins, postoperative hospital stays, and morbidity post-resection.

Conclusions
LAG was associated with non-inferior oncological and surgical outcomes compared with OG. Surgical outcomes following LAG and RG superseded OG, with similar outcomes observed for both LAG and RG. Given these findings, minimally invasive approaches should be considered for the resection of local gastric cancer, once surgeon and institutional expertise allows.
Athlete Muscular Phenotypes Identified and Compared with High-Dimensional Clustering of Lower Limb Muscle Volume Measurements
Authors: KNAUS KATHERINE R. , HANDSFIELD GEOFFREY G. , FIORENTINO NICCOLO M. , HART JOSEPH M. , MEYER CRAIG H. , BLEMKER SILVIA S. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Athletes use their skeletal muscles to demonstrate performance. Muscle force generating capacity is correlated with volume, meaning that variations in sizes of different muscles may be indicative of how athletes meet different demands in their sports. Medical imaging enables in vivo quantification of muscle volumes; however, muscle volume distribution has not been compared across athletes of different sports.

Purpose
The goal of this work was to define “muscular phenotypes” in athletes of different sports and compare these using hierarchical clustering.

Methods
Muscle volumes normalized by body mass of athletes (football, baseball, basketball, or track) were compared with control participants to quantify size differences using z-scores. z-Scores of 35 muscles described the pattern of volume deviation within each athlete’s lower limb, characterizing their muscular phenotype. Data-driven high-dimensional clustering analysis was used to group athletes presenting similar phenotypes. Efficacy of clustering to identify similar phenotypes was demonstrated by grouping athletes’ contralateral limbs before other athletes’ limbs.

Results
Analyses revealed that athletes did not tend to cluster with others competing in the same sport. Basketball players with similar phenotypes grouped by clustering also demonstrated similarities in performance. Clustering also identified muscles with similar volume variation patterns across athletes, and principal component analysis revealed specific muscles that accounted for most of the variance (gluteus maximus, sartorius, semitendinosus, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris).

Conclusions
Athletes exhibit heterogeneous lower limb muscle volumes that can be characterized and compared as individual muscular phenotypes. Clustering revealed that athletes with the most similar phenotypes do not always play the same sport such that patterns of muscular heterogeneity across a group of athletes reflect factors beyond their specific sports.