bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of the chick chorioallantoic membrane model for preclinical studies on tumor radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Wessendorf Joel , Scheschenja Michael , Bastian Moritz B. , König Alexander M. , Pagenstecher Axel , Helmprobst Frederik , Buchholz Malte , Tatura Marina , Jedelská Jarmila , Mahnken Andreas H. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
We evaluated the feasibility of a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) tumor model for preclinical research on tumor radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods
Fertilized chicken eggs were incubated and divided into five cohorts: RFA for 30 s (n = 5), RFA for 60 s (n = 5), RFA for 120 s (n = 4), sham (n = 8), and controls (n = 6). Xenografting using pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cells of the BON-1 cell line was performed on embryonic day (ED) 8. The RFA was performed on ED 12. Survival, stereomicroscopic observations, and histological observations using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Ki67 staining were evaluated.

Results
The survival rates in the 30-s, 60-s, and 120-s, sham and control cohort were 60%, 60%, 0%, 100%, and 50%, respectively. Signs of bleeding and heat damage were common findings in the evaluation of stereomicroscopic observations. Histological examination could be performed in all but one embryo. Heat damage, bleeding, thrombosis, and leukocyte infiltration and hyperemia were regular findings in H&E-stained cuts. A complete absence of Ki67 staining was recorded in 33.3% and 50% of embryos in the 30-s and 60-s cohorts that survived until ED 14, respectively.

Conclusions
The CAM model is a feasible and suiting research model for tumor RFA with many advantages over other animal models. It offers the opportunity to conduct in vivo research under standardized conditions. Further studies are needed to optimize this model for tumor ablations in order to explore promising but unrefined strategies like the combination of RFA and immunotherapy.

Relevance statement
The chick chorioallantoic membrane model allows in vivo research on tumor radiofrequency ablation under standardized conditions that may enable enhanced understanding on combined therapies while ensuring animal welfare in concordance with the “Three Rs.”

Key points
• The chorioallantoic membrane model is feasible and suiting for tumor radiofrequency ablation.
• Radiofrequency ablation regularly achieved reduction but not eradication of Ki67 staining.
• Histological evaluation showed findings comparable to changes in humans after RFA.
• The chorioallantoic membrane model can enable studies on combined therapies after optimization.

Graphical Abstract
Heterogeneity of treatment responses in rheumatoid arthritis using group based trajectory models: secondary analysis of clinical trial data
Authors: Ibrahim Fowzia , Scott Ian C , Scott David L , Ayis Salma Ahmed 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Traditionally rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials classify patients as responders and non-responders; they ignore the potential range of treatment responses. Group Based Trajectory Models (GBTMs) provide a more refined approach. They identify patient subgroups with similar outcome trajectories. We used GBTMs to classify patients into subgroups of varying responses and explore factors associated with different responses to intensive treatment in a secondary analysis of intensive treatment in the TITRATE clinical trial.

Methods
The TITRATE trial enrolled 335 patients with RA: 168 patients were randomised to receive intensive management, which comprised monthly assessments including measures of the disease activity score for 28 joints (DAS28), treatment escalation when patients were not responding sufficiently and psychosocial support; 163 of these patients completed the trial. We applied GBTMs to monthly DAS28 scores over one year to these patients who had received intensive management. The control group had standard care and were assessed every 6 months; they had too few DAS28 scores for applying GBTMs.

Results
GBTMs identified three distinct trajectories in the patients receiving intensive management: good (n = 40), moderate (n = 76) and poor (n = 47) responders. Baseline body mass index (BMI), disability, fatigue and depression levels were significantly different between trajectory groups. Few (10%) good responders were obese, compared to 38% of moderate, and 43% of poor responders (P = 0.002). Few (8%) good responders had depression, compared to 14% moderate responders, and 38% poor responders (P < 0.001). The key difference in treatments was using high-cost biologics, used in only 5% of good responders but 30% of moderate and 51% of poor responders (P < 0.001). Most good responders had endpoint remissions and low disability, pain, and fatigue scores; few poor responders achieved any favourable outcomes.

Conclusion
GBTMs identified three trajectories of disease activity progression in patients receiving intensive management for moderately active RA. Baseline variables like obesity and depression predicted different treatment responses. Few good responders needed biologic drugs; they responded to conventional DMARDs alone. GBTMs have the potential to facilitate precision medicine enabling patient-oriented treatment strategies based on key characteristics.

Registration
TITRATE Trial ISRCTN 70160382.
Surgical management of cerebrovascular disease in Africa: a systematic review of state
Authors: Alare Kehinde , Opanike Joshua , Adebayo Temidayo , Owonikoko AbdulSalam , Edun Mariam , Tajudeen Qudus 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Surgical management is one of the mainstay management options for cerebrovascular diseases, which is not only curative but also preventive. However, there's a gap between the surgical management of cerebrovascular disease in Africa when compared to the developed parts of the world.

Methods
A literature search was done on the state of Cerebrovascular surgery in Africa from databases such as Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar, articles we fetched and meticulously reviewed.

Results
We found gaps in the surgical management of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke in African countries when compared to developed countries. The challenges facing the surgical management of cerebrovascular disease in Africa include a low number of neurosurgeons and vascular surgeons trained in the surgical management of these diseases, a lack of adequate facilities for surgical management, and others. The burden of cerebrovascular diseases in Africa is great, and this warrants an improvement in the surgical management of the conditions, which includes primary prevention of such diseases through public health education on risk factors, improvement of health facilities to accommodate recent advances in the cerebrovascular surgeries, establishments of several neurosurgery training centers.

Conclusion
The practice of surgical management of cerebrovascular disease in Africa needs to be optimized for it to be at the global standard and for better outcomes and management of patients.
Ectopic meningioma presenting as a neck mass: case report and review of literature
Authors: Vijayan Balu , Arjunan Asha , Balakrishnan Priya , Mathews Anitha , Valsalamony Jiji , Radhakrishnan Neelima , Jose Nijo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Ectopic meningiomas are rare neoplasms that occur entirely outside the intracranial and intraspinal cavities and account for only 1–2% of all meningiomas. These tumors have been reported at various sites, however they are predominantly observed in the head and neck region. Here, we detail a case of an adult diagnosed with ectopic meningioma of the neck.

Case presentation
A 26-year-old woman underwent evaluation for a neck swelling associated with difficult in swallowing. Clinical examination revealed a firm, non-tender and non-pulsatile swelling in the right side of neck. On imaging, a soft tissue mass lesion was seen involving the right supra-hyoid neck, centered at the right carotid space/retro-styloid parapharyngeal space. She underwent maximal safe resection of the tumor and a consensus was reached regarding the diagnosis of ectopic meningioma based on the histopathological, clinical and radiological findings. Relevant literature is reviewed.

Conclusions
The diagnosis of ectopic meningioma may pose difficulties due to their occurrence in uncommon sites. The primary approach to treatment entails the surgical removal of the neoplasm, and a multidisciplinary strategy is pivotal for achieving the best possible clinical outcomes for patients with this rare entity.
Micronuclei detection in oral cytologic smear: does it add diagnostic value?
Authors: Elnaggar Alaa , Madkour Gihane , Tahoun Neveen , Amin Ayman , Zahran Fat’heya M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Screening and early diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are directly associated with increased survival rate and improved prognosis. Noninvasive diagnostic tools have been implemented in the early detection as toluidine blue staining, optical imaging, and oral cytology. This study aimed to assess and compare the presence of micronuclei (MN) in oral exfoliative cytology of healthy controls, subjects exposed to high-risk factors for oral cancer, subjects with oral potentially malignant lesions (OPMLs), and those with malignant oral lesions.

Subjects and methods
A total number of 92 subjects were divided into 46 healthy controls with no oral mucosal lesions (23 with no evidence of cancer risk factors and 23 with cancer risk factors), 23 with OPMLs and 23 with oral malignant lesions. All the 92 participants were subjected to cytological sampling for detection of MN. The final diagnosis of the oral lesions was confirmed by the histopathological picture and compared to the cytological results.

Results
The results showed that the diagnostic accuracy of MN was higher in OPMLs group (95.2%). The sensitivity of MN test in malignant group was much lower (52.2%); however, all the cytological criteria of malignancy were markedly detected as compared to the OPMLs group.

Conclusions
Conventional oral cytology supported by MN is highly beneficial as adjunctive tool in the screening for early detection of dysplastic oral lesions.
India’s trade with South and Central Asia: an application of institution-based augmented gravity model
Authors: Wani Suadat Hussain , Yasmin Effat 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe present study investigates the effect of regional and bilateral trade agreements supported by institutional framework on bilateral trade between India and selected South and Central Asian countries. The augmented gravity model that corrects for zero trade, endogeneity and heterogeneity is used. The model is developed by applying OLS and PPML (Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood) estimation technique using panel dataset of 22 countries from 1996 to 2020. Empirical results show that trade agreements have failed to enhance trade between selected countries. However, institutional framework positively contributes to trade integration among these countries. The key finding of this study is that regional trade agreements supported by institutional framework play an important role in promotion of trade among these countries. Thus, the government needs to pay attention to enhance institutional quality to reap the benefits of trade integration.
Surgical Management of Craniospinal Axis Solitary Fibrous Tumors: A Single-Institution Case Series and Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Piscopo Anthony J. , Chowdhury A. J. , Teferi Nahom , Lee Sarah , Challa Meron , Petronek Michael , Eschbacher Kathryn , Bathla Girish , Buatti John M. , Hitchon Patrick 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Meningeal solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) comprise 0.4% of primary central nervous system neoplasms and carry metastatic potential. Disease course and optimal management are largely unknown, and there is currently no literature rigorously describing neurological outcomes in surgically managed SFTs. We present one of the largest craniospinal SFT series, analyze patient outcomes, and extensively review the associated literature.

METHODS:
All surgically managed SFTs at our institution between January 2005 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, tumor and radiographic features, treatment, and clinical outcomes were collected. Neurological function was quantified using Frankel grade and Neurologic Assessment in Neuro-Oncology scores. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis, log-rank test, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed.

RESULTS:
Twenty-one patients satisfied inclusion criteria. Tumor locations included 15 supratentorial, three infratentorial, and three spinal. All patients underwent surgical resection, and 16 (76.2%) underwent radiation. Six (28.6%) patients had tumor recurrence, and three (14.3%) developed metastasis. Younger age and higher postoperative Frankel grade were significantly associated with increased overall survival (OS) (P = .011, P = .002, respectively). All patients symptomatically improved or stabilized after surgery, and Neurologic Assessment in Neuro-Oncology score (P = .001) and functional status significantly improved postoperatively (Karnofsky Performance Status: 65.2 ± 25.2 vs 91.4 ± 13.5, P = .001). Sex, adjuvant radiation, and extent of resection were not significantly associated with OS.

CONCLUSION:
SFT of the central nervous system is a rare entity with a variable clinical course. Surgical resection was associated with improved postoperative functional and neurological status. Higher postoperative neurological function was significantly associated with OS. Further studies are warranted to validate a standardized treatment algorithm and investigate the efficacy of adjuvant radiation in SFT.
An active traveling wave of Eda/NF-κB signaling controls the timing and hexagonal pattern of skin appendages in zebrafish
Authors: Evanitsky Maya N. , Di Talia Stefano 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Periodic patterns drive the formation of a variety of tissues, including skin appendages such as feathers and scales. Skin appendages serve important and diverse functions across vertebrates, yet the mechanisms that regulate their patterning are not fully understood. Here, we have used live imaging to investigate dynamic signals regulating the ontogeny of zebrafish scales. Scales are bony skin appendages that develop sequentially along the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes to cover the fish in a hexagonal array. We have found that scale development requires cell-cell communication and is coordinated through an active wave mechanism. Using a live transcriptional reporter, we show that a wave of Eda/NF-κB activity precedes scale initiation and is required for scale formation. Experiments decoupling the propagation of the wave from dermal placode formation and osteoblast differentiation demonstrate that the Eda/NF-κB activity wavefront controls the timing of the sequential patterning of scales. Moreover, this decoupling resulted in defects in scale size and significant deviations in the hexagonal patterning of scales. Thus, our results demonstrate that a biochemical traveling wave coordinates scale initiation and proper hexagonal patterning across the fish body.
The Origin and Nature of the Egg Membranes in Chirocephalus diaphanus
Authors: Mawson Mary L. , longe C. M. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
The anatomy of the female reproductive system in Chirocephalus diaphanus is described with especial reference to the paired anterior and posterior masses of uterine glands. The gland-cells are arranged in pairs surrounded by a common membrane and served by a single duct formed by a separate duct-cell, representing possibly an ingrowth of the uterine epithelium. The glands increase greatly in size during development owing to the formation of a granular secretion which is apparently formed in the nucleus and gradually displaces the original cytoplasm. The egg-case consists of an inner membrane which is chitinous and is formed by the oviducal epithelium, and an outer thicker, rugose membrane which is non-chitinous and is secreted by the uterine glands. Attention is drawn to the close resemblance to conditions in the Decapoda. The inner membrane in both cases is chitinous and formed in the oviduct, while the uterine secretion has much in common with the secretion of the cement glands, but is concerned with protection only and not also with attachment to the body of the female.
Simple demographic, laboratory and chest radiograph variables can identify COVID-19 patients with pulmonary thromboembolism: a retrospective multicentre United Kingdom study
Authors: Gangi-Burton Anmol , Chan Nathan , Ashok Abhishekh H , Nair Arjun 
Published: September 2023

Objectives:
To (1) identify discriminatory demographic, laboratory and initial CXR findings; (2) explore correlation between D-dimer and radiographic severity scores; and (3) assess accuracy of published D-dimer thresholds to identify pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in COVID-19 patients.

Methods:
Retrospective study including all COVID-19 patients admitted from 1st to 30th April 2020 meeting inclusion criteria from 25 United Kingdom hospitals. Demographics, blood results, CXR and CTPA findings were compared between positive and negative PTE cohorts using uni- and multivariable logistic regression. Published D-dimer cut-offs were applied.

Results:
389 patients were included [median age 63; 237 males], of which 26.2% had a PTE. Significant univariable discriminators for PTE were peak D-dimer, sex, neutrophil count at the time of the D-dimer and at admission, abnormal CXR, and CXR zonal severity score. Only neutrophil count at peak D-dimer remained significant for predicting PTE on multivariable analysis (p = 0.008). When compared with the published literature, sensitivity for PTE were lower than those published at all cut-off values; however, specificity at different cut-offs was variable.

Conclusions:
In this multicentre COVID-19 cohort, univariable admission factors that could indicate pulmonary thromboembolism were male sex, high neutrophil count and abnormal CXR with a greater CXR zonal severity score. The accuracy levels of published D-dimer thresholds were not reproducible in our population.

Advances in knowledge:
This is a large multicentre study looking at the discriminatory value of simple variables to determine if a patient with COVID-19 has PTE or not, in addition to comparing D-dimer cut-off values against published values.
Computed tomography defined femoral artery plaque composition predicts vascular complications during transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Carande Elliott J , Salim Tarik S , Chase Alexander , Sekar Baskar , Aldalati Omar , Hailan Ahmed , Khurana Ayush , Smith Dave , Obaid Daniel Rhys 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
Vascular and bleeding complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are common and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Analysis of plaque at the arterial access site may improve prediction of complications.

Methods:
We investigated the association between demographic and procedural risk factors for Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3) vascular complications in patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI with use of a vascular closure device (ProGlide® or MANTA®) in this retrospective cohort study. The ability of pre-procedure femoral CT angiography to predict complications was investigated including a novel method of quantifying plaque composition of the common femoral artery using plaque maps created with patient specific X-ray attenuation cut-offs.

Results:
23 vascular complications occurred in the 299 patients in the study group (7.7%). There were no demographic risk factors associated with vascular complications and no statistical difference between use of closure device (ProGlide®vs MANTA®) and vascular complications. Vascular complications after TAVI were associated with sheath size (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.08–1.76, P 0.01) and strongly associated with CT-derived necrotic core volume in the common femoral artery of the procedural side (OR 17.49, 95% CI 1.21–226.60, P 0.03).

Conclusion:
Plaque map analysis of the common femoral artery by CT angiography reveals patients with greater necrotic core are at increased risk of VARC-3 vascular complications.

Advances in knowledge:
The novel measurement of necrotic core volume in the common femoral artery on the procedural side by CT analysis was associated with post-TAVI vascular complications, which can be used to highlight increased risk.
In vitro comparison of color stability and surface roughness of bulk fill flowable composite and universal packable composite
Authors: Almulhim Khalid S. , Shetty Ashwin C. , Alkathiri Hanan , Alabdulqader Dalal , Al-Yami Fatimah 
Published: September 2023

Background: Bulk fill composites have been introduced as restorative material, where they can be cured up to 4 mm thickness. In this research, we evaluated several flowable bulk fill composite material that can be used as anterior restorations, by testing color stability and surface roughness and compare them to the universal packable composite. Methods: 120 disc-shaped specimens were made from four composite materials shade A1: One universal packable composite (Filtek Z250 XT Universal), and three bulk fill flowable composite (G-aenial Flo X, Filtek Bulk Fill, SDR Plus Bulk Fill). Composite specimens were randomly divided into two groups according to the finishing and polishing system: Sof-lex discs, and Rubber stone system. The baseline color test was performed for each specimen, and the surface roughness was measured at three different points. Specimens were further divided equally and immersed in three different solutions (Distilled Water, Coffee and Cola). Readings were taken at three different time intervals: at the baseline, after 3 days, and after 10 days. Results: Comparing the tested materials in terms of color change, Kruskal Wallis test showed no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among the composite materials immersed in same solution. On the other hand, Filtek bulk fill composite material presented the least surface roughness compared to the other materials. However, there were no statistically significant difference in surface roughness comparing the two polishing systems, except in SDR bulk fill flowable composite material which had less surface roughness with rubber stone system at the baseline. Conclusions: Within the limitation of our study, it can be concluded that there was no major difference in color change between materials regardless of other factors. The three used bulk fill flowable composites are not recommended as anterior restorations as they yield color change detected by the naked eye (∆E where ≥ 3.3).