bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser hair depilation therapy for pilonidal sinus disease: a 5-year, retrospective experience in a university teaching hospital in the UK, 2017–2023
Authors: Andrew Kashini , Dyson Maya , Lee Pui Chi , Sonigra Pooja , Applewaite Rona , Li Danning , Thomson Michelle , Nevill Alan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic, debilitating condition predominantly affecting young men. Laser hair depilation is an established adjunct to surgical treatment for PSD. It can lead to reduced rates of recurrence and postsurgical interventions.

Objectives
To assess the outcome of laser hair depilation therapy on disease progression in patients with PSD at the Birmingham Skin Regional Laser Centre.

Methods
Patient demographics, PSD clinical stage, laser type, number of laser sessions, surgical intervention and treatment outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records of patients (n = 97) referred for laser hair depilation between 2017 and 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and R. Treatment outcomes were categorized as improvement (healed, improved) or no improvement of underlying PSD. Disease severity was classified using the method of Guner et al. (BMC Surg 2016; 16:18).

Results
Most patients affected were male (77%). The median age was 22 years (interquartile range 20–28). The median number of laser hair removal sessions was 8 (interquartile range 5.5–10). The number of laser hair removal sessions was the only predictive factor for symptom resolution (P &lt; 0.001). Neither surgical intervention nor the type of surgery (incision, excision, modified flap, or endoscopic surgical intervention) showed a significant association with improvement in PSD (P = 0.47 and P = 0.65, respectively). In the subgroup of patients who did not undergo surgery (n = 32, 33%), 25 patients (78%) had improvement or healing in their PSD. There were no statistically significant associations between age, type of laser, disease severity and benefit from laser hair removal. No complications were reported and there was only one case of recurrence.

Conclusions
Laser hair depilation is a safe and effective postoperative adjunct treatment for treating sacrococcygeal PSD. For early-stage disease it may offer curative treatment.
Proteomic analysis reveals dysregulation of peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Smith Katie J , Lim Zachary , Vermeren Sonja , Miron Veronique E , Dimeloe Sarah , Davidson Donald J , Williams Anna , Gwyer Findlay Emily 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex auto-inflammatory disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, which results in axonal de-myelination and symptoms including fatigue, pain, and difficulties with vision and mobility. The involvement of the immune system in the pathology of MS is well established, particularly the adaptive T cell response, and there has been a particular focus on the IL-17-producing subset of Th17 cells and their role in driving disease. However, the importance of innate immune cells has not been so well characterised.

Method
Here we focused on neutrophils, which are innate immune cells and rapid responders to inflammation, and which have recently been linked to other chronic autoimmune conditions. Multiple strands of evidence in patients with MS and in mice with the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis MS model suggest neutrophils may play a role in driving MS inflammation. Here, we performed proteomic analysis on neutrophils from patients with MS and healthy donors, revealing striking differences.

Results
In particular, granule proteins were significantly more abundant in the MS neutrophils compared to the healthy controls, with a particular over-abundance of proteins in primary and secondary granules. In addition, members of the MAVS signalling pathway were differently regulated compared to healthy donor cells.

Conclusion
Finally, we find that MS neutrophils do not suppress T cell activation equivalently to healthy neutrophils, and in particular are unable to suppress expression of CD161 on the T cells, indicative of a suppression of Th17 differentiation. We propose that neutrophil dysregulation in MS may contribute to dysfunctional T cell responses.
Electric heating system for iso-C5 dehydrogenation in the presence of H2S
Authors: Suganuma Hiroyasu , Watanabe Ryo , Verma Priyanka , Akama Hiroshi , Fukuhara Choji 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of an e-reaction system on iso-C5 dehydrogenation. In this system, current is passed through a honeycomb-type catalyst, and the reaction field is heated by the resistance of the substrate. Compared with conventional dehydrogenation via external heating, e-Reaction suppresses side reactions such as thermal decomposition and selectively promotes dehydrogenation. Furthermore, shortening the substrate length enhanced the selectivity of C5-olefins.
An improved growing season index including the maximum temperature and precipitation to predict foliar phenology of alpine grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Sun Qingling , Zhu Jiang , Zhu Siyu , Li Baolin , Zhu Jie , Chen Xiuzhi , Yuan Wenping 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Phenological model is a useful tool to predict vegetation phenology and investigate the relationship between vegetation and climate. However, compared with temperate and boreal ecosystems, phenological modeling work in alpine regions has received much less attention. In this study, we established a semi-mechanistic phenological model, the AGSI model, considering different impacts of daily maximum and minimum air temperatures and constraints of precipitation and photoperiod for predicting foliar phenology of alpine grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The model was driven by daily minimum temperature (Tmin), daily maximum temperature (Tmax), precipitation averaged over the previous month (PA), and daily photoperiod (Photo). Based on the AGSI model, we further assessed impacts of Tmin, Tmax, PA, and Photo on modeling accuracy, and identified the predominant climatic controls over entire alpine grasslands on the QTP. Results showed that the AGSI model had higher accuracy than other GSI models. Total RMSE of predicted leaf onset and offset dates when evaluated using ground observations was 12.9 d, which decreased those of other models by 10.9%–54.1%. Total modeling accuracy of leaf onset and offset dates was improved by 20.2% after considering the effects of Tmax and PA in the AGSI. Overall, PA and Tmin showed more critical and extensive constraints on foliar phenology of alpine grasslands. The limiting effect of Tmax was also considerable, primarily during July–November. This study provides a simple and effective tool to predict foliar phenology of alpine grasslands and evaluate the climatic effects on vegetation phenological development in alpine regions.
Heavy medicine: the need for ethical stewardship of metal and metalloid-based medicines and technologies
Authors: Day Patrick 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Metals and metalloids including cobalt, gadolinium, lutetium, and germanium are used in numerous medical applications spanning diverse specialities including orthopedics, radiology, oncology, and healthcare artificial intelligence. These medical advances include cobalt containing orthopedic implants, gadolinium-based contrast agents, lutetium-containing cancer drugs, and germanium-based semiconductors. While these metal and metalloid-based solutions do improve patient care, there is a heavy side to how the elements needed for these solutions are mined, extracted, and discarded. These practices often exploit and harm vulnerable populations and environments. As healthcare professionals, we should be aware of the entire mineral to medicine lifecycle. As providers and consumers of these metal and metalloid-based solutions, we must advocate for more responsible and ethical extraction and recycling practices. As researchers and educators, we must promote and support continued research and development into less resource-intense medical solutions that can both improve patient care and sustainability.
Nomogram for predicting proliferative lupus nephritis in patients with low-level proteinuria
Authors: Lu Yuewen , Tang Ruihan , Tan Li , Xiang Wang , Fan Yuting , Yu Jianwen , Wang Xin , Ye Hongjian , Zhong Zhong , Wu Haishan , Xia Xi , Chen Wei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Proliferative LN is not uncommon in individuals with proteinuria &lt;0.5 g/24 h, highlighting the importance of predicting proliferative nephritis for effective clinical management. We aimed to develop a predictive model for proliferative LN in this population.

Methods
The enrolled 671 biopsy-proven LN patients were divided into low-level proteinuria (&lt;0.5 g/24 h) and high-level proteinuria (≥0.5 g/24 h) groups. The clinical features, pathological characteristics and long-term outcomes of the two groups were compared. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to construct a predictive nomogram for proliferative nephritis in low-level proteinuria patients and internal validation was performed using bootstrap-resampling.

Results
One hundred and three of 671 (15.4%) LN patients had low-level proteinuria, 43 (41.7%) of whom showed proliferative LN; the Activity Index and Chronicity Index were 5 [interquartile range (IQR) (4, 7)] and 3 [IQR (2, 4)], respectively. The long-term adverse renal events-free survival was preferable in the low-level proteinuria group. The LASSO-logistic regression identified that age, sex, mean arterial pressure, haemoglobin, platelet, 24-h proteinuria and anti-dsDNA antibodies positivity were associated with proliferative nephritis in those with low-level proteinuria. The predictive model showed an area under curve of 0.900 (95% CI 0.840–0.960) and a bootstrapped result of 0.894 (95% CI 0.832–0.965), with good calibration.

Conclusion
Some 41.7% of the patients with low-level proteinuria exhibited proliferative LN when biopsied. The nomogram including clinical, urinary and laboratory parameters might help with the prediction of proliferative LN before biopsy among patients with low-level proteinuria.
Post-Traumatic Hip Osteoarthritis after Pelvic Ring Injuries
Authors: Brodell James D. , Shaikh Hashim J.F. , Rodenhouse Thomas F. , Giordano Brian D. , Ketz John P. , Soin Sandeep P. , Joseph Noah M. 
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVES:
While rates of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after acetabulum fracture have been thoroughly studied, there has been less emphasis on hip osteoarthritis after pelvic ring injuries. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis in pelvic ring injury patients. It was hypothesized that more severe pelvic ring injuries would be associated with greater rates of post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis.

METHODS:

Design: Retrospective Cohort

Setting:
Urban/Suburban Academic Level I Trauma Center

Patient Selection Criteria:
Subjects were identified using a retrospective search for AO/OTA type A, B, and C pelvic ring injuries. Patients were included if they were age 18 or greater, had a pelvic ring injury, and one year or more of radiographic follow-up. Patients were excluded if they had prior total or hemi-arthroplasty of either hip, femoral neck fracture, acetabulum fracture, femoral head fracture, or inadequate radiographic follow-up.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:
Both hips were graded using the Tönnis classification at the time of injury and available follow-up pelvis films. Comparison of rate of osteoarthritis progression was made between stable (LC I injuries stable on examination under anesthesia, all APC I injuries) and unstable (APC II, APC III, LC II, LC III, LC I injuries unstable on examination under anesthesia) pelvic ring injury patients, as well as severity of injury using the Young-Burgess classification.

RESULTS:
Two hundred and eleven patients were included for final analysis. Average age was 58.8 years (SD 28.1 years, range 18-100 years). Eighty-eight patients (41.7%) were male. 127 patients underwent non-operative management, and 84 underwent surgical stabilization. 34.5% (29/84) of patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries and 6.2% (8/127) of patients with stable pelvic ring injuries demonstrated progression of osteoarthritis on the ipsilateral side of their injury (p < 0.001). More severe pelvic ring injury patterns had a greater rate of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) based on the Young-Burgess injury classification (44.4% of LC III versus 11.1% of LC I pelvic ring injury patients, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
A significant frequency of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after pelvic ring injuries was identified. A higher rate of preogression to PTOA was found with unstable injuries compared with stable pelvic injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
III, Retrospective Cohort Study
The Use of Fresh Osteoarticular Allografts for Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Condyle With Collapse in Childhood Cancer Patients: Single-institutional Experience
Authors: Neel Michael D. , Murphy Sandra W. , Kaste Sue C. , Defeo Brian M. , Karol Seth E. , Klug Patrick B. , Houston Mary B. , Weiss Kenneth S. 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Despite success in treating childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma (ALL), modern multiagent chemotherapy regimens containing high-dose corticosteroids can result in osteonecrosis afflicting survivors, frequently involving the knee. Thus, we describe the usage of fresh osteoarticular allograft (FOAG) to treat steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle in pediatric cancer survivors. We assessed the efficacy of FOAGs to heal necrotic bone, provide long-term pain relief, while retrospectively reviewing quality of life and functional status.

Methods:
We recorded patient demographics, pain, and functional scores preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the most recent follow-up, additional surgical procedures, and radiographic outcomes at each timepoint. Anatomic locations and sizes of the grafts were noted using operative reports and intraoperative photographs. Function and pain scores were collected by direct patient communication or through survey, with data scored using the KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System), and CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) scoring tools.

Results:
Eighteen patients, (12 females) over a period of 8 years, underwent the procedure. One patient was excluded due to death before 12 months follow-up. The average age at diagnosis of femoral condyle osteonecrosis was 14.5 years. The average age at the time of surgery was 18.5 years (range, 13 to 25 y). All patients had at least 16 months follow-up (average 60 mo; range 16 to 99 mo). Grafts ranged in size from 18 to 27.5 mm. All patients reported a return to normal function of the knees with KOOS scores approaching normal, PROMIS scores averaging 46, and CTCAE outcomes improving at an average of 34 months post-surgery. Two patients experienced a partial graft failure, which was repaired with new allografts.

Conclusions:
Although historical reviews indicated unsatisfactory results, our experience highlights the successful usage of FOAG for the management of patients treated for childhood leukemia who develop steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle. This procedure proved effective in managing pain and improving function and quality of life, with good bone ingrowth despite large necrotic lesions.

Levels of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV.
Feasibility and safety of Taipei Veterans General Hospital Heavy Ion Therapy Center: The first carbon-ion irradiation facility in Taiwan
Authors: Lan Tien-Li , Shiau Cheng-Ying , Wang Ling-Wei , Liu Yu-Ming , Chen Yi-Wei , Huang Pin-I , Hu Yu-Wen , Lai I-Chun , Wu Yuan-Hung , Lai Tzu-Yu , Kang Yu-Mei , Yang Wan-Chin , Lin Yu-Jung , Pan Yi-Ying , Chiu Chi-Chuan , Liu Ching-Sheng , Hsieh Tung-Sheng , Lee Jia-Cheng , Lin Fang-Yi , Chan Chien-Hsuan , Lin Hui-Chia , Lan Keng-Li 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Unlike conventional photon radiotherapy, particle therapy has the advantage of dose distribution. Carbon-ion radiotherapy is also advantageous in terms of biological effectiveness and other radiobiological aspects. These benefits lead to a higher response probability for previously known radioresistant tumor types. Therefore, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, which is located in the northern district of Taipei, built the first carbon-ion irradiation facility in Taiwan.

Methods:
Taipei Veterans General Hospital completed a phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety of carbon-ion radiotherapy. Six patients (4 males and 2 females with prostate adenocarcinoma, sacral chordoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, or parotid high-grade carcinoma) were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the patients was 62.7 years. The mean dose was 57.3 Gy(RBE) (fraction range, 4-16 Gy(RBE)).

Results:
During this phase 1 trial, all patients were monitored for 3 months to evaluate acute toxicity and short-term outcomes after treatment with carbon irradiation. Only 2 patients experienced grade 2 toxicity, which resolved without medication 1 month after completing treatment. The tumor response demonstrated 1 complete response, 1 partial response, and 4 cases of stable disease.

Conclusion:
Carbon-ion radiotherapy was determined to be an effective and safe treatment.
Potential risk factors for delayed neurological sequelae and myocardial injury following acute carbon monoxide poisoning: A retrospective study
Authors: Ho Min-Po , Wu Yuan-Hui , Chen Tsan-Chi , Tsai Kuang-Chau , Yang Chen-Chang 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Acute carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) has been a common cause of emergency hospital visits over the past decade. Besides the immediate symptoms of poisoning, carbon monoxide exposure can cause various long-term complications, especially delayed neurological sequelae (DNS) and myocardial injury (MI).

Methods:
This study retrospectively enrolled 502 patients with COP, including complete collection data, from the Taiwan National Poison Control Center between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015. After collecting the relevant clinical and laboratory data, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the associations between potential predictors and risk factors, hazard ratio (HR), and confidence intervals (CI).

Results:
The cumulative incidence rates were 12.0% and 19.7% for DNS and MI, respectively. A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of <9 (HR 2.55; 95% CI: 1.52–4.27) and rhabdomyolysis (HR 2.68; 95% CI: 1.59–4.53) were identified as individual indicators of DNS in patients with COP. However, a greater risk for MI was associated with a GCS score of <9 (HR 2.50; 95% CI: 1.67–3.74), rhabdomyolysis (HR 4.91; 95% CI: 3.28–7.35), acute renal impairment (HR 2.43; 95% CI: 1.59–3.71), and leukocytosis (HR 9.55; 95% CI: 3.88–23.50). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with COP was more beneficial for DNS (HR 0.64; 95% CI: 0.34–1.20) than for MI (HR 1.94; 95% CI: 0.94–4.01).

Conclusion:
Early differentiation of risk factors between DNS and MI contributes to an effective evaluation of patients with acute COP and the provision of appropriate therapy.
Comparison of long-term outcomes of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention for left main disease
Authors: Güner Ahmet , Can Cemil , Bedir Fatih Furkan , Aydin Ünal , Kadiroğullari Ersin , Akman Cemalettin , Gültekin Güner Ezgi , Aydin Emre , Serter Berkay , Çizgici Ahmet Yaşar , Aktürk İbrahim Faruk , İyigün Taner , Aksu Timuçin , Doğan Abdullah , Aydin Merve , Şimşek Aybüke , Uzun Fatih 
Published: January 2025

Background
Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG) is frequently used for coronary revascularization, but the comparison of long-term clinical results with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in left main disease (LMDs) remains unclear. The present study sought to determine the long-term outcomes of MICS-CABG and PCI in patients with LMDs.

Methods
A total of 551 consecutive patients [man: 457 (82.9%), mean age: 60.70 ± 9.54 years] who underwent PCI or MICS-CABG for LMDs were included. The primary endpoint was defined as the all-cause death during follow-up. The secondary endpoint defined as the major cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) included cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, stroke, and stent thrombosis or graft occlusion. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was performed to reduce treatment selection bias. This is the first report comparing the long-term outcomes of MICS-CABG and PCI in patients with LMDs.

Results
The initial revascularization strategy was MICS-CABG in 269 (48.8%) cases and PCI in 282 (51.2%) patients. The SYNTAX scores (31.25 ± 4.63 vs. 26.05 ± 5.9, P < 0.001) were notably higher in the MICS-CABG group than in the PCI group. The incidence of long-term mortality (11 vs. 5.6%, P = 0.022) and MACCE (22 vs. 15.2%, P = 0.042) were notably higher in the PCI group than in the MICS-CABG group. The long-term mortality [adjusted HR (IPW) = 6.38 (95% CI, 3.00–13.57), P < 0.001] and MACCE [adjusted HR (IPW) = 4.51 (95% CI, 2.90–7.03), P < 0.001] in the overall population significantly differed between the PCI group and the MICS-CABG group.

Conclusion
The present study suggests that MICS-CABG for LMDs was associated with lower long-term mortality and MACCE rates than PCI.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Probes for Protease Characterization Directly in Cell-Free Expression Reactions
Authors: Hejazi Sepehr , Godin Ryan , Jurasic Vito , Reuel Nigel F 
Published: January 2025

AbstractProteins can be rapidly prototyped with cell-free expression (CFE) but in most cases there is a lack of probes or assays to measure their function directly in the cell lysate, thereby limiting the throughput of these screens. Increased throughput is needed to build standardized, sequence to function data sets to feed machine learning guided protein optimization. Herein, we describe the use of fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as effective probes for measuring protease activity directly in cell-free lysate. Substrate proteins were conjugated to carboxymethyl cellulose-wrapped SWCNT, yielding stable and sensitive probes for protease detection with a detection limit of 6.4 ng/mL for bacterial protease fromStreptomyces griseus. These probes successfully measured subtilisin activity in unpurified CFE reactions, surpassing commercial assays. Furthermore, they enabled continuous monitoring of activity during synthesis of subtilisin in both purified and lysate-based CFE systems without compromising protein expression. Surface passivation techniques, such as pre-incubation with cell lysate and supplement components, reduced the initial signal loss and improved probe signal stability in the complex cell lysate environment. These modular probes can be used, as described, for high-throughput screening and optimization of proteases and, with the change of conjugated substrate, a wider range of other hydrolases.