bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple sclerosis diagnostic delay and its associated factors in Upper Egyptian patients
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , El Malky Islam , Hussein Hussein B. , Mahmoud Doaa M. , Gamea Ayman 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe earlier the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), the sooner disease-modifying treatments can be initiated. However, significant delays still occur in developing countries. We aimed to identify factors leading to delayed diagnosis of MS in Upper Egypt. One hundred forty-two patients with remitting relapsing MS (RRMS) were recruited from 3 MS units in Upper Egypt. Detailed demographic and clinical data were collected. Neurological examination and assessment of the Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were performed. The mean age was 33.52 ± 8.96 years with 72.5% of patients were females. The mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 18.63 ± 27.87 months and the median was 3 months. Seventy-two patients (50.7%) achieved diagnosis within three months after the first presenting symptom (early diagnosis), while seventy patients (49.3%) had more than three months delay in diagnosis (delayed diagnosis). Patients with a delayed diagnosis frequently presented in the period before 2019 and had a significantly higher rate of initial non-motor presentation, initial non-neurological consultations, prior misdiagnoses, and a higher relapse rate. Another possible factor was delayed MRI acquisition following the initial presentation in sixty-six (46.5%) patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that earlier presentation, initial non-neurological consultation, and prior misdiagnosis were independent predictors of diagnostic delay. Despite advances in MS management in Egypt, initial non-neurological consultation and previous misdiagnoses are significant factors responsible for delayed diagnosis in Upper Egypt.
Malignant diagnosis and prognostic analysis of 89 GIST patients using preoperative FDG-PET
Authors: Narushima Kazuo , Shuto Kiyohiko , Okazumi Shinichi , Ohira Gaku , Mori Mikito , Hayano Koichi , Yanagawa Noriyuki , Matsubara Hisahiro 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThere is no preoperative imaging accurately diagnose malignancy of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). To evaluate the usefulness of preoperative [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the malignant diagnosis and prognostic analysis of GIST. Eighty-nine consecutive patients with GIST who underwent curative surgery were reviewed retrospectively. PET scan was performed within 2–3 weeks before surgery and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were assessed for GIST. The relationship between prognostic factors and prognosis of GIST and SUVmax were evaluated. Tumor size, mitotic count, and Ki-67 index showed significant positive correlations with the SUVmax. When the cutoff value was set as SUVmax 5.68, the accuracy was 86.5% for the high-risk group, 76.4% for the recurrence group, and 73.0% for the death group. The group with SUVmax ≥ 5.68 demonstrated a significantly lower 10-year relapse-free survival than the group with SUVmax < 5.68 (55.2% vs. 98.2%, P < 0.001), while the group with SUVmax ≥ 5.68 demonstrated a significantly lower 10-year overall survival than the group with SUVmax < 5.68 (68.0% vs. 97.6%, P < 0.001). In GISTs, FDG-PET is a very useful imaging marker for the diagnosis of malignant GISTs, such as those in high-risk and poor-prognosis groups.
Multimodal assessment of the spatial correspondence between fNIRS and fMRI hemodynamic responses in motor tasks
Authors: Pereira João , Direito Bruno , Lührs Michael , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Sousa Teresa 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) provides a cost-efficient and portable alternative to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for assessing cortical activity changes based on hemodynamic signals. The spatial and temporal underpinnings of the fMRI blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal and corresponding fNIRS concentration of oxygenated (HbO), deoxygenated (HbR), and total hemoglobin (HbT) measurements are still not completely clear. We aim to analyze the spatial correspondence between these hemodynamic signals, in motor-network regions. To this end, we acquired asynchronous fMRI and fNIRS recordings from 9 healthy participants while performing motor imagery and execution. Using this multimodal approach, we investigated the ability to identify motor-related activation clusters in fMRI data using subject-specific fNIRS-based cortical signals as predictors of interest. Group-level activation was found in fMRI data modeled from corresponding fNIRS measurements, with significant peak activation found overlapping the individually-defined primary and premotor motor cortices, for all chromophores. No statistically significant differences were observed in multimodal spatial correspondence between HbO, HbR, and HbT, for both tasks. This suggests the possibility of translating neuronal information from fMRI into an fNIRS motor-coverage setup with high spatial correspondence using both oxy and deoxyhemoglobin data, with the inherent benefits of translating fMRI paradigms to fNIRS in cognitive and clinical neuroscience.
Potential antiviral effects of pantethine against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Abou-Hamdan M. , Saleh R. , Mani S. , Dournaud P. , Metifiot M. , Blondot M. L. , Andreola M. L. , Abdel-sater F. , De Reggi M. , Gressens P. , Laforge M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 interacts with cellular cholesterol during many stages of its replication cycle. Pantethine was reported to reduce total cholesterol levels and fatty acid synthesis and potentially alter different processes that might be involved in the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle. Here, we explored the potential antiviral effects of pantethine in two in vitro experimental models of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in Vero E6 cells and in Calu-3a cells. Pantethine reduced the infection of cells by SARS-CoV-2 in both preinfection and postinfection treatment regimens. Accordingly, cellular expression of the viral spike and nucleocapsid proteins was substantially reduced, and we observed a significant reduction in viral copy numbers in the supernatant of cells treated with pantethine. In addition, pantethine inhibited the infection-induced increase in TMPRSS2 and HECT E3 ligase expression in infected cells as well as the increase in antiviral interferon-beta response and inflammatory gene expression in Calu-3a cells. Our results demonstrate that pantethine, which is well tolerated in humans, was very effective in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection and might represent a new therapeutic drug that can be repurposed for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 and long COVID syndrome.
Epoxidized graphene grid for highly efficient high-resolution cryoEM structural analysis
Authors: Fujita Junso , Makino Fumiaki , Asahara Haruyasu , Moriguchi Maiko , Kumano Shota , Anzai Itsuki , Kishikawa Jun-ichi , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Kato Takayuki , Namba Keiichi , Inoue Tsuyoshi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFunctionalization of graphene is one of the most important fundamental technologies in a wide variety of fields including industry and biochemistry. We have successfully achieved a novel oxidative modification of graphene using photoactivated ClO2· as a mild oxidant and confirmed the oxidized graphene grid is storable with its functionality for at least three months under N2 atmosphere. Subsequent chemical functionalization enabled us to develop an epoxidized graphene grid (EG-grid™), which effectively adsorbs protein particles for electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) image analysis. The EG-grid dramatically improved the particle density and orientation distribution. The density maps of GroEL and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were reconstructed at 1.99 and 2.16 Å resolution from only 504 and 241 micrographs, respectively. A sample solution of 0.1 mg ml−1 was sufficient to reconstruct a 3.10 Å resolution map of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from 1163 micrographs. The map resolutions of β-galactosidase and apoferritin easily reached 1.81 Å and 1.29 Å resolution, respectively, indicating its atomic-resolution imaging capability. Thus, the EG-grid will be an extremely powerful tool for highly efficient high-resolution cryoEM structural analysis of biological macromolecules.
A data-driven approach to the “Everesting” cycling challenge
Authors: Seo Junhyeon , Raeymaekers Bart 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe “Everesting” challenge is a cycling activity in which a cyclist repeats a hill until accumulating an elevation gain equal to the elevation of Mount Everest in a single ride. The challenge experienced a surge in interest during the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancelation of cycling races around the world that prompted cyclists to pursue alternative, individual activities. The time to complete the Everesting challenge depends on the fitness and talent of the cyclist, but also on the length and gradient of the hill, among other parameters. Hence, preparing an Everesting attempt requires understanding the relationship between the Everesting parameters and the time to complete the challenge. We use web-scraping to compile a database of publicly available Everesting attempts, and we quantify and rank the parameters that determine the time to complete the challenge. We also use unsupervised machine learning algorithms to segment cyclists into distinct groups according to their characteristics and performance. We conclude that the power per unit body mass of the cyclist and the tradeoff between the gradient of the hill and the distance are the most important considerations when attempting the Everesting challenge. As such, elite cyclists best select a hill with gradient > 12%, whereas amateur and recreational cyclists best select a hill with gradient < 10% to minimize the time to complete the Everesting challenge.
Fabrication of dialysis membrane from cotton Giza 86 cellulose di-acetate prepared using Ac2O and NiCl2 as a new catalyst
Authors: Ragab Safaa , El Sikaily Amany , El Nemr Ahmed 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis attempt has been made to synthesize the cellulose di-acetate in a solvent-free acetylation system of cotton Giza 86 cellulose with Ac2O (200 and 300 ml) in the presence of NiCl2.6HO (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g) as an effectively available and new catalyst by the conventional reflux and microwave irradiation methods. This study also illustrates the preparation of a dialysis membrane made from a cellulose di-acetate–dichloromethane-methanol-polyethylene glycol (MW: 200) casting solution. The microwave irradiation method for the synthesis of cellulose di-acetate showed excellent yields and short reaction time, which is an important feature of this method. The impact of the two methods on the cellulose di-acetate formation and its used in the dialysis membrane formulations was studied. The experimental degree of substitution of the prepared cellulose di-acetate values (DS = 2.00–2.7) showed an agreement with the calculated values by FTIR and 1H-NMR analysis methods. The formation of cellulose di-acetate with percentage yields varied from 62.85 to 89.85%. The applicability of the prepared membrane in dialysis operation was evaluated in terms of urea clearance, rejection of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and flux of pure water. Characterization of cellulose di-acetate was achieved through 1H-NMR, FTIR, TGA, and BET analyses. The CA-PEG blend membrane was examined by contact angle measurement, porosity, and water uptake of the membrane. The cellulose acetate membrane surface morphology was determined using SEM. It is observable that the fabricated CA-PEG blend membrane from synthesized cellulose di-acetate by using Nickel chloride as a catalyst is showing remarkable rejection of BSA and urea clearance up to 100 and 67.2%, respectively. The present work is promising and applicable in dialysis membranes.
Atomically precise copper dopants in metal clusters boost up stability, fluorescence, and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Zhang Jingjing , Li Zhiwen , Qin Zhaoxian , Sharma Sachil , Li Gao 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe structurally precise alloy nanoclusters have been emerged as a burgeoning nanomaterial for their unique physical/chemical features. We here report a rod-like nanocluster [Au12Cu13(PPh3)10I7](SbF6)2 (Au12Cu13), which was generated through a transformation of a [Au9(PPh3)8]3+ intermediate in the presence of CuI, unveiled by time-dependent UV-vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. Au12Cu13 is comprised of two pentagonal bipyramids Au6Cu units and a pentagonal prism Cu11 unit, where the copper and gold species are presented in +1 and 0 chemical states. The Cu-dopants significantly improved the stability and fluorescence (quantum yield: ~34%, 34-folds of homo-Au25(PPh3)10Br7). The high stability of Au12Cu13 is attributed to the high binding energy of iodine ligands, Au-Cu synergistic effects and its 16-electon system as an 8-electron superatom dimer. Finally, the robust Au12Cu13 exhibited high catalytic activity (~92% conversion and ~84% methyl formate-selectivity) and good durability in methanol photo-oxidation.
Retracted: Software based sentiment analysis of clinical data for healthcare sector
Authors: Shanmuganathan Vimal , de Albuquerque Victor Hugo C. , Barbosa Paulo C. S. , dos Reis Marcello Carvalho , Dhiman Gaurav , Shah Mohd Asif 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRetraction: [Vimal Shanmuganathan, Victor Hugo C. de Albuquerque, Paulo C. S. Barbosa, Marcello Carvalho dos Reis, Gaurav Dhiman, Mohd Asif Shah, Software based sentiment analysis of clinical data for healthcare sector, IET Software 2023 (https://doi.org/10.1049/sfw2.12115)].The above article from IET Software, published online on 7 February 2023 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the Editor‐in‐Chief, Hana Chockler, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (the IET) and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. This article was published as part of a Guest Edited special issue. Following an investigation, the IET and the journal have determined that the article was not reviewed in line with the journal’s peer review standards and there is evidence that the peer review process of the special issue underwent systematic manipulation. Accordingly, we cannot vouch for the integrity or reliability of the content. As such we have taken the decision to retract the article. The authors have been informed of the decision to retract.
Fallstricke der tropenmedizinischen Nomenklatur am Beispiel „Typhus“
Authors: Voitl Julian J. M. 
Published: February 2023

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGViele infektiologische Diagnosen sind historisch gewachsene, symptombeschreibende Hilfswerkzeuge, die sich oft entgegen modernen, genetisch-taxonomischen Bemühungen zu halten vermögen. Dieser Artikel ist der Versuch einer Reise in die Tiefen der Nomenklaturunterwelt, ohne dabei selbst typhös zu werden. Jeder identifizierte Begriff wurde auf Verwechslungsgefahr oder Mehrfachverwendung untersucht. Eine Vermeidung der Begriffe „Typhus – typhus fever“ oder „Fleckfieber – spotted fever“, sowie manch anderer überholter Termini, wäre anzudenken.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed [4+1] Cycloaddition of o-Quinone Methides and Isocyanides: Mild and Efficient Synthesis of 3-Aryl-2-aminobenzofurans
Authors: Li Xinyao , Yang Cun , Li Yanze , Huang Qiwen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe herein report a mild and efficient synthesis of 3-aryl-2-aminobenzofurans by Lewis acid catalyzed [4+1] cycloaddition of in situ generated o-quinone methides and isocyanides. Compared with the well-known methods, the current reactions are carried out under mild conditions and feature wide substrate scope in high yields at ambient temperature at catalyst loadings as low as 1 mol%. DFT calculations show dehydration as the rate-determining step, a stepwise [4+1] cycloaddition process, and the Lewis acid as dual roles in accelerating dehydration and cycloaddition reaction.
Evaluation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Decision Support for Pediatric Infections
Authors: McGonagle Erin A. , Karavite Dean J. , Grundmeier Robert W. , Schmidt Sarah K. , May Larissa S. , Cohen Daniel M. , Cruz Andrea T. , Tu Shin-Ping , Bajaj Lalit , Dayan Peter S. , Mistry Rakesh D. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objectives Clinical decision support (CDS) has promise for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in the emergency department (ED). We sought to assess the usability of a newly developed automated CDS to improve guideline-adherent antibiotic prescribing for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and urinary tract infection (UTI).
Methods We conducted comparative usability testing between an automated, prototype CDS-enhanced discharge order set and standard order set, for pediatric CAP and UTI antibiotic prescribing. After an extensive user-centered design process, the prototype CDS was integrated into the electronic health record, used passive activation, and embedded locally adapted prescribing guidelines. Participants were randomized to interact with three simulated ED scenarios of children with CAP or UTI, across both systems. Measures included task completion, decision-making and usability errors, clinical actions (order set use and correct antibiotic selection), as well as objective measures of system usability, utility, and workload using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The prototype CDS was iteratively refined to optimize usability and workflow.
Results Usability testing in 21 ED clinical providers demonstrated that, compared to the standard order sets, providers preferred the prototype CDS, with improvements in domains such as explanations of suggested antibiotic choices (p < 0.001) and provision of additional resources on antibiotic prescription (p < 0.001). Simulated use of the CDS also led to overall improved guideline-adherent prescribing, with a 31% improvement for CAP. A trend was present toward absolute workload reduction. Using the NASA-TLX, workload scores for the current system were median 26, interquartile ranges (IQR): 11 to 41 versus median 25, and IQR: 10.5 to 39.5 for the CDS system (p = 0.117).
Conclusion Our CDS-enhanced discharge order set for ED antibiotic prescribing was strongly preferred by users, improved the accuracy of antibiotic prescribing, and trended toward reduced provider workload. The CDS was optimized for impact on guideline-adherent antibiotic prescribing from the ED and end-user acceptability to support future evaluative trials of ED ASPs.
Donor Finger Morbidity in Cross-Finger Flap: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chakraborty Sourabh Shankar , Sahu Ranjit Kumar , Acharya Sudeshna , Goel Akhil Dhanesh , Midya Manojit , Kotu Suresh 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground The morbidity of donor finger in a cross-finger flap has not received as much importance as the outcomes of the flap itself. The sensory, functional, and aesthetic morbidity of donor fingers, reported by various authors, are often contradictory to each other. In this study, objective parameters for the sensory recovery, stiffness, cold intolerance, cosmetic outcome, and other complications in the donor fingers, reported in the previous studies, are systematically evaluated.Methods This systematic review is reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol and was registered with the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020213721). Literature search was done using “cross-finger,” “heterodigital,” “donor finger,” and “transdigital” words. Data regarding demography, patients' number and age, follow-up duration and outcomes of donor finger, including 2-point discrimination, range of motion (ROM), cold intolerance, questionnaires, etc. were extracted from included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using MetaXL and risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane risk of bias tool.Results Out of the total 16 included studies, 279 patients were objectively evaluated for donor finger morbidity. Middle finger was most frequently used as donor. Static two-point discrimination seemed to be impaired in donor finger in comparison to contralateral finger. Meta-analysis of ROM suggested that statistically there is no significant difference in ROM of interphalangeal joints in donor and control fingers (pooled weighted mean difference: −12.10; 95% confidence interval: −28.59, 4.39; I2 = 81%, n = 6 studies). One-third of donor fingers had cold intolerance.Conclusion There is no significant effect on ROM of donor finger. However, the impairment that seems to be in sensory recovery and aesthetic outcomes needs to be further evaluated objectively.
Sural Artery as a Recipient Vessel for Free Flaps
Authors: Panagatla Prakash , Ravula Parvathi , Chandrashekar Patnala , Srikanth R. , Alekya Nakka 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction The axial vessels like the anterior and posterior tibial emerge as the first choice of recipient vessels, in free flaps for lower limb trauma. When the defects are located more proximally in the leg, the deeper course of the axial vessels makes the dissection more tedious. Alternative vessels like the descending genicular, medial genicular, and distal end of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral can be used for an end-to-end anastomosis, well away from the zone of trauma.The objective of this study was to define the indications and technique of the use of the sural vessels as the recipient pedicle for proximal and middle third leg defects.
Patients and Methods For the period 2006 to 2022, 18 leg defects following road traffic accidents were covered with latissimus dorsi muscle flap using sural vessels as the recipient pedicle.
Results Among 18 patients, 8 patients had defect in proximal third, 8 had a combined defect in proximal and middle third leg, and 2 had defect in middle third leg. Two patients developed arterial thrombosis and one patient had venous thrombosis for which re-exploration was performed. Two flaps were lost and sixteen had successful wound coverage.
Conclusion The sural vessels as recipient pedicle are easier to access and can be considered as a reliable option for free flaps in limb defects of proximal and middle third leg. Using the submuscular part of the vessel ensures a better distal reach of the flap.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Maspero Marianna , Hull Tracy 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGiven the increased life expectancy and improvements in the treatment of colorectal patients, the success of a treatment course can no longer be determined only by objective outcomes. Health care providers ought to take into consideration the impact an intervention will have on the quality of life of patients. Endpoints that take into account the patient's perspective are defined as patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PROs are assessed through patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), usually in the form of questionnaires.PROs are especially important in colorectal surgery, whose procedures can often be associated with some degree of postoperative functional impairment.Several PROMs are available for colorectal surgery patients. However, while some scientific societies have offered recommendations, there is no standardization in the field and PROMs are seldom implemented in clinical practice. The routine use of validated PROMs can guarantee that functional outcomes are followed over time; this way, they can be addressed in case of worsening.This review will provide an overview of the most commonly used PROMs in colorectal surgery, both generic and disease specific, as well as a summary of the available evidence in support of their routine utilization.