bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of surface topography and subsurface structural irregularities of river embankments on Rayleigh wave propagation
Authors: Miyanaga Shuntaro , Yamanaka Hiroaki 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA numerical investigation of surface wave propagation in the surface wave exploration of river embankments is implemented using 3D shallow soil models with different subsurface shapes and S-wave velocities. The focus is on the effects of surface and subsurface irregularities on the propagation and dispersion characteristics of Rayleigh waves generated by a surface source and observed at points along the crest of the embankment. Rayleigh wave dispersion curves observed along the embankment crest are found to be contaminated by reflected waves, with the amount of contamination affected more by the position of the velocity boundary at the bottom edge of the embankment than the surface topography. When the velocity boundary is close to the ground surface, especially at the toe of the slope, the effect of reflected waves is sufficiently large to generate biases in the phase velocity estimates.
Graphical Abstract
Cystic lymphangioma of the gall bladder: common disease at uncommon site
Authors: Garg Vasudha , Gupta Pranav 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Cystic lymphangiomas are benign vascular malformations of lymphatic differentiation. They usually occur in childhood and are commonly seen in the head and neck region. Lymphangioma of the gallbladder is extremely rare, and only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation
A 56-year-old female presented to the outpatient department for evaluation of right upper quadrant abdominal pain which had been bothering her for the past few months. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an ill-defined septated cystic lesion surrounding the gallbladder (GB) which was initially thought to be a collection. However, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of abdomen showed a well-marginated fluid density lesion in the gall bladder fossa which was insinuating around the gall bladder and was encasing it. No intralesional enhancement was seen after contrast administration. MRI confirmed the well-defined, multiseptated lesion without any solid component in the gall bladder fossa encasing the GB but without any abnormal communication with the biliary tree. Therefore, a final diagnosis of slow flow lymphatic malformation was formulated. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, and the mass was resected en bloc with the GB. Histological evaluation was consistent with lymphatic malformation.

Conclusions
GB lymphangioma is a rare entity and is difficult to diagnose. While the imaging characteristics are essentially similar to lymphangiomas elsewhere in the body, the location is peculiar and should warrant a thorough evaluation by the means of CT and more importantly MRI.
Hepatic involvement in childhood dengue infection
Authors: Alam Rubaiyat , Rukunuzzaman Md. , Nahid Khan Lamia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDengue or breakbone fever is one of the most important causes of febrile illness in children residing in tropical and subtropical regions. This mosquito-borne viral disease is mediated by the bite of the infected Aedes mosquito. Dengue infection has been expanding rapidly throughout the globe in the past few decades. The virus has hepatotoxic effects. However, the pathophysiology of liver involvement in dengue is still not entirely clear. The reported clinical spectrum of dengue hepatitis ranges from mild asymptomatic elevation in transaminaselevels to acute liver failure in children. This review focuses on hepatic manifestation, the pathogenesis of liver injury, and treatment option of the effects of dengue on the liver in the pediatric population.
Optimization of Advanced Molecular Genetic Testing Utilization in Hematopathology: A Goldilocks Approach to Bone Marrow Testing
Authors: AlJabban Ali , Paik Henry , Aster Jon C. , Berliner Nancy , Brouillard Jennifer , Brown Jennifer R. , Burns Kathleen H. , Castillo Jorge J. , Card James , Dal Cin Paola , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Dorfman David M. , Ebert Benjamin L. , Garcia Jacqueline S. , Jacobson Caron A. , Lakhani Hakim , Laubach Jacob P. , Ligon Azra H. , Lindeman Neal I. , Lindsley R. Coleman , Lovitch Scott B. , Luskin Marlise R. , Morgan Elizabeth A. , Nowak Andrew , Petrides Athena , Pinkus Geraldine S. , Pozdnyakova Olga , Steensma David P. , Stone Richard M. , Weinberg Olga K. , Winer Eric S. , Kim Annette S. 
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE This study investigated the effectiveness of algorithmic testing in hematopathology at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). The algorithm was predicated on test selection after an initial pathologic evaluation to maximize cost-effective testing, especially for expensive molecular and cytogenetic assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS Standard ordering protocols (SOPs) for 17 disease categories were developed and encoded in a decision support application. Six months of retrospective data from application beta testing was obtained and compared with actual testing practices during that timeframe. In addition, 2 years of prospective data were also obtained from patients at one community satellite site. RESULTS A total of 460 retrospective cases (before introduction of algorithmic testing) and 109 prospective cases (following introduction) were analyzed. In the retrospective data, 61.7% of tests (509 of 825) were concordant with the SOPs while 38.3% (316 of 825) were overordered and 30.8% (227 of 736) of SOP-recommended tests were omitted. In the prospective data, 98.8% of testing was concordant (244 of 247 total tests) with only 1.2% overordered tests (3 of 247) and 7.6% omitted tests (20 of 264 SOP-recommended tests; overall P < .001). The cost of overordered tests before implementing SOP indicates a potential annualized saving of $1,347,520 in US dollars (USD) in overordered testing at Brigham and Women's Hospital/DFCI. Only two of 316 overordered tests (0.6%) returned any additional information, both for extremely rare clinical circumstances. CONCLUSION Implementation of SOPs dramatically improved test ordering practices, with a just right number of ancillary tests that minimizes cost and has no significant impact on acquiring key informative test results.
Non-equilibrium memory effects: Granular fluids and beyond
Authors: Patrón A. , Sánchez-Rey B. , Plata C. A. , Prados A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this perspective paper, we look into memory effects in out-of-equilibrium systems. To be concrete, we exemplify memory effects with the paradigmatic case of granular fluids, although extensions to other contexts such as molecular fluids with non-linear drag are also considered. The focus is put on two archetypal memory effects: the Kovacs and Mpemba effects. In brief, the first is related to imperfectly reaching a steady state —either equilibrium or non-equilibrium—, whereas the second is related to reaching a steady state faster despite starting further. Connections to optimal control theory thus naturally emerge and are briefly discussed.
Thyroid Cancer Polygenic Risk Score Improves Classification of Thyroid Nodules as Benign or Malignant
Authors: Pozdeyev Nikita , Dighe Manjiri , Barrio Martin , Raeburn Christopher , Smith Harry , Fisher Matthew , Chavan Sameer , Rafaels Nicholas , Shortt Jonathan A , Lin Meng , Leu Michael G , Clark Toshimasa , Marshall Carrie , Haugen Bryan R , Subramanian Devika , Crooks Kristy , Gignoux Christopher , Cohen Trevor 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Context
Thyroid nodule ultrasound-based risk stratification schemas rely on the presence of high-risk sonographic features. However, some malignant thyroid nodules have benign appearance on thyroid ultrasound. New methods for thyroid nodule risk assessment are needed.

Objective
We investigated polygenic risk score (PRS) accounting for inherited thyroid cancer risk combined with ultrasound-based analysis for improved thyroid nodule risk assessment.

Methods
The convolutional neural network classifier was trained on thyroid ultrasound still images and cine clips from 621 thyroid nodules. Phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) and PRS PheWAS were used to optimize PRS for distinguishing benign and malignant nodules. PRS was evaluated in 73 346 participants in the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine Biobank.

Results
When the deep learning model output was combined with thyroid cancer PRS and genetic ancestry estimates, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the benign vs malignant thyroid nodule classifier increased from 0.83 to 0.89 (DeLong, P value = .007). The combined deep learning and genetic classifier achieved a clinically relevant sensitivity of 0.95, 95% CI [0.88-0.99], specificity of 0.63 [0.55-0.70], and positive and negative predictive values of 0.47 [0.41-0.58] and 0.97 [0.92-0.99], respectively. AUROC improvement was consistent in European ancestry-stratified analysis (0.83 and 0.87 for deep learning and deep learning combined with PRS classifiers, respectively). Elevated PRS was associated with a greater risk of thyroid cancer structural disease recurrence (ordinal logistic regression, P value = .002).

Conclusion
Augmenting ultrasound-based risk assessment with PRS improves diagnostic accuracy.
Comparison of the effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and conventional ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation on benign thyroid nodules
Authors: Xu Shouxing , He Huiling , Jiang Meijuan 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To compare the effect of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and conventional ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).
Methods: In this retrospective observational study, the data of 72 patients with BTNs who received RFA treatment in The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and selected. The records showed that 34 patients received RFA under the guidance of conventional ultrasound (conventional ultrasound group) and 38 patients received RFA under the guidance of CEUS (CEUS group). The effect of treatment, complications and recurrence of the two groups were compared and analyzed.
Results: There was a smaller volume of thyroid nodules in the two groups immediately post-operation. The incidence of complications was lower in the CEUS group (5.26%) compared to the conventional ultrasound group (23.53%) (P<0.05). The recurrence rate at 6-months (0.00% vs 11.76%) and 12- months (2.63% vs 20.59%) post-operation was lower in the CEUS group compared to the conventional ultrasound group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Compared with conventional ultrasound, CEUS-guided RFA is effective in treating BTNs, with smaller postoperative nodule volume, reduced occurrence of surgical complications, and reduced recurrence rate of thyroid nodules.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8250
How to cite this: Xu S, He H, Jiang M. Comparison of the effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and conventional ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation on benign thyroid nodules. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8250
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Anti-cytokine storm activity of fraxin and quercetin, alone and in combination, and their possible molecular mechanisms via TLR4 and PPAR-γ signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cell line
Authors: S. Shaker Nada , B. Sahib Hayder , A. Hussein Zeena , J. Tahseen Nibras 
Published: September 2023

Background: Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with late-stage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), causing multiple organ failure and death. According to prior research, fraxin, and quercetin have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-cytokine storm activity of fraxin and quercetin, their combination, and the molecular mechanism behind this activity in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: LPS-induced macrophage cells were treated with fraxin, quercetin, or their combinations at various doses for cytotoxicity, anti-cytokine assays, and gene expression analyses. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1 beta (IL1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and RT-PCR was used to measure the gene expression of PPAR-γ and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) concerning GAPDH as a reference gene. Results: The results revealed a slight decrease in cell viability only when higher concentrations were applied to the cells. Fraxin, quercetin, and their combination reduced the generation of proinflammatory cytokines. The combination (fraxin + quercetin (FQ)) reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α by 56.2%, 58.5%, and 70.6% respectively, compared to the LPS-only control; pretreatment of cells with farxin, quercetin, and their combination resulted in significant inhibition of TLR-4 gene expression by 89%, 82%, and 93% respectively, compared to the control (P˂ 0.05); FQ upregulated PPAR-γ expression up to 60-fold compared to the control, while fraxin and quercetin increased PPAR-γ by 17.6 and 8.6-folds, respectively. Conclusions: Based on these findings, fraxin, quercetin and their combination might be considered anti-cytokine storm agents, which could lay the groundwork for future research into other combinations of fraxin and quercetin, as well as the pathways involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic anti-cytokine-storm-activity.
Development and Initial Implementation of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy in a Non-regulated Trial: a research note from the ReStOre II Trial
Authors: O'Neill Linda , Murphy Fiona , Reidy Derval , Poisson Camille , Hussey Juliette , Guinan Emer 
Published: September 2023

Background: Data and Safety Monitoring is integral to quality assurance of clinical trials. Although monitoring is a core legal component of regulated clinical trials, non-regulated trials are not mandated to incorporate monitoring. Consequently, the monitoring process has been underutilised and underreported in this setting. This research report outlines the development and plans for implementing a bespoke Clinical Monitoring Strategy within the ‘Rehabilitation Strategies Following Oesophagogastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer (ReStOre II) Trial’, a non-regulated trial comparing a 12-week multidisciplinary programme of rehabilitation to standard care in a cohort of 120 cancer survivors. Methods: This research note provides a detailed overview of the ReStOre II Clinical Monitoring Strategy and describes the development of the strategy pre and post awarding of the grant. The strategy consists of the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive trial governance structure, inclusive of a Trial Management Group, Trial Steering Committee Meeting, and Independent Data Monitoring Committee. In addition, external trial monitoring by the Clinical Research Facility at St James’s Hospital. Three monitoring visits will be conducted during the trial; i) site initiation visit, ii) interim monitoring visit, and iii) close our visit. Results: The Clinical Monitoring Strategy has been finalised and is currently being implemented within the ReStOre II Trial. Two site initiation visits and one interim monitoring visit have been completed to date. Conclusion: This research note provides a template for implementation of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy in a non-regulated clinical trial. Registration: ReStOre II Trial: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03958019
Syphilis - a disease that still occurs
Authors: Ben Rhaiem Rami , Kępka Przemysław , Kuziemkowska Daria , Kuźma Jan , Łącka-Majcher Anna , Łokczewska-Bojar Aleksandra , Tarsa Grzegorz , Skotalczyk Magdalena , Sawińska Zuzanna , Sudelska Katarzyna 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Syphilis is a systemic disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Humans are the only hosts, and the incubation period lasts from 9-90 days. Currently it can be divided into congenital or acquired. This division is due to the moment in which the infection occurred. Congenital Syphilis- when the infection happens during the prenatal period, whereas acquired, when the infection took place in the period after birth. In early acquired syphilis the I and II stages can be distinguished as well as early latent syphilis. As defined, early latent syphilis includes an acquired infection up to 1 or 2 years back, depending on the guidelines. Late syphilis however includes: late latent syphilis, tertiary syphilis, late cardiovascular syphilis, late neurosyphilis. Congenital syphilis has also been divided into early (which includes the first 2 years) as well as late, which is characterised by signs of congenital syphilis, the so-called stigmata of congenital syphilis constituting the untreated infection during the fetal stage or the infancy stage. Aim of the Study: The aim of our study is to divert the attention to one of the sexually transmitted diseases, which despite the downward trend at the end of the 20th century, rebounded at the beginning of the 21st century, especially among men who have sexual contact with other men. We paid attention to the symptoms accompanying this disease, also in the context of congenital syphilis, as well as the different methods of pharmacological treatment according to European guidelines. Materials and methods: Reviewed literature available at scientific articles , Google Scholar using keywords: “syphilis – epidemiology”, “syphilis treatment”, “symptoms of syphilis”, as well as European guidelines regarding the treatment of syphilis.
Food Allergies - Trends and Challenges in Treatment and Diagnosis
Authors: Sawińska Zuzanna , Sudelska Katarzyna , Tarsa Grzegorz , Kępka Przemysław , Łokczewska-Bojar Aleksandra , Skotalczyk Magdalena , Kuziemkowska Daria , Kużma Jan , Ben Rhaiem Rami , Łącka-Majcher Anna 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Food allergies are becoming an increasingly significant challenge for medicine, public health and patients' quality of life. Over the past few decades, there has been an observed increase in the number of cases of food allergies. This has led to heightened interest among scientists, doctors and specialists in various aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. With the increasing precision of food allergy diagnosis, it is necessary to adjust the therapy to the individual needs of patients.
Aim of the study:
The aim of our study is to summarize the trends and challenges in treatment and diagnosis of food allergies. We focused on current diagnostic methods and treatment options, as well as

new promising therapeutic approaches.
State of knowledge:
In molecular or component-resolved diagnostic tests (CRD), specific IgE antibodies are measured for individual food allergenic molecules. This presents an opportunity to improve specificity for selected foods. Studies have shown that the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) exhibits higher specificity than skin prick tests (SPT) and s-IgE tests, while maintaining its sensitivity. BAT relies on flow cytometry, where the expression of activation markers on the surface of basophils stimulated by an antigen is measured.
Due to the existing limitations of certain tests, Oral Food Challenge (OFC) is still considered the gold standard for diagnosing IgE-mediated food allergies.Summary:Research shows that the foundation of diagnosis is the patient's medical history, including a properly collected interview, which should then guide the doctor towards appropriate tests.

An elimination diet based on the clinical interview should be implemented until significant relief of allergy symptoms is achieved.
Prevention of pressure injuries using a non-motorised decompression air mattress: a non-interventional study
Authors: Meaume Sylvie , Marty Marc 
Published: September 2023

Objective: Prevention of pressure injuries (PI) is a public health issue. Among the preventive measures, the use of support surfaces adapted to the risk of PI occurrence is recommended. This study aimed to report the incidence of PIs in patients at medium-to-high risk of occurrence of PIs and using a new non-motorised automated decompression air mattress combined with other recommended PI prevention measures. Method: An observational, national, multicentre, prospective, non-comparative study, with a follow-up period of 35 days was conducted. Patients at medium-to-high risk of PIs and without PIs at baseline were included if they were lying on a specific non-powered automated decompression air mattress. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who developed at least one category 2 or more severe PI of the sacrum, backbone or heel between day 0 and day 35. Results: In total, 81 patients were included from four participating centres. There was one report of a patient with a PI that fitted within the definition of the primary outcome, meaning an incidence of 1.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0–6.7%). More than 80% of patients rated the overall comfort and the stability of the non-motorised automated decompression air mattress as satisfactory or very satisfactory. In more than 80% of cases, the healthcare teams found the use of the mattress to be easy or very easy. Conclusion: This study has shown that in combination with other preventive measures, the use of a specific non-motorised air mattress with automated decompression is associated with a low incidence of PIs in patients with medium-to-high risk of occurrence of PIs.