bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probing AGN with spectropolarimetry: accretion disc and SMBH parameters
Authors: Piotrovich M Yu , Shablovinskaya E S , Malygin E A , Buliga S D , Natsvlishvili T M 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
The interaction of a supermassive black hole with the matter of an accretion disc in the presence of a magnetic field is the key mechanism of energy release in active galactic nuclei. However, determining the physical parameters of this system, such as the spin and mass of the black hole, the shape and parameters of the rotation of the accretion disc, and the geometry of the magnetic field in the accretion disc is a complex and not completely solved problem. We have previously shown, based on our numerical models, that these estimates can be obtained from just three parameters: the black hole mass, bolometric luminosity, and optical polarization. In this paper, we estimate the accretion disc and black hole parameters for a sample of 14 type 1 Seyfert galaxies. Using the spectropolarimetric data obtained by us, we selected only those objects in which the polarization of optical radiation is generated mainly by the mechanism in the accretion disc. Despite the small statistics, our results for such a sample are consistent with our previous conclusions and show a discrepancy between the disc magnetic field parameters and the classical Shakura–Sunyaev disc model.
German Influences in America
Authors: Schnurmann Claudia , Heisig Fenja , Lentz Sarah , Logge Thorsten , Wendler Philipp 
Published: September 2023

From the beginning of European expansion across the Atlantic, Germans (i.e., inhabitants of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, covering today’s middle, western, and eastern Europe and parts of southern Europe) and German dialect–speaking people in its neighboring territories like Alsace or the Swiss Confederation had their share in the development of the Americas. They followed their contemporaries from colonizing states like England/Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Spain, or Portugal to the New World that of all things a German had baptized “America.” The German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller (b. c. 1472–d. 1520) in 1507 had produced a map of the world and named the continent west of the Atlantic, till then unknown to most Europeans, as “America.” He did so in honor of the Italian Amerigo Vespucci (b. 1451–d. 1512), who had delighted European readers with bestselling reports of his travels to Portuguese Brazil in the 1490s. In the early twenty-first century, Waldseemüller’s map from 1507 is held in high esteem as a sign of functioning German-US-American relationship and still serves political interests as it did in Renaissance Europe, as demonstrated by Lehmann 2016. The following bibliography presents scholarly works published in the twenty-first century; although many important titles, studies, and editions of sources on our topic had been published in the nineteenth century and especially in the 1960–1990s, they will be not mentioned here as they are well-known in the academic world and easy to detect in several title collections, databases, and catalogues of leading institutions like the “European Reading Room” provided by the Library of Congress. Recently published titles collected here pay special tribute to the idea of supranational Atlantic history: they put the study of influence by Germans and German-speaking especially on British North America/USA into the bilateral as well as the Atlantic context; this collection reflects less immigration and ethnic seclusion but more performance and achievements of Germans as brokers and “influencers” in their chosen new home, British North America/USA.
The protective effects of date seeds, in either conventional or nanoformulation, against bisphenol A-induced testicular toxicity: involvement of testicular expression of CYP11A1, Nrf-2 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio
Authors: El-Kossi Dina M M H , Ibrahim Shawky S , Hassanin Kamel M A , Hamad Nashwa , Rashed Noha A , Elkhouly Heba I , Abdel-Wahab Ahmed 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundBisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), is ubiquitous in our environment and poses a significant threat to male fertility. Date seeds (DSs) are used in folk medicine due to their antioxidant activity.AimThe purpose of this study was to assess the beneficial effects of DSs, whether in powder or nanoparticle form, against BPA-induced testicular oxidative challenges and apoptosis, aided by inspection of specific genes linked to fertility, oxidative stress and intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.MethodsThirty-five adult male albino rats were equally divided into 5 groups including control, BPA, BPA + date seeds powder “DSP”, BPA + date seed nanoparticle 1/10 (DSNP 1/10) and BPA + DSNP 1/20 groups.ResultsTEM showed that the ball-mill method was effective to form DSNP with an average size of 20 nm. BPA significantly impaired sperm motility, morphology, viability and concentration. It also reduced serum testosterone levels and evoked marked oxidative stress in the testes. Additionally, serum levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine were extremely reduced. Moreover, testicular mRNA relative expression levels of CYP11A1 and Nrf-2 were markedly downregulated. Testicular apoptosis was also promoted whereas Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was profoundly elevated. Histological pictures of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate confirmed the unfavorable effects of BPA. Surprisingly, we first demonstrated that DSs, specifically the nanoparticle form, strongly alleviated all of BPA’s negative effects, with DSNP 1/20 achieving the best results.ConclusionTherefore, DSNP in both doses could be regarded as an ideal candidate for abating the male reproductive challenges caused by BPA.
Psychometric Testing of a Tool to Assess Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Educator Skill Acquisition
Authors: Sebach Aaron M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Nurse anesthesia clinical educators bridge didactic content and clinical practice. A sample of 99 nurse anesthesia clinical educators completed the Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Skill Acquisition Tool (ACNESAT) to assess their skill acquisition and ACNESAT psychometric properties. Participants reported extreme confidence (M = 170.07, SD = 22.31) overall; highest confidence with Ensures Safe Care is Delivered by Learners in the Clinical Setting (M = 4.55, SD = 0.627) and lowest with Applies Theory to Clinical Practice (M = 4.01, SD = 0.942). Academic leaders can utilize the ACNESAT to support role development and excellence among clinical educators.
Using a simple angiocath instead of scorpion suture passer in transtibial pullout repair of the meniscal root tear
Authors: Moghtadaei Mehdi , Bagherifard Abolfazl , Yahyazadeh Hooman , Mohammadpour Mehdi , Adibmoradi Langroudi Khazar , Mousapour Ali 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Suture pullout during arthroscopic transtibial pullout repair of the meniscal root tear is generally performed using a Scorpion. In this study, we introduce a suture passing technique using a simple angiocath and compare its results with that of a Scorpion.

Patients and Methods:
In a retrospective series, 28 patients for whom an angiocath was used to pass the suture and 28 group-matched patients for whom a Scorpion was used were included. The outcomes of the patients were evaluated radiologically by assessment of ghost sign, cleft sign, and meniscal extrusion in knee MRI, and clinically by the assessment of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm scale, and VAS for pain, which were obtained in the last follow-up.

Results:
The baseline characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. After the operation, no patient had a positive ghost or cleft sign. The change of meniscal extrusion was not statistically different between the two groups (P=0.24). At the last follow-up, the mean Lysholm scale was 84.7±7.3 in the case group and 83.7±7.4 in the control group (P=0.61). The mean IKDC score was 84.6±6.8 in the case group and 85.3±4.9 in the control group (P=0.33). The mean VAS for pain was 3.2±0.9 in the case group and 3.3±0.9 in the control group (P=0.44).

Conclusion:
Using an angiocath to pass the suture in transtibial pullout repair is a cost-effective and efficient substitute for the Scorpion suture passer and could be used alternatively.

Level of evidence:
Level IV.
Does dutasteride reduce the bleeding in transurethral resection of the prostate in patients on antiplatelet drugs?
Authors: Rammah Ahmed M. , Meshref Alaa , Soliman Ebram , Abd Elaziz Islam Nasser , Habib Enmar , Abdelaziz Ahmed Yehia , Abozamel Ahmed H. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 4-week dutasteride treatment on reducing the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, as well as the amount and duration of irrigation required to clear the urine after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) ≥50 g in men receiving the antiplatelet drug (APD).

Materials and methods
This double-blind randomized clinical trial included patients with a prostate size ≥50 g who were indicated for TURP and were already receiving APD. The study was conducted in the Urology Department of Cairo University over a 12-month period. Routine preoperative laboratory investigations were performed in all patients. Moreover, baseline prostate size, serum prostate-specific antigen level, and International Prostate Symptom Score were estimated. The patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (groups A and B). Group A, the dutasteride group, received dutasteride (0.5 mg) once daily for 4 weeks. Group B, the placebo group, received a placebo capsule once daily for 4 weeks. Both groups underwent bipolar TURP. Fifteen patients were excluded from the study; 9 patients from group A and 6 patients from group B, either due to drug intolerability or loss follow-up.

Results
The mean blood loss was insignificant between the 2 groups immediately after and 24 hours after surgery (Δ hemoglobin: 1.41 ± 0.63 g/dL vs. 1.48 ± 0.54 g/dL, 2.12 ± 0.70 g/dL vs. 2.31 ± 0.78 g/dL, respectively, p = 0.631, p = 0.333; Δ hematocrit: 2.97% ± 1.51% vs. 3.16% ± 1.36%, 4.96% ± 1.87% vs. 5.73% ± 4.39%, respectively, p = 0.610, p = 0.380). However, there were significant differences in duration of indwelling urethral catheter (5.10 ± 0.55 days vs. 5.80 ± 1.79 days, p = 0.048), duration of bladder irrigation (13.60 ± 2.85 hours vs. 16.33 ± 6.62 hours, p = 0.044), and the amount of saline used for bladder irrigation (11.03 ± 2.30 L vs. 13.87 ± 6.13 L, p = 0.046) between group A and group B. respectively.

Conclusions
Treatment with dutasteride for 4 weeks before TURP in men receiving APD did not significantly reduce intraoperative or postoperative bleeding after TURP but could significantly reduce the duration of indwelling catheter placement, as well as the duration and amount of saline irrigation.
Detection of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) can prevent blindness and death
Authors: Bousquet Elodie , Santina Ahmad , Abraham Neda , Daily Mark J , Sarraf David 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Depth resolved imaging tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) are at the forefront of a new era of retinal diagnostics. These advancements have remarkably broadened our understanding of macular ischemia and the structure of the retinal capillary plexus (RCP). Because of the predominant vertical organization of the RCP, the middle retinal layer is at greater risk of ischemia and infarction. Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) is a manifestation of this risk and is the result of infarction of the inner nuclear layer (INL), detectable on OCT as a hyperreflective band within the INL. On OCT angiography (OCTA), PAMM is the result of hypoperfusion of the deep retinal vascular complex i.e the intermediate retinal capillary plexus and the deep retinal capillary plexus.
UNILATERAL RETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH RECURRENT VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE IN A PATIENT WITH GYRATE ATROPHY
Authors: Ferrara Mariantonia , Jalil Assad , Moussa George , Ivanova Tsveta 
Published: September 2023

Background/Purpose:
To describe the first case of unilateral peripheral retinal neovascularization associated with recurrent vitreous hemorrhage and localized tractional retinal detachment in a patient with gyrate atrophy.

Methods:
Interventional case report.

Results:
A 23-year-old man with confirmed diagnosis of gyrate atrophy presented with vitreous hemorrhage and history of stable peripheral inferior tractional retinal detachment in the left eye. After 3 months, the vitreous hemorrhage partially reabsorbed and peripheral retinal vascular abnormalities with focal neovascularization were detected with associated tractional retinal detachment and confirmed on fluorescein angiography. Cryotherapy was performed to prevent any further bleeding. Twelve months later, the left eye remained stable and no further vitreous bleeding occurred.

Conclusion:
The combination of peripheral retinal neovascularization, localized tractional retinal detachment, and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage can be a unilateral complication of gyrate atrophy. In similar cases, cryotherapy may represent a valuable therapeutic option to prevent recurrent bleeding.
Ocular Biometric Characteristics in Preoperative Diagnosis of Acute Angle Closure With and Without Zonular Laxity
Authors: Chen Hailiu , Ye Litong , Cheng Lu , Chen Liming , Lin Jialiu , Li Yangyunhui , Ye Dan , Lu Peng , Huang Jingjing 
Published: September 2023

Précis:
Biometric parameters, including binocular difference of anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens vault (LV) in affected eyes, and binocular difference of the LV, had high efficiency in diagnosing acute angle closure (AAC) with zonular laxity.

Purpose:
To investigate the ocular biometric characteristics of eyes with AAC with zonular laxity to further explore the sensitive parameters for preoperative diagnosis.

Methods:
This study included 50 patients with AAC with zonular laxity and 54 patients with AAC without zonular laxity. Demographic data, ocular examination results, and biometric parameters on ultrasound biomicroscopy images were compared between the affected and fellow eyes in 2 groups. Parameters significant in the multiple linear regression model were included in a regression equation and the diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by area under the curve.

Results:
In patients with AAC with zonular laxity, the binocular difference of central ACD, LV in affected eyes, and binocular difference of the LV were significantly larger than those in patients without zonular laxity respectively and these three parameters were all significant in multiple linear regression analysis (all P<0.001). The area under the curve of binocular difference of ACD, LV in affected eyes, and binocular difference of LV were 0.972, 0.796, and 0.855, respectively, with the cutoff values of 0.23, 1.28, and 0.19 mm. The regression equation containing these three parameters was: ln (P/(1−P))=−4.322 + 1.222 [LV in affected eyes (mm)] + 3.657 [binocular difference of LV (mm)] + 6.542 [binocular difference of ACD (mm)], with the accuracy of prediction reaching 94.05%.

Conclusion:
Binocular difference of ACD, LV in affected eyes, and binocular difference of LV had high efficiency in diagnosing AAC with zonular laxity.
Whipple Disease in 2 Southwest Missouri Patients
Authors: Hitchcock Nicole , Trotman Robin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Whipple disease (WD) is a rare condition caused by infection with Tropheryma whipplei, a ubiquitous bacterium whose detailed pathogenesis has yet to be elucidated. Its vague defining symptoms of polyarthralgia, weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain do not lend themselves to a rapid diagnosis. The importance of considering WD in a differential diagnosis and recognizing the many manifestations of the condition must not be underestimated. Inadequate or delayed diagnosis can have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. In this report, we describe 2 cases of classic WD, including representative imaging and histopathology, that were diagnosed almost simultaneously in 2 unrelated adult residents of Southwest Missouri.
Antiretroviral Regimen and Pregnancy Outcomes of Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a US Cohort
Authors: Kopp Charles M. , Sobhani Nasim C. , Baker Barbara , Tapia Kenneth , Jain Rupali , Hitti Jane , Roxby Alison C. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Women who are pregnant and living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have traditionally been excluded from clinical trials regarding new pharmacotherapy. Immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy is recommended for women who are pregnant and living with HIV. Integrase strand inhibitors (INSTIs) are first-line recommended agents because they lead to more rapid HIV viral load reduction. We conducted a retrospective study of women who are pregnant and living with HIV who received prenatal care at the University of Washington. Mothers were categorized by antiretroviral therapy class: INSTI, protease inhibitors, and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. χ2 and t tests were used for the analysis of baseline characteristics, and generalized estimating equations were used to adjust for HIV viral suppression between groups. There were a total of 234 mother-infant pairs whose pregnancies progressed beyond 20 weeks. The study demonstrated that women on INSTI regimens were more likely to have a shorter time to viral load suppression than women on nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor regimens. In addition, 7 congenital anomalies were identified in this cohort, none of which were neural tube defects. There was no perinatal transmission of HIV to any of the infants. This small cohort of women provides high-quality data regarding the safety and efficacy of INSTI use for both mothers and infants in resource-rich settings.
Comparative Effects of Ankle-Foot Orthosis and Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait Endurance and Participant Preference in Individuals with Foot Drop of Central Pathology: Systematic Review
Authors: Karakkattil Priya , Lewis Bonnie , Zamora Mayra , Trudelle-Jackson Elaine , Medley Ann 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are commonly used interventions for patients with foot drop caused by a central neurological origin. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the available evidence on the improvement of gait endurance in people with foot drop caused by a central neurological origin when comparing effectiveness of AFO and FES. The secondary aim is to evaluate the available evidence for the difference between the use of FES and AFO on perception of walking function.

Methods
A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, JBI, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health, Ovid Emcare, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science. All articles published through July 2020 were included in this review. Randomized control trials or crossover trials addressing the comparison of AFO to FES in people with foot drop of central neurological origin on gait endurance and perception of improvement in walking function were assessed. PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full articles, and a third reviewer resolved any disagreements.

Results
Twenty-five records were screened with 16 full-text articles assessed for eligibility using the PEDro score. Eleven final studies (PEDro scores range from 5 to 7) were included in qualitative analysis. Only two of the nine studies that evaluated gait endurance reported significant improvement in gait endurance in favor of FES. Seven of the eight studies evaluated the participant preference of device for various walking functions, which showed significance in favor of the use of FES.

Conclusions
Our review reveals inconclusive evidence to support the use of FES compared with AFO for improving gait endurance. However, qualitative analysis of device preference for walking by participants reveals that FES was the preferred device in this population compared with AFO.

Clinical Relevance
For patients with foot drop of central nervous system pathology, FES or AFO can be used to improve gait endurance. However, FES may be the preferred device by participants for their walking function.
Transbronchial Microwave Ablation of Peripheral Lung Tumors
Authors: Lau Kelvin K.W. , Lau Rainbow W.H. , Baranowski Ralitsa , Krzykowski Julie , Ng Calvin S.H. 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Image-guided thermal ablation is a minimally invasive local therapy for lung malignancies. NAVABLATE characterized the safety and performance of transbronchial microwave ablation (MWA) in the lung.

Methods:
The prospective, single-arm, 2-center NAVABLATE study (NCT03569111) evaluated transbronchial MWA in patients with histologically confirmed lung malignancies ≤30 mm in maximum diameter who were not candidates for, or who declined, both surgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Ablation of 1 nodule was allowed per subject. The nodule was reached with electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to verify the ablation catheter position and to evaluate the ablation zone postprocedure. The primary end point was composite adverse events related to the transbronchial MWA device through 1-month follow-up. Secondary end points included technical success (nodule reached and ablated according to the study protocol) and technique efficacy (satisfactory ablation based on 1-month follow-up imaging).

Results:
Thirty subjects (30 nodules; 66.7% primary lung, 33.3% oligometastatic) were enrolled from February 2019 to September 2020. The pre-procedure median nodule size was 12.5 mm (range 5 to 27 mm). Procedure-day technical success was 100% (30/30), with a mean ablative margin of 9.9±2.7 mm. One-month imaging showed 100% (30/30) technique efficacy. The composite adverse event rate related to the transbronchial MWA device through 1-month follow-up was 3.3% (1 subject, mild hemoptysis). No deaths or pneumothoraces occurred. Four subjects (13.3%) experienced grade 3 complications; none had grade 4 or 5.

Conclusion:
Transbronchial microwave ablation is an alternative treatment modality for malignant lung nodules ≤30 mm. There were no deaths or pneumothorax. In all, 13.3% of patients developed grade 3 or above complications.