bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized control trial of prednisolone and doxycycline in patients with acute interstitial nephritis of unknown aetiology
Authors: Badurdeen Zeid , Ratnatunga Neelakanthi , Abeysekera Tilak , Wazil Abdul. W. M. , Rajakrishna Premil N. , Thinnarachchi Jalitha P. , Welagedera Dulani D. , Ratnayake Nadeeka , Alwis Adambarage. P. D. , Abeysundara Hemalika , Kumarasiri Ranjith , Taylor Richard , Nanayakkara Nishantha 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background

Patients presenting with acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) of unknown aetiology, probably the earliest presentation of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu), have been treated with oral prednisolone and doxycycline by physicians in Sri Lanka. This trial assessed the effectiveness of prednisolone and doxycycline based on eGFR changes at 6 months in patients with AIN of unknown aetiology.

Method
A randomized clinical trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design for patients presenting with AIN of unknown aetiology (n = 59) was enacted to compare treatments with; A-prednisolone, B-doxycycline, C-both treatments together, and D-neither. The primary outcome was a recovery of patients’ presenting renal function to eGFR categories: 61–90 ml/min/1.73m2 (complete remission– CR) to 31–60 ml/min/1.73m2 (partial remission– PR) and 0–30 ml/min/1.73m2 no remission (NR) by 6 months. A secondary outcome was progression-free survival (not reaching < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 eGFR), by 6–36 months. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results
Seventy patients compatible with a clinical diagnosis of AIN were biopsied for eligibility; 59 AIN of unknown aetiology were enrolled, A = 15, B = 15, C = 14 and D = 15 randomly allocated to each group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The number of patients with CR, PR and NR, respectively, by 6 months, in group A 3:8:2, group B 2:8:3 and group C 8:5:0 was compared with group D 8:6:1. There were no significant differences found between groups A vs. D (p = 0.2), B vs. D (p = 0.1) and C vs. D (p = 0.4).
In an exploratory analysis, progression-free survival in prednisolone-treated (A + C) arms was 0/29 (100%) in comparison to 25/30 (83%) in those not so treated (B + D) arms, and the log-rank test was p = 0.02, whereas no such difference found (p = 0.60) between doxycycline-treated (B + C) arms 27/29 (93%) vs those not so treated (A + D) arms 27/30 (90%).

Conclusion
Prednisolone and doxycycline were not beneficial for the earliest presentation of CKDu at 6 months. However, there is a potential benefit of prednisolone on the long-term outcome of CKDu. An adequately powered steroid trial using patients reaching < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 eGFR by 3 years, as an outcome is warranted for AIN of unknown aetiology.

Trial registration
Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registry SLCTR/2014/007, Registered on the 31st of March 2014.
CT and MRI features of hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma: a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of 15 cases and a literature review
Authors: Luo Lianmei , Cai Zeyu , Zeng Sihui , Wang Lizhu , Kang Zhuang , Yang Ning , Zhang Yaqin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective
To improve the current imaging understanding of MRI or CT for hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (HEHE) to aid in its successful preoperative diagnosis.

Methods
The imaging features of 15 patients (median age 38.6, range 20–71; 7 M/8 F) from eight institutions with pathologically confirmed HEHE were retrospectively analysed. Additionally, the CT/MR imaging features of 180 patients in 15 literature publications were collected, analysed and compared with our case series.

Results
Fifteen patients underwent CT and MRI (n = 2), CT (n = 9) or MR (n = 8) scans. A total of 92.9% (13/14) of the patients were initially diagnosed with other lesions on imaging. A total of 86.7% (13/15) were multifocal. Nodules (11/15, 73.3%) were predominantly peripheral in distribution (12/15, 80.0%). Some cases were associated with hepatic capsular retraction (13/15, 86.7%), “target signs” (8/15, 53.3%) and “lollipop signs” (5/15, 33.3%). Peripheral enhancement of various shapes in the early phase with a progressive centripetal filling was the most common pattern of enhancement (12/15, 80.0%). Abnormal vascularity was seen in 50.7% (6/15) of the patients. Suspicious tumour thromboses in the inferior vena cava were seen in 3 (20.0%) of the patients. Two of the 15 patients (13.3%) had a history of smoking.

Conclusions
HEHEs have common distinctive features, including multifocal lesions that are predominantly peripheral, “target signs”, “lollipop signs”, hepatic capsular retraction and peripheral enhancement of various shapes in the early phase with progressive centripetal filling. Additional aggressive imaging features that may be valuable clues to the diagnosis can be identified by CT or MRI.
Automatic music signal mixing system based on one-dimensional Wave-U-Net autoencoders
Authors: Koszewski Damian , Görne Thomas , Korvel Grazina , Kostek Bozena 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to show a music mixing system that is capable of automatically mixing separate raw recordings with good quality regardless of the music genre. This work recalls selected methods for automatic audio mixing first. Then, a novel deep model based on one-dimensional Wave-U-Net autoencoders is proposed for automatic music mixing. The model is trained on a custom-prepared database. Mixes created using the proposed system are compared with amateur, state-of-the-art software, and professional mixes prepared by audio engineers. The results obtained prove that mixes created automatically by Wave-U-Net can objectively be evaluated as highly as mixes prepared professionally. This is also confirmed by the statistical analysis of the results of the conducted listening tests. Moreover, the results show a strong correlation between the experience of the listeners in mixing and the likelihood of a higher rating of the Wave-U-Net-based and professional mixes than the amateur ones or the mix prepared using state-of-the-art software. These results are also confirmed by the outcome of the similarity matrix-based analysis.
The interplay among self-assessment, using reflection for assessment, classroom enjoyment, and immunity: into prospects of effective language learning
Authors: Aldosari Mubarak , Heydarnejad Tahereh , Hashemifardnia Arash , Abdalgane Mohammed 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSelf-assessment and reflective thinking (RT) can arm learners to monitor and evaluate their learning progress. Despite the long history of the core of self-assessment (CSA) and RT, little is known about how they may contribute to learner enjoyment (LE) and learner immunity (LI). Therefore, the current research attempted to propose a model to depict the interplay among CSA, RT, LE, and LI. To this end, the Core of Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ), Reflective Thinking Questionnaire (RTQ), Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale (FLES), and Language Student Immunity Instrument (LSIS) were administered to 518 Iranian EFL university students. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that EFL university students with higher levels of CSA and RT skills experienced more enjoyment and were immunized productively. Furthermore, the critical role of RT in CSA was discovered. The implications of this study may unveil new prospects for implementing learning-oriented assessment in the classroom and RT practices in educational programs.
Predictors of complex PTSD: the role of trauma characteristics, dissociation, and comorbid psychopathology
Authors: Guzman Torres E. , Krause-Utz A. , Sack M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) has previously been associated with earlier trauma onset, repeated interpersonal traumatization, more dissociation, and more comorbid psychopathology. However, it is still debated if the afore-mentioned risk factors are related to CPTSD diagnosis or rather indicative of a more severe form of post-traumatic distress. The aim of this study was to compare patients with a CPTSD diagnosis to those with PTSD in trauma characteristics (onset, chronicity, interpersonal nature, familiarity with perpetrator), dissociation, and psychiatric comorbidities, while accounting for symptom severity.

Methods
In total, N = 81 patients with a trauma history (n = 43 with CPTSD; n = 37 with PTSD) underwent diagnostic interviews by trained clinicians and completed measures on CPTSD symptom severity, trauma characteristics, and dissociation (Screening for Complex PTSD; Dissociative Experience Scale Taxon).

Results
Patients with CPTSD reported earlier onset of trauma, more trauma perpetrated by acquaintances or family members, and more comorbidities than those with PTSD, also when accounting for symptom severity. No group differences in chronicity and dissociation were found. Severity of CPTSD was associated with earlier onset, familiarity with perpetrator, more comorbid (affective) disorders, and dissociation in both diagnostic groups.

Conclusion
Findings largely confirm earlier research, suggesting that CPTSD is associated with traumatic events that start earlier in life and are perpetrated by acquaintances. Focusing on transdiagnostic symptoms, such as dissociation, may help to detain symptom deterioration. Due to the small sample size, findings need to be interpreted with caution and further research is needed to replicate findings in larger samples. Future research should also elucidate possible working mechanisms besides dissociation, such as emotion dysregulation or negative self-image.
El-Gendi Fortress: a new military and religious geo-archaeological site, Sinai, Egypt: geomorphological and hydrogeological remarks
Authors: El-Asmar Hesham M. , El-Eraky Tamer H. , Taha Maysa M. N. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
El-Gendi Fortress is a unique geo-archaeological site in Sinai, Egypt. It reflects the progress of the Islamic military architecture during Saladin’s reign (Salah ad-din al Ayyubi), the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty (1174-1260AD). The fortress's location met two major geo-criteria. One is geographical; it is located on a mound 655 m above sea level (a.s.l) and 152 m above El-Tih El-plateau; this elevation contributes to the exploration of the surrounding areas and provides the fortress with a strong defensive position against the Crusaders' invasions of Egypt (1163–1169 AD). The second is Hydro-geological; it provides exceptional access to both meteoric surface (via barrages) and groundwater (through Sudr spring). The latter is from deep aquifers of the Nubian sandstones (Malha Formation) across the fractured carbonates (Raha and Sudr Formations of Cenomanian to Maastrichtian age). Such water was accumulated since the Pleistocene pluvial age until the fortress’ most recent use. The barrages’ location upstream of a sub-basin “a” at Wadi Sudr, in a similar direction to the deep ditch side, confirms that the priority of their design is to protect the region from flash flood risks and to store water on a relatively flat-lying land. The study reveals that the fortress’ geographical location is used to safeguard the Hajj route in central Sinai and to provide facilities for pilgrims’ caravans when they travel from North Africa to Mecca. The study concludes that the fortress should be a part of the Sinai tourism itinerary and promoted globally as a geo-archaeological site for Geo-tourism. In addition, the government should implement a strategy for conserving, rehabilitating, and managing the heritage sites, to improve facilities and increase public awareness of these sites to maximize the outcomes.
Structural and immunohistochemical analysis of the cellular compositions of the liver of molly fish (Poecilia sphenops), focusing on its immune role
Authors: Hussein Marwa M. , Sayed Ramy K. A. , Mokhtar Doaa M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe liver of fish is considered an ideal model for studying the collaboration between environmental agents and the health state of the fish, where it gives good indications about aquatic ecosystem status. Therefore, this study presented immune roles for the liver in molly fish (Poecilia sphenops), using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hepatocytes’ sinusoidal structures of molly fish livers had taken two different forms; cord-like and tubular, while the biliary tract system showed two different types: isolated and biliary venous tract. The TEM showed that the hepatocytes possessed well-developed cytoplasmic organelles and numerous glycogen and lipid droplets of different sizes. Kupffer cells, Ito cells, aggregation of intrahepatic macrophages and melanomacrophages were also recognized. Melanomacrophages contained numerous phagosomes, many lysosomes, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and melanin pigments. Hepatocytes and Kupffer cells expressed immunoreactivity to APG5, indicating that these cells were involved in the process of autophagy. Telocytes (TCs) were also recognized in the liver of molly fish, and they shared the same morphological characteristics as those in mammals. However, TCs expressed strong immunoreactivity to APG5, TGF-β, and Nrf2, suggesting their possible role in cellular differentiation and regeneration, in addition to phagocytosis and autophagy. Both IL-1β and NF-KB showed immunoreactivity in the hepatocytes and in inflammatory cells (including intrahepatic macrophages and melanomacrophage center). Nrf2 and SOX9 showed immunoreactivity in hepatocytes, stem cells, and macrophages. The present study showed the spatial distribution of hepatic vascular-biliary tracts in molly fish. The liver of molly fish has unique functions in phagocytosis, autophagy, and cell regeneration. The expression of APG5 in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, melanomacrophages, and telocytes supports the role of the liver in lymphocyte development and proliferation. The expression of TGF-β and NF-κB in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, telocytes, and macrophages suggests the role of the liver in regulation of cell proliferation and immune response suppression. The expression of IL-1β and Sox9 in macrophages and melanomacrophages suggests the role of the liver in regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity, cell proliferation and apoptosis, in addition to stem cell maintenance.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)—a quick screening tool for female children with palpable gonads for excluding androgen insensitivity syndrome
Authors: Arora Mrinal , Zargar Noor Ullah , Krishna Anurag 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The incidence of inguinal hernia in the pediatric population is 0.8–4.4% with a male to female ratio of 5:1.The reported incidence of sliding hernia containing an ovary in female infants and children is 15–20%.The complete androgen insensitivity syndrome occurs in 1–2% of girls with an inguinal hernia. Thus, the incidence of CAIS in females with hernias and palpable gonads is 4/1,000,000.

Results
This is a retrospective analysis of 694 children that had undergone inguinal hernia repair in last 11 years. Out of these, 123 were females, 36 cases had palpable gonads at the time of presentation. FISH analysis was done in 29 cases (80%). None of the cases showed the presence of the Y chromosome. An abnormal chromosomal pattern was seen in one case on complete karyotyping.

Conclusion
The reported incidence of CAIS in girls with inguinal hernia is low, thus subjecting every girl child with inguinal hernia to undergo karyotyping is distressing for the parents. FISH analysis is an effective screening modality to rule out CAIS in girls with an inguinal hernia. Thus, it is recommended to screen only high-risk cases with palpable gonads at presentation.
3D printing of microneedle arrays for hair regeneration in a controllable region
Authors: Li Rong , Yuan Xin , Zhang Li , Jiang Xuebing , Li Li , Zhang Yi , Guo Linghong , Dai Xide , Cheng Hao , Jiang Xian , Gou Maling 
Published: January 2023

AbstractHair loss is a common skin disease that causes intense emotional suffering. Hair regeneration in a personalized area is highly desirable for patients with different balding conditions. However, the existing pharmaceutical treatments have difficulty precisely regenerating hair in a desired area. Here, we show a method to precisely control the hair regeneration using customized microneedle arrays (MNAs). The MNA with a customized shape is fast fabricated by a static optical projection lithography process in seconds, which is a 3D printing technology developed by our group. In the mouse model, MNA treatment could induce hair regrowth in a defined area corresponding to the customized shape of MNA. And the regenerated hair promoted by MNAs had improved quality. Cellular and molecular analysis indicated that MNA treatment could recruit macrophages in situ and then initiate the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells, thereby improving hair regeneration. Meanwhile, the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was observed in hair follicles. The expressions of Hgf, Igf 1 and Tnf-α were also upregulated in the treated skin, which may also be beneficial for the MNA-induced hair regeneration. This study provides a strategy to precisely control hair regeneration using customized microneedle arrays by recruiting macrophages in situ, which holds the promise for the personalized treatment of hair loss.
First molecular identification of multiple tick-borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena-Nankana, Ghana
Authors: Addo Seth Offei , Bentil Ronald Essah , Yartey Kevin Nii , Ansah-Owusu Jane , Behene Eric , Opoku-Agyeman Philip , Bruku Selassie , Asoala Victor , Mate Suzanne , Larbi John Asiedu , Baidoo Philip Kweku , Wilson Michael David , Diclaro Joseph W. , Dadzie Samuel K. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence of tick vectors due to the trade of livestock across countries. In Ghana, there is a lack of data on the incidence of tick-borne pathogens that are of zoonotic and veterinary importance. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of such pathogens in livestock using molecular approaches. A total of 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle (100), sheep (95) and goats (81) in the Kassena-Nankana Districts. The samples were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and conventional assays and Sanger sequencing that targeted pathogens including Rickettsia, Coxiella, Babesia, Theileria, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. An overall prevalence of 36.96% was recorded from the livestock DBS, with mixed infections seen in 7.97% samples. Furthermore, the prevalence of infections in livestock was recorded to be 19.21% in sheep, 14.13% in cattle, and 3.62% in goats. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia spp. (3.26%), Babesia sp. Lintan (8.70%), Theileria orientalis (2.17%), Theileria parva (0.36%), Anaplasma capra (18.48%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.81%), Anaplasma marginale (3.26%) and Anaplasma ovis (7.25%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned pathogens in livestock in Ghana and highlights the use of dry blood spots in resource-limited settings. In addition, this research provides an update on tick-borne pathogens in Ghana, suggesting risks to livestock production and human health. Further studies will be essential to establish the distribution and epidemiology of these pathogens in Ghana.
Multicenter Phase II Clinical Trial of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients With High-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Coleman Jonathan A. , Yip Wesley , Wong Nathan C. , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Bochner Bernard H. , Dalbagni Guido , Donat S. Machele , Herr Harry W. , Cha Eugene K. , Donahue Timothy F. , Pietzak Eugene J. , Hakimi A. Ari , Kim Kwanghee , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A. , Vargas H. Alberto , Alvim Ricardo G. , Ghafoor Soleen , Benfante Nicole E. , Meraney Anoop M. , Shichman Steven J. , Kamradt Jeffrey M. , Nair Suresh G. , Baccala Angelo A. , Palyca Paul , Lash Bradley W. , Rizvi Muhammad A. , Swanson Scott K. , Muina Antonio F. , Apolo Andrea B. , Iyer Gopa , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Teo Min Y. , Bajorin Dean F. 
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has proven survival benefits for patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, yet its role for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains undefined. We conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial of NAC with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin (GC) for patients with high-risk UTUC before extirpative surgery to evaluate response, survival, and tolerability. METHODS Eligible patients with defined criteria for high-risk localized UTUC received four cycles of split-dose GC before surgical resection and lymph node dissection. The primary study end point was rate of pathologic response (defined as < ypT2N0). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety and tolerability. RESULTS Among 57 patients evaluated, 36 (63%) demonstrated pathologic response (95% CI, 49 to 76). A complete pathologic response (ypT0N0) was noted in 11 patients (19%). Fifty-one patients (89%) tolerated at least three complete cycles of split-dose GC, 27 patients (47%) tolerated four complete cycles, and all patients proceeded to surgery. With a median follow up of 3.1 years, 2- and 5-year PFS rates were 89% (95% CI, 81 to 98) and 72% (95% CI, 59 to 87), while 2- and 5-year OS rates were 93% (95% CI, 86 to 100) and 79% (95% CI, 67 to 94), respectively. Pathologic complete and partial responses were associated with improved PFS and OS compared with nonresponders (≥ ypT2N any; 2-year PFS 100% and 95% v 76%, P < .001; 2-year OS 100% and 100% v 80%, P < .001). CONCLUSION NAC with split-dose GC for high-risk UTUC is a well-tolerated, effective therapy demonstrating evidence of pathologic response that is associated with favorable survival outcomes. Given that these survival outcomes are superior to historical series, these data support the use of NAC as a standard of care for high-risk UTUC, and split-dose GC is a viable option for NAC.
Centralization of Initial Care and Improved Survival of Poor Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Nattinger Ann B. , Bickell Nina A. , Schymura Maria J. , Laud Purushottam , McGinley Emily L. , Fergestrom Nicole , Pezzin Liliana E. 
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE Poor women with breast cancer have worse survival than others, and are more likely to undergo surgery in low-volume facilities. We leveraged a natural experiment to study the effectiveness of a policy intervention undertaken by New York (NY) state in 2009 that precluded payment for breast cancer surgery for NY Medicaid beneficiaries treated in facilities performing fewer than 30 breast cancer surgeries annually. METHODS We identified 37,822 women with stage I-III breast cancer during 2004-2008 or 2010-2013 and linked them to NY hospital discharge data. A multivariable difference-in-differences approach compared mortality of Medicaid insured patients with that of commercially or otherwise insured patients unaffected by the policy. RESULTS Women treated during the postpolicy years had slightly lower 5-year overall mortality than those treated prepolicy; the survival gain was significantly larger for Medicaid patients ( P = .018). Women enrolled in Medicaid had a greater reduction than others in breast cancer–specific mortality ( P = .005), but no greater reduction in other causes of death ( P = .50). Adjusted breast cancer mortality among women covered by Medicaid declined from 6.6% to 4.5% postpolicy, while breast cancer mortality among other women fell from 3.9% to 3.8%. A similar effect was not observed among New Jersey Medicaid patients with breast cancer treated during the same years. CONCLUSION A statewide centralization policy discouraging initial care for breast cancer in low-volume facilities was associated with better survival for the Medicaid population targeted. Given these impressive results and those from prior research, other policymakers should consider adopting comparable policies to improve breast cancer outcomes. [Media: see text]