bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic radical hepatectomy and laparotomy for hepatocellular carcinoma and factors of postoperative recurrence
Authors: Cao Qing , Yang Liang , Zhou Guanbao , Hu Yue 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveFor exploring the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic radical hepatectomy and laparotomy for hepatocellular carcinoma and analysing related factors of postoperative recurrence.MethodsTotally 212 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma admitted to our hospital between April 2017 and December 2020 were enrolled, and all of them were followed up after the operation. According to the treatment modes, the patients were assigned to a laparotomy group (n=106) and a laparoscopic group (n=106). Perioperative indicators, haematological examination results, complications and recurrence were compared between the two groups. The recurrence time of hepatocellular carcinoma after the operation was confirmed by imaging examination with definite mass, and logistic multivariate analysis was used for analyzing the risk factors associated with postoperative recurrenceResultsPatients in both groups were comparable in terms of general baseline data. The laparoscopic group experienced longer operation time and shorter incision length, less intraoperative blood loss, early time to have the first off-bed activity and time to eat liquid and shorter hospital stay than the laparotomy group (all P&lt;0.05). Seven days after the operation, the laparoscopic group showed notably lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and C-reactive protein (CRP) than the laparotomy group (all P&lt;0.05), and also showed notably higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and IgM than the laparotomy group (all P&lt;0.05). Additionally, the laparotomy group showed a higher total incidence rate of complications than the laparoscopic group (19.81% vs. 9.43%, P&lt;0.05). During the one-year follow-up, the laparotomy group was not greatly different from the laparoscopic group in recurrence rate (22.64% (24/106) vs. 16.98% (18/106), P&gt;0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that average tumour diameter and microvascular invasion were risk factors for postoperative recurrence (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionLaparoscopic radical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma can reduce the influence on liver function and immune function, with less damage to tissues, and can ameliorate postoperative inflammatory reaction, and promote postoperative recovery of patients as soon as possible. There are many factors influencing the postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and average tumour diameter and microvascular invasion are the risk factors.
Predicting pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A nomogram combining clinical features and ultrasound semantics in patients with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Wang Ke-Nie , Meng Ya-Jiao , Yu Yue , Cai Wen-Run , Wang Xin , Cao Xu-Chen , Ge Jie 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundEarly identification of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is instrumental in predicting patients prognosis. However, since a fixed criterion with high accuracy cannot be generalized to molecular subtypes, our study first aimed to redefine grades of clinical response to NAC in invasive breast cancer patients (IBC). And then developed a prognostic model based on clinical features and ultrasound semantics.MethodsA total of 480 IBC patients were enrolled who underwent anthracycline and taxane-based NAC between 2018 and 2020. The decrease rate of the largest diameter was calculated by ultrasound after NAC and their cut-off points were determined among subtypes. Thereafter, a nomogram was constructed based on clinicopathological and ultrasound-related data, and validated using the calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC).ResultsThe optimal cut-off points for predicting pCR were 53.23%, 51.56%, 41.89%, and 53.52% in luminal B-like (HER2 negative), luminal B-like (HER2 positive), HER2 positive, and triple-negative, respectively. In addition, time interval, tumor size, molecular subtypes, largest diameter decrease rate, and change of blood perfusion were significantly associated with pCR (all p &lt; 0.05). The prediction model based on the above variables has great predictive power and clinical value.ConclusionTaken together, our data demonstrated that calculated cut-off points of tumor reduction rates could be reliable in predicting pathological response to NAC and developed nomogram predicting prognosis would help tailor systematic regimens with high precision.
Serotonin is a gap junction-permeable neuronal tracer in the mouse retina
Authors: Szarka Gergely , Hoffmann Gyula , Kovács-Öller Tamás , Völgyi Béla 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionGap junctions are dynamically modulated bridges allowing the transcellular passage of ions and small molecules with a molecular mass of up to 1 kDa, a mechanism utilized for molecular communication purposes by living cells. This same mechanism is also exploited by scientists to reveal the existence of gap junction contacts by the cell-to-cell movement of tracers. However, multiple labeling experiments require the availability of multiple gap junction-permeable tracers. MethodsTo this end, we utilized the well-known transient OFF alpha retinal ganglion cell (RGC)-coupled array as a model system to study and compare the transjunctional movement of neurobiotin (NB), a commonly used tracer, and serotonin, a recently identified tracer. ResultsAlthough the transjunctional movement of serotonin has been established in cell cultures, here we show, for the first time, that serotonin is also a potent tracer in in vitro tissue. In addition, serotonin is lighter than the classical gap junction-permeable NB, and thus, we expected that tracer movement would be comparable to or better than that of serotonin. We found that intracellular serotonin injections result in the labeling of the coupled transient OFF alpha RGC array very similar to those of the classical NB-labeled arrays. Both serotonin and NB-injected transient OFF alpha RGCs displayed the well-known pattern with coupled RGCs and a cohort of coupled wide-field amacrine cells (ACs). DiscussionBy using morphological characteristics, we confirm that the serotonin and the NB-coupled AC arrays are identical, and thereby confirm that serotonin is a potent gap junction-permeable tracer and can be readily used as an alternative to NB in in vitro tissue. Moreover, serotonin can be utilized in parallel with other dyes or tracers, enabling the use of multiple labels in the same material.
Skin-to-skin contact—An effective intervention on pain and stress reduction in preterm infants
Authors: Pavlyshyn Halyna , Sarapuk Iryna 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe outcomes of pain and stress in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) compel the continued search for pain- and stress-reducing interventions.The objective of the studyTo investigate how skin-to-skin contact (SSC) influences chronic pain and stress in preterm infants in the NICU.Materials and methodsThe study included 140 preterm infants in the NICU with gestational age less than 34 weeks. The overall design was a baseline-response design. Urine and saliva were collected before (baseline) and after SSC to measure pain and stress markers by enzyme immunoassay method. The behavioral indicators of chronic pain were assessed using the EDIN (Échelle Douleur Inconfort Nouveau-Né—neonatal pain and discomfort).ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the dopamine level in preterm infants after SSC in comparison with baseline values (85.99 [69.35; 112.20] pg/ml vs. 132.20 [104.80; 183.70] pg/ml), p &lt; 0.001. The β-endorphin and serotonin levels increased after SSC (40.09 [26.81; 70.63] pg/ml vs. 29.87 [20.61; 46.94] pg/ml, p = 0.009 and 25.49 [20.45; 40.08] ng/ml vs. 22.30 [15.13; 31.65] ng/ml, p = 0.011, respectively). A significant decrease in cortisol levels in saliva and urine after SSC in comparison with baseline values (0.125 [0.079; 0.225] μg/dl vs. 0.371 [0.188; 1.002] μg/dl, p = 0.000 and 27.06 [14.59; 35.35] ng/ml vs. 35.25 [19.78; 61.94] ng/ml, p = 0.001, with a simultaneous increase of oxytocin level (57.00 [36.55; 88.49] pg/ml vs. 38.20 [28.78; 56.04] pg/ml, p = 0.009 were revealed. The total pain EDIN score in infants after SSC was below 6 points, significantly decreasing compared to the baseline (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionPreterm infants in the NICU experience stress and pain, which were confirmed by the EDIN pain scale and laboratory markers. The level of dopamine and cortisol as pain and stress hormones were reliably high, and normalized after regular SSC. Simultaneously, pain-relieving and anti-stress markers of oxytocin, β-endorphin and serotonin reliably increased in preterm infants in response to the SSC.
Thulium-doped fiber laser with switchable single-wavelength output using polarization-dependent loss
Authors: Guan Biao , Yan Fengping , Qin Qi , Liu Yan , Yang Dandan , Tan Haoyu , Li Ting , Yu Chenhao , Wang Xiangdong , Jiang Youchao , Kumamoto Kazuo , Suo Yuping 
Published: March 2023

A thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) with switchable single-wavelength output was proposed and experimentally constructed, and its output characteristics were investigated. The central wavelengths were 1940.52 nm and 2048.04 nm, defined by a superimposed uniform fiber Bragg grating (SI-UFBG) with reflectivity larger than 92%. Switchable output was successfully achieved by using polarization-dependent loss, with the help of a drop-in polarization controller and an in-line polarizer. For both output wavelengths, optical signal-to-noise ratios larger than 80 dB were achieved. Maximum fluctuations of the central wavelengths of 1940.52 nm and 2048.02 nm under 60 min were, respectively, 0.04 nm and 0.01 nm. Maximum fluctuations of output power for the same wavelengths over the same time period were, respectively, 1.09 dB and 0.12 dB. Maximum output powers of 215.12 mW and 155.53 mW were achieved for the respective output wavelengths of 1940.52 nm and 2048.02 nm. Moreover, a tuning range of ∼2 nm was realized by enforcing a strain on the SI-UFBG. The proposed TDFL may be applied in laser medicine and free-space-related applications.
Academic women’s negotiation of gender identities in non-elite Chinese universities
Authors: Yuan Boya , Tian Xiaoming 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThis study employs Butler’s concept of identity to unpack how non-elite Chinese university academic women negotiate gender identities under the influence of the wider social discourses around gender in their institutional context.MethodsThe study includes two empirical investigations of (i) semi-structured interviews and (ii) photovoice interviews with six women academics from six different non-elite Chinese universities.Results and DiscussionWe found that most interviewees tended to value their teacher identity and meanwhile downplay their researcher identity in the professional field; while in the private field, they paid more attention to their mother identity at the cost of downplaying their career development. The study also reveals that, in the process of gender negotiation, the interviewees commonly adopted two strategies: (i) creating space and time for identity performance, and (ii) persuading with selves to accept multiple identities. This article contributes to the understanding of Chinese academic women in non-elite public universities from a Butlerian perspective.
The magnitude of standard precautions practice and its associated factors among healthcare workers in governmental hospitals of northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Keleb Awoke , Lingerew Mistir , Ademas Ayechew , Berihun Gete , Sisay Tadesse , Adane Metadel 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundNon-compliance with infection control guidelines of healthcare workers may increase their risk of exposure to infectious diseases but can be prevented through adherence to standard precautionary practices in healthcare settings.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the magnitude of standard precautions practice and its associated factors among healthcare workers in government hospitals of South Wollo Zone, northeastern EthiopiaMethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,100 healthcare workers. Proportional sample size allocation for each selected government hospital was conducted followed by simple random sampling to select study participants using human resource records from each hospital. Data were collected using structured and self-administered pretested questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariable binary, and multivariable logistic regression models. Variables with a p-value &lt;0.05 with a 95% CI were considered as having statistical significanceResultsThe overall magnitude of compliance with standard precautions among healthcare workers was 19.2%. The result indicated that work experience of &lt;5 years (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.07–5.89), absence of continuous water supply (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.95–5.29), and negative attitude (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.17–4.79) were significantly associated with poor compliance of standard precautions practice.ConclusionThe overall magnitude of compliance with standard precautions among healthcare workers was low compared to the national magnitude of infection prevention practice. Interventions including consistent and effective training on infection prevention healthcare workers should be given regularly. Providing continuous water supply and building a positive attitude toward infection prevention practices among healthcare workers are also required.
Survival prediction among pathologic T4 bladder cancer patients following cytoreductive cystectomy: A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Bai Xuesong , Chen Guo , Shang Shihai , Li Senlin , Liu Huanrui , Feng Zhenwei , Gou Xin 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesThis retrospective study aimed to describe our institutional experience with cytoreductive cystectomy (Cx) in patients with pathological T4 (pT4) bladder cancer (BCa) and to investigate the clinicopathologic factors that can predict patient survival outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed the baseline demographics, clinicopathologic features, perioperative complications, and follow-up data of 44 patients who underwent Cx for pT4 BCa at our institution between 2013 and 2021. The Kaplan–Meier curve and the log-rank test were used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox regression model.ResultsThe median age of the patients was 68 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 49–81]. Overall, 21 patients (47.7%) were estimated to have a high age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) score (&gt;4), and nine patients (20.5%) had pT4b substage BCa. None of the patients died of complications within 30–90 days after surgery. Severe complications occurred in 16% (n = 7) of patients within 30–90 days. During a median follow-up of 51 months, disease progression was detected in 25 patients (56.8%), and 29 patients (65.9%) died of any cause. The median PFS and OS were 15.0 and 21.0 months, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that patients with high ACCI scores or pT4b BCa had worse PFS (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively) and OS (P = 0.016 and P = 0.034, respectively) than those with low ACCI scores or pT4a BCa. On multivariate analysis, pT4b substage [hazard ratio (HR), 4.166; 95% CI, 1.549–11.206; P = 0.005] and ACCI score &gt;4 (HR, 2.329; 95% CI, 1.105–4.908; P = 0.026) remained independent risk factors for PFS and OS, respectively.ConclusionOur study revealed that the pT4b substage is associated with a poor prognosis and that the ACCI score is a relevant and practical method to evaluate survival outcomes in patients with pT4 BCa after Cx.
Outcomes following use of VersaWrap nerve protector in treatment of patients with recurrent compressive neuropathies
Authors: Hones Keegan M. , Nichols David Spencer , Barker Haley , Cox Elizabeth , Hones Jaime A. , Chim Harvey 
Published: March 2023

Epineural scarring following previous carpal or cubital tunnel release can lead to pain and permanent dysfunction. To prevent this cascade, nerve wraps are an option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following use of VersaWrap nerve protector during surgical decompression and neurolysis in patients with recurrent compressive neuropathies in the upper extremity. Twenty patients comprised the patient cohort, with a mean postoperative follow-up time of 139 days (range: 42–356 days). There were 13 females and 7 males, with a mean age of 43.4 years. Fourteen surgeries were performed for revision cubital tunnel, 5 for revision carpal tunnel, and 1 for revision radial tunnel syndrome. Average duration of symptoms prior to revision surgery with VersaWrap was 2 years (range 9 months to 6 years). Postoperatively, the mean DASH score was 57.7 and VAS 3.1. Mean s2PD median distribution was 7.3, s2PD ulnar distribution 8.9, m2PD median distribution 6.9 and m2PD ulnar distribution 7.3. All patients had subjective improvement of symptoms and were satisfied with their result. No patients in our cohort required further revisional surgery. In conclusion, the use of VersaWrap as a nerve protector following revision surgery for recurrent compressive neuropathies in the upper extremity was safe and effective.Level of Evidence: IV; retrospective case series
Use of tranexamic acid in dogs with primary immune thrombocytopenia: A feasibility study
Authors: Olivares Gerard , Sharman Mellora , Miller Rachel , Kisielewicz Caroline , Seth Mayank 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this feasibility study is to evaluate the use of tranexamic acid and its safe use alongside standard therapy in dogs with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).DesignThis is a cohort feasibility study involving 10 dogs diagnosed with primary ITP that received standard therapy for ITP including corticosteroids, a single dose of vincristine, and omeprazole. Dogs were randomly divided into either the control group (n = 6) or the group receiving tranexamic acid (TXA group, n = 4).Key findingsThe mean time from the start of treatment until remission was 5 days in the TXA group and 6 days in the control group (P = 0.69). Two dogs, one in each group, did not achieve remission. Clinical bleeding scores were not significantly different between both groups (p = 0.43), and the median blood volume administered was 37.5 ml/kg for the TXA group and 9.72 ml/kg for the control group (p = 0.084). Three out of the four dogs receiving TXA of 20 mg/kg IV started vomiting within 15 min of administration and were given a reduced dose of 15 or 10 mg/kg IV.ConclusionTranexamic acid did not confer a clinical benefit in this small cohort study and was associated with a high incidence of vomiting. This study provides useful information for the design of future trials in dogs with ITP receiving tranexamic acid including outcome measures and safety.
Incisions in Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery: Surgical Anatomy and its Influence to Open and Close the Abdomen
Authors: Medina Pedrique Manuel , Robin Valle de Lersundi Álvaro , Avilés Oliveros Adriana , Ruiz Sara Morejón , López-Monclús Javier , Munoz-Rodriguez Joaquín , Blázquez Hernando Luis Alberto , Martinez Caballero Javier , García-Urena Miguel Ángel 
Published: March 2023

Incisions performed for hepato-pancreatic-biliary (HPB) surgery are diverse, and can be a challenge both to perform correctly as well as to be properly closed. The anatomy of the region overlaps muscular layers and has a rich vascular and nervous supply. These structures are fundamental for the correct functionality of the abdominal wall. When performing certain types of incisions, damage to the muscular or neurovascular component of the abdominal wall, as well as an inadequate closure technique may influence in the development of long-term complications as incisional hernias (IH) or bulging. Considering that both may impair quality of life and that are complex to repair, prevention becomes essential during these procedures. With the currently available evidence, there is no clear recommendation on which is the better incision or what is the best method of closure. Despite the lack of sufficient data, the following review aims to correlate the anatomical knowledge learned from posterior component separation with the incisions performed in hepato-pancreatic-biliary (HPB) surgery and their consequences on incisional hernia formation. Overall, there is data that suggests some key points to perform these incisions: avoid vertical components and very lateral extensions, subcostal should be incised at least 2 cm from costal margin, multilayered suturing using small bites technique and consider the use of a prophylactic mesh in high-risk patients. Nevertheless, the lack of evidence prevents from the possibility of making any strong recommendations.
Effect of post laser annealing on stacked structure of CZTS thin film solar cells
Authors: Shimamune Yosuke , Tamaki Hiromichi , Jimbo Kazuo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is an attractive material for thin film solar cells because all its constituents are Earth-abundant elements, and it’s a direct transition semiconductor with a band gap energy of 1.5 eV that is suitable for absorbing solar light spectrum effectively. CZTS is generally formed by precursor formation followed by heat treatment at 500 °C–600 °C to enhance the growth of crystal grain. In this work, a novel CZTS crystal grain re-growth process using post-laser annealing was investigated. 445 nm wavelength laser irradiation was performed on the Al-doped ZnO/CdS/CZTS/Mo/substrate stacked structure. X-ray diffraction and scanning microscope showed the CZTS crystal grain enlargement. Solar cells were fabricated on those structures and the external quantum efficiency was found to be improved especially at 500–1000 nm wavelength light absorption. That resulted in a short circuit current improvement.
Annual trends of indoor output measurement results from photovoltaic modules exposed outdoors in Tosu city, Japan
Authors: Chiba Yasuo , Ishii Tetsuyuki , Sato Ritsuko , Choi Sungwoo , Akitomi Minoru , Masuda Atsushi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Annual trends of indoor output measurement (P
max(stc)) results from photovoltaic modules exposed outdoors in Tosu city from 2012 to 2022 were investigated. The P
max(stc) of mono-Si (E-1A), as conventional Si modules, was almost unchanged from 2012 to 2022; however, that of mono-Si (E-1B), as conventional Si modules, decreased after 2019. In the case of Si heterojunction modules, a moderate degradation rate is expected with prolonged exposure. In the case of passivated emitter and rear cell modules, it was found that characteristics due to light and elevated-temperature induced degradation were observed with good reproducibility in 2021 and 2022.