bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional capacity and quality of life in patients with vascular ring
Authors: Nir Vered , Bentur Lea , Zucker‐Toledano Merav , Gur Michal , Adler Zvi , Hanna Moneera , Toukan Yazeed , Masarweh Kamal , Hakim Fahed , Bar‐Yoseph Ronen 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundVascular rings are congenital anomalies of the aortic arch that compress the trachea and esophagus and may require corrective surgery. Data about the long‐term effects of vascular rings are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the long‐term cardiorespiratory, exercise capacity, and quality of life of vascular ring patients.MethodsA single center prospective study evaluating spirometry, echocardiography, six‐minute walk test (6MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and quality of life questionnaire (SF36) in patients with a diagnosis of vascular ring, with or without corrective surgery.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients participated (11.9 ± 6 years, 52% males). The most common diagnosis was double aortic arch (16 patients, 59%). Nineteen patients had corrective surgery (O) and 8 did not (NO). Pulmonary function tests were within normal range in both groups (FEV1% predicted O = 87.6 ± 16.5, NO = 83 ± 10.8%). However, 11/27 had abnormal FEV1, 5 had abnormal FVC, and 13 (48%) had flattening of the expiratory curve. 6MWD and oxygen uptake were similarly mildly reduced in both groups; (6MWD O = 80.1 ± 10.7% predicted, NO = 74.1 ± 10.9% and oxygen uptake O = 78.5 ± 23.2% predicted, NO = 73.4 ± 14.3%). Peak O2 pulse (V̇O2/HR% predicted) was mildly reduced in the NO group (O = 88.4 ± 17.3%, NO = 75.8 ± 16.2%). Echocardiogram and SF36 scores were normal in all patients.ConclusionsLong‐term evaluation of patients born with vascular rings revealed mild pulmonary impairment, reduction in 6MWD, and oxygen uptake. The NO group had also mild reduced peak O2 pulse. Larger, long‐term studies assessing functional parameters in operated and non‐operated patients are needed to assess disease/surgery limitation in patients with vascular rings. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04781738.
Localization of macrophage subtypes and neutrophils in the prostate tumor microenvironment and their association with prostate cancer racial disparities
Authors: Maynard Janielle P. , Godwin Taylor N. , Lu Jiayun , Vidal Igor , Lotan Tamara L. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corinne E. , Sfanos Karen S. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundBlack men are two to three times more likely to die from prostate cancer (PCa) than White men. This disparity is due in part to discrepancies in socioeconomic status and access to quality care. Studies also suggest that differences in the prevalence of innate immune cells and heightened function in the tumor microenvironment of Black men may promote PCa aggressiveness.MethodsWe evaluated the spatial localization of and quantified CD66ce+ neutrophils by immunohistochemistry and CD68+ (pan), CD80+ (M1), and CD163+ (M2) macrophages by RNA in situ hybridization on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues from organ donor “normal” prostate (n = 9) and radical prostatectomy (n = 38) tissues from Black and White men. Neutrophils were quantified in PCa and matched benign tissues in tissue microarray (TMA) sets comprised of 560 White and 371 Black men. Likewise, macrophages were quantified in TMA sets comprised of tissues from 60 White and 120 Black men. The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and ETS transcription factor ERG (ERG) expression status of each TMA PCa case was assessed via immunohistochemistry. Finally, neutrophils and macrophage subsets were assessed in a TMA set comprised of distant metastatic PCa tissues collected at autopsy (n = 6) sampled across multiple sites.ResultsCD66ce+ neutrophils were minimal in normal prostates, but were increased in PCa compared to benign tissues, in low grade compared to higher grade PCa, in PCa tissues from White compared to Black men, and in PCa with PTEN loss or ERG positivity. CD163+ macrophages were the predominant macrophage subset in normal organ donor prostate tissues from both Black and White men and were significantly more abundant in organ donor compared to prostatectomy PCa tissues. CD68,+ CD80,+ and CD163+ macrophages were significantly increased in cancer compared to benign tissues and in cancers with ERG positivity. CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages were increased in higher grade cancers compared to low grade cancer and CD80 expression was significantly higher in benign prostatectomy tissues from Black compared to White men.ConclusionsInnate immune cell infiltration is increased in the prostate tumor microenvironment of both Black and White men, however the composition of innate immune cell infiltration may vary between races.
A Geodetic Determination of the Gravitational Potential Difference Toward a 100-km-Scale Clock Frequency Comparison in a Plate Subduction Zone
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Aoki Yosuke 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Recent advances in the developments of optical atomic clocks have enabled 10−18-level frequency comparisons between fibre-linked clocks. Therefore, chronometric leveling with an uncertainty on the order of 1 cm has become possible, based on the general theory of relativity. Since measurement uncertainty does not deteriorate with increasing fibre length, applications of chronometric leveling in geodesy, particularly unification of height reference systems, have been actively studied. In Japan, a frequency comparison is under experimentation using a fibre link connecting two optical lattice clocks approximately 100 km apart. This study estimates both the potential difference between these two clock sites with a geodetic method and its uncertainty to verify the results of chronometric leveling, which will be obtained in the near future. We use orthometric heights derived from leveling surveys repeated for monitoring crustal deformation. When discussing an uncertainty at the 1-cm level in height, the effects of temporal variations in the gravitational potential on the height measurement need to be considered due to various geophysical phenomena, including tides. Our results show that the uncertainty in the height measurements by geodetic leveling is the largest and that tidal potential changes during the height measurements can cause systematic errors of a few mm. The effects due to variations in the nontidal ocean bottom pressure and atmospheric pressure are more than an order of magnitude smaller than the tidal effects at this spatial scale. An upper limit of groundwater effects is also estimated. In a future comparison with clocks with an uncertainty on the order of 10−19, tidal potential changes and groundwater effects must be more rigorously evaluated.
Discrete Fault Models
Authors: Dragoni Michele 
Published: August 2022

AbstractFault surfaces are characterized by an inhomogeneous friction distribution, that can be represented with asperity models. Fault mechanics is dominated by asperities, so that a fruitful approach is to use discrete models, where asperities are the basic elements and the state of the fault is described by the average values of stress, friction and slip on each asperity. Under reasonable assumptions, the equations of motion can be solved analytically, with a deeper understanding of the behavior of the system. Fault dynamics has a sticking mode, where asperities are stationary, and a number of slipping modes, corresponding to the separate or simultaneous motion of asperities. Any seismic event is a sequence of slipping modes and a large variety of source functions is possible. Many large earthquakes are observed to be the consequence of the failure of two asperities: a discrete two-asperity model shows a rich dynamics and allows a detailed study of interaction between asperities. In this framework, fault evolution during coseismic and interseismic intervals can be calculated in terms of fault slip, stress state, energy release and seismic spectrum, including viscoelastic relaxation, fault creep and stress perturbations from other faults. Discrete models may include interaction between neighboring faults, allowing to assess conditions for the occurrence of seismic sequences in a fault system. A review of recent work on this subject is presented with applications to real earthquakes.
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using nonresorbable sutures yields comparable outcomes to reconstruction with a pedicled quadriceps tendon autograft when performed in addition to bony risk factor correction
Authors: Milinkovic Danko Dan , Zimmermann Felix , Balcarek Peter 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the results for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using synthetic nonresorbable sutures (S-MPFL-R) in comparison to MPFL-R using quadriceps tendon autograft (QT-MPFL-R) in patients undergoing simultaneous correction of anatomic risk factors for lateral patellar instability (LPI) at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up.MethodsBetween November 2018 and June 2019, 19 patients (male/female 8/11; mean age 26 ± 7 years) underwent S-MPFL-R (FiberTape®) in combination with the correction of predisposing risk factors for LPI. The control group of 38 patients (male/female 16/22, mean age 26 ± 6 years) who underwent QT-MPFL-R was matched 1:2 by sex, age, anatomic risk factors, and concomitant surgical correction of bony risk factors. The Banff Patella Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII 2.0) and a numerical analog scale (NAS 0–10) for patellofemoral pain and subjective knee joint function were used to assess patients’ reported quality of life before and after surgery.ResultsThe BPII 2.0 score increased from 35.0 ± 21.7 points to 79.7 ± 13.3 points (p < 0.0001) in the S-MPRL-R group and from 44.3 ± 19.6 points to 80.9 ± 15 points (p < 0.0001) in the QT-MPFL-R group from preoperatively to postoperatively, respectively, without any significant difference between the groups. In the S-MPFL-R group and QT-MPFL-R group, 95% (18/19) and 92% (35/38) of patients, respectively, crossed the minimally clinically important difference reported for the BPII 2.0. NAS values for pain and subjective knee joint function improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.0001,p < 0.0001) without any significant difference between the groups at the final follow-up.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that nonresorbable sutures can serve as a viable option for MPFL-R, yielding comparable outcomes compared to quadriceps tendon autograft reconstruction when performed concomitantly with the correction of anatomic risk factors for LPI. This option reduces the need for autologous tendon harvesting or the use of allografts for MPFL-R.Level of evidenceLevel III.
Patterns and trends of firework-related adult burns in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Diab Jason , Hopkins Zachias , Diab Vanessa , Maitz Peter K. M. , Issler-Fisher Andrea C. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Fireworks are often used to celebrate holidays and events. With novel designs and availability, there is potential for blast and burn injuries that can impact livelihood and function. This study aims to describe and analyse firework-related burns in adults across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Methods
A retrospective statewide review was performed from January 2010 to December 2020 at the adult burns units. All firework-related burn injuries older than 18 years that attended or were referred to the burns unit were included.

Results
There were 203 patients with a firework-related burn injury. The male to female ratio was 4:1 with an average age of 32.2 years. Men were 5.2 years younger than women (31.2 vs 36.4, p = 0.010). Men were more likely to have firework-related injuries on non-holidays, whereas women were more likely on holidays (p = 0.050). Men were more likely to operate fireworks after consuming alcohol resulting in burns than women (34.4% vs 12.5%, p = 0.007). Sparklers were more common amongst women, whereas fireworks had higher proportions amongst men (p = 0.009). The most common site of injury was the hands. The most frequent type of injury was a mid-dermal burn (61.6%), followed by superficial (25.2%), and full thickness (13.2%) respectively. The operative rate was 17.7% with a mean total length of stay of 2.2 days (range: 1–12).

Conclusions
Firework-related burns have distinct patterns of use and injuries amongst men and women. Alongside legislation, awareness of the potential hazards for shopgood fireworks such as sparklers is critical for future prevention campaigns.
Level of evidence: Level III, Risk/Prognostic.
Linking the North Atlantic Oscillation to winter precipitation over the Western Himalaya through disturbances of the subtropical jet
Authors: Hunt Kieran M. R. , Zaz Sumira Nazir 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWinter (December to March) precipitation is vital to the agriculture and water security of the Western Himalaya. This precipitation is largely brought to the region by extratropical systems, known as western disturbances (WDs), which are embedded in the subtropical jet. In this study, using seventy years of data, it is shown that during positive phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+) the subtropical jet is significantly more intense than during negative phases (NAO−). Accordingly, it is shown that the NAO significantly affects WD behaviour on interannual timescales: during NAO+ periods, WDs are on average 20% more common and 7% more intense than during NAO− periods. This results in 40% more moisture flux entering the region and impinging on the Western Himalaya and an average increase in winter precipitation of 45% in NAO+ compared to NAO−. Using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, North Atlantic variability is causally linked to precipitation over North India—latitudinal variation in the jet over the North Atlantic is linked to waviness downstream, whereas variation in its tilt over the North Atlantic is linked to its strength and shear downstream. These results are used to construct a simple linear model that can skilfully predict winter precipitation over north India at a lead time of one month.
Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a diagnostic tool in pediatric acute appendicitis: a prospective validation study
Authors: Arredondo Montero Javier , Antona Giuseppa , Bardají Pascual Carlos , Bronte Anaut Mónica , Ros Briones Raquel , Fernández-Celis Amaya , Rivero Marcotegui Adriana , López-Andrés Natalia , Martín-Calvo Nerea 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Introduction
NGAL has recently been studied as a biomarker in the diagnostic context of pediatric acute appendicitis (PAA), although existing series are scarce and have limited sample sizes.

Materials and methods
A prospective observational study was designed to validate serum NGAL as a diagnostic tool in PAA. This study included 215 patients, divided into 3 groups: (1) patients undergoing major outpatient surgery (n = 63), (2) patients with non-surgical abdominal pain in whom a diagnosis of PAA was excluded (n = 53) and (3) patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PAA (n = 99). Patients in group 3 were divided into complicated or uncomplicated appendicitis. In 201 patients, a serum sample was obtained at the time of diagnosis and NGAL concentration was determined by ELISA. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to assess normality. Comparative statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Fisher’s exact test. To calculate the discriminative ability of the molecule, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) was calculated. A p value < 0.05 established statistical significance.

Results
Median (interquartile range) of serum NGAL values were 38.88 (27.15–48.04) ng/mL (group 1), 51.84 (37.33–69.80) ng/mL (group 2) and 65.06 (50.50–86.60) ng/mL (group 3). The AUC (group 2 vs 3) was 0.642 (95% CI 0.542–0.741) (p < 0.001) and the best cutoff point was found to be at 40.97 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 34.6%. No statistically significant differences in serum NGAL values were found between patients with uncomplicated PAA and those with complicated PAA.

Conclusions
This prospective validation study with a large sample size confirms that the diagnostic yield of NGAL in the context of PAA is only moderate, and therefore, it should not be used as a unique diagnostic tool. Furthermore, NGAL is not a valid biomarker to discern between uncomplicated and complicated PAA.
Single-center study for robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacropexies: a one-fits-all strategy for pelvic organ prolapse?
Authors: Mach Pawel , Kaufold Cara , Rusch Peter , Kimmig Rainer , Buderath Paul 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Sarcopenia has been established as the “gold standard” for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Minimal invasive laparoscopy can help to reduce the risks of open access surgery. We compare the surgical results and outcomes of robotic-assisted sacropexies.

Methods
In this monocentric retrospective study we enrolled 49 patients operated on symptomatic POP. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of robotic-assisted sacropexy: patients with a history of hysterectomy received robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSCP; n = 19), while patients with subtotal hysterectomy received robotic-assisted cervicosacropexy (RCSP; n = 30). Failure was defined as recurrence of the disease with a need for reoperation. Validated questionnaires (the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory—20 (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire—7 (PFIQ-7)), were used for evaluation of patients quality of life postoperatively.

Results
The comparison between RCSP versus RSCP showed that the latter is related to slightly but not significantly increased recurrence rates and a higher impact of POP symptoms on quality of life in long-term follow-up (p = 0.04). Perioperative data showed similar complication rates in both RSP types but shorter postoperative time of bladder catheterization in the case of RCSP (p = 0.008).

Conclusions
The monocentric long-term data confirm that RSP is a safe and effective method of surgical POP treatment, regardless of the site of the anatomical compartment. In comparison to RSCP, RCSP is associated with a lower impact of POP symptoms on patients’ quality of life with a tendency to slightly lower rates of POP recurrence.
Perioperative fluid management and associated complications in children receiving kidney transplants in the UK
Authors: Wyatt Natalie , Norman Karen , Ryan Kate , Shenoy Mohan , Malina Michal , Weerassoriya Lasanthi , Merritt Jack , Balasubramanian Ramnath , Hayes Wesley 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Intravenous fluid administration is an essential part of perioperative care for children receiving a kidney transplant. There is a paucity of evidence to guide optimal perioperative fluid management. This study aimed to identify the volume of perioperative fluids administered across 5 UK paediatric kidney transplant centres and explore associations between fluid volume administered, graft function, and fluid-related adverse events.

Methods
Data were collected from five UK paediatric kidney transplant centres on perioperative fluid volumes administered, and incidence of pulmonary oedema, systemic hypertension, and requirement for intensive care support. Children < 18 years of age who received a kidney-only transplant between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2021 were included.

Results
Complete data from 102 children were analysed. The median total volume of fluid administered in 72 h was 377 ml/kg (IQR 149 ml/kg) with a high degree of variability. A negative relationship between total fluid volume administered and day 7 eGFR was noted (p < 0.001). Association between urine volume post-transplant and day 7 eGFR was also negative (p < 0.001). Adverse events were frequent but no significant difference was found in the fluid volume administered to those who developed an adverse event, vs those who did not.

Conclusions
This study describes a high degree of variability in perioperative fluid volumes administered to children receiving kidney transplants. Both fluid volume and urine output were negatively associated with short-term graft function. These data contrast traditional interpretation of high urine output as a marker of graft health, and highlight the need for prospective clinical trials to optimise perioperative fluid administration for this group.

Graphical Abstract
A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information
The effect of antithrombotic therapy on the recurrence and outcome of chronic subdural hematoma after burr-hole craniostomy in a population-based cohort
Authors: Kerttula Santtu , Huttunen Jukka , Leinonen Ville , Kämäräinen Olli-Pekka , Danner Nils 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To study the effect of antithrombotic therapy (ATT) on the outcome of operatively treated chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH).

Methods
A retrospective population-based cohort study from Eastern Finland including all adult patients who underwent a burr-hole craniostomy (BHC) for CSDH during 2016 and 2017. The follow-up time for recurrence was 6 months and for mortality 3 years.

Results
A total of 301 CSDH patients were included in the study. ATT (antithrombotic therapy; antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication) was used by 164 patients (54.5%) at the time of diagnosis. The hematoma was bilateral in 102 patients (33.9%). Forty-seven patients (15.8%) encountered hematoma recurrence. Bilateral CSDHs required reoperations more often than unilateral hematomas (12.6% vs. 22.0%; p = 0.036) regardless of the primary operation (uni- or bilateral). A bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that bilateral hematoma (OR 1.918; 95% CI 1.013–3.630; p = 0.045) and male gender (OR 2.363; 95% CI 1.089–5.128; p = 0.030) independently predicted hematoma recurrence. The overall three-year mortality was 27.9%. The use of ATT was not associated with CSDH recurrence, and the length of the temporary postoperative ATT discontinuation did not correlate with the rate of thromboembolic events.

Conclusions
ATT did not affect CSDH recurrence in our study population, and the duration of the temporary postoperative ATT discontinuation was not associated with the rate of thromboembolic complications. Male gender and bilateral hematomas were more frequently associated with recurrences.