bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delirium or Mood Disorder: The Role of Relative in Correcting the Misdiagnosis in an Intellectual Disability Patient
Authors: Javaid Amir , Boyle Erin , Natasha Nadia
Published: October 2024

Diagnostic overshadowing is common in patients with intellectual disabilities (IDs). This interesting case highlights the importance of making the correct diagnosis by taking a comprehensive history and working closely with family members or carers. Delirium can be underdiagnosed in patients with ID. It is vital to take all the relevant collateral information from the families and carers about the patients. Also, the case highlights the importance of empowering relatives, family members and carers to question the diagnosis if needed.
Effect of Temperature on TiO2/P‐Si‐Based Memristor Devices as Optical/Electrical Synapse
Authors: B Sharmila , Dwivedi Priyanka
Published: October 2024

Light‐based modulation on resistive switching has opened a new route for development of the devices for advanced applications like integrated switching with memory functionality, neuromorphic computing, and humanoid robotics. This article presents the wafer‐scalable process to fabricate titanium dioxide (TiO2)/porous silicon (P‐Si)‐based heterostructures for memristor applications. The resistive switching performance of the memristor is analyzed using electrical/optical stimulation. The fabricated devices offer enhanced performance metrics during optical stimulation when compared to electrical stimulation. The memristor device offers the paired pulse facilitation (PPF) index of ≈519% (during optical stimulation), which is 3.4 times of the electrical stimulation. Further, the stability and reliability measurements are performed at different temperatures especially (room temperature to 348 K) under 450 nm illumination. The testing results prove that the developed TiO2/P‐Si‐based memristors are suitable for the next‐generation computation systems development.
Probability‐Based Finite‐Time Security Control for Switched Stochastic Systems via a Novel Event‐Triggered Mechanism and Its Application
Authors: Xia Yude , Lin Xiangze , Lee S. M.
Published: October 2024

This article discusses the finite‐time boundedness (FTB) issue and ‐gain analysis for switched stochastic systems, particularly under the dual influence of DoS attacks and false data injection attacks, by employing a novel event‐triggered mechanism. Different from the moment calculation method, a probability‐based FTB is studied which offers more pertinence. To obtain a less conservative condition of FTB, a switched Lyapunov function is constructed. Additionally, a memory‐based dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is designed to reduce the amounts of triggering and mitigate the state response fluctuations. Based on the incomplete information above, state feedback controllers are devised to satisfy stochastic FTB, ensuring the successful attainment of finite‐time ‐gain. Sufficient conditions are cast into a convex optimization problem by LMIs which can be solved easily. Finally, a compared numerical example and an RLC series circuit are adopted to demonstrate the availability of the theoretical results.
Enhancing regional sustainable industrialisation and poverty reduction post‐COVID. The case of the common market for the eastern and southern Africa region
Authors: Mateko Freeman Munisi
Published: October 2024

Industrialisation is important for attaining economic development in an economy as well as other macroeconomic objectives, such as economic growth and low levels of unemployment. This research aimed to examine how the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa can use industrialisation for effective poverty reduction. The research adopted the panel autoregressive distributed lag model. Data were sourced from the World Bank from 1994 to 2022. The results demonstrated that social security, remittances, industrial development and development aid are crucial factors that can be leveraged to reduce poverty in the COMESA region. It was established that if industrialisation increases by 1%, poverty will decrease by 19% in the long run. It was suggested that trade barriers be removed, and modern technology be harnessed to ensure the value‐benefit of the beneficiation of raw materials for effective poverty reduction.
Functional Principal Component Analysis for Continuous Non‐Gaussian, Truncated, and Discrete Functional Data
Authors: Dey Debangan , Ghosal Rahul , Merikangas Kathleen , Zipunnikov Vadim
Published: October 2024

Mobile health studies often collect multiple within‐day self‐reported assessments of participants' behavior and well‐being on different scales such as physical activity (continuous scale), pain levels (truncated scale), mood states (ordinal scale), and the occurrence of daily life events (binary scale). These assessments, when indexed by time of day, can be treated and analyzed as functional data corresponding to their respective types: continuous, truncated, ordinal, and binary. Motivated by these examples, we develop a functional principal component analysis that deals with all four types of functional data in a unified manner. It employs a semiparametric Gaussian copula model, assuming a generalized latent non‐paranormal process as the underlying generating mechanism for these four types of functional data. We specify latent temporal dependence using a covariance estimated through Kendall's bridging method, incorporating smoothness in the bridging process. The approach is then extended with methods for handling both dense and sparse sampling designs, calculating subject‐specific latent representations of observed data, latent principal components and principal component scores. Simulation studies demonstrate the method's competitive performance under both dense and sparse sampling designs. The method is applied to data from 497 participants in the National Institute of Mental Health Family Study of Mood Spectrum Disorders to characterize differences in within‐day temporal patterns of mood in individuals with the major mood disorder subtypes, including Major Depressive Disorder and Type 1 and 2 Bipolar Disorder. Software implementation of the proposed method is provided in an R‐package.
Bioinspired Hierarchical Porous Architecture for Enhanced Kinetics and Mechanical Integrity in Thick Cathode
Authors: Wang Ying , Song Jihun , Huang Luyao , Xu Leidong , Xu Hongyi , Zhu Juner , Zhu Hongli
Published: October 2024

Increasing the thickness of the electrodes is considered the primary strategy to elevate battery energy density. However, as the thickness increases, rate performance, cycling performance, and mechanical stability are affected due to the sluggish ion transfer kinetics and compromised structural integrity. Inspired by the natural hierarchical porous structure of trees, electrodes with bioinspired architecture are fabricated to address these challenges. Specifically, electrodes with aligned columns consist of tree‐inspired vertical channels, and hierarchical pores are constructed by screen printing and ice‐templating, imparting enhanced electrochemical and mechanical performance. Employing an aqueous‐based binder, the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode achieves a high areal energy density of 15.1 mWh cm−2 at a rate of 1C at mass loading of 26.0 mg cm−2, benefitting from the multiscale pores that elevated charge transfer kinetics in the thick electrode. The electrodes demonstrate capacity retention of 90% at the 100th cycle at a high current density of 5.2 mA cm−2. To understand the mechanisms that promote electrode performance, simplified electro‐chemo‐mechanical models are developed, the drying process and the charge‐discharge process are simulated. The simulation results suggested that the improved performance of the designed electrode benefits from the lower ohmic overpotential and less strain gradient and stress concentration due to the hierarchical porous architecture.
Copper‐Driven Formation of Prothioconazole Nanocomplex: An Innovative Strategy to Prepare Nanopesticide with Improved Bioactivity and Reduced Environmental Impacts
Authors: Xu Chunli , Cao Lidong , Chen Huiping , Liu Tingting , Liang Wenlong , Li Yuanbo
Published: October 2024

Developing cost‐effective, energy‐saving, and eco‐friendly methods to construct nanopesticides fulfill the requirement of modern agriculture. Benefiting from the versatility of metal‐based complexes, a facile copper‐driven method is discovered for the formation of a fungicide prothioconazole nanocomplex (Cu‐Pro) with the particle size of ≈300 ± 85 nm. Interestingly, adding 0.5–1% of anionic surfactants could generate nanocomplexes within 60 ± 12 nm and form stable dispersed nanosuspensions. Both nanocomplexes exhibit remarkable control efficacy against six plant pathogenic fungi, and the EC50 values are 1.4–4.8 times lower than that of prothioconazole technical concentrate (Pro TC). In addition, the novel nanocomplexes demonstrate better resistance against UV irradiation and the half‐lives are 3.27‐ and 1.56‐times longer than that of Pro TC, respectively. The acute toxicity of prothioconazole nanocomplexes against non‐target organism zebrafish is decreased. Due to the small size and chelation with metals, the uptake and accumulation of prothioconazole in wheat plant is promoted, and the metabolites prothioconazole‐desthio is significantly decreased by 42–48% than that of Pro TC. This metal coordination‐based strategy seeks to open a new avenue for the high‐throughput preparation of nanopesticides, providing an innovative toolbox for reducing the input of agrochemicals in sustainable plant protection.
Interfacial Engineering Constructing TFSI‐ Ion‐Sieve Protective Umbrella Guiding Li‐Ion Selective Transport and Solid SEI Growth
Authors: Hou Qiao , Yu Miao , Qi Xinhong , Li Xiangcun , Wang Xuri , Chu Fangyi , He Gaohong
Published: October 2024

A novel strategy is proposed by constructing TFSI− ion‐sieve interlayer to guide Li‐ion selective transport and solid SEI growth. The uniform MgF2 seeds on the fiber surface reacts rapidly with Li+ in electrolyte to form Mg and LiF dual functional sites for the first charging process. Benefiting from the high affinity of LiF, the TFSI− ions is enriched near the anode forming an ion‐sieve interlayer, which acts as a protective umbrella and guides priority penetration of Li+ due to the coordination reaction with Li+ and thus homogenize the Li+ flux. While the Mg sites induce Li nucleation with its strong lithiophilicity and facilitate uniform Li plating on fiber surface. Furthermore, as raw material of LiF, the TFSI− enrichment on anode surface is contribute to increasing LiF content in SEI, achieving the stability enhancement and densification of SEI. Of greater importance, the excess Li+ can spread to the adjacent Mg sites for nucleation by means of ultralow Li+ migration barrier on LiF and Mg. The combination of the ion‐sieve homogenization of Li+ flux in electrolyte and the uniformity of Li+ transport in LiF/Mg solid medium achieves the purpose of uniform Li metal plating/stripping.
Trace Amounts of Multifunctional Electrolyte Additives Enhance Cyclic Stability of High‐Rate Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Haoyu , Zhou Weihua , Chen Zhuo , Wan Ziming , Wang Jian , Sheng Lin , Zhang Lun , Hao Shuaipeng , He Hongzhen , Gu Hao , Wang Feng Ryan , Hao Zhangxiang , Feng Junrun
Published: October 2024

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are renowned for their exceptional safety and eco‐friendliness. However, they face cycling stability and reversibility challenges, particularly under high‐rate conditions due to corrosion and harmful side reactions. This work introduces fumaric acid (FA) as a trace amount, suitable high‐rate, multifunctional, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly electrolyte additive to address these issues. FA additives serve as prioritized anchors to form water‐poor Inner Helmholtz Plane on Zn anodes and adsorb chemically on Zn anode surfaces to establish a unique in situ solid‐electrolyte interface. The combined mechanisms effectively inhibit dendrite growth and suppress interfacial side reactions, resulting in excellent stability of Zn anodes. Consequently, with just tiny quantities of FA, Zn anodes achieve a high Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.55 % and exhibit a remarkable lifespan over 2580 hours at 5 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2 in Zn//Zn cells. Even under high‐rate conditions (10 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2), it can still run almost for 2020 hours. Additionally, the Zn//V2O5 full cell with FA retains a high specific capacity of 106.95 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at 5 A g−1. This work provides a novel additive for the design of electrolytes for high‐rate AZIBs.
Kinetics of Oxidation of an Al2O3–SiC–C‐Based Blast Furnace Trough Refractory in Air
Authors: Karthikeyan Jayaprabhu , Sarkar Rahul
Published: October 2024

During tapping of liquid hot‐metal from the blast‐furnace, the blast‐furnace main trough gets exposed to air and the blast‐furnace‐trough refractory becomes prone to oxidation. In this work, isothermal oxidation kinetics of an Al2O3–SiC–C‐based BFT (Blast‐Furnace‐Trough) refractory castable using a high‐temperature vertical tubular furnace equipped with a microbalance is investigated. Herein, it is observed that up to about 800 °C, carbon only oxidizes, resulting in weight loss in the refractory. Around 900 °C, SiC also starts to oxidize via the passive‐oxidation mechanism, leading to the formation of a mullite phase as a result of the reaction between SiO2 generated via passive oxidation and Al2O3 already present in the refractory. This causes a volume expansion and weight gain, both having a beneficial effect on the refractory performance, which is further validated from apparent porosity measurements. Thus, above 900 °C, simultaneous oxidation of C and passive oxidation of SiC occurs, which eventually stabilizes the weight of the refractory. Around 1100 °C, the oxidation process of the refractory is practically complete, with no further increase in the oxidation rate beyond 1100 °C. The activation energy for the oxidation process is obtained as 37.2 ± 5 kJ mol−1 in the temperature range 600–1150 °C.
A Review of the Technological Aspects and Process Optimization of Bioethanol Production From Corn Stover Biomass: Pretreatment Process, Hydrolysis, Fermentation, Purification Process, and Future Perspective
Authors: Fansuri Hamzah , Purwandari Umi , Putra Sugili , Adhiksana Arief , Junianto Irvan Dwi , Oktavian Rama , Cordiner Joan
Published: October 2024

Bioethanol, a sustainable energy solution derived from renewable biomass, has gained prominence, with corn stover emerging as a substantial biomass resource in Indonesia. Corn stover, a corn residue, is one of the top three agricultural wastes worldwide and is abundantly available. However, a significant portion of corn stover is burned in fields rather than utilized for bioethanol production, whereas it has potential as a bioethanol feedstock. As the world strives to realize sustainable and environmentally friendly energy security, bioethanol production from corn stover can be one of the solutions to be developed. Nonetheless, the current immaturity of bioethanol production technology is one of the causes of large‐scale production failure. The present paper comprehensively reviews the technological aspects and process optimization of bioethanol production using corn stover as a feedstock comprising pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, and bioethanol purification processes. According to our critical review, ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreatment is the most effective conventional pretreatment, with glucose yield up to 90%. Moreover, ultrasound appears to be the most viable option for nonconventional pretreatment of corn stover for producing bioethanol. However, combining ultrasound pretreatment and dilute aqueous ammonia produced 80.6% sugar output. Furthermore, enzymatic hydrolysis emerges as the most effective saccharification, yielding up to 81.39%. Moreover, the fermentation process of corn stover with the saccharification and co‐fermentation (SScF) method and the process optimization with response surface methodology (RSM) could produce bioethanol with a concentration of up to 59.8 g/L and 92.07% ethanol yield, respectively. This review also reveals that pervaporation for the purification process is the best choice for producing bioethanol with high purity up to > 99%. In addition, this method could reduce the energy used by 6.6% lower, 24.2% lower carbon footprint, and have the lowest total capital and production costs compared to conventional molecular sieves and extractive distillation. We believe this review article can provide a reference for selecting the best bioethanol production process from corn stover for further research.
Urethral obstruction due to pseudomembranous cystitis in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Wilson Holly , McCready Daniella
Published: October 2024

A 2‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented with acute onset lethargy, anorexia, stranguria, dysuria without micturition. Routine blood tests demonstrated hyperkalaemia, azotaemia and metabolic acidosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a bi‐compartmentalised urinary bladder, with intravesical mineralised septa. The patient was diagnosed with urethral obstruction secondary to pseudomembranous cystitis. Following initial medical management, an exploratory celiotomy and cystotomy were performed, which revealed a complete fluid‐filled intravesical pseudomembranous sac, which extended via a long thin pedicle into the proximal urethra. The pseudomembranous sac was excised. Cystotomy and abdominal wound closure were routine. Post‐operative stranguria resolved with medical management within 9 days. Bacterial culture of the urinary bladder wall demonstrated no growth. Histopathology confirmed a pseudomembrane, which was composed predominantly of eosinophilic proteinaceous material and extravasated erythrocytes, with some neutrophils and cellular debris. Four months post‐operatively, no recurrence of the clinical signs has been reported.
Sialoadenosis caused by spirocercosis in two dogs from Sri Lanka
Authors: Piyum Lakshitha , Pamoda Sakuni , Atapattu Ushani , Dissanayake Anuruddhika , Ariyarathna Harsha
Published: October 2024

Spirocercosis is a common parasitic disease in dogs in tropical and mediterranean regions of the world caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi. Some dogs with spirocercosis develop sialoadenosis, a condition identified by non‐inflammatory, painless, bilateral enlargement of the mandibular salivary glands. Development of sialoadenosis in dogs infected with S. lupi occurs as a consequence of neurological stimulation caused by larval migration and oesophageal parasitic nodule formation. This report describes the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and the treatment outcome of two dogs diagnosed with sialoadenosis caused by spirocercosis. Phenobarbital therapy is useful to control clinical signs shown by the dogs with sialoadenosis secondary to spirocercosis presented at an early stage of the disease. A more favourable disease outcome is possible when phenobarbital therapy is combined with anti‐parasitic medication effective against S. lupi.
Plate buckling analysis in peridynamic framework
Authors: Yang Zhenghao , Ma Chien‐Ching , Naumenko Konstantin , Altenbach Holm
Published: October 2024

Peridynamics (PD) is a generalized continuum theory that is developed to account for long range internal force/moment interactions. PD equations of motion are of the integro‐differential type, and only several closed‐form analytical solutions are available for elementary structures. In this paper, governing equations for stability of Kirchhoff type (shear rigid) plates in the PD framework are derived. For several types of boundary conditions, closed form analytical solutions for the buckling loads are presented. The results are compared with the solutions according to the classical plate theory. A very good agreement between the non‐local and the classical theories is observed for the case of the small horizon sizes which shows the capability of the developed approach.
Data-driven inverse design of a multiband second-order phononic topological insulator
Authors: Fan Lei , Chen Yafeng , Zhu Jie , Su Zhongqing
Published: October 2024

Second-order phononic topological insulators (SPTIs) have sparked vast interest in manipulating elastic waves, owing to their unique topological corner states with robustness against geometric perturbations. However, it remains a challenge to develop multiband SPTIs that yield multi-frequency corner states using prevailing forward design approaches via trial and error, and most inverse design approaches substantially rely on time-consuming numerical solvers to evaluate band structures of phononic crystals (PnCs), showing low efficiency particularly when applied to different optimization tasks. In this study, we develop and validate a new inverse design framework, to enable the multiband SPTI by integrating data-driven machine learning (ML) with genetic algorithm (GA). The relationship between shapes of scatterers and frequency bounds of multi-order bandgaps of PnCs is mapped via developing artificial neural networks (ANNs), and a multiband SPTI with multi-frequency topological corner states is cost-effectively designed using the proposed inverse optimization framework. Our results indicate that the data-driven approach can provide a high-efficiency solution for on-demand inverse designs of multiband second-order topological mechanical devices, enabling diverse application prospects including multi-frequency robust amplification and confinement of elastic waves.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-induced changes in the antioxidant system: a review
Authors: Svobodová Gabriela , Horní Martin , Velecká Eva , Boušová Iva
Published: October 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by liver steatosis, inflammation, consequent fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Chronic impairment of lipid metabolism is closely related to oxidative stress, leading to cellular lipotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The detrimental effect of oxidative stress is usually accompanied by changes in antioxidant defense mechanisms, with the alterations in antioxidant enzymes expression/activities during MASLD development and progression reported in many clinical and experimental studies. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the present research on MASLD-induced changes in the catalytic activity and expression of the main antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione S-transferases, glutathione reductase, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase) and in the level of non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione. Furthermore, an overview of the therapeutic effects of vitamin E on antioxidant enzymes during the progression of MASLD will be presented. Generally, at the beginning of MASLD development, the expression/activity of antioxidant enzymes usually increases to protect organisms against the increased production of reactive oxygen species. However, in advanced stage of MASLD, the expression/activity of several antioxidants generally decreases due to damage to hepatic and extrahepatic cells, which further exacerbates the damage. Although the results obtained in patients, in various experimental animal or cell models have been inconsistent, taken together the importance of antioxidant enzymes in MASLD development and progression has been clearly shown.
Intensification of upfront chemotherapy for patients with myeloid blast phase CML: a single center experience
Authors: Lee Benjamin J. , Griffin Shawn P. , Doh Jean , Ciurea Stefan O. , Jeyakumar Deepa , Kongtim Piyanuch , Naqvi Kiran
Published: October 2024

Outcomes for patients with myeloid blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-MBP) are dismal, and no preferred chemotherapy regimen has been identified. Recent studies have suggested a higher response rate with administration of timed-sequenced regimens (TSR) (purine analog, high-dose cytarabine, anthracycline) in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients. We retrospectively evaluated outcomes of newly diagnosed CML-MBP patients consecutively treated at our institution with a TSR or standard-dose cytarabine and an anthracycline (“7 + 3”) combined with a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) between 2011 and 2023. Endpoints of interest included hematologic response, clinically significant cytogenetic response (CSCR) defined as achieving at least a minor cytogenetic response (Ph + metaphases 0%-≤65%) after induction therapy, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS). A total of 18 patients with CML-MBP were included of whom 9 (50%) received a TSR and 9 (50%) received “7 + 3”. Hematologic response (55.6% vs. 55.6%) and CSCR (25% vs. 37.5%) were similar between TSR- and “7 + 3” treated patients. Twelve patients (66.7%) experienced at least one grade ≥ 3 non-hematologic, end-organ toxicity with 33.3% and 11.1% of TSR- and 7 + 3-treated patients, respectively, experiencing at least two. Our data suggests that intensification of upfront chemotherapy does not appear to improve treatment outcomes in CML-MBP patients however, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings involving a larger cohort.
Understanding the interplay between psoriatic arthritis and gout: “Psout”
Authors: Sherri Alaa , Mortada Mohamad Mahdi , Makowska Joanna , Sokolowska Milena , Lewandowska‐Polak Anna
Published: October 2024

The interplay between Psoriatic arthritis and Gout is a current diagnostic challenge faced by many physicians and researchers. We aimed at reviewing the coexistence of gout and its features such as hyperuricemia and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We also focused on a brief presentation of the pathophysiology underneath the interplay between PsA and gout, and ultimately on recommendation of approaches for the differential diagnosis. The literature search for this narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Medline and after retrieving and screening the references, articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Part of the assessed studies reported the coexistence of PsA and gout (Psout) and its association with several clinical outcomes among affected patients. Other studies stressed incidences of misdiagnosis of gout with PsA and vice versa. Additionally, the presence of hyperuricemia in PsA patients could interfere with the patient’s characteristics and outcomes of their treatment. Further research on the assessment and clinical course of Psout is required to develop an official protocol for its diagnosis and treatment.
Large language models for structured reporting in radiology: past, present, and future
Authors: Busch Felix , Hoffmann Lena , dos Santos Daniel Pinto , Makowski Marcus R. , Saba Luca , Prucker Philipp , Hadamitzky Martin , Navab Nassir , Kather Jakob Nikolas , Truhn Daniel , Cuocolo Renato , Adams Lisa C. , Bressem Keno K.
Published: October 2024

Structured reporting (SR) has long been a goal in radiology to standardize and improve the quality of radiology reports. Despite evidence that SR reduces errors, enhances comprehensiveness, and increases adherence to guidelines, its widespread adoption has been limited. Recently, large language models (LLMs) have emerged as a promising solution to automate and facilitate SR. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide an overview of LLMs for SR in radiology and beyond. We found that the current literature on LLMs for SR is limited, comprising ten studies on the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT)-3.5 (n = 5) and/or GPT-4 (n = 8), while two studies additionally examined the performance of Perplexity and Bing Chat or IT5. All studies reported promising results and acknowledged the potential of LLMs for SR, with six out of ten studies demonstrating the feasibility of multilingual applications. Building upon these findings, we discuss limitations, regulatory challenges, and further applications of LLMs in radiology report processing, encompassing four main areas: documentation, translation and summarization, clinical evaluation, and data mining. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative potential of LLMs to improve efficiency and accuracy in SR and radiology report processing.

Key Points

QuestionHow can LLMs help make SR in radiology more ubiquitous?

FindingsCurrent literature leveraging LLMs for SR is sparse but shows promising results, including the feasibility of multilingual applications.

Clinical relevanceLLMs have the potential to transform radiology report processing and enable the widespread adoption of SR. However, their future role in clinical practice depends on overcoming current limitations and regulatory challenges, including opaque algorithms and training data.
Deep learning super-resolution reconstruction for fast and high-quality cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Kravchenko Dmitrij , Isaak Alexander , Mesropyan Narine , Peeters Johannes M. , Kuetting Daniel , Pieper Claus C. , Katemann Christoph , Attenberger Ulrike , Emrich Tilman , Varga-Szemes Akos , Luetkens Julian A.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To compare standard-resolution balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) cine images with cine images acquired at low resolution but reconstructed with a deep learning (DL) super-resolution algorithm.

Materials and methods

Cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) datasets (short-axis and 4-chamber views) were prospectively acquired in healthy volunteers and patients at normal (cineNR: 1.89 × 1.96 mm2, reconstructed at 1.04 × 1.04 mm2) and at a low-resolution (2.98 × 3.00 mm2, reconstructed at 1.04 × 1.04 mm2). Low-resolution images were reconstructed using compressed sensing DL denoising and resolution upscaling (cineDL). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), and strain were assessed. Apparent signal-to-noise (aSNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (aCNR) were calculated. Subjective image quality was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. Student’s paired t-test, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank-test, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Thirty participants were analyzed (37 ± 16 years; 20 healthy volunteers and 10 patients). Short-axis views whole-stack acquisition duration of cineDL was shorter than cineNR (57.5 ± 8.7 vs 98.7 ± 12.4 s; p < 0.0001). No differences were noted for: LVEF (59 ± 7 vs 59 ± 7%; ICC: 0.95 [95% confidence interval: 0.94, 0.99]; p = 0.17), LVEDVi (85.0 ± 13.5 vs 84.4 ± 13.7 mL/m2; ICC: 0.99 [0.98, 0.99]; p = 0.12), longitudinal strain (−19.5 ± 4.3 vs −19.8 ± 3.9%; ICC: 0.94 [0.88, 0.97]; p = 0.52), short-axis aSNR (81 ± 49 vs 69 ± 38; p = 0.32), aCNR (53 ± 31 vs 45 ± 27; p = 0.33), or subjective image quality (5.0 [IQR 4.9, 5.0] vs 5.0 [IQR 4.7, 5.0]; p = 0.99).

Conclusion

Deep-learning reconstruction of cine images acquired at a lower spatial resolution led to a decrease in acquisition times of 42% with shorter breath-holds without affecting volumetric results or image quality.

Key Points

QuestionCine CMR acquisitions are time-intensive and vulnerable to artifacts.

FindingsLow-resolution upscaled reconstructions using DL super-resolution decreased acquisition times by 35–42% without a significant difference in volumetric results or subjective image quality.

Clinical relevanceDL super-resolution reconstructions of bSSFP cine images acquired at a lower spatial resolution reduce acquisition times while preserving diagnostic accuracy, improving the clinical feasibility of cine imaging by decreasing breath hold duration.

Graphical Abstract
Ventilation strategies in cardiogenic shock: insights from the FRENSHOCK observational registry
Authors: Volle Kim , Merdji Hamid , Bataille Vincent , Lamblin Nicolas , Roubille François , Levy Bruno , Champion Sebastien , Lim Pascal , Schneider Francis , Labbe Vincent , Khachab Hadi , Bourenne Jeremy , Seronde Marie-France , Schurtz Guillaume , Harbaoui Brahim , Vanzetto Gerald , Quentin Charlotte , Combaret Nicolas , Marchandot Benjamin , Lattuca Benoit , Biendel Caroline , Leurent Guillaume , Bonello Laurent , Gerbaud Edouard , Puymirat Etienne , Bonnefoy Eric , Aissaoui Nadia , Delmas Clément ,   FRENSHOCK Investigator, Aissaoui N , Bagate F , Beuzelin M , Biendel C , Boissier F , Bonello L , Bonnefoy-Cudraz E , Boughenou M , Boule S , Bourenne J , Brechot N , Bruel C , Cariou A , Castellant P , Champion S , Chaoui K , Chatot M , Combaret N , Debry N , Delabranche X , Delmas C , Dib J , Favory R , Filippi E , Gallet R , Ganster F , Gaudard P , Gerbaud E , Harbaoui B , Henry P , Herce B , Ivanes F , Joffre J , Karoubi P , Khachab H , Khalif K , Klouche K , Labbe V , Laine M , Lamblin N , Lattuca B , Lefetz Y , Lemesle G , Letocart P , Leurent G , Levy B , Louis G , Maizel J , Mansourati J , Manzo-Silberman S , Marchand S , Marchandot B , Marliere S , Mootien J , Mouquet F , Niquet L , Paternot A , Probst V , Puymirat E , Quentin C , Range G , Redjimi N , Richard J , Roubille F , Saint Etienne C , Schneider F , Schurtz G , Seronde M , Ternacle J , Vanzetto G , Zogheib E
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite scarce data, invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) is widely suggested as first-line ventilatory support in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients. We assessed the real-life use of different ventilation strategies in CS and their influence on short and mid-term prognosis.

Methods

FRENSHOCK was a prospective registry including 772 CS patients from 49 centers in France. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the ventilatory supports during hospitalization: no mechanical ventilation group (NV), non-invasive ventilation alone group (NIV), and invasive mechanical ventilation group (MV). We compared clinical characteristics, management, and occurrence of death and major adverse event (MAE) (death, heart transplantation or ventricular assist device) at 30 days and 1 year between the three groups.

Results

Seven hundred sixty-eight patients were included in this analysis. Mean age was 66 years and 71% were men. Among them, 359 did not receive any ventilatory support (46.7%), 118 only NIV (15.4%), and 291 MV (37.9%). MV patients presented more severe CS with more skin mottling, higher lactate levels, and higher use of vasoactive drugs and mechanical circulatory support. MV was associated with higher mortality and MAE at 30 days (HR 1.41 [1.05–1.90] and 1.52 [1.16–1.99] vs NV). No difference in mortality (HR 0.79 [0.49–1.26]) or MAE (HR 0.83 [0.54–1.27]) was found between NIV patients and NV patients. Similar results were found at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that using NIV is safe in selected patients with less profound CS and no other MV indication.

NCT02703038

Graphical abstract
Surgery for facial palsy in the hands of otorhinolaryngologists: a population-based study
Authors: Alberts Elisabeth , Ballmaier Jonas , Boeger Daniel , Buentzel Jens , Hoffmann Kerstin , Podzimek Jiří , Kaftan Holger , Mueller Andreas , Tresselt Sylvia , Volk Gerd Fabian , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Modern facial surgery can improve eye closure and address facial functional and emotional expression disabilities in case of severe acute facial paralysis with low probability of recovery and in cases of chronic flaccid facial paralysis. Reports on outcome typically originate from specialized tertiary care centers, whereas population-based data from routine care beyond specialized centers is sparse.

Methods

Therefore, patients’ characteristics, surgical techniques, postoperative complications, and patients’ satisfaction with the final outcome were analyzed for all inpatients with facial paralysis undergoing facial surgery in Thuringia, a federal state in Germany, between 2006 and 2022. 260 patients (female 41.5%; median age 65 years) were included.

Results

On average, the surgery rate was higher for men than for women (0.83 ± 0.39 versus 0.58 ± 0.24 per 100,000 population per year). For first surgery, static procedures were dominating (67.3%), followed by dynamic reconstruction (13.8%), and combined static and dynamic reconstructions (13.5%). The most frequent type of surgery was upper lid weight loading (38.5%), hypoglossal-facial jump nerve suture (17.3%), and facial-facial interpositional graft suture (16.9%). Bleeding/hematoma formation needing revision surgery was the most frequent complication (6.2%). Overall, 70.4% of the patients were satisfied with the final result. The satisfaction was higher if the target was to improve eye closure (65.2%) or to improve upper face function (65.3%) than to improve the lower face function (53.3%).

Conclusions

If facial nerve reconstruction surgery and/or upper lid weight placement was performed, the satisfaction was significantly higher. If revision surgery was needed to improve the result, the satisfaction was significantly lower.
3D cultivation of non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines using four different methods
Authors: Malmros Karina , Kirova Nadi , Kotarsky Heike , Carlsén Daniel , Mansour Mohammed S.I. , Magnusson Mattias , Prabhala Pavan , Brunnström Hans
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to set up reliable and reproducible culture conditions for 3D tumoroids derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines to enable greater opportunity for successful cultivation of patient-derived samples.

Methods

Four NSCLC cell lines, two adenocarcinomas (A549, NCI-H1975) and two squamous cell carcinomas (HCC-95, HCC-1588), were first cultured in traditional 2D settings. Their expected expression profiles concerning TTF-1, CK7, CK5, and p40 status were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) before the generation of 3D cultures. Tumoroids were established in the hydrogel GrowDex®-T, Nunclon™ Sphera™ flasks, BIOFLOAT™ plates, and Corning® Elplasia® plates. Western blot was used to verify antigen protein expression. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the cell morphology in the 2D and 3D cultures. Mutational analysis of KRAS and EGFR by PCR on extracted DNA from 3D tumoroids generated from cells with known mutations (A549; KRAS G12S mutation, NCI-H1975; EGFR L858R/T790M mutations).

Results

We successfully established 3D cultures from A549, NCI-H1975, HCC-95, and HCC-1588 with all four used cultivation methods. The adenocarcinomas (A549, NCI-H1975) maintained their original IHC features in the tumoroids, while the squamous cell carcinomas (HCC-95, HCC-1588) lost their unique markers in the cultures. PCR analysis confirmed persistent genetic changes where expected.

Conclusion

The establishment of tumoroids from lung cancer cell lines is feasible with various methodologies, which is promising for future tumoroid growth from clinical lung cancer samples. However, analysis of relevant markers is a prerequisite and may need to be validated for each model and cell type.
Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a self-directed online psychosocial intervention for women with metastatic breast cancer: Finding My Way-Advanced
Authors: Rigg Amy , Kemp Emma , Koczwara Bogda , Butow Phyllis , Girgis Afaf , Hulbert-Williams Nicholas J. , Kaambwa Billingsley , Long Riki , Schofield Penelope , Turner Jane , Yip Desmond , Combes Robyn , Beatty Lisa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Few digital interventions target patients with advanced cancer. Hence, we feasibility-tested Finding My Way-Advanced (FMW-A), a self-guided program for women with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

A single-site randomised controlled pilot trial was conducted. Participants were recruited through clinicians, professional networks, and social media and randomised to intervention or usual-care control. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention (FMW-A; a 6-week, 6-module CBT-based online self-directed psychosocial program for women with MBC + usual care resources) or control (usual care resources: BCNA’s Hope and Hurdles kit). Feasibility outcomes included rates of recruitment, uptake, engagement, and attrition. Distress, QOL, and unmet needs were evaluated for signals of efficacy, and qualitative feedback was collected to assess acceptability.

Results

Due to COVID-19 and funding constraints, the target recruitment of 40 was not reached (n = 60 approached; n = 55 eligible; n = 35 consented). Uptake was high (n = 35/55; 63.6%), engagement modest (median 3/6 modules per user), and attrition acceptable (66% completed post-treatment). Efficacy signals were mixed: compared to controls, FMW-A participants experienced small improvements in fear of progression (d = 0.21) and global QOL (d = 0.22) and demonstrated a trend towards improvements in cancer-specific distress (d = 0.13) and role functioning (d = 0.18). However, FMW-A participants experienced small-to-moderate deteriorations in general distress (d = 0.23), mental QOL (d = 0.51), and social functioning (d = 0.27), whereas controls improved. Qualitatively, participants (n = 4) were satisfied with the program, perceived it as appropriate, but noted some sections could evoke transient distress.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated feasibility (high uptake and acceptable retention) and generated realistic recruitment estimates. While FMW-A appears promising for targeting cancer-specific distress and fear of progression, the mixed findings in quality of life and general distress warrant further revisions and testing.
NGOisation and food sovereignty: unearthing the intricacies of NGO-driven food sovereignty efforts. Insights from Uganda
Authors: Byaruhanga Ronald
Published: October 2024

In many places, social movements and organised networks are the primary drivers of mobilisation for food sovereignty. Elsewhere, the concept has been institutionalized and incorporated into national food policy frameworks. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding places where food sovereignty efforts are spearheaded by NGOised civil society. This study addresses this gap by examining five Civil Society Organisations promoting food sovereignty in Uganda through qualitative research. Through in-depth interviews, the study explores the implementation, activism, and mobilisation strategies employed by these organisations. The findings reveal that civil society organisations play a significant role in advancing food sovereignty in Uganda. They do so through practical initiatives such as disseminating knowledge, building capacity among smallholder farmers, promoting agroecological practices, and politicizing agricultural development through farmer mobilisation, policy advocacy, and formation of strategic alliances. Nonetheless, the study highlights critical areas for improvement. First, the need for better coordination among CSOs to create synergies that can enhance the impact and sustainability of their efforts. Second, the need to complement non-contentious strategies with more politically assertive actions to address systemic barriers. Finally, the need to forge alliances for FS among rural producers, urban consumers, and other non-farming populations. The main takeaway from these findings is that Food Sovereignty is a dynamic and context-dependent concept, requiring equally flexible strategies to promote it. Therefore, the choice of mobilisation strategies should be carefully adapted to the unique political, cultural, and economic context, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
The ‘Climate Adaptation Problem’ in Biodiversity Conservation: The Value of Spatial Flexibility in Land Purchase
Authors: Gerling Charlotte , Schöttker Oliver , Hearne John
Published: October 2024

Existing reserve networks become less suitable as species’ ranges shift under climate change and the scarcity and value of habitats change. Reserve sites hence have to be reallocated to reflect these changing values and to remain cost-effective, but restrictions on selling reserve sites limit this adaptation. Under climate change, a novel ‘sale’ policy that provides resale flexibility by allowing increasingly less cost-effective sites to be sold to free funds for purchasing increasingly cost-effective sites may hence be preferable over a typical ‘no sale’ policy. Here, we develop a conceptual climate-ecological-economic model to examine under what conditions resale flexibility provides cost-effectiveness advantages. We find that the benefits of resale flexibility provided by the ’sale’ policy are particularly high when little funding is available for climate change adaptation. Due to this budget effect, the value of resale flexibility also decreases with increasing interest rates. The value of resale flexibility is particularly high when creating reserves for species that are highly mobile as new reserve sites may then be chosen freely (in comparison to the case that new sites have to be located in the proximity of existing reserve sites). We further examine to what extent the ‘sale’ policy reduces the permanence of habitat within a specific location (“site habitat permanence”), and identify a new trade-off: ’sale’ provides advantages for habitat types that become increasingly rare, while ’no sale’ improves site habitat permanence mainly for expanding habitat types.
The Hybridisation, Resilience, and Loss of Local Knowledge and Natural Resource Management in Zambia
Authors: Yanou Malaika P. , Ros-Tonen Mirjam A.F. , Reed James , Nakwenda Shine , Sunderland Terry
Published: October 2024

The contribution of Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) to natural resource management has recently gained increasing prominence in academia, policymaking, and civil society. However, persistent knowledge gaps concerning the contribution of ILK to sustainable landscape management remain. We investigate existing local knowledge and practices of the Tonga of Kalomo District, Zambia, and their contribution to sustainable landscape management by combining walking interviews with photovoice. Especially Tonga women and youth are important knowledge holders for land management, agricultural practices, and tree conservation. We found that local knowledge is often ‘hybridised’ with ‘external knowledge’ when local knowledge alone is deemed insufficient. In some cases, introduced ‘external knowledges’ are simply reconstituted long-standing local practices. Nevertheless, local communities often perceive external knowledge holders as “knowing better.” Finally, we show how local knowledge and associated practices have been simultaneously eroded and lost and describe those that have remained resilient to provide insights into the complexity of hybridisation processes where different knowledge systems interact.
Studies of pure TiO2 and CdSe doped TiO2 nanocomposites from structural, optical, electrochemical, and photocatalytic perspectives
Authors: Synthiya S. , Thilagavathi T. , Uthrakumar R. , Renuka R. , Kaviyarasu K.
Published: October 2024

A low temperature hydrothermal method is employed in this study to synthesize CdSe doped TiO2 nanocomposites. Further characterization and studies of the synthesized particles were carried out. As part of this study, the sample was examined by X-ray diffraction to determine its structure, crystallite size, strain, and crystallinity. Molecules were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to determine their chemical composition. By using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy, we were able to observe the presence of functional groups as well as the types of bonds. By analyzing the scanning electron microscopy spectra, we were able to determine the particle size while by analyzing the photoluminescence spectra, we could determine the bandgap energy. To determine the nature of materials and their effective photocatalytic behavior, optical bandgap energies were observed in the ultra-violet visible spectrum of synthesized particles. For determining the charge transfer mechanism and specific capacitance, electrochemical studies were conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry analysis. The degradation of malachite green and Rhodamine-B dyes with CdSe doped TiO2 nanocomposites in the visible region was studied for photocatalytic activity, degradation efficiency, and rate constant. According to the results, doped nanoparticles increased the efficiency of RhB dye degradation by ~ 4% and MG dye degradation by ~ 20% over pure nanoparticles.