bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Characteristics and Management of Uveal Melanoma in the National Referral Center in Poland
Authors: Romanowska-Dixon Bożena , Nowak Michał Szymon , Śmigielski Janusz , Dębicka-Kumela Magdalena
Published: May 2024

(1) Background: to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the characteristics and management of uveal melanoma (UM) in the National Referral Center in Poland. (2) Materials and Methods: the retrospective analysis of 1336 patients who were newly diagnosed with UM at the Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Oncology, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum Krakow, Poland between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021. The demographic and clinical data were compiled, including localization, size, and treatment methods of tumors. (3) Results: In total, 728 patients with UM were included before the COVID-19 pandemic, in the years 2018–2019, and 608 were included during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the years 2020–2021. Fixed-base dynamics indicators for the incidence of uveal melanoma (base year 2018) in the National Referral Center in Poland were 80.22% and 86.81% in the years 2020 and 2021, respectively. UMs were statistically significantly larger and more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe in the year 2021 than in the year 2018 (Chi-square Pearson test p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0077, respectively). The rate of patients treated with enucleation increased from 15.94% in the year 2018 to 26.90% in the year 2021 (Chi-square Pearson test p = 0.0005). (4) Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found in the management of uveal melanoma in the National Referral Center in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic with tumors being larger, more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe, and more often enucleated.
Acceptance of Self-Sampling by Women Not Regularly Participating in Cervical Cancer Screening in Areas with Low Medical Density: A Qualitative Study within the French CapU4 Trial
Authors: Le Goff Johane , Le Duc-Banaszuk Anne-Sophie , Lefeuvre Caroline , Pivert Adeline , Ducancelle Alexandra , De Pauw Hélène , Arbyn Marc , Vinay Aubeline , Rexand-Galais Franck
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer (CC) was diagnosed in 3159 women in France in 2023, and 1117 died from it. Organized screening for cervical cancer is potentially very effective for participating women. However, reaching under-screened populations remains a major challenge. The present qualitative study explored women’s opinions on what discourages or encourages them to participate in CC screening and assessed the acceptability of two experimental strategies (urinary or vaginal self-sampling kits) to increase the screening coverage in three rural French administrative departments with low medical density and/or low screening participation rates. Forty-eight semi-structured interviews and four focus groups were conducted by a team of psychologists. Results showed that the participants accepted at-home self-sampling to reach non-participating women in medically underserved areas. However, they suggested that the type of kit sent should be adapted to the patient’s profile (embarrassment from earlier exams, cultural aspects, fear of invasiveness, etc.), and that kits should be simple to use (in understandable language taking sociocultural aspects into account). Women wished to be assured that testing on self-samples is accurate and needed information about further actions in case of a positive result.
Transforming a Large-Scale Prostate Cancer Outcomes Dataset to the OMOP Common Data Model—Experiences from a Scientific Data Holder’s Perspective
Authors: Sibert Nora Tabea , Soff Johannes , La Ferla Sebastiano , Quaranta Maria , Kremer Andreas , Kowalski Christoph
Published: May 2024

To enhance international and joint research collaborations in prostate cancer research, data from different sources should use a common data model (CDM) that enables researchers to share their analysis scripts and merge results. The OMOP CDM maintained by OHDSI is such a data model developed for a federated data analysis with partners from different institutions that want to jointly investigate research questions using clinical care data. The German Cancer Society as the scientific lead of the Prostate Cancer Outcomes (PCO) study gathers data from prostate cancer care including routine oncological care data and survey data (incl. patient-reported outcomes) and uses a common data specification (called OncoBox Research Prostate) for this purpose. To further enhance research collaborations outside the PCO study, the purpose of this article is to describe the process of transferring the PCO study data to the internationally well-established OMOP CDM. This process was carried out together with an IT company that specialised in supporting research institutions to transfer their data to OMOP CDM. Of n = 49,692 prostate cancer cases with 318 data fields each, n = 392 had to be excluded during the OMOPing process, and n = 247 of the data fields could be mapped to OMOP CDM. The resulting PostgreSQL database with OMOPed PCO study data is now ready to use within larger research collaborations such as the EU-funded EHDEN and OPTIMA consortium.
Overlapping Stromal Alterations in Myeloid and Lymphoid Neoplasms
Authors: Bogun Lucienne , Koch Annemarie , Scherer Bo , Germing Ulrich , Fenk Roland , Maus Uwe , Bormann Felix , Köhrer Karl , Petzsch Patrick , Wachtmeister Thorsten , Kobbe Guido , Dietrich Sascha , Haas Rainer , Schroeder Thomas , Geyh Stefanie , Jäger Paul
Published: May 2024

Myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms share the characteristics of potential bone marrow infiltration as a primary or secondary effect, which readily leads to hematopoietic insufficiency. The mechanisms by which clonal malignant cells inhibit normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow (BM) have not been unraveled so far. Given the pivotal role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the regulation of hematopoiesis in the BM niche it is assumed that MSCs also play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of hematological neoplasms. We aimed to identify overlapping mechanisms in MSCs derived from myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms contributing to disease progression and suppression of HSPCs to develop interventions that target these mechanisms. MSCs derived from healthy donors (n = 44) and patients diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasia (n = 11), myelodysplastic syndromes (n = 16), or acute myeloid leukemia (n = 25) and B-Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 9) with BM infiltration and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 9) were analyzed for their functionality and by RNA sequencing. A reduced growth and differentiation capacity of MSCs was found in all entities. RNA sequencing distinguished both groups but clearly showed overlapping differentially expressed genes, including major players in the BMP/TGF and WNT-signaling pathway which are crucial for growth, osteogenesis, and hematopoiesis. Functional alterations in healthy MSCs were inducible by exposure to supernatants from malignant cells, implicating the involvement of these factors in disease progression. Overall, we were able to identify overlapping factors that pose potential future therapeutic targets.
Evaluation of Overall Survival by Restricted Mean Survival Time of Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer treated with Immunotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mauro Ezequiel , Sanduzzi-Zamparelli Marco , Sauri Tamara , Soler Alexandre , Iserte Gemma , Fortuny Marta , Forner Alejandro
Published: May 2024

Background: For biliary tract cancer (BTC), the addition of immunotherapy (durvalumab or pembrolizumab) to gemcitabine and cisplatin (GemCis) significantly improved overall survival (OS) in phase 3 clinical trials (RCTs). However, the interpretation and magnitude of the treatment effect is challenging because OS Kaplan–Meier curves violate the proportional hazards (PH) assumption. Analysis using restricted mean survival time (RMST) allows quantification of the benefits in the absence of PH. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the benefit of immunotherapy-based regimens for OS at 24 months using RMST analysis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using studies published up to 8 November 2023. Only phase 3 RCTs evaluating the use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 combined with GemCis and reporting OS were included. KM curves for OS were digitized, and the data were reconstructed. A meta-analysis for OS by RMST at 24 months was performed. Results: A total of 1754 participants from the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials were included. In TOPAZ-1, RMSTs at 24 months were 13.52 (7.92) and 12.21 (7.22) months with GemCis plus durvalumab and GemCis alone, respectively. In KEYNOTE-966, RMSTs at 24 months were 13.60 (7.76) and 12.45 (7.73) months with GemCis plus pembrolizumab and GemCis alone, respectively. Immunotherapy-based regimens showed a mean OS difference at 24 months by an RMST of 1.21 months [(95% CI: 0.49–1.93), p < 0.001, I2 = 0%]. Conclusions: Immunotherapy-based regimens improve OS in advanced BTC. Given this magnitude of benefit, it is essential to weigh up individual patient factors, preferences, and potential risks. RMST analysis provides valuable information to patients and physicians, facilitating decision-making in a value-based medical environment.
Robotic Major Hepatectomy in Elderly Patient
Authors: Delvecchio Antonella , Conticchio Maria , Inchingolo Riccardo , Ratti Francesca , Magistri Paolo , Belli Andrea , Ceccarelli Graziano , Izzo Francesco , Spampinato Marcello Giuseppe , Angelis Nicola De’ , Pessaux Patrick , Piardi Tullio , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Aldrighetti Luca , Memeo Riccardo
Published: May 2024

Background: the role of minimally invasive liver surgery has been progressively developed, with the practice increasing in safety and feasibility also with respect to major liver resections. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and safety of major liver resection in elderly patients. Methods: data from a multicentric retrospective database including 1070 consecutive robotic liver resections in nine European hospital centers were analyzed. Among these, 131 were major liver resections. Patients were also divided in two groups (<65 years old and ≥65 years old) and perioperative data were compared between the two groups. Results: a total of 131 patients were included in the study. Operative time was 332 ± 125 min. Postoperative overall complications occurred in 27.1% of patients. Severe complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ 3) were 9.9%. Hospital stay was 6.6 ± 5.3 days. Patients were divided into two groups based on their age: 75 patients < 65 years old and 56 patients ≥ 65 years old. Prolonged pain, lung infection, intensive care stay, and 90-day readmission were worse in the elderly group. The two groups were matched for ASA and Charlson comorbidity score and, after statistical adjustment, postoperative data were similar between two groups. Conclusions: robotic major liver resection in elderly patients was associated with satisfying short-term outcomes.
A Novel SnO2/ZnFe2O4 Magnetic Photocatalyst with Excellent Photocatalytic Performance in Rhodamine B Removal
Authors: Hao Yu , Xiao Yi , Liu Xiuzhu , Ma Jiawei , Lu Yuan , Chang Ziang , Luo Dayong , Li Lin , Feng Qi , Xu Longjun , Huang Yongkui
Published: May 2024

In this study, we prepared the SnO2/ZnFe2O4 (SZ) composite magnetic photocatalyst via a two-step hydrothermal method. Structural and performance analyses revealed that SZ-5 with a ZnFe2O4 mass ratio of 5% (SZ-5) exhibited optimal photocatalytic activity, achieving a 72.6% degradation rate of Rhodamine B (RhB) solution within 120 min. SZ-5 consisted of irregular nano blocks of SnO2 combined with spherical nanoparticles of ZnFe2O4, with a saturated magnetization intensity of 1.27 emu/g. Moreover, the specific surface area of SnO2 loaded with ZnFe2O4 increased, resulting in a decreased forbidden bandwidth and expanded light absorption range. The construction of a Z-type heterojunction structure between SnO2 and ZnFe2O4 facilitated the migration of photogenerated charges, reduced the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs, and enhanced electrical conductivity. During the photocatalytic reaction, RhB was degraded by·OH, O2−, and h+, in which O2− played a major role.
The Influence of Platinum on the Catalytic Properties of Bifunctional Cobalt Catalysts for the Synthesis of Hydrocarbons from CO and H2
Authors: Yakovenko Roman E. , Zubkov Ivan N. , Papeta Ol’ga P. , Kataria Yash V. , Bakun Vera G. , Svetogorov Roman D. , Savost’yanov Alexander P.
Published: May 2024

New bifunctional cobalt catalysts for combined Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and hydroprocessing of hydrocarbons containing Pt were developed. To prepare catalysts in the form of a composite mixture, the FT synthesis catalyst Co-Al2O3/SiO2 and ZSM-5 zeolite in the H-form were used as metal and acid components, respectively, with boehmite as a binder. The catalysts were characterized by various methods, such as XRD using synchrotron radiation, SEM, EDS, TEM and TPR. The effect of the Pt introduction method on the particle size and conditions for cobalt reduction was studied. The testing of catalysts in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis was carried out at a pressure of 2.0 MPa, a temperature of 240 and 250 °C, an H2/CO ratio of 2 and a synthesis gas volumetric velocity of 1000 h−1. It is shown that the method of introducing a hydrogenating metal by adjusting the nano-sized spatial structure of the catalyst determined the activity in the synthesis and group and fractional composition of the resulting products. It is established that the presence of Pt intensified the processes of synthesis and hydrogenation, including isomeric products, and reduced the content of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The application of Pt by impregnation onto the surface of the metal component of the catalysts provided the highest productivity for C5+ hydrocarbons, and for the acidic component, it enabled maximum cracking and isomerizing abilities.
Rational Design of Z-Scheme Heterostructures Composed of Bi/Fe-Based MOFs for the Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhu Songlin , Zhou Huizhi , Hou Minghao , Wan Kangle , Zhang Xueqi , Yan Wei , Wei Yingcong , Chen Yuanping
Published: May 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently gained attention as a highly promising category of photocatalytic materials, showing great potential in the degradation of organic dyes such as Rhodamine B (RhB). Nonetheless, the mono-metal MOF materials in this application are often constrained by their limited light absorption capabilities and their propensity for recombination with carriers. The combination of different metal-based MOFs to form heterogeneous reactors could present a promising approach for the removal of dyes from water. In this work, a new CAU-17/MIL-100(Fe) Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst composed of two MOFs with the same ligands is reported to realize the efficient degradation of dyes in water. The combination of the two MOFs results in a significant enhancement of the surface open sites, optical responsivity range, and charge-separating efficiency through synergistic effects. In addition, the capture experiments conducted on the photocatalytic process have verified that ∙O2− and h+ are the primary active species. Consequently, CAU-17/MIL-100(Fe) exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and stability. The degradation rate of the optimal CAU-17/MIL-100(Fe) photocatalyst was 34.55 times that of CAU-17 and 3.60 times that of MIL-100(Fe). Our work provides a new strategy for exploring the visible-light degradation of RhB in bimetallic MOF composites.
Effect of Nonmagnetic Hf Addition on Magnetic Properties of Melt-Spun Misch Metal-Fe-B Ribbons
Authors: Lostun Mihaela , Grigoraș Marian , Budeanu Luiza C. , Roman Tiberiu , Buema Gabriela , Ababei Gabriel , Stoian George , Lupu Nicoleta
Published: May 2024

Misch Metal (MM)-Fe-B magnets are proposed to develop permanent magnets with a high performance/cost ratio and to balance the disproportionate use of rare earth (RE) resources. To improve the magnetic performance of (MM)-Fe-B ribbons precursors of magnets, the addition of non-magnetic hafnium (Hf) was used. MM14Fe80−xHfxB6 (x = 0–3 at. %) ribbons were fabricated by melt-spinning technique at a wheel velocity of 35 m/s and were then annealed to obtain a nanocrystalline structure. The ribbons’ magnetic properties, morphology, and structure were investigated methodically. It was found that the coercivity, Hc, of the MM14Fe80−xHfxB6 (x = 0–3 at. %) as-spun ribbons increased significantly from 5.85 kOe to 9.25 kOe with an increase in the Hf content from 0 to 2 at. %, while the remanence decreased slightly for the whole 0–3 range at. % Hf. The grain size of the RE2Fe14B phase gradually decreased as the Hf addition content increased from 0 to 3 at. %. As a result, the best combination of magnetic properties, such as Hc = 9.25 kOe, Mr = 87 emu/g, and maximum energy product (BH)max = 9.75 MGOe, was obtained in the ribbons with 2 at. % Hf addition was annealed at an optimal temperature of 650 degrees Celsius for 20 min. This work can serve as a useful reference for the further development of a new permanent magnet based on MM and Hf elements and can provide a feasible way for the efficient use of rare earth resources.
Two-Dimensional Pentamode Metamaterials: Properties, Manufacturing, and Applications
Authors: Zhou Chuang , Li Qi , Sun Xiaomei , Xiao Zifei , Yuan Haichao
Published: May 2024

Metamaterials are artificial materials with properties depending mainly on their designed structures instead of their materials. Pentamode metamaterials are one type of metamaterial. They have solid structures with fluid-like properties, which can only withstand compressive stresses, not shear stresses. Two-dimensional pentamode metamaterials are easier to manufacture than three-dimensional models, so they have received wide attention. In this review, the properties, manufacturing, and applications of two-dimensional pentamode metamaterials will be discussed. Their water-like properties are their most important properties, and their velocities and anisotropy can be designed. They can be processed by wire-cut electrical discharge machining, waterjet cutting, and additive manufacturing techniques. They have a broad application prospect in acoustic fields such as acoustic stealth cloaks, acoustic waveguides, flat acoustic focusing lenses, pentamode acoustic meta-surfaces, etc.
Mapping Breeding Birds in a Karstic Sinkhole with a Comparison between Different Sampling Methods
Authors: Battisti Corrado , Crucitti Pierangelo , Dodaro Giuseppe , Giardini Marco , Marini Francesca
Published: May 2024

Karstic sinkholes are peculiar structures hosting specific biological communities. Birds are still little studied in this regard. This note reports, for the first time, original data relating to the density of breeding species occurring within a sinkhole in central Italy obtained with a fine-grained and time-expensive sampling technique (mapping method). The results were compared with data sampled with the point counts method carried out in the same phenological period. We recorded 22 breeding species, all typical of meso-thermophilous forests and ecotonal habitats of hilly central Italy. Among them, two species (Turdus merula and Troglodytes troglodytes), typical of shady, undergrowth habitats, were recorded in the deepest part of the sinkhole (−70 m from the top). No significant differences emerged between the relative frequencies of the species obtained with the two methods, except for Luscinia megarhynchos (overestimated with the mapping method) and Aegithalos caudatus (underestimated). At the community level, the comparison of the two methods revealed similar values in univariate diversity metrics, Whittaker plots did not show a significant difference (ANCOVA test), and ordinary least squares regression between the frequencies showed a highly significant correlation. Therefore, in these peculiar habitats, data obtained from the two methods are comparable: since the point counts method needs lower sampling effort, it appeared to be more effective when compared to the mapping method to study these peculiar habitats.
Virtual Non-Contrast versus True Native in Photon-Counting CT: Stability of Density of Upper Abdominal Organs and Vessels
Authors: Haag Florian , Emmrich Shanice S. , Hertel Alexander , Rink Johann S. , Nörenberg Dominik , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Froelich Matthias F.
Published: May 2024

The clinical use of photon-counting CT (PCCT) allows for the generation of virtual non-contrast (VNC) series from contrast-enhanced images. In routine clinical practice, specific issues such as ruling out acute bleeding require non-contrast images. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of PCCT-derived VNC reconstructions in abdominal imaging. PCCT scans of 17 patients including early arterial, portal venous and native sequences were enrolled. VNC reconstructions have been calculated. In every sequence and VNC reconstruction, 10 ROIs were measured (portal vein, descending aorta, inferior vena cava, liver parenchyma, spleen parenchyma, erector spinae muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, first lumbar vertebral body, air, and psoas muscle) and density values were compared. The VNC reconstructions show significant changes in density compared to the contrast-enhanced images. However, there were no significant differences present between the true non-contrast (TNC) and any VNC reconstructions in the observed organs and vessels. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the measured mean density values in the TNC versus VNC reconstructions were found in fat and bone tissue. The PCCT-derived VNC reconstructions seemed to be comparable to the TNC images, despite some deviations shown in the adipose tissue and bone structures. However, the further benefits in terms of specific clinical issues need to be evaluated.
Development, Application and Utility of a Machine Learning Approach for Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Lesion Classification Using Counting Box Fractal Dimension
Authors: Romero-Morelos Pablo , Herrera-López Elizabeth , González-Yebra Beatriz
Published: May 2024

The diagnosis and identification of melanoma are not always accurate, even for experienced dermatologists. Histopathology continues to be the gold standard, assessing specific parameters such as the Breslow index. However, it remains invasive and may lack effectiveness. Therefore, leveraging mathematical modeling and informatics has been a pursuit of diagnostic methods favoring early detection. Fractality, a mathematical parameter quantifying complexity and irregularity, has proven useful in melanoma diagnosis. Nonetheless, no studies have implemented this metric to feed artificial intelligence algorithms for the automatic classification of dermatological lesions, including melanoma. Hence, this study aimed to determine the combined utility of fractal dimension and unsupervised low-computational-requirements machine learning models in classifying melanoma and non-melanoma lesions. We analyzed 39,270 dermatological lesions obtained from the International Skin Imaging Collaboration. Box-counting fractal dimensions were calculated for these lesions. Fractal values were used to implement classification methods by unsupervised machine learning based on principal component analysis and iterated K-means (100 iterations). A clear separation was observed, using only fractal dimension values, between benign or malignant lesions (sensibility 72.4% and specificity 50.1%) and melanoma or non-melanoma lesions (sensibility 72.8% and specificity 50%) and subsequently, the classification quality based on the machine learning model was ≈80% for both benign and malignant or melanoma and non-melanoma lesions. However, the grouping of metastatic melanoma versus non-metastatic melanoma was less effective, probably due to the small sample size included in MM lesions. Nevertheless, we could suggest a decision algorithm based on fractal dimension for dermatological lesion discrimination. On the other hand, it was also determined that the fractal dimension is sufficient to generate unsupervised artificial intelligence models that allow for a more efficient classification of dermatological lesions.
A Comprehensive Study on a Deep-Learning-Based Electrocardiography Analysis for Estimating the Apnea-Hypopnea Index
Authors: Kim Seola , Choi Hyun-Soo , Kim Dohyun , Kim Minkyu , Lee Seo-Young , Kim Jung-Kyeom , Kim Yoon , Lee Woo Hyun
Published: May 2024

This study introduces a deep-learning-based automatic sleep scoring system to detect sleep apnea using a single-lead electrocardiography (ECG) signal, focusing on accurately estimating the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). Unlike other research, this work emphasizes AHI estimation, crucial for the diagnosis and severity evaluation of sleep apnea. The suggested model, trained on 1465 ECG recordings, combines the deep-shallow fusion network for sleep apnea detection network (DSF-SANet) and gated recurrent units (GRUs) to analyze ECG signals at 1-min intervals, capturing sleep-related respiratory disturbances. Achieving a 0.87 correlation coefficient with actual AHI values, an accuracy of 0.82, an F1 score of 0.71, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 for per-segment classification, our model was effective in identifying sleep-breathing events and estimating the AHI, offering a promising tool for medical professionals.
Difference in Correction Power between Hybrid Lateral Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy and Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy was Associated with Severity of Varus Deformity and Different Hinge Distance from Center of Deformity
Authors: Jung Seok Jin , Kang Jun Ho , Rhee Seung Joon , Moon Sang Won , Wang Lih , D’Lima Darryl D
Published: May 2024

Hybrid lateral closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HBHTO) carries certain advantages over medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). We investigated the potential difference in the required correction angle between HBHTO and OWHTO to achieve an equal amount of whole lower-extremity alignment correction, retrospectively analyzing the preoperative plain radiographic images of 100 patients. The medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), hip–knee–ankle axis (HKA), length of the tibia, width of the tibial plateau, length of the lower limb (leg length), and location of the center of deformity (CD) were measured. Differences in the required correction angle at the hinge point between the two techniques (CAD) were compared, and correlation analysis was performed to reveal the influential factors. The mean difference in CAD between HBHTO and OWHTO was 0.78 ± 0.22 (0.4~1.5)°, and mean WBL position change per correction angle was 3.9 ± 0.3 (3.0~4.6)% in HBHTO and 4.1 ± 0.3 (3.1~4.7)% in OWHTO. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between CAD and HKA. mLDFA, JLCA, MPTA, leg length, OWCD, HBCD, and HCD were also significantly correlated with CAD. HBHTO required a 5.6% larger correction angle at the hinge point to achieve the same amount of alignment correction as OWHTO.
The Association between the Body Mass Index, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and SUV of the Non-Tumorous Lung in the Pretreatment [18F]FDG-PET/CT of Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Wehlte Lukas , Walter Julia , Daisenberger Lea , Kuhnle Felix , Ingenerf Maria , Schmid-Tannwald Christine , Brendel Matthias , Kauffmann-Guerrero Diego , Heinzerling Lucie , Tufman Amanda , Pfluger Thomas , Völter Friederike
Published: May 2024

Background: A debate persists on the prognostic value of the pre-therapeutic standardized uptake value (SUV) of non-tumorous lung tissue for the risk assessment of therapy-related pneumonitis, with most studies lacking significant correlation. However, the influence of patient comorbidities on the pre-therapeutic lung SUV has not yet been systematically evaluated. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the association between comorbidities, biological variables and lung SUVs in pre-therapeutic [18F]FDG-PET/CT. Methods: In this retrospective study, the pre-therapeutic SUV in [18F]FDG-PET/CT was measured in non-tumorous areas of both lobes of the lung. SUVMEAN, SUVMAX and SUV95 were compared to a multitude of patient characteristics and comorbidities with Spearman’s correlation analysis, followed by a Bonferroni correction and multilinear regression. Results: In total, 240 patients with lung cancer were analyzed. An elevated BMI was significantly associated with increased SUVMAX (β = 0.037, p < 0.001), SUVMEAN (β = 0.017, p < 0.001) and SUV95 (β = 0.028, p < 0.001). Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) showed a significantly decreased SUVMAX (β = −0.156, p = 0.001), SUVMEAN (β = −0.107, p < 0.001) and SUV95 (β = −0.134, p < 0.001). Multiple other comorbidities did not show a significant correlation with the SUV of the non-tumorous lung. Conclusions: Failure to consider the influence of BMI and COPD on the pre-therapeutic SUV measurements may lead to an erroneous interpretation of the pre-therapeutic SUV and subsequent treatment decisions in patients with lung cancer.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption Increases the Risk of Clinical Relapse in Male Depressed Patients Treated with Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Authors: Mușat Mădălina Iuliana , Militaru Felicia , Gheorman Victor , Udriștoiu Ion , Mitran Smaranda Ioana , Cătălin Bogdan
Published: May 2024

Background: While depression can be associated with multiple comorbidities, the association between depression and liver injury significantly increases the mortality risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate if moderate alcohol intake affects the rate of clinical relapses in patients treated with antidepressants as monotherapy. Methods: We assessed, over a period of 30 months, the clinical records of 254 patients with depressive disorder, of either gender, without additional pathologies, receiving monotherapy treatment with antidepressants. Thirty-three patients with alcohol abuse, alcoholism or significant cognitive impairment were excluded. The medical and psychiatric history, medication and liver enzyme values were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of the 221 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 78 experienced relapses of depression. The rate of relapse did not correlate with the levels of liver enzymes. Alcohol consumption, as objectified based on GGT levels and the AST/ALT ratio, suggested that men had higher alcohol intake compared to women. Patients treated with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) with elevated AST levels were approximately 9 times more likely to relapse, while the ones with elevated GGT had a 5.34 times higher risk. While GGT levels remained a marker for relapse in men with elevated GGT, ALT and not AST proved to be a better risk indicator for relapses in male patients. Conclusion: The use of SNRIs in depressed male patients with moderate alcohol intake should be carefully considered, as they might be susceptible to higher risks of relapse compared to alternative antidepressant therapies.
Rare Complications of CSF Diversion: Paradoxical Neuroimaging Findings in a Double, Chiasmic Case Report
Authors: Di Salle Gianfranco , Migaleddu Gianmichele , Canovetti Silvia , Liberti Gaetano , Perrini Paolo , Cosottini Mirco
Published: May 2024

Two patients with CSF shunting systems exhibited symptoms of altered intracranial pressure. Initial neuroimaging led to misinterpretation, but integrating clinical history and follow-up imaging revealed the true diagnosis. In the first case, reduced ventricular size was mistaken for CSF overdrainage, while the actual problem was increased intracranial pressure, as seen in slit ventricle syndrome. In the second case, symptoms attributed to intracranial hypertension were due to CSF overdrainage causing tonsillar displacement and hydrocephalus. Adjusting the spinoperitoneal shunt pressure resolved symptoms and imaging abnormalities. These cases highlight the necessity of correlating clinical presentation with a deep understanding of CSF dynamics in shunt assessments.
Shear Wave Ultrasonographic Elastography in Pediatric Spleens and Its Role in Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Cetin Turkhun , Tokur Oguzhan , Bozkurt Hayrunnisa Bekis , Aydin Sonay , Memis Kemal Bugra , Kantarci Mecit
Published: May 2024

Shear wave elastography (SWE) has become popular in clinical practice for many diseases. However, there is not adequate research on spleen-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential of quantitative values obtained through SWE in evaluating spleen pathologies in the pediatric population and to demonstrate its performance to differentiate splenomegaly-related diseases. The research group retrospectively included children with pathological diagnoses related to the spleen from November 2016 to April 2021, and they were categorized into three groups, including portal hypertension (PH), benign lymphoid hyperplasia (BLH), and malignant infiltration (MI). Spleen sizes and parenchymal stiffness were also calculated for each group. Subsequently, mean spleen stiffness in each group was compared with normal values within the same age group. In total, 2781 children (1379 children for the study group; 1402 children for the control group) were enrolled in the study. The highest stiffness was observed in the PH group, which is statistically higher than others (p < 0.05). Although the mean spleen stiffness in the group with BLH was higher than the control and MI group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). The mean stiffness in the group with MI was significantly lower than both the control group (p = 0.005) and PH (p = 0.01). In conclusion, using SWE in the differential diagnosis of etiologies causing splenomegaly could make an important contribution.
Differential Diagnosis of OKC and SBC on Panoramic Radiographs: Leveraging Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Sim Su-Yi , Hwang JaeJoon , Ryu Jihye , Kim Hyeonjin , Kim Eun-Jung , Lee Jae-Yeol
Published: May 2024

This study aims to determine whether it can distinguish odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and simple bone cyst (SBC) based solely on preoperative panoramic radiographs through a deep learning algorithm. (1) Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patient data from January 2018 to December 2022 at Pusan National University Dental Hospital. This study included 63 cases of OKC confirmed by histological examination after surgical excision and 125 cases of SBC that underwent surgical curettage. All panoramic radiographs were obtained utilizing the Proline XC system (Planmeca Co., Helsinki, Finland), which already had diagnostic data on them. The panoramic images were cut into 299 × 299 cropped sizes and divided into 80% training and 20% validation data sets for 5-fold cross-validation. Inception-ResNet-V2 system was adopted to train for OKC and SBC discrimination. (2) Results: The classification network for diagnostic performance evaluation achieved 0.829 accuracy, 0.800 precision, 0.615 recall, and a 0.695 F1 score. (4) Conclusions: The deep learning algorithm demonstrated notable accuracy in distinguishing OKC from SBC, facilitated by CAM visualization. This progress is expected to become an essential resource for clinicians, improving diagnostic and treatment outcomes.
Impact of Various Non-Contrast-Enhanced MRA Techniques on Lumen Visibility in Vascular Flow Models with a Surpass Evolve Flow Diverter
Authors: Ozpeynirci Yigit , Gorodezky Margarita , Sanches Augusto Fava , Mandava Sagar , Solana Ana Beatriz , Liebig Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background: Silent MRA has shown promising results in evaluating the stents used for intracranial aneurysm treatment. A deep learning-based denoising and deranging algorithm was recently introduced by GE HealthCare. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of several MRA techniques regarding lumen visibility in silicone models with flow diverter stents. Methods: Two Surpass Evolve stents of different sizes were implanted in two silicone tubes. The tubes were placed in separate boxes in the straight position and in two different curve configurations and connected to a pulsatile pump to construct a flow loop. Using a 3.0T MRI scanner, TOF and silent MRA images were acquired, and deep learning reconstruction was applied to the silent MRA dataset. The intraluminal signal intensity in the stent (SIin-stent), in the tube outside the stent (SIvessel), and of the background (SIbg) were measured for each scan. Results: The SIin-stent/SIbg and SIin-stent/SIv ratios were higher in the silent scans and DL-based reconstructions than in the TOF images. The stent tips created severe artefacts in the TOF images, which could not be observed in the silent scans. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the DL reconstruction algorithm improves the quality of the silent MRA technique in evaluating the flow diverter stent patency.
Sudden Death: A Practical Autopsy Approach to Unexplained Mediastinitis Due to Fatal Untreated Neck Infections—A Systematic Review
Authors: Maiese Aniello , Del Duca Fabio , Ghamlouch Alessandro , Treves Biancamaria , Manetti Alice Chiara , Napoletano Gabriele , De Matteis Alessandra , Dimattia Francesca , Wan Huan , Pignataro Lorenzo , La Russa Raffaele
Published: May 2024

Neck infections are often prone to being underestimated and can manifest insidiously. The spread of infection can lead to translocation into thoracic areas, causing descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). However, the application of the post-mortem approach in such cases is not well-described in the literature. A literature review was carried out according to the PRISMA methods. Nine papers were included in the final review, revealing different levels of involvement of neck layers that can be linked to different causes. Expertise with respect to the anatomy of the fasciae and spaces of the neck enables an understanding of the pathogenesis of DNM. However, a clear autoptic description was not provided in any of the articles. Therefore, we also employed a practical post-mortem approach to cases of death due to DNM. It is fundamental for pathologists to identify the exact head and neck structures involved. Providing dissectors with support from an otolaryngologist could be useful. This paper could help address such difficult cases.
The Timing and Strength of Inequality Concerns in the UK Public Debate: Google Trends, Elections and the Macroeconomy
Authors: Seip Knut Lehre , Sandnes Frode Eika
Published: May 2024

Inequality among people has several unwanted effects, in humanistic, social and economic contexts. Several studies address distributional preferences among groups, but little is known about when inequality issues are focused and when and why inequality abatement measures are brought on the political agenda. We show that during the period 2004 to 2023, inequality issues were focused during elections to the EU and UK parliament and with greatest strength during the elections to the EU parliament in May 2004 and to the UK parliament in May 2015. Periods with high unemployment and inflation cause the discussion on inequality to be followed by discussions on inequality measures. However, when the discussion of inequality is followed very closely by the discussions of abatement measures, inequality aversion becomes more strongly associated with the macroeconomic variables inflation and GDP (recessions) than with unemployment and more strongly associated with the concerns for fairness than concerns with war and crime. The results were obtained examining Google Trends and scholarly studies.
Exploring Students’ Experiences with Mindfulness Meditations in a First-Year General Engineering Course
Authors: Martini Larkin , Huerta Mark Vincent , Jurkiewicz Jazmin , Chan Brian , Bairaktarova Diana
Published: May 2024

With growing mental health concerns among college students, they need to effectively develop skills to alleviate stress amidst the demands of university life. Teaching mindfulness skills to engineering students early in their programs, such as during introductory courses, may provide students with the tools they need to effectively cope with academic stressors, support well-being, and mitigate mental health concerns. This study aimed to understand the variation in experiences of engineering students who participated in weekly mindfulness meditation during a first-year cornerstone engineering course. This study used a thematic analysis approach to analyze students’ in-class, weekly reflections from eight meditation exercises across two course sections. The frequency of codes and themes were then analyzed across meditation types to identify trends in student experiences. Our results show that the most common student experience from engaging in mindfulness meditation was feeling less stressed, calmer, and more relaxed. Other positive experiences include feeling more energized and focused. Some students, however, did report some negative experiences, such as distress and tiredness. The Dynamic Breathing exercise, in particular, showed higher rates of negative experiences than other meditation types. The results also demonstrate that different types of meditations produce different student experiences. Meditation exercises with open monitoring components showed higher rates of insight/awareness and difficulty focusing attention than focused attention meditations. These findings indicate that utilizing weekly mindfulness exercises in introductory engineering courses can benefit students’ overall mental health and well-being when adequately implemented.
Motivational Orientation Profiles and Study Well-Being among Higher Education Students
Authors: Laitinen Satu , Kaukiainen Ari , Tuominen Tiina
Published: May 2024

A person-centered approach was applied to identify the motivational orientation profiles in a sample of 1533 higher education students in Finland at different years of their studies. We also explored the extent to which study engagement and study burnout relate to motivational orientation profiles, and we examined the association between motivational orientation profiles and academic achievement (i.e., study credits). Three groups of students with distinctive motivational orientation profiles—mastery-oriented, moderation-oriented, and avoidance-oriented—were identified using latent profile analysis. The results showed that high study engagement and academic achievement, in terms of study credits, were associated with the mastery-oriented group. High study burnout was associated with the avoidance-oriented group. The moderation-oriented students reported average levels of motivation relative to the two other groups. The study also considered the importance of motivational orientation, study well-being, and academic achievement across different years of study, seeing this as relevant and beneficial, as motivational issues may be crucial during studying, not only upon entering higher education.
Evaluating Online Security Behavior: Development and Validation of a Personal Cybersecurity Awareness Scale for University Students
Authors: Bognár László , Bottyán László
Published: May 2024

As the digital age permeates higher education, the cybersecurity awareness of university students has emerged as a pressing concern. This study examines the behavioral factors influencing students’ cybersecurity practices, developing a robust, empirically validated survey. Our research applies a comprehensive framework employing both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA; CFA) to affirm the survey’s ability to capture the intricate dimensions of students’ cybersecurity awareness. A structural equation model (SEM) has been developed to delineate and scrutinize five key dimensions of cybersecurity behaviors within the student body. Post-validation, we utilized this model to conduct a thorough comparative analysis of cybersecurity behaviors among members of the varied student demographic that participated in the survey. The investigation included an examination of behavior across genders, age groups, academic disciplines, and cultural backgrounds, shedding light on the diverse cybersecurity behaviors that define the modern student experience. Our research ultimately strives to contribute to the enhancement of digital security in educational environments, aligning student online practices with robust security measures and nurturing a cybersecurity-aware culture in academia.
Predictors of Professional Identity among Early Childhood Teacher Students
Authors: Olsen Anne Karin Vikstøl , Kjær Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald , Spieler Kristin Severinsen
Published: May 2024

Professional identity has been suggested to be decisive for efficiency and high work quality among the workforces. Central in early childhood teacher education is the development of students to become professional actors in a workplace setting upon graduation, thus developing a professional identity. However, the field lacks knowledge about the factors that are associated with professional identity among early childhood teacher students. Thereby, the aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of learning climate (performance climate and mastery climate) in interaction with professors and academic self-efficacy on professional identity. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional approach, whereby data were collected by questionnaire. A total of 190 (first- and second-years students) attending a three-year bachelor’s degree in early childhood teacher education completed the questionnaire. The results show that learning climate and academic self-efficacy are significantly associated with professional identity among early childhood teacher students, indicating the importance of facilitating a learning environment that promotes students’ academic self-efficacy, mastery, and intellectual development. These findings indicate the importance of facilitating an environment that promotes students’ academic self-efficacy, intellectual development, and a mastery-oriented climate, in addition to strengthening the connection and interaction between students and professors.
To (US)Be or Not to (US)Be: Discovering Malicious USB Peripherals through Neural Network-Driven Power Analysis
Authors: Koffi Koffi Anderson , Smiliotopoulos Christos , Kolias Constantinos , Kambourakis Georgios
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is one of the most adopted communication standards. However, the ubiquity of this technology has attracted the interest of attackers. This situation is alarming, considering that the USB protocol has penetrated even into critical infrastructures. Unfortunately, the majority of the contemporary security detection and prevention mechanisms against USB-specific attacks work at the application layer of the USB protocol stack and, therefore, can only provide partial protection, assuming that the host is not itself compromised. Toward this end, we propose a USB authentication system designed to identify (and possibly block) heterogeneous USB-based attacks directly from the physical layer. Empirical observations demonstrate that any extraneous/malicious activity initiated by malicious/compromised USB peripherals tends to consume additional electrical power. Driven by this observation, our proposed solution is based on the analysis of the USB power consumption patterns. Valuable power readings can easily be obtained directly by the power lines of the USB connector with low-cost, off-the-shelf equipment. Our experiments demonstrate the ability to effectively distinguish benign from malicious USB devices, as well as USB peripherals from each other, relying on the power side channel. At the core of our analysis lies an Autoencoder model that handles the feature extraction process; this process is paired with a long short-term memory (LSTM) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for detecting malicious peripherals. We meticulously evaluated the effectiveness of our approach and compared its effectiveness against various other shallow machine learning (ML) methods. The results indicate that the proposed scheme can identify USB devices as benign or malicious/counterfeit with a perfect F1-score.