bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dried blood spots analysis of 6β‐hydroxycortisol and cortisol using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for calculating 6β‐hydroxycortisol to cortisol ratio
Authors: Hirano Ryohei , Yokokawa Akitomo , Furihata Tomomi , Shibasaki Hiromi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDried blood spot (DBS) sampling is a minimally invasive method used to collect blood samples of any population for personalized medicine. We aimed to develop a sensitive and reliable analytical method for measuring 6β‐hydroxycortisol (6β‐OHF) and cortisol concentrations in DBS by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry so as to utilize DBS as a less invasive blood sampling method for calculating the ratio of 6β‐OHF/cortisol. The lower limits of quantification obtained using four DBS were 1.08 pg/50 μl for 6β‐OHF and 1.01 pg/50 μl for cortisol. The 6β‐OHF and cortisol in DBS were stable for 28 days at room temperature. The intraday and interday accuracy and precision of the method was <12%. Additionally, the 6β‐OHF and cortisol in DBS were measured before, during, and after 3 days of clarithromycin administration to two of the subjects. Then, their concentration was compared in the plasma and whole blood collected simultaneously. The concentrations of 6β‐OHF and cortisol in four DBS ranged from 0.007 to 0.079 ng/50 μl and from 1.15 to 6.66 ng/50 μl, respectively. The 6β‐OHF/cortisol ratio in DBS decreased by approximately 50% on administering clarithromycin compared with that before the administration of clarithromycin. The 6β‐OHF/cortisol ratio in DBS also showed a strong correlation with that in whole blood (r = 0.9694) and plasma (r = 0.9383). This method provides high accuracy and precision for measuring 6β‐OHF and cortisol in DBS. It also allows the use of DBS instead of plasma for calculating the 6β‐OHF/cortisol ratio. The 6β‐OHF/cortisol ratio could be an index of CYP3A activity in clinical setting.
Age‐ and sex‐specific differences in ACL and ACL bundle size during adolescent growth
Authors: Cone Stephanie G. , Barnes Ryan H. , Howe Danielle , Fordham Lynn A. , Fisher Matthew B. , Spang Jeffrey T. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are increasingly common in adolescents, and injuries in this age‐group are associated with many unique challenges. Recent large animal studies suggest that the size and function of the major bundles of the ACL change differently throughout skeletal growth. To better aid clinical treatment of pediatric partial ACL tears and better predict outcomes from age‐specific treatments, there is a need to measure changes in ACL bundle size in humans during growth. As such, the objective of this study was to compare changes in the length and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the ACL and its primary bundles in adolescent human subjects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were analyzed to determine the visibility and integrity of the ACL and its anteromedial and posterolateral bundles. MRI scans were considered from a retrospective database of subjects ranging from 10 to 18 years of age. The ACL and its anteromedial and posterolateral bundles were segmented and reconstructed into 3D models, and length and CSA were calculated. Total ACL length and CSA were greater in males compared with females, with a statistically significant interaction between age and sex for CSA. Sex had a significant effect on the CSA of both bundles. These sex‐dependent differences emerge with moderate to large effect sizes (range:d = 0.50 tod = 1.23) beginning around 13 years of age. Along with ACL bundle structure–function relationships previously established in preclinical animal models, these findings may point toward biomechanical changes in the adolescent human ACL.
Private jobs and collective employment in China
Authors: Atherton Andrew , Li Zheng , Wu Zhongmin , Teng Weili 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of private sector employment in China in recent years and to provide insight into the effects private sector employment has had on internal variations in growth and development. Our findings indicate a divergence in employment sources in cities and the countryside, a growing spatial divide between areas that rely on state‐owned enterprises for employment, and places where the private sector is an increasingly important employer. We conclude that private enterprises are essential drivers of prosperity in urban China but are less significant for employment or growth in rural areas.
The Impact of Uterine Incision Closure Techniques on Post‐cesarean Delivery Niche Formation and Size
Authors: Antoine Clarel , Meyer Jessica A. , Silverstein Jenna S. , Alexander Jameshisa , Oh Cheongeun , Timor‐Tritsch Ilan E. 
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVETo compare the prevalence and size of residual niche in the nongravid uterus following Cesarean delivery (CD) with different hysterotomy closure techniques (HCTs).METHODSSaline infusion sonohysterogram (SIS) was performed in women after one prior CD, documenting the presence or absence of a postoperative niche and measuring its depth, width, length, and residual myometrial thickness. Women were grouped by HCT: Technique A (endometrium‐free) and Technique B (routine non‐endometrium‐free). The primary outcome was the prevalence of a clinically significant niche, defined as a depth of >2 mm. HCT groups were compared using χ2, T‐test (ANOVA), and analyzed using logistic regression and two‐sided test (P < .05).RESULTSForty‐five women had SIS performed, 25 and 20 via Technique A and B, respectively. Technique groups varied by average interval time from CD to SIS (13.6 versus 74.5 months, P = 0.006) but were otherwise similar. Twenty niches were diagnosed, 85% of which were clinically significant, including five following Technique A, nine following Technique B with double‐layer closure, and three following Technique B with single‐layer (P = .018). The average niche depth was 2.4 mm and 4.9 mm among the two‐layer subgroups following Techniques A and B, respectively (P = .005). A clinically significant niche development was six times higher with Technique B when compared to Technique A (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.6–22.6, P = .008); this significance persisted after controlling for SIS interval on multivariate analysis (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.1–18.3, P = .04). The average niche depth was 5.7 ± 2.9 mm following Technique B with single‐layer.CONCLUSIONHysterotomy closure techniques determine the prevalence of post‐Cesarean delivery niche formation and size. Exclusion of the endometrium at uterine closure reduces the development of significant scar defects.
Cowpeas: Nutritional profile, processing methods and products—A review
Authors: Affrifah Nicole Sharon , Phillips R. Dixon , Saalia Firibu Kwesi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important pulse crop grown in sub‐Saharan Africa and in parts of Asia and the Americas. It is a major starchy legume consumed widely in sub‐Saharan Africa as an affordable source of nutrients including protein. The global production of cowpeas has increased 2.7‐folds since 2000. Cowpea is a nutritious food source, rich in protein, digestible and nondigestible carbohydrates, and potassium with very low lipids and sodium content. Cowpeas also contain a number of essential amino acids, and polyphenols with antioxidant activity. The main objectives of this review are to provide information on the nutritional composition of cowpeas, processing techniques used, and consequent effect on nutritional and sensory quality. It focuses on specific processing techniques including traditional processes and the production of cowpea‐based ingredients for potential industrial applications. Additionally, an extensive review of typical foods made from cowpeas is included. Recent developments in cowpea research, notably the use of novel processes and product applications, have also been reviewed.
Ion scanning or ion trapping: Why not both?
Authors: Raffaelli Andrea , Saba Alessandro 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present contribution describes analogies and differences between the quadrupolar ion trap (QIT) and the quadrupole mass analyzers, shows the potentialities of their combination in a single instrument and presents a review of applications of such a technology in different fields. The first section describes the quadrupole mass filter (QMF), outlining its principles of operation and the ion sorting procedure according to the use of oscillating electric fields inducing stable trajectories to the ions allowing them to reach the detector. Multiple quadrupole systems (normally triple quadrupoles) are then explained, showing their use in tandem mass spectrometry in space experiments (MS/MS‐in‐space). QIT principles of operation are then examined, pointing out that in this case the use of the same combination of oscillating electric fields takes advantage of unstable ion trajectories for their sorting. Substantially, analogies and differences between QMF and QIT come out, which consist in the fact that QMF is a scanning mass analyzer, whereas QIT is a sequential mass analyzer. In addition, the section underlines that QIT is capable to perform tandem mass spectrometry in time experiments (MS/MS‐in‐time). Later, the possibility to use a quadrupole as a trapping system with a prevailing dimension (linear ion trap [LIT]) is taken into consideration, and the possibility to combine both QMF and LIT in a single instrument, a QTrap mass spectrometer, is illustrated. In this frame, a lot more experiment types are possible with respect to both standalone triple quadrupoles and LIT, and they are described as well. Several combinations of these QTrap features can be used in information dependent acquisition (IDA) mode, allowing the high versatility of this instrumental configuration. The second section deals with a review of applications in different fields. These are organized by kind of QTrap and IDA features and cover different topics in biological, medical, agrochemical, nutritional and environmental fields.
Estimating present‐day European seasonal mean rainfall by combining historical data and climate model simulations, for risk assessment
Authors: Jewson Stephen , Comola Francesco , Parkes Ben 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBuilding risk models for present‐day climate requires an understanding of recent climate trends. To estimate the climate change driven component of recent rainfall trends in Europe, we introduce a novel methodology for combining trend estimates from observed data, a climate model ensemble and a default trend of zero. The methodology weights the different trend estimates based on their uncertainty and consistency with observations. We find that the methodology puts low weights on the observational estimates of recent rainfall trends because they are so uncertain and puts higher weights on the trends estimated using the climate model ensemble mean and the default trend of zero. This demonstrates the value of ensemble simulations of past climate for this application. The methodology we describe establishes a probabilistic framework for estimating uncertain climate change trends based on combining estimates from observed data and climate models and could be applied in many other situations.
Lung‐CRNet: A convolutional recurrent neural network for lung 4DCT image registration
Authors: Lu Jiayi , Jin Renchao , Song Enmin , Ma Guangzhi , Wang Manyang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeDeformable image registration (DIR) of lung four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) plays a vital role in a wide range of clinical applications. Most of the existing deep learning–based lung 4DCT DIR methods focus on pairwise registration which aims to register two images with large deformation. However, the temporal continuities of deformation fields between phases are ignored. This paper proposes a fast and accurate deep learning–based lung 4DCT DIR approach that leverages the temporal component of 4DCT images.MethodsWe present Lung‐CRNet, an end‐to‐end convolutional recurrent registration neural network for lung 4DCT images and reformulate 4DCT DIR as a spatiotemporal sequence predicting problem in which the input is a sequence of three‐dimensional computed tomography images from the inspiratory phase to the expiratory phase in a respiratory cycle. The first phase in the sequence is selected as the only reference image and the rest as moving images. Multiple convolutional gated recurrent units (ConvGRUs) are stacked to capture the temporal clues between images. The proposed network is trained in an unsupervised way using a spatial transformer layer. During inference, Lung‐CRNet is able to yield the respective displacement field for each reference‐moving image pair in the input sequence.ResultsWe have trained the proposed network using a publicly available lung 4DCT dataset and evaluated performance on the widely used the DIR‐Lab dataset. The mean and standard deviation of target registration error are 1.56 1.05 mm on the DIR‐Lab dataset. The computation time for each forward prediction is less than 1 s on average.ConclusionsThe proposed Lung‐CRNet is comparable to the existing state‐of‐the‐art deep learning‐based 4DCT DIR methods in both accuracy and speed. Additionally, the architecture of Lung‐CRNet can be generalized to suit other groupwise registration tasks which align multiple images simultaneously.
Augmenting zero trust architecture to endpoints using blockchain: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Alevizos Lampis , Ta Vinh Thong , Hashem Eiza Max 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWith the purpose of defending against lateral movement in today's borderless networks, zero trust architecture (ZTA) adoption is gaining momentum. With a full‐scale ZTA implementation, it is unlikely that adversaries will be able to spread through the network starting from a compromised endpoint. However, the already authenticated and authorized session of a compromised endpoint can be leveraged to carry out limited, though malicious, activities ultimately rendering the endpoints the Achilles heel of ZTA. To effectively detect such attacks, distributed collaborative intrusion detection systems with an attack scenario‐based approach have been developed. Nonetheless, advanced persistent threats have demonstrated their ability to bypass this approach with a high success ratio. As a result, adversaries can pass undetected or potentially alter the detection logging mechanisms to achieve a stealthy presence. Recently, blockchain technology has demonstrated solid use cases in the cyber security domain. In this paper, motivated by the convergence of ZTA and blockchain‐based intrusion detection and prevention, we examine how ZTA can be augmented onto endpoints. Namely, we perform a state‐of‐the‐art review of ZTA models, real‐world architectures with a focus on endpoints, and blockchain‐based intrusion detection systems. We discuss the potential of blockchain's immutability fortifying the detection process and identify open challenges as well as potential solutions and future directions.
Hot needles can confirm accurate lesion sampling intraoperatively using [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT-guided biopsy in patients with suspected prostate cancer
Authors: Ferraro Daniela A. , Laudicella Riccardo , Zeimpekis Konstantinos , Mebert Iliana , Müller Julian , Maurer Alexander , Grünig Hannes , Donati Olivio , Sapienza Marcelo T. , Rueschoff Jan H. , Rupp Niels , Eberli Daniel , Burger Irene A. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET is increasingly used for staging prostate cancer (PCa) with high accuracy to detect significant PCa (sigPCa). [68 Ga]PSMA-11 PET/MRI-guided biopsy showed promising results but also persisting limitation of sampling error, due to impaired image fusion. We aimed to assess the possibility of intraoperative quantification of [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT uptake in core biopsies as an instant confirmation for accurate lesion sampling.

Methods
In this IRB-approved, prospective, proof-of-concept study, we included five consecutive patients with suspected PCa. All underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT scans followed by immediate PET/CT-guided and saturation template biopsy (3.1 ± 0.3 h after PET). The activity in biopsy cores was measured as counts per minute (cpm) in a gamma spectrometer. Pearson’s test was used to correlate counts with histopathology (WHO/ISUP), tumor length, and membranous PSMA expression on immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results
In 43 of 113 needles, PCa was present. The mean cpm was overall significantly higher in needles with PCa (263 ± 396 cpm) compared to needles without PCa (73 ± 44 cpm, p < 0.001). In one patient with moderate PSMA uptake (SUVmax 8.7), 13 out of 24 needles had increased counts (100–200 cpm) but only signs of inflammation and PSMA expression in benign glands on IHC. Excluding this case, ROC analysis resulted in an AUC of 0.81, with an optimal cut-off to confirm PCa at 75 cpm (sens/spec of 65.1%/87%). In all 4 patients with PCa, the first or second PSMA PET-guided needle was positive for sigPCa with high counts (156–2079 cpm).

Conclusions
[18F]PSMA-1007 uptake in PCa can be used to confirm accurate lesion sampling of the dominant tumor intraoperatively. This technique could improve confidence in imaging-based biopsy guidance and reduce the need for saturation biopsy.

Trial registration number
NCT03187990, 15/06/2017.
Aortic root diameter is associated with HLA-B27: identifying the patient with ankylosing spondylitis at risk for aortic valve regurgitation
Authors: Baniaamam M. , Heslinga S. C. , Konings T. C. , Handoko M. L. , Kamp O. , van Halm V. P. , van der Horst-Bruinsma I. E. , Nurmohamed M. T. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo assess the association between the aortic root diameter in HLA-B27 positive (+) and HLA-B27 negative (−) ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients from the CARDAS cohort. The CARDAS study is a cross-sectional study in AS patients between 50 and 75 years who were recruited from a large rheumatology outpatient clinic. Patients underwent cardiovascular screening including echocardiography, with 2D, spectral, and color flow Doppler measurements. The aortic root was measured at sinuses of Valsalva during diastole. The aortic root diameter was adjusted for body surface area (BSA) (aortic root index, cm/m2). 193 Consecutive AS patients were included of whom 158 (82%) were HLA-B27 positive. The aortic root index was significantly higher in HLA-B27 + patients compared to HLA-B27− patients, respectively, 1.76 cm ± 0.21 vs. 1.64 cm ± 0.14, p < 0.001. No difference was seen in the prevalence of aortic valve regurgitation (AVR), p = 0.8. Regression analysis showed a significant association between HLA-B27 and aortic root index corrected for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors (β 0.091, 95% CI 0.015–0.168, p = 0.02). Especially, male HLA-B27 + patients had a significantly increased aortic root index compared to male HLA-B27− AS patients, respectively, 1.76 cm (1.63–1.88) and 1.59 cm (1.53–1.68), p < 0.001. We found an increased aortic root index in elderly HLA-B27 + AS patients compared to HLA-B27− AS patients, especially in male patients. No difference was seen in the prevalence of AVR. However, as AVR can be progressive, echocardiographic monitoring in elderly male HLA-B27 + AS might be considered.
Acute symptomatic seizures in the emergency room: predictors and characteristics
Authors: Reinecke Lili C. S. , Doerrfuss Jakob I. , Kowski Alexander B. , Holtkamp Martin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
When treating patients with epileptic seizures in the emergency room (ER), it is of paramount importance to rapidly assess whether the seizure was acute symptomatic or unprovoked as the former points to a potentially life-threatening underlying condition. In this study, we seek to identify predictors and analyze characteristics of acute symptomatic seizures (ASS).

Methods
Data from patients presenting with seizures to highly frequented ERs of two sites of a university hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Seizures were classified as acute symptomatic or unprovoked according to definitions of the International League Against Epilepsy. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to identify predictors; furthermore, characteristics of ASS were assessed.

Results
Finally, 695 patients were included, 24.5% presented with ASS. Variables independently associated with ASS comprised male sex (OR 3.173, 95% CI 1.972–5.104), no prior diagnosis of epilepsy (OR 11.235, 95% CI 7.195–17.537), and bilateral/generalized tonic–clonic seizure semiology (OR 2.982, 95% CI 1.172–7.588). Alcohol withdrawal was the most common cause of ASS (74.1%), with hemorrhagic stroke being the second most prevalent etiology. Neuroimaging was performed more often in patients with the final diagnosis of ASS than in those with unprovoked seizures (82.9% vs. 67.2%, p < 0.001). Patients with ASS were more likely to receive acute antiseizure medication in the ER (55.9% vs. 30.3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
In one quarter of patients presenting to the ER after an epileptic fit, the seizure had an acute symptomatic genesis. The independently associated variables may help to early identify ASS and initiate management of the underlying condition.
Trends in mortality after intensive care of patients with traumatic brain injury in Finland from 2003 to 2019: a Finnish Intensive Care Consortium study
Authors: Luostarinen Teemu , Vehviläinen Juho , Lindfors Matias , Reinikainen Matti , Bendel Stepani , Laitio Ruut , Hoppu Sanna , Ala-Kokko Tero , Skrifvars Markus , Raj Rahul 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Several studies have suggested no change in the outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) treated in intensive care units (ICUs). This is mainly due to the shift in TBI epidemiology toward older and sicker patients. In Finland, the share of the population aged 65 years and over has increased the most in Europe during the last decade. We aimed to assess changes in 12-month and hospital mortality of patients with TBI treated in the ICU in Finland.

Methods
We used a national benchmarking ICU database (Finnish Intensive Care Consortium) to study adult patients who had been treated for TBI in four tertiary ICUs in Finland during 2003–2019. We divided admission years into quartiles and used multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted for case-mix, to assess the association between admission year and mortality.

Results
A total of 4535 patients were included. Between 2003–2007 and 2016–2019, the patient median age increased from 54 to 62 years, the share of patients having significant comorbidity increased from 8 to 11%, and patients being dependent on help in activities of daily living increased from 7 to 15%. Unadjusted hospital and 12-month mortality decreased from 18 and 31% to 10% and 23%, respectively. After adjusting for case-mix, a reduction in odds of 12-month and hospital mortality was seen in patients with severe TBI, intracranial pressure monitored patients, and mechanically ventilated patients. Despite a reduction in hospital mortality, 12-month mortality remained unchanged in patients aged ≥ 70 years.

Conclusion
A change in the demographics of ICU-treated patients with TBI care is evident. The outcome of younger patients with severe TBI appears to improve, whereas long-term mortality of elderly patients with less severe TBI has not improved. This has ramifications for further efforts to improve TBI care, especially among the elderly.