bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative CT perfusion imaging in patients with pancreatic cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Perik T. H. , van Genugten E. A. J. , Aarntzen E. H. J. G. , Smit E. J. , Huisman H. J. , Hermans J. J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death with a 5-year survival rate of 10%. Quantitative CT perfusion (CTP) can provide additional diagnostic information compared to the limited accuracy of the current standard, contrast-enhanced CT (CECT). This systematic review evaluates CTP for diagnosis, grading, and treatment assessment of PDAC. The secondary goal is to provide an overview of scan protocols and perfusion models used for CTP in PDAC. The search strategy combined synonyms for ‘CTP’ and ‘PDAC.’ Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched from January 2000 to December 2020 for studies using CTP to evaluate PDAC. The risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2. 607 abstracts were screened, of which 29 were selected for full-text eligibility. 21 studies were included in the final analysis with a total of 760 patients. All studies comparing PDAC with non-tumorous parenchyma found significant CTP-based differences in blood flow (BF) and blood volume (BV). Two studies found significant differences between pathological grades. Two other studies showed that BF could predict neoadjuvant treatment response. A wide variety in kinetic models and acquisition protocol was found among included studies. Quantitative CTP shows a potential benefit in PDAC diagnosis and can serve as a tool for pathological grading and treatment assessment; however, clinical evidence is still limited. To improve clinical use, standardized acquisition and reconstruction parameters are necessary for interchangeability of the perfusion parameters.
Graphic abstract
Aerofoil self-noise radiations subjected to serration flap angles
Authors: Woodhead P. C. , Chong T. P. , Joseph P. F. , Vathylakis A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Besides the investigation of the aeroacoustics responses of an asymmetric aerofoil subjected to serrated trailing edge flap angles from negative (flap-down) to positive (flap-up), this paper also provides a new perspective on the physical mechanisms of broadband noise reduction by a serrated trailing edge. The blade-loading effect, which is a function of the length and flap angle for a straight/non-serrated trailing edge flat plate, plays a considerable role in the self-noise radiation that is hitherto less recognised. When the same trailing edge flat plate is cut into a sawtooth serration shape, the self-noise reduction will be underpinned simultaneously by both the serration effect (dominant) and the blade-loading effect. The results demonstrate that the far-field radiation of a serrated aerofoil can be manipulated significantly depending on the direction of the flap angle. In the flap-down configuration, the blade-loading will become a negative factor that causes a deterioration of the noise reduction performance across the entire frequency range. In the flap-up configuration, three spectral frequencies zones can be defined. At the low-frequency zone, the diminished cross-flow at the sawtooth gaps will impede the noise reduction capability. At the central-frequency zone, the re-distribution of the turbulence sources and reduction in the turbulence spanwise length scales will enhance the noise reduction performance. Improvement in the noise performance can also be achieved at the high-frequency zone owing to the lack of interaction between the cross-flow and sawtooth structure. A new concept is positively demonstrated by varying the serration flap angle as a periodic function across the spanwise direction (spanwise wavy serration). When compared to a non-flap serrated trailing edge, the spanwise wavy serration is found to further increase the noise reduction level between the central and high-frequency regions.

Graphic abstract
Salvage carbon dioxide transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer after (chemo)radiotherapy: a European Laryngological Society consensus statement
Authors: Piazza Cesare , Paderno Alberto , Sjogren Elisabeth V. , Bradley Patrick J. , Eckel Hans E. , Mäkitie Antti , Matar Nayla , Paleri Vinidh , Peretti Giorgio , Puxeddu Roberto , Quer Miquel , Remacle Marc , Vander Poorten Vincent , Vilaseca Isabel , Simo Ricard 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To provide expert opinion and consensus on salvage carbon dioxide transoral laser microsurgery (CO2 TOLMS) for recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) after (chemo)radiotherapy [(C)RT].

Methods
Expert members of the European Laryngological Society (ELS) Cancer and Dysplasia Committee were selected to create a dedicated panel on salvage CO2 TOLMS for LSCC. A series of statements regarding the critical aspects of decision-making were drafted, circulated, and modified or excluded in accordance with the Delphi process.

Results
The expert panel reached full consensus on 19 statements through a total of three sequential evaluation rounds. These statements were focused on different aspects of salvage CO2 TOLMS, with particular attention on preoperative diagnostic work-up, treatment indications, postoperative management, complications, functional outcomes, and follow-up.

Conclusion
Management of recurrent LSCC after (C)RT is challenging and is based on the need to find a balance between oncologic and functional outcomes. Salvage CO2 TOLMS is a minimally invasive approach that can be applied to selected patients with strict and careful indications. Herein, a series of statements based on an ELS expert consensus aimed at guiding the main aspects of CO2 TOLMS for LSCC in the salvage setting is presented.
An unusual suicide by self-waterboarding: forensic pathological issues
Authors: Galante Nicola , Terzi Marco , Gentile Guendalina , Tambuzzi Stefano , Zoja Riccardo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe authors present the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of a preplanned suicide by self-waterboarding. Waterboarding (WB) is a military method of torture in which water is poured into the nostrils and the mouth of a victim, to evoke the sensation of asphyxiation by drowning. The victim was a 22-year-old male student, who was found dead and naked in the bathtub. His head was covered by a soaked canvas bag, and his hands were tied with two nylon ropes and a padlock. The water jet of the showerhead was specifically directed at the victim’s head, so that the canvas bag could be soaked with water. The cause of death was defined as the combination of asphyxiation by drowning with the direct suffocation provoked by the soaked canvas bag in the context of the waterboarding practice. Finally, the authors discuss the differential diagnosis regarding the modality (suicide versus homicide) through which this case of waterboarding was performed. The case is intended to be used as source data for similar forensic cases, where a multidisciplinary approach is advisable in such complex cases.
Cadaver surgical training in Japan: its past, present, and ideal future perspectives
Authors: Shichinohe Toshiaki , Kobayashi Eiji 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe framework for cadaver surgical training (CST) in Japan was established in 2012, based on the “Guidelines for Cadaver Dissection in Education and Research of Clinical Medicine” of the Japan Surgical Society (JSS) and the Japanese Association of Anatomists. Subsequently, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare allocated funding from its budget for CST. By 2019, CST was being practiced in 33 medical schools and universities. Currently, the CST Promotion Committee of the JSS reviews each CST report submitted by medical schools and universities and provides guidance based on professional autonomy. This paper outlines the history of CST in Japan and presents a plan for its future. To sustain and oversee CST implementation, an operating organization, funded by stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic societies, and private companies, is needed.
Milestones in genetics of cerebellar ataxias
Authors: Krygier Magdalena , Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska Maria 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCerebellar ataxias (CAs) comprise a group of rare, neurological disorders characterized by extensive phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The core clinical feature is the cerebellar syndrome, which is often accompanied by other neurological or non-neurological signs. In the last 30 years, our understanding of the CA etiology has increased significantly, and numerous ataxia-associated genes have been discovered. Conventional variants or tandem repeat expansions, localized in the coding or non-coding DNA sequences, lead to hereditary ataxia, which can display different patterns of inheritance. Advances in molecular techniques have enabled a rapid and cost-effective detection of causative variants in a significant number of CA patients. However, despite performing extensive investigations, a definite diagnosis is still unknown in the majority of affected individuals. In this review, we discuss the major advances in the genetics of CAs over the last 30 years, focusing on the impact of next-generation sequencing on the genetic landscape of childhood- and adult-onset CAs. Additionally, we outline possible directions for further genetic research in hereditary and sporadic CAs in the era of increasing application of whole-genome sequencing and genome-wide association studies in various neurological disorders.
Activation of AQP2 water channels by protein kinase A: therapeutic strategies for congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Ando Fumiaki 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is primarily caused by loss-of-function mutations in the vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R). Renal unresponsiveness to the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin impairs aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel activity and water reabsorption from urine, resulting in polyuria. Currently available symptomatic treatments inadequately reduce patients’ excessive amounts of urine excretion, threatening their quality of life. In the past 25 years, vasopressin/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) has been believed to be the most important signaling pathway for AQP2 activation. Although cAMP production without vasopressin is the reasonable therapeutic strategy for congenital NDI caused by V2R mutations, the efficacy of candidate drugs on AQP2 activation is far less than that of vasopressin.

Results
Intracellular distribution and activity of PKA are largely controlled by its scaffold proteins, A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). Dissociating the binding of AKAPs and PKA significantly increased PKA activity in the renal collecting ducts and activated AQP2 phosphorylation and trafficking. Remarkably, the AKAPs–PKA disruptor FMP-API-1 increased transcellular water permeability in isolated renal collecting ducts to the same extent as vasopressin. Moreover, derivatives of FMP-API-1 possessed much more high potency. FMP-API-1/27 is the first low-molecular-weight compound to be discovered that can phosphorylate AQP2 more effectively than preexisting drug candidates.

Conclusion
AKAP-PKA disruptors are a promising therapeutic target for congenital NDI. In this article, we shall discuss the pathophysiological roles of PKA and novel strategies to activate PKA in renal collecting ducts.
Strategy for fast manufacturing of 3D hydrodynamic focusing multilayer microfluidic chips and its application for flow-based synthesis of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Seidel Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFabrication of 3D microfluidic devices is normally quite expensive and tedious. A strategy was established to rapidly and effectively produce multilayer 3D microfluidic chips which are made of two layers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sheets and three layers of double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes. The channel structures were cut in each layer by cutting plotter before assembly. The structured channels were covered by a PMMA sheet on top and a PMMA carrier which contained threads to connect with tubing. A large variety of PMMA slides and PSA tapes can easily be designed and cut with the help of a cutting plotter. The microfluidic chip was manually assembled by a simple lamination process.The complete fabrication process from device design concept to working device can be completed in minutes without the need of expensive equipment such as laser, thermal lamination, and cleanroom. This rapid frabrication method was applied for design of a 3D hydrodynamic focusing device for synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as proof-of-concept. The fouling of AuNPs was prevented by means of a sheath flow. Different parameters such as flow rate and concentration of reagents were controlled to achieve AuNPs of various sizes. The sheet-based fabrication method offers a possibility to create complex microfluidic devices in a rapid, cheap and easy way.
Vagueness in Medicine: On Disciplinary Indistinctness, Fuzzy Phenomena, Vague Concepts, Uncertain Knowledge, and Fact-Value-Interaction
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article investigates five kinds of vagueness in medicine: disciplinary, ontological, conceptual, epistemic, and vagueness with respect to descriptive-prescriptive connections. First, medicine is a discipline with unclear borders, as it builds on a wide range of other disciplines and subjects. Second, medicine deals with many indistinct phenomena resulting in borderline cases. Third, medicine uses a variety of vague concepts, making it unclear which situations, conditions, and processes that fall under them. Fourth, medicine is based on and produces uncertain knowledge and evidence. Fifth, vagueness emerges in medicine as a result of a wide range of fact-value-interactions. The various kinds of vagueness in medicine can explain many of the basic challenges of modern medicine, such as overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, and medicalization. Even more, it illustrates how complex and challenging the field of medicine is, but also how important contributions from the philosophy can be for the practice of medicine. By clarifying and, where possible, reducing or limiting vagueness, philosophy can help improving care. Reducing the various types of vagueness can improve clinical decision-making, informing individuals, and health policy making.
Toward autonomous robotic prostate biopsy: a pilot study
Authors: Maris Bogdan , Tenga Chiara , Vicario Rudy , Palladino Luigi , Murr Noe , De Piccoli Michela , Calanca Andrea , Puliatti Stefano , Micali Salvatore , Tafuri Alessandro , Fiorini Paolo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Purpose

We present the validation of PROST, a robotic device for prostate biopsy. PROST is designed to minimize human error by introducing some autonomy in the execution of the key steps of the procedure, i.e., target selection, image fusion and needle positioning. The robot allows executing a targeted biopsy through ultrasound (US) guidance and fusion with magnetic resonance (MR) images, where the target was defined.

Methods

PROST is a parallel robot with 4 degrees of freedom (DOF) to orient the needle and 1 DOF to rotate the US probe. We reached a calibration error of less than 2 mm, computed as the difference between the needle positioning in robot coordinates and in the US image. The autonomy of the robot is given by the image analysis software, which employs deep learning techniques, the integrated image fusion algorithms and automatic computation of the needle trajectory. For safety reasons, the insertion of the needle is assigned to the doctor.

Results

System performance was evaluated in terms of positioning accuracy. Tests were performed on a 3D printed object with nine 2-mm spherical targets and on an anatomical commercial phantom that simulates human prostate with three lesions and the surrounding structures. The average accuracy reached in the laboratory experiments was $$ 1.30 \pm 0.44\, \text {mm}$$

1.30
±
0.44

mm

in the first test and $$ 1.54 \pm 0.34\, \text {mm}$$

1.54
±
0.34

mm

in the second test.

Conclusions

We introduced a first prototype of a prostate biopsy robot that has the potential to increase the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and, by including some level of autonomy, to simplify the procedure, to reduce human errors and shorten training time. The use of a robot for the biopsy of the prostate will create the possibility to include also a treatment, such as focal ablation, to be delivered through the same system.
A systematic review on AI/ML approaches against COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Dogan Onur , Tiwari Sanju , Jabbar M. A. , Guggari Shankru 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA pandemic disease, COVID-19, has caused trouble worldwide by infecting millions of people. The studies that apply artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods for various purposes against the COVID-19 outbreak have increased because of their significant advantages. Although AI/ML applications provide satisfactory solutions to COVID-19 disease, these solutions can have a wide diversity. This increase in the number of AI/ML studies and diversity in solutions can confuse deciding which AI/ML technique is suitable for which COVID-19 purposes. Because there is no comprehensive review study, this study systematically analyzes and summarizes related studies. A research methodology has been proposed to conduct the systematic literature review for framing the research questions, searching criteria and relevant data extraction. Finally, 264 studies were taken into account after following inclusion and exclusion criteria. This research can be regarded as a key element for epidemic and transmission prediction, diagnosis and detection, and drug/vaccine development. Six research questions are explored with 50 AI/ML approaches in COVID-19, 8 AI/ML methods for patient outcome prediction, 14 AI/ML techniques in disease predictions, along with five AI/ML methods for risk assessment of COVID-19. It also covers AI/ML method in drug development, vaccines for COVID-19, models in COVID-19, datasets and their usage and dataset applications with AI/ML.
DRAC: a delta recurrent neural network-based arithmetic coding algorithm for edge computing
Authors: Shan Bowei , Fang Yong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper develops an arithmetic coding algorithm based on delta recurrent neural network for edge computing devices called DRAC. Our algorithm is implemented on a Xilinx Zynq 7000 Soc board. We evaluate DRAC with four datasets and compare it with the state-of-the-art compressor DeepZip. The experimental results show that DRAC outperforms DeepZip and achieves 5X speedup ratio and 20X power consumption saving.
Can Person-Centred, Strength Based Programmes Impact on Parents’ Engagement in Education?
Authors: Wilson Suzanne 
Published: July 2021

AbstractParental responsibility is often the focus of research and policy surrounding closing the attainment gap between low-income students and their wealthier peers. This article describes a pilot intervention programme which aimed to enable better parental support of their children with their schoolwork and educational engagement. Through interviews with the parents and facilitators involved with the pilot, this article provides an example of how strength-based interventions can promote parental engagement in education in marginalised groups, such as families considered disadvantaged. The programme consisted of six one-to-one sessions with 25 parents. Semi-structured interviews with five parents and four facilitators revealed that parents reported increased self-efficacy and confidence in supporting their children’s education. Key features of the programme contributing to sustainable changes were the programmes person-centred approach and the use of strength-based strategies. The qualitative analysis provides only short-term accounts of behavioral change, but despite these shortcomings the results provide tentative evidence for the efficacy of a brief solution focused programme in supporting low-income parents’ engagement. More research is needed using larger sample sizes with longer data collection periods.
Mild cognitive impairment: when nutrition helps brain energy rescue—a report from the EuGMS 2020 Congress
Authors: Cunnane Stephen C. , Sieber Cornel C. , Swerdlow Russell H. , Cruz-Jentoft Alfonso J. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a decline in cognition and mainly affects older individuals above the age of 60. The global incidence of MCI varies, but it is often underdiagnosed and untreated. There is a distinct lack of approved pharmacologic options to treat MCI. There is, however, evidence to support the efficacy of nutritional interventions, such as ketogenic supplements/diets, which offer ketones as an alternative energy source to brain cells. This article explores the effect of ketones on metabolic activity in the brain and the mechanisms by which ketogenic medium-chain triglycerides (kMCTs) induce ketosis in patients with MCI.

Key takeaways
This article reviews the effect of ketogenic supplements/diets on brain metabolism, including evidence supporting the efficacy of ketones as an efficient fuel for the brain. It discusses the use of oral nutritional ketogenic supplements, with particular reference to the 6-month randomized controlled BENEFIC trial, which showed that consumption of a kMCT drink, BrainXpert Energy Complex, improved cognitive performance in individuals with MCI compared with placebo.

Conclusion
While there is a need for more long-term studies, results from the BENEFIC trial revealed the benefits of a brain-specific ketogenic supplement, as a nutritional intervention, on cognitive performance in individuals with MCI.
Life satisfaction and sustainability: a policy framework
Authors: Barrington-Leigh Christopher P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe growing maturity of the “science of happiness” raises the prospect of enabling government policy to be more accountable to the measurable subjective experience of the population. In its ideal form, the application of this science promises to inform decision makers about the likely distribution of life satisfaction resulting from any prospective policy, allowing for the selection of more optimal policy. Such “budgeting for wellbeing” invites three natural objections, beyond normative quibbles with the subjective objective: (1) non-incremental changes are unlikely in large bureaucracies, so a new accounting system for devising and costing government policies and budgets is too radical, (2) governments do not have an authoritative set of credible cost/benefit coefficients to use in analysis, and (3) long-run objectives, risks, and environmental considerations cannot be feasibly captured in quantitative projections of human subjective wellbeing. Three institutions are needed to address these challenges. I describe (a) an evolving collection of largely objective indicators for monitoring progress, with life satisfaction providing quantitative structure and overarching visibility to the system, (b) a publicly curated, evidence-based Database of Happiness Coefficients, and (c) independent public agencies that decide on a growing list of material constraints on the economy. Rather than overwhelmingly novel, these features have antecedents and analogues. Moreover, most civil service decision-making and projection-making apparatuses need not change. Also, there will be no less room nor less need for political debate and platforms. While shifting society to human-centred measures of progress may be radically transformative in the long run, it can be initiated smoothly and non-disruptively.