bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal cord fMRI with MB‐SWIFT for assessing epidural spinal cord stimulation in rats
Authors: Laakso Hanne , Lehto Lauri J. , Paasonen Jaakko , Salo Raimo , Canna Antonietta , Lavrov Igor , Michaeli Shalom , Gröhn Olli , Mangia Silvia 
Published: May 2021

PurposeElectrical epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used as a treatment for chronic pain as well as to partially restore motor function after a spinal cord injury. Monitoring the spinal cord activity during SCS with fMRI could provide important and objective measures of integrative responses to treatment. Unfortunately, spinal cord fMRI is severely challenged by motion and susceptibility artifacts induced by the implanted electrode and bones. This pilot study introduces multi‐band sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (MB‐SWIFT) technique for spinal cord fMRI during SCS in rats. Given the close to zero acquisition delay and high bandwidth in 3 dimensions, MB‐SWIFT is demonstrated to be highly tolerant to motion and susceptibility‐induced artifacts and thus holds promise for fMRI during SCS.MethodsMB‐SWIFT with 0.78 × 0.78 × 1.50 mm3 spatial resolution and 3‐s temporal resolution was used at 9.4 Tesla in rats undergoing epidural SCS at different frequencies. Its performance was compared with spin echo EPI. The origin of the functional contrast was also explored using suppression bands.ResultsMB‐SWIFT was tolerant to electrode‐induced artifacts and respiratory motion, leading to substantially higher fMRI sensitivity than spin echo fMRI. Clear stimulation frequency‐dependent responses to SCS were detected in the rat spinal cord close to the stimulation site. The origin of MB‐SWIFT fMRI signals was consistent with dominant inflow effects.ConclusionfMRI of the rat spinal cord during SCS can be consistently achieved with MB‐SWIFT, thus providing a valuable experimental framework for assessing the effects of SCS on the central nervous system.
Assessment of myofiber microstructure changes due to atrophy and recovery with time‐dependent diffusion MRI
Authors: Lemberskiy Gregory , Feiweier Thorsten , Gyftopoulos Soterios , Axel Leon , Novikov Dmitry S. , Fieremans Els 
Published: May 2021

Current clinical MRI evaluation of musculature largely focuses on nonquantitative assessments (including T1‐, T2‐ and PD‐weighted images), which may vary greatly between imaging systems and readers. This work aims to determine the efficacy of a quantitative approach to study the microstructure of muscles at the cellular level with the random permeable barrier model (RPBM) applied to time‐dependent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for varying diffusion time. Patients (N = 15, eight males and seven females) with atrophied calf muscles due to immobilization of one leg in a nonweight‐bearing cast, were enrolled after providing informed consent. Their calf muscles were imaged with stimulated echo diffusion for DTI, T1‐mapping and RPBM modeling. Specifically, After cast removal, both calf muscles (atrophied and contralateral control leg) were imaged with MRI for all patients, with follow‐up scans to monitor recovery of the atrophied leg for six patients after 4 and 8 weeks. We compare RPBM‐derived microstructural metrics: myofiber diameter, a, and sarcolemma permeability, κ, along with macroscopic anatomical parameters (muscle cross‐sectional area, fiber orientation, <θ>, and T1 relaxation). ROC analysis was used to compare parameters between control and atrophied muscle, while the Friedman test was used to evaluate the atrophied muscle longitudinally. We found that the RPBM framework enables measurement of microstructural parameters from diffusion time‐dependent DTI, of which the myofiber diameter is a stronger predictor of intramuscular morphological changes than either macroscopic (anatomical) measurements or empirical diffusion parameters. This work demonstrates the potential of RPBM to assess pathological changes in musculature that seem undetectable with standard diffusion and anatomical MRI.
Development and validation of the information needs questionnaire for differentiated thyroid cancer patient with radioactive iodine therapy (INQ‐DTC)
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Limei , Liu Dongling , Zhu Tingting , Gao Qiaoqiao , Chen Hui , Ma Ling , Li Jiayin , Wang Zichen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to develop and validate the psychometric properties of Information Needs Questionnaire for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (INQ‐DTC) in DTC patients with radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.DesignMixed methods.MethodsUsing qualitative methods, we developed the initial questionnaire from a personal perspective of information needs of 15 patients with DTC. We used a formal Delphi consensus process to help assess the initial questionnaire and provide recommendations for its application. Totally, 230 DTC patients with RAI therapy were selected for the process of validation.ResultsThe final version of INQ‐DTC contains 33 items. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.945, the total split‐half reliability was 0.822, and the test‐retest value was 0.984 for the overall score. Exploratory factor analysis extracted 5 factors, which could explain 61.86% of the total variance. The Scale‐level content validity index (S‐CVI) was 0.928, and 0.929 for the item‐level content validity index (I‐CVI).
The processes of hospital discharge and recovery after blunt thoracic injuries: The patient’s perspective
Authors: Baker Edward , Xyrichis Andreas , Norton Christine , Hopkins Philip , Lee Geraldine 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to explore hospital discharge processes and the self‐management of recovery in the early post‐discharge period after blunt thoracic injury from a patient perspective.DesignQualitative interview study.MethodsInterviews were conducted with participants recruited from 8 sites across England and Wales between November 2019–May 2020. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted between 5–8 weeks after hospital discharge, and in total, 14 interviews were undertaken. These interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic coding.ResultsThree main themes were identified from the analysis: (a) challenges in the discharge process, (b) coping at home after discharge and (c) managing medications at home. Pain was a dominant thread running throughout all themes which represented an important quality and safety concern for all participants. Associated concerns included insufficient preparation and education for hospital discharge, ineffective communication and subsequent unsafe use of opioids at home highlighting unmet patient care needs.
BRCA mutation carriers’ perceptions on postmenopausal hormone therapy: An Italian study
Authors: Grandi Giovanni , Boggio Sola Valentina , Cortesi Laura , Toss Angela , Giuliani Giulia Andrea , Del Savio Maria Chiara , Facchinetti Fabio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the actual perceptions of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) in BRCA mutation carriers (BRCAmc) in comparison with women from the general population.MethodsQuestionnaire‐based study of 83 BRCAmc and a control group of 89 women without a genetic mutation. Perceptions were evaluated by specific questions and Likert scales (−5–+5).ResultsPresent and past users of HT were more frequent in the control group (p = 0.01), with a longer time of use (p = 0.03). The preferred route of administration of HT was ‘oral’ (54.6%). The most frequently reported adverse effect of HT was venous thrombosis (0.8), while a protective effect on bone health was reported. No noticeable beneficial effects of HT have been recognised for hot flushes (0.2) and vaginal dryness (0.1). The most frequently perceived beneficial and adverse effects of HT were not significantly different between BRCA mutation carriers and controls. The greatest oncological fear was breast cancer (1.0). The protective role of HT on colorectal cancer was not known (0.1). These oncological impacts were mostly overestimated in BRCAmc, however this was not significant. Few BRCAmc would think of taking HT after risk‐reducing surgeries.ConclusionsKnowledge of the effects of HT on BRCAmc is relatively poor and they are likely to overstate its negative effects and underestimate its health benefits; however, this is not significant in comparison to the general population. More and better information should be given to BRCAmc to allow them to make informed decisions about the use of HT, especially before undergoing risk‐reducing surgeries.
Alleviation of cisplatin‐induced hepatotoxicity by gliclazide: Involvement of oxidative stress and caspase‐3 activity
Authors: Taghizadeh Fatemeh , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Zargari Mehryar , Karimpour Malekshah Abbasali , Mirzaei Mansoureh , Talebpour Amiri Fereshteh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsCisplatin (CP), as an effective alkylating agent, is widely used in cancer treatment, while hepatotoxicity is one of its side effects. Gliclazide (GLZ), as an oral hypoglycemic drug, has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of GLZ against CP‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice.MethodsIn this experimental study, 64 adult male mice randomly were allocated into eight groups (8 mice/group). Control, GLZ (5, 10, and 25 mg/kg, orally), CP (10 mg/kg, single dose, intraperitoneally), and CP+GLZ (in three doses). GLZ was administrated for 10 consecutive days. CP was injected on the 7th day of the study. At the end of the experiment, hepatotoxicity was evaluated by serum and tissue biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessments.ResultsThe data were revealed that CP increased oxidative stress (increased MDA and reduced GSH), liver damage enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), and immunoreactivity of caspase‐3 in liver tissue of CP‐injected mice. Also, CP induced histopathological changes such as eosinophilic of hepatocytes, dilatation of sinusoids, congestion, and proliferation of Kupffer cells. GLZ administration significantly ameliorated serum functional enzyme and hepatic oxidative stress markers in CP‐injected mice. In addition, the histological and immunohistochemical alterations were ameliorated in GLZ‐treated mice. Of the three doses, 10 and 25 mg/kg were more effective.ConclusionsIn conclusion, GLZ with its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic activities, can be suggested as a promising drug in the treatment of CP‐induced hepatotoxicity.
Estimating and comparing adverse event probabilities in the presence of varying follow‐up times and competing events
Authors: Stegherr Regina , Schmoor Claudia , Lübbert Michael , Friede Tim , Beyersmann Jan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSafety analyses of adverse events (AEs) are important in assessing benefit–risk of therapies but are often rather simplistic compared to efficacy analyses. AE probabilities are typically estimated by incidence proportions, sometimes incidence densities or Kaplan–Meier estimation are proposed. These analyses either do not account for censoring, rely on a too restrictive parametric model, or ignore competing events. With the non‐parametric Aalen‐Johansen estimator as the “gold standard”, that is, reference estimator, potential sources of bias are investigated in an example from oncology and in simulations, for both one‐sample and two‐sample scenarios. The Aalen‐Johansen estimator serves as a reference, because it is the proper non‐parametric generalization of the Kaplan–Meier estimator to multiple outcomes. Because of potential large variances at the end of follow‐up, comparisons also consider further quantiles of the observed times. To date, consequences for safety comparisons have hardly been investigated, the impact of using different estimators for group comparisons being unclear. For example, the ratio of two both underestimating or overestimating estimators may not be comparable to the ratio of the reference, and our investigation also considers the ratio of AE probabilities. We find that ignoring competing events is more of a problem than falsely assuming constant hazards by the use of the incidence density and that the choice of the AE probability estimator is crucial for group comparisons.
Measurement, selection, and visualization of association rules: A compositional data perspective
Authors: Vives‐Mestres Marina , Kenett Ron S. , Thió‐Henestrosa Santiago , Martín‐Fernández Josep Antoni 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAssociation rule mining is a powerful data analytic technique used for extracting information from transaction databases with a collection of itemsets. The aim is to indicate what item goes with what item (ie, an association rule) in a set of collected transactions. It is extensively used in text analytics of text records or social media. Here we use Compositional Data analysis (CoDa) techniques to generate new visualizations and insights from association rule mining. These CoDa methods show the relationship between itemsets, their strength, and direction of dependency. Moreover, after expressing each association rule as a contingency table, we discuss two statistical tests to guide identification of the relevant rules by analyzing the relative importance of the elements of the table. As an example, we use these visualizations and statistical tests for investigating the association of negative mood emotions to various types of headache/migraine events. Data for those analysis comes from N1‐HeadacheTM, a digital platform where individual users record attacks and symptoms as well as their daily exposure to a list of potential factors.
Resonance study: Effect of partial triples excitation using complex absorbing potential‐based Fock‐space multi‐reference coupled cluster
Authors: Jana Irina , Basumallick Suhita , Pal Sourav , Vaval Nayana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResonances are metastable states with finite lifetime. They play important role in physics, chemistry and biology. The theoretical calculation of resonance state is a challenging problem. In this paper we have studied the shape resonance of Be, Mg, N2 and CO. We have used correlated independent particle approximation to the Fock space multi‐reference coupled cluster singles‐doubles with third‐order triples (CAP‐CIP‐FSMRCCSD(T)) method augmented by complex absorption potential. The resonance energy and decay widths are obtained by solving a non‐Hermitian eigen‐value problem within FSMRCC framework. The effects of the lowest order triples on the resonance energy and decay are studied.
A method of 3D‐3D multi‐stage non‐rigid registration of the spine based on binocular structured light
Authors: Chen Long , Zhang Xin , He Yuhao , Wang Wencong , Zhang Fengfeng , Sun Lining 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative deformation and radiation are common problems in spinal surgery. A three‐dimensional multi‐stage dynamic iterative non‐rigid registration method of the spine based on binocular structured light is proposed in this paper to overcome these problems.MethodThe problem of intraoperative radiation in traditional X‐ray and CT is overcome by using binocular structured light. A three‐dimensional spinal mask based on binary code is designed to reduce the influence of non‐interested regions on the operation. Principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm is used to complete the rough registration between the preoperative CT model of the spine and the reconstructed surface of the intraoperative structured light. A new framework of multi‐stage dynamic iterative non‐rigid registration of the spine is proposed. The Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm based on bidirectional selection is proposed to complete the single‐stage registration of the spine. Then the multi‐stage dynamic iterative registration of the spine is completed to solve the problem of large registration error caused by the deformation of the spine.ResultsThe method proposed in this paper is compared with traditional registration methods, and its application is verified experimentally. The results show that the registration accuracy and time of the proposed method are mm and s, respectively. The accuracy of the method is 81.5% and 78.2% higher than that of the contour method and the method of marker points, respectively.ConclusionsThe method can effectively avoid intraoperative radiation, reduce the registration error caused by the deformation of the spine, and has a high practicability.
Nanomaterials for cascade promoted catalytic cancer therapy
Authors: Tong Zongrui , Gao Yong , Yang Huang , Wang Weilin , Mao Zhengwei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCatalytic therapy utilizing special substances (e.g., hydrogen peroxide and glucose) in tumor sites has attracted wide interest to achieve tumor‐specific therapy or improve the efficacy of other treatments. Benefiting from the selectivity and high activity of catalytic chemistry, efficient cancer therapy is available with negligible side effects. Numerous works, which are focused on further augmenting catalytic therapy with cascade strategies, have been reported with biocompatible nanomaterials composed of natural enzymes and/or nanozymes. Herein, we summarized catalytic reactions and nanomaterials in cascade strategy‐involved cancer therapy. With rapid advances in chemistry and nanomaterials, developing more selective and efficient cascade catalytic strategies will continue to be promising and challenging for cancer therapy.
Central Banks
Authors: Bindseil Ulrich , Fotia Alessio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis chapter develops further the role of a central bank and its interplay with commercial banks. Together, the two ensure the provision of liquidity to the economy, such that the real sectors are shielded from flows of funds originating from household and investors. We also disaggregate the banking system into two banks to represent deposit flows between banks and their impact on the central bank’s balance sheet, and to distinguish between what we call “relative” and “absolute” central bank intermediation. We then integrate deposit money creation by commercial banks into our system of financial accounts, and revisit some old debates, such as the limits of bank money creation and the role of related parameters that the central bank can set (not only the reserve requirement ratio, but also the collateral framework). Finally, we explain the concepts of “plain money” and “full reserve banking” within the financial accounts, and also discuss in this framework the recent proposals regarding central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Conventional Monetary Policy
Authors: Bindseil Ulrich , Fotia Alessio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis chapter introduces conventional monetary policy, i.e. monetary policy during periods of economic and financial stability and when short-term interest rates are not constrained by the zero lower bound. We introduce the concept of an operational target of monetary policy and explain why central banks normally give this role to the short-term interbank rate. We briefly touch macroeconomics by outlining how central banks should set interest rates across time to achieve their ultimate target, e.g. price stability, and we acknowledge the complications in doing so. We then zoom further into monetary policy operations and central bank balance sheets by developing the concepts of autonomous factor, monetary policy instruments, and liquidity-absorbing and liquidity providing balance sheet items. Subsequently we explain how these quantities relate to short-term interest rates, and how the central bank can rely on this relation to steer its operational target, and thereby the starting point of monetary policy transmission. Finally, we explain the importance of the collateral framework and related risk control measures (e.g. haircuts) for the liquidity of banks and for the conduct of central bank credit operations.
Unconventional Monetary Policy
Authors: Bindseil Ulrich , Fotia Alessio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis chapter introduces the reader to unconventional monetary policy, i.e. monetary policy using instruments going beyond the steering of short-term interest rates as described in the previous chapter. We start by providing the rationale of unconventional monetary policy, i.e. essentially pursuing an effective monetary policy when conventional policies are not able to provide the necessary monetary accommodation because of the zero lower bound. We then discuss negative interest rate policies, and explain why rates slightly below zero have proven to be feasible despite the existence of banknotes. We also discuss possible unintended side-effects of negative interest rates. We continue with a discussion of non-conventional credit operations: lengthening of their duration, the use of fixed-rate full allotment, the widening of the access of counterparties to the central bank’s credit operation, targeted operations, credit in foreign currency, and widening the collateral set. Finally, we turn to the purposes and effects of securities purchase programmes. We end the chapter by revisiting the classification of central bank instruments in three categories: conventional, unconventional, and lender of last resort.
Financial Instability
Authors: Bindseil Ulrich , Fotia Alessio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this chapter, the central bank is put aside and we review simple models of financial instability, which will be the basis for the subsequent chapter to explain the role of the central bank as lender of last resort. We first recall that financial instability is mostly triggered by a negative shock on asset prices, and thereby on the solvency of debtors, which in turn worsens access to credit and can set in motion a liquidity crisis with vicious circles. We develop the concepts of solvency “conditional” and “unconditional” on liquidity: a decline in asset prices can lead an unconditionally solvent debtor to become only conditionally solvent, such that sufficient liquidity becomes decisive for preventing its default. We then apply these concepts to the stability of bank funding and introduce the problem of bank runs. We subsequently show why asset liquidity in a dealer market deteriorates during a financial crisis (increased volatility and uncertainty increase the required bid-ask spread); how asymmetric information can lead to a freeze of credit markets in a simple adverse selection model; how declining and more volatile asset prices drive increases of haircut, and how these can force fire sales and defaults of borrowers. We finally discuss the interaction between these various crisis channels.
Introduction
Authors: Massari Alice 
Published: May 2021

Abstract“How do we see refugees? The refugee has become a multifaceted symbol, the most prominent political figure of our time” states the brochure of an art retrospective by Khaled Hourani, a Palestinian artist reflecting on the reduction of refugees to abstract symbols of victimhood by humanitarian representations. In the eyes of the artist, the blue figure (Fig. 1.1), so common in relief organizations´ visual depictions, is the migrating human being, without a specific national, religious, ethnic, or gender identity. Yet, the visual landscape of contemporary displacement is anything but abstract. Images of overcrowded boats in the Mediterranean, refugee camps, improvised shelters along migration routes, children and families in need, and people stranded behind fences and walls have come to constitute a powerful reminder of contemporary conditions of displacement for people on the move. Yet, the question remains: how do we see refugees?