bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paediatric Central Nervous System Tumours: Symptomatology and Total Diagnostic Interval in a New Zealand Cohort
Authors: Verryt Cecilia M. , Cross Siobhan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCentral nervous system (CNS) tumours are the leading cause of paediatric oncologic death and survivors face high rates of persistent disability. Timeframe from initial symptom to diagnostic radiography [total diagnostic interval (TDI)] is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Interventions such as HeadSmart and Brain Pathways Guidelines UK have reduced TDI in the United Kingdom through public and professional education campaigns.AimsThe overarching aim of this project is to reduce TDI for brain tumours across New Zealand. As there are no local data for TDI in paediatric CNS tumours, we sought baseline data prior to local interventions, which would then inform interventions in the next project phase.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients ≤ 18 years with a CNS tumour in the CHOC catchment between 2015 and 2020. Demographics, tumour type, presenting symptoms/signs, referral pathways and TDI were recorded.ResultsOf 72 cases, median TDI was 9 weeks (0–156 weeks). This was lower in patients aged < 4 years compared with > 4 years (4 weeks vs. 13 weeks), in high grade tumours compared to low grade (4 weeks vs. 13 weeks), and in other ethnicities compared with Māori/Pasifika (6 weeks vs. 16.5 weeks) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Symptomatology was similar to Brain Pathways, however, some signs including head circumference were poorly recorded and identify areas for improvement.ConclusionsMedian TDI is higher than recommended targets, and there is ethnic disparity. This gives impetus for local intervention, using strategies comparable to Brain Pathways.
Heritability of sleep architecture based on home polysomnography
Authors: Leocadio‐Miguel Mario , Taporoski Tâmara P. , Beijamini Felipe , Ruiz Francieli S. , Horimoto Andrea R. V. R. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Knutson Kristen L. , von Schantz Malcolm 
Published: December 2024

SummaryWe aimed to establish the heritability of polysomnography measures through the analysis of home polysomnography recordings from 648 participants in the Baependi Heart Study, a rural, family‐based, genetically admixed cohort based in the southeast of Brazil. Sleep polysomnography staging variables were computed, and narrow‐sense heritability values were derived. The heritability (h2) of polysomnography total sleep time was 0.18 ± 0.08 (p = 0.007). Including age and sex did not change the heritability estimates of the model. Wake after sleep onset did not show significant heritability (h2 = 0.02 ± 0.07, p = 0.39). The unadjusted model for N1 resulted in a heritability estimate of 0.22 ± 0.10 (p < 0.003), and of 0.26 ± 0.10 (p = 0.003) in the adjusted model. Time spent in N2 had an unadjusted heritability of 0.18 ± 0.09 (p = 0.01) and adjusted h2 of 0.22 ± 0.10 (p = 0.007). The heritability of the total time spent in N3 was 0.35 ± 0.09 (p < 0.001) in the unadjusted and 0.38 ± 0.09 (p < 0.001) when sex, age and age*age were considered in the model. By contrast, no variance in the total time spent in rapid eye movement could be significantly attributed to genetic variance. In terms of the heritability of the apnea–hypopnea index, 17% of its variance could be attributed to genetic factors (0.17 ± 0.08, p = 0.02). This is the first report of heritability of electroencephalographic‐derived sleep parameters from a larger population sample, and the first one performed in a population with a majority above 25 years of age. Our findings indicate the potential feasibility of future genome‐wide association studies of non‐rapid eye movement sleep stages in pooled population samples.
Alterations in gut‐derived uremic toxins before the onset of azotemic chronic kidney disease in cats
Authors: Van Mulders Laurens , Vanden Broecke Ellen , De Paepe Ellen , Mortier Femke , Vanhaecke Lynn , Daminet Sylvie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough gut‐derived uremic toxins are increased in azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and implicated in disease progression, it remains unclear if augmented formation or retention of these toxins is associated with the development of renal azotemia.ObjectivesAssess the association between gut‐derived toxins (ie, indoxyl‐sulfate, p‐cresyl‐sulfate, and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide [TMAO]) and the onset of azotemic CKD in cats.AnimalsForty‐eight client‐owned cats.MethodsNested case‐control study, comparing serum and urine gut‐derived uremic toxin abundance at 6‐month intervals between initially healthy cats that developed azotemic CKD (n = 22) and a control group (n = 26) that remained healthy, using a targeted metabolomic approach.ResultsCats in the CKD group had significantly higher serum indoxyl‐sulfate (mean [SD], 1.44 [1.06] vs 0.83 [0.46]; P = .02) and TMAO (mean [SD], 1.82 [1.80] vs 1.60 [0.62]; P = .01) abundance 6 months before the detection of azotemic CKD. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that indoxyl‐sulfate (odds ratio [OR]: 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2‐9.0; P = .04) and TMAO (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.4‐11; P = .03) were predictors for the onset of azotemia 6 months before diagnosis. However, renal function biomarkers creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, and urinary specific gravity were significantly correlated with indoxyl‐sulfate and TMAO abundance, causing a loss in predictive significance after correction for these factors.ConclusionsImpaired gut‐derived uremic toxin handling is apparent at least 6 months before the diagnosis of azotemia, likely reflecting an already ongoing decrease in GFR, tubular function, or both. A direct causal relationship between gut‐derived uremic toxicity and the initiation of CKD in cats is still lacking.
Spinal arachnoid diverticula in cats: Clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome
Authors: De Frias João Miguel , Bhatti Sofie F. M. , Nye George , Gonçalves Rita , Harcourt‐Brown Tom , Fadda Angela , Marioni‐Henry Katia , Padley Hannah , De Decker Steven 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD) is considered a rare disease in cats. Previous reports mainly classified SAD in cats as acquired.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, and outcome in a group of cats with SAD.AnimalsTwenty‐one client‐owned cats.MethodsMulticenter observational retrospective review of the medical records of cats diagnosed with SAD by magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsMost cats were Domestic Short Hair (67%), male (63%), and had a wide range of ages (18 weeks to 13 years old). Neuroanatomical localization was consistent with a T3‐L3 myelopathy in 18 cats (86%) and C1‐C5 myelopathy in 3 cats (14%). One cat with a C1‐C5 myelopathy demonstrated bilateral vestibular clinical signs. One cat (5%) had fecal incontinence. Most cats demonstrated a chronic, progressive, nonlateralized, nonpainful myelopathy. No underlying previous or concurrent spinal condition was found in 48% of the cats. No difference in age, body weight, breed, sex, treatment, or outcome was found between cats with or without a concurrent spinal disorder. One cat was euthanized after diagnosis. Six cats improved, 1 deteriorated and 1 remained static after surgery, whereas 3 cats improved, 5 deteriorated and 4 remained static after medical management on the short‐term outcome. Overall, 73% (8/11) of the cats deteriorated on available long‐term follow‐up information.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSpinal arachnoid diverticulum should be considered for cats with chronic, progressive, symmetrical, nonpainful myelopathy, particularly if male and with a history of spinal disease or surgery.
Retrospective evaluation of computed tomographic‐guided Tru‐Cut biopsies in 16 dogs and 14 cats with nasal cavity mass lesions
Authors: Milne Jessica , Ekkebus Sophie , Thompson Daniel , Brash Robert 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 80% of nasal masses in dogs and 91% of nasal masses in cats are reported to be malignant, but the currently reported diagnostic rate of neoplasia is 54% using blind or rhinoscopic biopsy techniques.Hypothesis/ObjectivesDescribe the technique of computed tomography (CT)‐guided Tru‐Cut (Tru‐Cut biopsy needle, Merit Medical Systems, Utah, USA) nasal biopsies in cats and dogs to determine the diagnostic rate of neoplasia on the first round of sampling and to evaluate the safety of the technique.AnimalsThirty client‐owned animals, 16 dogs and 14 cats, that had CT‐guided nasal biopsies performed to investigate nasal masses.MethodsRetrospective, single‐center, medical record review of 16 dogs and 14 cats that had CT‐guided nasal biopsies performed between 2022 and 2024.ResultsDiagnostic biopsy samples were acquired using CT‐guided Tru‐Cut sampling in 28/30 cases (93%). The diagnosis was considered clinically appropriate in 26/30 cases (87%): neoplasia in 24/30 cases (80%) and rhinitis in 2/30 cases (7%). Neoplasia was the final diagnosis in 14/16 dogs (88%) and 10/14 cats (71%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceComputed tomographic‐guided Tru‐Cut biopsies can result in a high first‐round diagnosis of neoplasia in nasal masses in cats and dogs, without clinically relevant complications. This technique is a useful alternative method of sampling nasal masses that may be difficult to access via rhinoscopy.
Drug–Drug Interactions Between DAAs and Anticoagulants or Antiplatelets: A Position Paper of the Italian Anticoagulation Clinics
Authors: Tombolini Elisabetta , Squizzato Alessandro , Podda Gian Marco , Aghemo Alessio , Ferri Nicola , Segato Simone , Poli Daniela , Donadini Marco Paolo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe natural history of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has changed after the introduction of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Screening programs have been ongoing to reach the World Health Organisation's goal of HCV elimination by 2030, and most infected people are eligible for treatment. Given the increased cardiovascular risk in people with HCV infection and the metabolic pathways of DAAs, it is not uncommon to face the issue of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. In the absence of clinical trials, we offer suggestions to deal with DDIs in case of treatment of patients with DAAs who are also receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, based on the best available evidence from pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics studies in conjunction with clinical experience in the field of haemostasis and thrombosis.
Accelerated Neurocomputation in Human Decision‐Making Under Time Pressure
Authors: Li Shuang , Liu Sijia , Lu Yang , Liu Siyi , Li Lin , Liu Zhiyuan , Guo Xiuyan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIt is common to make risky decisions under time pressure. However, there are ongoing debates regarding the interpretation of the intrinsic mechanisms through which time pressure influences risky decision‐making. The current study, combining a sequential risk‐taking task, behavioral modeling, and time‐resolved multivariate pattern analysis on electroencephalography signals, explored the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the influence of time pressure on risky decision‐making. Results from both the behavioral and neural levels indicated that under time pressure, decision‐makers enhanced their computation of the value of different options, with this computation primarily based on the potential benefits of options, and made more conservative decision. Additionally, under time pressure, decision‐makers' emotion experience was related to the indicator of valuation stage (i.e., decoding accuracy) of decision‐making and they spent less time on the subsequent selection stage. The current study highlights that, during risky decision‐making under time pressure, the brain does not suppress a particular information processing process; instead, it operates in an accelerated manner.
Use of automated isovolemic hemodilution red‐cell exchange in patients with sickle cell disease: A Canadian single center experience
Authors: Uminski Kelsey , Perelman Iris , Tinmouth Alan T. , Mack Johnathan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundRed cell exchange (RCE) is an important treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). It is a resource‐intensive intervention requiring large volumes of red blood cells (RBC), which are frequently antigen‐matched. Efforts to reduce the volume of units transfused, while maintaining treatment efficacy is an important need. This study evaluates the impact of a change to isovolemic hemodilution (IHD)‐RCE on RBC utilization in SCD patients at a Canadian center.Study Design and MethodsAdult SCD patients receiving chronic automated RCE at the Ottawa Hospital were approached for study inclusion. To safely attain a meaningful reduction in transfused RBCs, RCE parameters were individualized for each patient. IHD‐RCE was performed only if an estimated reduction in RBC volume of at least 200 mL was expected, with hematocrit not allowed to decrease below 20%. Data were compared in the 6‐months before and after the protocol change.ResultsTwenty‐two adult patients met the criteria for inclusion. There was a net reduction of 107 RBC units after the transition from standard RCE to IHD‐RCE (1035 vs. 928 units; −10.3%). The mean number of RBC units transfused per patient decreased by 4.8 (47.0 vs. 42.2 units; p = .01). No difference in target post‐RCE hemoglobin S levels was observed.DiscussionIn this study IHD‐RCE reduced RBC utilization without impacting efficacy or safety, conserving 107 RBC units (an annualized savings of $95,444 CAD). No adverse events due to saline replacement were observed. Increased awareness of the benefits of IHD‐RCE through knowledge translation could promote greater uptake.
Non‐antibiotic approaches to mitigating wound infections: Potential for SSRIs and adrenergic antagonists as emerging therapeutics
Authors: Dafinone Mirabel E. , Lyle Rawlings E. , Lee Conan , Mehta Alisha , Dahle Sara E. , Isseroff R. Rivkah 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBacterial biofilms represent a formidable challenge in the treatment of chronic wounds, largely because of their resistance to conventional antibiotics. The emergence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacterial strains exacerbates this issue, necessitating a shift towards exploring alternative therapeutic approaches. In response to this urgent need, there has been a surge in research efforts aimed at identifying effective non‐antibiotic treatments. Recently noted among the non‐antibiotic options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta‐adrenergic (β‐AR) antagonists. Both have demonstrated antimicrobial activities and wound‐healing properties, which makes them particularly promising potential therapeutics for chronic wounds. This review seeks to comprehensively evaluate the landscape of non‐antibiotic strategies for managing wound infections. By analysing the latest research findings and clinical developments, it aims to shed light on emerging therapeutic alternatives. Additionally, the review delves into the potential of repurposing systemic therapeutics for topical application, offering insights into the feasibility and challenges associated with current approaches. We also address the necessity of translating promising preclinical results into tangible clinical benefits.
Study on the Looseness Caused by Local Slip and Load Bearing Capacity of Threaded Connections Under Transverse Cyclic Loading
Authors: Sun Yu , Qin Wenjie , Zhao Zhenlong , Ba Mingsen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Under transverse cyclic loading, slip will occur on the contact surfaces in a threaded connection, causing rotational loosening of the connection. It is necessary to detect and analyze the loosening behavior of threaded connections caused by slippage. In this article, a self-driven sensor based on the principles of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) was used to monitor the rotational looseness of a tight threaded stud connection subjected to transverse cyclic loads. The finite element simulation was conducted on the contact slip in the stud connection in the experiment under transverse cyclic loading to reveal the loosening phenomenon of threaded connections caused by local slip propagation with the increase of load cycles. Under a certain preload, only when the amplitude of the lateral cyclic load does not exceed a critical value, will the thread contact surface not experience local slip propagation. Therefore, a local slip influence coefficient was proposed for calculating the critical transverse cyclic load amplitude, and its influencing factors were discussed. This study provides a new approach to the anti-loosening design of threaded connections.
Investigation of Surface Roughness–Induced Attenuation of Reflected Waves Using a Quasi-Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Xie Lejuan , Zhang Shuzeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
An understanding of the influence of surface roughness on wave scattering and accurate predictions of wave amplitudes are crucial for quantitative ultrasonic nondestructive testing and evaluation. In this work, the effects of surface roughness on the reflection coefficient are investigated using a quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) method. The wave fields reflected from smooth and rough interfaces with an immersion transducer are modeled using the Rayleigh integral method, and the solutions are efficiently calculated using the QMC method for interfaces constructed using pseudo-random samples. The reflected wave fields are simulated and presented, and the properties of coherent and incoherent waves affected by interface roughness are discussed. The surface roughness–induced attenuation of reflected waves is calculated using the ratio of received pressures for waves reflected from rough and smooth interfaces, and the predicted results are compared with those obtained using other recognized methods. It is shown that at low levels of roughness, excellent agreement is obtained between the results from the QMC method and the well-known Kirchhoff approximation, while for high levels of roughness, where the Kirchhoff theory gives pessimistic results, the predicted values agree well with those simulated using a finite element modeling approach, thus verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of Acid–Base Pretreatment on Pyrolysis Kinetics of Pine
Authors: Geng Jingjuan , Wang Yang , Li Jinhu , Li Yilong , Ye Xinhao , Yang Yongliang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Biomass represents a significant renewable energy source. Pyrolysis is one method to directly convert biomass into thermochemical energy, with alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) content potentially improving energy efficiency. In this paper, thermogravimetric experiments were carried out on the samples after acid–base pretreatment, and the kinetics were analyzed using the Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Kissinger methods at various heating rates. The results show that the KAS method is the most reliable among the four methods. As the conversion rate rose from 0.05 to 0.7, the activation energy of water, acid, alkali, and alkaline acid-treated samples calculated using the KAS method increased by 66.08, 42.20, 88.30, and 52.93 kJ/mol, respectively. Acid treatment can remove AAEMs from biomass, inhibit their initial decomposition, and enhance their subsequent decomposition. Alkali treatment can increase the carboxylate content, resulting in a lower activation energy. Nonetheless, the continuous increase in activation energy due to the breaking and reformation of Char–Na bonds hinders subsequent pyrolysis. Additionally, acid–base treatment alters the structure of biomass, leading to a general decrease in activation energy and facilitating its decomposition.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Basic and Regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle Configurations Using Six Working Fluids: A Parametric Study With CoolProp in MATLAB
Authors: Salhi Imane , Sadni Fatima ezzahra , Belhora Fouad , Hajjaji Abdelowahed 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of electricity production. It operates with waste heat from industrial processes and uses low and medium-temperature heat sources. The originality of this work lies not only in conducting an energy analysis of basic and regenerative ORC but also in performing exergy analysis to identify the processes responsible for exergy destruction and losses. It also compares both configurations regarding energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, network, heat required, and exergy destruction rate. Matlab Software runs the simulation using the Coolprop open-source library. These parametric investigations and thermodynamic modelings were undertaken on six working fluids (R113, R134a, R600, R290, R1234yf, and HFE-143 m). Results show a maximum improvement of 17.8% in thermal efficiency and 17.6% in exergy efficiency when transitioning from the basic to the regenerative configuration. Furthermore, the regenerative configuration has about 43% less exergy destruction compared to the basic configuration.
Accuracy of noninvasive total haemoglobin measurement for detecting anaemia in infants: a cross-sectional study in a well-child care clinic, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Authors: Saengnipanthkul Suchaorn , Tawiangnan Chamaiporn , Sirikarn Prapassara , Supasai Sakuntala , Sitthikarnkha Phanthila , Techasatian Leelawadee , Uppala Rattapon 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveInfants are at a high risk of developing anaemia, which can arise from various causes, including inappropriate feeding practices. However, few infants attend anaemia screening programmes due to poor cooperation and being time-consuming. This study evaluated the accuracy of noninvasive total haemoglobin (Hb) spot-check monitoring as part of anaemia screening in healthy infants, compared with the conventional laboratory method.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted using a consecutive sampling technique.SettingThe study was carried out at the Well-Child Clinic, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.ParticipantsHealthy, full-term infants aged 6–12 months who were scheduled for vaccination. Spectrophotometric haemoglobin (SpHb) was measured using Masimo Rad-67 with Rainbow DCI-mini Sensor. These values were compared with conventional laboratory analysis (HbLab) performed on the same day.Primary and secondary outcomeDifferences between Hb values using the two methods were analysed using the Bland–Altman method. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) for detecting anaemia were determined. Anaemia was defined as HbLab of <11.0 g/dL.ResultsA total of 104 infants, with a median age of 9.6 (IQR 9.3, 10.9) months, were included. The prevalence of anaemia, defined by HbLab, was 38.46%. The mean SpHb was 12.20±1.10 g/dL, while the mean HbLab was 11.19±1.21 g/dL. A moderate positive correlation was observed (r=0.575, p<0.001). Bland–Altman analysis of SpHb vs HbLab showed an estimated bias of 1.007 g/dL with a 95% limit of agreement ranging from −1.091 to 3.104 g/dL. The mean bias was 1.635 g/dL (−0.617 to 3.887) in the anaemic group and 0.614 g/dL (−0.964 to 2.192) in the nonanaemic group. Using the SpHb cut-off point of <13.0 g/dL, the sensitivity and specificity of SpHb to detect anaemia were 95.0% and 35.9%, with PPV and NPV of 48.1% and 92.0%, respectively.ConclusionA noninvasive tool for measuring Hb, with moderate sensitivity and NPV, may provide utility for initial screening to reduce unnecessary venipuncture in infants. However, its limited specificity and PPV necessitate confirmatory testing through conventional laboratory methods for accurate diagnosis. Depending on the context and available resources, it has potential to complement existing diagnostic processes, particularly in settings where rapid and noninvasive screening is prioritised.Trial registration numberThai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20210816002).