bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Access to Dementia Care in the Era of Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease: a Pilot Clinical Protocol Using Abbreviated Neuropsychological Assessment
Authors: Naini Savana M , Thompson Ryan C , Rossetti Maria Agustina , Gallagher Virginia T , Manning Carol A , Fuchs Kathleen , D’Abreu Anelyssa , Prachar Tanya , Reilly Shannon E 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective
To meet the growing demand for timely diagnosis in the new era of disease-modifying medications for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the present study aimed to reduce clinic wait times by developing and refining an abbreviated neuropsychological battery to assess individuals with a suspected amnestic process (i.e., Early-Stage AD Pathway).

Method
Early-Stage AD Pathway patients were referred by an internal neurology provider who determined that the patient had: (1) an amnestic clinical presentation, (2) a normal neurological examination, and (3) a Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score between 18 and 25. These patients were scheduled for a 2-h neuropsychological evaluation, including a brief clinical interview and an abbreviated testing battery. We evaluated n = 19 patients in the Early-Stage AD Pathway and compared them to 114 older adults referred via traditional clinic procedures (i.e., General Clinic).

Results
Most individuals evaluated via the Early-Stage AD Pathway were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; 68.4%) or mild dementia (21.1%) through the neuropsychological evaluation. Rate of diagnosis of MCI/dementia was comparable between groups. The average number of days between initial referral and completion of the neuropsychological evaluation was significantly lower (Mdiff = 145.8 days, U = 1867.500, p &lt; 0.001) for the Early-Stage AD Pathway group than for the General Clinic group, as the former could be scheduled more flexibly.

Conclusions
Implementing an abbreviated neuropsychological assessment process significantly reduced the time between referral and evaluation to identify individuals who may be eligible for emerging pharmacological treatments for AD and/or non-pharmacological interventions in a timely manner.
Application of radiomics features in differential diagnosis of odontogenic cysts
Authors: İçöz Derya , Çetin Bilgün , Dinç Kevser 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Cysts in jaws may have similar radiographic features. However, it is important to clarify the diagnosis prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the radiomic features of radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DCs), and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) as a non-invasive diagnostic alternative to biopsy.

Methods
In total, 161 odontogenic cysts diagnosed histopathologically (55 RCs, 53 DCs, and 53 OKCs) were included in the present study. Each cyst was semi-automatically segmented on CBCT images, and radiomic features were extracted by an observer. A second observer repeated 20% of the evaluations and the radiomic features. Those achieving an inter-observer agreement level above 0.850 were included in the study. Consequently, five shape-based and 22 textural features were investigated in the study. Statistical analysis was performed comparing both three cyst features and making pairwise comparisons.

Results
All features included in the study showed statistical differences between cysts, with the exception of one textural feature (NGTDM coarseness) (P &lt; .05). However, only one shape-based feature (shericity) and one textural feature (GLSZM large area emphasis) were statistically different in pairwise comparisons of all three cysts (P &lt; .05).

Conclusion
Radiomics features of the RCs, DCs, and OKCs showed significant differences, and may have the potential to be used as a non-invasive method in the differential diagnosis of cysts.
Transgenerational effects of imidacloprid on Sclerodermus alternatusi (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) based on age-stage, two-sex life table
Authors: Zhang Bingchuan , Wang Xue , Chen Zaiyan , He Shulin , Xu Shan , Li Fei , Zhou Cao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Imidacloprid is a widely used insecticide for controlling piercing-sucking pests. However, its impact on nontarget insects must not be ignored. In this study, we assessed the effects of sublethal dose of imidacloprid on Sclerodermus alternatusi (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), which is an important predator of many pests. The data indicate that imidacloprid at LD10 (0.1468 ng active ingredient per insect) and LD30 (0.2376 ng active ingredient per insect) significantly reduced the longevity and fecundity of the F0 generation of S. alternatusi. However, the adult female longevity of the F1 generation of the LD10 dose group showed a significant increase, and the LD30 dose group showed a nonsignificant increase. The study found that as the imidacloprid dose increased, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) decreased, while the mean generation time (T) increased. The imidacloprid groups also showed a decrease in age-stage specific survival rate (Sxj) and age-specific survival rate (lx). However, the female age-specific survival rate (fx4) showed an increasing and then decreasing trend for all treatments. The study found that imidacloprid had an impact on the longevity of S. alternatusi in the F0 generation and extended the mean generation time (T) in the F1 generation. However, it had negative effects on population growth parameters. These findings can be used as a basis for developing integrated pest management strategies.
Diaphragm ultrasound and diaphragmatic 2D speckle tracking imaging in acute heart failure: a case series
Authors: Fayssoil Abdallah , Boisson De Chazournes Pierre , Hauguel-Moreau Marie , Mansart Arnaud , Mansencal Nicolas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Respiratory muscle function can be affected in patients with heart failure. Ultrasound can be used to assess diaphragm, the main inspiratory muscle. Speckle tracking imaging is an imaging technology providing the evaluation of tissue deformation during contraction. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of traditional echography and 2D speckle tracking imaging in the evaluation and monitoring of patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Case summary
We report a series of four cases of AHF. Diaphragm ultrasound coupled with diaphragm 2D speckle tracking imaging was performed at admission and after decongestive therapy, in cardiac intensive care unit. Patients, at admission, disclosed higher diaphragm 2D strain value and higher diaphragm inspiratory motion value in the context of higher cardiac loading that significantly decrease after decongestive therapy, except for one patient. Diaphragm motion remained less than 10 mm (weakness), despite medical therapy in Cases 2, 3, and 4. Among them, 3 months later, one patient (Case 3) experienced an episode of AHF.

Discussion
Diaphragm ultrasound coupled with diaphragm 2D speckle tracking imaging is feasible and may be used to monitor respiratory status patients with AHF.
A novel inner-branched stent-graft to overcome narrowed lumen in branched endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Zacà Sergio , Di Stefano Lucia , De Santis Claudio , Attolini Stefano , Passabì Maria Cristina , De Michele ViKy , Cucci Andrea Sante , Angiletta Domenico 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A narrowed patent aortic lumen (&lt;25 mm) represents a challenging scenario frequently observed during thoraco-abdominal and abdominal aortic pathologies involving the visceral vessels. The paper aims to describe the characteristics of a novel tapered-shape inner-branched custom-made stent-graft designed to specifically address the narrowed patent aortic lumen and its applicability in a wider spectrum of aortic scenarios at the reno-visceral segment.
Counting chicks before they hatch: extending the observed lifetime to better characterize evolutionary processes in the wild
Authors: Evans Simon R , Postma Erik 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Evolutionary theorists have emphasized for over half a century that population sampling must be conducted at the intergenerational boundary if the distinct effects of selection and inheritance are to be reliably quantified, with individuals recognized at the point of conception and lifetime reproductive success (LRS) defined as the total number of zygotic offspring produced per zygote. However, in those species whose ecology is otherwise well-suited to individual-level population studies, the prenatal part of an individual’s life is often difficult to observe. While uncertainty has long surrounded the fertilization status of unhatched bird eggs—hatching failure can arise through fertilization failure or prenatal mortality—2 recent studies show fertilization failure to be extremely rare within 2 of the most popular avian study species. As such, unhatched eggs are highly reliable indicators of prenatal mortality. Although the generality of these results remains unclear, they demonstrate that prenatality can be incorporated into the observable lifespan of free-living animals. This allows zygotic LRS to be retrospectively quantified using historical nest observations and facilitates a more complete characterization of the evolutionary dynamics of wild populations.
The chromosome-level genome assembly of an endangered herbBergenia scopulosaprovides insights into local adaptation and genomic vulnerability under climate change
Authors: Yang Yi-Xin , Wang Meng , Wu Xuan-Ye , Zhou Ya-Ni , Qiu Jie , Cai Xia , Li Zhong-Hu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundGlobal climate change poses severe threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Rapid climate oscillations potentially lead to species geographic range shifts, population declines, and even extinctions. The rare and endangered species, being critical components of regional biodiversity, hold the key to understanding local adaptation and evolutionary processes shaping species distributions. Therefore, assessing the evolutionary mechanisms of local adaptation and population vulnerability under climate change is crucial for developing conservation strategies of endangered species.ResultsIn this study, we assembled a high-quality, chromosome-level genome of the rare and endangered herb Bergenia scopulosa in the Qinling Mountains in East Asia and resequenced 37 individual genomes spanning its entire geographic distributional ranges. By integrating population genetics, landscape genomics, and climate datasets, a substantial number of adaptive single-nucleotide polymorphism loci associated with climate variables were identified. The genotype–environment association analysis showed that some cold-tolerant genes have played pivotal roles in cold environmental adaptation of B. scopulosa. These findings are further corroborated through evolutionary analysis of gene family and quantitative PCR validation. Population genomic analysis revealed 2 distinct genetic lineages in B. scopulosa. The western lineage showed higher genomic vulnerability and more rare cold-tolerance alleles, suggesting its heightened sensitivity to impending climate shifts, and should be given priority conservation in the management practices.ConclusionsThese findings provide novel insights into local adaptation and genomic vulnerability of B. scopulosa under climate change in the Qinling Mountains in East Asia. Additionally, the study also offers valuable guidance for formulating conservation strategies for the rare and endangered plants.
Perspectives of Malaysian community pharmacists on challenges and barriers to smoking cessation programme: a qualitative study
Authors: Lio Ee Lee , Maharajan Mari Kannan , Rajiah Kingston 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Smoking remains a significant public health concern, necessitating effective smoking cessation interventions. This study explores the barriers community pharmacists face in delivering smoking cessation services in Malaysia and potential solutions to improve their contribution to public health.

Methods
This qualitative study employed purposive and snowball sampling to recruit community pharmacists in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, exploring pharmacists’ perspectives on barriers, counselling approaches, follow-up strategies, and opinions on smoking cessation services. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and sub-themes.

Key findings
Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: barriers, counselling and enhancing follow-up, and pharmacists’ opinions on professional fees. Under the theme of barriers, sub-themes included underutilization by the public, poor follow-up by customers, time constraints, lack of educational materials and support, and customer perception. The counselling and enhancing follow-up theme encompassed shared decision-making, motivational intervention, follow-up via phone calls or messaging apps, and providing rebate vouchers. Pharmacists’ opinions on professional fees revealed mixed perspectives, with some advocating for fees to recognize the professional service provided, while others expressed concerns about access barriers.

Conclusions
Community pharmacists face challenges in delivering smoking cessation services, such as underutilization, poor follow-up, time constraints, and affordability. However, strategies like shared decision-making and proactive communication can enhance effectiveness. Addressing professional fees and collaborative efforts are essential to optimising these services.
Evaluation of a Multi-Instant Multimodal Artificial Intelligence System Supporting Interpretive and Noninterpretive Functions
Authors: Pacilè Serena , Germaine Pauline , Sclafert Caroline , Bertinotti Thomas , Fillard Pierre , Singla Long Svati 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been shown to hold promise for improving breast cancer screening, offering advanced capabilities to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multimodal multi-instant AI-based system on the diagnostic performance of radiologists in interpreting mammograms.

Methods
We designed a multireader multicase study taking into account the evaluation of both interpretive and noninterpretive tasks. The study was approved by an institutional review board and is compliant with HIPAA. The dataset included 90 cancer-proven and 150 negative cases. The overall diagnostic performance was compared between the unaided vs aided reading condition. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Fleiss’s kappa, and accuracy were used to quantify the agreement and performance on noninterpretive tasks. Reading time and perceived fatigue were used as comprehensive metrics to assess the efficiency of readers.

Results
The average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased by 7.4% (95% CI, 4.5%-10%) with the concurrent assistance of the AI system (P &lt;.001). On average, readers found 8% more cancers in the assisted reading condition. The ICC went from 0.6 (95% CI, 0.55-0.65) in the unassisted condition to 0.74 (95% CI, 0.70-0.78) for readings done with AI (P &lt;.001). An overall decrease of 24% in reading time and a reduction in perceived fatigue was also found.

Conclusion
The incorporation of this AI system, capable of handling multiple image type, prior mammograms, and multiple outputs, improved the diagnostic proficiency of radiologists in identifying breast cancer while also reducing the time required for combined interpretive and noninterpretive tasks.
Small bowel obstruction secondary to impacted pancreatic necrosum through a spontaneous duodenal fistula: a first in the literature
Authors: Laczko Dora , Skanes Stephanie , Hocking David , Peck David , Hawel Jeffrey D , Hilsden Richard 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A 58-year-old man presented with alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis. Imaging revealed complete necrosis of the pancreatic parenchyma. After initial non-operative management, the patient developed a duodenal ulcer and an upper gastrointestinal bleed and later spontaneously formed a fistula between the pancreas and the first segment of the duodenum. Through this fistula, the entire pancreatic necrosum migrated to the distal small bowel, where it became entrapped as a bezoar, causing a high-grade small bowel obstruction. The patient then proceeded to laparotomy, where the obstruction was resolved by removing the necrosum through an enterotomy. No surgical intervention to the pancreatic bed or duodenum was required, and he was ultimately discharged home on insulin and pancreatic enzymes. This is the first reported case in the medical literature of a spontaneous duodenal fistula leading to small bowel obstruction due to a bezoar of pancreatic necrosum.
Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy post simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant
Authors: Alqahtani Awadh , Almayouf Mohammad , Billa Srikar , Alsarraj Omar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Few reports in the literature explore the efficacy of bariatric surgery in patients post simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant (SKPT). This case report entails a patient who had SKPT because of end-stage renal disease and type I diabetes. The transplant failed, and the patient gained weight. The report explains the approach and the outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in this patient as a preparation for a re-transplant. The patient was having grade 2 obesity, insulin-dependent, on hemodialysis, and had obstructive sleep apnea on bilevel positive airway pressure. A multidisciplinary team approach was implemented, and the procedure was completed with no immediate postoperative complications. The patient lost ~10 kg and was able to stop insulin.
“It Hurts Right There.”: Focal, Ongoing Back Pain in a 48-Year-Old
Authors: Standaert Christopher J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
It is very difficult to diagnose a specific cause of low back pain (LBP) in most people presenting for care. X-rays commonly show age-related changes which have no association with LBP. History, physical examination, and spinal imaging can identify significant pathology, such as fracture or infection, but are not particularly helpful in identifying sources of pain. As there is no reliable means of permanently resolving pain from any spinal structure, it is more harmful than helpful to tell patients that they have discogenic, facet, or sacroiliac pain, as we do not know that such a statement is true, nor can we “fix” the problem. Fear and psychosocial stressors may amplify the perceived importance of identifying a “pain generator,” which is then tied to the expectation of a “cure.” A convenient but false biological narrative can lead to an extensive, wasteful, and potentially harmful search for that cure.
“I Just Had Surgery, but I Hurt Again.”: Back and Leg Pain 4 Months after Back Surgery
Authors: Watson Alex , Standaert Christopher J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Recurrent pain after lumbar microdiscectomy is relatively common with a finite differential diagnosis. Approximately 10% of patients undergoing microdiscectomy experience complications, and 7% require reoperation within 12 months. Given the frequency and potential severity of postoperative complications, patients with persistent, progressive, or severe symptoms following a microdiscectomy (or other spine surgery) warrant prompt diagnostic evaluation. Such patients should be screened with basic laboratory studies including a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein to evaluate for infection, standing lumbar spine X-rays (including flexion/extension views)—and possibly MRI. Issues that can arise in the weeks or months following lumbar spine surgery include recurrent disc herniation, instability of the spine, infection, arachnoiditis, and epidural fibrosis. It is important to accurately diagnose any of these conditions, as treatment for all varies. Hematoma, dural leak, infection, new neurologic deficit, or instability require emergent evaluation and referral to a spine surgeon.
Accretion disc dynamics in extragalactic black hole X-ray binaries: a comprehensive study of M33 X–7, NGC 300 X–1, and IC 10 X–1
Authors: Bhuvana G R , Nandi Anuj 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Extragalactic black hole X-ray binaries (BH-XRBs) are the most intriguing X-ray sources as some of them are ‘home’ to the most massive stellar-mass BHs ever found. In this work, we conduct a comprehensive study of three massive, eclipsing extragalactic BH-XRBs i.e. M33X-7, NGC300X-1, and IC10X-1 and using entire X-ray observations available from XMM–Newton and NuSTAR till date. Preliminary analysis using diskbb and power-law models shows that the sources have steep spectra and sub-Eddington luminosities (L&lt;0.69 L$_{\mathrm{ Edd}}$), with major flux contribution from non-thermal component, resembling the relatively uncharted steep power-law state (SPL). To understand the accretion disc properties in this state, we explore alternate modelling scenario that reveals the presence of a ‘hot’ ($kT_{\mathrm{ in}}=1\!-\!2$ keV) slim-disc (diskpbb) with radial temperature profile $T(r)\propto r^{-p}$ ($p=0.5\!-\!0.66$), along with a cooler ($kT_{\mathrm{ in}}=0.1\!-\!0.2$ keV) standard thermal disc (diskbb). We carry out the continuum-fitting method using relativistic slim-disc model (slimbh) and estimate the mass range of M33 X–7, NGC300X-1, and IC10X-1 is to be 9–15 M$_{\odot }$, 9–28 M$_{\odot }$, and 10–30 M$_{\odot }$, respectively. Further, eclipse periods are determined by modelling the light curve, using which we estimate the size of the eclipsing bodies. Modelling of the eclipse spectra revealed the complete obscuration of soft spectral component during eclipse, implying the emission of hard component from an extended accretion region. Based on our findings, we provide an inference on geometry of accretion disc in these wind-fed systems and compare their properties with the other two extragalactic BH-XRBs.