bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rabbit heart bioartificial tissue: perfusion decellularization and characterization
Authors: Seitzhaparova Banu , Timur Leya , Mirasbek Baisunkar , Kadyr Sanazar , Lesbekov Timur , Zhakypbekova Aida , Erisken Cevat 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Despite new approaches in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, and left ventricular assist devices, which cannot fully compensate for the effectiveness of the original heart, heart transplantation still remains as the most effective solution. A growing body of literature recognizes the importance of developing a whole heart constructed from living tissues to provide an alternative option for patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system. A potential solution that shows a promise is to generate cell-free, i.e., decellularized, scaffolds using native heart tissue to be later cellularized and transplanted. This study reports the decellularization process and efficiency in an effort to create a whole heart scaffold. The hearts harvested from rabbits were perfused and the final bioartificial scaffolds were characterized for the efficiency of decellularization in terms of DNA content, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan. The compressive biomechanical properties of decellularized and native hearts were also determined and compared. Findings revealed that the DNA content of decellularized hearts was significantly reduced while keeping collagen and GAG content unchanged. Biomechanical properties of the hearth became inferior upon removal of the nuclear material. Decellularized hearts have significant importance in treating CVD as they serve as bioartificial hearts, providing a more clinically relevant model for potential human use. Future work will focus on the recellularization of the heart using induced pluripotent or embryonic stem cells to test its functionality.
A compact multiband flexible antenna with a full ground plane for off body communication
Authors: Praveena A , Umamaheswari G , Dhayanithi G , Rai Jayant Kumar , Ranjan Pinku 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A compact, multiband flexible antenna for off-body communication at 2.45 GHz and ultrawideband (UWB) low and high bands is presented as required by the IEEE 802.15.6™ standard, 2012. The antenna exhibits a directional radiation pattern and provides good gain along with a low specific absorption rate (SAR). The proposed antenna has a compact footprint of 44 × 32 × 1.5 mm3. It is fabricated by placing conductive fabric on a 1.5 mm thick polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer to enhance flexibility and durability. A full ground made of conductive textile is used on the underside of the dielectric to reduce the load directed toward the antenna from the layers of human tissue beneath it and to minimize back radiation from the human body. The proposed antenna design combines square and circular rings to achieve multiband characteristics. Edge chamfering, slotting, and stub addition are employed as bandwidth expansion techniques to achieve wide bandwidth. The antenna demonstrates exceptional resistance to the human body’s load and physical deformation. To the authors knowledge it is the compact single-layer substrate flexible FGP antenna operable in the WLAN (2.45 GHz), lower (3.2–4.6 GHz), and higher UWB (6.2–11 GHz) bands specified by IEEE 802.15.6.
Tapered curved-beam hinges for electret-based vibration energy harvesting devices
Authors: Hah Dooyoung 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Interest in vibration energy harvesting have been growing recently for various applications. One of the major development goals for vibration energy harvesters has been improvement in energy conversion efficiency. To pursue that goal, one of the main approaches has been to broaden the spectra of harvesters. Employment of nonlinear springs, such as curved-beam hinges, has proven to be effective for that purpose. The main contribution of the current study is to introduce a lateral taper to the curved beam so as to further optimize the harvester performances. Via numerical analysis by using stochastic differential equations, the study shows that at 0.05g of vibration strength, tapered curved-beam hinges can result in higher electric power output than the non-tapered ones. Deformation-induced stress was taken into consideration as well, in reference to the fracture strength of the material (single-crystal silicon). At lower vibration strength (0.02g), spring nonlinearity becomes weaker, and as a result, the narrowest curved-beam hinge produces the highest output power. Overall, the current study demonstrates that tapering of the curved beam can be a useful addition in the vibration energy harvester design.
Optimization and experimental investigation of compression ignition diesel engine performance and emission characteristics with gulmohar biodiesel/diesel blends using response surface methodology
Authors: I Syed Sadiq Nawaz , M A Asokan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This research focuses on biodiesel production from Gulmohar seeds using the transesterification method, with methanol as a catalyst at a 75% yield of Gulmohar oil biodiesel. Further, the biodiesel mixed with diesel at various blend ratios such as B20, B30, B40 and B50 and physicochemical characteristics are examined. The experimental investigation of performance and emission characteristics on single cylinder diesel engine using gulmohar biodiesel and diesel blends and compare the results with those from diesel. According to the findings, B20 blend emission characteristics and performance are very similar to the diesel fuel trend. Under full load, the Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (0.305 kg kWh−1) and Brake thermal efficiency (26.02%) for the B20 blend, which is closer to diesel and variations are 4.81% and 8.1%, respectively. Throughout the experiment, HC, CO, and smoke emission parameters were either less or equal for gulmohar biodiesel and its blends compared to diesel. However, the NOx emission of the biodiesel blends is 2 to 12% higher than diesel, but B20 has a 2.35% higher and lowest value among all the other blends. In addition, a central composite design (CCD) model using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) will be created, and the outcomes of a Compression Ignition (CI) engine will be optimized. Both analyses concluded that B20 is the most optimal blend among other blends and serves as a substitute for diesel.
Beware of diffusion models for synthesizing medical images—a comparison with GANs in terms of memorizing brain MRI and chest x-ray images
Authors: Usman Akbar Muhammad , Wang Wuhao , Eklund Anders 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Diffusion models were initially developed for text-to-image generation and are now being utilized to generate high quality synthetic images. Preceded by generative adversarial networks (GANs), diffusion models have shown impressive results using various evaluation metrics. However, commonly used metrics such as Frechet inception distance and inception score are not suitable for determining whether diffusion models are simply reproducing the training images. Here we train StyleGAN and a diffusion model, using BRATS20, BRATS21 and a chest x-ray (CXR) pneumonia dataset, to synthesize brain MRI and CXR images, and measure the correlation between the synthetic images and all training images. Our results show that diffusion models are more likely to memorize the training images, compared to StyleGAN, especially for small datasets and when using 2D slices from 3D volumes. Researchers should be careful when using diffusion models (and to some extent GANs) for medical imaging, if the final goal is to share the synthetic images.
Building Ethiopia’s food security resilience to climate and hydrological change
Authors: Murgatroyd Anna , Thomas Timothy , Koo Jawoo , Strzepek Kenneth , Hall Jim 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Historically Ethiopia’s food security has been sensitive to climatic variability, but changes in future weather and climate could lead to overall reductions and increased variability in agricultural production, without further adaptation. We present an integrated modelling assessment framework which combines climate, crop, and hydrological modelling to quantify future risks to Ethiopia’s food security. We explore the impacts of 2°C and higher climate change scenarios on water availability and crop yields and simulate how future climate shocks may impact Ethiopia’s food. We consider three adaptations to agricultural management practices (improved seed varieties, increased use of nitrogen fertilizer and supplementary irrigation) and quantify their effectiveness in enhancing the resilience of Ethiopia’s food system to climate and hydrological change by 2050. Results show that, without policy intervention, climate change creates a risk of declining Meher season crop yields across Ethiopia. Under the worst climate change scenario, teff (−12.0%), barley (−6.7%), and wheat (−4.4%) are projected to have the largest decline in average yields, whilst maize (−0.1%) and sorghum (+0.9%) yields are less impacted thanks to more favourable growing conditions. However, the results also indicate that the adaptation options have a bigger beneficial effect than the climate impact. Of the policies evaluated, improved seeds have a relatively greater effect than increased fertilizer use. Supplementary irrigation could help to mitigate increases in crop water requirements under warmer climate conditions and is most effective in drought prone basins and for drought-vulnerable crops. Overall, the results show that locally relevant agricultural policies are necessary to build Ethiopia’s food system resilience to climate and hydrological change by the mid-century.
A Palm hierarchy for determinantal point processes with the confluent hypergeometric kernel, which resolves the problem of harmonic analysis on the infinite-dimensional unitary group
Authors: Bufetov A. 
Published: December 2024

The main result of this note is that the shift of the parameter by 1 in the parameter space of decomposing measures in the problem of harmonic analysis on the infinite-dimensional unitary group corresponds to taking the reduced Palm measure at infinity for the decomposing measures in question. The proof proceeds by finite-dimensional approximation of the measures by orthogonal polynomial ensembles. The key remark is that taking the reduced Palm measure commutes with the scaling limit transition from finite to infinite particle systems.
Prevalence of Cronobacter spp. in Tropical Seafood From Mumbai, India: Comparative Study of Isolation Media and PCR Detection
Authors: Bharti Deeksha , Lekshmi Manjusha , Kumar Sanath H , Nayak Binaya Bhusan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Cronobacter species are opportunistic emerging pathogens associated with diverse foods of plant and animal origin. Considering the diversity of the Cronobacter group of bacteria and their co-existence with closely related Enterobacterales in the aquatic environment, their isolation from fish and shellfish is a challenge.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of Cronobacter in finfish, shellfish, and dried fish, and to compare nine combinations of enrichment broth–selective isolation media for efficient isolation of Cronobacter spp.

Methods
Seventy-five seafood samples collected from five different retail markets were subjected to multiple selective-enrichment methods to isolate Cronobacter, which were presumptively identified by biochemical tests followed by confirmation with genus- and species-specific PCRs.

Results
Of 75 seafood samples analyzed, 24 (32%) were positive for Cronobacter spp. The highest incidence was in dried fish (21 samples, 47.72%), followed by 19 (43.18%) fresh finfish and four (9.09%) shellfish samples. Forty-four isolates from these samples were identified as Cronobacter spp. by PCR. Species-specific PCR further categorized these as C. sakazakii (25), C. malonaticus (16), and C. turicensis (1), while two isolates remained unidentified at species level. Enrichment in Cronobacter screening broth or Rappaport Vassiliadis (RV) medium, followed by isolation on chromogenic Cronobacter sakazakii agar was found to be the most effective combination for the isolation of Cronobacter spp. from seafood.

Conclusions
Dried fish is an important reservoir of C. sakazakii owing to its desiccation tolerance and absence of competing microbiota in dried fish. Although C. sakazakii is the only known pathogen among Cronobacter spp., improved and specific methods to identify diverse members of this genus are needed.

Highlights
Cronobacter sakazakii and C. malonaticus are predominant in tropical seafood. RV with chromogenic CS agar is the most efficient isolation medium for Cronobacter. Specificity of existing PCRs is limited to C. sakazakii and C. malonaticus only. Genus- and species-specific PCRs enhance Cronobacter identification.
Forearm mystery: rare flexor carpi radialis muscle cysticercosis
Authors: Khurram Mohd Fahud , Singh Nimisha 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This case report describes a rare instance of muscle cysticercosis in a 16-year-old vegetarian female from an endemic region, highlighting the challenges in diagnosing atypical presentations of the disease. The patient presented with a 2-month history of persistent pain and swelling in the right forearm, which did not respond to over-the-counter analgesics. A clinical examination identified a non-tender, immobile swelling, and imaging studies suggested cysticercosis. Despite treatment with albendazole and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the swelling persisted, necessitating surgical intervention. The excised cyst was confirmed as cysticercosis through histopathological examination. This case underscores the importance of considering cysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue swellings, particularly in endemic areas, and emphasizes the role of imaging and histopathology in ensuring accurate diagnosis. Preventive measures such as improved sanitation and hygiene are crucial in controlling the spread of cysticercosis.
Quality of life and clinical gout assessments during pegloticase with and without methotrexate co-therapy: MIRROR randomized controlled trial exploratory findings
Authors: Botson John , Obermeyer Katie , LaMoreaux Brian , Padnick-Silver Lissa , Verma Supra , Weinblatt Michael E , Peterson Jeff 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Pegloticase lowers serum urate (SU) but is limited by anti-drug antibodies. Methotrexate (MTX) co-administration increases urate-lowering response rate and decreases infusion reaction risk. This is of importance in uncontrolled gout patients who have few treatment options and highly impacted quality of life (QOL). Here, we report exploratory QOL/clinical endpoints of MIRROR RCT (NCT03994731).

Methods
Patients with uncontrolled gout (sUA ≥ 7 mg/dl, urate-lowering tehraoy (ULT) failure/intolerance, and ≥1 gout sign/symptom [≥1 tophus, ≥2 flares in past year, chronic gouty arthritis]) were administered pegloticase (biweekly 8 mg infusion; 52 weeks) with oral MTX (15 mg/week) or placebo co-therapy. Key exploratory outcomes included change from baseline (CFB) in Physician Global Assessment of Gout [PhGA, score: 0–10], CFB in tender/swollen joint counts [TJC/SJC, score: 0–68/0–66], and gout chronic response rate (GCR50, GCR70; 50%/70% reduction in ≥3 of TJC, SJC, HAQ-Health, HAQ-Pain). Least-square mean (±S.E.) CFB to week 52 was estimated using a mixed model for repeated measures.

Results
In total, 100 patients were randomized to pegloticase + MTX; 52 to pegloticase + PBO. At baseline, patients had poor overall health (HAQ-Health [MTX, PBO]: 44.9 ± 28.6, 39.1 ± 27.4; PhGA: 5.5 ± 2.1, 5.4 ± 2.2) and many affected joints (TJC: 5.4 ± 7.8, 6.7 ± 8.4; SJC: 8.3 ± 12.2, 11.0 ± 15.9). QOL progressively improved during treatment, with similar CFB at week 52 in MTX vs. PBO groups in PhGA (−4.2 ± 0.2 vs. −3.8 ± 0.3) and TJC/SJC (−6.1 ± 0.5 vs. −7.0 ± 0.8/−5.1 ± 0.4 vs. −6.0 ± 0.6). However, at week 52, more MTX patients met GCR50 (58.0% vs. 38.5%) and GCR70 (52.0% vs. 30.8%) criteria.

Conclusion
In the MIRROR RCT, pegloticase treatment with or without MTX co-therapy led to meaningful clinical/QOL improvements in uncontrolled gout patients. However, patients receiving MTX co-therapy had greater benefits because of a higher sustained SU-lowering rate (60.0% vs. 30.8% in the PBO group at week 52).

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03994731.
Untreated Osteoporosis in Lumbar Fusion Surgery Patients
Authors: Köhli Paul , Hambrecht Jan , Wang Shu-Han , Zhu Jiaqi , Chiapparelli Erika , Schönnagel Lukas , Guven Ali E. , Evangelisti Gisberto , Kienzle Arne , Shue Jennifer , Tsuchiya Koki , Burkhard Marco D. , Pumberger Matthias , Sama Andrew A. , Girardi Federico P. , Cammisa Frank P. , Hughes Alexander P. 
Published: December 2024

Study Design.
Secondary analysis of a prospective single-center study.

Objective.
To analyze the prevalence and risk factors for untreated osteoporosis in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery (LFS) and its impact on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers.

Background.
Osteoporosis is a risk factor for mechanical complications in LFS, which can be mitigated by antiosteoporotic treatment. However, there is limited research on factors leading to untreated osteoporosis before LFS and its impact on preoperative bone status.

Materials and Methods.
A secondary analysis of a prospective study enrolling adults undergoing LFS for degenerative conditions (2014–2024) with preoperative quantitative CT osteoporosis screening was performed. Demographic data and medical history were analyzed for prevalence and risk factors of untreated osteoporosis, while BMD, vitamin D, PTH levels, and bone turnover markers were assessed for the effects of lacking treatment.

Results.
A total of 445 patients (48% female, median age 64) were included, of which 137 patients (31%) had osteoporosis. Of these, 66 (48%) were untreated and 71 (52%) were treated, with 40 (56%) receiving pharmacological and 31 (44%) nonpharmacologic treatment, including vitamin D supplementation and lifestyle modifications. Of the untreated patients, 55 (80%) were identified by preoperative screening. Seventy-one percent of osteoporotic men versus 35% of osteoporotic women were untreated (P<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression confirmed male sex as a significant contributing factor (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.9–10.1, P<0.001) for untreated osteoporosis. Treated osteoporotic patients had higher BMD (P<0.001), higher vitamin D levels (P=0.023), and lower levels of bone resorption parameters (P=0.004) than untreated patients.

Conclusion.
Untreated osteoporosis is common before LFS, especially in men, with untreated having lower BMD and higher bone resorption marker levels than treated patients. Identification of osteoporotic cases and subsequent osteological optimization could potentially reduce the risks of adjacent fractures or screw loosening.
The Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use on Fusion Rates Following Single-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Chang Yu , Huang Chih-Yuan , Chuang Ming-Tsung , Chi Kuan-Yu , Song Junmin , Lin Hong-Min 
Published: December 2024

Study Design:
Cohort study.

Objective:
This study explores how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) affect fusion rates following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), using a large-scale data analysis.

Background:
ACDF is essential for treating cervical disc herniation leading to myelopathy and radiculopathy, involving disc removal and vertebral fusion, crucial for long-term stability and symptom relief. Notably, PPIs, which are commonly prescribed for acid-related disorders, have been linked to altered bone health and healing processes.

Materials and Methods:
Utilizing the TriNetX network database spanning from 2008 to 2023, we identified patients undergoing single-level ACDF, classified into cohorts based on PPI usage following ACDF. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to balance demographics and comorbidities between the two groups. The study focused on the incidence of non-fusion, indicated by the International Classification of Disease-10 code M96.0, within 6 months to 2 years postoperatively.

Results:
The initial cohort comprised 1269 PPI users and 23,932 non-users, adjusted to 1266 per group after matching. Postmatching analysis indicated minimal differences in demographics and comorbidities between the cohorts. Our results showed that postoperative PPI users have a significantly higher risk of non-fusion following single-level ACDF surgery at 1 year (odds ratio: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05–1.73) and 2 years (odds ratio: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.11–1.81) follow-up.

Conclusions:
Our study showed a significant link between postoperative PPI use and increased long-term pseudarthrosis risk after ACDF surgery. These findings suggest careful consideration of PPI use in these patients.
Case Report: A Comprehensive Early Childhood Mental Health Evaluation for Children in the Foster Care System
Authors: Lucke Cara M. , Stone Katie J. , Gustafson Kimara , Kroupina Maria G. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Children in the foster care system often have a host of prenatal and postnatal risk factors that can compromise development including disruptions in important attachment relationships. We argue that to effectively address this complex history and inform specific recommendations for intervention, it is important for an Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) evaluation to include both an assessment of the caregiver-child relationship status and neurodevelopment.

Case presentation:
We describe an ECMH evaluation for a 21-month-old girl who was referred to a multidisciplinary birth to three specialty clinic for difficulties separating from her preadoptive mother, indiscriminate friendliness, and emotional and behavioral dysregulation. She had a history of prenatal substance exposure and several disruptions in important attachment relationships. We gained insight into the caregiver-child relationship through behavioral observations and used standardized testing to assess neurodevelopment. This combination of assessment techniques revealed inconsistencies in secure base attachment patterns between the parent and child. She also performed lower than what would be expected for her age across several domains of development.

Conclusion:
This case highlights a comprehensive approach to an ECMH evaluation. Recommendations for intervention prioritized the parent-child relationship given the importance of attunement between caregiver and child to first optimize stress regulation and thus set the foundation for higher-order cognitive processes to develop.