bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does free tendon length influence the injury risk of the Achilles tendon? A finite element study
Authors: Diniz Pedro , Quental Carlos , Pereira Hélder , Ferreira André Soares , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Ferreira Frederico Castelo , Folgado João 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeThe Achilles tendon is a common injury site, but anatomical risk factors for injury are relatively unexplored in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in free tendon length would influence the results of a simulated rupture of the Achilles tendon.MethodsUsing a previously validated 3D finite element model of the free and aponeurotic Achilles tendon as a basis, two additional finite element models with 25% decreased and increased free tendon lengths were created. The finite element models were sequentially loaded from 2500 to 3500N in 100N increments, and the total volume of elements exhibiting a maximal principal strain above 10% was recorded. An Achilles tendon rupture was considered to have occurred when a continuous group of elements with a volume of at least 3 mm3 exhibited a maximum principal strain above 10%. Models were compared regarding the smallest load that met the rupture criterion and plots of the percentage of elements exhibiting maximum principal strains above 10% across the loading range. Sensitivity analyses assessed the influence of subtendon division variations and subtendon sliding restriction on the results.ResultsRupture loads and plots of the percentage of elements with maximum principal strains above 10% were similar between models, regardless of the free tendon length. No models met the rupture criterion when simulations were run without subtendon sliding. Rupture loads in the subtendon division variation models were correlated with the subtendon cross‐sectional areas.ConclusionsThe simulated rupture results of the Achilles tendon were sensitive to variations in subtendon cross‐sectional areas but not in free tendon length.Level of EvidenceLevel V.
Assessing the Performance of Artificial Intelligence Assistance for Prostate MRI: A Two‐Center Study Involving Radiologists With Different Experience Levels
Authors: Sun Zhaonan , Wang Kexin , Gao Ge , Wang Huihui , Wu Pengsheng , Li Jialun , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoying 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) assistance may enhance radiologists' performance in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) on MRI. Further validation is needed for radiologists with different experiences.PurposeTo assess the performance of experienced and less‐experienced radiologists in detecting csPCa, with and without AI assistance.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationNine hundred patients who underwent prostate MRI and biopsy (median age 67 years; 356 with csPCa and 544 with non‐csPCa).Field Strength/Sequence3‐T and 1.5‐T, diffusion‐weighted imaging using a single‐shot gradient echo‐planar sequence, turbo spin echo T2‐weighted image.AssessmentCsPCa regions based on biopsy results served as the reference standard. Ten less‐experienced (<500 prostate MRIs) and six experienced (>1000 prostate MRIs) radiologists reviewed each case twice using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System v2.1, with and without AI, separated by 4‐week intervals. Cases were equally distributed among less‐experienced radiologists, and 90 cases were randomly assigned to each experienced radiologist. Reading time and diagnostic confidence were assessed.Statistical TestsArea under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, reading time, and diagnostic confidence were compared using the DeLong test, Chi‐squared test, Fisher exact test, or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test between the two sessions. A P‐value <0.05 was considered significant. Adjusting threshold using Bonferroni correction was performed for multiple comparisons.ResultsFor less‐experienced radiologists, AI assistance significantly improved lesion‐level sensitivity (0.78 vs. 0.88), sextant‐level AUC (0.84 vs. 0.93), and patient‐level AUC (0.84 vs. 0.89). For experienced radiologists, AI assistance only improved sextant‐level AUC (0.82 vs. 0.91). AI assistance significantly reduced median reading time (250 s [interquartile range, IQR: 157, 402] vs. 130 s [IQR: 88, 209]) and increased diagnostic confidence (5 [IQR: 4, 5] vs. 5 [IQR: 4, 5]) irrespective of experience and enhanced consistency among experienced radiologists (Fleiss κ: 0.53 vs. 0.61).Data ConclusionAI‐assisted reading improves the performance of detecting csPCa on MRI, particularly for less‐experienced radiologists.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Epidemiological Characteristics of Neuro‐Specific Antibodies Following Viral Infections
Authors: Su Yang , Wang Jierui , Ren Yan , Xu Songtao , Si Yanjun , Tang Meng , Li Yi , Wang Minjin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aims to explore the epidemiological characteristics of neuro‐specific antibodies (ns‐Ab) induced by different viral infections within the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, it seeks to compare the autoimmune effects following several typical viral infections in CNS. We conduct a retrospective study to compare and analyze the prevalence trends of ns‐Ab in patients with different viral infections. Additionally, evaluate the intensity of CNS inflammatory responses postviral infection by correlating clinical characteristics and laboratory findings, and briefly demonstrate the immune effects in CNS following various viral infections. This study retrospectively collected data from 1037 patients hospitalized with suspected CNS infections. A total of 654 patients (63.1%) were included in the final analysis. A higher proportion of patients with pathogens present in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (114 out of 332, 34.3%) tested positive for ns‐Ab compared to those without pathogens (70 out of 322, 21.7%) (p = 0.0004). Specifically, the screening rate for ns‐Ab in patients with CNS viral infections (83 out of 165, 50.3%) and the prevalence of ns‐Ab (27 out of 83, 32.5%) were significantly higher than in those with other pathogen infections (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.016, respectively). Among these, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV7) patients had the highest detection rate of ns‐Ab during the disease course (11 out of 26, 42.3%), but exhibited infection characteristics distinctly different from those of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1). Viral infections significantly promote the development of autoimmune responses in CNS. The production of ns‐Ab and the subsequent autoimmune response vary across different viral infections. There is a strong statistical correlation between HHV7 and the presence of ns‐Ab, suggesting that HHV7 may serve as an early indicator of secondary autoimmune response following CNS infections.
The Antigen‐Specific Response of NK Cells to SARS‐CoV‐2 Correlates With KIR2DS4 Expression
Authors: Ustiuzhanina M. O. , Boyko A. A. , Vavilova J. D. , Siniavin A. E. , Streltsova M. A. , Astrakhantseva I. V. , Drutskaya M. S. , Chudakov D. M. , Kovalenko E. I. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTNatural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in the immune response against viral infections, including SARS‐CoV‐2. However, our understanding of memory NK cell responses in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 remains limited. To address this, we investigated the memory‐like response of NK cells to SARS‐CoV‐2 peptides, presented by autologous cells. Blood samples from 45 donors underwent analysis for SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies, categorizing them into four groups based on the antibody kind and level. NK cells from SARS‐CoV‐2‐experienced donors demonstrated enhanced degranulation and activation levels, IFNγ production and proliferative potential in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 peptides. Investigation of highly proliferating NK cells demonstrated the formation of distinct clusters depending on the SARS‐CoV‐2 peptide supplementation and the donor group. RNA sequencing revealed differential gene expression patterns, highlighting metabolism, protein transport, and immune response genes. Notably, KIR2DS4 expression correlated with enhanced IFNγ production, degranulation and proliferation levels, suggesting a role in SARS‐CoV‐2 recognition. Collectively, these findings provide detailed insights into antigen‐specific NK cell responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 peptides, indicating potential mechanisms underlying NK cell activation in antiviral immunity.
Long‐Term Infection With a Particular Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotype, HPV Subtype, or HPV Genomic Variant Does not Significantly Influence the Clinical Course of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Gluvajić Daša , Hošnjak Lea , Zorec Tomaž Mark , Gale Nina , Boltežar Irena Hočevar , Poljak Mario 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTRecurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) 6 and 11, but the role of their genomic variants in the disease's clinical course is unclear. This study investigated whether long‐term persistence of a particular HPV genotype, subtype or genomic variant influences the RRP clinical course. HPV genotyping was performed in paired baseline and follow‐up RRP laryngeal tissue specimens of 59 patients. HPV6 and HPV11 genomic variants were determined in paired tissue specimens taken at least 10 years apart in 20 selected patients. HPV was identified in 58/59 patients, most commonly HPV6 (40/58), followed by HPV11 (17/58). The most prevalent HPV genomic variant was HPV11 A2. HPV6 A and HPV6 B1 were most frequent in aggressive RRP. In all patients, identical HPV genomic variants were identified in both paired specimens. RRP results from a long‐term infection with the same HPV genomic variant that can be identified decades after disease onset. We report the longest duration of genetically confirmed persistent HPV infection in peer‐reviewed literature, during a 44‐year interval in a patient with HPB6 B1. This study suggests that infection with a particular HPV genotype, subtype, or genomic variant does not significantly influence the clinical course of RRP.
Impact of COVID‐19 on the Prevalence and Drug Resistance of Bacteria Isolated From Bacterial Meningitis Cerebrospinal Fluid in Shandong Province: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Wang Mengyuan , Sun Shuhong , Yi Maoli , Wang Shifu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTOur objective was to evaluate the ramifications of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic on the microbial profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of patients with bacterial meningitis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of laboratory results and clinical records about positive CSF cultures reported by the SPARSS network from 2017 to 2023. The study covered three distinct periods: January 2017 to December 2019 (before the COVID‐19 pandemic), January 2020 to December 2022 (during the COVID‐19 pandemic), and January 2023 to December 2023 (after the COVID‐19 pandemic), with a total of 5793 CSF isolates collected. Notably, the proportion of male patients (61.3%) was higher than that of females. After COVID‐19, we observed a notable shift in the seasonal peak of CSF pathogens, with a delay of approximately 3 months. Remarkable alterations were evident in both pediatric and adult CSF isolate profiles. In children, the predominant pathogens included coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Streptococcus pneumonia, and Escherichia coli. Notably. After COVID‐19, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of CoNS (p = 0.0039) and a notable increase in E. coli (p = 0.0067). In adults, the top three pathogens were CoNS, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. After the pandemic, we observed a significant reduction in the prevalence of A. baumannii (p = 0.0059), while the proportions of K. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Enterococcus faecalis increased significantly (p < 0.05). Additionally, among multidrug‐resistant bacteria, the detection rate of carbapenem‐resistant E. coli escalated (p = 0.0375). Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis indicated a declining trend in resistance rates for CoNS and A. baumannii to certain antibiotics following the pandemic. Conversely, resistance to imipenem in A. baumannii increased. In conclusion, the COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly influenced the composition, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and epidemiological dynamics of CSF‐isolated bacteria in Shandong province. To effectively address these changes, ongoing and dynamic surveillance of pathogen trends and antimicrobial resistance rate is essential.
A 15 000 cal a paleoclimatic record from Laguna del Viento (33°S), Subtropical Andes, central Chile
Authors: Rodríguez‐Contreras Diego , Maldonado Antonio , Flores‐Aqueveque Valentina , Villaseñor Tania , de Porras María Eugenia , Muñoz Praxedes 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSubtropical zones are crucial for understanding climate dynamics, as they strongly control the subtropical anticyclone system and serve as a bridge between the tropical and temperate regions of the planet. Therefore, understanding the long‐term dynamics of these areas is vital on a hemispheric scale. A continuous late Pleistocene climate record based on sedimentological proxies was reconstructed using a lacustrine core from the Chilean Subtropical Andes (~33°S). Since the late Pleistocene, high lake levels subjected to cold and wet conditions prevailed between ~15.4 and 14k cal a bp, followed by glacier retreat between 14 and 13.7k cal a
bp. The Pleistocene–Holocene transition is marked by increasing sedimentological parameter values and organic matter content, recording a significant shift in the environmental conditions. Decreased lake levels and high‐energy events predominated until ~8.5k cal a
bp, followed by warm and arid conditions with high‐energy/runoff events from 8.5 to 5.2k cal a
bp, with the driest period occurring ~6.4k cal a
bp. Turbiditic flows appear between 5.2 and 2.6k cal a
bp, and cold conditions between 2.6 and 2.3k cal a
bp. From 1720 to 960 cal a
bp, cold and wet conditions predominated. Warm and wet conditions prevailed to the present, with a brief return to cold and dry conditions at 720 cal a
bp. Important widely represented events such as the Last Glacial termination, early to mid‐Holocene Transition and Little Ice Age are present in the core record.
The Raman Spectra of α$$ \alpha $$‐ and β$$ \beta $$‐Si3N4 and Si2N2O Determined Experimentally and by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Kehren Johannes T. , Fischer Michael , Krause Olaf 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTHigh‐quality Raman spectra of the two silicon nitride polymorphs
‐ and
‐Si3N4 as well as of Si2N2O are presented here. This work significantly extends the previously available data on the Raman spectra of all three phases. For
‐Si3N4, a total of 34 Raman bands were confirmed, and for Si2N2O, a total of 19 Raman bands were observed for the first time. In the case of
‐Si3N4, all 11 known Raman modes were confirmed. For further accuracy and comparison, the spectra of the three phases were also calculated with different density functional theory functionals. Good agreement between the experimental data and the calculated vibrational modes is shown. Between the different DFT functionals, the rSCAN functional had the best agreement with the experimental data, clearly outperforming the PBEsol functional.
Abandoned Railways Support Greater Functional and Phylogenetic Plant Diversity Than Adjacent Grassy Meadows in Agricultural Landscape
Authors: Dylewski Łukasz , Maćkowiak Łukasz , Dyderski Marcin K. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTLinear structures such as woodlots and hedgerows offer many benefits to ecosystems, including enhancing biodiversity, increasing the abundance of plants and animals, and providing a wide range of ecosystem services. However, agriculture expansion has deteriorated and destroyed these elements in the farmland landscape. Human‐made structures like road verges, electricity pylons, or railways may enhance biodiversity in intensive farmland, replacing natural woody elements. We aimed to explore whether abandoned railway lines in agriculture‐dominated landscapes can serve as alternative habitats for plant species. We evaluated the taxonomical, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, along with the community composition of plants, in 25 sites along abandoned railway lines and 25 reference sites in adjacent semi‐natural grasslands. We found no significant difference in species richness and Shannon diversity between grasslands and abandoned railway vegetation, but we observed distinct differences in functional and phylogenetic diversity. Moreover, the vegetation along abandoned railways is not a variant of surrounding semi‐natural grasslands but comprises a novel vegetation type composed of species associated mainly with crops, ruderal, and forest habitats. Abandoned railway lines are characterized by specific abiotic conditions providing a set of opportunities for shaping distinct plant communities in an intensively managed agricultural landscape, fulfilling the concept of a novel ecosystem. Abandoned railways offer a unique opportunity for conservation and can serve as valuable dispersal corridors and habitats for plants, increasing functional and phylogenetic diversity in agricultural landscapes. Combining ecological restoration techniques and sustainable land management practices can help support plant diversity on abandoned railways.
Imaging Photoplethysmography (iPPG) in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery: A Novel Technique for Noninvasive Flap Perfusion Monitoring
Authors: van der Stel S. D. , Lai M. , Groen H. C. , Dirven R. , Karakullukcu M. B. , Karssemakers L. H. E. , van Gastel M. , Hendriks B. H. W. , Ruers T. J. M. , Schreuder W. H. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEvaluate imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) as a novel noninvasive technique to assess flap perfusion in head and neck free flap reconstructive (FFR) surgeries.MethodsIntraoperative iPPG was performed in 17 patients undergoing FFR surgery. Imaging consisted of a 30‐s video from which perfusion maps were extracted, providing detailed information about blood flow and pulsatility in the flap microvasculature. During each procedure, iPPG acquisitions were acquired representing distinct perfusion conditions of the flap (fully perfused/ischemic/reperfused). When possible, postoperative measurements were performed to assess flap recovery during the critical time period (3 days) and long‐term follow‐up (30 days).ResultsPerfusion maps, displaying iPPG amplitude and delay times, correlated strongly (p < 0.001) with the perfusion status of the tissue. One case of postoperative thrombosis, leading to flap failure, was identified with iPPG. After surgical revision in this case, flap perfusion was restored and confirmed by iPPG. Postoperative follow‐up imaging allowed for objective visualization of flap recovery short term (3 days) and up to 30 days after the surgical procedure.ConclusionsThis study shows that iPPG is suitable for objective and noninvasive assessment of flap perfusion in head and neck FFR surgery. In addition, postoperative monitoring shows potential for assessing flap perfusion in patients with increased risk of postoperative complications.
Predictive Value of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle‐Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Shang Bingqing , Hu Zhilong , Xie Ruiyang , Wu Jie , Qu Wang , Zhang Wen , Zhou Aiping , Feng Lin , Bi Xingang , Shou Jianzhong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCisplatin‐based chemotherapy is the recommended therapy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, the efficacy of MIBC for chemotherapy is only about 40%. Therefore, predictors of therapy response are urgently needed. Neutrophils form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a network structure, and growing evidence indicated that it could be a prognostic and predictive marker in cancer. In MIBC, the predictive role of NETs in chemotherapy resistance is unclear. We used the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression analyses to develop a NETs‐associated signature score (NETs‐score) for therapeutic response prediction in the discovery cohort (GSE169455). Then the NETs score‐based risk stratification was verified in two validation cohorts (Taber et al.'s cohort, our institutional cohort). In the training cohort, high NETs‐score was associated with poor chemotherapy response (AUC = 0.781) and reduced recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.26–3.40], p = 0.003) in MIBC patients. The NETs‐score was also demonstrated to be a predictive factor for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.731). The accuracy of the NETs‐score was superior to other chemotherapy response predictors such as Ba/Sq expression subtype (AUC = 0.711), BRCA2 mutation (AUC = 0.692) and ERCC2 mutation (AUC = 0.548). Furthermore, in our center cohort, the expression level of H3Cit showed a significant difference between the response and no‐response group (p = 0.01). Through immunohistochemical validation, NETs was an independent predictor of MIBC neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy as determined by the multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR = 5.94, 95% CI: 1.20–45.50, p = 0.045). Patients with high levels of NETs predicted poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study was the first to reveal the correlation between the level of NETs in MIBC and the efficacy of chemotherapy, which may provide a theoretical basis regarding NETs inhibitors.
Controlling Interest and Firm Efficiency: Comparing Family‐ and Nonfamily‐Controlled Taiwanese Cultural and Creative Industry Firms
Authors: Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Lu Wen‐Min , Le Hanh Thi My 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe study evaluates the efficiencies of Taiwanese cultural and creative firms, comparing family and nonfamily firms. A novel chance‐constrained network data envelopment analysis model measured efficiency from 2005 to 2020. Key findings include the following: (1) Nonfamily firms are more efficient than family‐controlled firms, and (2) a nonlinear relationship between controlling shareholdings and efficiency is present only in family‐controlled firms. This study offers key insights for policymakers, management, highlighting the importance of R&D investment for enhancing firm efficiency, the strategic role of family control in early‐stage efficiency improvements through R&D and the need for investors to adopt tailored strategies to optimize efficiency.