bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiation exposure and safety in low-dose CT-guided glycerol rhizotomy for trigeminal Neuralgia outside the operating room
Authors: Dostal Jiri , Baxa Jan , Stepankova Jana , Seidl Miroslav , Mracek Jan , Lavicka Pavel , Malkus Tomas , Priban Vladimir 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Percutaneous rhizotomy of the Gasserian ganglion is a well-established intervention for patients suffering from refractory trigeminal pain, not amenable to pharmacological management or microvascular decompression. Traditionally conducted under fluoroscopic guidance using Hartel’s technique, this study investigates a modified approach employing low-dose CT guidance to achieve maximal procedural precision and safety with the emphasis on minimizing radiation exposure.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing percutaneous rhizotomy of the Gasserian ganglion at our institution was undertaken. Procedures were divided into fluoroscopy and CT-guided foramen ovale (FO) cannulation cohorts. Radiation doses were assessed, excluding cases with incomplete data. The study included 32 procedures in the fluoroscopy group and 30 in the CT group.

Results
In the CT-guided group, the median effective dose was 0.21 mSv. The median number of CT scans per procedure was 4.5, and the median procedure time was 15 min. Successful FO cannulation was achieved in all 30 procedures (100%). In the fluoroscopy group, the median effective dose was 0.022 mSv, and the median procedure time was 15 min. Cannulation of FO was successful in 31 of 32 procedures (96.9%).
The only complications in the CT-guided group were three minor cheek hematomas. Immediate pain relief in the CT-guided group was reported in 25 of 30 procedures (83.3%), 22 of 30 (73.3%) provided relief at one month, and 10 of 18 (55.6%) procedures resulting in pain relief at one month continued to provide relief after two years.

Conclusion
Low-dose CT-guided percutaneous rhizotomy conducted in the radiology suite carries negligible radiation exposure for patients and eliminates it for personnel. This method is fast, simple, precise, and carries a very low risk of complications.
Validation of theoretical estimation methods and maximum value distribution calculation for parametric roll amplitude in long-crested irregular waves
Authors: Katsumura Keiji , Dostal Leo , Kono Taiga , Maruyama Yuuki , Sakai Masahiro , Maki Atsuo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Parametric rolling is a parametric excitation phenomenon caused by GM variation in waves. There are a lot of studies of the estimation the conditions, the occurrence, and the amplitude of parametric rolling. On the other hand, there are relatively few cases in which theoretical methods for estimating parametric roll amplitudes in irregular waves have been validated in tank tests. The primary objective of this study is to validate theoretical estimation methods for the parametric roll amplitude in irregular waves and improve their accuracy. First, the probability density functions (PDF) of the parametric roll amplitude obtained from the model ship motion experiment in irregular waves are compared with that obtained from theoretical estimation methods. Second, the method to improve the accuracy of estimation of the roll restoring variation in irregular waves is suggested. Third, the method to estimate the distribution of the maximum amplitude of parametric rolling in irregular waves. As a result, the PDFs of the roll amplitude obtained from the experiments differ from the results of theoretical estimation. After that, by correcting GM variation, the results of theoretical estimation are closer to the experimental results. Moreover, by the theoretical estimation method using the moment equation, the qualitative estimation for the PDF of the maximum roll amplitude is succeeded.
Ovarian reserve in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mandosi Chiara , Matys Viviana , Deroma Marianna , Del Negro Valentina , Merlino Lucia , Mariani Marianna , Priori Roberta , Ciminello Enrico , Anastasi Emanuela , Porpora Maria Grazia , Piccioni Maria Grazia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to assess the potential impact of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) on fertility and ovarian reserve by evaluating the number of antral ovarian follicles (AFC) through ultrasound and analysing serum levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are currently the most reliable indicators of fertility potential.

Method
A total of 52 premenopausal women were recruited from the Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences Department at Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome. Among them, 26 had pSS, and 26 served as healthy controls. All participants underwent a gynaecological examination, a transvaginal ultrasound, and serum testing for AMH and FSH levels.

Results
The study found that serum AMH levels were significantly lower (p = 0.002) in pSS patients compared to the controls, indicating a potential reduction in ovarian reserve in these patients. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in FSH levels between the two groups.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that pSS may have a negative impact on ovarian reserve, as evidenced by lower AMH levels in comparison to age-matched controls. AFC and FSH levels, however, were similar to those of healthy women. These results provide new insights that could be beneficial for this patient population, though further, larger-scale studies are necessary to more comprehensively understand the relationship between pSS and female fertility.

Key Points• The study assesses the possible impact of pSS on fertility and ovarian reserve by evaluation of AMH, FSH, and AFC.• Family planning and fertility are important issues for patients with rheumatic disorders and must be considered and discussed with the patient already at the time of diagnosis, and appropriate counselling must be performed.
Pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome attenuates kidney apoptosis, fibrosis, and injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats
Authors: Wang Yue , Wu Yuhang , Ren Jiayu , Wang Ying , Perwaiz Imran , Su Hongtong , Li Jing , Qu Peng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH) is the most severe form of hypertension, and the presence of NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Although MCC950 has shown therapeutic potential for hypertension and kidney injury, its mechanism of action remains unclear.

Methods
Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats and their salt-tolerant aptamer control SS-13BN (BN) rats were randomly assigned to four groups: SS rats intraperitoneally administered physiological saline (SS + vehicle) or MCC950 (SS + MCC950), and BN rats intraperitoneally administered physiological saline (BN + vehicle) or MCC950 (BN + MCC950). All rats were given 2% saline for drinking and received intraperitoneal injections of physiological saline or MCC950 (5 mg/kg) every other day. Biomarkers such as serum creatinine, urinary protein, sodium retention, NLRP3 inflammasome, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, sodium channels and histopathological changes in kidney injury were evaluated in blood, urine, and kidney tissues.

Results
Compared with the SS + vehicle group, the SS + MCC950 group showed significantly lower blood pressure levels. Additionally, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation was observed along with reduced inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, and sodium retention in the kidneys.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome reduces blood pressure in SS rats and alleviates related kidney injury by suppressing inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, and sodium retention.
Infant skull fractures align with the direction of bone mineralization
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Kleiven Svein , Li Xiaogai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The geometry and mechanical properties of infant skull bones differ significantly from those of adults. Over the past decades, debates surrounding whether fractures in infants come from deliberate abuse or accidents have generated significant impacts in both legal and societal contexts. However, the etiology of infant skull fractures remains unclear, which motivates this study with two main components of work. Firstly, we present and implement a progressive unidirectional fabric composite damage model for infant cranial vaults to represent ductile and anisotropic properties—two typical mechanical characteristics of infant skulls. Secondly, we hypothesize that these intrinsic material properties cause injuries perpendicular to the fiber direction to dominate infant skull fractures, resulting in fracture lines that align with the direction of mineralization in the infant skull. The material model and the finite element (FE) model were verified hierarchically, and this hypothesis was verified by reconstructing two legal cases with known fall heights and implementing the above damage model into CT-based subject-specific infant FE head models. We discovered that the infant skull is more susceptible to injuries within planes perpendicular to the mineralization direction because of the anisotropic mechanical property caused by the direction of mineralization, leading to infant skull fractures aligning with the mineralization direction. Our findings corroborated the several previously reported observations of fractures on cranial vaults, demonstrating that these fractures were closely associated with sutures and oriented along the mineralization direction, and revealed the underlying mechanisms of infant skull fracture pattern. The modeling methods and results of this study will serve as an anchor point for more rigorous investigations of infant skull fractures, ultimately aiming to provide convincing biomechanical evidence to aid forensic diagnoses of abusive head trauma.
A Systematic Review on the Use of Registration-Based Change Tracking Methods in Longitudinal Radiological Images
Authors: Im Jeeho E. , Khalifa Muhammed , Gregory Adriana V. , Erickson Bradley J. , Kline Timothy L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRegistration is the process of spatially and/or temporally aligning different images. It is a critical tool that can facilitate the automatic tracking of pathological changes detected in radiological images and align images captured by different imaging systems and/or those acquired using different acquisition parameters. The longitudinal analysis of clinical changes has a significant role in helping clinicians evaluate disease progression and determine the most suitable course of treatment for patients. This study provides a comprehensive review of the role registration-based approaches play in automated change tracking in radiological imaging and explores the three types of registration approaches which include rigid, affine, and nonrigid registration, as well as methods of detecting and quantifying changes in registered longitudinal images: the intensity-based approach and the deformation-based approach. After providing an overview and background, we highlight the clinical applications of these methods, specifically focusing on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in tumors and multiple sclerosis (MS), two of the most heavily studied areas in automated change tracking. We conclude with a discussion and recommendation for future directions.
Interactions between eagles and semi-domestic reindeer – lessons learned from field surveys and deterrents
Authors: van der Meiden Aemilius Johannes , López-Peinado Andrés , Sunesson Peter , Emilsson Christian , Singh Navinder J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract1) Predation by eagles on semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is a known human-wildlife conflict in Fennoscandia. Both the Golden (Aquila chrysaetos) and the White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) are believed by herders to predate on reindeer, however, there is a considerable knowledge gap regarding the extent of predation and scavenging. Herders believe that predation levels are higher than assumed and that current compensation in Sweden, based on herd size, is insufficient. 2) We developed this pilot Before-After-Control-Impact project to fill the existing knowledge gaps by investigating the patterns of eagle abundance before, during, and after reindeer calving in a reindeer herding district in northern Sweden and testing the effect of two potential deterrents (air ventilators and rotating prisms) in diverting eagles from reindeer calving areas. 3) During the single study period, we made 12, 47, and 17 eagle observations before, during, and after calving respectively. Eagle abundance increased during calving and decreased again after calving ended. Predation levels were difficult to infer and neither direct attacks nor dead calves killed by eagles have been observed. Most eagle observations were made in the control area, with significantly higher odds of observing eagles in the control area compared to areas with deterrents. 4) We show that eagle abundance increased during the calving period and declined afterwards, with subadults particularly fluctuating. Deterrents appear promising in diverting eagles, though further studies are needed to fully assess their effectiveness and the broader issue of eagle predation on reindeer.
Revisiting the Modelling of Mixing Time Scales for Lagrangian Filtered Density Function Methods
Authors: Gutiérrez Sánchez Sergio , Yang Jacqueline , Kronenburg Andreas , Zirwes Thorsten 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Mixing models for multiple mapping conditioning (MMC) methods are revisited as some details of their implementation have not yet been assessed. We use simulations of scalar mixing in non-reacting homogeneous isotropic decaying turbulence (HIT) such that (1) key modelling parameters can be taken from the direct numerical simulations without incurring additional modelling uncertainties and (2) direct validation is possible. Variants of Curl’s model are studied and direct comparison is sought with the variants’ performances in the context of standard (intensive) and sparse (such as MMC) particle approaches for the modelling of the probability density function (PDF). The second aim is to show the relative importance of micro-mixing and spatial diffusion in the presence of differential diffusion. The results demonstrate that MMC approximates the correct relaxation towards Gaussian independent of the mixing model’s variant. This is different from the standard PDF approach that requires a clear spatial localization given by the computational mesh to achieve a similar outcome. This spatial localization is not needed in MMC as the MMC mixing model already employs a localization in reference space. Differential diffusion effects can, however, only be accurately predicted if not only mixing but also spatial transport accounts for the differences in the molecular diffusion term. It is insufficient to adjust the mixing time scales only and future MMC models may require adjustments for accurate prediction capabilities.
Caregiver Psychopathology, Resilience, and Their Associations with Social-Emotional Challenges of Young Children Affected by Armed Conflict in Colombia
Authors: Hein Sascha , Ponguta Liliana A. , Flores José M. , Londoño Tobón Amalia , Johnson Isaac N. S. , Larran Julie , Ortiz Hoyos Ana M. , Gómez Oscar , González Ballesteros Lina M. , Castellanos Roncancio Camila A. , Leckman James F. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe examined the social and emotional challenges (SEC) of young children and the mental health of their caregivers in areas affected by armed conflict and displacement in Colombia. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms were assessed in 1,133 caregivers. Caregivers also reported on the SEC of their children aged 21–53 months. A subsample of 487 caregivers (43%) completed a resilience self-report measure. Caregivers reported substantial levels of psychopathology ranging from 12.84% of caregivers with elevated anxiety levels, 24.5% who scored above the cutoff on the PTSD measure, and 44.7% who screened positive for depression. Correlations (r) between child SEC and caregiver psychopathology ranged from 0.15 to 0.33. The association between caregiver depression and child SEC was more substantial for boys (B = 0.56) than girls (B = 0.22). We also found that girls whose caregivers reported elevated levels of psychopathology and low levels of caregiver resilience received the highest ratings of caregiver-reported SEC. The importance of caregiver-child resilience-focused psychosocial support is discussed.
Rental Contract Liberalisation in The Netherlands: Effects on Rents, Vacancy Rates and Residential Mobility
Authors: Lankhuizen Maureen , Rouwendal Jan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOn 1 July 2016, the Wet doorstroming huurmarkt (Rental Market Transition Act) was implemented in the Netherlands. This law made it possible to temporarily rent out a property for a maximum of two years. The law was created to promote flexibility in the rental market. In particular, better allocation of households was the goal. This paper empirically analyses the impact of temporary contracts by considering the frequency of short stays (up to 2 years). We investigate the changes in this frequency since 2016. We also consider possible implications of the introduction of temporary contracts for rents, residential mobility, and duration of vacancy. We quantify the benefits of short stays to landlords, which mirror the cost of tenants, in terms of higher rental revenues. We also find that residential mobility in the private rental market increased significantly after temporary contracts were allowed, not only in the first 24 months of stay, but overall, as intended by the law.
Risk prediction of ischemic heart disease using plasma proteomics, conventional risk factors and polygenic scores in Chinese and European adults
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Wright Neil , Yao Pang , Kartsonaki Christiana , Millwood Iona Y. , Fry Hannah , Said Saredo , Pozarickij Alfred , Pei Pei , Chen Yiping , Wang Baihan , Avery Daniel , Du Huaidong , Schmidt Dan Valle , Yang Ling , Lv Jun , Yu Canqing , Sun DianJianYi , Chen Junshi , Hill Michael , Peto Richard , Collins Rory , Bennett Derrick A. , Walters Robin G. , Li Liming , Clarke Robert , Chen Zhengming ,   China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: November 2024

AbstractPlasma proteomics could enhance risk prediction for multiple diseases beyond conventional risk factors or polygenic scores (PS). To assess utility of proteomics for risk prediction of ischemic heart disease (IHD) compared with conventional risk factors and PS in Chinese and European populations. A nested case-cohort study measured plasma levels of 2923 proteins using Olink Explore panel in ~ 4000 Chinese adults (1976 incident IHD cases and 2001 sub-cohort controls). We used conventional and machine learning (Boruta) methods to develop proteomics-based prediction models of IHD, with discrimination assessed using area under the curve (AUC), C-statistics and net reclassification index (NRI). These were compared with conventional risk factors and PS in Chinese and in 37,187 Europeans. Overall, 446 proteins were associated with IHD (false discovery rate < 0.05) in Chinese after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Proteomic risk models alone yielded higher C-statistics for IHD than conventional risk factors or PS (0.855 [95%CI 0.841–0.868] vs. 0.845 [0.829–0.860] vs 0.553 [0.528–0.578], respectively). Addition of 446 proteins to PS improved C-statistics to 0.857 (0.843–0.871) and NRI by 109.1%; and addition to conventional risk factors improved C-statistics to 0.868 (0.854–0.882) and NRI by 86.9%. Boruta analysis identified 30 proteins accounting for ~ 90% of improvement in NRI for IHD conferred by all 2923 proteins. Similar proteomic panels yielded comparable improvements in risk prediction of IHD in Europeans. Plasma proteomics improved risk prediction of IHD beyond conventional risk factors and PS and could enhance precision medicine approaches for primary prevention of IHD.
Naturally derived bioactive compounds as precision modulators of immune and inflammatory mechanisms in psoriatic conditions
Authors: Radu Ada , Tit Delia Mirela , Endres Laura Maria , Radu Andrei-Flavius , Vesa Cosmin Mihai , Bungau Simona Gabriela 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Psoriasis represents a chronic autoimmune skin condition defined by various clinical forms, including inverse, erythrodermic, pustular, guttate, plaque types. While current therapies, including topical treatments but also systemic through conventional synthetic drugs and biologics, have improved symptom management, no treatment completely cures the disease, and numerous options are linked to considerable adverse effects, including immunosuppression and carcinogenic risks. Therefore, there is growing interest in bioactive compounds from natural sources due to their potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in psoriasis with fewer adverse effects. The present narrative review aimed to address the limitations of current psoriasis therapies by exploring the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds in the classes of flavonoids, terpenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and alkaloids assessed through complex experimental models, focusing on their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies highlight the efficacy of natural bioactive compounds in reducing psoriasis symptoms, either as standalone treatments or in combination with conventional therapies. While these compounds show promise in alleviating psoriasis-related inflammation, further research is needed to optimize their therapeutic use, understand their mechanisms of action, and assess long-term safety. Future studies should focus on clinical trials to establish standardized protocols for incorporating bioactive compounds into psoriasis management and explore their potential role in personalized treatment strategies. Continued research is essential to develop more effective, safer, and affordable therapeutic options for psoriasis patients.
What Difference does it Make if they have Children? A Mixed Methods Study of the Impact of Children on Service Providers’ Perception of Mandatory Reporting of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Vatnar Solveig Karin Bø , Dahl Silje Louise , Kristiansen Susanne Tilke Thon , Leer-Salvesen Kjartan , Nordby Christine , Vølstad Astrid Gravdal , Douglas Kevin S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Whether professionals consider children to be an important factor regarding mandatory reporting of intimate partner violence (MR-IPV) remains unknown. In the present study, we examined to what extent the presence of children had an impact on service providers’ decision making when faced with IPV, and the parents’ reported consequences of MR-IPV for the children.

Methods
The present study is a mixed methods study combining quantitative (N = 374 service providers and N = 86 IPV victims) and qualitative (N = 59 service providers and N = 10 IPV victims) data in a convergent parallel design. Descriptive analyses and Kruskal- Wallis H-tests from the quantitative data were used. The analytic process for the qualitative analyses was informed by Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.

Results
The service providers found it easier to set aside confidentiality in IPV cases when the purpose was safeguarding children. The findings indicated some confusion about the difference and interface between the obligation to notify the child welfare service and to report under MR-IPV to the police. IPV victims who had experienced MR-IPV reported mixed consequences for their children. However, more than half reported that their children were better off after the MR-IPV.

Conclusions
The recognition of the impact of IPV on children in practice, research and policy-making might lead to some inconsistencies and contradictions in how service providers respond to IPV. Accordingly, service providers must take into account the challenges in situations where MR-IPV might be applicable in order to protect both the child(ren) and the victimized adult from IPV.