bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 4‐Year Follow‐Up of Levodopa‐Entacapone‐Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Treatment in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Öthman Mezin , Nyholm Dag 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundLevodopa‐entacapone‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LECIG) infusion was introduced to the Swedish market in 2019 for Parkinson's disease (PD) with motor fluctuations. Long‐term data are lacking.ObjectivesTo study long‐term data on LECIG treatment.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the first 24 patients receiving LECIG in Sweden from 2019 to 2023.ResultsFive of 24 (21%) patients discontinued LECIG because of side effects, mostly diarrhea. Eight of the 24 (33%) patients died while receiving LECIG. Eleven of 24 (46%) patients were still on LECIG. Median (range) for disease and treatment duration was 19 (9–30) and 3.6 (3.1–4.0) years, respectively, whereas health‐related quality of life scales showed median (interquartile range; n) Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 8‐item summary index scores of 38 (4; n = 7), EuroQol 5D scores of 0.59 (0.17; n = 7), and EQ‐5D visual analogue scale scores of 65 (10; n = 7).ConclusionsLECIG infusion is a viable treatment option for PD patients with motor fluctuations, for up to 4 years in our cohort.
UWB, compact, dual‐polarized antenna designed by tightly coupling technology
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Wen Mingchuan , Xue Jingkai , Chen Xing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study explores tightly coupling technology applied in the design of an ultra‐wideband (UWB), compact, dual‐polarized antenna. The proposed design utilizes tightly coupling effects to achieve UWB performance, with a notable feature being its double‐dipole topology. This topology significantly reduces the difficulty of impedance matching across the ultra‐wide band. To suppress the significant edge effect that occurs in tightly coupled dipoles, coupled grounded posts are added to the surrounding dipoles, effectively attenuating edge reflections and significantly expanding the bandwidth to lower frequencies. A periodic patch superstrate is loaded above the dipoles to improve the impedance matching and radiation performance. A prototype was fabricated and measured, showing a bandwidth is 1.8–12.5 GHz (149.7%) with VSWR 2.2, fully covering the S, C, and X bands. The proposed antenna is printed on a thin substrate and its size is very small, only mm (), where the is the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency.
Report on the AAPM grand challenge on deep generative modeling for learning medical image statistics
Authors: Deshpande Rucha , Kelkar Varun A. , Gotsis Dimitrios , Kc Prabhat , Zeng Rongping , Myers Kyle J. , Brooks Frank J. , Anastasio Mark A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe findings of the 2023 AAPM Grand Challenge on Deep Generative Modeling for Learning Medical Image Statistics are reported in this Special Report.PurposeThe goal of this challenge was to promote the development of deep generative models for medical imaging and to emphasize the need for their domain‐relevant assessments via the analysis of relevant image statistics.MethodsAs part of this Grand Challenge, a common training dataset and an evaluation procedure was developed for benchmarking deep generative models for medical image synthesis. To create the training dataset, an established 3D virtual breast phantom was adapted. The resulting dataset comprised about 108 000 images of size 512 512. For the evaluation of submissions to the Challenge, an ensemble of 10 000 DGM‐generated images from each submission was employed. The evaluation procedure consisted of two stages. In the first stage, a preliminary check for memorization and image quality (via the Fréchet Inception Distance [FID]) was performed. Submissions that passed the first stage were then evaluated for the reproducibility of image statistics corresponding to several feature families including texture, morphology, image moments, fractal statistics, and skeleton statistics. A summary measure in this feature space was employed to rank the submissions. Additional analyses of submissions was performed to assess DGM performance specific to individual feature families, the four classes in the training data, and also to identify various artifacts.ResultsFifty‐eight submissions from 12 unique users were received for this Challenge. Out of these 12 submissions, 9 submissions passed the first stage of evaluation and were eligible for ranking. The top‐ranked submission employed a conditional latent diffusion model, whereas the joint runners‐up employed a generative adversarial network, followed by another network for image superresolution. In general, we observed that the overall ranking of the top 9 submissions according to our evaluation method (i) did not match the FID‐based ranking, and (ii) differed with respect to individual feature families. Another important finding from our additional analyses was that different DGMs demonstrated similar kinds of artifacts.ConclusionsThis Grand Challenge highlighted the need for domain‐specific evaluation to further DGM design as well as deployment. It also demonstrated that the specification of a DGM may differ depending on its intended use.
Metal artifact reduction method based on single spectral CT (MARSS)
Authors: Zhu Zijing , Zhou Haichuan , Zhang Huitao , Zhang Peng , Zhu Yining 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundFor patients with metal implants, computed tomography (CT) imaging results suffer from metal artifacts, which seriously affect image evaluation and even lead to misdiagnosis. Because spectral CT technology has the advantage of quantitative imaging, basis material decomposition, and so on, the current metal artifact reduction methods are utilizing spectral information to reduce metal artifacts with good results. However, they usually require projection data from multiple spectra or energy‐windows, which is difficult to realize in conventional CT.PurposeTo satisfy the status quo, the aim of this work is to propose a metal artifact reduction (MAR) method based on single spectral CT (MARSS). By incorporating prior information, the average density of some base materials, and a constrained image reconstruction model is established. It forces the solution spaces of the materials to be discrete and finite, making the model easier to solve.MethodsThe MARSS method uses the idea of discrete tomography to establish a constrained reconstruction model. By incorporating priori knowledge, the constraint forces the solution spaces of some materials to be discrete, which can effectively downsize the solution space and reduce the ill‐posedness of this problem. Then, an iteration algorithm is developed to solve this model. This algorithm iterates alternately between reconstruction and discretization. It ensures that the solution spaces are discrete while the polychromatic projection of the reconstructed image converges to that of the scanned object.ResultsThe MRASS method significantly reduces artifacts and restores structures near metal to a large extent. Unlike the comparison MAR methods, it effectively prevents the introduction of new artifacts and distortion of the structure.ConclusionsThe MARSS method can achieve MAR based on single spectral CT. Subjective and quantitative evaluation of the results show that the method significantly improves image quality compared to competing methods.
Combination of Exogenous Spermidine and Phosphocreatine Efficiently Improved the Quality and Antioxidant Capacity of Cryopreserved Boar Sperm and Reduced Apoptosis‐Like Changes
Authors: Li Jingchun , Wang Hechuan , Guo Minghui , Guo Qing , Li Yanbing 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe low resistance of boar sperm to cryopreservation dictates that addition antioxidants and energetic substances to the diluent to improve sperm quality is necessary. This study evaluated the effect of spermidine and phosphocreatine in combination on the quality, antioxidant capacity, and antiapoptotic‐like changes capacity of cryopreserved boar sperm based on previous reports. The results showed that the combined application of spermidine and phosphocreatine significantly enhanced the motility, average path velocity, straight‐line velocity, curvilinear velocity, beat cross frequency, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the combined application of spermidine and phosphocreatine significantly enhanced the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and catalase activity while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde content and hydrogen peroxide content (p < 0.05). Western Blot analysis further showed that spermidine and phosphocreatine significantly decreased the expression of CASP3 and BAX and significantly enhanced the expression of BCL2 (p < 0.05); therefore, the combination of spermidine and phosphocreatine has potentially positive implications for improving the quality of cryopreserved boar sperm.
A novel perspective in stroke neuroprotection: Leveraging hypoxic pocket insights for studying preconditioning and postconditioning
Authors: Zhao Heng , Meng Yan , Li Sijie , Liu Guiyou , Ji Xunming 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis perspective article delineates the significant role of hypoxic pockets—localized, transient reductions in cerebral oxygenation—and their implications for stroke neuroprotection strategies. It posits that preconditioning and postconditioning, through interventions like isoflurane, exercise, remote limb ischemic conditioning, can mitigate these hypoxic pockets, potentially protecting the brain against ischemic events. These strategies exploit the brain's intrinsic adaptive capabilities to resist ischemic damage, underscoring a novel avenue for enhancing recovery and prevention efforts. The study emphasizes the need for further exploration into optimizing these interventions to harness their full potential in combating stroke's debilitating effects, marking a pivotal shift towards targeted neuroprotective measures focused on cerebral microenvironmental optimization.
Selective Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 into Methane on Ag‐Decorated Copper Microsphere
Authors: Dahal Rabin , Srivastava Rohit , Prasad Bastakoti Bishnu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe synthesized the silver‐decorated copper microsphere via the hydrothermal method followed by photoreduction of silver ions. Sub 100 nm Ag nanoparticles anchored on the surface of Cu microspheres enhance the electrochemical performance and the selectivity of the CO2 reduction into CH4. Incorporating Ag nanoparticles onto Cu lowers the charge transfer resistance, enhancing the catalyst's conductivity and active site and increasing the rate of CO2 reduction. The faradaic efficiency of silver nanoparticles decorated copper microsphere for methane was 70.94 %, almost twice that of a copper microsphere (44 %). The electrochemical performance showed higher catalytic properties, stability, and faradaic efficiency of silver‐decorated copper microspheres.
U.S. foreign aid: Marketization, social responsibility, and economic returns
Authors: Mendez Laura 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAid has become a powerful asset for marketizing a donor's reputation under the guise of social responsibility. By fostering goodwill through capitalizing on their image as “good” donors, states enhance their competitive stance in global affairs over time. This paper examines U.S. foreign aid within the frameworks of social responsibility and the interplay between aid and trade. It assesses the policy gains the U.S. acquires through aid marketization, analyzing commercial returns from aid to 39 countries over 22 years. Employing the gravity equation and a Two‐Stage Least Square (2SLS) method with an instrumental variable approach, the research uncovers significant economic benefits. Findings reveal that U.S. foreign aid increases U.S. exports, with an average return of $8 in exports for every additional dollar spent on aid. This highlights the dual function of foreign aid in building goodwill and generating economic returns, particularly in the context of U.S. foreign policy.
Autonomic rehabilitation: Vagal and sympathetic impacts of modified occipitomastoid suture V‐spread
Authors: Miller Austin , Gustin Daniel , Wilson Jonathan , Johns Jeffery , Burch James , Fotopoulos Thomas , Garg Rahul , Vasauskas Audrey 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundAutonomic rehabilitation using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to stimulate the vagus nerve may be a good adjunct therapy by physiatrists who treat dysautonomia. Heart rate variability (HRV) may provide quantitative evidence for the benefits of OMT on autonomic nervous system function. Elevated HRV indicates optimal health and reduced mortality risk, whereas low HRV is associated with stress, pain, and chronic disease pathology.ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of modified occipitomastoid suture v‐spread OMT technique on vagal tone by measuring HRV.DesignWithin‐participant design with 5‐minute HRV measurement pre‐ and post‐OMT treatment.SettingClinical examination suites.ParticipantsThirty healthy osteopathic medical students.InterventionsA modified occipitomastoid suture v‐spread treating somatic dysfunction by osteopathic physicians trained in osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine.Main Outcome MeasuresHRV variables related to vagal tone including root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), percentage of successive normal sinus RR intervals >50 ms (pNN50), high frequency (HF), Parasympathetic Nervous System Index (PNSI), and Sympathetic Nervous System Index (SNSI). Repeated measures t‐test analyzed the difference in mean HRV values after OMT.ResultsThere were statistically significant increases in each of the HRV measures after OMT. Participants had a mean (95% confidence interval) RMSSD of 50.5 ms (38.3–62.8) at baseline and 55.0 ms (41.2–68.7, p = .013) post‐OMT. pNN50 was 24.5% (17.6–31.3, n = 30) at baseline and 28.2% (20.8–35.6, p = .003) post‐OMT. HF was 1549.6 ms2 (389.8–2709.4) at baseline and 1901.8 ms2 (618.2–3185.4, p = .103) post‐OMT. PNSI was −0.1 (−0.5 to 0.2) at baseline and 0.1 (−0.3 to 1.5, p < .01) post‐OMT, and SNSI was 0.2 (−0.1 to 0.6) at baseline and 0.05 (−0.3 to 0.4, p < .01) post‐OMT. Normalization, due to high baseline variance, results include RMSSD 1.1 ms (1.0 to 1.1, p = .012), pNN50 1.3 (1.1 to 1.4, p = .011), and HF 1.2 ms2 (1.1 to 1.4, p = .018).ConclusionsModified occipitomastoid suture v‐spread may provide clinical benefit through increased vagal tone and decreased sympathetic activity.
Experimental Investigation of Quasi‐Static Compressive Properties of Polymer‐Bonded Explosives (PBX) Based on UV‐Curing 3D Printing
Authors: Guo Chao , Cui Hao , Ren Hao , Xiao Lei , Gu Xiaohui , Tang Yuyong , Zhou Hao , Yang Yongliang , Guo Rui 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUltraviolet(UV)‐curing 3D printing in the preparation of explosives has get more attention due to its manufacturing flexibility. To study the effects of binder formulations on compressive properties of PBX for UV‐curing, cast HMX‐based polymer‐bonded explosives (PBX) with 5 groups of binder formulations are prepared by extruded‐based UV curing 3D printer. The test shows that the density of printed explosives exceeds 90% of the theoretical density and quasi‐static compression tests are conducted to analyze the mechanical properties of printed explosives. The results suggest that the elastic modulus and compressive strength of printed explosives with photocurable monomer TMP3EOTA as binder resin have increased by 693.1% and 424%, respectively, compared to those using polyether resin. Moreover, the mechanical properties improve as the content of Isophorone diisocyanate(IPDI) increases from 1 wt. % to 22 wt. %. The addition of aluminum powder decreases the elastic modulus and strength of samples printed by 59.5% and 62%. Meanwhile, the failure modes of printed grains have been also determined. This work provides practical references for future research of PBX on UV‐curing.
Headspace Characterization of Smokeless Powders Using Thermal Desorption‐Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry for Consideration in Canine Detection Training
Authors: Mills Dawn M. , Crespo‐Cajigas Janet 
Published: October 2024

AbstractExplosives detection canines (K9s) are routinely utilized for non‐contact detection of smokeless powders (SP) but the distinct odor(s) used by K9s for SP detection are unknown. Here, the headspace of single base (SB) and double base (DB) SPs was collected using dynamic air sampling and characterized using thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to identify headspace analytes. TD method parameters were optimized and the headspace analysis of 26 SPs resulted in detection of 3291 compounds. Statistical analyses were utilized to narrow down significant components and principal component analysis was used to visualize potential relationships within the data. SP samples originating from the same countries clustered together and a separation in clustering for SB and DB SPs was also observed. Unique volatile chemical compounds were identified for SB and DB SPs (15 and 10 components respectively), as well as for SPs with differing origins. Shared entities between these sample groupings were also identified which may help provide a list of compounds useful for generalization of SPs regardless of manufacturing origin or SP type. Some components identified in the headspace include nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, butyl acetate, and phthalates among others. The variance in headspace data demonstrates the complexity of SP odor profiles and reiterates the need for paired K9 detection studies to understand generalization across SPs. Further implications of this research may allow for identification of additional SP training aids for inclusion in K9 kits to broaden their exposure to a diverse set of SP odor profiles.
Preferential binding of ADP‐bound mitochondrial HSP70 to the nucleotide exchange factor GRPEL1 over GRPEL2
Authors: Manjunath Pooja , Stojkovič Gorazd , Euro Liliya , Konovalova Svetlana , Wanrooij Sjoerd , Koski Kristian , Tyynismaa Henna 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHuman nucleotide exchange factors GRPEL1 and GRPEL2 play pivotal roles in the ADP–ATP exchange within the protein folding cycle of mitochondrial HSP70 (mtHSP70), a crucial chaperone facilitating protein import into the mitochondrial matrix. Studies in human cells and mice have indicated that while GRPEL1 serves as an essential co‐chaperone for mtHSP70, GRPEL2 has a role regulated by stress. However, the precise structural and biochemical mechanisms underlying the distinct functions of the GRPEL proteins have remained elusive. In our study, we present evidence revealing that ADP‐bound mtHSP70 exhibits remarkably higher affinity for GRPEL1 compared to GRPEL2, with the latter experiencing a notable decrease in affinity upon ADP binding. Additionally, Pi assay showed that GRPEL1, but not GRPEL2, enhanced the ATPase activity of mtHSP70. Utilizing Alphafold modeling, we propose that the interaction between GRPEL1 and mtHSP70 can induce the opening of the nucleotide binding cleft of the chaperone, thereby facilitating the release of ADP, whereas GRPEL2 lacks this capability. Additionally, our findings suggest that the redox‐regulated Cys87 residue in GRPEL2 does not play a role in dimerization but rather reduces its affinity for mtHSP70. Our findings on the structural and functional disparities between GRPEL1 and GRPEL2 may have implications for mitochondrial protein folding and import processes under varying cellular conditions.
Nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling as a method for causal inference to predict exposures under desired within‐subject dose titration schemes
Authors: Bartels Christian , Scauda Martina , Coello Neva , Dumortier Thomas , Bornkamp Björn , Moffa Giusi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe ICH E9 (R1) guidance and the related estimand framework propose to clearly define and separate the clinical question of interest formulated as estimand from the estimation method. With that it becomes important to assess the validity of the estimation method and the assumptions that must be made. When going beyond the intention to treat analyses that can rely on randomization, causal inference is usually used to discuss the validity of estimation methods for the estimand of interest. In pharmacometrics, mixed‐effects models are routinely used to analyze longitudinal clinical trial data; however, they are rarely discussed as a method for causal inference. Here, we evaluate nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling and simulation (NLME M&S) in the context of causal inference as a standardization method for longitudinal data in the presence of confounders. Standardization is a well‐known method in causal inference to correct for confounding by analyzing and combining results from subgroups of patients. We show that nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling is a particular implementation of standardization that conditions on individual parameters described by the random effects of the mixed‐effects model. As an example, we use a simulated clinical trial with within‐subject dose titration. Being interested in the outcome of the hypothetical situation that patients adhere to the planned treatment schedule, we put assumptions in a causal diagram. From the causal diagram, conditional independence assumptions are derived either by conditioning on the individual parameters or on earlier outcomes. With both conditional independencies unbiased estimates can be obtained.
The Effects of Bitter Melon (Mormordica charantia) on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Amini Mohammad Reza , Rasaei Niloufar , Jalalzadeh Moharam , Pourreza Sanaz , Hekmatdoost Azita 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTResearch indicates that bitter melon could be useful in the management of dyslipidemia. Still, there is disagreement concerning the findings. This systematic study was undertaken to clarify the impact of consuming bitter melon on lipid profile. The databases Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus were queried from inception until February 9, 2023. The study assessed triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels. The effect sizes were calculated using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 423 participants were included. Bitter melon consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of TC (WMD; −9.71 mg/dL; CI: −17.69 to −1.74, p = 0.01) and TG (WMD; −10.24 mg/dL; CI: −19.92 to −0.56, p = 0.03), while bitter melon did not significantly lower blood LDL‐C (WMD; −8.66 mg/dL; CI: −19.83 to 2.50, p = 0.12) and HDL‐C concentrations (WMD; 0.54 mg/dL; CI: −2.38 to 3.45, p = 0.71). Subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in TC and LDL‐C and an increase in HDL‐C at a dose of ≤ 2000 mg/day and an intervention period of ≤ 8 weeks. Also, the greatest impact of LDL‐C and HDL‐C was seen in diabetic and prediabetic people. Bitter melon supplementation positively impacts TC and TG levels. The limitations of this study were short‐term trials (less than 3 months).