bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthcare use among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the SHARE COVID-19 Survey
Authors: Pimentel Ana Sofia , Costa Ana Rute 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To estimate the association between a previous cancer diagnosis and healthcare use during the COVID-19 pandemic among Europeans and Israelis individuals.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was based on data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), including the SHARE COVID-19 Survey, which was conducted in the summer of 2020, in 27 countries. Cancer survivors (CS, n = 6409) were country-, sex-, age-, and education-matched (1:2) to non-cancer individuals (NC). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were computed using logistic regression.

Results
Overall, CS were more likely to refer that they forwent medical appointments due to fear of COVID-19 (OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.19–1.41) than NC, particularly those who lived with their partner and other relatives (OR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.39–2.30). Likewise, CS had their medical appointments postponed more often (OR = 1.54, 95%CI 1.44–1.64); this association was stronger among CS who lived with their partner and other relatives (OR = 1.96, 95%CI 1.63–2.36) who reported higher economic difficulties (OR = 1.73, 95%CI 1.50–2.00) and those with no multimorbidity (OR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.62–2.11). CS were also more likely to refer that they were unable to book an appointment (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.26–1.63), particularly those who reported that a person close to them died due to COVID-19 (OR = 2.72, 95%CI 1.47–5.01).

Conclusion
CS were more likely to forgo medical treatment, report healthcare postponements, and be unable to book an appointment than NC, which highlights the importance of closely monitoring the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic along the cancer care continuum.
Surgical treatment of meningiomas improves neurocognitive functioning and quality of life – a prospective single-center study
Authors: Ueberschaer Moritz , Hackstock Rene , Rainer Lucas , Breitkopf Katharina , Rezai Arwin , Kaiser Andreas , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Schwartz Christoph 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and purpose
Early diagnosis and the refinement of treatment of patients with intracranial meningiomas have brought quality of life (QoL) and neurocognitive functioning as outcome measures into focus. The aim of this study is a comprehensive assessment of neurocognitive function, quality of life and the presence of depression in meningioma patients before and after surgery.

Methods
Patients with MRI diagnosis of intracranial meningioma and indication for surgery were prospectively included. A clinical neuropsychologist performed neurocognitive assessments within 3 months before and 12 months after surgery. The test battery included investigation of selective and divided attention, verbal and figural memory, executive functioning, and word fluency. Self-report questionnaires to assess depressive symptoms, QoL, and disease coping were administered. Raw values and t-values were compared pre-and postoperatively. Outcome was stratified by tumor- and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) volumes, postoperative resolution of PTBE and WHO grade. The study included 18 predominantly female patients (83%) with a median age of 59 years and mostly CNS WHO grade 1 meningiomas (83%).

Results
There was a significant postoperative improvement in the ability to selectively react under stress, in working memory and improved delayed reproduction of verbal and visual memory content. QoL improved regarding a reduction in physical problems, an improvement in energy, and social functioning. There was a trend towards worse preoperative scores in all tests, and greater postoperative improvement in patients with PTBE. Tumor volume had no effect on the measured outcome. The patients did not suffer from depressive symptoms before the surgery but improved postoperatively and most patients had an active, problem-oriented coping strategy.

Conclusion
Resection of intracranial meningiomas leads to an improvement in multiple neurocognitive domains and QoL. There is a trend towards poorer preoperative neurocognitive functioning and greater postoperative improvement in patients with PTBE. Depression appears to play a minor role in the context of neurocognitive functioning and disease coping.
Temporomandibular joint space variation and masticatory muscle activation during clenching with full versus partial covering occlusal splints
Authors: Seiler Annika , Lukic Nenad , Özcan Mutlu , Kazimi Marina , Kaldas Moody , Gallo Luigi M. , Colombo Vera 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Occlusal splints are the main therapeutic choice in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, their precise working mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effect of three commercially available splint designs (full covering splint, anterior bite splint and posterior bite splint) during biting in a sample of healthy subjects.

Materials and methods
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was combined with jaw tracking to measure the minimal intraarticular distance (MID) of 20 human temporomandibular joints (TMJ) whilst simultaneously recording the electromyogram (EMG) of the masticatory muscles. The changes caused by clenching with a bite force of 100 N without splint (baseline) and on each splint were calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed on the means of the MID variations and EMG amplitudes.

Results
Clenching on the anterior bite splint resulted in two times less activation of the anterior temporalis muscle than baseline (p = 0.003), full covering (p = 0.011) and posterior bite splint (p = 0.011). MID was reduced by clenching in all conditions, but the reduction was almost three times larger with the anterior bite splint compared to no splint (p = 0.011). The full covering splint and the posterior bite splint did not differ significantly in EMG activation of both masseter and temporalis muscles and MID variation.

Conclusions
This study showed that splint designs have a different impact on the MID and EMG activation while clenching. The anterior bite splint had a greater impact on the reduction of the muscle activation, whereas clenching on the anterior bite splint led to bigger reduction of MID and thus had the greatest influence on alteration in the condylar position.

Clinical relevance
The design of the splint can affect MID and muscle activation and is a variable to consider in the treatment of patients with TMD according to their symptoms.
Exploring the role of plasmapheresis prior to thyroidectomy in managing thyrotoxicosis: a comprehensive scoping review
Authors: Koziak Weronika , Dudek Stanisław , Putowski Zbigniew , Sanfilippo Filippo , Zawadka Mateusz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA thyroid storm is the most extreme and life-threatening presentation of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroidectomy can be used for definitive treatment. It should be performed after euthyroidism is accomplished. The use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a last resort option in cases where standard pharmacological therapy proves to be ineffective. Due to its rare prevalence, there are limited data evaluating the usefulness and efficacy of TPE as a bridging therapy to thyroidectomy. The absence of relevant literature prompted us to conduct a scoping review. The following bibliographic databases were searched for articles dated 30 November 2023: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The search identified 1047 records, of which 42 articles were accepted with a total of 234 patients. The dominant indications for TPE were side effects due to conventional treatment. The mean fT4 level decreased 51.9% of baseline after TPE, while the mean fT3 level decreased 66.6% of baseline. The main side effects observed with FFP were allergic reactions, while the use of an albumin solution was associated with perioperative bleeding. Based on the limited data available in the literature, we recognize plasmapheresis as an effective treatment option for reducing thyroid hormone levels prior to thyroidectomy in patients with thyrotoxicosis. Available data suggest that it might be reasonable to limit the number of sessions in favor of an earlier surgical intervention. To reduce the risk of bleeding, FFP may be a better option as a replacement fluid, especially in the session prior to thyroidectomy.
Diagnostic delay in patients with sporadic hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis
Authors: Antunes Bernardo , Conceição Isabel , Falcão de Campos Catarina , de Carvalho Mamede 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is a rare progressively incapacitating condition with a wide range of genotype/phenotype presentations. It is frequently diagnosed late in its course, particularly in sporadic cases.

Objectives
Analysing predictors of diagnostic delay in this subpopulation should be, therefore, a priority.

Methods
109 apparently sporadic ATTRv amyloidosis patients followed in a reference centre in Hospital de Santa Maria (ULS Santa Maria-CAML), in Lisbon, were studied. Time from symptom onset to diagnosis, age, sex, municipality of origin and initial symptoms were obtained. Diagnostic delay was compared between different decades with a Kruskal–Wallis test, and its predictors were evaluated in a univariate model followed by a binary logistic regression analysis to calculate the adjusted odds ratio.

Results
The median diagnostic delay was 1262 days. There was a non-significant difference in diagnostic delay between the 80 s, 90 s, 2000s and 2010s decades. There was a non-significant trend for a longer diagnostic delay in woman and in patients having no neurologic symptoms at onset.

Conclusion
There is an important diagnostic delay in sporadic cases of ATTRv amyloidosis. Awareness should be spread among clinicians regarding the various manifestations of this disease, stressing the importance of family history and epidemiological data.
Real-world effectiveness and safety of trastuzumab-deruxtecan in Japanese patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer (EN-DEAVOR study)
Authors: Kawakami Hisato , Nakanishi Koki , Makiyama Akitaka , Konishi Hirotaka , Morita Satoshi , Narita Yukiya , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Minashi Keiko , Imano Motohiro , Inamoto Rin , Kodera Yasuhiro , Kume Hiroki , Yamaguchi Keita , Hashimoto Wataru , Muro Kei ,   EN-DEAVOR Study Group
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd) was approved for the treatment of HER2-positive patients with advanced gastric cancer in Japan based on the results of the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial. This study aimed to collect real-world data and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of T-DXd.

Methods
Patients aged ≥ 20 years at the start of T-DXd administration with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of HER2-positive unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma that had worsened after chemotherapy were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Key outcomes included T-DXd treatment status, overall survival (OS), real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), time to treatment failure (TTF), objective response rate and frequency of grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs).

Results
Of the 312 patients included in the analysis, 75.3% were male, the median (range) age was 70.0 (27.0–89.0) years, 12.2% had an ECOG PS ≥ 2, 43.3% had ascites and the initial T-DXd dose was > 5.4– ≤ 6.4 mg/kg in 78.2% of patients. The median (95% confidence interval) OS, rwPFS and TTF (months) was 8.9 (8.0–11.0), 4.6 (4.0–5.1) and 3.9 (3.4–4.2), respectively. The response rate was 42.9% in patients with a target lesion. In total, 48.4% of patients experienced a grade ≥ 3 AE, 2.6% experienced grade 5 AEs and 60.9% experienced AEs leading to T-DXd dose adjustments (reduction: 36.9%, interruption: 34.0% or discontinuation: 23.7%). No new safety signals were detected.

Conclusions
T-DXd was effective and had a manageable safety profile as a third- or later-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer in Japanese clinical practice. Clinical trial registration: UMIN000049032
Recovery of samarium and cobalt/iron oxide from SmCo magnets through acid baking and water leaching
Authors: Emil-Kaya Elif , Lu Xi , Friedrich Bernd 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRare earth elements (REEs) and cobalt (Co) are listed as critical raw materials because of their importance in global industrial production growth, high supply risk, and economic significance. The recovery of Co and REEs from secondary resources is therefore proposed as a key countermeasure to address this concern. In this study, a straightforward process that integrates acid baking and water leaching is proposed for the recovery of samarium (Sm) and Co from scrap SmCo magnets. Firstly, the chemical composition of SmCo magnets is revealed by ICP-OES and XRF. The Taguchi experimental design technique is employed to optimize nitric acid baking and water leaching. Based on the thermal decomposition behavior of Co, Fe, and Sm, the acid baking temperature is studied for the conversion of metal nitrates, excluding REEs nitrates, into metal oxides. The optimal conditions for acid baking and water leaching are identified, and a reactor for the pilot-scale acid baking process is proposed. The optimum parameters are tested with the proposed reactor.
Optimization problems with uncertain objective coefficients using capacities
Authors: Vu Tuan-Anh , Afifi Sohaib , Lefèvre Eric , Pichon Frédéric 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe study a general optimization problem in which coefficients in the objective are uncertain. We use capacities (lower probabilities) to model such uncertainty. Two popular criteria in imprecise probability, namely maximality and E-admissibility, are employed to compare solutions. We characterize non-dominated solutions with respect to these criteria in terms of well-known notions in multi-objective optimization. These characterizations are novel and make it possible to derive several interesting results. Specially, for convex problems, maximality and E-admissibility are equivalent for any capacities even though the set of associated acts is not convex, and in case of 2-monotone capacities, finding an arbitrary non-dominated solution and checking if a given solution is non-dominated are both tractable. For combinatorial problems, we show a general result: in case of 2-monotone capacities, if the deterministic version of the problem can be solved in polynomial time, checking E-admissibility can also be done in polynomial time. Lastly, for the matroid optimization problem, more refined results are also obtained thanks to these characterizations, namely the connectedness of E-admissible solutions and an outer approximation based on the greedy algorithm for non-dominated solutions with respect to maximality.
Multi-armed bandit games
Authors: Gürsoy Kemal 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA sequential optimization model, known as the multi-armed bandit problem, is concerned with optimal allocation of resources between competing activities, in order to generate the most likely benefits, for a given period of time. In this work, following the objective of a multi-armed bandit problem, we consider a mean-field game model to approach to a large number of multi-armed bandit problems, and propose some connections between dynamic games and sequential optimization problems.
Cdk8 and Hira mutations trigger X chromosome elimination in naive female hybrid mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Halter Kevin , Chen Jingyi , Priklopil Tadeas , Monfort Asun , Wutz Anton 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) possess a pluripotent developmental potential and a stable karyotype. An exception is the frequent loss of one X chromosome in female ESCs derived from inbred mice. In contrast, female ESCs from crosses between different Mus musculus subspecies often maintain two X chromosomes and can model X chromosome inactivation. Here we report that combined mutations of Hira and Cdk8 induce rapid loss of one X chromosome in a Mus musculus castaneus hybrid female ESC line that originally maintains two X chromosomes. We show that MEK1 inhibition, which is used for culturing naive pluripotent ESCs is sufficient to induce X chromosome loss. In conventional ESC media, Hira and Cdk8 mutant ESCs maintain both X chromosomes. Induction of X chromosome loss by switching to naive culture media allows us to perform kinetic measurements for calculating the chromosome loss rate. Our analysis shows that X chromosome loss is not explained by selection of XO cells, but likely driven by a process of chromosome elimination. We show that elimination of the X chromosome occurs with a rate of 0.3% per cell per division, which exceeds reported autosomal loss rates by 3 orders of magnitude. We show that chromosomes 8 and 11 are stably maintained. Notably, Xist expression from one of the two X chromosomes rescues X chromosomal instability in ΔHiraΔCdk8 ESCs. Our study defines mutations of Hira and Cdk8 as molecular drivers for X chromosome elimination in naive female ESCs and describes a cell system for elucidating the underlying mechanism.
The Effects of Morphological Instruction on Literacy Outcomes for Children in English-Speaking Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Colenbrander Danielle , von Hagen Alexa , Kohnen Saskia , Wegener Signy , Ko Katherine , Beyersmann Elisabeth , Behzadnia Ali , Parrila Rauno , Castles Anne 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this pre-registered meta-analysis, we investigated the effectiveness of morphology instruction on literacy outcomes for primary school children in English-speaking countries. We were interested in overall reading and spelling outcomes, but we also looked separately at results for trained and untrained words in order to determine whether there was evidence of transfer to untrained words. Further, we were interested in whether results transferred beyond the word level to reading comprehension outcomes. Our screening process revealed 28 eligible studies, which contributed 177 effect sizes to the analyses. Robust variance estimation methods were used to account for dependence between effect sizes. Overall, effect sizes on reading and spelling outcomes were small to moderate. Effect sizes were larger for trained words than untrained words. There was evidence of transfer to untrained words for spelling outcomes, but not for reading outcomes. There was also no clear evidence of effects on reading comprehension outcomes. In general, the evidence was characterised by large amounts of heterogeneity and imprecision, which was reflective of the wide variety within and between studies in terms of intervention content, outcome measures, intervention dosage and type of control group. We discuss the limitations of the current literature and make recommendations for future research and practice in the field of morphology instruction. (207 words – max 250).
Long- and short-term pollution effect in megapolis assessed from magnetic and geochemical measurements on soils, tree trunk bark, and air filters
Authors: Bondar Kseniia M. , Tsiupa Iryna V. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study identifies factors influencing spatial and temporal variations in magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal content in soils and airborne particulate matter within the Kyiv megapolis, Ukraine, and highlights how source apportionment differs in the long and short run. Topsoil magnetic susceptibility anomalies of > 70 × 10−8 m3kg−1 are observed around old factories. The tree bark magnetic susceptibility map provides a record of industry general low emissions for the last 2–3 decades. The patterns of both spatial distributions confirm that factory emissions dominate the composition of particulate falling on the ground in urban area, with exclusion of streets with heavy traffic. Enhanced concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Zn have been found in urban soils, showing a positive correlation with magnetic susceptibility. Re-suspended road dust dominates temporal variation of particulate matter magnetic susceptibility collected on air filters. The air at busy streets is cleaner in winter, when the street dust gets immobilized by snow cover or freezing. Industries in Kyiv pose no significant effect on air quality; the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are at normal urban level with the exception of the near vicinity to factories. Air in streets with heavy traffic is enriched with Fe and Mn. Principal component analysis reveals different pattern of air pollution for the busy streets and yard areas. Yards are less affected by road dust; thus, contribution of industrial emissions can be distinguished. The results provide context for further quantification of any alterations in ecological state of Kyiv megapolis that may have arisen from socio-economic shocks and direct threats connected to the current war.
Is Rationality Normative for Reasoning?
Authors: Brown James L. D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe reasoning view of rational normativity claims that structural rationality is normative for reasoning. Specifically, it claims that structural rationality gives us reasons to structure deliberation in ways that respect the requirements of rationality. This paper critically assesses the reasoning view. It argues that while the reasoning view might succeed in responding to arguments against the normativity of rationality, it is in tension with the motivations for thinking that rationality is normative in the first place. Moreover, proponents of the view do not offer any independent reason for thinking that the view is true. As such, we have no reason to accept the reasoning view.
Bacterial metabarcoding reveals plant growth promoting members of the core Brachypodium distachyon root-associated microbiome overlooked by culture dependent techniques
Authors: Pille Carl Otto , Islam Zahra F. , Hayden Helen L. , Colombi Elena , Chan Lok Hang , Roessner Ute , Chen Deli , Hu Hang-Wei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBiofertilisers comprised of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) present a promising sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers. Bacteria which consistently colonise roots of specific plants across distinct environments, known as that plant’s core root microbiome, are particularly promising due to their colonisation competency. However, traditional, culture-based techniques can overlook promising PGPB which do not display commonly screened for plant growth promoting traits. Although numerous studies have isolated beneficial root bacteria, few have combined bacterial metabarcoding with culture-based techniques to identify novel biofertiliser candidates. In a two-pronged approach, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to define the core root microbiome of the model cereal plant, Brachypodium distachyon, grown in four distinct soils. From 7,042 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) detected in root fractions, only 40 ASVs were common at a prevalence of 80%. Core ASVs primarily belonged to the class Alphaproteobacteria, with the remainder comprising Actinobacteria, Bacilli, Chloroflexia, Gammaproteobacteria and Negativicutes. Secondly, B. distachyon root-associated bacterial strains were isolated from plants grown in the aforementioned soils. Of 207 root-associated isolates, 10 were identified as members of the core root microbiome, with the majority not displaying commonly screened for plant growth promoting traits. However, in a semi-hydroponic system, a core Bacillus and Rhodococcus strain significantly increased B. distachyon shoot dry weight by 32.8% and 40.0%, respectively. Additionally, two core Bacillus strains significantly increased root dry weight by 79.7 and 52.3%. This study demonstrates the potential of incorporating additional criteria afforded by culture-independent methods to select for novel biofertiliser candidates which may be overlooked by culture-dependent techniques.