bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IgG4-related disease with subcutaneous involvement and the associated diagnostic challenges with MRI
Authors: Kawasaki Tomonori , Ichikawa Jiro , Onohara Kojiro , Kanno Satoshi , Wako Masanori , Taniguchi Naofumi , Ochiai Satoshi , Torigoe Tomoaki , Yazawa Yasuo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIgG4-related disease is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder characterized by the infiltration of IgG4-rich plasma cells. Herein, we report a case of IgG4-related disease of the subcutaneous tissue with atypical MRI findings and difficulties in the histopathological examination using needle biopsy. Based on the clinical presentation and MRI findings, the patient was diagnosed with a benign myxoid or cystic tumor. Additionally, histopathological findings from a needle biopsy suggested a myxoma. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of IgG4-related disease was not made preoperatively. The resected specimens confirmed IgG4-related disease with an IgG4/IgG ratio > 80%. Previous reports have shown that the MRI findings of IgG4-related disease mimic both malignancy and inflammation; surprisingly, the features of subcutaneous IgG-related disease, including tail sign, unclear border, and heterogeneous enhancement, were similar to those found in sarcoma. Therefore, histopathological findings are needed for a correct diagnosis. Furthermore, careful examination is essential because the neoplasm and inflammation may overlap with IgG4-related disease, and needle biopsy is not fully reflective of the tumor. As is highlighted in the present case, IgG4-related disease is often misdiagnosed; therefore, clinicians should adequately recognize that even if the histopathological findings in biopsy were consistent with those observed in the MRI, misdiagnosis may occur.
Innovative approaches in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: comparison of pulsed radiofrequency ablation and surgical intervention
Authors: Armağan Celal , Karaduman Zekeriya Okan , Arıcan Mehmet , Turhan Yalcın , Kaban İlyas , Uludağ Veysel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation (PRFA) and surgery for treating chronic plantar fasciitis, focusing on pain relief and functional outcomes.

Methods
A prospective study involved 30 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to 12 months of conservative treatment. Patients were divided into PRFA (n = 17) and surgical (n = 13) groups. Clinical evaluations were conducted preoperatively and at three, six and 12 months postoperatively using VAS, AOFAS, FFI, and RMS scores. Radiological measurements assessed foot structure impact.

Results
Both PRFA and surgery significantly reduced pain and improved function. PRFA had a shorter operative time and quicker return to activities (p < 0.001). At 3 months, PRFA showed superior VAS, FFI, and RMS scores (p < 0.05). Long-term outcomes were similar. No major complications occurred, but minor complications were higher in the surgical group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
PRFA is a minimally invasive, effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis with quicker recovery and lower complication rates compared to surgery. Both treatments offer comparable long-term benefits. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
NP-Completeness and Physical Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Sumplete, a Puzzle Generated by ChatGPT
Authors: Hatsugai Kyosuke , Ruangwises Suthee , Asano Kyoichi , Abe Yoshiki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSumplete is a logic puzzle generated by ChatGPT in March 2023. The puzzle consists of a rectangular grid, with each cell containing an integer. Each row and column also has an integer called target value assigned to it. The objective of this puzzle is to cross out some numbers in the grid such that the sum of uncrossed numbers in each row and column is equal to the corresponding target value. In this paper, we prove that Sumplete is NP-complete. We also propose a physical zero-knowledge proof protocol for the puzzle using physical cards.
Mean flow and eddy summer moisture transport over East Asia in reanalysis data and a regional climate simulation
Authors: Kukulies Julia , Li Wenhong , Chen Deliang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of atmospheric variability on climatological mean moisture transport is crucial because moisture transport determines continental water availability as well as convective organization and resulting precipitation. Here, we analyze the mean flow and eddy components of summer moisture transport in the downwind of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), a region that is characterized by interactions between monsoon systems, extratropical circulation, and mountainous weather systems. Using 40 years of ERA5 reanalysis data and a regional WRF simulation, we determine the absolute and relative contributions of mean flow and eddy moisture transport from multi-daily to sub-daily scales. We also link these components to large-scale circulation indices, precipitation, evaporation, and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). The results show that the largest contributions of eddies to the climatological mean moisture transport are found in the immediate downwind region of the TP. Half of the total eddy transport downwind of the TP is due to multi-daily eddy transport and the other half is due to daily to sub-daily eddy transport. Regional precipitation anomalies are dominated by the mean flow component of southerly moisture influxes which in turn are positively correlated with different South Asian summer monsoon indices and negatively correlated with the West Northern Pacific monsoon index. The eddy transport from the south is positively correlated with a lower jet latitude but does not show any significant correlations with precipitation or MCS activity, likely due to the dominant role of the mean flow moisture transport. While the relative contributions of eddies to the climatological mean moisture transport are similar in ERA5 and WRF, the correlations between moisture transport components and large-scale circulation indices are generally weaker in WRF. This suggests that the dynamical downscaling does not significantly change the role of eddy moisture transport averaged for the region, but it resolves processes that decouple the moisture transport from its large-scale forcing.
The effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training on urinary incontinence and birth outcomes: a randomized-controlled study
Authors: Buran Gonca , Erim Avcı Serap 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To examine the effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted birth preparation training on urinary incontinence (UI) including stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) during pregnancy, and the postpartum period and birth outcomes.

Method
In this single-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled study, 126 participants who have 28–30 weeks of gestation and nulliparous were randomly assigned to receive either the (n = 63) or control group (n = 63). The study was carried out between March and August 2022. Pregnancy pilates intervention was applied twice in a week, a total of 8 weeks to pilates group. The control group was given routine obstetric and pregnancy care. A personal data form and the Michigan Incontinence Severity Index Form (M-ISI) were used as data collection tools.

Results
The mean weight gains of the experimental group during pregnancy were significantly lower than the control group. The experimental group had almost twice the rate of vaginal birth than those of the control group. The duration of labor mean score of experimental group was 5 h and 43 min less than the duration of labor of the control group (p < 0.001). After intervention, and postpartum period, the SUI and UUI severity of the experimental group was significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training reduced the severity of UI including SUI and UUI symptoms during pregnancy and the early postpartum. In addition, pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training contributes to decrease in weight gain during pregnancy, the increase in the vaginal birth rate, and the shortening of the duration of labor.

Trial registration
NCT06185439
Hearing Aid apps: are they safe, practical and beneficial for children and teens in challenging situations?
Authors: Gazibegovic Dzemal , Bohnert Andrea , Laessig Anne Katrin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
An adult version of an app giving users the control over the level of the volume, microphone directionality and noise reduction was adapted for children. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of changes made to microphone directionality and noise reduction in the myPhonak Junior (the app) on Speech intelligibility in challenging listening environments in children and teens.

Methods
The randomized, non-blinded interventional study with a single group of subjects involved two study visits with a home trial in-between. In the final study session speech assessment in noise was conducted in three different, randomly assigned conditions: default mode (Autosense Sky OS), preffered (self-adjusted) and the extreme condition. Questionnaire based assessment was conducted to assess the subjective benefit of using the app in different daily situations.

Results
The best scores (speech results in noise) were achieved with the preferred setting and the default Autosense Sky OS setting was significantly better than the extreme setting. The self-reported benefit through the questionnaire indicates significantly better result when adjusting the hearing aids through the app.

Conclusion
The app is an easy-to-use way of controlling the level of noise reduction and the beam forming for children 11 years and older. It has the potential to help customizing the hearing aids beyond the default setting and helping to improve speech understanding in noise.
The effect of high-dose Levothyroxine on hearing in patients operated for thyroid cancer
Authors: Mutlu Vahit , Kaya Zülküf , Bilen Arzu , Dayanan Ramazan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the use of high doses of levothyroxine (L-T4) and hearing loss in patients who have undergone surgery for thyroid cancer.

Material method
After total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, patients were divided into two groups according to L-T4 dose below 150 µg and above 150 µg. Demographic characteristics, postoperative duration, radioactive iodine treatment, bone densitometry scans with LDxa and FDxa, and right and left ear hearing levels were statistically compared in both groups.

Results
The study included 62 patients, 85.5% (n = 53) of whom were female, with a mean age of 48.8 ± 11.7 years. While 56.45% (n = 35) of the patients were taking L-T4 below 150 µg 43.55% (n = 27) were taking L-T4 above 150 µg. The mean postoperative duration of the participants was 4.1 ± 2.7 years, osteopenic 30.7% and osteoporotic 16.13% according to LDxa, osteopenic 29.0% and osteoporotic 1.6% according to FDxa. Hearing loss in both right and left ears was 41.9% and sensorineural hearing loss in both ears was 22.6%. Age, LDxa, FDxa, hearing loss in the right and left ear were found to be significantly different in the two groups above and below 150 µg according to the dose of L-T4 used (p < 0.05). However, no differences were found according to sex, height, weight, body mass index, postoperative period, or radioactive iodine treatment (p > 0.05). Both osteopenia and osteoporosis, as well as hearing loss in both the right and left ear, were significantly higher in the group taking L-T4 150 µg or more (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
In our study, we found that patients taking 150 µg or more of L-T4 daily were more osteopenic and osteoporotic and had more hearing loss in both ears.
Automatic segmentation of the maxillary sinus on cone beam computed tomographic images with U-Net deep learning model
Authors: Ozturk Busra , Taspinar Yavuz Selim , Koklu Murat , Tassoker Melek 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Medical imaging segmentation is the use of image processing techniques to expand specific structures or areas in medical images. This technique is used to separate and display different textures or shapes in an image. The aim of this study is to develop a deep learning-based method to perform maxillary sinus segmentation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The proposed segmentation method aims to provide better image guidance to surgeons and specialists by determining the boundaries of the maxillary sinus cavities. In this way, more accurate diagnoses can be made and surgical interventions can be performed more successfully.

Methods
In the study, axial CBCT images of 100 patients (200 maxillary sinuses) were used. These images were marked to identify the maxillary sinus walls. The marked regions are masked for use in the maxillary sinus segmentation model. U-Net, one of the deep learning methods, was used for segmentation. The training process was carried out for 10 epochs and 100 iterations per epoch. The epoch and iteration numbers in which the model showed maximum success were determined using the early stopping method.

Results
After the segmentation operations performed with the U-Net model trained using CBCT images, both visual and numerical results were obtained. In order to measure the performance of the U-Net model, IoU (Intersection over Union) and F1 Score metrics were used. As a result of the tests of the model, the IoU value was found to be 0.9275 and the F1 Score value was 0.9784.

Conclusion
The U-Net model has shown high success in maxillary sinus segmentation. In this way, fast and highly accurate evaluations are possible, saving time by reducing the workload of clinicians and eliminating subjective errors.
A novel prediction score determining individual clinical outcome 3 months after juvenile stroke (PREDICT-score)
Authors: Hoffmann Verena S. , Schönecker Sonja , Amin Moustafa , Reidler Paul , Brauer Anna , Kopczak Anna , Wunderlich Silke , Poli Sven , Althaus Katharina , Müller Susanne , Mansmann Ulrich , Kellert Lars 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Juvenile strokes (< 55 years) account for about 15% of all ischemic strokes. Structured data on clinical outcome in those patients are sparse. Here, we aimed to fill this gap by systematically collecting relevant data and modeling a juvenile stroke prediction score for the 3-month functional outcome.

Methods
We retrospectively integrated and analyzed clinical and outcome data of juvenile stroke and TIA patients treated at the LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich. Good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 0–2 or return to baseline of function. We analyzed candidate predictors and developed a predictive model. Predictive abilities were inspected using Area Under the ROC curve (AUROC) and visual representation of the calibration. The model was validated internally.

Results
346 patients were included in the analysis. We observed a good outcome in n = 293 patients (84.7%). The prediction model for an unfavourable outcome had an AUROC of 89.1% (95% CI 83.3–93.1%). The model includes age NIHSS, ASPECTS, blood glucose and type of vessel occlusion as predictors for the individual patient outcome.

Conclusions
Here, we introduce the highly accurate PREDICT-score for the 3-month outcome after juvenile stroke derived from clinical routine data. The PREDICT-score might be helpful in guiding individual patient decisions and designing future studies but needs further prospective validation which is already planned.
Trial registration The study has been registered at https://drks.de (DRKS00024407) on March 31, 2022.
Stage-specific expression of Toll-like receptors in the seminiferous epithelium of mouse testis
Authors: Doğan Göksel , Sandıkçı Mustafa , Karagenç Levent 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGenes encoding Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed by germ cells in the mouse testis. Nevertheless, the expression of TLRs by germ cells has only been demonstrated for TLR-3, TLR-9, and TLR-11. Furthermore, the expression of each TLR in relation to the stage of spermatogenesis remains uncertain. We aimed in the present study to examine the expression pattern of all TLRs in germ cells throughout the cycle of seminiferous epithelium in the adult mouse testis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TLRs. Results of the present study reveal the expression of TLRs by specific populations of germ cells. Expression of TLRs, except for TLR-7, at endosomal compartments, acrosomes, and/or residual bodies was another interesting and novel finding of the present study. We further demonstrate that the expression of TLR-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, -11, -12, and -13 follows a distinct spatiotemporal pattern throughout the cycle of seminiferous epithelium. While TLR-1, -3, -5, -11, and -12 are expressed in all stages, TLR-4 is expressed only in early and middle stages of spermatogenic cycle. On the other hand, TLR-2, -7, and -13 are expressed only in early stage of spermatogenic cycle. Evidence demonstrating the expression of TLRs in a stage specific manner throughout spermatogenesis strengthen the hypothesis that the expression of various TLRs by germ cells is a developmentally regulated process. However, if TLRs play a role in the regulation of proliferation, growth, maturation, and differentiation of germ cells throughout the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium warrants further investigations.
Treatment of anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery by endoluminal vacuum therapy with the VACStent avoiding a stoma - a pilot study
Authors: Heiss Markus M. , Lange Jonas , Knievel Judith , Yohannes Alexander , Hügle Ulrich , Dormann Arno J. , Eisenberger Claus F. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Anastomotic leak (AL) represents the most relevant and devastating complication in colorectal surgery. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) using the VACStent is regarded as a significant improvement in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal wall defects. The innovative concept of the VACStent was transferred to the lower GI tract, gaining initial experience by investigating safety and efficacy in 12 patients undergoing colorectal resections.

Methods
The pilot study, as part of a German registry, began with 2 patients suffering from AL, who were treated with the VACStent after stoma placement. Subsequently, 6 patients with AL were treated with the VACStent omitting a stoma placement, with a focus on fecal passage and wound healing. Finally, the preemptive anastomotic coverage was investigated in 4 patients with high-risk anastomoses to avoid prophylactic stoma placement.

Results
In total 26 VACStents were placed without problems. The conditioning and drainage function were maintained, and no clogging problems of the sponge cylinder were observed. No relevant clinical VACStent-associated complications were observed; however, in 2 patients, a dislodgement of a VACStent occurred. The 6 patients with AL but without stoma had a median treatment with 3 VACStents per case with a laytime of 17 days, leading to complete wound healing in all cases. The 4 prophylactic VACStent applications were without complications.

Conclusion
The clinical application of the VACStent in the lower GI tract shows that successful treatment of anastomotic colonic leaks and avoidance of creation of an anus praeter is possible.

Trial registration number
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04884334, date of registration 2021-05-04, retrospectively registered.
Peripheral arterial catheters in extremely preterm infants born at less than 28 weeks of gestation—a single-center experience
Authors: Bruckner Marlies , Schneider Michaela , Reiterer Friedrich , Mileder Lukas P. , Baik-Schneditz Nariae , Pichler Gerhard , Urlesberger Berndt , Schwaberger Bernhard 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to perform a retrospective data analysis of established peripheral artery catheters (pAC) in extremely preterm infants. The primary outcome was the pAC life span and its correlation to gestational age, birth weight, localizations, and pAC removal. Retrospective data analysis of electronic patient records of all extremely preterm infants (born less than 28 weeks gestation) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Graz (Austria) between January 2014 and December 2020. A total of 196 preterm infants with a median (IQR) gestational age of 25.7 (24.6–26.6) weeks and a birth weight of 730 (614–898) g were included. In 155 (79%) of these preterm infants, 286 pAC and six umbilical artery catheters were inserted successfully. The first pAC was inserted 2.5 (1.4–7.4) h after birth, and the median pAC life span was 57.5 (22.–107.2) h. Gestational age, birth weight, and catheter localization did not correlate with the pAC life span. The pAC localizations were the radial artery (63%), tibial posterior artery (21%), ulnar artery (6%), dorsal artery of the foot (6%), others (1%), and not documented (3%). Adverse reactions including temporarily impaired peripheral perfusion, local inflammation, extravasation, or bleeding were reported in 13% of all pAC, but none of these resulted in long-term sequelae. A median (IQR) of 9 (5–18) arterial blood samples were drawn via pAC, resulting in a notable reduction of pain stimuli.Conclusion: The use of pAC in extremely preterm infants is feasible and safe. Neither gestational age, birth weight nor localization did affect the life span of pAC. No long-term sequelae were observed, and pain events were reduced by using pAC for blood drawing.

What is Known:• Peripheral artery catheters can be used for continuous blood pressure measurement and blood draw even in extremely preterm infants.• (Severe) adverse reactions such as bleeding, necrosis, or amputation occur between 1 and 4%.• What is New:• The median peripheral arty catheter life span is 58 h and is not affected by gestational age, birth weight, nor localization.• A median of nine blood samples can be taken per each single pAC and, therefore, prevent pain events in extremely preterm infants.