bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining morphological and functional imaging parameters to diagnose primary bone neoplasms in the skull base, spine and sacrum
Authors: Miladinovic Vesna , Krol Augustinus D. G. , Bloem Johan L. , Bovée Judith V. M. G. , Lam Suk Wai , Peul Wilco C. , Cañete Ana Navas , Verbist Berit M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Morphological magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) features are used in combination with histology for diagnosis and treatment selection of primary bone neoplasms. Isolated functional MRI parameters have shown potential in diagnosis. Our goal is to facilitate diagnosis of primary bone neoplasms of the skull base, mobile spine and sacrum, by a comprehensive approach, combining morphological and functional imaging parameters.

Materials and methods
Pre-treatment MR of 80 patients with histologically proven diagnosis of a primary bone neoplasm of the skull base, mobile spine and sacrum were retrospectively analyzed for morphological and functional MRI parameters. Functional parameters were measured in 4 circular regions of interest per tumor placed on non-adjacent scan slices. Differences in values of functional parameters between different histologies were analyzed with Dunn’s test.

Results
Chordomas were the predominant histology (60.0%). Most neoplasms (80.0%) originated in the midline and had geographical (78.2%) bone destruction. Amorphous-type calcification (pre-existing bone) was seen only in chordomas. Homogeneous contrast enhancement pattern was seen only in chondrosarcoma and plasmacytoma. Ktrans and Kep were significantly lower in both chordoma, and chondrosarcoma compared to giant cell tumor of the bone (p = 0.006 – 0.011), and plasmacytoma (p = 0.004 – 0.014). Highest diffusion-weighted MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values corresponded to chondrosarcoma and were significantly higher to those of chordoma (p = 0.008).

Conclusion
We identified the most discriminating morphological parameters and added functional MR parameters based on histopathological features that are useful in making a confident diagnosis of primary bone neoplasms in the skull base, mobile spine and sacrum.
Efficacy of adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab or nivolumab in melanoma patients ≥ 75 years: results of a real-world cohort including 456 patients
Authors: Gawaz A. , Wolff I. , Nanz L. , Flatz L. , Forschner A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) applied in patients with melanoma in an adjuvant setting have proven safety and efficacy in several studies, but data on elderly patients aged 75 years or more is scarce. Aim of this study was to investigate efficacy and safety of adjuvant ICI in patients aged ≥ 75 years compared to patients < 75 years in a real-world setting.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed clinical data, including occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAE) and outcome of 456 patients that had been treated with adjuvant ICI between January 1st, 2018 and December 20th, 2022. We then compared patients aged ≥ 75 years (n = 117) to patients < 75 years (n = 339) in terms of safety and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results and conclusion
ICI were well tolerated in both groups, with no significant difference observed in the overall occurrence of irAE. However, within the elderly subgroup, there was a significantly higher proportion of skin or nephrological toxicity and colitis/diarrhea compared to the other group. In terms of efficacy, a significantly shorter DFS in patients aged ≥ 75 years was observed. Adjuvant ICI in patients ≥ 75 years was less effective and furthermore associated with an increased risk for skin, renal or bowel toxicity. Therefore, in elderly patients, adjuvant ICI should be used with precaution.
Blockade of the TIGIT-CD155/CD112 axis enhances functionality of NK-92 but not cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells toward CD155-expressing acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Seel Katharina , Schirrmann Ronja Larissa , Stowitschek Daniel , Ioseliani Tamar , Roiter Lea , Knierim Alina , André Maya C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTIGIT is an alternative checkpoint receptor (CR) whose inhibition promotes Graft-versus-Leukemia effects of NK cells. Given the significant immune-permissiveness of NK cells circulating in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, we asked whether adoptive transfer of activated NK cells would benefit from additional TIGIT-blockade. Hence, we characterized cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML)-NK cells and NK cell lines for the expression of inhibitory CRs. In addition, we analyzed the transcription of CR ligands in AML patients (CCLE and Beat AML 2.0 cohort) in silico and evaluated the efficacy of CR blockade using in vitro cytotoxicity assays, CD69, CD107a and IFN-γ expression. Alternative but not classical CRs were abundantly expressed on healthy donor NK cells and even further upregulated on CIML-NK cells. In line with our finding that CD155, one important TIGIT-ligand, is reliably expressed on AMLs, we show improved killing of CD155+-AML blasts by NK-92 but interestingly not CIML-NK cells in the presence of TIGIT-blockade. Additionally, our in silico data (n = 671) show that poor prognosis AML patients rather displayed a CD86low CD112/CD155high phenotype, whereas patients with a better outcome rather exhibited a CD86high CD112/CD155low phenotype. Collectively, our data evidence that the complex CR ligand expression profile on AML blasts may be one explanation for the intrinsic NK cell exhaustion observed in AML patients which might be overcome with adoptive NK-92 transfer in combination with TIGIT-blockade.
Weighing hierarchical power and active contribution in cooperative games with authorization structure
Authors: Alarcón Antonio C. , Gallardo José M. , Jiménez-Losada Andrés 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCooperative games model situations in which a group of players work together to make a profit. Frequently, in cooperative situations there are dependency or hierarchical relationships between the players, which must be taken into account when allocating the common profit obtained by the grand coalition. Multiple structures have been used in the literature to model those relationships, and several values have been proposed, but there is something in common in all of them: if a player can veto the participation of another in any coalition, then both players will receive the same share of the profit derived from the active cooperation of the vetoed player. In other words, actively cooperating and giving permission to cooperate are equally valued. In many situations this is neither fair nor realistic. In this paper we introduce a family of allocation rules for cooperative games with authorization structure, which reward positional power less than active cooperation.
Multiple ultradian rhythms of metabolism, body temperature and activity in Djungarian hamsters
Authors: Heldmaier Gerhard , Braulke Luzie , Flick Johanna , Ruf Thomas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDjungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) living at constant 15 °C Ta in short photoperiod (8:16 h L:D) showed pronounced ultradian rhythms (URs) of metabolic rate (MR), body temperature (Tb) and locomotor activity. The ultradian patterns differed between individuals and varied over time. The period length of URs for MR, Tb and activity was similar although not identical. Wavelet analysis showed that three different URs are existing in parallel, URs of small amplitude and short duration (URsmall), URs of medium amplitude and medium duration (URmedium) and URs of large amplitude (URlarge), superimposed on each other. URlarge were accompanied by an increase in locomotor activity, whereas URsmall and URmedium were of metabolic origin with lacking or delayed responses of activity. An energetic challenge to cold which raised total energy requirements by about 50% did not accelerate the period length of URs, but extended the amplitude of URsmall and URmedium. URlarge corresponds with the URs of activity, feeding and drinking, sleep and arousal as described in previous studies, which are related to midbrain dopaminergic signalling and hypothalamic ultradian signalling. The cause and control of URmedium and URsmall is unknown. Their periods are similar to periods of central and peripheral endocrine ultradian signalling, suggesting a link with URs of metabolism.
Low thiamine status in adults following low-carbohydrate / ketogenic diets: a cross-sectional comparative study of micronutrient intake and status
Authors: Churuangsuk Chaitong , Catchpole Anthony , Talwar Dinesh , Welsh Paul , Sattar Naveed , Lean Michael E.J. , Combet Emilie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) are popular for weight loss but lack evidence about micronutrient sufficiency in real-life use. This study assessed the intake and biochemical status of selected micronutrients in people voluntarily following LCDs.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted (2018-20) among 98 adults recruited as self-reporting either LCD (n = 49) or diets not restricting carbohydrates (controls; n = 49). Diets were assessed using the 130-item EPIC-Norfolk food-frequency questionnaire. Red-blood-cell thiamine diphosphate (TDP) was measured for thiamine status using HPLC. Plasma magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Between-group biomarker comparisons were conducted using ANCOVA and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes status.

Results
LCD-followers (26% male, median age 36 years, median BMI 24.2 kg/m2) reported adhering to LCDs for a median duration of 9 months (IQR 4–36). The most followed LCD type was ‘their own variations of LCD’ (30%), followed by ketogenic (23%), ‘palaeolithic’ (15%), and Atkins diets (8%). Among controls, 41% were male (median age 27 years, median BMI 23 kg/m2). Median macronutrient intakes for LCD vs control groups were carbohydrate 16%Energy (E) vs. 50%E; protein 25%E vs. 19%E; and fat 55%E vs 34%E (saturated fat 18%E vs. 11%E). Two-thirds of LCD followers (32/49) and half of the controls (24/49) reported some use of dietary supplements (p = 0.19). Among LCD-followers, assessing from food data only, 21 (43%) failed to meet the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for thiamine (vs.14% controls, p = 0.002). When thiamine from supplementation (single- or multivitamin) was included, there appeared to be no difference in thiamine intake between groups. Still, red-blood-cell TDP was lower in LCD-followers than controls (407 ± 91 vs. 633 ± 234 ng/gHb, p < 0.001). Three LCD-followers were thiamine-deficient (RBC thiamine < 275 ng/gHb) vs. one control. There were no significant differences in dietary intakes or plasma concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium between groups.

Conclusions
Following LCDs is associated with lower thiamine intake and TDP status than diets without carbohydrate restriction, incompletely corrected by supplement use. These data, coupled with a lack of RCT evidence on body weight control, do not support recommending LCDs for weight management without appropriate guidance and diet supplementation.
Skin color reporting in basal cell carcinoma-related randomized controlled trials in top dermatology journals: a systematic review
Authors: Salmen Natasha L. , Curtis Deven P. , Baumann Anthony N. , Willets Jared , Brodell Robert T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectives: To determine the rate skin color is reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving basal cell carcinoma (BCC) identification and treatment in the top ten dermatology journals. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of RCTs involving BCC among the top ten dermatology journals, determined by impact factor, from inception to July 11th, 2023. Studies were included if they reviewed the prevention, detection, and treatment of BCC, directly involved patients, and were classified as RCTs. Studies were classified as positive for reporting skin of color (SOC) if the demographic data in the methods or results included any of the following terms: Fitzpatrick scale, race, ethnicity, skin of color, or sunburn tendency. Results: Of the 51 studies identified, only 23 articles reported data pertaining to skin color within the results section (45.1%); whereas 28 articles mentioned skin color somewhere within the text (54.9%). Subgroup analysis was performed, and no statistical significance was found for study location or year of publication. Conclusion: Dark skin color can make it more difficult to diagnose skin tumors and it is unknown if race affects response to treatment. Less than 50% of RCTs related to basal cell carcinoma in top international dermatology journals included skin color within the demographic portion of their results section pertaining to study participants. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that studies performed within the United States reported skin color less than half the time (40%). Additionally, there has been no statistically significant difference in reporting over the past 4 decades. Further research is necessary to determine whether low reporting rates of race/skin color in BCC-related RCTS could impact diagnostic or treatment recommendations for patient care in this group.
On the approximation capability of GNNs in node classification/regression tasks
Authors: D’Inverno Giuseppe Alessio , Bianchini Monica , Sampoli Maria Lucia , Scarselli Franco 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGraph neural networks (GNNs) are a broad class of connectionist models for graph processing. Recent studies have shown that GNNs can approximate any function on graphs, modulo the equivalence relation on graphs defined by the Weisfeiler–Lehman (WL) test. However, these results suffer from some limitations, both because they were derived using the Stone–Weierstrass theorem—which is existential in nature—and because they assume that the target function to be approximated must be continuous. Furthermore, all current results are dedicated to graph classification/regression tasks, where the GNN must produce a single output for the whole graph, while also node classification/regression problems, in which an output is returned for each node, are very common. In this paper, we propose an alternative way to demonstrate the approximation capability of GNNs that overcomes these limitations. Indeed, we show that GNNs are universal approximators in probability for node classification/regression tasks, as they can approximate any measurable function that satisfies the 1-WL-equivalence on nodes. The proposed theoretical framework allows the approximation of generic discontinuous target functions and also suggests the GNN architecture that can reach a desired approximation. In addition, we provide a bound on the number of the GNN layers required to achieve the desired degree of approximation, namely $$2r-1$$

2
r
-
1

, where r is the maximum number of nodes for the graphs in the domain.
A perspective on epigenomic aging processes in the human brain and their plasticity in patients with mental disorders – a systematic review
Authors: Postberg Jan , Schubert Michèle Tina , Nin Vincent , Wagner Lukas , Piefke Martina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe debate surrounding nature versus nurture remains a central question in neuroscience, psychology, and in psychiatry, holding implications for both aging processes and the etiology of mental illness. Epigenetics can serve as a bridge between genetic predisposition and environmental influences, thus offering a potential avenue for addressing these questions. Epigenetic clocks, in particular, offer a theoretical framework for measuring biological age based on DNA methylation signatures, enabling the identification of disparities between biological and chronological age. This structured review seeks to consolidate current knowledge regarding the relationship between mental disorders and epigenetic age within the brain. Through a comprehensive literature search encompassing databases such as EBSCO, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov, relevant studies were identified and analyzed. Studies that met inclusion criteria were scrutinized, focusing on those with large sample sizes, analyses of both brain tissue and blood samples, investigation of frontal cortex markers, and a specific emphasis on schizophrenia and depressive disorders. Our review revealed a paucity of significant findings, yet notable insights emerged from studies meeting specific criteria. Studies characterized by extensive sample sizes, analysis of brain tissue and blood samples, assessment of frontal cortex markers, and a focus on schizophrenia and depressive disorders yielded particularly noteworthy results. Despite the limited number of significant findings, these studies shed light on the complex interplay between epigenetic aging and mental illness. While the current body of literature on epigenetic aging in mental disorders presents limited significant findings, it underscores the importance of further research in this area. Future studies should prioritize large sample sizes, comprehensive analyses of brain tissue and blood samples, exploration of specific brain regions such as the frontal cortex, and a focus on key mental disorders. Such endeavors will contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between epigenetic aging and mental illness, potentially informing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Matrix discrepancy and the log-rank conjecture
Authors: Sudakov Benny , Tomon István 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGiven an$$m\times n$$m×nbinary matrixMwith$$|M|=p\cdot mn$$|M|=p·mn(where |M| denotes the number of 1 entries), define thediscrepancyofMas$${{\,\textrm{disc}\,}}(M)=\displaystyle \max \nolimits _{X\subset [m], Y\subset [n]}\big ||M[X\times Y]|-p|X|\cdot |Y|\big |$$disc(M)=maxX⊂[m],Y⊂[n]||M[X×Y]|-p|X|·|Y||. Using semidefinite programming and spectral techniques, we prove that if$${{\,\textrm{rank}\,}}(M)\le r$$rank(M)≤rand$$p\le 1/2$$p≤1/2, then$$\begin{aligned}{{\,\textrm{disc}\,}}(M)\ge \Omega (mn)\cdot \min \left\{ p,\frac{p^{1/2}}{\sqrt{r}}\right\} .\end{aligned}$$disc(M)≥Ω(mn)·minp,p1/2r.We use this result to obtain a modest improvement of Lovett’s best known upper bound on the log-rank conjecture. We prove that any$$m\times n$$m×nbinary matrixMof rank at mostrcontains an$$(m\cdot 2^{-O(\sqrt{r})})\times (n\cdot 2^{-O(\sqrt{r})})$$(m·2-O(r))×(n·2-O(r))sized all-1 or all-0 submatrix, which implies that the deterministic communication complexity of any Boolean function of rankris at most$$O(\sqrt{r})$$O(r).
The effect of erythropoiesis‑stimulating agents on lung cancer patients: a meta‑analysis
Authors: Tong Zhenhua , Xu Zhumeng , Duan Yaqi , Sun Xue , Qi Bin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) can reduce anemia and improve quality of life in cancer patients, but ESAs may increase mortality. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing the effect and risk of ESAs about the prevention or treatment of anemia in cancer patients. Four databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of science and Cochrane Library were searched for published RCTS on ESAs in the treatment of anemia in lung cancer patients from 2000 to 2023. Endpoints including mortality, incidence of thrombotic vascular events, blood transfusion requirement, and incidence of adverse events. Our meta-analysis included 8 studies, with a sample size of 4240 patients, including 2548 patients in the ESAs group and 1692 patients in the control group. The risk of mortality was lower in patients using ESAs than control group (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99, P = 0.02). But there was no significant difference in the risk of mortality between the patients using ESAs and controls (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92–1.06, P = 0.69) after removing Pere 2020. Subgroup analysis found that patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92–1.08, P = 0.16) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.87–1.17, P = 0.13) were no significant difference in mortality rate. The thrombotic vascular events increase in patients using ESAs than control group (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13–1.72, P = 0.002). The blood transfusion requirement of ESAs group was lower than control group (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44–0.72, P < 0.00001). And the subgroups of Darbepoetin alfa (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.79, P = 0.003) and Epoetin alfa (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.99, P = 0.01) had lower transfusion requirements than the control group. In the SCLC subgroup (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.40–0.65, P = 0.34), blood transfusion requirements were lower in the ESAs group, but there was no significant difference between the subgroup of patients with NSCLC (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36–1.04, P = 0.009). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of adverse reactions (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.00, P = 0.10). In conclusion, ESAs does not increase the mortality of lung cancer patients or may reduce the risk of death, and can reduce the need for blood transfusion, although ESA can increase the incidence of thrombotic vascular adverse events.Registration PROSPERO CRD42023463582.
The Lived Experience of Youth in Congregate Care: Youth Perceptions of Safety, Relationships, and Support Through Qualitative Inquiry with 10 Young Adults
Authors: Parmenter Sarah , Shockley McCarthy Karla , Benavides Juan Lorenzo , Bayar Öznur , Maguire Jack Kathryn , Yoon Susan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study explores the reported experiences of youth in congregate care facilities, focusing on their perceptions of support, relationships, and safety during their time in care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 young adults, previously placed in group homes or residential facilities in Ohio, to identify themes related to their experiences. Three main themes resulted from the analysis: (1) lack of agency, (2) importance of relationships, and (3) coping and transitioning in congregate care. The findings revealed that participants felt a total lack of control over the decisions made on their behalf, and they felt powerless to advocate for their needs. Furthermore, participants reported a lack of support from facility staff, and they faced barriers in maintaining connections with their families. Despite these challenges, many participants demonstrated resilience and gained positive insights from their experiences in congregate care. This study highlights the need for improved support systems, increased focus on youth self-advocacy, and a better understanding of the complex experiences faced by youth in congregate care settings.