bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield and clinical impact of image-guided bone biopsy in osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Smayra Karen , Miangul Shahid , Witkowiak Maria M. , Persson Linn K. M. , Lugard Emily E. , Adra Maamoun , Yap Nathanael Q. E. , Ball Jake , Nakanishi Hayato , Than Christian A. , Khoo Michael 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To assess the yield and clinical impact of image-guided bone biopsy for osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton.

Materials and methods
A literature search of several databases was conducted from inception to August 2023. Eligible studies reported patients who underwent image-guided bone biopsy for investigation of osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton. The pooled proportions were analyzed using a random-effects model. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023466419).

Results
From 370 initial studies screened, eight met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 700 patients. The pooled technical success rate was 99.6% (95% CI: 0.992, 1.001; I

2
= 0%). Positive bone cultures were pooled at 31.9% (95% CI: 0.222, 0.416; I

2
= 87.83%) and negative cultures at 68.1% (95% CI: 0.584, 0.778; I

2
= 87.83%). Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus yield was 24.5% (95% CI: 0.096, 0.394; I

2
= 90.98%) and 7.6% (95% CI: 0.031, 0.121; I

2
= 34.42%) respectively. Group A Streptococcus yield was 7.0% (95% CI: 0.014, 0.127; I

2
= 70.94%). Polymicrobial culture yield was 15.7% (95% CI: 0.018, 0.297; I

2
= 88.90%). Post-procedural management change rate was 36.5% (95% CI: 0.225, 0.504; I

2
= 92.39%). No complications were reported across studies.

Conclusion
For patients under investigation of osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton, image-guided bone biopsy demonstrates a good rate of technical success. Additional studies may provide further support for the use of image-guided bone biopsy in this population. Image-guided bone biopsy results lead to change in antibiotics therapy in a portion of patients with suspected osteomyelitis suggesting its potential utility in select patients.
Significance of targeting DNMT3A mutations in AML
Authors: Huang Guiqin , Cai Xiaoya , Li Dengju 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most prevalent form of leukemia among adults, characterized by aggressive behavior and significant genetic diversity. Despite decades of reliance on conventional chemotherapy as the mainstay treatment, patients often struggle with achieving remission, experience rapid relapses, and have limited survival prospects. While intensified induction chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation have enhanced patient outcomes, these benefits are largely confined to younger AML patients capable of tolerating intensive treatments. DNMT3A, a crucial enzyme responsible for establishing de novo DNA methylation, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance between hematopoietic stem cell differentiation and self-renewal, thereby influencing gene expression programs through epigenetic regulation. DNMT3A mutations are the most frequently observed genetic abnormalities in AML, predominantly in older patients, occurring in approximately 20–30% of adult AML cases and over 30% of AML with a normal karyotype. Consequently, the molecular underpinnings and potential therapeutic targets of DNMT3A mutations in AML are currently being thoroughly investigated. This article provides a comprehensive summary and the latest insights into the structure and function of DNMT3A, examines the impact of DNMT3A mutations on the progression and prognosis of AML, and explores potential therapeutic approaches for AML patients harboring DNMT3A mutations.
Follow-up of non-palpable testicular incidentalomas under 1 cm: does growth rate differentiate malignant and non-malignant lesions?
Authors: Bertolotto Michele , Campo Irene , Freeman Simon , Lotti Francesco , Huang Dean Y. , Rocher Laurence , Dell’Atti Lucio , Valentino Massimo , Pavlica Pietro , Sidhu Paul S. , Derchi Lorenzo E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions.

Methods
This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated.

Results
Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10−3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10−3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10−3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively.

Conclusions
Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy.

Clinical relevance statement
Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth.

Key Points

Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.

Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.

Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.
Effective lifetime of Ni laser induced fluorescence excited at 336.9 nm during spark plug discharge
Authors: Bi Ruike , Zhang Kailun , Ehn Andreas , Richter Mattias 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, the laser induced fluorescence lifetime of Ni atoms in ambient air with presence of a plasma discharge was measured for the first time. Free Ni atoms were generated in air at a pressure of 1 bar by spark plug discharges driven by an inductive coil. The Ni atoms were excited at the 336.957 nm absorption line by a 336.96 nm, 90 ps laser pulse and the resulting temporally resolved decaying fluorescence signals were captured by a PMT. An effective fluorescence lifetime of about 1.1 ns was observed for the fluorescence signal within a 7.4 nm detection window centered at 345 nm. Further analysis also revealed that the lifetime of the transition showed statistically insignificant change throughout the duration of the discharge. The peak intensity of the fluorescence signal was found to be proportional to the integrated signal intensities. This in turn suggests that the integrated fluorescence signals in the aforementioned spectral region are proportional to the population density of ground state Ni atoms in the detection volume. The number density of free Ni atoms in the spark gap was measured over time during the plasma discharge, showing an accumulating trend in the beginning phase of the discharge followed by a slow decrease until the termination.
Practical object and flow structure segmentation using artificial intelligence
Authors: Khojasteh Ali R. , van de Water Willem , Westerweel Jerry 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper explores integrating artificial intelligence (AI) segmentation models, particularly the Segment Anything Model (SAM), into fluid mechanics experiments. SAM’s architecture, comprising an image encoder, prompt encoder, and mask decoder, is investigated for its application in detecting and segmenting objects and flow structures. Additionally, we explore the integration of natural language prompts, such as BERT, to enhance SAM’s performance in segmenting specific objects. Through case studies, we found that SAM is robust in object detection in fluid experiments. However, segmentations related to flow properties, such as scalar turbulence and bubbly flows, require fine-tuning. To facilitate the application, we have established a repository (https://github.com/AliRKhojasteh/Flow_segmentation) where models and usage examples can be accessed.
Subseasonal variability of sea level pressure and its influence on snowpack over mid-high-latitude Eurasia during boreal winter
Authors: Ru Yalu , Ren Xuejuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe atmospheric circulation significantly influences the snowpack over mid-high-latitude Eurasia. This study examines the characteristics of the leading subseasonal variability mode of boreal winter sea level pressure (SLP) with 20-80-day period and its relationship with snowpack over mid-high-latitude Eurasia, using the fifth generation of European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis (ERA5) data and different snowpack datasets. The SLP leading mode, characterized by a monopole pattern with a strong surface anomalous high centered near the Ural Mountains, exhibits a barotropic structure and extends from the surface to the tropopause. Above SLP and geopotential height anomalies propagate southeastward from the Barents-Kara Sea to East Asia. This leading SLP mode contributes to surface air temperature (SAT) and snowfall circulation anomalies over mid-high-latitude Eurasia. The latter two both directly influence on snowpack anomalies in situ. Over high latitude region, snowfall circulation anomaly is the dominant factor to control the snow depth anomaly. Over middle latitude region, both SAT and snowfall circulation anomalies lead to the snowpack anomaly. Furthermore, the response of snow depth to the leading subseaonal SLP mode occurs 2–5 days earlier than the response of snow cover to the same mode over middle latitude region. In addition, it is suggested that the Arctic Oscillation (AO), East Atlantic/West Russia (EAWR) and Polar/Eurasia (PEU) pattern may contribute to the development of the leading SLP mode and subsequently influence snowpack anomalies.
Inhibition of cued but not executed task sets depends on cue-task compatibility and practice
Authors: Berger Alexander , Koch Iring , Kiefer Markus 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn task switching, processing a task cue is thought to activate the corresponding task representation (“task set”), thereby allowing for advance task preparation. However, the contribution of preparatory processes to the emergence of n−2 repetition costs as index of task set inhibition processes is debated. The present study investigated whether merely preparing for a task activates a corresponding task set, which needs to be inhibited in order to switch to a different task. To this end, we presented so-called task cue-only trials in trial n−2 and assessed subsequent n−2 repetition costs. The results revealed n−2 repetition costs following a task cue-only, but only for compatible cues with a transparent cue-task relation and only at the beginning of the experiment. In contrast, n−2 repetition costs following task execution in trial n−2 were absent. In a second experiment, we sought to rule out that the presence of n−2 repetition costs following a task cue-only and the corresponding absence following task execution were the consequence of a decay of task sets. This second experiment replicated the result pattern of the first experiment, with n−2 repetition costs following a task cue-only being present only at the beginning of the experiment and only for compatible cues. Hence, cue-induced task set inhibition effects depended on cue-task compatibility and practice. Furthermore, merely prepared task sets were more likely inhibited than executed task sets.
Evaluation of the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of two pen-side tests for detecting African swine fever virus in experimentally infected pigs
Authors: Vu Hanh D. , Luong Hung Q. , Lai Huong T.L. , Nguyen Hoa T. , Pham Trang H. , Truong Lam Q. , Nguyen Giap V. , Vu Hiep L.X. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAfrican swine fever virus (ASFV) has spread through many countries and regions worldwide, causing significant losses. Timely detection of ASFV-infected pigs is crucial for disease control. In this study, we assessed the performance of two pen-side tests: a portable real-time PCR (qPCR) test for detecting viral genomic DNA and a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for detecting viral antigens. To determine the time from infection to the earliest detection, 10 ASFV-seronegative pigs were inoculated intramuscularly with 104.0 hemadsorption dose 50 of a highly virulent ASFV strain. Whole blood and oral swab samples were alternately collected from each group of five pigs daily until all succumbed to the infection. Samples were promptly subjected to the two pen-side tests upon collection, and a subset was transported to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory for analysis using a reference qPCR assay. Viral genomic DNA was consistently detected by the reference qPCR assay in all blood samples from 2 days postinfection (dpi), preceding the onset of clinical signs, and in oral swabs from 4 dpi onwards. The portable qPCR test demonstrated comparable performance to the reference qPCR assay for both whole blood and oral swab samples. The LFIA exhibited 100% specificity when testing with whole blood samples but showed reduced sensitivity, particularly for blood samples collected early or late after infection. The antigen test did not perform well with oral swabs.
Qualitative properties for a Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermoelastic problem with heat radiation
Authors: Fernández José R. , Quintanilla Ramón 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this work, we study some qualitative properties arising in the solution of a thermoelastic problem with heat radiation. The so-called Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation is used to model the heat conduction. By using the logarithmic convexity argument, the uniqueness and instability of solutions are proved without imposing any condition on the elasticity tensor. Then, the existence of solutions is obtained assuming that the elastic tensor is positive definite applying the theory of linear semigroups, and the exponential energy decay is shown in the one-dimensional case. Finally, we consider the one-dimensional quasi-static version and we assume that the elastic coefficient is negative. The existence and decay of solutions are proved, and a justification of the quasi-static approach is also provided.
Increased cardiovascular disease risk among adolescents and young adults with gastric cancer
Authors: Choi Hea Lim , Kang Danbee , Kim Hyunsoo , Cho Juhee , Jeon Keun Hye , Jung Wonyoung , Shin Dong Wook , Jeong Su-Min 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have investigated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in cancer patients, but there is limited knowledge concerning the CVD risk in adult and young adolescent (AYA) survivors of gastric cancer.

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the incidence of CVD in AYA gastric cancer survivors, analyzing it by treatment type and identifying associated risk factors.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Korean National Health Insurance Service data collected from 2006 to 2019. Propensity score matching (1:3, caliper < 0.1) was performed using the variables age, sex, income, residential area, and presence of comorbidities, and we classified participants into gastric cancer (n = 6562) and non-cancer control (n = 19,678) groups. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD incidence. The study assessed CVD incidence by cancer treatment and identified risk factors through multivariable Cox regression.

Results
During a median 6.5-year follow-up, AYA gastric cancer survivors consistently exhibited greater CVD incidence. Their risk of CVD was significantly elevated compared to that of controls (HR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.33). In particular, deep vein thrombosis (HR, 3.93; 95% CI 3.06–14.67) and pulmonary embolism (HR, 6.58; 95% CI 3.06–14.67) risks were notably increased. Chemotherapy was associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Hypertension (HR, 1.58; 95% CI 1.10–2.26) and dyslipidemia (HR, 1.46; 95% CI 1.06–2.20) emerged as risk factors for CVD development.

Conclusion
This study reports elevated risks of CVD in AYA gastric cancer survivors and emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring of CVD in this population.
The formal care costs of dementia: a longitudinal study using Swedish register data
Authors: Zilling Jennifer , Gerdtham Ulf-G. , Jarl Johan , Saha Sanjib , Persson Sofie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
This study investigates the excess costs of dementia from healthcare, social care services, and prescription drugs 3 years before to 6 years after diagnosis. Further, sociodemographic cost differences are explored.

Methods
Using Swedish register data from 2013 to 2016 to compare individuals diagnosed with dementia (n = 15,339) with population controls, the excess formal care costs for people with a dementia diagnosis are obtained with longitudinal regression analysis.

Results
People with dementia incur higher formal care costs for all years studied compared to people without dementia. The excess costs vary from €3400 3 years before diagnosis to €49,700 6 years after diagnosis. The costs are mainly driven by institutional care, and solitary living is a strong predictor of high excess costs.

Conclusion
The results show that the formal care costs of individuals with dementia are substantial, and that the economic burden of dementia in Sweden is larger than previously estimated.
Dynamics of the Polar Front in the southwestern area of Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Shulman Igor , Jarosz Ewa , Cayula Stephanie , Metzger E. Joseph 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe have investigated the dynamics of the Polar Front (PF) in the southwestern area of Svalbard, where the dynamics are defined by the interaction between the Sørkapp Current (transporting cold and fresh Arctic-type water) and the West Spitsbergen Current (carrying the warmer and more saline Atlantic Water from the Norwegian Sea). Our approach was based on the global circulation model predictions. In accord with the model, the cold and fresher Arctic water masses originated from the eastern side of Svalbard and were flowing along the southern-most point of Svalbard into the southwestern area of Svalbard. This cold and fresher water was spreading and pushing warmer and more saline Atlantic water offshore. The model currents indicated that cold and fresher water masses were mostly transported northward along the south-western coast of Svalbard. In accord with the model and observed density profiles, the PF is a density compensated front with the density gradient mostly in the top 50-75 m. Presence of strong density gradients in the upper 50-75 m of the PF leads to the development of the submesoscale processes as surface frontogenesis and nonlinear Ekman transport. We found strong presence of surface frontogenesis at the PF in the model. The second submesoscale process, the nonlinear Ekman transport, is due to the forcing interaction. During the considered time frame, the winds were blowing mostly from the north-east to south-west across the PF, and therefore, the along-front wind component was very small, resulting in weak non-linear Ekman transport at the PF front.
Targeting sphingolipid metabolism in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Nguyen Van Long Flora , Le Trang , Caron Patrick , Valcourt-Gendron Délya , Sergerie Roxanne , Laverdière Isabelle , Vanura Katrina , Guillemette Chantal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractElevated levels of circulating C16:0 glucosylceramides (GluCer) and increased mRNA expression of UDP-glucose ceramide glycosyltransferase (UGCG), the enzyme responsible for converting ceramides (Cer) to GluCer, represent unfavorable prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting GluCer synthesis, we genetically repressed the UGCG pathway using in vitro models of leukemic B cells, in addition to UGCG pharmacological inhibition with approved drugs such as eliglustat and ibiglustat, both individually and in combination with ibrutinib, assessed in cell models and primary CLL patient cells. Cell viability, apoptosis, and proliferation were evaluated in vitro, and survival and apoptosis were examined ex vivo. UGCG inhibition efficacy was confirmed by quantifying intracellular sphingolipid levels through targeted lipidomics using mass spectrometry. Other inhibitors of sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways were similarly assessed. Blocking UGCG significantly decreased cell viability and proliferation, highlighting the oncogenic role of UGCG in CLL. The efficient inhibition of UGCG was confirmed by a significant reduction in GluCer intracellular levels. The combination of UGCG inhibitors with ibrutinib demonstrated synergistic effect. Inhibitors that target alternative pathways within sphingolipid metabolism, like sphingosine kinases inhibitor SKI-II, also demonstrated promising therapeutic effects both alone and when used in combination with ibrutinib, reinforcing the oncogenic impact of sphingolipids in CLL cells. Targeting sphingolipid metabolism, especially the UGCG pathway, represents a promising therapeutic strategy and as a combination therapy for potential treatment of CLL patients, warranting further investigation.
Trade, productivity, and services input intensity
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Sanfilippo Marco , Santi Filippo , Ticku Rohit 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUsing rich administrative microdata on Ugandan firms, we investigate the response of productivity to trade participation for firms in all sectors of the economy, and the moderating role of services input intensity. We find that companies that participate in trade, especially through importing, display a productivity premium. Firms that export are more productive only for a sub-sample spanning the manufacturing sector. We do not find evidence that using service inputs more intensively enhances the relationship between trade participation and firm productivity. Rather, we find some evidence that a higher share of spending on services inputs attenuates the positive relationship between trade status and productivity. This suggests that the quality of available services may not be up to the standard required to be internationally competitive.