bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional performance of a vibrotactile sensory substitution device in people with profound vision loss
Authors: Jin Rui , Petoe Matthew A. , McCarthy Chris D. , Stefopoulos Samuel , Battiwalla Xerxes , McGinley Jennifer , Ayton Lauren N. 
Published: July 2024

SIGNIFICANCE
This study has shown a vibrotactile sensory substitution device (SSD) prototype, VibroSight, has the potential to improve functional outcomes (i.e., obstacle avoidance, face detection) for people with profound vision loss, even with brief familiarization (<20 minutes).

PURPOSE
Mobility aids such as long canes are still the mainstay of support for most people with vision loss, but they do have limitations. Emerging technologies such as SSDs are gaining widespread interest in the low vision community. The aim of this project was to assess the efficacy of a prototype vibrotactile SSD for people with profound vision loss in the face detection and obstacle avoidance tasks.

METHODS
The VibroSight device was tested in a movement laboratory setting. The first task involved obstacle avoidance, in which participants were asked to walk through an obstacle course. The second was a face detection task, in which participants were asked to step toward the first face they detected. Exit interviews were also conducted to gather user experience data. Both people with low vision (n = 7) and orientation and mobility instructors (n = 4) completed the tasks.

RESULTS
In obstacle avoidance task, participants were able to use the device to detect (p<0.001) and avoid (p<0.001) the obstacles within a significantly larger range, but were slower (p<0.001), when compared with without the device. In face detection task, participants demonstrated a great level of accuracy, precision, and sensitivity when using the device. Interviews revealed a positive user experience, although participants identified that they would require a lighter and compact design for real-world use.

CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the results verified the functionality of vibrotactile SSD prototype. Further research is warranted to evaluate the user performance after an extended training program and to add new features, such as object recognition software algorithms, into the device.
Pilot study of a pedestrian collision detection test for a multisite trial of field expansion devices for hemianopia
Authors: Bowers Alex R. , Manda Sailaja , Shekar Sandhya , Hwang Alex D. , Jung Jae-Hyun , Peli Eli 
Published: July 2024

SIGNIFICANCE
Performance-based outcome measures are crucial for clinical trials of field expansion devices. We implemented a test simulating a real-world mobility situation, focusing on detection of a colliding pedestrian among multiple noncolliding pedestrians, suitable for measuring the effects of homonymous hemianopia and assistive devices in clinical trials.

PURPOSE
In preparation for deploying the test in a multisite clinical trial, we conducted a pilot study to gather preliminary data on blind-side collision detection performance with multiperiscopic peripheral prisms compared with Fresnel peripheral prisms. We tested the hypothesis that detection rates for colliding pedestrians approaching on a 40° bearing angle (close to the highest collision risk when walking) would be higher with 100Δ oblique multiperiscopic (≈42° expansion) than 65Δ oblique Fresnel peripheral prisms (≈32° expansion).

METHODS
Six participants with homonymous hemianopia completed the test with and without each type of prism glasses, after using them in daily mobility for a minimum of 4 weeks. The test, presented as a video on a large screen, simulated walking through a busy shopping mall. Colliding pedestrians approached from the left or the right on a bearing angle of 20 or 40°.

RESULTS
Overall, blind-side detection was only 23% without prisms but improved to 73% with prisms. For multiperiscopic prisms, blind-side detection was significantly higher with than without prisms at 40° (88 vs. 0%) and 20° (75 vs. 0%). For Fresnel peripheral prisms, blind-side detection rates were not significantly higher with than without prisms at 40° (38 vs. 0%) but were significantly higher with prisms at 20° (94 vs. 56%). At 40°, detection rates were significantly higher with multiperiscopic than Fresnel prisms (88 vs. 38%).

CONCLUSIONS
The collision detection test is suitable for evaluating the effects of hemianopia and prism glasses on collision detection, confirming its readiness to serve as the primary outcome measure in the upcoming clinical trial.
Evaluation of frailty, cognitive function, and age as prognostic factors for survival in patients with IDH1wild-type high-grade glioma
Authors: Škufca Smrdel Andreja Cirila , Podlesek Anja , Markovič Jana , Jereb Jana , Vidmar Marija Skoblar , Smrdel Uroš 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
High-grade gliomas without isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are associated with poor survival and have been poorly studied. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic factors for survival in this group, focusing on frailty, age, and cognition.

METHODS:
This study included Slovenian patients with high-grade IDH1 wild-type gliomas. Frailty and cognitive functioning were measured postoperatively using the Clinical Frailty Scale and neuropsychological test battery. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic and clinical data. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the clinical predictors and prognostic value of the cognitive test scores. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated, and the log-rank test was used.

RESULTS:
Data from 75 patients were analyzed. The median time to progression was 11.0 months, and the median survival was 12.8 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that frailty, sex, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase methylation, and verbal fluency, but not the global cognitive functioning, were significant prognostic factors for survival. Age was a statistically significant prognostic factor in the univariate regression model; when other factors were controlled for in the multivariate model, age lost its prognostic value.

CONCLUSION:
Frailty is an important prognostic factor for survival of patients with high-grade IDH1 wild-type gliomas. Cognitive functioning in the domain of verbal fluency remained an independent prognostic factor for survival after controlling for other factors.
Inflammatory Giant Cell Carcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Suster David I. , Mackinnon A. Craig , Ronen Natali , Mejbel Haider A. , Harada Shuko , Michal Michael , Suster Saul 
Published: July 2024

A distinctive histological variant of poorly differentiated, sarcomatoid, non-small cell lung carcinoma characterized by a discohesive population of giant tumor cells associated with prominent interstitial inflammatory cell infiltrates is described. The tumors occurred in 7 women and 7 men, 42 to 72 years of age (mean: 56 y). They predominantly affected the upper lobes and measured 1.3 to 9 cm in greatest diameter (mean: 4.6 cm). The tumor cells were characterized by large pleomorphic nuclei with prominent nucleoli, ample cytoplasm, and frequent abnormal mitoses, and were surrounded by a dense inflammatory cell infiltrate, often associated with emperipolesis. Immunohistochemical stains were positive in the tumor cells for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and CK8/18 and negative for TTF1, napsin A, p40, and CK5/6. Next-generation sequencing was performed in all cases using the Oncomine Precision Assay; the most common abnormalities found included TP53 mutations (9 cases) and AKT1 amplification (8 cases), followed by KRAS mutations (4 cases) and MAP2K1/2 mutations (4 cases). Clinical follow-up was available in 13 patients. Three patients presented with metastases as the initial manifestation of disease; 8 patients died of their tumors from 6 months to 8 years (mean: 2.7 y); 3 patients were alive and well from 4 to 6 years; and 2 patients had metastases when last seen but were lost to follow-up thereafter. The importance of recognizing this distinctive and aggressive variant of non-small cell lung carcinoma lies in avoiding confusion with a sarcoma or other types of malignancy.
Clear Cell Carcinomas of Müllerian Type and Rete Testis Origin Presenting as Scrotal Masses
Authors: Kilic Irem , Acosta Andrés M. , Ulbright Thomas M. 
Published: July 2024

Ovarian-type epithelial tumors involving the testis and paratestis are rare, with clear cell carcinomas (CCC) one of the least frequent. We report our experience with 4 müllerian-type (MT) CCCs presenting as testicular/scrotal masses and arising in the paratestis (n=2) and seminal vesicle (n=2; well supported in 1 case and likely in the other). In addition, we document 3 cases of papillary CCC exclusively within the rete testis (RTCCC) and seminiferous tubules and differing from the MT tumors. The patients with MTCCC were 24 to 85 years old (median, 42 y), and 2 had metastases at presentation. The 2 originating in the paratestis were associated with other MT tumors, an endometrioid borderline tumor and a papillary serous borderline tumor. The other 2 MTCCCs likely involved the testis via extension from seminal vesicle primaries through the vasa deferentia. All MTCCCs showed typical features, including tubules, simple papillae with hyalinized cores, and solid nests of polygonal clear cells with occasional hobnail features. Both paratesticular primaries showed sarcomatoid foci with tumor-associated neutrophilic infiltrates. The 3 RTCCCs presented in 54-, 57-, and 60-year-old men as testicular masses; they showed intrarete arborizing papillary growth with nonhyalinized fibrous cores and piled-up, solid foci, lacked hobnail cells, and expressed carbonic anhydrase IX (2/2) and CD10 (2/2) but not CA125, unlike the MTCCCs. On follow-up, 2 patients with MTCCC died of metastatic tumor (4 and 13.5 mo), a third developed ileal and retroperitoneal metastases at 13 months; and the fourth died at 13.5 months of unspecified cause. Follow-up of 2 patients with RTCCCs showed 1 disease free at 8 months and another alive with unknown disease status at 13 years. We conclude that CCCs involving the testis may either be of MT with often aggressive courses or show some features of renal tumors, with confinement to the rete testis and indolent behavior.
Importance of Lumbar Instability in the Study of Associations Between Muscle Morphology, Pain, and Disability in Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Seyedhoseinpoor Tahere , Dadgoo Mehdi , Taghipour Mohammad , Takamjani Ismail Ebrahimi , Sanjari Mohammad Ali , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan 
Published: July 2024

Objective
The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the relationship between lumbar extensor muscle morphology, with pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain and (2) compare these relationships in subgroup of chronic low back pain with and without lumbar structural segmental instability.

Design and Methods
This cross-sectional study included 183 patients with chronic low back pain. Standing lateral lumbar flexion/extension radiographs were used to assess lumbar structural segmental instability. Lumbar multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas major morphology were determined from axial magnetic resonance imaging. Associations between lumbar muscle morphologies and patient pain and disability were evaluated in two groups with and without lumbar instability.

Results
Patients’ disability was negatively associated with psoas major total cross-sectional area (beta = −22.82, 95% CI = −37.05 to −8.59) and functional cross-sectional area (beta = −23.45, 95% CI = −37.81 to −9.09). Multifidus morphology was negatively associated with disability in the lumbar instability group. Pain intensity was only associated to psoas major total cross-sectional area (beta = −3.33, 95% CI = −6.43 to −2.24) and functional cross-sectional area (beta = −3.22, 95% CI = −6.40 to −0.05) only in the lumbar instability group.

Conclusions
Psoas major atrophy was associated with greater disability and pain in chronic low back pain, but multifidus atrophy was associated with greater disability in chronic low back pain patients with lumbar structural segmental instability.
Recalcitrant Ulnar-Sided Hand Pain in a Collegiate Golfer
Authors: Cushman Daniel M. , Leach John , Foley Justin , Willick Stuart E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This case report details a diagnosis of myositis ossificans in a collegiate golfer with right ulnar-sided hand pain after striking the ground on a swing. Despite conservative treatment and a thorough workup, the patient’s ulnar-sided hand pain did not improve. An ultrasound eventually revealed myositis ossificans within the abductor digiti minimi muscle. The patient received an ultrasound-guided fenestration and injection of lidocaine and dexamethasone into the affected muscle, leading to complete symptom resolution. Myositis ossificans is often secondary to trauma, causing bone formation in soft tissue, leading to pain, limited range of motion, and disability. This case highlights the importance of considering myositis ossificans in cases of persistent muscular pain and the diagnostic challenges related to ulnar-sided hand anatomy.
Pediatric Cranial Ultrasound Revisited
Authors: Richer Edward J. , Riedesel Erica L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Cranial ultrasound (CUS) is an indispensable tool in the evaluation of intracranial pathology in premature and term neonates and older infants. Familiarity with standard cranial ultrasound techniques and parameters, normal anatomy, and commonly encountered abnormalities is crucial for providing appropriate care for these patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cranial ultrasound in clinical practice.
Risk Factor Targeted Perioperative Care Reduces Anastomotic Leakage after Colorectal Surgery
Authors: de Wit Anne , Bootsma Boukje T. , Huisman Daitlin E. , van Wely Bob , van Hoogstraten Julie , Sonneveld Dirk J.A. , Moes Daan , Wegdam Johannes A. , Feo Carlo V. , Verdaasdonk Emiel G.G. , Brokelman Walter J.A. , ten Cate David W.G. , Lubbers Tim , Lagae Emmanuel , Roks David J.G.H. , Kazemier Geert , Stens Jurre , Slooter Gerrit D. , Daams Freek ,   on behalf of the Taskforce Anastomotic Leakage
Published: July 2024

Objective:
The DoubleCheck study aimed to introduce pre- and perioperative interventions minimizing exposure to modifiable risk factors and determine its effect on CAL.

Summary Background Data:
Colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) is a severe complication. In order to predict and prevent its occurrence, the LekCheck study identified intraoperative modifiable risk factors for CAL: anemia, hyperglycemia, hypothermia, incorrect timing of antibiotic prophylaxis, administration of vasopressors and epidural analgesia.

Methods:
This international open-labelled interventional study was performed between September 2021 and December 2023. An enhanced care bundle consisting of anemia correction, glucose measurement, attaining normothermia, antibiotics administration within 60 to 15 minutes preoperatively, refraining from vasopressors and epidural analgesia was introduced. Primary outcome was the occurrence of intraoperative risk factors just prior to the anastomosis creation. Secondary outcomes were CAL and mortality. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to establish the relationship between the enhanced care bundle, exposure to the six factors and CAL.

Results:
The historical LekCheck group consisted of 1572 patients versus 902 in the DoubleCheck. The LekCheck group had a mean of 1.84 risk factors versus 1.63 in DoubleCheck (P<0.001). In the DoubleCheck significantly less patients had ≥3 risk factors (P<0.001). CAL was significantly lower in the DoubleCheck group (8.6% vs. 6.2%, P=0.039). The reduction of CAL was associated with the enhanced care bundle in multivariate regression analysis (OR 1.521, 95% CI 1.01-2.29, P=0.045). The mortality rate did not differ significantly (1.3%, vs. 0.8%, P=0.237).

Conclusions:
The DoubleCheck study showed that optimization of modifiable risk factors reduced CAL in colorectal surgery.
Superiority of Robotic Over Laparoscopic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy With Warshaw Procedure for Reducing the Incidence of Postoperative Splenic Infarction
Authors: Murata Yasuhiro , Noguchi Daisuke , Ito Takahiro , Hayasaki Aoi , Iizawa Yusuke , Fujii Takehiro , Tanemura Akihiro , Kuriyama Naohisa , Kishiwada Masashi , Mizuno Shugo 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with Warshaw procedure (MI-WP), has gained widespread recognition for the treatment of benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the pancreatic body and tail. However, the comparative advantages of the robotic Warshaw procedure (R-WP) over the laparoscopic Warshaw procedure (L-WP) remain uncertain. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between R-WP and L-WP.

Materials and Methods:
Among the 146 cases of MI-DP conducted between October 2020 and December 2023 (L-DP:115, R-DP:31), 33 cases of MI-WP were subjected to analysis, comprising the R-WP group (n=10) and the L-WP group (n=23).

Results:
R-WP successfully completed all procedures under a purely laparoscopic approach, whereas L-WP necessitated conversion to open surgery in 2 cases (8.7%). Despite the significantly prolonged operative time in R-WP compared with L-WP (R-WP vs. L-WP: 421vs. 300 min), there was no significant difference in estimated blood loss between the 2 groups (R-WP vs. L-WP: 19 vs. 20 mL). Although the rate of major complications did not significantly differ between the 2 groups, 2 cases (8.7%) of L-WP required reoperation, including splenectomy in 1 instance. Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative splenic infarction was significantly higher in L-WP than in R-WP (R- vs. L-WP:0 vs. 43.5%, P=0.015). The length of hospital stay after surgery did not exhibit a significant difference between the 2 groups (R-WP vs. L-WP: 11 vs. 12 d).

Discussion:
R-WP demonstrated superiority to L-WP for reducing the incidence of postoperative splenic infarction, potentially contributing to enhancing the spleen preservation rate.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Consent for Patients Undergoing Transobturator Slings
Authors: Demtchouk Veronica , Winkelman William D. , Cornely Ronald M. , Modest Anna , Hacker Michele R. , Elkadry Eman A. 
Published: July 2024

Importance
Improving patients' recall and understanding of their planned surgery is essential for fully informed consent.

Objective
The objective of this study was to assess if the addition of an information handout to the standard preoperative consent process for the transobturator midurethral sling procedure improved patient understanding, recall, and satisfaction.

Study Design
This is a randomized controlled trial of adult women undergoing a transobturator midurethral sling procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. After standard counseling, participants were randomly assigned to either the control or the intervention group, with the latter receiving an extra informational handout detailing surgical information. Before surgery, all participants filled out a questionnaire assessing key points discussed during the surgical consent, which was used to calculate a knowledge score, the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included perception of the consent process and patient satisfaction.

Results
Of 98 randomized participants (50 control, 48 intervention), knowledge scores were 43% for controls and 57% for the intervention group (P = 0.015). Despite low scores, high self-rated understanding and satisfaction were noted across both groups (78% control, 71% intervention, P = 0.4). Notably, younger individuals, those with some college education, and patients undergoing additional prolapse surgery benefited most from the handout.

Conclusions
The informational handout improved knowledge scores, though overall knowledge scores were low in both groups. High satisfaction and perceived understanding of the planned procedure persisted, but the addition of a handout was not associated with a significant difference in knowledge scores.
Orchid mycorrhizal communities associated withOrchis italicaare shaped by ecological factors and geographical gradients
Authors: Balducci Marco G. , Calevo Jacopo , Duffy Karl J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimThe influence of mutualists on plant distributions is only beginning to be understood. Orchids depend on orchid mycorrhizal (OrM) fungi to germinate, yet the distribution of OrM and how they vary according to both abiotic and biotic factors is unclear. We investigated the abundance and diversity of OrM communities associated with the Mediterranean orchidOrchis italicaand quantified how they vary according to both geographical and ecological factors.LocationMediterranean Basin.TaxonOrchis italicaPoir. (Orchidaceae)MethodsWe used metabarcoding of the ITS2 region to identify OrM fungi associated with adult individuals in 23 populations ofO. italicaacross latitudinal and longitudinal gradients in the Mediterranean region. We used both multivariate analyses and Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) based on geographical, climate, and soil variables to test how both common OrM fungi and their communities vary according to geographical and ecological factors.ResultsEighty OrM OTUs were found associating withO. italica. However, five Tulasnellaceae OTUs and one Ceratobasidiaceae OTU were found in every population. Abundance of these taxa, as measured by number of reads, increased from west to east and decreased from south to north, indicating OrM abundance may be determined by geographical gradients. OrM community composition varied according to precipitation, annual mean temperature, and soil phosphorous content. JSDMs revealed there were both positive and negative co-occurrences among these ubiquitous OrM.Main ConclusionsDespite associating with many OrM across its range, only six OrM were widespread, indicating thatO. italicamay be an apparent generalist in its association with OrM. Abundance of these OrM is determined by geographical gradients and ecological factors. This highlights the importance of quantifying the distribution of belowground mutualists in understanding the limits to plant distributions.
Global-scale quantification of responses to anthropogenic stressors in six riverine organism groups
Authors: Kaijser Willem , Schürings Christian , Schneider Andrea , Prati Sebastian , Musiol Michelle , Wenskus Franziska , Brauer Verena S. , Feldhaus Lena , Wagner Cornelia S. , Bayer Rike , Madge Pimentel Iris , Birk Sebastian , Mario Brauns , Dunne Louisa , Enss Julian , Farias Luan , Feld Christian K. , Gillmann Svenja M. , Hupalo Kamil , Osakpolor Stephen E. , Olberg Sarah , Schlautmann Christian , Schwelm Jessica , Wells Nicole E. , Sures Bernd , Schäfer Ralf B. , Hering Daniel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRivers globally are impacted by numerous anthropogenic stressors, including water pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change, which collectively stress biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study systematically reviews and analyses published and unpublished data to understand how five aquatic organism groups (bacteria, algae, macrophytes, invertebrates, fish) respond to seven common stressors (salinization, oxygen depletion, fine sediment enrichment, temperature increase, flow modifications and nitrogen or phosphorus enrichment). Using an analytical framework that includes Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Robust Bayesian Meta Analysis (RoBMA), we extracted data from 143 relevant datasets out of 29,749 screened articles. Our results reveal a negative relationship between invertebrates and salinity, fine sediment enrichment, and temperature increase, while fish respond positively to increased oxygen levels and temperature. Bacteria and algae show variable responses, with algae positively associated with nitrogen. The findings highlight strong variability in stressor-response relations across organism groups and stressor types, and emphasize the need for more targeted studies on underrepresented groups like macrophytes and microorganisms. This analysis enhances the predictive understanding of stressor impacts on riverine biodiversity, informing future river ecosystem management and restoration efforts.