bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI-based assessment of the mylohyoid muscle in oral squamous cell carcinoma, a 7-point scoring method
Authors: Radin E. , Marcuzzo A. V. , de Groodt J. , Degrassi F. , Calderan L. , Ramella V. , Tirelli G. , Ukmar M. , Cova M. A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate preoperative MRI evaluation of the features of the mylohyoid muscle (MM) predictive of its infiltration in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment planning, defining the most appropriate sequences to study its deep extension into the floor of the mouth (FOM).

Materials and methods
We applied a 7-point score to retrospectively evaluate preoperative imaging of patients who underwent surgery for OSCC over 11 years. The results were compared with histopathological findings using Spearman’s rank coefficient. Receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to assess the score’s ability to predict MM infiltration, determining optimal thresholds for sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. The Mann–Whitney U-test confirmed that infiltration judgments did not overlap around this threshold. Cohen’s K statistical coefficient was used to evaluate the interobserver agreement.

Results
Fifty-two patients (mean age 66.4 ± 11.9 years, 36 men) were evaluated. Histopathological examination found MM infiltration in 21% of cases (n = 11), with 90% classified in the highest Score categories. A score > 4 proved to be the best cut-off for predicting the risk of MM infiltration, with a sensitivity of 91% (CI: 0.57–0.99), specificity 61% (CI: 0.45–0.76), PPV 38% (CI: 0.21–0.59), and NPV 96% (CI: 0.78–0.99). At the subsequent single-sequence assessment, the TSE-T2wi had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity 90% (CI: 0.57–0.99), specificity 70% (CI: 0.53–0.82), PPV 45% (CI: 0.25–0.67), and NPV 96% (CI: 0.80–0.99).

Conclusion
The 7-point score is a promising predictor of safe surgical margins for MM in OSCC treatment, with the particular benefit of T2-weighted sequences.

Clinical relevance statement
Our scoring system for tumor infiltration of MM, which is easy to use even for less experienced radiologists, allows for uniformity in radiological language, thereby ensuring crucial preoperative information for the surgeon.

Key Points

The relationship of the MM to an oral lesion may impact surgical planning.

As the score increases, there is a greater incidence of infiltration in the MM.

Our score system improves radiologists’ reporting for MM involvement by tumor.
Narrative review of diagnosis, management and treatment of dysphagia and sialorrhea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bjelica Bogdan , Petri Susanne 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe degenerative motor neuron disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) frequently leads bulbar symptoms like dysarthria, dysphagia, and sialorrhea, in approximately one-third of cases being the initial symptom. Throughout the disease, more than two-thirds of ALS patients experience dysphagia, regardless of the region of onset. In this review, we aimed to offer an updated overview of dysphagia and sialorrhea in ALS, covering its diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment in clinical practice. Regular assessment of dysphagia and sialorrhea during each patient visit is essential and should be a standard aspect of ALS care. Early discussion of potential treatments such as high-calorie diets or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is crucial. Furthermore, this review highlights and discusses potential areas for improvement in both clinical practice and research.
Clival chordomas and chondrosarcomas in Denmark—Outcomes in 33 patients following the national centralization of treatment in 2010
Authors: Skotting Mikkel Bundgaard , Poulsgaard Lars , Springborg Jacob Bertram , Sundbye Filippa , Engelmann Bodil Elisabeth , Scheie David , Ciochon Urszula Maria , Guldberg Frederikke , Fugleholm Kåre 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This 13-year consecutive case series aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all patients operated for clival chordomas and clival chondrosarcomas in Denmark since the centralization of treatment in 2010, comparing outcomes to international series.

Methods
This was a retrospective review of 33 patients with clival tumors, comprising 22 chordomas and 11 chondrosarcomas, who were treated at Copenhagen University Hospital between years 2010 and 2023. Data were collected from digital patient records and pathology reports.

Results
The symptoms leading to diagnosis primarily included double vision, headaches, and dizziness. In general, patients were in good health, with a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 1.6. The complication rate of the index surgery was 51.5%. Adjuvant radiotherapy was applied in 51.5% of the cases. In patients with clival chordomas, the mean age was 51.1 years, ranging from 16 to 83 years. At the time of diagnosis, the mean tumor volume was 20.9 cm3 and the five-year overall survival rates were 79.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 62.4–100). In patients with chondrosarcomas, the mean age was 48.2 years, ranging from 15 to 76 years. At the time of diagnosis, the mean tumor volume was 22.3 cm3 and the five-year overall survival 90% (95% CI: 73.2–100).

Conclusion
The centralized treatment of clival tumors in Denmark demonstrates incidence, survival, and complication rates comparable to those found in other international series. Given the variations in treatment strategies, tumor localizations across series, and small sample sizes, the further analysis of larger compiled multicenter datasets for clival tumors could provide more solid evidence regarding the management of these rare tumors.
Exploring the interplay between kidney function and urinary metabolites in young adults: the African-PREDICT study
Authors: du Toit Wessel L. , Kruger Ruan , Gafane-Matemane Lebo F. , Schutte Aletta E. , Louw Roan , Mels Catharina M. C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe exposure to modifiable risk factors at young ages have been linked to premature fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. The use of urinary metabolomics has shown strong predictability of kidney function and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We therefore determined the associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary metabolites in young adults with and without CVD risk factors. Apparently healthy Black and White sexes were included (aged 20–30 years) and categorised by the presence or absence of risk factors, i.e., obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, masked hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and low socio-economic status, forming the CVD risk group (N = 1036), CVD risk clusters (i.e. presenting with 1 CVD risk factor (N = 344), 2 CVD risk factors (N = 360) and 3 + CVD risk factors (N = 332)) and the control group (N = 166). eGFR was calculated with CKD-EPI equations. A targeted metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure amino acids and acylcarnitines. Lower cystatin C-based eGFR were indicated in the CVD risk group, 2 and 3 + CVD risk clusters compared to the control group (all P ≤ 0.033). In the CVD risk group, eGFR associated positively with histidine, lysine, asparagine, glycine, serine, glutamine, dimethylglycine, threonine, alanine, creatine, cystine, methionine, tyrosine, pyroglutamic acid, leucine/isoleucine, aspartic acid, tryptophan, glutamic acid, free carnitine, acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, isovalerylcarnitine, octanoylcarnitine and decanoylcarnitine (all P ≤ 0.044), with similar results found in the CVD risk clusters, particularly the 2 CVD risk cluster. eGFR was positively associated with metabolites linked to aromatic amino acid and branched-chain amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and oxidative stress. These findings may indicate altered reabsorption of these metabolites or altered metabolic regulation to preserve renal health in the setting of CVD risk factors at this young age without established CVD.
N-carboxyacyl and N-α-aminoacyl derivatives of aminoaldehydes as shared substrates of plant aldehyde dehydrogenases 10 and 7
Authors: Masopustová Michaela , Goga Adam , Soural Miroslav , Kopečná Martina , Šebela Marek 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) represent a superfamily of enzymes, which oxidize aldehydes to the corresponding acids. Certain families, namely ALDH9 and ALDH10, are best active with ω-aminoaldehydes arising from the metabolism of polyamines such as 3-aminopropionaldehyde and 4-aminobutyraldehyde. Plant ALDH10s show broad specificity and accept many different aldehydes (aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic) as substrates. This work involved the above-mentioned aminoaldehydes acylated with dicarboxylic acids, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. The resulting products were then examined with native ALDH10 from pea and recombinant ALDH7s from pea and maize. This investigation aimed to find a common efficient substrate for the two plant ALDH families. One of the best natural substrates of ALDH7s is aminoadipic semialdehyde carrying a carboxylic group opposite the aldehyde group. The substrate properties of the new compounds were demonstrated by mass spectrometry of the reaction mixtures, spectrophotometric assays and molecular docking. The N-carboxyacyl derivatives were good substrates of pea ALDH10 but were only weakly oxidized by the two plant ALDH7s. The N-phenylalanyl and N-tyrosyl derivatives of 3-aminopropionaldehyde were good substrates of pea and maize ALDH7. Particularly the former compound was converted very efficiently (based on the kcat/Km ratio), but it was only weakly oxidized by pea ALDH10. Although no compound exhibited the same level of substrate properties for both ALDH families, we show that these enzymes may possess more common substrates than expected.
The developmental course of adolescent paranoia: a longitudinal analysis of the interacting role of mistrust and general psychopathology
Authors: Catone Gennaro , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Pascotto Antonio , Pisano Simone , Broome Matthew R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractParanoia is the erroneous idea that people are targeting you for harm, and the cognitive model suggests that symptoms increase with emotional and relational distress. A factor potentially associated with paranoia is mistrust, a milder form of suspiciousness. This study investigated the longitudinal course of non-clinical paranoia in a sample of 739 students (age range 10–12 at baseline assessment, 12–14 at second assessment) using data from the Social Mistrust Scale (SMS) and the paranoia subscale of the Specific Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ). Prevalence of mistrustful and high paranoia children was 14.6 and 15% respectively. Independently, baseline internalizing symptoms (b = 0.241, p < 0.001) and mistrust (b = 0.240, p < 0.001) longitudinally predict paranoia after controlling for confounders. The interaction of mistrust and internalizing symptoms at T1 increases the possibility of the onset of paranoia at T2. Therefore, the effect of mistrust on paranoia is more marked when internalizing symptoms are higher. Our results confirm the role of mistrust as a factor involved in the developmental trajectory of paranoia in adolescence, enhanced by the presence of internalizing symptoms. The implications of these results are both theoretical and clinical, as they add developmental information to the cognitive model of paranoia and suggests the assessment and clinical management of mistrust and internalizing symptoms in youth may be useful with the aim of reducing the risk of psychotic experiences.
Sediment size effects on non-Darcy flow: insights from Izbash equation and Forchheimer inertial coefficient analysis
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Camulli Hanna , Bradley Jacob 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe transition from Darcy to non-Darcy flow regimes was investigated using column experiments. This revealed key relationships between sediment characteristics and critical thresholds for the onset of the non-Darcy flow regime, as well as inertial flow parameters. An exponential dependence of the critical Reynolds number (Rec) on hydraulic conductivity (K) and a linear dependence on sediment size (d50) was found. The analysis revealed a potentially universal relationship between the critical hydraulic gradient (Ic) and K, with a power-law exponent of –3/2, consistent with previous investigations. Additionally, Ic was found to be inversely proportional to the power law of the square root of d50. Novel relationships are derived for estimating the Izbash equation inertial exponent (n) and the Forchheimer inertial coefficient ($$\beta$$
β
) based on sediment characteristics. The exponent (n) was found to decrease with d50 and increase with K, following power-law relationships. A new equation is proposed, capable of predicting $$\beta$$
β
with slightly improved accuracy, outperforming numerous and previously proposed empirical equations. Additionally, these data validate the works of Ergun and Irmay as an alternative for $$\beta$$
β
estimation using porosity and sediment size. As the attainment of statistical significance in multiparameter curve fitting can be trivial, it has led to the proliferation of empirical equations for estimating β. This study highlights the limitations of existing empirical methods in determining β and emphasizes the necessity for a universal approach to predict this critical parameter, which will facilitate broader adoption of the Forchheimer equation.
Does cross-validation work in telling rankings apart?
Authors: Sziklai Balázs R. , Baranyi Máté , Héberger Károly 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough cross-validation (CV) is a standard technique in machine learning and data science, its efficacy remains largely unexplored in ranking environments. When evaluating the significance of differences, cross-validation is typically coupled with statistical testing, such as the Dietterich, Alpaydin, or Wilcoxon test. In this paper, we evaluate the power and false positive error rate of the Dietterich, Alpaydin, and Wilcoxon statistical tests combined with cross-validation each operating with folds ranging from 5 to 10, resulting in a total of 18 variants. Our testing setup utilizes a ranking framework, similar to the Sum of Ranking Differences (SRD) statistical procedure: we assume the existence of a reference ranking, and distances are measured in $$L_1$$

L
1

-norm. We test the methods under artificial scenarios as well as on real data borrowed from sports and chemistry. The choice of the optimal CV test method depends on preferences related to the minimization of errors in type I and II cases, the size of the input, and anticipated patterns in the data. Among the investigated input sizes, the Wilcoxon method with eight folds proved to be the most effective, although its performance in type I situations is subpar. While the Dietterich and Alpaydin methods excel in type I situations, they perform poorly in type II scenarios. The inadequate performances of these tests raises questions about their efficacy outside of ranking environments too.
Nanosecond infrared laser (NIRL) for cutting roots of human teeth: thermal effects and quality of cutting edges
Authors: Friedrich Reinhard E. , Kohlrusch Felix K. , Ricken Thomas , Grimm Julian , Gosau Martin , Hahn Michael , von Kroge Simon , Hahn Jan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A nanosecond infrared laser (NIRL) was investigated in cutting dental roots. The focus of the investigation was defining the preparation accuracy and registration of thermal effects during laser application. Ten teeth were processed in the root area using a NIRL in several horizontal, parallel incisions to achieve tooth root ablation as in an apicoectomy. Temperature change was monitored during ablation and the quality of the cutting edges in the roots were studied by means of micro-CT, optical coherence tomography, and histology of decalcified and undecalcified specimens. NIRL produced clearly defined cut surfaces in dental hard tissues. The automated guidance of the laser beam created regular, narrow dentin defects that tapered in a V-shape towards the ablation plane. A biologically significant increase in the temperature of the object and its surroundings did not occur during the laser application. Thermal dentin damage was not detected in histological preparations of treated teeth. Defined areas of the tooth root may be ablated using a NIRL. For clinical translation of NIRL in apicoectomy, it would be necessary to increase energy delivered to hard tissue and develop beam application facilitating beam steering for oral treatment.
Recycling valid inequalities for robust combinatorial optimization with budgeted uncertainty
Authors: Büsing Christina , Gersing Timo , Koster Arie M. C. A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Robust combinatorial optimization with budgeted uncertainty is one of the most popular approaches for integrating uncertainty into optimization problems. The existence of a compact reformulation for (mixed-integer) linear programs and positive complexity results give the impression that these problems are relatively easy to solve. However, the practical performance of the reformulation is quite poor when solving robust integer problems, in particular due to its weak linear relaxation. To overcome this issue, we propose procedures to derive new classes of valid inequalities for robust combinatorial optimization problems. For this, we recycle valid inequalities of the underlying deterministic problem such that the additional variables from the robust formulation are incorporated. The valid inequalities to be recycled may either be readily available model constraints or actual cutting planes, where we can benefit from decades of research on valid inequalities for classical optimization problems. We first demonstrate the strength of the inequalities theoretically, by proving that recycling yields a facet-defining inequality in many cases, even if the original valid inequality was not facet-defining. Afterwards, we show in an extensive computational study that using recycled inequalities can lead to a significant improvement of the computation time when solving robust optimization problems.
Radiographic characterization of OPLL progression in patients receiving laminoplasty with a minimum of two-years follow-up
Authors: Liu Wai Kiu Thomas , Yuet Siu Keira Ho , Cheung Jason Pui-Yin , Shea Graham Ka-Hon 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOssification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a common cause of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) in Asian populations. Characterization of OPLL progression following laminoplasty remains limited in the literature. 29 patients with OPLL received cervical laminoplasty and a minimum of 2-years follow-up. Clinical and radiological surveillance occurred at 3-months, 6-months, 12-months post-op and then at yearly intervals. Transverse (anteroposterior) diameter and sagittal length of OPLL in relation to their cervical vertebral level of localisation was assessed upon immediate post-op radiographs compared to those obtained at subsequent follow-up. OPLL progression was defined as an increase in transverse dimensions and/or length by ≥ 2 mm. The average period of clinical follow-up was 6.7 ± 3.3 years. Upon latest follow-up, 79% of patients demonstrated at least 2 mm of transverse or longitudinal progression of OPLL. This corresponded to 2-years and 5-year progression rates of 54% and 71% respectively. OPLL located over C5 demonstrated the greatest transverse progression rate at (0.24 ± 0.34 mm / year). The mean overall longitudinal progression rate was 1.61 ± 2.06 mm / year. No patients experienced neurological decline resulting from OPLL progression requiring revision decompression during the period of post-operative observation. Characterizing transverse and longitudinal progression by cervical level via radiographs has implications in surgical planning for OPLL and should be consolidated upon post-operative CT/MRI scans as well as larger sample sizes.
Understanding and classifying the raw water transfer invasion pathway
Authors: Waine Ava , Robertson Peter , Pattison Zarah 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRaw Water Transfer (RWT) schemes move large volumes of freshwater between separate waterbodies to supply water as a specific commodity. Water is translocated by complex purpose-built networks of pipelines, tunnels and water supply canals. RWTs form hydrological connections between waterbodies across various spatial scales, and create a pathway of introduction and spread for a diverse range of invasive non-native species (INNS). Though occurring globally in large numbers, RWTs are not currently well represented by the standard pathway classification framework adopted by the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). At present, RWTs are included within the ‘corridor’ category, which denotes the natural spread of organisms to neighbouring regions through transport infrastructure i.e. navigable canals/artificial waterways. However, RWTs are not routes for vehicle transport, and species are translocated between often non-adjoining waterbodies by the intentional transfer of water, not via natural spread. We provide a background for the complex RWT pathway and evidence of INNS spread through RWT schemes globally, and explore several options for improved RWT classification within the CBD framework—we recommend that the current corridor category is modified slightly to accommodate the addition of RWTs as a distinct sub-category, as separate from a clearly defined ‘navigable canal/artificial waterways’ sub-category. Accurate classification will increase understanding and awareness of this high-risk pathway, and support much-needed insight into its distinct stakeholders and drivers. Further, delineating RWTs from navigable canals/artificial waterways will help to identify widespread opportunities for pathway management and policy development, in addition to supporting more accurate future assessments of the risks and economic costs of the corridor pathway category.
Funding sources, colonial legacy, and new firms’ creation in Africa
Authors: Massidda C. , Piras R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study examines the determinants of new firm creation in Africa, focusing on external and internal funding sources and their interactions. It also explores the influence of colonial history by separately analyzing former British and French colonies. The primary goal is to help fill crucial gaps in African literature on the determinants of entrepreneurship. Given Africa's widespread poverty and underdevelopment, understanding what drives entrepreneurship is essential for job creation and economic growth. The study reveals three key findings. First, at the full sample level, remittances are the only external financing source positively associated with new firm creation, while foreign aid and foreign direct investment obstacle it. Internal sources, like savings and credit, do not show significant effects. Second, the subsample analysis reveals heterogeneous results: former British colonies' funding sources align with the overall findings, while in former French colonies, only savings support entrepreneurship. Third, considering control variables, the subsample analysis indicates two distinct entrepreneurship models: opportunity-based in former British colonies and necessity-based in former French colonies. These findings are noteworthy and provide significant policy implications at both national and international levels. Crucially, the positive role of remittances in financing new business initiatives, confirms that migration serves as a mutually beneficial arrangement for both sending African countries and the host countries.