bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DHR+S: distributed hybrid rendering with realistic real-time shadows for interactive thin client metaverse and game applications
Authors: Tan Yu Wei , Low Siang Ern , Chow Jonas , Teo Javon , Bhojan Anand 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDistributed hybrid rendering (DHR) is a real-time rendering approach that incorporates cloud-based ray tracing with locally rasterized graphics for interactive thin client metaverse and game applications. With cloud assistance, DHR can generate high-fidelity ray-traced graphics contents remotely and deliver them to thin clients with low graphics capability, including standalone extended reality devices and mobile phones, while maintaining interactive frame rates for users under adverse network conditions. DHR can already achieve the effect of ray-traced hard shadows that form with the occlusion of direct illumination. We enhance the realism of these shadows by softening their edges with the direction of rays traced and approximating the occlusion of indirect illumination by reconstructing ray-traced ambient occlusion with a modified version of spatiotemporal variance-guided filtering. Our technique uses only 20–30% of the bandwidth of remote rendering and is also tolerant of delays of up to 200 ms with only slight distortion to the shadows along object edges.
Effects of military training, warfare and civilian ammunition debris on the soil organisms: an ecotoxicological review
Authors: Rodríguez-Seijo Andrés , Fernández-Calviño David , Arias-Estévez Manuel , Arenas-Lago Daniel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCivilian and military activities are sources of water and soil contamination by inorganic and organic contaminants caused by shooting practices, warfare, and/or mechanized military training. Lead poisoning and contaminant bioaccumulation due to spent shots or other related military contaminants have been widely studied for mammals, birds, and plants. Although there are different papers on the impact on earthworms, information on micro and mesofauna (i.e., collembola, nematodes, etc.) is still scarce. Here, we review the published data regarding the impact of civilian and military shooting activities, including war-impacted areas, focusing on soil organisms, from microbial communities to the ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial organisms. One hundred eleven studies were considered where earthworms and enchytraeids were widely studied, especially under ecotoxicological assays with Pb and energetic-related compounds from military explosives. There is a lack of information on soil organism groups, such as mites, ants, or gastropods, which play important roles in soil function. Data from combined exposures (e.g., PTEs + TNT and PTEs + PAHs) is scarce since several studies focused on a single contaminant, usually Pb, when combined contaminants would be more realistic. Ecotoxicological assays should also cover other understudied ammunition elements, such as Bi, Cu, or W.
Solitary fibrous tumor within the mesorectum: literature review based on a case report of resection by transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS)
Authors: Ströse Lennard , Sparn Moritz , Klein Marie , Benigno Luca , Bischofberger Stephan , Brunner Walter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are a rare entity of in majority benign neoplasms. Nevertheless, up to 20% of cases show a malignant tendency with local infiltration or metastasis. Commonly arising in the thoracic cavity, only few cases of SFT of the mesorectal tissue have been reported in the literature. Complete surgical resection, classically by posterior approach, is the treatment of choice. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the safety and suitability of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) as a surgical approach for the resection of benign pararectal solid tumors.

Methods
We report the case of a 52-year-old man who was diagnosed incidentally with SFT of the distal mesorectum. Resection by TAMIS was performed. Based on this case, we describe the steps and potential benefits of this procedure and provide a comprehensive review of the literature.

Results
Histopathology confirms the completely resected SFT. After uneventful postoperative course and discharge on day four, follow-up was recommended by a multidisciplinary board by clinical examination and MRI, which showed a well-healed scar and no recurrence up to 3 years after resection.

Conclusion
SFT of the mesorectum is a very rare entity. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a TAMIS resection for SFT, demonstrated as a safe approach for complete resection of benign pararectal solid tumors.
Investigating cardiac genetic background in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Authors: Cazzato Francesca , Coll Mònica , Grassi Simone , Fernàndez-Falgueras Anna , Nogué-Navarro Laia , Iglesias Anna , Castellà Josep , Oliva Antonio , Brugada Ramon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is still the leading cause of death for newborns in developed countries. The pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully clarified, but in some of SIDS cases variants of genes associated with inherited cardiac conditions are found. In this study, an analysis of SCD-related genes was performed to determine the prevalence of rare pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants that could provide an unambiguous explanation for the fatal event. A cohort of 76 SIDS cases underwent Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis with a custom panel of SCD-related genes. Rare variants were classified according to the guidelines provided by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the specifications of the ClinGen association. Post-mortem genetic testing identified 50 (65.8%) carriers of at least one variant in SCD genes. 104 rare genetic variants were found, 65.4% in genes encoding structural proteins. Only 4 out of 76 cases (5.3%) hosted at least a P or LP variant found in genes with structural or structural/arrhythmogenic functions (SLC22A5, SCN5A, MYL3and TTN). 99 variants were classified as of uncertain significance (VUS). The difference in the distribution of variants between gene groups by function was not statistically significant (chi square, p = 0,219). Despite this, most of the variants concerned structural genes that were supposed to have a close interaction with ion channels, thus providing an explanation for the arrhythmic event. Segregation analysis, reclassification of VUS variants and identification of new associated genes could clarify the implications of the current findings.
Faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema: from preclinical studies to phase 3 outcomes
Authors: Agostini Hansjürgen , Abreu Francis , Baumal Caroline R. , Chang Dolly S. , G. Csaky Karl , Demetriades Anna M. , Kodjikian Laurent , Lim Jennifer I. , Margaron Philippe , Monés Jordi M. , Peto Tunde , Ricci Federico , Rüth Matthias , Singh Rishi P. , Stoilov Ivaylo , Swaminathan Balakumar , Willis Jeffrey R. , Westenskow Peter D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the standard of care for diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD); however, vision gains and anatomical improvements are not sustained over longer periods of treatment, suggesting other relevant targets may be needed to optimize treatments. Additionally, frequent intravitreal injections can prove a burden for patients and caregivers. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) has been explored as an additional therapeutic target, due to the involvement of Ang-2 in DME and nAMD pathogenesis. Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that targeting both VEGF and Ang-2 may improve clinical outcomes in DME and nAMD compared with targeting VEGF alone by enhancing vascular stability, resulting in reduced macular leakage, prevention of neovascularization, and diminished inflammation. Faricimab, a novel bispecific antibody that targets VEGF-A and Ang-2, has been evaluated in clinical trials for DME (YOSEMITE/RHINE) and nAMD (TENAYA/LUCERNE). These trials evaluated faricimab against the anti-VEGFA/B and anti–placental growth factor fusion protein aflibercept, both administered by intravitreal injection. In addition to faricimab efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics, durability was evaluated during the trials using a treat-and-extend regimen. At 1 year, faricimab demonstrated non-inferior vision gains versus aflibercept across YOSEMITE/RHINE and TENAYA/LUCERNE. In YOSEMITE/RHINE, faricimab improved anatomic parameters versus aflibercept. Reduction of central subfield thickness (CST), and absence of both DME and intraretinal fluid were greater in faricimab- versus aflibercept-treated eyes. In TENAYA/LUCERNE, CST reductions were greater for faricimab than aflibercept at the end of the head-to-head phase (0–12 weeks), and were comparable with aflibercept at year 1, but with less frequent dosing. CST and vision gains were maintained during year 2 of both YOSEMITE/RHINE and TENAYA/LUCERNE. These findings suggest that dual Ang-2/VEGF-A pathway inhibition may result in greater disease control versus anti-VEGF alone, potentially addressing the unmet needs and reducing treatment burden, and improving real-world outcomes and compliance in retinal vascular diseases. Long-term extension studies (RHONE-X, AVONELLE-X) are ongoing. Current evidence suggests that dual inhibition with faricimab heralds the beginning of multitargeted treatment strategies inhibiting multiple, independent components of retinal pathology, with faricimab providing opportunities to reduce treatment burden and improve outcomes compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy.
A new objective method for determining exercise gas exchange thresholds by respiratory frequency in middle-aged men
Authors: Eclache Jean P. , Garcia-Tabar Ibai , Gorostiaga Esteban M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the agreement between the two Gas Exchange Thresholds (GETs = GET1 and GET2), identified by the conventional V-Slope method, and two Respiratory Frequency Thresholds (fRTs = fRT1 and fRT2) obtained from a novel, low-cost, and simple method of breakpoint determination.

Methods
Fifty middle-aged males (age: 50–58 years; $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2peak: 37.5 ± 8.6 mL·Kg−1·min−1), either healthy or with chronic illnesses, underwent an incremental cycle exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2max/$$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2peak), GETs and fRTs.

Results
There were no statistical differences [P > 0.05; ES: 0.17 to 0.32, small] between absolute and relative (56–60% $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2peak) oxygen uptake ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2) values at GET1 with those obtained at fRT1, nor between $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2 values at GET2 with those at fRT2 (76–78% $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2peak). Heart rate (HR) at fRT1, and $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2 and HR at fRT2 showed very large correlations (r = 0.75–0.82; P < 0.001) and acceptable precision (SEE < 7–9%) in determination of their corresponding values at GET1 and GET2. The precision in the estimation of $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2 at GET1 from fRT1 was moderate (SEE = 15%), while those of power output at GET1 (SEE = 23%) and GET2 (SEE = 12%) from their corresponding fRTs values were very poor to moderate.

Conclusion
HR at fRT1 and $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

o2 and HR at fRT2, determined using a new objective and portable approach, may potentially serve as viable predictors of their respective GETs. This method may offer a simplified, cost-effective, and field-based approach for determining exercise threshold intensities during graded exercise.
DIAPH2 gene polymorphisms and laryngeal cancer risk in men
Authors: Cichocka Edyta , Górczyńska-Kosiorz Sylwia , Misiołek Maciej , Ścierski Wojciech , Koniewska Anna , Stryjewska-Makuch Grażyna , Gumprecht Janusz 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The DIAPH2 gene is one of the genes commonly associated with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In our study, we considered the four polymorphisms of this gene, i.e. rs5920828, rs4322175, rs12851931 and rs5921830 as potential genetic risk factors for LSCC.

Methods
We determined the genotyping of the genetic variants of DIAPH2 in 230 male patients with histologically confirmed LSCC compared to the European population. Demographic and environmental exposure data of each subject were examined. To conduct the genetic tests, extraction of total DNA was performed. We genotyped all four variants in each patient and determined their frequencies.

Results
In the case of the rs12851931 polymorphism in the DIAPH2 gene, a significant difference was observed in the distribution of the T stage depending on the polymorphism. Heterozygotes were more often associated with T2 stage, while homozygotes were more likely to have higher tumor stages. The rs12851931 homozygotes of DIAPH2 were statistically significantly more prevalent in smokers. The results suggested that rs12851931 polymorphism in DIAPH2 could increase the onset risk of LSCC.

Conclusions
Our results provide further information on the role of the DIAPH2 gene in the pathogenesis of LSCC.
Characterizing models in regularity structures: a quasilinear case
Authors: Tempelmayr Markus 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe give a novel characterization of the centered model in regularity structures which persists for rough drivers even as a mollification fades away. We present our result for a class of quasilinear equations driven by noise, however we believe that the method is robust and applies to a much broader class of subcritical equations. Furthermore, we prove that a convergent sequence of noise ensembles, satisfying uniformly a spectral gap assumption, implies the corresponding convergence of the associated models. Combined with the characterization, this establishes a universality-type result.
Pharyngeal Residues Scoring through the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS): Efficacy of Training
Authors: Rocca Sara , Negri Luca , Valenza Nadia , Schindler Antonio , Pizzorni Nicole 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The assessment of pharyngeal residues during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is based on visual-perceptual scales that involve clinical subjectivity. Training might be helpful to increase agreement among clinicians. This paper aims to assess the efficacy of training for the assessment of pharyngeal residue in FEES frames and videos through the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS). Twenty-nine clinicians (Phoniatricians, Otorhinolaryngologists, Speech and Language Pathologists) and 47 students in Speech and Language Pathology participated in this study. Fourteen clinicians were randomly allocated to the training group, whilst the remaining 15 served as a control group; all the students participated in the training. Participants scored 30 pairs of videos and frames using the YPRSRS twice, before and after the training for the training groups and at least two weeks apart for the control group. Construct validity, defined as the agreement between each rater and the experts’ scores, and inter-rater reliability were compared among the groups and between the first and the second assessments to verify the efficacy of the training. Construct validity significantly improved at the second assessment in the training group for the pyriform sinuses videos (baseline 0.71 ± 0.04, post-training 0.82 ± 0.05, p = .049) and in the students’ group for the valleculae (baseline 0.64 ± 0.02, post-training 0.84 ± 0.02, p < .001) and pyriform sinuses videos (baseline 0.55 ± 0.03, post-training 0.77 ± 0.02, p < .05). No significant differences were found in the inter-rater reliability in any group. In conclusion, the training seems to improve participants’ agreement with experts in scoring the YPRSRS in FEES videos.
Cost-effectiveness of posterior versus anterior surgery for cervical radiculopathy: results from a multicentre randomised non-inferiority trial (FACET)
Authors: Broekema A. E. H. , de Souza N. F. Simões , Groen R. J. M. , Soer R. , Reneman M. F. , Kuijlen J. M. A. , van Asselt A. D. I. ,   for the FACET investigators
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
For cervical nerve root compression, anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (anterior surgery) or posterior foraminotomy (posterior surgery) are safe and effective options. Posterior surgery might have a more beneficial economic profile compared to anterior surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyse if posterior surgery is cost-effective compared to anterior surgery.

Methods
An economic evaluation was performed as part of a multicentre, noninferiority randomised clinical trial (Foraminotomy ACDF Cost-effectiveness Trial) with a follow-up of 2 years. Primary outcomes were cost-effectiveness based on arm pain (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 0–100)) and cost-utility (quality adjusted life years (QALYs)). Missing values were estimated with multiple imputations and bootstrap simulations were used to obtain confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
In total, 265 patients were randomised and 243 included in the analyses. The pooled mean decrease in VAS arm at 2-year follow-up was 44.2 in the posterior and 40.0 in the anterior group (mean difference, 4.2; 95% CI, − 4.7 to 12.9). Pooled mean QALYs were 1.58 (posterior) and 1.56 (anterior) (mean difference, 0.02; 95% CI, − 0.05 to 0.08). Societal costs were €28,046 for posterior and €30,086 for the anterior group, with lower health care costs for posterior (€12,248) versus anterior (€16,055). Bootstrapped results demonstrated similar effectiveness between groups with in general lower costs associated with posterior surgery.

Conclusion
In patients with cervical radiculopathy, arm pain and QALYs were similar between posterior and anterior surgery. Posterior surgery was associated with lower costs and is therefore likely to be cost-effective compared with anterior surgery.
Delay to surgery beyond 12 hours is associated with increased hip fracture mortality
Authors: Warren Madeline , Bretherton Chris , Parker Martyn 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Time to surgery from admission is one of the few variables known to influence outcome after a hip fracture. We reviewed our hip fracture database to determine correlation between delays to surgery and mortality in our elderly hip fracture population.

Methods
Data on all hip fracture patients admitted to a large district hospital were prospectively collected between January 1989 and August 2021. Time of the injury, time of admission and time of surgery were recorded. Patients over 60 years old with a hip fracture requiring operative management were included. Patients with pathological fractures, those managed conservatively, and patients delayed for medical reasons were excluded. Surgical timing categories were divided into; under 12 h, 12–24 h, 24–72 h and over 72 h.

Results
Time from admission to surgery was recorded for 10,659 patients, of these time of fall was available for 10,346 patients. Mean age was 82.2 years (sd 8.39) for the cohort and 30 day mortality was 6.20%.
Odds of 30-day mortality was 1.43 (CI 1.057–1.988, p = 0.025) for delay to surgery from admission of over 12 h compared to under 12 h. Odds ratios for 30-day mortality were not significant at any other time threshold. The odds of 30-day mortality for delay to surgery from time of fall were 1.550 (CI 1.026–2.459, p = 0.048) at the 12 h threshold.

Conclusion
This is the largest prospective study to date in elderly patients with hip fractures demonstrating a statistically significant increase in 30-day mortality with a delay to surgery over 12 h.
The relationship between endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation and diastolic function in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cutruzzolà Antonio , Parise Martina , Cacia Michele , Lucà Stefania , Irace Concetta , Gnasso Agostino 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Aims
Diastolic dysfunction represents the earliest and most common manifestation of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator and anti-inflammatory mediator released from the subendocardial and coronary endothelium, favors left ventricular distensibility and relaxation. In type 2 diabetes (T2D), the NO bioavailability is reduced due to the oxidative stress and inflammatory state of the endothelium, because of chronic hyperglycemia. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the relationship between endothelial function and diastolic function in subjects with T2D.

Method
Subjects with T2D and age and sex-matched healthy controls were consecutively recruited. All participants underwent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) to assess endothelial function, and echocardiography to evaluate diastolic function.

Results
Thirty-five patients (6 women, 29 men) and 35 healthy controls were included in the final analysis. FMD was significantly lower in T2D than controls (4.4 ± 3.4 vs. 8.5 ± 4.3%, p = 0.001). T2D presented different abnormalities in diastolic function compared to controls: lower E/A (early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity), lower septal and lateral e′ (early diastolic myocardial tissue velocity at septum and lateral wall), and higher E/e′ (surrogate of filling pressure). In subjects with T2D, we observed a significant correlation between FMD and E/e′ (r = −0.63, p = 0.001), lateral e′ (r = 0.44, p = 0.03), and septal e′ (r = 0.39, p = 0.05).

Conclusions
Our observational study demonstrated a link between FMD and diastolic dysfunction in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Optimised graphite/carbon black loading of recycled PLA for the production of low-cost conductive filament and its application to the detection of β-estradiol in environmental samples
Authors: Augusto Karen K. L. , Crapnell Robert D. , Bernalte Elena , Zighed Sabri , Ehamparanathan Anbuchselvan , Pimlott Jessica L. , Andrews Hayley G. , Whittingham Matthew J. , Rowley-Neale Samuel J. , Fatibello-Filho Orlando , Banks Craig E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe production, optimisation, physicochemical, and electroanalytical characterisation of a low-cost electrically conductive additive manufacturing filament made with recycled poly(lactic acid) (rPLA), castor oil, carbon black, and graphite (CB-G/PLA) is reported. Through optimising the carbon black and graphite loading, the best ratio for conductivity, low material cost, and printability was found to be 60% carbon black to 40% graphite. The maximum composition within the rPLA with 10 wt% castor oil was found to be an overall nanocarbon loading of 35 wt% which produced a price of less than £0.01 per electrode whilst still offering excellent low-temperature flexibility and reproducible printing. The additive manufactured electrodes produced from this filament offered excellent electrochemical performance, with a heterogeneous electron (charge) transfer rate constant, k0 calculated to be (2.6 ± 0.1) × 10−3 cm s−1 compared to (0.46 ± 0.03) × 10−3 cm s−1 for the commercial PLA benchmark. The additive manufactured electrodes were applied to the determination of β-estradiol, achieving a sensitivity of 400 nA µM−1, a limit of quantification of 70 nM, and a limit of detection of 21 nM, which compared excellently to other reports in the literature. The system was then applied to the detection of ß-estradiol within four real water samples, including tap, bottled, river, and lake water, where recoveries between 95 and 109% were obtained. Due to the ability to create high-performance filament at a low material cost (£0.06 per gram) and through the use of more sustainable materials such as recycled polymers, bio-based plasticisers, and naturally occurring graphite, additive manufacturing will have a permanent place within the electroanalysis arsenal in the future.
Graphical abstract