bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frühe Sprachleistungen im Fragebogen ELFRA
Authors: Glaubitz Cynthia , Beck Rainer , Liebscher Tim , Aschendorff Antje , Kreibohm-Strauß Kerstin , Kronesser Dominique , Seebens Yvonne , Streicher Barbara , Kröger Stefanie 
Published: June 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Eine sehr frühe bilaterale Cochleaimplantat(CI)-Versorgung ist bei Kindern heute etablierter Standard. Die Erfassung präverbaler und verbaler Kompetenzen in sehr frühen Entwicklungsphasen gewinnt damit an Bedeutung. Diagnostisch erhobene Leistungsdaten werden für Kinderkohorten in Bezug auf deren Lebensalter (LA) und Höralter (HA) evaluiert und dargestellt.

Methodik
Die vorliegende Studie als Teil einer retrospektiven Multizenterstudie inkludierte 4 Kinderkohorten (n = 72–233) bilateral CI-versorgter Kinder ohne Zusatzbeeinträchtigungen und untersuchte deren Ergebnisse in den Elternfragebögen zur Früherkennung von Risikokindern (ELFRA‑1 bzw. ELFRA-2) unterteilt nach LA- und HA-bezogener Diagnostik. Die Daten wurden zudem hinsichtlich Mono‑/Bilingualität und CI-Versorgungsalter analysiert.

Ergebnisse
Die verbalen Leistungen fielen bezogen auf das LA geringer aus als bezogen auf das HA. Die präverbalen Kompetenzen waren weitestgehend LA-adäquat. Kinder mit bi-/multilingualem Spracherwerb zeigten signifikant geringere Leistungen. Für den ELFRA‑2 waren die LA-bezogenen verbalen Leistungen negativ mit dem CI-Versorgungsalter korreliert.

Schlussfolgerung
Bei früher CI-Versorgung sollte das LA als Bezugsmaß in der Diagnostik dem HA vorgezogen werden, um den individuellen Leistungsstand exakter zu erfassen und Ergebnisverzerrungen zu vermeiden. Die ermittelten Perzentile eignen sich begrenzt als allgemeingültige Referenzwerte für die individuelle Leistungseinschätzung bilateral CI-versorgter Kinder. Weitere Multizenterstudien sind anzustreben.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Children with Atrial Septal Defects Improves After Closure by Means of Increased Hydraulic Force
Authors: Sjöberg Pia , Clausen Henning , Arheden Håkan , Steding-Ehrenborg Katarina , Liuba Petru , Hedström Erik 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHydraulic force aids diastolic filling of the left ventricle (LV) by facilitating basal movement of the atrioventricular plane. The short-axis atrioventricular area difference (AVAD) determines direction and magnitude of this force. Patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) have reduced LV filling due to the left-to-right shunt across the atrial septum and thus potentially altered hydraulic force. The aims were therefore to use cardiac magnetic resonance images to assess whether AVAD and thus the hydraulic force differ in children with ASD compared to healthy children, and if it improves after ASD closure. Twenty-two children with ASD underwent cardiac magnetic resonance before ASD closure. Of these 22 children, 17 of them repeated their examination also after ASD closure. Twelve controls were included. Left atrial and ventricular areas were delineated in short-axis images, and AVAD was defined as the largest ventricular area minus the largest atrial area at each time frame and normalized to body height (AVADi). At end diastole AVADi was positive in all participants, suggesting a force acting towards the atrium assisting the diastolic movement of the atrioventricular plane; however, lower in children both before (6.3 cm2/m [5.2–8.0]; p < 0.0001) and after ASD closure (8.7 cm2/m [6.6–8.5]; p = 0.0003) compared to controls (12.2 cm2/m [11.3–13.9]). Left ventricular diastolic function improves after ASD closure in children by means of improved hydraulic force assessed by AVAD. Although AVADi improved after ASD closure, it was still lower than in controls, indicating diastolic abnormality even after ASD closure. In patients where AVADi is low, ASD closure may help avoid diastolic function deterioration and improve outcome. This could likely be important also in patients with small shunt volumes, especially if they are younger, who currently do not undergo ASD closure. Changes in clinical routine may be considered pending larger outcome studies.
Factors impacting the microbial production of eicosapentaenoic acid
Authors: Sousa Sérgio , Carvalho Ana P. , Gomes Ana M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The increasing applications for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the potential shortfall in supply due to sustainability and contamination issues related with its conventional sources (i.e., fish oils; seafood) led to an extensive search for alternative and sustainable sources, as well as production processes. The present mini-review covers all the steps involved in the production of EPA from microorganisms, with a deeper focus on microalgae. From production systems to downstream processing, the most important achievements within each area are briefly highlighted. Comparative tables of methodologies are also provided, as well as additional references of recent reviews, so that readers may deepen their knowledge in the different issues addressed.

Key points
• Microorganisms are more sustainable alternative sources of EPA than fish.
• Due to the costly separation from DHA, species that produce only EPA are preferable.
• EPA production can be optimised using non-genetic and genetic tailoring engineering.
Bronchial artery embolization using small particles is safe and effective: a single center 12-year experience
Authors: Sheehan Frances , Graham Alison , Tait N. Paul , Ind Philip , Alsafi Ali , Jackson James E. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) using particles is an established treatment for hemoptysis. The use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a particle size of 300 µm or larger is thought to reduce the risk of non-target embolization but may result in more proximal vessel occlusion than is ideal, resulting in a high rate of early recurrent hemorrhage.

Objective
This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of BAE using PVA particles with a size of less than 300 µm.

Methods
All patients who underwent BAE between 2010 and 2022 at a tertiary center were included. Demographic data, etiology and volume of hemoptysis, technical and clinical success, procedure-related complications, and follow-up information were collected from patients’ electronic records. 150–250 µm PVA particles were used to commence embolization in all patients with the subsequent use of larger-sized particles in some individuals. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate recurrence and survival rates.

Results
One hundred forty-four patients underwent 189 embolization procedures between 2010 and 2022 and were followed up for a median of 35 months [IQR 19–89]. 150 µm to 250 µm PVA particles were used as the sole embolic agent in 137 cases. Hemoptysis recurred within 30 days in 7%. The median time to repeat intervention was 144 days [IQR 42–441]. Seventeen out of 144 patients had a pulmonary artery branch pseudoaneurysm. The rate of major complications was 1% with no instances of stroke or spinal artery ischemia. Thirty-day mortality was 2% (4/189).

Conclusion
BAE using 150–250 µm PVA particles is safe and effective with few complications and low rates of early hemoptysis recurrence.

Clinical relevance statement
BAE using small particles is likely to improve outcomes, particularly the rate of early recurrence, in patients with hemoptysis, without an increase in procedural complications.

Key Points

BAE is a safe and effective treatment for patients with hemoptysis.

Using small PVA particles in BAE has few complications and low rates of early recurrence.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms should be actively sought in those with hemoptysis undergoing BAE.
Cerebral glucose metabolic correlates of cognitive and behavioural impairments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lehto Annaliis , Schumacher Julia , Kasper Elisabeth , Teipel Stefan , Hermann Andreas , Kurth Jens , Krause Bernd Joachim , Prudlo Johannes 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objective
Half of ALS patients are cognitively and/or behaviourally impaired. As cognition/behaviour and cerebral glucose metabolism can be correlated by means of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), we aimed to utilise FDG-PET, first, to replicate group-level differences in glucose metabolism between non-demented ALS patients separated into non-impaired (ALSni), cognitively impaired (ALSci), behaviourally impaired (ALSbi), and cognitively and behaviourally impaired (ALScbi) groups; second, to investigate glucose metabolism and performance in various cognitive domains; and third, to examine the impact of partial volume effects correction (PVEC) of the FDG-PET data on the results.

Methods
We analysed neuropsychological, clinical, and imaging data from 67 ALS patients (30 ALSni, 21 ALSci, 5 ALSbi, and 11 ALScbi). Cognition was assessed with the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen, and two social cognition tests. FDG-PET and structural MRI scans were acquired for each patient. Voxel-based statistical analyses were undertaken on grey matter volume (GMV) and non-corrected vs. PVE-corrected FDG-PET scans.

Results
ALSci and ALScbi had lower cognitive scores than ALSni. In contrast to both ALSni and ALSci, ALScbi showed widespread hypometabolism in the superior- and middle-frontal gyri in addition to the right temporal pole. Correlations were observed between the GMV, the FDG-PET signal, and various cognitive scores. The FDG-PET results were largely unaffected by PVEC.

Interpretation
Our study identified widespread differences in hypometabolism in the ALScbi-ni but not in the ALSci-ni group comparison, raising the possibility that cerebral metabolism may be more closely related to the presence of behavioural changes than to mild cognitive deficits.
Xenoliths of the bode dike system: evidence for early Devonian arc-type magmatism and late Carboniferous–Permian crust reworking beneath the eastern Harz Mountains (Germany)
Authors: Zeh Armin , Friedel Carl-Heinz , Tietz Olaf , Dunkl István 
Published: June 2024

AbstractXenoliths recovered from the post-Variscan Bode dike system of the eastern Harz Mountains provide evidence for the existence of an Early Devonian magmatic arc system hidden beneath very low-grade metasedimentary rocks of the Rhenohercynian Zone, but also for Late Carboniferous–Early Permian crust reworking. This interpretation is based on petrographic observations and whole-rock geochemical analyses of granite xenoliths, in addition to results of zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotope analyses. Zircon grains recovered from variably deformed granite xenoliths yield ages between 419 and 393 Ma, interpreted to reflect the timing of granite intrusion. Rare zircon xenocrysts of Archean (ca. 2.92–2.65 Ga) and Proterozoic age (ca. 1.5 to 0.56 Ga), all with subchondritic εHf420 Ma values (− 0.8 to − 5.5) indicate reworking of older crust. Compilation of age-Hf isotope data further suggests that the pre-Variscan granitoids beneath the Harz Mountains belong to the same magmatic arc system exposed widespread in the adjacent Mid-German Crystalline Zone, and interpreted to result from NW-ward subduction of the Rheic Ocean beneath Avalonia-Baltica. Zircon in xenoliths with granophyric texture yields ages at 400 Ma and 295–310 Ma, indicating re-melting of Devonian granitoid basement during post-Variscan rift-related magmatism, immediately prior to Bode dike intrusion.
Graphical abstract
Left: Late Devonian intrusion of magmatic arc granites during NW-ward subduction of the Rheic ocean beneath Avalonia-Baltica. Right: Formation of the Bode dike system and Harz granites during Late Carboniferous-Permian extension.
Neurobrucellosis Presenting with Motor Damage or Hearing Loss, and Use of Steroids are Associated with a Higher Risk of Sequelae or Relapse: A Systematic Review of Individual Participant Data
Authors: Fusetti Chiara , Petri Francesco , Murad Mohammad H. , Merli Stefania , Giorgi Riccardo , Rizzardini Giuliano , Gori Andrea , Passerini Matteo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Neurobrucellosis presents diverse clinical challenges and risks of long-term complications.

Objective
We aimed to assess the relationship between the duration of antibiotic therapy, clinical factors, and the outcome of neurobrucellosis with a case report combined with a systematic review of the literature.

Methods
We present a case of a 31 years-old man successfully treated at our Institution. We then searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus for articles that encompassed neurobrucellosis cases, duration of treatment, and outcome. The primary outcome was to assess an association between the duration of treatment and the risk of sequelae or relapses. Univariate, multivariate and sensitivity analysis were carried out to define which variables affect​ed​ the clinical outcome. Quality assessment was performed using a dedicated tool.

Results
A total of 123 studies were included, totaling 221 patients. Median duration of treatment was 4 months (IQR 3 – 6), 69% patients recovered without sequelae, 27% had sequelae. Additionally, five patients had a relapse, and 4 patients died. Multivariate analysis found that the duration of treatment, age, and the use of ceftriaxone were not associated with a higher risk of sequelae or relapses. A significant association was found for corticosteroids use (OR 0.39, 95% IC 0.16 – 0.96, p = 0.038), motor impairment (OR 0.29, 95% IC 0.14 – 0.62, p = 0.002), and hearing loss (OR 0.037, 95% IC 0.01 – 0.11, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study highlights the variability in clinical presentations and treatment approaches for neurobrucellosis. Patients with factors indicating higher sequelae risk require meticulous follow-up.
Minimally invasive approach for retrorectal tumors above and below S3: a multicentric tertiary center retrospective study (MiaRT study)
Authors: Bardol T. , Souche R. , Druet C. , Bertrand M. M. , Ferrandis C. , Prudhomme M. , Borie F. , Fabre J.-M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Retrorectal tumors are uncommon lesions developed in the retrorectal space. Data on their minimally invasive resection are scarce and the optimal surgical approach for tumors below S3 remains debated.

Methods
We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive resection of retrorectal tumors between 2005 and 2022 at two tertiary university hospital centers, by comparing the results obtained for lesions located above or below S3.

Results
Of over 41 patients identified with retrorectal tumors, surgical approach was minimally invasive for 23 patients, with laparoscopy alone in 19, with transanal excision in 2, and with combined approach in 2. Retrorectal tumor was above S3 in 11 patients (> S3 group) and below S3 in 12 patients (< S3 group). Patient characteristics and median tumor size were not significantly different between the two groups (60 vs 67 mm; p = 0.975). Overall median operative time was 131.5 min and conversion rate was 13% without significant difference between the two groups (126 vs 197 min and 18% vs 8%, respectively; p > 0.05). Final pathology was tailgut cyst (48%), schwannoma (22%), neural origin tumor (17%), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (4%), and other (19%). The 90-day complication rates were 27% and 58% in the > S3 and < S3 groups, respectively, without severe morbidity or mortality. After a median follow-up of 3.3 years, no recurrence was observed in both groups. Three patients presented chronic pain, three anal dysfunction, and three urinary dysfunction. All were successfully managed without reintervention.

Conclusions
Minimally invasive surgery for retrorectal tumors can be performed safely and effectively with low morbidity and no mortality. Laparoscopic and transanal techniques alone or in combination may be recommended as the treatment of choice of benign retrorectal tumors, even for lesions below S3, in centers experienced with minimally invasive surgery.
Linear and Nonlinear Formulation of Phase Field Model with Generalized Polynomial Degradation Functions for Brittle Fractures
Authors: Tabiei Ala , Meng Li 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe classical phase field model has wide applications for brittle materials, but nonlinearity and inelasticity are found in its stress–strain curve. The degradation function in the classical phase field model makes it a linear formulation of phase field and computationally attractive, but stiffness reduction happens even at low strain. In this paper, generalized polynomial degradation functions are investigated to solve this problem. The first derivative of degradation function at zero phase is added as an extra constraint, which renders higher-order polynomial degradation function and nonlinear formulation of phase field. Compared with other degradation functions (like algebraic fraction function, exponential function, and trigonometric function), this polynomial degradation function enables phase in [0, 1] (should still avoid the first derivative of degradation function at zero phase to be 0), so there is no $$\Gamma $$
Γ
convergence problem. The good and meaningful finding is that, under the same fracture strength, the proposed phase field model has a larger length scale, which means larger element size and better computational efficiency. This proposed phase field model is implemented in LS-DYNA user-defined element and user-defined material and solved by the Newton–Raphson method. A tensile test shows that the first derivative of degradation function at zero phase does impact stress–strain curve. Mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode examples show the feasibility of the proposed phase field model in simulating brittle fracture.
Characterising pharmacists’ interventions in chronic non-cancer pain care: a scoping review
Authors: Goetschi Aljoscha Noël , Meyer-Massetti Carla 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Chronic non-cancer pain may affect up to 51% of the general population. Pharmacist interventions have shown promise in enhancing patient safety and outcomes. However, our understanding of the scope of pharmacists’ interventions remains incomplete.

Aim
Our goal was to characterise pharmacists’ interventions for the management of chronic non-cancer pain.

Method
Medline, Embase, PsycINFO via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO databases and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Abstracts and full texts were independently screened by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer, and validated by the second. Outcomes of studies were charted using the dimensions of the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT).

Results
Forty-eight reports were included. Interventions ensuring appropriate drug prescription occurred in 37 (79%) studies. Patient education and healthcare professional education were reported in 28 (60%) and 5 (11%) studies, respectively. Therapy monitoring occurred in 17 (36%) studies. Interventions regularly involved interprofessional collaboration. A median of 75% of reported outcome domains improved due to pharmacist interventions, especially patient disposition (adherence), medication safety and satisfaction with therapy.

Conclusion
Pharmacists’ interventions enhanced the management of chronic non-cancer pain. Underreported outcome domains and interventions, such as medication management, merit further investigation.
Perspectives of pharmacy staff on provision of self-care and minor ailment education in primary schools: a qualitative study
Authors: Osman Samira , Paudyal Vibhu , Jalal Zahraa , Hirsch Christine 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Pharmacy professionals, given their health expertise, can play a role in enhancing health education within their communities and among patients. The potential of the pharmacy workforce to enhance health education among primary school children is underexplored.

Aim
This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of pharmacy staff on the provision of education regarding self-care and treatment of minor ailments to primary school-aged children and to identify roles that pharmacists could play in this regard.

Method
Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted online with frontline pharmacy staff in the UK who had patient facing roles with primary school-aged children and parents. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic data analysis was applied to the transcripts.

Results
A total of 17 participants were recruited. Participants included 12 pharmacists, two pharmacy technicians and three pharmacy dispensers. All participants worked within community, hospital or primary care facilities.
Five themes emerged from the data analysis: sources of health knowledge accessed by children and parents; a perceived lack of knowledge regarding self-care and treatments for minor ailments among children and parents; a perceived positive impact of education on self-care; barriers to health education; and the potential role of pharmacy staff in self-care education in schools.

Conclusion
Pharmacy staff recognise the value of integrating health education into primary school curricula. A collaborative approach with educational institutions could bridge the gap in knowledge regarding self-care and treatment of minor ailments, and could empower children and reduce unnecessary use of healthcare resources.
Learning how to learn by self-tuning reinforcement
Authors: Torsell Christian , Barrett Jeffrey A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHumans and many animals are capable of learning and learning how to learn better. We are concerned here with one way that reinforcement learners might learn how to learn better. In an experiment described by Harlow in (Psychol Rev 56:51–65, 1949) a group of rhesus monkeys learn a new way of learning in the context of a specific type of problem. We will consider how such agents might coevolve a new learning dynamics and new attendant saliences. To this end, we propose a self-tuning dynamics that illustrates one way that a reinforcement learner might acquire forms of learning that are well-suited to context-specific problems.
IGF-1’s protective effect on OSAS rats’ learning and memory
Authors: Zeng Ling , Yu Ting , Liu Haijun , Li Mi , Wang Jin , Wang Changsheng , Xu Ping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) frequently experience cognitive dysfunction, which may be connected to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is thought to be closely associated with cognitive function, but its role in cognitive impairment caused by OSAS is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of IGF-1 on cognitive impairment in OSAS rats.

Methods
Healthy male SD rats (n = 40) were randomly assigned into four groups: control group, CIH group, NS + CIH group, and IGF-1 + CIH group. All experimental rats except for those in the control group were exposed to intermittent hypoxic (IH) environments for 8 h per day over 28 days. Prior to daily exposure to IH, rats in the IGF-1 + CIH group received subcutaneous injections of IGF-1. The Morris water maze test was conducted on all experimental rats. Brain tissue testing methods included Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting.

Results
The rat model of OSAS was successfully established following exposure to CIH and exhibited significant cognitive impairment. However, daily subcutaneous injections of IGF-1 partially restored the impaired cognitive function in OSAS rats. Compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease in the expression levels of IGF-1, p-IGF-IR, and SYP in the CIH group; however, these expression levels increased significantly in the IGF-I + CIH group.

Conclusion
In OSAS rats, IGF-1 enhances learning memory; this effect may be linked to increased p-IGF-1R and SYP protein production in the hippocampus.