bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VolTeMorph: Real‐time, Controllable and Generalizable Animation of Volumetric Representations
Authors: Garbin Stephan J. , Kowalski Marek , Estellers Virginia , Szymanowicz Stanislaw , Rezaeifar Shideh , Shen Jingjing , Johnson Matthew A. , Valentin Julien 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe recent increase in popularity of volumetric representations for scene reconstruction and novel view synthesis has put renewed focus on animating volumetric content at high visual quality and in real‐time. While implicit deformation methods based on learned functions can produce impressive results, they are ‘black boxes’ to artists and content creators, they require large amounts of training data to generalize meaningfully, and they do not produce realistic extrapolations outside of this data. In this work, we solve these issues by introducing a volume deformation method which is real‐time even for complex deformations, easy to edit with off‐the‐shelf software and can extrapolate convincingly. To demonstrate the versatility of our method, we apply it in two scenarios: physics‐based object deformation and telepresence where avatars are controlled using blendshapes. We also perform thorough experiments showing that our method compares favourably to both volumetric approaches combined with implicit deformation and methods based on mesh deformation.
Effects of sterilization and disinfection methods on digitally designed surgical implant guide accuracy: An in vitro study
Authors: Li Ruikun , Zhu Jie , Wang Shuo , Li Xueyuan , Li Songhang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionSurgical guides are commonly used to assist with dental implant placement. This study investigated the effects of five sterilization and disinfection methods on the accuracy of implant guides.MethodsThirty surgical guides (five in each group) were designed and printed (with digital light processing technology) using different sterilization or disinfection methods categorized into six groups: hydrogen peroxide sterilization (group one); glutaraldehyde sterilization (group two); autoclaving (group three); plasma sterilization (group four); iodophor disinfection (group five); and blank group (group six). Verification was determined using three methods: distance and angle between the cross‐shaped marks, deformation after superimposing the guides, and displacement and axial changes in the virtual implant.ResultsAfter disinfection and sterilization, the guides in the autoclaving and iodophor groups showed a more pronounced color change and the guide in the autoclaving group had visible cracks. More significant changes were observed in the H2O2, glutaraldehyde, autoclaving, and iodophor groups regarding deformation after superimposing the guides and the distance and angle between the cross‐shaped marks. The average labial deformation values (mm) of the first through fifth groups of guides were 0.283, 0.172, 0.289, 0.153, and 0.188, respectively. All groups were statistically different from the blank group for displacement and axial changes of the virtual implant (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe sizes of almost all surgical guides changed after sterilization and disinfection treatments, with between‐group differences. Plasma sterilization was more suitable for surgical guide sterilization because of the smaller deformations after treatment.
Current treatment of pT1 rectal cancers in Denmark: A retrospective national cohort study
Authors: Smith Henry G. , Schlesinger Nis H. , Krarup Peter‐Martin , Nordholm‐Carstensen Andreas 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimOrgan preservation strategies for patients with rectal cancer are increasingly common. In appropriately selected patients, local excision (LE) of pT1 cancers can reduce morbidity without compromising cancer‐related outcomes. However, determining the need for completion surgery after LE can be challenging, and it is unknown if prior LE compromises subsequent total mesorectal excision (TME). The aim of this study is to describe the current management of patients with pT1 rectal cancers.MethodThis is a retrospective national cohort study of the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database, including patients with newly diagnosed pT1 cancers between 2016 and 2020. Patients were stratified according to treatment into LE alone, completion TME after LE or upfront TME. The treatment and outcomes of these groups were compared.ResultsA total of 1056 patients were included. Initial LE was performed in 715 patients (67.7%), of whom 194 underwent completion TME (27.1%). The remaining 341 patients underwent upfront TME (32.3%). Patients undergoing LE alone were more likely to be male with low rectal cancers and greater comorbidity. No differences in specimen quality or perioperative outcomes were noted between patients undergoing completion or upfront TME. Eighty‐five patients (15.9%) had lymph node metastases (LNM). Pathological risk factors poorly discriminated between patients with and without LNM, with similar rates seen in patients with zero (14.1%), one (12.0%) or two (14.4%) risk factors.ConclusionLE is a key component of the treatment of pT1 rectal cancer and does not appear to affect the outcomes of completion TME. Patient selection for completion TME remains a major challenge, with current stratification methods appearing to be inadequate.
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of the LAight‐therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Strobel Alexandra , Schultheis Michael , Staubach Petra , Grabbe Stephan , Mann Caroline , Hennig Katharina , Szepietowski Jacek C , Matusiak Lukasz , Krajewski Piotr , von Stebut Esther , Garcovich Simone , Bayer Hans , Heise Marcus , Podda Maurizio , Kirschner Uwe , Nikolakis Georgios 
Published: May 2024

SummaryBackground and objectivesHidradenitis suppurativa (HS)/Acne inversa (Ai) is a chronic debilitating disease with limited therapy options. The device‐based LAight therapy was approved in Europe in 2017. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of real‐world care with at least one treatment with LAight therapy on disease activity and burden in 3,437 patients.Patients and MethodsPatients were included in the analysis if they had a diagnosis of HS and received at least one treatment. The endpoints Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4), pain on the numeric rating scale (pain‐NRS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were analyzed using a linear mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) over 26 weeks of care with LAight therapy. Furthermore, responder rates were calculated for all endpoints, and the therapy's safety profile and patient satisfaction were thoroughly examined.ResultsA significant decrease in IHS4, pain‐NRS, and DLQI was achieved during 26 weeks of care with LAight. The BMI at baseline had a significant negative effect on therapy response for pain‐NRS and DLQI.ConclusionsThis study confirms that LAight therapy leads to satisfactory disease control in all stages of severity and is a valuable addition to the therapeutic repertoire of HS.
Benefit‐sharing with human participants in health research in South Africa: A call for clarity
Authors: Kamau Claude , Prinsen Larisse , Thaldar Donrich 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study critically examines the concept of benefit‐sharing in the context of health research involving human participants in South Africa, identifying a significant gap in the precision and application of terminology. It introduces a new terminological framework designed to provide clarity and facilitate standardisation in both national and international discourse on benefit‐sharing. The analysis extends to the complex legal landscape in South Africa, highlighting the nuances of mandated, permitted, and prohibited practices of benefit‐sharing across various statutes. This reveals substantial implications for ethics committees, researchers, and participants, emphasising the need for a legal and ethical recalibration. Furthermore, the manuscript critiques South Africa's main ethics instruments for their inadequate guidance on benefit‐sharing and proposes recommendations for enhancing the Department of Health's ethics guidelines. By advocating for a coherent, legally informed approach to ethical decision‐making, the study underscores the need for integrating the proposed framework and legal insights into ethics guidelines. This comprehensive strategy aims not only to advance ethical practices within South Africa but also to contribute significantly to the global discourse on benefit‐sharing in health research.
A phase 1, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial investigating the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of oral semaglutide in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Xie Panpan , Abildlund Morten T. , Bækdal Tine A. , He Xuemei , Lyauk Yassine K. , Patted Usha Rani H. , Ning Zu , Shi Aixin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimThe trial (NCT04016974) investigated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of oral semaglutide, the first orally administered glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue for type 2 diabetes, in healthy Chinese subjects.Materials and MethodsThis single‐centre, multiple‐dose, placebo‐controlled trial randomized 32 healthy Chinese adults to once‐daily oral semaglutide (3 mg escalating to 14 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected regularly during treatment and follow‐up. The primary endpoint was the area under the semaglutide concentration–time curve over a dosing interval (0‐24 h) at steady state (AUC0‐24h,sema,SS). Secondary pharmacokinetic endpoints included the maximum observed semaglutide plasma concentration at steady state (Cmax,sema,SS). Supportive secondary pharmacodynamics endpoints included changes in body weight and fasting plasma glucose.ResultsTreatment with all oral semaglutide doses showed dose‐dependent increases in semaglutide exposure in healthy Chinese subjects at steady state, determined by AUC0‐24h,sema,SS (233, 552 and 1288 h·nmol/L for 3, 7 and 14 mg of oral semaglutide, respectively) and Cmax,sema,SS. Oral semaglutide treatment was associated with significant reductions in body weight (p = .0001) and fasting plasma glucose (p = .0011) versus placebo at the end of treatment. The safety and tolerability of oral semaglutide were consistent with the known profile of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, with no severe or blood‐glucose–confirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemic events, serious adverse events or deaths. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders.ConclusionsAt steady state, oral semaglutide exposure was dose dependent and close to dose proportionality in healthy Chinese subjects. This is consistent with previous clinical pharmacology results for oral semaglutide.
Machine learning for prediction of chronic kidney disease progression: Validation of the Klinrisk model in the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial
Authors: Tangri Navdeep , Ferguson Thomas W. , Bamforth Ryan J. , Leon Silvia J. , Arnott Clare , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Kotwal Sradha , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Perkovic Vlado , Fletcher Robert A. , Neuen Brendon L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimTo validate the Klinrisk machine learning model for prediction of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in patients with type 2 diabetes in the pooled CANVAS/CREDENCE trials.Materials and MethodsWe externally validated the Klinrisk model for prediction of CKD progression, defined as 40% or higher decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or kidney failure. Model performance was assessed for prediction up to 3 years with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Brier scores and calibration plots of observed and predicted risks. We compared performance of the model with standard of care using eGFR (G1‐G4) and urine albumin‐creatinine ratio (A1‐A3) Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) heatmap categories.ResultsThe Klinrisk model achieved an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78‐0.83) at 1 year, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.86‐0.89) at 3 years. The Brier scores were 0.020 (0.018‐0.022) and 0.056 (0.052‐0.059) at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Compared with the KDIGO heatmap, the Klinrisk model had improved performance at every interval (P < .01).ConclusionsThe Klinrisk machine learning model, using routinely collected laboratory data, was highly accurate in its prediction of CKD progression in the CANVAS/CREDENCE trials. Integration of the model in electronic medical records or laboratory information systems can facilitate risk‐based care.
Reduction of DUP in early intervention programmes: No pain… almost no gain
Authors: Frischherz Morgane , Conus Philippe , Golay Philippe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimConsidering the negative impact of long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) on outcome, its reduction has become one of the aims of early intervention programmes. The TIPP programme (Treatment and early Intervention in Psychosis Program) was implemented in 2004 in Lausanne and hoped to reduce DUP, without any specific campaign in this regard, through the provision of accessible and specialized treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of patients' DUP over time and the characteristics of patients with extreme DUP.MethodsClinical follow‐up data of 380 patients aged 18–35 years with a first psychotic episode who entered the TIPP programme between 2004 and 2017 were analysed. The evolution of DUP over time as well as referring entities and destination after the programme were assessed. The characteristics of patients with extreme DUPs (>percentile 90) were compared with that of other patients.ResultsThe mean value of the DUP was 452.11 days with a median of 88 days. DUP decreased only moderately over time. We also observe a decrease in discharges to specialized outpatient care at our university hospital. The main characteristics of patients with extreme DUP were early age of onset of psychosis, diagnosis of schizophrenia and presence of history of psychiatric treatment for other conditions before onset of psychosis.ConclusionsThese figures suggest that the DUP has reduced over time but that without specific interventions at this level, this reduction is only moderate.
“Is it a seizure?” Prediction tool for seizure likelihood in children aged 1–24 months admitted for electroencephalographic monitoring of paroxysmal, rhythmic, and repetitive events
Authors: Carrasco Melisa , Estiphan Theresa , McCaffery Harlan , McNamara Nancy 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveParoxysmal, rhythmic, and repetitive events (PRREs) during infancy can be concerning for possible seizures, especially following perinatal brain injuries. The workup for establishing whether a PRRE represents a seizure involves the use of continuous video‐electroencephalography (cVEEG) for event characterization. This study aims to determine the diagnostic yield of cVEEG for evaluating events concerning for seizures in children aged 1–24 months.MethodsWe performed a single‐center retrospective chart review (January 1, 2019–December 31, 2020) and included all children aged 1–24 months admitted for PRRE capture and characterization using cVEEG. Chart abstraction included demographics, birth and family history, known brain injury, event semiology, duration, and frequency, as well as interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) features. For each of these variables, odds ratios for seizure prediction were calculated.ResultsA total of 243 patients were identified for this study. On cVEEG, n = 160 (65.4%) had a target event of concern captured during an initial admission with cVEEG. Whereas n = 41 (25.8%) patients with events captured were confirmed to have seizures, most patients (n = 119) were confirmed to have nonepileptic events. Several variables predicted seizure likelihood during the initial admission with cVEEG, including event duration (>1 min), frequency (occurring ≥3 times per week), and presence of abnormal interictal findings on cVEEG. For patients who did not receive a diagnosis at the time of initial admission with cVEEG, the likelihood of a subsequent epilepsy diagnosis was associated with specific PRRE semiology (motor active or motor passive), longer event duration (>1 min duration), and the presence of interictal abnormal EEG features on initial cVEEG admission. Prediction tools utilizing scoring systems to stratify risk in infants with suspected seizures due to PRREs are included.SignificanceUnique patient attributes and PRRE characteristics, as well as the presence of EEG interictal abnormalities, can provide valuable insights for discerning children with a higher likelihood of epilepsy diagnosis following cVEEG admission.
Cannabidiol‐enriched oil for adult patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy: Prospective clinical and electrophysiological study
Authors: Glatt Sigal , Shohat Sophie , Yam Mor , Goldstein Lilach , Maidan Inbal , Fahoum Firas 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveCannabidiol‐enriched oil (CBDO) is being used increasingly to improve seizure control in adult patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), despite the lack of large‐scale studies supporting its efficacy in this patient population. We aimed to assess the effects of add‐on CBDO on seizure frequency as well as on gait, cognitive, affective, and sleep‐quality metrics, and to explore the electrophysiological changes in responder and non‐responder DRE patients treated with add‐on CBDO.MethodsWe prospectively recruited adult DRE patients who were treated with add‐on CBDO. Patients were evaluated prior to treatment and following 4 weeks of a maintenance daily dose of ≈260 mg CBD and ≈12 mg Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The outcome measures included seizure response to CBDO (defined as ≥50% decrease in seizures compared to pre‐CBDO baseline), gait testing, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and sleep‐quality questionnaire assessments. Patients underwent electroencephalography (EEG) recording during rest as well as event‐related potentials (ERPs) during visual Go/NoGo task while sitting and while walking.ResultsNineteen patients were recruited, of which 16 finished pre‐ and post‐CBDO assessments. Seven patients (43.75%) were responders demonstrating an average reduction of 82.4% in seizures, and nine patients (56.25%) were non‐responders with an average seizure increase of 30.1%. No differences in demographics and clinical parameters were found between responders and non‐responders at baseline. However, responders demonstrated better performance in the dual‐task walking post‐treatment (p = .015), and correlation between increase in MoCA and seizure reduction (r = .810, p = .027). Post‐CBDO P300 amplitude was lower during No/Go‐sitting in non‐responders (p = .028) and during No/Go‐walking in responders (p = .068).SignificanceCBDO treatment can reduce seizures in a subset of patients with DRE, but could aggravate seizure control in a minority of patients; yet we found no specific baseline clinical or electrophysiological characteristics that are associated with response to CBDO. However, changes in ERPs in response to treatment could be a promising direction to better identify patients who could benefit from CBDO treatment.
Antimicrobial resistance in the wild: Insights from epigenetics
Authors: Villalba de la Peña Mariana , Kronholm Ilkka 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSpreading of bacterial and fungal strains that are resistant to antimicrobials poses a serious threat to the well‐being of humans, animals, and plants. Antimicrobial resistance has been mainly investigated in clinical settings. However, throughout their evolutionary history microorganisms in the wild have encountered antimicrobial substances, forcing them to evolve strategies to combat antimicrobial action. It is well known that many of these strategies are based on genetic mechanisms, but these do not fully explain important aspects of the antimicrobial response such as the rapid development of resistance, reversible phenotypes, and hetero‐resistance. Consequently, attention has turned toward epigenetic pathways that may offer additional insights into antimicrobial mechanisms. The aim of this review is to explore the epigenetic mechanisms that confer antimicrobial resistance, focusing on those that might be relevant for resistance in the wild. First, we examine the presence of antimicrobials in natural settings. Then we describe the documented epigenetic mechanisms in bacteria and fungi associated with antimicrobial resistance and discuss innovative epigenetic editing techniques to establish causality in this context. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these epigenetic mechanisms on the evolutionary dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the wild, emphasizing the critical role of priming in the adaptation process. We underscore the necessity of incorporating non‐genetic mechanisms into our understanding of antimicrobial resistance evolution. These mechanisms offer invaluable insights into the dynamics of antimicrobial adaptation within natural ecosystems.
Growth–feeding linkage in small pelagic fish larvae in the Kii Channel, Japan
Authors: Togoshi Shizuna , Tanaka Shota , Yasue Naotaka , Nakamura Masahiro , Robert Dominique , Takasuka Akinori 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe linkage between growth rate and feeding success has been shown to strengthen the effects of early growth rate on later growth rate in the early life history of fish. However, the growth–feeding linkage largely remains to be tested at the individual level within the same populations/cohorts. We examined the growth–feeding linkage for multiple populations/cohorts in Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus larvae and Pacific round herring Etrumeus micropus larvae, through otolith microstructure analysis, based on samples collected from the commercial fishery for larval fish in the Kii Channel, Japan. The three growth–feeding mechanisms, which are based on the respective potential advantages of larger somatic size, higher growth rate, and earlier morphological development for achieving feeding success, were tested to understand how growth rate relates to feeding success. The “somatic size” mechanism was supported for all of six samples for anchovy larvae and three of four samples for round herring larvae. The “growth rate” mechanism was supported for two of six samples for anchovy larvae and three of four samples for round herring larvae. The “morphological development” mechanism was supported for three of four samples for anchovy larvae and all of three samples for round herring larvae. Overall, the present analysis supported the growth–feeding linkage but revealed the dynamics of the growth–feeding mechanisms. All the mechanisms were shown to operate at least for certain populations/cohorts, but none of them were universally effective over all populations/cohorts across the two species. Understanding the dynamics of the growth–feeding mechanisms would provide precious hints for considering strategies of predicting recruitment dynamics.
Novel pectins extracted from Euryale ferox fruit peel by combined hydrothermal pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis exhibit potential as aqueous gels and antioxidant activities
Authors: Qian Shiquan , Chen Siyu , Chang Wenli , Zhou Wenjie , Sun Qi , Zhu Liying , Liang Xiaona , Song Huwei 
Published: May 2024

SummaryThe present study provided new alternatives for recycling of Euryale ferox fruit peel to develop application of pectins in food industry. In this work, the physicochemical characteristics, thermal properties, rheological properties and antioxidant activities of novel pectins (Pectin Hp, Pectin Eh and Pectin Hp‐Eh) extracted from E. ferox fruit peel were explored. The results indicated that Pectin Hp‐Eh had the highest yield (122.48 mg g−1). Pectin HP, Pectin Eh and Pectin HP‐Eh, with strip, polygonal and irregular shaped structures, respectively, exhibited dominant elastic characteristics as aqueous gels. Compared to Pectin HP and Pectin HP‐Eh, Pectin Eh possessed better rheological properties. Moreover, Pectin Eh exhibited stronger scavenging activities of hydroxyl and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals than those of Pectin HP and Pectin HP‐Eh. The IC50 values of Pectin Eh for hydroxyl and DPPH radicals were determined to be 11.81 and 14.07 mg mL−1, respectively.