bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicenter PET image harmonization using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Haberl David , Spielvogel Clemens P. , Jiang Zewen , Orlhac Fanny , Iommi David , Carrió Ignasi , Buvat Irène , Haug Alexander R. , Papp Laszlo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To improve reproducibility and predictive performance of PET radiomic features in multicentric studies by cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (GAN) harmonization approaches.

Methods
GAN-harmonization was developed to harmonize whole-body PET scans to perform image style and texture translation between different centers and scanners. GAN-harmonization was evaluated by application to two retrospectively collected open datasets and different tasks. First, GAN-harmonization was performed on a dual-center lung cancer cohort (127 female, 138 male) where the reproducibility of radiomic features in healthy liver tissue was evaluated. Second, GAN-harmonization was applied to a head and neck cancer cohort (43 female, 154 male) acquired from three centers. Here, the clinical impact of GAN-harmonization was analyzed by predicting the development of distant metastases using a logistic regression model incorporating first-order statistics and texture features from baseline 18F-FDG PET before and after harmonization.

Results
Image quality remained high (structural similarity: left kidney $$\ge$$
≥
0.800, right kidney $$\ge$$
≥
0.806, liver $$\ge$$
≥
0.780, lung $$\ge$$
≥
0.838, spleen $$\ge$$
≥
0.793, whole-body $$\ge$$
≥
0.832) after image harmonization across all utilized datasets. Using GAN-harmonization, inter-site reproducibility of radiomic features in healthy liver tissue increased at least by $$\ge$$
≥
5 ± 14% (first-order), $$\ge$$
≥
16 ± 7% (GLCM), $$\ge$$
≥
19 ± 5% (GLRLM), $$\ge$$
≥
16 ± 8% (GLSZM), $$\ge$$
≥
17 ± 6% (GLDM), and $$\ge$$
≥
23 ± 14% (NGTDM). In the head and neck cancer cohort, the outcome prediction improved from AUC 0.68 (95% CI 0.66–0.71) to AUC 0.73 (0.71–0.75) by application of GAN-harmonization.

Conclusions
GANs are capable of performing image harmonization and increase reproducibility and predictive performance of radiomic features derived from different centers and scanners.
Neutrophil-activating secretome characterizes palbociclib-induced senescence of breast cancer cells
Authors: Favaretto Gabriele , Rossi Marianna Nicoletta , Cuollo Lorenzo , Laffranchi Mattia , Cervelli Manuela , Soriani Alessandra , Sozzani Silvano , Santoni Angela , Antonangeli Fabrizio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSenescent cells have a profound impact on the surrounding microenvironment through the secretion of numerous bioactive molecules and inflammatory factors. The induction of therapy-induced senescence by anticancer drugs is known, but how senescent tumor cells influence the tumor immune landscape, particularly neutrophil activity, is still unclear. In this study, we investigate the induction of cellular senescence in breast cancer cells and the subsequent immunomodulatory effects on neutrophils using the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, which is approved for the treatment of breast cancer and is under intense investigation for additional malignancies. Our research demonstrates that palbociclib induces a reversible form of senescence endowed with an inflammatory secretome capable of recruiting and activating neutrophils, in part through the action of interleukin-8 and acute-phase serum amyloid A1. The activation of neutrophils is accompanied by the release of neutrophil extracellular trap and the phagocytic removal of senescent tumor cells. These findings may be relevant for the success of cancer therapy as neutrophils, and neutrophil-driven inflammation can differently affect tumor progression. Our results reveal that neutrophils, as already demonstrated for macrophages and natural killer cells, can be recruited and engaged by senescent tumor cells to participate in their clearance. Understanding the interplay between senescent cells and neutrophils may lead to innovative strategies to cope with chronic or tumor-associated inflammation.
Modelling phytoplankton-virus interactions: phytoplankton blooms and lytic virus transmission
Authors: Zhang Jimin , Yan Yawen , Shi Junping 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA dynamic reaction–diffusion model of four variables is proposed to describe the spread of lytic viruses among phytoplankton in a poorly mixed aquatic environment. The basic ecological reproductive index for phytoplankton invasion and the basic reproduction number for virus transmission are derived to characterize the phytoplankton growth and virus transmission dynamics. The theoretical and numerical results from the model show that the spread of lytic viruses effectively controls phytoplankton blooms. This validates the observations and experimental results of Emiliana huxleyi-lytic virus interactions. The studies also indicate that the lytic virus transmission cannot occur in a low-light or oligotrophic aquatic environment.
Uncovering the link between inflammatory rheumatic diseases and male reproductive health: a perspective on male infertility and sexual dysfunction
Authors: Yessirkepov Marlen , Kocyigit Burhan Fatih , Zhakipbekov Kairat , Adilbekov Erbolat , Sultanbekov Kassymkhan , Akaltun Mazlum Serdar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) refer to a range of persistent disorders that have a major influence on several physiological systems. Although there is much evidence connecting IRDs to sexual dysfunction and fertility problems, research specifically focusing on male infertility in relation to these diseases is sparse. This review addresses the complicated connection between IRDs and male infertility, emphasising the physiological, psychological, and pharmacological aspects that influence reproductive health outcomes in men with rheumatic conditions. We explore the effects of IRDs and their treatments on many facets of male reproductive well-being, encompassing sexual functionality, semen characteristics, and hormonal balance. Additionally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the present knowledge on the impact of several categories of anti-rheumatic drugs on male reproductive function. Although there is an increasing awareness of the need of addressing reproductive concerns in individuals IRDs, there is a noticeable lack of research especially dedicated to male infertility. Moving forward, more comprehensive research is needed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms driving reproductive difficulties in males with IRDs. We can better assist the reproductive health requirements of male IRD patients by expanding our understanding of male infertility in the setting of rheumatic disorders and implementing holistic methods to care.
The effect of pelvic floor muscle training in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder
Authors: Hagovska Magdalena , Svihra Jan , Macko Ladislav , Breza Jan , Svihra Jan , Luptak Jan , Lachvac Lubomir 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Men with overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), will have deterioration in the quality of life.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining pelvic floor muscle training with the urgency suppression technique (PFMT-st) and silodosin in comparison with silodosin in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder (OAB) after 12 weeks of treatment.

Patients and methods
A total of 158 patients were randomized into two groups. The control group received oral silodosin at a daily dose of 8 mg. The experimental group was administered PFMT-st and silodosin. The evaluation methods included the number of voids and intensity of urgencies over 24 h using a micturition diary, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), and the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I).

Results
142 of 172 (86.6%) men were assessed (70 in the control group, 72 in the experimental group). The significant changes were in favor of the experimental group (p < 0.001) in the number of voids per 24 h (− 1.95 ± 1.94 vs. − 0.90 ± 1.44), the OAB-q symptom score (− 14.25 ± 10.05 vs. − 9.28 ± 10.60), the intensity of urgencies (− 0.97 ± 0.53 vs. 0.24 ± 0.57), the IPSS (− 4.59 ± 3.00 vs. − 2.30 ± 3.63), and in the PGI-I (2.24 ± 0.79 vs. 3.60 ± 0.92).

Conclusions
The addition of PFMT-st to silodosin treatment significantly improved OAB in men with BPH. This is the first study to confirm that PFMT-st should be the first-choice treatment for OAB in BPH.
Group strategy-proof rules in multidimensional binary domains
Authors: Aradhye Aditya , Peters Hans 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe consider a setting in which the alternatives are binary vectors and the preferences of the agents are determined by the Hamming distance from their most preferred alternatives. We consider only rules that are unanimous, anonymous, and component-neutral, and focus on strategy-proofness, weak group strategy-proofness, and strong group strategy-proofness. We show that component-wise majority rules are strategy-proof, and for three agents or two components also weakly group strategy-proof, but not otherwise. These rules are even strongly group strategy-proof if there are two or three agents. Our main result is an impossibility result: if there are at least four agents and at least three components, then no rule is strongly group strategy-proof.
Mortality after cardiac resynchronization therapy or right ventricular pacing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement recipients
Authors: Kirchner Johannes , Gerçek Muhammed , Sciacca Vanessa , Reil Jan-Christian , Guckel Denise , Potratz Max , Omran Hazem , Friedrichs Kai , Eitz Thomas , Bleiziffer Sabine , Schramm Rene , Imnadze Guram , Sohns Christian , Gummert Jan , Rudolph Volker , Rudolph Tanja K. , Sommer Philipp , Fink Thomas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Permanent pacemaker implantation (PMI) is associated with increased morbidity after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Cardiac resynchronization-therapy (CRT) is recommended for patients if left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is ≤ 40% and ventricular pacing is expected in favor to sole right ventricular (RV) pacing. Meanwhile, LVEF may recover after TAVR in patients with aortic valve disease and the benefit of CRT is unknown.

Objective
To analyze the impact of CRT implantation as compared to RV pacing after TAVR.

Methods and Results
Between 2012 and 2022, 4385 patients (53.1% female, mean age 81 ± 6 years) without prior PMI undergoing TAVR were retrospectively identified in our institutional registry. After stratification of patients in LVEF ≤ 40%, 41–49% and ≥ 50%, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significantly different survival rates in each subgroup at 5 years (37.0% vs. 43.5% vs. 55.1%; P ≤ 0.021). At multivariate regression, LVEF and new PMI after TAVR were not relevant for survival. A total of 105 patients with LVEF ≤ 40% received PMI after TAVR (86 patients with RV pacing and 19 with CRT). At 5 years, all-cause mortality was significantly lower in patients with CRT-device as compared to patients without CRT-device (Kaplan Meier estimate of 21.1% vs. 48.8%; HR 0.48, CI 0.204 – 1.128; log rank p = 0.045). In multivariate analysis CRT remained a significant factor for 5-year survival in these patients (HR 0.3, CI 0.095–0.951, p = 0.041).

Conclusion
In patients undergoing TAVR, PMI did not influence 5-year survival. In patients with LVEF ≤ 40%, CRT-device implantation was associated with improved survival compared to non-CRT-device implantation.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of right ventricular pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy on patient survival in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement. CI = confidence interval, CRT = cardiac resynchronization therapy, HR = hazard ratio, LVEF = left ventricular ejection fraction, RV = right ventricular, TAVR = transcatheter aortic valve replacement
The palatopharyngeal muscle in otolaryngology practice: an anatomical-based surgical report
Authors: Askar Sherif M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The author discusses current otolaryngological procedures employing the palatopharyngeus muscle, based on the surgical anatomy of the muscle and its neural supply. These techniques should be deeply revised for more conservative, anatomically-based maneuvers.

Methods
Revision of anatomical and surgical research and comments with the provision of a primary concept.

Results
The palatopharyngeus muscle is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus (the vagus and the accessory nerves) with additional fibers from the lesser palatine nerves. The innervation enters the muscle mainly through its lateral border.

Conclusions
The palatopharyngeus muscle has a fundamental role in swallowing and speech. The muscle helps other dilators to maintain upper airway patency. Sphincter pharyngoplasty should be revised as regards its role as a sphincter. Palatopharyngeal procedures for OSA employing the palatopharyngeus muscle should follow the conservative, anatomically-based, and non-neural ablation concept.

Level of evidence
4.
An automated approach for real-time informative frames classification in laryngeal endoscopy using deep learning
Authors: Baldini Chiara , Azam Muhammad Adeel , Sampieri Claudio , Ioppi Alessandro , Ruiz-Sevilla Laura , Vilaseca Isabel , Alegre Berta , Tirrito Alessandro , Pennacchi Alessia , Peretti Giorgio , Moccia Sara , Mattos Leonardo S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Informative image selection in laryngoscopy has the potential for improving automatic data extraction alone, for selective data storage and a faster review process, or in combination with other artificial intelligence (AI) detection or diagnosis models. This paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility of AI in providing automatic informative laryngoscopy frame selection also capable of working in real-time providing visual feedback to guide the otolaryngologist during the examination.

Methods
Several deep learning models were trained and tested on an internal dataset (n = 5147 images) and then tested on an external test set (n = 646 images) composed of both white light and narrow band images. Four videos were used to assess the real-time performance of the best-performing model.

Results
ResNet-50, pre-trained with the pretext strategy, reached a precision = 95% vs. 97%, recall = 97% vs, 89%, and the F1-score = 96% vs. 93% on the internal and external test set respectively (p = 0.062). The four testing videos are provided in the supplemental materials.

Conclusion
The deep learning model demonstrated excellent performance in identifying diagnostically relevant frames within laryngoscopic videos. With its solid accuracy and real-time capabilities, the system is promising for its development in a clinical setting, either autonomously for objective quality control or in conjunction with other algorithms within a comprehensive AI toolset aimed at enhancing tumor detection and diagnosis.
Zygotic-splitting after in vitro fertilization and prenatal parenthood testing after suspected embryo mix-up – a case report
Authors: Schulz Iris , Schulte Janine , Dipl-Med Dorothea Wand 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAfter in vitro fertilization with a single embryo, the parents learned about being pregnant with twins in the 10th week with various indications that an embryonic mix-up could have taken place. The affected couple thus expressed the urgent desire for a clarification of parenthood considering an abortion. However, the prenatal test results would not have been available until the 14/15th week of pregnancy. Legally, then, severe physical or mental distress of the pregnant woman must be claimed by physicians to justify an abortion after the twelfth week. However, a lack of genetic relatedness could lead to serious psychological distress for the parents, making a pregnancy termination possible even after the twelfth week, which is discussed in this case study alongside the interdisciplinary team’s ethical, legal, and medical considerations.For the invasive relationship testing, cultivated chorionic villi samples (CVS) from both unborn and saliva samples from the putative parents were genetically analyzed using classical short tandem repeats (STR) analysis. The perfect match of both CVS profiles suggested the occurrence of an unusual late twin shaft, for which, fortunately, parenthood could be confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a prenatal investigation of a suspected embryo mix-up after assisted reproductive technology (ART), in which parenthood should be fixed. We want to draw attention to this unthinkable scenario, which may increase in the future with ART-induced rising multiple pregnancies.
Gait and heart rate: do they measure trait or state physical fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Galperin Irina , Buzaglo David , Gazit Eran , Shimoni Nathaniel , Tamir Raz , Regev Keren , Karni Arnon , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Trait and state physical fatigue (trait-PF and state-PF) negatively impact many people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) but are challenging symptoms to measure. In this observational study, we explored the role of specific gait and autonomic nervous system (ANS) measures (i.e., heart rate, HR, r–r interval, R–R, HR variability, HRV) in trait-PF and state-PF.

Methods
Forty-eight pwMS [42 ± 1.9 years, 65% female, EDSS 2 (IQR: 0–5.5)] completed the Timed Up and Go test (simple and with dual task, TUG-DT) and the 6-min walk test (6MWT). ANS measures were measured via a POLAR H10 strap. Gait was measured using inertial-measurement units (OPALs, APDM Inc). Trait-PF was evaluated via the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) motor component. State-PF was evaluated via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale before and after the completion of the 6MWT. Multiple linear regression models identified trait-PF and state-PF predictors.

Results
Both HR and gait metrics were associated with trait-PF and state-PF. HRV at rest was associated only with state-PF. In models based on the first 3 min of the 6MWT, double support (%) and cadence explained 47% of the trait-PF variance; % change in R–R explained 43% of the state-PF variance. Models based on resting R–R and TUG-DT explained 39% of the state-PF.

Discussion
These findings demonstrate that specific gait measures better capture trait-PF, while ANS metrics better capture state-PF. To capture both physical fatigue aspects, the first 3 min of the 6MWT are sufficient. Alternatively, TUG-DT and ANS rest metrics can be used for state-PF prediction in pwMS when the 6MWT is not feasible.
An inclusive multivariate approach to neural localization of language components
Authors: Graves William W. , Levinson Hillary J. , Staples Ryan , Boukrina Olga , Rothlein David , Purcell Jeremy 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo determine how language is implemented in the brain, it is important to know which brain areas are primarily engaged in language processing and which are not. Existing protocols for localizing language are typically univariate, treating each small unit of brain volume as independent. One prominent example that focuses on the overall language network in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) uses a contrast between neural responses to sentences and sets of pseudowords (pronounceable nonwords). This contrast reliably activates peri-sylvian language areas but is less sensitive to extra-sylvian areas that are also known to support aspects of language such as word meanings (semantics). In this study, we assess areas where a multivariate, pattern-based approach shows high reproducibility across multiple measurements and participants, identifying these areas as multivariate regions of interest (mROI). We then perform a representational similarity analysis (RSA) of an fMRI dataset where participants made familiarity judgments on written words. We also compare those results to univariate regions of interest (uROI) taken from previous sentences > pseudowords contrasts. RSA with word stimuli defined in terms of their semantic distance showed greater correspondence with neural patterns in mROI than uROI. This was confirmed in two independent datasets, one involving single-word recognition, and the other focused on the meaning of noun-noun phrases by contrasting meaningful phrases > pseudowords. In all cases, areas of spatial overlap between mROI and uROI showed the greatest neural association. This suggests that ROIs defined in terms of multivariate reproducibility can help localize components of language such as semantics. The multivariate approach can also be extended to focus on other aspects of language such as phonology, and can be used along with the univariate approach for inclusively mapping language cortex.
Rainbow Cycles in Properly Edge-Colored Graphs
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Lee Joonkyung , Liu Hong , Tran Tuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe prove that every properly edge-colored n-vertex graph with average degree at least $$32(\log 5n)^2$$

32

(
log
5
n
)

2

contains a rainbow cycle, improving upon the $$(\log n)^{2+o(1)}$$

(
log
n
)

2
+
o
(
1
)

bound due to Tomon. We also prove that every properly edge-colored n-vertex graph with at least $$10^5 k^3 n^{1+1/k}$$

10
5

k
3

n

1
+
1
/
k

edges contains a rainbow 2k-cycle, which improves the previous bound $$2^{ck^2}n^{1+1/k}$$

2

c

k
2

n

1
+
1
/
k

obtained by Janzer. Our method using homomorphism inequalities and a lopsided regularization lemma also provides a simple way to prove the Erdős–Simonovits supersaturation theorem for even cycles, which may be of independent interest.
Computation of Laplacian eigenvalues of two-dimensional shapes with dihedral symmetry
Authors: Berghaus David , Jones Robert Stephen , Monien Hartmut , Radchenko Danylo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe numerically compute the lowest Laplacian eigenvalues of several two-dimensional shapes with dihedral symmetry at arbitrary precision arithmetic. Our approach is based on the method of particular solutions with domain decomposition. We are particularly interested in asymptotic expansions of the eigenvalues$$\lambda (n)$$λ(n)of shapes withnedges that are of the form$$\lambda (n) \sim x\sum _{k=0}^{\infty } \frac{C_k(x)}{n^k}$$λ(n)∼x∑k=0∞Ck(x)nkwherexis the limiting eigenvalue for$$n\rightarrow \infty $$n→∞. Expansions of this form have previously only been known for regular polygons with Dirichlet boundary conditions and (quite surprisingly) involve Riemann zeta values and single-valued multiple zeta values, which makes them interesting to study. We provide numerical evidence for closed-form expressions of higher order$$C_k(x)$$Ck(x)and give more examples of shapes for which such expansions are possible (including regular polygons with Neumann boundary condition, regular star polygons, and star shapes with sinusoidal boundary).