bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EANM consensus document on the use of [18F]FDG PET/CT in fever and inflammation of unknown origin
Authors: Hess Søren , Noriega-Álvarez Edel , Leccisotti Lucia , Treglia Giorgio , Albano Domenico , Roivainen Anne , Glaudemans Andor W.J.M. , Gheysens Olivier 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with fever and inflammation of unknown origin (FUO/IUO) are clinically challenging due to variable clinical presentations with nonspecific symptoms and many differential diagnoses. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) is increasingly used in FUO and IUO, but the optimal diagnostic strategy remains controversial. This consensus document aims to assist clinicians and nuclear medicine specialists in the appropriate use of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in FUO and IUO based on current evidence.

Methods
A working group created by the EANM infection and inflammation committee performed a systematic literature search based on PICOs with “patients with FUO/IUO” as population, “[18F]FDG-PET/CT” as intervention, and several outcomes including pre-scan characteristics, scan protocol, diagnostic yield, impact on management, prognosis, and cost-effectiveness.

Results
We included 68 articles published from 2001 to 2023: 9 systematic reviews, 49 original papers on general adult populations, and 10 original papers on specific populations. All papers were analysed and included in the evidence-based recommendations.

Conclusion
FUO and IUO remains a clinical challenge and [18F]FDG PET/CT has a definite role in the diagnostic pathway with an overall diagnostic yield or helpfulness in 50–60% of patients. A positive scan is often contributory by directly guiding treatment or subsequent diagnostic procedure. However, a negative scan may be equally important by excluding focal disease and predicting a favorable prognosis. Similar results are obtained in specific populations such as ICU-patients, children and HIV-patients.
A prospective analysis of thulium laser enucleation in benign prostatic hyperplasia comparing low- and high-power approaches for prostates exceeding 80 g
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed Y. , Kamal Islam , Abdelhakim Mahmoud A. , Abdelmohsen Mostafa , Meshref Alaa , Naser Islam , Morsy Samer 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction and objectives
To compare the perioperative and functional outcomes of low-power and high-power thulium:YAG VapoEnucleation (ThuVEP) of the prostate for the treatment of large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (> 80 ml).

Patients and methods
A prospective analysis of 80 patients with symptomatic BPO and prostatic enlargement (more than 80 ml) was conducted. They were divided randomly into two groups (40 patients in each group). One group was treated with low-power ThuVEP, and the other group was treated with high-power ThuVEP.
All patients were assessed preoperatively and early postoperatively, and 12-month follow-up data were analyzed. The complications were noted and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system.

Results
The mean age at surgery was 68 (± 6.1) years, and the mean prostate volume was 112 (± 20.1) cc, and there were no differences between the groups (p = 0.457). The mean operative time was 88.4 ± 11.79 min for group A and 93.4 ± 16.34 min for group B, while the mean enucleation time was 59.68 ± 7.24 min for group A and 63.13 ± 10.75 min for group B. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding catheterization time and postoperative stay. The quality of life (QoL), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoiding residual urine (PVR), and prostate volume improved significantly after treatment and were not significantly different between those treated with the different energies. The incidence of complications was low and did not differ between both the groups.

Conclusion
Low-power ThuVEP is feasible, safe, and effective with comparable results with high-power ThuVEP in the treatment of BPO.
Osteological profiling of femoral diaphysis and neck in aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial carnivores and rodents: effects of body size and locomotor habits
Authors: Nieminen Petteri , Finnilä Mikko A. J. , Hämäläinen Wilhelmiina , Lehtiniemi Saara , Jämsä Timo , Tuukkanen Juha , Kunnasranta Mervi , Henttonen Heikki , Mustonen Anne-Mari 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe increased limb bone density documented previously for aquatic tetrapods has been proposed to be an adaptation to overcome buoyancy during swimming and diving. It can be achieved by increasing the amount of bone deposition or by reducing the amount of bone resorption, leading to cortical thickening, loss of medullary cavity, and compaction of trabecular bone. The present study examined the effects of locomotor habit, body size, and phylogeny on the densitometric, cross-sectional, and biomechanical traits of femoral diaphysis and neck in terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic carnivores, and in terrestrial and semiaquatic rodents (12 species) by using peripheral quantitative computed tomography, three-point bending, and femoral neck loading tests. Groupwise differences were analyzed with the univariate generalized linear model and the multivariate linear discriminant analysis supplemented with hierarchical clustering. While none of the individual features could separate the lifestyles or species adequately, the combinations of multiple features produced very good or excellent classifications and clusterings. In the phocid seals, the aquatic niche allowed for lower femoral bone mineral densities than expected based on the body mass alone. The semiaquatic mammals mostly had high bone mineral densities compared to the terrestrial species, which could be considered an adaptation to overcome buoyancy during swimming and shallow diving. Generally, it seems that different osteological properties at the levels of mineral density and biomechanics could be compatible with the adaptation to aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial niches.
Correlations between preoperative statin treatment with short- and long-term survival following colorectal cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched national cohort study
Authors: Löffler Lea , Gögenur Ismail , Gögenur Mikail 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The pleiotropic effects of statins have attracted considerable attention in oncological treatment. Several preclinical and epidemiological studies have highlighted their potential anti-tumor properties in patients with colorectal cancer, although results have been conflicting. This study aimed to examine the association between statin exposure before colorectal cancer surgery with long and short-term survival outcomes.

Methods
This retrospective propensity score-adjusted study was conducted on a Danish cohort of patients who underwent elective curative-intended surgery for stage I–III colorectal cancer in 2008–2020, using four national patient databases. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall, 90-day, and disease-free survival. Propensity scores were calculated using all available data to match patients with and without statin exposure in a 1:1 ratio.

Results
Following propensity score matching, 7120 patients were included in the primary analysis. The median follow-up time was 5 years. A Cox proportional hazards model showed no statistically significant difference in overall survival between patients with or without statin exposure 365 days before surgery (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85–1.02) and no association with 90-day survival (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.76–1.10). However, a subgroup analysis examining a 90-day exposure before surgery found a statistically significant association with increased overall survival (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.93).

Conclusion
Although a subgroup of patients with a preoperative exposure time of 90 days showed statistically significant better overall survival, we found no statistically significant association between statin exposure 1 year before colorectal cancer surgery and overall survival.
Trends in the prevalence and incidence of Crohn’s disease in Japan and the United States
Authors: Nakajo Ko , Yamazaki Michiyo , Chung Hsingwen , Xu Youran , Qiu Hong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study is to describe patient demographic characteristics and estimate annual prevalence and incidence rates of Crohn’s disease (CD) in Japan and the United States (US).

Methods
Two large employment-based healthcare claims databases (Japan Medical Data Center [JMDC] in Japan and Merative MarketScan [Merative] in the US) were used to identify patients with CD from 2010 to 2019. Cases were confirmed using an algorithm based on diagnostic with/without treatment codes. The Merative population was used for sex and age standardization of annual prevalence and incidence rates estimated from the JMDC.

Results
Patients with CD were generally younger in Japan than in the US at diagnosis (mean 33.6 vs. 39.4 years) and 71.5% were male versus 45.1% in the US. Annual prevalence per 100,000 population increased substantially in both countries, from 34.2 in 2010 to 54.5 in 2019 in Japan (standardized) and 163.3 to 224.2 in the US. Prevalence rates increased in both males and females in all age groups between 6 and < 65 years. Annual incidence rate per 100,000 person-years was almost fourfold higher in the US than Japan (21.0 vs. 5.5 [standardized] in 2019) but remained stable in both countries over time in both sexes and in all age groups.

Conclusion
The epidemiology of CD differs between Japan and the US. Research to understand the basis of these differences could help to identify at-risk groups in each country, and guide implementation of preventive measures.
The infraacetabular screw versus the antegrade posterior column screw in acetabulum fractures with posterior column involvement: a biomechanical comparison
Authors: Hinz Nico , Baumeister Dirk , Dehoust Julius , Münch Matthias , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Augat Peter , Hartel Maximilian J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Traditionally, plate osteosynthesis of the anterior column combined with an antegrade posterior column screw is used for fixation of anterior column plus posterior hemitransverse (ACPHT) acetabulum fractures. Replacing the posterior column screw with an infraacetabular screw could improve the straightforwardness of acetabulum surgery, as it can be inserted using less invasive approaches, such as the AIP/Stoppa approach, which is a well-established standard approach. However, the biomechanical stability of a plate osteosynthesis combined with an infraacetabular screw instead of an antegrade posterior column screw is unknown.

Material and methods
Two osteosynthesis constructs were compared in a synthetic hemipelvis model with an ACPHT fracture: Suprapectineal plate + antegrade posterior column screw (APCS group) vs. suprapectineal plate + infraacetabular screw (IAS group). A single-leg stance test protocol with an additional passive muscle force and a cyclic loading of 32,000 cycles with a maximum effective load of 2400 N was applied. Interfragmentary motion and rotation of the three main fracture lines were measured.

Results
At the posterior hemitransverse fracture line, interfragmentary motion perpendicular to the fracture line (p < 0.001) and shear motion (p < 0.001) and at the high anterior column fracture line, interfragmentary motion longitudinal to the fracture line (p = 0.017) were significantly higher in the IAS group than in the APCS group. On the other hand, interfragmentary motion perpendicular (p = 0.004), longitudinal (p < 0.001) and horizontal to the fracture line (p = 0.004) and shear motion (p < 0.001) were significantly increased at the low anterior column fracture line in the APCS group compared to the IAS group.

Conclusions
Replacing the antegrade posterior column screw with an infraacetabular screw is not recommendable as it results in an increased interfragmentary motion, especially at the posterior hemitransverse component of an ACPHT fracture.
Endoscopic transcanal coblation excision of glomus tympanicum: a novel technique
Authors: Salem Mohammed Abdelbadie , Ghoneim Mahitab , Ahmed Sally Sameh , Elsobki Ahmed , Elzhzahy Ahmed Abdoo , Hemdan Ahmed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the feasibility of coblation in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors.

Patients and methods
A retrospective study carried out over 28 patients with types I and II glomus tympanicum tumors according to GLASSCOCK-JACKSON classification. Preoperative radiological and endocrinal evaluation were performed. All patients underwent endoscopic transcanal excision of their glomus tympanicum tumors using coblation.

Results
None of the patients developed recurrence during the 1-year follow up period proved radiologically. None of the patients developed facial palsy postoperatively. Differences between preoperative and postoperative dizziness and taste disturbance were statistically non-significant. Tinnitus disappeared completely in 22 patients postoperatively. A statistically significant reduction in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) after surgery was found. Statistically significant reductions in postoperative air conduction (AC) threshold and air bone gap (ABG) were recorded while bone conduction (BC) threshold showed statistically non-significant change.

Conclusion
Coblation is an effective and safe tool in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors. Further studies comparing coblation with laser and piezosurgery are strongly recommended.
Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Next Generation Sequencing Yields
Authors: Sheehan Kristin N. , Khoury Lara M. , Niehaus Angela G. , Mariencheck William I. , Gershner Katherine A. , Dotson Travis L. , Bellinger Christina R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The use of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is standard practice for lung cancer diagnosis and staging. Next generation sequencing (NGS) for detection of genetic alterations is recommended in advanced, non-squamous, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Existing protocols for NGS testing are minimal and reported yields vary. This study aimed to determine the yield of EBUS samples obtained for NGS using a sampling protocol at our institution and assess predictive factors to form collection protocols.

Methods
We reviewed EBUS bronchoscopies from 2016 to 2021 with non-squamous NSCLC diagnoses. For target lesions suspected to be malignant, the sampling protocol was: (a) two slides for on-site evaluation, (b) three to five fine needle aspirations rinsed into saline for immunohistochemical staining and in-house molecular markers, and (c) additional three to five rinses for NGS. Sufficiency for NGS processing was determined by the pathology department.

Results
Two hundred and seventy-eight non-squamous NSCLC samples were obtained by EBUS (205 adenocarcinoma; 73 not otherwise specified). EBUS was performed under general anesthesia in 75.5% of cases. The overall sample adequacy for NGS testing was 57.5%. Higher adequacy rates were observed when protocol was adhered to 66.0% versus 37.2% (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference based on the size of the lesion or location of the sample.

Conclusion
When a protocol of three to five dedicated needle rinses for NGS was followed, we nearly doubled our sample adequacy rate for NSG as compared to standard care. Studies are needed to determine the ideal collection and processing modality to preserve tissue samples for genetic sequencing.
Age and environmental conditions for the formation of the Pannonian mega-yardang system
Authors: Trájer Attila J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Pannonian mega-yardang system is the northernmost mega-yardang field in Europe, exerting a profound influence on the relief and surface hydrographic structure of Western Hungary. Despite its significance, the precise timing and climatic conditions under which this mega-yardang system formed remain elusive. The geological setting was studied, the former humidity and biome patterns were modelled, the climatically analogous regions of the past climates of the region were identified, and the Köppen Aridity Indices of the region were compared to the aridity values of other yardang fields from five continents in the last 3.3 mys. The geological structure of the yardangs suggests an origin post-dating the Tortonian period but preceding the mid-Pleistocene era. In the Zanclean and in the warmer periods of the Piacenzian, the studied region had humid subtropical climatic conditions that were not suitable for the formation of large-scale aeolian landforms. Similarly, in the Quaternary period, the climate varied between boreal and humid continental, which was not conducive to the formation of mega-yardang fields. Cold semi-arid climatic conditions only existed in the mid-Pliocene cold period and perhaps at the transition of the Pliocene to the Pleistocene. This paleoclimatic hypothesis is in accordance with the Pliocene fossil record of the region, which contains the remains of such arid habitat-dwelling fauna elements as camelids and struthionids. The comparison of the development of Köppen Aridity Indices among yardangs in other territories also suggests that the Pannonian mega-yardang system may have formed around the transition of the Neogene to the Quaternary epochs.
Graphical abstract
Baastrup’s disease prevalence across various age groups and its association with degenerative changes: insights from STIR sequence in MRI
Authors: Sağtaş Ergin , Kurnaz Burak , Alver Kadir Han , Ufuk Furkan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Baastrup’s disease is characterized by abnormal contact between adjacent spinous processes. Our study is the first to systematically incorporate the STIR sequence, recognized for its heightened sensitivity to fluid and edema, into the MRI protocol for diagnosing Baastrup’s disease in symptomatic individuals. The objective is to determine its prevalence and association with lumbar spinal degenerative changes.

Materials and methods
Lumbar spinal MRI examinations of 375 patients performed between January 2021 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. Baastrup’s disease was diagnosed based on meeting any of the following criteria: lumbar interspinous bursitis, hyperintense signal changes in adjacent spinous processes, and ligaments on the STIR sequence. The study also investigated the presence of degenerative changes and interreader agreement among radiologists.

Results
Baastrup’s disease was found in 141 of 375 individuals (37.8%). It correlated significantly with degenerative lumbar changes such as bulging (P = 0.0012), herniation (P = 0.0033), disc degeneration (P = 0.0013), Modic changes (P = 0.034), facet osteoarthritis (P = 0.0041), spinal stenosis (P = 0.005), and anterolisthesis (P = 0.0049). No significant associations were observed with gender (P = 0.468) or retrolisthesis (P = 0.167). Its occurrence increased gradually, peaking at 87.5% in individuals aged 80 and above. Radiologists showed complete agreement with Baastrup’s diagnoses.

Conclusion
Baastrup’s disease is more commonly observed than being considered rare, displaying an incremental occurrence with increasing age in symptomatic individuals notably discernible on the STIR sequence. Using the STIR sequence seems to promote a consensus among radiologists, irrespective of their experience levels.
Simulation of Shear and Tensile Fractures Using Ductile Phase Field Modelling with the Calibration of P Wave Velocity Measurement and Moment Tensor Inversion
Authors: Li Xu , Si Guangyao , Oh Joung , Canbulat Ismet 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe appropriate understanding and formulation of rock discontinuities via FEM is still challenging for rock engineering, as continuous algorithms cannot handle the discontinuities in rock mass. Also, different failure modes of rock samples, containing tensile and shear failure, need to be computed separately. In this study, a novel double-phase field damage model was introduced with two independent phase field damage variables. The construction of the proposed model follows the thermodynamics framework from the overall Helmholtz free energy, with elastic, plastic and surface damage components. The proposed model is calibrated via traditional damage variables, based on ultrasonic wave velocity measurement and acoustic emission monitoring, and both show great consistency between simulation results and laboratory observations. Then the double-phase field damage model is applied to COMSOL software to simulate microcrack propagation in a pre-fractured rock sample. Both lateral and wing cracks are observed in this study, manifested as shear- and tensile-dominated cracks. We also observed different microcracking mechanisms in the proposed numerical models, such as tensile and shear cracking, the influence of plastic strain and the percolation between tensile and shear microcracks. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanics of microcracking in rocks, and the proposed model shows promising results in simulating crack propagation.
Histological evaluation of nonsurgical periodontal treatment with and without the use of sodium hypochlorite / amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels in dogs
Authors: Shirakata Yoshinori , Nakamura Toshiaki , Setoguchi Fumiaki , Imafuji Takatomo , Shinohara Yukiya , Matsumura Shohei , Iwata Masayuki , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Ramanauskaite Eglė , Sculean Anton 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate periodontal wound healing following scaling and root planing (SRP) in conjunction with the application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) gels in dogs.

Materials and Methods
In four beagle dogs, 2-wall intrabony defects were created and metal strips were placed around the teeth. Clinical parameters were measured 4 weeks after plaque accumulation. The experimental root surfaces were subjected to SRP with either the subgingival application of a sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and a xHyA gel (test group) or SRP alone (control group) using a split-mouth design. Clinical parameters were re-evaluated at 6 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 8 weeks for histological analysis.

Results
The test group showed significant improvements in all clinical parameters compared to the control group. Histologically, the test group exhibited statistically significantly greater new bone formation [i.e., length of newly formed bone, new bone area] compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, statistically significantly greater formation of new attachment [i.e., linear length of new cementum adjacently to newly formed bone with inserting collagen fibers] and new cementum was detected in the test group compared with the control group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion
The adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid and xHyA gels to SRP offers an innovative novel approach to enhance periodontal wound healing/regeneration.

Clinical relevance
The present findings have for the first-time shown histologic evidence for periodontal regeneration in support of this novel treatment modality.