bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting c-KIT Inhibitor Efficacy in Patient-Derived Models of Sinonasal Mucosal Melanomas through Integrated Histogram Analysis of Whole-Tumor DKI, IVIM, and DCE-MRI
Authors: Wang Cong , Niu Xuewei , Xia Tianyi , Wang Peng , Wang Yuzhe , Zhang Zhongshuai , Zhang Jianyuan , Ju Shenghong , Xiao Zebin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate whole-tumor histogram analysis of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), in predicting the efficacy of imatinib, a c-KIT inhibitor, for treating patient derived models derived from sinonasal mucosal melanomas (MMs). Experimental Design: This study included 38 patients with histologically confirmed sinonasal MM, who underwent DKI, IVIM, and DCE-MRI. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models and precision-cut tumor slices (PCTS) were established to evaluate tumor response to imatinib. Whole-tumor histogram analysis was conducted on imaging parameters, and logistic regression models were applied to determine the predictive value of these metrics in differentiating responders from non-responders. Results: Among the 38 sinonasal MM patients, 12 were classified as responders and 26 as non-responders based on PDX and PCTS model responses to imatinib. The DKI model revealed significant differences in mean, median, P10, and P90 values of Dk and K between responders and non-responders (P &lt; 0.05). The IVIM model indicated significant differences in P10 and mean values of D, with kurtosis f being a strong predictor. The DCE-MRI model, using the P90 Ktrans metric, demonstrated robust predictive performance, achieving an AUC of 0.89, with 80.77% specificity and 91.67% sensitivity. The combined logistic model integrating DKI, IVIM, and DCE-MRI metrics produced the highest predictive accuracy, with an AUC of 0.90. Conclusions: Whole-tumor histogram analysis of DKI, IVIM, and DCE-MRI offers a non-invasive method for predicting the efficacy of c-KIT inhibitors in sinonasal MMs, presenting valuable implications for guiding targeted treatment in this rare cancer type.
Tomiyamichthys hyacinthinus, a new species of shrimpgoby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from southern Japan
Authors: SATO MASAYUKI C. , MOTOMURA HIROYUKI 
Published: February 2025

Tomiyamichthys hyacinthinus sp. nov. is described on the basis of four specimens from Kyushu, southern Japan. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: VI-I, 9 dorsal-fin rays; I, 9 anal-fin rays; 17 pectoral-fin rays; 45–48 lateral and 14–15 transverse scale rows; 4 + 8 or 9 (9) gill rakers of first gill arch; partially scaled prepelvic region; a pale blotch between fourth and fifth spines of first dorsal fin; second and third spines of first dorsal fin elongated, filamentous with orange bands in males; fourth spine of first dorsal fin longer than first in males; first dorsal fin trapezoid and dorsal-fin spines non-filamentous in females; 2 or 3 transverse rows of yellow blotches anteriorly and longitudinal yellow blotches posteriorly on caudal-fin membrane. Comparative molecular analysis reveals that the new species demonstrates significant genetic divergence (9.1–10.6%) in the mitochondrial COI gene from its closest congener, T. latruncularius. The new species exhibits a distinctive ecological association with the snapping shrimp Alpheus randalli, inhabiting sandy bottoms at depths of 18 m. Tomiyamichthys hyacinthinus sp. nov. is currently known only from southern Japan.
Bahadur–Kiefer Type Representations for Smoothed Conditional Quantile Estimators
Authors: Bagui Subhash C. , Mehra K.L. 
Published: February 2025

Bahadur and Kiefer derived almost sure (a.s.) representations for the (unconditional) sample quantile function in terms of the standard (unsmoothed) empirical distribution function. Their representations later became commonly known as the Bahadur–Kiefer (BK) representations. In this article, we establish BK type a.s. representations, and the resulting laws of iterated logarithm, for three distinct fully nonparametric smooth conditional quantile estimators—with optimal orders for the remainders—viz. for a smooth linear type, a Parzen-type smoothed (integrated) inverse and a smooth inverse type (kernel) conditional quantile estimator (c.q.e.) under some broad conditions on the underlying cdf’s and the kernels and bandwidth sequences employed. We also demonstrate that of these the linear type c.q.e. is, in fact, ‘second-order-equivalent’ to the Parzen-type smoothed (integrated) inverse c.q.e. Some remarks are included on the comparative merits of these smooth c.q.e.’s, and their BK representations relative to their smooth and unsmoothed counterparts studied earlier in literature and possible extensions of the present results. Our results are of the exact a.s. type and provide improvements over those achieved hitherto in literature. They are of considerable value for studying the asymptotics of quantile regression analytics. AMS Subject Classification: Primary 62G05, 62G07; secondary: 60F15, 62G20, 62G30
Asymmetric Impact of the Pandemic on Skilled and Unskilled Wages and Wage Inequality
Authors: Goswami Alisha , Ahuja Rashmi 
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic, an initial health catastrophe, has predominantly become an economic and labour market shock with unequal impacts on wages and wage disparities in the economies. We developed a general equilibrium model with three traded sectors to highlight the asymmetric changes in the skilled and unskilled workers’ wage gap within the economies during the pandemic. Our findings highlight that skilled–unskilled wage inequality widens when the manufacturing sector prices decline at the same rate or less than the decline in the prices of goods produced in the informal sector. However, the effect on skilled–unskilled wage differences could be in either direction depending on the changes in informal wages when the manufacturing sector is hit harder than the informal sector during the pandemic. JEL: J31, J46, D50, L80
Establishing a psychiatry clinic within an Australian publicly funded specialist obesity service
Authors: Brightman Louise , Inman Deborah , Goodbourn James 
Published: February 2025

Objective In January 2023, the Canberra Health Services Department of Bariatric Medicine introduced a psychiatry clinic into its model of care to optimise the management of patients with comorbid obesity and mental illness. This paper describes the scope of the psychiatry clinic and reviews patient characteristics and management during the first year of operation. Methods This study is an outline of the clinic and a retrospective review of patient demographics, body mass index, psychiatric diagnoses and initial management. Descriptive statistics were performed (2024.LRE.00027). Results Clinic scope, staffing and patient eligibility were presented. Of the 22 patients referred, 20 attended initial assessment and at least one review (102 encounters). Females outnumbered males (82%). Mean age was 44 years (18–73 years). Mean body mass index was 51.74 kg/m2 (29.36–74.23 kg/m2). Depressive and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent existing diagnoses. Trauma and stressor-related disorders and feeding and eating disorders were common new diagnoses. 75% of patients had two or more psychiatric disorders. Management comprised medications, supportive psychotherapy and referral recommendations. Conclusions This is the first time the Department of Bariatric Medicine has embedded a psychiatry clinic into its model of care. The clinic provides specialist-level psychiatric care within a multi-disciplinary team which may have benefits in managing comorbid obesity and mental illness.
Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Dual-Task Gait Performance in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moeyersons Charlotte , Karagiannidou Evgenia , Al Omari Sarah , Swinnen Eva , Firouzi Mahyar 
Published: February 2025

Background Parkinson's disease (PD) impairs motor and cognitive functions, increasing fall risk during dual-task activities. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has been studied for improving these functions in PD, its effect on dual-task gait remains unclear. Objective This review aims to evaluate the effects of tDCS on dual-task gait performance in PD. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published before September 2024. Eligible studies included PD patients, used tDCS, and measured dual-task gait performance. Two researchers independently assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results Four randomized controlled trials and four crossover studies, involving 222 PD patients (mean age 64.17 years, range 50.9–72) at Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–3, met the inclusion criteria. Three of six studies targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showed significant improvements in dual-task gait performance, particularly in gait speed ( p ≤ 0.046), compared to sham. No significant improvements were observed with primary motor cortex or cerebellar stimulation (all p's ≥ 0.100). Conclusions tDCS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may improve dual-task gait performance in PD, but further studies are needed to refine protocols and confirm its therapeutic potential.
Nepafenac role in macular swelling prevention and in visual outcome after cataract surgery – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Almasri Malaz , Ghareeb Amjad , Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Leucuta Daniel-Corneliu , Nicoara Simona Delia 
Published: February 2025

Purpose To compare Nepafenac effect on foveal thickness (FT), total macular volume (TMV), and BCVA after cataract surgery when added to the common regimen of topical steroids perioperatively. Methods PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched systematically on April 28, 2022, for RCTs. Our primary outcome was the change in FT at final follow-up visits. We also considered FT at different follow-up durations, TMV, and visual outcome. We summarized our analyses by calculating the mean differences (MD) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) using restricted maximum likelihood in random effects models for continuous outcomes. The individual trials were evaluated for quality utilizing the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool. Results Twenty-four RCTs totaling 4716 eyes were eligible. A significant difference was found between Nepafenac group and control group in the change in FT at final follow-up visit (MD, −11.622; 95% Cl [−17.475, −5.769]), at one week follow-up visit (MD, −6.409; 95% Cl [−13.148, 0.330]), at one month follow-up visit (MD, −9.090; 95% Cl [−13.260, −4.919]), at two months (MD, −5.769; 95% Cl (−22.477, −10.939]), and at three-month follow-up visit (MD, −12.913; 95% Cl [−22.254, −3.572]). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding change in TMV at final follow-up visit. Nevertheless, a significant difference was found between the two groups regarding post-operative BCVA only at three-month follow-up visit. Conclusion Topical Nepafenac in addition to topical steroid is superior to the common regimen of topical steroid alone perioperatively in the prevention of macular swelling.
Saccade, pupil, and blink abnormalities in prodromal and manifest alpha-synucleinopathies
Authors: Habibi Maha , Coe Brian C , Brien Donald C , Huang Jeff , Riek Heidi C , Bremmer Frank , Timmermann Lars , Janzen Annette , Oertel Wolfgang H , Munoz Douglas P 
Published: February 2025

Background Saccade, pupil, and blink control are impaired in patients with α-synucleinopathies (αSYN): Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Isolated REM (rapid eye movement) Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) is a prodromal stage of PD and MSA and a prime candidate for investigating early oculo-pupillo-motor abnormalities that may precede or predict conversion to clinically manifest αSYN. Objective Determine whether saccade, pupil, and blink responses in iRBD are normal or similar to those identified in PD and MSA. Methods Video-based eye-tracking was conducted with 68 patients with iRBD, 49 with PD, 17 with MSA, and 95 healthy controls (CTRL) performing an interleaved pro-/anti-saccade task that probed sensory, motor, and cognitive processes involved in eye movement control. Results Horizontal saccade and blink behavior was intact in iRBD, but abnormal in PD and MSA. iRBD patients, however, demonstrated reduced pupil dilation size, which closely resembled the changes found in PD and MSA. In the iRBD group, the extent of these pupillary changes appeared to correlate with the degree of hyposmia and reduction in dopamine transporter imaging signal. Conclusions Pupil abnormalities were present in iRBD, but blink and horizontal saccade responses were intact. Future longitudinal studies are required to determine which prodromal pupil abnormalities predict conversion from iRBD to PD or MSA and to identify the time window, in relation to conversion, when horizontal saccade responses become abnormal.
Investigating the Impact of Window Features and Room Layout on Anxiety, Depression, and Analgesic Medication Intake Among Patients: A Pilot Study in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Jafarifiroozabadi Roxana 
Published: February 2025

Objectives This observational, pilot study investigated the impact of room layout (orientation of patient bed toward windows) and window features (blind positions) on patients’ perceived anxiety and depression levels as well as analgesic medication intake in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Background While room layout and window features in patient rooms can impact the effectiveness of windows, there is a paucity of research on how these features can alleviate coexisting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain among hospitalized CICU patients with heart disease. Methodology Blind positions, light, and temperature levels were recorded hourly in south-facing, windowed patient rooms of the same size with parallel or perpendicular patient bed placement to the window in a CICU. Anxiety scores, depression scores, and analgesic medication intake (mg) were obtained daily for 11 patients (22 observation days). Generalized linear models were employed to investigate the relationships between variables. Results Blind positions (open, semiopen, closed) varied throughout patients’ CICU stay across the rooms. Linear models indicated that patients in rooms with predominantly open blinds (hourly frequency ≥ 50% per day) had significantly lower average anxiety ( p = .004) and depression scores ( p = .015), as well as reduced analgesic medication intake ( p < .001) compared to those in rooms with closed blinds. The study found no significant relationships between different room layouts and the measured outcomes. Conclusion Findings underscore the importance of considering environmental factors, such as window features and room layout in CICUs, as nonmedical interventions to enhance patient health during hospitalization.
Feasibility, acceptability, usability and quality of life levels in post-stroke patients undergoing telerehabilitation: Results from a multicentric pilot study
Authors: Cacciante Luisa , Federico Sara , Maistrello Lorenza , Kiper Pawel , De Icco Roberto , Milanesi Tommaso , Tassorelli Cristina , Gatti Roberto , Jonsdottir Johanna , Franceschini Marco , Goffredo Michela , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Turolla Andrea ,   on behalf of The Italian Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Network (RIN) *
Published: February 2025

Objective This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of an integrated multi-domain telerehabilitation (TR) system in stroke patients and to observe whether there are changes in the quality of life (QoL) levels of patients undergoing TR treatments. Methods Patients were enrolled for a longitudinal multicentric pilot study conducted in six Italian research hospitals (IRCCS). The primary outcome was the feasibility of an integrated TR system, assessed by calculating treatment adherence and by collecting data from the Technology Acceptance Model and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Information on time and travel distance savings was also collected. As secondary outcomes, we evaluated changes in QoL levels with the EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and in caregiver burden through the Zarit Burden Inventory. Results We enrolled 84 patients. Our system turned out to be feasible (treatment adherence = 85%), usable (SUS = 73.36/100, classifying it as a ‘good’ system) and well accepted by patients. Quality of life levels improved significantly from pre- to post-treatment (EQ-5D: p = 0.0014; SF-36 general health: p = 0.047). Caregivers perceived little or no significant care burden. Conclusions Telerehabilitation has been confirmed to be a feasible, usable and acceptable solution to guarantee continuity of care and improve accessibility to rehabilitation treatments to post-stroke patients. Furthermore, the strength of TR is in the possibility to improve patients’ QoL, which in turn could impact on functioning.
Burden and Predictors of Incisional Hernia Following Anterior Lumbar Fusion: A National Study
Authors: Avetisian Henry , Abdou Marc , Karakash William , Yoshida Brandon , Wang Jeffrey C. , Hah Raymond J. , Alluri Ram K. 
Published: February 2025

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objectives To determine the incidence and identify independent predictors of incisional hernia following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). Methods The PearlDiver national database was queried to identify patients who underwent ALIF. Patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of an incisional hernia diagnosis. Chi-squared and Student’s t-tests were used to identify demographic and comorbidities between the 2 cohorts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for incisional hernia development. Results A total of 165,110 patients underwent ALIF during the study period, of whom 4164 (2.52%) developed an incisional hernia. The mean and median time to diagnosis were 1093 ± 1030 days and 728 days, respectively. Independent risk factors for incisional hernia included obesity (aOR: 1.19), smoking (aOR: 1.09), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (aOR: 1.25), ascites (aOR: 2.16), surgical site infection (SSI) (aOR: 1.96), malnutrition (aOR:1.56), and two-level ALIF (aOR: 1.12) (all P < 0.05). Conclusion The incidence of incisional hernia following ALIF is 2.52%, with obesity, smoking, COPD, ascites, SSI, malnutrition, and two-level surgeries identified as independent risk factors. Spine surgeons should implement risk mitigation strategies including weight loss, smoking cessation, and nutritional support. Future research should explore the impact of surgical techniques on hernia risk such as open vs minimally invasive ALIF, incision type, and suture methods, on hernia prevention, as well as evaluate the efficacy of targeted rehabilitation protocols in reducing hernia risk.
Anterior Cerebral Artery Strokes with Isolated Supplementary Motor Area Involvement Presenting with Fluctuating Deficits
Authors: Ramesh Rithvik , Ranganathan Lakshmi Narasimhan , Shanmugam Sundar , Hazeena Philo , Avadhani Deepa 
Published: February 2025

Background Strokes involving the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) are known for lower limb predominant weakness and features like motor neglect and alien hand syndrome. While fluctuating neurological deficits are common in middle cerebral artery strokes, they are less reported in ACA territory strokes. This case series presents three patients with waxing and waning weakness in ACA infarcts involving the supplementary motor area (SMA). Methods Three patients with isolated medial parasagittal infarcts involving SMA were included in the study between 2019 and 2024. Clinical assessments, including blood pressure monitoring, imaging (computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), risk factor evaluation and cardiac workup, were done. The fluctuating symptoms were recorded, and no major post-stroke complications were observed. Results All patients exhibited fluctuating neurological deficits, defined as changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥2, with episodes of improvement and worsening before eventual recovery. The infarcts localised to the SMA, suggesting a unique mechanism being involved, similar to the SMA syndrome. This pattern has been termed ‘pendular stroke’, reflecting the oscillating nature of the deficits. Conclusions The fluctuating course observed in these ACA strokes may represent a form of SMA syndrome. Recognising this pattern as ‘pendular stroke’ can guide clinicians to make informed management decisions and avoid unnecessary interventions for transient worsening of symptoms.
An exploratory fetal MRI study examining the impact of 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome on early brain growth
Authors: Cromb Daniel , Finck Tom , Bonthrone Alexandra F. , Uus Alena , Van Poppel Milou , Steinweg Johannes , Lloyd David F , Pushparajah Kuberan , Razavi Reza , Counsell Serena J. , Rutherford Mary 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Improved long-term outcomes, related to advances in surgical and clinical care of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD), has shifted focus onto the accompanying and later-onset cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders in those who also have 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS). 22qDS is itself associated with neurodevelopmental impairments and altered brain growth. However, when brain growth in 22qDS first deviates from normal is unknown, and whether impaired brain development is primarily genetics-driven or a secondary consequence of the underlying CHD remains incompletely understood.

Methods
In this small, exploratory study, we use fetal MRI to assess volumetric brain development in 22qDS by comparing fetal brain morphometry to a set of gestation and sex-matched healthy controls, and a cohort of gestation and sex-matched fetuses with the same CHD diagnoses but without 22q11.2 deletion. Structural T2-weighted fetal brain images were acquired using a 1.5T MRI scanner. MR scanner and sequence parameters were identical in all cohorts. Motion-corrected images underwent segmentation using an automated pipeline developed for fetal brain MRI. Total brain tissue volumes, volumes for four different tissue regions (cortical grey matter, white matter, deep grey matter and cerebellum), cerebrospinal fluid and total intracranial volumes were calculated.

Results
Antenatal imaging was acquired between 29 and 35 weeks gestation. Thirty-three fetuses were included (7 22qDS; 14 isolated CHD; 12 healthy control). White matter volumes were significantly reduced in fetuses with 22qDS compared to control fetuses (p = 0.028), but not to those with CHD without 22q11.2 deletion (p = 0.09). Large effect-sizes were seen between the 22qDS and isolated CHD cohorts (DCohen = 0.81), and between the 22qDS and control cohorts (DCohen = 1.2) for white matter volumes. No significant differences were seen in volumes of other brain regions between groups.

Conclusions
This exploratory study expands our existing knowledge on neurodevelopmental impairments in 22qDS to the fetal period by highlighting reduced white matter volumes compared to gestation and sex-matched control fetuses during this time-period. Our findings suggest that impaired white matter growth in fetuses with both 22qDS and CHD may not be fully explained by any underlying CHD.