bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Personality Characteristics of Rhinoplasty Patients: Perfectionism, Rumination, and Self-Compassion
Authors: Mete Utku , Demir Uygar Levent , Güllülü Rümeysa Ayşe , Eker Salih Saygin , Duman Fatih , Altun Nadir 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study investigates differences in personality characteristics, including perfectionism, ruminative thinking style, and self-compassion, between individuals who have undergone rhinoplasty and a control group without any history of cosmetic surgery.

Methods
The study included 33 adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty between 2021 and 2023 at Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine Hospital and 33 adult patients who visited our centre for other complaints as a control group. The rhinoplasty group consisted of primary surgical patients with functional and cosmetic concerns, excluding those who sought revision surgery or had only functional problems. The control group consisted of individuals with no prior cosmetic surgery history and no expectations of aesthetic interventions. Psychiatric analysis was performed using Frost multidimensional perfectionism scale, ruminative thinking style questionnaire, and self-compassion scale.

Results
This research revealed that individuals who had rhinoplasty scored higher in perfectionism 109.3 (±23.3) and ruminative thinking 87.9 (±22) compared to those who did not undergo surgery 94.15 (±22.2) and 77.7 (±23), respectively. Additionally, the rhinoplasty group had lower self-compassion scores, 80.4 (±17.3), than the control group, 86.1 (±11.2). Statistically significant differences were observed in perfectionism between the groups (p = 0.009). In rhinoplasty patients, a notably positive correlation was found between perfectionism and ruminative thinking scores (r = 0.482; p = 0.005), while a moderately significant negative correlation was observed between self-compassion and ruminative thinking scores (r = − 0.465; p = 0.006).

Conclusion
Individuals who undergo rhinoplasty generally show increased levels of perfectionism and are more prone to ruminative thinking. They also demonstrate reduced self-compassion compared to non-surgical control groups. Cosmetic surgeons should be aware of these psychological trends and consider using appropriate scales during pre-surgery consultations and follow-up visits. Adopting this informed approach can improve the surgeon–patient relationship and help overcome communication challenges.

Level of Evidence III
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Periocular Asymmetry Index in Caucasian Populations Using Three-dimensional Photogrammetry Assessment
Authors: Ju Xiaojun , Rokohl Alexander C. , Fan Wanlin , Simon Michael , Li Xueting , Hou Xincen , Ukehajdaraj Nexhat , Wawer Matos Philomena A. , Guo Yongwei , Heindl Ludwig M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
To quantitatively assess the periocular asymmetry and investigate its sex and age-related differences in a Caucasian population using three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry.

Method
Standardized 3D photos of the periocular region of 301 Caucasians were taken using the VECTRA M3 3D Imaging System. Standardized landmarks were positioned, and data measurements in the periocular region were obtained from these images using VAM software and assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for reliability. Absolute differences and asymmetry index between the right and the left periocular region were calculated with a focus on gender and age-related differences.

Result
Fissure height asymmetry was positively correlated with age (p < 0.01). Furthermore, reflex distance asymmetry was positively correlated with age in the elderly group (p < 0.05). Absolute differences of upper eyelid crease were 0.65 ± 0.79 mm for females and 0.90 ± 0.94 mm for males (p < 0.05). In the elderly group, the absolute differences of reflex distance were 0.664 ± 0.471 mm for males and 0.470 ± 0.408 mm for females (p < 0.05), while the absolute differences of fissure height were 0.619 ± 0.469 mm and 0.436 ± 0.372 mm, respectively (p < 0.05). All measurements had an inter-rater ICC and intra-rater ICC between 0.761 and 0.957.

Conclusion
Periocular asymmetry is more prominent in older and male people. 3D photogrammetry is a reliable tool to detect periocular asymmetry and might provide an accurate and effective reference for periocular cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery in the clinical routine.

Level of Evidence I
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors. www.springer.com/00266.
Investigating the effect of plant growth regulators in the endodormancy release in apricot by a metabolomic approach
Authors: Guillamón Guillamón Jesús , Andreu-Ardil Laura , Dicenta Federico , Ruiz David , López-Marqués Rosa Laura , Sánchez-Pérez Raquel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEndodormancy is one of the most studied physiological processes in perennial plants like apricot. This period is vital both for the tree survival against the adverse climatic conditions of winter and for obtaining a proper flowering and fruit set. Many studies have remarked the importance of chill accumulation as the limiting factor for endodormancy release. The increase of mean temperatures caused by climate change has been seriously endangering this process during the last decades. Because of this, plant growth regulators for promoting endodormancy release have spread worldwide. However, due to the toxicity and the irregular efficiency, there is a great necessity of developing new environment-friendly regulators for promoting endodormancy release. In this 3-year study, we applied four different commercial plant growth regulators to the Flopría apricot cultivar. Two of them, Broston® and Erger® were the most effective ones to advance endodormancy release. The physiology and biochemistry behind these treatments were studied by a non-target metabolomic and expression analysis in flower buds. Metabolic groups, like phospholipids, only varied in treated samples, whereas others like by-products of L-Phe metabolism, or ABA significantly varied in both types of samples throughout endodormancy release. Finally, to validate these results, solutions of phospholipids, phenylpropanoids, or ABA, among others, were applied for the first time to apricot trees, showing, i.e., that phospholipids treated-trees released from endodormancy two weeks earlier than control. This study aims to be an initial stage for the elaboration of environmentally safe regulators in apricot, with a potential in other Prunus and temperate fruit tree species.
Reduced contrast sensitivity, pattern electroretinogram ratio, and diminished a-wave amplitude in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Friedel Evelyn B. N. , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Beringer Malina , Endres Dominique , Runge Kimon , Maier Simon , Kornmeier Jürgen , Bach Michael , Domschke Katharina , Heinrich Sven P. , Nickel Kathrin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe electroretinogram (ERG), a non-invasive electrophysiological tool used in ophthalmology, is increasingly applied to investigate neural correlates of depression. The present study aimed to reconsider previous findings in major depressive disorder (MDD) reporting (1) a diminished contrast sensitivity and (2) a reduced patten ERG (PERG) amplitude ratio, and additionally, to assess (3) the photopic negative response (PhNR) from the flash ERG (fERG), with the RETeval® device, a more practical option for clinical routine use. We examined 30 patients with a MDD and 42 healthy controls (HC), assessing individual contrast sensitivity thresholds with an optotype-based contrast test. Moreover, we compared the PERG ratio, an established method for early glaucoma detection, between both groups. The handheld ERG device was used to measure amplitudes and peak times of the fERG components including a-wave, b-wave and PhNR in both MDD patients and HCs. MDD patients exhibited diminished contrast sensitivity together with a reduced PERG ratio, compared to HC. With the handheld ERG device, we found reduced a-wave amplitudes in MDD, whereas no significant differences were observed in the fERG b-wave or PhNR between patients and controls. The reduced contrast sensitivity and PERG ratio in MDD patients supports the hypothesis that depression is associated with altered visual processing. The findings underscore the PERG’s potential as a possible objective marker for depression. The reduced a-wave amplitude recorded with the RETeval® system in MDD patients might open new avenues for using handheld ERG devices as simplified approaches for advancing depression research compared to the PERG.
Progression independent of relapse activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis: impact and relationship with secondary progression
Authors: Portaccio Emilio , Betti Matteo , De Meo Ermelinda , Addazio Ilaria , Pastò Luisa , Razzolini Lorenzo , Totaro Rocco , Spitaleri Daniele , Lugaresi Alessandra , Cocco Eleonora , Onofrj Marco , Di Palma Franco , Patti Francesco , Maimone Davide , Valentino Paola , Torri Clerici Valentina , Protti Alessandra , Ferraro Diana , Lus Giacomo , Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Salemi Giuseppe , Granella Franco , Pesci Ilaria , Bergamaschi Roberto , Aguglia Umberto , Vianello Marika , Simone Marta , Lepore Vito , Iaffaldano Pietro , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo , Trojano Maria , Amato Maria Pia ,   the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Register
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objectives
We investigated the occurrence and relative contribution of relapse-associated worsening (RAW) and progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) to confirmed disability accrual (CDA) and transition to secondary progression (SP) in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods
Relapsing-onset MS patients with follow-up > / = 5 years (16,130) were extracted from the Italian MS Registry. CDA was a 6-month confirmed increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. Sustained disability accumulation (SDA) was a CDA with no EDSS improvement in all subsequent visits. Predictors of PIRA and RAW and the association between final EDSS score and type of CDA were assessed using logistic multivariable regression and multivariable ordinal regression models, respectively.

Results
Over 11.8 ± 5.4 years, 16,731 CDA events occurred in 8998 (55.8%) patients. PIRA (12,175) accounted for 72.3% of CDA. SDA occurred in 8912 (73.2%) PIRA and 2583 (56.7%) RAW (p < 0.001). 4453 (27.6%) patients transitioned to SPMS, 4010 (73.2%) out of 5476 patients with sustained PIRA and 443 (24.8%) out of 1790 patients with non-sustained PIRA. In the multivariable ordinal regression analysis, higher final EDSS score was associated with PIRA (estimated coefficient 0.349, 95% CI 0.120–0.577, p = 0.003).

Discussion
In this real-world relapsing-onset MS cohort, PIRA was the main driver of disability accumulation and was associated with higher disability in the long term. Sustained PIRA was linked to transition to SP and could represent a more accurate PIRA definition and a criterion to mark the putative onset of the progressive phase.
Exploratory study to evaluate the acceptability of a wearable accelerometer to assess motor progression in motor neuron disease
Authors: Beswick Emily , Christides Alexander , Symonds Alexander , Johnson Micheaela , Fawcett Thomas , Newton Judith , Lyle Dawn , Weaver Christine , Chandran Siddharthan , Pal Suvankar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMotor neuron disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive condition traditionally assessed using a questionnaire to evaluate physical function, the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R). Its use can be associated with poor sensitivity in detecting subtle changes over time and there is an urgent need for more sensitive and specific outcome measures. The ActiGraph GT9X is a wearable device containing multiple sensors that can be used to provide metrics that represent physical activity. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the initial suitability and acceptability of limb-worn wearable devices to group of people with MND in Scotland. A secondary aim was to explore the preliminary associations between the accelerometer sensor data within the ActiGraph GT9X and established measures of physical function. 10 participants with MND completed a 12-week schedule of assessments including fortnightly study visits, both in-person and over videoconferencing software. Participants wore the device on their right wrist and right ankle for a series of movements, during a 6-min walking test and for a period of 24-h wear, including overnight. Participants also completed an ALSFRS-R and questionnaires on their experience with the devices. 80% of the participants found wearing these devices to be a positive experience and no one reported interference with daily living or added burden. However, 30% of the participants experienced technical issues with their devices. Data from the wearable devices correlated with established measures of physical function.
Temporal dynamics of RAS mutations in circulating tumor DNA in metastatic colorectal cancer: clinical significance of mutation loss during treatment
Authors: Iguchi Kenta , Shiozawa Manabu , Uchiyama Mamoru , Asari Masahiro , Numata Koji , Rino Yasushi , Saito Aya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), RAS mutation loss may occur during the standard-of-care regimen. In this study, we aimed to investigate the temporal dynamics of the RAS gene and its clinical significance.

Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center study that included 82 patients with tissue RAS-mutant (RAS-MT) mCRC who underwent circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) RAS monitoring between January, 2013–April, 2023. Patients were analyzed for the rate of change over time to acquired RAS mutation loss (aRAS-ML) and clinicopathological factors. The prognostic relevance of mutation loss was assessed.

Results
aRAS-ML was detected in 33 (40.2%) patients, 32 of whom had a mutation loss in the first ctDNA RAS assay. Patients with a RAS mutation detected in the first assay had a median time of 8 months until the second ctDNA RAS assay, with 4.5% cases newly converted to aRAS-ML; no new conversions were detected at the third assay. The aRAS-ML group exhibited more single-organ metastases in the target organ during ctDNA measurement (aRAS-ML: 84.8% vs. RAS-MT: 59.2%, p = 0.02). Of the 33 patients with aRAS-ML, seven (21.2%) received anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy, with a median progression-free survival of 8 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that persistent ctDNA RAS mutation was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio: 2.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–6.3, p = 0.02).

Conclusion
The rate of ctDNA mutation loss in patients with RAS-MT mCRC decreases over time. Therefore, using a ctDNA RAS assay early in treatment will assist in challenging the use of EGFR regimens.
Review of the creep constitutive models for rocks and the application of creep analysis in geomechanics
Authors: Tarifard Abolfazl , Török Ákos , Görög Péter 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe creep behavior of rocks has been broadly researched because of its extensive application in geomechanics. Since the time-dependent stability of underground constructions is a critical aspect of geotechnical engineering, a comprehensive understanding of the creep behavior of rocks plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of such structures. Various factors, including stress level, temperature, rock damage, water content, rock anisotropy, etc., can influence rocks’ creep characteristics. One of the main topics in the creep analysis of rocks is the constitutive models, which can be categorized into empirical, component, and mechanism-based models. In this research, the previously proposed creep models were reviewed, and their main characteristics were discussed. The effectiveness of the models in simulating the accelerated phase of rock creep was evaluated by comparing their performance with the creep test results of different types of rocks. The application of rock’s creep analysis in different engineering projects and adopting appropriate creep properties for rock mass were also examined. The primary limitation associated with empirical and classical component models lies in their challenges when it comes to modeling the tertiary phase of rock creep. The mechanism-based models have demonstrated success in effectively simulating the complete creep phases; nevertheless, additional validation is crucial to establish their broader applicability. However, further investigation is still required to develop creep models specific to rock mass. In this paper, we attempted to review and discuss the most recent studies in creep analysis of rocks that can be used by researchers conducting creep analysis in geomechanics.
Histological assessment of a novel de-epithelialization method for connective tissue grafts harvested from the palate. An experimental study in cadavers
Authors: Bara-Gaseni Natalia , Jorba-Garcia Adria , Alberdi-Navarro Javier , Figueiredo Rui , Bara-Casaus Jose-Javier 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to compare the histological outcomes of three distinct de-epithelialization methods used in (connective tissue grafts) CTG harvested from the palate.

Materials and methods
An experimental study using nine cadaver head specimens was carried out to compare 3 different de-epithelialization techniques for CTG. Eighteen samples were randomly allocated to three study groups: bone scraper, diamond bur and extraoral removal with a scalpel. The main outcome variable was the graft surface percentage without epithelium remains. Additionally, the time employed, and the graft thickness were also measured.

Results
Sixteen CTGs were analyzed. The extraoral scalpel group presented a total surface area with no epithelium of 58.84% (22.68) and a mean de-epithelialization time of 3.7 min; the intraoral diamond bur group had 88.24% (41.3) of the surface with no epithelium and took 1.455 min, and the intraoral bone scraper showed 97.98% (5.99) of surface without epithelium and a mean time of 0.815 min (P < 0.05). Histological analysis showed significant differences between the bone scraper and the extraoral group (P = 0.009).

Conclusion
The de-epithelialization technique with a bone scraper seems to be the most effective and fastest de-epithelialization technique for CTG. These findings need to be confirmed in future clinical studies with larger samples.

Clinical relevance
The use of bone scrapers, could be a simple, effective and fast technique to de-epithelialize connective tissue grafts harvested from the palatal area for both novice and experienced surgeons.
Neural Circuit Policies for Virtual Character Control
Authors: Razzaq Waleed , Raza Kashif 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe development of high-stakes decision-making neural agents that interact with complex environments, such as video games, is an important aspect of AI research with numerous potential applications. Reinforcement learning combined with deep learning architectures (DRL) has shown remarkable success in various genres of games. The performance of DRL is heavily dependent upon the neural networks resides within them. Although these algorithms perform well in offline testing but the performance deteriorates in noisy and sub-optimal conditions, creating safety and security issues. To address these, we propose a hybrid deep learning architecture that combines a traditional convolutional neural network with worm brain-inspired neural circuit policies. This allows the agent to learn key coherent features from the environment and interpret its dynamics. The obtained DRL agent was not only able to achieve an optimal policy quickly, but it was also the most noise-resilient with the highest success rate. Our research indicates that only 20 control neurons (12 inter-neurons and 8 command neurons) are sufficient to achieve competitive results. We implemented and analyzed the agent in the popular video game Doom, demonstrating its effectiveness in practical applications.
Factors determining changes in the network of marked hiking trails in the Sudetes
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Krzysztof 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHiking trails are a basic type of tourist infrastructure, which, on the one hand, make areas available for tourist traffic, and on the other hand, can contribute to the protection of the natural environment (if they are well designed and maintained). Owing to the variety of performed functions, their designation is determined by several factors: natural, technical, economic, social. Networks of trails change constantly. The aim of this article is to determine exactly what factors influence transformations within the hiking trail networks and what is their significance. To this end, three study areas in the Sudetes were analysed: one on the Polish side of the Sudetes–the Table (Stołowe) Mountains, and two on the Czech side–the rock town near the village of Sloup v Čechách and the central part of Zlatohorská vrchovina. An analysis of changes in the shape of the networks over time was carried out, as well as surveys of institutions that were responsible for or influenced these transformations. These areas are characterised by a significant level of changes in the trail network. Among the factors influencing these changes, the tourist attractiveness of the area, the resilience of the environment, the intensity of tourism traffic, the environmental transformations associated with it, the history of tourism development and land ownership changes should be considered the most important. At each stage of forming networks, the key factor should be tourists’ needs, including the desire to escape the urbanised environment. For this reason, trails should avoid roads with artificial (hard) surfaces and heavy automobile traffic.
Coherent beam combining of two all-PM thulium-doped fiber chirped pulse amplifiers
Authors: Ren Bo , Chang Hongxiang , Li Can , Wang Tao , Jin Kaikai , Zhang Jiayi , Guo Kun , Su Rongtao , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we report a coherent beam combining (CBC) system that involves two thulium-doped all-polarization maintaining (PM) fiber chirped pulse amplifiers. Through phase-locking the two channels via a fiber stretcher by using the stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm, a maximum average power of 265 W is obtained, with a CBC efficiency of 81% and a residual phase error of λ/17. After de-chirping by a pair of diffraction gratings, the duration of the combined laser pulse is compressed to 690 fs. Taking into account the compression efficiency of 90% and the main peak energy proportion of 91%, the corresponding peak power is calculated to be 4 MW. The laser noise characteristics before and after CBC are examined, and the results indicate that the CBC would degrade the low frequency relative intensity noise (RIN), of which the integration is 1.74% in [100 Hz, 2 MHz] at the maximum combined output power. In addition, the effects of the nonlinear spectrum broadening during chirped pulse amplification on the CBC efficiency are also investigated, showing that a higher extent of pulse stretching is effective in alleviating the spectrum broadening and realizing a higher output power with decent combining efficiency.

Graphical Abstract