bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative whole-body muscle MRI in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies including polymyositis with mitochondrial pathology: indications for a disease spectrum
Authors: Zierer Lea-Katharina , Naegel Steffen , Schneider Ilka , Kendzierski Thomas , Kleeberg Kathleen , Koelsch Anna Katharina , Scholle Leila , Schaefer Christoph , Naegel Arne , Zierz Stephan , Otto Markus , Stoltenburg-Didinger Gisela , Kraya Torsten , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Mensch Alexander 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
Inflammatory myopathies (IIM) include dermatomyositis (DM), sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and overlap myositis (OLM)/antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS). There is also a rare variant termed polymyositis with mitochondrial pathology (PM-Mito), which is considered a sIBM precursor. There is no information regarding muscle MRI for this rare entity. The aim of this study was to compare MRI findings in IIM, including PM-Mito.

Methods
This retrospective analysis included 41 patients (7 PM-Mito, 11 sIBM, 11 PM/ASyS/OLM, 12 IMNM) and 20 healthy controls. Pattern of muscle involvement was assessed by semiquantitative evaluation, while Dixon method was used to quantify muscular fat fraction.

Results
The sIBM typical pattern affecting the lower extremities was not found in the majority of PM-Mito-patients. Intramuscular edema in sIBM and PM-Mito was limited to the lower extremities, whereas IMNM and PM/ASyS/OLM showed additional edema in the trunk. Quantitative assessment showed increased fat content in sIBM, with an intramuscular proximo-distal gradient. Similar changes were also found in a few PM-Mito- and PM/ASyS/OLM patients. In sIBM and PM-Mito, mean fat fraction of several muscles correlated with clinical involvement.

Interpretation
As MRI findings in patients with PM-Mito relevantly differed from sIBM, the attribution of PM-Mito as sIBM precursor should be critically discussed. Some patients in PM/ASyS/OLM and PM-Mito group showed MR-morphologic features predominantly observed in sIBM, indicative of a spectrum from PM/ASyS/OLM toward sIBM. In some IIM subtypes, MRI may serve as a biomarker of disease severity.
Sex impacts treatment decisions in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hegen Harald , Berek Klaus , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas , Enzinger Christian , Guger Michael , Kraus Jörg , Walde Janette , Di Pauli Franziska 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Individual disease-modifying treatment (DMT) decisions might differ between female and male people with MS (pwMS).

Objective
To identify sex-related differences in DMT strategies over the past decades in a real-world setting.

Methods
In this cohort study, data from the Austrian Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Registry (AMSTR), a nationwide prospectively collected registry mandatory for reimbursement, were retrospectively analyzed. Of 4840 pwMS, those with relapsing–remitting MS, aged at least 18 years, who started DMT and had at least two clinical visits, were identified. At baseline, demographics, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the prior 12 months and MRI lesion load were assessed. At follow-up, ARR, EDSS scores, and DMT were determined.

Results
A total of 4224 pwMS were included into the study and had a median of 10 (IQR 5–18) clinical visits over an observation period of 3.5 (IQR 1.5–6.1) years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the probability of DMT escalation due to relapse activity was lower in female than male pwMS (HR 4.1 vs. 8.3 per ARR). Probability of discontinuing moderate-effective DMT was higher in female pwMS when they were younger (HR 1.03 per year), and lower in male pwMS at higher age (HR 0.92). Similarly, female pwMS were more likely to stop highly effective DMT than male pwMS (HR 1.7). Among others, the most frequent reason for DMT discontinuation was family planning in female pwMS. All sex-related effects were independent of disease activity, such as MRI lesion load, baseline ARR or EDSS.

Conclusions
Real-world treatment decisions are influenced by sex-related aspects. Awareness of these associations should prevent unwarranted differences in MS care.
Analysis method useful for calculating various interface stress intensity factors efficiently by using a proportional stress field of a single reference solution modeling
Authors: Oda Kazuhiro , Ashikari Shunsuke , Noda Nao-Aki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper has proposed an efficient analysis method to calculate interface stress intensity factors (SIFs) based on a proportional stress field of a reference problem whose exact solution is available. In the previous proportional methods, the same crack length and the same element size were applied to both reference and unknown problems so that the same FEM error can be produced. Therefore, when analyzing many unknown problems, the conventional method needs to analyze many reference problems at the same time. Since this approach is time-consuming, this paper considers how to calculate many crack lengths efficiently by using only one single reference solution modeling. For this purpose, several general relations of SIFs are derived for the unknown and the reference problems when both crack length and element size are different. To analyze many unknown problems accurately by using a single reference solution modeling, how to choose the most suitable element dimension of the reference model is clarified. The proposed method is especially useful for crack propagation analysis.
Clinical outcomes of patients with CIC-rearranged sarcoma: a single institution retrospective analysis
Authors: Murphy Jacob , Resch Erin E. , Leland Christopher , Meyer Christian F. , Llosa Nicolas J. , Gross John M. , Pratilas Christine A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
CIC-rearranged sarcomas represent a type of undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma (USRCS) characterized by poor survival, rapid development of chemotherapy resistance, and high rates of metastasis. We aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding diagnosis, treatment, clinical course, and outcomes for these patients.

Methods
This case series investigates the clinical courses of ten patients with CIC-rearranged sarcoma treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from July 2014 through January 2024. Clinical data were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical records.

Results
Patients ranged from 10 to 67 years of age at diagnosis, with seven patients presenting with localized disease and three with metastatic disease. Tumors originated from soft tissues of various anatomic locations. Mean overall survival (OS) was 22.1 months (10.6–52.2), and mean progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.7 months (5.3–52.2). Seven patients received intensive systemic therapy with an Ewing sarcoma-directed regimen or a soft tissue sarcoma-directed regimen. Three patients experienced prolonged disease-free survival without systemic treatment.

Conclusion
Most patients in this case series demonstrated aggressive clinical courses consistent with those previously described in the literature, although we note a spectrum of clinical outcomes not previously reported. The diversity of clinical courses underscores the need for an improved understanding of individual tumor biology to enhance clinical decision-making and patient prognosis. Despite its limitations, this article broadens the spectrum of reported clinical outcomes, providing a valuable addition to the published literature on this rare cancer.
Laparoscopic versus open surgery in obstructive colorectal cancer patients following stents placement: a comprehensive meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Zeng Kerui , Zhang Faqiang , Yang Hua , Zha Xiaoying , Fang Shixu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Over the past decade, the use of stent placement as a bridge to surgery (BTS) has emerged as an alternative to emergency surgery for patients with (OCRC). However, the optimal surgical approach remains indeterminate. This study seeks to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a combined treatment modality involving stent placement and laparoscopic surgery for OCRC presenting with malignant obstruction.

Methods
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted until June 2023 to identify studies that compared laparoscopic to open surgery in patients with OCBC following stent insertion.

Results
The meta-analysis incorporated 12 cohort studies, encompassing 933 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the 30-day mortality rates between the two groups (relative risk [RR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26 to 4.48; P = 0.95). Compared to the laparoscopic approach group, the open approach group had a higher rate of overall postoperative complications (POCs) (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.72, P < 0.0001). There was no significant variance in lymph node (LN) dissection number between the groups (mean differences [MD], 1.64; 95% CI − 1.51 to 4.78; P = 0.31). Notably, laparoscopic surgery resulted in less intraoperative blood loss (MD, − 25.84 ml; 95% CI − 52.16 to 0.49; P = 0.05) and a longer operation time (MD, 20.99 mins; 95% CI 2.31 to 39.44; P = 0.03). The laparoscopic approach was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD − 3.29 days; 95% CI − 5.27 to 1.31; P = 0.001). Conversely, the open approach group had a higher rate of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.96, P = 0.04). Although the number of included studies was insufficient to conduct a meta-analysis, several of them imply that laparoscopic surgery may yield more favorable outcomes in terms of the 3-year overall survival rate (OS), 3-year disease-free survival rate (DFS), 5-year OS, and 5-year DFS when compared to open surgery. It is worth noting that these differences lack statistical significance.

Conclusion
In patients with OCRC subjected to stent insertion, laparoscopic surgery arguably presents a modest superiority over open surgery by diminishing the overall postoperative risk and potentially reducing the LOS.
Drought, temperature, and moisture availability: understanding the drivers of isotopic decoupling in native pine species of the Nepalese Himalaya
Authors: Aryal Sugam , Grießinger Jussi , Gaire Narayan Prasad , Bhattarai Tribikram , Bräuning Achim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Himalayas experienced long-term climate changes and recent extreme weather events that affected plant growth and the physiology of tree species at high-elevation sites. This study presents the first statistically robust δ18OTR chronologies for two native pine species, Pinus roxburghii, and Pinus wallichiana, in the lower Nepalese Himalaya. The isotope chronologies exhibited 0.88‰ differences in overall mean isotope values attributed to varying elevations (460–2000 m asl). Comparative analysis of climate response using data sets from different sources and resolutions revealed the superiority of the APHRODITE (Asian Precipitation – Highly-Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation) data set calibrated for the South Asian Summer Monsoon (SASM)-dominated region. Both species exhibited negative correlations with monsoon precipitation and positive correlations with temperature. However, during the peak monsoon season (July-August), daily resolved climate data disentangled statistically insignificant relationships, and revealed that δ18OTR is influenced by atmospheric moisture. Both congeneric species showed a decoupling between the chronologies after 1995. However, no significant change in air moisture origin and monsoon regime between the study sites was observed, indicating a consistent dominant moisture source during different monsoon seasons. Besides, we also observed the decreased inter-series correlation of both δ18OTR chronologies after 1995, with P. wallichiana experiencing a steeper decrease than P. roxburghii. The weakening correlations between and within the chronologies coincided with a regional drought during 1993–1995 in both sites, highlighting the strong regulation of local climate on the impact of regional extreme climate events. Our findings emphasise the importance of employing climate data with optimal spatial and temporal resolution for improved δ18OTR-climate relationships at the intra-annual scale while considering the influence of site-specific local environmental conditions. Assessing climate data sets with station data is vital for accurately interpreting climate change’s impact on forest response and long-term climate reconstructions.
Relative vectoring using dual object detection for autonomous aerial refueling
Authors: Worth Derek , Choate Jeffrey , Lynch James , Nykl Scott , Taylor Clark 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOnce realized, autonomous aerial refueling will revolutionize unmanned aviation by removing current range and endurance limitations. Previous attempts at establishing vision-based solutions have come close but rely heavily on near perfect extrinsic camera calibrations that often change midflight. In this paper, we propose dual object detection, a technique that overcomes such requirement by transforming aerial refueling imagery directly into receiver aircraft reference frame probe-to-drogue vectors regardless of camera position and orientation. These vectors are precisely what autonomous agents need to successfully maneuver the tanker and receiver aircraft in synchronous flight during refueling operations. Our method follows a common 4-stage process of capturing an image, finding 2D points in the image, matching those points to 3D object features, and analytically solving for the object pose. However, we extend this pipeline by simultaneously performing these operations across two objects instead of one using machine learning and add a fifth stage that transforms the two pose estimates into a relative vector. Furthermore, we propose a novel supervised learning method using bounding box corrections such that our trained artificial neural networks can accurately predict 2D image points corresponding to known 3D object points. Simulation results show that this method is reliable, accurate (within 3 cm at contact), and fast (45.5 fps).
Surgical outcome after treatment of thoracolumbar spinal stenosis in adults with achondroplasia
Authors: Urbanschitz Lukas , Jeszenszky Dezsö J. , Ropleato Mario , Fekete Tamás F. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To describe the complications and the outcome of patients with achondroplasia undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients with achondroplasia undergoing surgery within the years 1992–2021 at the thoracic and/or lumbar spine. The outcome was measured by analyzing the surgical complications and revisions. The patient-rated outcome was assessed with the COMI score from 2005 onwards.

Results
A total of 15 patients were included in this study undergoing a total of 31 surgeries at 79 thoracolumbar levels. 12/31 surgeries had intraoperative complications consisting of 11 dural tears and one excessive intraoperative bleeding. 4/18 revision surgeries were conducted due to post-decompression hyperkyphosis. The COMI score decreased from 7.5 IQR 1.4 (range 7.1–9.8) preoperatively to 5.3 IQR 4.1 (2.5–7.5) after 2 years (p = 0.046).

Conclusion
Patients with achondroplasia, the most common skeletal dysplasia condition with short-limb dwarfism, are burdened with a congenitally narrow spinal canal and are commonly in need of spinal surgery. However, surgery in these patients is often associated with complications, namely dural tears and post-decompression kyphosis. Despite these complications, patients benefit from surgical treatment at a follow-up of 2 years after surgery.
Maternal periodontitis may cause lower birth weight in children: genetic evidence from a comprehensive Mendelian randomization study on periodontitis and pregnancy
Authors: Chen Xixiong , Li Xiao , Yang Kun , Fang Jinlin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to comprehensively investigate the potential genetic link between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes using a two-sample Mendelian Randomization approach.

Materials and methods
We employed robust genetic instruments for chronic periodontitis as exposure data from the FinnGen database. Data encompassing various pregnancy stage outcomes, including pre-pregnancy conditions (irregular menstruation, endometriosis, abnormal reproductive bleeding, and female infertility), pregnancy complications (hemorrhage, spontaneous miscarriage, and abnormalities in products), and post-pregnancy factors (single spontaneous delivery, labor duration, and birth weight of the child), were obtained from the UK Biobank. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized to compute primary estimates while diligently assessing potential directional pleiotropy and heterogeneity.

Results
Our findings indicate a negative association between periodontitis and labor duration (odds ratio [OR] = 0.999; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.999 to 1.000; P = 0.017). Individuals with periodontitis are more likely to deliver lower-weight infants (OR = 0.983; 95% CI: 0.972 to 0.995; P = 0.005). We found no evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity in aforementioned two associations. We did not observe casual links with pre-pregnancy conditions and pregnancy complications.

Conclusions
This Mendelian Randomization study underscores the genetic influence of periodontitis on specific adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly concerning labor duration and lower birth weight deliveries.

Clinical relevance
Our study emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining periodontal health during pregnancy and offers genetic evidence supporting these associations. Further investigation is required to delve deeper into the specific underlying mechanisms.
Metacognition in wild Japanese macaques: cost and stakes influencing information-seeking behavior
Authors: Subias Lorraine , Katsu Noriko , Yamada Kazunori 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Metacognition allows us to evaluate memories and knowledge, thus enabling us to distinguish between what we know and what we do not. Studies have shown that species other than humans may possess similar abilities. However, the number of species tested was limited. Testing ten free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) on a task in which they had to find food hidden inside one of the four opaque tubes, we investigated whether these subjects would seek information when needed. The monkeys could look inside the tubes before selecting one. We varied three parameters: the baiting process, the cost that monkeys had to pay to look inside the tubes, and the reward at stake. We assessed whether and how these parameters would affect the monkeys’ tendency to look inside the tube before selecting one. When they were not shown which tube contained the reward, nine monkeys looked significantly more frequently in at least one condition. Half of them tended to reduce their looks when the cost was high, but only when they already knew the location of the reward. When a high-quality reward was at stake, four monkeys tended to look more inside the tubes, even though they already knew the reward’s location. Our results are consistent with those of rhesus macaques, suggesting that metacognitive-like abilities may be shared by Cercopithecidae, and that, at least some monkeys may be aware of their lack of knowledge.
Sensitivity analysis for a dynamic macroeconomic policy game in a monetary union
Authors: Blueschke Dmitri , Blueschke-Nikolaeva Viktoria , Neck Reinhard 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the sensitivity of the results of an earlier paper which presented and analyzed a dynamic game model of a monetary union with coalitions between governments (fiscal policy makers) and a common central bank (monetary policy maker). Here we examine alternative values of the parameters of the underlying model to show how the earlier results depend on the numerical parameter values chosen, which were obtained by calibration instead of econometric estimation. We demonstrate that the main results are qualitatively the same as in the original model for plausible smaller and larger values of the parameters. For the few cases where they differ, we interpret the deviations in economic terms and illustrate the policies and their macroeconomic effects resulting from the change to the parameter under consideration for one of these cases.
Effects of lifestyle factors on job-related stress and stress responses in police officers in Japan
Authors: Sakuma Sayaka , Nogawa Kazuhiro , Watanabe Yuuka , Suwazono Yasushi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stress responses and lifestyle factors of police officers in Japan.

Methods
This study used a cross-sectional design. Of indivudals who underwent legally required health screenings in a Prefectural Police, 9633 men and 1086 women completed the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Then a multivariate analysis for various lifestyle factors was performed with high stress and six stress responses (low vitality, high irritability, high fatigue, high anxiety, substantial depressive feeling, and high somatic symptoms) as dependent variables.

Results
Of the potential covariates, short sleep duration consistently related to various stress and stress responses. The odds ratios of short sleep duration were consistently significant for high stress in men and women, for high irritability in men, for high fatigue in women, for high depressive feeling in men and women, and for high somatic symptoms in men and women. As for factors other than sleep duration, age, rank, marital status, overtime work, and rhythm of daily life were significantly associated with high stress and various stress responses.

Conclusions
The results of this study consistently showed that short sleep duration increases the risk of high stress and stress responses. Overall, more women than men in the police force reported short sleep duration, which may be due to work–family conflicts. Maintaining adequate sleep duration quality would reinforce preventive measures to avoid aggravation of stress status.
Exercise Improves Heart Function after Myocardial Infarction: The Merits of AMPK
Authors: Zhang Xiaodi , Zhao Yi , Guo Dafen , Luo Mingxian , Zhang Qing , Zhang Li , Zhang Dengshen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
AMPK is considered an important protein signaling pathway that has been shown to exert prominent cardioprotective effects on the pathophysiological mechanisms of numerous diseases. Following myocardial infarction, severe impairment of cardiac function occurs, leading to complications such as heart failure and arrhythmia. Therefore, protecting the heart and improving cardiac function are important therapeutic goals after myocardial infarction. Currently, there is substantial ongoing research on exercise-centered rehabilitation training, positioning exercise training as a significant nonpharmacological approach for preventing and treating numerous cardiovascular diseases.

Objective
Previous studies have reported that exercise can activate AMPK phosphorylation and upregulate the AMPK signaling pathway to play a cardioprotective role in coronary artery disease, but the specific mechanism involved remains to be elucidated.

Conclusion
This review discusses the role and mechanism of the exercise-mediated AMPK pathway in improving postinfarction cardiac function through existing studies and describes the mechanism of exercise-induced myocardial repair of AMPK from multiple perspectives to formulate a reasonable and optimal exercise rehabilitation program for the prevention and treatment of myocardial infarction patients in the clinic.