bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries in northern Spain
Authors: Goiri Fátima , González Mikel A. , Cevidanes Aitor , Barandika Jesús F. , García-Peréz Ana L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Mosquitoes inhabiting urban green spaces and cemeteries in Europe represent a crucial facet of public health concern and contribute to the ecological balance. As urbanization intensifies, these areas increasingly serve as vital habitats for various mosquito species, fostering breeding grounds and increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Methods
A study was conducted in the three main cities (inland, coastal, and estuarine) of the Basque Country, northern Spain, to investigate the species composition, abundance, dynamic populations, larval habitats, and host preferences of mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries. CDC traps and dipping were used to collect mosquitoes for 2 years (2019–2020).

Results
A total of 21 mosquito species were identified, with Culex pipiens s.l. being the most abundant and widespread. The three ecological forms of Cx. pipiens were found, and Cx. pipiens pipiens was the most common in both green areas and cemeteries. Morphological identification together with molecular tools identified 65 COI sequences with high homology. The highest species richness was found in the inland city, followed by the coastal city and the estuarine city. Mosquito abundance was significantly higher in green areas compared to cemeteries and in the coastal and estuarine cities compared to the inland city. The investigation of larval breeding sites highlighted the dominance of Cx. pipiens s.l., particularly in semi-artificial ponds, diverse water-holding containers (tyres and buckets) and drainage systems in green areas; in cemeteries, most of the larvae were found in flowerpots and funerary urns. Seasonal activity exhibited variable peaks in mosquito abundance in the different cities, with a notable increase in July or August. Additionally, blood meal analysis revealed that Cx. pipiens s.l. fed on several common urban avian species.

Conclusions
Studies on mosquitoes are essential to understand their role in disease transmission and to design targeted and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the associated risks.

Graphical Abstract
Esophageal bronchogenic cyst treated with submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection: two case reports
Authors: Sha Hui , Jiang Zong-Dan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Although esophageal bronchogenic cysts are benign diseases, they may be accompanied by serious complications and have the possibility of recurrence. Therefore, once confirmed, it is necessary to treat the esophagobronchial cyst when the contraindication is excluded. Endoscopic treatment is usually used for lesions with small diameter and shallow origin, and has the advantages of small surgical trauma and risk, which can reduce the psychological burden of patients to a certain extent, help them to recover quickly, and lower hospital costs.

Case presentation
Case 1 is a 54-year-old Han Chinese man admitted to our hospital who complained of difficulty swallowing in the past 6 months. Case 2 is a 41-year-old Han Chinese man who was hospitalized in the past 3 months due to chest discomfort. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic cystic lesion arising from the muscularis propria. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection was performed using a dual knife, and a cystic mass was observed between the mucosa and the muscular layers of the esophagus. On locating the cyst, an incision was made on the oral side of the lesion for evacuation. The cyst wall was excised using endoscopic argon plasma coagulation. We successfully removed the esophageal bronchogenic cyst lesion in the intrinsic muscle layer using submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection.

Conclusion
Esophageal bronchogenic cysts are rare in clinical practice and lack specificity in clinical manifestations. Multiple methods can be used to determine the location and nature of the lesion and ultimately determine the treatment plan. Surgical resection and endoscopic treatment are two different treatment methods, and appropriate treatment plans need to be selected on the basis of the origin layer, size, and relationship with the esophagus of the lesion to reduce complications and improve prognosis.
Assessing microbially mediated vivianite as a novel phosphorus and iron fertilizer
Authors: Eshun Lordina Ekua , García-López Ana Maria , Recena Ramiro , Coker Victoria , Shaw Samuel , Lloyd Jonathan , Delgado Antonio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Microorganisms can transform phosphorus (P)-enriched iron (Fe)-oxide sludge into products with higher P concentration or can directly promote the precipitation of P-rich compounds from water. However, there is no evidence of these products’ efficiency as fertilizers. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of microbially mediated vivianite (biovivianite) as P and Fe fertilizer for durum wheat and white lupin, respectively.

Results
To this end, two completely randomized block experiments were conducted with wheat (phosphorus (P) experiment) and white lupin (iron (Fe) experiment). The P and Fe sources used included biovivianite produced by microbial reduction of P-containing ferrihydrite at pH 6.5 (VivInsol6.5) and pH 7.0 (VivInsol7.0), biovivianite produced with soluble Fe(III) citrate (C6H5FeO7) in the presence of soluble phosphate at pH 7 (VivSol), and vivianite from a commercial company (ComViv). Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) was used as a reference fertilizer in the P experiment, and Fe-EDDHA and Fe(II)-sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O) were used in the Fe experiment. Total P uptake by wheat plants from the product dominated by vivianite and phosphate-green rust (VivSol) was not significantly different from KH2PO4. The relative P use efficiency, i.e., the equivalence in terms of P recovery of VivSol was 74% of KH2PO4, making VivSol the effective P source for durum wheat among the products tested (aside from KH2PO4). For Fe uptake, product dominated by vivianite and metavivianite (VivInsol7.0), was the most effective Fe source for white lupin followed by Fe-EDDHA, ComViv, and VivSol with VivInsol6.5 as the least effective but without significant differences with Fe(II)-sulfate. The average crystallite sizes of the biovivianite were 59 nm, 63 nm, and 66 nm for VivSol, VivInsol7.0, and VivInsol6.5, respectively.

Conclusions
The mineral constituents of the biovivianite coupled with their nano-crystallite sizes explained its effectiveness as P and Fe fertilizers. The results reveal that biovivianite production is a novel way of producing efficient P and Fe fertilizers from P-enriched Fe sludge or P-rich water. Thus, it can be used for producing fertilizers with high P and Fe concentrations from water purification, providing new tools for a circular economy approach in the use of a non-renewable resource such as P.

Graphical Abstract
Fungal and bacterial communities and their associations in snow-free and snow covered (sub-)alpine Pinus cembra forest soils
Authors: Probst Maraike , Telagathoti Anusha , Mandolini Edoardo , Peintner Ursula 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Europe,Pinus cembraforests cover subalpine and alpine areas and they are of high conservational and ecological relevance. These forests experience strong seasonality with alternating snow-free and snow covered periods. AlthoughP. cembrais known for mycorrhization and mycorrhizae usually involve fungi, plants and bacteria, the community compositions of fungi and bacteria and their associations in (sub-)alpineP. cembraforests remain vastly understudied. Here, we studied the fungal and bacterial community compositions in three independent (sub-)alpineP. cembraforests and inferred their microbial associations using marker gene sequencing and network analysis. We asked about the effect of snow cover on microbial compositions and associations. In addition, we propose inferring microbial associations across a range of filtering criteria, based on which we infer well justified, concrete microbial associations with high potential for ecological relevance that are typical forP. cembraforests and depending on snow cover.ResultsThe overall fungal and bacterial community structure was comparable with regards to both forest locations and snow cover. However, occurrence, abundance, and diversity patterns of several microbial taxa typical forP. cembraforests differed among snow-free and snow covered soils, e.g.Russula, TetracladiumandPhenoliphera.Moreover, network properties and microbial associations were influenced by snow cover. Here, we present concrete microbial associations on genus and species level that were repeatedly found across microbial networks, thereby confirming their ecological relevance. Most importantly, ectomycorrhizal fungi, such asBasidioascus, PseudotomentellaandRhizopogon,as well as saprobicMortierellachanged their bacterial association partners depending on snow cover.ConclusionThis is the first study researching fungal-bacterial associations across several (sub-)alpineP. cembraforests. The poorly investigated influence of snow cover on soil fungi and bacteria, especially those mycorrhizingP. cembraroots, but also saprobic soil organisms, underlines the relevance of forest seasonality. Our findings highlight that the seasonal impact of snow cover has significant consequences for the ecology of the ecosystem, particularly in relation to mycorrhization and nutrient cycling. It is imperative to consider such effects for a comprehensive understanding of the functioning resilience and responsiveness of an ecosystem.
A combination of suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone using a custom-made needle and intravitreal Ziv-aflibercept every eight weeks to manage naïve/denovo central DME: a single-center retrospective case series
Authors: Marashi Ameen , Baba Marwa , Abu Ghedda Sedra , Kitaz Mohammad Nour , Zazo Aya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown promising effects of combining intravitreal bevacizumab and suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone acetonide in treating DME. However, further research is needed.

Objective
To assess the efficacy and safety of combining both intravitreal Ziv-aflibercept and suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone acetonide using a custom-made needle in naïve and de novo central diabetic macular edema (DME) patients every eight weeks for 24 weeks.

Methods
Central macular thickness was measured via spectral domain-optical coherence tomography, and best-corrected visual acuity was measured via a Snellen chart at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks postinjection. Additionally, cataract progression, intraocular pressure (IOP), and ocular safety were analyzed.

Results
A total of 10 eyes of 6 patients were treated with suprachoroidal injections of triamcinolone acteonid combined with an intravitreal injection of Ziv-aflibercept. Vision improved from 0.69 log minimum angle of resolution (MAR) at baseline to 0.39 log MAR after treatment. Central macular thickness significantly decreased from 462.3 ± 166 μm at baseline to 362.7 ± 77.6 μm at 24 weeks postinjection.

Conclusion
Suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone using a custom-made needle with the intravitreal agent Ziv-aflibercept to treat de novo/naïve central DME has favorable outcomes and adequate safety results. Moreover, this study demonstrated the benefit of adapting the previous treatment combination for extending the interval between anti-VEGF treatments from 4 to 8 weeks, which could prevent further expenses, especially in low-income countries.However, large multicenter randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to assess this treatment route, especially in low-income and resourced countries.
Improved automated one-pot two-step radiosynthesis of (S)-[18F]FETrp, a radiotracer for PET imaging of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)
Authors: Maisonial-Besset Aurélie , Kryza David , Kopka Klaus , Levesque Sophie , Moreau Emmanuel , Wenzel Barbara , Chezal Jean-Michel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
(S)-[18F]FETrp is a promising PET radiotracer for imaging IDO1 activity, one of the main enzymes involved in the tryptophan metabolism that plays a key role in several diseases including cancers. To date, the radiosynthesis of this tryptophan analogue remains highly challenging due to partial racemization occurring during the nucleophilic radiofluorination step. This work aims to develop a short, epimerization-free and efficient automated procedure of (S)-[18F]FETrp from a corresponding enantiopure tosylate precursor.

Results
Enantiomerically pure (S)- and (R)-FETrp references as well as tosylate precursors (S)- and (R)-3 were obtained from corresponding Na-Boc-(L and D)-tryptophan in 2 and 4 steps, respectively. Manual optimisation of the radiolabelling conditions resulted in > 90% radiochemical conversion with more than 99% enantiomeric purity. Based on these results, the (S)-[18F]FETrp radiosynthesis was fully automated on a SynChrom R&D EVOI module to produce the radiotracer in 55.2 ± 7.5% radiochemical yield, 99.9% radiochemical purity, 99.1 ± 0.5% enantiomeric excess, and molar activity of 53.2 ± 9.3 GBq/µmol (n = 3).

Conclusions
To avoid racemisation and complicated purification processes, currently encountered for the radiosynthesis of (S)-[18F]FETrp, we report herein significant improvements, including a versatile synthesis of enantiomerically pure tosylate precursor and reference compound and a convenient one-pot two-step automated procedure for the radiosynthesis of (S)-[18F]FETrp. This optimised and robust production method could facilitate further investigations of this relevant PET radiotracer for imaging IDO1 activity.
Diffusion tensor imaging in anisotropic tissues: application of reduced gradient vector schemes in peripheral nerves
Authors: Foesleitner Olivia , Sulaj Alba , Sturm Volker , Kronlage Moritz , Preisner Fabian , Kender Zoltan , Bendszus Martin , Szendroedi Julia , Heiland Sabine , Schwarz Daniel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
In contrast to the brain, fibers within peripheral nerves have distinct monodirectional structure questioning the necessity of complex multidirectional gradient vector schemes for DTI. This proof-of-concept study investigated the diagnostic utility of reduced gradient vector schemes in peripheral nerve DTI.

Methods
Three-Tesla magnetic resonance neurography of the tibial nerve using 20-vector DTI (DTI20) was performed in 10 healthy volunteers, 12 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 12 age-matched healthy controls. From the full DTI20 dataset, three reduced datasets including only two or three vectors along the x- and/or y- and z-axes were built to calculate major parameters. The influence of nerve angulation and intraneural connective tissue was assessed. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC-AUC) was used for analysis.

Results
Simplified datasets achieved excellent diagnostic accuracy equal to DTI20 (ROC-AUC 0.847–0.868, p ≤ 0.005), but compared to DTI20, the reduced models yielded mostly lower absolute values of DTI scalars: median fractional anisotropy (FA) ≤ 0.12; apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ≤ 0.25; axial diffusivity ≤ 0.96, radial diffusivity ≤ 0.07). The precision of FA and ADC with the three-vector model was closest to DTI20. Intraneural connective tissue was negatively correlated with FA and ADC (r ≥ -0.49, p < 0.001). Small deviations of nerve angulation had little effect on FA accuracy.

Conclusions
In peripheral nerves, bulk tissue DTI metrics can be approximated with only three predefined gradient vectors along the scanner’s main axes, yielding similar diagnostic accuracy as a 20-vector DTI, resulting in substantial scan time reduction.

Relevance statement
DTI bulk tissue parameters of peripheral nerves can be calculated with only three predefined gradient vectors at similar diagnostic performance as a standard DTI but providing a substantial scan time reduction.

Key points
• In peripheral nerves, DTI parameters can be approximated using only three gradient vectors.
• The simplified model achieves a similar diagnostic performance as a standard DTI.
• The simplified model allows for a significant acceleration of image acquisition.
• This can help to introduce multi-b-value DTI techniques into clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract
Surgical management of spontaneous posterior fossa hematoma: predictors of the neurological outcome
Authors: Saad Mahmoud , Ali Hanee , Mowafy Ali A. , Badran Mohamed , Taha Ahmed Naguib , Amen Mohamed Mohsen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
To detect demographic, clinical, and radiological predictors of patient outcomes and prognosis in spontaneous cerebellar hematoma patients that may guide accurate decision making.

Methods
This retrospective study was conducted on 45 patients with spontaneous cerebellar hematoma who underwent surgical treatment. The patient data including demographics (age, gender), preoperative consciousness at the time of admission, medical comorbidities (HTN, DM), radiological findings (location, volume, and diameter of the cerebellar hematoma, hydrocephalus, compression of the fourth ventricle, effacement of the quadrigeminal cistern, intraventricular hematoma, tight posterior fossa, and brain stem compression), and treatment methods were collected and correlated with prognosis. Outcome assessment was done using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), classified into good outcome (favorable result; GOS > 4) and poor outcome (unfavorable result; GOS < 4).

Results
There was a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.030) between the time to surgery and GOS, with more favorable outcomes in patients who underwent early surgery compared to late surgery. Unfavorable outcomes were detected in patients with higher Taneda grade and Kirollos grade, and both were statistically significant (p = 0.001). The presence of hydrocephalus and/or brainstem compression had a statistically significant (p < 0.001) negative impact on outcomes. Patients with extensive IVH had an unfavorable outcome compared to other patients (p = 0.016). The mortality rate in our study was 28.9%.

Conclusions
Surgical management of spontaneous cerebellar hematoma is challenging. Many factors influence the appropriate decision making and surgical outcome. Predictors of an unfavorable outcome include the level of consciousness at admission, delayed time to surgery, a higher grade of 4th ventricular effacement (Kirollos) and quadrigeminal cistern effacement (Taneda), extensive IVH, hydrocephalus, and brainstem compression (statistically significant). There was no statistical significance regarding gender, age, hematoma volume, or hematoma diameter in relation to an unfavorable outcome.
3T multiparametric MRI’s accuracy in detecting prostate cancer using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) version 2.1 with prostate biopsy as a reference
Authors: Dhulaimi Mohammad Abdullah , Aldarmasi Moroj Ahmad , Almasri Areen Ghazi , Mosharraf Syed Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is valuable in detecting prostate cancer due to its high sensitivity to malignant lesions. It is commonly utilized to improve the identification of clinically significant cancers within the prostate. This study aimed to correlate the findings from 3T multiparametric MRI of the prostate using the updated Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PIRADSv2.1) from 2019 with reference to prostate biopsy results. Additionally, PIRADSv2.1 was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the 3T multiparametric MRI of the prostate.

Methods and materials
A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary center, wherein we identified patients who underwent a prostate biopsy between June 2019 and June 2021 and had a corresponding MRI of the prostate performed at the same institution, evaluated with PIRADSv2.1 criteria.

Results
A total of 50 patients were eligible for final analysis. The prevalence of prostate cancer was 69% (95% confidence interval (CI) 54–81%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for 3T multiparametric MRI of the prostate using PIRADSv2.1 to diagnose prostate cancer; the area under the ROC curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.68–0.95, p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the 3T multiparametric prostate MRI using PIRADSv2.1 were 74.0%, 87.0%, 92.9%, and 59.1%, respectively.

Conclusions
PIRADSv2.1 exhibited good overall performance in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Modeling life expectancy and cost effectiveness for UHPC bridge retrofitting techniques
Authors: Hossain Abid , Chang Carlos M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBridge components are subject to both structural loads and environmental stressors, rendering them susceptible to accelerated deterioration and potential collapse in the absence of effective maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. Moreover, the phenomenon of wet-dry cycling, coupled with elevated chloride concentrations prevalent in coastal regions, further expedites the degradation process of bridges, thereby escalating maintenance frequency and repair costs. In response to this challenge, the integration of innovative materials such as Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is being explored for the development and implementation of maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. This study presents a comparative analysis between conventional methods and UHPC applications for bridge repairs, utilizing Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to encompass both agency and user costs, and applies Monte Carlo simulation to account for the variability of the modeling factors. A practical case study illustrates the applicability of the LCCA methodology, revealing that the utilization of UHPC contributes to a reduction in the total life cycle cost for bridge maintenance and rehabilitation. Life expectancy, Average Daily Traffic (ADT), and the duration of construction activities during rehabilitation emerge as the most influential factors affecting life cycle costs. The main contributions of the study are the development of the life-expectancy model and step-by-step Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) methodology. Findings from this study aim to identify cost-effective retrofitting techniques for maintaining bridges in a “State of Good Repair.”