bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of a 3D CZT and conventional SPECT/CT system for quantitative Lu-177 SPECT imaging
Authors: Nuttens Victor , Schramm Georg , D’Asseler Yves , Koole Michel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Next-generation SPECT/CT systems with CdZnTe (CZT) digital detectors in a ring-like setup are emerging to perform quantitative Lu-177 SPECT imaging in clinical routine. It is essential to assess how the shorter acquisition time might affect the image quality and uncertainty on the mean absorbed dose of the tumors and organs at risk compared to a conventional system.

Methods
A NEMA Image Quality phantom was scanned with a 3D CZT SPECT/CT system (Veriton, by Spectrum Dynamics) using 6 min per bed position and with a conventional SPECT/CT system (Symbia T16, by Siemens) using 16 min per bed position. The sphere-to-background ratio was 12:1 and the background activity concentration ranged from 0.52 to 0.06 MBq/mL. A clinical reconstruction protocol for dosimetry purposes was determined for both systems by maximizing the sphere-to-background ratio while keeping the coefficient of variation of the background as low as possible. The corresponding image resolution was determined by the matching filter method and used for a dose uncertainty assessment of both systems following an established uncertainty model..

Results
The optimized iterative reconstruction protocol included scatter and attenuation correction for both systems and detector response modeling for the Siemens system. For the 3D CZT system, 6 iterations and 8 subsets were combined with a Gaussian post-filter of 3 mm Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) for post-smoothing. For the conventional system, 16 iterations and 16 subsets were applied with a Gaussian post-smoothing filter of 1 mm FWHM. For these protocols, the sphere-to-background ratio was 18.5% closer to the true ratio for the conventional system compared to the 3D CZT system when considering the four largest spheres. Meanwhile, the background coefficient of variation was very similar for both systems. These protocols resulted in SPECT image resolution of 14.8 mm and 13.6 mm for the 3D CZT and conventional system respectively. Based on these resolution estimates, a 50% dose uncertainty corresponded to a lesion volume of 28 mL for the conventional system and a lesion volume of 33 mL for the 3D CZT system.

Conclusions
An optimized reconstruction protocol for a Veriton system with 6 min of acquisition time per bed position resulted in slightly higher dose uncertainties than a conventional Symbia system using 16 min of acquisition time per bed position. Therefore, a 3D CZT SPECT/CT allows to significantly reduce the acquisition times with only a very limited impact on dose uncertainties such that quantitative Lu-177 SPECT/CT imaging becomes much more accessible for treatment concurrent dosimetry. Nevertheless, the uncertainty of SPECT-based dose estimates remains high.
Lifestyle and eating habits changes among adults during COVID-19 era in Egypt: a population-based study
Authors: Mohammed Salah Gabal Hebat-Allah , Manzour Ayat F. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The 2019 recent Coronavirus is without a doubt one of the most complicated viruses to ever pose a threat to humanity. Numerous viral containment strategies forced sedentary behaviors and dietary changes that would–otherwise- increase the chances of acquiring non-communicable diseases.

Objectives
The objectives of the current study are to identify any changes in eating behaviors through the Mediterranean Diet Adherence in a sample of Egyptians throughout the COVID-19 era.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was done on a sample of 205 Egyptians by an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included socio-demographic factors, self-reported weights and heights, a validated Arabic form of the well-known International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), a validated Arabic version of 14-items Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), in addition to a section assessing dietetic changes. The data was then analyzed using the SPSS version 20 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences).

Results
The majority of the study sample were females (74.6%); had a high level of education (93.2%); and about 75% were married. Most of the participants were non-smokers, with around a 7% increased frequency of smoking after the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast food consumption was also reported by a major percentage of study participants (60%). Low Mediterranean Diet Adherence was found in 52.7%. Moreover, Physical Activity (PA) decreased to 61%. Moreover, there was a statistically significant increase seen in the participants’ BMI as well as the number of sleeping hours (p = 0.001 and 0.043 respectively) after the pandemic. Both changed hunger sensation and any changes in physical activity were significantly associated with increased BMI (p < 0.001).

Conclusion and recommendations
A substantial proportion of the participants showed unhealthy changes in their dietary habits as well as physical activity. Consequently, this calls for urgent public health policies and interventions to guard against the consequences of such unhealthy behaviors.
Assessing One Health capacities for transboundary zoonotic diseases at the Libya-Tunisia border
Authors: Miller Lauren N. , Saadawi Walid K. , Hamouda Wafa Ben , Elgari Ahmed S. , Abdulkarim Emaduldin A. , Lmrabet Ashur M. M. , Elbukhmari Abir E. , Harabech Kaouther , Jemai Ammar Ali , Farhat Milad , Al-Azab Rasha , Zorgani Abdulaziz , Elamher Omar , Al Sanouri Tarek , Standley Claire J. , Sorrell Erin M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe dynamic nature of zoonotic emergence, spillover and spread necessitates multisectoral coordination beyond national borders to encompass cross-boundary and regional cooperation. Designated points of entry (POEs), specifically ground crossings, serve as critical locales for establishing and maintaining robust prevention, detection, notification, coordination, and response mechanisms to transboundary emerging and re-emerging disease threats. In order to better assess One Health capacities for transboundary zoonotic diseases (TZD) prevention, detection and response we adapted an existing tool, One Health Systems Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHSAPZ), for a cross-border, POE setting in North Africa.MethodsThe One Health Transboundary Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHTAPZ) tool was used to support prioritization of transboundary zoonoses and analyze operational capacities between national and subnational-level human and animal health stakeholders from Libya and Tunisia. Country partners jointly identified and prioritized five TZDs of concern. Case study scenarios for each priority pathogen were used to elicit current disease operations, as well as multisectoral and bilateral engagement networks. Finally, a gap analysis was performed to determine bilateral strengths and weaknesses to TZDs.ResultsThe five priority TZDs jointly confirmed to undergo One Health assessment were avian influenza (low and high pathogenic strains); brucellosis; Rift Valley fever; Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever; and rabies. Using the qualitative information collected, a transboundary systems map schematic was developed outlining the movement of human patients, animals, diagnostic samples, and routes of communication and coordination both within and between countries for zoonotic diseases.ConclusionsAnalysis of current operations (prevention, detection, surveillance, laboratory capacity, quarantine/isolation, and response) and the resulting transboundary systems map schematic helped identify existing capacity strengths for certain priority pathogens, as well as challenges to timely information-sharing and coordination. We developed targeted recommendations to address these limitations for joint action planning between Libya and Tunisia.
A DoE-based development and characterization of Nadifloxacin-loaded transethosomal gel for the treatment of Acne vulgaris
Authors: Patil Sujeet , Dandagi Panchaxari M. , Kazi Taufik , Hulyalkar Sujay , Biradar Prakash , Kumbar Vijay 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The objective of this current research was to enhance the topical delivery of Nadifloxacin (NDFX) by incorporating it into a transethosomal gel formulation. NDFX has limited penetration into the deep layer of the skin because it is poorly water soluble and it has a log p value of 2.47. To optimize the formulation, the “Box–Behnken design” was utilized. The independent variables included phosphatidylcholine 90, tween 80 and ethanol. The produced formulations underwent evaluation for entrapment efficiency, vesicle size and zeta potential. The optimized formulation was then incorporated into suitable gel bases and subjected to further investigation, including in vitro diffusion, ex vivo penetration, in vitro antimicrobial assay and in vivo anti-acne activity.

Results
The optimized formulation exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 80.12%, a vesicle size of 156.1 nm and a zeta potential of − 33.23 mV. TEM images confirmed the presence of encapsulated vesicles with a spherical shape. The in vitro diffusion study demonstrated that the transethosomal gel containing Carbopol 934 (1%) exhibited higher drug release compared to the HPMC K4M gels. Furthermore, the ex vivo permeation study revealed that the optimized transethosomal gel demonstrated increased permeation compared to the commercially available formulation.

Conclusion
The optimized transethosomal formulation displayed enhanced in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo anti-acne effects against Propionibacterium acnes in Wistar albino rats when compared to the marketed formulation.
Long-Term Glucocorticoid Exposure and Incident Cardiovascular Diseases—The Lifelines Cohort
Authors: van der Valk Eline S , Mohseni Mostafa , Iyer Anand M , van den Hurk Maartje J B , Lengton Robin , Kuckuck Susanne , Wester Vincent L , Leenen Pieter J M , Dik Willem A , Visser Jenny A , Kavousi Maryam , Mirzaian Mina , van den Berg Sjoerd A A , van Rossum Elisabeth F C 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
Long-term glucocorticoid levels in scalp hair (HairGCs), including cortisol and the inactive form cortisone, represent the cumulative systemic exposure to glucocorticoids over months. HairGCs have repeatedly shown associations with cardiometabolic and immune parameters, but longitudinal data are lacking.

Design
We investigated 6341 hair samples of participants from the Lifelines cohort study for cortisol and cortisone levels and associated these to incident cardiovascular diseases (CVD) during 5 to 7 years of follow-up. We computed the odds ratio (OR) of HairGC levels for incident CVD via logistic regression, adjusting for classical cardiovascular risk factors, and performed a sensitivity analysis in subcohorts of participants &lt; 60 years and ≥ 60 years of age. We also associated HairGC levels to immune parameters (total leukocytes and subtypes).

Results
Hair cortisone levels (available in n = 4701) were independently associated with incident CVD (P &lt; .001), particularly in younger individuals (multivariate-adjusted OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.91-9.07 per point increase in 10-log cortisone concentration [pg/mg], P &lt; .001). All immune parameters except eosinophils were associated with hair cortisone (all multivariate-adjusted P &lt; .05).

Conclusion
In this large, prospective cohort study, we found that long-term cortisone levels, measured in scalp hair, represent a relevant and significant predictor for future CVD in younger individuals. These results highlight glucocorticoid action as possible treatment target for CVD prevention, where hair glucocorticoid measurements could help identify individuals that may benefit from such treatments.
A Retrospective Cohort of Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia and Case Series of Malignant Disease
Authors: Hoong Caroline Wei Shan , Sfeir Jad , Algeciras-Schimnich Alicia , Clarke Bart Lyman 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare condition with evidence mostly derived from case reports and case series.

Objective
We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of a large cohort of patients diagnosed with TIO, with a focus on patients with nonlocalizing and malignant TIO.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort of patients with TIO in an academic medical center, diagnosed between January 1998 and May 2023. We describe their demographics, biochemistries, tumor features, localization, treatment, and complications.

Results
Of 68 patients diagnosed with TIO, 49 (72%) were localizing and 5 (7.4%) were malignant. Of 50 patients who attempted localizing procedures, 29 (58%) achieved cure. Twenty (40%) had persistent disease due to the wrong tumor targeted, or refractory or recurrent tumors, despite up to 6 procedural attempts. There was no difference in demographics, phosphorus, or baseline fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) levels between localizing vs nonlocalizing groups, and malignant vs nonmalignant groups. The lower extremity was the commonest site of localization (37%), with 47% in bone and 53% in soft tissue. Sixty percent of malignant cases were located in the trunk. Tumor size correlated with peak FGF23 (R = 0.566, P &lt; .001) but was not associated with malignancy risk (P = .479). A cut-off FGF23 of &gt;20 times upper limit of normal in the presence of normal renal function (P = .025) and recurrence after initial cure (P = .013) were factors significantly associated with malignancy. The nonlocalizing group had lower survival than the localizing group (P = .0097).

Conclusion
TIO is a condition with significant morbidity. Very high FGF23 levels and disease recurrence are associated with malignant disease. Reasons behind the observation of higher mortality in nonlocalizing TIO should be further explored.
A Potent Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody to Human Growth Hormone Suppresses Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Female Rats
Authors: Hata Tomoyuki , Uematsu Yoshikatsu , Sugita Ayumi , Adachi Hisashi , Kato Sayaka , Hirate Maki , Ishikura Kei-ichiro , Kaku Ayaka , Ohara Hiroki , Kojima Naoki , Takahashi Teisuke , Kurokawa Tomofumi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Acromegaly and gigantism are disorders caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH), usually from pituitary adenomas. Although somatostatin analogues (SSA), dopamine agonists, and GH receptor antagonists are important therapeutic agents, all of these have issues with their effectiveness, safety, and/or convenience of use. To overcome these, we developed a GH-specific potent neutralizing a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) named 13H02. 13H02 selectively bound both to human and monkey GH with high affinity, and strongly inhibited the biological activity of GH in the Nb2 rat lymphoma cell proliferation assay. In hypophysectomized/GH-supplemented rats, a single subcutaneous administration of 13H02 significantly and dose-dependently lowered the serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels. To pursue the therapeutic potential of this antibody for acromegaly and gigantism, we humanized 13H02 to reduce its immunogenicity and applied a single amino acid mutation in the Fc region to extend its serum half-life. The resulting antibody, Hu-13H02m, also showed GH-specific neutralizing activity, similar to the parental 13H02, and showed improved binding affinity to human FcRn.
Targeting Cell Senescence and Senolytics: Novel Interventions for Age-Related Endocrine Dysfunction
Authors: Suda Masayoshi , Paul Karl H , Tripathi Utkarsh , Minamino Tohru , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James L 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Multiple changes occur in hormonal regulation with aging and across various endocrine organs. These changes are associated with multiple age-related disorders and diseases. A better understanding of responsible underling biological mechanisms could help in the management of multiple endocrine disorders over and above hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Cellular senescence is involved in multiple biological aging processes and pathologies common in elderly individuals. Cellular senescence, which occurs in many older individuals but also across the lifespan in association with tissue damage, acute and chronic diseases, certain drugs, and genetic syndromes, may contribute to such endocrine disorders as osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Drugs that selectively induce senescent cell removal, “senolytics,”, and drugs that attenuate the tissue-destructive secretory state of certain senescent cells, “senomorphics,” appear to delay the onset of or alleviate multiple diseases, including but not limited to endocrine disorders such as diabetes, complications of obesity, age-related osteoporosis, and cancers as well as atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and many others. More than 30 clinical trials of senolytic and senomorphic agents have already been completed, are underway, or are planned for a variety of indications. Targeting senescent cells is a novel strategy that is distinct from conventional therapies such as HRT, and thus might address unmet medical needs and can potentially amplify effects of established endocrine drug regimens, perhaps allowing for dose decreases and reducing side effects.
Noninvasive Autopsy-Validated Tumor Probability Maps Identify Glioma Invasion Beyond Contrast Enhancement
Authors: Bobholz Samuel A. , Lowman Allison K. , Connelly Jennifer M. , Duenweg Savannah R. , Winiarz Aleksandra , Nath Biprojit , Kyereme Fitzgerald , Brehler Michael , Bukowy John , Coss Dylan , Lupo Janine M. , Phillips Joanna J. , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Krucoff Max O. , Mueller Wade M. , Banerjee Anjishnu , LaViolette Peter S. 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
This study identified a clinically significant subset of patients with glioma with tumor outside of contrast enhancement present at autopsy and subsequently developed a method for detecting nonenhancing tumor using radio-pathomic mapping. We tested the hypothesis that autopsy-based radio-pathomic tumor probability maps would be able to noninvasively identify areas of infiltrative tumor beyond traditional imaging signatures.

METHODS:
A total of 159 tissue samples from 65 subjects were aligned to MRI acquired nearest to death for this retrospective study. Demographic and survival characteristics for patients with and without tumor beyond the contrast-enhancing margin were computed. An ensemble algorithm was used to predict pixelwise tumor presence from pathological annotations using segmented cellularity (Cell), extracellular fluid, and cytoplasm density as input (6 train/3 test subjects). A second level of ensemble algorithms was used to predict voxelwise Cell, extracellular fluid, and cytoplasm on the full data set (43 train/22 test subjects) using 5-by-5 voxel tiles from T1, T1 + C, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and apparent diffusion coefficient as input. The models were then combined to generate noninvasive whole brain maps of tumor probability.

RESULTS:
Tumor outside of contrast was identified in 41.5% of patients, who showed worse survival outcomes (hazard ratio = 3.90, P < .001). Tumor probability maps reliably tracked nonenhancing tumor on a range of local and external unseen data, identifying tumor outside of contrast in 69% of presurgical cases that also showed reduced survival outcomes (hazard ratio = 1.67, P = .027).

CONCLUSION:
This study developed a multistage model for mapping gliomas using autopsy tissue samples as ground truth, which was able to identify regions of tumor beyond traditional imaging signatures.
“Home Field Advantage”: The Presence of a “Home” Neurosurgical Residency Training Program is Associated With Improved Match Outcomes
Authors: Roth Steven G. , Ortiz Alexander V. , Feldman Michael J. , Reisen Breanne E. , Mummareddy Nishit , Chitale Rohan V. , Chambless Lola B. 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Competition for neurosurgical residency training positions remains fierce. The support provided by applicants' home neurosurgery residency training programs (NRTP) is suspected to play a key role in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) process. We sought to evaluate the impact of the presence of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited NRTP at medical students' home institutions has on NRMP match outcomes.

METHODS:
Our cross-sectional observational study examined all US allopathic senior student Electronic Residency Application Service applications to a single NRTP from 2016 to 2022.

RESULTS:
We analyzed a total of 1650 Electronic Residency Application Service applications to a single NRTP, of which 1432 (86.8%) were from schools with an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited NRTP (NRTP+) and 218 (13.2%) were from schools without a residency (NRTP−). NRTP+ applicants matched a higher rate on both pooled analysis (80.8% vs 71.6%, P = .002) and paired analysis (P = .02) over the seven-cycle study period. This difference was present before (82.4% vs 73.9%, P = .01) and after (77.2% vs 65.6%, P = .046) the COVID-19 pandemic. Cohorts were overall similar; however, NRTP+ applicants had more publication experiences (19.6 ± 19.0 vs 13.1 ± 10.2, P < .001) and were more likely to complete a research gap year (RGY) (25.8% vs 17.0%, P = .004). Completing a RGY was associated with an increased likelihood of matching for NRTP+ applicants but not for NRTP− applicants: NRTP+: 84.9% vs 78.1% (P = .0056); NRTP−: 70.3% vs 70.9% (P = .94).

CONCLUSION:
The presence of a NRTP at a medical student's home institution is associated with improved NRMP match outcomes. This held true both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants from schools with a NRTP had more publication experiences and were more likely to complete a RGY. Completion of a RGY is associated with an increased likelihood of matching only for students with an affiliated NRTP.
Eye of the Taika: New Zealand Comedy and the Films of Taika Waititi, Matthew Bannister (2021)
Authors: Wright Andrea 
Published: March 2024

Review of: Eye of the Taika: New Zealand Comedy and the Films of Taika Waititi, Matthew Bannister (2021)
Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press, 312 pp.,
ISBN 978 0 81434 533 7 (pbk), US$36.99