bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External ventricular drainage in pediatric patients: indications, management, and shunt conversion rates
Authors: Atallah Oday , Krauss Joachim K. , Hermann Elvis J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Placement of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) is one of the most frequent procedures in neurosurgery, but it has specific challenges and risks in the pediatric population. We here investigate the indications, management, and shunt conversion rates of an EVD.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of a consecutive series of pediatric patients who had an EVD placement in the Department of Neurosurgery at Hannover Medical School over a 12-year period. A bundle approach was introduced to reduce infections. Patients were categorized according to the underlying pathology in three groups: tumor, hemorrhage, and infection.

Results
A total of 126 patients were included in this study. Seventy-two were male, and 54 were female. The mean age at the time of EVD placement was 5.2 ± 5.0 years (range 0–17 years). The largest subgroup was the tumor group (n = 54, 42.9%), followed by the infection group (n = 47, 37.3%), including shunt infection (n = 36), infected Rickham reservoir (n = 4), and bacterial or viral cerebral infection (n = 7), and the hemorrhage group (n = 25, 19.8%). The overall complication rate was 19.8% (n = 25/126), and the total number of complications was 30. Complications during EVD placement were noted in 5/126 (4%) instances. Complications during drainage time were infection in 9.5% (12 patients), dysfunction in 7.1% (9 patients), and EVD dislocation in 3.2% (4 patients). The highest rate of complications was seen in the hemorrhage group. There were no long-term complications. Conversion rates into a permanent shunt system were 100% in previously shunt-dependent patients. Conversion rates were comparable in the tumor group (27.7%) and in the hemorrhage group (32.0%).

Conclusion
EVD placement in children is an overall safe and effective option in children. In order to make further progress, carefully planned prospective and if possible randomized studies are needed controlling for multivariable aspects.
Landscape of brain myeloid cell transcriptome along the spatiotemporal progression of Alzheimer’s disease reveals distinct sequential responses to Aβ and tau
Authors: Wachter Astrid , Woodbury Maya E. , Lombardo Sylvia , Abdourahman Aicha , Wuest Carolin , McGlame Emily , Pastika Timothy , Tamm Joseph , Romanul Nandini , Yanamandra Kiran , Bennett Rachel , Lin Gen , Kwon Taekyung , Liao Fan , Klein Corinna , Grinberg Yelena , Jaisa-aad Methasit , Li Huan , Frosch Matthew. P. , Kummer Markus P. , Das Sudeshna , Dellovade Tammy , Karran Eric H. , Langlois Xavier , Ried Janina S. , Serrano-Pozo Alberto , Talanian Robert V. , Biber Knut , Hyman Bradley T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHuman microglia are critically involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression, as shown by genetic and molecular studies. However, their role in tau pathology progression in human brain has not been well described. Here, we characterized 32 human donors along progression of AD pathology, both in time—from early to late pathology—and in space—from entorhinal cortex (EC), inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), prefrontal cortex (PFC) to visual cortex (V2 and V1)—with biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and single nuclei-RNA-sequencing, profiling a total of 337,512 brain myeloid cells, including microglia. While the majority of microglia are similar across brain regions, we identified a specific subset unique to EC which may contribute to the early tau pathology present in this region. We calculated conversion of microglia subtypes to diseased states and compared conversion patterns to those from AD animal models. Targeting genes implicated in this conversion, or their upstream/downstream pathways, could halt gene programs initiated by early tau progression. We used expression patterns of early tau progression to identify genes whose expression is reversed along spreading of spatial tau pathology (EC > ITG > PFC > V2 > V1) and identified their potential involvement in microglia subtype conversion to a diseased state. This study provides a data resource that builds on our knowledge of myeloid cell contribution to AD by defining the heterogeneity of microglia and brain macrophages during both temporal and regional pathology aspects of AD progression at an unprecedented resolution.
Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in mild-to-moderate major depression: a randomized, placebo- and reference-controlled trial
Authors: Kasper Siegfried , Volz Hans-Peter , Möller Hans-Jürgen , Schläfke Sandra , Klement Stephan , Anghelescu Ion-George , Seifritz Erich 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAnxiety and depressive disorders have overlapping symptoms and share common neurobiological pathways. Antidepressant drugs have been demonstrated to be efficacious in anxiety as well. Vice versa, it may also be promising to investigate the efficacy of anxiolytic drugs such as silexan in major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients with a mild or moderate, single or recurrent episode of MDD and a total score of 19–34 points on the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were randomized to receive 1 × 80 mg/d silexan, 1 × 50 mg/d sertraline, or placebo double-blind, double-dummy for 56 days. The primary outcome measure was the MADRS total score change between baseline and treatment end. Treatment groups were compared using a treatment policy estimand. 498 subjects (silexan 170, sertraline 171, placebo 157) were treated and analyzed. After 8 weeks, silexan and sertraline were superior to placebo for MADRS total score reduction, with absolute differences to placebo of 2.17 (95% confidence interval: 0.58; 3.76) points and 2.59 (1.02; 4.17) points, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, silexan was superior to placebo for alleviation of functional impairment according to the Sheehan Disability Scale with a difference of 2.40 (1.04; 3.76) points (p < 0.001). Both treatments were well tolerated; eructation was the most frequent adverse effect of silexan. The study confirms the antidepressant efficacy of silexan in mild or moderate MDD, including significant improvements in the subjects’ functional capacity. The results for sertraline confirm the assay sensitivity of the trial. Both drugs were well tolerated.Trial registrationEudraCT2020-000688–22 first entered on 12/08/2020.
Grasping tiny objects
Authors: Giesel Martin , De Filippi Federico , Hesse Constanze 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn grasping studies, maximum grip aperture (MGA) is commonly used as an indicator of the object size representation within the visuomotor system. However, a number of additional factors, such as movement safety, comfort, and efficiency, might affect the scaling of MGA with object size and potentially mask perceptual effects on actions. While unimanual grasping has been investigated for a wide range of object sizes, so far very small objects (<5 mm) have not been included. Investigating grasping of these tiny objects is particularly interesting because it allows us to evaluate the three most prominent explanatory accounts of grasping (the perception-action model, the digits-in-space hypothesis, and the biomechanical account) by comparing the predictions that they make for these small objects. In the first experiment, participants ($$N=26$$

N
=
26

) grasped and manually estimated the height of square cuboids with heights from 0.5 to 5 mm. In the second experiment, a different sample of participants ($$N=24$$

N
=
24

) performed the same tasks with square cuboids with heights from 5 to 20 mm. We determined MGAs, manual estimation apertures (MEA), and the corresponding just-noticeable differences (JND). In both experiments, MEAs scaled with object height and adhered to Weber’s law. MGAs for grasping scaled with object height in the second experiment but not consistently in the first experiment. JNDs for grasping never scaled with object height. We argue that the digits-in-space hypothesis provides the most plausible account of the data. Furthermore, the findings highlight that the reliability of MGA as an indicator of object size is strongly task-dependent.
Using neural networks to autonomously assess adequacy in intraoperative cholangiograms
Authors: Badgery Henry , Zhou Yuning , Bailey James , Brotchie Peter , Chong Lynn , Croagh Daniel , Page Mark , Davey Catherine E. , Read Matthew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is a contrast-enhanced X-ray acquired during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. IOC images the biliary tree whereby filling defects, anatomical anomalies and duct injuries can be identified. In Australia, IOC are performed in over 81% of cholecystectomies compared with 20 to 30% internationally (Welfare AIoHa in Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation, 2017). In this study, we aim to train artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to interpret anatomy and recognise abnormalities in IOC images. This has potential utility in (a) intraoperative safety mechanisms to limit the risk of missed ductal injury or stone, (b) surgical training and coaching, and (c) auditing of cholangiogram quality.

Methodology
Semantic segmentation masks were applied to a dataset of 1000 cholangiograms with 10 classes. Classes corresponded to anatomy, filling defects and the cholangiogram catheter instrument. Segmentation masks were applied by a surgical trainee and reviewed by a radiologist. Two convolutional neural networks (CNNs), DeeplabV3+ and U-Net, were trained and validated using 900 (90%) labelled frames. Testing was conducted on 100 (10%) hold-out frames. CNN generated segmentation class masks were compared with ground truth segmentation masks to evaluate performance according to a pixel-wise comparison.

Results
The trained CNNs recognised all classes.. U-Net and DeeplabV3+ achieved a mean F1 of 0.64 and 0.70 respectively in class segmentation, excluding the background class. The presence of individual classes was correctly recognised in over 80% of cases. Given the limited local dataset, these results provide proof of concept in the development of an accurate and clinically useful tool to aid in the interpretation and quality control of intraoperative cholangiograms.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that a CNN can be trained to identify anatomical structures in IOC images. Future performance can be improved with the use of larger, more diverse training datasets. Implementation of this technology may provide cholangiogram quality control and improve intraoperative detection of ductal injuries or ductal injuries.

Graphical abstract
Enhancing coffee bean classification: a comparative analysis of pre-trained deep learning models
Authors: Hassan Esraa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCoffee bean production can encounter challenges due to fluctuations in global coffee prices, impacting the economic stability of some countries that heavily depend on coffee production. The primary objective is to evaluate how effectively various pre-trained models can predict coffee types using advanced deep learning techniques. The selection of an optimal pre-trained model is crucial, given the growing popularity of specialty coffee and the necessity for precise classification. We conducted a comprehensive comparison of several pre-trained models, including AlexNet, LeNet, HRNet, Google Net, Mobile V2 Net, ResNet (50), VGG, Efficient, Darknet, and DenseNet, utilizing a coffee-type dataset. By leveraging transfer learning and fine-tuning, we assess the generalization capabilities of the models for the coffee classification task. Our findings emphasize the substantial impact of the pre-trained model choice on the model's performance, with certain models demonstrating higher accuracy and faster convergence than conventional alternatives. This study offers a thorough evaluation of pre-trained architectural models regarding their effectiveness in coffee classification. Through the evaluation of result metrics, including sensitivity (1.0000), specificity (0.9917), precision (0.9924), negative predictive value (1.0000), accuracy (1.0000), and F1 score (0.9962), our analysis provides nuanced insights into the intricate landscape of pre-trained models.
Enhanced prairie dog optimization with Levy flight and dynamic opposition-based learning for global optimization and engineering design problems
Authors: Biswas Saptadeep , Shaikh Azharuddin , Ezugwu Absalom El-Shamir , Greeff Japie , Mirjalili Seyedali , Bera Uttam Kumar , Abualigah Laith 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study proposes a new prairie dog optimization algorithm version called EPDO. This new version aims to address the issues of premature convergence and slow convergence that were observed in the original PDO algorithm. To improve performance, several modifications are introduced in EPDO. First, a dynamic opposite learning strategy is employed to increase the diversity of the population and prevent premature convergence. This strategy helps the algorithm avoid falling into local optima and promotes global optimization. Additionally, the Lévy dynamic random walk technique is utilized in EPDO. This modified Lévy flight with random walk reduces the algorithm’s running time for the test function’s ideal value, accelerating its convergence. The proposed approach is evaluated using 33 benchmark problems from CEC 2017 and compared against seven other comparative techniques: GWO, MFO, ALO, WOA, DA, SCA, and RSA. Numerical results demonstrate that EPDO produces good outcomes and performs well in solving benchmark problems. To further validate the results and assess reliability, the authors employ average rank tests, the measurement of alternatives, and ranking according to the compromise solution (MARCOS) method, as well as a convergence report of EPDO and other algorithms. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the EPDO algorithm is demonstrated by applying it to five design problems. The results indicate that EPDO achieves impressive outcomes and proves its capability to address practical issues. The algorithm performs well in solving benchmark and practical design problems, as supported by the numerical results and validation methods used in the study.
Digital screening for mental health in pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review
Authors: Clarke Jocelyn R. , Gibson Melanie , Savaglio Melissa , Navani Rhea , Mousa Mariam , Boyle Jacqueline A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This systematic review aimed to determine if digital screening for mental health in pregnancy and postpartum is acceptable, feasible and more effective than standard care (paper-and pen-based screening or no screening). The second aim was to identify barriers and enablers to implementing digital screening in pregnancy and postpartum.

Method
OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Joanna Briggs Database and All EMB reviews incorporating Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (OVID) were systematically searched for articles that evaluated digital screening for mental health in pregnancy and postpartum between 2000 and 2021. Qualitative articles were deductively mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results
A total of 34 articles were included in the analysis, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies. Digital screening was deemed acceptable, feasible and effective. TDF domains for common barriers included environmental context and resources, skills, social/professional role and identity and beliefs about consequences. TDF domains for common enablers included knowledge, social influences, emotion and behavioural regulation.

Conclusion
When planning to implement digital screening, consideration should be made to have adequate training, education and manageable workload for healthcare professionals (HCP’s). Organisational resources and support are important, as well as the choice of the appropriate digital screening assessment and application setting for women. Theory-informed recommendations are provided for both healthcare professionals and women to inform future clinical practice.
Orbital fractures treated in a university hospital of southern Italy: epidemiology, outcomes and prognostic factors resulting from 538 retrospectively analyzed cases
Authors: Colangeli Walter , Ferragina Francesco , Kallaverja Elvis , Celano Chiara , Cristofaro Maria Giulia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Orbital fractures are common injuries and represent an interesting chapter in maxillofacial surgery. This retrospective study analyses data collected from 528 patients surgically treated at the University Hospital “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy, from 1st January 2007 to 31st January 2021.

Methods
The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of orbital bone fracture, complete clinical and radiological records, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. We analyzed gender, age, etiology, fracture type, treatment, timing of repair, and associated complications.

Results
The most frequent cause of trauma was road accidents (37.88%), followed by domestic accidents (25.95%). The manifestation of diplopia (72.35%), infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia (53.41%), extrinsic eye movement limitation (51.70%), and enophthalmos (41.29%), determined the indication for surgery. Our trauma team preferred the sub-eyelid approach (79.36%). The study shows a statistical significance in the correlation between the severity of the herniation of the lower rectus muscle and the presence of preoperative diplopia (p-value = 0.00416); We found the same statistical significance for the post-postoperative diplopia (p-value = 0.00385). Patients treated two weeks after the trauma show a higher rate of diplopia and a greater limitation of long-term post-operative eye movements than those treated within two weeks (diplopia 23.08% vs. 15.56%; eye movements limitation 13.33% vs. 7.69%). Early surgical treatment (> 14 days) reduces the likelihood of functional and structural damage to the lower rectus muscle.

Conclusion
Our data will support future maxillofacial traumatology studies, and the education and prevention measures taken will reduce the incidence of orbital trauma.
Brivaracetam use in clinical practice: a Delphi consensus on its role as first add-on therapy in focal epilepsy and beyond
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Chiesa Valentina , Di Gennaro Giancarlo , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Labate Angelo , La Neve Angela , Meletti Stefano , Di Bonaventura Carlo ,   Consensus Collaborators Group, Audenino Daniela , Boero Giovanni , Cianci Vittoria , Coletti Moja Mario , Cumbo Eduardo , Dainese Filippo , Didato Giuseppe , Fallica Elisa , Giordano Alfonso , Le Piane Emilio , Panebianco Mariangela , Piccioli Marta , Pignatta Pietro , Puligheddu Monica , Pulitano Patrizia , Ranzato Federica , Renna Rosaria , Rosati Eleonora , Vergine Stella 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Antiseizure medications remain the cornerstone of treatment for epilepsy, although a proportion of individuals with the condition will continue to experience seizures despite appropriate therapy. Treatment choices for epilepsy are based on variables related to both the individual patient and the available medications. Brivaracetam is a third-generation agent antiseizure medication.

Methods
We carried out a Delphi consensus exercise to define the role of brivaracetam in clinical practice and to provide guidance about its use as first add-on ASM and in selected clinical scenarios. A total of 15 consensus statements were drafted by an expert panel following review of the literature and all were approved in the first round of voting by panelists. The consensus indicated different clinical scenarios for which brivaracetam can be a good candidate for treatment, including first add-on use.

Results
Overall, brivaracetam was considered to have many advantageous characteristics that render it a suitable option for patients with focal epilepsy, including a fast onset of action, favorable pharmacokinetic profile with few drug-drug interactions, broad-spectrum activity, and being well tolerated across a range of doses. Brivaracetam is also associated with sustained clinical response and good tolerability in the long term.

Conclusions
These characteristics also make it suitable as an early add-on for the elderly and for patients with post-stroke epilepsy or status epilepticus as highlighted by the present Delphi consensus.
Hearing dysfunction heralds an increase in non-motor burden and a worse quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: new insights from non-motor spectrum
Authors: Garasto Elena , Stefani Alessandro , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Conti Matteo , Moleti Arturo , Sisto Renata , Viziano Andrea , Liguori Claudio , Schirinzi Tommaso , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Cerroni Rocco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Sensorial non-motor symptoms (NMSs) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) still lack appropriate investigation in clinical practice.
This study aimed to assess if and to what extent auditory dysfunction is associated with other NMSs in PD and its impact on patient’s quality of life (QoL).

Methods
We selected patients with idiopathic PD, without other concomitant neurological diseases, dementia, or diagnosis of any audiological/vestibular disease. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Patients underwent otoscopic examination, audiological testing with pure tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and completed Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaires-39 (PDQ-39). ANCOVA and partial correlation analysis have been used for statistical analysis.

Results
60 patients were enrolled and completed PTA and DPOAEs. 32 patients with hearing impairment (HI), assessed by PTA, (hearing threshold ≥ 25 dB) showed similar disease duration, motor impairment, and staging, compared to patients without HI, but higher scores both in NMSS and in PDQ-39, except for cardiovascular (CV), gastrointestinal (GI), urogenital (U) and sexual function (SF) of NMSS. In addition, DPOAEs showed a significant correlation with higher scores both in NMSS and PDQ-39, except for CV, SF, GI, U and perceptual problem subdomains of NMSS.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that PD patients with HI have a greater burden of NMS and lower related QoL and functioning. Our results highlight the importance to reconsider HI as a NMS, in parallel with the others. HI evaluation, even in asymptomatic patients, may reveal a wider pathology with a worse QoL.
Plasma concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light, and tau in Alexander disease
Authors: Ashton Nicholas J. , Di Molfetta Guglielmo , Tan Kübra , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Messing Albee 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare leukodystrophy caused by dominant gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the astrocyte intermediate filament, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). However, there is an urgent need for biomarkers to assist in monitoring not only the progression of disease but also the response to treatment. GFAP is the obvious candidate for such a biomarker, as it is measurable in body fluids that are readily accessible for biopsy, namely cerebrospinal fluid and blood. However, in the case of ASOs, the treatment that is furthest in development, GFAP is the target of therapy and presumably would go down independent of disease status. Hence, there is a critical need for biomarkers that are not directly affected by the treatment strategy.

Methods
We explored the potential utility of biomarkers currently being studied in other neurodegenerative diseases and injuries, specifically neurofilament light protein (NfL), phosphorylated forms of tau, and amyloid-β peptides (Aβ42/40).

Results and Conclusions
Here, we report that GFAP is elevated in plasma of all age groups afflicted by AxD, including those with adult onset. NfL and p-tau are also elevated, but to a much lesser extent than GFAP. In contrast, the levels of Aß40 and Aß42 are not altered in AxD.