bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Texture analysis of 18F‐FDG PET/CT and CECT: Prediction of refractoriness of Hodgkin lymphoma with mediastinal bulk involvement
Authors: Abenavoli Elisabetta M. , Linguanti Flavia , Anichini Matilde , Miele Vittorio , Mungai Francesco , Palazzo Marianna , Nassi Luca , Puccini Benedetta , Romano Ilaria , Sordi Benedetta , Sciagrà Roberto , Simontacchi Gabriele , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Berti Valentina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo recognize patients at high risk of refractory disease, the identification of novel prognostic parameters improving stratification of newly diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is still needed. This study investigates the potential value of metabolic and texture features, extracted from baseline 18F‐FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET) and Contrast‐Enhanced Computed Tomography scan (CECT), together with clinical data, in predicting first‐line therapy refractoriness (R) of classical HL (cHL) with mediastinal bulk involvement. We reviewed 69 cHL patients who underwent staging PET and CECT. Lesion segmentation and texture parameter extraction were performed using the freeware software LIFEx 6.3. The prognostic significance of clinical and imaging features was evaluated in relation to the development of refractory disease. Receiver operating characteristic curve, Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan‐Meier analyses were performed to examine the potential independent predictors and to evaluate their prognostic value. Among clinical characteristics, only stage according to the German Hodgkin Group (GHSG) classification system significantly differed between R and not‐R. Among CECT variables, only parameters derived from second order matrices (gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) and gray‐level run length matrix (GLRLM) demonstrated significant prognostic power. Among PET variables, SUVmean, several variables derived from first (histograms, shape), and second order analyses (GLCM, GLRLM, NGLDM) exhibited significant predictive power. Such variables obtained accuracies greater than 70% at receiver operating characteristic analysis and their PFS curves resulted statistically significant in predicting refractoriness. At multivariate analysis, only HISTO_EntropyPET extracted from PET (HISTO_EntropyPET) and GHSG stage resulted as significant independent predictors. Their combination identified 4 patient groups with significantly different PFS curves, with worst prognosis in patients with higher HISTO_EntropyPET values, regardless of the stage. Imaging radiomics may provide a reference for prognostic evaluation of patients with mediastinal bulky cHL. The best prognostic value in the prediction of R versus not‐R disease was reached by combining HISTO_EntropyPET with GHSG stage.
The effect of a health belief model‐based education on nutritional behavior and biochemical factors of patients with myocardial infarction: A line follow‐up experimental study
Authors: Fatahian Fatemeh , Mohammadifard Noushin , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Shahnazi Hossein 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimMyocardial infarction is a common cause of hospitalization, and nutritional behaviors are risk factors in such patients. The present study aimed to determine the effect of education based on the health belief model on nutritional behavior and indices in patients with myocardial infarction.MethodsThe present experimental study examined patients with myocardial infarction in 2021. Seventy‐two patients with myocardial infarction were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received educational interventions based on the health belief model in four 60‐min sessions for 3 months. The constructs of the health belief model, nutritional behavior, and indices were measured using a valid questionnaire before, 1, and 3 months after the intervention. At the end, the study data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.ResultsThere was a significant difference between the two groups in the mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self‐efficacy, nutritional behaviors, and body mass index after the intervention (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was found in the field of perceived barriers (p > 0.05). Biochemical factors also had a significant difference after the intervention (p < 0.05).ConclusionEducational intervention based on the health belief model is effective for myocardial infarction patients and has a significant impact on the constructs of perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, and self‐efficacy as well as biochemical factors, so it can be used to improve the nutritional status of patients suffered from a myocardial infarction.
Pyridostigmine attenuated high‐fat‐diet induced liver injury by the reduction of mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress via α7nAChR and M3AChR
Authors: Xue Runqing , Wu Qing , Guo Lulu , Ye Dan , Cao Qing , Zhang Meng , Xian Yushan , Chen Minchun , Yan Kangkang , Zheng Jie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObesity is a major cause of nonalcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by hepatic fibrosis, lipotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system is closely related to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this study, we investigated the effects of pyridostigmine (PYR), a cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, on HFD‐induced liver injury and explored the potential mechanisms involving mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress. A murine model of HFD‐induced obesity was established using the C57BL/6 mice, and PYR (3 mg/kg/d) or placebo was administered for 20 weeks. PYR reduced the body weight and liver weight of the HFD‐fed mice. Additionally, the serum levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, cholesterol, and triglyceride were significantly lower in the PYR‐treated versus the untreated mice, corresponding to a decrease in hepatic fibrosis, lipid accumulation, and apoptosis in the former. Furthermore, the mitochondrial morphology improved significantly in the PYR‐treated group. Consistently, PYR upregulated ATP production and the mRNA level of the mitochondrial dynamic factors OPA1, Drp1 and Fis1, and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) factors LONP1 and HSP60. Moreover, PYR treatment activated the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and upregulated HO‐1 and NQO‐1, which mitigated oxidative injury as indicated by decreased 8‐OHDG, MDA and H2O2 levels, and increased SOD activity. Finally, PYR elevated acetylcholine (ACh) levels by inhibiting AChE, and upregulated the α7nAChR and M3AChR proteins in the HFD‐fed mice. PYR alleviated obesity‐induced hepatic injury in mice by mitigating mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress via α7nAChR and M3AChR.
Phosphorus fractions and speciation in an alkaline, manured soil amended with alum, gypsum, and Epsom salt
Authors: Kumaragamage Darshani , Hettiarachchi Ganga M. , Amarakoon Inoka , Goltz Doug , Indraratne Srimathie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSnowmelt runoff is a dominant pathway of phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural lands in cold climatic regions. Soil amendments effectively reduce P losses from soils by converting P to less soluble forms; however, changes in P speciation in cold climatic regions with fall‐applied amendments have not been investigated. This study evaluated P composition in soils from a manured field with fall‐amended alum (Al2(SO4)3·18H2O), gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), or Epsom salt (MgSO4·7H2O) using three complementary methods: sequential P fractionation, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐rays (SEM‐EDX) spectroscopy, and P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy (XANES). Plots were established in an annual crop field in southern Manitoba, Canada, with unamended and amended (2.5 Mg ha−1) treatments having four replicates in 2020 fall. Soil samples (0–10 cm) taken from each plot soon after spring snowmelt in 2021 were subjected to P fractionation. A composite soil sample for each treatment was analyzed using SEM‐EDX and XANES. Alum‐ and Epsom salt‐treated soils had significantly greater residual P fraction with a higher proportion of apatite‐like P and a correspondingly lower proportion of P sorbed to calcite (CaCO3) than unamended and gypsum‐amended soils. Backscattered electron imaging of SEM‐EDX revealed that alum‐ and Epsom salt‐amended treatments had P‐enriched microsites frequently associated with aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca), which was not observed in other treatments. Induced precipitation of apatite‐like species may have been responsible for reduced P loss to snowmelt previously reported with fall application of amendments.
Finding triangle‐free 2‐factors in general graphs
Authors: Hartvigsen David 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA 2‐factor in a graph is a subset of edges such that every node of is incident with exactly two edges of . Many results are known concerning 2‐factors including a polynomial‐time algorithm for finding 2‐factors and a characterization of those graphs that have a 2‐factor. The problem of finding a 2‐factor in a graph is a relaxation of the NP‐hard problem of finding a Hamilton cycle. A stronger relaxation is the problem of finding a triangle‐free 2‐factor, that is, a 2‐factor whose edges induce no cycle of length 3. In this paper, we present a polynomial‐time algorithm for the problem of finding a triangle‐free 2‐factor as well as a characterization of the graphs that have such a 2‐factor and related min–max and augmenting path theorems.
The association between opioid use disorder and skilled nursing facility acceptances: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kuye Ifedayo O. , Prichett Laura M. , Stewart Rosalyn W. , Berkowitz Scott A. , Buresh Megan E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrior single‐hospital studies have documented barriers to acceptance that hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) face when referred to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).ObjectiveTo examine the impact of OUD on the number of SNF referrals and the proportion of referrals accepted.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsA retrospective cohort study of hospitalizations with SNF referrals in 2019 at two academic hospitals in Baltimore, MD.ExposureOUD status was determined by receipt of medications for OUD during admission, upon discharge, or the presence of a diagnosis code for OUD.Key ResultsThe cohort included 6043 hospitalizations (5440 hospitalizations of patients without OUD and 603 hospitalizations of patients with OUD). Hospitalizations of patients with OUD had more SNF referrals sent (8.9 vs. 5.6, p < .001), had a lower proportion of SNF referrals accepted (31.3% vs. 46.9%, p < .001), and were less likely to be discharged to an SNF (65.6% vs. 70.3%, p = .003). The effect of OUD status on the number of SNF referrals and the proportion of referrals accepted remained significant in multivariable analyses. Our subanalysis showed that reduced acceptances were driven by the hospitalizations of patients discharged without medications for OUD and those receiving methadone. Hospitalizations of patients discharged on buprenorphine were accepted at the same rates as hospitalizations of patients without OUD.ConclusionsThis multicenter retrospective cohort study found that hospitalizations of patients with OUD had more SNF referrals sent and fewer referrals accepted. Further work is needed to address the limited discharge options for patients with OUD.
MRI‐Based Machine Learning Radiomics for Preoperative Assessment of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Status in Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Ruixi , Cai Lingkai , Gong Yuxi , Sun Xueying , Li Kai , Cao Qiang , Yang Xiao , Lu Qiang 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has recently emerged as hotspot in targeted therapy for urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). The HER2 status is mainly identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC), preoperative and noninvasive methods for determining HER2 status in UBC remain in searching.PurposesTo investigate whether radiomics features extracted from MRI using machine learning algorithms can noninvasively evaluate the HER2 status in UBC.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationOne hundred ninety‐five patients (age: 68.7 ± 10.5 years) with 14.3% females from January 2019 to May 2023 were divided into training (N = 156) and validation (N = 39) cohorts, and 43 patients (age: 67.1 ± 13.1 years) with 13.9% females from June 2023 to January 2024 constituted the test cohort (N = 43).Field Strength/Sequence3 T, T2‐weighted imaging (turbo spin‐echo), diffusion‐weighted imaging (breathing‐free spin echo).AssessmentThe HER2 status were assessed by IHC. Radiomics features were extracted from MRI images. Pearson correlation coefficient and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were applied for feature selection, and six machine learning models were established with optimal features to identify the HER2 status in UBC.Statistical TestsMann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐square test, LASSO algorithm, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and DeLong test.ResultsThree thousand forty‐five radiomics features were extracted from each lesion, and 22 features were retained for analysis. The Support Vector Machine model demonstrated the best performance, with an AUC of 0.929 (95% CI: 0.888–0.970) and accuracy of 0.859 in the training cohort, AUC of 0.886 (95% CI: 0.780–0.993) and accuracy of 0.846 in the validation cohort, and AUC of 0.712 (95% CI: 0.535–0.889) and accuracy of 0.744 in the test cohort.Data ConclusionMRI‐based radiomics features combining machine learning algorithm provide a promising approach to assess HER2 status in UBC noninvasively and preoperatively.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 3
Rotten apples in bad barrels: Psychopathy, counterproductive work behavior, and the role of social context
Authors: Carter Min Z. , Cole Michael S. , Bernerth Jeremy B. , Harms Peter D. , Wilhau Aric , Palmer Joshua C. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThere is an inherent interest in the implications of psychopathic employees, although attention, to date, is more pronounced in public media than in the scientific literature. In this study, we use behavioral threshold theory to propose a curvilinear relationship between employees' psychopathy and their counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Our predictions were corroborated across three studies involving two countries while controlling for narcissism and Machiavellianism. Specifically, we find that the destructive nature of psychopathy is amplified with accelerated levels of CWB among individuals high on psychopathy. These results address mixed and unexpected findings in the literature, thereby offering a more nuanced understanding of the psychopathy–CWB relationship. Drawing additionally on trait activation theory, we examine the moderating effects of social context as manifested in relationship conflict with coworkers and abusive supervision. Results support the moderated hypotheses such that the psychopathy–CWB curvilinear relationship is stronger in negative social environments for both self‐rated and other‐rated CWB assessments. As the relationships between individuals' dark traits and behavioral outcomes are likely more complex than simple linear relations, we advocate future research to combine complementary theoretical lenses for improved theoretical precision.
Functional alignment maximises advantages of robotic arm‐assisted total knee arthroplasty with better patient‐reported outcomes compared to mechanical alignment
Authors: Lee Jong Hwa , Kwon Seung Cheol , Hwang Ji Hyo , Lee Joon Kyu , Kim Joong Il 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeRobotic arm‐assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) enables adjustment of implant position to achieve the surgeon's preferred alignment. However, the alignment concept that most effectively enhances patient satisfaction remains unclear. This study compares the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent functionally aligned RTKA (FA‐RTKA), mechanically aligned conventional TKA (MA‐CTKA) and mechanically aligned RTKA (MA‐RTKA).MethodsA prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis. One hundred and forty‐seven knees were performed with MA‐CTKA, followed by 72 consecutive knees performed with MA‐RTKA, and subsequently, 70 consecutive knees performed with FA‐RTKA were enrolled. After 1:1 propensity score matching of patient demographics, 70 knees were finally included in each group. The extent of additional soft tissue release during surgery was identified, and the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee classification was utilised to categorise the alignment. At the 1‐year follow‐up, patient‐reported outcomes, including the pain Visual Analogue Scale, Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and Forgotten Joint Score‐12, were also compared among the groups.ResultsThe FA‐RTKA group showed significantly less additional soft tissue release than the MA‐CTKA and MA‐RTKA groups (15.7%, 38.6% and 35.7%, respectively; p = 0.006). Statistically significant differences in functional scores were observed in the postoperative 1‐year clinical outcomes in favour of the FA‐RTKA group, which had a significantly larger percentage of knees that maintained constitutional alignment and joint line obliquity than those of the other groups.ConclusionsFunctionally aligned TKA showed superior 1‐year postoperative patient‐reported outcomes compared with those of conventional and robotic arm‐assisted mechanically aligned TKA. Therefore, the advantage of RTKA is maximised when the implant positioning is based on functional alignment. The application of RTKA with mechanical alignment has been proven ineffective in improving the clinical outcomes of patients.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Females show worse functional outcome and quality of life compared to males 2 years after meniscus surgery: Data analysis from the German Arthroscopy Registry
Authors: Mai Celine , Mai Patrick , Hinz Maximilian , Saenger Rebecca , Seil Romain , Tischer Thomas , Roessler Philip P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of sex on knee function, activity and quality of life following meniscus surgery using data from the German Arthroscopy Registry.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study with data collected between 2017 and 2022. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), namely Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ Scale), and Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS), were collected preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Data were analysed to examine differences between male and female patients regarding PROMs, pre‐existing conditions, meniscus lesion types and surgical treatments.ResultsA total of 1106 female (36.6%) and 1945 male patients (63.7%) were included. Males were significantly younger than females and had a higher body mass index. Overall, there were four times more medial meniscus lesions (MMLs) (77.5%) than lateral meniscus lesions (LMLs) (27.9%). Degenerative LMLs were more frequent in females, while traumatic LMLs were more common in males. Frequencies of traumatic and degenerative MMLs were similar among males and females. Males had higher absolute KOOS irrespective of treatment or meniscus lesion type. Meniscus repair resulted in similar improvements in ΔKOOS for both sexes, while meniscus resection exhibited higher absolute KOOS for males at each time point. Males generally had higher EQ Scale and MARS than females.ConclusionGreater improvements in knee function, activity and quality of life were observed in males. While MMLs appear to be comparable among sexes, the nature of LML differed significantly. These results may help surgeons to refine patient selection for specific treatments to improve overall clinical outcomes.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Patient experience of partnership: What is the relative value of interpersonal skill?
Authors: Bell Elizabeth 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMedical literature seems not to have a consistent definition of interpersonal skills, but there is a consensus on the value of emotional intelligence, empathy and effective communication. This editorial reflects on both empirical data and personal experience to consider the relative value of interpersonal versus technical skills in the patient experience of partnership in healthcare. It explores the question of whether technical or interpersonal skills are more valuable in medical care. On highlighting the different attitudes towards technical and interpersonal skills among patients in different medical specialities, this editorial suggests that the contemporary focus on interpersonal skills is driven by a recognition that patient experience encompasses more than just successful outcomes. The quality of a patient's remaining life and their sense of respect, care and dignity are also important. It concludes with the emphasis that both technical and interpersonal skills are crucial in patient care and that a holistic understanding of patient experience can enhance medical education and practice.
An Investigation into the Applicability of Wideline NMR for the Determination of Oil in Waxes
Authors: Matthews Megan Esme , Duveskog Heidi , van Reenen Albert Johannes 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe applicability of solid‐state NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) for determination of oil content in waxes is probed by NMR experimental and data processing approaches. NMR is found to underestimate the value of the oil content in Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) waxes due to the ability of the wax to trap small domains of oil within the matrix during crystallisation. No clear relationship could be obtained between T2 relaxation time and oil content, even after applying corrections due to disparities between mass and proton densities. Near linear calibration curves could be obtained by isolating a true oil signal at −32 °C. Model studies using heptadecane as simple oil analogue proved that removing oil/wax interactions and only using the oil as a diluent, near linear calibration curves could be attained. Insight into the mechanism of oil retention in both FT and paraffin waxes is obtained, showing differences due to both molecular and morphological variation. Results showed that, due to underlying molecular interactions, linear calibration curves cannot necessarily be expected even when melting behaviour varies linearly. In applications where oil content plays a crucial role in wax properties, this knowledge enables the industry to make more informed decisions when discrepancies in wax performance arise.
Protein‐Mediated ZnO Synthesis for Self‐Healing in Natural Rubber
Authors: Fueangphakdee Piriyaphron , Nimpaiboon Adun , Junkong Preeyanuch 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNatural rubber (NR) consists of mainly cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene with proteins as notable nonrubber components that significantly influence its properties. A relatively unexplored aspect is the role of these proteins in reducing and stabilizing metal ions to form metallic particles. Here, the NR/ZnO composite is successfully prepared by in situ generation of ZnO in the NR latex for the first time. With the aid of the proteins, the amount of ZnO is slightly higher than that formed in the saponified NR latex (SPNR), where some proteins are removed. Importantly, the noncovalent bonds between the proteins and/or amino acids with the ZnO formed in the NR latex can provide the self‐healing behavior of the NR/ZnO composite. However, heating at ≈40 °C is still necessary for reducing the healing time and increasing the self‐healing efficiency of the composite. Nevertheless, greater noncovalent bonds within NR/ZnO hinder rubber molecular chain interdiffusion and rearrangement essential for self‐healing behavior in uncross‐linked rubber, resulting in lower healing efficiency compared to SPNR/ZnO. This study underscores the significance of proteins and/or amino acids on NR's properties, despite their minor presence. Without sophisticated NR modification, this is a very simple and low‐cost technique to achieve the NR/ZnO composite with self‐healing behavior.