bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing outcomes in deep brain stimulation: a comparative study of direct targeting using 7T versus 3T MRI
Authors: Middlebrooks Erik H. , Tipton Philip W. , Greco Elena , Okromelidze Lela , Patel Vishal , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Zhou Xiangzhi , Tao Shengzhen , Westerhold Erin M. , Straub Sina , Uitti Ryan J. , Sandhu Sukhwinder Johnny Singh , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Grewal Sanjeet S. 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of direct targeting in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor using 7T MRI versus 3T MRI. The authors hypothesized that 7T MRI direct targeting would be noninferior to 3T MRI in early tremor outcomes.

METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing unilateral thalamic DBS for essential tremor between 2021 and 2023. Two matched cohorts were assessed, one using 7T MRI and the other using 3T MRI for surgical planning. The primary endpoint was the percentage improvement in the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) scores. Additionally, the authors assessed optimized programming settings and variance in electrode position on postoperative imaging. Demographic and clinical data were compared using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test. The squared Euclidean distance of each contact from the group mean centroid was calculated and averaged across the entire cohort to provide the variance (i.e., the mean squared distance) of electrode contact position.

RESULTS
A total of 34 patients were analyzed, with 17 in each cohort. There were no significant differences in demographic information or mean surgical dates between the groups. There were no differences in intraoperative target repositioning or adverse events. The 7T group had a significantly greater TRS improvement than the 3T group (64.9% ± 11.4% vs 50.9% ± 16.4%, p = 0.004). Patients in the 7T cohort also had a lower mean stimulation current compared with those in the 3T cohort (2.0 ± 0.8 mA vs 2.7 ± 0.9 mA, p = 0.01). Image evaluation revealed that although the mean electrode position was comparable between 7T and 3T, the 7T electrode positioning was more clustered, indicating a lower variance in the final electrode location. The mean Euclidean distance between the individual electrode tips and the group centroid was significantly less at 7T than at 3T (1.82 ± 0.68 mm vs 2.75 ± 0.81 mm, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Despite concerns for increased artifacts and distortions at 7T, the authors show that these effects can be mitigated with an appropriate workflow, leading to improved surgical outcomes with direct targeting using 7T MRI. Their results suggest similar accuracy but greater precision in targeting with 7T MRI compared with 3T MRI, resulting in lower stimulation currents and improved tremor reduction. Future studies are needed to assess outcomes related to 7T MRI in targeting other subcortical structures.
Racial disparities in short-term spinal fusion outcomes across 4263 consecutive patients
Authors: Borja Austin J. , Gallagher Ryan S. , Karsalia Ritesh , Chauhan Daksh , Malhotra Emelia G. , Punchak Maria A. , Na Jianbo , McClintock Scott D. , Schuster James M. , Malhotra Neil R. 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE
Race plays a salient role in access to surgical care. However, few investigations have assessed the impact of race within surgical populations after care has been delivered. The objective of this study was to employ an exact matching protocol to a homogenous population of spine surgery patients in order to isolate the relationships between race and short-term postoperative outcomes.

METHODS
In total, 4263 consecutive patients who underwent single-level, posterior-only lumbar fusion at a single multihospital academic medical center were retrospectively enrolled. Of these patients, 3406 patients self-identified as White and 857 patients self-identified as non-White. Outcomes were initially compared across all patients via logistic regression. Subsequently, White patients and non-White patients were exactly matched on the basis of key demographic and health characteristics (1520 matched patients). Outcome disparities were evaluated between the exact-matched cohorts. Primary outcomes were readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits, reoperations, mortality, intraoperative complications, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS
Before matching, non-White patients were less likely to be discharged home and more likely to be readmitted, evaluated in the ED, and undergo reoperation. After matching, non-White patients experienced higher rates of nonhome discharge, readmissions, and ED visits. Non-White patients did not have more surgical complications either before or after matching.

CONCLUSIONS
Between otherwise similar cohorts of spinal fusion cases, non-White patients experienced unfavorable discharge disposition and higher risk of multiple adverse postoperative outcomes. However, these findings were not accounted for by differences in surgical complications, suggesting that structural factors underlie the observed disparities.
The potential of proximal junctional kyphosis prevention using a novel tether pedicle screw construct: an in silico study comparing the influence of standard and dynamic techniques on adjacent-level range of motion and load pattern
Authors: Decker Sebastian , Koller Heiko , Overes Tom , Montali Andrea , Clin Julien , Hachem Bahe 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE
A tether pedicle screw (TPS) enables individual stepless pretensioning and is placed at one or two levels above the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV+1 and UIV+2, respectively). This study aimed to evaluate a novel customized TPS for the prevention of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and to investigate the potential to generate a smoother force transition from cranial to long fusion during trunk flexion, instead of an abrupt change at the UIV, following adult spinal deformity surgery.

METHODS
A finite element model was designed based on an adult patient with spinal deformity instrumented from T10 to S1. Five different sagittal balance types and implant configurations were tested. The proximal range of motion (ROM) and intervertebral stress were examined, with a special focus on their respective discontinuities.

RESULTS
Tension shielding at UIV/UIV+1 by the TPS was consistent irrespective of sagittal profiles. The use of TPSs at UIV+1 and UIV+2 increased the efficacy in reducing spinal ROM discontinuity at UIV/UIV+1, as compared with the use of TPSs at UIV+1 only. Through the use of two pairs of TPSs cranial to the UIV, the optimal tension configuration could be defined to avoid a reduction effect at UIV+1. Neither the addition of transition rods to the TPSs nor the use of transition rods in combination with standard pedicle screws improved the junctional mechanics when compared with TPSs at UIV+1/UIV+2.

CONCLUSIONS
A smoother motion discontinuity at the UIV can be achieved via implementation of a TPS strategy. This new technology shows favorable in silico mechanics for reducing the risk of PJK.
Benefits of stereotactic radiosurgical anterior capsulotomy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gupta Rishabh , Chen Jeffrey W. , Hughes Natasha C. , Hamo Mohammad , Jean-Baptiste Samuel , Paulo Danika L. , Chanbour Hani , Fan Run , Ye Fei , Vadali Abhiram , Cmelak Anthony , Bick Sarah K. 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE
Anterior capsulotomy (AC) is a therapeutic option for patients with severe, treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The procedure can be performed via multiple techniques, with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) gaining popularity because of its minimally invasive nature. The risk-benefit profile of AC performed specifically with SRS has not been well characterized. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to characterize outcomes following stereotactic radiosurgical AC in OCD patients.

METHODS
Studies assessing mean Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores before and after stereotactic radiosurgical AC for OCD were included in this analysis. Inverse-variance fixed-effect modeling was used for pooling, and random-effects estimate of the ratio of means and standard mean differences were calculated at 6 months, 12 months, and the last follow-up for Y-BOCS scores, as well as the last follow-up for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)/BDI-II scores. A generalized linear mixed model was used to generate fixed- and random-effects models for categorical outcomes. Univariate random-effects meta-regression was used to evaluate associations between postoperative Y-BOCS scores and study covariates. Adverse events were summed across studies. Publication bias was assessed with Begg’s test.

RESULTS
Eleven studies with 180 patients were eligible for inclusion. The mean Y-BOCS score decreased from 33.28 to 17.45 at the last-follow up (p < 0.001). Sixty percent of patients were classified as responders and 10% as partial responders, 18% experienced remission, and 4% had worsened Y-BOCS scores. The degree of improvement in the Y-BOCS score correlated with time since surgery (p = 0.046). In the random-effects model, the mean BDI at the last follow-up was not significantly different from that preoperatively. However, in an analysis performed with available paired pre- and postoperative BDI/BDI-II scores, there was significant improvement in the BDI/BDI-II scores postoperatively. Adverse events numbered 235, with headaches, weight change, mood changes, worsened depression/anxiety, and apathy occurring most commonly.

CONCLUSIONS
Stereotactic radiosurgical AC is an effective technique for treating OCD. Its efficacy is similar to that of AC performed via other lesioning techniques.
Effect of high disease activity on spinal sagittal malalignment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Honda Shintaro , Murata Koichi , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Otsuki Bungo , Shimizu Takayoshi , Fujii Takayuki , Okuzu Yaichiro , Kawai Toshiyuki , Kuroda Yutaka , Onishi Akira , Murakami Kosaku , Onizawa Hideo , Tanaka Masao , Morinobu Akio , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE
Atlantoaxial subluxation is a well-known serious complication encountered in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is unknown whether RA affects global spinal alignment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether high disease activity in patients with RA exacerbates spinal sagittal malalignment.

METHODS
The authors included 197 patients with RA who were followed up for > 2 years; standing spinal radiographs were obtained in all patients. Patients were divided into persistent moderate disease activity/high disease activity (pMDA/HDA; n = 64) and non-pMDA/HDA (n = 133) groups based on the disease activity at follow-up visits. Radiographic parameters assessed included pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA).

RESULTS
Over an average 5-year follow-up, increases in SVA, PT, and TK and a decrease in LL were observed. The pMDA/HDA group had a larger increase in PT and a higher incidence of vertebral fractures than the non-pMDA/HDA group. After adjusting variables using propensity score matching, the authors still found a higher rate of increase in PT (0.79°/year vs 0.01°/year, p = 0.001) in the pMDA/HDA group than in the non-pMDA/HDA group. This trend remained consistent even when patients who developed vertebral fractures were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS
Spinal sagittal alignment deteriorates over time in patients with RA. High disease activity in RA exacerbates spinal deformity.
Treatment of conus medullaris arteriovenous malformation: the role of microsurgical treatment
Authors: Lee Jong Min , Park Jin Hoon , Park Jung Cheol , Ahn Jae Sung , Park Wonhyoung 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE
Conus medullaris arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is rare and challenging to treat. To better define the presentation, prognosis, and optimal treatment of these lesions, the authors present their treatment experiences for conus medullaris AVM.

METHODS
Eleven patients with AVM of the conus medullaris were identified between March 2013 and December 2021. Among these patients, 7 who underwent microsurgical treatment were included. Patient data, including age, sex, symptoms at presentation, neurological status, radiological findings, nidus depth (mainly pial lesion vs intramedullary lesion), type of treatment, and recurrence at follow-up, were collected. Postoperative angiography was performed in all patients. Spinal cord function was evaluated using the Frankel grade at the time of admission and 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS
All 7 patients presenting with myeloradiculopathy were treated surgically. Four patients (57.1%) underwent endovascular embolization, followed by resection. The other 3 patients underwent microsurgery only. Complete occlusion was confirmed with postoperative angiography in all patients. Of the 3 patients who were nonambulatory before surgery (Frankel grade C), 2 were able to walk after surgery (Frankel grade D) and 1 remained nonambulatory (Frankel grade C) at 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
Based on the authors’ clinical experiences, the results of multimodal treatment for conus medullaris AVM are good, with microsurgical treatment playing an important role. The microsurgical strategy can differ depending on the location of the nidus, and when possible, good results can be expected through microsurgical resection.
Symmetric and Profound Monoaminergic Degeneration in Parkinson’s Disease with Premotor REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Woo Kyung Ah , Kim Han-Joon , Shin Jung Hwan , Cho Kangyoung , Choi Hongyoon , Jeon Beomseok 
Published: April 2024

Background: Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) may precede or follow motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). While over 70% of idiopathic RBD cases phenoconvert within a decade, a small subset develops PD after a more extended period or remains nonconverted. These heterogeneous manifestations of RBD in PD prompt subtype investigations. Premotor RBD may signify “body-first” PD with bottom-up, symmetric synucleinopathy propagation. Objective: Explore brainstem and nigrostriatal monoaminergic degeneration pattern differences based on premotor RBD presence and duration in de novo PD patients. Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis of de novo PD patients ( n = 150) undergoing FP-CIT PET and RBD Single-Question Screen, the cohort was categorized into groups with and without premotor RBD (PDRBD +/–), with further classification of PDRBD + based on a 10-year duration of premotor RBD. Analysis of FP-CIT binding in the striatum and pons, striatal asymmetry, and striatum-to-pons ratios compared patterns of nigrostriatal and brainstem monoaminergic degeneration. Results: PDRBD + exhibited more severe and symmetrical striatal dopaminergic denervation compared to PDRBD–, with the difference in severity accentuated in the least-affected hemisphere. The PDRBD +<10Y subgroup displayed the most prominent striatal symmetry, supporting a more homogeneous “body-first” subtype. Pontine uptakes remained lower in PDRBD + even after adjusting for striatal uptake, suggesting early degeneration of pontine monoaminergic nuclei. Conclusions: Premotor RBD in PD is associated with severe, symmetrical nigrostriatal and brainstem monoaminergic degeneration, especially in cases with PD onset within 10 years of RBD. This supports the concept of a “widespread, bottom-up” pathophysiological mechanism associated with premotor RBD in PD.
Indocyanine green lymphography in the congenital chylothorax and chylous ascites
Authors: Lin T. , Shibasaki J. , Yamamoto K. , Shimokaze T. , Toyoshima K. 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of congenital chylothorax and ascites ranges from spontaneous resolution to death, but no established examination exists to predict the prognosis. We aimed to develop a clinically useful method to evaluate lymphatic abnormalities using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography in infants with congenital chylothorax and ascites. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated infants with congenital chylothorax and chylous ascites who underwent ICG lymphography in our hospital between 2012 and 2022. The ICG lymphography findings was evaluated. We defined the dermal backflow in the trunk as the lymphatic flow from the end of the limb back through the lymphatic vessels on the surface of the trunk. The association between the dermal backflow in the trunk and clinical outcomes, as follows, are investigated: the duration of the drainage period, the duration of endotracheal intubation, and the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Twenty infants had a dermal backflow in the trunk, and ten did not. Clinical outcomes in infants with and without dermal backflow in the trunk were as follows (median): the duration of the drainage period (20 vs. 0 days, p = 0.001), the duration of endotracheal intubation (12 vs. 2 days, p = 0.04), and the length of hospital stay (62 vs. 41 days, p = 0.04), respectively. In multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for gestational age, the duration of the drainage period was correlated with the dermal backflow in the trunk [exp(B) = 2.62; p = 0.003]. CONCLUSIONS: The dermal backflow in the trunk in ICG lymphography was useful in predicting the clinical course of congenital chylothorax and ascites.
Tecnología digital y educación superior en Colombia: perspectivas y desafíos en la era de la inteligencia artificial (IA)
Authors: Montero Caicedo Leidy Lorena 
Published: April 2024

Para indagar acerca de experiencias exitosas en el ámbito de las potencialidades de la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) en el entorno universitario, se sugiere enfocar la creación de proyectos basados en IA que mejoren la experiencia del usuario y automaticen procesos, planifiquen, comuniquen e informen, sigan a los estudiantes, evalúen, certifiquen y acrediten la organización de encuentros académicos centrados en el análisis del currículo, la integración de tecnologías digitales y la reflexión en torno a estrategias pedagógicas innovadoras. (Vera et al. 2023)
High-pressure high-temperature synthesis of NdRe2
Authors: Hussein Zain , Kazemiasl Nazanin , Hussaini Kenan , Vaquero Lia , Barkova Olga , Drozd Vadym , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali , Chuvashova Irina 
Published: April 2024

In this study, we report the synthesis of a new cubic neodymium-rhenium metallic alloy NdRe2 through the utilization of high pressure and laser heating in a diamond anvil cell. NdRe2 crystallizes in the Fd3¯m space group with a lattice parameter equal to 7.486 (2) Å and Z = 8 at 24 (1) GPa and 2,200 (100) K. It was studied using high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the cubic MgCu2 structure type. Its successful synthesis further proves that high-pressure high-temperature conditions can be used to obtain alloys holding a Laves phase structure. Ab initio calculations were done to predict the mechanical properties of the material. We also discuss the usage of extreme conditions to synthesize and study materials present in the nuclear waste.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and coexisting depression, anxiety and/or stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shea Sue , Lionis Christos , Kite Chris , Lagojda Lukasz , Uthman Olalekan A. , Dallaway Alexander , Atkinson Lou , Chaggar Surinderjeet S. , Randeva Harpal S. , Kyrou Ioannis 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease, affecting 25-30% of the general population globally. The condition is even more prevalent in individuals with obesity and is frequently linked to the metabolic syndrome. Given the known associations between the metabolic syndrome and common mental health issues, it is likely that such a relationship also exists between NAFLD and mental health problems. However, studies in this field remain limited. Accordingly, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the prevalence of one or more common mental health conditions (i.e., depression, anxiety, and/or stress) in adults with NAFLD.MethodsPubMed, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched in order to identify studies reporting the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and/or stress among adults with NAFLD. A random-effects model was utilized to calculate the pooled prevalence and confidence intervals for depression, anxiety and stress.ResultsIn total, 31 studies were eligible for inclusion, involving 2,126,593 adults with NAFLD. Meta-analyses yielded a pooled prevalence of 26.3% (95% CI: 19.2 to 34) for depression, 37.2% (95% CI: 21.6 to 54.3%) for anxiety, and 51.4% (95% CI: 5.5 to 95.8%) for stress among adults with NAFLD.ConclusionThe present findings suggest a high prevalence of mental health morbidity among adults with NAFLD. Given the related public health impact, this finding should prompt further research to investigate such associations and elucidate potential associations between NAFLD and mental health morbidity, exploring potential shared underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021288934.
Geospatial evaluation and bio-remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils in arid zones
Authors: Mohamed Elsayed Said , Jalhoum Mohamed E. M. , Hendawy Ehab , El-Adly Ahmed M. , Nawar Said , Rebouh Nazih Y. , Saleh Ahmed , Shokr Mohamed. S. 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Soil pollution directly impacts food quality and the lives of both humans and animals. The concentration of heavy metals in Egypt’s drain-side soils is rising, which is detrimental to the quality of the soil and crops. The key to reducing the detrimental effects on the ecosystem is having accurate maps of the spatial distribution of heavy metals and the subsequent use of environmentally sustainable remediation approaches. The objective of this work is to assess soil contamination utilizing spatial mapping of heavy metals, determine contamination levels using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and calculate both the contamination severity and the potential for bioremediation in the soils surrounding the main drain of Bahr El-Baqar. Furthermore, evaluating the capacity of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and “Actinomycetes) to degrade heavy elements in the soil.Methodology: 146 soil sample locations were randomly selected near the Bahr El-Baqar drain to examine the degree of soil pollution Ordinary Kriging (OK), method was used to map and analyze the spatial distribution of soil contamination by seven heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, and Ni). Modified contamination degree (mCd) and PCA were used to assess the research area’s soil pollution levels. The process involved isolating, identifying, and classifying the microorganisms present in the soil of the study area. The study findings showed that variography suggested the Stable model effectively matched pH, SOM, and Cd values. Furthermore, the exponential model proved suitable for predicting Fe, Pb and Ni, while the spherical model was appropriate for Ni, Cr, and Zn.Results: The study revealed three levels of contamination, with an extremely high degree (EHDC) affecting approximately 97.49% of the area. The EHDC exhibited average concentrations of heavy metals: 79.23 ± 17.81 for Cr, 20,014.08 ± 4545.91 for Fe, 201.31 ± 112.97 for Zn, 1.33 ± 1.37 for Cd, 40.96 ± 26.36 for Pb, 211.47 ± 13.96 for As, and 46.15 ± 9.72 for Ni. Isolation and identification of microorganisms showed a significant influence on the breakdown of both organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment. The study demonstrated exceptionally high removal efficiency for As and Cr, with a removal efficiency reached 100%, achieved by Rhizopus oryzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus thuringiensis.Conclusion: This study has designated management zones for soil contamination by mapping soil pollutants, geo-identified them, and found potential microorganisms that could significantly reduce soil pollution levels.