bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges and pitfalls during CRT implantation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava
Authors: Akdis Deniz , Vogler Julia , Sieren Malte-Maria , Molitor Nadine , Sasse Tom , Phan Huong-Lan , Bartoli Lorenzo , Grosse Niels , Saguner Ardan M. , Eriksson Urs , Duru Firat , Hofer Daniel , Breitenstein Alexander , Tilz Roland Richard , Winnik Stephan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare venous anomaly, affecting 0.3–0.5% of the general population. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation in patients with PLSVC is challenging due to a complex anatomy. Moreover, data on CRT implantation in this patient population is scarce. Our aim was to report a series of patients with PLSVC and CRT implantation focusing on challenges and pitfalls.

Methods
Electronic medical databases on patients with CRT implantation at the University Heart Centers in Zurich, Switzerland, and Lübeck, Germany, were screened for individuals with a PLSVC. Clinical and demographic characteristics as well as procedural data were reported in all patients.

Results
This study presents six cases with a median age of 66 years. CRT implantation was successful in five patients, leading to a reduced QRS duration and improved left ventricular ejection fraction. Atrial fibrillation, ischemic cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy were observed in this group as underlying conditions. Specialized tools, such as active fixation left ventricular leads, were utilized. One patient experienced major complications.

Conclusions
This case series shows that although challenging, conventional endovascular CRT implantation is feasible in PLSVC patients. Specialized tools for visualization and fixation may help. Our experiences highlight the importance of preprocedural evaluation of the anatomy and precise intervention planning.

Graphical Abstract
Investigation of the mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of electrical corrosion resistance glass reinforced polyimide-based composite produced by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Ogbonna V. E. , Popoola A. P. I. , Popoola O. M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolyimide polymer matrix composites have gained numerous attentions in the design and fabrication of components for automobile, aerospace, and electronics applications as a result of their outstanding properties. Composites are currently replacing polymers as structural, insulation and dielectric materials, and the improvement of mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of polyimide (PI) becomes important. Thus, in this paper, the enhancement of the mechanical, thermal stability, and dielectric properties of PI composites with boron-free E-glass (electrical corrosion resistance (ECR) glass) reinforcements (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process is presented. X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), nanoindentation tests, thermogravimetric analyser, and LCR meter tester were used to investigate the morphology, mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of the developed composites, respectively. The SEM results revealed that the ECR-glass powder particles were well dispersed in the PI matrix. The introduction of the ECR into the PI matrix, improves its hardness, stiffness, and modulus. From the obtained results, a notable improvement in its hardness (9.36%), stiffness (30.77%), and modulus (43.58%) was revealed for ECR/PI loaded with 15 wt% ECR compared to pure PI. The thermal stability of the PI composites was observed to be improved with the incorporation of the ECR-glass particles. The heat resistance index of the PI was recorded to be improved by 3.8% at 15 wt% ECR incorporation. Furthermore, the composites depicted low dielectric constant and dissipation factor. In consideration, the obtained properties make the composites promising for mechanical load-bearing, thermal management and electronics applications.
Moving Towards Acceptance and Values: A Qualitative Study of ACTforIBD Compared to IBD Psychoeducation
Authors: Wilkin Kathryn , Evans Subhadra , Van Niekerk Leesa , Romano Daniel , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Knowles Simon , Chesterman Susan , Raven Leanne , Mikocka-Walus Antonina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe current study explored perspectives of those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and comorbid anxiety and/or depression on a hybrid acceptance and committment therapy (ACT) intervention, compared to an active control. This qualitative study was nested within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) where an experimental group received an 8-week blended delivery ACTforIBD intervention (four sessions telehealth, four sessions pre-recorded self-directed), while an active control group received a psychoeducation program of similar intensity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention and at a 3-month follow-up. Themes were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Twenty individuals participated; ten in each condition. Seven themes were constructed, including three shared themes between groups: I Am Worth Advocating For, Present Moment Is My Biggest Ally, and Ambivalence About Self-Directed Modules. Two themes were identified for the ACTforIBD group: Symptoms Are Going to Happen and Moving Toward Values while two themes identified from the ActiveControl group were: Reset and Refresh and It’s Ok to Say No. Acceptance and values modules from ACTforIBD were perceived as useful in reducing psychological distress for those with IBD, while the ActiveControl group felt their program affirmed existing effective coping strategies. Access to external resources for self-directed modules and networking may increase engagement with content long term.
Controlled Creating of Delaminations in Concrete for Nondestructive Testing
Authors: Timofeev Juri , Azari Hoda , Satyanarayana Raghavendra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLocating and sizing delaminations is a common inspection task in the maintenance and quality control of construction and rehabilitation. Their detection is an important area of application of nondestructive testing in civil engineering (NDT-CE). To improve this application, NDT test systems and test solutions must be compared, for which specimens containing well-defined delaminations are needed to serve as a reference. Currently, there are no widely accepted procedures available for creating such flaws locally and reproducibly. This study presents procedures for creating artificial delaminations repeatably and as close as possible to natural delaminations. To produce the discontinuities only substances were used which can occur in concrete components and do not affect the application of NDT-CE methods. Ultrasonic pulse-echo (UPE) was used to test the flaws in the specimens. The delaminations were created by applying expansive mortar in prepared through holes. Three specimens with two delaminations each were built and tested using UPE.
Solvatochromism, optical and electronic properties of thiosemicarbazone derivatives in solution phase
Authors: Kara Yunus Emre , Gülseven Sıdır Yadigar , Sıdır İsa , Kandemirli Fatma 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe electronic structure, solvatochromic and some optoelectronic properties of five different thiosemicarbazone (TSCs) derivatives with different substituents consisted from indole ring, benzyl ring and conjugated thiosemicarbazide have been investigated in detail. UV–vis. absorption spectra of TSC compounds have been analyzed in solvent media with different polarity. The spectral changes are observed to forming of solvent effects and substituents. Spectral behaviors and electronic transitions are interpreted based on the UV-Vis. spectra. Solvatochromic behaviors were defined by linear solvation energy relationships via multiple linear regression analysis by using Kamlet-Abboud-Taft and Catalán parameters. In addition, the correlations of electronic absorption transition energy with Marcus optical dielectric parameter and Reichardt-Dimroth parameter were also determined. Some optoelectronic parameters such as forbidden band gap energy and refractive index have been determined in different solvent medium. Thiosemicarbazone derivatives have a global electronic absorption transition energy of about 3.351 eV. According to LSER calculations, polarizability-induction of electronic transitions of the investigated molecules is effective. The (E)-4-(4-nitrobenzyl)-1-(2-oxo-2H-indol-3(3aH)-ylidene)thiosemicarbazide (TSC-B) compound that does not a methoxy group and contain nitro group substituent and has the highest forbidden energy range.
Unveiling urban ecological integrity: spatially explicit assessment in contrasting environments
Authors: Lemoine-Rodríguez Richard , García-Arroyo Michelle , Gómez-Martínez Miguel A. , Back Meri , Lindeman Tonje , MacGregor-Fors Ian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough much attention has been paid to improve the representation of the urban spatial complexity, most efforts have been limited to the inclusion of green cover data to describe the biological component of cities, leaving the measurement of crucial urban ecological properties out of the picture. To tackle this, the Urban Ecosystem Integrity Index (UEII) was recently proposed to spatially represent the interplay between the intensity of urbanization and the biological components of cities, including urban biodiversity. The UEII has shown to be effective in measuring the ecosystem integrity of a Neotropical city; however its generalized applicability remains to be tested. Thus, here we tested the suitability of the UEII when applied in a boreal city and also evaluated if it adds more valuable information than the NDVI (also contrasting it with a UEII previously published for a tropical city), which is often suggested as a proxy of urban greenness and therefore the ecology of cities. We calculated the UEII by considering land surface temperature, built-up cover, and native plants and bird species richness of the city of Lahti, Finland (Palearctic; boreal). The UEII showed to be robust, comparable, and effective in capturing the intra and inter-urban spatial heterogeneity of both cities. Moreover, although the UEII and NDVI values correlated, the variance in such correlation showed the detail that the UEII brings to the quantificaiton of the ecological integrity of the cities, representing a more integral indicator. Thus, our findings indicate that the UEII is a valuable tool to inform on areas requiring ecological enhancement, as well as identifying those that are thriving, in cities ranging from tropical and highly biodiverse to boreal and with considerable less biodiversity.
Habitat loss reduces abundance and body size of forest-dwelling dung beetles in an Amazonian urban landscape
Authors: Bernardino Glenda Vanessa dos Santos , Mesquita Vanessa Pontes , Bobrowiec Paulo Estefano Dineli , Iannuzzi Luciana , Salomão Renato Portela , Cornelius Cintia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe loss of forest cover in urban landscapes alters the dynamics of spatial and food resources, challenging the maintenance of forest species, which may have their condition compromised. Dung beetles are sensitive to changes in vegetation structure and land use caused by human activities, processes that are intrinsically related to the establishment and development of cities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of landscape structure on the abundance and morphological characteristics of two species of dung beetle (Dichotomius boreus and Dichotomius quadrilobatus) that inhabit forested areas in urbanized landscapes in the Amazon region. We carried out the study in 38 landscapes located in six urban regions in the central region of the Amazon. We evaluated the effect of landscape structure, at the site and city scales, on beetle abundance, individual body size, and relative horn length of males. At the local scale, landscapes with greater forest cover showed greater abundance of dung beetles, as well as greater lengths of D. boreus horns. Cities with a greater amount of forest cover had larger individuals than those with less forest cover. We conclude that forested areas in urban landscapes are a key habitat for the maintenance of dung beetle populations with a strong relationship between the amount of forest cover in the landscape. The maintenance of healthy and abundant populations of beetles in urban Amazonian landscapes guarantees the persistence of ecosystem services provided by these organisms in urban ecosystems.
Dual-release hydrocortisone improves body composition and the glucometabolic profile in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Jørgensen Nanna Thurmann , Boesen Victor Brun , Borresen Stina Willemoes , Christoffersen Thea , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Plomgaard Peter , Christoffersen Christina , Watt Torquil , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Klose Marianne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Studies have suggested improved metabolic profiles in patients with adrenal insufficiency treated with dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) compared with conventional hydrocortisone (C-HC). This study investigates the effect of DR-HC compared with C-HC treatment on five health variables: diurnal salivary cortisol/cortisone, body composition, bone health, glucose metabolism, lipids, and blood pressure.

Methods
Prospective study of 27 participants (24 men) with secondary adrenal insufficiency with measurements during stable C-HC and 16 weeks after treatment switch to DR-HC.

Outcomes
Diurnal salivary-cortisol/cortisone, body composition assessed by Dual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, bone status indices (serum type I N-terminal procollagen [PINP], collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide [CTX], osteocalcin, receptor activator kappa-B [RANK] ligand, osteoprotegerin, and sclerostin), lipids, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and 24-hour blood pressure.

Results
After the switch to DR-HC, the diurnal salivary-cortisol area under the curve (AUC) decreased non-significantly (mean difference: −55.9 nmol/L/day, P = 0.06). The salivary-cortisone-AUC was unchanged. Late-evening salivary-cortisol and cortisone were lower (−1.6 and −1.7 nmol/L, P = 0.002 and 0.004). Total and abdominal fat mass (−1.5 and −0.5 kg, P = 0.003 and 0.02), HbA1c (−1.2 mmol/mol, P = 0.02), and osteocalcin decreased (−7.0 µg/L, P = 0.03) whereas sclerostin increased (+41.1 pg/mL, P = 0.0001). The remaining bone status indices, lipids, and blood pressure were unchanged.

Conclusion
This study suggests that switching to DR-HC leads to lower late-evening cortisol/cortisone exposure and a more favourable metabolic profile and body composition. In contrast, decreased osteocalcin with increasing sclerostin might indicate a negative impact on bones.

Clinical trial registration
EudraCT201400203932
Thyroid disorders induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Karaviti Dimitra , Kani Eleni-Rafaela , Karaviti Eleftheria , Gerontiti Eleni , Michalopoulou Olympia , Stefanaki Katerina , Kazakou Paraskevi , Vasileiou Vasiliki , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Paschou Stavroula A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a revolutionary class of drugs that powerfully contribute to cancer therapy by harnessing the immune system to fight malignancies. However, their successful use as anti-cancer drugs is accompanied by a wide spectrum of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), including endocrinopathies. Among them, thyroid dysfunction stands out as one of the most common endocrinopathies induced by ICI therapy and surfaces as a prominent concern. Destructive thyroiditis is the pathophysiological basis shared by the most common patterns of thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroidism. Diagnostic approach is guided by clinical manifestation, laboratory evaluation and imaging modalities. Treatment approaches range from the substitution of levothyroxine to the utilization of beta blockers, depending on the extent of thyroid dysfunction’s severity. While the medical community is dealing with the evolution and complexities of immunotherapy, recognizing and effectively managing ICI-induced thyroid dysfunction emerged as crucial for enhancing patient safety and achieving improved outcomes. The aim of this review is to navigate the significance of ICI-induced thyroid dysfunction unraveling the various patterns, underlying mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies. It, also, highlights the impact of various factors such as cancer subtype, ICI dosage, age, and genetic susceptibility on the risk of experiencing dysfunction.
Effects of a novel bioprocess for the cultivation Synechococcus nidulans on Mars on its biochemical composition: focus on the lipidome
Authors: Casula Mattia , Fais Giacomo , Sidorowicz Agnieszka , Caboni Pierluigi , Cao Giacomo , Concas Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the present work, the possibility to grow the strain Synechococcus nidulans CCALA 188 on Mars using a medium mimicking a one obtainable using in situ available resources, i.e. the so-called Martian medium, under an atmosphere obtainable by pressurization of Mars CO2, is investigated. The goal is to obtain a biomass with high-value products to sustain a crewed mission to Mars. The results show that the replacement of 40% vol of Z-medium with the same volume of Martian medium does not affect the cultivation and leads to a slight improvement of biomass productivity. Under an atmosphere consisting of pure CO2 the growth rate was reduced but the strain managed to adapt by modifying its metabolism. Total proteins and carbohydrates were significantly reduced under Mars-like conditions, while lipids increased when using CO2. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants is crucial for the wealth of astronauts, and in our case, radical scavenging capacities range from 15 to 20 mmolTEAC/kg were observed. Under CO2, a reduction in antioxidant power is observed likely due to a decrease in photosynthetic activity. The lipidome consisted of sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, and triacylglycerol. A significant increase in the latter ones was observed under Mars simulated atmosphere.
Evaluating adherence, tolerability and safety of oral calcium citrate in elderly osteopenic subjects: a real-life non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Minisola Salvatore , Barale Marco , Barbaro Daniele , Mansueto Francesca , Battaglia Santina , Bonaccorsi Gloria , Caliri Santina , Cavioni Alessandro , Colangelo Luciano , Corbetta Sabrina , Coretti Federica , Dito Giorgia , Gavioli Valentina , Ghigo Ezio , Giannattasio Raffaele , Lapi Paola , Maiorana Blas , Marra Costanza , Mazzantini Maurizio , Morini Elisabetta , Nannipieri Fabrizio , Nuzzo Vincenzo , Parri Fabiana , Perna Simone , Santori Rachele , Procopio Massimo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is a common concern in the elderly that leads to fragile bones. Calcium supplementation plays a crucial role in improving bone health, reducing fracture risk, and supporting overall skeletal strength in this vulnerable population. However, there is conflicting evidence on the safety of calcium supplements in elderly individuals.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence, safety and tolerability of calcium citrate supplementation in elderly osteopenic subjects.

Methods
In this non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study, subjects received daily 500 mg calcium citrate supplementation for up to one year. Adherence was calculated based on compliance and persistence. Safety was assessed through adverse reactions (ARs), deaths, and clinical laboratory evaluations.

Results
A total of 268 Caucasian subjects (91.4% female, mean age 70 ± 4.5 years) participated in the study. Mean adherence to treatment was 76.6 ± 29.5% and half of subjects had an adherence of 91% and ~ 33% of participants achieved complete (100%) adherence. ARs were reported by nine (3.9%) subjects, primarily gastrointestinal disorders, with no serious ARs. The frequency of all adverse events (including ARs) was significantly higher in subjects with adherence of < 80% (41.6%; 32/77) vs. those with adherence ≥ 80% (11%; 16/145, p < 0.0001). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from baseline to follow-up visit (change of -2.8 ± 13.9 mmHg, p = 0.0102 and -2.1 ± 10.4 mmHg, p = 0.0116, respectively).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated favorable adherence to calcium citrate supplementation in elderly osteopenic subjects. The occurrence of ARs, though generally mild, were associated with lower adherence to calcium supplementation.
Scrutinizing microbiome determinism: why deterministic hypotheses about the microbiome are conceptually ungrounded
Authors: Suárez Javier 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper addresses the topic of determinism in contemporary microbiome research. I distinguish two types of deterministic claims about the microbiome, and I show evidence that both types of claims are present in the contemporary literature. First, the idea that the host genetics determines the composition of the microbiome which I call “host-microbiome determinism”. Second, the idea that the genetics of the holobiont (the individual unit composed by a host plus its microbiome) determines the expression of certain phenotypic traits, which I call “microbiome-phenotype determinism”. Drawing on the stability of traits conception of individuality (Suárez in Hist Philos Life Sci 42:11, 2020) I argue that none of these deterministic hypotheses is grounded on our current knowledge of how the holobiont is transgenerationally assembled, nor how it expresses its phenotypic traits.
A deep learning approach for transportation mode identification using a transformation of GPS trajectory data features into an image representation
Authors: Ribeiro Ricardo , Trifan Alina , Neves António J. R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlobal positioning system data play a crucial role in comprehending an individual’s life due to its ability to provide geographic positions and timestamps. However, it is a challenge to identify the transportation mode used during a trajectory due to the large amount of spatiotemporal data generated, and the distinct spatial characteristics exhibited. This paper introduces a novel approach for transportation mode identification by transforming trajectory data features into image representations and employing these images to train a neural network based on vision transformers architectures. Existing approaches require predefined temporal intervals or trajectory sizes, limiting their adaptability to real-world scenarios characterized by several trajectory lengths and inconsistent data intervals. The proposed approach avoids segmenting or changing trajectories and directly extracts features from the data. By mapping the trajectory features into pixel location generated using a dimensionality reduction technique, images are created to train a deep learning model to predict five transport modes. Experimental results demonstrate a state-of-the-art accuracy of 92.96% on the Microsoft GeoLife dataset. Additionally, a comparative analysis was performed using a traditional machine learning approach and neural network architectures. The proposed method offers accurate and reliable transport mode identification applicable in real-world scenarios, facilitating the understanding of individual’s mobility.