bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies of the sensitivities of sparse and full geometries of Total-Body PET scanners built from crystals and plastic scintillators
Authors: Dadgar M. , Parzych S. , Baran J. , Chug N. , Curceanu C. , Czerwiński E. , Dulski K. , Elyan K. , Gajos A. , Hiesmayr B. C. , Kapłon Ł. , Klimaszewski K. , Konieczka P. , Korcyl G. , Kozik T. , Krzemien W. , Kumar D. , Niedzwiecki S. , Panek D. , Perez del Rio E. , Raczyński L. , Sharma S. , Shivani S. , Shopa R. Y. , Skurzok M. , Stepień E. Ł. , Tayefi Ardebili F. , Tayefi Ardebili K. , Vandenberghe S. , Wiślicki W. , Moskal P. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Alongside the benefits of Total-Body imaging modalities, such as higher sensitivity, single-bed position, low dose imaging, etc., their final construction cost prevents worldwide utilization. The main aim of this study is to present a simulation-based comparison of the sensitivities of existing and currently developed tomographs to introduce a cost-efficient solution for constructing a Total-Body PET scanner based on plastic scintillators.

Methods
For the case of this study, eight tomographs based on the uEXPLORER configuration with different scintillator materials (BGO, LYSO), axial field-of-view (97.4 cm and 194.8 cm), and detector configurations (full and sparse) were simulated. In addition, 8 J-PET scanners with different configurations, such as various axial field-of-view (200 cm and 250 cm), different cross sections of plastic scintillator, and multiple numbers of plastic scintillator layers (2, 3, and 4), based on J-PET technology have been simulated by GATE software. Furthermore, Siemens’ Biograph Vision has been simulated to compare the results with standard PET scans. Two types of simulations have been performed. The first one with a centrally located source with a diameter of 1 mm and a length of 250 cm, and the second one with the same source inside a water-filled cylindrical phantom with a diameter of 20 cm and a length of 183 cm.

Results
With regards to sensitivity, among all the proposed scanners, the ones constructed with BGO crystals give the best performance ($$\sim$$
∼
350 cps/kBq at the center). The utilization of sparse geometry or LYSO crystals significantly lowers the achievable sensitivity of such systems. The J-PET design gives a similar sensitivity to the sparse LYSO crystal-based detectors while having full detector coverage over the body. Moreover, it provides uniform sensitivity over the body with additional gain on its sides and provides the possibility for high-quality brain imaging.

Conclusion
Taking into account not only the sensitivity but also the price of Total-Body PET tomographs, which till now was one of the main obstacles in their widespread clinical availability, the J-PET tomography system based on plastic scintillators could be a cost-efficient alternative for Total-Body PET scanners.
Properties of three collagen scaffolds in comparison with native connective tissue: an in-vitro study
Authors: Solderer Alex , Widmer Nicole , Gubler Andrea , Fischer Kai R. , Hicklin Stefan P. , Schmidlin Patrick R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate collagen scaffolds (CS) in terms of their in vitro resorption behavior, surface structure, swelling behavior, and mechanical properties in physiologically simulated environments, compared with porcine native connective tissue.

Materials and methods
Three test materials—one porcine collagen matrix (p-CM), two acellular dermal matrices (porcine = p-ADM, allogenic = a-ADM)—and porcine native connective tissue (p-CTG) as a control material were examined for resorption in four solutions using a high-precision scale. The solutions were artificial saliva (AS) and simulated body fluid (SBF), both with and without collagenase (0.5 U/ml at 37 °C). In addition, the surface structures of CS were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after exposure to AS or SBF. The swelling behavior of CS was evaluated by measuring volume change and liquid absorption capacity in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Finally, the mechanical properties of CS and p-CTG were investigated using cyclic compression testing in PBS.

Results
Solutions containing collagenase demonstrated high resorption rates with significant differences (p < 0.04) between the tested materials after 4 h, 8 h and 24 h, ranging from 54.1 to 100% after 24 h. SEM images revealed cross-linked collagen structures in all untreated specimens. Unlike a-ADM, the scaffolds of p-CM and p-ADM displayed a flake-like structure. The swelling ratio and fluid absorption capacity per area ranged from 13.4 to 25.5% among the test materials and showed following pattern: p-CM > a-ADM > p-ADM. P-CM exhibited higher elastic properties than p-ADM, whereas a-ADM, like p-CTG, were barely compressible and lost structural integrity under increasing pressure.

Conclusions and clinical implications
Collagen scaffolds vary significantly in their physical properties, such as resorption and swelling behavior and elastic properties, depending on their microstructure and composition. When clinically applied, these differences should be taken into consideration to achieve the desired outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization of the coding gain for M-PSK with conjoint signals under correlated Nakagami-m fading channels
Authors: Omosa Edwin , Akuon Peter , Xu Hongjun , Oduol Vitalis 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the paper, a comprehensive analysis is presented on the conjoint coding gain achieved in arbitrarily correlated M-ary phase-shift keying (M-PSK) signals in a spatial diversity system. The system operates over Nakagami-m fading channels and is affected by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The proposed signal synthesizer primarily induces an even phase shift in the output signals. To enhance the coding gain, an orthogonal transformation matrix is introduced, which effectively preserves energy and operates independently of the channel correlation matrix, making it blind to signal information measurements. The main objective is to generate additional copies of conjoint signals from the received signals, simulating the scenario as if there were more antennas deployed. To evaluate the system’s performance in terms of symbol error rate (SER), an analytical framework is developed and its accuracy is validated through Monte-Carlo simulations. Moreover, extensive tests are conducted to explore the impact of different antenna configurations and fading severity levels. The fading severity, denoted as ’m’, is varied in the experiments, considering values of 0.5, 1, 3, and 7. Additionally, the measurements incorporate varying antenna spacing values relative to the signal carrier wavelength, specifically 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5. The results obtained from the experiments demonstrate that the coding gains achieved depend on the value of ’m’, with higher gains observed for lower ’m’ values. However, as ’m’ increases, the coding gains become negligible.
Influence of body and hand anthropometric characteristics on handgrip strength in young Nigerian women
Authors: Awotidebe Taofeek O. , Fasakin Olufesola M. , Ademoyegun Adekola B. , Nwajei Chiedozie C. , Oke Kayode I. , Adedoyin Rufus A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background and aim
Women are well known for having lower handgrip strength (HGS) compared to men. However, factors contributing to lower HGS in women remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of body and hand anthropometric characteristics (HAC) on HGS among young Nigerian undergraduate women.

Methods
Apparently healthy 500 young female adults from a Nigerian University were recruited conveniently. Age and physical characteristics were recorded. Right and left (R&L) HGS were measured using an electronic dynamometer. HAC including R&L arm girth (ArG), forearm girth (FaG), wrist girth (WrG), finger span (FSp), finger breath (FBr), finger length (FLg) and palm length (PLg) were measured. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05.

Results
The mean age of the participants was 22.46 ± 3.72 years. Age and body mass index (BMI) contributed about 20.0 and 12.0% to the prediction of HGS, respectively. Similarly, R&L HAC: ArG, FaG, WrG, FSp, FBr, FLg and PLg contributed about 22.8 and 14.8% to the prediction of HGS, respectively. Significant correlations occurred between HGS and each of BMI, R&L HAC (p < .05). Furthermore, significant correlations were also found between age and each of R&L HAC (p < .001).

Conclusions
Age, BMI and HAC have significant influence on the HGS of young Nigerian undergraduate women. Hence, physical factors such as weight, height, BMI, and hand anthropometric measurements are recommended as part of routine assessment for effective rehabilitation plans in the care of women with hand disability or poor hand function.
Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis: a case report
Authors: Yuen Kok Foong , Soo Mun Yee , Nik Hassan Nik Fariza Husna 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that commonly occurs in the lungs or in disseminated form. Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis is a very rare condition that can mimic laryngeal carcinoma or laryngeal tuberculosis. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the rare occurrence of primary laryngeal histoplasmosis with no involvement of other organs, especially the lungs, the diagnosis dilemma, and the antifungal protocol for this case.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 47-year-old male, who is a pigeon breeder, presented with chronic hoarseness. There were no signs of pulmonary or systemic involvement. Biopsy from laryngeal mucosa was confirmed as histoplasmosis, and he was started on intravenous (IV) amphotericin B for 2 weeks and oral itraconazole for 2 months.

Conclusion
Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis is considered a very rare occurrence. The laryngeal lesion may mimic conditions such as laryngeal carcinoma and laryngeal tuberculosis. Histopathology examination remains the gold standard, and antifungal treatment is the choice of therapy.
Systemic Therapy for Small-Cell Lung Cancer: ASCO-Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Guideline
Authors: Khurshid Humera , Ismaila Nofisat , Bian Jessica , Dabney Raetasha , Das Millie , Ellis Peter , Feldman Jill , Hann Christine , Kulkarni Swati , Laskin Janessa , Manochakian Rami , Mishra Deebya Raj , Preeshagul Isabel , Reddy Pavan , Saxena Ashish , Weinberg Frank , Kalemkerian Gregory P. 
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing clinicians on the management of patients with small-cell lung cancer. METHODS An Expert Panel of medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2022. Outcomes of interest included response rates, overall survival, disease-free survival or recurrence-free survival, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations. RESULTS The literature search identified 95 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. RECOMMENDATIONS Evidence-based recommendations were developed to address systemic therapy options, timing of therapy, treatment in patients who are older or with poor performance status, role of biomarkers, and use of myeloid-supporting agents in patients with small-cell lung cancer. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines .
Novel Melanocortin-3 and -4 Receptor Functional Variants in Asian Children With Severe Obesity
Authors: Ong Siong Gim , Dehghan Roghayeh , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Liu Jian-Jun , Sng Andrew Anjian , Lee Yung Seng , Ooi Delicia Shu Qin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Context
Genetic variants in melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes are strongly associated with childhood obesity.

Objective
This study aims to identify and functionally characterize MC3R and MC4R variants in an Asian cohort of children with severe early-onset obesity.

Methods
Whole-exome sequencing was performed to screen for MC3R and MC4R coding variants in 488 Asian children with severe early-onset obesity (body mass index for age ≥97th percentile). Functionality of the identified variants were determined via measurement of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations and luciferase activity.

Results
Four MC3R and 2 MC4R heterozygous nonsynonymous rare variants were detected. There were 3 novel variants: MC3R c.151G &gt; C (p.Val51Leu), MC4R c.127C &gt; A (p.Gln43Lys), and MC4R c.272T &gt; G (p.Met91Arg), and 3 previously reported variants: MC3R c.127G &gt; A (p.Glu43Lys), MC3R c.97G &gt; A (p.Ala33Thr), and MC3R c.437T &gt; A (p.Ile146Asn). Both MC3R c.127G &gt; A (p.Glu43Lys) and MC4R c.272T &gt; G (p.Met91Arg) variants demonstrated defective downstream cAMP signaling activity. The MC4R c.127C &gt; A (p.Gln43Lys) variant showed reduced cAMP signaling activity at low substrate concentration but the signaling activity was restored at high substrate concentration. The MC3R c.151G &gt; C (p.Val51Leu) variant did not show a significant reduction in cAMP signaling activity compared to wild-type (WT) MC3R. Coexpression studies of the WT and variant MC3R/MC4R showed that the heterozygous variants did not exhibit dominant negative effect.

Conclusion
Our functional assays demonstrated that MC3R c.127G &gt; A (p.Glu43Lys) and MC4R c.272T &gt; G (p.Met91Arg) variants might predispose individuals to early-onset obesity, and further studies are needed to establish the causative effect of these variants in the pathogenesis of obesity.
BCAS2 Participates in Insulin Synthesis and Secretion via mRNA Alternative Splicing in Mice
Authors: Chen Xuexue , Xie Xiaomei , Li Jianhua , Sun Longjie , Lv Zheng , Yao Xiaohong , Li Lei , Jin Hua , Cui Sheng , Liu Jiali 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Insulin secreted by pancreatic β cells is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels. Diabetes is caused primarily by a loss of β cells or impairment of β-cell function. A previous whole-transcriptome analysis of islets from a type 2 diabetes group and a control group showed that a splicing disorder occurred in approximately 25% of splicing events. Breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) is a spliceosome component whose function in islet β cells is unclear. Here, we report that knockdown of Bcas2 decreased glucose- and KCl-stimulated insulin secretion in the NIT-1 cell line. Pancreas weight, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity were measured in normal chow-fed Bcas2 f/f-βKO mice, and β-cell mass and islet size were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Glucose intolerance developed in Bcas2 f/f-βKO mice, but there were no significant differences in pancreas weight, insulin sensitivity, β-cell mass, or islet size. Furthermore, observation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin secretion granules in normal chow-fed mice revealed that the insulin level in serum and the number of insulin secretion granules were decreased in Bcas2 f/f-βKO mice. These differences were related to abnormal splicing of Syt7 and Tcf7l2 pre-mRNA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that BCAS2 is involved in alternative splicing during insulin synthesis and secretion.
Endoscopic Transorbital Surgery for Trigeminal Schwannoma: Introduction of a Novel Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Kong Doo-Sik , Shin Hyung Jin 
Published: October 2023

INDICATIONS: CORRIDOR AND LIMITS OF EXPOSURE:
The major indications of endoscopic transorbital approach include spheno-orbital meningiomas, cavernous sinus lesions, and Meckel cave lesion such as trigeminal schwannomas. It can avoid excessive brain retraction and allows for a fast recovery to the normal daily living activity.

ANATOMIC ESSENTIALS: NEED FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT:
To access the cavernous sinus, the sagittal crest and meningo-orbital band should be identified and cut.

ESSENTIAL STEPS OF THE PROCEDURE:
1. Skin incision along the superior eyelid is performed. 2. Careful dissection of the soft tissue under the orbicularis is required not to injure the orbital septum. 3. After the lateral orbital rim is exposed, the periosteum and periorbita are elevated from the lateral orbital wall. 4. Drilling of the zygomatic bone within the orbit exposes the temporalis muscle first followed by the exposure of the temporal dura. It is essential to obtain adequate working room when the base of the greater sphenoidal wing is drilled. The sagittal crest should be removed, and the meningo-orbital band should be cut to expose the lateral cavernous sinus wall.

PITFALLS/AVOIDANCE OF COMPLICATIONS:
For successful access through the orbit, endoscopic transorbital approach needs to minimize the retraction of the orbit. To achieve this goal, retraction of the orbit should be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes.

VARIANTS AND INDICATIONS OF THEIR USE:
This approach can be combined with lateral orbitotomy. It provides a wider working room and makes surgery easier to access the lateral temporal lobe.
The patient consented to the procedure, and the participants and any identifiable individuals consented to publication of his/her image. Images at 1:29 reproduced from Corrivetti F, de Notaris M, Di Somma A, et al, “Sagittal crest”: definition, stepwise dissection, and clinical implications from a transorbital perspective, Operative Neurosurgery, 22(5), p e206-e212, ©2022, by permission from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Video screen capture from The Neurosurgical Atlas at 1:06 used with permission from Aaron Cohen-Gadol; ©The Neurosurgical Atlas, all rights reserved.
Intraoperative Irrigation and Risk of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Recurrence
Authors: Schack Anders , Rønn Jensen Thorbjørn Søren , Jensen Mette Haldrup , Miscov Rares , Sindby Ann Kathrine , Fugleholm Kåre , Bergholt Bo , Bjarkam Carsten Reidies , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Grønhøj Mads Hjortdal 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
In most neurosurgical centers, irrigation is an essential part of the surgical procedure for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, it is unknown whether the volume of irrigation fluid affects the risk of CSDH recurrence. This study aimed to investigate a potential association between the volume of irrigation fluid used during burr hole evacuation of CSDH and the risk of CSDH recurrence.

METHODS:
This study is a subanalysis of 2 randomized trials (Drain Time & Drain Time 2) designed to investigate the effect of drainage duration on the recurrence of CSDH. Intraoperative irrigation volume was measured, and patients were followed for 90 days for recurrent CSDH.

RESULTS:
A total of 525 patients with CSDH were included. There was no significant difference in the volume of irrigation fluid used between patients with recurrence (mean = 938 mL, SD = ±552) and without recurrence (mean = 852 mL, SD = ±454) (P-value = .15). Patients with recurrent CSDH had larger primary CSDH volumes (mean = 134 cm3, SD = ±69) than patients without recurrence (mean = 119 cm3, SD = ±58) (P = .04). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed no association between irrigation volume and recurrence, also when stratified for hematoma size.

CONCLUSION:
There was no significant association between irrigation volume and recurrent CSDH within 90 days in patients undergoing burr hole surgery for CSDH.
Gravisensation and modulation of gravitactic responses by other sensory cues in the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Authors: Kendzel Mitchell J. , Parlin Adam F. , Guerra Patrick A. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTUsing the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), we studied how animals can use cues from multiple sensory modalities for deriving directional information from their environment to display oriented movement. Our work focused on determining how monarchs use gravity as a cue for oriented movement and determined how cues from other sensory modalities, cues that by themselves also produce oriented movement (visual and magnetic directional cues), might modulate gravisensation. In two tests of gravisensation (movement in a vertical tube; righting behavior), we found that monarchs display negative gravitaxis only (movement opposite to the direction of gravity). Negative gravitaxis can be modulated by either visual (light) or magnetic field cues (inclination angle) that provide directional information. The modulation of gravity-mediated responses, however, depends on the relationship between cues when presented during trials, such as when cues are in accord or in conflict. For example, when light cues that elicit positive phototaxis conflicted with negative gravitaxis (light from below the monarch), monarch gravisensation was unaffected by directional light cues. We also found that the antennae play a role in gravity-mediated movement (righting), as, with antennae removed, monarch movement behavior was no longer the same as when the antennae were intact. Our results demonstrate that monarchs can use and integrate multiple, multimodal cues for oriented movement, but that the use of such cues can be hierarchical (that is, one cue dominant for movement), and the hierarchy of cues, and the responses towards them when found together, depends on the physical relationships between cues during movement.
pi_tailtrack: A compact, inexpensive and open-source behaviour-tracking system for head-restrained zebrafish
Authors: Randlett Owen 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Quantifying animal behaviour during microscopy is crucial to associate optically recorded neural activity with behavioural outputs and states. Here, I describe an imaging and tracking system for head-restrained larval zebrafish compatible with functional microscopy. This system is based on the Raspberry Pi computer, Pi NoIR camera and open-source software for the real-time tail segmentation and skeletonization of the zebrafish tail at over 100 Hz. This allows for precise and long-term analyses of swimming behaviour, which can be related to functional signals recorded in individual neurons. This system offers a simple but performant solution for quantifying the behaviour of head-restrained larval zebrafish, which can be built for 340€.
Combining contour-based and region-based in image segmentation
Authors: Dagher Issam , Abboud Elie 
Published: October 2023

Background: This paper presents an optimized clustering approach applied to image segmentation. Accurate image segmentation impacts many fields like medical, machine vision, object detection. Applications involve tumor detection, face detection and recognition, and video surveillance. Methods: The developed approach is based on obtaining an optimum number of clusters and regions of an image. We combined Region-based and contour-based approaches. Initial rough regions are obtained using edge detection. We have used Gabor wavelets for texture classification and spatial resolutions. Color frequencies are also used to determine the number of clusters of the Fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm which gave an optimum number of clusters or regions. Results: We have compared our approach with other similar wavelet and clustering techniques. Our algorithm gave better values for segmentation metrics like SNR, PSNR, and MCC. Conclusions: Optimizing the number of clusters or regions has a significant effect on the performance of the image segmentation techniques. This will result in better detection and localization of the segmentation-based application.