bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of PET image quality with acquisition time/bed and enhancement of lesion quantification accuracy through deep progressive learning
Authors: Yang Hongxing , Chen Shihao , Qi Ming , Chen Wen , Kong Qing , Zhang Jianping , Song Shaoli 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
To improve the PET image quality by a deep progressive learning (DPL) reconstruction algorithm and evaluate the DPL performance in lesion quantification.

Methods
We reconstructed PET images from 48 oncological patients using ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and deep progressive learning (DPL) methods. The patients were enrolled into three overlapped studies: 11 patients for image quality assessment (study 1), 34 patients for sub-centimeter lesion quantification (study 2), and 28 patients for imaging of overweight or obese individuals (study 3). In study 1, we evaluated the image quality visually based on four criteria: overall score, image sharpness, image noise, and diagnostic confidence. We also measured the image quality quantitatively using the signal-to-background ratio (SBR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-background ratio (CBR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). To evaluate the performance of the DPL algorithm in quantifying lesions, we compared the maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax), SBR, CBR, SNR and CNR of 63 sub-centimeter lesions in study 2 and 44 lesions in study 3.

Results
DPL produced better PET image quality than OSEM did based on the visual evaluation methods when the acquisition time was 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 min/bed. However, no discernible differences were found between the two methods when the acquisition time was 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 min/bed. Quantitative results showed that DPL had significantly higher values of SBR, CBR, SNR, and CNR than OSEM did for each acquisition time. For sub-centimeter lesion quantification, the SUVmax, SBR, CBR, SNR, and CNR of DPL were significantly enhanced, compared with OSEM. Similarly, for lesion quantification in overweight and obese patients, DPL significantly increased these parameters compared with OSEM.

Conclusion
The DPL algorithm dramatically enhanced the quality of PET images and enabled more accurate quantification of sub-centimeters lesions in patients and lesions in overweight or obese patients. This is particularly beneficial for overweight or obese patients who usually have lower image quality due to the increased attenuation.
A study of ear biometrics in autopsied cases at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
Authors: Ahmad Nur Arina , Nor Faridah Mohd , Shafie Mohamed Swarhib , Abdullah Nurul Kharmila , Abdul Razak Nadiawati , Nor Nadeeya ‘Ayn Umaisara Mohamad , Omar Normaliza 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The ears have increasingly been recognized as one of the supportive tools in forensics, based on the identification of landmark variations of ear biometrics in living persons. However, no studies on the reliability of such comparisons have been done on the deceased.

Methods
The study aimed to investigate the correlation between ear biometrics and the age, sex, and stature of the deceased. The study was conducted on 181 deceased persons, aged between 18 and 70 years old on cases received by the Forensic Unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Documentation of age, sex, race, and height was recorded, and photographs of bilateral ears were taken. Measurements of twelve ear biometrics based on the Iannarelli method and ear length and ear width were taken from the photographs.

Results
Results showed that there was a significant difference between males and females in six ear biometrics. There was also a significant correlation between ear biometrics, that is, ear length and ear width with the age and height of an individual.

Conclusions
In brief, there exists a significant difference between males and females in ear biometrics with good correlations between ear biometrics and the height and age of an individual. Hence, the ear can be used for personal identification in the forensic field.
Blunt chest trauma-induced myocardial infarction: a case of sudden death by homicide
Authors: Akbar Mohammed , Raju Vempalli Seshagiri , Setia Puneet , Chaturvedi Kriti , Rao Meenakshi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Blunt cardiac injuries, which are typically the result of blunt chest trauma, are not particularly significant clinically. It is vital never to underestimate blunt chest injuries, especially when they occur in the anterior thoracic area. Blunt trauma to the chest is one of the rarest causative factors of myocardial infarction (MI). Blunt cardiac injury encompasses different medical emergency conditions such as gradual damage to the myocardium leading to myocardial ischemia, injuries to the great vessels of the heart, pericardial tamponade, septum or wall ruptures, pump failure, conduction abnormalities, and atrial and ventricular fibrillations. The most common cause of blunt chest trauma is a road traffic accident (RTA), followed by a sports injury. Mostly blunt trauma chest injuries occur below the age group of 45 years.

Case presentation
A 45-year-old male with a history of physical assault was brought to the emergency department by his neighbor. He was allegedly kicked by his relative over the chest during an altercation sustained blunt-force trauma to the chest and collapsed immediately. On admission, he was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation and declared dead. On autopsy, there were no signs suggestive of external injury or any shoeprints/footprints on the chest. On histopathological examination, a diffuse area of discoloration consistent with an extensive myocardial infarction was noted. Old healed infarcts were seen in the free wall of the left ventricle, left posterior papillary muscle, and left apex. The coronaries showed atheromatous plaque with lumen narrowing and focal calcification.

Conclusions
It is the task of the forensic pathologist to ascertain and record evidence as to whether the myocardial infarction was caused by the alleged blunt trauma to the chest during the autopsy. This is important as it will determine the type of prosecution the accused is likely to be charged with and the extent of the punishment that he will likely receive under the Indian Penal Code.
Drug resistance predictive utility of age of onset and cortical imaging abnormalities in epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alare Kehinde , Ogungbemi Bridget , Fagbenro Ayomide , Adetunji Busayo , Owonikoko Oladoja , Omoniyo Taiwo , Jagunmolu Habiblah , Kayode Ayomide , Afolabi Samson 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Drug resistance has been a global burden in the management of epilepsy. It is desirable if this could be predicted earlier in the course of management to give time for alternative and a more definitive mode of management, such as epilepsy surgeries.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between elevated age at the onset of the first seizure or cortical imaging abnormalities and the development of drug resistance in epilepsy. We performed a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases for studies investigating the predictive utility of age of onset or cortical imaging abnormalities on drug resistance.

Results
Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and analyzed by the RevMan 5.4 software. Meta-analysis was done across 12 studies involving 5315 patients. Age of onset of seizures younger than 5 years was found to be associated with the development of drug resistance (OR: 0.685, 95% CI 0.410–0.960), also cortical imaging abnormalities were found to be associated with the development of drug resistance.

Conclusion
Children with early onset seizures could better from neurosurgical management than pharmacological management as the early age of onset was associated with drug resistance and cortical abnormalities on neuroimaging could be an indication for neurosurgical management of epilepsies.
Shunt dysfunction patterns after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation using a combination of a generic stent-graft and bare-stents
Authors: Gravel Guillaume , Artru Florent , Gonzalez-Quevedo Miriam , Tsoumakidou Georgia , Villard Nicolas , Duran Rafael , Denys Alban 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Even though transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using Fluency Stent-grafts provides good shunt patency rates, shunt dysfunction is a great concern after TIPS creation, occurring in up to 20% of cases within one year. The objective of this study was to describe shunt dysfunction patterns after TIPS creation using a combination of generic stent-grafts/bare-stents.

Materials and methods
Single-center retrospective study of all TIPS revisions between January 2005 and December 2020. TIPS revision angiograms were analyzed for stents’ positions, stenoses’ diameters, and stenoses’ locations.

Results
Out of 99 TIPS, a total of 33 TIPS revisions were included. The median time to TIPS revision was 10.4 months. Angiograms showed four patterns of TIPS dysfunction-associated features (DAF), defined as follows: Type 1 was defined as stenosis located after the stent end in the hepatic vein (HV), type 2 as intra-stent stenosis located in the hepatic vein, type 3 as intra-stent stenosis or a kink in the parenchymal tract or the portal vein end of the TIPS, and type 4 as a complete TIPS occlusion. Types 1, 2, 3, and 4 were seen in 23 (69.7%), 5 (15.2%), 2 (6.1%), and 3 (9.1%) TIPS respectively. TIPS revision was successful in 30 (90.1%) patients with median pre- and post-TIPS revision PSG of 18.5 mmHg and 8 mmHg respectively (p < .001).

Conclusion
Our results illustrate the four angiographic patterns of TIPS DAF after TIPS creation using a combination of generic stent-grafts/bare-stents and emphasize the need for appropriate stent length extending to the HV/inferior vena cava junction.
Evoked compound action potential (ECAP)-controlled closed-loop spinal cord stimulation in an experimental model of neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Versantvoort Eline M. , Dietz Birte E. , Mugan Dave , Vuong Quoc C. , Luli Saimir , Obara Ilona 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Preclinical models of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are lacking objective measurements to inform translationally applicable SCS parameters. The evoked compound action potential (ECAP) represents a measure of dorsal column fiber activation. This measure approximates the onset of SCS-induced sensations in humans and provides effective analgesia when used with ECAP-controlled closed-loop (CL)-SCS systems. Therefore, ECAPs may provide an objective surrogate for SCS dose in preclinical models that may support better understanding of SCS mechanisms and further translations to the clinics. This study assessed, for the first time, the feasibility of recording ECAPs and applying ECAP-controlled CL-SCS in freely behaving rats subjected to an experimental model of neuropathic pain.

Methods
Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (200–300 g) were subjected to spared nerve injury (SNI). A custom-made six-contact lead was implanted epidurally covering T11-L3, as confirmed by computed tomography or X-ray. A specially designed multi-channel system was used to record ECAPs and to apply ECAP-controlled CL-SCS for 30 min at 50 Hz 200 µs. The responses of dorsal column fibers to SCS were characterized and sensitivity towards mechanical and cold stimuli were assessed to determine analgesic effects from ECAP-controlled CL-SCS. Comparisons between SNI rats and their controls as well as between stimulation parameters were made using omnibus analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests and t-tests.

Results
The recorded ECAPs showed the characteristic triphasic morphology and the ECAP amplitude (mV) increased as higher currents (mA) were applied in both SNI animals and controls (SNI SCS-ON and sham SCS-ON). Importantly, the use of ECAP-based SCS dose, implemented in ECAP-controlled CL-SCS, significantly reduced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in SNI SCS-ON animals through the constant and controlled activation of dorsal column fibers. An analysis of conduction velocities of the evoked signals confirmed the involvement of large, myelinated fibers.

Conclusions
The use of ECAP-based SCS dose implemented in ECAP-controlled CL-SCS produced analgesia in animals subjected to an experimental model of neuropathic pain. This approach may offer a better method for translating SCS parameters between species that will improve understanding of the mechanisms of SCS action to further advance future clinical applications.
“Anthropometric measurements and exercise interventions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients”: a literature review
Authors: R. Sedhunivas , R. Chandramohan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Obesity accompanied by visceral fat accumulation is an essential disease background of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Obesity is a key factor and is also directly related to alterations in anthropometric measurements. It has been demonstrated that exercise intervention is the mainstay treatment for NAFLD patients. Therefore, this research investigates a literature review on anthropometric measurements and exercise interventions given to patients with NAFLD.

Objectives
To conduct a literature review on the effectiveness of exercise interventions over the anthropometric measurements among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.

Methodology
Based on available clinical evidence, a literature review will be performed. We identified 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that will be analyzed further.

Results
According to the results of the investigation, there was not much of a difference in the anthropometric changes that were found as a result of the various exercise regimens on NAFLD patients.

Conclusion
Even though there were significant changes in fat parameters such as lipid tests and other outcome measures, there were no immediate significant changes in anthropometric measurements as a consequence of the NAFLD exercise intervention.
Hematological parameters as predictors of OSA severity
Authors: Hendy Rasha Mohamed , Hani Basma M. , Mohammed Salwa H. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disease that has a prevalence of 6 to 13% of the adult population. It is characterized by recurrent obstruction partial or total upper airway and subsequent paroxysmal nocturnal hypoxia, leading to intermittent arousals from sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.
This work aimed to evaluate the relationship between the hematological parameters in CBC with differential as a new biomarker showing systemic inflammation and as an indicator of OSAS severity.

Patient and methods
This retrospective cross-sectional analysis included 100 subjects with OSA from those attending Chest departments in Benha University Hospital from 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023 period. All patients were subjected to full history taking and clinical examination, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray posteroanterior view, full night of polysomnography, and complete blood count with differential.

Results
There was a statistically significant difference between mild; moderate and severe OSA patients regarding platelets to lymphocyte ratio. A statistically significant difference between mild and severe OSA regarding neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was found. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between OSA severity and platelet level, N/L, and P/L ratio.

Conclusion
The hematological indices including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio could be alternatives to expensive time-consuming biochemical markers to evaluate the inflammation and severity in the OSAS population.
Water–air transfer rates of microplastic particles through bubble bursting as a function of particle size
Authors: Oehlschlägel Lisa Marie , Schmid Sebastian , Lehmann Moritz , Gekle Stephan , Held Andreas 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMicroplastic (MP) particles can be ejected into the air by jet drops when gas bubbles burst at water surfaces. For a qualitative and quantitative understanding of this transport mechanism from the hydrosphere to the atmosphere, we studied the transfer of MP due to bubble bursting at the air–water interface in laboratory experiments. Gas bubbles were produced with filtered air that was pushed through a stainless-steel frit at two different volume flow rates in a glass flask filled with polystyrene (PS) particles of six different diameters (0.35 µm, 0.5 µm, 0.75 µm, 1 µm, 1.5 µm, 2 µm) suspended in deionized water. Airborne PS particle concentrations were measured by an optical particle counter. Additionally, size and volume of the bursting bubbles and the resulting jet droplets were analyzed with a camera. Depending on the volume flow rates, bubble bursting rates from 688 s−1 to 1176 s−1 and mean diameters of the bursting bubbles from 0.76 mm to 0.81 mm were observed. The mean diameters of the top jet drops were estimated to be between 0.10 mm and 0.11 mm. The measured number of jet droplets ranged from 2092 s−1 to 2391 s−1. For particle diameters from 0.35 µm – 2.0 µm, the airborne MP particle concentrations ranged from 4.2 l−1 to 348 l−1. We determined size-dependent transfer factors for the water–air transfer and found a maximum for 1 µm particles. For MP particles up to 1 µm diameter, the particle concentration in the jet droplets was enhanced compared to the bulk water concentration, indicating an enrichment of MP particles at the water–air-interface of bubbles.
Innovative compressive strength prediction for recycled aggregate/concrete using K-nearest neighbors and meta-heuristic optimization approaches
Authors: Duan Min 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a groundbreaking method for predicting the compressive strength (Fc) of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) through the application of K-nearest neighbors (KNN) analysis. The task of designing mixture proportions to achieve the desired Fc can be remarkably intricate, owing to the intricate interplay among the components involved. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have exhibited considerable promise in tackling this complexity effectively. In pursuit of enhanced prediction accuracy, this research introduces a semi-empirical approach that seamlessly integrates strategies, including optimization techniques. This study incorporates two meta-heuristic methods, the Fire Hawk optimizer (FHO) and Runge–Kutta optimization (RUK) to enhance model accuracy. The research results reveal three separate models: KNFH, KNRK, and a single KNN model, each providing valuable insights for precise Fc prediction. Remarkably, the KNFH model stands out as a top performer, boasting an impressive R2 value of 0.994 and a meager RMSE value of 1.122. These findings not only validate the accuracy and reliability of the KNFH model but also highlight its effectiveness in predicting Fc outcomes. This approach holds great promise for precise Fc forecasting in the construction industry. Integrating meta-heuristic algorithms significantly improves model accuracy, leading to more reliable forecasts with profound implications for construction projects and their outcomes. This research marks a significant advancement in predicting Fc using ML, offering valuable tools for engineers and builders.
Potent synergistic efficacy of 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone derived from quinones against drug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhou Yonglin , Ou Deyuan , Yang Huaizhi , Feng Haihua , Song Huangwei , Xie Ning , Niu Xiaodi , Deng Xuming , Sun Meiyang , Zhang Peng , Liu Dejun , Wang Jianfeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe emergence and worldwide dissemination of mobile tigecycline resistance genes tet(X3)/tet(X4) posed an enormous threat to the public health. Urgently, feasible strategies must be implemented to restore the clinical efficacy of tetracyclines and prolong the lifespan of existing drugs to address the emerging global antimicrobial resistance threat. Herein, versatile structural scaffolds of quinones for antibiotic adjuvants discovery enlightened a promising and underappreciated reservoir to circumvent the antibiotic resistance. 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (MNQ) exhibited the potent potentiation (4 to 32-fold) with tetracyclines, along with effective inhibition on biofilm formation. Mechanistic studies revealed that MNQ synergistically operates with tetracyclines by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Tet(X3)/Tet(X4) proteins through interaction with their active residues. Furthermore, exposure to MNQ significantly dissipate the proton motive force, leading to a cascade of membrane structural damage and metabolic homeostasis imbalance. Encouragingly, the MNQ-tetracyclines combination showcased substantial therapeutic benefits in two in vivo infection models, as evidenced by the reduced bacterial burden and mitigated pathological injury. Our findings propose a potential therapeutic option and a novel tetracyclines' adjuvant against drug-resistant pathogens carrying Tet(X3)/Tet(X4).
Systemic Treatment of Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer: ASCO Resource–Stratified Guideline
Authors: Al Sukhun Sana , Temin Sarah , Barrios Carlos H. , Antone Nicoleta Zenovia , Guerra Yanin Chavarri , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Chopra Rakesh , Danso Michael A. , Gomez Henry Leonidas , Homian N’Da Marcelin , Kandil Alaa , Kithaka Benda , Koczwara Bogda , Moy Beverly , Nakigudde Gertrude , Petracci Fernando Enrique , Rugo Hope S. , El Saghir Nagi S. , Arun Banu K. 
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE To guide clinicians and policymakers in three global resource-constrained settings on treating patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) when Maximal setting–guideline recommended treatment is unavailable. METHODS A multidisciplinary, multinational panel reviewed existing ASCO guidelines and conducted modified ADAPTE and formal consensus processes. RESULTS Four published resource-agnostic guidelines were adapted for resource-constrained settings; informing two rounds of formal consensus; recommendations received ≥75% agreement. RECOMMENDATIONS Clinicians should recommend treatment according to menopausal status, pathological and biomarker features when quality results are available. In first-line, for hormone receptor (HR)–positive MBC, when a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor and CDK 4/6 inhibitor combination is unavailable, use hormonal therapy alone. For life-threatening disease, use single-agent chemotherapy or surgery for local control. For premenopausal patients, use ovarian suppression or ablation plus hormone therapy in Basic settings. For human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive MBC, if trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and chemotherapy are unavailable, use trastuzumab and chemotherapy; if unavailable, use chemotherapy. For HER2-positive, HR-positive MBC, use standard first-line therapy, or endocrine therapy if contraindications. For triple-negative MBC with unknown PD-L1 status, or if PD-L1–positive and immunotherapy unavailable, use single-agent chemotherapy. For germline BRCA1/ 2 mutation–positive MBC, if poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor is unavailable, use hormonal therapy (HR-positive MBC) and chemotherapy (HR-negative MBC). In second-line, for HR-positive MBC, Enhanced setting recommendations depend on prior treatment; for Limited, use tamoxifen or chemotherapy. For HER2-positive MBC, if trastuzumab deruxtecan is unavailable, use trastuzumab emtansine; if unavailable, capecitabine and lapatinib; if unavailable, trastuzumab and/or chemotherapy (hormonal therapy alone for HR-positive MBC). Additional information is available at www.asco.org/resource-stratified-guidelines . It is ASCO's view that healthcare providers and system decision-makers should be guided by the recommendations for the highest stratum of resources available. The guideline is intended to complement but not replace local guidelines.