bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypometabolism and atrophy patterns associated with Niemann-Pick type C
Authors: Silva-Rodríguez Jesús , Castro Cristina , Cortés Julia , Arias Manuel , Pubul Virginia , Moscoso Alexis , Grothe Michel J. , Reynes-Llompart Gabriel , Rodríguez-Bel Laura , Gascon-Bayarri Jordi , Sobrido María Jesús , Aguiar Pablo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Niemann–Pick disease type C (NP-C) is a rare genetic lysosomal lipid storage disorder characterized by progressive neurological impairment. Early diagnosis is critical for initiating treatment with miglustat, which can decelerate disease progression. In this study, we evaluated a cohort of 22 NP-C patients who underwent MRI, [18F]FDG PET, and clinical assessment at baseline. We performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal imaging study evaluating the role of [18F]FDG PET as an adjunct diagnostic tool for NP-C alongside MRI, the current neuroimaging standard.

Results
Group-level MRI analysis identified significant cerebellar and thalamic atrophy (d = 1.56, p < 0.0001 and d = 1.09, p < 0.001, respectively), with less pronounced involvement of the frontal lobe and hippocampus, which aligned with existing neuropathological understanding and guidelines. Conversely, [18F]FDG PET imaging revealed extensive hypometabolism in the cerebellum, thalamus, and cingulate cortex (d = 1.42, p < 0.0001), and moderate hypometabolism in broad frontotemporal areas. [18F]FDG PET provided higher effect sizes across all brain regions, including regions without apparent atrophy, which suggests that it may be more sensitive than MRI for detecting NP-C neurodegenerative changes. Single-subject visual assessment of individual PET images further validated the clinical utility of [18F]FDG PET, with significant hypometabolism observed in the cerebellum, thalamus and anterior and posterior cingulate reported by physicians in 17/22 patients. Both hypometabolism and atrophy in the cerebellum were associated with ataxia, (more strongly indicated by [18F]FDG PET, p < 0.0001 vs. MRI, p = 0.07). Medial temporal lobe atrophy was associated with cognitive impairment (p < 0.05), and frontal hypometabolism was slightly related to behavioural impairment (p < 0.07). Longitudinal [18F]FDG PET analysis revealed progressive subcortical, cortical and cerebellar hypometabolism, which was most pronounced in the cerebellum (-12% per year, p < 0.001). Patients treated with miglustat showed a trend towards attenuated cerebellar hypometabolism progression compared to untreated patients (p = 0.10).

Conclusions
Our findings delineate a discernible hypometabolism pattern specific to NP-C that distinguishes it from other neurodegenerative conditions, thus suggesting that [18F]FDG PET might be a promising tool for NP-C diagnosis and to study disease progression.

Trial registration
XUNTA 2015/140. Registered 21 April 2015.
Psychological health and safety of criminal justice workers: a scoping review of strategies and supporting research
Authors: Canning Christopher , Szusecki Tyler , Hilton N. Zoe , Moghimi Elnaz , Melvin Ashley , Duquette Matthew , Wintermute Jolene , Adams Nicole 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
People working in the criminal justice system face substantial occupational stressors due to their roles involving high-risk situations, trauma exposure, heavy workloads, and responsibility for public safety. Consequently, they have a higher prevalence of mental health problems than the general population. Employees identifying as women, Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual, and all others (2SLGBTQIA+), or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), may experience additional stressors due to discrimination, harassment, and systemic barriers to seeking and receiving support. Psychoeducational and psychosocial programs have shown mixed effectiveness for preventing or reducing occupational stress, emphasizing the urgent need for multi-level, comprehensive, system-wide approaches. This scoping review aimed to capture and consolidate recommendations from strategies, frameworks, and guidelines on supporting the psychological health of criminal justice workers.

Results
The scoping review of 65 grey and 85 academic literature records presents recommendations aimed at improving the psychological health and safety of criminal justice system workers. Findings were mapped by occupational groups to the Social-Ecological Model and accounted for factors across the individual, interpersonal, institutional, and policy levels. The most common recommendation across all criminal justice occupational groups was workplace mental health training to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, prepare workers for traumatic incidents, and promote culturally responsive approaches. At the individual level, physical health, healthy lifestyle choices, and coping strategies were widely recommended. Interpersonal interventions, including peer support and models emphasizing wraparound care, were also recommended. Institutional factors such as fair workloads, safe working conditions, and harassment-free workplaces were emphasized. At the policy level, presumptive coverage policies and adequate funding for staffing needs were highlighted.

Conclusion
This scoping review captured intersecting strategies and recommendations, consisting primarily of individual- and institutional-level supports and services. Fewer records discussed the need to address structural and policy considerations such as labor shortages, patchy mental health benefits, underfunding, and discrimination. The review highlights the need for shared responsibility across different levels, providing a framework for improving the psychological health and safety of criminal justice workers.
Structural racism and intimate partner violence perpetration among racially diverse men transitioning into fatherhood: an anti-racist approach to IPV prevention
Authors: Willie Tiara C. , Linton Sabriya , Adams Leslie B. , Overstreet Nicole M. , Whittaker Shannon , Faller Theresa , Knight Deja , Kershaw Trace S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Young couples transitioning into parenthood are at elevated risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), in part, due to the social and economic stressors associated with this critical time. Interpersonal racial discrimination is a known risk factor for male-to-female IPV perpetration, however few studies have examined this relationship among men transitioning to fatherhood. Similarly, structural racism acknowledges how inequitable systems reinforce racial discrimination; yet, few studies have investigated whether structural racism relates to the discrimination-IPV perpetration association. This study examined relationships among structural racism, racial discrimination, stress, and IPV perpetration among racially diverse men transitioning into fatherhood.

Methods
Using data from the 2007–2011 American Community Survey, a structural racism was assessed using a latent variable with four indicators: racial residential segregation, education inequity, income inequity, and employment inequity. Individual-level prospective data were collected during 2007–2011 from 296 men in expectant couples recruited from obstetrics, and ultrasound clinics in Connecticut. Structural equation models were conducted to investigate longitudinal associations among structural racism, discrimination, stress, optimism and emotional IPV perpetration.

Results
Compared to white men, Black men were more likely to experience structural racism (B = 0.95, p <.001). Structural racism was associated with more racial discrimination (B = 0.45, p <.05), more stress (B = 0.40, p <.05), and less optimism (B=-0.50, p <.001). Racial discrimination was associated with more stress (B = 0.23, p <.05) and marginally associated with a greater likelihood to perpetrate emotional violence against a female partner (B = 0.23, p =.06). Stress was associated with a greater likelihood to perpetrate emotional violence against a female partner (B = 0.31, p =.05). The indirect path from structural racism to IPV perpetration via racial discrimination and stress was marginally significant (B = 0.05, p =.07).

Conclusions
This study provides evidence of the ways in which structural racism in housing, education, income, and employment can contribute to men’s use of aggression and violence against a female partner. Future intervention efforts to reduce emotional IPV perpetration could benefit from addressing structural racism.
Preparation of high-performance Ag2Se NWs/PEDOT:PSS composite films and influence of PEDOT:PSS content on thermoelectric properties
Authors: Wang Ruoxi , Sun Rongke , Ren Yanmei , Ma Yanqing , Ma Lei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
There is still limited research on the influence of polymer content in inorganic/organic materials on thermoelectric properties. In this study, we systematically investigated the influence of the content of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) in the Ag2Se nanowires/PEDOT:PSS (Ag2Se NWs/PEDOT:PSS) composite films on the thermoelectric properties. When the content of PEDOT:PSS is 1.54 wt%, the composite film achieved the highest power factor (PF) of ~ 2074.0 µW m−1 K−2 at room temperature. The maximum output power (P
max) of the single-leg thermoelectric device based on the composite film is approximately 49.42 nW, and the maximum power density (PDmax) is 4.28 W m−2 at a temperature difference of 25 K. Furthermore, the film exhibits superior flexibility with 94.3% of the original performance retention after 2000 bending cycles around a rod with a diameter of 5 mm. This work provides valuable guidance for the design and fabrication of high-performance flexible inorganic/organic composite thermoelectric materials.
Is the tax calculation method for exemptions with progression contrary to EU law? Quantitative and formal–analytical analysis
Authors: Kollruss Thomas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study analyzes whether the tax progression proviso’s calculation method for foreign income exemptions under a tax treaty breaches EU law. This research question has not yet been examined in the literature. In such a case, a violation of the EU fundamental freedoms may result in taxpayers partially losing the tax-reducing effect of the basic allowance deduction due to the tax progression proviso’s calculation method in their EU or EEA state of residence. Theoretical, quantitative, and formal–analytical research methods were used to examine this issue. Moreover, the analysis uses Germany and Austria as examples. However, the findings can be replicated in all EU and EEA countries applying the same type of taxation. The study’s main contribution is demonstrating that the current progression proviso’s calculation method in Germany and Austria for income from other EU Member States and EEA states, exempt under DTAs, breaches EU law and is, therefore, prohibited. The fiscal policy implications of such unlawful taxation are highlighted. EU and EEA Member States must amend their tax laws if they violate EU law. Therefore, a new calculation method for taxation with a progression proviso is developed to bring the EU Member States’ tax legislation in line with EU law. The study expands the literature on taxation and public finance, since it has not yet dealt with this issue. Moreover, the economic policy implications of the research findings are outlined. This study belongs to the field of taxation and fiscal policy and is of fundamental relevance.
Thymic carcinoma recurring 11 years post-extended surgery: a case report
Authors: Okamoto Kiyoki , Kanou Takashi , Kawagishi Sachi , Nagata Hideki , Morii Eiichi , Shintani Yasushi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Thymic carcinoma is a rare type of tumor originating in the thymus, making up about 15–20% of all thymic epithelial tumors. It typically has a poor prognosis, especially in advanced stages, with low 5-year survival rates. Cases where the cancer recurs more than 10 years after surgery are extremely uncommon. Additionally, there are very few reports about the outcomes of patients who undergo aortic resection as part of their treatment for thymic carcinoma.

Case presentation
A 68-year-old male was diagnosed with thymic squamous cell carcinoma classified as Masaoka stage III following the detection of an anterior mediastinal mass during a routine health examination. The patient underwent preoperative treatment, which included two cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin and docetaxel) and 60 Gy of mediastinal radiotherapy, followed by an extensive surgical procedure comprising extended thymectomy, resection of the ascending aorta and superior vena cava, and wedge resection of the right upper lobe. Postoperative pathological examination revealed ypT3N0M0 disease, corresponding to ypStage IIIa disease, and the patient remained disease-free for 10 years. However, at 11 years after surgery, imaging revealed new nodules in the left lung. Surgical resection confirmed these nodules as metastatic lesions originating from the thymic carcinoma.

Conclusions
This case highlights the critical need for long-term monitoring of thymic carcinoma patients, extending beyond the standard 5-year follow-up due to the potential for late recurrence, even in initially disease-free patients. Furthermore, our findings indicate that aortic resection, when carefully selected, can contribute to favorable long-term outcomes in advanced cases. This report enhances the limited literature on the long-term prognosis of thymic carcinoma, particularly following major vascular resection, and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient management and improve outcomes.
Adaptive Pricing in Combinatorial Auctions
Authors: Lahaie Sébastien , Lubin Benjamin 
Published: February 2025

We introduce the first adaptively priced iterative combinatorial auction design, which gradually extends price expressiveness as the rounds progress. This mechanism achieves both high efficiency and fast convergence across a wide range of valuation domains. We implement our auction design using polynomial prices, show how to detect when the current price structure is insufficient to clear the market, and show how to correctly expand the polynomial structure to guarantee progress. An experimental evaluation confirms that our auction is competitive with bundle-price auctions in domains where these excel, namely multiminded valuations, but also performs well in domains favorable to linear prices, such as valuations with pairwise synergy. This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, behavioral economics and decision analysis. Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2024.4993 .
Luscan-Lumish syndrome: A case report
Authors: Wójcik-Niklewska Bogumiła , Filipek Erita 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Luscan-Lumish syndrome (LLS) is a rare genetic congenital anomaly syndrome characterised by neurodevelopmental disorders, including delayed psychomotor development, behavioral difficulties, relative or true macrocephaly and, in individual cases, ocular abnormalities. This paper aims to present the case of a child with ocular abnormalities associated with LLS.
CASE SUMMARY
A 10-year-old girl born at 40 weeks gestation with features of dysmorphia, neurodevelopmental disorders, genetically confirmed LLS, convergent strabismus and suspected congenital glaucoma. Eye examination, ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), perimetry and electrophysiological study [pattern visually evoked potentials (VEP)] were performed. Best-corrected distance visual acuity was 0.5 in the right eye (correction -1.0 Dsph, -1.0 Dcyl, axis 180°) and 0.62 in the left eye (correction -2.0 Dsph). Near visual acuity (Snellen Chart) with the above correction was -0.5 D. A cycloplegic refraction test yielded -1.25 Dsph, -1.25 Dcyl, axis 165° in the right eye, and -2.0 Dsph, -0.25 Dcyl, axis 154° in the left eye. Intraocular pressure was 15 mmHg in both eyes. OCT of the maculae showed no abnormalities. In both eyes, the average ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer thickness was 73 μm. OCT of the optic nerve disc showed an average retinal nerve fibre layer thickness of 89 μm in the right eye and 81 μm in the left eye, with symmetry of 90%. The rim area was 1.59 mm2 and 1.74 mm2 in the right and left eye, respectively. The disc area was 2.77 mm² in the right eye and 2.89 mm2 in the left. The average cup-to-disc ratio was 0.64 in the right eye and 0.62 in the left eye. Ocular ultrasound depicted single extra echoes inside the vitreous chamber; otherwise, there were no abnormalities. Right and left eyeball lengths were 24.59 mm and 24.51 mm, respectively. Kinetic perimetry revealed no visual field defects, while static testing showed single relative scotomas. The mean defect was 4.7 dB in the right and 2.6 dB in the left eye. The loss variance values were 4.8 and 3.8 dB for the right and left eye, respectively. Pattern VEP test revealed normal values of P100 Latency. Wave amplitude in the right eye was 50% at a visual angle of 1.0° and 30% at 15’. Due to the rarity of LLS, it seems interesting to present the child ophthalmological examination with changes in the electrophysiological examination.
CONCLUSION
Although eye abnormalities are infrequently described in children with LLS, the patients should undergo eye examinations, especially as they may have central nervous system anomalies that may give rise to visual impairments. Generally, children with genetically determined congenital syndromes should receive regular ophthalmic check-ups for a thorough evaluation of the eyes and prognosis of the development of visual function.
Misdiagnosis of psoriatic arthritis in a patient with paronychia confirmed by dermatological examination: A case report
Authors: Nigro Angelo 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in differentiating localized infections from systemic inflammatory diseases like psoriatic arthritis. Nail psoriasis can mimic conditions like paronychia, complicating diagnosis. We wrote this report to emphasize the need for clinical vigilance when interpreting imaging findings, especially in patients with a family history of psoriasis. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary systemic treatments, underscoring the significance of dermatological input in achieving accurate diagnoses.
CASE SUMMARY
A 56-year-old woman presented with redness and swelling of multiple fingertips. Her family history of psoriasis raised suspicion of psoriatic arthritis. Two rheumatologists diagnosed psoriatic arthritis based on ultrasound findings of enthesitis with a positive Doppler signal and recommended methotrexate. However, she was reluctant to initiate therapy due to potential side effects. At our Rheumatology Center, paronychia was suspected, and laboratory tests excluded systemic inflammatory arthritis. Dermatological examination confirmed paronychia, and treatment with fluconazole and ceftriaxone was initiated to address suspected mixed bacterial and fungal infections. Imaging studies, including hand and wrist X-rays, showed no erosions or other signs of psoriatic arthritis. The patient responded well to antimicrobial therapy, with resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the need for thorough clinical evaluation, careful interpretation of imaging findings, and collaboration between rheumatologists and dermatologists to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the need for thorough clinical evaluation and caution in interpreting nonspecific imaging findings, especially in patients with a family history of psoriasis. While familial predisposition may raise suspicion for psoriatic arthritis, it is essential to integrate laboratory data, imaging studies, and clinical presentation, including response to targeted antimicrobial therapy. A multidisciplinary approach, involving both rheumatologists and dermatologists, is crucial to preventing misdiagnosis, ensuring appropriate treatment, and avoiding the potential harms of unwarranted therapies.
Temporal changes in computed tomography findings of a persimmon bezoar: A case report
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Kamio Tomohiro , Hirata Shoichiro , Matsueda Katsunori , Kametaka Daisuke , Otsuka Motoyuki 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Gastric bezoars are masses of indigestible material that accumulate in the stomach, causing nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Persimmon bezoars (diospyrobezoars), which comprise tannins and fibers from persimmons, are relatively rare but may cause significant gastric complications, including gastric outlet obstruction or ileus. Although computed tomography (CT) is a useful imaging tool, diagnosing bezoars can be challenging because their density is similar to that of food debris and gastric content.
CASE SUMMARY
Here, we report the case of a 72-year-old woman with a persimmon bezoar that was diagnosed using serial CT imaging and confirmed by endoscopy. CT performed over several months revealed changes in the internal structure and density of the bezoar, suggesting progressive hardening. The patient had a history of a partial gastrectomy and excessive persimmon consumption, both of which are risk factors for bezoar formation. Endoscopic fragmentation of the bezoar successfully resolved symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Gastric bezoars, particularly persimmon bezoars, present diagnostic challenges because of their variable imaging characteristics. Serial CT can document temporal changes in bezoar density, potentially reflecting changes in hardness. Early diagnosis and endoscopic treatment are essential for effective management, particularly in patients with predisposing factors. This case underscores the importance of considering bezoars in the differential diagnosis of gastric masses, and highlights the value of CT for monitoring changes in bezoar characteristics over time.
Rectal abscess secondary to foreign body insertion: A case report
Authors: Martínez-Hincapie Cristina Isabel , González-Arroyave Daniel , Ardila Carlos M 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Rectal foreign bodies, though uncommon, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly when they result from accidental ingestion. The nonspecific symptoms and the potential for serious complications necessitate a thorough and methodical approach to diagnosis and treatment. This case report aims to highlight the diagnostic complexities and management strategies involved in treating a patient with a rectal foreign body, focusing on the use of advanced imaging techniques and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
CASE SUMMARY
A 48-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented with a one-year history of post-defecation anorectal pain and mild post-defecation rectorrhagia. Initial evaluation revealed hemodynamic stability and a tender, non-mucosal lesion in the anterior left rectal region. Imaging studies, including colonoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and endosonography, identified an erythematous, exophytic lesion and a perirectal abscess containing a foreign body. Surgical intervention revealed necrotic tissue and purulent material, along with two solid foreign body fragments (bone or plant matter). Postoperative follow-up showed the patient in good condition, and pathology confirmed the fragments as mature bone.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by rectal foreign bodies with nonspecific symptoms and no clear history of ingestion.