bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent trends in incidence, survival and treatment of multiple myeloma in Finland – a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ruotsalainen Jarno , Lehmus Leena , Putkonen Mervi , Lievonen Juha , Kallio Alvar , Raittinen Paavo , Summanen Milla , Kosunen Mikko , Korhonen Maarit Jaana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of multiple myeloma (MM) in Finland in 2015–2019, to characterize adult patients newly diagnosed with MM, and to follow-up their overall survival (OS) and treatment patterns until the end of 2020. We sourced the data on inpatient and outpatient diagnoses, outpatient medication use, and date of death from comprehensive, nationwide registers. We identified 2037 incident patients with MM in 2015–2019. On average, the annual crude incidence was 8.8 and the age-standardized incidence (World Standard Population) was 3.3 per 100,000. The crude prevalence at the end of 2019 was 32.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants ≥ 18 years of age. Median age of the patients at first diagnosis (index date) was 71 years, and 48% were female, the median follow-up being 2.4 years. The median OS was estimated at 4.5 years. The proportion of the patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) within one year since the index date was 24%, with little variation across study years. Conversely, the proportion of all patients receiving lenalidomide within one year since the index date increased from 27 to 48% overall, and from 39 to 81% among ASCT recipients. The estimated median relapse-free survival after ASCT was 2.9 years. Information on in-hospital MM medication administrations was available for a subset of the study cohort. In this subset, 85.8% of the patients received immunomodulatory drugs and/or proteasome inhibitors within the first year after the index date.
Unraveling the challenges of intravenous leiomyomatosis: a retrospective analysis of 11 cases
Authors: Wang Qun , Liu Hua , Feng Weiwei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study provides a concise overview of diagnostic and treatment strategies for intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), a rare disease with nonspecific clinical manifestations, based on cases from a tertiary referral hospital in China.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 11 premenopausal patients with confirmed IVL between 2018 and 2022. Clinical data from Ultrasound, Enhanced CT, and MRI were studied, along with surgical details, postoperative pathology, and follow-up information.

Results
Premenopausal patients showed no disease-specific symptoms, with 90.9% having a history of gynecological or obstetric surgery, and 72.7% having prior uterine fibroids. Cardiac involvement was evident in two cases, with echocardiography detecting abnormal floating masses from the inferior vena cava. Pelvic ultrasound indicated leiomyoma in 90.9% of cases, with ≥ 50 mm size. Surgery was the primary treatment, and lesions above the internal iliac vein resulted in significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (median 1300 ml vs. 50 ml, p = 0.005) and longer hospital stays (median 10 days vs. 4 days, p = 0.026). Three patients with lesions above the inferior vena cava required combined surgery with cardiac specialists. Recurrence occurred in 2 out of 11 patients with incomplete lesion resection.

Conclusions
IVL mainly affects premenopausal women with uterine masses, primarily in the pelvic cavity (Stage I). Pelvic ultrasound aids early screening, while Enhanced CT or MR assists in diagnosing and assessing venous lesions. Complete resection is crucial to prevent recurrence. Lesions invading the internal iliac vein and above pose higher risks during surgery. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for patients with lesions above the inferior vena cava, with simultaneous surgery as a potential treatment option.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic: increase in complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring ENT surgery?
Authors: Galli Jonas , Sheppard Sean C. , Caversaccio Marco , Anschuetz Lukas , Beckmann Sven 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring surgical intervention in a tertiary referral center. The aim is to understand the consequences of pandemic-related measures and their subsequent relaxation on the incidence and characteristics of upper respiratory tract infection-related complications.

Methods
Patients who underwent surgery as a complication of upper respiratory tract infections between December 2014 to February 2023 were included. Demographic information, surgical procedures, microbiological findings, and clinical outcomes were assessed and analyzed comparing pre-pandemic, pandemic and post-pandemic groups.

Results
321 patients were enrolled, including 105 patients (32.7%) in the pediatric population. Comparison of pre-pandemic (n = 210), pandemic (n = 46) and post-pandemic periods (n = 65) revealed a statistically significant increase in complicated otologic infections requiring surgical intervention in the post-pandemic period compared to the pandemic period (p value = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in other surgical procedures or demographic parameters were observed. A statistically significant increase in urgent ear surgery in the pediatric population between the pandemic and the post-pandemic period (p value = 0.02) was observed. Beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections showed a statistically significant increase in the post-pandemic period compared with the pandemic period (p value = 0.02).

Conclusions
Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions was associated with an increase of upper respiratory tract infection-related otologic infections requiring surgical intervention with an increasing rate of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections. These findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of the pandemic on upper respiratory tract infection complications and adapting management strategies accordingly.
Baseline serum neurofilament light chain levels differentiate aggressive from benign forms of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a 20-year follow-up cohort
Authors: Arroyo Pereiro Pablo , Muñoz-Vendrell Albert , León Moreno Isabel , Bau Laura , Matas Elisabet , Romero-Pinel Lucía , Martínez Yélamos Antonio , Martínez Yélamos Sergio , Andrés-Benito Pol 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background and objectives
Serum biomarkers are emerging as useful prognostic tools for multiple sclerosis (MS); however, long-term studies are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of the serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) measured close to the time of MS onset.

Methods
In this retrospective, exploratory, observational, case and controls study, patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) with available baseline serum samples and prospectively follow-up in our MS unit for a long time were selected based on their clinical evolution to form two groups: (1) a benign RRMS (bRRMS) group, defined as patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≤ 3 at ≥ 10 years of follow-up; (2) an aggressive RRMS (aRRMS) group, defined as patients with an EDSS score of ≥ 6 at ≤ 15 years of follow-up. An age-matched healthy control (HC) group was selected. NfL, total tau, and GFAP serum levels were quantified using a single-molecule array (SIMOA), and CHI3L1 was quantified using ELISA.

Results
Thirty-one patients with bRRMS, 19 with aRRMS, and 10 HC were included. The median follow-up time from sample collection was 17.74 years (interquartile range, 14.60–20.37). Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed significantly higher NfL and GFAP levels in the aRRMS group than in the bRRMS group. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified serum NfL level as the most efficient marker for distinguishing aRRMS from bRRMS.

Discussion
This proof-of-concept study comparing benign and aggressive RRMS groups reinforces the potential role of baseline NfL serum levels as a promising long-term disability prognostic marker. In contrast, serum GFAP, total tau, and CHI3L1 levels demonstrated a lower or no ability to differentiate between the long-term outcomes of RRMS.
Microplastic occurrence during the pre-treatment of polypropylene in a simulated washing process for mechanical recycling
Authors: Süß Michael , Fischer Jörg 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this study, the micro-plastic emission during polypropylene washing was investigated. Washing post-consumer waste before the re-granulation step is an important process to remove contaminants on the waste material which can interfere with downstream processing and product quality. To simulate a pre-treatment step during mechanical recycling, an industrial washing machine with two different temperatures (30 °C and 60 °C) and residence times (5 min and 15 min) was used. The whole washing effluent was filtered, gravimetrically quantified and with DSC measurements qualitatively identified. Results suggest a release of micro-plastics during washing whereby the residence time has about a two-fold higher impact on possible emissions than temperature.
Graphical abstract
The use of quantitative pupillometry in brain death determination: preliminary findings
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Kühlwein Daniel , Schönenberger Silvia , Neumann Jan-Oliver , Unterberg Andreas W. , Beynon Christopher 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Quantitative pupillometry (QP) has been increasingly applied in neurocritical care as an easy-to-use and reliable technique for evaluating the pupillary light reflex (PLR). Here, we report our preliminary findings on using QP for clinical brain death (BD) determination.

Materials
This retrospective study included 17 patients ≥ 18 years (mean age, 57.3 years; standard deviation, 15.8 years) with confirmed BD, as defined by German Guidelines for the determination of BD. The PLR was tested using the NPi®-200 Pupillometer (Neuroptics, Laguna Hill, USA), a handheld infrared device automatically tracking and analyzing pupil dynamics over 3 s. In addition, pupil diameter and neurological pupil index (NPi) were also evaluated.

Results
Intracerebral bleeding, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hypoxic encephalopathy were the most prevalent causes of BD. In all patients, the NPi was 0 for both eyes, indicating the cessation of mid-brain function. The mean diameter was 4.9 mm (± 1.3) for the right pupil and 5.2 mm (±1.2) for the left pupil.

Conclusions
QP is a valuable tool for the BD certification process to assess the loss of PLR due to the cessation of brain stem function. Furthermore, implementing QP before the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy in brain-injured patients may reduce the rate of missed organ donation opportunities. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the feasibility and potential of this technique in treating patients and identify suitable candidates for this technique during the BD certification process.
On varieties with Ulrich twisted tangent bundles
Authors: Lopez Angelo Felice , Raychaudhury Debaditya 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe study varieties $$X \subseteq {\mathbb {P}}^N$$

X
⊆

P

N

of dimension n such that $$T_X(k)$$

T
X

(
k
)

is an Ulrich vector bundle for some $$k \in {\mathbb {Z}}$$

k
∈
Z

. First we give a sharp bound for k in the case of curves. Then we show that $$k \le n+1$$

k
≤
n
+
1

if $$2 \le n \le 12$$

2
≤
n
≤
12

. We classify the pairs $$(X,{\mathcal {O}}_X(1))$$

(
X
,

O
X

(
1
)

)

for $$k=1$$

k
=
1

and we show that, for $$n \ge 4$$

n
≥
4

, the case$$k=2$$

k
=
2

does not occur.
Solvent-Dependent Fluorescence Behavior and Water Detection Sensor Application of Visible Light-Emitting Fluorenone Derivative
Authors: Lee Jineun , Kim Heesang , Sakaguchi Toshikazu , Kwak Giseop 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Sonogashira coupling reaction was used to synthesize a fluorenone derivative, with an extended conjugated structure to which fluorene is connected via acetylene linkage. This compound exhibited diverse fluorescence (FL) colors in the visible region depending on the polarity of the matrix solvents used. The solvatochromic FL presented as sky blue, green, and yellow in hexane, THF, and DMF, respectively. Fluorene moiety and fluorenone moiety acted as an electron donor (D) and as an electron acceptor (A), respectively, leading to an excited state intramolecular charge transfer based on the D–π–A electronic structure. In particular, this derivative showed a remarkable FL quenching in alcohol and chloroform, probably due to vibronic coupling through hydrogen bonding with these solvents. This idea was supported by the fact that the two solvents are characterized by very high hydrogen bond donor acidities compared to other solvents used in this study. This derivative also responded to the presence of very small amounts of water at several mg/mL levels in organic solvents, resulting in remarkable FL quenching.
Two energies for conjoining boron nitride nanotorus and nanotube
Authors: Alshammari Nawa A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOwing to a variety in nanoscale material applications, the conjunction of two nanostructures is frequently researched for potential new applications. Numerous methods are used to model this conjunction process. One such method, the minimization of elastic energy, only considers the axial curvature when modeling conjoined structures. Another method minimizes the Willmore energy, which depends on both the axial and rotational curvatures. In particular, because the catenoid is an absolute minimizer of Willomre energy, a catenoid section can be utilized to conjoin nanostrucrures. Owing to the similarities among carbon nanostructures, we expanded the use of two different energies to join a boron nitride nanotube with a boron nitride nanotorus. The primary objective of this study was to formulate a basic underlying structure from which any small perturbations can be viewed as departures from an ideal model. Accordingly, elastic energy was used to determine the conjunction region for two-dimensional structures, whereas Willmore energy was used to determine the conjunction region for three-dimensional structures. This approach may be extended to produce other hybrid nanoscale structures.
Evidence-based transport policy analysis driven by agent-based simulation: the case of mobility in Ústí nad Labem
Authors: Dingil Ali Enes , Pereira Andre Maia , Přibyl Ondrej , Vorel Jakub 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere is a raise in public awareness on environmental and health issues in recent years, therefore many municipalities changed their transport policy direction to become more sustainable, especially active mobility based. This study makes use of an activity-based demand model to simulate urban mobility and policies for sustainable transport modes in the Usti nad Labem district using an agent-based model simulator driven by a co-evolutionary algorithm. Two policy scenarios were created by considering the transport literature and analyzing the characteristics and behaviors of citizens as well as the properties of the study area. Three scenarios—the actual situation, a cycleway-infrastructure case, and a bus priority case—were simulated for the study area with MATSim software. Both policy scenarios resulted in a decrease in car usage, with a higher drop seen in the cycleway-infrastructure scenario. 9.11% higher public transport ridership and 2.45% more of public transport modal share are observed in the bus priority compared to the actual situation, however the car-related emissions did not decrease. 6.36% more of cycling modal share was also noticed in the cycleway-infrastructure scenario which, the transport modal shift is enhanced by 2.6 more times than in the bus priority scenario. Car driving hours were significantly reduced in the cycleway scenario (5535 h less in a day) where 445.3 tons of car-related CO2 emissions would be saved annually, therefore environmental benefits of cycling modal share increase in the study area is undoubtable in long-term.
Implementing a Non-Specialist Delivered Psychological Intervention for Young Adolescents in a Protracted Refugee Setting: a Qualitative Process Evaluation in Lebanon
Authors: Ali Rayane , Brown Felicity L. , Stevenson Kerrie , Jordans Mark , Taha Karine , Amine Mounif El , Steen Frederik , Meksassi Bassel , Elias Joseph , Aoun May , Roberts Bayard , Sijbrandij Marit , Cuijpers Pim , Akhtar Aemal , Malik Aiysha , Woodward Aniek , Fuhr Daniela C. ,   on behalf of the STRENGTHS Consortium
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere has been an increase in the evaluation and implementation of non-specialist delivered psychological interventions to address unmet mental health needs in humanitarian emergencies. While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide important evidence about intervention impact, complementary qualitative process evaluations are essential to understand key implementation processes and inform future scaling up of the intervention. This study was conducted as part of an RCT of the Early Adolescents Skills for Emotions (EASE) psychological intervention for young adolescents with elevated psychological distress (predominantly with a Syrian refugee background) in Lebanon. Our aims were firstly to conduct a qualitative process evaluation to understand stakeholder experiences and perceived impact of the intervention and identify barriers and facilitators for implementation, and secondly to explore considerations for scaling up. Eleven key informant interviews and seven focus groups were conducted with 39 respondents including adolescent and caregiver participants, trainers, providers, outreach workers, and local stakeholders. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Respondents perceived the intervention to be highly needed and reported improvements in adolescent mental health and wellbeing. Key implementation factors that have potential to influence engagement, adherence, and perceived impact included the socio-economic situation of families, mental health stigma, coordination within and between sectors (particularly for scaling up), embedding the intervention within existing service pathways, having clear quality and accountability processes including training and supervision for non-specialists, and sustainable funding. Our findings provide important context for understanding effectiveness outcomes of the RCT and highlights factors that need to be considered when implementing a mental health intervention on a larger scale in a complex crisis.
Alkoholpräventionsangebote für Studierende an Hochschulen – eine Analyse der Einflussfaktoren auf den Implementierungsprozess
Authors: Martin Saskia , Uricher Jonathan , Keplinger Simone , Laging Marion , Heidenreich Thomas 
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund
Im Setting deutscher Hochschulen besteht aktuell ein Forschungsbedarf bezüglich der Einflussfaktoren auf die Implementierung gesundheitsförderlicher Angebote für Studierende.

Ziel der Arbeit
Es werden Faktoren identifiziert, die die Implementierung eines Angebots zur Prävention riskanten Alkoholkonsums an deutschen Hochschulen fördern, behindern oder verhindern.

Methodik
Es wurden eine systematische Befragung zu Implementierungsvoraussetzungen auf Basis des Campus Community Readiness Assessment (CCRA) an 13 Hochschulen, die deskriptiv- und inferenzstatistisch ausgewertet werden sowie qualitative Inhaltsanalysen vorhandener Dokumente von 56 Hochschulen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse
Eine logistische Regression ergibt, dass die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Implementierung signifikant von vorhandenen gesundheitsförderlichen Strukturen abhängt. Eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse vorhandener Projektdokumente konnte sechs förderliche, drei behindernde und elf verhindernde Faktoren des Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) identifizieren.

Schlussfolgerungen
Die Implementierung von gesundheitsförderlichen Angeboten für Studierende an Hochschulen ist ein voraussetzungsvoller und individueller Prozess. Dabei sind nicht nur die vorhandenen institutionellen Strukturen, sondern auch Merkmale der beteiligten Akteur:innen von Bedeutung.
Can machine learning algorithms deliver superior models for rental guides?
Authors: Trinkaus Oliver , Kauermann Göran 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper we discuss the use and potential advantages and disadvantages of machine learning driven models in rental guides. Rental guides are a formal legal instrument in Germany for surveying rents of flats in cities and municipalities, which are today based on regression models or simple contingency tables. We discuss if and how modern and timely methods of machine learning outperform existing and established routines. We make use of data from the Munich rental guide and mainly focus on the predictive power of these models. We discuss the “black-box” character making some of these models difficult to interpret and hence challenging for applications in the rental guide context. Still, it is of interest to see how “black-box” models perform with respect to prediction error. Moreover, we study adversarial effects, i.e. we investigate robustness in the sense how corrupted data influence the performance of the prediction models. With the data at hand we show that models with promising predictive performance suffer from being more vulnerable to corruptions than classic linear models including Ridge or Lasso regularization.
Transforming growth factors β and their signaling pathway in renal cell carcinoma and peritumoral space—transcriptome analysis
Authors: Kajdaniuk Dariusz , Hudy Dorota , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Młynarek Krystyna , Słomian Szymon , Potyka Andrzej , Szymonik Ewa , Strzelczyk Janusz , Foltyn Wanda , Kos-Kudła Beata , Marek Bogdan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study was to verify hypotheses: Are transforming growth factors TGFβ1-3, their receptors TGFβI-III, and intracellular messenger proteins Smad1-7 involved in the pathogenesis of kidney cancer? What is the expression of genes of the TGFβ/Smads pathway in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues, peritumoral tissues (TME; tumor microenvironment), and in normal kidney (NK) tissue?.

Methods
Twenty patients with RCC who underwent total nephrectomy were included into the molecular analysis. The mRNA expression of the genes was quantified by RT-qPCR.

Results
The study showed that the expression of the genes of TGFβ/Smads pathway is dysregulated in both RCC and the TME: TGFβ1, TGFβ3 expression is increased in the TME in comparison to the NK tissues; TGFβ2, TGFβ3, TGFβRI, TGFβRIII, Smad1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad6 are underexpressed in RCC comparing to the TME tissues; TGFβRI, TGFβRIII, and Smad2 are underexpressed in RCC in comparison to the NK tissues.

Conclusion
On the one hand, the underexpression of the TGFβ signaling pathway genes within the malignant tumor may result in the loss of the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of this cytokine. On the other hand, the overexpression of the TGFβ/Smads pathway genes in the TME than in tumor or NK tissues most probably results in an immunosuppressive effect in the space surrounding the tumor and may have an antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect on non-neoplastic cells present in the TME. The functional and morphological consistency of this area may determine the aggressiveness of the tumor and the time in which the neoplastic process will spread.