bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How accurate is MRI for diagnosing tarsal coalitions? A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Marth Adrian A. , Feuerriegel Georg C. , Marcus Roy P. , Sutter Reto 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, inter-reader agreement, and associated pathologies on MR images of patients with confirmed TC.

Methods and materials
In this retrospective study, 168 ankle MRI exams were included, consisting of 56 patients with clinically or surgically confirmed TC and 112 controls without TC, matched for age and sex. Images were analyzed independently by three radiologists blinded to clinical information. The evaluation criteria included the presence, type, and location of TC, as well as associated pathologies. After calculating diagnostic accuracy and the odds ratio of demographic data and anatomic coalition type for associated pathologies, inter-reader agreement was assessed using kappa statistics.

Results
The majority of TCs were non-osseous (91.1%) and located at the calcaneonavicular (33.9%) or talocalcaneal joint (66.1%). Associated pathologies included adjacent and distant bone marrow edema (57.1% and 25.0%), osteochondral defect of the talar dome (OCD, 19.6%), and joint effusion (10.7%) and accessory anterolateral talar facet (17.9%). Talar OCD was associated with increased patient age (p = 0.03). MRI exhibited a cumulative sensitivity and specificity of 95.8% and 94.3% with almost perfect inter-reader agreement (κ = 0.895).

Conclusion
MRI is a reliable method for detecting tarsal coalition and identifying commonly associated pathologies. Therefore, we recommend the routine use of MRI in the diagnostic workup of patients with foot pain and suspected tarsal coalition.

Clinical relevance statement
MRI is an accurate and reliable modality for diagnosing tarsal coalitions and detecting associated pathologies, while improving patient safety compared to computed tomography by avoiding radiation exposure.

Key Points
• Despite the technological progress in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) is still regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing tarsal coalition (TC).
• MRI had a cumulative sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 94.3% for detecting tarsal coalition with an almost perfect inter-reader agreement.
• MRI demonstrates high accuracy and reliability in diagnosing tarsal coalitions and is useful for identifying associated pathologies, while also improving patient safety by avoiding radiation exposure.
A third of the radiotracer dose: two decades of progress in pediatric [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and PET/MR imaging
Authors: Waelti Stephan , Skawran Stephan , Sartoretti Thomas , Schwyzer Moritz , Gennari Antonio G. , Mader Cäcilia , Treyer Valerie , Kellenberger Christian J. , Burger Irene A. , Hany Thomas , Maurer Alexander , Huellner Martin W. , Messerli Michael 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To assess the evolution of administered radiotracer activity for F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT or PET/MR in pediatric patients (0–16 years) between years 2000 and 2021.

Methods
Pediatric patients (≤ 16 years) referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT or PET/MR imaging of the body during 2000 and 2021 were retrospectively included. The amount of administered radiotracer activity in megabecquerel (MBq) was recorded, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured in the right liver lobe with a 4 cm3 volume of interest as an indicator for objective image quality. Descriptive statistics were computed.

Results
Two hundred forty-three children and adolescents underwent a total of 466 examinations. The median injected 18F-FDG activity in MBq decreased significantly from 296 MBq in 2000–2005 to 100 MBq in 2016–2021 (p < 0.001), equaling approximately one-third of the initial amount. The median SNR ratio was stable during all years with 11.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 10.7–12.9, p = 0.133).

Conclusions
Children have benefited from a massive reduction in the administered 18F-FDG dose over the past 20 years without compromising objective image quality.

Clinical relevance statement
Radiotracer dose was reduced considerably over the past two decades of pediatric F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and PET/MR imaging highlighting the success of technical innovations in pediatric PET imaging.

Key Points
• The evolution of administered radiotracer activity for F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT or PET/MR in pediatric patients (0–16 years) between 2000 and 2021 was assessed.
• The injected tracer activity decreased by 66% during the study period from 296 megabecquerel (MBq) to 100 MBq (p < 0.001).
• The continuous implementation of technical innovations in pediatric hybrid 18F-FDG PET has led to a steady decrease in the amount of applied radiotracer, which is particularly beneficial for children who are more sensitive to radiation.
Shadow state structures and the threat to anti-corruption enforcement: evidence from Uzbekistan’s telecommunications bribery scandal
Authors: Lasslett Kristian , Capus Nadja 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe role which corporate and financial secrecy vehicles play in enabling transnational corruption has justifiably received growing scholarly and policy interest. Less attention, however, has been given to the enabling role played by political secrecy vehicles. Political secrecy vehicles denote arrangements that allow individuals to clandestinely exercise public authority, which is concealed by a formal bureaucratic façade. This article develops analytical categories for deconstructing political secrecy structures and pinpointing the threat they pose to anti-corruption enforcement. These structures and threats are then empirically explored through an investigative case study. The case study plots how shadow political space in Uzbekistan and the simulacra of impartial public administration, was utilised by a kleptocratic syndicate to conceal an international bribery scheme, and then weaponised by the conspirators to successfully frustrate enforcement efforts in Europe. Drawing on key lessons from the case study, proposals are made for how the threats posed by political secrecy structures can be jurisprudentially and practically counteracted.
Pulsed field ablation versus thermal energy ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of procedural efficiency, safety, and efficacy
Authors: Aldaas Omar Mahmoud , Malladi Chaitanya , Han Frederick T. , Hoffmayer Kurt S. , Krummen David , Ho Gordon , Raissi Farshad , Birgersdotter-Green Ulrika , Feld Gregory K. , Hsu Jonathan C. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) induces cell death through electroporation using ultrarapid electrical pulses. We sought to compare the procedural efficiency characteristics, safety, and efficacy of ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using PFA compared with thermal energy ablation.

Methods
We performed an extensive literature search and systematic review of studies that compared ablation of AF with PFA versus thermal energy sources. Risk ratio (RR) 95% confidence intervals (CI) were measured for dichotomous variables and mean difference (MD) 95% CI were measured for continuous variables, where RR < 1 and MD < 0 favor the PFA group.

Results
We included 6 comparative studies for a total of 1012 patients who underwent ablation of AF: 43.6% with PFA (n = 441) and 56.4% (n = 571) with thermal energy sources. There were significantly shorter procedures times with PFA despite a protocolized 20-min dwell time (MD − 21.95, 95% CI − 33.77, − 10.14, p = 0.0003), but with significantly longer fluroscopy time (MD 5.71, 95% CI 1.13, 10.30, p = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in periprocedural complications (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.59–2.44) or recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.31, 1.34) between the PFA and thermal ablation cohorts.

Conclusions
Based on the results of this meta-analysis, PFA was associated with shorter procedural times and longer fluoroscopy times, but no difference in periprocedural complications or rates of recurrent AF when compared to ablation with thermal energy sources. However, larger randomized control trials are needed.
The level-crossing problem of a weakly damped particle in quadratic potential well under harmonic excitation
Authors: Genda Attila , Fidlin Alexander , Gendelman Oleg 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEscape and level-crossing are fundamental and closely related problems in transient dynamics. Often, when a particle reaches a critical displacement, its escape becomes inevitable. Therefore, escape models based on truncated potentials are often used, resulting in similar problems to level-crossing formulations. Two different types of dynamics can be identified, leading to different kinds of level-crossing depending on the relationship between the damping and the excitation level. The first one (“fast escape”) is mainly governed by the initial energy of the system, which is determined through the initial conditions. The second one (“slow escape”) is governed by the beatings determined through the relationship between external excitation and damping. An analytic approach for estimating the size and location of the safe basins (SBs) in the plane of the initial conditions (ICs) of a 1-DOF externally excited oscillator is suggested. It enables the identification of the set of ICs where the particle never reaches a certain threshold under the given excitation. The SBs depend on the damping coefficient and the excitation’s amplitude, frequency, and phase. Nonetheless, one can describe the essential properties of an SBs in the case of the almost resonant excitation using only two parameters: the forced response amplitude and the damping coefficient ratio to the difference between the natural and the excitation frequencies. Although the analysis is performed for a linear oscillator, it provides insight into the rush erosion process of the SBs (“Dover cliff” phenomenon), described previously only for nonlinear systems. The analysis reveals that the “Dover cliff” phenomenon is related to the decay rate of the transient motion and that it can occur even in linear systems too. From the engineering point of view, the rush erosion of the SBs is critical in noisy environments where devices operating in regions close to the “Dover cliff” are unsafe. Due to its simplicity, the proposed mechanical model might be generic for further analysis of the escape and level-crossing problems considering various nonlinearities (e.g., Coulomb friction, small polynomial-type nonlinearities of the restoring force, or constant restoring force). Possible applications include but are not limited to avoiding collisions for systems with clearances and durability analysis of brittle materials subjected to noisy loads.
Revitalizing the mission of higher education through a human rights-based approach
Authors: Tibbitts Felisa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article proposes that in a new social contract for education, reimagined universities should be institutions that are human rights-centered. A human rights mission incorporates conventional university policies oriented toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) but goes beyond this traditional framework by drawing attention to root causes of systemic violations of human rights (including violence within the university itself) and inclusive processes of internal reform, oriented towards social justice involving especially the voices of the most marginalized. This article begins with a presentation of the application of the human rights framework to university settings, including binding legal standards, soft policies, and a holistic framework known as the human rights-based approach. A human rights-centered university is one that will undertake change with an orientation toward deep transformation that will enable the university to fulfill its core aims to foster values such as respect, empathy, equality, and solidarity and promote active citizenship to address the pressing needs of society.
Plasma Environment, Radiation, Structure, and Evolution of the Uranian System (PERSEUS): A Dedicated Orbiter Mission Concept to Study Space Physics at Uranus
Authors: Cohen Ian J. , Smith Evan J. , Clark George B. , Turner Drew L. , Ellison Donald H. , Clare Ben , Regoli Leonardo H. , Kollmann Peter , Gallagher Daniel T. , Holtzman G. Allan , Likar Justin J. , Morizono Takeshi , Shannon Matthew , Vodusek Kimberly S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Plasma Environment, Radiation, Structure, and Evolution of the Uranian System (PERSEUS) mission concept defines the feasibility and potential scope of a dedicated, standalone Heliophysics orbiter mission to study multiple space physics science objectives at Uranus. Uranus’s complex and dynamic magnetosphere presents a unique laboratory to study magnetospheric physics as well as its coupling to the solar wind and the planet’s atmosphere, satellites, and rings. From the planet’s tilted and offset, rapidly-rotating non-dipolar magnetic field to its seasonally-extreme interactions with the solar wind to its unexpectedly intense electron radiation belts, Uranus hosts a range of outstanding and compelling mysteries relevant to the space physics community. While the exploration of planets other than Earth has largely fallen within the purview of NASA’s Planetary Science Division, many targets, like Uranus, also hold immense scientific value and interest to NASA’s Heliophysics Division. Exploring and understanding Uranus’s magnetosphere is critical to make fundamental gains in magnetospheric physics and the understanding of potential exoplanetary systems and to test the validity of our knowledge of magnetospheric dynamics, moon-magnetosphere interactions, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, and solar wind-planetary coupling. The PERSEUS mission concept study, currently at Concept Maturity Level (CML) 4, comprises a feasible payload that provides closure to a range of space physics science objectives in a reliable and mature spacecraft and mission design architecture. The mission is able to close using only a single Mod-1 Next-Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (NG-RTG) by leveraging a concept of operations that relies of a significant hibernation mode for a large portion of its 22-day orbit.
Cytoprotective effect of propolis on heat stress induces alteration to histological, ultrastructural, and oxidative stress in catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Alfons Mariana S. , Ibrahim Ahmed Th.A. , Harabawy Ahmed S. A. , Al-salahy Mohamed B. , Badr Gamal 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOur study helps to evaluate the immune response, antioxidative status, and resistance against heat stress (HS) in Clarias gariepinus treated with propolis extraction; the results will contribute to theories of fish physiology and immunity under high-temperature conditions. Forty-five fish were divided into three equal groups: the control, the HS group at 36 °C, and the HS treated with alcoholic extraction of propolis that dissolved in water for 3 weeks. The results of our study suggested that the stress response differs among tissues thymus, spleen, and liver. All the tissues showed alteration in morphological and cytological structure at the light microscope (LM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM); thymus showed edema and thymocyte destruction; the spleen detected collagen deposition, and the liver displayed endoplasmic reticulum amplification (ER). In addition, we examined oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses (lipid peroxidation, catalase, and glutathione) of the spleen and measured blood biochemical parameters (alanine transaminase and aspartic transaminase levels) after heat stress. However, this toxic effect of HS was neutralized by the propolis extraction. To conclude, propolis is recommended to cope with the impacts of heat stress on catfish (Clarias gariepinus) by improving immunity and antioxidative resistance.
Epicardial fat and insulin resistance in healthy older adults: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Kalmpourtzidou Aliki , Di Napoli Ilaria , Vincenti Alessandra , De Giuseppe Rachele , Casali Pietro Mariano , Tomasinelli Chiara Elena , Ferrara Fulvio , Tursi Francesco , Cena Hellas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInsulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are relevant concerns in the elderly population; as the world’s population ages, IR and CVD are two universal public health problems. While a link between IR a CVD has been established, the mediating mechanisms are uncertain and rigorous investigations are needed to fully elucidate them. The study aimed at assessing the relationship between epicardial fat (EF), an indicator of cardiovascular risk, and IR in Italian free-living elderly (n = 89). Baseline data from a previous cohort was used. Anthropometric measurements, EF, and IR-related variables, including the HOMA-IR index and other biochemical parameters were obtained. The correlation between EF and IR was explored. Further analysis was conducted to identify significant differences regarding IR variables among EF quartiles. EF correlated positively with glucose levels in females, males and the total population. The pairwise comparison among EF quartiles showed significant differences in glucose levels, HOMA-IR index, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels. To our knowledge, this is the only study assessing the relationship between EF and IR in healthy elderly, while most of the studies have investigated EF and IR in diseased populations. Further research with a longitudinal approach should be conducted to design concrete conclusions about this relationship.
Robotic-assisted benign hysterectomy compared with laparoscopic, vaginal, and open surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lenfant Louis , Canlorbe Geoffroy , Belghiti Jérémie , Kreaden Usha Seshadri , Hebert April E. , Nikpayam Marianne , Uzan Catherine , Azaïs Henri 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe potential benefits and limitations of benign hysterectomy surgical approaches are still debated. We aimed at evaluating any differences with a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were last searched on 6/2/2021 to identify English randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective cohort and retrospective independent database studies published between Jan 1, 2010 and Dec 31, 2020 reporting perioperative outcomes following robotic hysterectomy versus laparoscopic, open, or vaginal approach (PROSPERO #CRD42022352718). Twenty-four articles were included that reported on 110,306 robotic, 262,715 laparoscopic, 189,237 vaginal, and 554,407 open patients. The robotic approach was associated with a shorter hospital stay (p < 0.00001), less blood loss (p = 0.009), and fewer complications (OR: 0.42 [0.27, 0.66], p = 0.0001) when compared to the open approach. The main benefit compared to the laparoscopic and vaginal approaches was a shorter hospital (R/L WMD: – 0.144 [– 0.21, – 0.08], p < 0.0001; R/V WMD: – 0.39 [– 0.70, – 0.08], p = 0.01). Other benefits seen were sensitive to the inclusion of database studies. Study type differences in outcomes, a lack of RCTs for robotic vs. open comparisons, learning curve issues, and limited robotic vs. vaginal publications are limitations. While the robotic approach was mainly comparable to the laparoscopic approach, this meta-analysis confirms the classic benefits of minimally invasive surgery when comparing robotic hysterectomy to open surgery. We also reported the advantages of robotic surgery over vaginal surgery in a patient population with a higher incidence of large uterus and prior surgery.
Get the picture? Using visuals to represent theory
Authors: Rasolofoarison Dina , Russell Cristel Antonia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractVisualization can assist the process of narrating theory. Although most researchers realize the benefit of figures to efficiently and effectively convey the essence of a theory, many lack the visual grammar and tools to create those figures. This editorial presents a five-step iterative process, NETSA, to assist the process of theory visualization.
The Association Between Cognitive Domains and Postural Balance among Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Divandari Nahid , Bird Marie-Louise , Vakili Mahdi , Jaberzadeh Shapour 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review aims to explore which cognitive domain is more closely associated with which type of balance (static or dynamic).

Resent Finding
Based on recent reviews, inhibitory control, a part of cognition, plays a crucial role in balance performance. Previous reviews report significant links between cognition, mobility, and physical function in older adults. However, evidence regarding the relationship between cognition and balance scores remains inconclusive.

Summary
The strength of association between cognition and balance appears to be domain-specific and task-specific. Executive function exhibits the strongest correlation with balance, while episodic memory shows a small link with dynamic balance. Processing speed and global cognition demonstrate moderate correlations. Additionally, there is a slight association between cognitive domains and static balance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for managing balance-related concerns that are domain-specific and task-specific.
Human Rights Legal Education in Times of Transition: Perspectives and Practices of Law Instructors in Myanmar
Authors: Eberbach Kristina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis mixed-methods study examines the human rights and human rights education and training (HRET) perspectives and practices of law educators in Myanmar during the democratic transition that ended with the 2021 coup. “Contextual, Theoretical, and Methodological Framing” provides an overview of legal and human rights education in Myanmar, discusses the potential of human rights education in law schools during democratic transitions, addresses why educators’ human rights and human rights education perspectives and practices are important to examine, and presents the research methodology. “Findings” presents findings based on the two phases of research during the transitional period: phase 1 (2015–2017)—law instructors’ perspectives and practices after participating in a multi-year HRET program; and phase 2 (2019–2020)—law instructors’ perspectives on the goals, challenges, and potential of HRET in Myanmar. The third section—“Discussion and Implications”—examines the contextual challenges and opportunities for human rights education as related to (1) critical human rights education, (2) practice-oriented HRET, and (3) administrative policies and practices for human rights and HRET within universities.
Expressing gratitude and visualising one’s best possible self: Assessing the effectiveness of a four-week intervention on affect and health behaviours during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Tornquist Michelle , Herrmann Eleanor , Chiappe Dan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis research examined affect and health behaviours over four weeks during consecutive COVID-19 lockdowns in the United Kingdom (UK), and the impact of expressing gratitude (EG) and visualising one’s best possible self (BPS) on these outcomes compared to a control condition. Participants (N = 145) took part in a 4-week intervention during lockdown and completed an EG, BPS, or control exercise and measures of affect and health behaviours once per week for four weeks. Results showed that participants reported increased positive affect and decreased negative affect, reduced food consumption, and lower levels of moderate and vigorous exercise, but no change in alcohol consumption and walking. There were, however, no significant effects of the interventions vs. control condition on any of the outcomes; these findings were also supported by Bayes factors. This research suggests that people changed their health behaviours and affect during the COVID-19 lockdown, but that BPS and EG interventions may not be viable interventions to promote these outcomes during intense crises such as COVID-19.