bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the space of null geodesics of a spacetime: the compact case, Engel geometry and retrievability
Authors: Marín-Salvador Adrià , Rubio Roberto 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe compute the contact manifold of null geodesics of the family of spacetimes $$\left\{ \left( \mathbb {S}^2\times \mathbb {S}^1, g_\circ -\frac{d^2}{c^2}dt^2\right) \right\} _{d,c\in \mathbb {N}^+\text { coprime}}$$

S

2

×

S

1

,

g
∘

-

d
2

c
2

d

t
2

d
,
c
∈

N

+

coprime

, with $$g_\circ $$

g
∘

the round metric on $$\mathbb {S}^2$$

S

2

and t the $$\mathbb {S}^1$$

S

1

-coordinate. We find that these are the lens spaces L(2c, 1) together with the pushforward of the canonical contact structure on $$ST\mathbb {S}^2\cong L(2,1)$$

S
T

S

2

≅
L

(
2
,
1
)

under the natural projection $$L(2,1)\rightarrow L(2c,1)$$

L
(
2
,
1
)
→
L
(
2
c
,
1
)

. We extend this computation to $$Z\times \mathbb {S}^1$$

Z
×

S

1

for Z a Zoll manifold. On the other hand, motivated by these examples, we show how Engel geometry can be used to describe the manifold of null geodesics of a certain class of three-dimensional spacetimes, by considering the Cartan deprolongation of their Lorentz prolongation. We characterize the three-dimensional contact manifolds that are contactomorphic to the space of null geodesics of a spacetime. The characterization consists in the existence of an overlying Engel manifold with a certain foliation and, in this case, we also retrieve the spacetime.
User-friendly platform for analysis of high mass intact proteins and glycopeptides by laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry based on copper oxide particles
Authors: Springer Valeria , Zhou Yuye , Aguilera Ángela Y. , Emmer Åsa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) based on micro/nanostructured materials with different natures has received increasing attention for the analysis of a wide variety of analytes. However, up to now, only a few studies have shown the application of simple platforms in MALDI-MS for the identification of intact proteins. The present work reports on the application of copper oxide particles (Cu2O PS), obtained by a greener route, in combination with low amounts of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as a novel hybrid platform. The combined Cu2O PS@DHB matrix, containing only 2.5 mg mL−1 of particles and 10 mg mL−1 of DHB, was easily applicable in MALDI-MS without surface modification of target plates. Under optimal conditions, the analysis of intact proteins up to 150,000 Da was possible, including immunoglobulin G, bovine serum albumin, and cytochrome C with adequate spot-to-spot signal reproducibility (RSD < 10%). In addition, the analysis of glycopeptides from IgG digests was carried out to prove the multipurpose application of the Cu2O PS@DHB platform in the low m/z range (2500–3000 Da). From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the optical and surface properties of as-synthesized Cu2O PS are likely to be responsible for the superior performance of Cu2O PS@DHB in comparison with conventional matrices. In this sense, the proposed user-friendly methodology opens up the prospect for possible implementation in bioanalysis and diagnostic research.
Graphical Abstract
Longitudinal Strain vs. Conventional Echocardiographic Parameters in the First Week of Life in Healthy Term Newborns
Authors: Peček Jerneja Rešek , Koželj Mirta , Fister Petja 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe first week of life is characterized by substantial alterations in hemodynamic conditions. Changes in myocardial contractility will reflect these changes. We aimed to assess right and left ventricular function on the third and seventh days of life in 50 healthy term newborns. To assess myocardial function, we used speckle tracking echocardiography. Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging, M-mode, Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler were also used to assess ventricular function. We found a significant increase in both right and left longitudinal strain and an increase in systolic and diastolic tissue Doppler velocities, whereas most other parameters remained unchanged. At both time points, the measured parameters were significantly greater for the right ventricle, but the changes with time were similar for both ventricles. We also found an increase in right ventricular outflow tract acceleration time as an indirect sign of decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance and an increase in systolic blood pressure, pointing to increasing systemic vascular resistance. Together with a decreasing proportion of patients with patent ductus arteriosus, the estimated left ventricular cardiac output decreased and right ventricular cardiac output increased but not to a statistically significant degree. In conclusion, the results of our study show how different echocardiographic techniques capture hemodynamic changes and changes in myocardial contractility and compliance. Both longitudinal strain and tissue Doppler imaging parameters seem to offer greater sensitivity in comparison with conventional echocardiographic parameters.
Assessing the efficacy of saline flush in frequency-domain optical coherence tomography for intracoronary imaging
Authors: Kimura Masahiro , Takeda Teruki , Tsujino Yasushi , Matsumoto Yuichi , Yamaji Masayuki , Sakaguchi Tomoko , Maeda Keiko , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Murakami Tomoyuki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The increased amount of contrast media in frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) imaging during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has raised potential concerns regarding impairment of renal function.

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of heparinized saline flush in FD-OCT-guided PCI and identify clinical factors contributing to optimal image quality.

Methods
We retrospectively collected 100 lesions from 90 consecutive patients, and a total of 200 pullbacks were analyzed for the initial and final evaluation in which saline was used as the flushing medium.

Results
The study population had a mean age of 73, with 52% having chronic kidney disease (CKD). The median amount of contrast used was 28 ml, and no complications were observed associated with saline flush OCT. Imaging quality was then categorized as excellent, good, or unacceptable. Among the total runs, 87% demonstrated clinically acceptable image quality, with 66.5% classified as excellent images and 20.5% classified as good images. Independent predictors of excellent images included lumen area stenosis ≥ 70% (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–5.47, P = 0.044), and the use of intensive flushing (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.11–3.86, P = 0.023) defined as a deep engagement of guiding catheter (GC) or a selective insertion of guide extension catheter (GE). Intensive flushing was performed in 60% of the total pullbacks, and it was particularly effective in improving image quality in the left coronary artery (LCA).

Conclusion
The use of saline flush during FD-OCT imaging was safe and feasible, which had a benefit in renal protection with adequate imaging quality.
Diurnal variability of atmospheric water vapour, precipitation and cloud top temperature across the global tropics derived from satellite observations and GNSS technique
Authors: Baldysz Zofia , Nykiel Grzegorz , Baranowski Dariusz B. , Latos Beata , Figurski Mariusz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe diurnal cycle of convection plays an important role in clouds and water vapour distribution across the global tropics. In this study, we utilize integrated moisture derived from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), satellite precipitation estimates from TRMM and merged infrared dataset to investigate links between variability in tropospheric moisture, clouds development and precipitation at a diurnal time scale. Over 16 years of observations were analysed to estimate the diurnal cycles for 42 sites that span across the global tropics and assess the GNSS precipitable water vapour suitability in tropical moisture variability studies. Results show that the GNSS technique can be successfully used for studies related to the high-resolution temporal variability of integrated atmospheric moisture and, thus, in the analysis of multi-scale interactions and clouds development. For most of the analysed cases, GNSS integrated humidity shows one daily maximum (regardless of the season), which is related to the afternoon precipitation and cloud top temperature daily minimum. Although diurnal integrated moisture variations typically do not exceed 2 mm (usually below 5% of the daily mean value), in favourable large-scale conditions such relatively small changes can lead to the development of convective clouds and can affect precipitation distribution. Thus, GNSS technology allows reliable monitoring of tropospheric moisture variability at a diurnal time scale, which can be leveraged for improved monitoring and prediction of high-impact weather.
Sacral Neuromodulation for defecation disorders after non oncologic pelvic surgery
Authors: Martellucci Jacopo , Annicchiarico Alfredo , Scheiterle Maximilian , Trompetto Mario , Prosperi Paolo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Defecation disorders (DD) can sometimes affect the outcomes of pelvic or colorectal surgery. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of constipation and other evacuation disorders after surgery.

Methods
A retrospective analysis in all the consecutive patients that underwent sacral nerve modulation (SNM) for DD arisen or worsened after pelvic or colorectal surgery was performed from January 2010 to December 2020. DD were defined starting from Rome IV Criteria, and according to manometric results, all patients were further divided into the two subgroups: inadequate defecatory propulsion and dyssynergic defecation. Cleveland Clinic Constipations Score (CCCS) and SF-36 have been evaluated in the time.

Results
Thirty-seven patients have been included in the study. Twenty-seven out of thirty-seven (73.3%) patients had experienced sufficient benefits to implant the definitive device, and 22 patients (59.4% of tested and 81.5% of permanently implanted) still had the device functioning after a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. The most represented manometric pattern was inadequate propulsive function (59% of patients). CCCS at preoperative assessment for all patients was 17.5 with a reduction to 10.4 at the first year of follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
SNM appears to be a feasible, safe, and well-tolerated procedure with durable benefit in the long-term treatment of defecatory dysfunction after pelvic or colorectal surgery for benign diseases.
Associations between healthy food groups and platelet-activating factor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-reactive protein: a cross-sectional study
Authors: English Carolyn J. , Jones Mark , Lohning Anna E. , Mayr Hannah L. , MacLaughlin Helen , Reidlinger Dianne P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the association between pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hsCRP, and intake of core food groups including fruit, cruciferous and other vegetables, grains, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, nuts and legumes, and dairy.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable cardiovascular disease risk were recruited. Data were collected in 2021 and 2022. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 activity, hsCRP and usual dietary intake (via a validated food frequency questionnaire) were measured. Intake of foods were converted into serves and classified into food groups. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed with adjustment for confounders.

Results
A one-serve increase in cruciferous vegetables per day was associated with 20–24% lower PAF levels. An increase of one serve per day of nuts and legumes was associated with 40% lower hsCRP levels. There were small correlations with PAF and Lp-PLA2 and cheese, however, these were not significant at the Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.005 level.

Conclusion
The lack of associations between PAF and Lp-PLA2 and other healthy foods may be due to confounding by COVID-19 infection and vaccination programs which prevents any firm conclusion on the relationship between PAF, Lp-PLA2 and food groups. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy food groups in a non-pandemic setting.
A new subtype of diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27 and BRAF/FGFR1 co-altered: a clinico-radiological and histomolecular characterisation
Authors: Auffret Lucie , Ajlil Yassine , Tauziède-Espariat Arnault , Kergrohen Thomas , Puiseux Chloé , Riffaud Laurent , Blouin Pascale , Bertozzi Anne-Isabelle , Leblond Pierre , Blomgren Klas , Froelich Sébastien , Picca Alberto , Touat Mehdi , Sanson Marc , Beccaria Kévin , Blauwblomme Thomas , Dangouloff-Ros Volodia , Boddaert Nathalie , Varlet Pascale , Debily Marie-Anne , Grill Jacques , Castel David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDiffuse midline gliomas (DMG) H3 K27-altered are incurable grade 4 gliomas and represent a major challenge in neuro-oncology. This tumour type is now classified in four subtypes by the 2021 edition of the WHO Classification of the Central Nervous System (CNS) tumours. However, the H3.3-K27M subgroup still appears clinically and molecularly heterogeneous. Recent publications reported that rare patients presenting a co-occurrence of H3.3K27M with BRAF or FGFR1 alterations tended to have a better prognosis. To better study the role of these co-driver alterations, we assembled a large paediatric and adult cohort of 29 tumours H3K27-altered with co-occurring activating mutation in BRAF or FGFR1 as well as 31 previous cases from the literature. We performed a comprehensive histological, radiological, genomic, transcriptomic and DNA methylation analysis. Interestingly, unsupervised t-distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (tSNE) analysis of DNA methylation profiles regrouped BRAFV600E and all but one FGFR1MUT DMG in a unique methylation cluster, distinct from the other DMG subgroups and also from ganglioglioma (GG) or high-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP). This new DMG subtype harbours atypical radiological and histopathological profiles with calcification and/or a solid tumour component both for BRAFV600E and FGFR1MUT cases. The analyses of a H3.3-K27M BRAFV600E tumour at diagnosis and corresponding in vitro cellular model showed that mutation in H3-3A was the first event in the oncogenesis. Contrary to other DMG, these tumours occur more frequently in the thalamus (70% for BRAFV600E and 58% for FGFR1MUT) and patients have a longer overall survival with a median above three years. In conclusion, DMG, H3 K27 and BRAF/FGFR1 co-altered represent a new subtype of DMG with distinct genotype/phenotype characteristics, which deserve further attention with respect to trial interpretation and patient management.
Does endometriosis inflict harm on embryos? A systematic review of embryo morphokinetics analysed by time lapse monitoring in women with endometriosis
Authors: Cupino-Arcinue Diana , Seeber Beata , Montag Markus , Toth Bettina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEndometriosis has been shown to be associated with unfavorable development and maturation of oocytes, as well as aberrancies in embryonal development, including arrest after fertilization, following in vitro fertilization (IVF). Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) enables continuous and non-invasive monitoring of embryo morphokinetics during the IVF process and might be useful in the assessment of embryos from women with endometriosis. In this review, five eligible studies were evaluated to determine if embryo morphokinetics assessed under TLM differ in patients with endometriosis and subsequently predict blastocyst quality, implantation and success of pregnancy. The studies showed overall inferior morphokinetic parameters of embryos from endometriosis patients when compared to controls, independent of the severity of endometriosis. Embryos with optimal early morphokinetic parameters (t2, s2, t5, tSB, tEB) and late developmental events (compaction, morulation, and blastulation) had better implantation rates than those who had suboptimal ranges. However, due to few studies available with mostly retrospective data, the validity of these findings and their generalizability for clinical practice needs to be further assessed. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether using TLM for embryo selection in endometriosis improves pregnancy and live birth outcomes.
A clinical approach to the investigation and management of long COVID associated neuropathic pain
Authors: Shil Rajish Sanjit Kumar , Hughes Thomas William , Sargent Brendan Francis , Huang Yun , Tamborska Arina Anna , Frank Bernhard , Ellul Mark Alexander , Michael Benedict Daniel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCOVID–19 has been associated with a wide range of ongoing symptoms following recovery from the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Around one in three people with COVID-19 develop neurological symptoms with many reporting neuropathic pain and associated symptoms, including paraesthesia, numbness, and dysesthesia. Whilst the pathophysiology of long COVID-19-associated neuropathic pain remains unclear, it is likely to be multifactorial. Early identification, exclusion of common alternative causes, and a biopsychosocial approach to the management of the symptoms can help in relieving the burden of disease and improving the quality of life for patients.
A generic scope actuation system for flexible endoscopes
Authors: Basha Sofia , Khorasani Mohammad , Abdurahiman Nihal , Padhan Jhasketan , Baez Victor , Al-Ansari Abdulla , Tsiamyrtzis Panagiotis , Becker Aaron T. , Navkar Nikhil V. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
A scope actuation system assists a surgeon in steering a scope for navigating an operative field during an interventional or diagnostic procedure. Each system is tailored for a specific surgical procedure. The development of a generic scope actuation system could assist various laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. This has the potential to reduce the deployment and maintenance costs for a hospital, making it more accessible for clinical usage.

Methods
A modular actuation system (for maneuvering rigid laparoscopes) was adapted to enable incorporation of flexible endoscopes. The design simplifies the installation and disassembly processes. User studies were conducted to assess the ability of the system to focus onto a diagnostic area, and to navigate during a simulated esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure. During the studies, the endoscope was maneuvered with (robotic mode) and without (manual mode) the actuation system to navigate the endoscope’s focus on a predefined track.

Results
Results show that the robotic mode performed better than the manual mode on all the measured performance parameters including (a) the total duration to traverse a track, (b) the percentage of time spent outside a track while traversing, and (c) the number of times the scope focus shifts outside the track. Additionally, robotic mode also reduced the perceived workload based on the NASA-TLX scale.

Conclusions
The proposed scope actuation system enhances the maneuverability of flexible endoscopes. It also lays the groundwork for future development of modular and generic scope assistant systems that can be used in both laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures.
Unravelling the effect of renal denervation on glucose homeostasis: more questions than answers?
Authors: Koutra Evaggelia , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Pyrpyris Nikolaos , Iliakis Panagiotis , Fragkoulis Christos , Beneki Eirini , Kasiakogias Alexandros , Tsioufis Panagiotis , Tatakis Fotis , Kordalis Athanasios , Tsiachris Dimitrios , Aggeli Konstantina , Tsioufis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRenal Denervation (RDN) is an interventional, endovascular procedure used for the management of hypertension. The procedure itself aims to ablate the renal sympathetic nerves and to interrupt the renal sympathetic nervous system overactivation, thus decreasing blood pressure (BP) levels and total sympathetic drive in the body. Recent favorable evidence for RDN resulted in the procedure being included in the recent European Guidelines for the management of Hypertension, while RDN is considered the third pillar, along with pharmacotherapy, for managing hypertension. Sympathetic overactivation, however, is associated with numerous other pathologies, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome and glycemic control, which are linked to adverse cardiovascular health and outcomes. Therefore, RDN, via ameliorating sympathetic response, could be also proven beneficial for maintaining an euglycemic status in patients with cardiovascular disease, alongside its BP-lowering effects. Several studies have aimed, over the years, to provide evidence regarding the pathophysiological effects of RDN in glucose homeostasis as well as investigate the potential clinical benefits of the procedure in glucose and insulin homeostasis. The purpose of this review is, thus, to analyze the pathophysiological links between the autonomous nervous system and glycemic control, as well as provide an overview of the available preclinical and clinical data regarding the effect of RDN in glycemic control.
Decomposition of lignin and carbohydrates in a rewetted peatland: a comparative analysis of surface water and anaerobic soil layers
Authors: Reuter Julia , Reuter Hendrik , Zak Dominik 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe rewetting of long-term drained peatlands leads to the development of eutrophic shallow lakes, gradually inhabited by reed communities. These shallow lakes are characterized by significant nutrient and methane emissions. To comprehend the fate of organic compounds from decaying Phragmites australis litter in water and anaerobic soil layers, we conducted a 1.6-year decomposition experiment. The experiment employed bulk and lignin-derived phenol analysis, as well as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. As anticipated, the highest level of decomposition was observed in the surface water body of the shallow lake, while the non-rooted degraded peat exhibited the lowest decay. The bulk mass loss of plant litter decreased with depth from 55 to 27% across the four decomposition environments. Analysis using infrared spectroscopy indicated that the decrease in mass loss was primarily driven by the breakdown of carbohydrates, which constitute a significant portion of plant litter. Interestingly, litter in the rooted degraded peat layer exhibited the highest degree of lignin decay. Furthermore, the study revealed a preferential loss of vanillin phenols and an accumulation of p-hydroxyl phenols. These findings suggest that the increased methane emissions in rewetted fens may be partially attributed to the demethoxylation of vanillin phenols and the subsequent formation of p-hydroxyl phenols. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into anaerobic lignin decomposition of plant litter and sheds light on potential mechanisms underlying elevated methane emissions in rewetted peatlands. Furthermore, the study’s findings hold significant implications for both carbon cycling and sequestration within these ecosystems, thereby stimulating further research into the microbial community and its extended effects.