bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CT predictors of sub-centimeter occult lymph node metastases in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A case-control study
Authors: Morisada Megan V , Bewley Arnaud F , Broadhead Kenneth , Assadsangabi Reza , Paydar Alireza , Birkeland Andrew C , Abouyared Marianne , Qi Lihong , Ivanovic Vladimir 
Published: December 2023

Background For patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) without evidence of nodal metastasis (cN0) on pre-operative evaluation, there are no clear guidelines who should undergo elective neck dissection (END) versus clinical surveillance. Objective To identify CT imaging characteristics of sub-centimeter lymph nodes that would help predict the likelihood of nodal metastases on pathology. Methods Retrospective review of cN0 OCSCC patients at a tertiary academic medical center was performed. Inclusion criteria included elective neck dissection, pre-operative CT imaging and presence of metastatic disease within lymph nodes. Control group consisted of patients without nodal metastases on pathology. CT features that were evaluated included asymmetric size, disrupted fatty hilum, asymmetric number, presence of cortical nodule, cortical nodule size, and round/oval shape. We evaluated the associations between CT LN features and the presence of metastases using multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression models. Model evaluation was performed using 5-fold cross-validation. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Results 26 patients in each study and control groups were included. Three-level mixed-effects logistic regression models indicated round/oval shape (OR = 1.39, p = .01), asymmetric number (OR = 7.20, p = .005), and disrupted fatty hilum (OR = 3.31, p = .04) to be independently predictive in a 3-variable model with sensitivity = 38.0%, specificity = 92.0%, and PPV = 93.8%. Conclusions In cN0 OCSCC patients undergoing END, round/oval shape, asymmetric number, and disrupted fatty hilum of lymph nodes on pre-operative CT imaging are novel and highly predictive of occult nodal disease.
Exploring the potential for a set of UK hormone replacement therapy eligibility guidelines: A suggested proposal on the topic of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Laing Abbie , Thomas Lindsey , Hillard Tim , Panay Nick , Briggs Paula 
Published: December 2023

Objective To explore the feasibility for a set of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) eligibility guidelines that follow a similar structure and appearance to the UKMEC guidance for contraception. To enable non-specialists to feel confident in safely prescribing HRT and to aid selection of the most appropriate first line treatment. Methods A literature review was undertaken with evidence summarised on the topic of venous thromboembolism (VTE) which is an area frequently considered a barrier to prescribing. Medical eligibility tables which separated HRT by type were then produced for a set of VTE-related topics. Results The literature search confirmed the importance of distinguishing between different types and routes of administration when considering the suitability of HRT. Much of the evidence has been based on older synthetic types of HRT and whilst they still have a role in management, these medications carry different risks to the now more accepted use of body identical types. The search also highlighted the nuances involved, increasing the complexity of forming guidelines, with the need for consideration to be given to an individual’s own perception of risks and benefits. Conclusion The demand for HRT has risen in recent years and there is a need for this to be managed effectively, particularly for patients in primary care. The production of this type of guidance will enable the non-specialist to feel confident in safe and evidence-based prescribing. The guidelines are also designed to demonstrate to prescribers which complex patients should be referred onto menopause specialists.
“It depends on the people!” – A qualitative analysis of contextual factors, prior to the implementation of digital health innovations for chronic condition management, in a German integrated care network
Authors: Moll Clemens , Arndt Fritz , Arvanitis Theodoros N. , Gonzàlez Nerea , Groene Oliver , Ortega-Gil Ana , Verdoy Dolores , Bloemeke Janika ,   on behalf of the ADLIFE consortium
Published: December 2023

Objective Integrated care and digital health technology interventions are promising approaches to coordinate services for people living with chronic conditions, across different care settings and providers. The EU-funded ADLIFE project intends to provide digitally integrated personalized care to improve and maintain patients’ health with advanced chronic conditions. This study conducted a qualitative assessment of contextual factors prior to the implementation of the ADLIFE digital health platforms at the German pilot site. The results of the assessment are then used to derive recommendations for action for the subsequent implementation, and for evaluation of the other pilot sites. Methods Qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals and IT experts were conducted at the German pilot site. The interviews followed a semi-structured interview guideline, based on the HOT-fit framework, focusing on organizational, technological, and human factors. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and subsequently analysed following qualitative content analysis. Results The results of the 18 interviews show the interviewees’ high openness and motivation to use new innovative digital solutions, as well as an apparent willingness of cooperation between different healthcare professionals. Challenges include limited technical infrastructure and large variability of software to record health data, lacking standards and interfaces. Conclusions Considering contextual factors on different levels is critical for the success of implementing innovations in healthcare and the transfer into other settings. In our study, the HOT-fit framework proved suitable for assessing contextual factors, when implementing IT innovations in healthcare. In a next step, the methodological approach will be transferred to the six other European pilot sites, participating in the project, for a cross-national assessment of contextual factors.
Early Diet Liberalization After Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Improves Postoperative Recovery
Authors: Bridges Tiffany , Meade Matthew , Brush Parker , Lee Yunsoo , Narayanan Rajkishen , McCurdy Michael A. , Lambrechts Mark , Charlton Alex , Jenkins Eleanor , Juniewicz Robert , Destine Henson , Kaye Ian David , Kurd Mark , Canseco Jose , Hilibrand Alan , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Schroeder Gregory , Kepler Christopher 
Published: December 2023

Study Design Retrospective Cohort Study. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the impact of diet liberalization on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing anterior interbody lumbar fusion (ALIF). Methods A retrospective review was performed for patients undergoing ALIF at our tertiary care center institution from 2010 to 2022. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, surgical characteristics, and 90-day postoperative outcomes. Results We included 515 patients in this study with 102 patients receiving a full diet on the same day as their operation. All other patients had a delay of at least 1 day (average 1.6 days) until a full diet was provided. This group was found to have a higher rate of postoperative ileus (10.2% vs 2.9%) and urinary retention (16.0% vs 3.9%). The readmission rate and percent of patients presenting to the emergency department within 90 days postoperatively were similar. On multivariate regression analysis, same-day, full-diet patients had decreased odds of developing urinary retention (OR = .17) and a shorter length of hospital stay (Estimate: −.99). Immediate full diet had no impact on the development of ileus (OR: .33). Conclusions An immediate postoperative full diet following an anterior approach to the lumbar spine was not found to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative ileus in patients deemed appropriate for early diet liberalization. Moreover, an early full diet was found to reduce length of hospitalization and risk of postoperative urinary retention. Reconsideration of postoperative diet protocols may help optimize patient outcomes and recovery.
Public awareness of advance care planning and hospice palliative care: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Korea
Authors: Kim Boram , Lee Junyong , Choi Youn Seon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Context
Advance care planning (ACP) and hospice palliative care (HPC) have potential benefits for individuals and health systems. Public awareness of them might increase their acceptance.

Objectives
To examine public awareness of ACP and HPC and related factors including individuals’ experience of health care among Korean population.

Methods
A cross-sectional study based on a nationally representative sample was conducted. Data from participants aged 15 years or older were examined. Socio-demographic characteristics, health-related factors, health care experience in the past year, and awareness of ACP and HPC were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was conducted to determine associations between specific experiences during outpatient visit and awareness of ACP and HPC.

Results
Of a total of 13,546 subjects, 39.3% and 35.7% reported awareness of ACP and HPC, respectively. About half (48.6%) of participants reported that they were completely unaware of ACP or HPC. Recent outpatient visit was positively associated with HPC awareness. Participants were more likely to recognize ACP or HPC if they had experience in hospitalization and health checkup over the past year and had trust in the medical system. Conversely, participants who had inadequate health care access due to cost burden showed low awareness of ACP and HPC.

Conclusion
There was a lack of public awareness of ACP and HPC. There were significant differences depending on various factors, especially individual health care experiences. Appropriate interventions are needed to facilitate discussion of ACP and HPC, thereby increasing public awareness.
Using Novel Segmentation Technology to Define Safe Corridors for Minimally Invasive Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Tabarestani Troy Q. , Salven David S. , Sykes David A. W. , Bardeesi Anas M. , Bartlett Alyssa M. , Wang Timothy Y. , Paturu Mounica R. , Dibble Christopher F. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Ray Wilson Z. , Chi John H. , Wiggins Walter F. , Abd-El-Barr Muhammad M. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
There has been a rise in minimally invasive methods to access the intervertebral disk space posteriorly given their decreased tissue destruction, lower blood loss, and earlier return to work. Two such options include the percutaneous lumbar interbody fusion through the Kambin triangle and the endoscopic transfacet approach. However, without accurate preoperative visualization, these approaches carry risks of damaging surrounding structures, especially the nerve roots. Using novel segmentation technology, our goal was to analyze the anatomic borders and relative sizes of the safe triangle, trans-Kambin, and the transfacet corridors to assist surgeons in planning a safe approach and determining cannula diameters.

METHODS:
The areas of the safe triangle, Kambin, and transfacet corridors were measured using commercially available software (BrainLab, Munich, Germany). For each approach, the exiting nerve root, traversing nerve roots, theca, disk, and vertebrae were manually segmented on 3-dimensional T2-SPACE magnetic resonance imaging using a region-growing algorithm. The triangles' borders were delineated ensuring no overlap between the area and the nerves.

RESULTS:
A total of 11 patients (65.4 ± 12.5 years, 33.3% female) were retrospectively reviewed. The Kambin, safe, and transfacet corridors were measured bilaterally at the operative level. The mean area (124.1 ± 19.7 mm2 vs 83.0 ± 11.7 mm2 vs 49.5 ± 11.4 mm2) and maximum permissible cannula diameter (9.9 ± 0.7 mm vs 6.8 ± 0.5 mm vs 6.05 ± 0.7 mm) for the transfacet triangles were significantly larger than Kambin and the traditional safe triangles, respectively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION:
We identified, in 3-dimensional, the borders for the transfacet corridor: the traversing nerve root extending inferiorly until the caudal pedicle, the theca medially, and the exiting nerve root superiorly. These results illustrate the utility of preoperatively segmenting anatomic landmarks, specifically the nerve roots, to help guide decision-making when selecting the optimal operative approach.
The Nucleosome Remodelling and Deacetylation complex coordinates the transcriptional response to lineage commitment in pluripotent cells
Authors: Montibus Bertille , Ragheb Ramy , Diamanti Evangelia , Dunn Sara-Jane , Reynolds Nicola , Hendrich Brian 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
As cells exit the pluripotent state and begin to commit to a specific lineage they must activate genes appropriate for that lineage while silencing genes associated with pluripotency and preventing activation of lineage-inappropriate genes. The Nucleosome Remodelling and Deacetylation (NuRD) complex is essential for pluripotent cells to successfully undergo lineage commitment. NuRD controls nucleosome density at regulatory sequences to facilitate transcriptional responses, and also has been shown to prevent unscheduled transcription (transcriptional noise) in undifferentiated pluripotent cells. How these activities combine to ensure cells engage a gene expression program suitable for successful lineage commitment has not been determined. Here, we show that NuRD is not required to silence all genes. Rather, it restricts expression of genes primed for activation upon exit from the pluripotent state, but maintains them in a transcriptionally permissive state in self-renewing conditions, which facilitates their subsequent activation upon exit from naïve pluripotency. We further show that NuRD coordinates gene expression changes, which acts to maintain a barrier between different stable states. Thus NuRD-mediated chromatin remodelling serves multiple functions, including reducing transcriptional noise, priming genes for activation and coordinating the transcriptional response to facilitate lineage commitment.
Dipping contacts – a novel type of contact site at the interface between membraneless organelles and membranes
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Milovanovic Dragomir 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Liquid–liquid phase separation is a major mechanism for organizing macromolecules, particularly proteins with intrinsically disordered regions, in compartments not limited by a membrane or a scaffold. The cell can therefore be perceived as a complex emulsion containing many of these membraneless organelles, also referred to as biomolecular condensates, together with numerous membrane-bound organelles. It is currently unclear how such a complex concoction operates to allow for intracellular trafficking, signaling and metabolic processes to occur with high spatiotemporal precision. Based on experimental observations of synaptic vesicle condensates – a membraneless organelle that is in fact packed with membranes – we present here the framework of dipping contacts: a novel type of contact site between membraneless organelles and membranes. In this Hypothesis, we propose that our framework of dipping contacts can serve as a foundation to investigate the interface that couples the diffusion and material properties of condensates to biochemical processes occurring in membranes. The identity and regulation of this interface is especially critical in the case of neurodegenerative diseases, where aberrant inclusions of misfolded proteins and damaged organelles underlie cellular pathology.
Angiotensin-(1–7) plays an important role in regulating spermatogenesis in Trachemys scripta elegans under salinity stress
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Qiongyu , Dai Shiyu , Rao Wenzhuo , Shi Haitao , Ding Li , Hong Meiling 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Elevation in water salinity can threaten the spermatogenesis and fertility of freshwater animals. The role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in regulating spermatogenesis has attracted considerable attention. Our previous study found that red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), could survive in 10 PSU water for over 1 year. To understand the chronic impact of salinity on testicular spermatogenesis and underlying mechanisms, male T. s. elegans were subjected to treatment with water of 5 PSU and 10 PSU for a year, and spermatogenesis and regulation of the RAS signal pathway was assessed. Results showed induced inflammation in the testes of T. s. elegans in the 10 PSU group, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of testicular germ cells from 1586 to 943. Compared with the control group, the levels of proinflammatory genes, including TNF-α, IL-12A and IL-6 were elevated 3.1, 0.3, and 1.4 times, respectively, in animals exposed to 10 PSU water. Testicular antiapoptotic processes of T. s. elegans might involve the vasoactive peptide angiotensin-(1–7) in the RAS, as its level was significantly increased from 220.2 ng ml−1 in controls to 419.2 ng ml−1 in the 10 PSU group. As expected, specific inhibitor (A-779) for the Ang-(1–7) acceptor effectively prevented the salinity-induced upregulation of genes encoding anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic factors (TGF-β1, Bcl-6) in the testis of the 10 PSU animals, whereas it promoted the upregulation of proinflammatory and proapoptotic factors (TNF-α, IL-12A, IL-6, Bax and caspase-3). Our data indicated that Ang-(1–7) attenuates the effect of salinity on inflammation and apoptosis of the testis in T. s. elegans. A new perspective to prevent salinity-induced testis dysfunction is provided.
Delta Radiomic Features Predict Resection Margin Status and Overall Survival in Neoadjuvant-Treated Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Kai , Karalis John D. , Elamir Ahmed , Bifolco Alessandro , Wachsmann Megan , Capretti Giovanni , Spaggiari Paola , Enrico Sebastian , Balasubramanian Kishore , Fatimah Nafeesah , Pontecorvi Giada , Nebbia Martina , Yopp Adam , Kaza Ravi , Pedrosa Ivan , Zeh Herbert , Polanco Patricio , Zerbi Alessandro , Wang Jing , Aguilera Todd , Ligorio Matteo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) emerged as the standard of care for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who undergo surgery; however, surgery is morbid, and tools to predict resection margin status (RMS) and prognosis in the preoperative setting are needed. Radiomic models, specifically delta radiomic features (DRFs), may provide insight into treatment dynamics to improve preoperative predictions.

Methods
We retrospectively collected clinical, pathological, and surgical data (patients with resectable, borderline, locally advanced, and metastatic disease), and pre/post-NAT contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans from PDAC patients at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW; discovery) and Humanitas Hospital (validation cohort). Gross tumor volume was contoured from CT scans, and 257 radiomics features were extracted. DRFs were calculated by direct subtraction of pre/post-NAT radiomic features. Cox proportional models and binary prediction models, including/excluding clinical variables, were constructed to predict overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and RMS.

Results
The discovery and validation cohorts comprised 58 and 31 patients, respectively. Both cohorts had similar clinical characteristics, apart from differences in NAT (FOLFIRINOX vs. gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel; p < 0.05) and type of surgery resections (pancreatoduodenectomy, distal or total pancreatectomy; p < 0.05). The model that combined clinical variables (pre-NAT carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, the change in CA19-9 after NAT (∆CA19-9), and resectability status) and DRFs outperformed the clinical feature-based models and other radiomics feature-based models in predicting OS (UTSW: 0.73; Humanitas: 0.66), DFS (UTSW: 0.75; Humanitas: 0.64), and RMS (UTSW 0.73; Humanitas: 0.69).

Conclusions
Our externally validated, predictive/prognostic delta-radiomics models, which incorporate clinical variables, show promise in predicting the risk of predicting RMS in NAT-treated PDAC patients and their OS or DFS.
Πρόταση για αξιοποίηση των εικονικών πειραμάτων στο εκπαιδευτικό εργαστήριο Φυσικής
Authors: Βελέντζας Αθανάσιος , Δημακοπούλου Άλκηστη , Θεοδώνης Ιωάννης 
Published: December 2023

Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζεται μια εκπαιδευτική πρόταση για την αξιοποίηση των εικονικών πειραμάτων παράλληλα με την εκτέλεση πραγματικών πειραμάτων στο εκπαιδευτικό εργαστήριο. Συγκεκριμένα δοκιμάστηκε η χρήση εικονικού πειράματος για την προετοιμασία και την εξοικείωση των σπουδαστών/τριών με το αντίστοιχο πραγματικό πείραμα, το οποίο πραγματοποίησαν στη συνέχεια. Τα πρώτα ευρήματα δείχνουν ότι η προτεινόμενη διαδικασία βοηθά τους σπουδαστές/τριες στην προετοιμασία και εξοικείωσή τους τόσο με την εκτέλεση όσο και την επεξεργασία των δεδομένων του πραγματικού πειράματος. Επίσης, οι σπουδαστές/τριες δηλώνουν ότι η προτεινόμενη διαδικασία της εκτέλεσης εικονικού πειράματος είναι περισσότερο ενδιαφέρουσα και υποβοηθητική σχετικά με την διαδικασία της προετοιμασίας του πειράματος μέσω κειμένου.
Παράγοντες αποδοχής της πυρηνικής ενέργειας από μελλοντικούς εκπαιδευτικούς Πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Γκαλτέμη Έλλη , Βαβουλιώτη Αντωνία Ραφαηλία , Γκουλγκούτη Αναστασία , Στύλος Γεώργιος , Kώτσης Κωνσταντίνος 
Published: December 2023

Η πυρηνική ενέργεια έχει τις προδιαγραφές να αποτελέσει μια αξιόπιστη, βιώσιμη και φιλική προς το περιβάλλον πηγή ενέργειας. Στην παρούσα εργασία εξετάζονται οι αντιλήψεις φοιτητών του ΠΤΔΕ του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων για παράγοντες όπως η εγγύτητα σε πυρηνικά εργοστάσια (proximity of nuclear power plants), η κοινωνική εμπιστοσύνη (social trust), τα αντιληπτά οφέλη (perceived benefits) και η γνώση για την πυρηνική ενέργεια (perceived nuclear knowledge), που επηρεάζουν την αποδοχή της. Το δείγμα αποτέλεσαν 500 φοιτητές/τριες και για τη συλλογή των δεδομένων διανεμήθηκε ένα ερωτηματολόγιο με ερωτήσεις κλειστού τύπου το οποίο περιλάμβανε ερωτήσεις δημογραφικού χαρακτήρα και 21 ερωτήσεις σχετικές με την αποδοχή της πυρηνικής ενέργειας. Η παραγοντική ανάλυση ανέδειξε 4 παράγοντες και τα δημογραφικά στοιχεία του φύλου και της κατεύθυνσης σπουδών στο Λύκειο διαφορές ως προς τη δημόσια αποδοχή της πυρηνικής ενέργειας.
Ανάπτυξη ταυτότητας διδασκαλίας Φυσικών Επιστημών από μελλοντικούς εκπαιδευτικούς Πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης σε κέντρο επιστήμης
Authors: Μιχαηλίδη Αιμιλία 
Published: December 2023

Στην παρούσα εργασία εξετάζεται η αξιοποίηση ενός κέντρου επιστήμης ως περιβάλλοντος για την προετοιμασία μελλοντικών εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης υπό το πρίσμα της ανάπτυξης ταυτότητας διδασκαλίας Φυσικών Επιστημών. Οι 15 φοιτητές/τριες ΠΤΔΕ που συμμετείχαν στην έρευνα ανέπτυξαν διερευνητικές δραστηριότητες τις οποίες εφάρμοσαν στα πλαίσια οργανωμένων σχολικών επισκέψεων σε έναν εργαστηριακό χώρο μη τυπικής μάθησης. Τα δεδομένα που συλλέχθηκαν αποκαλύπτουν τις δυνατότητες που προσφέρουν αντίστοιχοι χώροι για την οικοδόμηση ταυτότητας διδασκαλίας Φυσικών Επιστημών καθώς και τις πτυχές της αναδυόμενης ταυτότητας διδασκαλίας ΦΕ που ενισχύονται.
Spark: Indoor & outdoor δραστηριότητες STEAM στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση
Authors: Ιωάννου Μιχάλης , Θεοδωράκη Χαρίκλεια 
Published: December 2023

Στο Νηπιαγωγείο και γενικότερα την Προσχολική Εκπαίδευση τα τελευταία χρόνια εντάσσεται ολοένα και περισσότερο η εκπαίδευση STEAM. Η παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζει την διαδικασία σχεδιασμού και ανάπτυξης μιας σειράς δραστηριοτήτων STEAM για την προσχολική εκπαίδευση μέσα από το πρόγραμμα SPARK. Ειδικότερα, παρουσιάζει δραστηριότητες STEAM για την τάξη, καθώς και υπαίθριες δραστηριότητες STEAM που ακολουθούν τον Μηχανικό Σχεδιασμό, μια διαδικασία επίλυσης προβλημάτων. Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται οι δράσεις του προγράμματος και τα στάδια ανάπτυξης του υλικού, τα πρώτα αποτελέσματα από την πιλοτική εφαρμογή τους και τις επόμενες προεκτάσεις του.