bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation vs. specialization: the dose-time-effect of technical and physiological variety in the development of elite swimmers
Authors: Born Dennis-Peter , Lorentzen Jenny , Björklund Glenn , Stöggl Thomas , Romann Michael 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
It is heavily discussed whether larger variety or specialization benefit elite performance at peak age. Therefore, this study aimed to determine technical (number of different swimming strokes) and physiological (number of different race distances) variety required to become an international-class swimmer (> 750 swimming points) based on 1′522′803 race results.

Results
Correlation analyses showed lower technical variety in higher ranked swimmers (P < 0.001), yet with small effects (0.11–0.30). However, Poisson distribution revealed dose-time-effects and specified number of swimming strokes required during each age group. Specifically, freestyle swimmers showed highest chances when starting to compete in three to four swimming strokes but reduced their variety to three swimming strokes at the ages of 12/13yrs with another transition to two swimming strokes at the ages of 19/21yrs (female/male swimmers, respectively). Although both sexes showed similar specialization pattern throughout their career, earlier specialization was generally evident in female compared to male swimmers. At peak performance age, freestyle was most frequently combined with butterfly. Swimmers who either kept competing in all five swimming strokes or focused on only one at the beginning of their careers showed lowest probability of becoming an international-class swimmer. Physiological variety increased during junior age but declined again to three race distances towards elite age.
The use of synaptic biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid to differentiate behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia from primary psychiatric disorders and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Das Shreyasee , van Engelen Marie-Paule E. , Goossens Julie , Jacobs Dirk , Bongers Bram , Fieldhouse Jay L. P. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Vanmechelen Eugeen , Verberk Inge M. W. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Lack of early molecular biomarkers in sporadic behavioral variants of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and its clinical overlap with primary psychiatric disorders (PPD) hampers its diagnostic distinction. Synaptic dysfunction is an early feature in bvFTD and identification of specific biomarkers might improve its diagnostic accuracy. Our goal was to understand the differential diagnostic potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) synaptic biomarkers in bvFTD versus PPD and their specificity towards bvFTD compared with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and controls. Additionally, we explored the association of CSF synaptic biomarkers with social cognition, cognitive performance, and disease severity in these clinical groups.

Methods
Participants with probable bvFTD (n = 57), PPD (n = 71), AD (n = 60), and cognitively normal controls (n = 39) with available CSF, cognitive tests, and disease severity as frontotemporal lobar degeneration-modified clinical dementia rating scale (FTLD-CDR) were included. In a subset of bvFTD and PPD cases, Ekman 60 faces test scores for social cognition were available. CSF synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), neurogranin (Ng), neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2), and glutamate receptor 4 (GluR4) were measured, along with neurofilament light (NfL), and compared between groups using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and logistic regression. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using ROC analyses, and biomarker panels were selected using Wald’s backward selection. Correlations with cognitive measures were performed using Pearson’s partial correlation analysis.

Results
NPTX2 concentrations were lower in the bvFTD group compared with PPD (p < 0.001) and controls (p = 0.003) but not compared with AD. Concentrations of SNAP25 (p < 0.001) and Ng (p < 0.001) were elevated in patients with AD versus those with bvFTD and controls. The modeled panel for differential diagnosis of bvFTD versus PPD consisted of NfL and NPTX2 (AUC = 0.96, CI: 0.93–0.99, p < 0.001). In bvFTD versus AD, the modeled panel consisted of NfL, SNAP25, Ng, and GluR4 (AUC = 0.86, CI: 0.79–0.92, p < 0.001). In bvFTD, lower NPTX2 (Pearson’s r = 0.29, p = 0.036) and GluR4 (Pearson’s r = 0.34, p = 0.014) concentrations were weakly associated with worse performance of total cognitive score. Lower GluR4 concentrations were also associated with worse MMSE scores (Pearson’s r = 0.41, p = 0.002) as well as with worse executive functioning (Pearson’s r = 0.36, p = 0.011) in bvFTD. There were no associations between synaptic markers and social cognition or disease severity in bvFTD.

Conclusion
Our findings of involvement of NTPX2 in bvFTD but not PPD contribute towards better understanding of bvFTD disease pathology.
Comparison contrast-enhanced CT with contrast-enhanced US in diagnosing combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Yun , Bao Wu-yong-ga , Chen Yi-di , Jiang Hanyu , Huang Jia-yan , Zeng Ke-yu , Song Bin , Huang Zi-xing , Lu Qiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To develop and compare noninvasive models for differentiating between combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) and HCC based on serum tumor markers, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and computed tomography (CECT).

Methods
From January 2010 to December 2021, patients with pathologically confirmed cHCC-CCA or HCC who underwent both preoperative CEUS and CECT were retrospectively enrolled. Propensity scores were calculated to match cHCC-CCA and HCC patients with a near-neighbor ratio of 1:2. Two predicted models, a CEUS-predominant (CEUS features plus tumor markers) and a CECT-predominant model (CECT features plus tumor markers), were constructed using logistic regression analyses. Model performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results
A total of 135 patients (mean age, 51.3 years ± 10.9; 122 men) with 135 tumors (45 cHCC-CCA and 90 HCC) were included. By logistic regression analysis, unclear boundary in the intratumoral nonenhanced area, partial washout on CEUS, CA 19-9 > 100 U/mL, lack of cirrhosis, incomplete tumor capsule, and nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) volume < 50% on CECT were independent factors for a diagnosis of cHCC-CCA. The CECT-predominant model showed almost perfect sensitivity for cHCC-CCA, unlike the CEUS-predominant model (93.3% vs. 55.6%, p < 0.001). The CEUS-predominant model showed higher diagnostic specificity than the CECT-predominant model (80.0% vs. 63.3%; p = 0.020), especially in the ≤ 5 cm subgroup (92.0% vs. 70.0%; p = 0.013).

Conclusions
The CECT-predominant model provides higher diagnostic sensitivity than the CEUS-predominant model for CHCC-CCA. Combining CECT features with serum CA 19-9 > 100 U/mL shows excellent sensitivity.

Critical relevance statement
Combining lack of cirrhosis, incomplete tumor capsule, and nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) volume < 50% on CECT with serum CA 19-9 > 100 U/mL shows excellent sensitivity in differentiating cHCC-CCA from HCC.

Key points
1. Accurate differentiation between cHCC-CCA and HCC is essential for treatment decisions.
2. The CECT-predominant model provides higher accuracy than the CEUS-predominant model for CHCC-CCA.
3. Combining CECT features and CA 19-9 levels shows a sensitivity of 93.3% in diagnosing cHCC-CCA.

Graphical Abstract
Neuroimaging features of primary central nervous system post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder following hematopoietic stem cell transplant in patients with β-thalassemia: a case series and review of literature
Authors: Yang Xueqing , Deng Xi , Wu Meiqing , Chen Sean W. , Jiang Muliang , Long Liling , Chen Bihong T. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Primary central nervous system post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PCNS-PTLD) is a rare but serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with severe β-thalassemia. This study aimed to assess the clinical presentation, pathological characteristics, neuroimaging findings, and treatment strategies in patients with β-thalassemia who developed PCNS-PTLD and to compare a case series from our transplant center to reported cases from literature.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed our hospital database and identified four cases of pathologically confirmed PCNS-PTLD without a history of systemic PTLD in patients with severe β-thalassemia after HSCT. We also performed a relevant literature review on PCNS-PTLD.

Results
The median time from transplantation to diagnosis of PCNS-PTLD was 5.5 months. Intracerebral lesions were usually multiple involving both supratentorial and infratentorial regions with homogeneous or rim enhancement. All patients had pathologically confirmed PCNS-PTLD with three patients having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and the fourth patient having plasmacytic hyperplasia. There was low response to treatment with a median survival of 83 days.

Conclusion
PCNS-PTLD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with β-thalassemia who had an intracranial lesion on neuroimaging after HSCT.

Critical relevance statement
This case series with a comprehensive review of neuroimaging and clinical characteristics of children with primary central nervous system post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder should advance our understanding and improve management of this rare yet severe complication following transplant for β-thalassemia.

Key points
• We assessed clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and neuroimaging characteristics of PCNS-PTLD in patients with β-thalassemia after transplantation.
• Patients with β-thalassemia may have post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as brain lesions on neuroimaging.
• Neuroimaging findings of the brain lesions are helpful for prompt diagnosis and proper management.

Graphical Abstract
Radiation reduction for interventional radiology imaging: a video frame interpolation solution
Authors: Tang Zhijiang , Xiong Qiang , Wu Xuantai , Xu Tianyi , Shi Yuxuan , Xu Ximing , Xu Jun , Wang Ruijue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to diminish radiation exposure in interventional radiology (IR) imaging while maintaining image quality. This was achieved by decreasing the acquisition frame rate and employing a deep neural network to interpolate the reduced frames.

Methods
This retrospective study involved the analysis of 1634 IR sequences from 167 pediatric patients (March 2014 to January 2022). The dataset underwent a random split into training and validation subsets (at a 9:1 ratio) for model training and evaluation. Our approach proficiently synthesized absent frames in simulated low-frame-rate sequences by excluding intermediate frames from the validation subset. Accuracy assessments encompassed both objective experiments and subjective evaluations conducted by nine radiologists.

Results
The deep learning model adeptly interpolated the eliminated frames within IR sequences, demonstrating encouraging peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM) results. The average PSNR values for angiographic, subtraction, and fluoroscopic modes were 44.94 dB, 34.84 dB, and 33.82 dB, respectively, while the corresponding SSIM values were 0.9840, 0.9194, and 0.7752. Subjective experiments conducted with experienced interventional radiologists revealed minimal discernible differences between interpolated and authentic sequences.

Conclusion
Our method, which interpolates low-frame-rate IR sequences, has shown the capability to produce high-quality IR images. Additionally, the model exhibits potential for reducing the frame rate during IR image acquisition, consequently mitigating radiation exposure.

Critical relevance statement
This study presents a critical advancement in clinical radiology by demonstrating the effectiveness of a deep neural network in reducing radiation exposure during pediatric interventional radiology while maintaining image quality, offering a potential solution to enhance patient safety.

Key points
• Reducing radiation: cutting IR image to reduce radiation.
• Accurate frame interpolation: our model effectively interpolates missing frames.
• High visual quality in terms of PSNR and SSIM, making IR procedures safer without sacrificing quality.

Graphical Abstract
Pediatric spinal ependymoma with chromothripsis of chromosome 6: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Scott Keela R. , Gener Melissa A. , Repnikova Elena A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Ependymomas are the third most common central nervous system tumor in the pediatric population; however, spinal ependymomas in children are rare. Ependymomas affecting the spinal cord most frequently occur in adults of 20–40 years of age. The current World Health Organization classification system for ependymomas is now composed of ten different entities based on histopathology, location, and molecular studies, with evidence that the new classification system more accurately predicts clinical outcomes.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 16-year-old Caucasian female patient with a history of type 2 neurofibromatosis with multiple schwannomas, meningioma, and spinal ependymoma. Chromosome analysis of the harvested spinal ependymoma tumor sample revealed a 46,XX,−6,+7,−22,+mar[16]/46,XX[4] karyotype. Subsequent OncoScan microarray analysis of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor sample confirmed + 7, −22 and clarified that the marker chromosome represents chromothripsis of the entire chromosome 6 with more than 100 breakpoints. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and microarray analysis showed no evidence of MYCN amplification. The final integrated pathology diagnosis was spinal ependymoma (central nervous system World Health Organization grade 2 with no MYCN amplification.

Conclusion
This case adds to the existing literature of pediatric patients with spinal ependymomas and expands the cytogenetic findings that may be seen in patients with this tumor type. This case also highlights the value of cytogenetics and microarray analysis in solid tumors to provide a more accurate molecular diagnosis.
Approximating fixed points of weak enriched contractions using Kirk’s iteration scheme of higher order
Authors: Zhou Mi , Saleem Naeem , Abbas Mujahid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce two types of weak enriched contractions, namely weak enriched $\mathcal{F}$
F
-contraction, weak enriched $\mathcal{F^{\prime}}$

F
′

-contraction, and k-fold averaged mapping based on Kirk’s iterative algorithm of order k. The types of contractions introduced herein unify, extend, and generalize several existing classes of enriched and weak enriched contraction mappings. Moreover, K-fold averaged mappings can be viewed as a generalization of the averaged mappings and double averaged mappings. We then prove the existence of a unique fixed point of the k-fold averaged mapping associated with weak enriched contractions introduced herein. We study necessary conditions that guarantee the equality of the sets of fixed points of the k-fold averaged mapping and weak enriched contractions. We show that an appropriate Kirk’s iterative algorithm can be used to approximate a fixed point of a k-fold averaged mapping and of the two weak enriched contractions. We also study the well-posedness, limit shadowing property, and Ulam–Hyers stability of the k-fold averaged mapping. We provide necessary conditions that ensure the periodic point property of each illustrated weak enriched contraction. Some examples are presented to show that our results are a potential generalization of the comparable results in the existing literature.
Generalized fixed points for fuzzy and nonfuzzy mappings in strong b-metric spaces
Authors: Kanwal Shazia , Işık Hüseyin , Waheed Sana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe main purpose of this research article is to generalize Kannan-type fixed-point (FP) theorems for single-valued mappings and Chatterjea-type FP result for fuzzy mappings (FMs) in the context of complete strong b-metric spaces (MSs). Moreover, fuzzy FPs are established for Suzuki-type fuzzy contraction in the setting of complete strong b-MSs. The conclusions are supported by nontrivial examples to enhance the validity of the results obtained in this study. In addition, previous findings have been made as corollaries from the relevant literature. The numerous implications that this technique has across the literature improve and integrate our findings. Applications of some of the results obtained are also incorporated.
Enhanced mechanism to prioritize the cloud data privacy factors using AHP and TOPSIS: a hybrid approach
Authors: Khan Mohammad Zunnun , Shoaib Mohd , Husain Mohd Shahid , Ul Nisa Khair , Quasim Mohammad. Tabrez 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCloud computing is a new paradigm in this new cyber era. Nowadays, most organizations are showing more reliability in this environment. The increasing reliability of the Cloud also makes it vulnerable. As vulnerability increases, there will be a greater need for privacy in terms of data, and utilizing secure services is highly recommended. So, data on the Cloud must have some privacy mechanisms to ensure personal and organizational privacy. So, for this, we must have an authentic way to increase the trust and reliability of the organization and individuals The authors have tried to create a way to rank things that uses the Analytical Hieratical Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Based on the result and comparison, produce some hidden advantages named cost, benefit, risk and opportunity-based outcomes of the result.In this paper, we are developing a cloud data privacy model; for this, we have done an intensive literature review by including Privacy factors such as Access Control, Authentication, Authorization, Trustworthiness, Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Based on that review, we have chosen a few parameters that affect cloud data privacy in all the phases of the data life cycle. Most of the already available methods must be revised per the industry’s current trends. Here, we will use Analytical Hieratical Process and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution method to prove that our claim is better than other cloud data privacy models. In this paper, the author has selected the weights of the individual cloud data privacy criteria and further calculated the rank of individual data privacy criteria using the AHP method and subsequently utilized the final weights as input of the TOPSIS method to rank the cloud data privacy criteria.
Introduction and spread of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) at a German tertiary care medical center from 2004 until 2010: a retrospective whole-genome sequencing (WGS) study of the molecular epidemiology of VREfm
Authors: Caplunik-Pratsch Aila , Kieninger Bärbel , Donauer Veronika A. , Brauer Johanna M. , Meier Vanessa M. K. , Seisenberger Corinna , Rath Anca , Loibl Daniel , Eichner Anja , Fritsch Jürgen , Schneider-Brachert Wulf 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In most of Europe and especially in Germany, there is currently a concerning rise in the number of hospital-acquired infections due to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm). Therefore, there is a need to improve our understanding of the way VREfm spreads in hospitals. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of VREfm isolates from the first appearance at our university hospital in 2004 until 2010. There is only very scarce information about the molecular epidemiology of VREfm from this early time in Germany.

Methods
Our analysis includes all available first VREfm isolates of each patient at our tertiary care center collected during the years 2004–2010. If available, additional consecutive VREfm isolates from some patients were analyzed. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) for the analysis and description of nosocomial transmission pathways as well as the detection of outbreaks.

Results
VREfm isolates from 158 patients and 76 additional subsequent patient isolates were included in the analysis. Until 2006, detections of VREfm remained singular cases, followed by a peak in the number of VREfm cases in 2007 and 2008 with a subsequent decline to baseline in 2010. MLST and cgMLST analysis show significant changes in the dominant sequence types (STs) and complex types (CTs) over the study period, with ST192 and ST17 being responsible for the peak in VREfm cases in 2007 and 2008. The four largest clusters detected during the study period are comprised of these two STs. Cluster analysis shows a focus on specific wards and departments for each cluster. In the early years of this study (2004–2006), all analyzed VREfm stemmed from clinical specimens, whereas since 2007, approximately half of the VREfm were detected by screening. Of the 234 VREfm isolates analyzed, 96% had a vanB and only 4% had a vanA resistance genotype.

Conclusions
This retrospective study contributes significant knowledge about regional VREfm epidemiology from this early VREfm period in Germany. One remarkable finding is the striking dominance of vanB-positive VREfm isolates over the entire study period, which is in contrast with countrywide data. Analysis of cgMLST shows the transition from sporadic VRE cases at our institution to a sharp increase in VRE numbers triggered by oligoclonal spread and specific outbreak clusters with the dominance of ST192 and ST17.
Factors affecting the length of hospital stay for total knee arthroplasty in Japan: a retrospective study using the diagnosis procedure combination database
Authors: Hara Kentaro , Kanda Masato , Kobayashi Yoshio , Miyamoto Takashi , Inoue Takahiro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
We aimed to evaluate the length of hospital stay following total knee arthroplasty to determine the impact of relevant factors using data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study. The study cohort included 5,831 patients who had osteoarthritis of the knee and had undergone total knee replacement between February 2018 and October 2022 at 38 hospitals.

Results
Multivariate analysis showed that the factors influencing the length of stay included: age (p < 0.001), height (p < 0.001), weight (p = 0.049), body mass index (p = 0.008), Barthel index (p < 0.001), method of anesthesia (p < 0.001), bone transplant (p = 0.010), timing of postoperative rehabilitation (p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001), chronic pain (p < 0.001), and number of institutionally treated cases (p < 0.001) (r = 0.451, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Shorter or longer hospital stays were found to be associated with the patients’ background characteristics and facility-specific factors; these can lead to more accurate estimates of the length of hospital stay and appropriate allocation of resources.