bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D MRI with CT-like bone contrast (3D-BONE): a pictorial review of clinical applications
Authors: Goh Calvin Yit Kun , Mohamed Ali Parveen Sulthana , Lee Kathy Hwee Choo , Sim Fang Yang , Chong Le Roy 
Published: January 2025

Background Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard imaging modality for the assessment of 3D bony morphology but incurs the cost of ionizing radiation exposure. High-resolution 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with CT-like bone contrast (CLBC) may provide an alternative to CT in allowing complete evaluation of both bony and soft tissue structures with a single MRI examination. Purpose To review the technical aspects of an optimized stack-of-stars 3D gradient recalled echo pulse sequence method (3D-Bone) in generating 3D MR images with CLBC, and to present a pictorial review of the utility of 3D-Bone in the clinical assessment of common musculoskeletal conditions. Material and Methods 3D-Bone is a black-bone imaging technique for acquiring high-resolution 3D MR images with strong CLBC, achieved by first rendering as high a signal as possible from non-cortical bone tissues, and second by minimizing signal contrast between non-cortical bone tissues. Results 3D-Bone can be used in the clinical evaluation of bony morphology in common musculoskeletal conditions. Advantages include strong bone-soft tissue contrast, resistance to motion artefacts, simple hardware and software requirements, and straightforward image processing. Disadvantages include non-specificity for cortical bone, sensitivity to susceptibility artefacts, a lack of quantitative tissue measurements, as well as overall lower image resolution and bone-soft tissue contrast compared to CT. Conclusion The use of 3D MRI pulse sequences providing CLBC such as 3D-Bone could potentially offer complete clinical evaluation of bony morphology and soft tissues with a single MRI study for certain clinical indications, negating the need for ionizing radiation exposure from CT and reducing costs.
Infarct core segmentation using U-Net in CT perfusion imaging: a feasibility study
Authors: Yang Ching-Ching , Chen Shih-Sheng 
Published: January 2025

Background The wide variability in thresholds on computed tomography (CT) perfusion parametric maps has led to controversy in the stroke imaging community about the most accurate measurement of core infarction. Purpose To investigate the feasibility of using U-Net to perform infarct core segmentation in CT perfusion imaging. Material and Methods CT perfusion parametric maps were the input of U-Net, while the ground truth segmentation was determined based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The dataset used in this study was from the ISLES2018 challenge, which contains 63 acute stroke patients receiving CT perfusion imaging and DWI within 8 h of stroke onset. The segmentation accuracy of model outputs was assessed by calculating Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, and intersection over union (IoU). Results The highest DSC was observed in U-Net taking mean transit time (MTT) or time-to-maximum (Tmax) as input. Meanwhile, the highest sensitivity and IoU were observed in U-Net taking Tmax as input. A DSC in the range of 0.2–0.4 was found in U-Net taking Tmax as input when the infarct area contains < 1000 pixels. A DSC of 0.4–0.6 was found in U-Net taking Tmax as input when the infarct area contains 1000–1999 pixels. A DSC value of 0.6–0.8 was found in U-Net taking Tmax as input when the infarct area contains ≥ 2000 pixels. Conclusion Our model achieved good performance for infarct area containing ≥ 2000 pixels, so it may assist in identifying patients who are contraindicated for intravenous thrombolysis.
Varied terminology by radiologists to describe Bosniak class III and IV cystic renal masses
Authors: Yoon Acacia , Tse Justin R 
Published: January 2025

Background The Bosniak classification is designed to standardize evaluation of cystic renal masses and to communicate the risk of malignancy. Purpose To determine whether radiologists vary in their communication of Bosniak class III and IV cystic renal masses. Material and Methods This retrospective study included 186 patients with CT or MRI reporting a Bosniak class III or IV mass. Radiology reports were evaluated to determine the noun representing the mass, the modifier to convey the likelihood of cancer, and recommendations for urologic referral. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine if the patient saw a urologist. Results Of the patients, 112 (60%) had a class III mass and 74 (40%) had a class IV mass. Class III masses were more likely to be represented by the noun “lesion” rather than a “mass” (61/112 [54%] vs. 31/112 [28%]). Class IV masses are more likely to be represented as a “mass” (36/74 [59%] vs. 28/74 [38%]; P < 0.015). Cancer was described in 100/186 (54%) cases: 38/112 (35%) class III masses and 62/74 (72%) class IV masses ( P < 0.001). The cancer terminology used included “renal cell carcinoma” (n = 57), “neoplasm” (n = 12), and “malignancy/malignant” (n = 86). Most radiology reports (n = 133, 72%) did not recommend urologic referral but 183 (98%) patients were referred and 181 (97%) ultimately saw a urologist. Conclusion Radiologists vary in their communication of class III and IV masses, reflecting historical terminology usage, nuanced interpretations, and an evolving understanding of renal cell carcinoma biology. This variance had minimal impact on urologic referral rates.
Utilizing Propensity Score Matching Analysis to Examine the Effects of Postsecondary Education on the Employment Outcomes of Young Adults with Mental Illnesses
Authors: Li Jian , Rumrill Phillip D , Iwanaga Kanako , Zhang Han , Chan Fong , Strauser David G 
Published: January 2025

Background Helping young adults with mental illnesses attend college will increase their chances of being employed with benefits, which can pave the way for a successful career and a middle-class life. Objective This study sought to examine whether receiving vocational rehabilitation (VR) services of four-year college or university training would lead to improved employment outcomes for young adults with mental illnesses. Methods Based on the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)-911 data, a propensity score matching technique was employed to create a comparison group of young adults with mental illnesses who did not receive college or university training and a treatment group of those who did. The quasi-experimental design investigated differences in the employment outcomes between the two groups. Results Analyses revealed that the group who received college or university training was more likely to be engaged in competitive integrated employment upon exit from the VR program than the matched comparison group who did not receive the training. Participants with mental illnesses who received college or university training and had secured competitive integrated employment at the time of exit not only had significantly higher hourly wages and worked more hours per week than did non-college or university training recipients, they were also more likely to obtain employer-subsidized health insurance benefits. Conclusions College and university training is positively related to employment outcomes for young people with mental illnesses. Implications for state VR counsellors are discussed.
Treatment for Lateropulsion in Standard Clinical Practice: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Abe Hiroaki , Ueno Shingo , Kurita Yohei , Tohara Seiya , Murano Nobuyuki , Nagatomo Noriko 
Published: January 2025

Background Post-stroke lateropulsion with pusher syndrome (LP) severely impacts postural control and daily activities. In Japan, while a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is recommended for LP treatment, a gait exercise assist robot (GEAR) is also used. Objective We investigated the effectiveness of gait training using a GEAR and KAFO in improving LP. Methods Thirty-six stroke patients with LP were randomly assigned to GEAR or KAFO groups, and received 50-min daily sessions for 2 weeks. Both the GEAR group, using robot assistance, and the KAFO group, with therapist assistance, engaged in gait training with a goal of 30 min per session. Primary outcomes were changes in Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS) and Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP) scores. Results Seventeen participants in each group completed their respective interventions. Both groups showed marked improvements in BLS and SCP scores (all p < 0.001). Although the GEAR group achieved greater walking distances and step counts ( p < 0.01 each), overall BLS and SCP improvements did not significantly differ between the groups ( p = 0.51 and 0.84, respectively). Both interventions demonstrated comparable LP improvement to previous studies. Conclusions We found no significant difference in the treatment effects between the two interventions, indicating both to be effective.
An Overview of the Currently Used Congenital Auricular Anomalies (CAA) Classifications for Surgical Reconstruction: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lin Yangyang , Ronde Elsa M. , de Voort Lieve , Breugem Corstiaan C. 
Published: January 2025

CAAs are congenital malformations of the auricle ranging from ear underdevelopment to anotia, lacks standardized classification, impacting our outcome of different reconstruction approaches. This scoping review aimed to explore which CAA classifications are most used in current ear reconstruction practices. We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA guidelines, searching MEDLINE and Embase databases on November 1st, 2023. Studies on CAA reconstruction that included clear descriptions of the used classification published in the past 5 years were included. Studies were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Out of 293 screened studies, 45 met inclusion criteria, encompassing 19 case series and 5 cohort studies. Findings revealed a predominant use of the Nagata classification across rib cartilage and alloplastic material reconstructions, despite noted application inconsistencies. Other systems like Marx's, Weerda's, and Meurman's remain underutilized. Most studies used the Nagata's classification. Its widespread use underscores the necessity for an easy to use, but standardized classification to improve surgical outcome reporting and assessment accuracy. Further investigation and standardization efforts regarding the Nagata system are recommended.
Assessing the Construct Validity of the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale for DSM-5 and Prevalence of ADHD in a Danish Population Sample
Authors: Sparle Christensen Kaj , Storebø Ole Jakob , Bach Bo 
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study examines the validity of the ASRS-5 as a new screening tool for ADHD and evaluates its proposed screening cut-off in a general population context. Method: A nationally representative sample of 2,002 individuals aged 18 to 80 years was surveyed using the ASRS-5, with complete data obtained from 714 participants. Psychometric analysis evaluated fit to the Rasch model, response categories, dimensionality, differential item functioning, local dependency, and reliability. A cut-off score of 14, based on a simple additive scale, was applied. Results: The ASRS-5 generally conformed to the expectations of the Rasch model. However, disordered response categories were observed for item 6, and gender-related differential item functioning was noted in items 3, 4, and 6. The ASRS-5 demonstrated a unidimensional construct, and a cut-off score of 14 identified 6.0% of the sample as potential ADHD cases. Conclusion: Although the ASRS-5 aligns well with the Rasch model, certain measurement challenges exist. The recommended cut-off score effectively identifies an ADHD prevalence consistent with the 6.5% reported in the original ASRS-5 study.
Burden of Vitiligo in Canada: Retrospective Analysis of a Canadian Public Claims Database
Authors: Ringuet Julien , Wong Grace K. , Baribeau Véronique , Kalia Sunil , Brisebois Josée , Lachaine Jean 
Published: January 2025

Background: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease resulting in skin depigmentation. Treatment options are limited. Objectives: To examine disease burden and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) among patients with vitiligo in Québec, Canada. Methods: In this retrospective study, data were obtained from the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) databases for 125,000 random individuals from January 2010 to December 2019. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision ( ICD-9) diagnostic code [709.x (other skin disorders)] with vitiligo-related treatment was used to identify patients with vitiligo. Patient characteristics and treatments, including treatment type, episodes (treatments used without discontinuation), and sequences (treatment episodes ≥30 days), were assessed. Annualized HCRU and costs (2021 adjusted) included all-cause hospitalization, emergency department visits, outpatient visits, and medications among patients with vitiligo (n = 113) and age- and sex-matched non-vitiligo controls (n = 339). Results: Of patients with vitiligo (mean age, 50.0 years; 68.1% female) identified using ICD-9 code 709.x with vitiligo-related treatment, 36.3% received ≥4 treatment episodes. Treatment patterns were heterogeneous, with 43 different sequences reported. Annualized mean outpatient visits (16.1 vs 5.5) and all-cause outpatient service costs per patient were significantly higher in the vitiligo versus the control group (CAN$1037 vs CAN$523; P < .01). Total all-cause services costs were higher for patients with vitiligo in the year after versus before diagnosis (CAN$3679 vs CAN$2085; P = .04). Conclusions: Vitiligo is associated with significant burden and HCRU among patients in Québec, Canada, who were identified by ICD-9 code 709.x plus vitiligo-related treatment. Measurement of true vitiligo burden remains challenging.
Neurofilament heavy chain in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: De Angelis Floriana , Ammoscato Francesca , Parker Richard A , Plantone Domenico , Doshi Anisha , John Nevin A , Williams Thomas , Stutters Jonathan , MacManus Dave , Schmierer Klaus , Barkhof Frederik , Weir Christopher J , Giovannoni Gavin , Chataway Jeremy , Gnanapavan Sharmilee 
Published: January 2025

Background: Biomarkers are needed to track progression in MS trials. Neurofilament heavy chain (NfH) has been underutilized due to assay limitations. Objective: To investigate the added value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NfH in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) using contemporary immunoassays. Methods: This exploratory study was part of the MS-SMART trial. Clinical assessments (including expanded disability status scale, upper and lower limb function, visual acuity and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT)), CSF and serum sampling were acquired at baseline ( n = 54), 48 and 96 weeks. Brain magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) were obtained at baseline and 96 weeks. The NfL and NfH were measured using single-molecule array assay. Results: Baseline CSF NfH and NfL correlated with information processing speed at 96 weeks, with CSF NfH showing stronger correlations ( r = −0.49 for SDMT) than CSF NfL ( r = −0.37 for SDMT). Baseline CSF NfL predicted poorer hand dexterity at baseline, 48 and 96 weeks. CSF NfH was the only predictor of cortical grey matter at baseline, while baseline CSF NfL was the only predictor of brain atrophy at 96 weeks. Serum neurofilaments showed limited associations. Conclusion: CSF neurofilaments are better outcomes than serum neurofilaments in small SPMS studies. CSF NfH and NfL variably predict worsening hand function, information processing speed and brain volume loss, possibly reflecting complementary aspects of neurodegeneration.
The effect of language proficiency, usage, and exposure on cognitive control: A study in early adulthood Chinese learners of English
Authors: Xia Lihua , Sorace Antonella , Vega-Mendoza Mariana , Deng Xiaohong , Bak Thomas H. 
Published: January 2025

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: This study investigated the effect of the specific L2 learning experience (i.e., usage, proficiency, and exposure) on cognitive performance in 121 Chinese learners of English. Design/Methodology/Approach: The participants were divided into three groups: beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners. They are homogeneous in background variables (e.g., cultural and educational environment) but heterogeneous in the L2 language experience. They performed three non-linguistic cognitive tasks, tapping into multiple dimensions of cognitive functions in visual and auditory domains. Data and Analysis: Linear mixed-effect models were applied to RT-based analysis (i.e., analysis based on Reaction Time), and linear regression models were used for accuracy-based analysis. In addition, further multiple stepwise regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between individuals’ demographics, language experience, and their performance on the attentional tasks. Findings/Conclusions: Three groups were comparable in background measures (e.g., socioeconomic status [SES]) and fundamental cognitive abilities (e.g., working memory and IQ), but differed in specific subcomponents of cognitive functions. Specifically, compared with beginning learners, advanced learners who had a longer length of L2 usage and higher proficiency showed better inhibitory control; intermediate learners who received intensive L2 exposure and had higher proficiency showed better-switching ability and attentional disengagement. Intermediate and advanced learners were comparable in cognitive performance. The results suggest that early adulthood L2 learners experience similar cognitive effects of bilingualism, which are modulated by specific language experience. Originality: This is one of the first bilingual studies to incorporate both visual and auditory cognitive functions, while providing additional analyses to investigate the other components of cognitive control. Significance/Implications: The results contribute to the understanding of the key aspects of the L2 learning experience that contribute to the emergence of the cognitive effects of young adult learners.
Watermelon Flower Petal-derived Apigenin Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Effects by Suppressing M1 Macrophage Polarization in Lipopolysaccharide/Interferon-gamma-co-stimulated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Fujita Shingo , Yamaguchi Akiho , Ninomiya Masayuki , Koketsu Mamoru , Hashizume Toshiharu , Itoh Tomohiro 
Published: January 2025

Background Watermelon fruits contain various bioactive compounds. However, the bioactivity of watermelon flower petals, specifically in the context of the anti-inflammatory effects, remains unknown. Objectives In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of watermelon flower petal-derived components on nitric oxide (NO) production and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this process in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells that were co-stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ). Materials and methods Phenolic compounds (specifically p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, apigenin, and rhoifolin) were first isolated from watermelon flower petals. NO production was assessed using a Griess reagent kit. The mRNA expression of Nos2, Cox2, Tnfα, Il6, and Cd80 was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression levels of the following molecules were assessed using western blotting: inducible NO synthase (iNOS); cyclooxygenase-2; heme oxygenase-1; toll-like receptor 4; phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK); ERK; p-p38; p38; p-Jun amino terminal kinase (p-JNK); JNK; p-nuclear factor-kappa B (p-NF-κB); NF-κB; p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p-STAT1); and STAT1. Furthermore, the nuclear translocation of NF-κB was observed using fluorescence microscopy. Results NO production was suppressed in LPS/IFNγ-co-stimulated RAW264.7 cells treated with apigenin. Additionally, iNOS mRNA and protein expression were reduced in LPS/IFNγ-co-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Apigenin resulted in a slight reduction in the levels of phosphorylated p38, JNK, and STAT1; on the other hand, phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB remaining unchanged in the LPS/IFNγ-co-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. mRNA expression of Cd80, a notable cell surface M1 macrophage marker, was suppressed by apigenin in LPS/IFNγ-co-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion Apigenin was found to suppress M1 macrophage polarization in LPS/IFNγ-co-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The study findings suggest that watermelon flower petals represent a promising and valuable source of anti-inflammatory agents.
Overview of basic design recommendations for user-centered explanation interfaces for AI-based clinical decision support systems: A scoping review
Authors: Jung Ian-C. , Schuler Katharina , Zerlik Maria , Grummt Sophia , Sedlmayr Martin , Sedlmayr Brita 
Published: January 2025

Objective The application of artificial intelligence (AI)-based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in the healthcare domain is still limited. End-users’ difficulty understanding how the outputs of opaque black AI models are generated contributes to this. It is still unknown which explanations are best presented to end users and how to design the interfaces they are presented in (explanation user interface, XUI). This article aims to provide an overview of recommendations for the user-centered design of XUIs from the scientific literature. Methods A scoping review was conducted to identify recommendations for the design of XUIs. Articles published between 2017 and 2022 in English or German, presenting original research or literature reviews, focusing on XUIs for end users or domain experts, which are intended for presentation in graphical user interfaces and from which recommendations could be extracted were included in the review. Articles were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Explore, PubMed, ACM Digital Library, and PsychInfo. A mind map was created to organize and summarize the identified recommendations. Results From the 47 included articles, 240 recommendations for the user-centered design were extracted. The organization in a mind map resulted in 64 summarized recommendations. Conclusion This review provides a synopsis of basic recommendations for the user-centered design of XUIs, focusing on the healthcare domain. During the analysis of the articles, it became clear that no specific and directly implementable design recommendations for AI-based CDSS can be given, but only basic recommendations for raising awareness about the user-centered design of XUIs.