bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient’s knowledge regarding radiation exposure from various imaging modalities: a pilot study
Authors: Matković Andro , Ferenc Thomas , Dimjašević Lucija , Drinković Martin , Lovreković Bruno , Popić Jelena , Mužar Rhea M , Vidjak Vinko 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
To determine patients’ knowledge about ionising radiation used in diagnostic imaging and whether they were adequately informed about the procedure they were referred to. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia during 2019–20. A questionnaire with 14 questions was given to patients in waiting rooms for imaging examinations. Statistical analysis was conducted using the standard software package. Chi-square with Yates correction was used to determine differences in patients’ answers between those who received the explanation about the procedure and those who did not. The differences depending on the educational level were also evaluated. The survey was completed by 374 participants (200 women, 174 men) with a mean age of 55.45 ± 15.92 y. Of all patients, 8.63% had no formal education or only finished elementary school, 52.83% had finished high school and 38.55% had a college or a higher degree. The referring physicians informed 63.66% of participants about the radiological exam they were being referred to, and 226 thought that the given explanation was sufficient. Most patients knew that some radiological procedures use ionising radiation. Only 47.37% of respondents correctly identified MRI as a non-ionising method, whereas 37.40% of participants recognised chest X-ray as the modality with the lowest radiation dose. Higher-educated patients had better knowledge of radiological procedures and the potential risks. The study demonstrated suboptimal patients’ knowledge about ionising radiation, and additional efforts in their education are needed.
Causal roles of prefrontal and temporo-parietal theta oscillations for inequity aversion
Authors: Christian Patricia , Kapetaniou Georgia E , Soutschek Alexander 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The right temporo-parietal junction (rTPJ) and the right lateral prefrontal cortex (rLPFC) are known to play prominent roles in human social behaviour. However, it remains unknown which brain rhythms in these regions contribute to trading-off fairness norms against selfish interests as well as whether the influence of these oscillations depends on whether fairness violations are advantageous or disadvantageous for a decision maker. To answer these questions, we used non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to determine which brain rhythms in rTPJ and rLPFC are causally involved in moderating aversion to advantageous and disadvantageous inequity. Our results show that theta oscillations in rTPJ strengthen the aversion to unequal splits, which is statistically mediated by the rTPJ’s role for perspective taking. In contrast, theta tACS over rLPFC enhanced the preference for outcome-maximizing unequal choices more strongly for disadvantageous compared to advantageous outcome distributions. Taken together, we provide evidence that neural oscillations in rTPJ and rLPFC have distinct causal roles in implementing inequity aversion, which can be explained by their involvement in distinct psychological processes.
The Importance of Mitochondrial Disease Testing in Young Adults With New Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Koleilat Alaa , Poling Gayla L. , Schimmenti Lisa A. , Hasadsri Linda 
Published: November 2023

Objectives:
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs commonly as part of mitochondriopathies and varies in severity and onset. In this study, we characterized hearing with specific consideration for hearing loss as a potential early indicator of mitochondrial disease (MD). We hypothesize that genetic testing at the earliest detection of SNHL may lead to an earlier MD diagnosis.

Design:
We reviewed the clinical and audiometric data of 49 patients undergoing genetic testing for MD.

Results:
One-third of individuals with molecularly confirmed MD presented with SNHL. On average, patients had hearing loss at least 10 years before genetic testing. The collective audiometric profile includes mild to moderate SNHL at lower frequencies and moderate SNHL at 2 kHz and higher frequencies.

Conclusions:
This study suggests that screening for SNHL could be an early indicator of MD. We propose that the audiometric profile for those with a MD diagnosis may have clinical triage utility.
Vision related quality of life among Nepalese patients with keratoconus
Authors: Koirala Bipin , Sapkota Arjun , Chaudhary Meenu , Sitaula Sanjeeta , Mishra Sanjeeb , Mahat Manoj , Chandan Aayush 
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral progressive noninflammatory disorder characterized by irregular astigmatism and corneal thinning. KC results in a disproportionate impact on major aspects of quality of life (QoL) of a person due to its early onset and chronic nature. This study aims to evaluate vision-related QoL in Nepalese patients with KC.

Method:
A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out for 1 year. A sample of 35 KC subjects and 38 control subjects who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled. All subjects underwent corneal topography and abberometry along with a comprehensive eye examination. Both cases and controls completed the NEI VFQ 25 questionnaire. Visual acuity (high contrast visual acuity and LCVA), CS, color vision, refraction, and scores of all subscales of QoL were measured. The QoL scores were correlated with each of the visual function parameters in KC subjects.

Result:
The mean scores of all of the subscales of QoL were found significantly less in the KC group than in age and sex matched control group with P<0.001 The mean composite score was found to reduce significantly as the grade of KC increased. The mean composite score for grade 1 KC was 70.79±7.96, grade 2 KC was 60.56±6.49 and for grade 3 KC was 55.99±0.67 with P=0.001 about better eye. There was a highly significant difference in the mean composite score of QoL between these contact lens wearers and spectacle wearers. The mean composite score for spectacle wearer was 67.86±07.99 and that of contact lens wearer was 58.63±04.26 with P=0.004.

Conclusion:
This study concluded that the QoL of keratoconic individuals was found to reduce gradually as the severity of the disease increased. QoL score in contact lens-wearing Nepalese KC patients is worse than spectacle wearers. By stopping the progression of disease we can maintain functional vision as well as a vision-related QoL. Our study findings suggested that vision and visual function parameters in the better eye is the most important parameter affecting VR-QOL of patients with KC. KC patients should maintain the best vision that they can have.
Diagnostic journey and multimodal management of a rare urogenital rhabdomyosarcoma with rectovaginal fistula in an adolescent: a case report
Authors: Katwal Shailendra , Ghimire Aastha , Shrestha Kriti , Amatya Suban 
Published: November 2023

Introduction and importance:
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumour that originates from immature muscle cells and belongs to the category of soft-tissue sarcomas. It is predominantly diagnosed in children under the age of 6. This condition can manifest within the genitourinary tract and may exhibit non-specific symptoms such as changes in bowel habits and fever. Early detection and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach are essential to achieving more favourable outcomes. This report highlights an uncommon case of urogenital rhabdomyosarcoma in a 15-year-old girl, in addition to the presence of a rectovaginal fistula.

Case presentation:
A 15-year-old girl with presented with fever, altered bowel habits, and a lump in her lower abdomen, abdominal discomfort, and incomplete bowel evacuation. She also had faecal discharge from the vagina. Diagnostic imaging and biopsy confirmed urogenital rhabdomyosarcoma with a rectovaginal fistula. The patient is currently undergoing induction chemotherapy and is scheduled for radiation therapy and surgery.

Clinical discussion:
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare paediatric oncologic concern due to its aggressive nature and potential metastasis. The presentation varies based on age, tumour location, and metastasis presence. This patient presented with altered bowel habits, a pelvic mass and unusual feculent discharge, suggesting a rectovaginal fistula. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the diagnosis, and induction chemotherapy led to a positive response and reduced tumour size.

Conclusion:
Urogenital rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive malignancy with non-specific symptoms, making early diagnosis challenging. An accurate diagnosis requires high suspicion, imaging, and a biopsy. Multidisciplinary management, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, improves outcomes and improves paediatric patients’ prognosis and quality of life
Risk factors for sepsis and mortality in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis : a series of 68 cases (case series)
Authors: Bedoui Mohamed A. , Saadi Ahmed , Zaghbib Selim , Mokadem Seif , Boussaffa Hamza , Hermi Amine , Ayed Haroun , Bouzouita Abderrazek , Chakroun Marouene , Ben Slama Riadh 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare and severe necrotizing infection of the kidney with a high rate of complications and mortality. Our aim was to investigate risk factors of urosepsis and mortality in case of EPN.

Materials and methods:
Between January 2010 and December 2022 the charts of patients diagnosed with EPN were retrospectively reviewed. Patients medical records were collected and data including demographics, BMI, EPN type, the organism causing the infection and biochemical variables were registered. The authors performed an univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for sepsis, septic shock, and mortality. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value of <0.05.

Results:
Our study included 68 patients (63% females, mean age 58.6 years old). Forty-eight patients (70.6%) had diabetes. Half of the patients (50%) presented with sepsis and 11 patients (16.2%) developed a septic shock. The following factors were associated with sepsis by univariate analysis: diabetes (P=0.01), higher blood sugar on admission (P=0.01), higher leukocytic count (P<0.001), higher lymphocytic count (P<0.001), and lower platelet to leukocytes ratio (P<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the main risk factors of urosepsis were the leukocytic (OR: 85.7; 95% CI: 9.177–800.486; P<0.001) and lymphocytic count (OR: 6.65; 95% CI: 1.228–36.050; P=0.028). Neither of the variables was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Conclusion:
Leukocytic and lymphocytic count on admission are independent simple predictors for sepsis in patients with EPN.
Curvature-dependent Eulerian interfaces in elastic solids
Authors: Brazda Katharina , Kružík Martin , Rupp Fabian , Stefanelli Ulisse 
Published: November 2023

We propose a sharp-interface model for a hyperelastic material consisting of two phases. In this model, phase interfaces are treated in the deformed configuration, resulting in a fully Eulerian interfacial energy. In order to penalize large curvature of the interface, we include a geometric term featuring a curvature varifold. Equilibrium solutions are proved to exist via minimization. We then use this model in an Eulerian topology optimization problem that incorporates a curvature penalization.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Foundational issues, analysis and geometry in continuum mechanics’.
Weak elastic energy of irregular curves
Authors: Mucci D. , Saracco A. 
Published: November 2023

A weak notion of elastic energy for (not necessarily regular) rectifiable curves in any space dimension is proposed. Ourp-energy is defined through a relaxation process, where a suitablep-rotation of inscribed polygons is adopted. The discretep-rotation we choose has a geometric flavour: a polygon is viewed as an approximation to a smooth curve, and hence its discrete curvature is spread out into a smooth density. For any exponentpgreater than 1, thep-energy is finite if and only if the arc-length parametrization of the curve has a second-order summability with the same growth exponent. In that case, moreover, the energy agrees with the natural extension of the integral of thepth power of the scalar curvature. Finally, a comparison with other definitions of discrete curvature is provided.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Foundational issues, analysis and geometry in continuum mechanics’.
High-resolution vasomotion analysis reveals novel arteriole physiological features and progressive modulation of cerebral vascular networks by stroke
Authors: Zhang Yi-Yi , Li Jin-Ze , Xie Hui-Qi , Jin Yu-Xiao , Wang Wen-Tao , Zhao Bing-Rui , Jia Jie-Min 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSpontaneous cerebral vasomotion, characterized by ∼0.1 Hz rhythmic contractility, is crucial for brain homeostasis. However, our understanding of vasomotion is limited due to a lack of high-precision analytical methods to determine single vasomotion events at basal levels. Here, we developed a novel strategy that integrates a baseline smoothing algorithm, allowing precise measurements of vasodynamics and concomitant Ca2+ dynamics in mouse cerebrovasculature imaged by two-photon microscopy. We identified several previously unrecognized vasomotion properties under different physiological and pathological conditions, especially in ischemic stroke, which is a highly harmful brain disease that results from vessel occlusion. First, the dynamic characteristics between SMCs Ca2+and corresponding arteriolar vasomotion are interplayed. Second, compared to previous diameter-based estimations, our radius-based measurements reveal nonisotropic vascular movements, enabling a more precise determination of the latency between smooth muscle cell (SMC) Ca2+activity and vasocontraction. Third, we characterized single vasomotion event kinetics at scales of less than 4 seconds. Finally, following pathological vasoconstrictions induced by ischemic stroke, vasoactive arterioles transitioned to an inert state and persisted despite recanalization. In summary, we developed a highly accurate technique for analyzing spontaneous vasomotion, and we suggest a potential strategy to reduce stroke damage by promoting vasomotion recovery.
Proteolytic degradation of atrial sarcomere proteins underlies contractile defects in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cizauskas Hannah E , Burnham Hope V , Panni Azaria , Pena Alexandra , Alvarez-Arce Alejandro , Davis M Therese , Araujo Kelly N , Delligatti Christine , Edassery Seby , Kirk Jonathan A , Arora Rishi , Barefield David Y 
Published: November 2023

(ii) ABSTRACTAimsAtrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac rhythm disturbance. Treatment of AFib involves restoration of the atrial electrical rhythm. Following rhythm restoration, a period of depressed mechanical function known as atrial stunning occurs that involves decreased blood flow velocity and reduced atrial contractility. This suggests that defects in contractility occur in AFib and are revealed upon restoration of rhythm. The aim of this project is to define the contractile remodeling that occurs in AFibMethods and ResultsTo assess contractile function, we used a canine atrial tachypacing model of induced AFib. Mass spectrometry analysis showed dysregulation of contractile proteins in samples from AFib compared to sinus rhythm atria. Atrial cardiomyocytes showed reduced force of contraction in skinned single cardiomyocyte calcium-force studies. There were no significant differences in myosin heavy chain isoform expression. Resting tension is decreased in the AFib samples correlating with reduced full-length titin in the sarcomere. We measured degradation of other myofilament proteins including cMyBP-C, actinin, and cTnI, showing significant degradation in the AFib samples compared to sinus rhythm atria. Many of the protein degradation products appeared as discrete cleavage products that are generated by calpain proteolysis. We assessed calpain activity and found it to be significantly increased. Skinned cardiomyocytes from AFib atria showed decreased troponin I phosphorylation, consistent with the increased calcium sensitivity that was found within these cardiomyocytes.ConclusionsWith these results it can be concluded that AFib causes alterations in contraction that can be explained by both molecular changes occurring in myofilament proteins and overall myofilament protein degradation. These results provide an understanding of the contractile remodeling that occurs in AFib and provides insight into the molecular explanation for atrial stunning and the increased risk of atrial thrombus and stroke in AFib.
Sex- and age-dependent effects of locus coeruleus-originated tau dysfunction on olfaction and neurophysiology in rats
Authors: Dutton Olivia D. E. , Wasef Marie A. , Burke Alexander T. , Chirinos Ella A. , Jones Amelia T. , Vey Rachel , Skinner Darlene M. , Harley Carolyn W. , Walling Susan G. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBraak and colleagues (2011) described human pretangle stages of abnormal tau protein originating in the locus coeruleus (LC) of young adults (Braak’s Stages a-c, 1a-b), decades prior to the neurofibrillary tangle stages observed in Alzheimer’s disease. To capture the features of LC-originated pretangle tau stages, we used a rat model where male and female TH-Cre+/-rats received bilateral LC infusions of a hyperphosphorylated human tau (htauE14) gene via a viral vector. To assess the effects of age and sex on pretangle stage tau, we assayed physiological and behavioural changes 1-3mo (young) and 12+mo (aged) post LC-infusion (p.i.).Open field measures revealed age and sex-dependent differences in anxiety in LC-htauE14 infused rats and overall sex- and age-dependent differences in activity. Odour discrimination tests showed little impairment in LC-htauE14 infused rats at 1-3mo after LC infusion. At 12+mo p.i. however, LC-htauE14 male rats failed a difficult odour discrimination test and a further olfactory detection test (habituation-dishabituation), but male LC-Control rats and female rats were not impaired.LC neuronal firing rates were assessed in urethane-anesthetized aged (12+mo p.i.) male LC-htauE14 and LC-Control rats. The baseline level of firing of LC neurons in LC-htauE14 rats was higher than firing rates of LC-Control rats. Oscillatory patterns in LC firing were increased in amplitude and frequency by LC-htauE14.PSD95 density measures in piriform cortex were similar for LC-Control and LC-htauE14 male and female rats of young and aged groups. While synaptophysin density was higher in controls of the 1-3mo p.i. groups than in the LC-htauE14 rats, levels did not differ among aged groups.The increased excitability of LC cells observed may occur in relation to reduced LC axon arbours or may reflect a separate effect of htauE14 in LC neurons. The association of increased tonic LC activity to behavioural changes in the pretangle tau rat model merits further investigation.
A systematic review of quantitative EEG findings in Long COVID, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Silva-Passadouro Bárbara , Tamasauskas Arnas , Khoja Omar , Casson Alexander J. , Delis Ioannis , Brown Christopher , Sivan Manoj 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLong COVID (LC) is a multisymptom clinical syndrome with similarities to Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). All these conditions are believed to be associated with centrally driven mechanisms such as central sensitisation. There is a lack of consensus on quantitative EEG (qEEG) changes observed in these conditions. This review aims to synthesise and appraise the literature on resting-state qEEG in LC, FMS and CFS/ME, to help uncover possible mechanisms of central sensitisation in these similar clinical syndromes. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINHAL, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases for articles published between December 1994 and September 2023 was performed. Following screening for predetermined selection criteria and out of the initial 2510 studies identified, 17 articles were retrieved that met all the inclusion criteria, particularly of assessing qEEG changes in one of the three conditions compared to healthy controls. All studies scored moderate to high quality on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. There was a general trend for decreased low-frequency EEG band activity (delta, theta, and alpha) and increased high-frequency EEG beta activity in FMS, whereas an opposite trend was found in CFS/ME. The limited LC studies included in this review focused mainly on cognitive impairments and showed mixed findings not consistent with patterns seen in FMS and CFS/ME. Further research is required to explore whether there are phenotypes within LC that have EEG signatures similar to FMS or CFS/ME. This could inform identification of reliable diagnostic markers and possible targets for neuromodulation therapies.
Potassium stimulates fruit sugar accumulation by increasing carbon flow in Citrus
Authors: Wu Kongjie , Hu Chengxiao , Liao Peiyu , Hu Yinlong , Sun Xuecheng , Tan Qiling , Pan Zhiyong , Xu Shoujun , Dong Zhihao , Wu Songwei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSoluble sugar is a key factor of flavor quality in citrus. Potassium (K) is known as a quality element, which plays key roles in improving sugar accumulation and fruit quality, but the mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate how K improves sugar accumulation by regulating carbon flow between source and sink in Newhall navel orange (Citrus sinensis). The results demonstrated that appropriate K concentration improved fruit quality and sugar accumulations in citrus, and 1.5% of K concentration in pulp was the optimal concentration for fruit quality. K increased strength of sink and source, as supported by the increased fruit growth rate, gene expressions related to sugar metabolism and sugar transport in fruit, and photosynthesis, gene expressions of sugar metabolism in leaf, respectively, which contributed to increasing sugars accumulation. Further study indicated that K improved carbon flow from source to sink by boosting symplastic and apoplastic loading of phloem, as supported by the increased CF signal intensities, plasmodesmata densities, and the expressions ofCsSUT1andCsSUT2in leaf at early and mid stages of fruit development, finally increasing sugar accumulation in fruit. Conclusively, K stimulates fruit sugar accumulation by increasing carbon flow in Newhall navel orange.HighlightK application stimulated carbon flow between source and sink through symplastic and apoplastic loading, which were supported by the structural characteristics of phloem and the expression ofCsSUTsandCsSWEETs, ultimately promoting sugar accumulation inCitrus sinensis.