bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated inversion time selection for late gadolinium–enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Xie Cheng , Zhang Rory , Mensink Sebastian , Gandharva Rahul , Awni Mustafa , Lim Hester , Kachel Stefan E. , Cheung Ernest , Crawley Richard , Churilov Leonid , Bettencourt Nuno , Chiribiri Amedeo , Scannell Cian M. , Lim Ruth P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To develop and share a deep learning method that can accurately identify optimal inversion time (TI) from multi-vendor, multi-institutional and multi-field strength inversion scout (TI scout) sequences for late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI.

Materials and methods
Retrospective multicentre study conducted on 1136 1.5-T and 3-T cardiac MRI examinations from four centres and three scanner vendors. Deep learning models, comprising a convolutional neural network (CNN) that provides input to a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, were trained on TI scout pixel data from centres 1 to 3 to identify optimal TI, using ground truth annotations by two readers. Accuracy within 50 ms, mean absolute error (MAE), Lin’s concordance coefficient (LCCC) and reduced major axis regression (RMAR) were used to select the best model from validation results, and applied to holdout test data. Robustness of the best-performing model was also tested on imaging data from centre 4.

Results
The best model (SE-ResNet18-LSTM) produced accuracy of 96.1%, MAE 22.9 ms and LCCC 0.47 compared to ground truth on the holdout test set and accuracy of 97.3%, MAE 15.2 ms and LCCC 0.64 when tested on unseen external (centre 4) data. Differences in vendor performance were observed, with greatest accuracy for the most commonly represented vendor in the training data.

Conclusion
A deep learning model was developed that can identify optimal inversion time from TI scout images on multi-vendor data with high accuracy, including on previously unseen external data. We make this model available to the scientific community for further assessment or development.

Clinical relevance statement
A robust automated inversion time selection tool for late gadolinium–enhanced imaging allows for reproducible and efficient cross-vendor inversion time selection.

Key Points
• A model comprising convolutional and recurrent neural networks was developed to extract optimal TI from TI scout images.
• Model accuracy within 50 ms of ground truth on multi-vendor holdout and external data of 96.1% and 97.3% respectively was achieved.
• This model could improve workflow efficiency and standardise optimal TI selection for consistent LGE imaging.
The relationship between ablation range and ablation energy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a comparison between microwave ablation and laser ablation
Authors: Zhong Xinyu , Cao Yuting , Zhang Xinghao , Liu Wengang , Zhou Ping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To study the relationship between the ablation range and applied energy of laser ablation (LA) and microwave ablation (MWA) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods
A total of 201 PTMC patients were treated with LA (n = 102) or MWA (n = 99) with single-applicator fixed ablation. The ablation range was determined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The ratios of ablation volume, longitudinal diameter, and orthogonal diameter to ablation energy (RAV/E, RAL/E, RAO/E) were analyzed and compared between MWA and LA. The effects of PTMC characteristics and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) on ablation efficiency were evaluated by linear regression.

Results
The RAV/E was 0.72 (0.65–0.84) mm3/J for MWA and 0.48 (0.39–0.54) mm3/J for LA. HT was significantly correlated with RAV/E of LA (coefficient =  − 0.367, p < 0.0001). RAL/E did not differ significantly between MWA and LA (MWA 0.026 mm/J, LA 0.025 mm/J; p = 0.957). However, MWA had a greater RAO/E than LA (MWA 0.014 mm/J, LA 0.012 mm/J; p < 0.0001). The plateau values of MWA and LA on the ablation orthogonal diameter were 10.7 mm and 8.69 mm, respectively.

Conclusions
MWA showed a higher RAV/E than LA. More intuitively, MWA had a better ablation performance than LA on the orthogonal axis rather than the longitudinal axis. Theoretically, MWA and LA could achieve complete ablation of ≤ 6.70 mm and ≤ 4.69 mm PTMC separately by single-applicator fixed ablation considering a unilateral 2-mm safe margin. HT had a negative effect on LA but not on MWA.

Clinical relevance statement
This study establishes strong connections between ablation energy and ablation range in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in vivo, possibly contributing to the supplementation of the PTMC Ablation Consensus or Guidelines and providing a scientific basis for choosing clinical ablation parameters in PTMC.

Key Points
• Both microwave ablation (MWA) and laser ablation (LA) have excellent performance on the ablation longitudinal axis (easily exceeding 10 mm) for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).
• MWA performed much better than LA on the ablation orthogonal axis.
• MWA and LA are expected to achieve complete ablation of ≤ 6.70 mm and ≤ 4.69 mm PTMC separately by single-applicator fixed ablation considering a unilateral 2-mm safe margin.
Further experiments and remarks regarding the possible formation of blood stains on the Turin Shroud: stains attributed to the nailing of the hands
Authors: Heger Anna , König Lisa , Reckert Alexandra , Schröder Melanie , Kiliç Ferhat , Emami Farahs , Ritz-Timme Stefanie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe formation of red discolorations (‘blood stains’) on the Turin Shroud (TS), a Christian relic believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth, is controversially discussed. We performed experiments to identify possible explanations for the formation of the stains on the hands and forearms of the Turin Shroud Man (TSM). In preliminary non-standardised experiments, after applying blood to the dorsal and palmar side of the probands’ wrists, they moved their arms around at their own discretion to provoke blood flows as similar as possible to those on the TS. A blood stain pattern similar to that on the left wrist could be provoked by slowly turning the wrist to the ulnar side. In contrast, a branched pattern of multiple streaks, as depicted on the forearms, was difficult to reproduce. In a standardised test setup, the probands moved their dry, dirtied, or oiled arms jerkily in a predetermined sequence of movements. More body hair only slightly facilitated the formation of a branched pattern. On oiled skin, however, the formation of branches was significantly facilitated. This may support the hypothesis that the blood stains on the forearms were formed by moving the body between the unnailing and the burial. The formation of a branched pattern seems feasible if the arms were moved jerkily and were possibly exposed to water and oils postmortem (e.g. transporting the washed and oiled body). Nevertheless, the well-defined blood stains with multiple branchings are difficult to explain. Additionally, the blood stains on the forearms may have originated from deep scourging wounds, where dried blood was again mobilised by water (and oil). We are aware that no reliable conclusions about the formation of the ‘blood stains’ on the TS can be drawn from our findings. However, they may contribute to the discussion on this topic.
Impact of a short-term nitrate and citrulline co-supplementation on sport performance in elite rowers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Authors: Viribay Aitor , Alcantara Juan M. A. , López Iker , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Castañeda-Babarro Arkaitz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Citrulline (CIT) and beetroot extract (BR) have separately shown benefits in rowing performance-related outcomes. However, effects of combined supplementation remain to be elucidated. The main purpose of this research was to study the effects of 1 week of daily co-supplementation of 3.5 g BR (500 mg NO3−) plus 6 g CIT on aerobic performance, maximal strength, and high-intensity power and peak stroke in elite male rowers compared to a placebo and to a BR supplementation.

Methods
20 elite rowers participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial completing 1 week of supplementation in each group of study: Placebo group (PLAG); BR group (BRG); and BR + CIT group (BR-CITG). 3 main physical tests were performed: aerobic performance, Wingate test and CMJ jump, and metabolic biomarkers and physiological outcomes were collected.

Results
The Wingate all-out test showed no between-condition differences in peak power, mean power, relative power, or fatigue index (P > 0.05), but clearance of lactate was better in BR-CITG (P < 0.05). In the performance test, peak power differed only between PLAG and BR-CITG (P = 0.036), while VO2peak and maximum heart rate remained similar. CMJ jumping test results showed no between-condition differences, and blood samples were consistent (P > 0.200).

Conclusion
Supplementation with 3.5 g of BR extract plus 6 g of CIT for 7 days improved lactate clearance after Wingate test and peak power in a performance test. No further improvements were found, suggesting longer period of supplementation might be needed to show greater benefits.
Tattooing to reconstruct Nipple-Areola Complex after oncological breast surgery: a scoping review
Authors: Maselli Deborah , Torreggiani Martina , Livieri Tiziana , Farioli Gloria , Lucchi Stefania , Guberti Monica 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The dermopigmentation of the Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC) is a safe non-surgical reconstruction technique that can restore psychophysical integrity, representing the final step after oncological surgery. This scoping review aims to identify and synthesize the literature focused on medical tattooing for NAC reconstruction in women who underwent breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. Competence and training, outcomes and organizational aspects were assessed as specific outcomes.

Methods
The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews was followed. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Key, Scopus and Cinahl databases were consulted. After title (N = 54) and abstract (N = 39) screening and full-text review (N = 18), articles that met eligibility criteria were analyzed, critically apprised and narratively synthesized.

Results
13 articles were analysed, with full texts (N = 11) and only abstract (N = 2). The overall quality of the literature (N observational studies = 11; N pilot experimental studies = 2) is weak. Nurses were the professionals mostly involved (N = 6), then medical staff (N = 4) and tattoo artists (N = 2). The professional training is poorly described in 6 papers. The most frequently assessed outcome was the satisfaction rate (N = 8). One study explored aspects of quality of life with a validated questionnaire. The management of these services resulted variable. Nurse-led services were implemented in 2 studies.

Conclusion
Despite methodological weaknesses, NAC tattooing research is relevant because it helps women redefine their identity after demolitive cancer treatments. Further research on processes and outcomes is needed.
Assessment of Direct Tensile Strength Tests in Rock Through a Multi-laboratory Benchmark Experiment
Authors: Pérez-Rey Ignacio , Muñiz-Menéndez Mauro , Frühwirt Thomas , Konietzky Heinz , Jacobsson Lars , Perras Matthew A. , Atefi-Monfared Kamelia , Mas Ivars Diego , Sánchez Juncal Abel , Alejano Leandro R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims to experimentally assess repeatability and reproducibility of direct tensile strength (DTS) tests with deformability measurements on two types of rocks: Blanco Mera granite (Spain) and Cotta sandstone (Germany). The tests were conducted in four rock mechanics laboratories located in different countries (Canada, Germany, Spain and Sweden). A total of 51 tests were performed on cylindrical specimens of the two rocks, using different test equipment and measuring devices. Mean and standard deviation DTS values were determined in the four laboratories for the granite (5.70 ± 0.32, 6.06 ± 0.11, 3.84 ± 0.50 and 6.76 ± 0.10 MPa) and for the sandstone (1.88 ± 0.07, 1.96 ± 0.06, 1.15 ± 0.32 and 1.74 ± 0.19 MPa), together with Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratios in tension, being statistically analysed to evaluate the variability and compare the main results obtained from the participating laboratories. The findings indicate that the DTS test with deformability measurements on cylindrical rock specimens is operationally feasible. However, certain shortcomings have been identified during the course of the experiments with the existing methodologies, such as the one suggested by the ISRM for DTS tests. The results have also shown to be sensitive to appropriate test and strain measurement configurations. The objective of this study was to shed light on these issues and provide new insights for potential future improvements of the existing testing methods.
Navigated bedside implantation of external ventricular drains with mobile health guidance: technical note and case series
Authors: Sargut Tarik Alp , Thomale Ulrich-Wilhelm , Schulz Matthias , Schaumann Andreas , Schneider Ulf Christoph , Bayerl Simon Heinrich , Spindler Philipp , Vajkoczy Peter , Ferdowssian Kiarash 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
External ventricular drain (EVD) implantation is one of the fundamental procedures of emergency neurosurgery usually performed freehand at bedside or in the operating room using anatomical landmarks. However, this technique is frequently associated with malpositioning leading to complications or dysfunction. Here, we describe a novel navigated bedside EVD insertion technique, which is evaluated in a clinical case series with the aim of safety, accuracy, and efficiency in neurosurgical emergency settings.

Methods
From 2021 to 2022, a mobile health–assisted navigation instrument (Thomale Guide, Christoph Miethke, Potsdam, Germany) was used alongside a battery-powered single-use drill (Phasor Health, Houston, USA) for bedside EVD placement in representative neurosurgical pathologies in emergency situations requiring ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) relief and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring.

Results
In all 12 patients (8 female and 4 male), navigated bedside EVDs were placed around the foramen of Monro at the first ventriculostomy attempt. The most frequent indication was aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mean operating time was 25.8 ± 15.0 min. None of the EVDs had to be revised due to malpositioning or dysfunction. Two EVDs were converted into a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Drainage volume was 41.3 ± 37.1 ml per day in mean. Mean length of stay of an EVD was 6.25 ± 2.8 days. Complications included one postoperative subdural hematoma and cerebrospinal fluid infection, respectively.

Conclusion
Combining a mobile health–assisted navigation instrument with a battery-powered drill and an appropriate ventricular catheter may enable and enhance safety, accuracy, and efficiency in bedside EVD implantation in various pathologies of emergency neurosurgery without adding relevant efforts.
Assessment of language lateralization in epilepsy patients using the super-selective Wada test
Authors: Kakinuma Kazuo , Osawa Shin-ichiro , Katsuse Kazuto , Hosokawa Hiroaki , Ukishiro Kazushi , Jin Kazutaka , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Tominaga Teiji , Endo Hidenori , Nakasato Nobukazu , Suzuki Kyoko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The classical Wada test (cWada), performed by injecting a short-acting anesthetic through the intracarotid route, helps determine language dominance. In the cWada, adverse effects are observed in 10–30% of trials, hindering accurate assessments. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of the super-selective Wada test (ssWada), a more selective approach for anesthetic infusion into the middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Methods
We retrospectively examined the data of 17 patients with epilepsy who underwent ssWada via anesthetic injection into one M1 segment of the MCA and at least one contralateral trial.

Results
The ssWada identified 12 patients with left language dominance, 3 with right language dominance, and 2 with bilateral language distribution. Nine trials on the language dominant side resulted in global aphasia for patients with left- or right language dominance. Of the 13 trials conducted on the non-dominant language side, 12 revealed intact language function and one resulted in confusion. Among these, the outcomes of global aphasia or no language impairment were confirmed in the contralateral trials. Among the 22 trials of unilateral M1 injections in patients with unilateral language dominance, 21 (95.5%) showed either global aphasia or no language impairment, indicating language dominance.

Conclusions
The ssWada yields clear results, with a high rate of over 90% in determining the language dominant hemisphere with few side effects.
Hirayama’s disease associated with cervical deformity and spinal cord compression: a case report from Sweden
Authors: Wänman Johan , Persson Per Anders , Bobinski Lukas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Hirayama’s disease (HD) is most common in young males, and previous studies are predominantly from Asian countries. The cause of HD is unknown but the most common theory about the pathology speculates on forward bending that causes a compression of the dura mater and the anterior horn of the spinal cord against the vertebra during an overstretch flexion that may result in myelopathy. Both anterior and posterior cervical surgical approaches have been shown to be effective in stopping the disease and improving function; however, HD is also reported to be a self-limited disease, and treatment with a cervical collar may be an alternative for these patients.

Case report
We report HD in a 17-year-old male from Sweden who underwent surgical treatment with a 2 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) due to neurological progression from HD after conservative treatment.

Conclusion
HD is rare and is easily overlooked. Surgical intervention shows promising results for neurological progression, but HD is also reported to be a self-limited disease.
An agro-meteorological hazard analysis for risk management in a Mediterranean area: a case study in Southern Italy (Campania Region)
Authors: Alilla Roberta , Capitanio Fabian , De Natale Flora , Parisse Barbara , Pontrandolfi Antonella 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAgriculture is highly dependent on environmental, climate and weather conditions and on extreme weather events leading to natural disasters. Such events are more and more frequent in Italy, and in the last decades huge public investments were dedicated to risk management policies in agriculture. In order to set an adequate weather-related risk assessment, a robust analysis of the hazard is needed, which requires an agro-meteorological approach to detect the potential impacts of weather extremes on agricultural activities. With the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the current risk management policy in catching the main hazards, specific agro-meteorological indices were applied to highlight occurrence, trends, and spatial patterns of extreme events. The analysis was based on reanalysis datasets and focused on a study area in Southern Italy (Campania region) during the 1981–2021 period. The findings are reported in terms of maps and statistics aggregated at administrative unit level (5 provinces) and show a general intensification of weather extremes in the last decades, both in frequency and intensity of the events. The main indications refer to growth rates of heavy precipitation, potentially leading to flood, locally exceeding 3–4 mm/year, an increasing number of months with severe/extreme droughts, mainly concentrated during the growing season. An upward trend was also observed for days with extreme maximum temperatures, which already exceeded or approached 50% between June and September in the 1981–2021 period in most areas. Maximum temperatures above 35 °C are becoming more frequent and in the inner areas they were reached in 10 days in the 2021 summer quarter. On the other hand, no significant trends were detected for late frosts. In terms of policy implications, the results seem to suggest that some extreme weather events can no longer be considered as exceptional at the present time and in a trend perspective, making them less suitable to be addressed through the risk management tools based almost exclusively on the strategy of transferring risks (insurances and more recent mutual funds) both for farmers and for the allocation of public resources. Therefore, the need is underlined for improving the design of the risk management policies to increase farms’ resilience and adaptation to climate change. Moreover, the study highlights the information potential of agro-meteorological indices in supporting evidence-based decision making in agriculture.
Intersubunit communication in glycogen phosphorylase influences substrate recognition at the catalytic sites
Authors: Kamada Nahori , Ikeda Ayato , Makino Yasushi , Matsubara Hiroshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlycogen phosphorylase (GP) is biologically active as a dimer of identical subunits, each activated by phosphorylation of the serine-14 residue. GP exists in three interconvertible forms, namely GPa (di-phosphorylated form), GPab (mono-phosphorylated form), and GPb (non-phosphorylated form); however, information on GPab remains scarce. Given the prevailing view that the two GP subunits collaboratively determine their catalytic characteristics, it is essential to conduct GPab characterization to gain a comprehensive understanding of glycogenolysis regulation. Thus, in the present study, we prepared rabbit muscle GPab from GPb, using phosphorylase kinase as the catalyst, and identified it using a nonradioactive phosphate-affinity gel electrophoresis method. Compared with the half-half GPa/GPb mixture, the as-prepared GPab showed a unique AMP-binding affinity. To further investigate the intersubunit communication in GP, its catalytic site was probed using pyridylaminated-maltohexaose (a maltooligosaccharide-based substrate comprising the essential dextrin structure for GP; abbreviated as PA-0) and a series of specifically modified PA-0 derivatives (substrate analogs lacking part of the essential dextrin structure). By comparing the initial reaction rates toward the PA-0 derivative (Vderivative) and PA-0 (VPA-0), we demonstrated that the Vderivative/VPA-0 ratio for GPab was significantly different from that for the half-half GPa/GPb mixture. This result indicates that the interaction between the two GP subunits significantly influences substrate recognition at the catalytic sites, thereby providing GPab its unique substrate recognition profile.
A fair procedure in a marriage market
Authors: Kuvalekar Aditya , Romero-Medina Antonio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe propose a new algorithm in the two-sided marriage market wherein both sides of the market propose in each round. The algorithm always yields a stable matching. Moreover, the outcome is a Rawlsian stable matching if the number of men and women is equal. Lastly, the algorithm can be computed in polynomial time and, from a practical standpoint, can be used in markets where fairness considerations are important.