bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New thresholds in semi-quantitative [18F]FDG PET/CT are needed to assess large vessel vasculitis with long-axial field-of-view scanners
Authors: Knappe Luisa , Bregenzer Carola , Gözlügöl Nasir , Mingels Clemens , Alberts Ian , Rominger Axel , Caobelli Federico 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Aim
[18F]FDG PET/CT proved accurate in the diagnostic work-up of large vessel vasculitis (LVV). While a visual interpretation is currently considered adequate, several attempts have been made to integrate it with a semiquantitative evaluation. In this regard, there is the need to validate current or new thresholds for the semiquantitative parameters on long-axial field of view (LAFOV) scanners.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients (50 with LVV and 50 controls) who underwent [18F]FDG LAFOV PET/CT. Semiquantitative parameters (SUVmax and SUVmean) were calculated for large vessels in 3 districts (supra-aortic [SA], thoracic aorta [TA], and infra-aortic [IA]). Values were also normalized to liver activity (SUVmax/L-SUVmax, and SUVmax/L-SUVmean).

Results
Of the 50 patients diagnosed with LVV, SA vessels were affected in 38 (76%), TA in 42 (84%) and IA vessels in 26 (52%). To-liver normalized values had higher diagnostic accuracy than non-normalized values (AUC always ≥ 0.90 vs. 0.74–0.89). For the SA vessels, best thresholds were 0.66 for SUVmax/L-SUVmax and 0.88 for SUVmax/L-SUVmean; for the TA, 1.0 for SUVmax/L-SUVmax and 1.30 for SUVmax/L-SUVmean; finally, for IA vessels, the best threshold was 0.83 for SUVmax/L-SUVmax and 1.11 for SUVmax/L-SUVmean.

Conclusion
LAFOV [18F]FDG-PET/CT is accurate in the diagnostic workup of LVV, but different threshold in semi-quantitative parameters than reported in literature for standard scanners should be considered.
Angioembolization for Isolated Severe Blunt Splenic Injuries with Hemodynamic Instability: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Aoki Makoto , Matsumoto Shokei , Abe Toshikazu , Zarzaur Ben L. , Matsushima Kazuhide 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to compare patient outcomes after splenic angioembolization (SAE) or splenectomy for isolated severe blunt splenic injury (BSI) with hemodynamic instability, and to identify potential candidates for SAE.MethodsAdult patients with isolated severe BSI (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] 3–5) and hemodynamic instability between 2013 and 2019 were identified from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement (ACS TQIP) database. Hemodynamic instability was defined as an initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg, heart rate (HR) >120 bpm, or lowest SBP <90 mmHg within 1 h after admission, with ≥1 unit of blood transfused within 4 h after admission. In‐hospital mortality was compared between splenectomy and SAE groups using 2:1 propensity‐score matching. The characteristics of unmatched and matched splenectomy patients were also compared.ResultsA total of 478 patients met our inclusion criteria (332 splenectomy, 146 SAE). After propensity‐score matching, 166 splenectomy and 83 SAE patients were compared. Approximately 85% of propensity‐score matched patients sustained AIS 3/4 injuries, and 50% presented with normal SBP and HR before becoming hemodynamically unstable. The median time to intervention (splenectomy or SAE) was 137 min (interquartile range 94–183). In‐hospital mortality between splenectomy and SAE groups was not significantly different (5.4% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.000). More than half of unmatched patients in the splenectomy group sustained AIS 5 injuries and presented with initially unstable hemodynamics. The median time to splenectomy in such patients was significantly shorter than in matched splenectomy patients (67 vs. 132 min, p < 0.001).ConclusionSplenectomy remains the mainstay of treatment for patients with AIS 5 BSI who present to hospital with hemodynamic instability. However, SAE might be a feasible alternative for patients with AIS 3/4 injuries.
Ab initio calculations of structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of delafossite SMoO2 (S = Na, K, Rb, Cs) for spintronics
Authors: Ismail Khawar , Parveen Ayesha , Zia Ayesha , Razzaq Samia , Murtaz Ghulam , Abbas Syed Muzahir , Foroughi Javad 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHalf metallic ferromagnetic (HMF) are key materials for quantum computing information storage devices and green energy. So, the structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of SMoO2 (S = Na, K, Rb, Cs) are studied by quantum simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) within WIEN2K code. The Perdew − Burke − Ernzerhof (PBE + GGA) was used for the exchange correlation potential to study the said compounds. The volume optimization properties indicated that these compounds have minimum ground state energy in monoclinic crystal structure with space group 12 C2/m. Moreover, electronic band gap properties and density of states (DOS) graphs depicted the metallic nature for spin up a channel and semiconductor nature for spin down channel. This confirms the half-metallic ferromagnetism (HMF), and Heisenberg's classical model confirms the 100% spin polarization. Various frequency dependent optical parameters explain the optical properties. The double exchange process, crystal field energy ∆Ecry, direct Δx(d), and indirect exchange energies Δx(pd), is demonstrated by the quantum ferromagnetic behavior. The negative value of Δx(pd) and magnetic exchange constants confirm the ferromagnetism due to the quantum exchange mechanism of electrons. In addition to the above, it has been noted from the density of states that Mo d-states are responsible for the response of half metallic nature of these compounds. The magnetic parameter values of SMoO2 (S = Na, K, Rb, and Cs) show higher magnetic moment and major contribution coming from the Mo atom. Hence the studied results show that these compounds are valuable materials for spintronic applications.
Slowly cutting, loose seton ligature and staged fistulotomy for healing of idiopathic perianal fistula and influence on anal continence
Authors: Schrader Lisa , Brandstrup Birgitte , Olaison Gunnar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the ability of a “slowly cutting, loose seton ligature and staged fistulotomy” to heal perianal fistulas, the time needed with the seton ligature, recurrence rate, influence on anal continence, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction.

Methods
Observational single-center study. We reviewed the medical records of all patients with primary surgeries from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. The patients answered a questionnaire pre- and postoperative on anal continence (St. Mark’s incontinence score) and HRQoL (The Short Health Scale). Satisfaction with the operation was answered postoperatively.

Results
Forty-three patients (37 men, 6 women) were included. Initially 41 of 43 healed (95%). Three patients (7%) had a recurrence, two healed after retreatment. The median follow-up was 55 months (IQR, 4). Thirty-four patients (79%) responded to the questionnaire. At follow-up, forty (93%) patients were healed. The median time treated with a seton ligature in the healed patients was 13 months (IQR, 14). St. Mark’s incontinence score preoperative was median 2 (IQR, 9) and after the operation median 1 (IQR, 4). The Short Health Scale improved from median 20 (IQR, 5) preoperatively to 5 (IQR, 5) postoperatively, p < 0.001. Patient satisfaction was median 1 (= very satisfied) (IQR, 1).

Conclusion
A “slowly cutting, loose seton ligature followed by a staged fistulotomy”, heals the vast majority of perianal fistulas with minor or none influence on continence and few recurrences. Patient-reported HRQoL improves greatly, and patient satisfaction is high.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and sepsis differentiation by a clinical and analytical score: MISSEP score
Authors: Hernández-García María , Roldan-Berengue Elies , Guitart Carmina , Girona-Alarcón Mònica , Argüello Guillermo , Pino Rosa , F. de Sevilla Mariona , García-García Juan José , Jordan Iolanda 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDifferential diagnosis between Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and other causes of systemic inflammatory response such as sepsis is complex. The aims were to evaluate the differences between pediatric patients with MIS-C and sepsis and to develop a score to distinguish both entities. This was a retrospective study that compared demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data of pediatric patients with MIS-C (cohort 2020–2022) and sepsis (cohorts 2010–2014 and 2017–2018) admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a tertiary care hospital. A diagnostic score was developed with variables that differentiated the two conditions. Twenty-nine patients with MIS-C were identified, who were matched 1:3 with patients with sepsis (n = 87). Patients with MIS-C were older (10 vs. 4 years old), and the majority were male (69%). Clinical characteristics that demonstrated differences were prolonged fever and signs and symptoms affecting skin-mucosa and gastrointestinal system. Leukocytes, PCT, and ferritin were higher in sepsis, while thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated fibrinogen and adrenomedullin (biomarker with a role for the detection of invasive infections) were more frequent in MIS-C. MIS-C patients presented greater myocardial dysfunction (p < 0.001). Five criteria were selected and included in the MISSEP score after fitting them into a multivariate logistic regression model: fever > 48 hours (20 points), thrombocytopenia < 150 × 103/µL (6 points), abdominal pain (15 points), conjunctival erythema (11 points), and Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS) > 10 (7 points). The cutoff > 25 points allowed to discriminate MIS-C from sepsis with a sensitivity of 0.89 and specificity of 0.95. Conclusion: MIS-C phenotype overlaps with sepsis. MISSEP score could be useful to distinguish between both entities and direct specific treatment.

What is Known:• Differential diagnosis between Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and other causes of systemic inflammatory response such as sepsis is complex.• It is essential to establish an accurate initial diagnosis and early specific treatment in both cases of MIS-C and sepsis to improve the prognosis of these patients.

What is New:• Patients with MIS-C are older and have characteristic symptoms of prolonged fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, skin-mucosal involvement, and greater myocardial dysfunction, compared to patients with sepsis.• The use of diagnostic scores, such as the MISSEP score, can be very useful to distinguish between the two entities and help direct specific treatment.
The natural history, clinical outcomes, and genotype–phenotype relationship of otoferlin-related hearing loss: a systematic, quantitative literature review
Authors: Ford Charles L. , Riggs William J. , Quigley Tera , Keifer Orion P. , Whitton Jonathon P. , Valayannopoulos Vassili 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCongenital hearing loss affects one in 500 newborns. Sequence variations in OTOF, which encodes the calcium-binding protein otoferlin, are responsible for 1–8% of congenital, nonsyndromic hearing loss and are the leading cause of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders. The natural history of otoferlin-related hearing loss, the relationship between OTOF genotype and hearing loss phenotype, and the outcomes of clinical practices in patients with this genetic disorder are incompletely understood because most analyses have reported on small numbers of cases with homogeneous OTOF genotypes. Here, we present the first systematic, quantitative literature review of otoferlin-related hearing loss, which analyzes patient-specific data from 422 individuals across 61 publications. While most patients display a typical phenotype of severe-to-profound hearing loss with prelingual onset, 10–15% of patients display atypical phenotypes, including mild-to-moderate, progressive, and temperature-sensitive hearing loss. Patients’ phenotypic presentations appear to depend on their specific genotypes. For example, non-truncating variants located in and immediately downstream of the C2E calcium-binding domain are more likely to produce atypical phenotypes. Additionally, the prevalence of certain sequence variants and their associated phenotypes varies between populations due to evolutionary founder effects. Our analyses also suggest otoacoustic emissions are less common in older patients and those with two truncating OTOF variants. Critically, our review has implications for the application and limitations of clinical practices, including newborn hearing screenings, hearing aid trials, cochlear implants, and upcoming gene therapy clinical trials. We conclude by discussing the limitations of available research and recommendations for future studies on this genetic cause of hearing loss.
Effect of thoracic cage width on surgery time and postoperative outcome in minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Mann C. , Jezycki T. , Berlth F. , Hadzijusufovic E. , Uzun E. , Mähringer-Kunz A. , Lang H. , Klöckner R. , Grimminger P. P. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer is a complex procedure that reduces postoperative morbidity in comparison to open approach. In this study, thoracic cage width as a factor to predict surgical difficulty in MIE was evaluated.

Methods
All patients of our institution receiving either total MIE or robotic-assisted MIE (RAMIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis between February 2016 and April 2021 for esophageal cancer were included in this study. Right unilateral thoracic cage width on the level of vena azygos crossing the esophagus was measured by the horizontal distance between the esophagus and parietal pleura on preoperative computer tomography. Patients’ data as well as operative and postoperative details were collected in a prospective database. Correlation between thoracic cage width with duration of the thoracic procedure and postoperative complication rates was analyzed.

Results
Overall, 313 patients were eligible for this study. Thoracic width on vena azygos level ranged from 85 to 149 mm with a mean of 116.5 mm. In univariate analysis, a small thoracic width significantly correlated with longer duration of the thoracic procedure (p = 0.014). In multivariate analysis, small thoracic width and neoadjuvant therapy were identified as independent factors for long duration of the thoracic procedure (p = 0.006). Regarding postoperative complications, thoracic cage width was a significant risk factor for occurrence of postoperative pneumonia in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.045). Dividing the cohort into two groups of patients with narrow (≤ 107 mm, 19.5%) and wide thoraces (≥ 108 mm, 80.5%), the thoracic procedure was significantly prolonged by 17 min (204 min vs. 221 min, p = 0.014).

Conclusion
A small thoracic cage width is significantly correlated with longer operation time during thoracic phase of a MIE in Europe, which suggests increased surgical difficulty. Patients with small thoracic cage width may preferably be operated by MIE-experienced surgeons.

Graphical abstract
Impact of surgeon specialty on clinical outcomes following esophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Verma Arjun , Hadaya Joseph , Kronen Elsa , Sakowitz Sara , Chervu Nikhil , Bakhtiyar Syed Shahyan , Benharash Peyman 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The impact of surgeon and hospital operative volume on esophagectomy outcomes is well-described; however, studies examining the influence of surgeon specialty remain limited. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of surgeon specialty on short-term outcomes following esophagectomy for cancer.

Methods
The 2016–2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS NSQIP) was queried to identify all patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Surgeon specialty was categorized as general (GS) or thoracic (TS). Entropy balancing was used to generate sample weights that adjust for baseline differences between GS and TS patients. Weights were subsequently applied to multivariable linear and logistic regressions, which were used to evaluate the independent association of surgeon specialty with 30-day mortality, complications, and postoperative length of stay.

Results
Of 2657 esophagectomies included for analysis, 54.1% were performed by TS. Both groups had similar distributions of age, sex, and body mass index. TS patients more frequently underwent transthoracic esophagectomy, while GS patients more commonly received minimally invasive surgery. After adjustment, surgeon specialty was not associated with altered odds of 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.10 p = 0.73) or anastomotic leak (AOR 0.87, p = 0.33). However, TS patients exhibited a 40-min reduction in operative duration and faced greater odds of perioperative transfusion, relative to GS.

Conclusion
Among ACS NSQIP participating centers, surgeon specialty influenced operative duration and blood product utilization, but not mortality and anastomotic leak. Our results support the relative safety of esophagectomy performed by select GS and TS.
Beitrag der Humangenetik zur Präzisionsonkologie
Authors: William Doreen , Jahn Arne , Meinhardt Andrea , Schröck Evelin 
Published: September 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Bis heute werden Personen mit einem genetischen Tumorrisikosyndrom (GENTURIS) noch zu selten in der Regelversorgung identifiziert. Die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit zwischen Onkologie, innerer Medizin, Pathologie und Humangenetik kann dies ändern. In der Präzisionsonkologie werden Tumor und Keimbahn parallel molekulargenetisch zur Therapiestratifizierung und zur Aufdeckung von erblichen Tumorerkrankungen umfassend untersucht.

Ziel
Der vorliegende Artikel gibt eine Übersicht zum aktuellen sowie einen Ausblick auf den zukünftigen Beitrag der Humangenetik zur Präzisionsonkologie.

Ergebnisse
Die Genomanalyse von Tumor und Keimbahn in der Präzisionsonkologie ermöglicht neben der Empfehlung einer individuellen Therapie für bis zu 80 % der Patientinnen und Patienten auch die Identifizierung von seltenen pathogenen Varianten in der Keimbahn. Damit kann für etwa 10 % der Patientinnen und Patienten die Diagnose einer erblichen Tumorerkrankung bereits für die erste erkrankte Person in einer Familie gestellt werden. Die interdisziplinär erarbeiteten medizinisch relevanten Ergebnisse können damit das klinische Management der Patientinnen und Patienten und auch von Familienangehörigen verbessern. Die Behandlungspfade für Personen mit GENTURIS werden auf europäischer Ebene durch das Europäische Referenznetzwerk für Genetische Tumorrisikosyndrome (ERN-GENTURIS) erarbeitet.

Schlussfolgerung
Die Nutzung der Präzisionsonkologie für Tumorpatientinnen und -patienten sollte multidisziplinär erfolgen und ist essenziell für die verbesserte Betreuung, die lebensverlängernde Therapie und führt zu einer präventiv wertvollen Diagnostik von erblichen Tumorerkrankungen.
Reference values for urinary protein, albumin, beta 2-microglobulin, and the alpha 1-microglobulin-to-creatinine ratio in Japanese children
Authors: Okamoto Shojiro , Matsuyama Takeshi , Hamada Riku , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Tomotsune Masako , Kaneko Tetsuji , Abe Katsumi , Uchiyama Atsushi , Honda Masataka 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The importance of the ratio of creatinine to urinary protein, albumin, and low-molecular weight protein as a urinary marker in chronic kidney disease patients is widely recognized. However, no reference values have hitherto been established for these markers in Japanese children. The present study aimed to establish the reference values for these urinary markers in Japanese children.

Methods
The first morning urine was randomly collected from 1712 pupils aged ≥ 3 to < 18 years during school and kindergarten mass urinary screenings. The upper limit of the reference values was set at the 97.5th percentile of the creatinine ratio per marker.

Results
The urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), urinary beta 2-microglobulin-to-creatinine ratio (BMCR), and urinary alpha 1-microglobulin-to-creatinine ratio (AMCR) showed an age-related decrease at the 50th percentile reflecting an age-related increase in urinary creatinine. The appropriate reference value for the PCR and ACR was 0.12 g/gCr and 35 mg/gCr, respectively, in the entire cohort. The appropriate reference value for the BMCR was 0.5 μg /mgCr for age ≥ 3 to < 6 years and 0.35 μg/mgCr for age 6 years or older. The appropriate reference value for the AMCR was 5.0 μg/mgCr for age ≥ 3 to < 6 years and 3.5 μg /mgCr for age 6 years or older.

Conclusion
The present study was the first to determine appropriate reference values for the PCR, ACR, BMCR, and AMCR based on an analysis of the first morning urine samples of a large number of children.
Inverse identification of region-specific hyperelastic material parameters for human brain tissue
Authors: Hinrichsen Jan , Reiter Nina , Bräuer Lars , Paulsen Friedrich , Kaessmair Stefan , Budday Silvia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe identification of material parameters accurately describing the region-dependent mechanical behavior of human brain tissue is crucial for computational models used to assist, e.g., the development of safety equipment like helmets or the planning and execution of brain surgery. While the division of the human brain into different anatomical regions is well established, knowledge about regions with distinct mechanical properties remains limited. Here, we establish an inverse parameter identification scheme using a hyperelastic Ogden model and experimental data from multi-modal testing of tissue from 19 anatomical human brain regions to identify mechanically distinct regions and provide the corresponding material parameters. We assign the 19 anatomical regions to nine governing regions based on similar parameters and microstructures. Statistical analyses confirm differences between the regions and indicate that at least the corpus callosum and the corona radiata should be assigned different material parameters in computational models of the human brain. We provide a total of four parameter sets based on the two initial Poisson’s ratios of 0.45 and 0.49 as well as the pre- and unconditioned experimental responses, respectively. Our results highlight the close interrelation between the Poisson’s ratio and the remaining model parameters. The identified parameters will contribute to more precise computational models enabling spatially resolved predictions of the stress and strain states in human brains under complex mechanical loading conditions.
Artificial glial cells in artificial neuronal networks: a systematic review
Authors: Alvarez-Gonzalez Sara , Cedron Francisco , Pazos Alejandro , Porto-Pazos Ana B. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe concept of tripartite synapses has revolutionized the world of neuroscience and the way we understand how information is transmitted in the brain. Since its discovery, some research groups have incorporated into connectionist systems classically focused on the development of Artificial Neuron Networks (ANNs) as a single element, artificial astrocytes that try to optimize performance in problem solving.In this systematic review, we searched the ISI Web of Science for papers that focused on the development of such novel models and their comparison with classical ANNs. A total of 22 papers that satisfied the inclusion criteria were analyzed, showing three different ways of applying the neuromodulatory influence of artificial astrocytes on neural networks. Using Multilayer Perceptron Networks, Artificial Neuro-Glial Newtworks and Multilayer Perceptron with Self-Organizing Maps approaches, a detailed analysis of the incorporation of artificial astrocytic networks has been carried out, and the main differences between the different methods have been weighed up. Regardless of the type of inclusion performed, the greater the complexity of the problem to be solved, it has been observed that the influence of artificial astrocytes has improved the performance of classical ANNs, as occurs in the biological brain.