bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of fMRI responses related to epileptic discharges using Bayesian hierarchical modeling
Authors: Cai Zhengchen , von Ellenrieder Nicolás , Koupparis Andreas , Khoo Hui Ming , Ikemoto Satoru , Tanaka Masataka , Abdallah Chifaou , Rammal Saba , Dubeau Francois , Gotman Jean 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSimultaneous electroencephalography–functional MRI (EEG‐fMRI) is a unique and noninvasive method for epilepsy presurgical evaluation. When selecting voxels by null‐hypothesis tests, the conventional analysis may overestimate fMRI response amplitudes related to interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs), especially when IEDs are rare. We aimed to estimate fMRI response amplitudes represented by blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) percentage changes related to IEDs using a hierarchical model. It involves the local and distributed hemodynamic response homogeneity to regularize estimations. Bayesian inference was applied to fit the model. Eighty‐two epilepsy patients who underwent EEG‐fMRI and subsequent surgery were included in this study. A conventional voxel‐wise general linear model was compared to the hierarchical model on estimated fMRI response amplitudes and on the concordance between the highest response cluster and the surgical cavity. The voxel‐wise model overestimated fMRI responses compared to the hierarchical model, evidenced by a practically and statistically significant difference between the estimated BOLD percentage changes. Only the hierarchical model differentiated brief and long‐lasting IEDs with significantly different BOLD percentage changes. Overall, the hierarchical model outperformed the voxel‐wise model on presurgical evaluation, measured by higher prediction performance. When compared with a previous study, the hierarchical model showed higher performance metric values, but the same or lower sensitivity. Our results demonstrated the capability of the hierarchical model of providing more physiologically reasonable and more accurate estimations of fMRI response amplitudes induced by IEDs. To enhance the sensitivity of EEG‐fMRI for presurgical evaluation, it may be necessary to incorporate more appropriate spatial priors and bespoke decision strategies.
Identifying multivariate controls of pan evaporation variations in subregions of Yangtze River Basin using multiple wavelet coherence
Authors: Yang Ronghua , He Xinguang , Li Jiajia , Zhang Cicheng , Zhang Xinping 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this study, temporal variations of pan evaporation (PE) and its optimal combination of controlling factors are investigated in the subregions of Yangtze River Basin (YRB) by using multiple wavelet coherence (MWC). For this purpose, the YRB is firstly divided into nine relatively homogeneous PE subregions by combining empirical orthogonal functions with fuzzy C‐means clustering. After regionalization, temporal variations of regional PE are analysed in each of subregions. Results reveal that regional annual PE has an upward trend in all subregions, and seasonal PE in almost the subregions for four different seasons. The wavelet transform coherence (WTC) analysis shows that vapour pressure deficit (VPD) is the primary controlling factor of PE variations in all subregions. In single factor analysis, VPD, sunshine duration (SSD) and 0 cm ground temperature (ZGT) have a higher covariance with PE than other influencing factors. For two‐factor analysis, the APS (air pressure)‐VPD combination, and for three‐factor analysis, the AWS (average wind speed)‐ ZGT‐VPD combination are the most common best explanatory variables on PE variations. A comparison of the results from the WTC and MWC indicates that PE variations can be explained more accurately by one, two, or three controlling factors. The combination of factors that optimally explains PE variations largely varies with subregions but with VPD as a dominant factor either alone or in combination for all subregions. Moreover, the optimal factor combination for a subregion is not necessarily combined by the first, second and/or third dominant factors for that subregion. Our results can provide useful insights into how multiple temporal dependency of PE is linked with meteorological factors in subregions of the YRB, particularly for PE modelling under changing climate conditions.
Alteration of indicator gut microbiota in patients with chronic sinusitis
Authors: Michalik Michał , Podbielska‐Kubera Adrianna , Basińska Anna Maria , Szewc Monika , Gałęcka Mirosława , Schwiertz Andreas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundMany factors influence the composition of the sinus microflora. The microbial balance is most disturbed by the use of antibacterial agents. Superinfections caused by more than one pathogen may then occur. Despite treatment, including surgery and long‐term antibiotic therapy, many patients with sinusitis do not experience significant relief from their symptoms. It has been hypothesized that an imbalance in the gut microbiota may also be responsible for the chronicity of sinusitis. Our goal was therefore to identify selected gut indicator bacteria that play a role in immunity in patients with chronic sinusitis. In addition, compare the number of selected bacteria in two groups of patients: with chronic sinusitis and with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with concomitant diseases and/or symptoms other than CRS.ResultsSignificantly decreased numbers of Bifidobacterium spp. and Faecalibacterium prauznitzi bacteria were observed in patients from the G1 group. The majority of patients from this group (12 out of 13) had a significantly decreased number of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria, which are involved in the nutrition and regeneration of gut epithelium cells and have anti‐inflammatory properties. In group G2 (patients with chronic sinusitis and symptoms of comorbidities) a decreased number of F. prausnitzii, Bifidobacterium spp., A. muciniphila and Lactobacillus spp. bacteria was observed. A small percentage of patients in this group showed overgrowth of yeast‐like fungi.ConclusionAlthough the more research is needed, possibly the gut microbiota indicator bacteria number analyses might enable to plan personalized prebiotic and probiotic treatment, which could support intestine microbiota and mucosal immunity patients suffering from chronic sinusitis.
Finance and local economic growth: New evidence from China
Authors: Chen Jingzhu , Ji Yuemei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe study the relationship between finance and growth using a sample of 275 Chinese cities from 2009 to 2018. We exclude bank loans to local governments through the local government financing vehicles (LGFVs) and construct a better financial development index which measures the level of loans extended by banks to enterprises and households. We find that financial development in the form of a higher loan‐to‐GDP ratio leads to lower economic growth. This negative relationship between finance and growth may be attributed to various mechanisms, including discrimination in bank lending, housing market bubbles, and an imbalance in growth between real and financial sectors.
Using a crop water stress index to determine water use efficiency in a raspberry crop in the Mediterranean Central Chile
Authors: Vargas‐Castro Catherine , Mattar Cristian , Seguel Oscar , Moletto‐Lobos Ítalo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWater availability is projected to decrease in Mediterranean Central Chile, necessitating sustainable production strategies based on improved irrigation management. This study focuses on estimating water use efficiency (WUE) in raspberry crops at two validation sites using remote sensing and soil irrigation data. By employing the crop water stress index (CWSI), we demonstrate the potential of this tool in enhancing irrigation management and establishing sustainable production practices. The results demonstrate the successful estimation of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) using the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) model (coefficient of determination [R2] = 0.92; root mean square error [RMSE] = 0.97 mm day−1), while the CWSI indicated high stress levels after 5 days of irrigation. Moreover, validation at two sites reveals significant differences in applied irrigation, with sites A and B receiving 17,097 and 3760 m3 ha−1, respectively, while the average water demand is close to 5300 m3 ha−1. These variations result in discrepancies in WUE, with values of 0.79 and 3.64 kg m−3. By integrating remote sensing indices and soil data, this study proposes that maintaining an 85% ETa rate during noncritical periods can enhance WUE. This work demonstrates the potential use of a water stress index to monitor crops in the Chilean central zone for efficient water resource use under future scarcity scenarios.
Reassessing growth vulnerability
Authors: Cho Dooyeon , Rho Seunghwa 
Published: September 2023

SummaryThis paper replicates the results of Adrian et al. (American Economic Review, 2019) that GDP growth volatility is mainly driven by the lower quantiles of the distribution which is predicted by the financial condition. It extends their study by estimating the model with the IVX‐QR estimator of Lee (Journal of Econometrics, 2016) and double weighted estimator of Cai et al. (Journal of Econometrics, 2022) considering that the financial condition index is highly serially correlated. Both models are estimated with the smoothed estimating equation approach of Kaplan and Sun (Econometric Theory, 2017). The results show that the findings of Adrian et al. (American Economic Review, 2019) are robust to possible bias due to the existence of persistent predictors. The out‐of‐sample forecasting exercises suggest that methods that are robust to the existence of persistent predictors can improve forecasting performance at the lower quantiles of the GDP growth distribution.
Magnetic hydrogel applications in articular cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Taghizadeh Saeed , Tayebi Lobat , Akbarzadeh Majid , Lohrasbi Parvin , Savardashtaki Amir 
Published: September 2023

AbstractArticular cartilage defects afflict millions of individuals worldwide, presenting a significant challenge due to the tissue's limited self‐repair capability and anisotropic nature. Hydrogel‐based biomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for scaffold production in artificial cartilage construction, owing to their water‐rich composition, biocompatibility, and tunable properties. Nevertheless, conventional hydrogels typically lack the anisotropic structure inherent to natural cartilage, impeding their clinical and preclinical applications. Recent advancements in tissue engineering (TE) have introduced magnetically responsive hydrogels, a type of intelligent hydrogel that can be remotely controlled using an external magnetic field. These innovative materials offer a means to create the desired anisotropic architecture required for successful cartilage TE. In this review, we first explore conventional techniques employed for cartilage repair and subsequently delve into recent breakthroughs in the application and utilization of magnetic hydrogels across various aspects of articular cartilage TE.
Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, the First Oral Protease Inhibitor for the Treatment of COVID‐19
Authors: Singh Ravi Shankar P. , LaBadie Robert R. , Toussi Sima S. , Shi Haihong , Berg Jolene Kay , Neutel Joel M. , Aggarwal Sudeepta 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNirmatrelvir, a novel, potent, orally bioavailable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease inhibitor, coadministered with ritonavir for pharmacokinetic (PK) enhancement is licensed for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID‐19 in individuals at increased risk of progression to severe disease. Cytochrome P450 3A4 is the primary metabolic enzyme responsible for nirmatrelvir metabolism; however, when cytochrome P450 3A4 is inhibited by ritonavir, nirmatrelvir is primarily excreted, unchanged, in urine. Because of intended use of nirmatrelvir among individuals with hepatic impairment, this Phase 1 study (NCT05005312) evaluated the effects of hepatic impairment on nirmatrelvir PK parameters to assess the potential need for any dose adjustments in this population. Participants with normal hepatic function or moderate hepatic impairment (n = 8 each) were administered a single 100‐mg nirmatrelvir dose, with 100 mg of ritonavir administered 12 hours before, together with, and 12 and 24 hours after nirmatrelvir. Nirmatrelvir median plasma concentrations and systemic exposure measured by area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinite time and maximum observed plasma concentration values were comparable in both groups. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir had an acceptable safety profile in both groups, and no clinically significant changes in laboratory measurements, vital signs, or electrocardiogram assessments were observed. Based on these results, no dose adjustment is deemed necessary in patients with moderate hepatic impairment and, by extension, in patients with mild hepatic impairment.
The right not to know: Non‐disclosure of primary genetic test results and genetic counselors' response
Authors: Murphy Claire , Sturm Sarah , McKenna Meghan Juliana , Ormond Kelly E. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs part of clinical genetic counseling practice, patients may request that their primary genetic test results be disclosed to someone else, such as a relative or referring provider, or request that results be disclosed to no one (non‐disclosure). In making these requests, patients employ the ethical principle of the “right not to know,” which argues that autonomous individuals can choose not to know relevant health information. Although the right not to know has been well‐studied in medicine in general, and in the return of genomic secondary findings, we are not aware of other studies that have explored the return of primary genetic test results when patients request non‐disclosure or disclosure to another individual. This study aimed to describe common clinical scenarios in which these requests occur, how genetic counselors respond, and what ethical considerations they employ in their decision‐making process. We recruited participants from the National Society of Genetic Counselors' (NSGC) “Student Research Surveys and Reminders” listserv and conducted semi‐structured interviews with 11 genetic counselors in the United States who described genetic counseling cases where this occurred. Interviews were transcribed and coded inductively, and themes were identified. Case details varied, but in our study data the requests for non‐disclosure were most commonly made by patients with poor, often oncologic, prognoses who requested their test results be disclosed to a family member instead of themselves. Genetic counselors considered similar factors in deciding how to respond to these requests: patient autonomy, medical actionability of results for the patient and family, the relationship between the patient and the person to whom results might be disclosed, and legal or practical concerns. Genetic counselors often made decisions on a case‐by‐case basis, depending on how relevant each of these factors were. This study adds to the growing body of literature regarding patients' “right not to know” and will hopefully provide guidance for genetic counselors who experience this situation in clinical practice.
The binding profile of SARS‐CoV‐2 with human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms reveals critical alleles involved in immune evasion
Authors: Zhan Yan , Ye Ling , Ouyang Qianying , Yin Jiye , Cui Jiajia , Liu Ke , Guo Chengxian , Zhang Haibo , Zhai Jingbo , Zheng Chunfu , Guo Aoxiang , Sun Bao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), astonished the world and led to millions of deaths. Due to viral new mutations and immune evasion, SARS‐CoV‐2 ranked first in transmission and influence. The binding affinity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms to SARS‐CoV‐2 might be related to immune escape, but the mechanisms remained unclear. In this study, we obtained the binding affinity of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains with different HLA proteins and identified 31 risk alleles. Subsequent structural predictions identified 10 active binding sites in these HLA proteins that may promote immune evasion. Particularly, we also found that the weak binding ability with HLA class I polymorphisms could contribute to the immune evasion of Omicron. These findings suggest important implications for preventing the immune evasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 and providing new insights for the vaccine design.
Associated factors and outcomes of crossover from a laser sheath to a bidirectional rotational mechanical sheath during transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Isawa Tsuyoshi , Honda Taku , Yamaya Kazuhiro , Toyoda Shigeru , Taguri Masataka 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundDuring transvenous lead extraction (TLE), a GlideLight laser sheath (Philips) cannot always be advanced over the lead, and crossover to the Evolution system (i.e., an Evolution RL sheath or Evolution Shortie RL sheath [Cook Medical]) is required. We aimed to determine the associated factors and outcomes of such device crossover.MethodsThis observational study included 112 patients who underwent TLE. The patients were divided into crossover and non‐crossover groups. Outcomes and associated factors of crossover were evaluated.ResultsOverall, 57 (50.9%) patients required crossover to the Evolution system (crossover group), whereas 55 (49.1%) patients did not require crossover (non‐crossover group). Clinical success rate was similar between the two groups (98.3% vs. 100%; p = 1.00). No major intraprocedural complications related to powered sheaths occurred. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that dwell time of the oldest extracted lead (per year) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.36; p = .026), number of leads extracted per procedure (OR: 7.23, 95% CI: 1.74–29.99; p = .007), and use of a femoral approach (OR: 21.09, 95% CI: 2.33–190.67; p = .007) were associated factors of crossover. The cutoff for crossover was 7.7 years from the implant (sensitivity 90.5%, specificity 64.9%, area under the curve 0.80).ConclusionsBoth groups showed a high rate of clinical success. Switching to the Evolution system may facilitate a safe and effective TLE when a laser sheath does not advance despite laser activation.
Evaluation of Post‐Intervention Outcomes in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Basurrah Mohammed Abdullah , Hwang Se Hwan 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published articles to assess the impact of inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation in patients diagnosed with empty nose syndrome (ENS).Data SourcesPubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar.Review MethodsSix databases were searched to December 2022. We retrieved studies evaluating improvements in refractory ENS‐related symptoms based on various patient‐reported outcome measures after inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation.ResultsAs a result of meta‐analysis, Sinonasal Outcome Test, Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), and depression scores were measured at 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and later than 12 months after intervention for patients with ENS. All scores revealed significant symptom improvement. By reference to the minimal clinically important difference of the ENS6Q (6.25), inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation relieved the nasal symptoms of ENS in the long term. Although the improvements in anxiety scores at 1 week (0.4133 [−0.3366; 1.1633], 0.00, I2 = NA) and 1 month (0.4525 [−0.0529; 0.9579], I2 = 0.0%) were not statistically significant, the scores differed significantly at 3 months (0.7351 [0.4143; 1.0559], I2 = 28.4%), 6 months (0.8297 [0.6256; 1.0337], I2 = 37.2%), and longer than 12 months (0.7969 [0.4768; 1.1170], I2 = 0.0%).ConclusionThese data and analysis suggest that performing inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation on ENS patients may improve not only nasal symptom scores but also accompanying psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Laryngoscope, 134:2005–2011, 2024
Rational of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) for treatment of endocervical canal low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with high‐risk human papillomavirus infection
Authors: Yuan Lin‐Jing , He Ke , Zhu Cai‐Xia , Cao Tie‐Feng , He Mian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe detection and continuous monitoring of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) within the endocervical canal pose considerable challenges, and the effectiveness of ablation treatment is also constrained. In this context, the potential efficacy of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5‐ALA PDT) in targeting these concealed lesions merits exploration. The present study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the clinical effectiveness and safety aspects associated with the utilization of 5‐ALA PDT.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 13 patients who were diagnosed with LSIL within the endocervical canal, concomitant with high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection. These patients were subjected to treatment with 5‐ALA PDT and subsequently monitored over a period of 3−6 months following the intervention.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 13 patients, among whom 4 presented with isolated lesions within the endocervical canal, 5 exhibited LSIL involving both the endocervical canal and the cervix vaginal portion, 3 displayed LSIL within the endocervical canal in conjunction with vaginal involvement, and 1 patient demonstrated lesions across all three of these anatomical sites. All identified lesions underwent therapeutic intervention via 5‐ALA PDT. Before treatment initiation, 9 patients returned positive results in the liquid‐based cytologic test (LBC), 4 displayed concurrent multiple hrHPV infections, and 5 manifested infections specifically with HPV 16/18. Subsequent to the application of 5‐ALA PDT, regression was observed in the LBC results of all patients, with only 3 individuals retaining a singular type of hrHPV infection. Adverse reactions following treatment encompassed mild aberrant vaginal secretions and mild to moderately pronounced distending abdominal discomfort, all of which were remitted within a span of 7 days.ConclusionsWithin the context of LSIL within the endocervical canal in association with hrHPV infection, the findings affirm the efficacy and safety of 5‐ALA PDT as a viable therapeutic modality.