bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of genetic testing criteria for hereditary breast cancer in South Africa
Authors: Osler T. S. , Schoeman M. , Pretorius W. J. S. , Mathew C. G. , Edge J. , Urban M. F. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Purpose
Breast cancer (BC) is the commonest cancer in South African women. A proportion are associated with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in a BC susceptibility gene. Clinical guidelines for genetic testing are used to optimise variant detection while containing costs. We assessed the detection rate in women of diverse ancestries who met the South African National Department of Health (NDOH) testing guidelines, and analysed relationships between testing criteria, participant characteristics and presence of a BRCA1/2 P/LP variant.

Methods
Records from 376 women with BC who met NDOH criteria and had genetic testing were included. Demographic, clinical and test result data were collated to describe detection rates according to criteria met, and a multivariate analysis conducted to find variables most frequently associated with a P/LP variant.

Results
P/LP variant prevalence in women meeting NDOH testing criteria was 19.9% (75/376). Women meeting ≥ 2 guideline criteria were over twice as likely to have a P/LP variant (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.27–4.07, p = 0.006), highlighting the guidelines’ capacity to stratify risk. Family history (OR 1.97; 95%CI 1.05–3.70, p = 0.03) and Black African ancestry (OR 2.58; 95%CI 1.28–5.18, p < 0.01) were independently associated with having a BRCA1/2 P/LP variant when controlling for other variables. Notably, although Black African participants were less likely to report a family history, those that did had higher odds of a P/LP variant in BRCA1/2.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate the usefulness of the NDOH guidelines in women of diverse ancestries and provide insight into the factors associated with P/LP variants in understudied African populations.
“Just Listen to Me. Help Me Explore it.” An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Exploring Experiences of Gender Dysphoria, Identity And Resilience in Autistic Adolescents Assigned Female at Birth
Authors: Oliver Michelle , Poysden Zoe , Crowe Eimear , Parkin Flo , Mair Ally Pax Arcari , Hendry Neil , Macey Emma , Gillespie-Smith Karri 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMuch of the current autism and gender literature has been based within a medical deficiency model; where both are seen as deficiencies rather than differences. However, there is currently minimal knowledge about the experiences of being an autistic adolescent who is both assigned female at birth and has gender dysphoria (GD), whilst even less is known about their experiences of social identity, self-concept and resilience. This study aims to explore experiences of GD with a particular focus on identity and resilience to promote parent and healthcare staff understanding; particularly around gender-affirming care, to foster positive mental health outcomes. Five assigned female at birth autistic adolescents, who identify as trans men/boys, took part in one-to-one semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach. Five subordinate themes arose; “Having both autism and GD”, “Finding where I belong”, “Being more than labels”, “Trying to cope” and “Making support successful”. Our findings build on current literature and theory regarding the experience of concurrent autism and GD; highlighting its legitimacy, the ways in which autism impacts upon GD and how healthcare approaches and policy can increase accessibility and suitability of gender-affirming care.
Spiritual Well-Being and Hopelessness Levels in Individuals Who Have Experienced Myocardial Infarction in Turkey
Authors: Seher Efe , Çiftçi Bahar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and hopelessness levels in individuals who have experienced myocardial infarction. The study, which was descriptive and exploratory, was conducted on patients who had experienced myocardial infarction and undergone angiography in the coronary intensive care unit and cardiology ward of Ağrı Education and Research Hospital. The population of the study consisted of 151 patients who had experienced myocardial infarction and undergone angiography between December 2022 and February 2023. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. This study highlights the significance of the transcendent subscale of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, as it is unaffected by indicators of mental health. Findings revealed that higher transcendent subscale scores were associated with lower hopelessness levels in individuals who had experienced myocardial infarction. Body mass index, family type, marital status, and fulfilling religious duties when healthy were significantly associated with spiritual well-being and hopelessness. These results underscore the importance of considering transcendent aspects when evaluating spiritual well-being in this population. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation was found between spiritual well-being and hopelessness levels in individuals who had experienced myocardial infarction. Higher levels of spiritual well-being were significantly associated with lower levels of hopelessness. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between spiritual well-being and hopelessness in post-myocardial infarction patients. However, limitations relevant to this study, including its single-center design and cross-sectional nature, are also noted.
Cerebromicrovascular mechanisms contributing to long COVID: implications for neurocognitive health
Authors: Fekete Monika , Lehoczki Andrea , Szappanos Ágnes , Toth Attila , Mahdi Mohamed , Sótonyi Péter , Benyó Zoltán , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Tarantini Stefano , Ungvari Zoltan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLong COVID (also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection [PASC] or post-COVID syndrome) is characterized by persistent symptoms that extend beyond the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting approximately 10% to over 30% of those infected. It presents a significant clinical challenge, notably due to pronounced neurocognitive symptoms such as brain fog. The mechanisms underlying these effects are multifactorial, with mounting evidence pointing to a central role of cerebromicrovascular dysfunction. This review investigates key pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to cerebrovascular dysfunction in long COVID and their impacts on brain health. We discuss how endothelial tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and direct vascular infection trigger endothelial dysfunction, impaired neurovascular coupling, and blood–brain barrier disruption, resulting in compromised cerebral perfusion. Furthermore, the infection appears to induce mitochondrial dysfunction, enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation within cerebral endothelial cells. Autoantibody formation following infection also potentially exacerbates neurovascular injury, contributing to chronic vascular inflammation and ongoing blood–brain barrier compromise. These factors collectively contribute to the emergence of white matter hyperintensities, promote amyloid pathology, and may accelerate neurodegenerative processes, including Alzheimer’s disease. This review also emphasizes the critical role of advanced imaging techniques in assessing cerebromicrovascular health and the need for targeted interventions to address these cerebrovascular complications. A deeper understanding of the cerebrovascular mechanisms of long COVID is essential to advance targeted treatments and mitigate its long-term neurocognitive consequences.
Sparse keypoint segmentation of lung fissures: efficient geometric deep learning for abstracting volumetric images
Authors: Kaftan Paul , Heinrich Mattias P. , Hansen Lasse , Rasche Volker , Kestler Hans A. , Bigalke Alexander 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Purpose
Lung fissure segmentation on CT images often relies on 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, 3D-CNNs are inefficient for detecting thin structures like the fissures, which make up a tiny fraction of the entire image volume. We propose to make lung fissure segmentation more efficient by using geometric deep learning (GDL) on sparse point clouds.

Methods
We abstract image data with sparse keypoint (KP) clouds. We train GDL models to segment the point cloud, comparing three major paradigms of models (PointNets, graph convolutional networks (GCNs), and PointTransformers). From the sparse point segmentations, 3D meshes of the objects are reconstructed to obtain a dense surface. The state-of-the-art Poisson surface reconstruction (PSR) makes up most of the time in our pipeline. Therefore, we propose an efficient point cloud to mesh autoencoder (PC-AE) that deforms a template mesh to fit a point cloud in a single forward pass. Our pipeline is evaluated extensively and compared to the 3D-CNN gold standard nnU-Net on diverse clinical and pathological data.

Results
GCNs yield the best trade-off between inference time and accuracy, being $$21\times $$

21
×

faster with only $$1.4\times $$

1.4
×

increased error over the nnU-Net. Our PC-AE also achieves a favorable trade-off, being $$3\times $$

3
×

faster at $$1.5\times $$

1.5
×

the error compared to the PSR.

Conclusion
We present a KP-based fissure segmentation pipeline that is more efficient than 3D-CNNs and can greatly speed up large-scale analyses. A novel PC-AE for efficient mesh reconstruction from sparse point clouds is introduced, showing promise not only for fissure segmentation. Source code is available on https://github.com/kaftanski/fissure-segmentation-IJCARS
A Comparative Analysis of the Liver Retraction with Long Surgical Gauze in Three-Port Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Four-Port Nathanson Retractor Technique
Authors: Ertekin Suleyman Caglar , Onsal Ufuk , Turgut Emre , Akyol Huseyin , Unver Mutlu , Demirpolat Muhammed Taha , Akbulut Gokhan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
This study evaluated the long surgical gauze (SurG) technique as a liver retraction method in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Traditional methods involve the Nathanson retractor, associated with ischemia and necrosis complications. In addition, these techniques require an additional trocar with an incision that increases postoperative pain. Our aim, therefore, was to reduce such complications through the use of SurG and evaluate recovery and outcome implications.

Methods
In this retrospective study, patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between January and December 2023 were divided into two groups based on the liver retraction method used: NR or SurG. Demographic data, surgery times, postoperative liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT), C-reactive protein (CRP), pain scores, and analgesic use (VAS) were collected from medical records and statistically analyzed.

Results
The SurG group demonstrated significantly lower postoperative pain scores and reduced analgesic use compared to the NR group (p < 0.001). Additionally, liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, CRP) were lower in the SurG group, indicating less liver stress. Early mobilization was achieved more quickly in the SurG group, aligning with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. However, the SurG method showed some limitations during the dissection of the greater curvature due to the narrower field of view.

Conclusions
The long surgical gauze method provides a viable alternative to the Nathanson retractor, offering advantages such as less postoperative pain, reduced liver stress, and quicker mobilization. Despite some technical limitations, this method can improve patient outcomes in sleeve gastrectomy.
Review of Research on Underwater Explosions Related to Ship Damage and Stability
Authors: Zhang Ruiyao , Xiao Wei , Yao Xiongliang , Zou Xiaochao 
Published: January 2025

AbstractResearchers have achieved notable advancements over the years in exploring ship damage and stability resulting from underwater explosions (UNDEX). However, numerous challenges and open questions remain in this field. In this study, the research progress of UNDEX load is first reviewed, which covers the explosion load during the shock wave and bubble pulsation stages. Subsequently, the research progress of ship damage caused by UNDEX is reviewed from two aspects: contact explosion and noncontact explosion. Finally, the research progress of ship navigation stability caused by UNDEX is reviewed from three aspects: natural factors, ship’s internal factors, and explosion factors. Analysis reveals that most existing research has focused on the damage to displacement ships caused by UNDEX. Meanwhile, less attention has been paid to the damage and stability of non-displacement ships caused by UNDEX, which are worthy of discussion.
Contralateral Neurovascular Coupling in Patients with Ischemic Stroke After Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Hasan Shafiul , Sadan Ofer , Rosenthal Eric S. , Pu Yuehua , Wen Zhixuan , Fang Changgeng , Liu Xin , Duan Wanying , Liu Liping , Xiao Ran , Hu Xiao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Neurovascular coupling (NVC) refers to the process of aligning cerebral blood flow with neuronal metabolic demand. This study explores the potential of contralateral NVC—linking neural electrical activity on the stroke side with cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) on the contralesional side—as a marker of physiological function of the brain. Our aim was to examine the association between contralateral NVC and neurological outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke following endovascular thrombectomy.

Methods
We concurrently recorded the CBFVs of the middle cerebral arteries and electroencephalographic (EEG) signals of patients after endovascular thrombectomy. We employed phase-amplitude cross-frequency coupling to quantify the contralateral coupling between EEG activity on the stroke side and CBFV on the contralesional side. Key neurological outcomes were measured, including changes in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, infarct volume progression over 7 days, and modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days.

Results
A total of 52 study participants were enrolled in our study (mean age 61.5 ± 10.4 years; 90.4% male; median preprocedural NIHSS score 14 [interquartile range 10–17]). We successfully computed contralateral NVC in 48 study participants. A significant association emerged between contralateral coupling and improvements in NIHSS scores over 7 days (theta band, P = 0.030) and in infarct volume progression (delta band, P = 0.001; theta band, P = 0.013). Stronger contralateral NVC in the delta and theta bands correlated with better outcomes at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio for delta 7.53 [95% confidence interval 1.13–50.30], P = 0.037; adjusted odds ratio for theta 6.36 [95% confidence interval 1.09–37.01], P = 0.039).

Conclusions
A better contralateral coupling between stroke-side EEG and contralesional CBFV is associated with favorable neurological outcomes, suggesting that contralateral NVC analysis may aid in assessing brain function after recanalization. Replication with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms is needed before clinical translation.
Morphology and phylogeny of Itaspiella helgolandica, an interstitial marine flatworm with circumpolar distribution
Authors: Vikberg Wernström Joel , Smith Julian , Altenburger Andreas 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFlatworms in the family Otoplanidae Hallez, 1892, are ubiquitous inhabitants of the swash zone of marine sandy beaches worldwide. We present new insights into the morphology and phylogenetic position of the otoplanid Itaspiella helgolandica (Meixner, 1938) based on specimens sampled in northern Norway. While the species was originally described from the German coast, it has since been reported in the High Arctic as well as in Greenland, Canada and Alaska, indicating that it has a circumpolar distribution. Apart from these reports, I. helgolandica has received marginal scientific attention beyond the original species description, and apart from drawings, there is not much detailed data available of its morphology. We employ antibody staining and confocal laser microscopy to provide detailed morphological information on the ciliation, myoanatomy and genital organs of specimens of I. helgolandica and compare their morphology with other accounts of the species from across the Arctic. We investigate the phylogenetic relationships of Itaspiella Ax, 1955 through a Bayesian/RAxML analysis of 28S sequences and confirm the morphologically underpinned notion that this genus sits within the subfamily Otoplaninae Hallez, 1910, as the sister taxon to Xenotoplana Ax, Weidemann & Ehlers, 1978. In light of our findings, we explore the question of the apparent circumpolar distribution of Itaspiella in the context of the larger “meiofauna paradox” and touch upon various evolutionary phenomena that may have contributed to phenotypic stability despite its limited dispersal capabilities and the vicariance imposed by the complex recent geological history of the Arctic.
Oral Supplements of Combined Lactobacillus plantarum and Asparagus officinalis Modulate Gut Microbiota and Alleviate High-Fat Diet–Induced Cognitive Deficits and Neurodegeneration in Rats
Authors: Shahin Nancy N. , Ahmed‐Farid Omar A. , Sakr Ebtehag A. E. , Kamel Enas A. , Mohamed Maha M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHigh-fat diet (HFD) consumption disrupts the gut microbiome, instigating metabolic disturbance, brain pathology, and cognitive decline via the gut-brain axis. Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation have been found to improve gut microbiome health, suggesting they could be effective in managing neurodegenerative disorders. This study explored the potential benefits of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 20174 (L. plantarum), prebiotic Asparagus officinalis (A. officinalis) extract, or their synbiotic combination against HFD-induced cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either a normal diet or an HFD for 24 weeks. Starting from week 13, rats on either diet were divided into vehicle-, prebiotic-, probiotic-, and synbiotic-treated subgroups. Rats received their assigned intervention for 12 more weeks. Prebiotic, probiotic, or synbiotic treatment reverted HFD-instigated alterations in hippocampal amyloid beta, p-tau, α-synuclein, and BDNF levels, leading to restored cognitive function. The tested therapies also improved the HFD-disrupted lipid profile. Interestingly, probiotic and synbiotic therapies attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation, reinstated neurotransmitter balance, and mitigated the energy deficit in HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, L. plantarum and Asparagus administration modulated gut microbiota composition by raising Lactobacillus species and reducing Coliform and Staphylococci bacteria as well as fungi populations. These findings suggest that the oral consumption of A. officinalis prebiotics and/or L. plantarum probiotics alleviates HFD-induced cognitive deficit and neurodegeneration through modulation of the gut-brain axis with superior restorative effects being achieved by synbiotic treatment.
Graphical Abstract
Ossäre Raumforderung als Zufallsbefund im Röntgenbild – wann muss ich sie weiter abklären?
Authors: Smolle Maria Anna , Leithner Andreas 
Published: January 2025

ZusammenfassungBenigne Tumoren sowie tumorähnliche Läsionen des Knochens werden oft als Zufallsbefund am Röntgenbild erstdiagnostiziert. Schon das Röntgenbild kann erste wichtige Hinweise auf das Wachstumsmuster – und somit Aggressivitätspotenzial – der Läsion geben. Die gängigste Einteilung von suspekten Knochenläsionen anhand des Röntgenbilds ist die Klassifikation nach Lodwick. Zur weiteren Diagnostik kommt heute üblicherweise eine Schichtbildgebung (Magnetresonanztomographie, Computertomographie) zum Einsatz. Viele als Zufallsbefunde am Röntgenbild diagnostizierte ossäre Läsionen können anhand ihrer Lokalisation (z. B. epiphysär, diaphysär) und Matrix (z. B. Verkalkungen, „milchglasartig“) differenzialdiagnostisch eingegrenzt werden. Kortexarrosionen, Periostreaktionen, eine heterogene Matrix, perifokale Ödemzonen und extraossäre Anteile stellen generelle „red flags“ dar, die eine weitere Abklärung inkl. Vorstellung an einem Sarkomzentrum nach sich ziehen sollten.
Propeller-rotor aerodynamic interaction in helicopter air-to-air refueling: an analytical solution for rotor trim, including a sensitivity study
Authors: van der Wall Berend G. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDuring helicopter air-to-air refueling the rotor of the helicopter might enter the slipstream of the tanker aircraft's propeller. Based on blade element momentum theory, the impact of this jet on rotor blade aerodynamics is formulated. Rotor controls required to re-trim are solved analytically and verified by numerical solution of the problem. The collective and cyclic controls needed for disturbance rejection are computed for a typical air-to-air refueling scenario. A propeller wake affecting the retreating side of the rotor requires much more pilot controls to retrim than an impingement on the advancing side. Variations of rotor angle of attack, propeller radius, propeller thrust and rotor thrust are performed.
Climate Change and Health Within the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Palmeiro-Silva Yasna , Rivera Felipe , Hartinger Stella 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) is at its 10th anniversary amidst a rapidly changing climate, which, together with social vulnerabilities, have led to significant impacts on human health and well-being. In the climate change and health field, the term “climate-related health risks” is often used while the term “health disaster” is less common. This article identifies opportunities and challenges that the SFDRR presents for the intersection between climate change and health. The SFDRR, through disaster risk reduction for climate change and health, complements international health- and climate change-related agendas. It expands the perspective of climate change and health beyond the classical health sphere by highlighting the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of disaster risk, most of them related to social vulnerabilities. Additionally, strong governance and leadership from the health sector might foster the integration of health-centered perspectives into climate change policies. However, the SFDRR faces challenges due to differential capacities among countries, which limit effective implementation. The role of politics, power, and diverse interests needs to be recognized in disaster-related decision-making processes, as well as the many barriers for global and systematic disaster-related data structures that limit a comprehensive understanding of disaster risk. The 10th anniversary of the SFDRR represents an opportunity to reflect on the many opportunities that it represents and on the challenges that need to be addressed. By looking for synergies among diverse agendas, initiatives, and collaborations, the SFDRR sheds some light on protecting people’s health and well-being.