bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A time-based double-sided readout concept of 100 mm LYSO:Ce,Ca fibres for future axial TOF-PET
Authors: Weindel Konstantin , Nadig Vanessa , Herweg Katrin , Schulz Volkmar , Gundacker Stefan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Positron emission tomography (PET) requires a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to improve image quality, with time-of-flight (TOF) being an effective way to boost the SNR. However, the scanner sensitivity and resolution must be maintained. The use of axially aligned 100-mm LYSO:Ce,Ca scintillation crystals with double-sided readout has the potential of ground-breaking TOF and sensitivity, while reducing parallax errors through depth-of-interaction (DOI) estimation, and also allowing a reduction in the number of readout channels required, resulting in cost benefits. Due to orientation, these fibres may also facilitate the integration of TOF-PET with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hybrid imaging systems. The challenge of achieving a good spatial resolution with such long axial fibres is directly related to the achievable TOF resolution. In this study, the timing performance and DOI resolution of emerging high-performance materials were investigated to assess the merits of this approach in organ-dedicated or total-body/large-scale PET imaging systems.

Methods
LYSO:Ce,Ca scintillation fibres of 20 mm and 100 mm length were tested in various operating and readout configurations to determine the best achievable coincidence time resolution (CTR) and DOI resolution. The tests were performed using state-of-the-art high-frequency (HF) readout and commercially available silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) from Broadcom Inc.

Results
For the 100-mm fibre, an average CTR performance of $$137 \pm 1$$

137
±
1

ps FWHM and an average depth-of-interaction resolution within the fibre of $$12.3 \pm 0.5$$

12.3
±
0.5

mm FWHM could be obtained. The 20-mm fibre showed a sub-100 ps CTR of $$98 \pm 1$$

98
±
1

ps FWHM and a fibre resolution of $$8.5 \pm 0.2$$

8.5
±
0.2

mm FWHM in the double-sided readout configuration.

Conclusion
With modern SiPMs and crystals, a double-sided readout of long fibres can achieve excellent timing resolution and field-advancing TOF resolution, outperforming commercial PET systems. With 100-mm fibres, an electronic channel reduction of about a factor 2.5 is inherent, with larger reduction factors conceivable, which can lead to lower production costs. The spatial resolution was shown to be limited in the axial direction with 12 mm, but is defined to 3 mm in all other directions. Recent SiPM and scintillator developments are expected to improve on the time and spatial resolution to be investigated in future prototypes.
From reading style to cognitive style and its possible application: an eye-tracking and CFT approach
Authors: Lu Wei-lun , Dostálová Nicol , Lacko David , Šašinková Alžběta , Šašinka Čeněk 
Published: July 2023

AbstractReading strategies and cognitive styles have been the objective of many researchers. However, the relation between these two concepts remains unclear. This paper is focusing on three goals. Firstly, we verify the reliability of the eye-tracking indicators of risky and conservative reading style. Secondly, we aim to explore an additional eye-tracking pattern that may reflect the reading style on the global level. Thirdly, we explore the relationship between reading style and the holistic/analytic cognitive style. The study is based on a combination of Compound Figure Test (CFT) as a main tool for analyzing cognitive style and eye-tracking study consisting of several text stimuli related to verify reading style patterns. Results showed stability across the reading tasks, which validates for the usefulness and reliability of original Rayner’s as well as the new additional eye-tracking metrics. The stability of the eye-tracking metrics allows us to treat them as a behavioral profile in information processing that may be viewed as a stable personality trait known as reading style. However, the eye-tracking results and the CFT global preference score did not show a detectably close relation between cognitive style and reading style. In conclusion, we also discuss the possibility of applying these eye-tracking patterns to foreign language material design.
Atypical cholangiocytes derived from hepatocyte-cholangiocyte transdifferentiation mediated by COX-2: a kind of misguided liver regeneration
Authors: Lan Tian , Tai Yang , Zhao Chong , Xiao Yang , Yang Zhu , Zhang Linhao , Gan Can , Dai Wenting , Tong Huan , Tang Chengwei , Huang Zhiyin , Gao Jinhang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Hepatocyte-cholangiocyte transdifferentiation (HCT) is a potential origin of proliferating cholangiocytes in liver regeneration after chronic injury. This study aimed to determine HCT after chronic liver injury, verify the impacts of HCT on liver repair, and avoid harmful regeneration by understanding the mechanism.

Methods
A thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury model was established in wild-type (WT-TAA group) and COX-2 panknockout (KO-TAA group) mice. HCT was identified by costaining of hepatocyte and cholangiocyte markers in vivo and in isolated mouse hepatocytes in vitro. The biliary tract was injected with ink and visualized by whole liver optical clearing. Serum and liver bile acid (BA) concentrations were measured. Either a COX-2 selective inhibitor or a β-catenin pathway inhibitor was administered in vitro.

Results
Intrahepatic ductular reaction was associated with COX-2 upregulation in chronic liver injury. Immunofluorescence and RNA sequencing indicated that atypical cholangiocytes were characterized by an intermediate genetic phenotype between hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and might be derived from hepatocytes. The structure of the biliary system was impaired, and BA metabolism was dysregulated by HCT, which was mediated by the TGF-β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Genetic deletion or pharmaceutical inhibition of COX-2 significantly reduced HCT in vivo. The COX-2 selective inhibitor etoricoxib suppressed HCT through the TGF-β-TGFBR1-β-catenin pathway in vitro.

Conclusions
Atypical cholangiocytes can be derived from HCT, which forms a secondary strike by maldevelopment of the bile drainage system and BA homeostasis disequilibrium during chronic liver injury. Inhibition of COX-2 could ameliorate HCT through the COX-2-TGF-β-TGFBR1-β-catenin pathway and improve liver function.
Psychometric evaluation of a patient-reported outcomes instrument for congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Oladapo Abiola , Ito Diane , Rodriguez Ana María , Philpott Stephanie , Krupnick Robert , Allen Veleka , Hibbard Christopher , Scully Marie , Ewenstein Bruce 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) is an ultra-rare, life-threatening hereditary disorder that causes patients to experience significant morbidity and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A cTTP disease-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument that is reflective of patients’ experiences with the disorder does not currently exist. The objective of this study was to evaluate and validate the psychometric properties of the Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura–Patient Experience Questionnaire (cTTP-PEQ), developed using a literature review, interviews with expert clinicians, and qualitative concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews.

Methods
This prospective, observational study (NCT03519672) was conducted with patients diagnosed with cTTP currently receiving treatment. Patients were enrolled through investigator sites and direct-to-patient recruitment. Individuals completed electronic self-administered PRO measures, including the cTTP-PEQ, at baseline and Day 14 (+ up to 10 days). The cTTP-PEQ consisted of five multi-item domains (Pain/Bruising, Cognitive Impairment, Visual Impairment, Mood, Treatment Burden) and three single-item domains (Fatigue, Headache, Activity Limitation), and assessed symptoms and impact of cTTP in the previous 24 h, 7 days, and 2 weeks. Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Known-groups validity was assessed between patient groups separated by Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S; normal vs. mild/moderate/severe). Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results
Thirty-six patients participated in this study. Convergent validity was confirmed with high-to-moderate correlations (r ≥ 0.4) for 12/15 hypothesized relationships between pairs of domains and/or total scores. Discriminant validity was confirmed with low correlations (r < 0.3) observed for 5/7 hypothesized relationships. Known-groups validity was confirmed with significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in mean cTTP-PEQ scores between the two PGI-S groups for most domains and items at both timepoints. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.88 at baseline and 0.91 at Day 14, confirming internal consistency of the instrument. Test–retest reliability was also confirmed with a high ICC (0.96).

Conclusion
This study validates the psychometric properties of the novel cTTP-PEQ for use in research and clinical practice to assess HRQoL among patients with cTTP. This instrument will be particularly useful when assessing cTTP disease burden and the impact of new treatments.
Macroanatomical investigations of the skulls of both genders of Heliosciurus gambianus (Gambian sun squirrel) and Funisciurus anerythrus (Thomas’s rope squirrel)
Authors: Igado Olumayowa Olawumi , Femi-Akinlosotu Omowumi Moromoke , Akibu Afeez Olumide 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The skull shape and morphometry have been used by several researchers to differentiate and classify species, breeds and also to age the specimen. This study highlights details of the gross morphometry of the skulls of two species of squirrels, Heliosciurus gambianus and Funisciurus anerythrus, using both sexes.

Results
A total of thirty-one (31) linear morphometric parameters were measured on each skull specimen, relating to individual bones. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation with significant difference at (P < 0.05). Linear measurements were similar in both genders, although some were negligibly higher in females (51.61% in H. gambianus, 70.96% in F anerythrus); no statistically significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). In spite of the similarity in shape, size and linear morphometric values obtained in both species, Pearson’s correlation analysis of the skull height with other measured parameters gave widely differing results. Correlation data obtained may be used to understand better the pattern of the skull development in these squirrels, as well as how it differs from those obtained in other mammals. Examination of the dentition revealed a varied dental formula across the two species, relating to the presence or absence of the upper and lower premolars.

Conclusions
The results obtained in this study may find application in the fields of comparative anatomy and forensics as well as provide basis for future research in ageing, skull development and feeding patterns in these species.
Bamboo shoots: an exploration into its culinary heritage in India and its nutraceutical potential
Authors: Acharya Biswajeet , Behera Amulyaratna , Sahu Prafulla Kumar , Dilnawaz Fahima , Behera Suchismeeta , Chowdhury Bimalendu , Mishra Durga Prasad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBamboo shoots are a unique and versatile ingredient that has been a part of traditional cuisine and medicine in India for centuries. This review article provides an overview of the culinary heritage of bamboo shoots in India, with a particular focus on the Northeast region. The article discusses the traditional methods of consumption and processing of bamboo shoots, along with the various traditional recipes that use bamboo shoots. The article also explores the nutraceutical potential of bamboo shoots and its bioactive components, along with the role of hydrogen cyanide in bamboo shoots. Furthermore, the impact of bamboo shoots on human health is analyzed. The review concludes with future prospects and the need for further research to fully understand the potential of bamboo shoots as a source of food and medicine.
Imaging of HER2 detected receptor expression positive breast cancer: from detection to interpretation
Authors: Mansour Sahar , Abdullah Engy , Mohamed Eman Hosny , Gomaa Mohammed Mohammed Mohammed 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Aggressive invasion, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis are common features of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-enriched breast cancer, yet on the other side, it shows significantly reduced activity in response to therapy. We aimed to find combinations of features at imaging modalities that could predict breast cancer HER2-enriched molecular subtype in a sample of screening and symptomatic patients.

Methods
The study is a retrospective analysis including breast lesions proved to be cancer with HER2 detected receptor expression positive (n = 346) whether pure or expressed with other receptors (i.e., luminal B subtype). All carcinomas were examined by digital mammography and high-resolution breast ultrasound. Some cases (n = 148, 48.5%) were considered for further evaluation by contrast enhanced mammography or dynamic post-contrast MR imaging (n = 116, 33.5%) in case there was a diagnosis debate and/or a precise estimation of cancer multiplicity is needed.

Results
Six features were suggestive of HER-enriched carcinoma on mammogram and/or ultrasound; (1) irregular shape mass, (2) indistinct margin, (3) associate fine pleomorphic microcalcifications, (4) asymmetry of global distribution, (5) hypoechoic pattern on ultrasound and (6) enlarged pathological nodes. There was a significant correlation between HER2-enriched subtype and presence of fine pleomorphic calcifications (p = < 0.02) of segmental distribution (p = < 0.002) and asymmetry of global distribution (p = < 0.001).
Contrast-based studies' dominant feature was the non-mass appearance of regional/diffuse distribution. Medium initial contrast uptake and wash out fate were the common curve pattern (p = < 0.001).

Conclusions
Luminal B and HER2 enriched are both HER 2 overexpression breast cancer subtypes, yet there are certain key features more specific for HER2 enriched subtype in conventional and contrast-based imaging. Knowledge of such features could help interpretation and differentiation between HER2 positive subtypes to benefit from the early stratification of management and aid the therapeutic decisions in case receptor testing is not readily available.
An Unexpected Case of Cutaneous Vasculitis Following Zoledronic Acid Infusion
Authors: Zahedi Bita , Wallace Zachary S , Côté Maya McEwen , Yu Elaine W 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We report a case of isolated cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (SVV) occurring after zoledronic acid (Zol) infusion in a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman with a history of sleeve gastrectomy. This was the patient's first exposure to a bisphosphonate medication. Within minutes of the Zol infusion, she developed an episode of diffuse watery diarrhea. Although the diarrheal symptoms resolved quickly, she experienced nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–responsive generalized myalgias and skin tenderness in her abdomen and extremities within a few hours. These symptoms progressed in severity over the next 5 days, and she developed nonblanching, palpable purpura extending from the ankles to the knees. Prior to Zol, labs showed sufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium as well as normal renal and liver function. On day 10, laboratory tests revealed aspartate transaminase twice and alanine transaminase thrice the upper limit of normal. The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous SVV, with a timeline highly suggestive of an idiosyncratic reaction to Zol. She was successfully treated with a prednisone taper. No prior cases of Zol-induced cutaneous vasculitis have been reported, although there are a handful of reported cases of giant cell arteritis and urticarial vasculitis after bisphosphonate therapy. Clinicians should be aware that isolated cutaneous SVV may be a rare complication of Zol.
Using Preanesthesia Clinic Visits to Improve Advance Directives Completion: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Tooba Rubabin , Rose Susannah , Modlin Charles , Liang Chen , Mascha Edward J. , Perez-Protto Silvia 
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:
Advance directives documentation can increase the likelihood that patient’s wishes are respected if they become incapacitated. Unfortunately, completion rates are suboptimal overall, and disparities may exist, especially for vulnerable groups. We assessed whether implementing an initiative to standardize advance directives discussions during preanesthesia visits was associated with changes in rates of advance directives completion over time, and whether the association depends on race, insurance type, or income.

METHODS:
We conducted a before-after interrupted time series evaluation between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2019 in a single-center, outpatient preanesthesia clinic. Participants were adults who visited the preanesthesia clinic at Cleveland Clinic and had >1 comorbidity before a noncardiac surgery of either medium or high risk. The intervention in March of 2017 consisted of training staff to help patients complete and witness advance directives documents during visits. We measured advance directives completion, by race, payor, and income (using the 2019 Federal Poverty Line). We assessed the confounder-adjusted association between intervention (pre versus post) and proportion of patients completing advanced directives over time using segmented regression to compare slopes between periods and assess changes at start of the intervention. We used similar models to assess whether changes depended on race, insurance type, or income level.

RESULTS:
We included 26,368 visits from 22,430 patients. We analyzed financial status for 16,788 visits from 14,274 patients who had address data. There were 11,242 (43%) visits preintervention and 15,126 (57%) visits postintervention. Crude completion rates for advance directives increased from 29% to 78%, with odds of completion an estimated 18 times higher than preintervention (odds ratio [95% CI] of 18 [16–21]; P < 0.001). Regarding race, Black patients had lower completion rates preintervention than White patients, although the gap steadily closed after the intervention (P = .001). Postintervention, both race groups immediately increased, with no difference in amount of increase (P = .17) or postintervention change in slope difference (P = .17). Regarding insurance, patients with Medicaid had lower preintervention completion rates than those with private. Intervention was associated with increases in both groups, but the difference in slopes (P = .43) or proportions (P = .23) between the groups did not change after intervention. Regarding the Federal Poverty Line, the completion rate gap between those below (<100%) and above (139%–400%) narrowed by approximately half (0.51: 95% CI, 0.27–0.98; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS:
Standardizing advance directives discussions during preanesthesia visits was associated with more patients completing advance directives, particularly in vulnerable patient groups.
The Relationship Between Contraceptive Method Use and Return of Fecundity Among Women Attempting Pregnancy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Gemmill Alison , Bradley Sarah E. K. , Berger Blair O. , Bell Suzanne O. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
One of the most common barriers to using effective family planning methods is the belief that hormonal contraceptives and contraceptive devices have adverse effects on future fertility. Recent evidence from high-income settings suggests that some hormonal contraceptive methods are associated with delays in return of fecundity, yet it is unclear if these findings generalize to low- and middle-income populations, especially in regions where the injectable is widely used and pressure to bear children is significant. Using reproductive calendar data pooled across 47 Demographic and Health Surveys, we find that the unadjusted 12-month probability of pregnancy for women attempting pregnancy after discontinuing traditional methods, condoms, the pill, and the IUD ranged from 86% to 91%. The 12-month probability was lowest among those who discontinued injectables and implants, with approximately 1 out of 5 women not becoming pregnant within one year after discontinuation. Results from multivariable analysis showed that compared with users of either periodic abstinence or withdrawal, users of the pill, IUD, injectable, and implant had lower fecundability following discontinuation, with the largest reductions occurring among women who used injectables and implants. These findings indicate that women's concerns about potential short-term reductions in fecundity following contraceptive use are not unfounded.
Agent-based models under uncertainty
Authors: Stepanov Vladimir , Ferson Scott 
Published: July 2023

Background: Monte Carlo (MC) is often used when trying to assess the consequences of uncertainty in agent-based models (ABMs). However, this approach is not appropriate when the uncertainty is epistemic rather than aleatory, that is, when it represents a lack of knowledge rather than variation. The free-for-all battleship simulation modelled here is inspired by the children’s battleship game, where each battleship is an agent. Methods: The models contrast an MC implementation against an interval implementation for epistemic uncertainty. In this case, our epistemic uncertainty is in the form of an uncertain radar. In the interval method, the approach occludes the status of the agents (ships) and precludes an analyst from making decisions about them in real-time. Results: In a highly uncertain environment, after many time steps, there can be many ships remaining whose status is unknown. In contrast, any MC simulation invariably tends to conclude with a small number of the remaining ships after many time steps. Thus, the interval approach misses the quantitative conclusion. However, some quantitative results are generated by the interval implementation, e.g. the identities of the surviving ships, which are revealed to be nearly mutual with the MC implementation, though with fewer identities in total compared to MC. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that it is possible to implement intervals in an ABM, but the results are broad, which may be useful for generating the overall bounds of the system but do not provide insight on the expected outcomes and trends.