bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Approach to Quantifying the Volume of the Ischemic Core in Truncated Computed Tomography Perfusion Scans: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Xu Xiao-Quan , Cao Lin-Li , Ma Gao , Shen Guang-Chen , Lu Shan-Shan , Zhang Ya-Xi , Zhang Yu , Shi Hai-Bin , Liu Sheng , Wu Fei-Yun 
Published: September 2023

Objective
This study aimed to provide an alternative approach for quantifying the volume of the ischemic core (IC) if truncation of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) occurs in clinical practice.

Methods
Baseline CTP and follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data from 88 patients with stroke were retrospectively collected. CTP source images (CTPSI) from the unenhanced phase to the peak arterial phase (CTPSI-A) or the peak venous phase (CTPSI-V) were collected to simulate the truncation of CTP in the arterial or venous phases, respectively. The volume of IC on CTPSI-A (VCTPSI-A) or CTPSI-V (VCTPSI-V) was defined as the volume of the brain tissue with >65% reduction in attenuation compared with that of the normal tissue. The volume of IC on the baseline CTP (VCTP) was defined as a relative cerebral blood flow of <30% of that in the normal tissue. The volume of the posttreatment infarct on the follow-up DWI (VDWI) image was manually delineated and calculated. One-way analysis of variance, Bland-Altman plots, and Spearman correlation analyses were used for the statistical analysis.

Results
VCTPSI-A was significantly higher than VDWI (P < 0.001); however, no significant difference was observed between VCTP and VDWI (P = 0.073) or between VCTPSI-V and VDWI (P > 0.999). The mean differences between VDWI and VCTPSI-V, VDWI and VCTP, and VDWI and VCTPSI-A were 1.70 mL (limits of agreement [LoA], −56.40 to 59.70), 8.30 mL (LoA, −40.70 to 57.30), and −68.10 mL (LoA, −180.90 to 44.70), respectively. Significant correlations were observed between VDWI and VCTP (r = 0.68, P < 0.001) and between VDWI and VCTPSI-V (r = 0.39, P < 0.001); however, no significant correlation was observed between VDWI and VCTPSI-A (r = 0.20, P = 0.068).

Conclusions
VCTPSI-V may be a promising method for quantifying the volume of the IC if truncation of CTP occurs.
Partial Radiation Nephrectomy Using 90Y Resin Microspheres: A Treatment Option for Renal Tumors With Malignant Characteristics in Patients Not Candidates for Surgery
Authors: Sogbe Miguel , Rodríguez-Fraile Macarena , de la Cuesta Antonio Martínez , Rotellar Fernando , Iñarrairaegui Mercedes 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Contrast-enhancing renal masses are likely to be malignant in over 90% of cases due to the high diagnostic accuracy of abdominal imaging. In this situation, tumor biopsy is unnecessary and should be managed as a renal cell carcinoma. Resection remains the only potentially curative treatment. However, as in the case herein presented, comorbidities can prevent surgical resection. Radioembolization with 90Y microspheres is an intra-arterial procedure capable of delivering high doses of radiation to tumors. The present case demonstrates the concept of partial radiation nephrectomy in treating renal tumors with malignant characteristics in patients not amenable to surgery.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis With Thyroid Involvement on 18F-FDG PET/MR
Authors: Lee Hwan , States Lisa J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
An 18-month-old otherwise healthy girl presented with 1 month of neck swelling. Based on ultrasonography that showed diffusely enlarged heterogeneous thyroid gland, a presumed diagnosis of thyroid cancer was made. Subsequent core needle biopsy revealed Langerhans cell histiocytosis extensively involving the thyroid. 18F-FDG PET/MR was performed for staging and to evaluate the local extent of the disease in the neck. PET/MR demonstrated a hypermetabolic neck mass inseparable from the thyroid gland. The mass encased the major vessels, trachea, and esophagus without compression or invasion. Osseous involvement was excluded by both skeletal survey and PET/MR.
Leptomeningeal Metastasis From Neuroblastoma Revealed by 123I-MIBG SPECT/CT
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Lu Xia , Wang Wei , Yang Jigang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A 2-year-old girl with history of high-risk neuroblastoma underwent 123I-MIBG, which showed increased 123I-MIBG in the left side of the head. Contrast-enhanced MRI and cerebral spine fluid cytology confirmed the diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastasis.
Evaluation of components of the extracellular purinergic signaling system in human sepsis
Authors: Lovászi Marianna , Németh Zoltán H , Kelestemur Taha , Sánchez Itzel V. , Antonioli Luca , Pacher Pál , Wagener Gebhard , Haskó György 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
Extracellular purines such as ATP, UTP and UDP and the ATP degradation product adenosine are biologically active signaling molecules, which accumulate at sites of metabolic stress in sepsis. They have potent immunomodulatory effects by binding to and activating P1 or adenosine and P2 receptors on the surface of leukocytes. Here we assessed the levels of extracellular purines, their receptors, metabolic enzymes and cellular transporters in leukocytes of septic patients.

Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), neutrophils and plasma were isolated from blood obtained from septic patients and healthy control subjects. RNA was isolated from cells and mRNA levels for purinergic receptors, enzymes, and transporters were measured. ATP, UTP, UDP and adenosine levels were evaluated in plasma.

Results
ATP levels were lower in septic patients than in healthy individuals and levels of the other purines were comparable between the two groups. Levels of P1 and P2 receptors did not differ between the two patient groups. mRNA levels of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase)1 or CD39 increased while those of NTPDase2, -3 and -8 decreased in PBMCs of septic patients when compared to healthy controls. CD73 mRNA was lower in PBMCs of septic than healthy individuals. Equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT)1 mRNA concentrations were higher and ENT2, 3, and 4 mRNA concentrations were lower in PBMCs of septic subjects when compared to healthy subjects. Concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT)1 mRNA levels were higher in PBMCs of septic vs. healthy subjects whereas the mRNA levels of CNT2, 3, and 4 did not differ. We failed to detect differences in mRNA levels of purinergic receptors, enzymes and transporters in neutrophils of septic vs. healthy subjects.

Conclusion
Since CD39 degrades ATP to AMP, the lower ATP levels in septic individuals may be the result of increased CD39 expression. This increased degradation of ATP did not lead to increased adenosine levels, which may be explained by the decreased expression of CD73, which converts AMP to adenosine. Altogether, our results demonstrate differential regulation of components of the purinergic system in PBMCs during human sepsis.
Prospective Examination of the K/iCa Ratio as a Predictor for Mortality in Severe Hemorrhage
Authors: Gagen Brennan , Duchesne Juan , Ghio Michael , Duplechain Abby , Krakosky Danielle , Simpson John T. , Tatum Danielle 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND
Patients receiving massive transfusion protocol (MTP) are at risk for post-transfusion hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia. Previous retrospective analysis has suggested the potassium/ionized calcium (K/iCa) ratio as a prognostic indicator of mortality. This prospective study sought to validate the value of the K/iCa ratio as a predictor for mortality in patients receiving MTP.

METHODS
This was a prospective analysis of adult trauma patients who underwent MTP activation from May 2019 - March 2021 at an urban Level 1 trauma center. Serum potassium and ionized calcium levels within 0-1 hr of MTP initiation were used to obtain K/iCa. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed predictive capacity of K/iCa on mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression examined the effect of K/iCa ratio on survival.

RESULTS
A total of 110 of 300 MTP activation patients met inclusion criteria. Overall mortality rate was 31.8%. No significant differences between the elevated K/iCa and lower K/iCa groups were found for prehospital or Emergency Department initial vitals, shock index, or injury severity. However, non-survivors had a significantly higher median K/iCa ratio compared to those who survived (p < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression revealed total number of blood products to be significantly associated with elevated K/iCa (odds ratio 1.02; 95%CI 1.01-1.04; p = 0.01). The KM survival curve demonstrated a significantly increased rate of survival for those with an elevated K/iCa ratio (p < 0.01). Multivariable Cox regression adjusted for confounders showed a significant association between K/iCa and mortality (HR 4.12, 95% CI 1.89 – 8.96, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION
This evidence further highlights the importance of the K/iCa ratio in predicting mortality among trauma patients receiving MTP. Furthermore, it demonstrates that post-transfusion K levels along with iCa levels should be carefully monitored in the MTP setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level II

STUDY TYPE
Prognostic/Epidemiological
Outcomes and Risk Factors for Liver Transplantation Using graft-to-Recipient Weight Ratio Less than 0.8 Graft from Living Donors: Multicentric Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Deok-Gie , Hwang Shin , Kim Jong Man , Choi YoungRok , You Young Kyoung , Choi Donglak , Ryu Je Ho , Kim Bong-Wan , Kim Dong-Sik , Cho Jai Young , Ju Man ki , Kim Tae-Seok , Nah Yang Won , Lee Jae Geun , Kim Myoung Soo , Joo Dong Jin ,   the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry Study Group
Published: September 2023

Objective:
To compare graft survival after LDLT in patients receiving GRWR<0.8 versus GRWR≥0.8 grafts and identify risk factors for graft loss using GRWR<0.8 grafts.

Summary Background Data:
Favorable outcomes after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR)<0.8 grafts were recently reported; however, these results have not been validated using multicenter data.

Methods:
This multicentric cohort study included 3450 LDLT patients. Graft survival was compared between 1:3 propensity score–matched groups and evaluated using various Cox models in the entire population. Risk factors for graft loss with GRWR<0.8 versus GRWR≥0.8 grafts were explored within various subgroups using interaction analyses, and outcomes were stratified according to the number of risk factors.

Results:
In total, 368 patients (10.7%) received GRWR<0.8 grafts (GRWR<0.8 group), whereas 3082 (89.3%) received GRWR≥0.8 grafts (GRWR≥0.8 group). The 5-y graft survival rate was significantly lower with GRWR<0.8 grafts than with GRWR≥0.8 grafts (85.2% vs. 90.1%, P=0.013). Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for graft loss using GRWR<0.8 grafts in the entire population was 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–2.35, P=0.004). Risk factors exhibiting significant interactions with GRWR<0.8 for graft survival were age ≥60 y, MELD score ≥15, and male donor. When ≥2 risk factors were present, GRWR<0.8 grafts showed higher risk of graft loss compared to GRWR≥0.8 graft in LDLT (HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.79–4.88, P<0.001).

Conclusions:
GRWR<0.8 graft showed inferior graft survival than controls (85.2% vs. 90.1%), especially when ≥2 risk factors for graft loss (among age ≥60 y, MELD score ≥15, or male donor) were present.
Determining the impact of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR cycle threshold values and infectious viral titers
Authors: Peterson Katherine L , Snyder Julia P , Despres Hannah W , Schmidt Madaline M , Eckstrom Korin M , Unger Allison L , Carmolli Marya P , Sevigny Joseph L , Shirley David J , Dragon Julie A , Thomas W. Kelley , Bruce Emily A , Crothers Jessica W 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, efforts to better understand SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding and transmission in both unvaccinated and vaccinated populations remain critical to informing public health policies and vaccine development. The utility of using RT-PCR cycle threshold values (CT values) as a proxy for infectious viral titers from individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 is yet to be fully understood. This retrospective observational cohort study compares quantitative infectious viral titers derived from a focus-forming viral titer assay with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR CT values in both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals infected with the Delta strain.
Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR with a CT value < 27 collected from June 26th to October 17th of 2021 at the University of Vermont Medical Center Clinical Laboratory for which vaccination records were available were included. Partially vaccinated and individuals < 18 years of age were excluded. Infectious viral titers were determined using a micro-focus forming assay under BSL-3 containment.
Results: 119 specimens from 22 unvaccinated and 97 vaccinated individuals met all inclusion criteria and had sufficient residual volume to undergo viral titering. A negative correlation between RT-PCR CT values and viral titers was observed in both unvaccinated and vaccinated groups. No difference in mean CT value or viral titer was detected between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Viral titers did not change as a function of time since vaccination.
Conclusions: Our results add to the growing body of knowledge regarding the correlation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels and levels of infectious virus. At similar CT values, vaccination does not appear to impact an individual’s potential infectivity when infected with the Delta variant.
Landscape of blood group antigens and alleles in the Indian population from whole genome sequences
Authors: Rophina Mercy , Bhoyar Rahul C , Imran Mohamed , Senthivel Vigneshwar , Divakar Mohit Kumar , Mishra Anushree , Jolly Bani , Sivasubbu Sridhar , Scaria Vinod 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBlood group antigens are genetically inherited macromolecular structures which form the underlying factor for inter individual variations in human blood. Currently there exists over 390 human blood group antigens corresponding to 44 blood group systems and 2 erythroid specific transcription factors. Distribution of these blood group antigens have been found to differ significantly among various ethnic populations. To date, there is a lack of comprehensive research that offers extensive blood group profiles for the Indian population. Whole genome sequence data (hg38) of 1029 self-declared healthy Indian individuals generated as a part of the pilot phase IndiGen programme were used for the analysis. Variants spanning the genes of 44 blood group systems and two transcription factors KLF1, GATA1 were fetched and annotated for their functional consequences. Our study reports a total of 40712 blood group related variants of which 695 were identified as non-synonymous variants in the coding region. Of the total non-synonymous variants, 105 were found to have a known blood phenotype. A total of 24 variants belonging to 12 blood groups were predicted to be deleterious by more than three computational tools. Our study was also able to identify a few rare blood phenotypes including Au(a-b+), Js(a+b+), Di(a+b-), In(a+b-) and KANNO-. This study is the first to use genomic data to understand the blood group antigen profiles of the Indian population, and it also systematically compares these profiles with those of other global populations.Key pointsAccurate characterization of the genomic landscape of known and rare blood group alleles and antigens in the Indian population using the whole genome sequencing data of 1029 self-declared healthy individualsUnderstanding the distinct similarities and differences in blood group genotypes and phenotypes across diverse global populations through systematic comparison of genomic datasets.Graphical abstract
Improved assessment ofSchistosomacommunity infection through data resampling methodology
Authors: Gurarie David , Mondal Anirban , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial L 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe conventional diagnostic forSchistosoma mansoniinfection is stool microscopy with Kato-Katz technique to detect eggs. Its outcomes are highly variable on day-to-day basis, and may lead to biased estimates of community infection used to inform public health programs. Our goal is to develop a resampling methodology that leverages data from a large-scale randomized trial to accurately predict community infection.MethodsWe developed a resampling methodology that provides unbiased community estimates of prevalence, intensity and other statistics forS. mansoniinfection when a community survey is conducted using single Kato-Katz stool microscopy per host. It leverages a large-scale dataset, collected in the SCORE project, and allows linking single-stool community screening to its putative multi-day ‘true statistics’.ResultsSCORE data analysis reveals limited sensitivity of Kato-Katz stool microscopy, and systematic bias of single-day community testing vs. multi-day testing; for prevalence estimate, it can fall up to 50% below true value. The proposed SCORE-cluster methodology reduces systematic bias and brings estimated prevalence values within 5-10% of the true value. This holds for a broad swath of transmission settings, including SCORE communities, and other datasets.DiscussionOur SCORE-cluster methodology can markedly improve theS. mansoniprevalence estimate in settings using stool microscopy.
Specialized Bacteroidetes dominate the Arctic Ocean during marine spring blooms
Authors: Redondo-Río Álvaro , Mundy Christopher J. , Tamames Javier , Pedrós-Alió Carlos 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA metagenomic time series from Arctic seawater was obtained from the Canadian region of Dease Strait, to analyse the changes in bacterioplankton caused by the phytoplankton bloom that recurrently occurs in summer. This dataset documents the growth of bacterial clades specialised in the metabolism of plysaccharides, such as Bacteroidetes, along with the phytoplackton. These specialised taxa quickly displaced the microbial clades that dominate nutrient-poor waters during early spring, such as Archaea, Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria. At the functional level, phyla Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia showed higher contents of polysaccharide-degradation functions. Glycoside hydrolases revealed that the Bacteroidetes community shifted towards species with higher polysaccharide-degrading capabilities, targeting algal polysaccharides in summer. Regarding transporters, Bacteroidetes dominated SusC-TonB transporters and had an exclusive family of glycoside-binding proteins (SusD). These proteins were used to identify polysaccharide-utilisation loci that clustered transporters and polysaccharide-active enzymes, showing a higher level of specialisation towards polysaccharide use. Put together, all these genomic features point to the genetic adaptations that promote the dominance of Bacteroidetes during phytoplankton blooms.
Serum VCAM-1 reduction by phytosomal curcumin formulation in rats on a high-fat diet
Authors: Abdul Razzak Rima , Al Kafaji Ghada , Khan Mohammad Nadir , Marwani Amar Muhsin , Naguib Yahya M. 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the effect of consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) rich with total saturated fats on adiposity and serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), a biomarker of endothelial inflammation/dysfunction. Another aim is to evaluate whether supplementation of a phytosomal formulation of curcumin would reduce adiposity measures and sVCAM-1 levels in HFD rats.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on 17 male rats which were allocated to one of three feeding regimen groups: normal diet (ND); HFD, or HFD with dietary phytosomal curcumin (HFD-C). Anthropometric measures were recorded weekly up to 20 weeks of feeding intervention, at the end of which, sVCAM-1 levels were also compared with one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc analysis.FindingsThe HFD group had the greatest values for raw anthropometric data, and there was a group difference in anthropometric measures, however there was no significant difference between HFD and HFD-C for any measure. The gain at 20 weeks from initial values did reveal significant differences in weight and abdominal circumference between HFD and HFD-C groups. There were significant group differences in sVCAM-1 levels, with only HFD-C displaying significant lower levels than HFD group.Originality/valueThis is the first study that shows the capacity of a phytosomal formulation of curcumin in reducing adiposity and sVCAM-1 levels during daily intake of saturated fats above the recommended level. The results are promising in that this formulation can protect against endothelial inflammation/dysfunction, and can be used as complimentary therapy to suppress dyslipidemia/obesity-related cardiovascular complications.
Internal control mechanisms and financial performance of Ghanaian banks: the moderating role of corporate governance
Authors: Oppong Clement , Atchulo Abukari Salifu , Dargaud Fofack Achille , Afonope Daniel Elorm 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the moderating impact of corporate governance on the relationship between internal control mechanisms and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a structured questionnaire to collect data from 250 top managers of rural banks in the capital of Ghana. Cronbach alpha value and Fornell-Larcker tests were performed to assess the reliability and validity of the data used. The study adopted a partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results show that internal control and corporate governance both have a direct positive and significant impact on financial performance. Furthermore, the interaction of internal control and corporate governance also has a positive and significant impact on financial performance, thus confirming the moderating role of corporate governance in the relationship between internal control mechanisms and financial performance.Practical implicationsThis implies that organizations need to strengthen their corporate governance procedures to increase the efficiency of their internal control systems, which would ultimately lead to an improvement in their financial performance.Originality/valueThe present study innovates by assessing the moderating role of corporate governance in the nexus between internal control mechanisms and financial performance. This moderating effect assessment implies that corporate governance may not only affect the technical implementation of the internal control structures but will subsequently make an impact on the overall performance of the organization.
Are we talking about the same thing? The case for stronger connections between graduate and worker employability research
Authors: Akkermans Jos , Donald William E. , Jackson Denise , Forrier Anneleen 
Published: September 2023

Purpose and approachThis article presents the case for creating stronger connections between research on graduate and worker employability. We offer a narrative review of commonalities and differences between these research streams and offer thoughts and suggestions for further integration and mutual learning.FindingsWe outline some of the main theories and concepts in the graduate and worker employability domains. Furthermore, we analyze how these show considerable overlap, though they have barely connected with each other yet. We also formulate an agenda for future research that would spur stronger connections between the fields. Finally, we turn to our fellow authors, reviewers, and editors to encourage a more open approach to each other's work that would enable more cross-fertilization of knowledge.ImplicationsWe hope our narrative review, critical analysis and future research suggestions will lead to more collaborations and mutual learning among employability researchers in the educational, career and psychology areas.