bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic Screening With CT: Comparison of Phantomless BMD Calibration Methods
Authors: Bartenschlager Stefan , Cavallaro Alexander , Pogarell Tobias , Chaudry Oliver , Uder Michael , Khosla Sundeep , Schett Georg , Engelke Klaus 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Opportunistic screening is a new promising technique to identify individuals at high risk for osteoporotic fracture using computed tomography (CT) scans originally acquired for an clinical purpose unrelated to osteoporosis. In these CT scans, a calibration phantom traditionally required to convert measured CT values to bone mineral density (BMD) is missing. As an alternative, phantomless calibration has been developed. This study aimed to review the principles of four existing phantomless calibration methods and to compare their performance against the gold standard of simultaneous calibration (ΔBMD). All methods were applied to a dataset of 350 females scanned with a highly standardized CT protocol (DS1) and to a second dataset of 114 patients (38 female) from clinical routine covering a large range of CT acquisition and reconstruction parameters (DS2). Three of the phantomless calibration methods must be precalibrated with a reference dataset containing a calibration phantom. Sixty scans from DS1 and 57 from DS2 were randomly selected for this precalibration. For each phantomless calibration method first the best combination of internal reference materials (IMs) was selected. These were either air and blood or subcutaneous adipose tissue, blood, and cortical bone. In addition, for phantomless calibration a fifth method based on average calibration parameters derived from the reference dataset was applied. For DS1, ΔBMD results (mean ± standard deviation) for the phantomless calibration methods requiring a precalibration ranged from 0.1 ± 2.7 mg/cm3 to 2.4 ± 3.5 mg/cm3 with similar means but significantly higher standard deviations for DS2. Performance of the phantomless calibration method, which does not require a precalibration was worse (ΔBMD DS1: 12.6 ± 13.2 mg/cm3, DS2: 0.5 ± 8.8 mg/cm3). In conclusion, phantomless BMD calibration performs well if precalibrated with a reference dataset. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Exploring the research landscape of implied volatility index: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Jain Shubham , Mittal Suresh Kumar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive literature review on Implied Volatility (IV) and its significance for investment decisions. The study employs a combination of bibliometric information, qualitative synthesis, and citation analysis to provide an overview of the current research on IV. Additionally, the study maps the research field by identifying leading journals, authors, research centers, and publications. The findings of the study highlight the importance of IV both theoretically and practically, and the fragmented nature of existing knowledge. The comprehensive literature review conducted in this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on IV. The research limitations of the study are due to the use of a single database for data extraction, which may have resulted in missing some relevant articles. It is suggested that future studies may use multiple databases to improve the comprehensiveness of the literature review.
Impact of rainwater intrusion on wastewater characterization and performance of nutrient removal activated sludge process
Authors: Orhon Derin , Hallaç Esra , Solmaz Bülent , Ubay‐Çokgör Emine , Sözen Seval 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe paper investigated the negative impact of rainwater intrusion and mixing with sewage, on the operation of an existing nutrient removal activated sludge plant. It evaluated the magnitude of observed changes, both in terms of flow increase and modification of major parameters, together with the resulting impact on system performance. The study was carried out at a selected plant. The influent characteristics of the plant were reviewed for 2021 and 2022, both for the dry and rainy periods. Collected data were evaluated together with the experimental support derived from the selected plant.RESULTSStatistical assessment of the collected data revealed significant changes likely to affect the performance of the existing plant: Sewage flow was increased from 580 000 to 670 000 m3 day−1. Although chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen were slightly reduced, a higher level of inorganic solids was observed. Assessment of nitrification–denitrification processes yielded an aerobic sludge age, θXA of 9 days and a total sludge age, θX of 15 days, with a VD:VT ratio of 0.4. Solids mass balance indicated a biomass level of 6100 mg L−1 with 47% of fixed solids, which was increased to 7300 mg L−1 with 52% fixed solids with the wet weather flow. These values denoted reactor volume limitation for sustainable/safe operation.CONCLUSIONAside from the impact of substantial treatment cost increase resulting from the incremental flow of 13.7 million m3 year−1 during wet weather periods, control and decrease of inorganic solids emerged as the key issue to safeguard system operation. The study also indicated clues for diverting runoff mixing as a tangible remedial action. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Measurement bias in caregiver‐report of early childhood behavior problems across demographic factors in an ECHO‐wide diverse sample
Authors: Zheng Shuting , Mansolf Maxwell , McGrath Monica , Churchill Marie L. , Bekelman Traci A. , Brennan Patricia A. , Margolis Amy E. , Nozadi Sara S. , Bastain Theresa M. , Elliott Amy J. , LeWinn Kaja Z. , Hofheimer Julie A. , Leve Leslie D. , Rennie Brandon , Zimmerman Emily , Marable Carmen A. , McEvoy Cindy T. , Liu Chang , Sullivan Alexis , Woodruff Tracey J. , Ghosh Samiran , Leventhal Bennett , Ferrara Assiamira , Lewis Johnnye , Bishop Somer ,   Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundResearch and clinical practice rely heavily on caregiver‐report measures, such as the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5 (CBCL/1.5‐5), to gather information about early childhood behavior problems and to screen for child psychopathology. While studies have shown that demographic variables influence caregiver ratings of behavior problems, the extent to which the CBCL/1.5‐5 functions equivalently at the item level across diverse samples is unknown.MethodsItem‐level data of CBCL/1.5‐5 from a large sample of young children (N = 9087) were drawn from 26 cohorts in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program. Factor analyses and the alignment method were applied to examine measurement invariance (MI) and differential item functioning (DIF) across child (age, sex, bilingual status, and neurodevelopmental disorders), and caregiver (sex, education level, household income level, depression, and language version administered) characteristics. Child race was examined in sensitivity analyses.ResultsItems with the most impactful DIF across child and caregiver groupings were identified for Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problems. The robust item sets, excluding the high DIF items, showed good reliability and high correlation with the original Internalizing and Total Problems scales, with lower reliability for Externalizing. Language version of CBCL administration, education level and sex of the caregiver respondent showed the most significant impact on MI, followed by child age. Sensitivity analyses revealed that child race has a unique impact on DIF over and above socioeconomic status.ConclusionsThe CBCL/1.5‐5, a caregiver‐report measure of early childhood behavior problems, showed bias across demographic groups. Robust item sets with less DIF can measure Internalizing and Total Problems equally as well as the full item sets, with slightly lower reliability for Externalizing, and can be crosswalked to the metric of the full item set, enabling calculation of normed T scores based on more robust item sets.
Multicenter Standardization of Phase‐Resolved Functional Lung MRI in Patients With Suspected Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Moher Alsady Tawfik , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Behrendt Lea , Olsson Karen , Heußel Claus Peter , Gruenig Ekkehard , Gall Henning , Ghofrani Ardeschir , Roller Fritz , Harth Sebastian , Marshall Helen , Hughes Paul J.C. , Wild Jim , Swift Andrew J. , Kiely David G. , Behr Jürgen , Dinkel Julien , Beitzke Dietrich , Lang Irene M. , Schmidt Kai Helge , Kreitner Karl Friedrich , Frauenfelder Thomas , Ulrich Silvia , Hamer Okka W. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundDetection of pulmonary perfusion defects is the recommended approach for diagnosing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This is currently achieved in a clinical setting using scintigraphy. Phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an alternative technique for evaluating regional ventilation and perfusion without the use of ionizing radiation or contrast media.PurposeTo assess the feasibility and image quality of PREFUL‐MRI in a multicenter setting in suspected CTEPH.Study TypeThis is a prospective cohort sub‐study.PopulationForty‐five patients (64 ± 16 years old) with suspected CTEPH from nine study centers.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T and 3 T/2D spoiled gradient echo/bSSFP/T2 HASTE/3D MR angiography (TWIST).AssessmentLung signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were compared between study centers with different MRI machines. The contrast between normally and poorly perfused lung areas was examined on PREFUL images. The perfusion defect percentage calculated using PREFUL‐MRI (QDPPREFUL) was compared to QDP from the established dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI technique (QDPDCE). Furthermore, QDPPREFUL was compared between a patient subgroup with confirmed CTEPH or chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) to other clinical subgroups.Statistical Testst‐Test, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation. Significance level was 5%.ResultsSignificant differences in lung SNR and CNR were present between study centers. However, PREFUL perfusion images showed a significant contrast between normally and poorly perfused lung areas (mean delta of normalized perfusion −4.2% SD 3.3) with no differences between study sites (ANOVA: P = 0.065). QDPPREFUL was significantly correlated with QDPDCE (r = 0.66), and was significantly higher in 18 patients with confirmed CTEPH or CTED (57.9 ± 12.2%) compared to subgroups with other causes of PH or with excluded PH (in total 27 patients with mean ± SD QDPPREFUL = 33.9 ± 17.2%).Data ConclusionPREFUL‐MRI could be considered as a non‐invasive method for imaging regional lung perfusion in multicenter studies.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 1
The interplay between chronic hepatitis B and diabetes mellitus: A narrative and concise review
Authors: Huang Shang‐Chin , Kao Jia‐Horng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder among individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), contributing to additional adverse impacts on both hepatic and extrahepatic systems. Existing evidence suggests a potential positive association between CHB and the development of insulin resistance and T2DM. The presence of T2DM in CHB patients is associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence. Moreover, it elevates the risk of non‐liver cancers and all‐cause mortality in this population. T2DM also serves as the key element in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease, which is prevalent in the CHB population. Although specific guidelines for managing T2DM in CHB patients have not been proposed, some studies indicated that intensive glycemic control may benefit the prognosis of these patients. Additionally, specific antidiabetic agents, such as metformin and thiazolidinediones, promise to reduce HCC risk. However, unresolved questions, including the optimal glycemic control target and the selection of antidiabetic agents for CHB patients, remain and thus warrant further investigations through well‐designed prospective trials. Implementing a standardized protocol encompassing regular monitoring, risk stratification, and early intervention using a multidisciplinary framework may improve the outcomes of diabetic CHB patients.
Arachidonic acid metabolism in health and disease
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Liu Yingxiang , Sun Jin , Zhang Wei , Guo Zheng , Ma Qiong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractArachidonic acid (AA), an n‐6 essential fatty acid, is a major component of mammalian cells and can be released by phospholipase A2. Accumulating evidence indicates that AA plays essential biochemical roles, as it is the direct precursor of bioactive lipid metabolites of eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid obtained from three distinct enzymatic metabolic pathways: the cyclooxygenase pathway, lipoxygenase pathway, and cytochrome P450 pathway. AA metabolism is involved not only in cell differentiation, tissue development, and organ function but also in the progression of diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes, and cancers. These eicosanoids are generally considered proinflammatory molecules, as they can trigger oxidative stress and stimulate the immune response. Therefore, interventions in AA metabolic pathways are effective ways to manage inflammatory‐related diseases in the clinic. Currently, inhibitors targeting enzymes related to AA metabolic pathways are an important area of drug discovery. Moreover, many advances have also been made in clinical studies of AA metabolic inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Herein, we review the discovery of AA and focus on AA metabolism in relation to health and diseases. Furthermore, inhibitors targeting AA metabolism are summarized, and potential clinical applications are discussed.
A new sonoablation using acoustic droplet vaporization and focused ultrasound: A feasibility study
Authors: Li Hui , He Huan , Tang Jiawei , Luo Tingting , Yang Guoliang , Huang Leidan , Dong Xiaoxiao , Liu Zheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundHistotripsy and boiling histotripsy are two methods of mechanical ablation that use high‐pressure focused ultrasound (FUS).PurposeHere, a new bubble sonoablation technique was investigated using low‐pressure FUS in combination with local injection of perfluoropentane (PFP) in rabbit liver.MethodsFifteen healthy New Zealand white rabbits were treated with FUS alone, FUS + PFP or PFP alone. FUS was performed using a single‐element focused transducer (frequency 596 kHz, 0.27 ms pulses, 0.54% duty cycle, and peak negative pressure 2.0 MPa). Ten minutes before FUS treatment, the PFP droplet was locally injected into the rabbit liver, where the ultrasound was focused. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the liver was performed, and the temperature at the liver surface in the targeted liver region was recorded during treatment. The livers were collected for pathological examination. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Paired t‐tests were used to compare the pre‐ and post‐treatment values. One‐way analysis of variance was performed to compare multiple groups, and the least significant difference method was used for further comparisons between the two groups.ResultsAnalysis of CEUS data showed that the values of area under the curve (AUC) were significantly different in the PFP + FUS group pre‐ (10453.644 ± 1182.93) and post‐treatment (4058.098 ± 2720.41), and the AUC values of PFP + FUS post‐treatment (4058.098 ± 2720.41) were also significantly lower than those of the FUS (9946.694 ± 1071.54) and the PFP (10364.794 ± 2181.53) groups. The peak intensity values also showed the same results, the value of peak intensity of PFP+FUS post‐treatment was 82.958 ± 13.99, whereas there was no difference between FUS (106.61 ± 7.61) and PFP (104.136 ± 10.55). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed that the pathological damage ratings of the PFP + FUS, PFP, and FUS groups were grade 3, grade 1, and grade 0, respectively. Specifically, the area of liver necrosis in the PFP + FUS group (0.99 ± 0.29 cm2) was 198 times higher than that in the PFP group (0.005 ± 0.008 cm2), whereas no necrosis was observed in the livers treated with FUS alone. Simultaneously, the number of vacuoles in the liver of the PFP + FUS group (35.50 ± 23.31) was approximately five times that of the PFP group (7.00 ± 12.88), whereas no vacuoles were found in the liver treated with FUS alone.ConclusionPFP droplets combined with FUS can destroy liver tissue and cause tissue necrosis in the droplet injection area, without affecting the structure of surrounding tissue.
The feasibility of implementing Toronto childhood cancer stage guidelines and estimating the impact on outcome for childhood cancers in seven pediatric oncology units in sub‐Saharan Africa. A study from the Franco‐African Pediatric Oncology Group
Authors: Mallon Brenda , Kaboré Rolande , Couitchere Line , Akonde Fatou Binetou , Narison Mbolanirina Lala Rakotomahefa , Budiongo Aléine , Dackono Tankélé Arsène , Pondy Angel , Diedhiou Francis , Patte Catherine , Steliarova‐Foucher Eva , Clavel Jacqueline 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe improvement of childhood cancer outcome is determined by early diagnosis, effective treatment, supportive care, and adequate medical follow‐up. Stage at diagnosis may reflect timeliness of diagnosis, therefore standardized registration of stage is essential for interpretation of regional differences and time trends in survival. Here, we describe the feasibility of implementing the Toronto Childhood Cancer Stage Guidelines (hereafter Toronto Guidelines [TG]) in the hospital‐based cancer registry of the Franco‐African Pediatric Oncology Group (GFAOP), and assess the impact of TG stage on outcome in pediatric oncology units (POUs) in seven low‐ and middle‐income countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsAll cancer patients diagnosed before 15 years of age with one of the 15 cancer types defined in TG, resident in one of the participating countries, and attending one of the selected POUs in 2017–2019 were included. Stage was assigned according to TG. Patients were followed‐up for vital status for at least 12 months post diagnosis. Survival at 3, 6, and 12 months was calculated using Kaplan–Meier method and compared between POUs and tumor groups using log‐rank test.ResultsTG stage was assigned to 1772 of 2446 (89%) cases diagnosed with one of 11 cancer types. It was not possible to assign TG stage to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the three types of the central nervous system tumors included in the TG. One‐year overall survival (OS) was 58% [95% confidence interval: 55–60] and varied between POUs. Survival declined with increasing stage for four tumor types and was statistically significant for two.ConclusionExcept for ALL and brain tumors, we demonstrated feasibility of TG implementation for childhood solid cancers in participating POUs in SSA, and provided a baseline assessment of childhood cancer outcomes against which future stage distribution and survival can be measured as timelines of diagnosis improve over time within the GFAOP network.
Sports participation in chronic immune thrombocytopenia: Safer than you thought?
Authors: Witmer Char M. , Lambert Michele P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground/objectivesPediatric patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) commonly have activity limitations placed to prevent injury without data guiding clinical decision‐making. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated with injury in children with chronic ITP.Design/methodsRetrospective single‐center cohort study from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2019 in subjects age 5–21 years with chronic ITP (platelet count < 100,000/µL for >1 year).ResultsOne‐hundred‐two subjects were included, with a mean diagnosis age of 9.3 ± 4.6 years. Mean follow‐up 3.8 ± 2.3 years; 61% (62) of subjects were female; 60% (61) participated in organized sports, mean 2 ± 1 sports/subject; 8.8% (9) received ITP therapy for sports participation. Common sports: basketball (28%) and soccer (28%). There were 31 injuries in 26 subjects, and 68% (21) occurred while at play. Most common injuries: 68% (21/31) soft tissue and 23% (7/31) head trauma. Fifteen (48%) injuries were severe enough for medical evaluation at the time of injury. Only one patient received acute ITP treatment for their injury. Injury was associated with participation in high‐risk sports (p < .001), male sex (p = .007), and participation in multiple organized sports (p = .008).ConclusionIn this study of 102 pediatric subjects with chronic ITP, injury was mild and infrequent predominantly occurring while at play. The majority participated in organized sports safely. Risk of injury was associated with high‐risk sport participation (p < .001). Only one injury necessitated ITP treatment, suggesting that participation in most sports is likely safe in children with chronic ITP.
High thermal conductivity electrical insulation composite EP/h‐BN obtained by DC electric field induction
Authors: Liang Liang , Feng Yu , Yang Kailun , Wang Zhanyi , Zhang Zhonghua , Chen Xuesong , Chen Qingguo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEpoxy resin, as an adhesive for the main insulation system of large generators, has excellent insulation properties. But its poor thermal conductivity limits the capacity enhancement of large generators. Forming thermally conductive pathways by using electric field to induce high thermal conductivity fillers in the polymer can effectively improve the thermal conductivity of the composite at low loading condition. In this article, a DC electric field is used in epoxy resin (EP) to induce two‐dimensional inorganic fillers h‐BN deflection and head‐to‐tail lap, which can make the heat flow transfer along the in‐plane of the particles and contribute to the more efficient thermal conductivity network. A high thermal conductivity of 0.544 W/(m K) was achieved at a low load of 10 wt%, which has an improvement of 289% compared to pure EP (0.14 W/[m K]) and 130% compared to the randomly dispersed composite with the same load. The composites have excellent thermal conductivity as well as insulating properties, among which volume resistivity is 1.46 × 1012 Ω/cm, increasing by 61.4% compared to pure EP. This method is easy to be carried out in engineering and has great possibilities for the main insulation of large generators and even for other applications with high thermal conductivity electrical insulation.Highlights
The structure of composites was adjusted by direct current electric field.
The high in‐plane thermal conductivity of h‐BN is fully exploited.
The relationship between deflection angle of BN and thermal conductivity of composites was built.