bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial immunotherapy is highly effective in reducing recurrent upper respiratory tract infections in children: a prospective observational study
Authors: Rebolledo Laura , Rodríguez-Vigil Carmen , Carmen Luis , Llorente Eva , Guallar María , Villoria Jesús , Vicente Eugenio 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Whilst immunotherapy is an appealing option as it could reduce the burden of recurrent pediatric respiratory tract infections (RTI), there is limited evidence on its effectiveness and more research was requested in order to better understand this therapeutic modality.

Methods
We performed a prospective cohort study involving 57 subjects to assess the safety and effectiveness a 3-month regimen of either typified or patient-specific bacterial lysates could have in reducing the number of RTIs in children aged 0 to 11 years with histories of recurrent episodes.

Results
After a 6-month follow-up, the number of RTIs and school absenteeism dropped sharply and significantly, from an adjusted mean (standard error) of 0.6 (0.04) episodes/month to 0.1 (0.03) episodes/month (74.7% reduction, P < 0.001), and from an adjusted mean score of 4.6 (1.06) points to 0.0 (0.01) points over 10 (99.5% reduction, P < 0.001), respectively. There was also a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms. No adverse reactions were observed.

Conclusion
The use of the study product is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent RTIs in children, with a very favorable safety profile that warrants further investigation in randomized clinical trials.
Fluorescence use in minimally invasive metabolic and bariatric surgery — a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Wityk Mateusz , Dowgiałło-Gornowicz Natalia , Feszak Igor , Bobowicz Maciej 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This review aims to explore and summarise current knowledge of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence application in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and assess its potential in improving patient safety.

Methods
The review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Evidence from PubMed, ScienceDirect and Ovid MEDLINE databases was independently screened in October 2022. The primary information and outcomes were the type of fluorescence application with potential patient benefit and the complication rate. The secondary outcomes consisted of the kind of dye, the application protocol, and the equipment used.

Results
Thirteen publications were included, with six prospective observational studies, five case reports and two retrospective cohort studies and involved a total of 424 patients. The publications were categorized into four groups based on the method of fluorescence application. Sixty-six percent of the cases used fluorescence for LSG, 32.3% used it for RYGB, 1.2% for revisional surgery, 0.2% during removal of an adjustable gastric band, and 0.2% for LSG combined with Rossetti fundoplication. ICG was used on its own in the majority of studies, although in one case, it was used in combination with methylene blue. ICG administration protocols varied significantly. Complications occurred in three patients (0.71%): leaks were diagnosed in two cases, and one patient required a blood transfusion.

Conclusion
The most popular type of use is intraoperative assessment of the blood supply. ICG application may reduce the risk of complications, with potential benefits in detecting ischemia and leaks, searching for bleeding in areas inaccessible to endoscopy, and non-invasive hepatopathy evaluation.
The role of the atopy patch test in the diagnostic work-up of non-IgE gastrointestinal food allergy in children: a systematic review
Authors: Cuomo Barbara , Anania Caterina , D’Auria Enza , Decimo Fabio , Indirli Giovanni Cosimo , Manca Enrica , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Mastrorilli Violetta , Panetta Valentina , Santoro Angelica , Sartorio Marco Ugo Andrea , Veronelli Elisabetta , Calvani Mauro 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The “Atopy Patch Test” (APT) has been proposed as a diagnostic tool for food allergies (FA), especially in children with FA-related gastrointestinal symptoms. However, its diagnostic accuracy is debated, and its usefulness is controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the APT diagnostic accuracy compared with the diagnostic gold standard, i.e., the oral food challenge (OFC), in children affected by non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal food allergies, including the evaluation in milk allergic subgroup. Both classical non-IgE mediated clinical pictures and food induced motility disorders (FPIMD) were considered. The search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from January 2000 to June 2022 by two independent researchers. The patient, intervention, comparators, outcome, and study design approach (PICOS) format was used for developing key questions, to address the APT diagnostic accuracy compared with the oral food challenge (OFC). The quality of the studies was assessed by the QUADAS-2 system. The meta‐analysis was performed to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR (diagnostic odds ratio), PLR (positive likelihood ratio), and NLR (negative likelihood ratio) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Out of the 457 citations initially identified via the search (196 on PubMed and 261 on Scopus), 37 advanced to full-text screening, and 16 studies were identified to be included in the systematic review. Reference lists from relevant retrievals were searched, and one additional article was added. Finally, 17 studies were included in the systematic review. The analysis showed that APT has a high specificity of 94% (95%CI: 0.88–0.97) in the group of patients affected by FPIMD. Data showed a high pooled specificity of 96% (95% CI: 0.89–0.98) and the highest accuracy of APT in patients affected by cow’s milk allergy (AUC = 0.93). Conclusion: APT is effective in identifying causative food in children with food-induced motility disorders.

What is Known:• Atopy patch test could be a useful diagnostic test for diagnosing food allergy, especially in children with food allergy-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

What is New:• Atopy patch test may be a useful tool in diagnosing non IgE food allergy, especially in children with food-induced gastrointestinal motility disorders and cow's milk allergy.
Minor salivary gland stem cells: a comparative study of the biological properties under clinical-grade culture conditions
Authors: Andreadis Dimitrios , Angelopoulos Ioannis , Aggelidou Elena , Gousopoulou Evangelia , Volk Joachim , Poulopoulos Athanasios , Kritis Aristeidis , Geurtsen Werner , Bakopoulou Athina 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDevelopment of clinical-grade, cell preparations is central to cGMP (good manufacturing practice compliant) conditions. This study aimed to investigate the potential of two serum/xeno-free, cGMP (StemPro, StemMacs) culture media to maintain “stemness” of human minor salivary gland stem cell (mSG-SC) cultures compared to a complete culture medium (CCM). Overall, StemMacs resulted in higher proliferation rates after p.6 compared to the conventional serum-based medium, while StemPro showed substantial delays in cell proliferation after p.9. The mSG-SCs cultures exhibited two distinct cell populations at early passages a mesenchymal subpopulation and an epithelial-like subpopulation. Expression of several markers (CD146, STRO-1, SSEA-4, CD105, CD106, CD34, K 7/8, K14, K18) variably decreased with prolonged passaging (all three media). The percentage of SA-β-gal positive cells was initially higher for StemMacs compared to StemPro/CCM and increased with prolonged passaging in all cases. The telomere fragment length decreased with prolonged passaging in all three media but more pronouncedly for the CCM. Expansion under serum-free conditions caused pronounced upregulation of ALP and BMP-2, with parallel complete elimination of the baseline expressions of LPL (all three media) and ACAN (serum-free media), therefore, showing a preferential shift of the mSG-SCs towards osteogenic phenotypes. Finally, several markers (Nanog, SOX-2, PDX-1, OTX2, GSC, HCG) decreased with prolonged culture, indicating successive loss of “stemness”. Based on the findings, it seems that StemPro preserve stemness of the mSG-SCs after prolonged culture. Nevertheless, there is still a vacant role for the ideal development of clinical-grade culture conditions.
Chemometrics and electrochemistry: a useful tandem to be shown to university students
Authors: Bastos-Arrieta Julio , Pérez-Ràfols Clara , Serrano Núria , Díaz-Cruz José Manuel , Ariño Cristina , Esteban Miquel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA short discussion is given of the convenience of integrating electrochemistry and chemometrics in university degrees related to chemistry, and some selected examples are presented to illustrate the possibilities of combining both disciplines for solving (electro)chemical problems of different nature.
Towards rigorous understanding of neural networks via semantics-preserving transformations
Authors: Schlüter Maximilian , Nolte Gerrit , Murtovi Alnis , Steffen Bernhard 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we present an algebraic approach to the precise and global verification and explanation of Rectifier Neural Networks, a subclass of Piece-wise Linear Neural Networks (PLNNs), i.e., networks that semantically represent piece-wise affine functions. Key to our approach is the symbolic execution of these networks that allows the construction of semantically equivalent Typed Affine Decision Structures (TADS). Due to their deterministic and sequential nature, TADS can, similarly to decision trees, be considered as white-box models and therefore as precise solutions to the model and outcome explanation problem. TADS are linear algebras, which allows one to elegantly compare Rectifier Networks for equivalence or similarity, both with precise diagnostic information in case of failure, and to characterize their classification potential by precisely characterizing the set of inputs that are specifically classified, or the set of inputs where two network-based classifiers differ. All phenomena are illustrated along a detailed discussion of a minimal, illustrative example: the continuous XOR function.
Comparison of patient characteristics and treatment approaches for femoral and inguinal hernias utilizing dynamic ultrasound at a single institution
Authors: Chiu M. K. , Hadied M. O. , Klochko C. , van Holsbeeck M. T. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the differences in management approach to femoral versus inguinal hernias and to identify patient characteristics associated with each hernia type.

Methods
Imaging studies for patients who had undergone dynamic ultrasound evaluation for the symptom of groin pain between January 1, 2010, and March 31, 2019, at a single institution Musculoskeletal Department were analyzed. Positive femoral hernia imaging studies were compared to studies for inguinal hernias and matching medical records for imaging studies were analyzed. Association of patient characteristics (age, sex, smoking, diabetes) with hernia type was assessed. Primary outcomes were surgical versus non-surgical approach, type of surgery, number of follow-up visits, and pain resolution.

Results
A total of 1319 patients presented with groin pain and were assessed with dynamic ultrasound (534 female; 785 male; mean [± SD] age 48.2 ± 16.5). While 409 (31.0%) patients had a femoral hernia detected, 666 (50.6%) had an inguinal hernia detected (p < .05). Significantly more inguinal hernias were surgically repaired than femoral hernias (65.0% vs 53.9% p = .008), and more inguinal hernias than femoral hernias were treated with open surgery (71.0% vs 57.7%; p = .014). Patients with femoral hernias had significantly more follow-up clinic visits than patients with inguinal hernias (mean [± SD] 2.65 ± 4.80 vs 1.76 ± 1.27; p = .010). No difference in the percentage of patients who had pain resolution was observed (82.2% inguinal vs 75.0% femoral; p = .13).

Conclusions
Femoral hernias were managed more conservatively than inguinal hernias at our institution.
Do high local customer and supply densities foster firm growth?
Authors: Behr Andreas , Schiwy Christoph , Hong Lucy 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe analyze the effect of local supplier and customer densities on employment growth, using a sample of $$19\,275$$
19 275
German firms. We suggest a new approach to estimating firm-specific customer and supply densities through combining input-output data from the German Federal Statistical Office and firm-level data from the Orbis database. Existing empirical analyses are primarily conducted on a regional level, so that findings may depend on the regarded regional level and only provide limited insights into the existence and effects of agglomeration on growth at the firm-level. We use kernel density estimation to avoid the arbitrariness of spatial boundaries and scales, and find that the regional agglomeration patterns vary considerably between different sectors. Our econometric analysis reveals that input supplier and customer densities have a statistically significant effect on firm growth and that the firms’ age plays a crucial role in analyzing agglomeration economies.
How to shoot yourself right with a smartphone?
Authors: Tesařová Alena , Herout Adam , Bambušek Daniel , Juřík Vojtěch 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article presents a new use case of using handheld augmented reality to set up a smartphone camera for taking a self-photograph needed for evaluating the user’s sports exercise. The problem addressed is that of settings up the rear smartphone camera so that users can take photographs of themselves performing sports poses without the need for assistance from another person. The proposed solution uses an augmented reality avatar with the same body properties as the user, which is placed into the scene so that the user can set up the camera to best capture the avatar. We also propose a straightforward mode of interaction for placing the avatar into the scene and setting up the camera for the desired purpose. We conducted a user study to explore the usability and user experience of the proposed solution. The results showed that the augmented reality visual aids, especially the avatar, enhanced the effectiveness of taking the self-photograph and that users perceived augmented reality elements favorably.
Red flags and adjusted suspicion index for distinguishing hereditary transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy from idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy
Authors: Warendorf Janna K. , van der Star Gerjan M. , Dooijes Dennis , Notermans Nicolette C. , Vrancken Alexander F. J. E. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Early diagnosis of hereditary ATTR polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) is important since treatment options have become available, which are most effective early in the disease course. ATTRv-PN is likely underdiagnosed as patients might be misdiagnosed with idiopathic polyneuropathy. It is uncertain if it is useful to test for TTR gene mutations in patients with a typical presentation for chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) and which are the distinguishing clinical features.

Methods
We carried out a retrospective cohort study to assess the yield of TTR gene sequencing in patients with polyneuropathy and assessed if the identified patients with ATTRv-PN had a clinical presentation typical of CIAP. Additionally, we assessed which clinical features, including previously defined red flag symptoms, can differentiate between patients with CIAP and ATTRv-PN and assessed the performance of the TTR suspicion index.

Results
Out of 338 patients with polyneuropathy, 10 patients had a pathogenic TTR gene mutation (all p.Val50Met) and none had a clinical presentation typical of CIAP. Patients with ATTRv-PN more often had bilateral CTS, motor involvement of arms, cardiac involvement, family history suggestive of hATTRv, and autonomic symptoms than patients with CIAP. All patients with ATTRv-PN as well as 70% of patients with CIAP fulfilled the suspicion index.

Conclusion
Routine TTR gene sequencing in patients with a typical presentation for CIAP is not useful. However, red flag symptoms can differentiate patients with ATTRv-PN from patients with CIAP. We propose an adjusted version of the TTR suspicion index to increase diagnostic yield.
Combined loss of CDH1 and downstream regulatory sequences drive early-onset diffuse gastric cancer and increase penetrance of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Authors: São José Celina , Garcia-Pelaez José , Ferreira Marta , Arrieta Oscar , André Ana , Martins Nelson , Solís Samantha , Martínez-Benítez Braulio , Ordóñez-Sánchez María Luisa , Rodríguez-Torres Maribel , Sommer Anna K. , te Paske Iris B. A. W. , Caldas Carlos , Tischkowitz Marc , Tusié Maria Teresa ,   Solve-RD DITF-GENTURIS, Aretz Stefan , Capella Gabriel , Castedo Sérgio , de Voer Richarda M. , Evans Gareth , Fernandes Susana , Garcia-Pelaez José , Garrido Luzia , Holinski-Feder Elke , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Huntsman David , Jahn Arne , Kets C. Marleen , Laner Andreas , Ligtenberg Marjolijn , Meinhardt Andrea , Mensenkamp Arjen , Oliveira Carla , Peters Sophia , Quintana Isabel , Schröck Evelin , Sommer Anna , Spier Isabel , Spruijt Liesbeth , Steinke-Lange Verena , Paske Iris te , Tischkowitz Marc , Valle Laura , van der Post Rachel , van Herwaarden Yasmijn , van Zelst-Stams Wendy , William Doreen , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Demidov German , de Voer Richarda M. , Laurie Steve , Oliveira Carla 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Germline CDH1 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants cause hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). Once a genetic cause is identified, stomachs’ and breasts’ surveillance and/or prophylactic surgery is offered to asymptomatic CDH1 carriers, which is life-saving. Herein, we characterized an inherited mechanism responsible for extremely early-onset gastric cancer and atypical HDGC high penetrance.

Methods
Whole-exome sequencing (WES) re-analysis was performed in an unsolved HDGC family. Accessible chromatin and CDH1 promoter interactors were evaluated in normal stomach by ATAC-seq and 4C-seq, and functional analysis was performed using CRISPR-Cas9, RNA-seq and pathway analysis.

Results
We identified a germline heterozygous 23 Kb CDH1-TANGO6 deletion in a family with eight diffuse gastric cancers, six before age 30. Atypical HDGC high penetrance and young cancer-onset argued towards a role for the deleted region downstream of CDH1, which we proved to present accessible chromatin, and CDH1 promoter interactors in normal stomach. CRISPR-Cas9 edited cells mimicking the CDH1-TANGO6 deletion display the strongest CDH1 mRNA downregulation, more impacted adhesion-associated, type-I interferon immune-associated and oncogenic signalling pathways, compared to wild-type or CDH1-deleted cells. This finding solved an 18-year family odyssey and engaged carrier family members in a cancer prevention pathway of care.

Conclusion
In this work, we demonstrated that regulatory elements lying down-stream of CDH1 are part of a chromatin network that control CDH1 expression and influence cell transcriptome and associated signalling pathways, likely explaining high disease penetrance and very young cancer-onset. This study highlights the importance of incorporating scientific–technological updates and clinical guidelines in routine diagnosis, given their impact in timely genetic diagnosis and disease prevention.

Graphical abstract
Surgery as first-line treatment for prolactinoma? Discussion of the literature and results of a consecutive series of surgically treated patients
Authors: Ottenhausen Malte , Conrad Jens , Wolters Lea-Marie , Ringel Florian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractInitial treatment for prolactinoma is usually conservative with dopamine agonists. However, the duration of treatment is often lifelong and can be associated with significant side effects. Surgical outcomes are usually favorable and treatment complications low, raising the question whether surgical therapy should be included earlier in the treatment of prolactinoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of surgical resection of prolactinomas at our institution, to compare it with other published surgical and conservative series and to discuss the role of surgery in modern prolactinoma therapy. The authors reviewed a database of single-center consecutively operated prolactinoma cases and analyzed the extent of resection (EOR), endocrinological and neurological outcomes, and complications. Thirty patients were analyzed. Mean patient age was 37.2 ± 15.5 years (range 16–76) and consisted of 17 (56.7%) females and 13 (43.3%) males. Twenty-one patients (70%) failed medical therapy, the main reasons being intolerable side effects in 11 cases (52.4%) and insufficient response in 10 cases (47.6%). Nine patients (30%) received no medical treatment prior to surgery, of which five (55.6%) were operated because of pituitary apoplexy, two (22.2%) because of acute visual deterioration and two (22.2%) refused medical treatment and opted for surgery as first-line treatment. Of the 30 operated tumors, 56.7% (n = 17) were microadenomas, 30% (n = 9) were macroadenomas (≥ 10 mm), and 13.3% (n = 4) were giant adenomas (≥ 40 mm). GTR was achieved in 75% (n = 21) of cases. The overall remission rate was 63.3%. MRI showed a residual tumor in seven patients (25%), typically with invasive growth. Postoperative CSF leaks did not occur. Mean follow-up was 34.9 ± 60.3 months (range 0–246 months). Endocrine remission was defined as a morning fasting basal PRL level of 22.3 < ng/mL and measured at the last available follow-up. Postoperative Prolactine levels were missing in three patients. Our analysis describes a highly selected sample with a disproportionate number of larger, invasive tumors and emergency cases. Nevertheless, the results are satisfactory and comparable with other published series. The consistently good results of transphenoidal surgery, especially for microprolactinomas, have led to a greater acceptance of surgery in the treatment of prolactinomas in recent years. The timing of surgery in each individual case must be determined by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcome.
A personalized learning theory-based cyber-security training exercise
Authors: Chowdhury Nabin , Gkioulos Vasileios 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCurrent enterprises’ needs for skilled cyber-security (CS) professionals have prompted the development of diverse CS training programs and offerings. It has been noted that even though enterprise staff is now more aware of security threats, the number of successful attacks against companies has all but decreased over the years. Several criticisms were raised against current CS training offerings, which often made them inadequate, or unable to change participants’ behavior and security attitude. One of the main factors CS training programs are often not very effective is the lack of engagement or motivation of participants. This is often the result of training not being tailored to the needs or preferences of participants. In our previous work, we tackled this issue by developing a personalized learning theory-based model for developing CS training frameworks. In this work, we utilize the model to develop two CS training exercises: two game-based scenarios using the CS training video game Cyber CIEGE and one table-top team exercise. The exercises are later tested by involving a group of 12 students from the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology (NTNU) Information Security master’s degree program. According to the results of the experiment and the feedback from the students, students felt more engaged during the exercises due to having been participants in their development process. This has in turn motivated them to continue using the training tools independently in their spare time. Further research is recommended to establish whether the training development model is adequate for different target groups, as well as better performing than other models when developing full-fledged training programs.