bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic cancer detection with a non-contrast MR protocol: is it reliable?
Authors: Maio Francesca , Pasqualino Vincenzo , Bertana Luca , Venturini Silvia , Cantoni Valeria , Fusaro Michele , Morana Giovanni 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The pancreatic cancer (PC) is the 4th leading cancer-related death, becoming the second one by 2030, with a 5 year survival rate of 8%. Considering its increased incidence in high-risk categories compared to the general population, we aimed to validate a non-contrast MR protocol, to detect PC in its earliest phase, which could be suitable as a screening tool in high-risk patients.

Materials and methods
In this retrospective study, we selected 200 patients (> 40 years) from our radiological database, which performed upper abdominal MRI between 2012 and 2017. 100 were negative for pancreatic lesions and 100 positive for pancreatic lesion (< 30 mm). The latter group included: 40 PDAC (pancreatic adenocarcinoma), 42 BD-IPMN (Branch Duct- Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm), 10 PNET(pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor), 4 SCN(serous cystic neoplasm), 3 IPS(intrapancreatic spleen), 1 MCN(mucinous cystic neoplasm). Three readers (R1, R2 and R3) with a high, medium and low experience, respectively, analysed, first, the non-contrast MR sequences (single-shot T2w breath-hold, GE T1w FS, DWI and 2D/3D MRCP), and then the standard MR protocol, independently, randomly and anonymously. Readers identified or excluded the presence of pancreatic lesion, in both reading sessions. These results were compared with the histopathological diagnosis, and then divided into 3 different classes of lesions: all lesions, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and solid lesion. Mcnemar’s test was used to compare the results. The inter-observer agreement was determined according to the kappa statistic in both protocols, and then the inter-protocol agreement was calculated.

Results
The non-contrast MR protocol has reached statistical parameters values ranging between 83% in SE (sensitivity) by R3 and 99% in NPV (negative predictive value) by R1. The standard MR protocol has reported slight increasing statistical parameters compared to those of the proposed one. However, there are not significant statistical differences between the both protocols. The proposed non-contrast MR protocol has reported the highest NPVs in the PDAC group detection (R1: 99%, R2: 99%, R3: 98%). In all groups of lesions, the agreement between the two protocols was excellent for each Reader ranging from 96 to 98%.

Conclusion
The proposed non-contrast MR protocol showed high PC detection values and a time execution ≤ 20 min. Therefore, it can be proposed as a screening tool in high-risk patients.
Secondary fracture prevention with osteoporosis medication after a fragility fracture in Sweden remains low despite new guidelines
Authors: Ek Stina , Meyer Anna C. , Sääf Maria , Hedström Margareta , Modig Karin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Summary

This national register study investigated osteoporosis medication prescriptions for secondary fracture prevention among older Swedish adults. Although prescription proportions are increasing for both men and women, they remain low, especially among individuals aged 90 and older. Improved Fracture Liaison Services could increase the prescription proportions and should be bolstered.

Purpose
Despite clear guidelines for secondary fracture prevention among older adults, it seems undertreatment persists. We aimed to describe secondary fracture prevention with medical osteoporosis treatment in the older Swedish population. Specifically, how prescription has changed over time and if these patterns differ in sociodemographic subgroups.

Methods
Between 2007 and 2020, osteoporosis medication use was studied among all Swedish residents aged 70 and older who had a fragility fracture in the previous 5 years. Previous fragility fractures were defined as fractures of the humerus, wrist, hip, or vertebrae. Osteoporosis medication was defined as any prescription of bone-enhancing medications (including bisphosphonates and denosumab).

Results
Osteoporosis medication increased over the study period, especially among men. Prescription among individuals 90 + was consistently two- to threefold lower compared to 70–79- and 80–89-year-olds. In 2018–2020, 8–17% of women and 5–9% of men, depending on age, received osteoporosis medication. At the beginning of the study period, women with higher education were more likely to be prescribed osteoporosis medication, though this difference decreased over time. Prescription of vitamin D and/or calcium as the only treatment was more common than osteoporosis medications throughout the study period.

Conclusion
Despite increasing prescription proportions, medical treatment for secondary fracture prevention remains low. In addition, it is more common to be prescribed vitamin D or calcium than osteoporosis medication after a fragility fracture, contrary to current guidelines. These results indicate that there is room for improvement for Fracture Liaison Services in Sweden.
Mid-Term Outcomes After Conversion Procedures Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Dirnberger Amanda S. , Süsstrunk Julian , Schneider Romano , Poljo Adisa , Klasen Jennifer M. , Slawik Marc , Billeter Adrian T. , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Peterli Ralph , Kraljević Marko 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
In the long term, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) may be associated with insufficient weight loss (IWL), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and persistence or relapse of associated medical problems. This study’s objective is to present mid-term results regarding weight loss (WL), evolution of associated medical problems, and reoperation rate of patients who underwent a conversion after SG.

Methods
Retrospective single-center analysis of patients with a minimal follow-up of 2 years after conversion.

Results
In this series of 549 SGs, 84 patients (15.3%) underwent a conversion, and 71 met inclusion criteria. They were converted to short biliopancreatic limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (short BPL RYGB) (n = 28, 39.4%), biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) (n = 19, 26.8%), long biliopancreatic limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (long BPL RYGB) (n = 17, 23.9%), and re-sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) (n = 7, 9.9%). Indications were GERD (n = 24, 33.8%), IWL (n = 23, 32.4%), IWL + GERD (n = 22, 31.0%), or stenosis/kinking of the sleeve (n = 2, 2.8%). The mean pre-revisional body mass index (BMI) was 38.0 ± 7.5 kg/m2. The mean follow-up time after conversion was 5.1 ± 3.1 years. The overall percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was greatest after BPD/DS (36.6%) and long BPL RYGB (32.9%) compared to RSG (20.0%; p = 0.004; p = 0.049). In case of GERD, conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) led to a resolution of symptoms in 79.5%. 16.9% of patients underwent an additional revisional procedure.

Conclusion
In the event of IWL after SG, conversion to BPD/DS provides a significant and sustainable additional WL. Conversion to RYGB leads to a reliable symptom control in patients suffering from GERD after SG.

Graphical Abstract
The interaction of bile acids and gut inflammation influences the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Di Ciaula Agostino , Bonfrate Leonilde , Khalil Mohamad , Portincasa Piero 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBile acids (BA) are amphipathic molecules originating from cholesterol in the liver and from microbiota-driven biotransformation in the colon. In the gut, BA play a key role in fat digestion and absorption and act as potent signaling molecules on the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and membrane-associated G protein-coupled BA receptor-1 (GPBAR-1). BA are, therefore, involved in the maintenance of gut barrier integrity, gene expression, metabolic homeostasis, and microbiota profile and function. Disturbed BA homeostasis can activate pro-inflammatory pathways in the gut, while inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can induce gut dysbiosis and qualitative and/or quantitative changes of the BA pool. These factors contribute to impaired repair capacity of the mucosal barrier, due to chronic inflammation. A better understanding of BA-dependent mechanisms paves the way to innovative therapeutic tools by administering hydrophilic BA and FXR agonists and manipulating gut microbiota with probiotics and prebiotics. We discuss the translational value of pathophysiological and therapeutic evidence linking BA homeostasis to gut inflammation in IBD.
Surgical treatment of primary cardiac tumors in children
Authors: Fu Jian , Li HongBo , Pan ZhengXia , Wu Chun , Li YongGang , Wang Gang , Dai JiangTao , Zhao Lu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
Summarizing the treatment experience of primary cardiac tumors in children.

Methods
The date of 24 children with primary cardiac tumors who underwent surgery in our department from July 2003 to September 2022 was collected and analyzed treatment efficacy.

Results
All patients completed the surgery successfully, including 21 cases of complete tumor resection, 2 cases of partial tumor resection, and 1 case of tumor biopsy. The location: 5 cases in the right atrium, 5 cases in the right ventricle, 6 cases in the left atrium, 6 cases in the left ventricle, 1 case in the left, right ventricle and ventricular septum, and 1 case in the ventricular septum. 23 cases were benign: 11 cases of myxoma, 7 cases of fibroma, 3 cases of rhabdomyoma, 1 case of infantile capillary hemangioma, and 1 case of lipoma. There was 1 case of borderline or malignant tumor. 23 patients were discharged successfully, 1 patient died of cardiac failure on the first day after operation. Follow-up was done from 5 months to 19 years and 2 months, 2 cases were lost to follow-up, and 1 case died of cardiac failure in the second year after operation due to severe mitral regurgitation. There was 1 case of tumor biopsy with space-occupying lesion gradually shrinking during follow-up. The prognosis of another 19 children with complete or partial tumor resection was good. There was no recurrence, enlargement, or reoperation of the tumor during the follow-up period.

Conclusions
Primary cardiac tumors in children are mostly benign. Surgery is effective, but the timing of surgery depends on the patient's condition.
Knockdown of SDC-1 Gene Alleviates the Metabolic Pathway for the Development of MODS
Authors: Xie Jiangang , Ma Yuexiang , Huang Yang , Wang Qianmei , Xu Yunyun , Zhang Qi , Yang Jing , Yin Wen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study aims to reveal the metabolic differences between SDC-1 knockout mice and wild-type mice and the metabolic differences caused by shock in SDC-1 knockout mice by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics. A total of 1009 differential metabolites were differentially expressed based on untargeted metabolomics and high-resolution mass spectrometry detection techniques. According to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment, SDC-1 knockout significantly altered fat digestion and absorption, GnRH signaling pathway, fructose and mannose metabolism, and some other amino-related metabolic pathways and significantly modulated positively regulated longevity regulatory pathways, longevity regulatory pathways-worm, nicotinamide and niacinamide metabolism, and vitamin digestion and absorption pathways after its shock. Our findings indicate that SDC-1 knockout may have potential therapeutic effects in hemorrhagic shock by increasing nicotinamide metabolism.
Amplifying the Heat Shock Response Ameliorates ALS and FTD Pathology in Mouse and Human Models
Authors: Ahmed Mhoriam , Spicer Charlotte , Harley Jasmine , Taylor J. Paul , Hanna Michael , Patani Rickie , Greensmith Linda 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are now known as parts of a disease spectrum with common pathological features and genetic causes. However, as both conditions are clinically heterogeneous, patient groups may be phenotypically similar but pathogenically and genetically variable. Despite numerous clinical trials, there remains no effective therapy for these conditions, which, in part, may be due to challenges of therapy development in a heterogeneous patient population. Disruption to protein homeostasis is a key feature of different forms of ALS and FTD. Targeting the endogenous protein chaperone system, the heat shock response (HSR) may, therefore, be a potential therapeutic approach. We conducted a preclinical study of a known pharmacological amplifier of the HSR, called arimoclomol, in mice with a mutation in valosin-containing protein (VCP) which causes both ALS and FTD in patients. We demonstrate that amplification of the HSR ameliorates the ALS/FTD-like phenotype in the spinal cord and brain of mutant VCP mice and prevents neuronal loss, replicating our earlier findings in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS. Moreover, in human cell models, we demonstrate improvements in pathology upon arimoclomol treatment in mutant VCP patient fibroblasts and iPSC-derived motor neurons. Our findings suggest that targeting of the HSR may have therapeutic potential, not only in non-SOD1 ALS, but also for the treatment of FTD.
Supply chain responses to global disruptions and its ripple effects: an institutional complexity perspective
Authors: Herold David M. , Marzantowicz Łukasz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe recent disruption of global supply chains and its ripple effects has led to multiple new, often conflicting, demands from governments, businesses, and society for more resilient supply chains, thereby elevating the debate about supply chains to a broader institutional level. As a response, this article aims to broaden how supply chain scholars view decision-making for supply chain resilience from an institutional perspective – in particular, using the construct of institutional complexity. We argue that the inherent complexity in supply chains, consisting of multiple organizations and multiple institutional environments, represents a different playing field and results in different responses, in particular when confronted with disruptions. We provide a systematic and structured understanding of how the interactions of institutional logics, influenced by field-levels structures and processes, impact global supply chains and its constituents. Using existing literature on institutional complexity and works on the effects of institutional logics, we present not only field-level structures and attributes influencing and shaping institutional logics in the supply chain, but also discuss and contrast existing theories and concepts by highlighting the differences between supply chain and organizational responses both on an institutional and an overarching operational level.
Prediction of solar cycle 25: applications and comparison
Authors: Penza Valentina , Bertello Luca , Cantoresi Matteo , Criscuoli Serena , Berrilli Francesco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSolar activity affects the heliosphere in different ways. Variations in particles and radiation that impact the Earth’s atmosphere, climate, and human activities often in disruptive ways. Consequently, the ability to forecast solar activity across different temporal scales is gaining increasing significance. In this study, we present predictions for solar cycle 25 of three solar activity indicators: the core-to-wing ratio of Mg II at 280 nm, the solar radio flux at 10.7 cm—widely recognized proxies for solar UV emission—and the total solar irradiance, a natural driver of Earth’s climate. Our predictions show a very good agreement with measurements of these activity indicators acquired during the ascending phase of solar cycle 25, representing the most recent data available at the time of writing.
Meiosis and gametogenesis in hybrid, polyploid, and clonal fishes: case studies in the dojo loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Authors: Arai Katsutoshi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHybrid, polyploid, and clonal fishes are found naturally in wild populations, but they can also be induced artificially by cross-breeding and chromosome manipulation. The dojo loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus includes various naturally occurring as well as artificially induced hybrid, polyploid, and clonal biotypes. This review aims to organize the results from previous works that used the dojo loach as the model animal for a better understanding of the interrelationship among the constitution of chromosome sets, the meiotic configuration, and the resultant gametogenesis. Autopolyploids with an even number of extra sets of homologous chromosomes were observed to be fertile. However, autopolyploids with an odd number of extra sets of homologous chromosomes and allopolyploids (polyploid hybrids) with exotic non-homologous chromosomes were found to exhibit a broad range of sterility ranging from retarded gonadal development to the production of aneuploid gametes with various abnormal characteristics. Sterile biotypes often showed meiotic configurations, including univalents. Past hybridization events likely triggered the atypical reproduction phenomena, such as the formation of unreduced isogenic gametes by doubling each chromosome for sister chromosome pairing, the elimination of a non-homologous chromosome set by meiotic hybridogenesis, and clonal development by spontaneous gynogenesis of unreduced eggs. The results obtained by studying a series of works using the dojo loach as the model organism highlight the mechanisms of sterility in hybrids and polyploids as well as of unisexuality in isogenic clones. These results contribute to the understanding of basic and aquaculture-oriented reproductive biology and genetics in fishes.
Distinguishing two (unsound) arguments for quantum social science
Authors: Jaksland Rasmus 
Published: July 2023

AbstractQuantum mechanics supersedes classical mechanics, and social science, some argue, should be responsive to this change. This paper finds that two rather different arguments are currently being used to argue that quantum mechanics is epistemically relevant in social science. One, attributed to Alexander Wendt, appeals to the presence of quantum physical effects in the social world. The other, attributed to Karen Barad, insists on the importance of quantum metaphysics even when quantum effects are negligible. Neither argument, however, is sound. Consequently, the paper concludes that neither of them offers compelling arguments for the view that quantum mechanics has epistemic relevance for social science.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Extracellular Vesicles from Tissue-Mimetic System Enhance Epidermal Regeneration via Formation of Migratory Cell Sheets
Authors: Hodge Jacob G. , Robinson Jennifer L. , Mellott Adam J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The secretome of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) offers a unique approach to understanding and treating wounds, including the critical process of epidermal regeneration orchestrated by keratinocytes. However, 2D culture techniques drastically alter the secretory dynamics of ASCs, which has led to ambiguity in understanding which secreted compounds (e.g., growth factors, exosomes, reactive oxygen species) may be driving epithelialization.

Methods
A novel tissue-mimetic 3D hydrogel system was utilized to enhance the retainment of a more regenerative ASC phenotype and highlight the functional secretome differences between 2D and 3D. Subsequently, the ASC-secretome was stratified by molecular weight and the presence/absence of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The ASC-secretome fractions were then evaluated to assess for the capacity to augment specific keratinocyte activities.

Results
Culture of ASCs within the tissue-mimetic system enhanced protein secretion ~ 50%, exclusively coming from the > 100 kDa fraction. The ASC-secretome ability to modulate epithelialization functions, including migration, proliferation, differentiation, and morphology, resided within the “> 100 kDa” fraction, with the 3D ASC-secretome providing the greatest improvement. 3D ASC EV secretion was enhanced two-fold and exhibited dose-dependent effects on epidermal regeneration. Notably, ASC-EVs induced morphological changes in keratinocytes reminiscent of native regeneration, including formation of stratified cell sheets. However, only 3D-EVs promoted collective cell sheet migration and an epithelial-to-mesenchymal-like transition in keratinocytes, whereas 2D-EVs contained an anti-migratory stimulus.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates how critical the culture environment is on influencing ASC-secretome regenerative capabilities. Additionally, the critical role of EVs in modulating epidermal regeneration is revealed and their translatability for future clinical therapies is discussed.
Dietary acid load decreases with age and is associated with sagittal abdominal diameter: a nationally representative quantification study in US adults
Authors: Storz Maximilian Andreas , Ronco Alvaro Luis 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Dietary acid load (DAL) has been associated with frailty and hip fractures in older adults, who often have a reduced kidney function and thus compromised buffering capacities. Studies to quantify DAL in older adults are scarce and controversies persist as to whether DAL in- or decreases with age.

Aim
To enhance the understanding of DAL in older individuals, we examined its relationship with increasing age and selected anthropometric data in a well-characterized sample of US adults.

Methods
Secondary data analysis of nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data (NHANES 2011–2016). The sample included n = 3018 adults aged 60+, which may be extrapolated to represent n = 45,113,471 Americans. DAL was estimated using 4 formulas, including Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) and Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP).

Results
All employed DAL scores tended to decline with increasing age. Participants aged 80 years or older yielded the lowest DAL scores. The average US citizen aged 60+ consumed an acidifying diet, yet there were sex-specific differences in the adjusted means for some scores. NEAP was positively correlated with both body mass index (r = 0.26, p < 0.001) and the sagittal abdominal diameter (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) in this nationally representative sample.

Conclusion
The previously reported phenomenon of increasing DAL values in older people in non-Western countries may not apply to the US. Our findings may constitute an important step towards a better understanding of DAL in older US adults, and highlight the need for additional population-specific research in the field.