bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiparametric bone MRI can improve CT-guided bone biopsy target selection in cancer patients and increase diagnostic yield and feasibility of next-generation tumour sequencing
Authors: Donners Ricardo , Figueiredo Ines , Tunariu Nina , Blackledge Matthew , Koh Dow-Mu , de la Maza Maria de los Dolores Fenor , Chandran Khobe , de Bono Johann S. , Fotiadis Nicos 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate whether multiparametric bone MRI (mpBMRI) utilising a combination of DWI signal, ADC and relative fat-fraction (rFF) can identify bone metastases, which provide high diagnostic biopsy yield and next-generation genomic sequencing (NGS) feasibility.

Methods
A total of 150 CT-guided bone biopsies performed by interventional radiologists (3/2013 to 2/2021) at our centre were reviewed. In 43 patients, contemporaneous DWI and rFF images, calculated from 2-point T1w Dixon MRI, were available. For each biopsied lesion, a region of interest (ROI) was delineated on ADC and rFF images and the following MRI parameters were recorded: visual classification of DWI signal intensity (SI), mean, median, 10th and 90th centile ADC and rFF values. Non-parametric tests were used to compare values between tumour positive/negative biopsies and feasible/non-feasible NGS, with p-values < 0.05 deemed significant.

Results
The mpBMRI combination high DWI signal, mean ADC < 1100 µm2/s and mean rFF < 20% identified tumour-positive biopsies with 82% sensitivity, 80% specificity, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 93% (p = 0.001) and NGS feasibility with 91% sensitivity, 78% specificity and 91% PPV (p < 0.001). The single MRI parameters DWI signal, ADC and rFF failed to distinguish between tumour-positive and tumour-negative biopsies (each p > 0.082). In NGS feasible biopsies, mean and 90th centile rFF were significantly smaller (each p < 0.041). Single ADC parameters did not show significant difference regarding NGS feasibility (each p > 0.292).

Conclusions
MpBMRI utilising the combination of DWI signal, ADC and rFF can identify active bone metastases, which provide biopsy tissue with high diagnostic yield and NGS feasibility.

Key Points
• Multiparametric bone MRI with diffusion-weighted and relative fat-fraction images helps to identify active bone metastases suitable for CT-guided biopsy.
• Target lesions for CT-guided bone biopsies in cancer patients can be chosen with greater confidence.
• CT-guided bone biopsy success rates, especially yielding sufficient viable tissue for advanced molecular tissue analyses, can be improved.
Incidence and prognosis of thyroid cancer in children: based on the SEER database
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wu Wenming , Shang Xiaofei , Huang Deliang , Liu Mingbo , Zong Liang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective
To update the recognition of the trends in the incidence of childhood thyroid cancer (TC) and its prognosis.

Methods
A large-scale sample based on long time-line public database was recruited. Join-point regression model was used to analyze the incidence trend of childhood TC. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression model analyses were applied to explore the survival situation and prognostic factors.

Results
The incidence rate of childhood TC increased between 1975 and 2016 from 3.8/million (95% CI 2.6–5.5) to 11.5/million (95% CI 9.2–14.1), AAPC = 2.38% (95% CI 1.98–9.65) and could be divided into two stages of increasing trends. The incidence rate of Trend1 (1975–2005) increased slowly (APC = 1.08%, 95% CI 0.38–1.82) while Trend2 (2005–2016) increased dramatically (APC = 6.77%, 95% CI 4.30–9.28). Annual incidence rate of small size tumor (< 4 cm) and local stage childhood TC increased significantly. The overall cumulative survival rate for childhood TC was high up to 97–99%. Males, black race, MTC type, distant metastasis, tumor size ≥ 4 cm, non-primary cancer were the independent risk factors of childhood TC prognosis.

Conclusion
A contribution of overdetection to rising pediatric TC rates might not be able to rule out. For clinical implications, screening TC in children with potential specific risk factors is feasible. Over-treatment to small size and local stage TC in children should be avoided.
Variant interpretation in molecular autopsy: a useful dilemma
Authors: Scheiper-Welling Stefanie , Tabunscik Monika , Gross Theresa E. , Jenewein Tina , Beckmann Britt M. , Niess Constanze , Gradhand Elise , Wunder Cora , Schneider Peter M. , Rothschild Markus A. , Verhoff Marcel A. , Kauferstein Silke 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents and young adults may be the first manifestation of an inherited arrhythmic syndrome. Thus identification of a genetic origin in sudden death cases deemed inconclusive after a comprehensive autopsy and may help to reduce the risk of lethal episodes in the remaining family. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a large number of variants of unknown significance (VUS) are detected. In the majority of cases, there is insufficient evidence of pathogenicity, representing a huge dilemma in current genetic investigations. Misinterpretation of such variants may lead to inaccurate genetic diagnoses and/or the adoption of unnecessary and/or inappropriate therapeutic approaches. In our study, we applied current (ACMG) recommendations for variant classification in post-mortem genetic screening of a cohort of 56 SCD victims. We identified a total 53 rare protein-altering variants (MAF < 0.2%) classified as VUS or worse. Twelve percent of the cases exhibited a clinically actionable variant (pathogenic, likely pathogenic or VUS – potentially pathogenic) that would warrant cascade genetic screening in relatives. Most of the variants detected by means of the post-mortem genetic investigations were VUS. Thus, genetic testing by itself might be fairly meaningless without supporting background data. This data reinforces the need for an experienced multidisciplinary team for obtaining reliable and accountable interpretations of variant significance for elucidating potential causes for SCDs in the young. This enables the early identification of relatives at risk or excludes family members as genetic carriers. Also, development of adequate forensic guidelines to enable appropriate interpretation of rare genetic variants is fundamental.
Indications of medical plants: what do medical students in Germany know? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Büntzel Sören Klaus , Ritschel Maria-Louisa , Wurm-Kuczera Rebecca , Büntzel Judith 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Patients use phytotherapy in addition to cancer therapy. Aiming to equip students with the knowledge necessary for a holistic treatment approach, the (German) national competence-based catalogue of educational objectives in medicine advises to include phytotherapy as part of the curriculum. Here, we evaluate if medical students know the official indication of herbal products as stated by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for treating oral and abdominal discomfort.

Methods
In an online survey, students were asked to write down indications they associated with 25 plants used for treating either oral or abdominal discomfort. Students’ indications were then sorted according to symptom complexes (oral discomfort, abdominal discomfort, skin care, others) and compared with the official indications stated by the BfArM.

Results
Of 168 participating students, 113 wrote down indications for 22 of the 25 plants surveyed. 70.80% of the students knew the correct indication for Matricaria recutita, 41.59% for Salvia officinalis, 37.17% for Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and 36.28% for Mentha piperita. Those were the highest rates of correct answers. Looking at symptom complexes (e.g., oral/ abdominal discomfort) instead of single symptoms, ≥ 10% of the students stated an indication that fell into the same symptom complex as the BfArM’s indication for 10 out of 25 plants surveyed. The most well-known plants and indications were Matricaria recutita, Salvia officinalis and Mentha x piperita.

Conclusion
Only a small minority of participating students know the official indications for specific phytotherapeutic drugs. Our study demonstrates that phytotherapy needs to be incorporated into the medical teaching curriculum.
Esomeprazole inhibits hypoxia/endothelial dysfunction–induced autophagy in preeclampsia
Authors: Gu Shengyi , Zhou Chenchen , Pei Jindan , Wu Yuelin , Wan Sheng , Zhao Xiaobo , Hu Junhao , Hua Xiaolin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) affects 3 to 5% of pregnant women worldwide and is associated with fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Although a complete understanding of PE remains elusive, it has been widely accepted that a dysfunction of the placenta plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PE. In this study, we investigated the role of excessive placental autophagy during PE pathogenesis and explored whether esomeprazole ameliorates PE by inhibiting the autophagy in the placenta. The PE cellular model was established by treating the cells’ L-NAME and hypoxia. The PE mice model was established by L-NAME administration and was confirmed by the increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary protein detected. The autophagy and key proteins were detected in human placental tissue, in cells, and in the mice model by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results showed that excessive autophagy could be detected in human PE placental tissue, in the PE cellular model, and in the PE mice model. Hypoxia induces autophagy by activating AMPKα and inhibiting mTOR in vivo and in vitro. Esomeprazole inhibits L‐NAME-induced autophagy in mice by inhibiting AMPKα and activating mTOR. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the excessive autophagy induced by the SIRT1/AMPKα-mTOR pathway plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of PE. However, esomeprazole treatment inhibits AMPKα but activates mTOR, resulting in the inhibition of autophagy in the placenta and, therefore, mitigates PE symptoms.
“Metal-modified base pairs” vs. “metal-mediated pairs of bases”: not just a semantic issue!
Authors: Lippert Bernhard 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA “nucleobase pair” is not identical with a “pair of basic ligands”, as only in the first case, the existence of inter-base hydrogen bonds is implied. The cross-linking of two nucleobases or two basic ligands by a metal ion of suitable geometry produces either “metal-modified” or “metal-mediated” species, but in the author’s opinion, this difference is not always properly made. This commentary is an attempt to provide a clearer distinction between the two scenarios.
Graphical abstract
Comparative in vitro analysis of the sliding resistance of a modern 3D-printed polymer bracket in combination with different archwire types
Authors: Hodecker Lutz , Bourauel Christoph , Braumann Bert , Kruse Teresa , Christ Hildegard , Scharf Sven 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To analyse the sliding resistance of a modern 3D-printed polymer bracket combined with different archwire types and to compare the results with conventionally used polymeric, ceramic and metal brackets. It was of further interest which bracket-archwire combination could be best qualified for clinical use.

Materials and methods
The sliding behaviour was tested using an orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS) for the use of two bracket types of the polymer, ceramic and metal group in combination with a 0.016 inch × 0.022 inch and 0.017 inch × 0.025 inch archwire of nickel-titanium (NiTi), titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) and stainless steel. Six bracket types were combined with six different archwire types and compared to each other.

Results
The sliding resistance showed significant differences between various the bracket-archwire complexes. The combination of 3D-printed polymer brackets with both steel archwire cross-sections showed the least values of sliding resistance (average 23–29%), while the combination of ceramic brackets with TMA archwires presented the highest (average 47%).

Conclusions
The present study could show that modern 3D-printed bracket materials can have similar or even better mechanical properties than conventional ones regarding sliding resistance. Although the combination of bracket and archwire material is decisive for low sliding resistance values, the selection of the bracket material seems to have a greater influence than the selection of the archwire material or its cross section.

Clinical relevance
It might be possible in future to combine aesthetic and biomechanical requirements for aesthetic brackets by using 3D-printing technology.
Assessing the burden of osteoarthritis in Latin America: a rapid evidence assessment
Authors: de Andrade Daniel Ciampi , Saaibi Diego , Sarría Nicolas , Vainstein Nora , Ruiz Leslie Cano , Espinosa Rolando 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

This rapid evidence assessment (REA) was conducted to explore the burden of weight-bearing joint osteoarthritis in the developing countries of Latin America. REA methodology used a standardized search strategy to identify observational studies published from 2010 to 23 April 2020 that reported outcomes pertaining to the epidemiology and humanistic or economic burden of weight-bearing osteoarthritis. Relevant data from each included study were used to populate bespoke data extraction tables and qualitatively analyzed. Thirteen publications were identified that reported on knee and hip osteoarthritis in the Latin American region. Overall prevalence of physician-diagnosed symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in adults ranged from 1.55% in Peru to 7.4% in Ecuador. Total prevalence of grade ≥ 2 radiographic knee osteoarthritis was 22% among those ≥ 39 years of age in Brazil and 25.5% among those ≥ 40 years of age in Mexico. The prevalence of symptomatic/radiographic knee osteoarthritis was 7.1% in people ≥ 18 years of age in Mexico and 17.6% among those ≥ 40 years of age. Prevalence of hip osteoarthritis was similar to or slightly lower than knee osteoarthritis. The limited data available indicates weight-bearing osteoarthritis negatively affects quality of life and that the economic burden may vary between countries with different healthcare systems. The limited evidence found in the published literature suggests the burden of osteoarthritis in Latin America is substantial. Our analysis identified several evidence gaps, particularly for health-related quality of life and socioeconomic outcomes. Further research is of particular importance in areas where government-subsidized healthcare and resources are scarce.
Generalized self-concordant analysis of Frank–Wolfe algorithms
Authors: Dvurechensky Pavel , Safin Kamil , Shtern Shimrit , Staudigl Mathias 
Published: January 2022

AbstractProjection-free optimization via different variants of the Frank–Wolfe method has become one of the cornerstones of large scale optimization for machine learning and computational statistics. Numerous applications within these fields involve the minimization of functions with self-concordance like properties. Such generalized self-concordant functions do not necessarily feature a Lipschitz continuous gradient, nor are they strongly convex, making them a challenging class of functions for first-order methods. Indeed, in a number of applications, such as inverse covariance estimation or distance-weighted discrimination problems in binary classification, the loss is given by a generalized self-concordant function having potentially unbounded curvature. For such problems projection-free minimization methods have no theoretical convergence guarantee. This paper closes this apparent gap in the literature by developing provably convergent Frank–Wolfe algorithms with standard $$\mathcal {O}(1/k)$$

O
(
1
/
k
)

convergence rate guarantees. Based on these new insights, we show how these sublinearly convergent methods can be accelerated to yield linearly convergent projection-free methods, by either relying on the availability of a local liner minimization oracle, or a suitable modification of the away-step Frank–Wolfe method.
Initial clinical experience with a novel flexible endoscopic robot for transanal surgery
Authors: Morino M. , Forcignanò E. , Arezzo A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The Flex® Robotic System (Medrobotics, Raynham, MA, USA) is the first miniaturised flexible endoscopic robot that aims to allow surgical manoeuvres beyond the area currently reached by transanal endoscopic microsurgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate our initial clinical experience with this novel tool.

Methods
We prospectively collected all consecutive cases of local excisions of rectal lesions performed with the Flex® Robotic System performed at the Department of Surgical Sciences of the University of Turin between October 2018 and December 2019. Indications were benign, or early rectal lesions judged unsuitable for endoscopic removal, within 20 cm of the anal verge. Debriefing meetings after each procedure allowed technology assessment leading to the modification, development, and implementation of tools according to the clinical experience. We analysed the data in terms of the safety and efficacy of treatment.

Results
Between October 2018 and February 2020, 26 patients were treated. We performed a full-thickness excision in 14 patients and a submucosal dissection in 12. The median operating time was 115 min (range 45–360 min). In six patients (23.1%), we converted to standard transanal endoscopic operation (TEO®) (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) to complete the procedure. The 30-day morbidity rate was 11.5% (3/26). Positive resection margins were detected in 4 (15.4%) patients. At a minimum follow-up of 12 months, 2 (7.7%) local recurrences were observed.

Conclusions
This first clinical series demonstrates that the Flex® Robotic System is a fascinating technology that deserves further development to increase surgical dexterity, thereby overcoming current technical limitations and improving clinical outcomes.
When ethnic minority students are judged as more suitable for the highest school track: a shifting standards experiment
Authors: Nishen Anna K. , Corcoran Katja , Holder Katharina , Kessels Ursula 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWhen students are grouped into school tracks, this has lasting consequences for their learning and later careers. In Germany to date, some groups of students (boys, ethnic minority students) are underrepresented in the highest track. Stereotypes about these groups exist that entail negative expectations about their suitability for the highest track. Based on the shifting standards model, the present research examines if and how stereotypes influence tracking recommendations. According to this theory, members of negatively stereotyped groups will be judged more leniently or more strictly depending on the framing of the judgment situation (by inducing minimum or confirmatory standards). N = 280 teacher students participated in a vignette study in which they had to choose the amount of positive evidence for suitability they wanted to see before deciding to recommend a fictitious student to the highest track. A 2 (judgment standard: minimum vs. confirmatory) × 2 (target student’s gender: male vs. female) × 2 (target student’s ethnicity: no migration background vs. Turkish migration background) between-subjects design was used. No effects of target gender occurred, but the expected interaction of target’s ethnicity and judgment standard emerged. In the minimum standard condition, less evidence was required for the ethnic minority student to be recommended for the highest track compared to the majority student. In the confirmatory standards condition, however, participants tended to require less evidence for the ethnic majority student. Our experiment underlines the importance of the framing of the recommendation situation, resulting in a more lenient or stricter assessment of negatively stereotyped groups.
Der antizyklische Kapitalpuffer: Reformoptionen
Authors: Menkhoff Lukas 
Published: January 2022

ZusammenfassungDer antizyklische Eigenkapitalpuffer, dessen Anforderung Kreditinstitute erfüllen müssen, soll die Widerstandskraft des Bankensystems stärken und dadurch die Kreditversorgung verstetigen. Damit sollen starke Auswirkungen des Finanzzyklus und entsprechende Krisen abgeschwächt werden. Dieses Instrument wurde 2016 eingeführt, sodass jetzt erste Erfahrungen vorliegen. Diese werden derzeit z. B. im makroprudenziellen Review der Europäischen Kommission bewertet.
Coronabedingte Ungleichheit und Armut in Deutschland: Überschätzt oder unterschätzt?
Authors: Dauderstädt Michael 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRecent data from EU-SILC and Destatis seemed to indicate a dramatic increase in German inequality and poverty in the pandemic year 2020. But Destatis had changed its data collection method. Based on several studies, it is likely that the actual rise has been much weaker while the previous data collection by Destatis might have underestimated the true disparities within German society in the past.
Modelling greenhouse gas emissions of cacao production in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Vervuurt W. , Slingerland M. A. , Pronk A. A. , Van Bussel L. G. J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe current expansion of cacao cultivation in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is associated with deforestation, forest degradation, biodiversity loss and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Global concerns about emissions that are associated with tropical commodity production are increasing. Consequently, there is a need to change the present cacao-growing practice into a more climate-friendly cultivation system. A more climate-friendly system causes lower GHG emissions, stores a high amount of carbon in its standing biomass and produces high cacao yields. GHG emissions and carbon stocks associated with the present cacao production, as assessed in 509 farmers’ fields, were estimated by using the Perennial GHG model and the Cool Farm Tool. On average, the production of 1 kg cacao beans is associated with an emission of 1.47 kg CO2e. Deforestation contributed largely to GHG emissions, while tree biomass and residue management contributed mainly to carbon storage. The collected data combined with the model simulations revealed that it is feasible to produce relatively high yields while at the same time storing a high amount of carbon in the standing biomass and causing low GHG emissions. The climate-friendliness of cacao production is strongly related to farm management, especially the number of shade trees and management of residues. Calculated emissions related to good agricultural practices were 2.29 kg CO2e per kg cacao beans. The higher emissions due to the use of more agro-inputs and other residue management practices such as recommended burning of residues for sanitary reasons were not compensated for by higher yields. This indicates a need to revisit recommended practices with respect to climate change mitigation objectives.