bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consensus on intratympanic drug delivery for Menière’s disease
Authors: Li Shuna , Pyykkö Ilmari , Zhang Qing , Yang Jun , Duan Maoli 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Intratympanic (IT) drug delivery receives attention due to its effectivity in treatment for Menière’s disease (MD). Due to the release of the consensuses and new evidence on IT drug delivery for MD have been published, the review with a view to supplementing the details of IT treatment of MD is indispensable.

Methods
The literatures on IT injection for MD treatment over the last two decades are retrieved, International consensus (ICON) on treatment of Menière’s disease (2018), Clinical Practice Guideline (2020) and European Position statement on Diagnosis and Treatment of Meniere’s Disease (2018) are taken into account for reference, and follow advice from experts from Europe, USA and China.

Results
Experts agree on the following: (1) The effectiveness of IT methylprednisolone (ITM) on vertigo control seems to be somewhat better than that of IT dexamethasone (ITD), and ITM can restore hearing in some cases. (2) Due to the ototoxicity of aminoglycosides, the application of intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) in MD patients with good hearing is conservative. However, some studies suggest that ITG with low doses has no significant effect on hearing, which needs to be further proved by clinical studies with high levels of evidence. (3) Currently, generally accepted treatment endpoint of ITG is no vertigo attack in a 12-month period or a vestibular loss in objective tests in the affected ear.

Conclusion
More studies with high level of evidence are needed to evaluate the drug type, efficacy, and therapeutic endpoint of IT therapy for MD.
Variants in genes encoding the SUR1-TRPM4 non-selective cation channel and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): potentially increased risk for cerebral edema
Authors: Qu Dong , Schürmann Peter , Rothämel Thomas , Dörk Thilo , Klintschar Michael 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that brain edema might play an important role in the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and that variants of genes for cerebral water channels might be associated with SIDS. The role of the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1)–transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) non-selective cation channel in cerebral edema was demonstrated by extensive studies. Therefore, we hypothesized that variants at genes of the SUR1-TRPM4 channel complex might be linked to SIDS. Twenty-four polymorphisms in candidate genes involved in the SUR1-TRPM4 non-selective cation channel were investigated in 185 SIDS cases and 339 controls. One (rs11667393 in TRPM4) of these analyzed SNPs reached nominal significance regarding an association with SIDS in the overall analysis (additive model: p = 0.015, OR = 1.438, 95% CI = 1.074–1.925; dominant model: p = 0.036; OR = 1.468, 95% CI = 1.024–2.106). In the stratified analysis, further 8 variants in ABCC8 (encoding SUR1) or TRPM4 showed pronounced associations. However, none of the results remained significant after correction for multiple testing. This preliminary study has provided the first evidence for a genetic role of the SUR1-TRPM4 complex in the etiology of SIDS, and we suggest that our initial results should be evaluated by further studies.
Cycling under the influence of alcohol-criminal offenses in a German metropolis
Authors: Bothorn Jan-Bernd , Schwender Holger , Graw Matthias , Kienbaum Peter , Hartung Benno 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Real or simulated cycling tests under the influence of alcohol might be biased by laboratory settings. Accident analyses consider incidents with injuries only. Herein, criminal offenses consisting of drunk cycling are evaluated in detail to fill this gap.

Material and methods
All police-recorded cases of cycling under the influence of alcohol that took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 2009 to 2018 were identified. A total of 388 respective prosecutor’s files were available for analyses.

Results
Mean blood alcohol concentrations were approximately 2 g/kg in both men and women. Men were overrepresented (6:1). Almost 60% of the cases were recorded between Friday and Sunday (the “weekend”). The average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at night (01:00–05:59) was 0.39 g/kg lower than that during the day (06:00–17:59). Drinking after cycling allegations appear almost irrelevant among (German) cyclists. On average, the legal outcomes show 33 daily rates (median: 30). Additionally, the presented data raise doubts about whether the utilized medical tests or the ways in which they are carried out reliably discriminate between different grades of intoxication. Negative tests did not exclude high BACs, nor did positive tests correlate well with BACs.

Discussion/Conclusion
In practice, CUI is seen with BACs above 1.60 g/kg in most cases. BACs below 1.60 g/kg either seem to be a minor problem or they have been incompletely addressed thus far. In summary, to be prosecuted, drunk cyclists have to ride their bikes in either a highly insecure or rude manner or they must cause an accident.
Intravitreal dexamethasone: variation of surgical technique and prevention of ocular complications with ASOCT follow-up
Authors: Nuzzi Raffaele , Rossi Alessandro , Nuzzi Alessia 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Purpose
To verify the correct decision-making procedure on performing an intravitreal injection by investigating the in vivo wound morphology and evolution of 22-gauge wounds after dexamethasone oblique injection with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Design
Prospective, observational consecutive case series.

Methods
Subjects underwent a dexamethasone injection at University Eye Clinic of Turin. All the injections have been performed in an oblique (aka beveled or angled) fashion. Patients were divided according to the number of injections already performed with dexamethasone. Group 1 consisted of patients at the first injection, group 2 of patients at a second or more injection always in the same quadrant, and group 3 of patients at the second or more injection in a different quadrant. The incisions were imaged with the Heidelberg SPECTRALIS OCT device on postoperative days 1, 8, and 15. The main outcome measure was wound structure/characteristics (e.g., presence of gaping) as evaluated with OCT. Surgical and ocular parameters were also recorded.

Results
Thirty-three consecutive patients were investigated. OCT demonstrated closed wounds in all eyes on postoperative days 1, 8, and 15. In all patients, the external (entry) side of the incision was seen as a gape; however, the rest of the wound was closed. No complications were recorded in the different patients during the follow-up. In patients of group 1, we identified the scleral pathway in 10 eyes at day 1. At 8 days in 9 of 10 eyes, the sclera had returned to its restitutio ad integrum. In patients of group 2, the scleral pathway was recognizable on the first day of control; in 7 patients, this was accompanied by the presence of intrascleral edema with peri-wound fluid. At the 8-day checkup, 3 eyes still showed signs attributable to the intrascleral pathway accompanied by peri-wound edema. In group 3, it was possible to identify the intrascleral pathway in 8 patients. There were no signs of intrascleral peri-wound edema or other anatomical changes in 9 patients as early as the first day. In the 8-day follow-up, the signs of scleral edema were absent in the single patient who presented them. At 15 days, there were no signs of scleral pathway in all eyes analyzed.

Conclusions
Speaking of intravitreal injections of slow-release dexamethasone, the technique that involves moving the conjunctiva and a beveled or angled sclerotomy after a careful choice of the injection site, paying attention to vary the quadrant involved with each puncture, reduces the number of days of closure of the sclera via and the scleral damage, thus protecting the patient from complications. For the future, it is hoped that the operating microscope and intraoperative OCT will be used on every occasion.
Font effects on reading parameters: comparing Radner Reading Charts printed in Helvetica and Times Roman
Authors: Radner Wolfgang , Radner Michael , Daxer Barbara , Benesch Thomas , Ettl Armin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the effect of font choice on reading parameters by using the RADNER Reading Charts printed in two fonts (Helvetica vs. Times Roman) equalized in terms of x-height.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of 40 participants with healthy eyes (18 to 60 years of age; mean: 42.13 ± 12.28 years). Reading performance was evaluated binocularly with RADNER Reading Charts printed in either Helvetica Neue (T1) Roman sans serif (Adobe) or Times New Roman PS Roman serif (Adobe). The test distance was 40 cm. Reading charts were presented in random order. Reading acuity (RA), mean reading speed of all sentences read (MEAN-ALL RS), mean reading speed from 0.8 logRAD to 0.3 logRAD (MEAN-RS), maximum reading speed (MAX-RS), and critical print size (CPS) were compared.

Results
The RA values obtained for the Helvetica and Times Roman fonts (in full logarithmic units of 0.1 logRAD) did not differ between the two fonts (mean for both fonts: − 0.128 ± 0.064 logRAD; 95% CI for both: − 0.148; − 0.107 logRAD). The differences in all other reading parameters between the two fonts were small and not statistically significant. The analyses revealed narrow confidence intervals and good coefficients of reliability. Except for the CPS (r = 0.49) and RA (equal for Helvetica and Times Roman), the correlations for all parameters were high, ranging from r = 0.92 to r = 0.98.

Conclusion
The equivalent reading performance obtained with Helvetica and Times Roman (when equalized in x-height and layout) makes these font types interchangeable as standards for reading charts.
A bi-level model for the design of dynamic electricity tariffs with demand-side flexibility
Authors: Beraldi Patrizia , Khodaparasti Sara 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper addresses the electricity pricing problem with demand-side flexibility. The interaction between an aggregator and the prosumers within a coalition is modeled by a Stackelberg game and formulated as a mathematical bi-level program where the aggregator and the prosumer, respectively, play the role of upper and lower decision makers with conflicting goals. The aggregator establishes the pricing scheme by optimizing the supply strategy with the aim of maximizing the profit, prosumers react to the price signals by scheduling the flexible loads and managing the home energy system to minimize the electricity bill. The problem is solved by a heuristic approach which exploits the specific model structure. Some numerical experiments have been carried out on a real test case. The results provide the stakeholders with informative managerial insights underlining the prominent roles of aggregator and prosumers.
Stem cell transplantation patients receiving a novel oral care protocol for oral mucositis prevention and treatment: patient-reported outcomes and quality of life
Authors: Guberti Monica , Botti Stefano , Fusco Andrea , Caffarri Cristiana , Cavuto Silvio , Savoldi Luisa , Serra Nicola , Merli Francesco , Piredda Michela , De Marinis Maria Grazia 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most debilitating effects of toxicity due to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) conditioning regimens. The aim of this secondary analysis of the data of a phase II study designed to assess the efficacy of a novel oral care protocol containing bovine colostrum and aloe vera to prevent oral mucositis was to compare outcomes reported by patients with those collected by healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Method
Data on oral mucositis severity, duration, time of onset and related pain were collected from patients using the Oral Mucositis Daily Questionnaire (OMDQ). HCPs assessed the same outcomes using the World Health Organization oral mucositis scale and pain numerical rating scale. Quality of life was assessed with the 3-level EuroQol-5 dimensions.

Results
Fifty-nine autologous/allogeneic graft patients were recruited, 46 of whom (78.0%) experienced OM. Mean onset was 9.1 (SD ± 3.5) days after conditioning initiation, mean duration was 10.4 (SD ± 4.3) days, and the average maximum pain score was 3.7 (SD ± 2.7). Self-administration of the OMDQ detected oral symptoms at least 1 day sooner compared to objective assessments (p = 0.025). Significant differences were observed between the patient-reported and the HCP-assessment data on oral mucositis severity grading distribution (p < 0.0001) and highest pain score (p < 0.0001). Quality of life score variations were correlated with changes in oral mucositis severity during patients’ hospital stay.

Conclusions
Further studies are necessary to improve the understanding of these findings; a randomised controlled trial is being set up at our institution.
Bio-plausible digital implementation of a reward modulated STDP synapse
Authors: Quintana Fernando M. , Perez-Peña Fernando , Galindo Pedro L. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractReward-modulated Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (R-STDP) is a learning method for Spiking Neural Network (SNN) that makes use of an external learning signal to modulate the synaptic plasticity produced by Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP). Combining the advantages of reinforcement learning and the biological plausibility of STDP, online learning on SNN in real-world scenarios can be applied. This paper presents a fully digital architecture, implemented on an Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), including the R-STDP learning mechanism in a SNN. The hardware results obtained are comparable to the software simulations results using the Brian2 simulator. The maximum error is of 0.083 when a 14-bits fix-point precision is used in realtime. The presented architecture shows an accuracy of 95% when tested in an obstacle avoidance problem on mobile robotics with a minimum use of resources.
An ANN-Fuzzy Cognitive Map-Based Z-Number Theory to Predict Flyrock Induced by Blasting in Open-Pit Mines
Authors: Hosseini Shahab , Poormirzaee Rashed , Hajihassani Mohsen , Kalatehjari Roohollah 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBlasting is widely employed as an accepted mechanism for rock breakage in mining and civil activities. As an environmental side effect of blasting, flyrock should be investigated precisely in open-pit mining operations. This paper proposes a novel integration of artificial neural network and fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) with Z-number reliability information to predict flyrock distance in open-pit mine blasting. The developed model is called the artificial causality-weighted neural networks, based on reliability (ACWNNsR). The reliability information of Z-numbers is used to eliminate uncertainty in expert opinions required for the initial matrix of FCM, which is one of the main advantages of this method. FCM calculates weights of input neurons using the integration of nonlinear Hebbian and differential evolution algorithms. Burden, stemming, spacing, powder factor, and charge per delay are used as the input parameters, and flyrock distance is the output parameter. Four hundred sixteen recorded basting rounds are used from a real large-scale lead–zinc mine to design the architecture of the models. The performance of the proposed ACWNNsR model is compared with the Bayesian regularized neural network and multilayer perceptron neural network and is proven to result in more accurate prediction in estimating blast-induced flyrock distance. In addition, the results of a sensitivity analysis conducted on effective parameters determined the spacing as the most significant parameter in controlling flyrock distance. Based on the type of datasets used in this study, the presented model is recommended for flyrock distance prediction in surface mines where buildings are close to the blasting site.
Effect of clinical and histologic features on time to malignancy in 224 cases of oral leukoplakia treated by surgery
Authors: Bagan Jose , Martorell Miguel , Cebrián Jose L. , Rubert Andrea , Bagán Leticia , Mezquida Carlos , Hervás David 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Our main purpose and research question were to analyze and quantify whether there were significant differences in the time to develop cancer among patients with oral leukoplakia (OL), comparing the more susceptible cases to those with the least susceptibility to malignancy.

Materials and methods
We followed 224 cases of OL after surgical or CO2 laser treatment for a mean time of 6.4 years. A Bayesian mixture cure model based on the Weibull distribution was used to model the relationship between our variables and cancer risk. In this model type, the population is considered a mixture of individuals who are susceptible or non-susceptible to developing cancer. The statistical model estimates the probability of cure (incidence model) and then infers the time to malignancy. The model was adjusted using the R-package INLA using default priors.

Results
Histology type (moderate or severe dysplasia) and tongue location showed hazard ratios (HR) of 3.19 (95% CI [1.05–8.59]) and 4.78 (95% CI [1.6–16.61]), respectively. Both variables increased the risk of malignant transformation, thus identifying a susceptible subpopulation with reduced time required to develop cancer, as with non-homogeneous leukoplakias. The median time for cancer development was 4 years and 5 months, with a minimum of 9 months after the diagnosis of OL and a maximum of 15 years and 2 months.

Conclusions
Susceptible patients with non-homogeneous leukoplakia, dysplasia, or leukoplakia in the tongue develop cancer earlier than those with homogeneous OL and those without dysplasia.

Clinical relevance
The novel contribution of this research is that, until now, the time it took for oral leukoplakias to develop cancer based on whether they were homogeneous or non-homogeneous, and if they have or not epithelial dysplasia, had not been comparatively described and quantified. As a final result, the time to malignant transformation in non-homogeneous and dysplastic leukoplakias is significantly shorter.
Diverse Effects of Climate, Land Use, and Insects on Dung and Carrion Decomposition
Authors: Englmeier Jana , Mitesser Oliver , Benbow M. Eric , Hothorn Torsten , von Hoermann Christian , Benjamin Caryl , Fricke Ute , Ganuza Cristina , Haensel Maria , Redlich Sarah , Riebl Rebekka , Rojas Botero Sandra , Rummler Thomas , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Stengel Elisa , Tobisch Cynthia , Uhler Johannes , Uphus Lars , Zhang Jie , Müller Jörg 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLand-use intensification and climate change threaten ecosystem functions. A fundamental, yet often overlooked, function is decomposition of necromass. The direct and indirect anthropogenic effects on decomposition, however, are poorly understood. We measured decomposition of two contrasting types of necromass, rat carrion and bison dung, on 179 study sites in Central Europe across an elevational climate gradient of 168–1122 m a.s.l. and within both local and regional land uses. Local land-use types included forest, grassland, arable fields, and settlements and were embedded in three regional land-use types (near-natural, agricultural, and urban). The effects of insects on decomposition were quantified by experimental exclusion, while controlling for removal by vertebrates. We used generalized additive mixed models to evaluate dung weight loss and carrion decay rate along elevation and across regional and local land-use types. We observed a unimodal relationship of dung decomposition with elevation, where greatest weight loss occurred between 600 and 700 m, but no effects of local temperature, land use, or insects. In contrast to dung, carrion decomposition was continuously faster with both increasing elevation and local temperature. Carrion reached the final decomposition stage six days earlier when insect access was allowed, and this did not depend on land-use effect. Our experiment identified different major drivers of decomposition on each necromass form. The results show that dung and carrion decomposition are rather robust to local and regional land use, but future climate change and decline of insects could alter decomposition processes and the self-regulation of ecosystems.
The resin sealed column (RESECO) setup for flow-through experiments on solid rocks under high temperature and high pore pressure conditions
Authors: Grifka Jasmin , Heinze Thomas , Licha Tobias 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHigh-pressure flow-through experiments on solid rock samples are commonly conducted with experimental setups using a confining pressure to restrict the flow to the rock. These setups are often spacious, costly, and difficult to replicate by other researchers due to their individual nature. This work presents the RESECO (resin sealed column) setup which allows flow-through experiments on solid rock without a confining pressure. The column setup is only slightly larger than the sample size and has material costs per sample of a few Euros. The fluid flow is confined to the rock by a cast of epoxy resin using a metal column as an outer casing. The functionality was verified by comparing experimental results with a conventional triaxial cell. Four different rock types with varying hydraulic properties were tested and proven compatible with the setup. Additional endurance tests were performed to investigate the physical limits with regard to pore pressure and temperature. The RESECO setup can be operated with pore pressures of at least 40 MPa and temperatures up to 95 °C, and is therefore suitable for many high-pressure, high-temperature experiments, while being easily reproducible.
Performance of Idylla™ RAS-BRAF mutation test for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of colorectal cancer
Authors: Makutani Yusuke , Sakai Kazuko , Yamada Masahiro , Wada Toshiaki , Chikugo Takaaki , Satou Takao , Iwasa Yoko , Yamamoto Hidekazu , de Velasco Marco A. , Nishio Kazuto , Kawamura Junichiro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The Biocartis Idylla™ platform is a fully automated, real-time PCR-based diagnostic system. The Idylla™KRAS and NRAS-BRAF Mutation Tests have been developed for the qualitative detection of mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes, facilitating the genomic profiling of patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical performances of these tests in Japan.

Methods
The RAS and BRAF mutation statuses of 253 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) colorectal cancer tissues were analyzed using the Investigational Use Only Idylla™KRAS Mutation Test and the Idylla™NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test and an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) kit (MEBGEN RASKET™-B kit).

Results
The success rate for obtaining a valid mutational data without retest of the Idylla tests was 97.6% (247/253): 111 KRAS mutations (43.8%), 9 NRAS mutations (3.6%), and 36 BRAF V600E mutations (14.2%) were detected using the Idylla tests. Compared with the MEBGEN RASKET-B results, the positive concordance rate was 97.4%, the negative concordance rate was 95.7%, and the overall concordance rate was 95.3% (κ = 0.919, 95% CI 0.871–0.967). The average turnaround time to Idylla™KRAS and NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test was 5.6 working days (range: 3–11 days).

Conclusion
This result demonstrates a high concordance between the Idylla™KRAS and NRAS-BRAF Mutation Tests and an existing IVD kit. In this manner, the Idylla™ mutation tests were validated for the detection of clinically significant KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations in FFPE samples from colorectal cancer patients.