bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
[68 Ga]Ga-FAPI uptake correlates with the state of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Conen Patrick , Pennetta Francesca , Dendl Katharina , Hertel Fabian , Vogg Andreas , Haberkorn Uwe , Giesel Frederik L. , Mottaghy Felix M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Kidney fibrosis leads to a progressive reduction in kidney function ultimately resulting in kidney failure. Diagnostic tools to detect kidney fibrosis are all invasive in nature requiring kidney biopsies with subsequent histological validation. In this retrospective study, the diagnostic value of three different radiotracers for the noninvasive prediction of kidney fibrosis was analyzed, taking into account the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the intra-renal parenchymal radiotracer uptake.

Methods
In 81 patients receiving either one of the following molecular imaging probes, [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI, [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA, or [68 Ga]Ga-DOTATOC, kidney function parameters were correlated with SUVmax and SUVmean of the renal parenchyma and background activity measured in lung parenchyma, myocardium, gluteal muscle, and the abdominal aorta. Patients were clustered according to their grade of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a regression analysis and one-way ANOVA were conducted in this retrospective analysis.

Results
We found a negative correlation between GFR and [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI uptake for both SUVmax and SUVmean values, whereas background activity showed no correlation with GFR. [68 Ga]Ga-DOTATOC and [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA did not correlate between CKD stage and intra-renal parenchymal radiotracer uptake. Only [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA background activity exhibited a positive correlation with GFR suggesting an unspecific binding/retention potentially due to longer circulation times.

Conclusion
There is a significant negative correlation between renal parenchymal [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI uptake and GFR, which was not the case for [68 Ga]Ga-DOTATOC and [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA. This correlation suggests a specific binding of FAPI rather than a potential unspecific retention in the renal parenchyma, underlining the potential value of [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI for the noninvasive quantitative evaluation of kidney fibrosis.
The tale of microencapsulated rifampicin: is it useful for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection?
Authors: López-Torres Irene Isabel , Vaquero-Martín Javier , Torres-Suárez Ana-Isabel , Navarro-García Federico , Fraguas-Sánchez Ana-Isabel , León-Román Víctor Estuardo , Sanz-Ruíz Pablo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Purpose
Microencapsulation techniques have allowed the addition of rifampicin to bone cement, but its in vivo efficacy has not been proven. The aim of our study is to determine the superiority of cement containing gentamicin and rifampicin microcapsules in the treatment of PJI versus cement exclusively containing gentamicin.

Methods
An S. aureus PJI was induced in 15 NZW rabbits. A week after inoculation, the first stage of replacement was carried out, and the animals were divided into two groups: group R received a spacer containing gentamicin and rifampicin microcapsules, and group C received a spacer containing gentamicin. Intra-articular release curve of rifampicin and infection and toxicity markers were monitored for four weeks post-operatively, when microbiological analysis was performed.

Results
The microbiological cultures showed a significantly lower growth of S. aureus in soft tissue (2.3·104 vs 0; p = 0.01) and bone (5.7·102 vs 0; p = 0.03) in the group with rifampicin microcapsules. No differences were found in systemic toxicity markers. Rifampicin release from the cement spacer showed higher concentrations than the staphylococcal MIC throughout the analysis.

Conclusion
The in vivo analyses demonstrated the superiority of cement containing gentamicin and rifampicin microcapsules versus the isolated use of gentamicin in the treatment of PJI in the rabbit model without serious side effects due to the systemic absorption of rifampicin. Given the increasing incidence of staphylococci-related PJI, the development of new strategies for intra-articular administration of rifampicin for its treatment has a high clinical impact.
High-power single-mode 894 nm VCSELs operating at high temperature (> 2 mW @ 365 K)
Authors: Ii Xue , Zhou Yinli , Zhang Xing , Zhang Jianwei , Zeng Yugang , Ning Yongqiang , Wang Lijun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this study, we realize the high-power output of a single-mode 894 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) at high temperature. The effects of the dimensional parameters of oxide aperture and surface relief on the transverse mode and threshold gain of VCSEL were analyzed. Through collaborative optimization of the oxide aperture and relief, the VCSEL with 8 µm oxide aperture diameter and 5 µm surface relief inner diameter can operate at high temperature of 365 K with single-mode output power of 2.02 mW and side-mode suppression of 29.2 dB.
The effect of coffee/caffeine on postoperative ileus following elective colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Tzu-Wei , Wang Chi-Chih , Sung Wen-Wei , Ting Wen-Chien , Lin Chun-Che , Tsai Ming-Chang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Postoperative ileus (POI) is the most common complication of elective colon resection. Coffee or caffeine has been reported to be useful in improving gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coffee/caffeine on POI in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Methods
We searched Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov (until July 2021) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of coffee or caffeine on bowel movements and POI in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes were calculated and are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A random effects model was used in all meta-analyses.

Results
A total of four RCTs including 312 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Postoperative coffee or caffeine consumption decreased the time to first bowel movement (MD, − 10.36 h; 95% CI, − 14.61 to − 6.11), shortened the length of hospital stay (MD, − 0.95 days; 95% CI, − 1.57 to − 0.34), and was associated with a decreased risk of the use of any laxatives after the procedure (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.92). The time to first flatus, time to tolerance of solid food, risk of any postoperative complication, postoperative reinsertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube, and anastomotic leakage showed no statistical differences between groups.

Conclusion
Postoperative coffee or caffeine consumption improved bowel movement and decreased the duration of hospital stay in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. This method is safe and can prevent or treat POI.
Digital embryos: a novel technical approach to investigate perceptual categorization in pigeons (Columba livia) using machine learning
Authors: Pusch Roland , Packheiser Julian , Koenen Charlotte , Iovine Fabrizio , Güntürkün Onur 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPigeons are classic model animals to study perceptual category learning. To achieve a deeper understanding of the cognitive mechanisms of categorization, a careful consideration of the employed stimulus material and a thorough analysis of the choice behavior is mandatory. In the present study, we combined the use of “virtual phylogenesis”, an evolutionary algorithm to generate artificial yet naturalistic stimuli termed digital embryos and a machine learning approach on the pigeons’ pecking responses to gain insight into the underlying categorization strategies of the animals. In a forced-choice procedure, pigeons learned to categorize these stimuli and transferred their knowledge successfully to novel exemplars. We used peck tracking to identify where on the stimulus the animals pecked and further investigated whether this behavior was indicative of the pigeon’s choice. Going beyond the classical analysis of the binary choice, we were able to predict the presented stimulus class based on pecking location using a k-nearest neighbor classifier, indicating that pecks are related to features of interest. By analyzing error trials with this approach, we further identified potential strategies of the pigeons to discriminate between stimulus classes. These strategies remained stable during category transfer, but differed between individuals indicating that categorization learning is not limited to a single learning strategy.
Sourcing decision under interconnected risks: an application of mean–variance preferences approach
Authors: Mukherjee Soumyatanu , Padhi Sidhartha S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSupply chains are customarily associated with multiple interconnected risks originated from supply side, demand side, or from the unanticipated background uncertainties faced by a firm. Also, effective functioning of supply chain hinges on sourcing decisions of inputs (raw materials). Therefore, there is a striking need to analyse the risk preference of the decision maker while going for optimal sourcing decision under varying degree of interconnected supply chain risks. This study addresses this issue by analysing the comparative static effects under interconnected supply chain risks for a risk averse decision-maker, manufacturing and selling products in a regulated market under perfect competition. The decision-maker faces not only supply-side risk (due to random input material prices) but also interconnected risks arising out of background risk (setup costs risk) and demand-side risk (output prices risk). With preferences defined over the mean and standard deviation of the uncertain final profit, this study illustrates the effects of the changes in the pairwise correlations between the three above mentioned risks on the optimum input choice of the manufacturer. To contextualise this study, an India-based generic drug manufacturer cum seller has been considered as a case in the parametric example of our model. Adaptation of the mean–variance framework helps obtaining all the results in terms of the relative trade-off between risk and return, with simple yet intuitive interpretations.
Factors Influencing Attendees’ Engagement with Group Psychoeducation: A Multi-stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Higgins Agnes , Downes Carmel , Murphy Rebecca , Barry Jennifer , Monahan Mark , Doyle Louise , Gibbons Patrick 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFew studies have explored the problem of engagement in relation to group psychoeducation from a multi-site and multi-stakeholder perspective. The aim of the study was to explore the factors influencing service user and family engagement with group psychoeducation programmes. The study design was qualitative descriptive. Data were collected through individual and focus group interviews with key stakeholders (n = 75) involved with the programme within 14 mental health sites in the Republic of Ireland. Enablers and barriers to engagement were identified at participant, provider, programme and organization level. Motivated participants and engaged clinicians, peer co-facilitation and support, and skilled and responsive facilitators were some of the factors which enhanced engagement. Barriers to engagement included readiness among participants, concerns related to stigma and confidentiality, desire to distance oneself from mental health services, a lack of support for programme participation within families, group discomfort, the time and length of the programme, issues with transport, visibility of the programme, and structural supports for clinicians. Findings from the study illustrate the multifaceted nature of engagement as well as provide a greater understanding of the multifactorial influences on engagement. Strategies to enhance engagement should therefore reflect a multipronged approach. At the outset of programme implementation, organizations should address their readiness to engage, conduct local needs assessments to anticipate individuals’ needs and plan accordingly in order to maximize engagement, and bolster facilitators’ engagement skills through the provision of training and mentoring opportunities.
Public Perceptions of Child Pornography and Child Pornography Consumers
Authors: Steel Chad M. S. , Newman Emily , O’Rourke Suzanne , Quayle Ethel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the public’s perceptions of child pornography helps identify gaps in awareness and knowledge, impacts legislative decision making, quantifies stigmatization, and provides a baseline for identifying differences between lay and offender populations for clinical purposes. This research provides a comprehensive public survey assessing these issues. An Internet-based sample of 524 adults (mean age = 47 years, 51% female) within the USA were asked about their understanding and beliefs related to child pornography and individuals who view child pornography. The questions covered three topic areas—general perceptions of child pornography, endorsement of child pornography beliefs, and opinions related to the legality of various forms of child pornography as well as the decision making related to sentencing and sex offender registration for child pornography consumers. The research found that the public viewed these offenses as more severe than most other crimes and that there was an overestimation by the public of risks related to recidivism and contact offending. Additionally, the research found that there was support for most of the current sentencing guidelines in the USA, including sex offender registration, and that there was limited support for treatment over incarceration.
Long-term association of pregnancy and maternal brain structure: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Aleknaviciute Jurate , Evans Tavia E. , Aribas Elif , de Vries Merel W. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Ikram Mohammad Arfan , Tiemeier Henning , Kavousi Maryam , Vernooij Meike W. , Kushner Steven A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe peripartum period is the highest risk interval for the onset or exacerbation of psychiatric illness in women’s lives. Notably, pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with short-term structural and functional changes in the maternal human brain. Yet the long-term effects of pregnancy on maternal brain structure remain unknown. We investigated a large population-based cohort to examine the association between parity and brain structure. In total, 2,835 women (mean age 65.2 years; all free from dementia, stroke, and cortical brain infarcts) from the Rotterdam Study underwent magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 T) between 2005 and 2015. Associations of parity with global and lobar brain tissue volumes, white matter microstructure, and markers of vascular brain disease were examined using regression models. We found that parity was associated with a larger global gray matter volume (β = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.09–0.19), a finding that persisted following adjustment for sociodemographic factors. A non-significant dose-dependent relationship was observed between a higher number of childbirths and larger gray matter volume. The gray matter volume association with parity was globally proportional across lobes. No associations were found regarding white matter volume or integrity, nor with markers of cerebral small vessel disease. The current findings suggest that pregnancy and childbirth are associated with robust long-term changes in brain structure involving a larger global gray matter volume that persists for decades. Future studies are warranted to further investigate the mechanism and physiological relevance of these differences in brain morphology.
Identification of candidate type 3 effectors that determine host specificity associated with emerging Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strains
Authors: Bocsanczy Ana M. , Bonants Peter , van der Wolf Jan , Bergsma-Vlami Maria , Norman David J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRalstonia pseudosolanacearum (Rps), previously known as R. solanacearum phylotypes I and III is one of the causal agents of bacterial wilt, a devastating disease that affects more than 250 plant species. Emerging Rps strains were identified infecting new hosts. P824 Rps strain was isolated from blueberry in Florida. Rps strains including PD7123 were isolated from hybrid tea roses in several countries through Europe. P781 is a representative strain of Rps commonly found on mandevilla in Florida. UW757 is a strain isolated from osteospermum plants originating in Guatemala. These strains are phylogenetically closely related and of economic importance on their respective hosts. The objective of this study is to associate the Type 3 Effectors (T3Es) repertoire of these four strains with host specificity. Candidate T3E associated with host specificity to blueberry, tea rose, osteospermum, and mandevilla were identified by sequence homology. Pathogenicity assays on 8 hosts including, blueberry, mandevilla, osteospermum and tea rose with the 4 strains showed that both P824 and PD7123 are pathogenic to blueberry and tea rose. P781 is the only strain pathogenic to mandevilla and P824 is the only strain non-pathogenic to osteospermum. Hypotheses based on correlation of T3E presence/absence and pathogenicity profiles identified 3 candidate virulence and 3 avirulence T3E for host specificity to blueberry and tea rose. Two candidate avirulence T3E were identified for mandevilla, and one candidate virulence for osteospermum. The strategy applied here can be used to reduce the number of host specificity candidate genes in closely related strains with different hosts.
Rapid Variations of Earth’s Core Magnetic Field
Authors: Lesur V. , Gillet N. , Hammer M. D. , Mandea M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEvidence of fast variations in the Earth’s core field are seen both in magnetic observatory and satellite records. We present here how they have been identified at the Earth’s surface from ground-based observatory records and how their spatio-temporal structure is now characterised by satellite data. It is shown how their properties at the core mantle boundary are extracted through localised and global modelling processes, paying particular attention to their time scales. Finally are listed possible types of waves in the liquid outer core, together with their main properties, that may give rise to these observed fast variations.
Antiviral T-Cell Frequencies in a Healthy Population: Reference Values for Evaluating Antiviral Immune Cell Profiles in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Schulze Lammers Friederike C. , Bonifacius Agnes , Tischer-Zimmermann Sabine , Goudeva Lilia , Martens Jörg , Lepenies Bernd , von Karpowitz Maria , Einecke Gunilla , Beutel Gernot , Skripuletz Thomas , Blasczyk Rainer , Beier Rita , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Eiz-Vesper Britta 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Viral infections and reactivations are major causes of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) as well as in patients with immunodeficiencies. Latent herpesviruses (e.g., cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus 6), lytic viruses (e.g., adenovirus), and polyomaviruses (e.g., BK virus, JC virus) can cause severe complications. Antiviral drugs form the mainstay of treatment for viral infections and reactivations after transplantation, but they have side effects and cannot achieve complete viral clearance without prior reconstitution of functional antiviral T-cell immunity. The aim of this study was to establish normal ranges for virus-specific T-cell (VST) frequencies in healthy donors. Such data are needed for better interpretation of VST frequencies observed in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, we measured the frequencies of VSTs against 23 viral protein-derived peptide pools from 11 clinically relevant human viruses in blood from healthy donors (n = 151). Specifically, we determined the VST frequencies by interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assay and classified their distribution according to age and gender to allow for a more specific evaluation and prediction of antiviral immune responses. The reference values established here provide an invaluable tool for immune response evaluation, intensity of therapeutic drugs and treatment decision-making in immunosuppressed patients. This data should make an important contribution to improving the assessment of immune responses in immunocompromised patients.
Learning from EMG: semi-automated grading of facial nerve function
Authors: Holze Magdalena , Rensch Leonhard , Prell Julian , Scheller Christian , Simmermacher Sebastian , Scheer Maximilian , Strauss Christian , Rampp Stefan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe current grading of facial nerve function is based on subjective impression with the established assessment scale of House and Brackmann (HB). Especially for research a more objective method is needed to lower the interobserver variability to a minimum. We developed a semi-automated grading system based on (facial) surface EMG-data measuring the facial nerve function of 28 patients with vestibular schwannoma surgery. The sEMG was recorded preoperatively, postoperatively and after 3–12 months. In addition, the HB grade was determined. After manual selection and preprocessing, the data were subjected to machine learning classificators (Logistic regression, SVM and KNN). Lateralization indices were calculated and multivariant machine learning analysis was performed according to three scenarios [differentiation of normal (1) and slight (2) vs. impaired facial nerve function and classification of HB 1-3 (3)]. The calculated AUC for each scenario showed overall good differentiation capability with a median AUC of 0.72 for scenario 1, 0.91 for scenario 2 and multiclass AUC of 0.74 for scenario 3. This study approach using sEMG and machine learning shows feasibility regarding facial nerve grading in perioperative VS-surgery setting. sEMG may be a viable alternative to House Brackmann regarding objective evaluation of facial function especially for research purposes.
Efficient 2D multiple attenuation using SRME with curvelet-domain subtraction
Authors: Lai Szu-Ying , Lin Yunung Nina , Hsu Ho-Han 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSurface Related Multiple Elimination (SRME) usually suffers the issue of either over-attenuation that damages the primaries or under-attenuation that leaves strong residual multiples. This dilemma happens commonly when SRME is combined with least-squares subtraction. Here we introduce a more sophisticated subtraction approach that facilitates better separation of multiples from primaries. Curvelet-domain subtraction transforms both the data and the multiple model into the curvelet domain, where different frequency bands (scales) and event directions (orientations) are represented by a finite number of curvelet coefficients. When combined with adaptive subtraction in the time–space domain, this method can handle model prediction errors to achieve effective subtraction. We demonstrate this method on two 2D surveys from the TAiwan Integrated GEodynamics Research (TAIGER) project. With a careful parameter determination flow, our result shows curvelet-domain subtraction outperforms least-squares subtraction in all geological settings. We also present one failed case where specific geological condition hinders proper multiple subtraction. We further demonstrate that even for data acquired with short cables, curvelet-domain subtraction can still provide better results than least-squares subtraction. We recommend this method as the standard processing flow for multi-channel seismic data.