bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver functional assessment using time-associated change in the liver-to-spleen signal intensity ratio on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: a retrospective study
Authors: Kudo Masashi , Gotohda Naoto , Sugimoto Motokazu , Kobayashi Shin , Konishi Masaru , Kobayashi Tatsushi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Liver-to-spleen signal intensity ratio (LSR) is evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the hepatobiliary phase, and has been reported as a useful radiological assessment of regional liver function. However, LSR is a passive (non-time-associated) liver functional assessment, but not a dynamic (time-associated) assessment. Moreover, LSR has several limitations such as dose bias of contrast medium and the timing bias of imaging. Previous studies have reported the advantages of time-associated liver functional assessment as a precise assessment of liver function. For instance, the indocyanine green (ICG) disappearance rate, which is calculated from the serum ICG concentration at multiple time points, reflects a precise preoperative liver function for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure without the dose bias of ICG or the timing bias of blood sampling. The aim of this study was to develop a novel time-associated radiological assessment of liver function.
Methods
A total of 279 pancreatic cancer patients were evaluated for investigating fundamental time-associated changes of LSR in normal liver. We defined the time-associated radiological assessment of liver function, calculated using information on LSR from four time points, as the “LSR increasing rate” (LSRi). We then investigated correlations between LSRi and previous liver functional parameters. Furthermore, we evaluated how timing bias and protocol bias affect LSRi.
Results
Significant correlations were observed between LSRi and previous liver functional parameters such as total bilirubin, Child-Pugh grade, and albumin-bilirubin grade (P < 0.001 each). Conversely, the protocol bias of MRI acquisitions does not significantly affect LSRi. Moreover, considerably high correlations were observed between LSRi calculated by four time points and that calculated by three time points (r > 0.973 each), indicating that the timing bias of imaging was minimal.
Conclusions
This is the first report to propose time-associated assessment of radiological liver function. Changes in LSR over time may provide a superior preoperative assessment of regional liver function for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure than any other radiological liver functional assessments using the hepatobiliary phase alone.
Exploring what is reasonable ­– uncovering moral reasoning of vascular surgeons in daily practice
Authors: Heidenreich Kaja , Svantesson-Sandberg Mia , Karlsson Marit , Bremer Anders 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground Vascular surgery offers a range of treatments to relieve burdensome symptoms of pain and ulcers and to prevent sudden death by rupture of blood vessels. The surgical procedures involve risk of injury and harm, which increases with age and frailty leading to complex decision-making processes that raise ethical questions. However, how vascular surgeons negotiate these questions is scarcely studied. The aim was therefore to describe and understand vascular surgeons’ moral reasoning in the decision-making process about what is good and right for the patient. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted with 19 vascular surgeons working at three Swedish university hospitals. Data were analysed according to systematic text condensation. Results The surgeons’ moral reasoning comprised a quest to relieve suffering and avoid harm by exploring what is reasonable to do for the patient. Exploring reasonableness included a shift from the blood vessels to a relationship with the patient, a balancing act between the patient’s conflicting needs and a demanding responsibility to make the right decision. The shift from blood vessels to the relationship implied searching within the patient’s health for considerations of what is sensible, justifying authority for surgery through dialogue, and building relationships for mutual security. The balancing act implied weighing independence and a sense of being whole against ease of suffering, respecting the patient’s will against protecting life and well-being, and weighing longer life against protecting present well-being. Finally, a demanding responsibility was conveyed as an urge to remind oneself of the risk of complications, bridling one’s power of proficiency, and managing time during the illness course. Conclusions This study contributes to uncovering the tacit knowledge of how moral reasoning is embodied in the vascular surgeons’ everyday clinical discourse as a tangible part of their daily care of patients. The results underpin the significance of moral considerations in the assemblage of medical knowledge and technical skills to further understand vascular surgeons’ clinical practice. The clinical application of these results is the need of forums for articulating moral considerations in decision-making as well as the fostering of moral character.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Respiratory Therapy Students’ Clinical Practice: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Baoum Aseel Jamal , Hadidi Elaf Asaad , Alharbi Renad Fahad , Hakami Alqassem Y. , Khan Muhammad Anwar 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Due to the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) precaution, educational systems and learners’ practices from all specialties have been negatively impacted, especially university students. COVID-19 has a massive impact on the practice of allied health students. The students' hospital exposure has been severely affected by the cancelation of the clinical practice. This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of respiratory therapy students in different universities around Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The calculated sample size was 183 participants. A cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed from August 2021 to November 2021 to respiratory therapy students. The survey contained questions to identify the clinical exposure of the participants. The participants included RT students in their clinical training years from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAUHS), King Abdulaziz University (KAU), and Batterjee Medical College (BMC) in Jeddah. The survey evaluated the effects of the pandemic on students’ clinical practice, confidence and clinical preparation, and education.
Results: A total of 187 respiratory therapy students completed the questionnaire. The results revealed that 145 (77.5%) of respiratory therapy students agreed that the pandemic had disrupted their clinical practice. The percentage of respiratory therapy students who felt that they were less confident and less prepared for the next academic year due to practical session cancellation was 141 (75.4%). Out of the total students, 135 (72.2%) students reported difficulty in connecting the clinical and theoretical part because of the pandemic.
Conclusion: The majority of respiratory therapy students from the three universities similarly reported that the pandemic disrupted their practice and interfered with their ability to connect between clinical and theoretical part. Moreover, it had affected their confidence and preparedness for the next year.
Evaluation of custom posts and cores fabricated by two digital technologies in core and post space dimensions
Authors: Wu Yumin , Qi Haowen , Wang Danlei , Liao Mengyuan , Zhang Yuhang , Xie Haifeng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the adaptability between posts and post spaces and the rationality of cores fabricated by two digital custom posts and cores processes.
Materials and methods
Titanium posts and cores were fabricated by digital scanning impression technology or digital scanning wax-pattern technology on tooth defect molds of incisors, premolars, and molars, with traditional lost-wax casts of these teeth as the controls. Micro-CT and a laboratory scanner were used to determine intervals between post wall and root canal wall of the root apex, middle, and cervix of each sample in cross-, sagittal, and coronal sections; intervals between the end of post and tooth; diameters of cervical, middle, and incisal part at cross-, sagittal, and coronal sections of each sample, as well as shoulder widths.
Results
Three fabrication processes showed significant differences in intervals between post-and-core prostheses and root canal wall, diameters of all parts of cores, and shoulder widths. Scanning impression showed significant advantages in the main part of posts and cores in incisors and premolars, while the scanning wax-pattern process showed obvious inferiorities in premolars and molars. As to core spatial size, values of measured sites in the scanning impression process were closer to the standard than those of the traditional process, while differences between the measured value of the scanning wax-pattern process were much more obvious than in the traditional process.
Conclusion
The digital custom posts and cores employed scanning impression improved rationality and precision of post-and-core dimensions compared with the two other processes.
Clinical relevance
Fabrication using digital design and processing for custom posts and cores has better precision and adaptability.
WITHDRAWN: Prevalence of Sarcopenia and its Risk Factors in Community-dwelling Older People during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Won Jongsoon , Yoon Hyeongyeong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Sarcopenia is a state of reduced muscle function that can lead to increased falls, fractures, and mortality in the elderly population. This study aims to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and its related risk factors in the elderly in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study investigates sarcopenia, muscle strength, physical performance, fear of COVID-19, distress, and depression in 103 community-dwelling elderly individuals over 65 years of age. The prevalence of sarcopenia among the elderly in the community was 4.8% and 29.1% in men and women, respectively. Age, gender, physical performance, and depression were risk factors for sarcopenia; however, COVID-19-related factors were not significant.
Too big to fail: implementing investments for the green transition in a holistic modelling approach
Authors: Kristkova Zuzana Smeets , Cui David Hao , M'Barek Robert , Boysen-Urban Kirsten , Meijl Hans van 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This study provides novel insights into the economic and emission-saving impacts of green investments using computable general equilibrium model MAGNET. MAGNET has been extended for assessing the economic and emission efficiency of green investments such as sector-specific investment allocation, investment risk premiums adjustment and technology learning effects to endogenize productivity growth in renewable and bioenergy sectors. In line with the proposals on climate neutrality and Green Deal, the study simulates an increase in investments in renewable energy and bioeconomy sectors (additional 15% replacement of capital stock). It is found that additional green investments bring positive GDP and emission-saving effects with cumulative multipliers of about 1.1 in the longer term for the aggregate EU. This study also explains through which channels the positive economic and emission effects occur in the economy. The green investment boost coupled with technology learning leads to substantial productivity increase in renewable and bioenergy sectors and replacement of labour by capital stock. Positive spillover effects in the rest of the economy result in higher demand for labour and growth of wages. The sensitivity analysis however shows that without additional funding, negative crowd-out effects occur in the economy, potentially also leading to negative food security effects via raising food prices. This supports the need for specific financial instruments to allow the financing of green transition.
MAPkinases regulate secondary metabolism, sexual development and light dependent cellulase regulation in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Schalamun Miriam , Beier Sabrina , Hinterdobler Wolfgang , Wanko Nicole , Schinnerl Johann , Brecker Lothar , Engl Dorothea Elisa , Schmoll Monika 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei is a prolific producer of plant cell wall degrading enzymes, which are regulated in response to diverse environmental signals for optimal adaptation, but also produces a wide array of secondary metabolites. Available carbon source and light are the strongest cues currently known to impact secreted enzyme levels and an interplay with regulation of secondary metabolism became increasingly obvious in recent years. While cellulase regulation is already known to be modulated by different mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, the relevance of the light signal, which is transmitted by this pathway in other fungi as well, is still unknown in T. reesei as are interconnections to secondary metabolism and chemical communication under mating conditions. Here we show that MAPkinases differentially influence cellulase regulation in light and darkness and that the Hog1 homologue TMK3, but not TMK1 or TMK2 are required for the chemotropic response to glucose in T. reesei. Additionally, MAPkinases regulate production of specific secondary metabolites including trichodimerol and bisorbibutenolid, a bioactive compound with cytostatic effect on cancer cells and deterrent effect on larvae, under conditions facilitating mating, which reflects a defect in chemical communication. Strains lacking either of the MAPkinases become female sterile, indicating the conservation of the role of MAPkinases in sexual fertility also in T. reesei. In summary, our findings substantiate the previously detected interconnection of cellulase regulation with regulation of secondary metabolism as well as the involvement of MAPkinases in light dependent gene regulation of cellulase and secondary metabolite genes in fungi.
Cone-beam computed tomographic characteristics in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease patients with chewing side preference
Authors: Zhai Xiaoting , Huang Dongzong , Hu Yifan , Li Xiaoxing , Wang Jiazhu , Ma Junli , Li Hongbo , Hu Min , Liu Hongchen , Jiang Hua 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to assess the Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) characteristics of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease (DJD) patients with chewing side preference (CSP).
Materials and methods
CBCT images of 98 patients with DJD (67 with CSP and 31 without CSP) and 22 asymptomatic participants without DJD were measured retrospectively to compare the osteoarthritic changes and the morphology of TMJ.​ ​Quantitative analysis of the TMJ radiographic images was performed to present a comparison between the three inter-group groups and between the two sides of the joints.
Results
The frequencies of the articular flattening and surface erosion occur more often in the preferred side joints of DJD patients with CSP than the contralateral side. In addition, the horizontal angle of condyle, the depth of glenoid fossa (DGF) and the inclination of articular eminence (IAE) were larger in DJD patients with CSP than that in asymptomatic participants (p༜0.05). Also, the condylar anteroposterior dimension of preferred side joints was significantly less than that of non-preferred side (p = 0.026), while the width of condyles (p = 0.041) and IAE (p = 0.045) was greater.
Conclusions
DJD patients with CSP appear to have a higher prevalence of osteoarthritic changes, with the morphological changes such as flat condyle, deep glenoid fossa, and steep articular eminence, which might be considered the characteristic imaging features.
Clinical relevance
This study found that CSP is a predisposing factor for the development of DJD, and attention should be paid to the existence of CSP in DJD patients during the clinical practice.
Comparison of radiological characteristics between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and ankylosing spondylitis: A multicenter study
Authors: Takahashi Takuya , Yoshii Toshitaka , Mori Kanji , Kobayashi Shigeto , Inoue Hisashi , Tada Kurisu , Tamura Naoto , Hirai Takashi , Sugimura Nobuhiro , Nagoshi Narihito , Maki Satoshi , Katsumi Keiichi , Koda Masao , Murata Kazuma , Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Nakashima Hiroaki , Imagama Shiro , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Yamazaki Masashi , Okawa Atsushi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the radiological differences between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using whole spine computed tomography (CT), including the spine and sacroiliac joint (SIJ)
Methods: The ossification and bridging of spinal ligament and fusion of the facet joint and SIJ were evaluated in 111 patients who were diagnosed with DISH and 28 patients with AS on the whole spine CT. The number of anterior bridging and shape of bridging (candle-wax-type/ smooth-type) were also evaluated. We further evaluated patients with DISH and AS by matching their age and sex.
Results: Complete SIJ fusion was more common in AS, whereas anterior and posterior bony bridging around SIJ was more common in DISH. However, 63% of patients with DISH had a partial or complete fusion. In spinal anterior bony bridging, the majority of patients with AS had the smooth-type, whereas those with DISH had the candle-wax-type. However, some of the patients with DISH (11%) had smooth-type. Intervertebral facet joint fusion is more common in AS. The number of anterior spinal bony bridging was greater in AS than in DISH, especially in the lumbar spine.
Conclusion: These results are useful in differentiating DISH from AS and shouldtherefore be considered when making a diagnosis.
Seismic performance evaluation of reinforced concrete frame with improper lap splices: A scaled-down experimental approach using micro-concrete
Authors: Javed Ali , Krishna Chaitanya , Ali Khawaja , Meguro Kimiro 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Reinforced concrete (RC) frames are an integral part of modern construction as they resist both gravity and lateral loads in beams and columns. However, the construction methodologies of RC frames are vulnerable to non-engineering defects, particularly in developing countries. The most common non-engineering defect entails due to improper lap splice, which can compromise the structural integrity. This research demonstrates an easy, low-cost, and verifiable experimental technique incorporating micro-concrete to evaluate the seismic performance of a completely engineered RC frame with the defect of improper lap splice. The micro-concrete was prepared by using the locally available material for a target compressive strength and then two scaled-down RC frames (1/16 scale) were prepared, including one proper frame and another with improper lap splice. Finally, these frames were tested on a shake table to study their behavior under various seismic loading conditions. This study quantifies the severity of high-risk structural systems due to non-engineering defects. The experimental results demonstrate that improper lap splice can alter the frame's damage points, triggering the failure of the whole structure.
Radiotherapy enhances CXCR3(high) CD8(+) T cells activation through inducing IFNγ-mediated ICAM-1 expression in lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Chih-Liang , Ho Ai-Sheng , Chang Chun-Chao , Sie Zong-Lin , Peng Cheng-Liang , Chang Jungshan , Cheng Chun-Chia 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) not only damages tumors but also induces interferon (IFN) expression in tumors. IFNs-mediate PD-L1 exhausts CD8+ T cells but which also directly impact tumor cells and potentially activate anti-tumor immune surveillance. Little is known about the contradictory mechanism of IFNs in regulating CD8+ T-mediated anti-tumor activity in lung cancer. This study found that RT significantly improved PBMCs- and splenocytes-mediated inhibition of tumor cell viability. Meanwhile, RT induced IFNs and CXCL9/10 expression in the RT-treated lung cancer cells. Specifically, RT- and IFNγ-pretreated A549 significantly activated CD8+ T cells, resulting in significant inhibition of A549 colony formation. RNAseq results revealed that IFNγ induced PD-L1 and ICAM-1, whereas PD-L1 knockdown activated CD8+ T cells but ICAM-1 knockdown diminished CD8+ T cells activation. We further demonstrated that CXCR3 decreased in the CD8+ T cells of patients with lung cancer that expressed lower reactivation as co-cultured with A549 cells. In addition, inhibitors targeting CXCR3 and LFA-1 in CD8+ T cells significantly diminished splenocytes-mediated anti-LL/2shPdl1 colony formation. We validated that RT suppressed lung cancer and overexpress PD-L1 and ICAM-1, which exhibited opposite roles in regulating CD8+ T cell activity. CXCR3highCD8+ T cells levels with highly CXCL10 in healthy volunteers recognized ICAM-1 in RT- and IFNγ-treated A549 for further activating CD8+ T cells, but CXCR3lowCD8+ T cells with low CXCL10 in patients with lung cancer were exhausted by PD-L1 dominantly. This study clarified the possible mechanisms of RT and IFNs in regulating CD8+ T cell activation in lung cancer.
Consumption of nutritionally enriched hen eggs enhances endothelium-dependent vasodilation via cyclooygenases’ metabolites in healthy young persons - A randomized study
Authors: Šušnjara Petar , Mihaljević Zrinka , Stupin Ana , Kolobarić Nikolina , Matić Anita , Jukić Ivana , Kralik Zlata , Kralik Gordana , Miloloža Anđelina , Pavošević Tihana , Šerić Vatroslav , Lončarić Zdenko , Kerovec Darko , Galović Olivera , Drenjančević Ines 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Present study aimed to evaluate the effects of enriched hen eggs consumption on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) and the role of cyclooxygenases in EDV in microcirculation of young healthy individuals.
Methods
Participants consumed 3 eggs per day for 3 weeks: Control group (n = 14) consumed regular hen eggs (approximately 0.330 mg of lutein, 1.785 mg of vitamin E, 0.054 mg of selenium and 438 mg of n-3 PUFAs daily) and Nutri4 group (n = 20) consumed enriched eggs (approximately 1.85 mg of lutein, 0.06 mg of selenium, 3.29 mg of vitamin E, and 1026 mg of n-3 PUFAs daily). Skin microvascular blood flow in response to EDV (post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and iontophoresis of acetylcholine (AChID)) and sodium nitroprusside (SNPID; endothelium-independent) were assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry before and after dietary protocol, with or without 100 mg of indomethacin perorally. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, serum lipid and liver enzymes, anthropometric measurements, protein expression of COX-1, COX-2, nNOS, iNOS, and eNOS were measured before and after dietary protocol.
Results
PORH and AChID were significantly enhanced, and SNPID remained unchanged in Nutri4 group, while none was changed in Control group following respective diet. PORH was decreased after administration of indomethacin in Nutri4 after dietary protocol. Protein expression of COX-2 was significantly higher in the Nutri4 group compared to Control group after dietary protocol.
Conclusion
Consumption of enriched eggs improves microvascular EDV in healthy young subjects. Results suggest involvement of n-3 PUFAs metabolites via the cyclooxygenases pathway in enhanced reactive hyperemia.
Trial registration
: The study was registered on the Clinical trial under the title: Effect of Enriched QUARTET® Hen Eggs on Cardiovascular Function in Cardiovascular Patients and Healthy Individuals. NCT number: NCT04564690 on September 2020 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04564690).