bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-body MRI in children aged 6–18 years. Reliability of identifying and grading high signal intensity changes within bone marrow
Authors: Zadig Pia , von Brandis Elisabeth , d’Angelo Paola , de Horatio Laura Tanturri , Ording-Müller Lil-Sofie , Rosendahl Karen , Avenarius Derk 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used in children, however, to date there are no studies addressing the reliability of the findings.

Objective
To examine intra- and interobserver reliability of a scoring system for assessment of high signal areas within the bone marrow, as visualized on T2-weighted, fat-saturated images.

Materials and methods
Ninety-six whole-body MRIs (1.5 T) in 78 healthy volunteers (mean age: 11.5 years) and 18 children with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (mean age: 12.4 years) were included. Coronal water-only Dixon T2-weighted images were used to score the left lower extremity/pelvis for high signal intensity areas, intensity (0–2 scale), extension (0–4 scale) and shape and contour in a blinded fashion by two pairs of radiologists.

Results
For the pelvis, grading of bone marrow signal showed moderate to good intra- and interobserver agreement with kappa values of 0.51–0.94 and 0.41–0.87, respectively. Corresponding figures for the femur were 0.61–0.68 within and 0.32–0.61 between observers, and for the tibia 0.60–0.72 and 0.51–0.73. Agreement for assessing extension was moderate to good both within and between observers for the pelvis (k = 0.52–0.85 and 0.35–0.80), for the femur (0.52–0.67 and 0.51–0.60) and for the tibia (k = 0.59–0.69 and 0.47–0.63) except for the femur metaphysis/diaphysis, with interobserver kappa values of 0.29–0.30. Scoring of shape was moderate to good within observers, but in general poorer between observers, with kappa values of 0.40–0.73 and 0.18–0.69, respectively. For contour, the corresponding figures were 0.35–0.62 and 0.09–0.54, respectively.

Conclusion
MRI grading of intensity and extension of high signal intensity areas within the bone marrow of pelvis and lower limb performs well and thus can be used interchangeably by different observers, while assessment of shape and contour is reliable for the same observer but is less reliable between observers. This should be considered when performing clinical trials.
Delayed Surgery for Perforated Appendicitis is Feasible in Children Without Compromising the Outcome in Selected Cases
Authors: Frongia G. , Dostal F. , Ziebell L. , Vuille‐dit‐Bille N. R. , Müller T. , Schenk J. P. , Mehrabi A. , Günther P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and aimThe relationship between time to surgery and risk of postoperative complications and re‐intervention has not been conclusively investigated in pediatric perforated appendicitis (PA). The aim of this study was to determine whether time to appendectomy (TTA) is a risk factor for postoperative complications and re‐intervention in a cohort of children undergoing appendectomy for PA.MethodsA total of 254 children (age: 8.7 ± 3.7 years) undergoing appendectomy for PA were retrospectively evaluated and stratified into Group I–III according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification for postoperative complications (Group I n = 218, 86%; Group II n = 7, 3%; Group III n = 29, 11%).ResultsThe TTA was comparable between all groups (group I: 8.8 ± 9.2 h; group II: 7.8 ± 5.3 h; group III: 9.5 ± 9.6 h; overall: 8.8 ± 9.1 h; p = 0.885). A C‐reactive protein (CRP) value at admission of  ≥128.6 mg/l indicated a higher risk for developing Grade II complications with no need for re‐intervention (OR: 3.963; 95% CI: 1.810–8.678; p = 0.001) and Grade III complications with the need for re‐intervention (OR: 3.346; 95% CI: 1.456–7.690; p = 0.004). This risk was independent of the TTA (OR: 1.007; 95% CI: 0.980–1.035; p = 0.613).ConclusionsAppendectomy can be delayed by an average time delay of about 9 h in children with PA without increasing the risk of postoperative complications and re‐intervention, also in patients at high risk defined by the initial CRP level ≥ 128.6 mg/l. This data may support the correct risk‐adjusted scheduling of surgical interventions in times of limited capacity.
Detection of Ablation Boundaries Using Different MR Sequences in a Swine Liver Model
Authors: Hensen Bennet , Drenkmann Urte , Frericks Bernd , Rothgang Eva , Gutberlet Marcel , Länger Florian , Gilson Wesley , Valdeig Steffi , Weiss Clifford R. , Wacker Frank 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To determine the magnetic resonance (MR) sequences best suited for the assessment of ablation zones after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods
Three percutaneous MR-guided RFA of the liver were performed on three swine. Four pre-contrast and two hepatobiliary post-contrast sequences were obtained after ablation. Tissue samples were extracted and stained for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase hydride (NADH) and with hematoxylin and eosin. Post-ablation MR images and NADH slides were segmented to determine the total ablation zone, their Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the visible ablation boundary to normal liver tissue.

Results
Two distinct layers were combined to determine the ablation zone: an inner layer of coagulation necrosis and an outer layer defined as the peripheral transition zone. Corresponding zones could be found in the MR images as well. Compared to histology, the total area of the MR ablation zone was significantly smaller on the pre-contrast T1 images (p < 0.01) and significantly larger with T2 turbo spin-echo (p = 0.025). No significant difference in size of the ablation zone depiction could be found between histology, post-contrast T1 volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE), and post-contrast T1 3D Turboflash (TFL) as well as T2 SPACE images. All sequences but the pre-contrast T1 VIBE sequence showed a DSC above 80% and a high CNR.

Conclusions
Post-contrast T1 3DTFL performs best when assessing ablation zones after RFA. Since the sequence requires a long acquisition time, T1 VIBE post-contrast offers the best compromise between acquisition time and estimation accuracy.
Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for Brugada syndrome: an updated systematic review
Authors: Kotake Yasuhito , Barua Sumita , Kazi Samia , Virk Sohaib , Bhaskaran Ashwin , Campbell Timothy , Bennett Richard G. , Kumar Saurabh 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) may experience recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Catheter ablation is becoming an emerging paradigm for treatment of BrS.

Objective
To assess the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation in BrS in an updated systematic review.

Methods
We comprehensively searched the databases of Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 11th of August 2021.

Results
Fifty-six studies involving 388 patients were included. A substrate-based strategy was used in 338 cases (87%), and a strategy of targeting premature ventricular complex (PVCs)/ventricular tachycardias (VTs) that triggered ventricular fibrillation (VF) in 47 cases (12%), with combined abnormal electrogram and PVC/VT ablation in 3 cases (1%). Sodium channel blocker was frequently used to augment the arrhythmogenic substrate in 309/388 cases (80%), which included a variety of agents, of which ajmaline was most commonly used. After ablation procedure, the pooled incidence of non-inducibility of VA was 87.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.4–94.3; I2 = 51%), and acute resolution of type I ECG was seen in 74.5% (95% CI [52.3–88.6]; I2 = 75%). Over a weighted mean follow up of 28 months, 7.6% (95% CI [2.1–24]; I2 = 67%) had recurrence of type I ECG either spontaneously or with drug challenge and 17.6% (95% CI [10.2–28.6]; I2 = 60%) had recurrence of VA.

Conclusion
Catheter ablation appears to be an efficacious strategy for elimination of arrhythmias or substrate associated with BrS. Further study is needed to identify which patients stand to benefit, and optimal provocation protocol for identifying ablation targets.

Graphical abstract
Modelling groundwater flow in the Plaine du Nord–Massacre shallow aquifer, Haiti
Authors: Arnaud Luc , Gutierrez Alexis , Zegoulli Inès , Gonomy Nyankona 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTo assist in the sustainable management of water resources, a groundwater model of the shallow groundwater in the Plaine du Nord–Massacre transboundary aquifer system was developed. The Plaine du Nord–Massacre Aquifer is one of the largest aquifer systems of Haiti, supposedly bearing a high potential for water supply and irrigation. The shallower part is already tapped by hundreds of domestic wells and hand-pumped public and private boreholes. In the framework of the AVANSE project (Appui à la Valorisation du Potentiel Agricole du Nord, pour la Sécurité Économique et Environnementale), a USAID funded project aiming at developing sustainable agriculture in the region, a groundwater model was built to assist in decision making. The finite-difference-based MARTHE software was used for the model. Due to the lack of monitoring data, the calibration of the model could only be carried out under steady-state hydraulic conditions. It should thus be considered as a first step towards a better characterisation of the aquifer’s potential. However, the model computed a groundwater balance at the scale of the aquifer showing that significant water resources can be easily mobilized if one carefully manages to rule out local operational difficulties. The simulated groundwater drawdowns using transient simulation of irrigation scenarios are pluri-metric, reaching 6–7 m. New irrigation wells must be deeper than the current average depth of wells to support agricultural development projects.
Machine translation in society: insights from UK users
Authors: Vieira Lucas Nunes , O’Sullivan Carol , Zhang Xiaochun , O’Hagan Minako 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMachine translation (MT) tools like Google Translate can overcome language barriers and increase access to information. These tools also carry risks, and their societal role remains understudied. This article investigates typical uses and perceptions of MT based on a survey of 1200 United Kingdom residents who were representative of the national population in terms of age, sex, and ethnicity. We highlight three main findings from our analysis. First, participants often used MT for non-essential purposes that rarely justified professional human translations. Second, while they were highly satisfied with MT they also expressed desires for higher MT quality. These desires were usually motivated by expectations of perfection rather than fitness for purpose. Third, participants’ future vision for MT involved increasingly blurred boundaries between text and speech. The article calls for more MT research on the interface between written and spoken communication and on the ethical implications of rare but significant high-risk uses of the technology.
Study on water resources carrying capacity in Zhuanglang River Basin
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhou Chang , Liu Bingrui , Wang Dongxue , Zhao Xingzhu , Yang Xiaojing , Zhu Xiaotao , Lin Zimu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWith the rapid development of China’s social economy, the phenomenon of unbalanced regional economic development is increasingly obvious. The shortage of water resources in northwest China is an important constraint to local development. The study on the water resources carrying capacity of the Zhuanglang River Basin plays an important role in the development of local economy; thus, we evaluate the water resources situation of Zhuanglang River Basin by using hydrology-related calculation method, combining with field investigation, visiting relevant departments, and referring to relevant data. Meanwhile, the water resources carrying capacity of 3 counties and 12 townships in the Zhuanglang River Basin in the current year are studied and analyzed based on methods such as fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model and quantitative calculation. Results indicate that the carrying capacity of water resources in Zhuanglang river basin can mostly meet the needs of township, but it is necessary to further optimize the water resources carrying capacity of the Zhuanglang River Basin from the four systems of water resources, society, economy, and ecology in the future. Besides, the results of quantitative calculation show that the maximum economic scale that water resources can withstand in most areas of the Zhuanglang River Basin is the overall well-off level, that is, the per capita domestic water is 80L/(d· person), and the per capita GDP is 10000 yuan/person. But there is still a certain gap to achieve the level, when the people are well-off in an all-round way, the two indexes are correspondently raised to 120L/(d· person), and the per capita GDP is 30,000 yuan/person.
Threshold-dependent tax enforcement and the size distribution of firms: evidence from Germany
Authors: Klimsa Drahomir , Ullmann Robert 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates firms’ responses to threshold-dependent intensity of tax enforcement. We use administrative tax return data over the entire population of German firms and exploit industry variation in firm size thresholds applied by the tax administration. In our setting, each threshold marks a considerable spike in audit intensity and hence should create strong incentives to bunch below the threshold. However, we find no such effect in our large sample analysis. We attribute this empirical observation to optimization costs, particularly to the costs associated with the operational implementation of size management and to information costs. Our paper adds to the emerging field of studies on potential distortions created by threshold-dependent firm regulation. The findings are also relevant for policymakers, as they suggest that the specific design of threshold-dependent policies might allow governments to increase the efficiency of tax audits without distorting the firm size distribution.
Dye decomposition and air de-pollution performance of TiO2/SiO2 and N-TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts coated on Portland cement mortar substates
Authors: Khannyra Souad , Gil Maria Luisa Almoraima , Addou Mohammed , Mosquera Maria Jesus 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this study, the newly synthesized TiO2 and N doped TiO2 clusters were added to silica sol to synthesize N-TiO2/SiO2 composites via the sol–gel method. Afterwards, the prepared sols were applied by brushing on portland cement. Doping with nitrogen significantly increased the absorption of TiO2 towards the visible region, thus, increasing the photocatalytic activity. SEM characterization of the treated samples showed that the clusters were distributed in form of aggregates on the samples’ surface. The self-cleaning and air de-polluting performances were assessed through methylene blue degradation and the oxidation of nitrogen oxide, resulting in methylene blue (MB) removal of 85% and 78% after 60 min of irradiation for SN10TiO2 and STiO2, respectively. Regarding air de-pollution performance, the newly synthesized photocatalysts showed the ability of NOx reduction. However, their efficiency was somewhat lower, in which 23.81% of NO has been oxidized by the sample SN10TiO2, while SP25 showed a total NO conversion of 38.98%. The powdered xerogels of the newly synthesized nanoparticles revealed high photocatalytic efficiency concerning NO oxidation, resulting in a higher performance compared to those obtained by the xerogel containing P25.
Graphical abstract
Radon exposure and risk of cerebrovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis in occupational and general population studies
Authors: Lu Liping , Zhang Yijia , Chen Cheng , Field Robert William , Kahe Ka 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAlthough it is biologically plausible, findings relating radon exposure to the risk of cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) are inconsistent and inconclusive. To investigate whether radon exposure was associated with the risk of CeVD, we qualitatively and quantitatively summarized the literature on radon and CeVD in both occupational and general populations. A search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed for peer-reviewed articles published through March 2022. Studies were excluded if radon exposure was not assessed separately from other ionizing radiation. In the meta-analysis, excess relative risks (ERRs) were converted to relative risks (RRs), and the pooled RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using the random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird). In the systematic review, nine eligible studies were summarized. Six occupational studies indicated inconsistent associations between cumulative radon exposure and CeVD mortality among mine workers. With available data from four updated occupational studies (99,730 mine workers and 2745 deaths), the pooled RR of radon exposure with CeVD mortality showed a non-significant association (1.10, 95% CI 0.92, 1.31). Three studies (841,270 individuals and 24,288 events) conducted in general populations consistently demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between residential radon exposure and risk of CeVD. The existing literature suggested a potential link between radon exposure and CeVD risk in general population. The inconsistent association in occupationally exposed populations may be explained by different methods of radon assessment and other methodological issues. Since radon exposure is a common public health issue, more rigorously designed epidemiologic studies, especially in the general population are warranted.
Magnetic particle monitoring on leaves in winter: a pilot study on a highly polluted location in the Po plain (Northern Italy)
Authors: Tribaudino Mario , Solzi Massimo , Mantovani Luciana , Zaccara Patrizia , Groppi Elisa 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Environmental monitoring in Northern Italy, one of the most polluted areas in Europe, is of paramount importance. Leaf monitoring throughout magnetic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS) analysis could be considered a good complementary analysis to sampling stations, but the lack of evergreen plants in the northern Italy towns may hinder magnetic leaf analysis in the winter season. Therefore, we tested three species of urban vegetation, which are evergreen and commonly found in urban environment, namely Hedera helix L., Parietaria officinalis L. and Rubus caesius L. Magnetic susceptibility, chosen as a simple parameter suitable for monitoring, was measured in seven stations, during the period 25 January 2019 to 8 March 2019 at a weekly step, in the cities of Torino and Parma in the same days. P. officinalis and R. caesius showed the best response, but also H. helix was suitable to detect highly polluted areas. In Torino, the magnetic susceptibility decreased in the last sampling, together with PM10, whereas in Parma it increased, likely for the beginning of the academic period in the University Campus. SEM–EDS analysis was done comparing leaves from the same plant sampled in February 2019, in highly polluted conditions, and in May 2020, after 2 months of very limited traffic, due to national lockdown. Silicate grains of natural minerals, sized between 10 and 20 µm, are present in both samples, whereas Fe oxides, about one micron size, possibly coming from car brake consumption, are prominent in the February 2019 sample. Magnetic susceptibility of leaves form the examined species looks promising to spot urban sites with high metal pollution.
Functional and transcriptional profiling of microglial activation during the chronic phase of TBI identifies an age-related driver of poor outcome in old mice
Authors: Ritzel Rodney M. , Li Yun , Lei Zhuofan , Carter Jordan , He Junyun , Choi Harry M. C. , Khan Niaz , Li Hui , Allen Samantha , Lipinski Marta M. , Faden Alan I. , Wu Junfang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Elderly patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have greater mortality and poorer outcomes than younger individuals. The extent to which old age alters long-term recovery and chronic microglial activation after TBI is unknown, and evidence for therapeutic efficacy in aged mice is sorely lacking. The present study sought to identify potential inflammatory mechanisms underlying age-related outcomes late after TBI. Controlled cortical impact was used to induce moderate TBI in young and old male C57BL/6 mice. At 12 weeks post-injury, aged mice exhibited higher mortality, poorer functional outcomes, larger lesion volumes, and increased microglial activation. Transcriptomic analysis identified age- and TBI-specific gene changes consistent with a disease-associated microglial signature in the chronically injured brain, including those involved with complement, phagocytosis, and autophagy pathways. Dysregulation of phagocytic and autophagic function in microglia was accompanied by increased neuroinflammation in old mice. As proof-of-principle that these pathways have functional importance, we administered an autophagic enhancer, trehalose, in drinking water continuously for 8 weeks after TBI. Old mice treated with trehalose showed enhanced functional recovery and reduced microglial activation late after TBI compared to the sucrose control group. Our data indicate that microglia undergo chronic changes in autophagic regulation with both normal aging and TBI that are associated with poorer functional outcome. Enhancing autophagy may therefore be a promising clinical therapeutic strategy for TBI, especially in older patients.
Investigating the effect of electrode orientation on irreversible electroporation with experiment and simulation
Authors: Wardhana Girindra , Raman Nivedha M. , Abayazid Momen , Fütterer Jurgen J. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, irreversible electroporation (IRE) has been developed to specifically destroy undesirable tissues as an alternative to surgical resection. In this treatment, placing multiple electrodes in parallel is required to create a uniform electric field distribution. The process of maintaining parallel electrodes is challenging, and the effect of the electrodes’ orientation accuracy has not been investigated quantitatively. This study investigates the impact of the electrode orientation along with various electrode and pulse parameters on the outcomes of IRE.

Methods

The electrode configurations that were considered were parallel, forward, and sideward orientation. A numerical model was developed to study the effect of electrode orientation on the electric field distribution, which was validated experimentally on potato tubers as it has similar properties to biological tissue. In addition, a conductivity test was performed to evaluate the conductivity and electroporation threshold of the potatoes.

Results

The developed numerical model was validated by comparing the electroporated volumes between potatoes from the experiment and simulation, which achieved a mean dice score of $$0.727\pm 0.046$$

0.727
±
0.046

. The potato has an electrical conductivity of 0.044–0.454 S/m with an electroporation threshold of 375 V/cm. ANOVA test showed that the difference in the electroporated regions obtained between a parallel orientation and a 5$$^{\circ }$$

∘

forward and sideward orientation was not significant.

Conclusion

This study showed that the developed numerical models were validated and able to predict the outcome of IRE on potatoes. In addition, a 5$$^{\circ }$$

∘

tolerance on the electrode orientation can be defined to obtain a similar response to the parallel orientation.