bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Therapy of
Solid and Complex Benign Thyroid Nodules – A Long-term Follow up
Two-center Study
Authors: Fischer Anne , Korkusuz Hüdayi , Vorländer Christian 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of high-intensity focused
ultrasound (HIFU) of solid and complex benign thyroid nodules.
Methods Fifty-eight patients with benign thyroid nodules were treated with
HIFU at two centers from 2014–2019. The device, EchoPulse (Teraclion,
Malakoff, France), heats the nodes to 80–90 °C. Nodal volumes
were measured by ultrasound at regular intervals before and up to 12 months
after therapy. In a retrospective long-term two-center study, average volume
reductions in relation to baseline volume were statistically analyzed by the
Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Side effects were documented.
Results In solid nodules, the average percent volume reductions at the 3,
6, 9, and 12-months follow-up were 49.98%, 46.40%,
65.77%, and 63.88%, respectively. The results were significant
with p<0.05 in the Wilcoxon signed-rank test at the 3, 6, and 9-months
follow-up. In complex nodules, the average percent volume reduction was
35.2% at 3 months, 36.89% at 6 months, and 63.64% at
twelve months follow up. The results were significant with p<0.05 in the
Wilcoxon signed-rank test at the 3- and 6-months follow-up. The complication
rate was 5.2%. All complications occurred in patients with solid
nodules.
Conclusion The study showed that HIFU is an effective treatment method for
both solid and complex nodules. The complication rate is relatively high at
5.2%. No long-term complications occurred. The solid nodules responded
better to HIFU than complex nodules.
Complete polyp resection with cold snare versus hot snare polypectomy for polyps of 4–9 mm: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pedersen Ina B. , Rawa-Golebiewska Anna , Calderwood Audrey H. , Brix Lone D. , Grode Louise B. , Botteri Edoardo , Bugajski Marek , Kaminski Michal F. , Januszewicz Wladyslaw , Ødegaard Hjalmar , Kleist Britta , Kalager Mette , Løberg Magnus , Bretthauer Michael , Hoff Geir , Medhus Asle , Holme Øyvind 
Published: January 2022

Background Endoscopic screening with polypectomy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). Incomplete polyp removal may attenuate the effect of screening. This randomized trial compared cold snare polypectomy (CSP) with hot snare polypectomy (HSP) in terms of complete polyp resection.
Methods We included patients ≥ 40 years of age at eight hospitals in four countries who had at least one non-pedunculated polyp of 4–9 mm detected at colonoscopy. Patients were randomized 1:1 to CSP or HSP. Biopsies from the resection margins were obtained systematically after polypectomy in both groups. We hypothesized that CSP would be non-inferior to HSP, with a non-inferiority margin of 5 %. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify the factors explaining incomplete resection.
Results 425 patients, with 601 polyps, randomized to either CSP or HSP were included in the analysis. Of 318 polyps removed by CSP and 283 polyps removed by HSP, 34 (10.7 %) and 21 (7.4 %) were incompletely resected, respectively, with an adjusted risk difference of 3.2 % (95 %CI −1.4 % to 7.8 %). There was no difference between the groups in terms of post-polypectomy bleeding, perforation, or abdominal pain. Independent risk factors for incomplete removal were serrated histology (odds ratio [OR] 3.96; 95 %CI 1.63 to 9.66) and hyperplastic histology (OR 2.52; 95 %CI 1.30 to 4.86) in adjusted analyses.
Conclusion In this randomized trial, non-inferiority for CSP could not be demonstrated. Polyps with serrated histology are more prone to incomplete resection compared with adenomas. CSP can be used safely for small polyps in routine colonoscopy practice.
How Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Phosphorus(III)-Directed C–H Bond Functionalizations Can Improve the Catalytic Activities of Phosphines
Authors: Soulé Jean-François , Zhang Zhuan , Durand Natacha 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTrivalent-phosphorus-containing molecules are widely used in fields ranging from catalysis to materials science. Efficient catalytic methods for their modifications, providing straightforward access to novel hybrid structures with superior catalytic activities, are highly desired to facilitate reaction improvement or discovery. We have recently developed new methods for synthesizing polyfunctional phosphines by C–C cross-couplings through rhodium-catalyzed C–H bond activation. These methods use a native P(III) atom as a directing group, and can be used in regioselective late-stage functionalization of phosphine ligands. Interestingly, some of the modified phosphines outperform their parents in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.1	Introduction2	Early Examples of Transition-Metal-Catalyzed P(III)-Directed C–H Bond Activation/Functionalizations3	Synthesis of Polyfunctional Biarylphosphines by Late-Stage Alkylation: Application in Carboxylation Reactions4	Synthesis of Polyfunctional Biarylphosphines by Late-Stage Alkenylation: Application in Amidation Reactions5	Conclusion
Radiology of Anomalies of Pulmonary Veins
Authors: Rahalkar Mukund Dattatray , Rahalkar Anand M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA study of 43 cases of suspected congenital diseases of heart was performed in Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, over a period of 5 to 6 years with dual source computed tomography (CT) in adolescents as well as children. Only the images of anomalies of pulmonary veins are presented.Compared with different radiological techniques, CT offers many advantages, as it can be undertaken even in neonates, yields more information than MR in a very little time, is better than 2D echo, when there is a small inter-costal window in some infants and is noninvasive. This study proved useful for further medical/surgical management.
Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Hypocalcemia-Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Pediatric Population
Authors: Garg Ankit , Azad Sushil , Kumar Khemendra , Bhatia Mona , Radhakrishnan S. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Hypocalcemia is a rare reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in pediatric population. Myocarditis is another more frequent cause of cardiomyopathy with overlapping presenting features. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is a vital modality capable of tissue characterization for the evaluation of cardiomyopathy. The present study is the first attempt to determine if any specific characteristics on CMR exist in patients with hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Methods A retrospective analysis of 10 cases of hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy (August 2012–August 2019), among which CMRI of nine patients were analyzed. Patients were categorized in to three categories; category 1 defined as absence of edema and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), category 2 having edema only, and category 3 with presence of both edema and LGE. A diagnosis of myocarditis was considered if both edema and LGE were present.
Results The mean age of the cohort was 5.5 ± 3.3 months. The mean ejection fraction of the cohort was 20.5 ± 6.85% that improved significantly to 35.22 ± 9.3% at the time of discharge. Five of nine patients had no edema or LGE (category 1), whereas two patients each were categorized into category 2 and 3. All cases in category 1 had normalized ventricular function on follow-up. One patient in category 2 had normal ejection fraction and one was lost to follow-up. Out of the two patients in category 3, there was one mortality and another was lost to follow-up. Of the six patients at follow-up (19 ± 11.0 months), the mean left ventricle ejection fraction improved to 56.5 ± 6.1%.
Conclusion Hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy has a favorable outcome on rapid initiation of treatment. CMR can be utilized for further prognostication of these patients. Absence of edema and LGE predicts a good outcome, whereas presence of LGE and/or edema either indicates a worse prognosis or an underlying coexistent myocarditis warranting an early myocardial biopsy.
Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology
Authors: Garg Tushar , Shrigiriwar Apurva 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThere has been a rapid development in the field of interventional radiology over recent years, and this has led to a rapid increase in the number of interventional radiology procedures being performed. There is, however, a growing concern regarding radiation exposure to the patients and the operators during these procedures. In this article, we review the basics of radiation exposure, radiation protection techniques, radiation protection tools available to interventional radiologists, and radiation protection during pregnancy.
To Study Acute Changes in Brain Oxygenation on MRI in Healthcare Workers Using N95 Mask and PPE Kits for Six Hours a Day
Authors: Vakharia Rahul Jitendra , Jani Ishaan , Yadav Shashibala , Kurian Thomas 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Due to long working hours wearing an N95 mask and PPE kit during the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare workers (HCWs) complained of headaches, confusion, and exhaustion. This study was therefore performed to study the changes in brain oxygenation.
Aim To compare brain oxygenation in health care workers wearing an N95 mask with a PPE kit versus a three-ply mask during an intensive care setting for 6 hours.
Materials and Methods Thirty clinicians and 30 paramedical staff participated in the study. The control (three-ply mask) and subject (N95 mask with PPE) groups included 15 clinicians and 15 paramedical staff. A comparative analysis of brain oxygenation using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine was performed in these two groups at the beginning and the end of their work shift.
Results The mean age of the individuals in the control and subject groups was 30.8 and 30.13 years, respectively. The median value of brain oxygenation in the control and subject groups in the pre-shift was between 33 and 31 and post-shift was 30 and 24. The drop in brain oxygenation in subjects was more than the controls (p = 0.004) in the post-shift assessments. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) using arterial spin labeling (ASL) showed a rise in CBF in both groups post-shift as compared with the pre-shift values. The median values of the right and left MCA in the control and subject groups pre-shift were 82.75/83.45 and 89.75/106.65. The post-shift median values of both MCAs of the control and subject groups were 115.65/115.55 and 109.60/119.49.
Conclusion MRI-BOLD imaging revealed a significant drop in brain oxygenation in the subject group as compared with the control group. Multiphasic-ASL showed a compensatory rise in CBF in both groups.
Soft-Tip Stylet and Saline Instillation Technique: Making Difficult Percutaneous CT-Guided Biopsies Possible
Authors: Neyaz Zafar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFinding a safe needle path during percutaneous computed tomography-guided biopsy is sometimes difficult due to concern for injuring a vital structure. Saline instillation technique has been used to displace the structure out of the way. Another useful tool is a soft-tip stylet. A soft-tip also referred as blunt-tip stylet for the introducer cannula is provided with some coaxial biopsy sets in additional to standard sharp-tip stylet. While the sharp-tip stylet is fitted with introducer cannula for piercing skin, muscle, and fascia, a soft-tip stylet may be used for avoiding injury to structures like vessels and bowel loops especially while advancing introducer cannula through fatty tissue. Additionally, it is also useful for avoiding injury to nerves and giving pleural anesthesia. Although its use has been described in medical literature, many radiologists are still not utilizing this tool to its full potential. In this educational exhibit, various applications of soft-tip stylet and saline instillation technique have been depicted using representative cases.
Selecting the Appropriate First-Line Strategy Based on Hyperdense Vessel Sign in Acute Ischemic Stroke Increases First Pass Recanalization: A Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Kovilapu Uday Bhanu , Jain Narendra , Mishra Atul , Malik Virender 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The data pertaining to selecting an optimal first-line strategy (stent retriever [SR] vs. contact aspiration [CA]) based on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) in cases of acute ischemic stroke consequent to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is lacking.
Aims: This article studies the influence of hyperdense vessel sign (HVS) in selecting optimal first-line strategy, with intention of increasing first-pass recanalization (FPR).
Methods: Upfront approach at our center is SR technique with rescue therapy (CA) adoption consequent to three failed SR attempts to achieve successful recanalization. Data of patients with acute LVO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from June 2017 to May 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into HVS (+) and HVS (−) cohort. Rate of successful recanalization (first pass, early, and final) and efficacy of rescue therapy was assessed between the two cohorts.
Results: Of 52 patients included, 28 and 24 were assigned to the HVS (+) and HVS (−) cohort, respectively. FPR was observed in 50% of HVS (+) and 20.9% of HVS (−) (p = 0.029). Early recanalization was documented in 64.2% of HVS (+) and 37.5% of HVS (−) (p = 0.054). Rescue therapy need was higher in patients not demonstrating HVS (p = 0.062). Successful recanalization was achieved with rescue therapy in 50% of HVS (−) group.
Conclusion: A higher FPR is achievable following individualized first-pass strategy (based on NCCT appearance of clot), instead of a generalized SR first-pass approach. This CT imaging-based strategy is a step closer to achieving primary angiographic goal of FPR.
Detection of Ureteral Stump Transitional Cell Carcinoma, Presenting as Bone Metastases from Unknown Primary by 18F-FDG PET/CT: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Nikolova Petya N. , Hadzhiyska Valeria H. , Mladenov Kiril B. , Ilcheva Mihaela G. , Veneva Stefani , Dineva Svetla E. , Mladenov Boris S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA case of occult carcinoma of the ureteral stump is reported. A 67-year-old man presented with pain syndrome due to multiple bone metastases from unknown primary origin detected by previous imaging studies as magnetic resonance imaging, whole body contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and technetium-99m methyldiphosphonate bone scan. He had undergone a right nephrectomy for a benign disease previously. He was referred to our department for an 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to help localize possible primary tumor. Our observations in this case show that the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT successfully and more accurately evaluated the overall tumor burden and led to a rapid decision of an adequate therapeutic approach.
Evaluation of Low-kVp Low-Volume Iodinated Contrast Protocol for Coronary CT Angiography Using Retrospective ECG Gating
Authors: Kapoor Atul , Mahajan Goldaa , Kapoor Aprajita 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low peak kilovoltage (kVp) low-volume iodinated contrast protocol for performing coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA) in patients using retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating.
Materials and Methods Hundred prospective patients undergoing CCTA were studied in two groups, A and B, using 70 kilovoltage (kV) and 120 kV protocols with half and standard intravenous volumes of injected iodinated contrast, respectively. All patients had heart rates less than 100 beats/min and body mass index (BMI) less than 31 kg/m2. Both the groups were evaluated for signal-to-noise (S/N) and contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratios along with radiation dose delivered in millisievert (mSv), and for image quality (IQ), on per patient and per segment basis.
Results Patients with group A showed statistically reduced radiation dose of 1.86 mSv compared with 6.86 mSv in group B patients. Marked reduction in image noise with statistically improved S/N and C/N ratios in all coronary vessels was seen in group A. S/N ratios in group A were 20.25, 18.68, 19.04, 17.41, and 18.69 for aorta, left main, left anterior descending, right coronary, and left circumflex arteries while they were 13.34, 11.12, 10.96, 9.74, and 8.67 in group B patients. C/N ratios were also higher in all vessels in group A patients, that is, 19.48, 19.48, 19.04, 19.48, and 17.68, compared with group B patients, who had 12.43, 10.03, 9.23, 9.57, and 8.23 ratios (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in IQ per patient and per vessel was seen between both the groups.
Discussion Retrospective ECG-gated low-kVp low-volume iodinated contrast protocol provides good diagnostic quality angiograms in patients with BMI up to 31 kg/m2 and with heart rates of less than 100 beats/min with three times reduced radiation dose. The reduced volume of contrast reduces the cost as well as the chance of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Uneven regulatory playing field and bank transparency abroad
Authors: Chen Tai-Yuan , Chen Yi-Chun , Hung Mingyi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMotivated by international business research on institutional arbitrage and headquarters–subsidiary relationships, we examine the effect of regulatory distance on multinational banks’ (MNBs) reporting transparency abroad. Using an international sample of foreign subsidiary banks in 46 host countries from 47 home countries, we find that bank transparency declines when the home countries have tighter activity restrictions than the host countries. We bolster the causal inference using difference-in-differences designs that take advantage of banking reforms and cross-border bank acquisitions. We also find that the result is more pronounced when parent banks have lower capital ratios or when host countries have weaker supervisory power, suggesting that parent banks use opaque reporting to conceal risk-taking abroad. Further analysis finds that less transparent subsidiaries are more likely to fail during financial crises. Overall, our findings suggest that regulatory distance creates negative externalities for bank transparency and stability abroad.
Study of adsorption of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein by vibrational spectroscopy using terahertz metamaterials
Authors: Konnikova M.R. , Cherkasova O.P. , Geints T.A. , Dizer E.S. , Man’kova A.A. , Vasilievskii I.S. , Butylin A.A. , Kistenev Yu.V. , Tuchin V.V. , Shkurinov A.P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAdhesion of the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is studied by vibrational spectroscopy using terahertz metamaterials. The features of metastructure absorption upon the deposition of histidine, albumin, and the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein films are investigated. An original technique for quantitative assessment of the efficiency of virus adhesion on the metamaterial surfaces are proposed and experimentally tested.
Testing the adequacy of a simple theoretical model of dehydration optical clearing of collagen bundles: OCT measurements
Authors: Zyuryukina O.A. , Shvachkina M.E. , Kochubey V.I. , Sinichkin Yu.P. , Yakovlev D.A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Using optical coherence tomography, the scattering coefficients of collagen bundles are estimated at different levels of tissue hydration. We test the validity of a simple theoretical model of dehydration changes in the optical characteristics of a collagen bundle, which is considered as a system of parallel cylinders that model the collagen fibrils forming the bundle. The characteristics of scattering by individual scatterers are calculated using the Mie theory. To take into account the cooperative effects caused by the close packing of the scatterers, use is made of the standard packing function for a system of identical cylinders. The theoretical model also relies on a certain empirical law of changes in the hydration level of fibrils with a change in the water content in the tissue, which predetermines changes in the diameter and refractive index of fibrils during dehydration and rehydration of the tissue. It is shown that the theoretical estimates obtained using this model are in good agreement with the experimental data, which makes it possible to consider this model as reliable.
YAG : R3+(R = Ce, Dy, Yb) nanophosphor-based luminescent fibre-optic sensors for temperature measurements in the range 20 – 500 °C
Authors: Evstropiev S.K. , Demidov V.V. , Bulyga D.V. , Sadovnichii R.V. , Pchelkin G.A. , Shurupov D.N. , Podrukhin Yu.F. , Matrosova A.S. , Nikonorov N.V. , Dukelskii K.V. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe report the development of a group of luminescent fibre-optic temperature sensors that use Ce3+-, Dy3+-, and Yb3+- doped yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) nanophosphors as thermosensitive materials. The nanophosphors have been prepared in the form of powders with a crystallite size from 19 to 27 nm by a polymer – salt method and exhibit bright luminescence at 550 (YAG : Ce3+), 400, 480 (YAG : Dy3+), and 1030 nm (YAG : Yb3+). The sensor design includes a silica capillary, partially filled with a nanophosphor, and two large-aperture multimode optical fibres located in the capillary, which deliver excitation light and receive and transmit the photoluminescence signal. The photoluminescence signal amplitude of all the sensors decreases exponentially with increasing temperature, pointing to characteristic thermal quenching of photoluminescence and adequate operation of the devices up to 500 °C. The highest temperature sensitivity among the fibre-optic sensors is offered by the YAG : Ce3+nanophosphor-based devices.
Laser synthesis of nanocomposite hydrocarbon fuel and CARS diagnostics of its combustion flame
Authors: Barmina E.V. , Kobtsev V.D. , Kostritsa S.A. , Orlov S.N. , Smirnov V.V. , Zhilnikova M.I. , Uvarov O.V. , Shafeev G.A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe report an analysis of diffusive combustion in oxygen of a composite fuel formed by the addition of aluminium nanoparticles (NPs) to isopropanol. The process of obtaining Al NPs consisted in laser fragmentation of initially large industrial NPs using radiation of a pulsed nanosecond neodymium laser. The size distribution of Al NPs was determined using a measuring disk centrifuge. The average nanoparticle size was 20 nm, which is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy data. A diagnostic system based on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) was used to experimentally study the diffusive combustion of composite fuel. The temperature distributions were measured in two mutually orthogonal directions (along the flame and in the transverse direction) in pure isopropanol and in isopropanol with the addition of 0.15 wt % of Al nanoparticles.
Conservation of magnetite biomineralization genes in all domains of life and implications for magnetic sensing
Authors: Bellinger M. Renee , Wei Jiandong , Hartmann Uwe , Cadiou Hervé , Winklhofer Michael , Banks Michael A. 
Published: January 2022

SignificanceWe present a model of biogenic magnetite formation in eukaryotes and hypothesize this genetic mechanism is used by broad forms of life for geomagnetic sensory perception. Countering previous assertions that salmon olfactory tissues lack biogenic magnetite, we determine that it is present in the form of compact crystal clusters and show that a subset of genes differentially expressed in candidate magnetoreceptor cells, compared to nonmagnetic olfactory cells, are distant homologs to a core suite of genes utilized by magnetotactic bacteria for magnetite biomineralization. This same core gene suite is common to a broad array of eukaryotes and the Asgard clade archaea Lokiarchaeta. Findings have implications for revising our understanding of eukaryote magnetite biomineralization, sensory perception of magnetic fields, and eukaryogenesis.