bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The sphenoidal emissary foramina prevalence: a meta-analysis of 6,369 subjects
Authors: Piagkou Maria , Kostares Michael , Duparc Fabrice , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Politis Constantinus , Tsakotos George , Pantazis Nikos , Natsis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To estimate the prevalence of the sphenoidal emissary foramina (SEF), and the effect of possible moderators on it.

Methods
A systematic online literature search was conducted. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was estimated. Outlier and influential analyses were performed. The presence of small-study effect and publication bias were evaluated. Moderator analyses were executed to investigate the effect of the specimens’ continent of origin, type of study (dried skull or imaging), probing for the evaluation of SEF patency (conduction and instruments used), side dominance (bilateral or unilateral), morphometric data [SEF diameter, distances SEF–Foramen ovale (FO) and SEF–Foramen spinosum (FS)], and the methodology used for the morphometric measurements (caliper, DICOM Viewer, and image analysis software) on the estimated prevalence.

Results
In total, 6,460 subjects from 26 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall SEF prevalence was estimated as 38.1%. The heterogeneity was high and statistically significant. No indications of publication bias and small-study effect were identified. The conducted subgroup analyses did not yield statistically significant differences in the SEF prevalence between groups, except of the type of side dominance. Both results of the univariable and multivariable regression analyses showed the association of the unilateral dominance with a decrease in the reported SEF prevalence.

Conclusion
The identification of more unilateral than bilateral foramina in a given cohort is associated with a decrease in the reported crude SEF prevalence. Laterality-specific estimates should be established for a precisive estimation of the emissary foramina prevalence.
Sequential low-dose CT thorax scans to determine invasive pulmonary fungal infection incidence after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Enger K. , Tonnar X. , Kotter E. , Bertz H. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) during neutropenia goes along with a high mortality for patients after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Low-dose computed tomography (CT) thorax shows good sensitivity for the diagnosis of IFD with low radiation exposure. The aim of our study was to evaluate sequential CT thorax scans at two time points as a new reliable method to detect IFD during neutropenia after alloHCT. We performed a retrospective single-center observational study in 265/354 screened patients admitted for alloHCT from June 2015 to August 2019. All were examined by a low-dose CT thorax scan at admission (CT t0) and after stable neutrophil recovery (CT t1) to determine the incidences of IFD. Furthermore, antifungal prophylaxis medications were recorded and cohorts were analyzed for statistical differences in IFD incidence using the sequential CT scans. In addition, IFD cases were classified according to EORTC 2008. At CT t0 in 9.6% of the patients, an IFD was detected and antifungal therapy initiated. The cumulative incidence of IFD in CT t1 in our department was 14%. The use of Aspergillus-effective prophylaxis through voriconazole or posaconazole decreased CT thorax t1 suggesting IFD is statistically significant compared to prophylaxis with fluconazole (5.6% asp-azol group vs 16.3% fluconazole group, p = 0.048). In 86%, CT t1 was negative for IFD. Low-dose sequential CT thorax scans are a valuable tool to detect pulmonary IFDs and guide antifungal prophylaxis and therapies. Furthermore, a negative CT t1 scan shows a benefit by allowing discontinuation of antifungal medication sparing patients from drug interactions and side effects.
Choline supplementation for preterm infants: metabolism of four Deuterium-labeled choline compounds
Authors: Böckmann Katrin A. , Bernhard Wolfgang , Minarski Michaela , Shunova Anna , Wiechers Cornelia , Poets Christian F. , Franz Axel R. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Supply of choline is not guaranteed in current preterm infant nutrition. Choline serves in parenchyma formation by membrane phosphatidylcholine (PC), plasma transport of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) via PC, and methylation processes via betaine. PUFA-PC concentrations are high in brain, liver and lung, and deficiency may result in developmental disorders. We compared different deuterated (D9-) choline components for kinetics of D9-choline, D9-betaine and D9-PC.

Methods
Prospective study (1/2021–12/2021) in 32 enterally fed preterm infants (28 0/7–32 0/7 weeks gestation). Patients were randomized to receive enterally a single dose of 2.7 mg/kg D9-choline-equivalent as D9-choline chloride, D9-phosphoryl-choline, D9-glycerophosphorylcholine (D9-GPC) or D9-1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-PC(D9-POPC), followed by blood sampling at 1 + 24 h or 12 + 60 h after administration. Plasma concentrations were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Results are expressed as median (25th/75th percentile).

Results
At 1 h, plasma D9-choline was 1.8 (0.9/2.2) µmol/L, 1.3 (0.9/1.5) µmol/L and 1.2 (0.7/1.4) µmol/L for D9-choline chloride, D9-GPC and D9-phosphoryl-choline, respectively. D9-POPC did not result in plasma D9-choline. Plasma D9-betaine was maximal at 12 h, with lowest concentrations after D9-POPC. Maximum plasma D9-PC values at 12 h were the highest after D9-POPC (14.4 (9.1/18.9) µmol/L), compared to the other components (D9-choline chloride: 8.1 [5.6/9.9] µmol/L; D9-GPC: 8.4 (6.2/10.3) µmol/L; D9-phosphoryl-choline: 9.8 (8.6/14.5) µmol/L). Predominance of D9-PC comprising linoleic, rather than oleic acid, indicated fatty-acyl remodeling of administered D9-POPC prior to systemic delivery.

Conclusion
D9-Choline chloride, D9-GPC and D9-phosphoryl-choline equally increased plasma D9-choline and D9-betaine. D9-POPC shifted metabolism from D9-betaine to D9-PC. Combined supplementation of GPC and (PO) PC may be best suited to optimize choline supply in preterm infants. Due to fatty acid remodeling of (PO) PC during its assimilation, PUFA co-supplementation with (PO) PC may increase PUFA-delivery to critical organs. This study was registered (22.01.2020) at the Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) (German Register for Clinical Studies), DRKS00020502.

Study registration
This study was registered at the Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) (German Register for Clinical Studies), DRKS00020502.
Combining the advantages of 3-D and 2-D templating of total hip arthroplasty using a new tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT of the hip with comparable radiation dose to conventional radiographs
Authors: Kaiser Dominik , Hoch Armando , Rahm Stefan , Stern Christoph , Sutter Reto , Zingg Patrick O. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Inaccurately scaled radiographs for total hip arthroplasty (THA) templating are a source of error not recognizable to the surgeon and may lead to inaccurate reconstruction and thus revision surgery or litigation. Planning based on computed tomography (CT) scans is more accurate but associated with higher radiation exposure. The aim of this study was (1) to retrospectively assess the scaling deviation of pelvic radiographs; (2) to prospectively assess the feasibility and the radiation dose of THA templating on radiograph-like images reconstructed from a tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT dataset.

Methods
120 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyzed to assess the magnification error of our current THA templates. 27 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled and a radiographic work-up in the supine position including a new tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT scan protocol was obtained. THA was templated on both images. Radiation dose was calculated.

Results
Scaling deviations between preoperative radiographs and CT of ≥ 5% were seen in 25% of the 120 retrospectively analyzed patients. Between the two templates trochanter tip distance differed significantly (Δ2.4 mm, 0–7 mm, p = 0.035)), predicted femoral shaft size/cup size was the same in 45%/41%. The radiation dose of the CT (0.58 mSv, range 0.53–0.64) was remarkably low.

Conclusion
Scaling deviations of pelvic radiographs for templating THA may lead to planning errors of ≥ 3 mm in 25% and ≥ 6 mm in 2% of the patients. 2-D templating on radiograph-like images based on tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT eliminates this source of error without increased radiation dose.

Level of evidence
Retrospective and prospective comparative study, Level III.
Functional outcomes and health-related quality of life after reconstruction of segmental bone loss in femur and tibia using the induced membrane technique
Authors: Grün Wolfram , Hansen Emilie Johannah Jellum , Andreassen Geir Stray , Clarke-Jenssen John , Madsen Jan Erik 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Introduction
The induced membrane technique (IMT), frequently called Masquelet technique, is an operative, two-staged technique for treatment of segmental bone loss. Previous studies mainly focused on radiological outcome parameters and complication rates, while functional outcomes and health-related quality of life after the IMT were sparsely reported.

Materials and methods
Retrospective study containing of a chart review as well as a clinical and radiological follow-up examination of all patients treated with the IMT at a single institution. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The radiographic evaluation contained of standard anteroposterior and lateral, as well as hip-knee-ankle (HKA) radiographs.

Results
Seventeen patients were included in the study. All had suffered high-energy trauma and sustained additional injuries. Ten bone defects were localized in the femur and seven in the tibia. Ten patients underwent additional operative procedures after IMT stage 2, among them three patients who contracted a postoperative deep infection. The median LEFS was 59 (15–80), and the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were 41.3 (24.0–56.1) and 56.3 (13.5–66.2), respectively. The median length of the bone defect was 9 (3–15) cm. In 11 patients, union was obtained directly after IMT stage 2. Bone resorption was observed in two patients. At follow-up, 16 of the 17 bone defects had healed. The median follow-up was 59 months (13–177).

Conclusion
Our results show a high occurrence of complications after IMT stage 2 in segmental bone defects of femur and tibia requiring additional operative procedures. However, fair functional outcomes as well as a good union rate were observed at follow-up.
Toll-like receptors and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pathways in Parkinson’s disease: mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Authors: Soraci Luca , Gambuzza Maria Elsa , Biscetti Leonardo , Laganà Pasqualina , Lo Russo Carmela , Buda Annamaria , Barresi Giada , Corsonello Andrea , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Lorello Giuseppe , Filippelli Gianfranco , Marino Silvia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor disturbances as a result of a complex and not fully understood pathogenesis, probably including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and formation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. As age is the main risk factor for several neurodegenerative disorders including PD, progressive aging of the immune system leading to inflammaging and immunosenescence may contribute to neuroinflammation leading to PD onset and progression; abnormal α-syn aggregation in the context of immune dysfunction may favor activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NOD) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome within microglial cells through interaction with toll-like receptors (TLRs). This process would further lead to activation of Caspase (Cas)-1, and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PC), with subsequent impairment of mitochondria and damage to dopaminergic neurons. All these phenomena are mediated by the translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and enhanced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). To date, drugs to treat PD are mainly aimed at relieving clinical symptoms and there are no disease-modifying options to reverse or stop disease progression. This review outlines the role of the TLR/NLRP3/Cas-1 pathway in PD-related immune dysfunction, also focusing on specific therapeutic options that might be used since the early stages of the disease to counteract neuroinflammation and immune dysfunction.
Contributions to the stereochemistry of zirconium oxysalts—part V: syntheses and crystal structures of MZr(SeO4)3 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) and Li2Zr(XO4)3 (X = S, Se)
Authors: Giester Gerald , Wildner Manfred 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe new compounds M2+Zr(SeO4)3 (M2+  = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) and Li2Zr(XO4)3 (X = S, Se) were synthesized at 220 °C by reaction of Zr2O2(CO3)(OH)2 with hydroxides or carbonates of M / Li and the respective acids H2SeO4/H2SO4. They form crystals up to several tenths of a mm and were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The framework structures of these selenates can be deduced from that of monoclinic Fe2(SO4)3 in space group P21/n, which is characterized by two types of isolated Fe3+O6 octahedra, corner-linked with three different sulfate groups: ferric iron is substituted in 1:1 ratio by Zr4+ and M2+ as already known for isotypic MZr(SO4)3 representatives. In the case of Li2Zr(XO4)3 members, one additional lithium atom occupies a tetrahedral vacancy of the Fe2(SO4)3 architecture.
Graphical abstract
Instructional support in inquiry-based elementary school science classes: how does it relate to students’ science content knowledge and academic language proficiency?
Authors: Heppt Birgit , Henschel Sofie , Hardy Ilonca , Gabler Katrin 
Published: December 2022

AbstractInquiry-based science instruction has been proposed as an optimal learning environment for language-integrated teaching. While its potential for developing both content knowledge and language skills has been shown for students with limited language proficiency, research focusing on mainstream classrooms has mainly considered domain-specific learning. Despite the effectiveness of inquiry-based science instruction for student outcomes, research on the role of specific aspects of instructional quality is limited. Addressing this research gap, the present study investigates the relationship between teachers’ instructional support during inquiry-based science classes and elementary school students’ learning gains in science content knowledge and academic language proficiency. Multilevel regression analyses are based on data from 459 German elementary school students from Grades 3 and 4 who participated in a longitudinal intervention study that took place over one school year. Our findings indicate a strong impact of students’ prior knowledge on learning outcomes and compositional effects for the language-related measures. Relations between teachers’ instructional support, as measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS; Pianta et al., 2008), and students’ learning outcomes did not emerge. In interpreting the results, the overall mediocre quality of teachers’ instructional support needs to be considered.
Natural-Language Predicates as Relations of the Relational Model of Data
Authors: Poller Olga 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn this paper I review the Neo-Davidsonian semantics of prepositional phrases and secondary predication. I argue that certain types of examples pose challenge to this semantics. I present an alternative to the Neo-Davidsonian analysis which successfully deals with the problematic examples. The core idea lies in representing theta-roles not as functions from events to their participants, but rather as argument-labels encoding the role of each argument in a given verb. As a result, natural-language predicates can now be treated in the manner in which relations are treated in the relational model of data, that is, as naming sets of tuples in which every object is given together with its role named by a corresponding attribute (a theta-role). Such a representation allows the employment of relational algebra operators to calculate the extensions of complex predicates (predicates built out of atomic predicates and/or atomic predicates and prepositions). I lay out the foundations of a relational FOL appropriate for the representation of natural-language predicates and present solutions to the problematic examples. From a practical perspective, the expressions of a relational FOL can be translated to a relational algebra or SQL, which makes it possible to operate with these three languages on the same relational model of data. From a philosophical perspective, a relational FOL permits a return to ‘property-based’ semantics, one in which properties named by predicates are those of individuals, and not of events.
Amphibian survival compromised by long-term effects of chytrid fungus
Authors: Palomar Gemma , Fernández-Chacón Albert , Bosch Jaime 
Published: December 2022

AbstractChytridiomycosis, the disease caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been unambiguously implicated in the decline of amphibian populations worldwide. However, the impact of this devastating infectious disease can be difficult to gauge without empirical data on the population-level effects of Bd. Often, assessments of the amphibian chytridiomycosis panzootic are based primarily on expert opinions; as a result, declines in tropical areas are promptly attributed to Bd while its impact on temperate species not suffering from adult mass mortalities is frequently overlooked. Here, we investigated the survival probability in an amphibian species from a temperate area that until now has not been considered to be severely impacted by the disease. Specifically, we related individual survival to Bd infection status using long-term capture-mark-recapture data of male spiny common toads (Bufo spinosus) in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in central Spain. Even though the study population has demonstrated potential for adaptation to Bd and die-offs of adult individuals have not been recorded, our results clearly indicated that the probability of survival was lower for Bd-positive individuals. Moreover, the probability of becoming Bd-positive was higher than the probability of clearance, driving the population to a slow but certain decline. These results are consistent with other indicators of a negative population trend and suggest that the impact of Bd on temperate species of less concern may be greater than previously thought.
Evaluation of corneal epithelial thickness mapping using anterior segment OCT in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Albadawi Maha Alsayed , Nassar Ghada Azab , El Gendy Heba A , Ghalwash Dalia AbdelFattah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the corneal epithelial thickness by anterior segment OCT in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) compared to normal participants.

Patient and methods
A cross-sectional case control observational study was conducted on children aged from 5 to 18 years with VKC. The study included 142 eyes divided into two groups: 71 eyes of VKC group and 71 eyes of age matched control group. Anterior segment OCT epithelial mapping for the central 5-mm was done to evaluate epithelial thickness-based variables.

Results
Corneal epithelial thickness mapping showed significant superior thinning (51.07 ± 4.11) μm in VKC group compared to controls (52.54 ± 2.01) μm (p = 0.008), a decreased MIN epithelial thickness (45.99 ± 6.52) μm compared to controls (50.11 ± 1.91) μm (p < 0.001) and more negative (MIN–MAX) value (− 11.77 ± 9.38) indicating focal epithelial thinning compared to (− 5.80 ± 1.88) in controls (p = 0.001). In palpebral VKC, MIN epithelial thickness showed significant thinning (48. 38 ± 3.45) μm compared to controls (50.11 ± 1.91) μm (p = 0.001). Eyes with mixed VKC showed superior epithelial thinning (50.70 ± 4.59) μm compared to (52.54 ± 2.01) μm in controls (p = 0.025) and significant decreased MIN epithelial thickness (43.78 ± 7.83) μm compared to (50.11 ± 1.91) μm in control group.

Conclusions
VKC is a disease primarily affecting the corneal epithelium. Corneal epithelial thickness mapping may be considered to assess the integrity of the ocular surface in eyes with VKC, and to detect corneal epithelial changes. Disease phenotype may influence the corneal epithelial changes, and the disease duration is another factor influencing these changes.
Polymeric Nanofibers for Drug Delivery Applications: A Recent Review
Authors: Duan Xiaoge , Chen Hai-lan , Guo Chunxian 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWith the rapid development of biomaterials and biotechnologies, various functional materials-based drug delivery systems (DDS) are developed to overcome the limitations of traditional drug release formulations, such as uncontrollable drug concentration in target organs/tissues and unavoidable adverse reactions. Polymer nanofibers exhibit promising characteristics including easy preparation, adjustable features of wettability and elasticity, tailored surface and interface properties, and surface-to-volume ratio, and are used to develop new DDS. Different kinds of drugs can be incorporated into the polymer nanofibers. Additionally, their release kinetics can be modulated via the preparation components, component proportions, and preparation processes, enabling their applications in several fields. A timely and comprehensive summary of polymeric nanofibers for DDS is thus highly needed. This review first describes the common methods for polymer nanofiber fabrication, followed by introducing controlled techniques for drug loading into and release from polymer nanofibers. Thus, the applications of polymer nanofibers in drug delivery were summarized, particularly focusing on the relation between the physiochemical properties of polymeric nanofibers and their DDS performance. It is ended by listing future perspectives.
The shortest confidence interval for the ratio of quantiles of the Dagum distribution
Authors: Jȩdrzejczak Alina , Pekasiewicz Dorota , Zieliński Wojciech 
Published: December 2022

AbstractJȩdrzejczak et al. (REVSTAT-Statistical Journal 19(1), 87–97, 2021) constructed a confidence interval for a ratio of quantiles coming from the Dagum distribution, which is frequently applied as a theoretical model in numerous income distribution analyses. The proposed interval is symmetric with respect to the ratio of sample quantiles, which result may be unsatisfactory in many practical applications. The search for a confidence interval with a smaller length resulted in the derivation of the shortest interval with the ends being asymmetric relative to the ratio of sample quantiles. In the paper, the existence of the shortest confidence interval is shown and the method of obtaining such an interval is presented. The results of the calculations show a reduction in the length of the proposed confidence interval by several percent compared to the symmetrical confidence interval.