bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermo-mechanical processing of fibre-rich blackcurrant pomace to modify techno-functional properties
Authors: Reißner Anne-Marie , Brunner Meike , Struck Susanne , Rohm Harald 
Published: June 2022

AbstractExploring the use of seedless blackcurrant pomace, a fibre-rich by-product of juice pressing, in foods is favourable due to its nutritional profile but also for economic and sustainability aspects. Current applications are limited to products in which rapid fibre swelling, high water solubility or low sedimentation is not essential. In this study, functional properties of seedless blackcurrant pomace were modified by thermo-mechanical treatments using extrusion cooking or micronization in a planetary ball mill. A full factorial design showed that low pomace moisture (11 g/100 g) had the highest impact on swelling capacity (+ 20.6%) and water solubility index (+ 23.2%), whereas variation in extrusion temperature exhibited only minor effects. After milling for 4 h, the median particle size was reduced by 98% to 4 µm and the specific surface area increased from 0.1 to 2.5 m2/mL. Swelling capacity was highest after this time with 7.6 mL/g pomace and, although the amount of extractable sugars was reduced, water solubility increased to 7.6 g/100 g. In contrast to extruded samples, the red colour of the pomace was intensified after milling. Both treatments appear as promising to extend the applicability of fruit by-products in foods, as micronized pomace may counteract sedimentation in liquids, whereas increased swelling capacity after extrusion may have stabilizing effects on yoghurt-like systems.
The Measurement and Interpretation of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) Concentrations
Authors: Heijboer Annemieke C. , Cavalier Etienne 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTwo decades after the discovery of the hormone FGF23, we know more about phosphate homeostasis as it turned out that FGF23 is the central hormone that regulates this. Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets and tumor-induced osteomalacia could by then be explained, by autonomous FGF23 production, and the nephrology field was excited by this new marker as it turned out to be independently associated with mortality in people treated by hemodialysis. This led to the development of several immunoassays to be able to measure FGF23 in blood. In the past years we learned that FGF23 is a rather stable peptide, the precision of the assays is acceptable but assays are not standardized and therefore not comparable. This means that reference values and cutoff values need to be assay specific. For several assays reference values have been established and gender and age did not seem of high importance. The phosphate content of the diet, which can be culturally dependent, however, should be taken into account when interpreting results, but to what extent is not totally clear. Currently, clinical application of the immunoassays is established in the diagnosis of hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets and diagnosis and follow-up of tumor-induced osteomalacia. Definite conclusions on the usefulness of the FGF23 measurement in people with CKD either as a marker for risk prediction or a as target for treatment remains to be determined. The latter applications would require dedicated prospective clinical trials, which may take years, before providing answers. To improve the standardization of the FGF23 assays and to shed light on the biological functions that fragments might have we might aim for an LC–MS/MS-based method to quantify both intact and fragmented FGF23. In this literature review we will summarize the current knowledge on the physiological role of FGF23, its quantification, and the clinical usefulness of its determination.
Propeller flaps in partial ear reconstruction: a case series
Authors: Schonauer Fabrizio , Cavaliere Annachiara , Pezone Giuseppe , Pollio Carolina , D’Andrea Francesco 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Ear defect reconstruction still remains a surgical challenge today. Proper reconstruction should result in correction of the deformity with minimum morbidity with the aim of achieving the most esthetically pleasing outcome possible. Herein, we present our clinical experience with propeller flap reconstruction of external ear defects with a focus on indications and surgical technique.

Methods
Fourteen patients underwent surgery at our Plastic Surgery Unit between January 2015 and October 2019. After identifying perforators with a handheld Doppler ultrasound, a tailor-made flap was designed for each patient. Following tumor excision, dissection of the pedicle and of the remaining flap was performed with the aid of surgical loops. Flap in-setting and donor site closure were final steps.

Results
Flaps have survived in their entirety in almost all our patients (13/14) maintaining optimal color and elasticity and showing no complications. In one case, a superficial distal necrosis was observed and, in another patient, tumor recurrence took place.

Conclusions
Propeller flaps offer great advantages when used in ear reconstruction ensuring excellent esthetic results with a one-stage technique. Nevertheless, it must be kept in mind that good dissection skills are required in order to avoid complications.
Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study.
Magnetic resonance imaging appearance of breaststroker’s knee
Authors: Cheng Karen Y. , Chambers Henry , Dwek Jerry R. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Breaststroker’s knee is an overuse syndrome resulting from similar repetitive movements in competitive swimmers that has been described in the orthopedic literature. The typical symptoms are medial knee pain with tenderness to palpation at the tibial collateral ligament or inferomedial patella. Despite these localizing symptoms on clinical exam, arthroscopic studies have failed to demonstrate a specific structural abnormality corresponding to this syndrome, although some have reported thickened medial synovial plica, medial-predominant synovitis or patellofemoral cartilage loss in association knee pain with breaststroke swimmers. We present a case of medial knee pain in a young breaststroke swimmer with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of marrow edema in the anterior aspect of the medial femoral condyle. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MRI findings in breaststroker’s knee .
Dynamic peripheral blood immune cell markers for predicting the response of patients with metastatic cancer to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Wei Chen , Wang Mengyu , Gao Quanli , Yuan Shasha , Deng Wenying , Bie Liangyu , Ma Yijie , Zhang Chi , Li Shuyi , Luo Suxia , Li Ning 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown durable responses in various malignancies. However, the response to ICI therapy is unpredictable, and investigation of predictive biomarkers needs to be improved.

Experimental design
In total, 120 patients receiving ICI therapy and 40 patients receiving non-ICI therapy were enrolled. Peripheral blood immune cell markers (PBIMs), as liquid biopsy biomarkers, were analyzed by flow cytometry before ICI therapy, and before the first evaluation. In the ICI cohort, patients were randomly divided into training (n = 91) and validation (n = 29) cohorts. Machine learning algorithms were applied to construct the prognostic and predictive immune-related models.

Results
Using the training cohort, a peripheral blood immune cell-based signature (BICS) based on four hub PBIMs was developed. In both the training and the validation cohorts, and the whole cohort, the BICS achieved a high accuracy for predicting overall survival (OS) benefit. The high-BICS group had significantly shorter progression-free survival and OS than the low-BICS group. The BICS demonstrated the predictive ability of patients to achieve durable clinical outcomes. By integrating these PBIMs, we further constructed and validated the support vector machine-recursive and feature elimination classifier model, which robustly predicts patients who will achieve optimal clinical benefit.

Conclusions
Dynamic PBIM-based monitoring as a noninvasive, cost-effective, highly specific and sensitive biomarker has broad potential for prognostic and predictive utility in patients receiving ICI therapy.
Telemedicine for Surgical Site Infection Diagnosis in Rural Rwanda: Concordance and Accuracy of Image Reviews
Authors: Hedt‐Gauthier Bethany , Miranda Elizabeth , Nkurunziza Theoneste , Hughes Olivia , Boatin Adeline A. , Gaju Erick , Matousek Alexi , Cherian Teena , Riviello Robert , Kateera Fredrick 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn rural Africa where access to medical personnel is limited, telemedicine can be leveraged to empower community health workers (CHWs) to support effective postpartum home‐based care after cesarean section (c‐section). As a first step toward telemedicine, we assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and interrater reliability of image‐based diagnosis of surgical site infections (SSIs) among women delivering via c‐section at a rural Rwandan Hospital.MethodsWomen ≥18 years who underwent c‐section from March to October 2017 at Kirehe District Hospital (KDH) were enrolled. On postoperative day 10 at KDH, participants underwent a physical examination by a general practitioner, who provided a diagnosis of SSI or no SSI. Trained CHWs photographed patients’ incisions and the collected images were shown to six physicians, who upon review, assigned one of the following diagnoses to each image: definite SSI, suspected SSI, suspected no SSI, and definite no SSI, which were compared with the diagnoses based on physical exam. We report the sensitivity and specificity and assessed reviewer agreement using Gwet's AC1.Results569 images were included, with 61 women (10.7%) diagnosed with an SSI. Of the 3414 image‐reviews, 49 (1.4%) could not be assigned diagnoses due to image quality. The median sensitivity and specificity were 0.83 and 0.69, respectively. The Gwet's AC1 estimate for binary classification was 0.46.ConclusionsWe demonstrate decent accuracy but only moderate consistency for photograph‐based SSI diagnosis. Strategies to improve overall agreement include providing clinical information to accompany photographs, providing a baseline photograph for comparison, and implementing photograph‐taking processes aimed at improving image quality.
A multicentre trial of intensive immunosuppressive therapy combined with umbilical cord blood for the treatment of severe aplastic anaemia
Authors: Zhou Fang , Zhang Fengkui , Zhang Li , Wu Qian , Ma Junjie , Zhao Chunting , Wang Ling , Jie Guitao , Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Hao , Wang Shunqing , Teng Qingliang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractImmunosuppressive therapy (IST) is an effective treatment regimen for severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) patients without HLA-identical donors. This study further compared the outcomes between IST and IIST-UCB in SAA on the basis of research shown that IST combined with umbilical cord blood infusion (IIST-UCB) treated effectively. A total of 123 patients from 11 hospitals in China were enrolled. Sixty-nine patients in IIST-UCB group were treated with ATG + CsA + CTX combined with cord blood, while 54 patients in IST group with ATG + CsA. The overall remission rates (ORRs), complete remission (CR) rates and partial response (PR) rates of IIST-UCB group and IST group at 3 months were 69.67% vs 51.85% (P = .045), 21.74% vs 3.7% (P = .004) and 47.83% vs 48.15% (P = .972), respectively. After 6 months of treatment, they were 76.81% vs 57.41% (P = .022), 37.68% vs 11.11% (P = .001) and 39.13% vs 46.30% (P = .425), respectively. After 1 year of treatment, they were 85.51% vs 61.11% (P = .002), 59.42% vs 25.93% (P = .000) and 26.09% vs 35.19% (P = .275), respectively. The ORRs and CR rates of IIST-UCB group were both significantly higher than IST group after 3 months, 6 months and 1 year of treatment. The neutrophil granulocyte, platelet and haemoglobin recovery times of IIST-UCB group were significantly shorter than IST group. Compared with standard IST, IIST-UCB as an effective therapy for SAA patients without HLA-identical donors accelerated the haematopoietic reconstitution, resulting in higher early CR rates.
Intra-cavity wavelength multiplexing of high-brightness thin-disk laser beams
Authors: Boubekraoui Ayoub , Beirow Frieder , Graf Thomas , Abdou Ahmed Marwan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe report on the first demonstration of an intra-cavity spectral beam combining of two fundamental-mode laser beams generated by a dual Yb:YAG thin-disk resonator. The two thin-disk lasers (TDLs) were operated at the two slightly different wavelengths of 1028 nm and 1032 nm. A resonant diffraction grating waveguide structure was used as common spectral stabilizer and combiner. An average power exceeding 200 W with close to diffraction-limited beam quality ($$M^2<1.3$$M2<1.3) was obtained with the presented approach.
Expert proposal to characterize cardiac diseases with normal or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and symptoms of heart failure by comprehensive echocardiography
Authors: Hagendorff A. , Helfen A. , Brandt R. , Altiok E. , Breithardt O. , Haghi D. , Knierim J. , Lavall D. , Merke N. , Sinning C. , Stöbe S. , Tschöpe C. , Knebel F. , Ewen S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCurrently, the term “heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF)” is based on echocardiographic parameters and clinical symptoms combined with elevated or normal levels of natriuretic peptides. Thus, “HFpEF” as a diagnosis subsumes multiple pathophysiological entities making a uniform management plan for “HFpEF” impossible. Therefore, a more specific characterization of the underlying cardiac pathologies in patients with preserved ejection fraction and symptoms of heart failure is mandatory. The present proposal seeks to offer practical support by a standardized echocardiographic workflow to characterize specific diagnostic entities associated with “HFpEF”. It focuses on morphological and functional cardiac phenotypes characterized by echocardiography in patients with normal or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The proposal discusses methodological issues to clarify why and when echocardiography is helpful to improve the diagnosis. Thus, the proposal addresses a systematic echocardiographic approach using a feasible algorithm with weighting criteria for interpretation of echocardiographic parameters related to patients with preserved ejection fraction and symptoms of heart failure. The authors consciously do not use the diagnosis “HFpEF” to avoid misunderstandings.
Graphical abstract
Central illustration: Scheme illustrating the characteristic echocardiographic phenotypes and their combinations in patients with “HFpEF” symptoms with respect to the respective cardiac pathology and pathophysiology as well as the underlying typical disease
Holiday trip to Norway — a stable isotope project on hair strands of individuals of a travel group from Bavaria
Authors: Lehn Christine , Hameder Annika , Graw Matthias 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHair strands were taken from individuals of a travel group from Bavaria that stayed on the Lofoten Islands/Norway for 3 weeks. By means of serial stable isotope analyses of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and hydrogen along the hair strands, food-specific changes during travel could be detected. The higher consumption of marine fish led to significant changes of the stable isotope values of nitrogen, sulphur and hydrogen. The highest differences for the values were found in the most proximal part of hair strands which were taken shortly after the trip. The basic values for the isotope distribution of the elements in the hair also indicate specific diets of some individuals that could be confirmed upon request.
Post-settlement demographics of reef building corals suggest prolonged recruitment bottlenecks
Authors: Sarribouette Lauranne , Pedersen Nicole E. , Edwards Clinton B. , Sandin Stuart A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFor many organisms, early life stages experience significantly higher rates of mortality relative to adults. However, tracking early life stage individuals through time in natural settings is difficult, limiting our understanding of the duration of these ‘mortality bottlenecks’, and the time required for survivorship to match that of adults. Here, we track a cohort of juvenile corals (1–5 cm maximum diameter) from 12 taxa at a remote atoll in the Central Pacific from 2013 to 2017 and describe patterns of annual survivorship. Of the 537 juveniles initially detected, 219 (41%) were alive 4 years later, 163 (30%) died via complete loss of live tissue from the skeleton, and the remaining 155 (29%) died via dislodgement. The differing mortality patterns suggest that habitat characteristics, as well as species-specific features, may influence early life stage survival. Across most taxa, survival fit a logistic model, reaching > 90% annual survival within 4 years. These data suggest that mortality bottlenecks characteristic of ‘recruitment’ extend up to 5 years after individuals can be visually detected. Ultimately, replenishment of adult coral populations via sexual reproduction is needed to maintain both coral cover and genetic diversity. This study provides key insights into the dynamics and time scales that characterize these critical early life stages.
Scale dependency of ectomycorrhizal fungal community assembly processes in Mediterranean mixed forests
Authors: J. Prieto-Rubio , J. L. Garrido , L. Pérez-Izquierdo , J. M. Alcántara , C. Azcón-Aguilar , A. López-García , A. Rincón 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe assembly of biological communities depends on deterministic and stochastic processes whose influence varies across spatial and temporal scales. Although ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi play a key role in forest ecosystems, our knowledge on ECM community assembly processes and their dependency on spatial scales is still scarce. We analysed the assembly processes operating on ECM fungal communities associated with Cistus albidus L. and Quercus spp. in Mediterranean mixed forests (Southern Spain), for which root tip ECM fungi were characterized by high-throughput sequencing. The relative contribution of deterministic and stochastic processes that govern the ECM fungal community assembly was inferred by using phylogenetic and compositional turnover descriptors across spatial scales. Our results revealed that stochastic processes had a significantly higher contribution than selection on root tip ECM fungal community assembly. The strength of selection decreased at the smallest scale and it was linked to the plant host identity and the environment. Dispersal limitation increased at finer scales, whilst drift showed the opposite pattern likely suggesting a main influence of priority effects on ECM fungal community assembly. This study highlights the potential of phylogeny to infer ECM fungal community responses and brings new insights into the ecological processes affecting the structure and dynamics of Mediterranean forests.
Costal cartilage fractures in blunt polytrauma patients — a prospective clinical and radiological follow-up study
Authors: Nummela Mari T. , Pyhältö Tuomo T. , Bensch Frank V. , Heinänen Mikko T. , Koskinen Seppo K. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the healing of costal cartilage fractures (CCFX) in patients with blunt polytrauma with follow-up imaging and clinical examination. Effect on physical performance and quality of life (QoL) was also evaluated.

Methods
The study group comprised twenty-one patients with diagnosed CCFX in trauma CT. All the patients underwent MRI, ultrasound, ultra-low-dose CT examinations, and clinical status control. The patients completed QoL questionnaires. Two radiologists evaluated the images regarding fracture union, dislocation, calcifications, and persistent edema at fracture site. An attending trauma surgeon clinically examined the patients, with emphasis on focal tenderness and ribcage mobility. Trauma registry data were accessed to evaluate injury severity and outcome.

Results
The patients were imaged at an average of 34.1 months (median 36, range 15.8–57.7) after the initial trauma. In 15 patients (71.4%), CCFX were considered stable on imaging. Cartilage calcifications were seen on healed fracture sites in all the patients. The fracture dislocation had increased in 5 patients (23.8%), and 1 patient (4.8%) showed signs of a non-stable union. Four patients (19.0%) reported persistent symptoms from CCFX.

Conclusion
Non-union in CCFX is uncommon but may lead to decreased stability and discomfort. Both clinical and radiological examinations play an important part in the post-traumatic evaluation of CCFX. CT and MRI visualize the healing process, while dynamic ultrasound may reveal instability. No significant difference in QoL was detected between patients with radiologically healed and non-healed CCFX. Post-traumatic disability was mostly due to other non-thoracic injuries.
Radiation therapy for atypical and anaplastic meningiomas: an overview of current results and controversial issues
Authors: Vagnoni Lorenzo , Aburas Sami , Giraffa Martina , Russo Ivana , Chiarella Vito , Paolini Sergio , Tini Paolo , Minniti Giuseppe 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMeningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Most meningiomas are WHO grade 1 tumors whereas less than one-quarter of all meningiomas are classified as atypical (WHO grade 2) and anaplastic (WHO grade 3) tumors, based on local invasiveness and cellular features of atypia. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of meningioma therapy and represents the definitive treatment for the majority of patients; however, grade 2 and grade 3 meningiomas display more aggressive behavior and are difficult to treat. Several retrospective series have shown the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (RT) for patients with atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. More recently, two phase II prospective trials by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG 0539) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC 2042) have confirmed the potential benefits of fractionated RT for patients with intermediate and high-risk meningiomas; however, several issues remain a matter of debate. Controversial topics include the timing of radiation treatment in patients with totally resected atypical meningiomas, the optimal radiation technique, dose and fractionation, and treatment planning/target delineation. Ongoing randomized trials are evaluating the efficacy of early adjuvant RT over observation in patients undergoing gross total resection.