bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory abnormalities in sarcoidosis: physiopathology and early diagnosis using oscillometry combined with respiratory modelling
Authors: Oliveira Bruno Falcão , Ribeiro Caroline Oliveira , Sousa Cíntia Moraes Sá , Lopes Mariana Carneiro , Lopes Agnaldo José , Melo Pedro Lopes 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic syndrome of uncertain etiology with abnormal respiratory findings in approximately 90% of cases. Spirometry is the most common lung function test used for assessing lung function in diagnosis and monitoring pulmonary health. Respiratory oscillometry allows a simple alternative for the analysis of respiratory abnormalities. Integer-order and fractional-order modelling have increasingly been used to interpret measurements obtained from oscillometry, offering a detailed description of the respiratory system. In this study, we aimed to enhance understanding the pathophysiological changes in sarcoidosis and assess the diagnostic accuracy of these models.
Methods
This observational study includes 25 controls and 50 individuals with sarcoidosis divided into two groups, normal to spirometry (SNS) and abnormal spirometry (SAS). The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by investigating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results
The integer-order model showed significant increases in airway and total resistance in the SNS and SAS groups. There was a reduction in compliance and an increase in peripheral resistance in the SAS group (p < 0.001). The fractional-order model showed an increased energy dissipation and hysteresivity in the SNS and SAS groups. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among model and spirometric parameters, where the strongest associations were between total resistance and FEV1 (r: -0.600, p = 0.0001). The diagnostic accuracy analysis showed that total resistance and hysteresivity were the best parameters, reaching an AUC = 0.986 and 0.938 in the SNS and SAS groups, respectively.
Conclusion
The studied models provided a deeper understanding of pulmonary mechanical changes in sarcoidosis. The results suggest that parameters obtained through the studied models may enhance evaluation and enable better management of these patients. Specifically, total resistance and hysteresivity parameters demonstrated diagnostic potential, which may be beneficial for early identification of individuals with sarcoidosis, even when spirometry results are within normal ranges.
Pre-transplant inflammation and its associations with acute GvHD and mortality in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Authors: Verbeek Anne , von Asmuth Erik , Akker Erik van den , Hoogendijk Anja M. Jansen - , Schilham Marco , Lankester Arjan , Lugthart Gertjan , Mohseny Alexander , Buddingh Emilie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this explorative study we aimed to identify inflammatory serum proteins measured before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) that are associated with acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGvHD) and mortality in pediatric HSCT recipients. We measured 28 inflammatory serum proteins in 384 pediatric patients (2010–2022) with malignant (30%) and non-malignant (70%) indications for allogeneic HSCT. A sample before the start of the conditioning (T1) was included, as well as a sample on the day of HSCT (T2). For patients who developed aGvHD we also included a sample at the time of diagnosis, before initiation of systemic treatment (TP-GvHD). Associations with aGvHD, steroid-refractory aGvHD, non-relapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using robust (cause-specific) Cox models. At T1, TNFR1, sIL2-Rα and TNFR2 were among the most strongly associated proteins for the development of aGvHD. Multiple inflammatory proteins, such as CXCL16, TNFR1 and SCF at T1 were highly associated with NRM and OS. At TP-GvHD, ST2 levels were significantly associated with the development of steroid-refractory aGvHD. This study shows that inflammatory serum protein levels before HSCT are associated with aGvHD and mortality and lays the groundwork for further validation and use in risk-adapted therapy for pediatric HSCT recipients.
SAA1 released by tumor cells facilitates the aggressiveness of breast cancer by inducing reprogramming of molecular phenotypes in immune cells
Authors: Xia Jinkun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Most breast cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. Recurrence of breast cancer and tumor metastasis are major obstacles to clinical treatment. It is imperative to explore new diagnostic and prognostic markers to improve the early diagnosis and outcomes of breast cancer. Recently, metastatic breast cancers transcriptional signature reveals Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), a major acute-phase apolipoprotein reactant, is associated with breast cancer in expression and clinicopathological features. However, its regulatory function in breast cancer remains elusive, and its contribution to breast cancer metastasis remains uncertain. In this research, we downloaded the mRNA-sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE102818, GSE28785, GSE134591) to comprehensively investigate the relationship between the expression of SAA1 and its impact on the metastatic implications, and further unveiled the connection of SAA1-mediated immunoregulation in breast cancer. We found that SAA1 is implicated in cell migration and regulation of immune cells by modulating cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Meanwhile, SAA1 released by tumor cells was demonstrated to contribute to tumor metastasis by inducing adipocytes reprogramming. Several current viewpoints propose that reprogramming of the molecular phenotype of immune cells is a major driver of cancer cell invasion and metastasis in tumor microenvironment. Based on previous studies and our findings, we hypothesized that SAA1-mediated cellular reprogramming may also apply to immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells through the release of SAA1 is relevant to the aggressiveness of breast cancer, which help patient decision-making for immunotherapy.
Orogenic Gold Mineral Prospectivity Mapping (MPM) of the Geraldton Area, Ontario
Authors: Harris J. R. , Lafrance B. , Grunsky E. , Behnia P. , Nagizedah M. , Lawley C. , Parsa M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we employ Random Forests (RF) (Breiman, 2001) to generate several Mineral Prospectivity Maps (MPMs) for orogenic gold in the Geraldton area, located within the Abitibi Tectonic Subprovince of Ontario, Canada. We address various issues pertinent to the Mineral Prospectivity Mapping (MPM) modeling process and propose solutions to these key challenges. Additionally, we utilize multiple methods to analyze text-based geoscientific information derived from geological maps, including a novel application of natural language processing to delineate the sources and traps of gold mineral systems.
From In Silico to In Vivo: Characterizing Ag-RBDN331-V524 for Effective COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Authors: Zeidi Elmira Ranjbar , Javadi Solaleh , Farokhi Pouya , Siavashi Vahid , Nikpour Abolfazl , Mafakher Ladan , Katalani Camellia , Maleki Alaleh , Abdali Nargess , Tabaripour Reza 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

COVID-19 has become a challenge of the century to the healthcare system. One of the best targets to produce the COVID-19 vaccine is the receptor binding domain (RBD) which is located in the Spike protein of Coronavirus. This domain is extremely conserved among different variants of COVID-19. In this study, the most potent region of RBD was selected to design a vaccine against COVID-19 in E. coli as an expression system. The shuttle vector was applied to express the vaccine construct in E. coli. The primary vector is a backbone plasmid pBluescriptIISK (+) and a Tn5 transposon is a secondary vector of 1657 bp inside. The C-phycocyanin operon including the gene cassette was embedded in Tn5. The quantitation of total protein was done by Bradford assay. Then, SDS-PAGE and Western Blot were carried out to characterize and confirm recombinant protein expression. Affinity chromatography was performed for the purification of recombinant protein. The molecular weight of the RBD protein was 34 kDa which is compatible with western blot results. The aim of this study was expression of RBD domain in E. coli which could apply in a future study to the production of vaccine against COVID-19 based on a host that has ideal C-phycocyanin expression. The selected RBD sequence has a complete identity to the newest variant. The short length of the sequence selected in this study leads to increased solubility and decreased allergenicity. On the contrary, this trait has led to a decrease in the probability of mutation, which can cover new variants of this virus.
Lichen colonization and associated biodeterioration processes on ancient bricks of the Gonbad-e Qābus tower, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iran
Authors: Zabihi Mahdi , Sohrabi Mohammad , Favero-Longo Sergio E. , Nortaghani Abdolmajid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Knowledge of the influence of architecture-related microclimatic on the diversity and distribution of lichens causing biodeterioration on brick substrate surfaces in Iran has received less attention. One of the most prominent works of Iranian architecture is the brick tower of Gonbad-e Qābus in the ancient city of Gorgan (Jorjan), which shows widespread lichen colonization. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, these lichens destroy tower bricks. In this study, lichen communities on its outer walls were characterized in terms of diversity and distribution for architectural (wall geometries) and microclimatic (wall orientation) features, and their relationships with substrate biodeterioration were evaluated. The results show that the colonization and distribution of lichens in different parts of the building are different according to the geometrical shape, wind and rain direction, and the sunlight angle. Also, lichens are responsible for the biodeterioration of brick surface layers through the penetration of hyphae into the pores and porosities, the secretion of acids, and the chemical modification of some mineral constituents. Knowledge and investigating the effects of architecture-related microclimatic on the distribution and diversity of biodeterioration factors can help in the preventive conservation of cultural heritage.
VENTIlatory strategies for patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the LOw- and Middle-Income CountrieS – The VENTILOMICS survey
Authors: Prabhakar Hemanshu , Mahajan Charu , Kapoor Indu , Shrestha Gentle Sunder , Picetti Edoardo , Robba Chiara , Schultz Marcus j , Videtta Walter , Sampaio Gisele , Gutierrez Simon P , Rubiano Andres Mariano , Jibaja Manuel , Shiferaw Ananya Abate , Arruebarrena Yanet Pina , Sepriwan Tori , Konkayev Aidos , Tsan Samuel Ern Hung , Mijangos-Mendez Julio C , Myei Chann , Salisu-Kabara Halima Moji , Shafiq Faraz , Pinedo Juan Luis , Galicia Beda , Martínez Noelia Rocío Rivas , Popugaev Konstantin , Padayachy Llewellyn , Shanmugam Puvanendiran , Fadalla Tarig , Viarasilpa Tanuwong , Arun Oguzhan , Agaba Peter Kaahwa , Bui Tuan Van , Mani Kalaivani 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the disease burden is exacerbated by limited resources and preventative measures. This study revisits the ‘VENTILatOry strategies in patients with severe traumatic brain injury’ (VENTILO) survey, focusing on ventilatory management practices among healthcare professionals in LMICs.
Methodology - A cross-sectional online survey, VENTILOMICS, was conducted using the original VENTILO survey questionnaire, developed following a review of literature on respiratory management in TBI patients, captured demographics of participants, type of hospital/specialty and available neuromonitoring tools; protocols for mechanical ventilation and weaning, and respiratory management strategies. Descriptive statistics were computed for all study variables. We analyzed data based on the geographical location of the LMICs and their economic status.
Results – There were 204 respondents from 28 LMICs. Our results indicate that 55-70% of respondents recommend tidal volumes (VT) of 6-8 ml/kg for patients with high or medium PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratios, while VT of 4-6 ml/kg is preferred for those with low P/F ratios. For patients with intracranial hypertension, lower positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels were utilized. Access to neuromonitoring tools was notably better in neuro-critical care units compared to general ICUs, with significant geo-economic disparities in practices and resource availability. Most respondents advocated for early tracheostomy, though preferences varied by region, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Conclusion - The findings are suggestive of a consistent approach to lung-protective ventilation across LMICs, with notable variations influenced by local resources and economic status. This study highlights the necessity for tailored research and guidelines to address the specific challenges faced in TBI management within LMICs, thereby, advocating improved access to neuromonitoring techniques and standardized protocols.
A Machine Learning Model for the Prediction of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among the Youths in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Emuoyibofarhe Ozichi N. , Bamidele Olubayode. , Osueke Christian O. , Adeyemo Adetoye A. , Ojo Gideon , Adeyinka Abiodun O. , Sunday Abraham A. , Osueke Ngozi O. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases which are spread between individuals through unprotected sexual contact. The spread has become rampant, especially among the youths nowadays who display promiscuous characteristics, which leads to a faster rate of the spread of the disease among the youths. Thus, this study aims to develop a machine learning model for an accurate analysis and prediction of the transmission rate of STDs among the youth within the southwestern region of Nigeria. For an approximate and optimize study, a questionnaire in Google form was administered to harvest opinions of youths within the stated demographic with respect to their health status, disease awareness, lifestyle choices and other characteristics. The collected primary dataset of 529 individual responses was used to build the machine learning model. The dataset was converted to comma-separated values (CSV) format to be trained and tested for a well-supervised machine learning model. Of the data collected, 75% served as training data and 25% served as testing data. Feature extraction, data visualization and data preprocessing were done to convert raw data into suitable machine learning. Taking from the results, a decision tree accuracy of 0.9393 with an area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.5843, logistic regression accuracy of 0.9621 with AUC score of 0.5, support vector machine accuracy of 0.96212 with AUC score of 0.5 and Gaussian Naïve Bayers machine learning algorithms accuracy score of 0.5909 with AUC score of 0.7874 were obtained. Hence, the Gaussian Naïve Bayers gave the best outcomes with an area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.79 and was able to correctly classify all 5 cases of STDs within the test set as compared to other algorithms.
New findings from a media-fasting intervention: Intentions for screen-free days in different age cohorts and use of the resulting free time.
Authors: Schwarz Silke , Büssing Arndt , Streit Benjamin , Martin David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Media fasting has been found a way to reduce screen time. In this article new findings from the evaluation of the media-fasting intervention (https://mediafasting.org/) are presented. Starting with 407 children and young people who were surveyed initially, at the end of the intervention, 229 participants returned the questionnaire, resulting in a loss of 43.7% of the original participants. Therefore, a matched pair sample of 169 children and adolescents was analyzed. Most participants completed the questionnaires with the assistance of their parents, particularly their mothers. The number of media-free days of children 6–9 years of age, or 10–13 years, and adolescents 14–18 years was significantly higher after the intervention as compared to before the intervention. Regarding media habits, 29% of participants intended to reduce their TV time, while the majority already avoided looking at digital media or TV screens during meals (72.5%) and kept their mobile phones out of the room during sleep (80.0%). Additionally, 42.9% intended to avoid screen time after dinner. However, only 24.7% refrained from screen time after dinner. The intentions for media-free days varied significantly among different age groups before and after the intervention. The media fasting intervention was followed by decreased screen time in children and youth aged 6 to 18. There were significantly more intended complete media-free days after the intervention and especially less screen time after dinner.
The Cross-Level Influence of Medical Students’ Perception of Stress on Sleep Quality—A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xu Hao , Juma Talante , Cao Yongping 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Medical students, the healthcare practitioners in the future, are under greater pressure and prone to physical and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders compared with other non-medical specialties.
Methods
This study investigated the perceived stress of medical students in China and the relationship between their sleep quality. Based on the Cognitive Appraisal Theory and the Perseverative Cognition Hypothesis, we constructed a cross-sectional structural equation model (SEM) with stress perception as a predictor, sleep quality as an outcome variable, and work rumination and social support as buffer moderators. An online survey of 350 medical students from a medical university were collected, 318 of the participants were defined as study objects.
Results
The results of the study found that medical student’s stress perception negatively affects sleep quality; work rumination plays a mediating role in the relationship between stress perception and sleep quality; perceived social support plays a negative cross-level moderating role between stress perception and work rumination, and also plays a positive cross-level moderating role between work rumination and sleep quality.
Conclusions
This study provided evidence for the design of stress regulation methods for medical students as well as intervention techniques to improve sleep quality among medical students.
Navigating Risks: Insights on Unrelated Overseas Renal Transplantations from Two Saudi Centers
Authors: Hennawy Hany M El , Safar Omar , Faifi Abdullah S Al , Hennawy Maryam H El , Alghamdi Balqees , Ali Amani , Alqahtani Manar , Zaitoun Mohammad F , Alasmari Sharifah A , Serageldeen Ahmed , Fourtounas Konstantinos , Ayyad Mostafa , Ali Ahmed , Zahran Mohamed H 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Due to a shortage of cadaveric organs for transplantation, some Saudi patients seek to purchase kidneys in other countries. However, kidney transplantation (KT) abroad is often associated with negative outcomes. This study shared the experiences of two Saudi transplantation centers regarding unrelated KT overseas.
Methods: This retrospective comparative cohort study included patients who underwent unrelated KT abroad (Group I) and local patients who received living unrelated KT from September 2017 to July 2024, with follow-up for at least one year at AFHSR and Tabouk.
Results: we studied 204 patients, including 96 who underwent commercial KT (Group I) and 108 who received living unrelated KT(Group II), with an average follow-up of 42 months. Immediate graft function was lower in Group I (83.33%) than in Group II (93.51%; p=0.0104). One-year patient survival was significantly lower in Group I (94.8%) than in Group II (100% in Group II (p=0.0167), along with poorer long-term kidney function.
Conclusion: commercial transplantation patient survival rates are lower, and overall outcomes are worse than those of traditional unrelated transplantation in the midterm. Educating patients about the risks associated with overseas KT and promoting public registration for deceased organ donation could help mitigate this practice.
Biomechanical analysis of clear aligners for mandibular anterior teeth intrusion and its application in the design of new aligner attachment
Authors: Xiao Shengzhao , Cheng Caiqi , Li Haochen , Li Lin , Shen Canao , Feng Qiping , Zhao Yan , Duan Yufeng , Xia Lunguo , Chu Fengting , Fang Bing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: During the process of intruding the mandibular anterior teeth with clear aligners, the teeth are susceptible to unintended displacement, leading to complications such as excessive alveolar bone resorption and root exposure, which can significantly compromise the treatment outcome. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the underlying causes and develop effective coping strategies.
Methods: CBCT data from 30 patients were collected before and after the intrusion treatment of mandibular anterior teeth. Changes in the labial-lingual inclination of the mandibular anterior teeth and the distance between the root apex and alveolar bone wall were statistically analyzed. Finite element models of mandibular anterior teeth undergoing vertical intrusion with standard clear aligners were created with eight incisor mandibular plane angles (IMPA) to assess displacement trends, labial and lingual moments, and crown contact forces. Additionally, six aligner attachments were designed to simulate and analyze their biomechanical mechanisms.
Results:Significant differences were observed in changes before and after treatment. When the IMPA was 90°, the crown experienced a labial moment. The labial root control ridge increased the labial moment of the crown, while the lingual root control ridge and labial attachments increased the lingual moment. The lingual fossa excavation group also increased the labial moment. The lingual root control attachment enhanced the lingual movement of the crown, whereas the lingual excavated attachment promoted labial movement. During the intrusion of mandibular anterior teeth, a comprehensive design incorporating labial intrusive attachments, labial root control ridges, lingual root control ridges, and lingual fossa excavation can be employed to ensure true vertical intrusion of the lower anterior teeth.
Conclusion: This study performed finite element analysis under different inclination angles and various working conditions of the mandibular anterior teeth to reveal their biomechanical changes during intrusion, and innovatively designed the lingual fossa excavation, contributes to the development of novel orthodontic techniques and improves clinical treatment outcomes.