bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Diagnostic Abilities of Ultrasound Scans in Assessing the Uterine Fibroids Against Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in the Same Subject Population
Authors: Omran Bedoor Al , Mehad Amal Mohamed , Matoi Simbarashe , Qadir Seemal Maqsood Abdul , Peluola Ayomide , O’Sullivan Robin , Dayoub Nawal 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to evaluate the matching percentage among findings of the ultrasound scans to the magnetic resonance imaging in women with fibroids in Bahrain.Methods: This descriptive, retrospective study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2018 including all the female patients referred from the Gynaecological Department to the Radiological Department in the Bahrain Defense Force Hospital for magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound scan for fibroid evaluation.The data collected included their age, parity and nationality. The StatsDirect software was used to analyze the fibroids according to the site, size, type and number. Results: The average age of the recruited 205 female patients for the study was 43 years, with 81.5%as Bahraini citizens and a mean parity of 2.3. Ultrasound scan findings matched the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the posterior fibroid sites in 52.5% of cases, followed by anterior (38.1%) and fundal (21.8%). For fibroid size, Ultrasound scans matched Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings in 83.3% for fibroids between >5 to ≤ 10 cm, in 78.3% for fibroids between >2 to ≤ 5cm, and in 36.8% for fibroids sized ≤ 2 cm. Fibroids more than 10cm in size were in agreement for 33.33% of fibroids. Submucosal fibroids matched in just 29.4% of cases, but for the subserosal fibroids, it was 44.8%. The matching score for more than 4 fibroids was 61.8%, followed by single fibroids (54.8%) and lastly for two fibroids (34.8%).Conclusions: Fibroid site and size had the highest matching rates amongst all the categories.
Psychological and Emotional Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on People Living With Chronic Disease: HIV and Cancer.
Authors: Focà Emanuele , Fornari Chiara , Arsuffi Stefania , Vetrano Maria Chiara , Calza Stefano , Renzetti Stefano , Copeta Silvia , Berruti Alfredo , Castelli Francesco , Compostella Silvia , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic changes the lifestyle and inducted negative emotions. People living with chronic disease (PLWCD) are the frailest social category, both for the risk of severe COVID-19 illness and for the pandemic impact on the continuum of care. Aim of this study was to analyze coping strategies and resilience in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to people living with oncological diseases (PLWOD) during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this observational study based on the administration of an anonymous questionnaire, we explored the emotional experience, the clinical and demographic factors linked to a COVID-19-related stress syndrome, the patient’s perception about the adequacy of clinical and psychological undertaking from the hospital and the level of resilience through a validated resilience scale. We performed a Kruskal-Wallis and a chi-squared test to compare the characteristics between PLWH and PLWOD and a linear regression to assess the factors associated to higher resilience. Results: We analyzed 324 questionnaires (PLWH n=167, PLWOD n=157). There were no significant differences in prevalence of psychological distress, anxiety, and fear among the whole cohort; however, PLWOD were calmer (p=0.039), less troubled (p=0.014), and more serene (p=0.026) than PLWH. Moreover, PLWH smoked more (p<0.001), ate more (p=0.003) and thus gained more weight (p=0.013) than PLWOD. 62% of patients didn’t have more feelings of solitude than usual (p=0.130) and 71,3% continued to take pleasure from their activities (p=0.511). No differences in resilience were found between the groups, however in the whole cohort lower levels of resilience were found in patients that were unemployed (-3.52; 95% CI = [-6.68 -0.35]; p=0.029), with history of psychological disorders (-2.18; 95% CI = [-3.17 -1.18]; p<0.001) and in those who experienced more feelings of anger (-1.76; 95% CI = [-2.67 -0.85]; p<0.001), anxiety and concern (-1.56; 95% CI = [-2.30 -0.82]; p<0.001). Conclusions: PLWCD had high level of resilience, preserved in general their psychological well-being, and activated adaptive coping during the pandemic. However, PLWH showed higher distress than PLWOD according to comparable resilience score. Patients with psychological problems, feelings of anger and concern deserve more attention as they show lower levels of resilience.
TGF-β2 Levels in the Aqueous Humor are Elevated in the Second Eye of High Myopia Within Two Weeks After Sequential Cataract Surgery
Authors: Yan Weijia , Zhang Yaping , Yan Hong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the level of transforming growth factors (TGFs) in the aqueous humor (AH) in the second eye of highly myopic cataract patients after receiving sequential cataract surgery and to study the correction between TGFs and axial length (AL) in myopic eyes.Methods: The study included 13 patients (26 eyes) with high myopia with cataracts and 10 non-myopic patients (10 eyes) with cataracts. AH samples were used to detect the levels of TGF-β1, 2, and 3 in both groups. An array was used for verification of TGF-β expression in AH samples obtained from 26 eyes of highly myopic patients with cataracts and 10 eyes of non-myopic patients with cataracts. According to AL, the samples were divided into three groups: A (AL<28 mm), B (AL=28-31 mm), and C (AL>31 mm).Results: The level of TGF-β2 in the AH sample of the second eye was significantly higher than that in the first eye in high myopia cataract patients (p=0.0147). Compared with the non-myopic cataracts patient group, the highly myopic cataracts group had a significantly higher TGF-β2 concentration in the AH in the second eye (p=0.0156). Both TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 were expressed at low levels and had no difference between the two groups. Axial elongation in high myopia did not show a correlation with the AH concentration of TGF-β2 levels.Conclusions: In patients with high myopia undergoing sequential cataract surgery, the AH of the second-surgery eye had a higher level of TGF-β2 than that of the first-surgery eye, and it also had a significantly higher TGF-β2 concentration than that of the control eye. This implies that high myopia could cause changes in the microenvironment of the eyes, and a protective mechanism was created to prevent the second eye from undergoing a sympathetic immune response.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda and Patterns of Long-term Sick Leave and Disability Pension: a 24-year Nationwide Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Baravelli Carl Michael , Aarsand Aasne Karine , Sandberg Sverre , Tollånes Mette Christophersen 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a skin disorder caused by a defect in the liver enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and is associated with hepatitis C virus infection, high alcohol intake, smoking and iron overload. Data on the long-term morbidity of PCT is lacking. Methods: We conducted a nationwide matched cohort study over a 24-year period. The study sample included 534 persons aged 18-67 years with a biochemically confirmed PCT diagnosis and a sample of 21,360 persons randomly selected from the working age population, matched on age, sex and educational attainment. We investigated if persons with sporadic and familial PCT had an increased risk of long-term sick leave (LTSL) or disability pension. We further assessed risk before (pre-PCT), during (during-PCT) and after (post-PCT) the typical period of first onset to diagnosis, treatment and remission. Results: Overall, persons with PCT had a 40% increased risk (hazard ratio [HR]=1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3, 1.5) of LTSL and a 50% increased risk (HR=1.5, CI=1.3, 1.7) of disability pension. Risk of disability pension was increased pre-PCT (HR=1.3, CI: 1.3 (1.0, 1.6), during-PCT (HR: 1.5, CI: 1.0, 2.2) and post-PCT (HR=2.0, CI: 1.5, 2.6). For LTSL, risk was increased pre-PCT (HR=1.3, CI: 1.1, 1.4) and during-PCT (HR=1.5, CI: 1.1, 2.1), but not post-PCT. Risk was greatest in persons with sporadic than familial PCT. Diagnostic reasons for disability pension that were increased compared to matched controls were PCT or skin disease in 11 of 199 cases (PCT: n=7, incident rate ratios [IRR]=49.2, CI=38.8, 62.4; diseases of the skin & subcutaneous tissue, n=4, IRR=4.2, CI=1.6, 11.0). The vast majority of diagnostic reasons for accessing disability pension were related to comorbidities, PCT susceptibility factors and more general health issues such as: malignant neoplasms (n=12, IRR=2.4, CI=1.4, 4.2), substance and alcohol dependence (n=7, IRR=5.0, CI=2.5, 10.1), neurotic and mood – disorders (n=21, IRR=1.7, CI=1.1, 2.6), and diseases of the musculoskeletal system & connective tissue (n=71, IRR=2.5, CI=1.9, 3.2).Conclusions: Persons with PCT have an increased risk of LTSL and disability pension indicating significant morbidity in this patient group. Appropriate long-term follow-up and monitoring for relapses and co-morbid diseases are recommended.
Simulation of the Uniaxial Mechanical Properties and Crack Evolution of Coal Pillar-artificial Dam in Abandoned Mines
Authors: Lyu Xin , Yang Ke , Fang Juejing , Zhang Zhainan , Wang Yu , Fu Qiang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The key to the construction of underground reservoirs in abandoned mines is the construction of coal pillar-artificial dams, and the choice of bonding parameters between the coal pillars and artificial dams is the deciding factor that determines the engineering stability. Based on the analysis of the force state of coal pillar-artificial dams, the influence of the interface angle was analyzed. Seven sets of coal pillar-artificial dam specimens were prepared and a PFC3D numerical model was constructed to carry out the uniaxial compression test without lateral pressure. Based on the strength, deformation, and energy evolution characteristics of the coal pillar-artificial dam, the influence of the angle of the coal pillar-artificial dam interface on the performance of the specimen was analyzed. The PFC3D model was used to investigate crack evolution, particle displacement, and spatial distribution. The research results showed that the force state of the coal pillar-artificial dam can be divided into three types: split bearing, shared bearing, and coordinated bearing, corresponding to three different constitutive models. The composite simulation curve showed obvious post-peak viscosity. The compressive strength, peak strain, and average dissipated energy curves of the coal pillar-artificial dam showed a unimodal trend that first increased and then decreased. The total energy and elastic energy of the coal pillar-artificial dam showed an increasing trend during loading. The dissipation energy curve increased obviously in the early stage, then flattened, and finally, decayed. The simulated initiation stress and damage stress of the coal pillar-artificial dam specimens were intermediate to that of the coal pillars and the artificial dams, which first increased and then decreased with the increase in inclination, reaching the peak at 70°. The failures of the single and combined models were both dominated by monoclinic splitting. As the inclination increased, the position of the main cracks gradually shifted downwards and then upwards.
The Association of Propranolol with 2DG Reduces the Metabolism and the Proliferation of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma A431 Cell Line
Authors: Almeida Carolina Vieira , Buscemi Marianna , Lulli Matteo , Soldani Giorgio , Losi Paola 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The non-selective β-blocking (±)-Propranolol Hydrochloride was demonstrated to improve the progression-free survival of patients and to reduce the incidence of different cancer types. Since the expression of β-adrenoceptors (β-AR) in the A431 squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) human cells was described, we had suggested that cSCC proliferation may be controlled by using β-AR-blockers. Thus, we hypothesized that the topical application of a β-AR-blocker over the tumor lesion may decrease/restrain its extension before the surgical excision becoming an adjuvant\therapy against cSCC. However, it is known that β-AR-blocker anti-cancer activity as a single agent is limited. Hence, we suggested that the combination of Propranolol with the glucose analog 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) could improve its antiproliferative effect through the induction of metabolic stress. Our results have demonstrated that the addition of 2DG to (±)-Propranolol Hydrochloride therapy can improve its effect on A431 cells metabolism and proliferation, suggesting that the combination of (±)-Propranolol Hydrochloride with low dose of 2DG could be a promising treatment to be topically applied as an adjuvant pre-surgical therapy against cSCC, aiming to decrease the size of the injury before the surgical procedure, avoiding systemic adverse effects to the patient.
Assessment of factors associated with Tobacco smoking among patients with pulmonary TB attending health facilities in Rwanda: A case control study
Authors: Migambi Patrick , Dushime Augustin , Karame Prosper , Nsabimana Murego , Semakula Muhammed , Ndishimye Pacifique , Nshimiyimana Ladislas , Bitunguhari Leopold , Birungi Francine , Mutagoma Mwumvaneza 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
IntroductionThe World Health Organization reported that one third of global population was tobacco smoker. In countries with a high tuberculosis burden, a big proportion was attributed to tobacco smoking. In the general population of Rwanda, the prevalence of tobacco smoking was higher among males (14%) compared to females (3%). We conducted a second analysis to assess factor associated with tobacco smoking among patient with TB attending Health Facilities.MethodologyA retrospective case-control study in Centres of Diagnosis and Treatment of tuberculosis (CDT). Cases were patients with bacteriological TB confirmation; controls were persons with signs and symptoms without TB confirmation. Proportions and logistic regression were used in data analysis.ResultsThe total number of tobacco smokers was 680. Among tobacco smokers, 88.1% tobacco smokers were males, 94.3% tobacco smokers had at least 25 years old and 64.6% were living in union. By education, 84.9% tobacco smokers were illiterate or attained primary school. Almost all tobacco smokers (97.0%) ever drunk alcohol while 67.9% used illicit drugs and 25.3% had low BMI (≤ 18.5) with increased proportion among cases (29.1%). A proportion of 38.3% in tobacco smokers had history of imprisonment. In multivariable logistic regression data analysis, males compared to females (aOR = 3.49[95%CI:1.76–6.94]), ever drunk alcohol compared to never drank alcohol (aOR = 6.39[95%CI:2.67–15.31]) and ever used illicit drugs compared to never used illicit drugs (aOR = 9.89[95%CI:3.87–25.25]) were associated with high odds of tobacco smoking. In addition, illiterate people or people who attained only primary school education level compared to people having primary education level and above (aOR = 0.39[95%CI:0.23–0.69]) were associated with low odds of tobacco smoking.ConclusionTobacco smoking is common in pulmonary TB patients. Males were more likely using tobacco smoking compared to females. Alcohol drinkers and illicit drug users were associated to tobacco smoking. A campaign on tobacco cessation, focusing on males, should be conducted in the general population starting by people on TB treatment.
Deformation Regulations and Failure Mechanism of High and Steep Layered Rock Slopes with Upper Steep and Lower Gentle Style Induced by Step-by-Step Excavations
Authors: Yang Zhiquan , Fan Xianglong , Yang Yi , Hou Kepeng , Du Jun , Chen Xinggui , Mi Yapeng , Jiang Chunping , Jiang Jie , Guo Yongfa 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
High and steep layered rock slopes with upper steep and lower gentle style is a typical layered rock slope in Western region of China. Deformation regulations and failure mechanism of this kind of slope induced by step-by-step excavations were investigated in this study. By FLAC3D, excavation process is simulated according to actual situation (the first three phases) and planned excavation order (the last two phases). For the first three phases, through comparing simulation results and actual slope form, rationality of the model has been checked. For the last two phases, failure characteristics have been analyzed by simulation results. During the whole process of excavation, deformation can be summarized as "slip-bend-shear", and most dangerous slip surface of composite-style has been developed gradually into the slope. This research can provide theoretical support and guidance for the stability analysis, quantitative excavation design and pre-warning system of this type of slope in the process of western development in China.
Approximate Solutions, Thermodynamic Properties and Expectation Values With the Hua Plus Modified Eckart (HPME) Potential
Authors: Njoku I. J. , Okereke C. J. , Onyenegecha C. P. , Onyeocha E. , Nwaokafor P. , Nwaneho F. U. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The approximate solutions of Schrodinger equation for the Hua plus modified Eckart (HPME) potential is obtained via the Formula method. The vibrational partition function and other thermodynamic properties were investigated. Using the Hellmann-Feynman theorem, the expectation values of r -2, T and p2 and their numerical values are also presented. Some cases of this potential are also studied. The results of our study are consistent with those in literature.
TIFA Promotes CRC Cell Proliferation via RSK- and PRAS40- Dependent Manner
Authors: Shen Wenzhi , Du Wenfei , Li Yanping , Huang Yongming , Jiang Xinyu , Yang Chenglong , Tang Jiaping , Yang Rui , Wang Shanshan , Yan Siyuan , Liu Huan , Luo Na , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Zhixin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that TIFA (TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF)-interacting protein with a Forkhead-associated (FHA) domain) plays different roles in various tumor types. However, the function of TIFA in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The goal of this study is to uncover the biological function and molecular mechanism of TIFA in CRC.Methods: Tissue microarrays were used to evaluate TIFA expression. Cancer cell proferation assays were performed in TIFA knockdown and overexpressing cells in vitro and in a xenograft model in vivo. Human phosphokinase array, immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanism.Results: We disclosed that the expression of TIFA was marked increased in CRC versus normal tissue, and positively correlated with CRC TNM stages. In agreement, we found that the CRC cell lines show increased TIFA expression levels versus normal control. The knockdown of TIFA inhibited cell proliferation but have no effects on cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the ectopic expression of TIFA enhanced cell proliferation ability in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the expression of mutant TIFA (T9A, oligomerization site mutation; D6, TRAF6 binding site deletion) alternatively abolished TIFA mediated cell proliferation enhancement. Exploration of the underlying mechanism demonstrated that the protein synthesis associated kinase RSK and PRAS40 activation were all responsible for TIFA mediated CRC progression. Conclusions: The above results described a model of TIFA in mediating CRC progression. This may provide a promising target for CRC therapy.
Differences in the Microarchitectural and Histomorphologic Characteristics Between Glucocorticoid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head and Alcohol-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Liu Kexin , Miao Yu , Zhu Bin , Xue Feng , Yin Junhui , Zheng Minghao , li guangyi , Zhang Changqing 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
AimsTo analyze microarchitecture and histomorphology characteristics of different regions in femoral heads from patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (GIONFH) and alcohol-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (AIONFH). MethodsPatients diagnosed with GIONFH and AIONFH were recruited. Femoral heads were obtained after total hip replacement. Micro-CT was applied to evaluate the microstructure of 9 regions of interest (ROIs) in the femoral head. Along the supero-inferior orientation, the femoral head was divided into necrotic region, reactive interface, and normal region; along the medio-lateral orientation, the femoral head was divided into medial region, central region and lateral region. Decalcified and undecalcified bone histology were then performed to assess histopathological alterations and ﻿bone remodeling levels. Results42 GIONFH patients (50 hips) and 43 AIONFH patients (50 hips) anticipated in the study. In the necrotic region, most of the microarchitectural parameters did not differ significantly between GIONFH and AIONFH, whereas both the reactive interface and normal region illustrated significant differences in the microstructure and histomorphometry. The reactive interface and normal region exhibited a less sclerotic microarchitecture, but a higher bone remodeling level in GIONFH as compared with AIONFH. Despite similar necrotic pathological manifestations, subchondral trabecular microfracture in the necrotic region was more severe and vasculature of the reactive interface was more abundant in GIONFH. ConclusionsAlthough these two subtypes of ONFH shared similar microarchitecture and pathological features in the necrotic region, GIONFH exhibited a less sclerotic microarchitecture and a more active bone metabolic status in both the reactive interface and normal region.
Machine Learning Models with Time-Series Clinical Features to Predict Radiographic Progression in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Koo Bon San , Jang Miso , Oh Ji Seon , Shin Keewon , Lee Seunghun , Joo Kyung Bin , Kim Namkug , Kim Tae-Hwan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) varies between individuals, and its evaluation requires a long period of time. Previous statistical studies for radiographic progression have limitations in integrating and analyzing multiple variables of various types. The purpose of this study was to establish the application of machine learning models for predicting radiographic progression in patients with AS using time-series data from electronic medical records (EMRs).Methods: EMR data, including baseline characteristics, laboratory finding, drug administration, and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), were collected from 1,123 AS patients who were followed up for 18 years at a common center at the time of first (T1), second (T2), and third (T3) visits. The radiographic progression of the (n + 1)th visit (Pn+1 = (mSASSSn+1 – mSASSSn) / (Tn+1 – Tn) ≥ 1 unit per year) was predicted using follow-up visit datasets from T1 to Tn. Three machine learning methods (logistic regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operation, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting algorithms) with three-fold cross validation were used. Results: The random forest model using the T1 EMR dataset showed the highest performance in predicting the radioactive progression P2 among all the machine learning models tested. The mean accuracy and the area under the curves were 73.73% and 0.79, respectively. Among the variables of T1, the most important variables for predicting radiographic progression were in the order of total mSASSS, age, and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: Prognosis predictive models using time-series data showed reasonable performance with clinical features of the first visit dataset for predicting radiographic progression. Additional feature data such as spine radiographs or life-log data may improve the performance of these models.