bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum bile acids early after portoenterostomy are predictive for native liver survival and portal hypertension in biliary atresia
Authors: Anderson Linda , Hukkinen Maria , Nyholm Iiris , Niemi Mikko , Pakarinen Mikko P. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the predictive value of serum bile acids on native liver survival (NLS) and portal hypertension (PH) at various time points early after portoenterostomy (PE) in biliary atresia (BA).MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study. Serum bilirubin and bile acid concentrations were defined by enzymatic spectrophotometry 1, 3, and 6 months after PE. After defining optimal bilirubin and bile acids cutoffs by area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves, cutoffs were compared with other predictors of NLS and PH in Cox regression.ResultsOut of 56 patients, 42 (75%) achieved clearance of jaundice (COJ, bilirubin <20 µmol/L at 6 months). Both bilirubin and bile acids at 3 and 6 months were accurate predictors of NLS among all patients (AUROC 0.82–0.91, p < 0.001). In COJ patients, bile acids (AUROC 0.82, p = 0.003), but not bilirubin, at 1 month also predicted NLS. Among all patients, the strongest predictors of NLS were bilirubin >18.5 µmol/L and bile acids >150 µmol/L at 3 months, increasing the risk of transplantation/death seven‐ and eightfold, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). In COJ patients, the strongest predictor of NLS was bile acids >119 µmol/L at 3 months, increasing the risk of transplantation/death 12‐fold (p = 0.014). Bile acids and bilirubin at 3 and 6 months predicted PH development in COJ patients with moderate accuracy (AUROC 0.72–0.78, p = 0.004–0.019). Bilirubin >8.5 µmol/L and bile acids >78 µmol/L at 6 months increased PH risk 13‐fold (p < 0.001) and 4‐fold (p = 0.006).ConclusionsSerum bile acids offer a simple and useful additional tool to predict PE outcomes in BA, particularly after COJ.
Real World Data in Stage III Melanoma in Latino Low Middle Income Country: Prognostic Factors and Outcomes
Authors: De La Cruz Ku Gabriel , Guart Jiddu Antonio , Farzan Jessica J. , Desai Anshumi , Franco Camila , Mroueh Jessica , Mroueh Vanessa , Ziegler‐Rodriguez Gonzalo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionMalignant melanoma is a heterogeneous disease, with varying outcomes depending on the patient's race and ethnicity. Advanced stages can be tackled by novel targeted therapies and immunotherapy. We aimed to investigate the real‐world data in Latino‐Hispanic patients diagnosed with Stage III melanoma residing in Peru, a region marked by limited resources and healthcare infrastructure.MethodsPatients diagnosed with Stage III melanoma at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas, Lima, Peru were included from the years 2010 to 2020. Cox regression analysis was used to assess prognostic factors.ResultsFour hundred twelve patients were included, the median age of diagnosis was 63 years, with a male predominance (55.6%). Most of the patients presented with a lesion in the lower extremities (77.4%), acral lentiginous melanoma (35.4%), and ulcerated tumors (72.3%). 64.1% were diagnosed with Stage IIIC, and 27.2% received interferon‐alpha therapy. With a median follow‐up of 36 months, the relapse‐free survival and overall survival rates were 26% and 78% at 3 years follow‐up, respectively. Prognostic factors of event‐free survival (EFS) were greater age (HR = 1.015, 95% CI: 1.005–1.025), ulcerated lesions (HR = 1.855, 95% CI: 1.221–2.820), N category, and the administration of interferon therapy (HR = 0.680, 95% CI: 0.488–0.947). While worse overall survival (OS) was associated with greater ages (HR = 1.032, 95% CI: 1.011–1.053) and the presence of ulceration (HR = 2.992, 95% CI:1.142–7.835).ConclusionStage III melanoma in the Hispanic‐Latino population from Peru has worse survival rates than other races and populations despite similar prognostic factors of worse EFS and OS. In resource‐limited settings, reducing barriers to receiving healthcare and broadening access to contemporary immunotherapy and targeted therapy are crucial measures to improve outcomes in patients with advanced melanoma.
A study of specific immunoglobulin G4 expression in allergic rhinitis and its value in assessing efficacy and in predicting prognosis of sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Wei Ting‐Ting , Gao Kai , Tai Jun‐Hu , Wei Yong‐Jun , Zhan Bin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a widespread health issue with a rising global prevalence, and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has shown efficacy in AR treatment. We examined specific immunoglobulin G4 (sIgG4) expression in AR and its role in evaluating SLIT efficacy and predicting patient prognosis. We compared total nasal symptom score (TNSS), total medication score (TMS), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, inflammatory cytokines, and immune function markers in AR patients before and after SLIT. SLIT reduced TNSS, TMS, VAS scores, IL‐4, IL‐17, eosinophilia percentage (EOS%), and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels, while increasing INF‐γ, IL‐10, and sIgG4. The sIgG4 level at pre‐treatment and 12 months post‐treatment was negatively correlated with TNSS, TMS, VAS score, IL‐4, IL‐17, EOS%, and sIgE, and positively correlated with IFN‐γ and IL‐10. Most patients showed symptomatic improvement. After 12 months, sIgG4 level demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.867 for assessing SLIT as effective. Pre‐treatment sIgG4 level showed an AUC of 0.869 for predicting SLIT as effective. Collectively, sIgG4 has strong potential assessing SLIT efficacy and prognosis in AR patients, with correlations to TNSS, TMS, VAS score, and IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐17, INF‐γ, EOS% and sIgE levels.
Safety of transarterial chemoembolization on renal function in combined hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Lin Zu‐Yau , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Liang Po‐Cheng , Huang Chung‐Feng , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study was to investigate the safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) which required injection of contrast medium on renal function in combined hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. A total of 265 patients admitted for the first session of TACE were included for analysis. CKD was defined as Cockcroft‐Gault glomerular filtration rate (CG‐GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confident interval (CI) were calculated to show the influence of factors on renal function. Overall, 24.07% patients with CKD and 31.21% patients without CKD showed exacerbated renal function at discharge. However, 73.15% patients with CKD and 63.69% patients without CKD showed significantly improved renal function (all p = 0.00001). No significant difference in influence of TACE on renal function between patients with and without CKD (p = 0.20509). Factors to exacerbate the serum creatinine level at the third day after TACE included proteinuria ≥1+ (OR 2.2469, 95% CI = 1.1559–4.3675) and glycated hemoglobin ≥7% (OR 2.0796, 95% CI = 1.0497–4.1200). These factors could be obliterated by admission for more than 3 days after TACE. Serum albumin level <3 g/dL at admission was the only factor to exacerbate renal function at discharge (OR 4.4179, 95% CI = 1.3964–13.9776). In conclusion, TACE exerted same influence on renal function between patients with and without CKD. Most patients showed improved renal function at discharge. Low serum albumin level, proteinuria and poor diabetes mellitus control were factors to exacerbate renal function after TACE.
Deltoid ligament injuries: When and how to repair
Authors: Seiça Emanuel Cortesão , Mendes Daniel , Sousa Manuel Resende , Vide João 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to illustrate the assessment and treatment strategies of acute and chronic deltoid ligament injuries, providing a treatment algorithm for each scenario.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on 39 patients, who had either an acute deltoid ligament injury or suffered chronic deltoid ligament insufficiency. All patients were operated on between January 2016 and December 2022. The cases represent a range of different clinical scenarios, including acute trauma, chronic insufficiency or instability situations. Clinical and imaging evaluation, surgical techniques and clinical outcomes are presented.ResultsThe mean follow‐up time was 21.3 months (±4.5). Acute trauma represented 18 (46%) of the ankles, while 21 (54%) had chronic instability. Treatment options were tailored according to the aetiology, patient characteristics, injury pattern and associated lesions. In 11 of the 18 acute deltoid ruptures (64%), repair was performed using suture anchors, while the remaining 7 cases were treated with direct suture. In chronic deltoid insufficiency, re‐tensioning with suture anchor was performed in 14 (67%) ankles, suture imbrication in 5 (24%) and reconstruction in 6 (9%). The most common associated injuries were syndesmotic injuries (n = 12, 56%) and osteochondral lesions (n = 13, 36%). The complication rate was 18% (n = 7), the majority related to persistent stiffness (n = 4, 10%).ConclusionThe decision on when and how to repair the deltoid ligament should be guided by the characteristics of the injury and the individual patient. The current treatment rationale may serve as a working basis for evaluating and treating these ankles.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
A version of Hilbert's 16th problem for 3D polynomial vector fields: Counting isolated invariant tori
Authors: Novaes D. D. , Pereira P. C. C. R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHilbert's 16th problem, about the maximum number of limit cycles of planar polynomial vector fields of a given degree , has been one of the most important driving forces for new developments in the qualitative theory of vector fields. Increasing the dimension, one cannot expect the existence of a finite upper bound for the number of limit cycles of, for instance, 3D polynomial vector fields of a given degree . Here, as an extension of such a problem in the 3D space, we investigate the number of isolated invariant tori in 3D polynomial vector fields. In this context, given a natural number , we denote by the upper bound for the number of isolated invariant tori of 3D polynomial vector fields of degree . Based on a recently developed averaging method for detecting invariant tori, our first main result provides a mechanism for constructing 3D differential vector fields with a number of normally hyperbolic invariant tori from a given planar differential vector field with hyperbolic limit cycles. The strength of our mechanism in studying the number lies in the fact that the constructed 3D differential vector field is polynomial provided that the given planar differential vector field is polynomial. Accordingly, our second main result establishes a lower bound for in terms of lower bounds for the number of hyperbolic limit cycles of planar polynomial vector fields of degree . Based on this last result, we apply a methodology due to Christopher and Lloyd to show that grows as fast as . Finally, the above‐mentioned problem is also formulated for higher dimensional polynomial vector fields.
Diffusion time effects over the adult lifespan indicates persistent zone‐specific microstructural alterations in the human prostate with aging
Authors: Ma Xiao , Seres Peter , Kinnaird Adam , Fung Christopher , Feiweier Thorsten , Beaulieu Christian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate microstructural changes in the aging adult prostate by comparing the effects of varying diffusion times using diffusion MRI, and to provide an age‐related benchmark for future prostate cancer studies.MethodsThe prostates of normal male volunteers (n = 70, 19–69 years) were scanned at 3 T with an oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE: 6 ms), pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE: 40 ms) and pulsed gradient stimulated echo (PGSTE: 100 ms), and anatomical T2‐weighted image. Volume and mean diffusivity (MD) were measured in the peripheral (PZ) and transition zones (TZ), which were assessed versus age.ResultsPZ and TZ showed quadratic age trajectories for all diffusion scans, with MD decreasing from 19 years to a minimum ˜30–40 years followed by a greater increase at older ages. Short (OGSE) and medium (PGSE) diffusion time MD had similar age trajectories, whereas long diffusion time (PGSTE) MD was significantly lower, particularly in PZ (22%). MD difference (∆MD) of OGSE‐PGSTE and PGSE‐PGSTE showed significant positive linear correlations with age for both PZ (larger slope) and TZ, resulting in ˜3.3x (PZ) and 1.8x (TZ) greater ∆MD from 19 to 69 years. MD and ∆MD versus age relationships differed from volume, which conversely had greater proportional growth in TZ than PZ.ConclusionThe diffusion time effects suggest age‐related microstructural changes consistent with development of persistently larger cell dimensions mainly in the prostate peripheral zone over the adult lifespan. This normative data can be used for comparison to prostate cancer factoring in age.
Optimal Dynamic Condition‐Based Mode Switching Policy for Systems With Main and Auxiliary Components
Authors: Zhao Xian , Lv Zuheng , Qiu Qingan , Guo Bin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn various complex systems, auxiliary components play a crucial role in mitigating potential negative effects on the main component. This paper examines systems comprising a main component and an auxiliary component that offers minimal repairs to the main component. While the main component operates online, the auxiliary component has the flexibility to switch between online and offline modes. The modes and failures of the auxiliary component have significant implications for the maintenance services adopted for both components, given their stochastic and economic dependence. During the online operation of the auxiliary component, it promptly performs minimal repairs, effectively minimizing the downtime costs of the main component. However, the auxiliary component itself may deteriorate over age, resulting in additional corrective maintenance expenses. Conversely, during the offline periods of the auxiliary component, prompt repairs to the main component are not feasible, leading to further downtime costs. Therefore, optimizing a dynamic condition‐based mode switching policy of the auxiliary component becomes crucial in order to minimize the expected total costs effectively. To address this challenge, this paper formulates the optimization problem within a Markov decision process framework and explores the structural properties of the optimal policy, including monotonicity, control limit properties, and the impact of diverse cost scenarios on optimal decision‐making. Furthermore, this paper validates the theoretical results by conducting a numerical example of a wind turbine system, which effectively confirms their practical applicability. Additionally, this paper compares the proposed policy with alternative heuristic policies and demonstrates a substantial decrease in expected total cost.
Krylov Subspace Based FISTA‐Type Methods for Linear Discrete Ill‐Posed Problems
Authors: Buccini Alessandro , Chen Fei , Pasha Mirjeta , Reichel Lothar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSeveral iterative soft‐thresholding algorithms, such as FISTA, have been proposed in the literature for solving regularized linear discrete inverse problems that arise in various applications in science and engineering. These algorithms are easy to implement, but their rates of convergence may be slow. This paper describes novel approaches to reduce the computations required for each iteration by using Krylov subspace techniques. Specifically, we propose to impose sparsity on the coefficients in the representation of the computed solution in terms of a Krylov subspace basis. Several numerical examples from image deblurring and computerized tomography are used to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methods.
Online programs: Attrition risks differ between environmental science and natural resource master's non‐thesis students
Authors: Kokenge Elise , Holyoke Laura B. , Soria Krista M. , Kobziar Leda , Daley‐Laursen Steven B. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnderstanding attrition risks specific to online student populations is crucial for the long‐term success of online programs. Online programs allow place‐based working professionals access to education needed for professional development and career advancement. This study was conducted to determine if educational preparation, student characteristics, and internal educational factors could predict the probability of discontinuation from natural resource or environmental science disciplines in online non‐thesis master's programs. The Cox proportional hazards model survival analysis was used to examine longitudinal data from 2017 to 2023 and assess attrition risk over time, examined time as a factor of attrition behavior, and identified predictors of attrition from two online programs. Attrition risks varied between environmental science and master of natural resources online non‐thesis programs. In the natural resource program, a statistically significant relationship was found between student age, gender, race, degree background, undergraduate grade point average, cumulative grade point average, and time between degrees. A total of 70% of discontinued students did so within the first three terms, indicating the highest risk of attrition occurred early in both programs. Different attrition risks between programs warrant further examination to provide meaningful support specific to students’ needs.
The iHearingAids? New Technologies in the Hearing World
Authors: Krishnan Pavan S. , Kamrava Brandon , Snapp Hillary A. , Telischi Fred F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractApple's new hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2 was released this Fall of 2024, allowing any user with a compatible iPhone and AirPods Pro 2 to perform hearing tests and use the device as a hearing aid for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. This innovation may increase accessibility to hearing testing and hearing augmentation for the public but there are many potential drawbacks that will impact hearing loss care. The advent of AirPods Pro 2 and the inevitable arrival of similar devices to the market will alter the clinical practice. It is crucial for our field to learn about this technology and prepare for changes in practice.
Invariance of Gaussian RKHSs Under Koopman Operators of Stochastic Differential Equations With Constant Matrix Coefficients
Authors: Philipp Friedrich M. , Schaller Manuel , Worthmann Karl , Peitz Sebastian , Nüske Feliks 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWe consider the Koopman operator semigroup associated with stochastic differential equations of the form with constant matrices and and Brownian motion . We prove that the reproducing kernel Hilbert space generated by a Gaussian kernel with a positive definite covariance matrix is invariant under each Koopman operator if the matrices , , and satisfy the following Lyapunov‐like matrix inequality: . In this course, we prove a characterization concerning the inclusion of Gaussian RKHSs for two positive definite matrices and . The question of whether the sufficient Lyapunov‐condition is also necessary is left as an open problem.
Synthesis of Amino Silicone Ethoxylates With Different Ethylene Oxide Addition Numbers and Their Application in Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Tan Yanru , Zhou Jingjie , Liu Yuqi , Sun Jinyuan , Liang Huibin , Zhang Ke , Wang Chunyu , Shi Sheng , Geng Tao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a straightforward preparation method of polyether modified silicone oil was proposed. For the first time, amino silicone oil ethoxylates (ASOEn) with different ethylene oxide (EO) addition numbers were synthesized by the reaction of amino silicone oil and ethylene oxide, and characterized. The chemical structure was characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR, and TAG. The whiteness, softness, bending stiffness, and hydrophilicity of cotton fabrics treated with ASOEn were tested. The results show that with the increase of EO chain, the cotton fabric treated by ASOEn has a certain improvement in softness, bending stiffness, and hydrophilicity. In addition, compared with the commercially available block polyether amino silicone oil, the cotton fabric treated with ASOEn had no significant difference in terms of whiteness and bending stiffness, and its hydrophilicity was even better than that of the cotton fabric treated with SSW. Through SEM characterization, the surface of the treated cotton fabric is smooth and smooth, and the adsorption principle of ASOEn on cotton fabric is inferred.
Fast and Efficient Screening and Separation Based on AUF‐MS Combined With Molecular Docking Technology and Network Pharmacology Method for Potential Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors From Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum
Authors: Liu Qiang , Nong Yuyu , Li Sainan , Zhou Yang , Liu Xuanlin , Liu Duo , Li Yanjie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionStudies show that Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) has some pharmacological effects in enhancing immunity and against gout.ObjectivesA mathematical model was created for extraction process optimization, analysis and identification, activity screening, and isolation and purification; moreover, the mechanism of action was studied.MethodsFirst, the extraction of PRP was investigated using the gray wolf optimization mathematical regression model; the extraction variables were optimized to maximize the yield. Second, we used network pharmacological analysis to predict potential targets for PRP in treating gout; xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XODIs) were rapidly screened using AUF‐MS and enzyme‐catalyzed reaction kinetics. The potential antigout effects of the obtained active substances were verified using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis. Finally, with activity screening as the guide, an HSCCC method combined with consecutive injection using the UNIFAC mathematical model and semipreparative HSCCC was successfully developed for the separation and purification of XODIs.ResultsThe results verified that uridine, guanosine, adenosine, liquiritin, and liquiritigenin of PRP exhibited high biological affinity toward XOD.ConclusionThis study clarifies the mechanisms of action of a medicinal plant of interest at the molecular level and can provide more opportunities for the discovery and development of new therapeutic drugs from other food resources.