bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are We Meeting the Union Challenge?
Authors: Hartsook E. A. 
Published: December 2024

Early this year in Washington, the AFL-CIO held a conference on Labor and Science in a Changing World. In attendance were representatives of various labor groups, as well as people from government, industry and education circles. One of the chief conclusions of a union panel discussion dealing with the needs of scientific and professional workers was the thought that unions must push the idea that industrial scientists and engineers are no longer professionals because they are so numerous. They are now "mere employees'' and need the powers of collective bargaining.
Similarly, the newsletter of the National Society of Professional Engineers regularly announces such items as the fact that engineers and architects at the Chicago office of Standard Oil Co. of Indiana voted for union representation through the Research and Engineering Professional Employees Association. The group had voted for "no union" in 1957. REPEA now represents approximately 550 professional employees at the company's Whiting, Ind., plant.
The growing effort of organized labor to "reach future scientists on the campus before professional societies can get to them" is presenting a more and more serious challenge for professional societies which have been devoted to the idea of professional performance. Throughout the country, growing effort is being expended, not only to contact young people in their formative years, but also to attempt organization of scientific and engineering personnel now in industry. The professional societies are being strongly blamed for "poisoning" the minds of engineering students against collective bargaining and unionization.
While this program is being conducted vigorously and on a growing basis, all of us should be aware of the increasing political activities of labor unions throughout the country. Traditionally, engineers and their professional societies have stayed aloof from political problems, but now the very fundamentals of our way of life are being attacked. In this atmosphere, the future of engineering as a profession is clearly related to the future of the entire free-enterprise concept in our economy, and it is to the interest of every engineer to be aware of what is happening and to take an active interest in trying to reverse the trend.
Recommendations for recognizing and diagnosing Acute Hepatic Porphyria in atypical patient populations
Authors: Schmolly Katharina , Rudrapatna Vivek , Beaven Simon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute Hepatic Porphyria is a group of four rare genetic but treatable diseases that often go undiagnosed due to its non-specific symptoms, under-recognition of the condition by clinicians, and the lack of access to specialists and appropriate testing. This case-control study investigates the phenotypic and demographic patterns in Acute Hepatic Porphyria (AHP) patients at a tertiary care center (University of California Los Angeles) to update recommendations for recognition and diagnosis of this disease in our community.
Method
A retrospective chart analysis was conducted on 45 patients who were evaluated for AHP, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data was collected and analyzed to investigate clinical differences and correlations.
Results
27 patients tested positive for AHP through urinary metabolites and confirmatory genetic testing and 18 patients tested negative; of those, 16 patients received a definite alternative diagnosis. Hashimoto’s, T1DM (Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus), Fibromyalgia and cannabinoid use with cyclic vomiting syndrome were negatively correlated with AHP, while psychiatric disorders and OBGYN disorders were positively correlated with AHP. The highest rate of diagnosis resulted from a combination of genetic and biochemical testing. Testing outside of an acute attack was not associated with a positive diagnosis.
Conclusions
Patients with a history of OBGYN disorders and psychiatric disorders may be at increased risk of having AHP, yet there is a lack of involvement of these specialties in the diagnosis and care of AHP, in addition to a lack of studies investigating AHP in non-white populations potentially leading to reduced recognition of AHP.
Interaction of SLAMF8 and NINJ2 Promotes Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress by Activating the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Shuo , He Yuze , Chen He , Zhao Wenwen , Xu Heman , Bai Tao , Feng Juan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims:
This study aimed to investigate the expression and role of Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 8 (SLAMF8) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly its interaction with NINJ2 in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Methods:
SLAMF8 expression levels in AD models were analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Validation of SLAMF8 expression was conducted through RT-PCR and Western blot in Aβ1−42-exposed SH-SY5Y cells, LPS-exposed HMC3 cells, and APP/PS1 transgenic mice. The interaction between SLAMF8 and NINJ2 was explored through co-immunoprecipitation, confocal immunofluorescence, and Western blot analyses, focusing on their roles in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Results:
SLAMF8 was significantly upregulated in AD models, and its overexpression activated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. NINJ2 was identified as a direct functional partner of SLAMF8, with co-localization observed in the cytoplasm. Knockout of NINJ2 abolished SLAMF8-mediated activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.
Conclusion:
The SLAMF8-NINJ2-TLR4/NF-κB axis is a crucial signaling pathway in AD progression. SLAMF8 and NINJ2 emerge as potential therapeutic targets for managing AD, with significant implications for future research and clinical interventions.
Prevalence And Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in A Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sharma Sarita , Kirti ms , Vats Pallavi , Sharma Riya , Bhatia Ruby 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus describes a hyperglycemic illness initially recognized during pregnancy. It is the most typical pregnancy-related medical problem and metabolic abnormality. GDM raises the risk of consequences such as obesity, poor glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular disease, which can result in T2DM. DIPSI recommends screening via OGTT in pregnant women for early detection of GDM.
Objective
To analyze the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus, and the trimester-specific risk factors associated thereby providing an understanding of the evolving risk landscape throughout pregnancy.
Material and Methods
This study was conducted for six months where around 150 Pregnant women (50 each trimester) visiting the outpatient department or admitted to the inpatient department within the MMIMSR Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were included for Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Trimester-Specific Risk Analysis through a survey of patient medical records an Observational Cross-Sectional Study was conducted.
Result
Of the 150 pregnant participants in this study, 24 (16.00%) received a positive diagnosis of GDM based on DIPSI criteria. Across trimesters containing 50 patients, each showed 3 (6%), 4 (8%), and 17 (34%) GDM cases observed in trimester 1 (1–13 weeks), trimester 2 (14–27 weeks), and trimester 3 (28–40 weeks) respectively. Risk factors such as Age, Blood Pressure, BMI, and Family history indicated a significant positive association with GDM incidence. However, a negative association between physical activity and the occurrence of GDM was found.
Conclusion
We observed a prevalence of 16.00% in the current study population, with a notable increase in risk during the third trimester. significant positive associations between GDM and various demographic and lifestyle factors, which include BMI, maternal age, Blood Pressure, smoking and alcohol consumption, and family history. Conversely, we also observed a negative correlation between physical activity and GDM, recommending higher levels of activity that may decrease the chance of developing GDM. Present study findings suggest that promoting healthy lifestyle choices and regular physical activity during pregnancy could be vital in reducing the risk of GDM.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of genotype data from India for 12 genetic variants and 20 clinical-physiological covariates with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Mondal Ritisri , Sengupta Debmalya , Dutta Tithi , Bhattacharjee Samsiddhi , Sengupta Mainak 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Conflicting results of association studies that have explored the contribution of genetic and environmental factors in conferring risk toward DR make it difficult to draw a plausible inference, thus necessitating a meta-analysis of all the concerned data on the risk factors documented from India.
Methods
Meta-analysis (using the R software package) was conducted on the genotype data of 3972 cases (DR), 3407 controls (diabetic individuals without retinopathy), and covariates from 16 studies from India selected through stringent text-mining from PubMed.
Results
Two SNPs out of 12 SNPs from 6 genes, namely rs833061 of the VEGF gene and rs2070600 of the AGER gene showed nominal association with DR that however, did not hold true after FDR (false discovery rate) correction. Analysis carried out on 20 common covariates from all the selected studies revealed a significant association of 17 clinical covariates with DR. A follow-up global meta-analysis of the associated SNPs revealed a suggestive significant association of rs2070600 with DR in the recessive model.
Conclusion
No significant association of polymorphic variants even in a meta-analysis among the Indians is probably indicative of the involvement of several rare variants with relatively low impact on DR susceptibility, at least in the Indian context.
Safety and Effectiveness of Ferric Carboxymaltose Intravenous Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Kidney Transplant
Authors: Torres Diletta Domenica , Moscogiuri Luigi Antonio , Fontò Giulia , Giordano Paolo , Carbone Vincenza , Martino Marida , Santangelo Luisa , Giordano Mario 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Anemia is a frequent complication in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with a variable reported prevalence between 20 and 80% depending on its definition. Causes of and risk factors for post-transplantation anemia (PTA) are multifactorial with iron deficiency being the primary cause of early PTA. Post transplant anemia therapy may be challenging and should be directed to the underlying causes. Iron supplementation may be indicated. Oral iron supplementation could be ineffective, and some studies demonstrated superior performance of intravenous iron over oral therapy. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is an intravenous iron formulation allowing large single doses and rapid infusion time; its safety and efficacy has not been demonstrated so far in pediatric KTR. We report our experience with the use of FCM, effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for KT pediatric patients affected by iron deficiency anemia.
Habitat Radiomics Analysis for Progression Free Survival and Immune-related Adverse Reaction Prediction in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated by Immunotherapy
Authors: Guo Renhua , Wu Yuemin , Zhang Wei , Liang Xiao , Zhang Pengpeng , Zhang Mengzhe , Jiang Yuqin , Cui Yanan , Chen Yi , Zhou Wenxin , Liang Qi , Dai Jiali , Zhang Chen , Xu Jiali , Li Jun , Yu Tongfu , Zhang Zhihong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is highly heterogeneous, leading to varied treatment responses and immune-related adverse reactions (irAEs) among patients. Habitat radiomics allows non-invasive quantitative assessment of intratumor heterogeneity (ITH). Therefore, our objective is to employ habitat radiomics techniques to develop a robust approach for predicting the efficacy of Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the likelihood of irAEs in advanced NSCLC patients.
Methods
In this retrospective two center study, two independent cohorts of patients with NSCLC were used to develop (n = 248) and validate signatures (n = 95). After applying four kinds of machine learning algorithms to select the key preoperative CT radiomic features, we used clinical, radiomics and habitat radiomic features to develop the clinical signature, radiomics signature and habitat radiomic signature for ICIs prognostics and irAEs prediction. By combining habitat radiomic features with corresponding clinicopathologic information, the nomogram signature was constructed in the training cohort. Next, the internal validation cohort (n = 75) of patients, and the external validation cohort (n = 20) of patients treated with ICIs were included to evaluate the predictive value of the four signatures, and their predictive performance was assessed by the area under operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results
Our study introduces a radiomic nomogram model that integrates clinical and habitat radiomic features to identify patients who may benefit from ICIs or experience irAEs. The Radiomics Nomogram model exhibited superior predictive performance in the training, validation, and external validation sets, with AUCs of 0.923, 0.817, and 0.899, respectively. This model outperformed both the Whole-tumor Radiomics Signature model (AUCs of 0.870, 0.736, and 0.626) and the Habitat Signature model (AUCs of 0.900, 0.804, and 0.808). The radiomics model focusing on tumor sub-regional habitat showed better predictive performance than the model derived from the entire tumor. Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) and calibration curves confirmed the nomogram's effectiveness.
Conclusion
By leveraging machine learning to predict the outcomes of ICIs, we can move closer to achieving tailored ICIs for lung cancer. This advancement will assist physicians in selecting and managing subsequent treatment strategies, thereby facilitating clinical decision-making.
3D transformer-based dose prediction in HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Jian Wanwei , Zhu Lin , Zhang Bailin , He Qiang , Yang Geng , Wang Xuetao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The clinical process of high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) is time-consuming and reliant on user expertise and preference. Deep learning-based dose prediction can act as a quality assurance (QA) tool to identify suboptimal needle placement and enhance treatment planning efficiency in HDR interstitial brachytherapy. This study aims to introduce a 3D transformer-based deep learning method to automatically predict the dose distribution in HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 96 CT-based treatment plans from 24 cervical cancer patients who underwent interstitial HDRBT with needle insertion. The transformer mechanism was integrated into a convolutional neural network (CNN) to capture long-distance characteristics and global information. The prediction performance was evaluated by the mean error of Dose-Volume Histogram metrics between clinical and predicted dose maps, gamma analysis, and the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the 1–30 Gy isodose volumes.
Results
The mean error of D90 and D95 for HRCTV was less than 0.1 Gy, and the mean D2cc for organs at risk (bladder, rectum, and bowel) was under 0.6 Gy. The mean DSC of the 1–30 Gy isodose volume was 0.87. The 3D transformer-based CNN model can predict dose maps that are highly consistent with the clinical treatment plans.
Conclusions
A novel 3D transformer-based deep learning model was successfully developed for dose prediction in HDR interstitial brachytherapy. This method can automatically generate accurate 3D dose distributions, exhibiting great clinical potential for improving treatment efficiency and standardizing brachytherapy treatment planning.
Trial registration:
No. ZF2020-084.2; Oct 16, 2020
Surgical myectomy prevents ascending aortic dilation in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A serial cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: Song Changpeng , Guo Xinli , Zheng Xinxin , Lu Jie , Cui Jingang , Wang Shuiyun , Huang Xiaohong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background The impact of septal myectomy on the progression of ascending aortic (AAo) dilation in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between septal myectomy and AAo dilation in HOCM patients.
Methods A total of 69 patients with HOCM were enrolled. All the participants underwent sequential cardiac magnetic resonance scans at a mean interval of 5.13 ± 2.04 years, with each scan being more than 3 years apart.
Results At baseline, 17 patients with HOCM (25%) exhibited AAo dilation (Indexed AAo dimension> 19 mm/m²). Age (OR 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01-1.019, P = 0.026) and female (OR 4.80, 95%CI: 1.05-21.93, P = 0.043) were identified as independent risk factors for AAo dilation. In patients who underwent myectomy, the AAo dimension at follow-up was similar to that at baseline (32.47 ± 4.70mm vs. 32.81 ± 5.06mm, P=0.197). Furthermore, the rate of AAo dilation was lowere in patients with myectomy compared to those without myectomy (-0.06 ± 0.38mm/year vs. 0.18 ± 0.43mm/year, P=0.016). Additionally, moderate or severe mitral regurgitation was significantly associated with AAo dilation rate (B=0.273, P=0.032).
Conclusions These findings suggest that surgical myectomy may help prevent AAo dilation in patients with HOCM.
Therapeutic Rigid Bronchoscopy for Endobronchial Glomus Tumors: A Case Series
Authors: Ho Rong Lih , Jeong Byeong-Ho , Han Joungho , Kim Hojoong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Glomus tumors (GTs) are rare, comprising only 2% of all soft tissue tumors. Pulmonary GTs are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 80 cases reported to date. Little is known about the therapeutic outcomes of rigid bronchoscopy for endobronchial GT.
Methods
This is a case series of four patients with endobronchial GT who underwent therapeutic rigid bronchoscopy between February 2021 and June 2024.
Results
The ages of the patients in our series ranged from 32–75 years, and all patients were male. Cough and blood-tinged sputum were present in all patients with endobronchial GT (n = 4). The tumor sizes ranged from 1–3 cm. Complete endoscopic resection and laser cauterization via rigid bronchoscopy were achieved in two patients. One patient had incomplete resection of a 3-cm tumor in the segmental bronchus that showed radiological evidence of bronchial wall invasion. This patient subsequently underwent lobectomy seven months after bronchoscopic resection. The fourth patient was lost to follow-up. There was no mortality throughout the follow-up periods that ranged from 1–29.7 months. Factors favoring successful rigid bronchoscopy resection for endobronchial GT include a benign tumor in the central airways without bronchial wall invasion.
Conclusion
Endoscopic resection and laser cauterization using rigid bronchoscopy may be a viable option for patients with endobronchial GT when surgery is not practical.
Clinical trial number : not applicable
The Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Detecting Missed CBD stones
Authors: Farouk Mahmoud , Kaddah Mona , Mohamed Adnan Ahmed , Pawlak Katarzyna M. , Muktesh Gaurav , Karagyozov Petko , Tag-Aldeen Mohammed , Ghoneem Elsayed , Ahmed Rasha M M , Alansary Mahmoud , Ragab Khaled , El-hendawy Ramy El-Hendawy , Żorniak Michał , Okasha Hussein Hassan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Precise techniques for identifying common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic disorders are crucial to strategize appropriate interventions. This study aimed to assess the utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting CBD stones compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Methods: This prospective multicenter research included 200 patients over 18 years old with dilated CBD measuring 6-10 mm, unexplained elevated liver enzymes, and unexplained acute pancreatitis. The patients were evaluated using abdominal ultrasonography, MRCP, and EUS.
MRCP is performed just before the EUS and the ERCP being performed at a subsequent stage whenever indicated.
Results: Stones were detected in 39.5% of the patients using ERCP compared to 47% using MRCP and 43.5% using EUS. There was a strong agreement between ERCP findings and EUS findings (Kappa=0.837). EUS can significantly detect stones with a sensitivity of 94.9%, specificity of 90.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 86.2%, Negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.5%, and accuracy of 92%. There was a moderate agreement between ERCP findings and MRCP findings (Kappa=0.402). MRCP can significantly detect stones with a sensitivity of 72.2%, specificity of 69.4%, PPV of 60.6%, NPV of 79.2%, and accuracy of 70.5%. The accuracy of EUS was significantly higher than accuracy of MRCP.
Conclusions: EUS is a more accurate diagnostic tool for detecting stones compared to MRCP, and it has a strong agreement with ERCP findings, which is considered the gold standard??
Changes in hairiness of woven fabrics at the production and finishing stages
Authors: Krupincová Gabriela , Militký Jiří 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Advances in the textile industry have led to a shift from using empirical experience to design fabrics to using computer-aided systems. Objective fabric properties related to appearance, feel, and comfort are predicted based on the physical models. The look and feel of fabrics are greatly influenced by their complex surface topology, which can be defined by two main properties: roughness and hairiness. In this study, a roughness contactless measurement system originally designed for evaluating only the surface roughness was extended to evaluating the hairiness, which is quantified by spatial parameters obtained by the quadrat method. The modified system of Roughness Contactless Measurement system was applied to assessing work shirts across five production stages, and the experimental results demonstrated variations between gray and treated woven fabrics that could be attributed to shrinkage during water-based processes, subsequent drying under tension, and singeing. The gray and pretreated fabrics exhibited the highest hairiness, which was greatly reduced by singeing and stabilized during the finishing stage by an easy-care treatment.
The bidirectional regulatory effect of TXNRD2 methylation in patients with chronic heart failure and its nonlinear dose-response relationship with key clinical parameters
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Ma Lin , Wang Ruiping , Zhang Rongqiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
The research focused on examining CpG methylation within the TXNRD2 promoter area in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, aiming to correlate methylation levels with clinical indexes to guide CHF treatment.
Methods
Whole blood samples from 20 CHF patients and 20 healthy controls were analyzed using MALDI-TOF-MS. Methylation levels of CpGs in the TXNRD2-FA42 region were compared between CHF patients, healthy controls, and CHF patients with varying cardiac functions.
Results
TXNRD2-FA42_CpG_3 methylation was lower in CHF patients (P=0.0407), while TXNRD2-FA42_CpG_8 was higher (P=0.0183) compared to controls.
Conclusion
TXNRD2 promoter methylation in CHF patients exhibited bidirectional regulation, potentially influencing coagulation, renal function, and blood routine. These results deepen understanding of CHF pathogenesis and suggest new treatment approaches.