bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for failed fistula closure in Addis Ababa at fistula centre, central Ethiopia
Authors: Dejene Tadesse Mamo , Belachew Asrat Kassaw , Amera Tizazu Michael , Yesuf Sadat Mohammed 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundObstetric Fistula leads to fecal and urine incontinence in women and girls. Surgical repair is the cornerstone of care. Failure to repair an obstetric fistula exposes women not only to repeated surgery but also to ongoing incontinence and its sequela, depression, and social exclusion. Which impacts the nation's health intervention programs and socioeconomic burden.ObjectiveTo determine factors associated with failed fistula closure in women who underwent Fistula Closure at the Hamlin Fistula Center in Addis Ababa, central Ethiopia, between February 10, 2018, and December 28, 2020.MethodsWomen who underwent Fistula Closure between February 10, 2018, and December 28, 2020 were included in a case–control study that was conducted between May and June 2021. In total, 417 study participants (139 cases and 280 controls) were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Two professional midwife data collectors and one BSC nurse for the supervisory assessment of women's medical cards utilized a structured questionnaire to collect data. SPSS version 25 was used to enter, clean, and analyze the data. During data analysis, bivariate and multivariate regression models were used. A p-value of less than 0.05 indicates a significant correlation.ResultsForty-nine patients (35.3%) and 133 controls (47.8%) who were older than 26 years were at repair while they were (14–19 years old). The factors that contributed to failure of fistula closure included age at repair (14–19 years old) [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI (0.94–4.89)], prior fistula attempts (9.6, rural residence [AOR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.36–5.35)], height &lt;150 cm [AOR = 1.80, 95% CI (0.99–3.59)], labor duration longer than 2 days [AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (0.99–3.59)], delivery by cesarean section [AOR = 1.88, 95% CI (1.04–3.89)], damaged urethra [AOR = 2.02, 95% CI (1.04–3.89)], diameter of fistula &gt;3 cm, mild vaginal scar [AOR = 3.20, 95% CI (1.24–8.29)], moderate and severe vaginal scar [AOR = 5.49, 95% CI (1.92–15.75)], and completion of ANC [AOR = 0.20 (0.11, 0.38)].Conclusion and recommendationAge at the time of repair, Residence, Height, duration of labor, mode of delivery, completion of ANC, damaged urethra, fistula diameter &gt;3 cm, previous fistula attempts, and vaginal scar are factors related to failure of fistula closure. By focusing on these areas, we can significantly improve the outcomes for patients undergoing fistula repair and lower the likelihood of failed closures in the future. Community-based health education regarding obstetric fistula and the importance of seeing a doctor as soon as possible during labor to lower the risk of obstructed delivery, boost antenatal care completion, and shorten the length of labor are all necessary to prevent failed fistula closure in comparable patients in the future.
PTX3 is expressed in terminal lymphatics and shapes their organization and function
Authors: Doni Andrea , Sironi Marina , Del Prete Annalisa , Pasqualini Fabio , Valentino Sonia , Cuccovillo Ivan , Parente Raffaella , Calvi Michela , Tosoni Antonella , Vago Gianluca , Nebuloni Manuela , Garlanda Cecilia , Vecchi Annunciata , Bottazzi Barbara , Mantovani Alberto 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe lymphatic system is a multifaceted regulator of tissue homeostasis and an integral part of immune responses. Previous studies had shown that subsets of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) express PTX3, an essential component of humoral innate immunity and tissue homeostasis.MethodsIn the present study using whole-mount imaging and image-based morphometric quantifications, Ptx3-targeted mice and in vivo functional analysis, we investigated the involvement of PTX3 in shaping and function of the lymphatic vasculature.ResultsWe found that PTX3 is localized in the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding human and murine lymphatic vessels (LV). In murine tissues, PTX3 was localized in the ECM close to LV terminals and sprouting. Ptx3-deficient mice showed LV abnormalities in the colon submucosa and diaphragm, including a disorganized pattern and hyperplasia of initial LV capillaries associated with altered distribution of tight junction-associated molecules. Mice with LEC-restricted PTX3 gene inactivation showed morphological and organization abnormalities similar to those observed in Ptx3-deficient animals. Ptx3-deficient mice showed defective fluid drainage from footpads and defective dendritic cell (DC) trafficking.DiscussionThus, PTX3 is strategically localized in the ECM of specialized LV, playing an essential role in their structural organization and immunological function.
The mechanism of PDE7B inhibiting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma through oxidative stress
Authors: Luo Yunfeng , Gao Huaide , Zhao Jianghua , Chen Lin , Shao Jianguo , Ju Linling 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundLiver cancer presents a significant challenge to global health and is currently ranked as the sixth most common form of cancer worldwide. Recent research indicates that phosphodiesterases play a role in various physiological and pathological processes, with a specific focus on their impact on cancer advancement. There is a scarcity of studies investigating the function and mechanisms of phosphodiesterases in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsReal-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were employed to analyze the expression of PDE7B in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cells. The biological role of PDE7B in HCC was investigated by both overexpressing and knocking down PDE7B in liver cancer cell lines. Furthermore, potential target proteins of PDE7B were identified through transcriptome sequencing.ResultsPDE7B is conspicuously reduced in tissues and cells of hepatocellular carcinoma, showing a connection with an unfavorable prognosis. Inhibiting PDE7B boosts the growth, movement, and infiltration of liver cancer cells, while its increased expression has the reverse impact. According to our trials relating to oxidative stress, PDE7B appears to control cell death in liver cancer cells by impacting the production of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, we propose that PDE7B could hinder the initiation and advancement of HCC through an oxidative stress pathway.ConclusionThe research we conducted reveals that PDE7B, a gene with minimal levels of activity in hepatocellular carcinoma, possesses the capacity to inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells. PDE7B can impact the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by adjusting mechanisms related to oxidative stress.
Prediction and prevention of late-onset pre-eclampsia: a systematic review
Authors: Baylis Anna , Zhou Wei , Menkhorst Ellen , Dimitriadis Evdokia 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPre-eclampsia is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Late-onset pre-eclampsia (LOP), which results in delivery ≥34 weeks gestation, is the most common type. However, there is a lack of knowledge in its prediction and prevention. Improving our understanding in this area will allow us to have better surveillance of high-risk patients and thus improve clinical outcomes.MethodsA systematic review was performed using a search of articles on PubMed. The search terms were ((late-onset) AND (pre-eclampsia)) AND ((risk factor) OR (risk) OR (prediction) OR (management) OR (prevention)). Primary literature published between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2023 was included. Human studies assessing the prediction or prevention of late-onset pre-eclampsia were eligible for inclusion.ResultsSixteen articles were included in the final review. The key risk factors identified were Body Mass Index (BMI), chronic hypertension, elevated mean arterial pressures (MAPs), nulliparity, and maternal age. No clinically useful predictive model for LOP was found. Initiating low dose aspirin before 17 weeks gestation in high-risk patients may help reduce the risk of LOP.ConclusionWhile aspirin is a promising preventor of LOP, preventative measures for women not deemed to be at high-risk or measures that can be implemented at a later gestation are required. Biomarkers for LOP need to be identified, and examining large cohorts during the second or third trimester may yield useful results, as this is when the pathogenesis is hypothesized to occur. Biomarkers that identify high-risk LOP patients may also help find preventative measures.
Preliminary reference values for Alzheimer’s disease plasma biomarkers in Congolese individuals with and without dementia
Authors: Ikanga Jean , Jean Kharine , Medina Priscilla , Patel Saranya Sundaram , Schwinne Megan , Epenge Emmanuel , Gikelekele Guy , Tshengele Nathan , Kavugho Immaculee , Mampunza Samuel , Mananga Lelo , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Stringer Anthony , Rojas Julio C. , Chan Brandon , Lario Lago Argentina , Kramer Joel H. , Boxer Adam L. , Jeromin Andreas , Gross Alden L. , Alonso Alvaro 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundWestern countries have provided reference values (RV) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) plasma biomarkers, but there are not available in Sub-Saharan African populations.ObjectiveWe provide preliminary RV for AD and other plasma biomarkers including amyloid-β (Aβ42/40), phosphorylated tau-181 and 217 (p-tau181, p-tau217), neurofilament light (Nfl), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), interleukin 1b and 10 (IL-1b and IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in Congolese adults with and without dementia.Methods85 adults (40 healthy and 45 dementia) over 50 years old were included. Blood samples were provided for plasma AD biomarkers Aβ42/40 and p-tau181, p-tau217; Nfl and GFAP; IL-1b and IL-10 and TNFα analyzed using SIMOA. Linear and logistic regressions were conducted to evaluate differences in biomarkers by age and gender and neurological status, and for the prediction of dementia status by each individual biomarker. RV were those that optimized sensitivity and specificity based on Youden’s index.ResultsIn this sample of 85 adults, 45 (53%) had dementia, 38 (45%) were male, overall mean age was 73.2 (SD 7.6) years with 8.3 (5.4) years of education. There were no significant differences in age, gender, and education based on neurological status. Biomarker concentrations did not significantly differ by age except for p-tau181 and GFAP and did not differ by sex. Preliminary normal value cutoffs of various plasma in pg./mL were 0.061 for Aβ42/40, 4.50 for p-tau 181, 0.008 for p-tau 217, 36.5 for Nfl, 176 for GFAP, 1.16 for TNFa, 0.011 for IL-1b, and 0.38 for IL-10. All AUCs ranged between 0.64–0.74. P-tau 217 [0.72 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.84)] followed by GFAP [0.72 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.83)], and Nfl [0.73 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.84)] had the highest AUC compared to other plasma biomarkers.ConclusionThis study provides RV which could be of preliminary utility to facilitate the screening, clinical diagnostic adjudication, and classification, of dementia in Congolese adults.
The role of epigenetic regulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and drug response: an integrative genomic and pharmacological prognostic prediction model
Authors: Fu Kang , Su Junzhe , Zhou Yiming , Chen Xiaotong , Hu Xiao 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with poor prognosis. Epigenetic dysregulation plays a crucial role in PDAC progression, but its comprehensive landscape and clinical implications remain unclear.MethodsWe integrated single-cell RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and clinical data from multiple public databases. Single-cell analysis was performed using Seurat and hdWGCNA packages to reveal cell heterogeneity and epigenetic features. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified key epigenetic modules. A machine learning-based prognostic model was constructed using multiple algorithms, including Lasso and Random Survival Forest. We further analyzed mutations, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity associated with the epigenetic risk score.ResultsSingle-cell analysis revealed distinct epigenetic patterns across different cell types in PDAC. WGCNA identified key modules associated with histone modifications and DNA methylation. Our machine learning model, based on 17 epigenetic genes, showed robust prognostic value (AUC &gt;0.7 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival) and outperformed existing models. High-risk patients exhibited distinct mutation patterns, including higher frequencies of KRAS and TP53 mutations. Low-risk patients showed higher immune and stromal scores, with increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells and M2 macrophages. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed differential responses to various therapeutic agents between high- and low-risk groups, with low-risk patients showing higher sensitivity to EGFR and MEK inhibitors.ConclusionOur study provides a comprehensive landscape of epigenetic regulation in PDAC at single-cell resolution and establishes a robust epigenetics-based prognostic model. The integration of epigenetic features with mutation profiles, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity offers new insights into PDAC heterogeneity and potential therapeutic strategies. These findings pave the way for personalized medicine in PDAC management and highlight the importance of epigenetic regulation in cancer research.
Therapeutic singing and expiratory muscle strength training in Parkinson's disease: a mixed methods comparison
Authors: Brown Jessy , Stegemöller Elizabeth L. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to understand how two respiratory strengthening protocols, therapeutic singing (TS) and expiratory muscle strength training (EMST), compare on measures of quality of life (QOL), depression and anxiety for persons with Parkinson's disease. An equally important aim was to understand participants' perceptions of both treatments.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative datasets were integrated in a convergent mixed methods design within a randomized crossover intervention trial. Thirteen persons with mild-moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage 1–3) completed both interventions, in random order, for 4 weeks, 5 days per week, for approximately 20 min per day. Participants completed self-report questionnaires (Geriatric Depression Scale, Parkinson's Anxiety Scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39, and a Survey after Treatment) after each intervention, and twelve participants' qualitative data were analyzed.ResultsQuantitative data did not reveal significant differences between the interventions in depression on the Geriatric Depression Scale or anxiety on the Parkinson's Anxiety Scale and the qualitative data support those findings. There were no significant differences between interventions in QOL as measured by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39, but there was a main effect of time, with a significant decline (p = 0.01) in perceived QOL between baseline and the final visit. The quantitative data diverged from the qualitative data as there were no themes that emerged to corroborate a decrease in QOL. Five qualitative themes were derived from thematic analysis: Benefits, Accessibility, Acceptability, Advice/Feedback, and Preference. Participants' perceptions of the interventions were closely aligned to individual differences and preferences, with an equal split of participants preferring TS and EMST.ConclusionsFindings from this mixed methods comparison of two respiratory interventions will help to improve the acceptability and accessibility of the interventions to better facilitate adherence to the interventions and promote continued engagement, thereby delaying respiratory decline in those with PD.
A bibliometric analysis of African dental research and the sustainable development goals, 2016–2023
Authors: El Tantawi Maha , Bhayat Ahmed , Foláyan Moréniké Oluwátóyìn 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe successful implementation of the 2030 sustainable development Agenda in Africa requires active participation from all sectors, including the dental research sector. The aim of this study was to review dental research published by authors affiliated with institutions in African countries from 2016 to 2023, to map papers related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and to identify areas of emphasis and gaps in SDGs-related papers on oral health in Africa.MethodsWe conducted a bibliometric analysis of dental literature in Africa (2016–2023) using Scival for performance analysis and VOSviewer for science mapping. The papers addressing and not addressing the SDGs were compared regarding impact, authorship metrics and key phrases. We identified the topic clusters with the greatest number of papers. The key phrase co-occurrence networks and the authors and countries collaboration networks were mapped.ResultsThere were 4,173 papers and 622 (14.9%) addressed the SDGs, especially SDG3. SDGs papers had greater impact and were more likely to be published in open access journals than non-SDGs papers. Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa had the greatest number of papers and citations. Four of the top ten authors were females. Most of the top ten journals were open access and only three were in quartile 1 (Q1) journals. Springer and Elsevier were the top publishers. The top research clusters addressed rehabilitative care including implants, endodontics, ceramics and zirconia. SDGs papers, however, addressed oral hygiene in caries prevention and to control systemic diseases. Collaboration networks were affected by geographic location and languages. Dental research in Africa is concentrated in three countries and mainly addresses rehabilitative care. SDGs papers had an impact above the global average and addressed prevention and non-communicable diseases.ConclusionsThere is minimal yet increasing contribution of African countries to the evidence on oral health and the SDGs. The focus is on a limited number of SDGs, and publications are from very few countries in Africa. There is a need to focus oral health-related SDGs research on addressing local problems.
Markerless vision-based knee osteoarthritis classification using machine learning and gait videos
Authors: Ben Hassine Slim , Balti Ala , Abid Sabeur , Ben Khelifa Mohamed Moncef , Sayadi Mounir 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a major health issue affecting millions worldwide. This study employs machine learning algorithms to analyze human gait using kinematic data, aiming to enhance the diagnosis and detection of KOA. By adopting this approach, we contribute to the development of an effective diagnostic methods for KOA, a prevalent joint condition.MethodsThe methodology is structured around several critical steps to optimize the model’s performance. These steps include extracting kinematic features from video data to capture essential gait dynamics, applying data filtering and reduction techniques to remove noise and enhance data quality, and calculating key gait parameters to boost the model’s predictive power. The machine learning model trains on these refined features, validates through cross-validation for robust performance assessment, and tests on unseen data to ensure generalizability.ResultsOur approach demonstrates significant improvements in classification accuracy, highlighting its potential for early and precise KOA detection. The model achieves a high classification accuracy, indicating its effectiveness in distinguishing KOA-related gait patterns.DiscussionFurthermore, a comparative analysis with another model trained on the same dataset demonstrates the superiority of our method, suggesting that the proposed approach serves as a reliable tool for early KOA detection and potentially improves clinical diagnostic workflows.
Potentially toxic elements in wild Agassiz’s desert tortoises: tissue concentrations and association with disease
Authors: Berry Kristin H. , Christopher Mary M. , Jacobson Elliott R. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundDesert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations have continued to decline due to infectious and other diseases, predation, and habitat alteration. The potential contribution of minerals and heavy metals to tortoise health and susceptibility to disease remains uncertain.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the results of elemental analysis on trace minerals, macrominerals, and heavy metals in scute keratin, kidney, and liver from ill and dying desert tortoises salvaged for necropsy between 1993 and 2000.MethodsSalvaged tortoises were categorized by size (adult, juvenile), geographic location, and primary disease based on necropsy findings. A subset of tortoises that were injured or killed by vehicular trauma or predation but with no notable pathologic abnormalities was used for comparison with diseased tortoises. The panel of elements was analyzed in scute keratin, kidney, and liver samples by inductively-coupled plasma spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry.ResultsNecropsies were done on 46 tortoises, including 9 juveniles, salvaged from 5 regions in the Colorado and Mojave Deserts of California. Primary diseases were cutaneous dyskeratosis (n = 9), infection/inflammation (n = 8), malnutrition (n = 7), mycoplasmosis (n = 5), and urolithiasis (n = 3); 14 tortoises died of trauma. Concentrations of elements differed by tissue, size, desert region, and disease status (p &lt; 0.05). Tortoises with cutaneous dyskeratosis had higher Se concentrations, primarily in keratin and liver, than tortoises with other diseases (p &lt; 0.001). Juveniles were more likely than adults to have high Pb, Sn, and Zn levels (p &lt; 0.05). All tortoises had detectable levels of more than one potentially toxic heavy metal, including As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn, and V.ConclusionPotentially toxic elements are frequently found in tissues from tortoises in desert regions of California, with higher concentrations in diseased tortoises. Metal exposure from soils, mining, historic and ongoing military activities, and other human activities could increase susceptibility to disease in desert tortoises.
Eddy Current Measurement of Electrical Resistivity in Heat-Treated Zr-2.5%Nb Pressure Tubes
Authors: Thorpe W. G. , Underhill P. R. , Krause T. W. 
Published: November 2024

Zr-2.5%Nb pressure tubes (PTs) house uranium fuel bundles in the fuel channels of CANDU® nuclear reactors. Preventing a failure mode caused by contact of the PT with an outer calandria tube (CT) is performed by inspection using eddy current (EC) testing and ultrasonic testing (UT) to measure the PT-CT gap. EC gap measurements are particularly sensitive to circumferential variation of the PT’s electrical resistivity due to microstructural variations. A full-factorial experiment was performed to examine the statistical significance of variations in the EC test parameters and manufacturing conditions on the average circumferential electrical resistivity of as-manufactured PTs. It was found that 79% of the variance in the data could be attributed to variations caused by any of the test factors or combinations of test factors. The parameters that accounted for the majority of the variance were: (1) heat treatment (HT); (2) HT and EC frequency; (3) probe inner or outer surface placement; and (4) EC frequency. Measurements of circumferential resistivity showed up to ±2.3% variation from the average of either surface. HT caused the average PT resistivity to decrease at a rate of 1.53±0.08 μΩ·cmlog⁡hr and 1.1±0.4μΩ·cmlog⁡hr for inner and outer PT surfaces, respectively. The results are correlated with differences reported in the literature in the average βZr ribbon thickness in the axial-transverse cross-section between inner and outer PT surfaces. The results demonstrate potential for EC-based resistivity measurements to characterize variations and changes in the microstructure of Zr-2.5%Nb PT material.