bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the performance of recommended standards in the	diagnostic radiology units of the hospitals affiliated to the Mazandaran	University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Rahimi Seyed Ali 
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose: Access to health care is the basic right of people. Diagnostic radiology is one of the main procedures which appropriate planning and management are essential. Maintenance and supervision of the operating conditions following the recommended standards play a key role in ensuring the benefit of the instruments. Data show that more than 80% of patients referred to hospitals need radiology image. Improper service causes unnecessary duplications of radiation and even wrong diagnosis, as a results threatening health of the patients. Lack of protective barrier leads to the hazardous radiation exposure to the staff and patients. Improper use of radiation instrumentation, such as asymmetry of X-ray field, defects in collimators, lack of adjusting ray field, low quality or defective developing machine, lack of proper protective barrier, low quality film and drugs, can cause severe damage. The purpose of this study was to assess the conditions of radiology units at Mazandaran University hospitals and compare them with the standards of ICRU NCRP and ICRP. Materials and methods: The following six categories of conditions of radiography centers affiliated to the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were studied for the types and the rates of deficiency. (1) Conditions of radiography room; (2) Conditions of radiography instruments; (3) Conditions of control room; (4) Conditions of dark room; (5) Conditions of installation; and (6) Conditions of the other facilities. Results: The results showed that, none of the dark rooms are standard, and do not have proper alarm signal. In 63% of these units there was no tiling system for staff protection from radiation. Defects in radiography room, protective barrier and lack looking rays were 60%, 51% and 47% respectively. Referring to the obtained data, periodic supervision, and obeying of the standards are necessary. Data were collected through, observation, interviewing and questionnaire. The data show that the radiology units are far from the international standards; only about 50% of the conditions on average are satisfactory. Conclusion: Overall, about 50% of the units are deficient in the six categories, comparing with international standards. The improvement of the conditions is needed.
Correction algorithm based on fuzzy modeling for the distorted	image in the digital X-ray scanner system
Authors: Baek Jaeho , Park Mignon 
Published: November 2024

The Digital X-ray Scanner System (DX-Scanner) using the Multichannel Ionization Chamber (MIC) has many advantages. On the other hand, the scanned medical image has distorted pixels because of unsuitable integration time at the nonlinear acceleration period and vibration of the AC servo motor during scanning a patient in the system. This paper proposes a correction algorithm based on fuzzy modeling. The proposed correction algorithm can correct the distorted medical image during scanning. Fuzzy modeling uses a clustering method for the nonlinear motor velocity in the algorithm. The algorithm reconstructs the normal medical image lines by calculating the moving distance every integration time during acceleration period of AC servo motor. The algorithm analyzes by comparing the distance of the acceleration period with the distance of the uniform velocity period in every integration time. The velocity for the acceleration period is able to be compensated via this algorithm. In addition, several image processing procedures are also included in the algorithm. When the proposed correction algorithm is applied to the test pattern for checking the image resolution, its effectiveness is verified at scanning of 3.5 cm/sec, 7 cm/sec, and 14 cm/sec. The corrected image is a better image.
Parametric boundary reconstruction algorithm for industrial CT	metrology application
Authors: Yin Zhye , Khare Kedar , De Man Bruno 
Published: November 2024

High-energy X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems have been recently used to produce high-resolution images in various nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT/NDE) applications. The accuracy of the dimensional information extracted from CT images is rapidly approaching the accuracy achieved with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), the conventional approach to acquire the metrology information directly. On the other hand, CT systems generate the sinogram which is transformed mathematically to the pixel-based images. The dimensional information of the scanned object is extracted later by performing edge detection on reconstructed CT images. The dimensional accuracy of this approach is limited by the grid size of the pixel-based representation of CT images since the edge detection is performed on the pixel grid. Moreover, reconstructed CT images usually display various artifacts due to the underlying physical process and resulting object boundaries from the edge detection fail to represent the true boundaries of the scanned object. In this paper, a novel algorithm to reconstruct the boundaries of an object with uniform material composition and uniform density is presented. There are three major benefits in the proposed approach. First, since the boundary parameters are reconstructed instead of image pixels, the complexity of the reconstruction algorithm is significantly reduced. The iterative approach, which can be computationally intensive, will be practical with the parametric boundary reconstruction. Second, the object of interest in metrology can be represented more directly and accurately by the boundary parameters instead of the image pixels. By eliminating the extra edge detection step, the overall dimensional accuracy and process time can be improved. Third, since the parametric reconstruction approach shares the boundary representation with other conventional metrology modalities such as CMM, boundary information from other modalities can be directly incorporated as prior knowledge to improve the convergence of an iterative approach. In this paper, the feasibility of parametric boundary reconstruction algorithm is demonstrated with both simple and complex simulated objects. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to the experimental industrial CT system data.
Quantitative evaluation of increase in surface dose by	immobilization thermoplastic masks and superficial dosimetry using Gafchromic	EBT film and Monte Carlo calculations
Authors: Ali Imad , Matthiesen Chance , Algan Ozer , Thompson Spencer , Bogardus Carl , Herman Terence , Ahmad Salahuddin 
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To investigate the increase in surface dose under immobilization thermoplastic masks by measurements and calculation in the build-up region using Gafchromic films and Monte Carlo simulation. Materials and methods: Surface doses were measured underneath three thermoplastic masks in open fields using 6 and 18 MV photon beams. These masks are used to immobilize patients for head and neck (H&N), pelvis and thoracic treatment. Gafchromic EBT films were placed on the top of the flat surface of a phantom partially underneath the mask and exposed in open 10 × 10 cm $^2$ photon fields. The depth doses were calculated using BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code for water-equivalent film detectors with different layers of thickness ranging from 50 μm to 2.5 mm and compared with film measurements. Results: Surface dose increased by a factor of 3 to 4 underneath the mask relative to the open areas and 6 MV beam delivers more skin dose than 18 MV. H&N mask increased surface dose by a factor of 3 using 18 MV and a factor of 4 using 6 MV. In addition, increase in surface dose depended on the type of the mask, the size of openings, and the amount of stretching performed during the mask preparation. The measured depth doses were compared with BEAMnrc Monte Carlo calculation for water-equivalent detectors using different sizes. The calculated depth dose depended significantly on the thickness of film detector and varies by more than 15% using layer thickness of 2.5 mm compared to 50 μm. Surface doses measured by Gafchromic EBT films agreed within 3% with the Monte Carlo calculations using a small detector layer of 50 μm. Conclusion: Thermoplastic masks used for patient immobilization can significantly increase skin doses by up to a factor of 4 more than that without the mask using 6 MV beams. The skin reactions resulting from thermoplastic masks should be monitored and corrective measures should be taken during treatment such as partially removing the mask over skin areas with complications and optimizing the skin dose in IMRT planning. Gafchromic EBT films provide accurate skin dosimetry which agrees within 3% with Monte Carlo calculations. Gafchromic EBT film makes an excellent tool for measuring depth doses in the buildup region and these data can be applied for treatment planning calculations and IMRT optimization.
A pilot study: relationship between Bisphenol A, Bisphenol-glucuronide and total 25 hydroxy vitamin D in maternal-child pairs in a South African population
Authors: Gounden Verena , Naidoo Rajen N. , Chuturgoon Anil 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionExposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) during early development particularly in-utero has been linked to a wide range of pathology. Over the last two decades the importance of vitamin D in maternal and child health has been highlighted. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the relationship of BPA and its naturally occurring metabolite BPA-glucuronide (BPA-g) with 25-hydoxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels in South African mother-child pairs.MethodsThird-trimester serum maternal samples and matching cord blood samples were analyzed for BPA and BPA-g using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and 25OHD3 and 25OHD2 using high performance liquid chromatography. A total of 58 maternal and child pairs were analyzed.ResultsMore than fifty percent of maternal-child pairs were noted to be vitamin D deficient or insufficient using the Endocrine Society Practice guidelines cut-off of 50 nmol/L. Spearman rank correlation and Kruskal Wallis analysis did not show statistically significant relationship between cord 25OHD (total) and maternal and cord BPA-g concentrations. Analysis of covariance after controlling for confounders showed a significant relationship between cord BPA-g levels and cord 25OHD levels (p=0.03) as well as between maternal BPA-g levels (p=0.04) and cord total 25OHD levels (p=0.04).DiscussionThe findings of the current study indicate a possible relationship with BPA/BPA-g and fetal/early infant Vitamin D levels that needs to be further investigated in this population.
Spatial impact effects of coupled coordination between forestry factor endowment and technological progress bias on forestry industry structural upgrading in China
Authors: Jiang Yu , Liao Yuanwei , Shen Canyu 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe biased technological progress coordinated with factor endowment is an important support for achieving sustainable development in the forestry industry. This study focused on the coupled coordination relationship between forestry factor endowment and technological progress bias, analyzing their spatial impacts on the upgrading of forestry industry structure. The aim is to fully leverage the driving force of technological progress to promote sustainable development of the forestry economy.MethodsCovering the years from 2005 to 2021, this study calculated the coupling coordination and constructed spatial econometric models to empirically analyze its spatial impacts on the rationalization, advancement, and ecologicalization of the forestry industry structure.Results and DiscussionThe results indicated that the overall level of coupling coordination was relatively low, with certain differences among provinces. The upgrading of the forestry industry structure showed significant spatial correlation, and after considering the cumulative effects of industrial structure upgrading, there existed a positive spatial spillover effect among regions. The improvement of coupling coordination promoted the rationalization and ecologicalization of industrial structure. However, in the short term, it had a negative impact on advancement. For the four major regions, the low level of coupling coordination and regional differences remained key obstacles hindering the promotion of industrial structure upgrading through technological progress. Therefore, there is a need to further optimize the coupling coordination between factor endowment and technological progress bias and place greater emphasis on regional coordinated development. This study may provide new insights into the development of the forestry industry from the perspective of the coupling of factors and technology, emphasizing the necessity of coupling forestry resource endowment with technological progress.
Case Report: Concurrent de novo pathogenic variants in the LMNA gene as a cause of sporadic partial lipodystrophy
Authors: Santos José L. , Miranda José Patricio , Lagos Carlos F. , Cortés Víctor A. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionInherited lipodystrophies are a group of rare diseases defined by severe reduction in adipose tissue mass and classified as generalized or partial. We report a non-familial (sporadic) case of partial lipodystrophy caused by a novel genetic mechanism involving closely linked de novo pathogenic variants in the LMNA gene.MethodsA female adult with partial lipodystrophy and her parents were evaluated for gene variants across the exome under different mendelian inheritance models (autosomal dominant, recessive, compound heterozygous, and X-linked) to find pathogenic variants. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).ResultsThe patient showed absence of adipose tissue in the limbs; preservation of adiposity in the face, neck, and trunk; muscular hypertrophy, hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. DXA revealed a fat mass of 15.4%, with android-to-gynoid ratio, trunk/limb, and trunk/leg ratios exceeding the published upper limits of 90% reference intervals. Two heterozygous missense de novo pathogenic variants in cis within the LMNA gene were found in the proband: p.Y481H and p.K486N (NP_733821.1). These variants have functional effects and were reported in inherited Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy 2 (p.Y481H) and familial partial lipodystrophy type 2 (p.K486N). Molecular modeling analyses provided additional insights into the protein instability conferred by these variants in the lamin A/C Ig-like domain.ConclusionIn a case of sporadic partial lipodystrophy, we describe two concurrent de novo pathogenic variants within the same gene (LMNA) as a novel pathogenic mechanism. This finding expands the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of partial lipodystrophy and laminopathy syndromes.
High heterogeneity of cross-reactive immunoglobulins in multiple sclerosis presumes combining of B-cell epitopes for diagnostics: a case-control study
Authors: Ovchinnikova Leyla A. , Eliseev Igor E. , Dzhelad Samir S. , Simaniv Taras O. , Klimina Ksenia M. , Ivanova Maria , Ilina Elena N. , Zakharova Maria N. , Illarioshkin Sergey N. , Rubtsov Yury P. , Gabibov Alexander G. , Lomakin Yakov A. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease triggered by a combination of genetic traits and external factors. Autoimmune nature of MS is proven by the identification of pathogenic T cells, but the role of autoantibody-producing B cells is less clear. A comprehensive understanding of the development of neuroinflammation and the identification of targeted autoantigens are crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.MethodsAn expression library of 44-mer overlapping peptides from a panel of putative autoantigenic human proteins was employed for modified Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) to identify B cell peptide epitopes from MS patients. Individual peptides extracted by PhIP-Seq were tested by ELISA to characterize their affinity towards IgG from both MS patients and healthy donors (HD). Three candidate auto-peptides were used for isolating autoreactive antigen-specific IgGs from the serum of MS patients.ResultsAutoantibody screening revealed high heterogeneity of IgG response in MS. The autoantigenic genesis of the PhIP-Seq-identified peptides was further strengthened by clinical ELISA testing of 11 HD and 16 MS donors. Validation experiments on independent cohorts of 22 HD and 28 MS patients confirmed statistically significant elevated titers of IgG specific to spectrin alpha chain (SPTAN1) in the serum of MS patients compared to HD. The levels of anti-SPTAN1 IgG correlated in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Isolated autoreactive antigen-specific IgG exhibited increased cross-reactivity to a panel of PhIP-Seq-identified antigenic peptides. Serum IgG from MS patients were reactive to latent membrane protein (LMP1) of Epstein-Barr virus, a potential trigger of MS. Discovered antigenic peptides from SPTAN1, protein-tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6), periaxin (PRX), and LMP1 were tested as potential biomarker panel for MS diagnostics. We concluded that the combination of particular peptides from SPTAN1, PTK6, PRX and LMP1 could be implemented as a four-peptide biomarker panel for MS diagnosis (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.818 for discriminating between HD and MS).ConclusionsThis study supports the concept that the specificity of autoreactive IgG in MS is highly heterogeneous. Despite that we suggest that the combination of several B-cell epitopes could be employed as reliable and simple test for MS diagnostics.
Integrated immunogenomic analyses of high-grade serous ovarian cancer reveal vulnerability to combination immunotherapy
Authors: Gronauer Raphael , Madersbacher Leonie , Monfort-Lanzas Pablo , Floriani Gabriel , Sprung Susanne , Zeimet Alain Gustave , Marth Christian , Fiegl Heidelinde , Hackl Hubert 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe efficacy of immunotherapies in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is limited, but clinical trials investigating the potential of combination immunotherapy including poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) are ongoing. Homologous recombination repair deficiency or BRCAness and the composition of the tumor microenvironment appear to play a critical role in determining the therapeutic response.MethodsWe conducted comprehensive immunogenomic analyses of HGSOC using data from several patient cohorts. Machine learning methods were used to develop a classification model for BRCAness from gene expression data. Integrated analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data was used to delineate the tumor immune microenvironment and was validated by immunohistochemistry. The impact of PARPi and BRCA1 mutations on the activation of immune-related pathways was studied using ovarian cancer cell lines, RNA sequencing, and immunofluorescence analysis.ResultsWe identified a 24-gene signature that predicts BRCAness. Comprehensive immunogenomic analyses across patient cohorts identified samples with BRCAness and high immune infiltration. Further characterization of these samples revealed increased infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages expressing TREM2, C1QA, and LILRB4, as specified by single-cell RNA sequencing data and gene expression analysis of samples from patients receiving combination therapy with PARPi and anti-PD-1. Our findings show also that genomic instability and PARPi activated the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in vitro and the downstream innate immune response in a similar manner to HGSOC patients with BRCAness status. Finally, we have developed a web application (https://ovrseq.icbi.at) and an associated R package OvRSeq, which allow for comprehensive characterization of ovarian cancer patient samples and assessment of a vulnerability score that enables stratification of patients to predict response to the combination immunotherapy.ConclusionsGenomic instability in HGSOC affects the tumor immune environment, and TAMs play a crucial role in modulating the immune response. Based on various datasets, we have developed a diagnostic application that uses RNA sequencing data not only to comprehensively characterize HGSOC but also to predict vulnerability and response to combination immunotherapy.
The survey of the status of self-stigma of depression and its relationship with demographic factors in Gonabad, Iran
Authors: Tehrani Hadi , Naddafi Fatemehzahra , Nejatian Mahbobeh , Jafari Alireza 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionDepression is a common mental illness. Depression stigma can reduce individuals’ desire to seek mental health services. No study has investigated depression self-stigma and its relationship with demographic factors in the general population of Gonabad city in Iran. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the relationship between depression self-stigma and demographic factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,075 Iranians living in Gonabad city in 2024. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to select participants. Data collection tools included demographic data and the self-stigma of depression scale (SSDS). Higher SSDS scores indicate greater depression self-stigma. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 with the independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation.ResultsThe mean (± SD) of self-stigma of depression (SSD) was 42.51 (9.31). Only 16.1% of the participants mentioned that they had a mental disorder, and 17.2% reported that they had been referred to a psychologist. Based on the results, males had more SSD (p = 0.028), help-seeking inhibition (p &lt; 0.001), and shame (p = 0.002) than females. There were no significant relationships between education level, economic status, age group, occupation, and marital status with SSD (p &gt; 0.05). Individuals with a history of mental disorder had higher SSD (p = 0.011) and help-seeking inhibition (p = 0.004). People who did not obtain information related to mental illness had more help-seeking inhibition (p = 0.001). Based on the Pearson correlation results, a positive and significant correlation coefficient was observed between the subscales of SSDS (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe results of the study showed that SSD level was 42.51 ± 9.31 from 70. SSD is one of the main obstacles to help-seeking and treatment, so providing knowledge and awareness in this area is essential to the community.