bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of serological atrophic gastritis on proton pump inhibitor prescriptions and referrals to gastroscopy in the general population
Authors: Persson Tor , Söderberg Stefan , Song Minkyo , Karling Pontus 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and AimWe aimed to investigate whether individuals with low pepsinogen I levels differed from those with normal pepsinogen I levels in terms of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use, referral to gastroscopy, and findings on gastroscopy.MethodsSerum pepsinogen I was measured in 518 persons (mean age 51.6, SD 8.8; 49% women). A medical chart review focused on PPI prescriptions and gastroscopic findings in the follow‐up period.ResultsPatients with serological atrophic gastritis (pepsinogen I < 28 μg/L) had higher body mass index (27.5 vs 26.2 kg/m2; P = 0.007), were less likely to be current smokers (8% vs 17%; P = 0.025), and had higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity (57% vs 36%; P < 0.001) compared with those without. During follow‐up (mean 21.4 years, SD 6.5 years), the patients with serological atrophic gastritis had more often findings of atrophic gastritis or gastric polyps on gastroscopy (20% vs 8%; P < 0.001), despite no differences in the mean number of gastroscopies per 1000 person‐years (33 vs 23; P = 0.19) and the mean prescribed PPI dose (omeprazole equivalents) per year (1064 mg vs 1046 mg; P = 0.95). Persons with serological atrophic gastritis had lower odds of being prescribed PPIs at least once (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.58 [0.35–0.96]), but there was no significant difference in the chance of being referred to gastroscopy at least once (1.15 [0.70–1.96]).ConclusionPersons with serological atrophic gastritis were less likely to be prescribed PPIs. Persons with serological atrophic gastritis had more often gastric polyps and atrophic gastritis when referred to gastroscopy.
Plasma vitamin D levels are correlated with the pathogenesis of human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1‐associated diseases
Authors: Sagara Yasuko , Nakamura Hitomi , Sagara Yasuhiro , Shitsuta Etsuko , Uchimaru Kaoru , Yamano Yoshihisa , Watanabe Toshiki , Miura Kiyonori , Matsuzaki Koji 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe active form of vitamin D (VD) exerts hormonal effects by regulating the expression of genes involved in T‐cell activity, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is a causative agent of life‐threatening diseases, adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy (HAM). Among ATL patients, hypercalcemia is one of the most serious complications due to bone resorption. In this study, wild‐type mice administered UV‐irradiated HTLV‐1‐infected cells showed up to 47% decrease of plasma VD level compared with untreated mice. To clarify the effect of HTLV‐1 on plasma VD level, 315 samples registered in nationwide cohort study on ATL onset were measured. The VD level in HAM (14.98 ± 8.5 ng/mL) was significantly lower than those in asymptomatic carriers and ATL (p < 0.05). Upon comparing the VD levels in ATL stratified by disease subtypes, acute ATL showed a lower level (15.81 ± 12.0 ng/mL) than chronic and smoldering types (p < 0.05). In the longitudinal observation, VD levels were significantly higher in untreated spontaneous remission cases than in ATL progression cases, in which the VD levels decreased approximately 40% after onset. In cases of relapse after transplantation, the plasma VD level dropped to 38.7% of the pre‐relapse level, while in cases of complete remission, the VD level increased with improvement of the performance status. Taken together, these results suggest that plasma VD level is a potential indicator for the onset and relapse of HTLV‐1‐associated diseases.
Factors influencing prophylactic surgical intervention in women with genetic predisposition for breast cancer
Authors: Humar Pooja , Balogun Zainab , Douglas Nerone , Glenney Anne , Kass Nicolás M. , Moroni Elizabeth A. , Mai Phuong L. , Diego Emilia , De La Cruz Carolyn 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn the United States, 5%–10% of breast cancer cases are due to genetic predisposition. Among this population, prophylactic mastectomy is viable risk‐reducing option.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to understand the timing to prophylactic mastectomy in patients with genetic predisposition to breast cancer and uncover factors influencing this decision.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with genetic predisposition for breast cancer from 2010 to 2020.ResultsIn a cohort of 506 patients with genetic predisposition for breast cancer, 154 (30.4%) underwent prophylactic mastectomy, the remainder opted for surveillance alone. The median time from diagnosis to mastectomy was 1.1 years (IQR, 0.5–3.1 years). During the surveillance period, 118 patients (33.5%) underwent breast biopsy. Of the patients with benign or atypical findings, 35 (36.8%) pursued prophylactic mastectomy, a median of 0.5 years (IQR, 0.2–1.6 years) after their gene diagnosis. The most common factor impacting the decision to undergo prophylactic mastectomy was having a family member with cancer (54.7%) followed by a personal diagnosis of other cancer(s) (27.5%).ConclusionUnderstanding the factors influencing the decision to undergo prophylactic surgery will allow for more effective shared decision‐making for primary care providers, breast surgeons, and reconstructive surgeons.
Nalbuphine, medetomidine, and azaperone use in free‐ranging American black bears and mountain lions in Wyoming
Authors: Hashem Brie , Van Wick Peach , Allen Samantha E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSafe and effective chemical immobilization is a necessary component of large carnivore management and research, but laws regulating controlled substances can limit the use of many drugs by non‐veterinary personnel. NalMed‐A (40 mg/mL nalbuphine HCl, 10 mg/mL medetomidine HCl, 10 mg/mL azaperone tartrate) is a non‐controlled drug combination used to immobilize a number of free‐ranging species, but there are limited published reports of its usage by non‐veterinary personnel when immobilizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor). Additionally, there are some safety concerns regarding anecdotal reports of spontaneous arousals occurring in large carnivores immobilized with NalMed‐A. We performed a retrospective analysis of capture forms for free‐ranging black bears (n = 34) and mountain lions (n = 7) immobilized with NalMed‐A by non‐veterinary personnel across Wyoming, USA, in 2017 and 2019–2024. Induction (x̅ ± SE) was 10.74 ± 1.16 minutes for black bears (n = 34) and 7.14 ± 1.60 for mountain lions (n = 7). Reversal was 14.21 ± 1.51 minutes for black bears (n = 28) and 10.00 ± 1.26 minutes for mountain lions (n = 5). We used non‐parametric tests (Kruskal‐Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum) and odds ratios to examine the effect of certain parameters on induction times, redoses, and spontaneous arousals in black bears. Median induction time for black bears injected in their hind leg or rump was greater than for black bears injected in their shoulder (n = 34, W = 79.5, P = 0.045). Six black bears (18%) experienced spontaneous arousals. We recommend avoiding the hind leg and rump for dart placement in bears, and using hobbles and a muzzle for large carnivores when using NalMed‐A in a free‐ranging setting because of the risk of spontaneous arousals.
Quantitative mapping of renal oxygen consumption using pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling and quantitative susceptibility mapping in humans
Authors: Jung Yujin , Ahn Hyun‐Seo , Park Sung‐Hong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurposeTo propose a new method for quantitatively mapping the renal metabolic rate of oxygen (RMRO2) and to evaluate the proposed method using a caffeine challenge.Theory and MethodsPseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) and QSM sequences were used to obtain MR images in the kidney. Six healthy volunteers were scanned on caffeine and control days. The pCASL and QSM images were registered using DICOM information and rigid translation. The Fick principle was applied to estimate RMRO2. The results on caffeine and control days were compared to evaluate the capability of the proposed method to estimate renal oxygen consumption. A paired t‐test was used to assess the statistical significance.ResultsEstimated renal blood flow (RBF), QSM, and RMRO2 maps were consistent with those reported in the literature. RMRO2 values were higher than the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) and were significantly reduced on the caffeine days compared to the control days, consistent with findings from non‐MRI literature.ConclusionThe feasibility of measuring renal oxygen consumption using pCASL and QSM images was demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this work provides quantitative maps of renal oxygen consumption in humans for the first time. The results were consistent with the literature, including the statistically significant reduction in renal oxygen consumption with caffeine challenge. These findings suggest the potential utility of our technique in measuring renal oxygen consumption noninvasively, especially for patients with complications associated with contrast agents.
A skeletal dysplasia leading to a perinatal death in 17th–19th century Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Lourenço Marina , Cunha Eugénia , Meco Carolina , Curate Francisco 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCongenital skeletal disorders are a heterogeneous group of anomalies that become evident during gestation. They are expressed in the shape and growth of the bones during development because of a defective genetic background. With the follow‐up of pregnant women and the advances in prenatal ultrasonographic examination and molecular genetic tests, nowadays, congenital skeletal disorders are identified at an early gestational age. If they are considered lethal, the termination of pregnancy is advised. This work unveils an exceptional instance of a rare pathological condition identified in a perinate (birth ± 2 weeks) from the 17th to 19th centuries, recovered during an excavation at the cloister of the São Domingos Convent in Lisbon, Portugal. The skeleton presents with exuberant modifications that include, among others, severe shortening (micromelia) and bowing of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs. The main skeletal findings indicated a presumptive general diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia, while the differential diagnosis includes hypophosphatasia, campomelic dysplasia, achondrogenesis, thanatophoric dysplasia, and severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans (SADDAN) as the most plausible causes for the observed skeletal changes. Even though an exact diagnosis is unattainable based only on the macroscopic analysis of the bones, the phenotypic features observed in this perinate are more consistent with thanatophoric dysplasia type 1.
Digital Otoscopy With Computer‐Aided Composite Image Generation: Impact on the Correct Diagnosis, Confidence, and Time
Authors: Camalan Seda , Langefeld Carl D. , Zinnia Amy , McKee Brigham , Carlson Matthew L. , Deep Nicholas L. , Harris Michael S. , Jan Taha A. , Kaul Vivian F. , Lindquist Nathan R. , Mattingly Jameson K. , Shah Jay , Zhan Kevin Y. , Gurcan Metin N. , Moberly Aaron C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated the comparative performance of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians in correctly detecting ear abnormalities when reviewing digital otoscopy imaging using 3 different visualization methods, including computer‐assisted composite images called “SelectStitch,” single video frame “Still” images, and video clips. The study also explored clinicians' diagnostic confidence levels and the time to make a diagnosis.Study DesignClinician diagnostic reader study.SettingOnline diagnostic survey of ENT physicians.MethodsNine ENT physicians reviewed digital otoscopy examinations from 86 ears with various diagnoses (normal, perforation, retraction, middle ear effusion, tympanosclerosis). Otoscopy examinations used artificial‐intelligence (AI)‐based computer‐aided composite image generation from a video clip (SelectStitch), manually selected best still frame from a video clip (Still), or the entire video clip. Statistical analyses included comparisons of ability to detect correct diagnosis, confidence levels, and diagnosis times.ResultsThe ENT physicians' ability to detect ear abnormalities (33.2%‐68.7%) varied depending on the pathologies. SelectStitch and Still images were not statistically different in detecting abnormalities (P > .50), but both were different from Video (P < .01). However, the performance improvement observed with Videos came at the cost of significantly longer time to determining the diagnosis. The level of confidence in the diagnosis was positively associated with correct diagnoses, but varied by particular pathology.ConclusionThis study explores the potential of computer‐assisted techniques like SelectStitch in enhancing otoscopic diagnoses and time‐saving, which could benefit telemedicine settings. Comparable performance between computer‐generated and manually selected images suggests the potential of AI algorithms for otoscopy applications.
Superhydrophilic‐underwater superoleophobic polyvinyl alcohol membranes for oily water treatment
Authors: Padhan Arpita , Singh Vickramjeet 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPolyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and potato starch‐based porous hydrogels have been fabricated and studied for their wettability. The starting material was crosslinked by glutaraldehyde performed via co‐polymerization reaction at room temperature and low temperature (freeze–thaw). The gels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), thermogravimetric (TG), and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. The wetting studies of the gels were evaluated at ambient and submerged conditions by considering both oil and water drops as probe liquids. The gels tend to absorb oil and water in air, however, water‐wet gels demonstrated a very high oil contact angle (>150°). The gels demonstrated superoleophobicity, and the underwater oil CA >172° as the concentration (wt%) of PVA was increased in the gels. Overall, the freeze–thaw gels demonstrated higher underwater oil CA, however, both (room temperature and freeze–thaw fabricated) gels demonstrated similar affinity for under‐oil–water absorption and separation. The hydrogel can retain water easily and thus remove water (even dye dissolved in water) with high separation efficiency and recyclability.
Bimodal imaging: Detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer is higher in MRI lesions visible to transrectal ultrasound
Authors: Falkenbach Fabian , Ahmad‐Sterkau Fatima , Kachanov Mykyta , Beyersdorff Dirk , Koehler Daniel , Ambrosini Francesca , Ortner Gernot , Maurer Tobias , Graefen Markus , Budäus Lars 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the detection rates of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa; ISUP ≥2) in patients with a single MRI lesion that is visible or invisible on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) during biopsy.MethodsRetrospective analyses of patients who underwent targeted and systematic biopsy of the prostate for one MRI‐visible lesion (PI‐RADS score ≥ 3) between 2017 and 2022. TRUS‐visibility, PI‐RADS score, and clinical parameters were recorded prospectively. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of csPCa.Results277 consecutive patients with one MRI‐visible lesion were identified. A correlating lesion on TRUS was present in 147/277 (53%). The median age, PSA level, and prostate volume were 68.0 years (IQR: 62.0–73.0), 7.3 ng/ml (IQR: 5.4–10.8) and 45.0 cc (IQR: 32.0–68.0), respectively. Baseline parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. CsPCa was detected in 59/130 (45%) without and in 102/147 (69%) patients with a corresponding TRUS lesion. In multivariable logistic regression analysis predicting csPCa, TRUS‐visibility (OR: 2.13, CI: 1.14–4.03, p = 0.02) and PI‐RADS score (PI‐RADS 4: OR: 7.28, CI: 3.33–17.19; PI‐RADS 5: OR: 13.39, CI: 5.27–36.83, p < 0.001) achieved independent predictor status.ConclusionsBimodal‐visible lesions more often harbored csPCa and were easier to target. TRUS‐visibility of MRI lesions is an independent predictor of csPCa. Therefore, education in both modalities is essential. Despite MRI, the ultrasound should still be diligently examined.
Targeting proliferating cell nuclear antigen enhances ionizing radiation‐induced cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lu Shan , Lamba Michael , Wang Jiang , Dong Zhongyun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundProliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is essential for DNA replication and repair, cell growth, and survival. PCNA also enhances androgen receptor (AR) signaling in prostate cancer (PC) cells. We identified a PCNA interaction protein (PIP) box at the N‐terminal domain of AR and developed a small peptide PCNA inhibitor R9‐AR‐PIP containing AR PIP‐box. We also identified a series of small molecule PCNA inhibitors (PCNA‐Is) that bind directly to PCNA and interrupt PCNA functions. The present study investigated the effects of the PCNA inhibitors on the sensitivity of PC cells to X‐ray radiation.MethodsThe effects of targeting PCNA on radio sensitivity of PC cells were investigated in four lines of castration‐resistant PC (CRPC) cells with different AR expression statuses. The cells were treated with the PCNA inhibitors and X‐ray radiation alone or in combination. The effects of the treatment on expression of AR target genes, DNA damage response, DNA damage, homologous recombination repair (HRR), and cytotoxicity were evaluated.ResultsWe found that the androgen response element (ARE) occupancy of the DNA damage response gene PARP1 by AR is significantly attenuated by PCNA‐I1S or R9‐AR‐PIP combined with X‐ray radiation, while X‐ray radiation alone does not enhance the ARE occupancy. PCNA‐I1S or R9‐AR‐PIP alone significantly inhibits occupancy of the AR‐occupied regions (AROR) in PRKDC and XRCC2 genes. R9‐AR‐PIP and PCNA‐I1S inhibit expression of AR‐Vs target gene cyclin A2 and show the additive effects with radiation in AR‐positive CRPC cells. Targeting PCNA by PCNA‐I1S and R9‐AR‐PIP downregulates expression of DNA damage response genes EXO1, Rad54L, Rad51, and/or PARP1 and shows the additive effects with radiation as compared with their respective controls in AR‐positive CRPC LNCaP‐AI, 22Rv1, and R1‐D567 cells, but not in AR‐negative PC‐3 cells. R9‐AR‐PIP and PCNA‐I1S elevate the levels of phospho‐DNA‐PKcs(S2056) and γH2AX, indicating DNA damage in response to radiation in AR‐positive cells. The HRR is significantly attenuated by PCNA inhibitors PCNA‐I1S, R9‐AR‐PIP, and T2AA in all four CRPC cells examined, and inhibited by Enzalutamide (Enz) only in 22RV1 cells. The cytotoxicity induced by X‐ray radiation in androgen‐dependent LNCaP cells is enhanced by Enz and a lower concentration of R9‐AR‐PIP in the colony formation assay. R9‐AR‐PIP at higher concentration reduces the colony formation and has an additive effect with X‐ray radiation in all AR expressing cells, regardless of AR‐FL and AR‐Vs, but does not significantly alter the colony formation in AR‐negative PC‐3 cells. PCNA‐I1S attenuates colony formation and has an additive effect with ionizing radiation in all four CRPC cells, regardless of AR expression status.ConclusionThese data provide a strong rationale for the therapy studies using PCNA‐I1S or R9‐AR‐PIP in combination with X‐ray radiation against CRPC tumors in preclinical models.
Factors Associated With Satisfaction With Diabetes Care Among Patients Attending Public Diabetic Clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chona Emmanuel Z. , Kayange Lusajo F. , Iseselo Masunga K. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiabetes is a major public health problem worldwide, currently affecting more than 537 million people. The disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Modern diabetes care has evolved toward more patient‐centered approaches, emphasizing individualized treatment plans and targets. This study sought to assess the level of satisfaction with diabetes care and related factors among patients attending public diabetes clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsThis descriptive cross‐sectional study used a simple random sampling method to recruit 423 diabetic patients from May to October 2023. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered by an interviewer. The collected data were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.ResultsThe mean (±SD) age of participants was 58.7 (±11.68) years. About half (51.1%) of participants reported being satisfied with the diabetes care provided, 26.2% were very satisfied, and 22.7% were dissatisfied. Participants who usually spend 1–3 h pursuing services at the facilities had 0.40 less odds of being dissatisfied with diabetes care offered at the clinics compared to those who spend more than 3 h on each attendance (adjusted odds ratio [adjusted OR] 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21–0.76, p = 0.005). For each one‐unit increase in the communication subscale score, the likelihood of satisfaction (as opposed to being very satisfied) increased (adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.38, p = 0.001). Each one‐unit increase in the accessibility subscale score increased the probability of satisfaction (adjusted OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.24, p = 0.023) and decreased the probability of dissatisfaction (adjusted OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.95, p = 0.004).ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of effective communication and accessibility in improving patient satisfaction with diabetes care in public clinics. Health facilities and allied stakeholders should engage in continual capacity building among healthcare providers. Furthermore, other studies should be conducted at different levels of health facilities across the country to capture new insights on the satisfaction of homogenous sub‐groups of patients.
Practical prescribed time tracking control for a class of nonlinear systems with event triggering and output constraints
Authors: Zou Fangling , Wu Kang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the practical prescribed time tracking for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems based on neural networks and event‐triggered control. Introducing a time‐varying constraint function transforms the original practical prescribed time‐tracking control issue into a tracking error constraint problem. An event‐triggered adaptive control has been proposed, which can effectively reduce the communication burden between the controller and the actuator. Using neural networks to approximate unknown nonlinear functions avoids the differentiation of virtual controllers, thereby reducing the computational burden. In addition, users can independently choose preset time and tracking accuracy without changing the control structure, which remains independent of the initial conditions and any design parameters. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified through simulation examples.