bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seismic imaging of the Reunion mantle plume
Authors: Hu Hao , Zhao Dapeng , Lin Jian , Ruan Aiguo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Since the mantle plume concept was proposed, the plume morphology has been debated in the past decades regarding its size, shape and origin. Reunion Island has been considered as the surface manifestation of a plume rising from the lower mantle. However, there has been few direct evidence from the deep mantle supporting this hypothesis until recent passive seismic observations. Here we use P-wave travel-time data recorded at many portable seismic stations to image the deep structure beneath Reunion Island, aiming to reveal the plume morphology and find evidence for off-axis interaction between the Reunion plume and the central Indian ridge (CIR). Our 3-D tomographic results show a mushroom-shaped low-velocity anomaly with a broad head and a thin, nearly vertical tail down to at least 1000 km depth, which exhibits an archetype plume and indicates weak mantle wind under Reunion Island. In the upper mantle, a low-velocity channel connects the Reunion plume and CIR along the Rodrigues ridge, indicating plume-related thermal and material exchanges from the Reunion plume to CIR. Slight ponding occurs around 660 km depth, which may reflect density stratification resulting from a phase change at the 660-km discontinuity.
Prevalence of Intestinal Neurogenic Bowel and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunctions in Brazilians with Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Faleiros Fabiana , Ferreira Eliz , Albuquerque Geyslane , Sousa Luis , Lopes Filipe , CHAMPS ANA PAULA 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Study design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of neurogenic bowel dysfunction and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in Brazilians diagnosed with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury.
Setting: Brazil, several states (Bahia, Ceará, Distrito Federal, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro).
Methods: A form was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data from medical records. The Mann-Whitney statistical tests were used for two independent samples, Pearson's Chi-Square test for categorical variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test for more than two independent samples for quantitative variables. A logistic regression model was used to understand the factors associated with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
Results: The sample comprised 1056 participants from all regions of Brazil. Of this sample, 60.90% had traumatic spinal cord injury and 69.03% were male. The prevalence of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in the sample was 88% and the prevalence of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction was 90.6%. Participants with traumatic spinal cord injury are more affected by neurogenic bowel and lower urinary tract dysfunction than those with non-traumatic spinal cord injury.
Conclusions: Most people with spinal cord injury have neurogenic lower urinary tract and bowel alterations, especially those with traumatic spinal cord injury. Further studies are needed, and bowel and bladder re-education programs should be provided in rehabilitation centers.
Pretreatment of pine and poplar particleboards with Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm: wood structure decomposition, potential of solid fuel and biogas production
Authors: Tryjarski Paweł , Lisowski Aleksander , Świętochowski Adam 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of biological pretreatment on comminuted pine and poplar shavings and particleboards with urea-formaldehyde resin (UF), utilising Pleurotus ostreatus. The pretreatment notably reduced lignin content by 6.8–8.3%, enhancing the biomass's mechanical and agglomeration properties, thus confirming the initial hypotheses. Values for the specific compaction work of treated biomass were higher than those of raw biomass (24.03 kJ·kg–1 vs. 21.70 kJ·kg–1), correlating with the production of denser pastilles (1014 kg·m–3 vs. 959 kg·m–3). After pretreatment, enhanced structural properties of the biomass facilitated increased methane yields, showing up to a 3.7-fold increase for pine and 2.9-fold for poplar UF particleboards. This research advances the potential for developing recycling and biogas technologies, offering novel insights into UF degradation via fungal pretreatment. The findings underscore the necessity for further detailed studies to analyse changes in resin content post-pretreatment and their impact on the properties of wood materials.
The Expression and Clinical Relevance of cystathionine-β-synthase in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: luo hua , Cheng lian , He Chao , Wang Bo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a very common disease in elderly males, is characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pathogenesis of BPH involves hormone levels, genetic polymorphisms, inflammation, and metabolic status. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gas signaling molecule synthesized by enzymes such as cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), has been shown to be involved in various physiological and pathological processes including BPH. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of CBS in clinical prostate hyperplasia specimens, analyze the correlation factors affecting CBS expression, and further understand the pathogenesis of BPH.
Methods
This study collected the clinical data and prostate tissue specimens from 140 patients with BPH who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate at our department of urology from June 2017 to July 2021. Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the expression of CBS and Bcl-2 in prostate tissue, and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate clinical indicators.
Results
Immunohistochemical detection revealed the presence of CBS and Bcl-2 in prostatic tissues with hyperplasia. CBS was predominantly expressed in prostatic epithelial cells. The prostate volume (PV) and total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) levels were significantly lower in the CBS low-expression group than in the CBS high-expression group (P < 0.01). The fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were significantly higher in the CBS low-expression group than in the CBS high-expression group (P = 0.04). Additionally, the incidence of prostate calcification (PC) and the number of calcifications were significantly higher in the CBS high-expression group than in the CBS low-expression group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CBS expression level was independently and significantly correlated with PV (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.13–1.38, p < 0.01).
Conclusion
CBS plays an important role in BPH and may be associated with multiple factors such as PV, glucose levels, and PC. However, these findings still need further research and validation to clarify the exact role and mechanism of CBS in BPH.
Spontaneous Rupture of Umbilical Hernia Without Ascites: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Aldemyati Razaz , Malaibari Zaid 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Umbilical hernia is a common condition, but spontaneous rupture with evisceration, particularly in the absence of ascites, is exceedingly rare. This case report highlights a unique presentation of omental evisceration through a long-standing umbilical hernia in an adult male without any underlying conditions typically associated with elevated intra-abdominal pressure. The patient was treated successfully with emergency surgery, and the postoperative course was uneventful. A literature review identified only four similar cases, emphasizing the rarity of this condition. The findings suggest the need for heightened clinical awareness and individualized management of umbilical hernias to prevent such rare complications. Limitations of this study include loss of follow-up and the limited number of cases available for comparison.
Predictive Modeling of Biodegradation Pathways Using Transformer Architectures
Authors: Brydon Liam , Zhang Kunyang , Dobbie Gillian , Taškova Katerina , Wicker Jörg Simon 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the integration of machine learning techniques into chemical reaction product prediction has opened new avenues for understanding and predicting the behaviour of chemical substances. The necessity for such predictive methods stems from the growing regulatory and social awareness of the environmental consequences associated with the persistence and accumulation of chemical residues. Traditional biodegradation prediction methods rely on expert knowledge to perform predictions. However, creating this expert knowledge is becoming increasingly prohibitive due to the complexity and diversity of newer datasets, leaving existing methods unable to perform predictions on these datasets. We formulate the product prediction problem as a sequence-to-sequence generation task and take inspiration from natural language processing and other reaction prediction tasks. In doing so, we reduce the need for the expensive manual creation of expert-based rules.

Scientific Contribution We contribute the first study of the transformer's ability to predict biodegradation reactions. Our proposed method can more accurately and efficiently predict biodegradation reactions on more compounds than existing methods. We also contribute a framework for evaluating transformer product prediction methods that can better illustrate the method's performance and is more suitable for comparison to other methods.
Ultrasonographic Appendix Diameter: A Predictive Factor for Non-Operative Treatment of Acute Appendicitis in Pediatrics
Authors: Braga Inês , Barroso Catarina , Martinho Sofia , Lamas-Pinheiro Rúben , Felizes Andreia , Correia-Pinto Jorge 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Nonoperative treatment of acute appendicitis (NOTA) has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective approach in children, but when it fails can be associated with serious morbidity. Since 2012, our department has implemented NOTA as an option for uncomplicated cases of appendicitis.
Objective: We aim to analyse NOTA efficacy and safety and seek predictive factors for the success of this approach, enhancing patient selection.
Methods: Data from all patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis who underwent NOTA between 2012 and 2022 were collected and analysed. Patients with complicated appendicitis, appendiceal mass, intraluminal appendicolith or inability to oral feed were excluded. NOTA failure was defined as no clinical improvement during treatment. Appendicitis recurrence was defined as a new acute appendicitis onset. Patients were divided into two groups: Successful versus Failure NOTA.
Results: A total of 114 patients were included. NOTA was successful in 89.5% of cases and failed in 10.5%. In the failure NOTA group (n=12) the ultrasonographic appendiceal diameter was significantly higher (p<0.001). A multivariable logistic regression analysis pointed the appendiceal diameter as a significant predictor of NOTA failure, with a cut-off of 8.6 mm obtained after a ROC curve analysis. The hospitalization length admission of the patients from the Failed NOTA group was significantly higher (median time of 4.5 days).
Conclusion: The criterion identified in this study—appendiceal size as measured by ultrasonography—may help minimize some of the failures and the associated morbidity in patients approached by NOTA.
Predictive Importance of Lifestyle Improvement After Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Esophageal Stricture in Superficial Esophageal Cancer and Precancerous Lesions: A Multi-Center Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Cui Yutong , Chen Xinrui , Luo Zichen , Guo Haiyang , Liang Shiqi , Hu Guangbing , Zuo ji , Zhou Lu , Wang Xianfei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Esophageal stricture is a common complication following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This study aims to examine additional lifestyle factors contributing to post-ESD esophageal stricture and to propose guidelines for postoperative lifestyle management.
Methods
The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors and construct nomograms, utilizing external 5-fold cross-validation to validate the results. Additionally, the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) model was used for visualization.
Results
The identified risk factors for esophageal stricture include: operative duration (P = 0.008, OR = 1.837, 95% CI: 1.421–10.652), thickening of the esophageal wall (P = 0.027, OR = 3.448, 95% CI: 1.148–10.576), circumferential range (P < 0.001, OR = 6.026, 95% CI: 2.187–18.425), depth of infiltration (P < 0.001, OR = 4.940, 95% CI: 1.893–13.371), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P = 0.003, OR = 5.010, 95% CI: 1.755–15.156), intake of high-temperature food after surgery (P = 0.014, OR = 3.600, 95% CI: 1.314–10.261), and swallowing training (P = 0.047, OR = 3.140, 95% CI: 1.035–10.134). The area under the curve (AUC) for the training set of the predictive model is 0.924, while the AUC for the validation set is 0.904, and for the test set, it is 0.873.
Conclusion
reducing the intake of hot foods and engaging in swallowing training for a minimum of 3–6 months, can significantly reduce the incidence of esophageal stricture.
Treatment of internal hemorrhoids: comparison of the efficacy and complications of endoscopic rubber band ligation and endoscopic sclerotherapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Weijie , Bao Xiaohua , Li Xuanhan , Chen Geng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective: Hemorrhoids are one of the most common benign anorectal diseases, and rubber band ligation is still the first-line nonsurgical treatment. Endoscopic treatment for hemorrhoidal diseases has become more popular in recent years. This paper aimed to comprehensively analyze and compare the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of two common endoscopic treatments for hemorrhoidal diseases – ligation treatment and sclerotherapy – via a meta-analysis.
Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and other databases were searched to include all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL) and endoscopic sclerotherapy (EIS) since the establishment of each database. The Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the quality of all included studies.
Results: Based on the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria, this study considered eight papers with a total of 824 cases. The combined effect sizes showed no significant difference in the overall efficacy of the two treatments. The subgroup analyses revealed that the prolapse relief/improvement was significantly higher with ERBL than with EIS. The occurrence of moderate/severe pain was significantly higher after ERBL than after EIS (OR = 4.18, 95% CI: 2.20–7.95, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: ERBL was more effective in the improvement of prolapse and is preferable if prolapse is the main symptom. Although the incidence of pain after ERBL is relatively high, analgesics can be applied to alleviate the pain. No significant differences were noted in terms of recurrence.
Influence of Over-Undercut on the Stability of New Mountain Tunnels
Authors: Li Zi-qiang , Pu Sheng-peng , Zhang Jia-shuai , Ma Gui-quan , Yang Shi-jian , Feng Jian-wen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Using the Chongqing University City double-track tunnel project as a case study, this study comprehensively applied field measurements and numerical simulation methods to analyze the impact of over-undercuts during tunnel construction on tunnel stability using finite element simulation. Using Intelligent scanning equipment for excavation contours, the over-undercut conditions of the surrounding rock after blasting were measured in detail. The finite element software ANSYS was employed to establish a stratum structure model to simulate and analyze the specific effects of over-undercutting on tunnel stability. The study found that the range of measured overcut amounts varies between 0.02 m and 0.74 m, with an average overcut between 0.29 m and 0.41 m. The average errors for the three experimental sections were 9.4%, 8.6%, and 6.5%. The accuracy and validity of the numerical simulation method were verified by comparing the measured data with the numerical simulation results, with the error range meeting the acceptable fitting requirements. The maximum principal stress of the surrounding rock reached 1.29 MPa, while the minimum principal stress was − 8.18 MPa. Under different conditions, the maximum principal stress occurs at the over-excavation of the arch shoulder, whereas the minimum principal stress is concentrated at the sidewalls. Over-undercutting causes significant stress concentration. The maximum principal stress on the lining ranged from 0.95 MPa to 1.08 MPa, while the minimum principal stress ranged from − 1.90 MPa to − 3.85 MPa. Over-undercutting increases the pressure on the surrounding rock, thereby transferring stress to the support structure. Over-excavation of the arch shoulder and sidewalls causes stress concentration, leading to uneven deformation and development of cracks in the initial support structure, which may result in cracking and deformation. These findings not only provide new theoretical insights into controlling the surrounding rock stability in tunnel engineering, but also offer technical support for the development of underground spaces with significant academic and engineering application value.
Are head and neck versus abdominal paragangliomas driven by different single nucleotide events?
Authors: Kotlarz Krzysztof , Ziemnicka Katarzyna , Budny Bartłomiej , Mielczarek Magda , Liu Jakub , Wrotkowska Elżbieta , Kaznowski Jarosław , Suchocki Tomasz , Kałużny Jarosław , Wierzbicka Małgorzata , Dobosz Paula , Ruchała Marek , Szyda Joanna 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors of the nonepithelial neuroendocrine type with a significant percentage being genetically determined. They can develop from cells of the parasympathetic as well as the sympathetic nervous system. Tumors located in head and neck usually have a parasympathetic origin, whereas those in abdomen have a sympathetic origin. The aim of this study was to determine whether the development of PGLs at both locations is associated with specific variants of genes with proven relevance for the formation of these tumors. 31 patients with abdominal PGL and 16 with head and neck PGLs were analyzed at 12 genes whose defects are among the most common genetic determinants of PGLs. The impact of SNPs on differentiation between both tumor types was assessed by fitting a decision tree and quantifying genotype effects of SNPs by the Shapley Additive Explanation metric. The study demonstrated that SNPs rs3748576 within KIF1B gene and rs10060259 within SDHA gene increase the probability of abdominal tumour locations, while heterozygous GA genotypes of rs2435351 located within RET gene increase the probability of head and neck locations. The SNPs marked genes involved in the formation and functioning of the nervous system, but are located in introns, and thus themselves do not contribute to protein diversity. Still, intronic SNPs can indirectly affect the transcriptome by influencing alternative splicing, mRNA stability, or overlap with non-coding genes and other regulatory elements that affect transcription. Given this, it seems important to consider variants from non-coding regions in genetic analyses.
MRI-based microstructural and functional network analysis in episodic cluster headache: insights into hypothalamic-thalamo-cortical network
Authors: Abagnale Chiara , Renzo Antonio Di , Giuliani Giada , Sebastianelli Gabriele , Casillo Francesco , Parisi Vincenzo , Lorenzo Cherubino Di , Serrao Mariano , Caramia Francesca , Piero Vittorio Di , Coppola Gianluca 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuroimaging studies have shown that hypothalamic/thalamic nuclei and other distant brain regions belonging to complex cerebral networks are involved in cluster headache (CH). However, the exact relationship between these areas, which may be dependent or independent, remains to be understood. We investigated differences in resting-state functional connectivity (FC) between brain networks and its relationship with the microstructure of the hypothalamus and thalamus in patients with episodic CH outside attacks and healthy controls (HCs).
Methods
We collected 3T MRI data from 26 patients with CH during the in-bout period outside the attacks and compared them with data from 20 HCs. We collected resting-state data from independent component (IC) networks. We calculated the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial (RD) diffusivity values of the hypothalamus and bilateral thalami and correlated them with resting-state IC Z-scores and CH clinical features.
Results
Patients with CH had less FC between the salience network (SN) and left executive control network (ECN) than HCs, but more FC between the default mode network and right ECN. Patients with CH showed lower FA and higher MD microstructural hypothalamic metrics than HCs. Patients with CH had a higher bilateral FA metric in the thalamus than HCs. The AD and RD diffusivity metrics of the hypothalamus were positively correlated with the disease history duration. We found no correlations between the hypothalamic and thalamic diffusivity metrics and the FC of the cortical networks.
Conclusion
Our findings presented the possibility of a correlation between the FC of the SN and the inability to switch between internalizing and externalizing brain activity during demanding cognitive tasks, such as recurring headaches. Moreover, we found differences in the thalamic and hypothalamic microstructures that may independently contribute to the pathophysiology of CH. These differences may reflect changes in directional organization, cell size, and density.
Transport time as a potential limiting factor for thrombolytic treatment of stroke in Norway
Authors: Ibsen Jørgen , Hov Maren Ranhoff , Varmdal Torunn , Lund Christian Georg , Hall Christian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke is important for good outcome. In some cases, patients with ischemic stroke arrive at hospital too late for reperfusion therapy. This may be the case especially in rural areas where time spent during transport may delay or even preclude thrombolytic treatment after hospital arrival. We aimed to estimate the extent and clinical relevance of this problem in the Norwegian population.
Methods
We collected data for all reported acute ischemic strokes for the years 2017 and 2018. Transport times from home to hospital were calculated from geographical data and related to frequency of thrombolysis, thrombectomy and clinical outcome after 3 months.
Results
The frequency of reperfusion therapy decreased significantly as transport time increased. Six percent (564) of 9 428 patients were classified as having a prolonged time in transport. In this group, frequency of intravenous thrombolysis was 10,5%. as opposed to 28,2% when prolonged transport was not present. Thrombectomy was performed in 2.1% versus 4.9% in the two groups respectively. We did not find a statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to clinical outcome as judged by the modified Rankin Scale.
Conclusion
In the years 2017 and 2018 a relatively small group of Norwegian patients with prolonged time in transport was disfavored concerning access to reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke. In such cases a prehospital solution for diagnostic work up and treatment might improve access to acute stroke treatment.