bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of antiphospholipid antibodies on cardiac valve lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Siyun , Zhou Yangzhong , Wang Chuhan , Jiang Hui , Zhao Yuan , Zhao Jiuliang , Huang Can , Li Mengtao , Zhao Yan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis meta-analysis assesses antiphospholipid antibodies’ (aPLs) impact on heart valve disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to January 2024 for comparative studies of heart valve disease in aPL-positive versus aPL-negative SLE patients. Fixed-effect or random-effect models were used to synthesize data, with I2 and sensitivity analyses for heterogeneity and the trim-and-fill method for publication bias. Including 25 studies with 8089 patients, of which 919 had valvular changes, aPLs significantly increased the risk of heart valve disease (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.58–3.18, p < 0.001). Lupus anticoagulant (LA) indicated the highest risk (OR = 4.90, 95% CI: 2.26–10.60, p < 0.001), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) doubled the risk (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.47–4.93, p = 0.001), and anti-β2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) showed a 70% increase (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.17–2.45, p = 0.005). Valve-specific analysis indicated the mitral valve was most commonly involved (26.89%), with higher occurrences in aPL-positive patients (33.34% vs. 15.92%, p = 0.053). Aortic and tricuspid valve involvements were 13.11% vs. 5.42% (p = 0.147) and 12.03% vs. 8.52% (p = 0.039), respectively. Pulmonary valve disease was rare and similar across groups (1.01% in aPL-positive vs. 1.52% in aPL-negative). Significantly, only tricuspid valve disease showed increased risk in aPL-positive patients (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.05–6.75, p = 0.039). APLs notably increase the risk of heart valve disease in SLE patients, with a pronounced effect on tricuspid valve involvement. Regular cardiac assessments for aPL-positive SLE patients are crucial for timely intervention and improved prognosis.
miR-708-3p targetedly regulates LSD1 to promote osteoblast differentiation of hPDLSCs in periodontitis
Authors: Shao Qing , Liu ShiWei , Zou Chen , Ai YiLong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPeriodontitis (PD) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with periodontopathic bacteria. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), a type of histone demethylase, has been implicated in the modulation of the inflammatory response process in oral diseases by binding to miRNA targets. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms by which miRNA binds to LSD1 and its subsequent effect on osteogenic differentiation. First, human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) were isolated, cultured, and characterized. These cells were then subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment to induce inflammation, after which osteogenic differentiation was initiated. qPCR and western blot were employed to monitor changes in LSD1 expression. Subsequently, LSD1 was silenced in hPDLSCs to evaluate its impact on osteogenic differentiation. Through bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assay, miR-708-3p was predicted and confirmed as a target miRNA of LSD1. Subsequently, miR-708-3p expression was assessed, and its role in hPDLSCs in PD was evaluated through overexpression. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and western blot assay, we explored the potential regulation of osterix (OSX) transcription by miR-708-3p and LSD1 via di-methylated H3K4 (H3K4me2). Finally, we investigated the role of OSX in hPDLSCs. Following LPS treatment of hPDLSCs, the expression of LSD1 increased, but this trend was reversed upon the induction of osteogenic differentiation. Silencing LSD1 strengthened the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. miR-708-3p was found to directly bind to and negatively regulate LSD1, leading to the repression of OSX transcription through demethylation of H3K4me2. Moreover, overexpression of miR-708-3p was found to promote hPDLSCs osteogenic differentiation in inflammatory microenvironment. However, the protective effect was partially attenuated by reduced expression of OSX. Our findings indicate that miR-708-3p targetedly regulates LSD1 to enhance OSX transcription via H3K4me2 methylation, ultimately promoting hPDLSCs osteogenic differentiation.
OpenHands: An Open-Source Statistical Shape Model of the Finger Bones
Authors: Munyebvu T. A. , Metcalf C. D. , Burson-Thomas C. B. , Warwick D. , Everitt C. , King L. , Darekar A. , Browne M. , Heller M. O. W. , Dickinson A. S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper presents statistical shape models of the four fingers of the hand, with an emphasis on anatomic analysis of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. A multi-body statistical shape modelling pipeline was implemented on an exemplar training dataset of computed tomography (CT) scans of 10 right hands (5F:5M, 27–37 years, free from disease or injury) imaged at 0.3 mm resolution, segmented, meshed and aligned. Model generated included pose neutralisation to remove joint angle variation during imaging. Repositioning was successful; no joint flexion variation was observed in the resulting model. The first principal component (PC) of morphological variation represented phalanx size in all fingers. Subsequent PCs showed variation in position along the palmar-dorsal axis, and bone breadth: length ratio. Finally, the models were interrogated to provide gross measures of bone lengths and joint spaces. These models have been published for open use to support wider community efforts in hand biomechanical analysis, providing bony anatomy descriptions whilst preserving the security of the underlying imaging data and privacy of the participants. The model describes a small, homogeneous population, and assumptions cannot be made about how it represents individuals outside the training dataset. However, it supplements anthropometric datasets with additional shape information, and may be useful for investigating factors such as joint morphology and design of hand-interfacing devices and products. The model has been shared as an open-source repository (https://github.com/abel-research/OpenHands), and we encourage the community to use and contribute to it.
Label-Free Monitoring of Endometrial Cancer Progression Using Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Wu Xuzhen , Kong Yanqing , Yi Yu , Xu Shuoyu , Chen Jianhua , Chen Jianxin , Jin Ping 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEndometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the developed world. However, the accuracy of current diagnostic methods is still unsatisfactory and time-consuming. Here, we presented an alternate approach to monitoring the progression of endometrial cancer via multiphoton microscopy imaging and analysis of collagen, which is often overlooked in current endometrial cancer diagnosis protocols but can offer a crucial signature in cancer biology. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on the second-harmonic generation and two-photon excited fluorescence was introduced to visualize the microenvironment of endometrium in normal, hyperplasia without atypia, atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer specimens. Furthermore, automatic image analysis based on the MPM image processing algorithm was used to quantify the differences in the collagen morphological features among them. MPM enables the visualization of the morphological details and alterations of the glands in the development process of endometrial cancer, including irregular changes in the structure of the gland, increased ratio of the gland to the interstitium, and atypical changes in the glandular epithelial cells. Moreover, the destructed basement membrane caused by gland proliferation and fusion is clearly shown in SHG images, which is a key feature for identifying endometrial cancer progression. Quantitative analysis reveals that the formation of endometrial cancer is accompanied by an increase in collagen fiber length and width, a progressive linearization and loosening of interstitial collagen, and a more random arrangement of interstitial collagen. Observation and quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen provide invaluable information in monitoring the progression of endometrial cancer. Label-free multiphoton imaging reported here has the potential to become an in situ histological tool for effective and accurate early diagnosis and detection of malignant lesions in endometrial cancer.
Beyond the echo chamber: modelling open-mindedness in citizens’ assemblies
Authors: Barrett Jake , Gal Kobi , Michael Loizos , Vilenchik Dan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA Citizens’ assembly (CA) is a democratic innovation tool where a randomly selected group of citizens deliberate a topic over multiple rounds to generate, and then vote upon, policy recommendations. Despite growing popularity, little work exists on understanding how CA inputs, such as the expert selection process and the mixing method used for discussion groups, affect results. In this work, we model CA deliberation and opinion change as a multi-agent systems problem. We introduce and formalise a set of criteria for evaluating successful CAs using insight from previous CA trials and theoretical results. Although real-world trials meet these criteria, we show that finding a model that does so is non-trivial; through simulations and theoretical arguments, we show that established opinion change models fail at least one of these criteria. We therefore propose an augmented opinion change model with a latent ‘open-mindedness’ variable, which sufficiently captures people’s propensity to change opinion. We show that data from the CA of Scotland indicates a latent variable both exists and resembles the concept of open-mindedness in the literature. We calibrate parameters against real CA data, demonstrating our model’s ecological validity, before running simulations across a range of realistic global parameters, with each simulation satisfying our criteria. Specifically, simulations meet criteria regardless of expert selection, expert ordering, participant extremism, and sub-optimal participant grouping, which has ramifications for optimised algorithmic approaches in the computational CA space.
Prevalence of Sexual Strangulation/Choking Among Australian 18–35 Year-Olds
Authors: Sharman Leah S. , Fitzgerald Robin , Douglas Heather 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In Australia, strangulation has been explicitly criminalized in all states and territories. However, it continues to be a “normalized” sexual practice despite its potentially fatal consequences and associated short and long-term sequelae. This research aimed to establish the prevalence of strangulation during sex and examine predictors of positive perceptions toward sexual strangulation in Australia. Confidential, cross-sectional online surveys were conducted with 4702 Australians aged 18–35 years. Participants were 47% cis-men, 48% cis-women, and 4% trans or gender diverse. A total of 57% reported ever being sexually strangled (61% women, 43% men, 79% trans or gender diverse) and 51% reported ever strangling a partner (40% women, 59% men, 74% trans or gender diverse). Differences were found across genders on all variables of sexual strangulation, including frequency of engagement, level of pressure on the neck, consequences, wanting and enjoyment, and how consent was given/received. However, when split by gender, sexual orientation of men and women revealed further differences in behaviors, consequences, and wanting, particularly among straight and bisexual women. After accounting for exposure to strangulation in pornography and previous experience of sexual strangulation, positive perceptions of being strangled (R
2 = .51) and strangling a partner (R
2 = .53) were predicted by ratings that it could be done safely and social normative factors. These findings suggest strangulation is common during sex among young Australians. Non-stigmatizing education strategies are needed to engage with young people so they have a better understanding of the risks involved and how to negotiate consent and safety regarding sexual strangulation.
Microwave ablation followed by cTACE in 5-cm HCC lesions: does a single-session approach affect liver function?
Authors: Floridi Chiara , Cacioppa Laura Maria , Rossini Nicolò , Macchini Marco , Bruno Alessandra , Agostini Andrea , Consoli Valeria , Inchingolo Riccardo , Acquafredda Fabrizio , Nicolini Daniele , Schiadà Laura , Svegliati Baroni Gianluca , Candelari Roberto 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Microwave ablation (MWA) and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) are locoregional treatments commonly performed in very early, early and intermediate stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite combined locoregional approaches have shown encouraging results in obtaining complete tumor necrosis, their application in a single session is poorly described.
Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-session MWA and cTACE treatment in 5-cm HCCs and its influence on liver function.

Materials and methods
All 5-cm HCCs treated by MWA and cTACE performed in a single-session in our Interventional Radiology unit between January 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively recorded and analyzed. Patients with poor or missing pre- and post-treatment imaging were excluded. Technical success, clinical success, and complications rate were examined as primary endpoints. Pre- and post-treatment liver function laboratory parameters were also evaluated.

Results
A total of 15 lesions (mean lesion diameter, 5.0 ± 1.4 cm) in 15 patients (11 men; mean age, 67.1 ± 8.9 years) were retrospectively evaluated. Technical and clinical success were 100% and 73%, respectively. Four (27%) cases of partial response and no cases of progressive or stable disease were recorded. AST and ALT values have found to be significantly higher in post-treatment laboratory tests. No other significant differences between pre- and post-treatment laboratory values were registered. AST and ALT pre- and post-treatment higher differences (ΔAST and ΔALT) were significantly associated with a lower clinical success rate.

Conclusion
MWA and cTACE single-session approach is safe and effective for 5-cm HCCs, without significant liver function impairment. A post-treatment increase in AST and ALT values may be a predictor for clinical failure.
Implementation of an intelligent process monitoring system for screw presses using the CRISP-DM standard
Authors: Doede Nils , Merkel Paulina , Kriwall Mareile , Stonis Malte , Behrens Bernd-Arno 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Increasing the service life and process reliability of systems plays an important role in terms of sustainable and economical production. Especially in the field of energy-intensive bulk forming, low scrap rates and long tool lifetimes are business critical. This article describes a modular method for AI-supported process monitoring during hot forming within a screw press. With this method, the following deviations can be detected in an integrated process: the height of the semi-finished product, the positions of the die and the position of the semi-finished product. The method was developed using the CRISP-DM standard. A modular sensor concept was developed that can be used for different screw presses and dies. Subsequently a hot forming-optimized test plan was developed to examine individual and overlapping process deviations. By applying various methods of artificial intelligence, a method for process-integrated detection of process deviations was developed. The results of the investigation show the potential of the developed method and offer starting points for the investigation of further process parameters.
A novel control chart scheme for online social network monitoring using multivariate nonparametric profile techniques
Authors: Karami Arya , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOnline social networks have become indispensable in modern life, facilitating knowledge sharing, social communication, and business marketing. To gain a deeper understanding of individuals' behavior within social networks, researchers have undertaken essential analytical tasks such as change point detection. Recently, nonparametric change point detection methods have attracted researchers' attention due to their generality and flexibility. However, existing methods exhibit limitations, including overlooking network structure, reliance on case-based network attributes, and neglecting the dynamic nature of data, which may have correlations in evolving social networks. In this study, we propose a novel multivariate mixed-effects nonparametric profile control (MENPC) algorithm to address these limitations. The advantage of MENPC relies on its unique point of view in approaching network data, where it incorporates the dynamic nature of data into the monitoring process without assuming internal independence of networks over time. Additionally, it takes into account the network structure by considering both nodal and network-level attributes. Furthermore, by introducing an updating trick formula, the proposed algorithm simplifies computations, effectively balancing memory and speed for online monitoring. We evaluate the effectiveness of MENPC through comprehensive numerical experiments using the degree correlated stochastic block model to simulate interactions in evolving online social networks. The results demonstrate MENPC's superior performance in terms of expected detection delay, showcasing its accuracy and efficiency in comparison to competing approaches including Wilson, and eigenvalue methods. Applying MENPC to the Enron email network dataset further confirms its significant progress in social network monitoring, expanding its potential for various applications.
Improved security of medical images using DWT–SVD watermarking mechanisms based on firefly Photinus search algorithm
Authors: Alomoush Waleed , Khashan Osama A. , Alrosan Ayat , Damseh Rafat , Alshinwan Mohammad , Abd-Alrazaq Alaa Ali , Deif Mohanad A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSecurity is the primary concern in the transmission of medical images, as it involves sensitive patient information. This study introduces an optimized watermarking approach, constructed using discrete wavelet transform and singular value decomposition. The Low- level frequency bands (LL3) sub-band singular values of the host image were embedded with the singular values of a binary watermark using multiple scaling factors. These MSFs were optimized using a recently proposed firefly Photinus algorithm to balance robustness and imperceptibility. The proposed method was applied to various images, including computed tomography images, where the visual quality of the signed and attacked images was evaluated by peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and normalized cross-correlation. The performance of the proposed algorithm demonstrates significant improvements in the embedding and extraction processes, showing an enhancement in the balance between robustness and imperceptibility, with a PSNR above 79.28 dB, compared to other related works.
Mix design determination procedure for geopolymer concrete based on target strength method
Authors: Rathnayaka Madushan , Karunasingha Dulakshi , Gunasekara Chamila , Law David W. , Wijesundara Kushan , Lokuge Weena 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study presents the development and validation of a mix design determination procedure for geopolymer concrete to achieve the desired compressive strength. The procedure integrates artificial neural network (ANN) model developed based on a comprehensive data base from literature, data clustering, and parameter optimization techniques to enhance accuracy and reliability. Experimental validation is undertaken to demonstrate the mix design determination procedure’s capability to accurately predict mix designs for geopolymer concrete based on the target compressive strength, validating its efficacy for mix proportion determination. The integration of chemical oxide content in fly ash, curing time, curing temperature, and activator properties results in a 15.9% improvement in prediction accuracy for the training dataset and a 68.3% enhancement for the testing dataset, compared to the base ANN model that includes only the weight of fly ash and activator properties. Employing data clustering techniques enables the identification of prior estimates for the mix design parameters related to specific fly ash types and target compressive strength, streamlining the mix design process by analyzing pertinent data subsets. Parameter optimization ensures refined mix proportions, achieving the desired target strength economically while minimizing material waste and cost. The development of a user interface facilitates easy manipulation of mix designs, catering to users of varying expertise levels. Additional options for deeper insights into geopolymer concrete characteristics can be integrated into the mix design determination procedure. To assess the mix design determination procedure's ability to generalize effectively, a variety of fly ash samples with distinct chemical compositions were utilized, differing from those already present in the database. This approach allows for a thorough evaluation of the mix design determination procedure's performance when presented with fly ash compositions it has not encountered before. By doing so, this provides insights into the adaptability of the mix design determination procedure beyond the limitations of the training and testing datasets.
Social and built environmental factors associated with adult asthma hospital admission in the North Central Texas
Authors: Jahan Jinat , Li Jianling , Newcomb Patricia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAsthma, one of the most common chronic diseases of adults and children, is an important public health concern. The cause of asthma is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and a growing body of research has investigated the possible geographic and contextual factors that contribute to asthma prevalence. However, few studies have incorporated geographic and environmental variables into their designs, despite evidence that geography is associated with asthma exacerbation. Additionally, studies of asthma exacerbations among adults are limited. The situation regarding asthma is particularly concerning in North Central Texas (NCT) compared to the national context. In light of this, we analyzed the geographic variation of approximately 12,000 adult patients hospitalized for asthma in the North Central Texas Region, and their association with built environmental features such as land use types, dwelling characteristics, exposure to traffic parameters at the Census Block Group (CBG) level, and pollutant concentrations in the relevant counties for the year 2014. We applied the Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM), and our analysis indicates that there are significant health disparities in the region. We found that the adult asthma hospitalization rate is significantly higher in low-income, low-education neighborhoods with a significant Black population. Furthermore, factors such as increased travel distance to work and substandard dwelling conditions have been found to trigger an increase in hospital visits for asthma patients. Conversely, the presence of greenspace in the surrounding area has been found to help reduce the frequency of asthma-related hospital visits. It is worth noting that both indoor and outdoor environmental quality contribute to adult asthma hospitalizations. Overall, our study highlights the importance of considering geographic and environmental factors in understanding the prevalence and exacerbation of asthma. Our findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as improving indoor and outdoor environmental quality and increasing access to greenspace, may help reduce the burden of asthma in high-risk communities.