bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Antigen Preparation for Oxalyl-CoA Decarboxylase Enzyme Diagnostic Kit and ELISA System Cutoff Determination
Authors: Ardestani Davood Khavari , Basiri Abbas , Bandehpour Mojgan , Abdi-Ghavidel Afshin , Kazemi Bahram 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The prevalence of kidney stone disease is increasing globally, with calcium oxalate stones being the most common type. Oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase (OXC), an enzyme produced by the gut bacterium Oxalobacter formigenes, plays a crucial role in oxalate metabolism. Deficiencies in OXC activity can lead to the accumulation of oxalate, contributing to kidney stone formation. This study aimed to develop a reliable diagnostic assay for OXC by optimizing antigen production and establishing a cutoff value for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We cloned, expressed, and purified recombinant OXC protein in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), and generated specific polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. The ELISA system was optimized and validated using serum samples from 40 healthy individuals and 6 patients with oxalate-related disorders. The cutoff value was determined using the formula ( M + 2SD ), where ( M ) is the mean and ( SD ) is the standard deviation of the healthy sample results. The calculated cutoff value of 0.656750 effectively distinguished between healthy and affected individuals, with a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 83.3%. These findings provide a valuable tool for the early detection and management of oxalate-related disorders, with significant implications for clinical practice.
Management of gout in primary care of Hong Kong in accordance with international guidelines: any gaps to bridge?
Authors: Chan Kamsheung , Chen Catherine Xiaorui , Chiang Lapkin , Ho Kaming , Li Yimchu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Gout is one of the most common conditions encountered in primary care. This study aims to assess urate control among gout patients managed in primary care settings and to evaluate its associated risk factors.
Method
Retrospective cross-sectional study. All adult Chinese gout patients who had been followed up in public primary care clinics from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 were included. Patient demographics, clinical and biochemical parameters were retrieved from the computer system. Student’s t-test was used for analyzing continuous variables and Chi-square test was used for categorical data. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the associated risk factors for poor urate control.
Results
Among the 385 gout patients included, 115 met the target serum urate level (29.9%). All patients with tophaceous gout could not achieve the target serum urate level. In multivariate studies, male gender (OR 2.587, 95% CI: 1.374–4.873), active smoker (OR 3.170, 95% CI: 1.077–9.333), Chronic kidney disease with stage 3a, 3b and 4, (OR 3.236, 3.122 and 10.250 respectively, 95% CI: 1.556–6.732, 1.113–8.758 and 1.078–97.477 respectively) were less likely to meet the target urate level while those on urate-lowering agents (OR 0.225, 95% CI: 0.0.127–0.399) were more likely to meet the target urate level.
Conclusion
Only 29.9% of gout patients were adequately treated in public primary care settings in Hong Kong. Tophaceous gouty patients are found to have difficulties in achieving target serum urate level. Gout patients who were male, active smokers, having Chronic kidney disease with stage 3a, 3b and 4 were less likely to meet the target urate level while those on urate-lowering agents were more likely to meet the target urate level.
Evaluation of the effect of self-assembling peptide and fluoride varnish, alone or in combination with laser irradiation, on artificial enamel caries: A SEM/EDS and Micro-CT study
Authors: Aşık Aslı , Önçağ Özant 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of remineralization agents such as fluoride varnish and P11-4, alone and in combination with Er:YAG laser, on in-vitro hard tissue repair in artificial enamel lesions.
Materials and Methods
Remineralization agents were applied to the specimens that were grouped as follows: Group 1, control; Group 2, fluoride varnish (FV); Group 3, P11-4; Group 4, laser; Group 5, laser + FV; and Group 6, laser + P11-4. The fluorescence level was determined with DiagnoDent. The enamel mineral density, area and volume, and caries lesion area and volume were determined with micro-computed tomography (µCT), surface features were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis was performed using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) .
Results
In the application of the P11-4 alone and in combination with laser, there was a statistically significant decrease in DiagnoDent values, an increase in enamel volume(mm3),enamel area(mm2) and mineral density(g/cm3) values and a decrease in caries lesion volume(mm3) and area(mm2) obtained by µCT, and an increase in %Ca and %F values obtained by SEM/EDS analysis(p < 0.05). It was discovered that the samples treated with P11-4 had a considerably higher rise in the Ca/P ratio than the samples treated with FV(p < 0.05). The calcium content increased significantly more when P11-4 application was combined with laser irradiation(p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The combined use of SAP P11-4 and laser accelerated the remineralization process and increased the remineralization capacity.
Clinical relevance:
FV and P11-4, alone or in combination with laser, can be successfully used as remineralization agents in initial enamel caries.
Primary Intracardiac Leiomyoma: Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Al-Maghrabi Haneen , Aluthman Uthman , Jamjoom Ahmed , Zabani Ibrahim , Al-Maghrabi Jaudah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Benign cardiac neoplasms are relatively uncommon. Cardiac leiomyomas are usually diagnosed as a benign metastasizing leiomyoma or as a part of intravenous leiomyomatosis spectrum. Primary cardiac leiomyomas are extremely rare and should be diagnosed after ruling out the involvement of systemic leiomyomas. Only nine cases were found in the literature that described De novo occurrence of primary intra-cardiac leiomyoma. In this study, we present a case of 60-year-old female patient with a large pedunculated mass located in the left ventricle. Histopathology examination and immunohistochemistry aid confirmed the diagnosis of benign leiomyoma. No evidence of extra cardiac lesions was detected in the patient. The patient remains healthy with no signs of recurrence four years after the surgical resection. Benign cardiac tumors are not often seen, but when they do occur, they can present a serious risk to life. This is particularly significant because these tumors can detach and cause embolization, leading to the development of strokes. Moreover, these individuals do not show any clinical symptoms, making their detection quite challenging. When there is a suspicion, it is advised to utilize echocardiography and other imaging techniques to verify the presence of a tumor. In this report, we present a rare case and provide differential diagnoses, along with a review of the literature.
Distribution of Urinary Schistosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors in School-Age Children in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Opeyemi Olufunke , Simon-Oke Iyabo Adepeju , Olusi Titus Adeniyi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Schistosomiasis remains a public health concern in developing countries. This study assessed the current status of urinary schistosomiasis among school-age children in Kwara State, Nigeria. Of the 1,341 school-age pupils investigated, 277 (20.7%) were infected, with 26.84% from Kwara South, 18.83% from Kwara Central, and 14.29% from Kwara North. The overall geometric mean intensity and mean population egg density varied significantly across the senatorial districts (9.37 ± 2.66 versus 14.95 ± 16.41 eggs per 10mL of urine). Males (22.3%) were more infected than females (19%), while children aged > 15 and ≤ 5 years had the highest prevalence and intensity, respectively (37.5%; 12.18 ± 2.74 eggs per 10mL of urine). A binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the source of drinking water, duration of community-stay, and non-awareness of infection were not significant predictors of Schistosoma haematobium infection. All forms of water contact activities were associated with increased and significant (p < 0.01) odds of predicting S. haematobium infection, the most important being fishing [Odd Ratio (OR): 114.951, p < 0.001]. Daily, weekly, and monthly water contact frequency was insignificant in predicting the odds of S. haematobium infection. However, no history of previous drug treatment was a significant risk factor (OR: 2.092; p = 0.002). Urinary schistosomiasis is very much present among school-age children in Kwara State. Strengthening schistosomiasis surveillance systems to identify communities with no or long history of preventive chemotherapy and ensuring even distribution of these resources is critical to morbidity reduction and disease control.
Long-Term Outcomes in Major Aortic Surgery: 11 Year Single Centre Experience
Authors: Staniforth Edward , Ttofi Iakovos , Ttofi Jasmina , Perinparajah Vanitha , Vijjhalwar Rohit , Uberoi Raman , Sideso Ediri , Dubey Shirish , Krasopoulos George 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections provide a complex surgical cohort termed major aortic surgery. Regular follow-up at specialist clinics with cross-sectional imaging is recommended. Identifying risk factors that lead to re-operations as well as the requirement for and appropriate length of follow-up remain points of debate.
Methods
Patients undergoing any major aortic operation performed at a single centre from January 2012 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical information, operative details, histological reports, post-operative outcomes and follow up were collected from electronic patient records. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and R Studio.
Results
409 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study with a median follow-up of 3.8 years (IQR 1.6–7.6). The prevalence of all cause re-operations was 10.8% (n = 44). The median time to re-operation was 1.8 years. 68% of the reoperations occurred within the first 5 years. Multi and univariate logistic regression identified young age, arteritis and/or aortitis as the main risk factors associated with increased risk of re-operation. Connective tissue disease and systemic inflammatory diseases approached but didn’t meet statistical significance. Bicuspid aortic valve pathology was associated with reduced risk of re-operation.
Conclusions
Patients undergoing major-aortic surgery have a high rate of re-operation. The first 5 years represent a high-risk period and follow-up with cross-sectional imaging during that time by specialist aortic services is essential. Patient with aortitis remain at high risk and should be treated by appropriate by specialist aortic services with subspecialty interest and expertise on treating patients with aortitis.
Reassessing the Reliability of Ki-67 as an Indicator of Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor Progression: Based on Cell Lineage Categorization
Authors: Ye Qiyun , Nie Jing , Wu Dongyang , Peng Junxiang , Wang Ke , Zhou Mingfeng , Xing Yiheng , Zheng Xiaoxuan , Pan Jun , Mao Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
The role of KI-67, a tumor proliferation marker, as a biomarker for progression in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between KI-67 expression levels and PitNETs progression based on transcriptional factor lineage classification.
Methods:
A total of 97 PitNETs patients who underwent endoscopic surgery performed by the same surgeon between February 2022 and March 2023 were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry was used to stain tumor specimens for KI-67. Tumor progression was assessed based on Knosp classification and follow-up results, and separate analyses were performed according to hormone secretion status and transcriptional factor lineage classification.
Results:
We found no significant differences in preoperative tumor characteristics and various prognostic outcomes between patients with high and low KI-67 expression. When classified according to hormone secretion types, no significant differences were observed in the progression of various PitNETs and KI-67. However, when classified based on tumor transcriptional factor lineages, a significant association with invasiveness was observed in the T-PIT lineage with high KI-67 expression (P = 0.035), but not in the PIT-1 and SF-1 lineages.
Conclusion:
The research has found that KI-67 as a biomarker for tumor progression in PitNETs is unreliable. emphasizing the importance of comprehensively considering pitNETs subtypes and molecular characteristics in patient assessment.
Perceptions and characteristics of the mentor role in research capacity building programs for clinicians: A scoping review
Authors: Flenady Tracy , Calleja Pauline , Sahay Ashlyn , Wirihana Lisa , Byrne Amy-Louise 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Research capacity building programs are in facilitating clinicians’ engagement with best-practice research. Benefits of research capacity in healthcare locations have far reaching benefits including individuals, communities, and health services. Commonly, research capacity building programs include an element of mentoring, to facilitate experiential learning. The role of the mentor is diverse, thus this review aimed to uncover the role and perceptions of mentors, from both mentees and mentors.
Methods
A systematic copsing review was conducted, using the five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005). CINAHL, Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Thematic analysis was conducted to reconcile the data against the aims and objectives.
Results
A total of 25 articles were included for analysis. Analysis of data related to the mentor perception found two main themes and associated subthemes; Measures of success (Facilitate opportunities, understand the research process and embed research into routine practice) and Operational Factors (understanding their role and multi-modal delivery) For the mentees, analysis uncovered two main themes and associated subthemes; Ideal mentor attributes (appropriately experienced, regular contact, approachable and enthusiastic ), and Desired outcomes (increased confidence in research, facilitate collaboration, and support to do research).
Conclusions
The value and importance of the mentor in research capacity building is clear. This article provides a framework for the role of the mentor in research capacity building programs.
Music-related Bodily Sensation Map in Individuals with Depressive Tendencies
Authors: Tanaka Masaki , Daikoku Tatsuya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Music has the power to influence people's emotions. Therefore, music is also used as an intervention to reduce the stress in mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Recent research has suggested that the body plays a key role in the connection between music and emotion with a correlation between the head sensations and negative emotions while listening to music. Additionally, strong sensations in the head have been suggested as a bodily perception associated with depression. In this study, we investigated the bodily sensations experienced by people with depressive tendencies when listening to music and their association with specific emotional states, using body mapping and musical chord progression. Our results revealed that individuals with depressive tendencies experience strong head sensations, with unpleasantness and low aesthetics, particularly for chord progression with a high level of surprise and uncertainty. This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between music, bodily sensations, and emotional states, providing valuable insights for research on the body and for developing musical therapeutic interventions targeting depression and related conditions.
Trends in the health status of Ukrainian refugees in Norway according to month of arrival during 2022
Authors: Labberton Angela S , Ozeryansky Larisa , Helland Ylva , Skogheim Thea Steen , Hansen Tonya Moen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Over 75 000 refugees from Ukraine have come to Norway since February 2022. Previous studies show that the refugees have poor health for several domains, and crude reports suggest that those fleeing Ukraine at later stages have even poorer health. However, more systematic knowledge is lacking. This study aimed to analyse self-reported health in a sample of adult refugees from Ukraine by month of arrival to Norway in 2022.
Methods:
Data were collected via an online, digital questionnaire, in a cross-sectional study design between 28.10.22–31.01.23. Recruitment was via multiple potential physical and social media contact points, including asylum reception centres, municipalities, non-profit organisations, and Facebook groups for refugees in Norway. The survey included self-reported health outcomes: overall health, oral health, presence of long-term illnesses or disabilities, and a short version of Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-5).
Results:
Among 727 respondents, 82% were female, 65% aged 30–49 years, 69% had higher education and 53% had responsibility for children in Norway. 383 arrived February-April (T1), 200 May-August (T2) and 144 September-December (T3). Compared to T1, later periods had higher proportions of males, a younger age distribution and lower proportions with higher education. Proportions reporting poor/very poor overall health, presence of long-term illness, and long-term disability were highest in T3. Oral health and HSCL-5 showed an opposite trend, with lower proportions reporting poorer health among respondents in both later periods. Respondents in T3 were still more likely to report poor/very poor health and long-term illnesses after adjusting for sex, age group and education (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.71 [95%CI 1.51–4.89]) and 1.74 [1.14–2.65], respectively).
Conclusions:
Respondents arriving later in 2022 generally reported poorer long-term health, but less psychological distress than those arriving earlier. These findings may help to inform planning of health services to refugees from Ukraine, especially in areas receiving large numbers of refugees.
Anterior nodular scleritis as the debut of IgG4-related disease
Authors: Gorrotxategi Nerea Gangoitia , Silva Esther Compains , Garmendia Iñigo Salmeron , Alonso Ana Jiménez , Gamboa Leire Olazaran , Bujanda Iñigo Les 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: to report the case of an anterior nodular scleritis associated to the IgG4-related disease.
Methods: case-report.
Results: We present a case of a 72-year-old man who experienced one month of pain and redness in the left eye. He was diagnosed with anterior nodular scleritis. An incenlargement of the lacrimal gland was observed, along with elevated serum IgG4 levels and symptoms suggestive of pachymeningitis. Consequently, a biopsy of the lacrimal gland confirmed the histopathological diagnosis of IgG4-related disease. He was treated with corticosteroids and rituximab, with favorable outcomes.
Conclusion: IgG4-related disease can manifest with various ophthalmologic presentations, including, albeit infrequently, scleritis.
Pulmonary hypertension is common among patients with advanced lung cancer and Khorana score is the predictive indicator
Authors: Bandidwattanawong Chanyoot , Sureeyathanaphat Phanthaphan , Vrakornvoravuti Gorn 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) has been reported to be prevalent across various stages of lung cancer patients and associated with adverse outcomes. This study was aimed to determine prevalence among patients with advanced lung cancer and its association with dyspnea symptom and survival and.
Methods
Patients with stage IV lung cancer were recruited. PHT was diagnosed, if mean arterial pulmonary pressure (mPAP) was above 20 mmHg as determined by echocardiography. Baseline demographics including age, sex, smoking status, histologic types, performance status (PS), extent of pulmonary involvement, Khorana score, presenting symptoms, systemic cancer therapy, cancer dyspnea score (CDS) and 1-year survival were collected.
Results
There were 69 eligible patients. Thirty-four patients (49.28%) had PHT. Only high Khorana risk score was the independent predictive factor of development of PHT at baseline (ORadj = 48.71 (95% C.I. 1.51-1569.17); p = 0.028). History of smoking had a trend towards a predictor (ORadj = 4.36 (95% C.I. 0.83–22.87); p = 0.081). Furthermore, those with PHT had a trend towards shorter survival than those without (1-year OS, 55.23% vs 88.69%; p = 0.003); however, ECOG 2 (HRadj = 6.66 (95% C.I., 1.91–19.82); p = 0.002), non-adenocarcinoma cell types (HRadj = 5.33 (95% C.I., 1.18–24.10); p = 0.03), anemia (HRadj = 4.59 (95% C.I., 1.12–18.74); p = 0.034), and abnormal PT (HRadj = 5.52 (95% C.I., 1.60-19.09); p = 0.007) were the independent prognostic factors of short survival. Higher degree of PHT was also correlated with higher CDS (Pearson correlation, r = 0.458; 95% C.I. 0.25–0.63; p < 0.001).
Conclusion
In line with the historical reports, PHT is quite prevalent in patients with advanced lung cancer. Due to its co-relation with CDS, any agents which can lessen the degree of PHT should be further investigated for the purpose of improving patients’ symptom burden before the systemic therapy takes its action.
Securing Social Spaces: Machine Learning Techniques for Fake Profile Detection on Instagram
Authors: Goyal Bharti , Gill Nasib Singh , Gulia Preeti 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Fake profiles, on Instagram, pose significant challenges in online spaces. These profiles are fabricated with the intention to mislead and deceive by assuming the identity of genuine persons or institutions. These individuals often disseminate false information, participate in spamming, or carry out criminal acts, which negatively impact user confidence and online safety. Detecting these fake profiles involves analysis of various factors like account activity, behavior patterns, content, and network interactions to distinguish these from genuine users. Advancements in machine learning and AI techniques play a crucial role in developing robust detection models to mitigate the impact of these deceptive profiles. This paper delves into the intricate realm of fake profile detection on social-media platforms. The proposed model exhibits commendable performance metrics, showcasing an accuracy of 83.84%. Delving into specifics, for the identification of fake profiles, precision stands at 80.65%, recall at 80.16%, and an F1-Score of 80.41%. When detecting real profiles, precision, recall, and F1-Score excel significantly higher at 86.06%, 86.43%, and 86.24% respectively. These impressive metrics are achieved through a sophisticated approach leveraging DistilBERT for text processing, SMOTE for handling imbalanced data, and Random Forest for classification to detect fake profiles on Instagram based on user biography length. In essence, this research contributes substantial insights and advanced methodologies to the intricate domain of fake profile detection. It aspires to fortify the trustworthiness and credibility of online identity verification systems, serving as a foundational stone for future advancements in the field.