bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in retinal vessel oxygen saturation using automated retinal oximetry in patients with significant carotid stenosis
Authors: Polidar Petr , Pašková Barbora , Karhanová Marta , Sin Martin , Mudroch Tomas , Dornak Tomas , Schreiberova Zuzana , Divišová Petra , Veverka Tomas , Franc David , Sanak Daniel , Kral Michal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the dynamics of changes in retinal oximetry parameters in patients with haemodynamically significant carotid stenosis
Methods: In this case-control study we examined 74 eye artery pairs in 37 patients with significant carotid stenosis over 50 % using retinal oximetry. 14 eye artery pairs were excluded due to contraindications for oximetry or presenting carotid occlusion. From the remaining 60 eye artery pairs, 39 stenotic eye artery pairs were analyzed against the control group of 21 non-stenotic eye artery pairs.
Results-Primary analysis of the data showed a trend to increased arterial saturation, decreased venular saturation and increased venular diameter. in all groups. The AV difference, the most sensitive parameter, however was only statistically significant for the 80 % stenosis patients. For each group, the cutoff value for the AV difference was chosen for calculation of the odds ratio (OR) of stenosis. Highest OR was found in the 80 % (9.0, p=0.007) with the threshold value of AV difference 38.72 %.
Conclusion: The impact of carotid stenosis on retinal perfusion was confirmed with the highest predictive value for stenosis above 80 %. The relative decrease in the AV difference and normalisation of other parameters in stenoses over 90 % can be explained by collateral circulation via the external carotid artery. The relationship between the AV difference and degree of stenosis is non linear which points to the contribution of other mechanisms to reduced post-stenotic blood flow adaptation.
This case-control study was conducted between 2021 and 2023 as a clinical trial approved by the Ethics Committee of the university hospital Olomouc, registered under ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT06085612 All patients participated in the study willingly, providing informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All methods used were carried out in accordance with relevant guideelines and regulations.
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to treat hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF): results from a retrospective real-world study
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Ming , Chen Liyu , Ma Yuanji , Yan Libo , Zhang Yanfang , Zhu Xia , Bai Lang , Du Lingyao , Tang Hong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) has a high mortality rate due to severe liver function disorder, extremely poor liver regeneration capacity, and dysregulated immune responses, thus new treatment measures are urgently needed to improve the therapeutic effect. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment in HBV-ACLF.
Methods
The data of patients with HBV-ACLF admitted to West China Hospital from January 2022 to October 2023 were collected retrospectively. They were divided into control group and treatment group according to whether they had received additional G-CSF treatment. The survival outcomes at 30-day and 90-day were analyzed between two groups. The change of disease severity score and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) after 14 days of hospitalization were observed between two groups. The control group received standard medical therapy, while the G-CSF group received G-CSF at a dose of 5µg/kg once daily for six days on the basis of standard medical therapy.
Results
In this retrospective study, a total of 136 HBV-ACLF patients were divided into two groups, with 47 in the G-CSF group and 89 in the control group. The 30-day survival rate of patients receiving G-CSF treatment was 85.1%, compared to 71.9% in the control group (P = 0.084). The 90-day survival rate for patients receiving G-CSF treatment was 76.6%, while it was 59.6% for the control group (P = 0.047). Additionally, on the 14th day of hospitalization, patients receiving G-CSF treatment showed a more reduction in Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (P = 0.001) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score (P = 0.021) compared to the control group. The decrease in serum AFP in the control group was greater than that in the G-CSF group, although there was no statistical difference (P = 0.112).
Conclusion
G-CSF significantly improves the survival rate of HBV-ACLF patients and further promotes the recovery of liver function during hospitalization for ACLF.
A study of the present prevalence of myopia in children of school age in two regions of eastern Inner Mongolia
Authors: Song Ming-you , Yi Yin-hua , Wang Hui-qiong , Zhang Kai-rui , Zhao Jing , Ba Te-er 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of myopia among school-aged children in Xing'an Meng and Hulunbuir from Inner Mongolia, as well as to identify the factors of myopia.
Methods: A total of 25795 students from the Xing'an Meng and Hulunbeier were selected as the research subjects from October to November 2021 using stratified random whole-group sampling. The students underwent visual acuity examination, followed by a survey of myopia-related factors via questionnaire.
Results: The rate of myopia detection was 65.2% in Xing'an Meng and Hulunbeier. The rate of myopia detection was higher in females (70.3%) than that in males (60.2%). The risk of myopia among female students was 1.543 times that of male. The risk of myopia in Mongolian was 0.78 times than that of than Han Chinese students. Middle school, high school, and vocational high school students had a myopia risk that was 2.43 times, 4.168 times, and 1.16 times that of elementary school students, respectively. female, high study level, reading and writing with eyes less than one foot (33 cm) from the book, using mobile electronic devices for more than an average of 0.5 hours per day, reading or looking at electronic displays in sunlight, reading or looking at electronic displays while lying on one's back or lying down, and having myopic parents were risk factors for myopia. Living in a suburban county, being of Mongolian descent, and spending recess outside were protective factors against myopia.
Conclusions: Gender, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits were related to myopia in children of school age. Maintaining good reading habits and engaging in outdoor activities were effective approaches to prevent myopia.
Building a Robust Data Shield: Implementing a Cryptography and Steganography Security Model
Authors: ATANDA Oladayo G. , ADENIYI Abidemi Emmanuel , ADEBIYI Marion O. , ODUMEH Victory , AROBA Oluwasegun Julius 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This research introduces a comprehensive security model that combines steganography and cryptography to enhance data protection and secure information sharing. The security model utilizes the AES cryptographic algorithm and LSB steganographic techniques to reduce risks associated with data tampering, loss, and theft in organizations. The model incorporates three fundamental security principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA Triad), forming the foundation of robust data protection. The study presents a systematic approach to the development of a steganography application using Python programming language and relevant packages such as Pillow, NumPy, Open-cv Python, and Stegano. The user-friendly application enables users to upload images, input hidden messages, and perform actions such as saving the stego-image and retrieving concealed data. The encryption process involves embedding messages within images and compressing the stego-image using the 7zip file compressor with AES-256 encryption. The compressed stego-image is then securely transmitted via email along with a password hint for the recipient. The implementation idea of Identity-Based Encryption was introduced to send the AES key to recipients. Recipients can successfully decrypt the image using the provided password, unveiling the concealed message. This research has demonstrated that combining steganography and cryptography offers an efficient and effective solution for secure information sharing. Screenshots and visuals illustrate each step of the application's operation, emphasizing its user-friendliness and ease of use. Overall, the proposed security model provides a robust framework for safeguarding sensitive data and information in various organizations.
Genome-wide investigation of differentially expressed alternative splicing and RNA-binding protein genes association with AML drug resistance
Authors: Zhang Yu-Mei , Dong Xue-Yan , Zheng Wei , Xu Jie , Wang Zhen-Zhen , Ding Shu-Min , Wang Ying-Ying , Wang Jing-Yi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a malignancy of the haematopoietic system with extremely high mortality. Current AML therapies, such as chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapy, have greatly improved the prognosis of AML patients. However, there are still a number of AML patients who develop drug resistance after pharmacotherapy, leading to poor prognosis and relapse. Currently, the global 5-year survival rate for adults with AML remains below 50%. Therefore, it is urgent to identify the aetiology for AML relapse and drug resistance. Methods Bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated from bone marrow blood samples from 4 patients with AML relapse, 3 patients with AML remission and 5 control donors by density gradient centrifugation using Lymphocyte separation medium. After RNA extraction and sequencing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, overlapping analysis, WGCNA and co-expression analysis, alternative splicing analysis and functional enrichment analysis were further performed. Results RNA sequencing andDEGs analysis demonstrated that a total of 593 overlapped up-regulated genes and 999 overlapped down-regulated genes were discovered in the reAML group in comparison to the Healthy and AML groups. Of particular, further overlapping analysis revealed that 33 RBP genes were overlapped up-regulated and 30 RBP genes were overlapped down-regulated in the reAML group. Further WGCNA and alternative splicing analyses highlighted that significant changes were found in AS in the reAML group compared with the AML and Healthy groups, and multiple differential regulatory alternative splicing genes (RASGs) and regulatory alternative splicing events (RASEs) were also identified. Conclusions The aberrance of regulatory alternative splicing (RAS) and differential expression of RNA-binding protein (RBP) genes are highly associated with AML relapse and drug resistance in AML patients.
Effectiveness of simultaneous longitudinal incision of the external carotid artery in standardized carotid endarterectomy
Authors: chen Fuye , zhang Licheng , Peng Tao , Xin Zhengxue , Wang Xinzhi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of longitudinal incision of external carotid artery(ECA) during standardized carotid endarterectomy(CEA).
Materials and methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 30 patients with simultaneous internal and external carotid artery stenosis who were evaluated by carotid ultrasound and Transcranial Doppler(TCD) and neck CT angiography(CTA) or DSA in Liaocheng Second People's Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. All patients underwent internal and external carotid endarterectomy under intraoperative TCD monitoring. Carotid ultrasound and TCD reexaminations were performed 3 months, 12 months, and 18 months post operation. Restenosis of the carotid artery and cerebral blood perfusion were evaluated.
Results: There were 22 men and 8 women in 30 cases,including 2 cases with mild stenosis of the ECA, 15 cases with moderate stenosis, and 13 cases with severe stenosis. All patients underwent surgeries smoothly and no perioperative complications occurred. There were no cases with stenosis in 3 months, 3 cases present stenosis in 12 months, and 3 cases present stenosis in 18 months post operation. Cerebral ischemia stroke occurred 18 months after surgery in 1 case. Cerebral blood perfusion improved in all patients after surgery. The restenosis rate of the carotid arteries was 16.7% and the ischemic stroke rate was 3.3% after 18 months’ follow-up.
Conclusion: Simultaneous longitudinal incision of the ECA in standardized carotid endarterectomy is a safe and effective surgical method. It not only restores the normal anatomical structure of the external carotid artery, but also effectively hinder carotid artery restenosis and occlusion rate, improves cerebral blood perfusion especially in patients with poor compensation of intracranial collateral circulation, and thus reduces the occurrence of ischemic stroke events.
Analysis of clinical features of 261 cases of early esophageal cancer with leukoplakia as the main manifestation
Authors: Li Guang-chun , Qi Xing , Kuang Jiang-ying , Zheng Yu-ping , Chen Zhao-sheng , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Dong-dong , Guo Jian-qiang , Wu Hong-lei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of early esophageal cancer mainly manifested by leukoplakia.The clinical features between complete leukoplakia type and mixed type of early esophageal cancer have some differences as well as commonalities in the meantime. The lesions have clear borders, irregular patterns, and uneven thickness of leukoplakia, which occur mostly in the background of the mottled esophagus, and the location of the lesions is predominantly in the middle and lower parts of the esophagus. Pathologic findings of complete leukoplakia-type lesions were predominantly low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (M1), and mixed lesions were predominantly high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (M1) and intra-intrinsic invasive squamous cell carcinoma (M2). Complete leukoplakia-type lesions are relatively young and the lesion area is smaller than that of mixed lesions, the lesion morphology is mostly IIa, the surface IPCL is mostly invisible under NBI magnification, and the Lugol's iodine staining is lightly stained or unstained. Mixed lesions tend to occur in older patients, the lesion area is larger than the other, the lesion morphology tends to show IIa + IIb, NBI magnification of the surface IPCL is more likely to be visible, and Lugol's iodine staining tends to be unstained.
Internet Quality across Public Health Centre in Indonesia: Access and Barriers
Authors: Aisyah Dewi Nur , Setiawan Agus Heri , Lokopessy Alfiano Fawwaz , Mayadewi Chyntia Aryanti , Endryantoro M Thoriqul Aziz , BSc Viktor Wibowo , BSc Sarah Disviana , BSc Indra Laksana , MSc Mohammad Aviandito , Manikam Logan , Kozlakidis Zisis 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary health care (Puskesmas) is an integrated healthcare service that serves to improve individual health, preventing and curing disease, and also providing health promotion in Indonesia. To support these roles, the provision of technology infrastructure in Puskesmas is highly important, including the availability of internet connection. Thus, assessing the availability and quality of internet connection among Puskesmas is essential to understand the capacity of Puskesmas to undergo its role in providing optimum health service for the community.
Objective
This paper provides a thorough examination of the quality of internet connectivity and its relevant information technology infrastructure in Indonesian Puskesmas.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was taken throughout all Puskesmas (10,382) in 34 provinces in Indonesia, using an online questionnaire. Categorization was done to analyze internet quality level results.
Results
A total of 10,378 public health centres (99.96%) participated in this study, with 745 (7.18%) did not have internet access, 1,487 (14,33%) have limited internet access, 5,567 (53.64%) have sufficient internet access, and 2,579 (24.85%) have sufficient and fast internet access. Moreover, 832 Puskesmas (8.02%) do not have 24-hour electricity, 44,196 (43.7%) have CPU with i3 specifications, 43,044 (42.56%) have 512 GB hard disk capacity, and 67,272 (66,5%) uses antivirus.
Conclusions
Although 79% of Puskesmas in Indonesia already had sufficient internet access, 21% still have limited and insufficient access. To ensure universal internet availability, it is essential to build collaborative support among internet providers and government to foster the availability and utilisation of internet satellites, high-quality computers, and electrical power to support internet connectivity.
Depression severity and neuropsychiatric symptoms among late-life depression patients in nursing homes: A moderated mediation model of sleep quality and resilience
Authors: Zhu Ziping , Yan Yuanjiao , Chen Danting , Shi Yanhong , Huang Chenshan , Lin Rong , Li Hong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Depression severity significantly influences neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), yet the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms of this relationship remain insufficiently explored. Methods We employed cluster sampling to select 414 LLD patients from 42 nursing homes across nine cities in Fujian Province, China. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro model to determine the interactions between depression severity, sleep quality, resilience, and NPS. Results The findings indicate that NPS prevalence among LLD patients in nursing homes is substantial. Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between depression severity and NPS. Additionally, resilience moderated both the direct and indirect effects within the mediation model, highlighting its significant role in mitigating the impact of depression severity on NPS. Conclusion The results underscore the importance of targeting sleep quality and resilience in clinical interventions for LLD patients in nursing homes. Enhancing sleep quality and resilience could potentially disrupt the link between depression severity and NPS, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Do You Copy? Trunk Mimicry During Play in African Savanna Elephants
Authors: Cordoni Giada , Hecker Martin , Crippa Valentina , Aldama Beatriz Gallego , Santos Santiago Borragán , Norscia Ivan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The basic forms of motor and possibly emotion replication include behavioral contagion (BC) and rapid motor mimicry (RMM). RMM - mainly demonstrated during play - occurs when an individual perceives and rapidly (< 1sec) replicates the exact motor sequence of another individual. We collected data on an African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana; N=15) group housed at the Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno (Spain) on play target movements (PTM) of both trunk and head. We demonstrated the presence of RMM. Elephants that were more prone in mimic others’ PTM were also more prone to play after observing others playing (play-contagion). RMM - as BC - can enhance action coordination between players. As RMM was associated with more offensive play patterns than unreplicated PTM, RMM may allow competitive play sessions to occur, possibly replacing agonistic interactions. Neither individual (age, sex) nor social (affiliation levels) factors modulated the RMM. These findings can be related to the elephant high tolerance levels and the wide presence of play across age (including adults) and sex. Concluding, African elephants have the potential to share their affective states (emotional contagion) via RMM which is relevant to the investigation of the evolution of empathy in mammals including humans.
Coproparasitological survey on Gastrointestinal Parasites in wild and Captive Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) of Trinidad and Tobago.
Authors: Gafoor Waheeda. K. , Tardieu Laura 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The Green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a popular wildlife species in the LAC region and similar to other reptiles, it has been recognized as being host of various parasites and diseases. Despite this significance, few studies address and coproparasitology and epidemiology of these species in the Caribbean region. This study investigates the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in both captive and wild Green iguana populations in Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 52 faecal samples were obtained from wild (n = 26) and captive (n = 26) iguana populations across both islands and then analysed for parasite egg presence. Results indicate no significant difference between the captive status and sex for parasite load and diversity between captive and wild iguanas. Overall, most individuals exhibited two types of parasite egg in their faeces (Oxyurids and Ascarids), with three distinct parasite egg types identified (Ascarids, Oxyurids and Tapeworms). This study reveals the parasite load and diversity of GI parasites in Trinidad and Tobago iguana populations, offering insights crucial for wildlife disease and conservation management in the region.
Influence of false lumen status on systemic inflammatory response triggered by acute aortic dissection
Authors: Kimura Naoyuki , Machii Yojiro , Hori Daijiro , Mieno Makiko , Eguchi Naoki , Shiraishi Manabu , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Matsumoto Kenji , Tanaka Masashi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the influence of false lumen (FL) status on systemic inflammatory response triggered by acute aortic dissection (AAD) using cytokine profiling. The study included 44 AAD patients. Patients were divided between those with a thrombosed FL (Group T, n=21) and those with a non-thrombosed FL (Group P, n=23). On-admission serum concentrations of 29 cytokines were compared between unmatched and propensity-score matched (n=10 pairs) FL groups and a control group (non-ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm, Group C, n=20). Unmatched analysis showed twelve cytokines differed between groups and fell into three categories: Category A (increased expression in both FL groups: IL-6, IL-10, IL-15, G-CSF); Category B (increased expression only in Group P: IL-1Ra, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12p70, GM-CSF); and Category C (others: IP-10, VEGF-A, eotaxin). The increases in Category A and Category B cytokines in Group T were attenuated, but not significantly, compared to their increases in Group P. Propensity-score matching analysis revealed a similar expression pattern with respect to all four Category A cytokines, four Category B cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-12p70, and GM-CSF), and two Category C cytokines (IP-10 and VEGF-A). A robust inflammatory response occurs in patients with AAD, but the response is attenuated when the FL is thrombosed.