bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteomics analysis of the egg, sparganum, and adult stages of Spirometra mansoni
Authors: Liu Wei , Gong Tengfang , Li Zhikang , Chen Songnan , Li Ningqian , Chen Shuyu , Abuzeid Asmaa M. I. , Wu Yong , Huang Cuiqin , Liu Yisong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The plerocercoid larvae of Spirometra mansoni (S. mansoni) can invade the human body, causing a severe parasitic zoonotic disease known as sparganosis.
Methods
To gain insights into the developmental process of S. mansoni, it is crucial to comprehend the specific gene and protein expressions that allow the parasite to adapt to environmental changes between intermediate and definitive hosts. In this study, we employed tandem mass tag (TMT) analysis to compare proteomic changes among three developmental stages of S. mansoni: the egg, sparganum, and adult stages.
Results
We identified significant differential expression in a total of 1730 proteins in the sparganum compared to the egg groups and 1308 proteins in the adult compared to the sparganum groups. The functional annotation of these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) unveiled pronounced metabolic disparities among these developmental stages. The sparganum stage exhibited overexpression of proteins primarily linked to migration and immune evasion, which underpins its potent immune escape mechanism and robust invasion capabilities. In contrast, the adult stage displayed an upregulation of proteins associated with functions related to protein biosynthesis, including translation, peptide biosynthetic processes, amide biosynthetic processes, and peptide metabolic processes.
Conclusions
These findings highlight new insights into the proteomic changes across S. mansoni developmental stages, potentially offering valuable targets for diagnosis and therapy.
Survival of newborns and determinants of their mortality in Burundi: A prospective cohort study at Kamenge Teaching Hospital
Authors: Ndayishimiye Jean Claude , IRADUKUNDA Arnaud , MASIMBI Ornella , Ahishakiye Alain , ODJIDJA Emmanuel Nene 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the free healthcare services policy for pregnant women and children under five since 2006, the neonatal mortality rate remains high in Burundi. In 2019, two newborns out of one hundred live births died. This study sought to determine the neonatal survival time and identify factors associated with neonatal mortality in Burundi.
Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study to collect data among newborns delivered in the maternity ward of Kamenge Teaching Hospital. Our cohort recruitment was opened over 3 months between October and December 2020 and then the last recruited followed up till January 27, 2021. Kaplan Meier curve and logistic regression were used to analyze data.
Results
Out of 885 live births followed up at Kamenge Teaching Hospital, 30 died. This resulted in a neonatal mortality rate of 34 per 1,000 live births. Nearly 40% of deaths occurred during the first 24 hours of life and 90% within the first week of life. The main causes of neonatal deaths were preterm complications (60%), birth asphyxia (13.33%), neonatal infections (13.33%), and congenital malformations (13.33%). Factors associated with neonatal mortality were preterm delivery (AOR: 9.01, 95%CI 2.05–39.52), less than four ANC (AOR: 6.64, 95%CI 1.46–30.21), Apgar score at five minutes below 6 (AOR: 10.83, 95%CI 2.61–44.93), and Caesarean delivery section (AOR: 2.47, 95%CI 1.00–6.07).
Conclusion
Neonatal mortality is relatively high while it is mostly due to preventable factors. The government of Burundi should prioritize comprehensive ANC services to improve maternal and neonatal health.
Application of novel nanomaterials with dual functions of antimicrobial and remineralization in mouthwashes
Authors: Chang Lin , Gan Ruihuan , Huang Xiaoyu , Zheng Dali , Su Chen , Lu Youguang , Feng Yan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
The study aims to improve the antimicrobial and remineralization-promoting properties of mouthwash by synthesizing novel Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells nanocomposites and evaluating their anti-caries properties and biosafety in vitro and in vivo.
Methods
The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells nanocomposites were examined by bacterial inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, fluorescence staining and scanning electron microscopy. The potential of the materials to promote remineralization of demineralized enamel was detected by scanning electron microscopy, surface microhardness and depth of hard tissue defects, and laser confocal electron microscopy analysis. The synthesized materials were then incorporated into mouthwash to prepare novel mouthwash and their effects on antimicrobial properties, remineralization-promoting properties were evaluated. Furthermore, an oral mucosal contact model was established to assess local irritation and systemic effects.
Results
The results showed that the novel Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells nanocomposites possessed strong antimicrobial activity, remineralization-promoting ability and good biosafety, and the mouthwash containing Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells possessed strong antimicrobial performance and remineralization-promoting ability, and showed no obvious abnormalities in local mucosal tissues, blood indices, and histopathology of the liver and kidneys in the oral exposure model of the SD rats.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that Ag/ZnO/Oyster shell incorporated into mouthwash has strong antimicrobial activity, good remineralization-promoting properties, and good biosafety in vivo experiments, and is therefore expected to be used in clinical applications.
Comparative short-term outcomes of double-kissing culotte and culotte techniques in acute coronary syndrome: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Barycki Mateusz , Włodarczak Adrian , Rola Piotr , Włodarczak Szymon , Pęcherzewski Maciej , Włodarczak Piotr , Jastrzębski Artur , Furtan Łukasz , Giniewicz Katarzyna , Doroszko Adrian , Lesiak Maciej 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The double-kissing (DK) culotte technique, a modification of the traditional culotte stenting with additional kissing balloon inflation after first stent implantation, was compared to the conventional culotte technique in a multicenter, observational, retrospective study of 239 patients with acute coronary syndrome. Patients were treated at two high-volume centers, with 117 patients undergoing the DK culotte and 122 patients undergoing the traditional culotte technique. The primary endpoint, target lesion failure (TLF), occurred in 6.84% of the DK culotte group and 13.11% of the culotte group after a one-year period (p = 0.085). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were also lower in the DK culotte group (12.82% vs. 19.67%; p = 0.073), but the differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were found in contrast medium use (220 mL vs. 230 mL; p = 0.214) or cumulative radiation dose (1868 mGy vs. 2114.5 mGy; p = 0.127). The results indicate a trend towards better clinical outcomes with the DK culotte technique without increased procedural risks. However, these findings need further validation in prospective studies. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06284057
Successful Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Complicated by Mixed Intracranial Infection of Burkholderia cepacia and Propionibacterium acnes Postoperatively: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Huajun , Fen Linhua , Liu Shiyi , Hong Keyan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Intracranial infection caused by Burkholderia cepacia is a rare and severe condition, often leading to multi-organ failure and high mortality rates. Treatment is challenging, especially with mixed infections. A 56-year-old female with chronic hepatitis B presented with intracranial hemorrhage, developing a mixed infection with Burkholderia cepacia and Propionibacterium acnes. Despite complications like high fever and organ failure, a multidisciplinary approach and antimicrobial therapy led to successful infection control and gradual recovery of liver and kidney functions. This case serves as a valuable reference for similar complex infections.
Initial experience with “Saroa” in radical prostatectomy: A novel surgical assist robot featuring tactile feedback and a roll clutch system
Authors: Iwatani Kosuke , Urabe Fumihiko , Saito Shun , Kawano Shota , Yamasaki Tomoya , Kimura Shoji , Otsuki Hideo , Fujio Kei , Kimura Takahiro , Miki Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Robotic surgical systems have revolutionized laparoscopic surgery, offering enhanced articulation, dexterity, and precision for complex procedures, such as radical prostatectomy. Although these systems enable surgeons to operate more intuitively, the risk of injury and hemorrhage from excessive force during tissue retraction remains a concern.
Methods
We enrolled 31 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) using either the Saroa or da Vinci Xi surgical system at our hospital between January 2022 and January 2024. Perioperative complications and pathological outcomes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests.
Results
No significant differences in preoperative demographics were observed between the systems. Operation times were longer using Saroa, but significant differences were not observed between the systems in terms of pathological outcomes, urinary continence, and postoperative complications.
Conclusions
This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Saroa surgical system for RARP. This system incorporates several innovative features, such as a roll clutch system and tactile feedback, which enhance precision and workflow in minimally invasive surgery. The tactile feedback may benefit surgeons with limited laparoscopic experience, promoting gentler tissue handling. Further investigation is warranted to assess long-term oncological and functional outcomes following RARP with Saroa.
Myxoid Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Nasal Vestibule: An unusual histological subtype in the Head and Neck region
Authors: Prabakaran Aswini , Kakkar Aanchal , Jain Deepali , Verma Hitesh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms associated with characteristic NAB2::STAT6 gene fusion. They frequently occur in extra-thoracic sites but are not uncommon in the head and neck (HN) region where 10–20% of all SFTs occur. Around 10% of HNSFTs recur, usually following incomplete resection. Myxoid SFT is a rare morphologic subtype of SFT, the features of which overlap with those of other myxoid-appearing tumors, making the diagnosis challenging.
Objective
To describe the distinctive histopathological and immunohistochemical features of myxoid SFT that aid in diagnosis
Materials and Methods
This 32-year-old male presented with a recurrent swelling in the nasal vestibule, which had previously been excised four years prior and diagnosed as neurofibroma. Examination revealed a firm swelling measuring 2x1cm.
Results
Histological examination showed a nodular tumor composed of short spindle shaped cells in an abundant myxoid stroma. Nuclei were ovoid, with minimal pleomorphism. Occasional intervening slender vascular channels were present; staghorn vasculature was absent. Tumor cells were diffusely immunopositive for STAT6, CD34 and Bcl-2, while S100, SOX10, EMA, ER and CD10 were negative, confirming the diagnosis of myxoid SFT.
Conclusion
Myxoid SFTs are unusual in the HN, with potential for misdiagnosis. Due to their propensity for local recurrence if incompletely excised, a high index of suspicion is required to include them in differential diagnosis of myxoid mesenchymal neoplasms occurring at this location. STAT6 is a reliable immunohistochemical marker that aids in diagnosis, reducing the necessity for molecular testing.
Looking for a new role of known players: the additional value of plasmatic C3 and C4 in predicting IgA Nephropathy prognosis, an observational study
Authors: Tringali Edoardo , Vetrano Daniele , Tondolo Francesco , Maritati Federica , Fabbrizio Benedetta , Pasquinelli Gianandrea , Provenzano Michele , Manna Gaetano La , Baraldi Olga 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is the prevalent glomerular disease worldwide. Complement system activation is crucial in its pathogenesis. Few studies correlated serum C3 and C4 with disease activity and prognosis.
Methods
This retrospective monocentric study investigated the prognostic value of serum complement in patients with IgAN. Primary outcome was defined as 40% decline in eGFR or onset of kidney failure. The aim was to evaluate whether the addition of serum C3 and C4 to established predictive models, including one based on variables related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and another incorporating variables from the International IgA Prediction Tool (IntIgAPT), enhances the accuracy of outcome prediction.
Results
101 patients were stratified according to baseline C3 levels in three groups (Low, Medium and High). During a median 54.28 months follow-up, the Low group exhibited higher primary outcome incidence (16.3 events vs 2.9 and 1.7 events x 100 pts/year, p = 0.0026). Model-1 (M1), consisting of CKD progression variables, and Model-3 (M3), comprising IntIgANPT variables, were implemented with baseline C3 and C4 to form Model-2 (M2) and Model-4 (M4), respectively. M2 demonstrated improved predictive performance over M1 showing higher discrimination (lower AIC and BIC, higher C-index and NR2). Similarly, M4 outperformed M3 showing enhanced outcome prediction when adding C3 and C4.
Conclusion
Inclusion of serum C3 and C4 can enhance prediction accuracy of already existing prognostic models. Specifically, lower C3 and higher C4 levels were associated with poorer prognosis in IgAN, characterizing a more 'Complement-Pathic' subset of patients.
A multi-scale covariance matrix descriptor and an accurate transformation estimation for robust point cloud registration
Authors: Xiong Fengguang , Kong Yu , Hu Minyue , Zhang Zhiqiang , Shen Chaofan , Kuang Liqun , Han Xie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a robust point cloud registration method based on a multi-scale covariance matrix descriptor and an accurate transformation estimation. Comparing with state-of-the-art feature descriptor such as FPH, 3DSC, Spin Image, etc, our proposed the multi-scale covariance matrix descriptor is superior to deal with registration problem under higher noise environment, which is since mean operation in generating covariance matrix can filters out most of the noise-damaged samples or outliers and also makes itself be robust to noise. Comparing with transformation estimation such as feature matching, clustering, ICP, RANSAC, etc, our transformation estimation is able to find a better optimal transformation between a pair of point clouds which is since our transformation estimation is a multi-level point cloud transformation estimator including feature matching, coarse transformation estimation based on clustering and a fine transformation estimation based on ICP. Experiment findings reveal that our proposed feature descriptor and transformation estimation outperforms state-of-the-art feature descriptors and transformation estimation, and registration effectiveness based on our registration framework of point cloud is extremely successful in Stanford 3D Scanning Repository, SpaceTime dataset, and especially Kinect dataset.
Vault-housed extensometers recorded two earthquakes in the Hyuga-nada subduction zone, Japan, with similar hypocenter locations that generated strain with the opposite sign
Authors: Yamazaki Kenichi , Yamashita Yusuke , Komatsu Shintaro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Miyazaki Observatory in southern Kyushu Island, Southwest Japan, acquires continuous strain measurements using vault-housed extensometers at several sites located adjacent to the offshore Hyuga-nada subduction zone. Two thrust earthquakes occurred in this offshore region on 10 May 2019 with similar hypocenter locations and fault mechanisms; however, the extensometers installed in one direction at Miyazaki Observatory recorded strain with the opposite sign for these events. Strain calculations within an assumed uniform half-space medium show that the opposite signs of the coseismic strain can be due to differences in hypocenter locations of only a few kilometers. This result shows that strainmeters can effectively detect offshore events and determine their relative locations when other ground observations are unable to precisely locate such events.
Alzheimer stage diagnosis from genomic and clinical data modalities using ‘Deep Learning’
Authors: Sarma Manash , Chatterjee Subarna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study focusses on diagnosis of stages of AD (Alzheimer’s disease) including MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) from two data modalities - gene expression and clinical data of ADNI (Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative ) participants using multiclassification. The gene expression dataset is highly imbalanced and of HDLSS (high-dimensional and low-sample-size) characteristics. This is the only study where multiclassification based AD stage diagnosis is done to identify multiple stages of Alzheimer. We are able to achieve the best multiclassification result in both the modalities and identify new genetic biomarkers.METHODS: Combination of XGBoost and SFBS (“Sequential Floating Backward Selection”) methods is used to select features. We are able to select the most effective 95 gene probsets out of 49,386. For clinical study data, 8 most effective biomarkers could be selected using SFBS. For both genomic and clinical data, DL (‘Deep Learning’) classifier is used to identify stages - CN (Cognitive Normal), MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), AD (Alzheimer’s Disease / Dementia). Because of high data imbalance in genomic data, border line oversampling is used for model training and original data for validation.RESULT & DISCUSSION: With clinical data, we achieved ‘ROC AUC’ scores 0.97, 0.95, 0.94 for CN, MCI, Dementia stage respectively . We achieve ‘ROC AUC’ scores 0.75, 0.74, 0.70 for CN, MCI, Dementia stage respectively and 0.67 for both micro average F1 scores and micro weighted F1 score. This is the best result so far for AD stage diagnosis from gene expression profile data through multiclassification with ADNI data. Results reflect that our multiclassification model can efficiently handle the imbalanced data of HDLSS nature to identify samples of minority class. MAPK14, ZNF835, MID1, HLA-DQA1, TEP1 are some of the new genes found to be associated with AD risk. DRAXIN, HSPA12B, USP47 etc. are found to be AD preventive or suppressor.
Syringic Acid ameliorates Bleomycin induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis in rats via maintenance of endogenous anti-oxidants and downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers
Authors: BVS Lakshmi , bethala krupavaram 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Chronic administration of bleomycin (BLM), a chemotherapeutic drug, has been linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It has been observed that syringic acid, a phenolic compound, has antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. To assess syringic acid's therapeutic potential against lung fibrosis caused by BLM and determine a potential mechanism of action.
Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were inducted into IPF after receiving 7.5 IU/kg of BLM intratracheally. Syringic acid (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to rats for 14 days, after which different parameters in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured.
Results: Altered BALF differential cell counts, elevated lung index, hydroxyproline, NO, and MDA plasma levels, and reduction in GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT in group receiving BLM were evidence of pulmonary toxicity. Administering 50 mg/kg of syringic acid significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the changes brought about by BLM. The expression of TNF-α was greatly reduced by syringic acid when it was stimulated by BLM. The BLM-treated group's histological analysis revealed significant lung damage with alveolar septal thickening, interstitial infiltration, collapsing alveolar gaps, and an elevated Ashcroft and Szapiel score. Syringic acid was used to lessen these effects. The syringic acid group (p<0.01) markedly reduced Szapiel score, collagen deposition, lung edema, and fibrotic alterations. It also inhibited the infiltration of myofibroblasts and inflammatory cells, primarily macrophages and lymphocytes. By inhibiting the TGF-β1/NF-κB pathways, syringic acid mitigates BLM-induced IPF. This, in turn, improves the control of oxidant and pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α) to decrease collagen deposition during pulmonary fibrosis.
Conclusion: Finally, it is concluded that Syringic acid can protect the lung against BLM-induced pulmonary oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis.
Performance Comparison of Large Language Models, GPT and Gemini on Turkish News Classification Task
Authors: Guven Zekeriya Anil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recently, large language models-LLMs have become very popular in many tasks of natural language processing. Examples of these tasks include text classification, question answering, text summarization, and text generation for natural language processing. Apart from LLMs, GPT and Gemini models are at the top of the list in terms of use for text generation tasks. This study aims to contribute to the literature on the use and comparison of LLMs and text generation models for the Turkish language. To achieve this purpose, the dataset consisting of Turkish news was classified by training BERT, ALBERT, DistilBERT, ELECTRA, XLM-RoBERTA LLMs with fine-tuning. Additionally, GPT-3.5 and Gemini text generation models were used by sending prompts for this classification task, and the success of the models was compared with LLMs. As a result of all analyses, the BERT model gave 97.619% accuracy among LLMs, while Gemini gave 99.167% accuracy among text generation models.
Visual Acuity after Prone Positioning in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Observational Qualitative Study with a simulation model
Authors: Cappellini Iacopo , Vannucci Laura , Scandagli Federico , Bettazzi Beatrice , Consales Guglielmo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has necessitated increased ICU admissions and the extensive use of prone positioning for ARDS management, prompting an examination of its broader impacts, especially on visual acuity. This study delves into the associations between prone positioning duration, gender, age, and visual outcomes in ARDS patients during the COVID-19 crisis.
Methods
An observational study was conducted on ARDS patients at Santo Stefano Hospital, focusing on those who underwent prone positioning. The study excluded individuals with pre-existing visual conditions unrelated to ICU treatment. A retrospective analysis of patient records provided data on demographics, ARDS management details, prone positioning frequency, visual acuity changes assessed through the Catquest-9SF questionnaire.
Results
40 participants were eligible and completed the Catquest-9SF questionnaire. Analysis revealed that longer pronation duration correlated significantly with visual impairments, with increased risks associated with advancing age and the number of pronation cycles. These findings, supported by Rasch analysis and logistic regression, highlighted the importance of considering age, gender, and pronation cycles in predicting visual outcomes.
Discussion
The study underscores the complex interplay of physiological, biological, and treatment factors affecting visual outcomes in ARDS patients. It introduces the concept of Post-Pronation Visual Reduction (PPVR), advocating for the integration of ocular health assessments into ICU care protocols and the development of strategies to minimize visual impairment risks.
Clinical trial: not applicable