bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between intraocular pressure-lowering effects and alterations in scleral birefringence following micropulse cyclophotocoagulation
Authors: Nemoto Hotaka , Honjo Megumi , Okamoto Michiaki , Tominaga Sou , Yamanari Masahiro , Aoyama Yurika , Arai Takahiro , Ishiyama Yukako , Sugimoto Koichiro , Sakata Rei , Saito Hitomi , Fujishiro Takashi , Aihara Makoto 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To examine the changes in scleral birefringence, a marker of collagen-related fibrotic responses, following micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC) using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography, we conducted a prospective observational study involving 18 eyes of 16 glaucoma patients who underwent MP-CPC. The procedure employed a Cyclo G6 glaucoma laser system (IRIDEX, Mountain View, CA, USA) with laser power set at 2,500 mW and an 80-second duration per hemisphere. Over 6 months, we evaluated clinical outcomes and scleral birefringence, correlating them with intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. Post-MP-CPC, IOP significantly decreased, while birefringence notably increased at 1 and 3 months compared to pre-treatment levels (pretreatment: 1.00 ± 0.08, 1 week: 1.20 ± 0.11, 1 month: 1.27 ± 0.06, 3 months: 1.42 ± 0.07, and 6 months: 1.26 ± 0.15). This elevation suggests collagen remodeling in the sclera post-laser therapy. Notably, a positive correlation was observed between IOP reduction rate and birefringence increase at 3 and 6 months post-procedure. Our findings indicate a substantial rise in scleral birefringence following MP-CPC, positively associated with IOP reduction. These results shed light on a potential mechanism for IOP reduction and underscore the clinical significance of birefringence assessment in MP-CPC.
Identification of Critical Paths for Medicare fraud -- Configuration Analysis Based on Fraud Triangle Theory
Authors: Wang Mei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose The primary objective of this study is to address the urgent need to eliminate medical insurance fraud in the regulation of healthcare funds. Given the increasingly complex nature of fraud perpetrators, their methods, and the underlying motives, the supervision of medical insurance funds faces significant challenges.Methods To achieve this objective, we adopt a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we draw upon the fraud triangle theory and insurance contract-related theories to establish an analytical framework. Secondly, we employ fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to conduct a configurational analysis of medical insurance fraud cases from 31 provinces (including municipalities and autonomous regions) published by China's National Medical Insurance Administration.Results Our analysis reveals three primary pathways of medical insurance fraud: the "triangle-supported" type,the "pressure-driven" type, and the "opportunity-exploiting" type. Notably, the "pressure-driven" type emerges as the most prominent fraud pathway in China. Furthermore, private institutions are identified as high-risk areas for fraudulent activities compared to other entities.Conclusion In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the diverse and evolving nature of medical insurance fraud in China. By leveraging the fraud triangle theory and fs/QCA, we identify key fraud pathways and highlight the significant role of private institutions in perpetrating these fraudulent acts. The findings inform targeted strategies to strengthen the regulation of medical insurance funds and mitigate the risks associated with fraud.
Bridging the gap: examining circadian biology and fatigue alongside work schedules
Authors: Fedele Malena Mul , Casiraghi Leandro , Plano Santiago A. , Bellone Giannina , Golombek Diego A. , Vigo Daniel E. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The socio-cultural, industrial, and business demands of our current society require us to be active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This phenomenon implies working conditions that lead employees to perform their tasks in rotating shifts, during nighttime hours, and for extended shifts, thereby disrupting their biological rhythms, most fundamentally their sleep patterns. There is a need for naturalistic studies to evaluate the relationship between the specific design of work shifts and the actual amount of achievedsleep. To achieve this goal, we conducted a comprehensive study involving employees of the logistic chain of an oil company in Argentina. We compared three different types of work schedules that encompassed extended and rotating shifts work: 1) one in which workers completed two days of 12 h of daytime shifts followed by two consecutive 12 h night shifts, followed by four work-free days(“2x2x4x4x4” schedule), 2) one in which workers alternated four consecutive 12 h daytime shifts and four consecutive 12 h night shifts, flanked by four work-free days (“4x4x4” schedule), 3) and another, non-rotating, schedule involving continuous 12 h daytime shifts during 40 days, with no work-free days in between (“fixed 12h” schedule). Our study employed objective measurements such as wrist-actigraphy to record sleep patterns, temperature loggers to monitor peripheral temperature rhythms, as well as subjective self-reports regarding fatigue, somnolence, and psycho-affective features. In all cases, the duration of sleep during the resting period was significantly less than the recommended 7 hours of nocturnal sleep. The “2x2x4”schedule resulted in decreased sleep regularity and increased circadian disruption, associated with more nocturnal sleep time after diurnal work. Also, this shift exhibited higher levels of insomnia, increased fatigue impact, lower alertness levels, and heightened symptoms of depression. Our findings indicate that specific parameters vary depending on the type of schedule worked suggesting that, in practical terms, certain schedules are healthier and safer for these workers. These results provide valuable insights for the design of safer and healthier work schedules, with the potential to enhance worker well-being and overall productivity.
Efficient conversion of glutamic acid to healthy protein like thiomide with lycopene as catalyst using catalytic transfer sulfurization process
Authors: Ramesh Martha , Nagaraju Ravoori , kumar A Santhosh , Rao Venkateswara , reddy P Ramana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper describes a simple one-step catalytic transfer sulfurization technique that may be used to synthesize glutamic thiamides with the aid of lycopene. First, lycopene is made from fresh tomatoes using a solvent extraction technique, and it is then utilized to make the glutamic thiomides. Glutamic thiamide particles are characterized by Raman, FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDS. The lycopene acted as a catalyst for sulfurizing of glutamic acid in H2S atmosphere. According to Image J analysis, the average size of the glutamic thiomide enclosed by lycopene is estimated to be in the range of 30 nm - 10 nm, respectively. When lycopene or H2S are heated to 100°C for 45 min, lycopene shows 81.9 % catalytic activity in the conversion of glutamic acid to glutamic thiomide, and 89.2% with selectivity. Lycopene alone demonstrates 35.68% catalytic activity in the conversion of glutamic acid to glutamic thiomide with ethanol for the reaction time 15min. Moreover, lycopene-100 is stable and exhibits high catalytic efficiency in the decomposition of glutamic acids using various polar solvents.
Effects of Aspirin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Composite and Subdomain Scores from the NEI-VFQ-25 Questionnaire: The ASCEND-Eye Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sammons Emily L , Buck Georgina , Bowman Louise J , Stevens William M , Hammami Imen , Parish Sarah , Armitage Jane 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The double-blind, 2x2 factorial design, placebo-controlled ASCEND randomized trial compared the effects of 100mg aspirin daily and, separately, 1g omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) daily on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in 15,480 UK adults with diabetes. We report the effects of these randomized treatment allocations on scores derived from the National Eye Institute’s Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) in a subset of participants involved in the ASCEND-Eye sub-study.
Methods:
Ordinal data from the NEI-VFQ-25 were analyzed using proportional odds regression methods. A common odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to interpret the average effect size of randomization to each study treatment on composite and subdomain scores from the questionnaire.
Results:
Neither randomization to aspirin nor omega-3 FAs for 7.5 years significantly affected composite or subdomain scores from the NEI-VFQ-25.
Conclusion:
Applying the NEI-VFQ-25 in ASCEND-Eye represents one of the largest surveys of vision-targeted health-related quality of life in people with diabetes. Further observational analyses of these data are planned, to identify the clinical and demographic characteristics associated with lower composite and subdomain scores in a diabetic population.
Study registration: Eudract No. 2004-000991-15; Multicentre Research Ethics Committee Ref No. 03/8/087; ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT00135226; ISRCTN No. ISRCTN60635500
Protocol: available via the ClinicalTrials.gov website.
Impact of parameterization schemes on temperature simulation over China using the variable-resolution MPAS-A
Authors: BAI Rui , Sun Qizhen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this study, we investigate how different physical parameterizations impact the simulation of surface (2 m) air temperature over China using the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A) with a customized 92-25 km variable resolution. All simulations use ERA-Interim reanalysis data as the initial conditions for three selected typical years (1987, 1998 and 2011), and seven sub-regions is divided to assess the performance of different parameterization schemes on varying climate types. We performed 12 simulations using combinations of two shortwave–longwave (SW-LW) radiation, three cumulus convective (CUM) and two microphysics (MP) schemes. Model performance is evaluated using CN05 observation. The simulation shows significant sensitivity to SW-LW schemes, with the large difference of RSME scores. And RRTMG exhibits lower bias over more than half of the sub-regions. The influence of CUM schemes is weaker than that of SW-LW schemes on surface air temperature simulation. GF shows best model BIAS over more sub-regions. Followed is KF. For the MP schemes, the difference between the simulation results of Thompson and WSM6 is not significant for the same time and sub-region. Further we analysis the influence of different parameterization combinations. RRTMG_Thompson_NTDK combination performs best relative to other combinations under all conditions, with higher spatial correlation coefficient, lower root-mean-square error and bias. The annual cycles of surface air temperature could also be reasonably reproduced. Our results indicate a better parametrization scheme configuration, evaluate the simulation performance of the MPAS model for surface air temperature over China, and provide a meaningful reference for future researches.
A Comparative Study of Surgical Excision and Steroid Injection in Managing Ganglion Cysts
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Karpaka Vinayakam , P Kawushik Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Ganglion cysts are benign soft tissue tumors that commonly occur in the joints, especially the wrist. Surgical excision and steroid injection are the two main treatment options; however, their efficacy remains unclear.
Methods
This prospective interventional control trial included 54 patients with ganglion cysts treated between March 2023 and March 2024 at Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Chennai. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A underwent surgical excision and Group B received aspiration followed by 40 mg of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection.
Results
The highest incidence was observed in younger patients aged 14–19 years (13 patients), with more females (57.4%) affected. The cysts were equally distributed between the left and right hands. All patients presented with swelling, and 59.3% experienced pain/discomfort. In Group A surgical excision success rate was 92.5%, with a 7.5% recurrence rate. Group B had a lower success rate (64.3%) and higher recurrence rate (35.7%) with aspiration and injection.
Conclusion
Surgical excision demonstrated significantly better outcomes, with higher success and lower recurrence rates than aspiration and steroid injection for the management of ganglion cysts. Therefore, this should be considered the preferred treatment option.
Disseminated Cryptococcal Gattii Infection in a Patient with Anti- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating-Factor Autoantibody: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Chi-Tung , Chung Wei-Hsin , Ho Mao-Wang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. The major species include Cryptococcus grubii, Cryptococcus neoformans, and rarely, Cryptococcus gattii. Here we present a disseminated Cryptococcus gattii infection in a patient with elevated granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor autoantibody which was successfully treated with antifungal therapy.
Case presentation:
A 61-year-old healthy man presented with a 3-week history of blurred vision, low-grade fever, headache, and a one-year history of low back pain following a fall on his farm. Physical examination revealed lower back tenderness and diplopia. He was tested negative for hepatitis B, C, and human immunodeficiency virus. Chest X-ray revealed a focal opacity in the right retrocardiac paraspinal region and pleural effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass located at the L1 prevertebral region and multiple rim-enhancing lesions in bilateral cerebral hemispheres. Thoracoscopy demonstrated cystic lesions at the right costopleural angle. Pathology and microbiology studies confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated Cryptococcus gatti infection. Autoantibodies to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were detected and were considered to cause disseminated cryptococcosis. The patient was started on amphotericin B followed by fluconazole treatment. One month later, the symptoms ameliorated and repeated image studies after 1 year of follow-up showed the resolution of lesions.
Conclusion:
This report describes the first case of disseminated cryptococcus gattii infection involving the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, and central nervous system with granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor autoantibody by evidence of histology and microbiology.
Impaired MC3T3-E1 osteoblast differentiation triggered by oncogenic HRAS is rescued by the farnesyltransferase inhibitor Tipifarnib
Authors: Andrasch Yannik , Ireri Moses Munene , Timm Ann-Engelke Sabrina , Chennappan Saravanakkumar , Engler Melanie , Cirstea Ion Cristian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

HRAS is a ubiquitously expressed protein and functions as a central regulator of cellular homeostasis. In somatic cells, mutations in this gene cause cancer, while germline mutations trigger a developmental disorder known as Costello syndrome (CS). Among numerous pathologies, adult CS patients develop osteoporosis. Previous studies implicated HRAS in bone homeostasis by controlling osteoblast differentiation, adaptation to mechanical strain and repression of RANKL expression in mature osteoblasts, and by regulating osteoclast differentiation. However, the impact of HRAS on osteoblast differentiation is still debatable. In this study, we created stable doxycycline inducible cell lines overexpressing HRAS G12 mutants in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cell line and analyzed their impact on osteoblast differentiation. We demonstrated an inhibitory role of HRAS G12S and HRAS G12V mutants on osteogenic differentiation and identified an increased expression of Opn in an HRAS-dependent manner, which directly correlated with impaired osteogenesis, and was rescued by the farnesyl transferase inhibitor Tipifarnib. At the molecular level, Tipifarnib was not able to block HRAS activation, but impaired HRAS localization to the plasma membrane, and inhibited MAPK activation and Opn expression. Thus, HRAS abundance/activation and its crosstalk with OPN may be more critical for osteogenic differentiation than previously assumed.
Enhancing Patient Outcomes through Microwave Ablation in Hepatic Malignant Tumors: Insights on Recurrence Factors
Authors: Shi Jutian , Jiang Yutian , Li Jinpeng , Chen Hua , Cong Ning 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The treatment of hepatic malignant tumors poses a significant global health challenge, often managed through percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA). Understanding the effectiveness of MWA and the factors influencing tumor recurrence is essential for improving patient outcomes. Methods: In this study, a cohort of 101 patients out of 249 with hepatic malignant tumors treated at the Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute were analyzed. The study evaluated disease-free and overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years post-MWA, exploring correlations between tumor recurrence and variables such as Child-Pugh B liver function classification and lesion count. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for recurrence following MWA treatment. Results: Disease-free survival rates of 80.2%, 72.3%, and 70.3% at 1, 2, and 3 years post-MWA were observed, alongside overall survival rates of 99%, 97%, and 96%. Noteworthy associations were found between tumor recurrence and Child-Pugh B classification, as well as the number of lesions. The meta-analysis further supported lesion count and Child-Pugh B classification as independent risk factors for recurrence post-MWA. Conclusion: Child-Pugh B classification and lesion count emerge as pivotal factors in predicting tumor recurrence post-MWA treatment for hepatic malignant tumors. These insights offer valuable guidance to clinicians in treatment decisions and post-treatment monitoring strategies, potentially leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
Exploring Modifiable Risk Factors: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Analyses of Gastric Cancer in East Asian Populations
Authors: He Wenjun , Tan Xin , Yang Weihao , Huang Donghua , Zhang hengyi , Liu hao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The incidence of gastric cancer (GC) shows strong geographic variation, with the highest incidence occurring in East Asia. Epidemiological studies have linked lifestyle, diet, and inflammatory factors to the risk of GC. However, their causal relationship is subject to debate due to the potential presence of bias. Addressing these uncertainties is vital for guiding effective preventive strategies.
Methods: We used genetic variants as instruments via two-sample univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine the relationships between 40 potentially modifiable risk factors and gastric cancer in 6563 patients with gastric cancer and 195745 controls. These population data came from a genome-wide association study of people of Asian ancestry and were obtained from BioBank Japan(BBJ).
Results: Our multivariable MR analyses provided suggestive evidence of a potential association between genetically predicted concentrations of serum hemoglobin (ORSD 0.62 [95% CI 0.41 ~ 0.93]; p=0.02), lactate dehydrogenase (ORSD 0.62 [95% CI 0.41 ~ 0.93]; p<0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (OR SD0.80 [95% CI 0.73 ~ 0.88]; p <0.001) and a decreased risk of GC. Furthermore, our study revealed a causal link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (ORSD 0.83, 95% CI=0.73~0.93, P value=0.002) and GC incidence.
Conclusions: This analysis identified several potential modifiable factors for gastric cancer, including hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and T2DM. These findings should be considered when formulating strategies for the primary prevention of GC, thereby informing evidence-based public health policies.
Prognostic implications of tumor mutation burden in postoperative patients with colorectal cancer who received capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective exploratory study
Authors: Zhu Yuanzeng , Zhang Han , Zhou Yang , Chen Wenchao , Lu Di 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of tumor mutation burden (TMB) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who underwent surgical resection and capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy.
Methods: A total of 82 patients with CRC who underwent surgical resection and capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study retrospectively. Tumor tissue specimens were collected for DNA extraction after surgical resection. Somatic mutation detection and TMB analysis were performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tumor-related genes. The recurrence status of the patients was assessed in the hospital during the adjuvant chemotherapy period, and the long-term survival data of patients were obtained by telephone follow-up. The univariate analysis between TMB status and prognosis was carried out by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and adjusted by multivariate Cox regression analysis subsequently.
Results: The median follow-up period of this study was 5.3 years (range: 0.25-9.6 years). The median disease-free survival (DFS) of the 82 patients was 4.5 years, the median overall survival (OS) was 5.7 years. The results of NGS analysis demonstrated that the most common mutated somatic genes among the 82 patients were TP53, APC, RAS, PIK3CA and EGFR, and the prevalence was 62.2%, 58.5%, 47.6%, 34.1% and 30.4%, respectively. Other somatic mutant genes were of relatively low frequency (<30%). Regarding the TMB analysis, the overall somatic mutation burden of the 82 patients was comparatively low [median: 3.9/Mb (range: 1.6-48.6/Mb)]. TMB status was divided into TMB-L (≤3.9/Mb) and TMB-H (>3.9/Mb) according to the median TMB threshold. And the patients with TMB-L and TMB-H were observed in 42 cases and 40 cases, respectively. Prognostic analysis according to TMB status demonstrated that the median OS of patients with TMB-L and TMB-H was 6.5 and 4.5 years, respectively (P=0.009). Additionally, in order to adjust the confounding factors that might influence OS, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was introduced and the results exhibited that TMB status was an independent factor for OS (HR=0.71, P=0.011).
Conclusion: TMB might be considered as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with CRC who underwent surgical resection and capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Results of this study should be elucidated in large-scale prospective clinical trial subsequently.