bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue-Specific Quantification of Radiation-Induced Cervical Fibrosis and Correlation with Cervical Range of Motion
Authors: Dapper Hendrik , Waltenberger Maria , Pigorsch Steffi U. , Combs Stephanie E. , Bauermeister Katharina , Bauermeister Wolfgang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Cervical fibrosis (CF) as a late consequence in patients after radiotherapy significantly impacts the long-term symptoms, functionality, and quality of life of these cancer patients due to a hardening process of different histological tissues. Modern Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastography now enables a differentiated analysis of the changes in various tissue types. In this study, tissue-specific changes in CF induced by radiation therapy in head and neck (ENT) cancer patients were quantified and correlated with cervical range of motion (CROM).
Materials and Methods
16 patients after radiation of the cervical lymphatic drainage were selected as the observation group (OG). Further, 16 people without radiation in the head and neck region were matched by gender, age, and BMI as the control group (CG). Stiffness measurements in kilopascal (kPa; 1 Pa = 1 N m− 2) were performed using shear wave elastography (SWE) to assess the elasticity of muscle, fascia, and subcutaneous tissue within and surrounding the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Specific parameters of the OG were compared to the CG and correlated with functional parameters and quality of life (QoL).
Results
The OG exhibited significantly higher stiffness values (Emean, Emax, Emin) across all tissue types than the CG, suggesting a tangible effect of radiation therapy on tissue stiffness. Muscle compartment analysis revealed the most significant stiffness differences. Thickness measurements indicated changes in the muscle and skin but not in the subcutaneous tissue. CROM measurements within the OG fell within normal ranges, suggesting a possible homogenizing effect of radiation treatment on CROM variability. Strong correlations were observed between age and specific stiffness measures, particularly in the OG group, indicating a broader impact of aging or radiation therapy on physiological measures. Significant correlations between tissue stiffness and CROM were found.
Conclusion
CF after radiotherapy occurs primarily in the muscle tissue and its fascia, with the hardening being about twice as pronounced as in the average population and becoming more pronounced with increasing age and correlates with CROM.
Applied in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry for evaluating erosion and fertilizer accumulation in the tropical soil around small isolated wetland
Authors: Moreira César Augusto , Govone José Silvio , Marchetti Victória , Furlan Lucas Moreira , Rosolen Vania 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Gamma-ray spectrometry has great potential to enhance the understanding of tropical soil properties, including those under intensive agriculture. We utilized gamma-ray spectrometry to assess erosion and the potential accumulation of NPK fertilizer in soil intensively cultivated for sugarcane monoculture, surrounding a small isolated wetland. Conducted in southeastern Brazil, our study involved measurements at 899 soil surface points using gamma-ray spectrometry to detect emissions from radionuclides such as uranium (U238), thorium (Th232), and potassium (K40). Additionally, we measured the hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) at 42 points to evaluate the hydro-physical attributes of the soil surface. The γ-radiation exhibited a close relationship with soil texture, leaching, and prevailing chemical removal. Hydric erosion that affects upslope soil shows high Ksat and very low K. The results indicate that the low K radionuclide contents in the upper soil horizon surrounding the small wetland are attributed to advanced tropical pedogenesis intensified by hydric erosion, with a high correlation with soil texture. The spatial analysis indicates heterogeneity of eU, and to a lesser extent eTh, exhibited levels lower than those found in the parent material, saprolite, and upper soil layers from the weathering profile. This suggests that soluble fertilizers have limited impact on the concentration of the radionuclides in agricultural areas surrounding the small wetland. Significant mobility, particularly of eU, can be associated with pedogenesis. Gamma-spectrometry detected variations in the distribution of the autocorrelated eU and eTh, suggesting a complex bonding with Fe-oxides or clay contents influenced by the small wetland.
A Novel AIE-active Salicylaldehyde-Schiff Base Probe with Carbazole group for Al 3+ Detection in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lv Chenyan , Hu Bowen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A donor-acceptor Schiff-base fluorescent probe BKS with chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism was designed and synthesized via benzophenone(Acceptor), salicylaldehyde and carbazole(Donor) for Al 3+ detection, which exhibited typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic. BKS probe could provide outstanding selectivity to Al 3+ with a prominent fluorescence “turn-on” at 545nm in a wide pH range of 2-11. Which was significantly lower than the standard of WHO [1-2] guidelines for drinking water. By the Job’s plot, the binding stoichiometry ratio of probe BKS to Al 3+ was determined 1:1. The proposed strategy offered a very low limit of detection at 1.486μM in THF/H20(V/V=1:4 HEPBS=10mM, pH=7.40) and a wider linear range of 0-500μM. Furthermore, the probe could hardly be interfered by other examined metal ions. The analysis of Al 3+ in real water samples with propriate recovery (100.72~102.85) with a relative standard deviation less than 2.82% indicated the accuracy and precision of BKS probe and the great potential in the environmental monitoring of Al 3+ .
Molecular modelling approaches for the identification of potent Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 inhibitors from Boerhavia diffusa for the potential treatment of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kabilan Shanmugampillai Jeyarajaguru , Sivakumar Oviya , Kunjiappan Selvaraj , Pavadai Parasuraman , Sundar Krishnan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health issue affecting 10–14% of the global population. The current study used molecular modelling tools to identify potential bioactive compounds from the folk medicinal plant Boerhavia diffusa for the treatment of CKD. The target protein was identified as sodium/glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), which has been linked to the development of CKD. Using IMPPAT database, twenty-five bioactive molecules from B. diffusa were identified and docked against the SGLT2 protein to determine their binding affinity. The molecular docking of the twenty-five compounds B. diffusa revealed that punarnavoside (-10.2 kcal × mol− 1), and flavone (-9.3 kcal × mol− 1) were potential drug candidates. Metabolites of punarnavoside were also predicted and re-docked with the same target. Among the metabolites, punarnavoside-1 exhibited a better docking score (-10.3 kcal × mol− 1). The pharmacokinetic and physico-chemical properties of the compounds were also predicted and assessed using web-based tools. Punarnavoside and flavone exhibited drug-like properties while having a lower toxicity profile. According to this study, the in-silico results of B. diffusa biomolecules were comparable to dapaglifozin, a standard CKD drug. As a result, punarnavoside and flavone are potent and safe SGLT2 inhibitors that could potentially be used in the treatment of CKD. Further experimental and clinical research is required to determine their efficacy and safety in the treatment of CKD.
Risk factors for bladder spasms after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Yu Chen , Chaoyu Liao , Siyue Li , Luqiang Zhou , Fang Guo , Ji Zheng , Caiping Song 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Postoperative bladder spasms in prostate cancer patients have the potential to significantly impact their quality of life following surgery. It is essential to investigate the risk factors associated with bladder spasms in this patient population post-radical surgery to develop effective prevention strategies.
Methods
A prospective selection was conducted on 281 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in our hospital from March 2022 to March 2024. They were divided into two groups based on whether bladder spasms occurred after surgery: the occurrence group (n = 130) and the non occurrence group (n = 151). Logistic regression analysis was performed on possible related factors to construct a column chart risk model. Another 43 prostate cancer patients who underwent radical surgery were selected to validate the model.
Results
The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative anxiety, postoperative body temperature above 37.4, and flushing fluid speed > 150 drops/min were independent risk factors for bladder spasms in prostate cancer patients after radical surgery (OR > 1), while robotic surgery were independent protective factors (OR = 0.563). A column chart prediction model was established based on the risk factors affecting postoperative bladder spasms, and internal validation was performed using Bootstrap method with 1000 repeated samples. The predicted values of the calibration curve were basically consistent with the actual values, and the Hosmer Lemeshow goodness of fit test was performed χ2 = 7.802, P = 0.453, the area under the ROC curve is 0.688 (95%CI: 0.626–0.750).
Conclusions
The occurrence of bladder spasms in prostate cancer patients after radical surgery is influenced by multiple factors, and the risk warning model established based on these factors has good predictive performance.
The potential therapeutic role of itaconate and mesaconate on the detrimental effects of LPS-induced neuroinflammation in the brain
Authors: Ohm Melanie , Hosseini Shirin , Lonnemann Niklas , He Wei , More Tushar , Goldmann Oliver , Medina Eva , Hiller Karsten , Korte Martin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Despite advances in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment, inflammation and its consequences remain a major challenge in the field of medicine. Inflammatory reactions can lead to life-threatening conditions such as septic shock, while chronic inflammation has the potential to worsen the condition of body tissues and ultimately lead to significant impairment of their functionality. Although the central nervous system has long been considered immune privileged to peripheral immune responses, recent research has shown that strong immune responses in the periphery also affect the brain, leading to reactive microglia, which belong to the innate immune system and reside in the brain, and neuroinflammation. The inflammatory response is primarily a protective mechanism to defend against pathogens and tissue damage. However, excessive and chronic inflammation can have negative effects on neuronal structure and function. Neuroinflammation underlies the pathogenesis of many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and can accelerate their progression. Consequently, targeting inflammatory signaling pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for various neuropathological conditions, particularly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, by curbing inflammation. Here the blood-brain barrier is a major barrier for potential therapeutic strategies, therefore it would be highly advantageous to foster and utilize brain innate anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The tricarboxylic acid cycle-derived metabolite itaconate is highly upregulated in activated macrophages and has been shown to act as an immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial functions. Mesaconate, an isomer of itaconate, similarly reduces the inflammatory response in macrophages. Nevertheless, most studies have focused on its esterified forms and its peripheral effects, while its influence on the CNS remained largely unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of endogenously synthesized itaconate and its isomer mesaconate in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory processes. Our results show that both itaconate and mesaconate reduce LPS-induced neuroinflammation, as evidenced by lower levels of inflammatory mediators, reduced microglial reactivity and a rescue of synaptic plasticity, the cellular correlate of learning and memory processes in the brain. Overall, this study emphasizes that both itaconate and mesaconate have therapeutic potential for neuroinflammatory processes in the brain and are of remarkable importance due to their endogenous origin and production, which usually leads to high tolerance.
A cross-sectional survey of first-aid kit equipment in a family in Sichuan, China
Authors: WAN DAN , WAN LI , HE HAIYAN , ZHONG QIANMEI , JIANG QINGLI , YANG XIURU , ZHANG DAN 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To examine residents’ first-aid kit preparation and its influencing factors.
Design:
Cross-sectional survey.
Methods
A questionnaire survey was conducted among 449 permanent residents in Sichuan Province using convenience sampling. We examined participants’ demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, health literacy, and personality.
Findings:
Of the participants, 111 (24.7%) stocked a home first-aid kit. The most frequent supplies were disinfection supplies (91.9%), common medicines (86.5%), and dressing supplies (76.6%). Family per capita monthly income, medical expenses payment method, chronic diseases, general self-efficacy, and health literacy were influencing factors of family first-aid kit preparedness.
Conclusion
A multilevel and interactive emergency literacy education system should be established to improve residents’ abilities to prevent emergencies.
Actor and partner effects of factors influencing fear of cancer recurrence among cancer patients with radiotherapy and their family caregivers
Authors: Ge Rong , Wang Shuman , Xu Wenjie , Liu Qing , Zhang Yanhong , Zhu Yu , Wan Hongwei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
Fear of cancer recurrence(FCR) poses a significant psychological challenge for patients undergoing radiotherapy and their family caregivers, affecting their overall well-being. This study examines the actor and partner effects of mindfulness, depression, and family avoidance of communication about cancer (FACC) on FCR of both patients and caregivers. This research contributes to the development of a dyadic intervention strategy for addressing FCR in psycho-oncology.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 265 inpatient cancer patients with radiotherapy and their family caregivers were sampled. Data on demographics, FCR, mindfulness, depression, and FACC were collected from both patients and caregivers in the final week of treatment. Actor-partner interdependence models through structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the actor and partner effects of mindfulness, depression, and FACC on FCR among patients and caregivers.
Results
The average FCR scores of 265 cancer patients with radiotherapy and family caregivers were 14.80 (SD = 6.85) and 15.56 (SD = 7.20), respectively. After adjusting for literacy, the Actor-partner interdependence models revealing that mindfulness, depression, FACC exerted a significant actor effect on FCR among both patients and caregivers. Three partner effects were found: caregivers’ mindfulness negatively predicted patient's FCR, caregivers' depression and FACC positively predicted the patient's FCR, patients’ FACC positively predicted caregivers’ FCR. However, patients' mindfulness and depression did not predict caregivers’ FCR.
Conclusions
The findings from this study suggest that future interventions should consider patients and caregivers as a unified entity. It is recommended to enhance mindfulness level, mitigate depression, and improve cancer-related communication to collectively reduce the FCR for both patients and caregivers.
Unicystic Ameloblastoma Masquerading as Vascular Lesion- A Case Report
Authors: Choudhary Aakriti , Sagar Parimala , Prasad Kavitha , Ranganath K. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial tumor of odontogenic origin which shows variations in its presentation that intrigue us. We report a case of unicystic ameloblastoma which presented, clinically and radiographically mimicking features of a vascular lesion. Patient reported with the chief complaint of pain and swelling in his left lower-third of the face. The investigations performed gave a diagnosis dilemma and hence deciding on appropriate investigations played a pivotal role to enable precise diagnosis of the lesion and also facilitated us surgeons to decide on the treatment plan.
Limit sets near a cusp-fold singularity in a class of 3D non-smooth vector fields
Authors: Euzébio Rodrigo Donizete , Romero Angie Tatiana Suárez 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We consider a class of three-dimensional non-smooth vector fields presenting a {\it cusp-fold singularity}. We develop a local approach to classify the limit sets of points positioned near the cusp-fold. The results state the existence of center manifolds connecting to the cusp-fold, the absence of isolated periodic orbits of any kind and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the cusp-fold. The results bring new, relevant material to the subject of structural stability and bifurcations of co-dimension one in three-dimensional non-smooth vector fields.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) MSC 34A36 · 34C05 · 37C27
Provision of Adolescent Mental, Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Technical Efficiency of Health Facilities in the Use of Resources Mobilized to Provide ASRH Services in Niger: The Case of Maradi and Niamey Regions
Authors: Ibrahim Nassirou , Silva Roxane Borgès  Da , Diarra Aïssa , Fenny Ama Pokuaa , Nonvignon Jacob , Amenah Michel Adurayi , Oumarou Saidou , Tapsoba Ludovic Deo Gracias , Gladzah Annick , Agyepong Irene Akua , Ensor Tim 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
In developing countries, many organizations are attempting to implement interventions to improve adolescent mental, sexual, and reproductive health (ASRH). One of the challenges to implementing these interventions is the efficiency of the use of available resources. Unfortunately, very few or in the case of some of the most resource-constrained contexts such as Niger, no efficiency studies are yet available. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study examined the provision of adolescent mental, sexual, and reproductive health services in Niger. It also analysed the technical efficiency and determinants of public health facilities in providing adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.
Method
The study was a cross-sectional survey of 160 health facilities (rural and urban) providing ASRHs in the Niamey and Maradi regions. The data were collected from May 31 to June 24, 2022. To examine the supply of mental health and sexual and reproductive health services, a descriptive frequency analysis was conducted. Then, to determine the technical efficiency scores of the health facilities, a stochastic frontier analysis based on the translog function was performed. A fractional logit regression was performed to analyse the determinants of the technical efficiency of the health facilities.
Results
More than 89% of the health facilities surveyed reported offering sexual and reproductive health services to adolescents in the Maradi and Niamey regions. However, the provision of mental health services remains very mixed, with only one in 10 facilities offering these services in the Maradi and Niamey regions. The stochastic estimation indicates an average technical efficiency score of 45%. The health facilities with higher-than-average scores were in rural areas and were run by men.
Conclusion
Given that the results indicated a limited provision of mental health services, action needs to be taken to alleviate this issue. Training for health personnel in the management of adolescents suffering from mental disorders. A low technical efficiency score indicates that health facilities can perform better. One way to improve the technical efficiency score is to equip health facilities with rooms for adolescents. Another way is to set up a well-stocked, functional pharmacy stocked with products related to sexual and reproductive health services.
Evaluating undersampling techniques in the prediction of potential congenital syphilis cases using real data from Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Leite Morgana Thalita da Silva , Rocha Élisson da Silva , Teixeira Igor Vitor , Melo Flávio Leandro de Morais , Endo Patricia Takako 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Syphilis can be transmitted congenitally and may cause serious consequences forthe child if not treated. The Programa Mãe Coruja Pernambucana (PMCP) is a brazilian public health program that helps pregnant women and saves data that can be used for prediction of potential congenital syphilis cases, through machine learning models. Only one work was found that predicts congenital syphilis through machine learning. This research uses a different methodology that evaluates undersampling in prediction. Random Undersampling, UnderSampling Based on Clustering (SBC) and NearMiss were used. The data was preprocessed and undersampling applied, generating different balanced datasets to train and test different machine learning models and different metrics for evaluation. Undersampling discarded data evaluation and analysis of distribution of the best attributes were applied to evaluate undersampling in best models. In models results, NearMiss trained models had high metrics, and very low in the discarded data. SBC models had smaller metrics, and in the discarded data went lower. Random Undersampling models had the lowest metrics, however in the discarded data showed similar results. The distribution of best attributes of NearMiss models were not similar to the original, contrary to Random Undersampling and SBC. NearMiss models had best results in the models, through this work evaluation showed that they cannot generalize the PMCP data and have not a representative distribution of the original data. Random Undersampling models had the lowest metrics but showed consistency through the evaluations, and thus are recommended for the congenital syphilis prediction.
Risk factors of surgical site infections after microwave ablation of uterus
Authors: Chen Chuan , Wu Hanshu , Wang Xinyu , Peng Ying , Peng Ying² , Lei Lei , Zhou Yin , Zhao Yangyang , Chen Gang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: As microwave ablation (MWA) becomes increasingly common in treating gynecological diseases, the complications, particularly surgical site infections (SSIs), have become a significant concern. It is crucial to identify the independent risk factors for SSIs and implement measures to prevent them.
Methods: The study population consisted of patients who underwent MWA at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China between December 2020 and November 2023. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of continuous variables. Normally distributed continuous variables were analyzed with the Student's t-test, while non-normally distributed variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were assessed using the χ2 test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors.
Results:In this retrospective analytical study, SSIsoccurred in 7.58%patients. And only surgical duration and abdominal adhesion we researched were independent risk factors.
Conclusion: This study presented data on SSIs following MWA surgery in China and identified specific risk factors. It offers valuable insights for reducing surgical complications, developing optimal preventive measures, and enhancing surgical safety.