bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Neutrophyl-To-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Ovarian Torsion in Children. Results of a Multicentric Study
Authors: Delgado-Miguel Carlos , Arredondo-Montero Javier , Moreno-Alfonso Julio César , Basilio María San , Pérez Raquel Peña , Carrera Noela , Aguado Pablo , Fuentes Ennio , Díez Ricardo , Hernández-Oliveros Francisco 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Pediatric ovarian torsion (OT) is an emergency condition that remains challenging to diagnose because of its overall unspecific clinical presentation. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of clinical, ultrasound and inflammatory laboratory markers in pediatric OT.
Methods
We performed a retrospective multicentric case-control study in patients with clinical and ultrasound suspicion of OT, in whom surgical examination was performed between 2016–2022 in seven pediatric hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups according to intraoperative findings: OT group (ovarian torsion), defined as torsion of the ovarian axis at least 360°, and non-OT group (no torsion). Demographics, clinical, ultrasound and laboratory features at admission were analyzed. The diagnostic yield analysis was performed using logistic regression models, and the results were represented by ROC curves.
Results
We included a total of 110 patients (75 in OT-group; 35 in non-OT group), with no demographic or clinical differences between them. OT-group patients had shorter time from symptom onset (8 vs. 12 hours; p = 0.023), higher ultrasound median ovarian volume (63 vs. 51 ml; p = 0.013), and a significant increase in inflammatory markers (leukocytes, neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein) when compared to the non-OT group. In the ROC curve analysis, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) presented the highest AUC (0.918), with maximum sensitivity (92.4%) and specificity (90.1%) at the cut-off point NLR = 2.57.
Conclusions
NLR can be considered as a useful predictor of pediatric OT in cases with clinical and ultrasound suspicion. Values above 2.57 may help to anticipate urgent surgical treatment in these patients.
Prognostic Value of Parapharyngeal Involvement Subclassifications Divided by Parapharyngeal Muscles in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Study of 1752 Patients from Two Centers
Authors: Fu Yue-Chun , Chen Lu-Si , Cui Chun-Yan , Xie Si-Dong , Xu Xiang-Ying , Liang Shao-Bo , Wang Xiao-Hong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Parapharyngeal involvement (PI) is common in local invasion but with different degrees in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study firstly assessed the prognostic value of PI subclassifications divided by parapharyngeal muscles in NPC.
Methods
1,752 newly diagnosed NPC patients from two centers were enrolled. The involvement of parapharyngeal muscles including levator veli palatine muscle (LVPMI), tensor veli palatine muscle (TVPMI), medial pterygoid muscle (MPMI) and lateral pterygoid muscle (LPMI) was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Univariate and multivariate models were constructed to assess the association between PI and survival.
Results
The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) between No-PI and LVPMI were similar, p values were 0.446, 0.337, 0.372 and 0.446, respectively, similar to PFS, OS, DMFS and LRRFS between MPMI and LPMI. So PI subclassifications were divided into four degrees: No-PI/LVPMI, TVPMI, MPMI/LPMI, and (infratemporal fossa involvement, IFI). The survival curves among four degrees were statistically different (p < 0.05), except for PFS, OS, and LRRFS between grade 3 and grade 4. Multivariate analyses indicated PI degree (grade 1/2 vs. grade 3/4) was an independent prognostic factor of PFS, OS, DMFS and LRRFS (p < 0.05). If MPMI/LPMI was classified into the T3 stage, there were only 0.6% (10/1,752) incidence rates changing in T2 or T3 stages, and the predictive value was without statistical difference (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
In NPC patients, it was feasible to divide PI by parapharyngeal muscles. The advanced PI predicted poorer survival outcomes than those with mild PI.
Split Face Randomized, Evaluator Blinded Study on the Effect of Multiple Subcisions on Rolling Acne Scars
Authors: Chen Brian , Haq Misha , Ma Melissa S. , Ahmed Areeba , Shi Victoria J. , Koza Eric , Brieva Joaquin C. , Yoo Simon S. , Lucas Jennifer , Alam Murad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Acne scarring results from a common inflammatory condition present in many people. These scars can have an impact on quality of life by influencing self-esteem and social acceptance. Current acne scarring treatments, such as chemical peels and laser treatments, often have limited success due to their time-consuming nature and the variability of acne scar types. The subcision technique has shown promise for the treatment of rolling acne scars. There are few studies to date that examine the effects of multiple subcision treatments on rolling acne scars. We evaluated whether the use of multiple subcision treatments improved the appearance of rolling acne scars compared to no treatment. Five patients with rolling acne scars on both sides of their face who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. One side of the face was randomized to receive treatment, while the contralateral side of the face received no treatment. Subjects underwent five sequential subcision treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart, with two follow-up visits at weeks 20 and 36 from the 1st treatment. Photographs were taken before and after the initial treatment visit and at each subsequent visit. Acne scar appearance was evaluated by the subject, a blinded live rater, and two double-blinded dermatologist raters. Evaluations of treatment outcomes involved overall acne scar appearance on a 5-point scale, acne scar improvement on a percentage scale, a modified quantitative global scarring grading system, and potential treatment side effects. There was a greater decrease in global scarring scores in the multiple subcision side compared to the control side. There was a greater difference in the average acne scar appearance scores between the Week 36 follow-up visit and baseline for the multiple subcision side compared to that of the control side. Fifty percent of patients reported being more satisfied with the treatment side compared to the control side in regard to overall improvement. The study results suggest that multiple subcision treatments may improve the appearance of rolling acne scars compared to no treatment.
Reasons for Gambling in University Students, Loneliness? A study on sports science students
Authors: seydioglu Cüneyt , Yagci Ihsan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the reasons behind university students' gambling and especially to examine the relationship between loneliness and gambling. The population of the research consists of the students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 1051 volunteer students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences selected by random method. The study data were obtained through Personal Information Form, Reasons for Gambling Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The sample group of the study consisted of students from 5 private and 2 foundation universities with a Faculty of Sports Sciences who had played at least one of the online games, sports betting, horse racing, lottery, card/table games and numerical lotto games with money in the last 3 months. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 package programme and the significance level was set as 0.05. According to the findings obtained as a result of the study, it was determined that students studying at private universities need to gamble for the reason of earning money, while students studying at public universities have a high urge to have fun/excitement as a reason for gambling. In addition, it was determined that students who do not work need to gamble for the reason of earning money. As another result, it was determined that students who do not do sports as a licensed athlete feel themselves more lonely than licensed athletes. In line with the main purpose of the study, it was concluded that loneliness triggers the urge to gamble.
Predictive risk model for radiation-induced pneumonitis in patients diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer receiving radiation therapy alone or in combination with immunotherapy: A retrospective study
Authors: Qu Wanxi , Wen Xin , Duan Rui , Issa Wadih , Ren Xiuyu , Ren Zhen , Zhang Longzhen , Ding Xin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential treatment for esophageal cancer with radiation induced pneumonitis (RP) as a possible adverse event. With the emergence of immunotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer (EC), whether in combination with RT or alone it increases RP incidence, which leads to the need of reevaluating the RP risk predication paraments.
Methods
Clinical and physical parameters were collected from patients with clinicopathologically confirmed unresectable locally advanced EC from 1/2020 and 7/2023. The endpoint was Grade ≥ 2 RP occurrence within 6 months after radiotherapy. The χ2 test and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship of categorical and continuous variables with RP occurrence respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to construct a RP risk model by R software, the accuracy of which was further evaluated by ROC and risk curves.
Results
After strict screening, 92 patients receiving RT alone and 84 patients receiving RT + Immunotherapy were eligible for inclusion in this study. The incidence of grade ≥ 2 RP in patients with EC who received RT and immunotherapy was 30.95%, which is higher compared to those who received RT alone (17.39%). Several factors were included for the construction of RP Risk Model by multivariate Cox regression in group RT and RT-I seperatly. Four factors were used for RP prediction risk model in patients who received the RT alone, and five factors were used for RP prediction risk model in patients who received the RT + Immunotherapy. The ROC curve indicated the satisfactory accuracy with AUC value was 0.734 and 0.805 in group RT and RT-I respectively. Risk curves confirmed favorable accuracy that the higher risk score, the higher RP risk, the lower interval times when RP happens after RT.
Conclusions
(1) The immunotherapy may increase the risk of RP. (2) We screened out five indicators (age, total irradiation dose, irradiation segmentation frequency, V15 and V20) for predicting RP incidence in EC patients receiving RT and immunotherapy combination, which provided an important theoretical basis for the RT treatment plan.
Noninvasive cervicovaginal proteomic biomarkers for spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Zhao Zhiguang , Hou Guixue , Cheng Danling , Dong Weiying , Wang Xinghe , Li Jia , Zhou Niya , Peng Huanhuan , Lin Liang , Zhang Huijun , Yan Siyao , Wu Jianfei , Zhang Min , zhou si , Yang Wenzhi , Guan Li-Ping , Qiu Zhixu , Zhao Wenrui , Zhang Xiao , Xu Wenqiu , Yu Guo , Haung Zhanyi , Tian Peirun , Wu Aidi , Mao Zhang , Lu Qiaoyun , Ye Lixin , Jin Fengmei , Deng Caixia , Zhou Tingting , Cheng Zhengyu , Qu Jinghui , Yin Ye , Zhang Jianguo , Zhou Wei , Yu Da , Yang Jinying , Zhao Lijian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Preterm birth (PTB), a leading cause of neonatal mortality, presents challenges in prediction with current methods focusing on traditional risk factors or biomarkers, particularly for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Here, we developed a machine-learning framework based on untargeted cervicovaginal fluid proteomics from 707 individuals (136 sPTB and 571 FTB, Full-term birth) across five hospitals. Our analysis identified 293 proteins with potential predictive value, subsequently distilled into a robust predictive model composed of five protein markers (LUM, AMBP, B2M, FN1, and TIMP1) demonstrating outstanding performance in predicting the risk of sPTB. It achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.89, 0.90, 0.92, and 0.94 in independent validation datasets from four hospitals, with an overall sensitivity = 0.73 and specificity = 0.92. Moreover, we reproduced the predictive performance of these five biomarkers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At system level, integrating proteomics data from all hospitals, we delineated two distinct molecular subtypes of sPTB, revealing functional differences. Concurrently, we conducted a drug target analysis, unveiling potential preventative drugs for sPTB. In summary, this research expands the repertoire of sPTB prediction biomarkers, offers a novel non-invasive predictive model for sPTB and provides valuable data resources for further investigation into the pathogenesis of preterm birth.
Global adaptive stabilization for a class of uncertain multivariable systems with nonlinear parametrization
Authors: Yang Shaohua , Cao Xiaoxi , Sun Zongyao , Li Xia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes an adaptive stabilization controlscheme for a class of multivariable interconnected nonlinear systems with nonlinear parametrization.It is a systematic result in a sense that the proposed control scheme is a generalone that also applies to systems with linear parametrization, without changing the controllerstructure.A novel integrated framework is built by means ofa functional bounding technique for handling nonlinear parameter/structure uncertainties, a modifiedbackstepping method for designing continuous state-feedback controllers, andLyapunov stability analysis for stabilizing interconnected system states and parameter estimates.A commonly physical simulation and a representative numerical simulation are presented,and their results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis by γ-butylbetaine and L-carnitin in plasma and urine revealed based on untargeted and targeted metabolomics
Authors: Zeng Wenjie , Wang Qitao , Chi Junyu , Gao Yangyang , Yang Zhicong , Li Jingqi , Li Xin , Wang Zhen , Qu Ming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has become an important factor in the global disease burden. In this study, the differential metabolites in urine were screened by untargeted metabolomics to find metabolic markers to compensate for the poor specificity and single defect of D-dimer, γ-butyl betaine (GBB), and L-carnitine (L-CN). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry ( UPLC-MS / MS ) was used to verify the levels of GBB and L-CN in clinical and rat blood and urine at different stages of DVT, and the diagnostic titer and correlation analysis of GBB and L-CN with DVT were analyzed in an all-round manner. The levels of GBB and L-CN in plasma and urine were lower in patients with DVT and in Sprague-Dawley rats than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the trends of GBB and L-CN were similar in plasma and urine of humans and rats with DVT. In human plasma, the area under the curve (AUC) of GBB combined with D-dimer was 0.914 (P < 0.001) in the acute group and 0.895 (P < 0.001) for L-CN combined with D-dimer in the subacute group. In human urine, the AUC of L-CN combined with GBB in the subacute group was 0.855 (P < 0.001). Therefore, GBB and L-CN are closely related to the development and progression of DVT and can be used to screen and diagnose DVT at different phases. Moreover, GBB and L-CN expression levels are similar in humans and rats, providing precise indicators and animal models for the in-depth study of the DVT formation mechanism.
Priming of ash saplings with a low virulent Hymenoscyphus fraxineus strain as a possible disease control approach for reducing symptoms of ash dieback
Authors: Ridley Maia , Demir Özge , Charria-Girón Esteban , Schulz Barbara , Surup Frank , Steinert Michael , Enderle Rasmus 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ash dieback is a tree disease caused by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Since its introduction into Europe, it has caused widespread and significant losses of the European ash, Fraxinus excelsior. Inoculations of F. excelsior with a low virulent H. fraxineus isolate was assessed as a promising method for reducing symptoms associated with ash dieback, presumably by triggering systemic induced resistance. Two strains of H. fraxineus were chosen based on observations of high and low in planta virulence. Crude extracts obtained from cultures of the highly virulent strain were more phytotoxic in a leaf puncture assay than ones obtained from the low virulent strain. UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS data identified the phytotoxin viridiol and the potential phytotoxin hyfraxin A in both cultures. However, the production of these compounds in vitro did not correspond with virulence in planta.
To test the effects of priming, saplings of F. excelsior were first inoculated with the low virulent strain and subsequently with the highly virulent strain. On average, necrosis expansion on the stems was reduced by 54% in primed saplings at the end of the monitoring period of 14 weeks, thus providing proof of concept for priming. These results contribute to our understanding of a possible integrated biological disease control approach for increasing resistance in saplings and reducing potential damages associated with pathogens, particularly during nursery propagation, out-planting and through the establishment phase. We discuss the results in the context of relevant literature and summarise the limited availability of literature on priming and underlying principles in trees.
A negatively charged cluster in the disordered acidic domain of GPIHBP1 provides selectivity in the interaction with lipoprotein lipase
Authors: Risti Robert , Reimund Mart , Seeba Natjan-Naatan , Lõokene Aivar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

GPIHBP1 is a membrane protein of endothelial cells that transports lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the key enzyme in plasma triglyceride metabolism, from the interstitial space to its site of action on the capillary lumen. An intrinsically disordered highly negatively charged N-terminal domain of GPIHBP1 contributes to the interaction with LPL. In this work, we investigated whether the plethora of heparin-binding proteins with positively charged regions found in human plasma affect this interaction. We also wanted to know whether the role of the N-terminal domain is purely non-specific and supportive for the interaction between LPL and full-length GPIHBP1, or whether it participates in the specific recognition mechanism. Using surface plasmon resonance, affinity chromatography, and FRET, we were unable to identify any plasma component, besides LPL, that bound the N-terminus with detectable affinity or affected its interaction with LPL. By examining different synthetic peptides, we show that the high affinity of the LPL/N-terminal domain interaction is ensured by at least ten negatively charged residues, among which at least six must sequentially arranged. We conclude that the association of LPL with the N-terminal domain of GPIHBP1 is highly specific and human plasma does not contain components that significantly affect this complex.
A modified GLIM criteria-based nomogram for the survival prediction of Gastric Cancer Patients undergoing Surgical Resection
Authors: Luo Xi , Cai Bin , Jin Weiwei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive model based on five GLIM variables to predict the individual survival and provide more appropriate patient counseling.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 210 gastric cancer (GC) patients undergoing radical resection, among whom 150 patients in the development cohort and 60 patients in the external validation cohort. C-reactive protein (CRP) as an inflammatory marker was included in GLIM criteria and a nomogram for predicting 5-year overall survival (OS) in GC patients was established.
Results: Of the total 210 patients, 16 (7.62%) died within 5 years. CRP improved the sensitivity and accuracy of the survival prediction model (AUC=0.779, 0.563 to 0.849 for the model without CRP; AUC=0.896, 0.645 to 0.963 for the model adding CRP). Besides, a GLIM-based nomogram was established with an AUC of 0.896. The C-index for predicting OS was 0.804 (95% CI: 0.645 to 0.963), and the calibration curve fitted well. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed the clinical utility of the nomogram based on GLIM.
Conclusion: The addition of CRP improved the sensitivity and accuracy of the survival prediction model. The 5-year survival probability of GC patients undergoing radical resection can be reliably predicted by the nomogram presented in this study.
Tracking EEG Network Dynamics through Transitions between Eyes-Closed, Eyes-Open, and Task States
Authors: Krukow Paweł , Rodríguez-González Victor , Kopiś-Posiej Natalia , Gómez Carlos , Poza Jesús 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Our study aimed to verify the possibilities of effectively applying chronnectomics methods to reconstruct the dynamic processes of network transition between three types of brain states, namely, eyes-closed rest, eyes-open rest, and a task state. The study involved dense EEG recordings and reconstruction of the source-level time-courses of the signals. Functional connectivity was measured using the phase lag index, and dynamic analyses concerned coupling strength and variability in alpha and beta frequencies. The results showed significant and dynamically specific transitions regarding processes of eyes opening and closing and during the eyes-closed-to-task transition in the alpha band. These observations considered a global dimension, default mode network, and central executive network. The decrease of connectivity strength and variability that accompanied eye-opening was a faster process than the synchronization increase during eye-opening, suggesting that these two transitions exhibit different reorganization times. While referring the obtained results to network studies, it was indicated that the scope of potential similarities and differences between rest and task-related networks depends on whether the resting state was recorded in eyes closed or open condition.