bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case of Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, diagnosed at geriatric age, presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding, telangiectasias, and asymptomatic liver and lung angiodysplasia
Authors: Aktaş ŞH , Basat S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome (OWRS) is an autosomal dominant disease with recurrent epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasias, and arteriovenous malformations. Its clinical presentation ranges from simple skin lesions to life-threatening complications. When the diagnosis of the disease is delayed, it can be mortal and have high morbidity. This case is presented because OWRS is rare, and although she has all the features of the disease, she was diagnosed in the geriatric age group.

Case presentation
A 72-year-old female patient who applied to the emergency department with the complaint of melena was diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal system bleeding. Gastroscopy revealed angiodysplasia in the bulb. Colonoscopy was normal. She had telangiectasias on her face, maxilla, nose, tongue and lips. She also had recurrent epistaxis and a family history. Thorax CT showed aneurysmatic vascular malformations in the lung. Abdominal MRI revealed vascular malformations in the liver. Brain MRI was normal.
The patient was diagnosed with OWRS according to the Curaçao diagnostic criteria because of telangiectasia in the mouth, nose, and face, angiodysplasia in the gastric bulb, aneurysmatic vascular dilatation in the lung, vascular pathologies in the liver, and a history of epistaxis and telangiectasia in the patient’s family members.

Conclusion
This patient is presented because OWRS is rare, and although she has all the features of the disease, she was diagnosed in the geriatric age group. Clinicians should be aware of this rare disease. Especially in the elderly, when angiodysplasia causing gastrointestinal bleeding is detected, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis that this may be an OWSR case.
Construction of novel multi-epitope-based diagnostic biomarker HP16118P and its application in the differential diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis latent infection
Authors: Wang Jie , Jiang Fan , Cheng Peng , Ye Zhaoyang , Li Linsheng , Yang Ling , Zhuang Li , Gong Wenping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that significantly threatens human health. However, the differential diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (ATB) remains a challenge for clinicians in early detection and preventive intervention. In this study, we developed a novel biomarker named HP16118P, utilizing 16 helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, 11 cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, and 8 B cell epitopes identified from 15 antigens associated with LTBI-RD using the IEDB database. We analyzed the physicochemical properties, spatial structure, and immunological characteristics of HP16118P using various tools, which indicated that it is a hydrophilic and relatively stable alkaline protein. Furthermore, HP16118P exhibited good antigenicity and immunogenicity, while being non-toxic and non-allergenic, with the potential to induce immune responses. We observed that HP16118P can stimulate the production of high levels of IFN-γ+ T lymphocytes in individuals with ATB, LTBI, and health controls. IL-5 induced by HP16118P demonstrated potential in distinguishing LTBI individuals and ATB patients (p=0.0372, AUC=0.8214, 95% CI [0.5843 to 1.000]) with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 71.43%. Furthermore, we incorporated the GM-CSF, IL-23, IL-5, and MCP-3 induced by HP16118P into 15 machine learning algorithms to construct a model. It was found that the Quadratic discriminant analysis model exhibited the best diagnostic performance for discriminating between LTBI and ATB, with a sensitivity of 1.00, specificity of 0.86, and accuracy of 0.93. In summary, HP16118P has demonstrated strong antigenicity and immunogenicity, with the induction of GM-CSF, IL-23, IL-5, and MCP-3, suggesting their potential for the differential diagnosis of LTBI and ATB.
Staged biventricular repair in a premature neonate with critical aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, and fetal hydrops: a case report
Authors: Teguri Yuta , Kido Takashi , Miwa Koji , Kanaya Tomomitsu , Iwai Shigemitsu , Aoki Hisaaki , Tsumura Sanae 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The surgical management of critical aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left ventricular dysfunction is a significant clinical challenge. Whether left ventricular function will recover to support systemic circulation after the relief of aortic stenosis is a concern. In this setting, surgical or balloon aortic valvotomy combined with bilateral pulmonary artery banding and atrial septectomy may allow time for left ventricular adaptation, while the systemic circulation is supported by the right ventricle through the ductus arteriosus. We describe the case of a premature neonate with critical aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, and fetal hydrops who successfully underwent staged biventricular repair after bilateral pulmonary artery banding, atrial septectomy, balloon aortic valvuloplasty, and stent implantation for ductus arteriosus.

Case presentation
A 29-year-old female was referred to our hospital at 25 weeks of gestation with fetal echocardiography findings of critical aortic stenosis, severely impaired left ventricular function, severe mitral regurgitation, and restrictive foramen ovale. At 33 weeks of gestational age, the baby was born via cesarean delivery. Prostaglandin E1 infusion was immediately initiated, and the neonate underwent emergecy bilateral pulmonary artery banding and atrial septectomy. On the second day, a balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed. The neonate underwent stent implantation to open the ductus arteriosus and multiple-balloon aortic valvuloplasty. At 4 months of age, he underwent biventricular repair consisting of surgical aortic valvuloplasty, atrial septal defect closure, bilateral pulmonary artery debanding, and ductus arteriosus ligation. At 1 year of age, he underwent the Ross –Konno procedure. Six years after the operation, the patient’s general condition was stable, and the patient is doing well.

Conclusions
Staged biventricular repair was successfully achieved in a premature neonate with fetal hydrops and critical aortic stenosis associated with severe mitral valve regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction.
The relationship between obsessive–compulsive symptoms and real-life functioning in schizophrenia: New insights from the multicenter study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses
Authors: Tonna Matteo , Borrelli Davide Fausto , Aguglia Eugenio , Bucci Paola , Carpiniello Bernardo , Dell’Osso Liliana , Fagiolini Andrea , Meneguzzo Paolo , Monteleone Palmiero , Pompili Maurizio , Roncone Rita , Rossi Rodolfo , Zeppegno Patrizia , Marchesi Carlo , Maj Mario 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Although obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is highly prevalent in schizophrenia, its relationship with patients’ real-life functioning is still controversial.

Methods
The present study aims at investigating the prevalence of OCD in a large cohort of non-preselected schizophrenia patients living in the community and verifying the relationship of OCD, as well as of other psychopathological symptoms, with real-life functioning along a continuum of OCD severity and after controlling for demographic variables.

Results
A sample of 327 outpatients with schizophrenia was enrolled in the study and collapsed into three subgroups according to OCD severity (subclinical, mild–moderate, severe). A series of structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to analyze in each subgroup the association of obsessive–compulsive symptoms with real-life functioning, assessed through the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale and the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment. Moreover, latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to infer latent subpopulations. In the subclinical OCD group, obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) were not associated with functioning, whereas in the mild–moderate OCD group, they showed a positive relationship, particularly in the domains of work and everyday life skills. The paucity of patients with severe OCD did not allow performing SEM analysis in this group. Finally, LPA confirmed a subgroup with mild–moderate OCS and more preserved levels of functioning.

Conclusions
These findings hint at a positive association between mild–moderate OCD and real-life functioning in individuals with schizophrenia and encourage a careful assessment of OCD in personalized programs to sustain daily life activities.
Emx2 lineage tracing reveals antecedent patterns of planar polarity in the mouse inner ear
Authors: Goodrich Ellison J. , Deans Michael R. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
The planar polarized organization of hair cells in the vestibular maculae is unique because these sensory organs contain two groups of cells with oppositely oriented stereociliary bundles that meet at a line of polarity reversal (LPR). EMX2 is a transcription factor expressed by one hair cell group that reverses the orientation of their bundles, thereby forming the LPR. We generated Emx2-CreERt2 transgenic mice for genetic lineage tracing and demonstrate Emx2 expression before hair cell specification when the nascent utricle and saccule constitute a continuous prosensory domain. Precursors labeled by Emx2-CreERt2 at this stage give rise to hair cells located along one side of the LPR in the mature utricle or saccule, indicating that this boundary is first established in the prosensory domain. Consistent with this, Emx2-CreERt2 lineage tracing in Dreher mutants, where the utricle and saccule fail to segregate, labels a continuous field of cells along one side of a fused utriculo-saccular-cochlear organ. These observations reveal that LPR positioning is pre-determined in the developing prosensory domain, and that EMX2 expression defines lineages of hair cells with oppositely oriented stereociliary bundles.
Investigation of risk factors in the development of recurrent urethral stricture after internal urethrotomy
Authors: Gul Abdullah , Ekici Ozgur , Zengin Salim , Barali Deniz , Keskin Tarik 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND
Urethral stricture is a condition that often develops with trauma and results in narrowing of the urethral lumen. Although endoscopic methods are mostly used in its treatment, it has high recurrence rates. Therefore, open urethroplasty is recommended after unsuccessful endoscopic treatments.
AIM
To investigate the risk factors associated with urethral stricture recurrence.
METHODS
The data of male patients who underwent internal urethrotomy for urethral stricture between January 2017 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, comorbidities, preoperative haemogram, and biochemical values obtained from peripheral blood and operative data were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of recurrence development; recurrence and non-recurrence. Initially recorded data were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
A total of 303 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 66.6 ± 13.6 years. The mean duration of recurrence development was 9.63 ± 9.84 (min-max: 1-39) months in the recurrence group. Recurrence did not occur in non-recurrence group throughout the follow-up period with an average time of 44.15 ± 24.07 (min-max: 12-84) months. In the comparison of both groups, the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and multiple comorbidities were significantly higher in the recurrence (+) group (P = 0.038, P = 0.012, P = 0.013). Blood group, postoperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, preoperative cystostomy, cause of stricture, iatrogenic cause of stricture, location and length of stricture, indwelling urinary cathater size and day of catheter removal did not differ between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of age, uroflowmetric maximum flow rate value, hemogram parameters, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), fasting blood sugar, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio and AST/ALT ratios.
CONCLUSION
In patients with urethral stricture recurrence, only the frequency of DM and HT was high, while inflammation marker levels and stricture-related parameters were similar between the groups.
Nearly polarization-insensitive angular filters enabled by metal-dielectric photonic crystal in the visible region
Authors: Xu Tianyu , Chen Yihong , Lu Bingyu , Lai Jianjun 
Published: April 2024

We report on the design and fabrication of nearly polarization-insensitive angular filters, which have been developed through the optimization of one-dimensional Ag/MgF2 photonic crystals (PCs). We evaluate different initial systems for optimization and compare their results in terms of both the wavelength and angular selectivity. Our findings reveal that relaxing the strict periodic condition of initial photonic crystals with a small number of lattices has enabled improvement in the angular selectivity via Fabry–Perot resonances in dielectric layers, achieving a transmission as high as 81% at normal incidence by optimizing the dielectric layer thickness. The simulation results demonstrate that the transmitted beam through the angular filtering sample at 633 nm has allowable angles within 29° and 33° for TE and TM polarization, respectively, with a transmission over 80% at normal incidence. This proposed and demonstrated angular filter represents what we believe is a novel way to utilize 1D metal-dielectric PCs as polarization-insensitive angular filters, overcoming the main drawback of a low transmission. This angular filter will have significant applications in lighting, beam manipulation, optical coupling, and optical detectors.
Polarization-insensitive graphene-based band-notched frequency selective absorber at terahertz
Authors: Malekara Asal , Ghobadi Changiz , Nourinia Javad 
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a new polarization-insensitive graphene-based
frequency selective absorber (FSA) with a reflective notch designed
for terahertz applications. The proposed structure features two
absorption bands on either side of a central reflection band. The
design composes a lossy frequency selective surface (FSS), a bandstop
FSS with a metal backing, and an air spacer between. A wideband
absorber structure is developed in the first step, leveraging graphene
as an absorbent material in the lossy layer to achieve wideband
absorptive characteristics. Subsequently, a reflection band is
introduced by integrating a bandstop, lossless FSS layer into the
absorber structure. The overall structure demonstrates two distinct
absorption bands, characterized by absorptivity exceeding 80% within
the frequency ranges of 0.30 to 0.57 and 0.67 to 0.90 THz.
Simultaneously, a reflection notch is achieved at 0.60 THz.
Extensive simulations assessed the performance of the designed FSA.
The proposed structure exhibits stability under oblique incidence up
to 40 deg and allows tunable absorption specifications by
adjusting the chemical potential of graphene. It is noteworthy that
the FSA reflector offers advantages such as eliminating the need for
complicated, high-cost 3-D structures and welding of the lumped
resistors.
Measurements of seeing-induced crosstalk in tip–tilt corrected solar polarimetry
Authors: Mathur Harsh , Nagaraju K. , Pruthvi Hemanth , Sagaynathan K. 
Published: April 2024

We present measurements of seeing-induced crosstalk using
spectropolarimetric observations of sunspots recorded simultaneously
in the Hα and Ca ii 8662 Å
lines with the Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel (KTT) telescope. The Kodaikanal
Tower Tunnel telescope is integrated and installed with an image
stabilization system consisting of a tip–tilt and an autoguider
system. Additionally, the spectropolarimeter at KTT is upgraded to
allow for the simultaneous recording of spectropolarimetric
observations in three spectral lines. The tip–tilt system is shown to
have a cutoff frequency of 80 Hz, effectively reducing the
seeing induced crosstalk in the measured Stokes parameters by at least
a factor of 2.
Compact, low-loss, and high-polarized-extinction ratio terahertz TM-pass polarizer based on a hybrid plasmonic waveguide with a graphene ridge
Authors: Xu Ji , Yao Han , Chi Tiantian , Cheng Huichao , Yue Wenjie , Liu Biying , Zhang Xinrong , Li Sheng , Zhang Baifu , Lu Yunqing , Liu Ning 
Published: April 2024

A compact, low-loss, and high-polarized-extinction ratio TM-pass polarizer based on a graphene hybrid plasmonic waveguide (GHPW) has been demonstrated for the terahertz band. A ridge coated by a graphene layer and the hollow HPW with a semiround arch (SRA) Si core is introduced to improve structural compactness and suppress the loss. Based on this, a TM-pass polarizer has been designed that can effectively cut off the unwanted TE mode, and the TM mode passes with negligible loss. By optimizing the angle of the ridge, the height of the ridge, air gap height, and the length of the tapered mode converter, an optimum performance with a high polarization extinction ratio of 30.28 dB and a low insert loss of 0.4 dB is achieved in the 3 THz band. This work provides a scheme for the design and optimization of polarizers in the THz band, which has potential application value in integrated terahertz systems.
Optimized optical system with a 1.65  m wide-field corrector for the 6.5  m high-performance MUltiplexed Survey Telescope
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Bian Qi , Guo Liquan , Shectman Stephen , Tian Zhongtian , Huang Jinlong , Xu Chen , Cai Zheng , Huang Song , Lu Lu , Zheng Yamin , Mao Shude , Huang Lei 
Published: April 2024

The development of modern large-scale spectroscopic survey telescopes responds to the
urgent demand for spectral information in astronomical research.
Tsinghua University has previously proposed a 6.5 m MUltiplexed
Survey Telescope consisting of a Ritchey-Chretien configuration and a
1.8 m multi-element wide-field corrector, achieving excellent
performance and world-leading survey efficiency. However, an optimized
1.65 m multi-element corrector with five lenses is proposed to
overcome the constraints on glass uniformity and verification in
fabrication of the previous corrector design. It maintains outstanding
image quality, with the 80% enclosed energy diameter not more than
0.559 arcsec within 3° FoV over up to a 55° zenith angle. The
optimized optical system does not revise the working mode of the ADC
or the curvature of the primary mirror while ensuring the
reasonability and accuracy of manufacturing of large corrector
elements. It provides a more feasible reference optical design for the
MUltiplexed Survey Telescope in subsequent iterations and
communications with manufacturers.
Understanding the determinants of sweet taste liking in the African and East Asian ancestry groups in the U.S.–A study protocol
Authors: Cheung May M. , Hubert Patrice A. , Reed Danielle R. , Pouget Enrique R. , Jiang Xinyin , Hwang Liang-Dar 
Published: April 2024

Background
The liking for sweet taste is a powerful driver for consuming added sugars, and therefore, understanding how sweet liking is formed is a critical step in devising strategies to lower added sugars consumption. However, current research on the influence of genetic and environmental factors on sweet liking is mostly based on research conducted with individuals of European ancestry. Whether these results can be generalized to people of other ancestry groups warrants investigation.

Methods
We will determine the differences in allele frequencies in sweet-related genetic variants and their effects on sweet liking in 426 adults of either African or East Asian ancestry, who have the highest and lowest average added sugars intake, respectively, among ancestry groups in the U.S. We will collect information on participants’ sweet-liking phenotype, added sugars intake (sweetness exposure), anthropometric measures, place-of-birth, and for immigrants, duration of time living in the U.S. and age when immigrated. Ancestry-specific polygenic scores of sweet liking will be computed based on the effect sizes of the sweet-related genetic variants on the sweet-liking phenotype for each ancestry group. The predictive validity of the polygenic scores will be tested using individuals of African and East Asian ancestry from the UK Biobank. We will also compare sweet liking between U.S.-born individuals and immigrants within each ancestry group to test whether differences in environmental sweetness exposure during childhood affect sweet liking in adulthood.

Discussion
Expanding genetic research on taste to individuals from ancestry groups traditionally underrepresented in such research is consistent with equity goals in sensory and nutrition science. Findings from this study will help in the development of a more personalized nutrition approach for diverse populations.

Trial registration
This protocol has been preregistered with the Center for Open Science (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WPR9E).
Readiness of primary care centres for a community-based intervention to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases in the Caribbean: A participatory, mixed-methods study
Authors: Gobin Reeta , Thomas Troy , Goberdhan Sharlene , Sharma Manoj , Nasiiro Robert , Emmanuel Rosana , Rambaran Madan , McFarlane Shelly , Elia Christelle , Van-Veen Davon , Govia Ishtar , Palmer Tiffany , Read Ursula , Cruickshank J. Kennedy , Samuels T. Alafia , Wilks Rainford , Harding Seeromanie 
Published: April 2024

Introduction
Epidemiological transition to NCDs is a challenge for fragile health systems in the Caribbean. The Congregations Taking Action against NCDs (CONTACT) Study intervention proposes that trained health advocates (HAs) from places of worship (PoWs), supervised by nurses at nearby primary healthcare centres (PHCs), could facilitate access to primary care among vulnerable communities. Drawing on participatory and systems thinking, we explored the capacity of local PHCs in three Caribbean countries to support this intervention.

Methods
Communities in Jamaica (rural, urban), Guyana (rural) and Dominica (Indigenous Kalinago Territory) were selected for CONTACT because of their differing socio-economic, cultural, religious and health system contexts. Through mixed-method concept mapping, we co-developed a list of perceived actionable priorities (possible intervention points ranked highly for feasibility and importance) with 48 policy actors, healthcare practitioners and civic society representatives. Guided in part by the concept mapping findings, we assessed the readiness of 12 purposefully selected PHCs for the intervention, using a staff questionnaire and an observation checklist to identify enablers and constrainers.

Results
Concept mapping illustrated stakeholder optimism for the intervention, but revealed perceptions of inadequate primary healthcare service capacity, resources and staff training to support implementation. Readiness assessments of PHCs identified potential enablers and constrainers that were consistent with concept mapping results. Staff support was evident. Constraints included under-staffing, which could hinder supervision of HAs; and inadequate essential NCD medicines, training in NCDs and financial and policy support for embedding community interventions. Despite a history of socio-political disadvantage, the most enabling context was found in the Kalinago Territory, where ongoing community engagement activities could support joint development of programmes between churches and PHCs.

Conclusion
Multi-sectoral stakeholder consultation and direct PHC assessments revealed viability of the proposed POW-PHC partnership for NCD prevention and control. However, structural and policy support will be key for implementing change.