bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary utilization of high-resolution direct MRI fistulography with hydrogen peroxide in diagnosing anorectal fistula: A retrospective study
Authors: Chang Cancan , Qiao Longhu , Zhang Zhenqi , Tian Xiao , Zhang Yu , Cheng Wenwen , Wang Xia , Yang Qing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Fistula-in-ano is an abnormal tunnel formation linking the anal canal with the perineum and perianal skin. Multiple imaging methods are available to evaluate it, among which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most advanced noninvasive preoperative method. However, it is limited in its visualization ability. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a specific mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and gadolinium as a direct contrast agent for high-resolution HPMRI of perianal fistula. Additionally, it investigated the value of this new method for preoperative examination of complex or recurrent fistula via a preliminary study.
Methods
Preoperative physical examination, conventional ultrasonography, MRI plain scan, and high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography data from nine patients with surgically confirmed complex or recurrent fistula-in-ano were retrospectively analyzed. We also assessed the detection rates of fistula tracks and their associated internal openings, including the connection between them and the internal and external anal sphincters. Furthermore, the detection of perianal abscess was analyzed relative to the intraoperative observations.
Results
Surgical confirmation revealed nine cases of anal fistula, including 17 internal openings, 18 fistula tracks, 21 external openings, and six perianal abscesses. ROC curve analysis revealed that the effectiveness of the physical examination, conventional ultrasound, and MRI plain scans for detecting internal openings was lower than that of high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography (Z = 3.739, 2.642, 2.642, all p < 0.05). The efficacy of physical examination and conventional ultrasound in detecting fistula tracks was lower than that of high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography (Z = 2.394, 2.503, all p < 0.05). The effectiveness of physical examination in detecting perianal abscess was inferior to that of high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography (Z = 3.417, p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the ability of MRI plain scan to detect fistula tracks or in the capacity of conventional ultrasound to detect perianal abscesses than that of high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography.
Conclusions
This novel high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography technique enhances the visualization of recurrent and complex fistula-in-ano, enabling visualization of branched fistulas, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Improved Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Differentiation Syndrome Contribute to Reducing Early Mortality in Patients With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Chen Suning , Wu Qian , Yang Xiaofei , Zhang Jing-Ren , Xue Mengxing , Wu Depei , Xue Mengxing , Ge Zheng , Chen Yifei , Gu Weiying , Dong Weimin , Chao Hongying , Jiang N , Sun Xuemei , Liu Zefa , Shi Jin-Ning , Chen Hui , Zhang Cixian , Min Fengling , Sun Hongli , Qian Xiaoli , Yuan Hongjian , Feng Yuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this report, we present an optimized prevention and treatment strategy for differentiation syndrome (DS). A total of 111 eligible patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) − 78 classified as low-risk and 33 as high-risk - received induction treatment consisting of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in combination with an arsenic agent. Different doses of dexamethasone were administered based on the dynamics of white blood cell (WBC) counts to prevent DS. Ruxolitinib was used as a second-line therapy for DS. Among the patients, 41 (36.9%) experienced DS, with 16 having a severe form (14.4%) and 25 having a moderate form (22.5%). There was no significant difference in the incidence and severity of DS between the low-risk and high-risk patients (p = 0.057 and p = 0.056, respectively). The efficacy of ruxolitinib in cases of DS resistant to steroids was 67% without interruption of ATRA therapy. After discontinuing ATRA, the remaining DS cases were relieved through treatment with dexamethasone and ruxolitinib. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 1.8% (2/111), with two high-risk patients succumbing to intracranial hemorrhage. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in the remaining 109 patients. Our findings suggest that personalized prophylaxis against DS can mitigate the negative prognostic impact of hyperleukocytosis, and ruxolitinib is effective and well tolerated for refractory DS, ultimately decreasing early mortality in APL patients .(clinical trials.gov NCT04446806).
Stanniocalcin 1 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 cooperatively regulate local bone mineralization by osteoblasts
Authors: Kim Nacksung , Kim Jung Ha , Kim Kabsun , Kim Inyoung , Seong Semun , Koh Jeong-Tae 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) is a calcium- and phosphate-regulating hormone that is expressed in all tissues, including bone tissues, and is involved in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Previously, STC1 expression was found to be increased by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] administration in renal proximal tubular cells. In this study, we determined whether STC1 directly regulates osteoblast differentiation or reciprocally controls the functions of 1,25(OH)2D3 in osteoblasts to contribute to bone homeostasis. We found that STC1 inhibited osteoblast differentiation in vitro and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)-induced ectopic bone formation in vivo. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3 increased STC1 expression through direct binding to the Stc1 promoter of vitamin D receptor (VDR). STC1 activated the 1,25(OH)2D3–VDR signaling pathway through the upregulation of VDR expression mediated by the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation in osteoblasts. STC1 further enhanced the roles of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the secretion of RANKL and inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by exhibiting a positive correlation with 1,25(OH)2D3. The long bone phenotype of transgenic mice overexpressing STC1 specifically in osteoblasts was not significantly different from that of wild-type mice. However, compared with wild-type mice, 1,25(OH)2D3 administration significantly decreased bone mass in STC1 transgenic mice. Collectively, these results suggest that STC1 negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation; however, the inhibitory effect of STC1 on osteoblasts is transient and could be compensated under normal conditions. Nevertheless, the synergistic effect of STC1 and 1,25(OH)2D3 through 1,25(OH)2D3 administration may reduce bone mass by inhibiting osteoblast differentiation.
The lethal effects of high-frequency ultrasound waves in Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae) nymphs and adults
Authors: Kavur Hakan , Özkurt Halil , Büyükkatran Fatma , Evyapan Gülşah , Kalkan Sümeyye , Çelik Zehra , Kurcan Emine , Karataş Duran Ali , Alptekin Davut 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Pediculus humanus capitis, are not a primary health hazard or a vector for disease but a societal problem with substantial costs. The diagnosis of head lice infestation is best made by finding a live nymph or adult on the scalp or hair of a person. The aims of this study was: to assess the effects of high-frequency ultrasound waves on adults and nymphslouse. We collected a total of 1000 specimens (400 adults and 600 nymphs) for exposure to high-frequency ultrasound waves in five different frequency ranges between 0.5 and 2.5 MHz for 24 hours. Also, the number of dead individuals was recorded at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 16th, and 24th hours. Among the ultrasound frequencies used to treat head lice, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 MHz produced the highest dead number of individuals. The dead number of louse varied depending upon the frequency of ultrasound they were exposed to and the duration of the exposure. We suggest that frequencies from 1.5 to 2.5 MHz effectively control pediculosis and that potential equipment with frequency values in this range can be used for treatment and prevention.
Systematic Design and Evaluation of Aptamers for Specific Detection of VEGF and PLGF Biomarkers of Preeclampsia
Authors: Mallawarachchi Samavath , Cebecioglu Rümeysa E. , Althumayri Majed , Beker Levent , Fernando Sandun , Koydemir Hatice Ceylan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition for both mother and baby, is characterized by hypertension and potential organ damage. Early diagnosis is crucial to mitigate its adverse health effects. While traditional diagnostic methods focus on late-manifesting symptoms like hypertension and proteinuria, there is an increasing emphasis on molecular diagnostic approaches for timely detection and intervention. This study explores the design and evaluation of aptamers for specific detection of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) as biomarkers for preeclampsia, given their roles in angiogenic imbalances associated with the condition and their impact on placental development. Leveraging aptamers as an alternative to antibodies, we designed specific sequences for VEGF and PlGF, delving deep into their binding dynamics and interaction patterns. Aptamers were designed by combining nucleotides with a high affinity towards the receptors, and the affinity of these aptamers towards the receptors was evaluated using in-silico and in-vitro techniques. Based on in-vitro validations, we identified specific aptamers showing nano-molar level affinities towards VEGF and PlGF. These aptamer designs could help develop new aptasensor-based, cost-effective point-of-care technologies with high sensitivity and specificity.
Weighted EHR-Based Prevalence Estimates for Hypertension at the State and Local Levels in Louisiana
Authors: Li Wenjun , Zhang Meng , Cheng Jie , Jackson Sandra L. , Vaughan Adam S. , Klompas Michael , Carton Thomas W. , Nauman Elizabeth , Mendoza Lee , Adhikari Arun , Donovan Jeanie , Hohman Katherine H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Modernization of public health data systems is a national priority. Improved chronic disease surveillance can provide more timely, accurate, and local measures to inform public health policy and intervention. Although electronic health record (EHR) data have great potential for surveillance, population coverage is non-random, which may result in biased estimates. Statistical approaches are needed to adjust estimates to represent the underlying population and validate the results against independent estimates.
Methods: MENDS, the Multi-State-EHR-Based Network for Disease Surveillance, uses EHR data to calculate chronic disease and risk factor prevalence metrics. In this study, we applied post-stratification weighting to MENDS data from nearly 800,000 adults from Louisiana to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and hypertension control at the state and parish (county-equivalent) levels during February 2023. We then compared weighted MENDS hypertension prevalence estimates with measures derived from traditional public health surveillance.
Results: Weighted MENDS hypertension prevalence estimates were approximately 10% lower than crude MENDS estimates, and approximately 13% higher than hypertension awareness estimates from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, with similar geographic and demographic patterns. Weighted MENDS hypertension prevalence estimates indicated that 43.0% of Louisiana adult residents had hypertension (versus 47.7% crude prevalence). Prevalence was higher than the overall state estimate among men (47.3% weighted; 55.9% crude), Black patients (50.2% weighted; 55.7% crude), those receiving Medicare (70.6% weighted; 76.2% crude), and individuals living in rural areas (46.1% weighted; 49.8% crude). Hypertension prevalence increased with age and with more clinical visits during the previous 2 years. Hypertension prevalence was highest in the southeastern parishes near New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Demographic and geographic patterns in prevalence of hypertension control were like hypertension prevalence.
Conclusions: Post-stratification weighting of MENDS data brought EHR-based data estimates closer to survey-based estimates of hypertension and can improve representativeness of chronic disease indicators. These estimates can provide public health organizations with timely, accurate, and local information. Further, EHR-based systems can produce unique measures, such as the prevalence of hypertension control, which can provide a more nuanced understanding of community needs and help public health agencies evaluate the effectiveness of community interventions.
Increasing body mass index during initial immunotherapy improves response rate and survival for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Kong Lingdong , Zheng Qiwen , He Yuling , Zhong Jia , An Tongtong , Li Jianjie , Chi Yujia , Jia Bo , Wang Jingjing , Ji Xumeng , Ding Lu , Tai Yidi , Nuersulitan Reyizha , Wang Ziping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background/aim:
Elevated baseline body mass index (BMI) is independently correlated with the efficacy and prognosis of anti-tumour immunotherapy. But the effects of BMI change in patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody therapy have not been well studied.
Method
A retrospective analysis of patients who were consecutively receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment diagnosed with advanced NSCLC was conducted to investigate the effects of baseline and maximum variation in BMI within the first 12 weeks on objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Baseline BMI and change in BMI were both analysed as continuous and categorical variables.
Results
For baseline BMI, only the overweight group showed an improvement in OS ([HR] = 0.67, 95% CI:0.49–0.91, P = 0.011). BMI variation analysis showed significant differences among stable, increase, and decrease groups (P = 0.0033), and the increase group showed a significantly improved OS (HR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.20–0.74, P = 0.004). Each 1% increase in BMI was associated with a 9% increase in survival time (HR = 0.91, 95%CI:0.87–0.96, P < 0.001). Also, patients in the increased group showed a significantly higher ORR (OR = 5.42, 95%CI:2.02–14.54, P < 0.001). Subsequent analysis revealed that the increase group showed a significant benefit in PFS (HR = 0.57, 95%CI:0.35–0.92, P = 0.022); and each percentage point increase in BMI was associated with a 9% improvement (HR = 0.93, 95%CI:0.89–0.96, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Weight gain during treatment should be considered a potentially more potent predictive factor in immunotherapy compared to baseline body mass index (BMI).
New Tunneling Source Follower with Low 1/f Noise and High Voltage Gain
Authors: Kim Ki Yeong , Kim Hyangwoo , Yoo Hyeongseok , Choi Minkeun , Kim Yijoon , Oh Kyounghwan , Sol Yoon , Park Sungbong , Lee Jae-Kyu , Baek Chang-Ki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We have designed a tunneling source follower (TSF) for image sensors that achieves high voltage gain (Av) and low 1/f noise simultaneously. The TSF is composed of N-P-N-N, especially the p-doped grounded area, which serves to amplify the insufficient tunneling current, allowing the source follower (SF) to utilize band-to-band tunneling (BTBT). Compared to thermionic emission, tunneling based structures contribute to increasing Av through lower channel length modulation and lower body effect. As a result, TSF achieves a higher Av (~1.0 V/V) than conventional SF (~0.9 V/V). Moreover, the n-doped channel makes the buried conductive channel farther from the interface, lowering the noise. The current noise spectral density (SI) is approximately 10 times lower in TSF than that of in conventional SF. Therefore, our TSF can be a possible candidate for High Av and low 1/f noise image sensors.
Geometric inequalities characterizing hypocycloids
Authors: Honda Atsufumi , Tajima Rina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In spite of the geometric and analytic importance of hypocycloids, there are little systematic studies of geometric inequalities characterizing hypocycloids. Recently, Kwong--Lee obtained a countable family of geometric inequalities for convex curves by virtue of higher order Wirtinger-type inequalities. This family contains the isoperimetric inequality and Lin-Tsai's inequality. In this paper, generalizing the Kwong--Lee's family of inequalities to curves with admissible singularities (called ℓ-convex Legendre curves), we derive a countable family of inequalities whose equality conditions are characterized by hypocycloids.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 53A04; Secondary 52A40, 26D10.
Inverse flow stress characterization in hot rolling
Authors: Prete Antonio Del , Primo Teresa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The present paper describes an inverse analysis technique to obtain material flow stress law from experimental measurements of rolling torque. This was developed coupling a mathematical model of rolling, able to predict rolling torque, with a mathematical optimizer which minimizes the difference between experimental values and model prediction in terms of torque by means of an objective function. It is known that FEM is able to well predict forming loads and material behavior in rolling process with an high accuracy. For this reason, numerical tests were performed using FEM in order to obtain rolling torque values in place of experimental measurements, in order to validate the developed strategy.
“Living With a Question Mark”: Psychosocial Experience of Portuguese Young Adults at Risk for Hereditary Amyloid Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Polyneuropathy
Authors: Pereira José D. , Costa Catarina , Santos Andreia , Lemos Marina S. , Sequeiros Jorge , Paneque Milena , Mendes Álvaro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study is the first to explore the psychosocial experience of young Portuguese adults at genetic risk for hereditary amyloid transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (hATTR-PN), specifying developmental peculiarities of their experience with the disease. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with young adults coming for presymptomatic testing (PST) at a single genetics outpatient center in Portugal, and the data were analyzed thematically. The main findings suggest that the psychosocial experience of the young adults interviewed is marked by: (a) the development of psychological representations (viz., beliefs, mental representations, and social perceptions) about hATTR-PN, (b) experienced and anticipated psychosocial impacts (viz., suffering, anxiety, and relief) related to the disease, (c) the use of strategies (viz., performing PST, strategies focused on emotional regulation and the meaning of hATTR-PN, and social strategies) to deal with these impacts over time, and (d) the perceived and expected support for the participants' needs provided by social contexts (viz., family and genetic counseling). In a period of life also marked by qualitatively different characteristics and developmental tasks from other life cycle stages (e.g., identity explorations, instability, and independent decision-making), experience with the disease can added psychosocial challenges to young adults at risk for hATTR-PN. Genetic counseling practices and health policies can be optimized to respond to the psychosocial needs of the young adults belonging to families with the disease. In addition, future research should deepen the understanding of the psychosocial experience of individuals and families with late-onset hATTR-PN to improve the clinical response in this population.
The origins of haplotype 58 (H58) Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi
Authors: Carey Megan , Nguyen To Nguyen Thi , Tran Do Hoang Nhu , Dyson Zoe , Keane Jacqueline , Pham Duy , Mylona Elli , Nair Satheesh , Chattaway Marie , Baker Stephen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to the clinical management of typhoid fever. AMR in Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) is commonly associated with the H58 lineage, a lineage that arose comparatively recently before becoming globally disseminated. To better understand when and how H58 emerged and became dominant, we performed detailed phylogenetic analyses on contemporary genome sequences from S. Typhi isolated in the period spanning the emergence. Our dataset, which contains the earliest described H58 S. Typhi organism, indicates that ancestral H58 organisms were already multi-drug resistant (MDR). These organisms emerged spontaneously in India in 1987 and became radially distributed throughout South Asia and then globally in the ensuing years. These early organisms were associated with a single long branch, possessing mutations associated with increased bile tolerance, suggesting that the first H58 organism was generated during chronic carriage. The subsequent use of fluoroquinolones led to several independent mutations in gyrA. The ability of H58 to acquire and maintain AMR genes continues to pose a threat, as extensively drug-resistant (XDR; MDR plus resistance to ciprofloxacin and third generation cephalosporins) variants, have emerged recently in this lineage. Understanding where and how H58 S. Typhi originated and became successful is key to understand how AMR drives successful lineages of bacterial pathogens. Additionally, these data can inform optimal targeting of typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) for reducing the potential for emergence and the impact of new drug-resistant variants. Emphasis should also be placed upon the prospective identification and treatment of chronic carriers to prevent the emergence of new drug resistant variants with the ability to spread efficiently.
Evaluation of the relationship between midpalatal suture maturation and chronologic age with cone-beam computerised tomography via fractal analysis
Authors: Kocal Gulcan , Halıcıoglu Koray , Halıcıoglu Sıddıka 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The relationship between midpalatal suture maturation and chronological age was evaluated via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) via fractal analysis.
Methods
Cone-beam computed tomography images of 515 subjects with a mean age of 16 ± 3.6 years were included in the study. Midpalatal suture maturation was evaluated based on the classification described by Angelieri et al. In the second stage, the evaluation was conducted through quantitative data obtained by fractal analysis.
Results
There was a statistically significant difference between the fractal dimension and chronologic age related to the maturation of the midpalatal suture. There was a weak positive statistically significant correlation between the maturation of the midpalatal suture and the fractal dimension, but there was no statistically significant correlation between the maturation stage and the chronological age of the subjects.
Conclusions
Fractal analysis can be used to determine the maturation stages of the midpalatal suture. Considering the positive correlation between the fractal dimension and maturation of the midpalatal suture, the optimal fractal dimension cut-off value can be used to assess suture fusion. Chronologic age is not a precise indicator for evaluating the maturation of the midpalatal suture, but it can offer alternative guidance regarding suture fusion.